Letters and Love

Chapter Four: Noah

It was always the highlight of the month when the reverend rode into town. There was no building set aside for Sunday services, though several town members had proposed a schoolhouse that could also be used on Sundays. As it was, Abe's Saloon was where everyone headed mid-morning on Sunday.

Since my confrontation with Mr. Burns, I had done my best to keep my time in town to a minimum. I didn't want to risk another...discussion with him. Not until he'd had a chance to cool down.

It wasn't hard to do with all the work I had around my homestead. As it was, I received delivery of what I hoped would be the start of my cattle herd. Given the wolves and bears that roamed the land, I wanted to make sure my investment stayed alive. I'd built a large corral to keep the cattle close to the barn so they could get used to their new home.

I did go into town each Monday to check on any stagecoach arrival in the hopes mail would be delivered. Another letter from my sister arrived, but it was not the one I'd been hoping for. Well, one of two that I was watching for.

Still, it was nice to hear about my nieces and nephews—all of them children who had been toddlers when I left or not even born. At the same time, it was disheartening to read Susan's complaints. Though it had been five years since the war had ended, the South was still suffering the punishment for their attempt to leave the union.

Holding back a sigh, I tried to shake off the melancholy thoughts. I'd left that all behind me for a reason. Even if I were to go back, as my sister begged me to do with every letter, there was nothing I could do there. No doubt the neighbors who were still alive would remember my departure and look at me with disdain and suspicion.

That would be the least I knew they would do. It was more likely that a lynch mob would come after me for being a traitor. Yet, my sister refused to understand my stance. Family, she said, ought to come first and I had abandoned them all long enough.

The day was too fine to be caught in reminders of the past. There was no news for my future in the form of an answer to my letters to Miss Jones and Miss Garrison. Instead, I would have to content myself with the present and the sermon I would hear.

"Morning, Noah!" Collins called out as I rode in front of the general store. He was standing in the doorway of the building, arm linked with his wife, a cheerful and solidly built woman. Their four children were already running back and forth on the boardwalk. "Will you walk with us?"

"I'd be happy to," I responded, surprised by the invitation. I brought Charger to a halt and dismounted. In a few seconds, I had the reins tied to the hitching post and joined the couple. "It's a fine morning."

"That it is. A letter came for you this week," Collins informed me. "The stage came in late. I'll give it to you before you leave town."

Would it be from Miss Garrison or Miss Jones? Or simply another plea from my sister? The delay between letters was a frustrating fact of frontier life. Perhaps one day there would be a quicker means of communication. The railroad had certainly helped speed the process up some, but with much of the mail still carried by stagecoach, I wasn't going to hold my breath about any sudden improvements.

"I appreciate it, Mr. Collins," I said to the man. "I meant to come in on Tuesday, but I was busy with my livestock."

"Livestock? Expanding your farm? Chickens?

Forcing a smile, I shook my head. I wasn't spreading the news of my latest plan just yet. Many were still trying to prove their claims, so it felt like rubbing it in their faces that I was in a position to try something new. And there were those who were certain herding sheep was the way to go.