The Man from Shenandoah by Marsha Ward Read Free Book Online Page B

Pa?”

    “I’ve sold the farm, Clayton. We need a fresh start, and I’m sick of the sight of Yankee soldiers.”

    “You sold the farm? Our home, Pa?”

    “I’ve decided, son.”

    Clay stood silent for a while, then said, “All right, Pa.”

    “By the way, your sisters are going home with me, but you stay here and help Rulon get ready to travel.”

    “What about my job, Pa?”

    “Give in your notice this afternoon. Your brother needs you full-time, him not being so spry yet.”

    “Oh lawsy,” Marie interrupted, coming down the stairs. “This house has been full of people all day.” She came into the room with her bundle, trailed by Julianna, Mary, and Ellen, whose dignity had been restored by a wash-up and a change of clothes.

    “How’re you going to get us home, Papa?” Julianna did not like to walk if she could ride.

    “I’ll hire a team and buggy with Clay to drive us,” Rod teased.

    “Papa,” Julianna wailed. “That takes money, and the Yankees have all of it.”

    “You’ll ride behind me, and your sister will double with Carl.” Rod looked around the room. “Where is Carl?”

    “He’s in the yard being a blue-nosed, stubborn fool,” Marie told him.

    “He’s angry on account of me, Mr. Owen,” said Ellen.

    Rod finally noticed the extra face. “You’re Chester’s girl. Is your pa home?”

    “Yes, sir, he was when I left this morning.”

    “Well, we’re heading out to your place, so you can come along with us. You can ride with Marie, and Carl can walk.”

    “Oh, please, Mr. Owen. I’ll be happy to walk. You don’t need to bother Carl none.”

    “He’s already almighty bothered.” Marie giggled into Ellen’s ear.

    “We’ll work something out,” Rod declared.

    ~~~

    As Ellen walked down the pike with Marie, she daydreamed herself onto the back of Carl’s horse. She imagined she felt the hard muscles of his torso under her encircling arms, bit her lip, and gave a shudder of delight. Then she realized her arms were wrapped around her own front. “Pleased, God,” she prayed under her breath, “let him forgive me for being a fool.” She squeezed her eyes shut in her fervor.

    “Miss Ellen, are you ailing?”

    Ellen jumped, and opened her eyes as Rod Owen came alongside her, leading his horse with Julianna aboard.

    “You were making such a face, I wondered if you was feeling poorly.”

    “Oh, no,” she hastened to assure him. “I was doing a mite of thinking.”

    “Would you favor riding for a spell? You can hop up there with Julianna and the baggage.”

    “I’m fine, Mr. Owen. I like to walk.”

    “You don’t always do it so good,” a scoffing voice broke into the conversation.

    Ellen whirled around, her face flushing with anger. “That’s not fair, Carl Owen. Tripping was an accident. You wasn’t invited to busybody your way into my bad luck. Better for me had the Yankees run me over.” She turned and ran off a ways before walking once more.

    “You do have spunk, I’ll say that,” Carl called after her.

    Rod scowled at his son. “That’s no way to treat the little lady. You apologize to her.”

    “Pa!” Carl protested. “It’s a misunderstanding betwixt her and me. Them Yankees were hooraying her in town, and I got some riled at her for getting in their way.”

    “No son of mine ever spoke to a girl in like manner, Carl, and you ain’t going to behave in a new fashion because your temper’s short. You get along and make sure she’s smiling when she gets home.”

    Carl shrugged his shoulders and set out after Ellen, frowning as he trotted his horse up the road. Ellen had gotten about ten yards ahead of his sister even though Marie called for her to wait and ran after her.

    Carl slowed his horse to a walk alongside Marie, who was breathing hard and holding her side. “Save your breath, Sis. Go back and walk with Pa.”

    Marie looked up and giggled. “You’re going to apologize, ain’t you. Afraid I’ll