The Way of Peace

Chapter 4

"TIME!" Josh called from the wagons. The men had finished topping the plants off that needed it and picking the worms and other insects off of the plants. They had two more fields to go through then they would come back to this one and top the plants that were late growing. William had gone around watering the plants that weren't getting enough with his irrigation system. He heaved a sigh before they piled into the wagons to go down to the bunk houses. William was considering sugar or corn instead of tobacco.

Josh and William dropped all thirteen men off before going to the house. They past the pond and had one more hill to over, so they were half way home. Williams head spun and the back of his eyes burned from not getting any rest for two days. 

"I didn't expect you this morning. I thought you would stay in town." Josh spoke going down the last hill.

"I had to get back."

"Oh? That is unusual. You usually stay until the next day or even so you stay on a couple of days with your folks. But considering you did not take Roy with you I did really expect you until tomoorow. This is very unlike you to leave town the very same day you drove in. Then you reach home the time we part to the fields and work all day. Without any sleep. No. This is very unlike you William. I've tried to reason with myself and cannot bring any logic to this."

William growled. "I planned to stay, but things changed last minute."

"Ah yes. But there is always a reason. You are not one who goes out on a whim for any simple matter. No I should say not. Whatever it was that made you come back so early had to be important." They were nearing the house and William was grateful hopefully He didn't have to say anything about his new wife. "Care to enlighten me?"

"No."

"Right. Well I shall scout your home and personal belongings until I find out for myself what this whole secret is about."

"It's no secret, just something I do not care to discuss." William rather liked Josh, when he was doing what he was told and staying out of his affairs.

"Well you leave me no choice." When they pulled up to the barn Josh called out. "ROY!" William grabbed his arm before he jumped off of the wagon.

"I will not have you interrogating Roy."

"Hmmm." Josh said cupping his jaw. "Funny you say such things. You haven't given any noticed before." William growled.

"I got married last night and did not want to go to my parents for them to make a big fuss over nothing. It isn't what you think either in your romantic mind of yours. Drew sent a letter with her telling I should marry her." Roy ran out.

"What?" He yelled. Josh still looking at William thoughtfully

"I see. You do so admire Drew. But I had no idea you put him on the throne of your life!" He slapped William on the arm. "Congratulations nevertheless man! Well done!" He yelled.

"Keep it down. And I do not put Drew on a throne. Stop that nonsense." He looked toward the kitchen door where Eliza opened it to wave Josh inside to collect the men's supper and bring it back to them.

"Josh have you heard? Oh of course you have. Come and meet her." She walked back into the kitchen and William sank down on the wagon bench groaning.

"Oh no. I get it. She's ghaustly to look at and your embarrassed. Why did you marry her then? You really should not do everything Drew bids you. It is rather unhealthy for an independent."

"It is not that." He ran his hand down his face groaning inside and out. Nothing went the way he liked things to. he was not ready for a wife just yet, nor did he want want.