Corinne was awake again a few hours later feeling refreshed and escaped her wagon to see everyone smiling and enjoying themselves. The men had wet hair and shaved faces. The trail dust had been cleaned away. Chelsea walked over and gave Corinne a warm hug.
"Cori, I do believe you were worn out completely. You got color to your cheeks now. I think you needed the rest." Chelsea pointed to a stool and handed her a plate. The stew and biscuits tasted so good. Corinne helped herself to a second plate. It was heartwarming to hear Chelsea call her 'Cori'; both her parents called her that, and Angela... She wished so much for her young friend to be there.
"I'm heading out for a walk. I need to stretch my legs and enjoy the green valley we have found." Corinne stood, stretched, and put her plate in the wash water. She found she had a few people shadowing her movements and she smiled. They were going to keep a close eye on her for a while, she supposed.
"The air is so fragrant. There are roses nearby." Corinne said absently. She was thinking about something that gave her great pleasure.
"Yes actually many roses and other blooms as well." Chelsea chimed in. She had spent the morning enjoying the view. The landscape was surely heaven inspired.
"Oh.." Corinne gasped as the beauty of the fertile valley also took her aback. No landscaper or gardener could ever plan a more thrilling garden. Its wild tangle was calling to Corinne and if she hadn't had company nearby she would have certainly lost her composure and shown her excitement like a child. Her face gave away all the joy she felt and more than one observer saw the natural unhindered passion she felt. It was a very charming and attractive look for her.
"I do hope we stay for a few days. I do want to collect some samples. There is so much to discover." Corinne looked to Clive who stood nearby; he was distracted but answered her look.
"Umm, yes we will be ...will be staying." Clive knew what she wanted and would gladly oblige her. He also saw some men nearby with other intentions. Her girlish exuberance was charming and attractive but she was alone now, her husband and protector gone.
Andrew had advertised his dislike for the marriage state and the un-kissed state of their union. There were nearly thirty men that were unmarried on this train. There was now one eligible, attractive female who was innocent, talented, and wealthy. Clive felt his hackles raise when he saw some looks that were directed at his young friend. He was beginning to feel like a protective father again. He had done this with his own daughters decades ago and gotten them safely married with no mishaps. He would do it again.
* * * * *
The wagon train spent three days at Ash Hollow. The time was spent repairing wagons, mending clothes and socializing. Corinne received bags of plants from her young friends and she gathered two bushels of jasmine seedpods for planting. She was determined to find a way to make her own oils and have her own farm somehow. Her daydreams were of fields of lavender and jasmine, a grove of sweet almonds, tall pines, and maybe olives if the climate was pleasant. Somehow she would find a way.
Corinne enjoyed the freedom of her days as she got her work done and went visiting. The Grants were her favorite friends but soon others were getting to know her. Her fame throughout the train because of her 'good medicine' with the Indians had made an impression on everyone. She enjoyed talking with people about what she loved and it was good for everyone to know the benefits of plants and their healing properties, even if she shared just a little.
A small wagon train joined up with theirs on the second day in Ash Hollow. It was a small group consisting of six wagons. They had some bad luck and a fever wiped out more than half the number of their train. The hardy folks left looked as haunted and drained as Corinne was from her ordeal. Her empathy made her bold and she was one of the first to invite a family to her camp for supper. The Grants wanted to help so it became a large affair with makeshift tables of food and music fit for a barn dance. It reminded Corinne of her childhood days of church picnics where the townfolk would bring out the best pies, cakes and fried chicken.
* * * * *
The family that joined them wasn’t shy at all. There was a tall woman who seemed to run the outfit. She dressed well that evening in a fine traveling suit. It had enormous puffed sleeves and was a dark ruby color. Corinne thought to herself that she looked a milder version of her Aunt Rose but was proven wrong when she spoke.
"Just call me Ellie Prince. This here is my son, Sidney. My daughter passed away a few years ago of the scarlet fever." She elbowed her son to get closer. He was tall and had a mild-mannered look to him. "My husband came up thissa ways just two years ago. He had a successful lumber outfit on tha’ Willamette." Ellie Prince spoke boldly.
Corinne and everyone shook her hand and Sidney shyly approached Corinne for a handshake too. He had a small sincere smile and he looked her in the eye. He seemed to be a nice boy, Corinne thought to herself.
They got themselves plates full of food and were enjoying the company of this interesting family. Ellie was bold and a little loud but entertaining as she shared her history with everyone.
"We recently settled in Michigan." She gave a low whistle. "The tree business there was hopping but the Indian wars were getting fierce. I don't agree with treatin them as bad as they did there. Them reds there were a peaceful lot that never hurt a fly. They jist got tired of being bumped around by da gov'ment. Go here-go dare. They may has stole a few muskets and made a big show but I fear the militia gonna push 'em all out."
Corinne could not help but agree with Ellie. Ellie had a coarse, no nonsense way of speaking that put Corinne at ease. She was 'good folks' as her Grandma Trudie would say.
"I am anxious to see my man again. After all it’s been two years… I think he will have shacked himself up with a new woman. But for his own safety he better not 'uv. I may have given him two children and may not be the beautiful young thing anymo' but I got some good years left and he better be ready for enjoying the rest of 'em." Ellie's face was animated as she spoke.
Everyone listening laughed at Ellie's stories and felt an instant connection to her. Later as they enjoyed music and dancing together they were all shocked by the clear alto voice she produced as she sang along with folk songs. She seemed to be full of surprises.
The next morning the ox handler was sent over from Ellie Prince to see if they could ride nearby to the Temple Party. Corinne gladly agreed and sent the ox handler back with an invite for them to camp nearby at night. The ride out was a pleasant one through the fertile valley. It pleased Corinne to have so many new friends. The Grants and the Prince's would be living nearby when she reached her new home. She breathed freely of the fragrant air and had sweet daydreams of an easy future surrounded by friends and loved ones.
Chapter Twenty-One
June 4 1848
"Chelsea, I have heard mention of something lately and want to hear your thoughts on it." Corinne rode Clover and dismounted as she spoke. "Have you heard anything about a nickname "‘the Virgin’ being passed around." Corinne felt herself blushing just thinking about it. They had been traveling four days since Ash Hollow and several times at night when Corinne headed to the spring to haul water or meet other women to do 'necessary' things she would hear the men whisper things. She understood one phrase ‘Virgin Widow’ said yesterday and though it rang true, Corinne realized the indelicacy of it being a topic of conversation, especially from strangers, even worse because they were males.
"Yes my dear Cori, I have heard. So has Clive and he has warned all of us to keep a close watch on you. Lucas punched a cow-poke in the face yesterday for a comment that was made about you." Chelsea looked sad a moment. "I have prayed about whether or not to tell you or to shield you from this but honestly a woman out here needs to be aware of the dangers, all of them."
Chelsea was walking along with Brody but he began to fuss about being carried. His eyes were red rimmed and droopy. Chelsea carried him over and deposited him in the nearby wagon. Corinne made sure that Clover was tied
securely behind it.
"I do not wish to speak ill of the dead but your husband did you very few favors to protect you. He spoke often of his wish to be free of marriage in general and had been heard in a few raucous conversations where he should have remained silent instead talking about how he never would have touched you. Claiming that you would certainly never have agreed to the annulment after you had 'sampled his charms'. There are many single men on this wagon train and you are the only single woman. There will always be men who will be crude about females. I do not understand it, but accept it as truth." Chelsea watched Corinne's face go from embarrassment to anger as she listened to Chelsea speak. Chelsea understood Corinne's abhorrence to the male crudeness but was at a loss on how to help.
"I remember a talk I had with my mother before she died. I was starting to develop and I had started my monthly flow. She had said something that I never understood until now. She said 'sometimes men are like crazed hound dogs on a scent. They act all crazed until they find what they are hunting.' She warned me to be careful how I act around men and not to stir them up. In Boston I had seen several girls be daring with their clothes and actions and get themselves into trouble. I do understand what sex is, I was raised on a horse ranch." Corinne made a face and Chelsea could not help but chuckle. "I am not sure if men don't put such a great importance on the act and forget that there is a person they are exposing. I have heard that relations as man and wife can be amazing and special. My question is, how can talking about a young widow mean anything to these men who are strangers to me?" Corinne was wringing her hands as they walked along. "Do I need to be afraid to walk alone?" Corinne suddenly felt very exposed and vulnerable.
"You should be aware of your surroundings. The wagon boss is informed of some of the comments that have been made about your single status. He will talk to the men and make sure it's understood that everyone is to act like gentlemen and any comments in the future and misconduct will result in swift judgment."
"I am not sure how comfortable I am with all this but I feel surrounded by a few people who care about my safety. Be sure to thank the men for me if ya think of it. I may be too embarrassed to mention it."
Corinne and Chelsea fell into a companionable silence as many did on the long trail. Sometimes they would think of something to say and then fall silent again. Corinne was certain she had never had so much time to think and pray in her life.
* * * * *
The buzzing in Corinne's tent was going to test her sanity. She had lavender and lime oil on her person and had hung a rag that was spotted with the natural bug repellent but still the buzzing could be heard. It seemed overnight the bugs had created a cloud that clung to the weary travelers. Despite her attempts the bugs made it by her repellent and she had a few welts on her ankle where the pests had chewed. Corinne ignored the itchiness but the sound was her undoing. She finally resorted to bits of fabric in her ears to muffle the sound. It worked mildly well. Corinne would not complain and eventually she fell back asleep.
The morning was hot and the buzzing continued. The Platte nearby was low, only a few inches deep and looked still. They were back to straining the water for washing. Any clean water they had left in barrels was used for drinking. No one wanted a repeat of the Cholera incident. Word passed along the trail from other scouting parties from other wagon trains that Cholera had killed nearly a hundred people already this year and it was only June.
After breakfast the wagon train rolled out with the hope of outrunning the evil swarm of biting flies and mosquitoes. A woman made her way through the maze of wagons and found Corinne walking beside her own wagon astride Clover.
"My children got into some berries last night. They are hurting somethin' fierce today. Their bellies are rumbling. The berries look like under ripe blackberries. I don't think they are poisonous but I was wondering if you have any way to ease their bellies."
Corinne grabbed her satchel and followed the woman. After a few doses of marshmallow root and some water with a few drops of peppermint the children were feeling better. She gave all the youngins a healthy lecture on being patient with summer berries, 'that they may look and smell good but they need to be ripe to eat.'
She started to ride back to her wagon when she saw Lucas on his mount nearby.
"Are you following me Mr. Grant?" Corinne asked with a smile. He was a nice sight to see, even while swatting flies with his hat before he placed it back on his head.
"Well I feel silly but yes I am. Chelsea says you came out this way so I took it upon myself to check up on ye." He smiled so slowly that Corinne felt her stomach do a flip of its own. His dark green eyes were as friendly as ever.
"I never want to hear you call me Mister again though. We've been too many miles for that nonsense."
Corinne was at a loss for words for a second then finally grasped at anything her brain could come up with. "Well...thanks...Lucas." She added his name at the end but she felt like a fool.
"I'm guessing you are using your healing skills for someone? Nothing too serious I hope." Lucas said. His hand gripped the reins and he pulled his horse up close next to her.
"Yes, a few under ripe berries made for some upset tummies. A little marshmallow root and peppermint will ease them for a while. I may stop back later to see if the trouble has fully passed. They are brave little ones and I do hope they don't suffer too long." She smiled wistfully. Her love of helping children was a deep longing and she harbored a few wishes for her own children someday.
"You are so good with the children it seems you'd make a great mother." Lucas winked at her and smiled a bit mischievously. Corinne turned nearly purple to think he could read her thoughts so easily.
"Now Mr. Grant..." Corinne ran out of words, her mind a blank.
"I told you before, no more with the Mister. I shall have to think of another way for you to realize that we are friends now. The formality is unnecessary." He came nearer to her on his own mount and his shoulder nearly touching hers as they walked along. Clover seemed completely comfortable with his mount so close that Corinne felt a little betrayed. Corinne's heart was pounding as Lucas leaned near her ear.
He whispered. "Please call me Lucas, Cori."
He backed away just as her blush started back up again. She wasn’t sure if this one would not stay permanently. Something about him using her nickname was very pleasant. She meant to reply but stayed silent. She smiled his way and nodded as if agreeing to his suggestion. She sat there thinking of how to continue this exciting conversation but another rider joined them and the private moment was lost.
* * * * *
"Ms. Temple, my mother would like a word with you. She's been feeling poorly today and is wondering if you can pay her a visit." Sidney Prince had a low smooth voice. His body was thin and awkward, it didn’t match the grown up voice.
Lucas and Sidney gave each other a nod. But Sidney had a frown for a second while nodding. Corinne wondered for a split second but then became concerned for his mother, Ellie, hoping she wasn’t in pain.
"Of course, I'll go with you right now. Is she in her wagon or walking?" Corinne gave a wave to Lucas and followed the young man next to her.
"She is walking but feeling faint and dizzy today. She has tried drinking more water but that doesn't seem to help." Sidney was riding slowly next to Corinne, watching her intently.
They plodded their way to the Prince outfit just in time for the wagon boss to call the train to a stop for lunch.
After looking Ellie over, she perceived a few bug bites had an infection. Corinne took her into the wagon and tried to painlessly drain the small amount of puss that gathered in the wound. She washed it and dressed it with oils and a fresh bandage. Corinne ordered Ellie to ride in the wagon, if possible, today and Corinne would redress the wounds later. She took infection very seriously.
Sidney served bread and cheese for Corinne as she exited the wagon. She washed her hands in the wash water and gladly accepted the noonday meal
.
"I have heard the whole wagon train talking about you." Sidney started the conversation after she had taken a few bites.
"I do hope you have heard good things." Corinne looked at him sideways to see what kind of rumors he meant.
"I heard about you getting gifts from Indians, and taking out bullets. It seems everyone thinks you are a savior to the wagon train." Sidney blushed and then added, "I guess I just saw you as a beautiful girl, but now I know you are much more than that." He seemed shy on the surface but he knew when to be bold. Corinne was surprised, what a day she was having.
"Mr. Prince you are very kind. I just do what my mother and grandmother taught me. I learned from a young age how to use plants and herbs to help the human body. My mom learned to take out bullets from a doctor in her town growing up because of Indians and militia skirmishes. I guess I learned somehow too." She hoped that would keep his compliments at bay for a little bit. She was at a loss at how to react to him yet.
"You amaze me Ms. Temple."
"You flatter me Mr. Prince but...”
"I know you are recently widowed, I just wanted you to know that you have a protector and admirer." Sidney shushed her with his bold announcement. She just smiled and nodded. He was so sincere she had to let his statement stand. She ate her bread and cheese as he watched her.
That night after she finished checking on all her patients she pondered her strange day, so full of strange feelings and ideas. She had hope tomorrow would be a relief from the bugs and from men and their confusing ways.
* * * * *
The newest additions to the wagon train had other families joining their tight-knit group consisting of the Grants, Temple crew, and now the Prince family, as well as, a few other groups who enjoyed the company. They all seemed to mesh their personalities well along the journey and had the daily habits working like a dance. They all seemed to know when to get water or wash the clothes in a non-communicated way of working together... As a traveling family, they sang and worked as one. A new family joined their midst in early June.