Chapter One

A Romantic Encounter

 

Letty's mind was mesmerized by the steady drone of the metal wheels on the tracks; the mournful whistle of the train sent little shivers down her spine.

Snow was softly falling, sticking on the plowed furrows in the fields, while bare trees looked lonely and scrawny in the cold, winter air.

How good it was to relax and let Allen, her brother, be in charge. She had cared for her little sister, Oprah, for months; who was now sitting beside her watching the scenery out the train window. It wouldn't be long until they were back in St. Louis to begin a new life with their dear friends the Hayes. Letty leaned her head back on the seat and closed her eyes as her mind recalled the past months events.

So many things had happened and as Letty reflected on them a sadness crept into her heart. Would she ever stop feeling the pain of losing her dear mama? There was a void in her heart and the pain was still achingly real.

Why wouldn't someone rent their mama a farm so she could stay close to her married sisters in St. Louis? Her mama was brave to start the wagon journey to her Uncle Will's farm in southwest Missouri. But then - her mama was always a brave woman who cared for her children. The winter months they spent in a deserted house and the hard work planting the crops, with a constant pain in her side, was more than her petite body could endure. Letty still had a vivid picture of her mama as she worked the mules with her small frame.

Those last days, when her mama could no longer mask the pain she endured each day, would forever be stamped on her heart. The day mama died and they came to take them into Bolivar to live with strangers was like a bad dream. All she could do was pray and believe God would send Allen for them.

Living with the Shingleton's, who had treated them coldly had been hard - nor had caring for Oprah been an easy task. Though she was only fifteen, the responsibility made her feel much older.

When her papa died she felt alone, deserted and sad, but she still had mama to lean on. It was different now, for she was completely alone. She felt as though all good things in life had been taken from her.

They lived with the Shingletons for months - who treated them like hired hands. They only gave them a place to stay for the labor they provided. They weren't allowed to eat some of the best food - though they helped prepare it.

Letty knew her mama had written Allen the day before she died, but had no way of knowing the letter had been misplaced in a move his company made. For months she had prayed and kept looking for Allen to come for them. There was no way to express the joy she and her little sister felt the day Allen arrived to bring them home. Home - - , it had such a happy sound!

Her thoughts were broken as Lucy began to cry. Looking across the aisle she saw Allen and his wife, Nellie, trying to appease her with some food.

How much Lucy had grown! She was walking and saying many words. She was hardly a year old when she had been taken from them and given to a young couple in bolivar. Now their family could be together as her mama wanted.

Letty was glad Allen had finally received their mama's letter and come for them. It was good to have him to lean upon; Lucy would live with him and Nellie and she and Oprah could see her often.

She watched the faces of Allen and Nellie as they held Lucy; caring for her. They had wanted a baby so badly but had been told by two doctors it could never be. Letty knew her little sister would be loved and have the best of care. Her mama had known that too when she had asked Allen and Nellie to take her. Tears welled up in Letty's eyes and ran down, dropping on the bag she held in her lap. She had been brave for so long, and it was good to give vent to the feelings she had kept inside all these months. She closed her eyes again and leaned back on the seat.

She didn't know how long she sat still with her eyes closed, when the sudden shrill of the train whistle jolted her alert. She leaned slightly forward on the seat and her eyes met the eyes of a young man across the aisle who plainly showed he was admiring her.

He smiled at her, making little wrinkles at the corners of his eyes; soft, brown eyes with thick, black lashes under heavy brows.

Letty smiled back, and a pink glow settled over her face. She hadn't had time to think about young men and her heart fluttered that she had been noticed. She lowered her eyes as Oprah asked, "how much longer will it be? I don't like this train. It goes too fast!"

"Not much longer. Don't be afraid of the train - look- see the pretty horses huddled together in the field?." As she pointed to the horses her eyes glanced across the aisle to see the young man watching her every move.

Who was he? He was not on the train when they boarded at Bolivar. He must have gotten on at one of the stops when she wasn't looking.

His hair was dark brown, combed back with a neat part on the left side. His face was clean shaven with a well defined mouth, and his chin and jaw showed a squareness that she determined would make him a man of strong convictions.

Her thoughts were interrupted by another mournful whistle and she knew they were nearing the station in St. Louis. She began gathering her belongings and held Oprah's coat as she slipped into the sleeves, buttoning it snugly.

The grinding wheels came to an abrupt stop and everyone stood in the aisle waiting to disembark.

Letty fastened her coat securely, taking the bag in one hand and guiding Oprah before her. How good it was to see familiar landmarks! There was the store where her brother- in-law worked. As she looked at the people gathered at the station she saw her sister, Carla, with her husband Walter, standing beside her. Their baby was held in Walter's arms.

Letty was so excited! She hurried to get off the train, for she had never seen her sister's baby. Her heart was pounding with excitement and her eyes were on her sister as she tried to take in how grown-up she looked. In her haste she tripped on the step, turned her ankle and fell sprawling on cold, hard ground!

"Can I help you, please?," she heard a deep masculine voice ask, as he extended his hand toward her. It was him!

"Are you hurt?," he asked, with genuine concern in his voice.

"No, only my dignity," Letty said, as she tried to make light of her plight and mask how foolish she felt.

She took his extended hand and he lifted her gently to her feet, holding her hand for a moment to be sure she was alright. Letty noticed how firm, yet gentle his hand was. It was not a hand of hard labor, for there were no callouses, but it was a hand that showed strength.

"I am Timothy Hunt," he said, as he walked beside her. "Do you live in St. Louis?"

"No" - she began - then Carla was beside her, gathering her into her arms. There were tears of joy and sadness as they held each other, mingling their tears.

Timothy stood to the side and looked on as Letty took her little nephew from Walter's arms and held him close.

They made their way to the feed store where Walter worked. There were questions and laughter as they enjoyed being together.

Carla asked, "what was wrong with Mama? We were all so sorry you were there alone!"

They both cried together as Letty recounted the things that happened to them on their wagon journey. She told them how sick their mama had been and about Moses, the kind Negro neighbor, who befriended them when they were starving.

They visited for several minutes before Letty remembered the young man had asked her a question which she had not answered. She looked out the store window and saw him walking down the street.

He was well dressed. Very handsome. She noted how erect he held his shoulders.

Carla saw her looking after him and asked, "who was that young man?"

"He said his name was Timothy Hunt," Letty said thoughtfully, while she watched him disappear around a corner.

"He was very handsome!," Carla said, as she looked closely at Letty.

"Well, I'll never see him again. I only saw him on the train, so I don't know who he is," Letty said resignedly. "He asked me if I lived here and I never did really answer him. Wish he had stayed longer."

Allen took Nellie and Lucy behind the store and put their belongings in his car to take them home.

"Do you want to go to the house with us, or wait here until I come back?," he asked. "I told the Hayes I would bring you out today, so they're expecting you."

"We will wait here and visit with Carla and Walter," Letty said, while in her heart she thought - - Maybe the young man will come back.

In an hour, when Allen came for them, Timothy had not returned. They said their good-byes and started to their new home.

The snow had increased in intensity, beginning to drift along side the roads and soon the roads would be slick and dangerous. Allen wanted to make the trip before dark.

Letty and Oprah had never ridden in an automobile and it was exciting for them. Oprah still didn't like going so fast, so she huddled close to Letty and looked out across the fields as they sped quickly by the trees.

It wasn't long before they saw familiar landmarks and knew they were nearing the Hayes' farm.

Yes! There was the big gate to the pasture and the large pond with the huge sycamore tree close to it's bank.

Letty's heart skipped a beat. She loved Carrie and Mr. Hayes so much. It was almost more than she could imagine that they would be blessed with this opportunity to live with them.

She thought of the Shingleton's they had lived with for several months. They treated them so cold and made them work hard each day. They made them sit at the end of the table by themselves and were not allowed any desserts, eggs and very little meat. She knew the Hayes would be like their own family. They would feel loved.

Allen turned into the lane and stopped the car close to the front door.

Letty jumped out, with Oprah following close behind. The door to the house opened and Mr. Hayes came toward them with outstretched arms. Letty and Oprah ran into those open arms and felt the warmth of home.

Allen began taking the boxes out of the car and Mr. Hayes took the girls into the house where Carrie was waiting to welcome them. They hugged, cried and laughed all at once. For the first time in months Letty felt secure, for there was a warm glow of love that settled over her like a mantle from heaven.

Allen came into the house with the boxes and Mr. Hayes came to help him, carrying them to the girl's room and sat them on the floor.

Letty remembered this room when she had visited them as a child. It had always been their "special room" for guests. The walls were papered with a flocked paper that felt like velvet and the curtains were full and draped neatly to the floor. There was a window that looked out over the rose garden, which was Carries pride and joy. On the hardwood floor was a braided rug that she remembered Carrie had made while they lived close to them on the other farm. Letty's Mama helped her make the rug.

Letty stooped down and gently touched the rug with her fingers, as though somehow she might feel close to her mama by touching it.

Carrie saw the look on Letty's face and laid her hand on Letty's shoulder. There was a special bond between them as they both remembered those winter days years ago when the rug was made.

Letty raised to her feet and put her arms around Carrie and said, "we are so happy to live with you. Do you think we can call you Mama and Papa Hayes? It seems so formal to call you Carrie and Mr. Hayes."

"We would like that very much!," said Carrie, as she held Letty at arms length looking at what a beautiful woman she had become.

Letty's shiny auburn hair curled on her shoulders and her peaches and cream complexion was flawless except for a tiny row of freckles across her nose. Her hazel eyes were complimented with thick, dark lashes and her cheeks and lips had a natural, pink glow.

"Now, come on to the kitchen," said Carrie. "I have some nice hot soup and cornbread. I know you are starved!"

Allen and Mr. Hayes were visiting in the living room and Allen was pulling on his gloves when Carrie asked him to stay and eat with them.

"I'd love to. That soup smells delicious! But I must get back before the roads begin to get slick," he said apologetically.

He gathered his sisters into his arms telling them good-bye and that he would stay in touch with them. He thanked the Hayes and told them to let him know if they had need of anything. Buttoning his coat, he stepped out into the cold, winter air.

"Come, let's eat, then we'll put your things away," said Carrie.

Mr. Hayes put some wood in the stove before coming to set at the head of the table.

It was a good time of visiting and catching up on the things that had been happening. Mr. Hayes had a new filly and he told Letty she could name it. His brood sow had seven little pigs and he would show them to Oprah the next day.

Letty and Oprah ate their food with relish, for they had eaten little that day. Oprah was looking at the beautiful chocolate cake setting on the china cabinet. It reminded her of the ones their mama used to make. Carrie noticed her wishful look and brought the cake to the table, cutting it for them. Oprah ate two pieces before Letty told her not to eat more. They were both starved for desserts, which the Shingleton's hadn't allow them to have.

They helped Carrie clear the table and wash the dishes before beginning the task of putting their things away.

Carrie helped them unpack the boxes and hang their clothing in the closet. They opened a box that had two of their mama's quilts, and on top the box was the Bible that their mama had read to them each night.

Letty picked up the Bible and gently held it for a moment before opening it to a marked place. The words were underlined and stood out as a testimony of the one who had used this book. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Psalms 56:3.

Letty thought of all the hardships they had gone through on their journey, and the dangers they had faced. How many times their mama must have been afraid, but she never let it show. She remembered the night two men sneaked into their camp to do them harm - - their mama sent them away bruised and bleeding as she flailed one with a stick, while their dog tore at the other. Now she knew the secret of her mama's strength. She knew the One to turn to - - the One to trust. Tears came to Letty's eyes and ran downs her cheeks as she thought anew of her mama's strength.

"Are you alright?," asked Carrie, who came to Letty's side and put her arm around her.

"Yes, I'll always be alright," said Letty softly, as she showed the marked verse to Carrie.

"Your Mama left you a great legacy," said Carrie. "She was such a brave, strong woman. Not many people learn to have such complete trust in God. You children are truly blessed."

"Yes, each time I'm afraid I will remember and be strong," Letty said as she placed the Book on the stand close to her bed. It was a comfort knowing it was there. She knew she would sleep well in the home of these people who were like her own dear parents.

How much their mama loved them to make these plans for them while she was still alive! One summer, after her Papa died, when the Hayes were visiting them, her mama had asked if they would care for her children should something happen to her. Having no children of their own, they gladly consented. It must have been a comfort to her mama, when she was ill, to know these arrangements had been made.

"I think it's bedtime," said Carrie. "You've had a long, hard day and I know you are tired. Sleep as long as you wish in the morning so you can be refreshed."

She gave each of them a brief hug and kiss before she left the room.

Letty fell asleep almost as soon as her head was on the pillow. She slept soundly and was rested the next morning when she awakened and quietly slipped out of bed.

She looked at Oprah still under the soft, warm covers and thought, How she needed this rest! Being only nine years old and facing so many hardships the past two years had robbed her of many things a little girl enjoys.

She gently pulled the covers over Oprah's arms and went to the window, parted the curtains and looked out. It was still snowing! The whole outside was draped with different shapes of snow covered items in the yard and around the barn. It was a beautiful sight, but she knew it could make hardships for the animals. She looked at the horses huddled together in the corner of the fence. They had come out of the barn for water. She recognized two of them - - old Dan and Ned, but the mare was new to her. She must be the mother of the little filly.

She stood at the window for several minutes watching the snow falling and remembering her childhood. She thought about her mama and papa and how much they loved their children. How she missed them! She remembered the big snow when they made the snow ice cream, and how good it tasted. It was just before Betsy's wedding. She wondered about Betsy and her family and hoped they would see them soon. Then she thought of the young man on the train. She didn't know why, but visions of his face flashed before her and she couldn't get him out of her thoughts. Would she ever forget his smile and the twinkle he had in his eyes when he looked at her?

Why didn't she take time to talk to him? Would she ever see him again? Did he live in St. Louis, or was he just visiting? She could still feel the warmth of his hand as he gently helped her to her feet. His hands had so much strength - - but they were tender. What did he do?

Her thoughts were interrupted as she saw Mama Hayes trudging through the deep snow with a bucket of milk. She felt guilty for having slept late and not helping with the chores. She went into the kitchen and met her at the door.

"I'm sorry I slept late and didn't help you," she said as she opened the door for her.

"We meant for you to sleep late. You were exhausted when you came and needed rest," she said, setting the bucket of milk on the table; warming her hands at the fire.

"Where's Papa Hayes?," Letty asked, looking out the window toward the barn.

"He's taking care of the filly," said Carrie with a little furrow in her brow. "It's such a tiny thing and he's worried she isn't eating enough."

"May I go see her?"

"Sure. Put on my boots. The snow is deep and will get inside your shoes." She sat down in a chair and quickly slipped them off her feet - - handing them to Letty.

"We'll eat breakfast when Les finishes the chores," she told Letty.

Letty bundled up and slowly trudged through the snow. Opening the barn door she saw Papa Hayes at the back of the barn rubbing the filly with a thick towel. She was beautiful with a white mark down her face.

"Isn't she gorgeous?!," exclaimed Letty, as she came over to the filly and rubbed her back.

The filly turned to Letty; sniffing her clothing, then put her head against Letty's leg and looked up at her with big, brown eyes.

Letty kneeled down beside her as Papa Hayes said, "I think she really likes you! I haven't given her a name yet, so I'll let you name her. She's yours."

"Mine! Are you sure? Oh thank you! I'll take good care of her. She is so pretty! The white down her face looks like - like - a flash of lightning! Oh yes!, I know I'll call her Lightning!" She stroked the filly's face and put her arm around her neck.

"Well, here comes her mama, so let's see if she'll eat before we go into the house."

The mare came to the filly and nudged her with her nose, as she looked suspiciously at Letty. The filly turned aside and made no effort to nurse.

Letty gently pushed her close to her mother and said, "now little Lightning, you must eat so you can grow. One of these days we will have lots of fun together. Go on now and eat." She placed her nose close to her dinner.

The filly began to eat hungrily and the mare swished her tail and bent her neck back to admire her little one.

"Now, let's go eat too," said Papa Hayes. "I hope this snow stops soon or we won't be able to find the barn!"

They walked back through the deep drifts to the house were Mama Hayes had breakfast waiting.

Oprah was huddled close to the stove.

"Can we build a snowman today?," she asked, as Letty took off the boots and put her coat away.

"Maybe. We will see how the day goes. You'll have to go to the barn and see the filly Papa Hayes gave me. She is so pretty. I named her Lightning! After we eat I'll take you to see her."

The following weeks went by quickly and the spring months were filled with getting the fields ready for planting. Letty spent as much time as she could with Lightning and helped Papa Hayes in the fields. Oprah gave Mama Hayes much needed help around the house.

The war was still going on in Europe, and there was some rationing, but living on the farm provided them with most of their needs. They heard talk the war might not last much longer. It was a costly war, not only in lives lost, but in billions of dollars that was spent. Letty heard talk among the men, but she didn't understand much about what they said. She didn't want to hear about the ones who lost their lives. It was so depressing! She had seen some of the young men who came home wounded, and wished it would hurry and be over. She was glad Allen didn't have to go.

Lightning was growing into a beautiful mare, and there was a special bond between her and Letty. If Letty was close to the fence she would follow along, neighing and snorting, until she came and patted her face while talking to her.

Letty had been putting a blanket across her back and would put a saddle on her soon to let her get the feel of the weight on her back. She was such a frisky little thing! Letty knew she was going to make a great saddle horse and she could hardly wait to ride her.

It was a warm, Sunday afternoon and they were all sitting on the porch enjoying the south breeze. Letty's thoughts wandered again to the young man, Timothy Hunt. She could still see how he held his shoulders erect when he walked, and the twinkle in his dark eyes.

She looked up at the beautiful summer sky and the fluffy white clouds hanging low in the west, and prayed to herself, God, if it be your will, please let me see Timothy again.

She didn't have a chance to meet many young men, most of them had gone to war, but there were two or three at Church who were about her age. She had visited with them a few times, but had no desire to know them better. There was always the picture of Timothy in her mind that wouldn't go away.

What's the matter with me?, she said to herself. I'll never see him again. I don't know where he lives and he doesn't know where I am. He probably has a girlfriend, or maybe he's even married - - that thought brought her pain.

The sound of a car coming down the road interrupted her thoughts, for they didn't see that many automobiles. As it approached, she recognized Nellie and Allen. She and Oprah ran to welcome them.

Lucy had grown. She was a beautiful child. Her dress had three tiers of ruffles from the waist and was bright red. Her dark hair curled all over her head and when she looked at you with those deep blue eyes she captured your heart.

She ran to Letty and Oprah and her little arms entwined around Letty's neck as she picked her up. They had seen each other several times since they moved back and Letty was glad she had not forgotten them.

The rest of the day was spent in visiting and enjoying just being together, then suddenly Allen said, "Oh, I almost forgot! Letty do you remember meeting a young man named Timothy Hunt on the train?"

"Yes," Letty answered, as her heart fluttered at the mention of his name.

"Well, it seems he couldn't forget you, so he came to the feed store inquiring about you. He is studying to be a doctor and was in St. Louis visiting his mother when he saw you. He has come back to do his internship at the hospital. He sent you this envelope," and he pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to her.

Letty took it with trembling hand, then stood up and walked to the rose garden to read it - - alone.

She pulled the letter from the envelope and as she began to read the words leaped off the page into her heart.

Dear Letty,

You may not remember me, but I am Timothy Hunt and we met on the train last January 3rd. I have not been able to get you out of my thoughts, so I visited your brother-in-law, Walter, at the feed store in St. Louis. He told me where you are living. I am very busy at this time, as I am doing my intern work at the hospital. It would please me if we might correspond and maybe see each other when I have a break. I will anxiously look for a reply to my letter. Please don't disappoint me! Timothy Hunt

There was an address at the bottom for her to send a letter. She read the letter again, then pressed it to her bosom and looked out over the rose garden. It seemed all the birds were singing and the whole outdoors took on a special glow. She had never felt like this before! Was this how you felt when you were in love? How could that be? She had only seen him one time - very briefly - but just the thought of seeing him again made music in her heart!

She remembered the glow she had seen on her mother's face when she and her stepfather, Tom, were courting. She didn't understand it then, but now she knew the feelings that made her mother's face glow.

She gently placed the letter back into the envelope and glanced at the sky, saying out loud, "thank you Lord for answering my prayer so soon."

She walked back to the front of the house where everyone was enjoying a cool glass of lemonade. All eyes were upon her as Allen said, "I hope the letter brought good news."

"Yes," she said, as she sat down on the step in front of Allen. "He seems like a nice young man and wants me to write him."

"He comes from a well known family. His father was a doctor in St. Louis many years ago, but died when Timothy was about nine years old. It seems it was some new disease. Everyone says Timothy is a hard worker and was determined to be a doctor and learn all he can about the disease that took his father. Sounds like he has a great interest in you too, little sister."

"It's only a letter! He may not even like me when he gets to know me. You know how hard hearted and stubborn I can be!" Smiling, she gave Allen a playful swat on his leg.

Allen laughed and said, "how could any man resist a woman with such a beautiful face and hair that shines like a bright sunset? He's interested. You can trust me on that!"

Allen picked up Lucy as he said, "we have to start back. I have an early meeting at the plant in the morning and need to get some rest."

"How is the plant doing with the war causing so many shortages?," asked Papa Hayes.

"We're holding our own. It helped to close the plant in Chicago, but I hope they can end this war soon. It's draining our country of a lot of things. Hope President Wilson can lead Congress to do what is best for our nation."

"Well, we'll have to wait and hope for the best," said Mr. Hayes, as he stood up and knocked the ashes out of his pipe. "War makes no sense at all."

Allen and Nellie said their good-byes and Letty carried Lucy to the car and gave her a kiss before placing her in Nellie's lap.

The wheels of the car left a cloud of dust as they entered the lane to the main road.

Everyone was out of sight when Letty looked back toward the house. Chores were to be done so she would get started. There was a song in her heart and she could hardly wait to get her pencil and paper.

She had a letter to answer!