Threads of Love (13 page)

“Yes, but
why
did you do it?” she implored.

“This is going to take a few minutes of explanation, Tessie. Please try to be patient. I’ve been waiting for a very long time for this moment to arrive.”

Tessie smiled, and Delphinia continued. “You’re right about the quilt. It was my pride and joy. But it is merely an object, not a living, breathing child of God, like you. In my prayers, I have consistently asked God to show me a way to give you peace from your anger and turmoil. That Indian’s appearance while we were here alone was God’s answer to my prayers. Had I not offered myself and those possessions that were important to me, you might never have believed that anybody loved you. I’m sure you know the verse in the Bible that says, ‘Greater love hath no man than this—’ ”

“ ‘That a man lay down his life for his friends.’ John 15:13,” interrupted Tessie. “Granny taught me that verse long ago.”

“I love you that much, Tessie, and Jesus loves you that much, too. He sacrificed His life for you, so that you could live…not be consumed by hate and anger,” she said, watching the play of emotions that crossed the girl’s face.

“I’m not just angry because Ma and Pa died, Phiney,” she began. “Nobody knows everything that happened that day, except me.”

“Perhaps you’d feel better if you confided in someone. I know Jonathan would sympathize with anything you told him,” Delphinia encouraged.

“No, I think perhaps I should tell you. Uncle Jonathan might not be so understanding. You see, it’s my fault. I killed my parents.
Do you still love me now?
” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Yes, Tessie, I still love you. But since you’ve taken me into your confidence, would you consider telling me what part you played in their deaths?” she asked in a kindly manner.

Her eyes seemed to glaze over as she recounted the events of that day. Delphinia noted the story was almost identical to what Jonathan had previously related to her on the wagon train. “So now, you can see how I am the cause of their deaths,” she said, ending the narrative.

Delphinia stared at her, dumbfounded. “No, Tessie, I don’t. Jonathan related that exact account to me before my arrival. Please explain what was your fault,” she queried.

“Don’t you see? I was the one who wanted to go the creek-bed route. If we had gone the other way, we would have been safe,” she wailed.

“Oh, Tessie,” Delphinia whispered, embracing the child, “there is no way we can possibly guess what would have happened if you’d taken the other route. Perhaps the wagon would have been struck by lightning, causing it to go up in flames. Perhaps one of the horses would have broken a leg in a chuck-hole, causing the wagon to overturn and crush all of you. Any number of things could have happened. We’ll never know. What we do know is that the lives of you children were saved. You’re not guilty of anything. You asked your father to travel a different road. He knew the dangers that route held, and he made a decision to go that direction. His choice was based on knowledge he had available to him. It didn’t appear it was going to rain, and there were no more hazards than the other road might have had in store for his family. You have no fault in their deaths and no reason to condemn yourself. Somehow you must accept that fact. Don’t die with your parents, Tessie. Let them live through you. If you’ll only allow it, others will see the love and gentleness of Sarah and Jake Wilshire shining in your eyes. That’s what they would have wanted, and I think if you’ll search your heart, you know that already.”

“I know you’re right, but it hurts so much, and I don’t want them to be forgotten,” she confided.

Clasping her hands around Tessie’s, Delphinia looked at her with a sense of understanding and said, “How could they ever be forgotten with five such wonderful children? You’re a testimony to their lives. It’s not easy to lose your parents, but God will help fill that emptiness, if you’ll allow it. It’s up to you, but I don’t think you want a life full of unhappiness and brooding any more than I do. Pray for peace and joy, Tessie, and it will come to you when you least expect it.”

The girl gave a halfhearted smile through her tears and whispered, “I’ll try.”

“I know you will, and I’ll be praying right along with you.”

Jonathan had never been so exhausted.
I don’t know how Phiney keeps up with these children all day long, day after day
, he thought.

He lost count of the times he had chased after the twins, both of them determined to wander off and pick a flower or run after a squirrel. When they weren’t trying to explore, they were playing at the edge of the water, caking mud in their hair and all over their clothes. With no soap or washcloth available, he decided the only way to get them presentable was to dunk them in the creek before starting home. Josh and Joey thought it was hilarious watching their uncle Jonathan put a twin under each arm and wade into the cool water. Their squeals of protest only added to the boys’ enjoyment of the event.

“You guys quit your laughin’ and get our gear picked up. It’s time we headed back to the house. They’ll be expecting some fish for supper, so get a move on.”

The air was warm as they made their way through the orchard, and, as they approached the cabin, the boys were still chattering about who caught the biggest fish and who tangled the fishing lines. On and on it went, Jonathan ignoring them for the most part and hoping the twins were “dried out” before Phiney got hold of them.

“Wonder why they got the door closed, Uncle Jonathan. You suppose they went visiting somewhere, and you’ll have to cook the fish?” Josh questioned.

“I don’t know, Josh. But if they’re gone, you can forget the fish. I’m not cooking. I’ve about had all the women’s work I can stand for one day.”

“Ahhh, Uncle Jon, please,” came from both boys in unison.

“Let’s just wait and see if they’re home. Run ahead and check the door, Josh.”

“I can’t get in, Uncle Jon. It’s locked,” he yelled back to them.

Terror ran through Jonathan. Why would Phiney have the door barred? There had been no rumors of problems with the Indians, and it did not appear that anyone else was at the cabin. Placing the twins on the ground, he took off at full speed toward the cabin, calling back to Joey to remain with the smaller children until he was sure all was safe.

“Phiney, Phiney!” he yelled as he reached the entry and began pounding on the door.

“I’m coming, Jonathan. You need not yell,” she answered, allowing him entry.

His eyes immediately fixed on Tessie. Bedraggled, a red handprint across her cheek, her face wet from tears, and her eyes puffy from crying, he went racing to her, swooping her into his arms.

“What’s happened here?” he asked in an accusatory tone, looking directly at Delphinia.

She could feel the hair on the back of her neck begin to bristle at this tone. “Why, I’ve just finished beating her, Jonathan. Why do you ask?” she quietly responded with an angelic smile.

Both women began to laugh, causing Tessie to erupt into loud hiccups. Jonathan stared at the two of them as if they had gone mad. “If you’ll quit acting so preposterous, we’ll explain what happened. Where are the twins?” Delphinia inquired, “I hope you haven’t forgotten them.” She smirked.

“That’s enough,” he answered, calming somewhat. “Joey, you can bring the twins up now,” he called out the door.

“Josh, go help him and bring the fish. I’m sure Phiney is ready to eat crow while we eat fish,” he said, tilting his head to one side and giving her a crooked grin.

As Josh came in, carrying a string of fish and pulling Nettie along under protest, Jonathan said, “I’d be happy to sit here and listen to the events of the afternoon, ladies, while you fry that fish.” But he was not prepared for the story he heard and continually interrupted them, pacing back and forth while they related the tale. Tessie completed the narrative by telling how the Indian finally left the cabin with Delphinia’s possessions and her quilt wrapped around him.

“There’s an even more important part, but I’ll tell you that when we’re alone, Uncle Jon,” Tessie remarked.

Delphinia smiled and nodded toward the door. “Why don’t the two of you take a short walk while I finish supper? We’ll be fine in here.”

When they returned, Jonathan immediately went to Delphinia and, placing his arms around her, whispered, “How can I ever thank you? She’s finally come back to us.”

“It wasn’t me that did it, Jonathan. It was answered prayer,” she responded. “However, if you’re determined to find a way to thank me, you can fry this fish for supper,” she said, laughing at the look of disdain he displayed with that request.

Grinning, he released her and said, “I should have known you’d be quick with an answer.”

T
he morning dawned glorious with puffy white clouds that appeared to almost touch the earth. A pale orange sun shone through, causing a profusion of magnificent colors and the promise of a gorgeous day. Looking out the front door of the place she now called home, Delphinia wondered how anything could be more beautiful. The view nearly took her breath away.

She waved her arm in welcome to Jonathan, who was coming from the barn, apparently already through with some of his morning chores. “Breakfast is just about ready. Isn’t it a splendid morning?” she called out.

“That it is. We couldn’t have planned a better day for going to town,” he responded.

Delphinia watched as he continued toward her, knowing Granny had been right. She did love this giant of a man who had turned her world upside down. Her day became joyful just watching him walk into a room. Her feelings were undeniably true, and they had been for quite some time, although she did not want to admit it. She had given this thing called “love” a considerable amount of thought. Late at night lying in bed, she had gone through the diverse emotions she had felt for Jonathan since that first day when they had met back in Illinois. They seemed to range from dread and dislike to admiration and caring. For some time she had had difficulty keeping herself from staring at him all the time. Even Tessie had mentioned it and knowingly grinned. When she considered how Jonathan might feel toward her, she was not so sure her feelings were fully returned. He treated her well, was kind and considerate, and listened to her before making decisions. But that was not love. Also, he treated everyone that way. He had kissed her on a few occasions, but it seemed that each of those times had either ended in a quarrel or could be interpreted as pity. She realized he had tried to make the preacher jealous with his attention, but she was sure that was so he would not have to go looking for someone else to care for the children. On several occasions he had mentioned he could not get along without her, but she reasoned that that was because he needed help with the children, not because of love.

“Are those the biscuits I smell burning?” Jonathan asked, bringing her back to the present. “That’s just about once a day now you’re scorching something, isn’t it?” He sat down at the table with a cup of freshly poured coffee. “Is there something wrong with the stove, or have you just forgotten how to cook these days?” he joked.

“I think she’s in love,” Tessie teased.

“That will be enough out of you, Tessie. Get busy and dress the twins so we can get started for town,” Delphinia responded angrily, knowing the girl had spoken the truth.

“She’s only having fun, Phiney. You don’t need to bite her head off,” Jonathan responded, giving Tessie a quick hug and nodding for her to get the twins ready.

Irritated with herself for scolding the girl, Delphinia walked into the other room and sat down on the bed. “I’m sorry, Tessie. My remark was uncalled for. Perhaps it made me uncomfortable.”

“Why, because it’s the truth? Anyone can see you’re in love with Uncle Jon. You look like a lovesick calf when he comes into a room, so it’s hard not to notice.” They both burst out laughing at her remark; and Jonathan, hearing the giggles from the bedroom, smiled in relief, pleased that this had not caused discord between the two now that they had become friends.

“How ‘bout we get this burned breakfast eaten and get started toward town before nightfall, unless you two would rather stay here and do chores all day,” Jonathan called from the kitchen.

That statement brought everyone clamoring for the table, and they all agreed the biscuits weren’t too bad if you put lots of gravy on them. Delphinia good-naturedly took their bantering, and soon, they were loaded into the wagon and on their way. Tessie offered to sit in back with both of the twins, allowing Jonathan and Delphinia a small amount of privacy.

“How many supplies do you plan on buying today?” Jonathan queried.

“Just the usual, except Tessie and I want to spend a little time looking about for some thread and fabric. In fact, if you could keep an eye on the younger ones while we do that, I’d be thankful,” she responded.

“What are the two of you planning now?” he asked with a grin.

“Tessie’s asked me to help her finish the quilt that Sarah started before her death. She wants to use it for her bed. We decided to purchase the items needed to finish it today, and as soon as the harvest is over, we’ll get started with our sewing.”