"Lucas, I am giving you permission to find land where you can. If we can't do this here I understand. I desperately want to plant roots with my family and yours, but I want most of all to be with you." She kissed his cheek and watched him blush.
"You just got your father back after years apart. I can't be the one to separate you from him again. Perhaps we can wait it out. Sidney may eventually back down or fall for another girl." Lucas doubted that would happen after he said it.
"Lucas, unless you don't want me, I go where you go." Corinne sealed the deal with a kiss that promised everything in her heart.
"Right now I want to forget this mess and tell you my dreams, Lucas." He nodded and they did just that. She told him about her thoughts on medicinal oils and explained about what she learned from her mother and grandmother. He told her about things he learned at Yale that might be useful. They sat on the porch swing and watched the sunset to the west.
"I dream of lavender fields, almond groves and you by my side." She shared a smile with him as he tried to picture her dream.
"Yes and there’s more, I want to be the first American supplier of medicinal oils." His eyes got wide as he realized the scope of her dream.
"I should have known my girl would have the biggest dreams. I just have my one dream too. Marry me Cori and we can build our dreams together." His green eyes told her everything she wanted to know.
"I will Lucas. Just don't leave me behind, where you go I will follow."
They were left alone for a while to plan their unknown future sitting hand in hand on the swing, they went in to share their news after and get the families blessing which was heartily given.
* * * * *
Chapter Thirty-Nine
October 4 1848
News of the newly engaged couple spread as they were seen together at church and other social events. Everyone heard amazing stories about the young woman who was so talented that she earned respect from the Indians and took care of the medical needs of an entire wagon train.
Then they heard about the generosity of the Grant family and the Temple wagons as they shared food with those on the journey who had run out of supplies. Corinne and Lucas as a couple were becoming the talk of the town.
Then hearing the rumors that Lucas's name was being slandered because the young Prince boy had a crush on Corinne set the town's gossip wheel spinning. They were everyone's favorite story to talk about.
The newest buzz was that the young couple was soon to be married and potentially would be moving out of town in search of land in California.
Corinne and Lucas were oblivious of the talk around town for they had their own adventure planned for the day. The Harpole's and Lucas were enjoying their Wednesday on the Pacific Ocean. They needed space away from the trouble in town. They had taken a ferry to the coast where they stayed with a friend of John Harpole. The cabin was large and vacant and they enjoyed the holiday. They spent a few nights there. Marie had a picnic packed and the gusty wind and the birds challenged them constantly to keep their bonnets and scarves on. But the water was magnetic and the craggy shoreline was a beautiful site. With a gritty determination Marie and Corinne recruited the men to gather bits of seaweed that were washed up on the rocks. The men laughed as they watched the women balance on the rocks in their voluminous skirts to get to the pesky seaweed.
"The many benefits of seaweed..." Corinne's voice was lost in the sound of wind and waves but Lucas could not look away. His mind was made up; he had to marry this woman. The future would bring what it may. They would face everything together.
After the group was exhausted from seaweed gathering they watched the waves from a safe distance. The seagulls and other large birds were skilled at gathering the clams, flying high, and dropping them with precision to the rocks below. They would dive quickly and snatch the soft meat from the broken shells before other prey would try to steal their food. It was a fascinating ritual.
Cooper was certain he saw dolphins a few times off in the distance. Everyone humored the lad but no one could say for certain what was leaping out of the water so far offshore. Clive told him stories about gray whales he had seen a few years back. Cooper was determined to see a whale someday.
A ferry took them back to Oregon City the next day and Clive gave Corinne a special treat when he brought Dolly by one early morning.
"I was going to take Dolly to the long house downstream. The Clackamas tribes that have survived are there." Clive explained as Corinne ate a quick breakfast before they left on horseback.
"I can't believe that hundreds have died. Tis such a terrible shame." Corinne mourned the loss of any life.
"The white man brought sicknesses they could not fight against." Clive had his own feelings about these things. No one nation could lay claim to the destruction alone. Trappers from France, Britain, Russia and many more countries had profited from this land as well as the Indians. The land was fruitful. Man would try and tame it. Disease was just another way the land tried to hold man back.
Clover was well enough and Corinne found joy in her ride to the longhouse. Dolly was getting her voice slowly and said a few words. Corinne was eager to learn from her. There was a pit in her stomach about leaving Oregon City when her father and Clive were here but she knew Lucas was her soul mate. She prayed over time her troubled heart would learn to be patient.
Corinne took a few herbs and oils with her to show to the Clackamas people. Their faces were friendly and Clive had earned their trust so she was welcomed. They ate fresh salmon and potatoes straight from the fire. A few tribesmen spoke a bit of English. Corinne was pleased when they left that evening that relations had started so well. She looked forward to being friends with them if she stayed nearby. She wished better living conditions for them but had to let it go. They had their way of life and she had hers.
* * * * *
Lucas was at the barbershop and Corinne was visiting with Chelsea at Clive's store. They were discussing baby names when the bell over the door tinkled to announce a new customer. Chelsea was watching the counter that afternoon and went to welcome the customer when Corinne heard herself gasp.
"Mr. Prince." Chelsea said it first. Corinne thought Chelsea was trying to form the word 'welcome' but was having trouble.
"Hello Sidney." Corinne said quietly. Her voice was low and crackly. It was forced civility.
Jedediah and Sidney Prince walked in tall and strode in unison to the counter, their boots loud on the wood floor.
"I want to pick up my order for coffee and flour." Jedediah spoke low and smooth. Corinne didn’t suppose he had lost a wink of sleep over any of his dealings with Lucas.
"One moment." Chelsea was usually never that stiff with a customer. Corinne wasn't sure what to expect. Part of her wanted to leave and another part wanted to hold her ground.
"Hello Corinne." Sidney's voice squeaked a little. At least he was nervous.
"I am not going to do this Sidney. We do not get to be friends if you will libel the character and maliciously lie about Lucas like you both have." Corinne said it a little louder than she meant to.
"I told you, I have to have you." Sidney stood to his full height. It wasn't changing her mind.
"I am through with you Sidney. Please don't address me again." Corinne said firmly. She turned her back and ignored her heartbeat drumming away inside her chest. She hated this kind of confrontation but knew it had to be done. She had to burn the bridge between them or he would never give up.
She waited with her back turned until the order was purchased and they left the store. It felt an eternity. Chelsea and Corinne both talked nervously after they were gone. It was troubling to know someone in your own hometown was now your enemy. Corinne was now going to be nervous every time she went into town for she didn’t want to see them again.
The town boasted of two churches and Corinne was selfishly glad to hear the Prince family attended the other church. It would make things awkward every w
eek to share a pew. She could forgive them easily, for everyone makes mistakes. The forgetting was sometimes easier when you did not have to see their face too often. Corinne would work on it.
* * * * *
Chapter Forty
October 15th 1848
Corinne and Marie were rolling out piecrusts for an after dinner treat. The Grants were coming for dinner and everything else was well in hand. The air outside was crisp with a light drizzle of rain but the kitchen was warm with the soup and hens roasting on the stove.
There was knock on the door and Marie opened the door to see Linda Temple. They all shared small talk for a few minutes while Marie poured some fresh coffee from the stove.
"I am going to come to the point. I came with some news for you, Corinne. I want you to hear me out before you say yes." Linda held a look of excitement as she spoke. "My husband and I are leaving the valley." She reached out and clasped Corinne's hand. "We bought this land to get a start for Andrew and to have a place he could come to, but we have no reason to stay now. Henry and I are thinking of California as a place to live out the rest of our lives." Corinne and Marie both nodded. Everyone had heard about the pleasant weather in the California territory.
"In the southern parts the sun is warm and the weather will be pleasing to our old bones. We have read through our copy of the by-laws of the county. We want to give away our land." Corinne felt her heart do a triple beat.
"You are our legal daughter-in-law and we have already had the deed signed over to you by the judge. We went by the sheriff's office too and informed him that this is now your land. In this state it is legal for a woman to inherit land from her in–laws or to be given land in this case. I have heard that you are now engaged to a good man and we are so pleased. You are too young and full of life to remain a widow. Andrew would not want it that way and neither do we. According to the courts you now own the land next door, Corinne." Linda Temple looked pleased as she reached out and hugged Corinne hard. Corinne was shaken in her shock. Her eyes teared up a bit but her heart was too happy as she let any stray tears fall.
"I can't accept such a gift. You built a house and broke ground. You don't realize what you are giving away." Corinne looked at the deed on the table. It did indeed have her name on it.
"We can afford it, Corinne. Let us do this for you, for we cannot bring our son back but we can bless you and your life. Be happy, and fill the place with love and children. That is all we ask in return." Corinne cried and hugged her back. She would accept, she had to, her father and the Grant families were so dear to her she had to accept help from the most unlikely people.
"I cannot thank you enough Linda. I have to go, I have to tell Lucas." Linda stood and laughed, knowing how young love was.
"We have been packing all week. We will be moving into the hotel in town for over the winter and leave for California in the spring. The house is yours next week. Go, take your deed. Be blessed Corinne." Corinne took a moment of surprise and with shaky hands read the proof again. She kissed Linda Temple on the cheek and said something barely recognizable and leapt for the door.
Corinne took the papers and put them in her saddlebags and she rode over to the Grant house. She was determined to not break her neck as she galloped on the pathway.
* * * * *
The family was inside when Corinne arrived. She ran into the house, grabbed Lucas, and kissed him in front of everyone. They all whistled and cheered as she dragged him out to the front porch.
She showed him the deed and shared how they got their good fortune from an unlikely source. They embraced and Corinne cried. She had seen so much and traveled so far. It was hard to believe that her dreams could come true in this amazing way.
"I think we should get married right away. I can't let anything else try and come between us." Lucas stated as he held her. Corinne could not help but believe his idea was brilliant.
* * * * *
Sunday, October 29th 1848 - Oregon City
The small church was full for the Sunday service. The air was brisk and the snow on the peaks was bright white against the craggy rocks. The sun shown a yellow gold for the wedding day of Oregon City's newest couple. Corinne and Lucas exited the newly built church as man and wife.
Everyone headed to the Harpole ranch where Corinne's father had another party planned. The sky was clear and even if the air was crisp with the fall chill the festivities commenced.
Clive stood up after the meal to share a story of the bride and groom.
"The day I met Corinne I knew she was something special. When I saw the sparks flying between these two I knew one day I would toast at their wedding." Clive lifted his glass and everyone cheered. He took a drink and kept right on talking.
"We all know what these young folks went through to survive and be here now. What we all had to do to survive. To have the courage to 'See the elephant' will give us all the strength to tame this land. We have laid our claim. Let's build it into a fine state." The crowd cheered again and Clive hugged both his young friends. He could not be more proud if they were his own kin.
Chelsea and Marie had been decorating the cabin for Lucas and Cori. It had been the Temple cabin but with the preacher's declaration of man and wife, the cabin was now the Grant's Grove. Lucas and Russell with chisels and paint created a wooden sign to post near the road a few days before.
The dinner party celebrating the young couple's wedded bliss continued until the sky turned to dusk. The young couple escaped the crowd and made their way the short walk to their own home that waited for them. The smoke curled from the fireplace and welcomed them, the candles and a lantern lit made the cabin glow with warmth as they went inside and shook off their coats.
"Did I tell you at least once today how beautiful you look in that wedding dress, wife?" Lucas hung up their winter coats. He reached for her and welcomed his wife into an embrace. The way he said wife was different somehow.
"You mentioned it a few times, husband."
"I cannot tell you how adorable you were in the desert with sand in your hair and sun burnt." He held her close and she threw a playful punch at his shoulder.
"I love my brilliant, talented and beautiful wife who has changed and saved my life forever." Lucas said slowly looking at her seriously for a second.
"I love you so much, but I never saved your life Lucas." Corinne was getting used to him exaggerating. He grabbed her chin.
"Oh yes you did." His green eyes were honest and she finally believed him.
~The End~
* * * * *
Epilogue
October 10 1848
Dearest Corinne,
I miss you my darling friend. My time spent with the Sparks family has been a time of healing and joy. It reminds me of days long ago with my mother and brother and even my father, though he passed away when I was so young, the feeling of family and belonging is warmth to my heart. Edith Sparks is taking perfect care of me as my wounds heal. I have to admit my heart took its time to heal though. My prayers were troubled many nights after you had to leave, with the wonderings of why this happened this way. I can say now that I forgive Andrew for his part in my pain. I wish him well but hope for you that he made good with his promise to be annulled from you. I pray in my heart for you to find a good husband someday that will cherish you. I guess I pray that for me too.
I yearn to be my old self but am taking it slow. I am walking well and the wound on my shoulder has healed completely. The area that was the worst was the bruising on my leg. I suppose more time will see how that will heal.
Thank you again for your generous support and your farewell letter. Your entreaty to accept your charity warmed my heart and has created in me a sense of independence. I feel that you were right to address me so boldly. As God has called us all to help those in need I do suppose in your shoes I would have done the same. My only job in this situation is to accept your monetary help with humility and thank the Lord for providing me with a way out of
servitude. I feel at ease in my heart to stop fighting your gift but to pass it on by being a friend to you and then eventually finding my brother and helping him. I pray that my information is still good and I can find him. It is nearly time for me to go. Edith has been teaching me how to be a proper wife. Baking, sewing and we talk always of how to care for babies. She is such a blessing. She will be sad when I leave in the spring. Henry Sparks is always squeezing my shoulders as he walks by us womenfolk. He calls me 'Red' like Sean did when I was young. I somehow wish they were coming with me.
I will write again soon.
Sincerely,
Angie Fahey
* * * * *
December 1st 1848
Dearest Corinne,
I received your bundle of letters. I have been at a loss for a few days at what to think or say. I am sorry for what Andrew went through. His death must have been difficult, I know what cholera is and its horrors are well known. I am glad to know in my heart that he knew God and has a place in heaven. To know his parents were kind to you is a great relief to me. That must have been difficult too. My tears lately have been for poor Andrew and his young life gone. I had such hard feelings for him for a short time after being hurt, alone in the dark of that ravine. He was young and a bit foolish with you and me but it is a shame for his life to be snuffed out.
I am glad the Grant family is with you. I look forward to seeing them again as well as Clive. Can you send him a hug for me? I do dearly miss his teasing, and his wisdom. He helped me through many lonely moments when I was not allowed to talk with you on the trail.
I received a packet of mail from Boston for you and me. I got a letter from Sean. He is in California territory now with his friend Old Willie. I am uncertain if he is involved with the gold that has been found in that territory. Everyone is buzzing about it in Fort Kearney. Any man with a strong back is threatening to leave his military post in the spring and head off to the west. The correspondence is saying that gold is just lying about the ground and you have to just go pick it up it’s so plentiful. I fear that many men will be pulled into a lie. Maybe I have seen too much pain in my young life but I do not believe in silly stories anymore. Wisdom says that these are false hopes. I have to work hard at believing in people sometimes. I have known too many liars and users.