A Promise for Tomorrow (21 page)
Carolina leaned over and kissed her father. “We simply need to have faith.”
He smiled. “Yes. Faith is the key.”
In September of 1849, after two weeks of mishaps and conflicts en route, the Baldwin family finally managed to navigate the distance between Baltimore and Greigsville. They had traveled by train to Cumberland and found this stopping place the real point of origin for their adventurous journey west. Without the luxury of a train, the family was forced to travel either by stage or wagon, and since they had brought possessions enough to start their new housekeeping, wagons seemed the best choice. At least for James to accompany their supplies. James, however, didn’t feel that a freight wagon was exactly appropriate for his young wife and children.
“We will be better off together than separated,” Carolina had insisted. “I assure you that none of us will perish simply for want of better traveling conditions.”
So it was that after their arrival in Cumberland, and Carolina’s arguing to have her own way, James went in search of a freighter service.
Staying at the same hotel in which she and James had stayed on their wedding trip, Carolina found herself more than a little aware of her surroundings. Cumberland, for all its growth in the past seven years, was still painfully small compared to Baltimore. With some six thousand residents, the town could boast new hotels, mills, shops, and a growing coal industry that caused folks in Baltimore to sit up and take notice. But because Cumberland had set its sights on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal providing them transport and connection to the rest of the world, the city fathers had paid very little attention to the potential of the railroad. But that was now starting to change.
Still, Carolina began to wonder exactly what she had imposed upon her family. Cumberland would be nearly one hundred miles away from their new home, and Fairmont, Virginia, the next largest town, would be some forty miles away. And even though both towns were small compared to Baltimore, Carolina knew they would be her only link to immediate comfort. What if something happened and they needed help that could not be had in Greigsville? Carolina tried not to worry herself overmuch. Time alone would tell of their circumstances. She had to maintain faith and trust that God would watch over them. She had to trust that this was the right thing to do. When James returned with the good news that a local freighter would transport not only their goods but the family, as well, Carolina put aside her worries and tried to concentrate on the work at hand.
The trip had played itself out in coordinated comfort, at least for the most part. The children, with exception to Victoria, thought it novel to sleep outdoors in a tent. Carolina had tried not to feel panicked as they went farther and farther away from civilization and the comforts she had always known. She worked instead to focus on the fact that they were starting a new adventure together. She and James wouldn’t have to be separated, and the B&O Railroad would spring to life practically outside her front door. At least that was what she told herself on the trip to Greigsville.
But now as they stood before the clapboard house that was to become their home, an overwhelming sense of disappointment descended. She began seriously to question her own judgment in having made this decision. It had seemed the perfect solution to their situation, but when faced with the reality of the adjustments she would have to make, Carolina wondered if she was truly up to the challenge.
As the freighters went to work unloading the wagons, Carolina moved closer to the building to consider her home.
“Well, I told you it wasn’t much,” James said in an apologetic tone. “I did what I could, however, and as you can see for yourself, this is the best Greigsville has to offer.”
Carolina nodded, trying not to show her dismay. The house wasn’t even painted. It had merely been slapped together in what appeared to be someone’s attempt at house building. The two-story structure seemed foreboding, if not downright frightening, but Carolina knew James had done his very best. And there was always the possibility of building something else. After all, money wasn’t a problem. Surely they could contract some workers to assist them. Of course, supplies would be an issue. Until a rail line was in place, it would be difficult to transport finished lumber and other building materials. Maybe someone could set up a lumber mill. Carolina pondered that as she struggled to keep from focusing on the abomination in front of them.
“We can fix it up,” Miriam offered. “Wert never a house built but what a little care din’t fix it jes right.”
Carolina nodded. “I’m sure that’s true.”
The children were clamoring to be let down from the wagon, and already Brenton was over the side and running up the dirt walkway. Jordana was attempting to follow her brother’s example when James caught her by the back of her pinafore and held her momentarily suspended in midair.
“And just where do you think you’re going?” he asked.
“Wanna play,” Jordana told him in no uncertain terms.
“You have to mind your step here,” James told her and hoisted her into his arms. “Remember what Papa told you about snakes?”
“Don’t play with snakes,” Jordana said in a serious tone edged with anticipation.
James smiled. “That’s right. Somehow I think they’d come out on the losing end if you made such an attempt.” He put her down on the ground, then turned to help Victoria from the wagon. “And now for you, my dear.”
“We can’t stay here, Papa!” Victoria protested.
Carolina turned at the sound of her daughter’s voice. She could tell after a lifetime of problem solving and heartaches that Victoria was desperately close to tears. Of the children, Victoria had been least supportive of the move west. Carolina prayed that God would comfort her eldest daughter, because if Victoria started to cry, there was just no telling whether or not Carolina could restrain her own tears.
“Now, now, Victoria,” James told her as he gently lifted her from the wagon. “We’ll just have to set things right and then it will be a splendid home.”
Carolina caught his expression over Victoria’s head. It was a pleading look, begging for her to confirm what he’d just told their child. “Your father is right, Victoria. We’ll have to work hard together, but no doubt we can make it look just fine.”
“I didn’t want to come here anyway. There’s nothing but trees and mountains, and I think this is a horrible place. I want to go back to Baltimore and live with Mrs. Graves.” She stomped her foot to make certain everyone knew exactly how unhappy she was.
“Victoria, I can’t change what has happened,” James offered. “Your mother and I discussed this with you more than once. This will allow us to remain together. If I had to live here without you, I’d seldom have a chance to see you.”
“But there isn’t even a real store,” Victoria said, tears welling in her eyes. “I’ll bet there are no other young people, and I’ll die of boredom.”
“I don’t believe boredom will be an immediate problem,” Carolina said with a weak smile. “There’s going to be far too much work, and I’m going to need your help. Here it is already September, and we have to make ready for winter. Not only do we have to find a way to make this home fit before the first snows, but we have to make certain that we have enough supplies laid in just in case the supply freighters have trouble making it through.”
“We’ll probably die out here, and nobody will even know it,” Victoria complained and folded her arms against her chest.
Brenton had already made his way into the house and was returning with his report. “There’s a hole in the wall and a raccoon tried to get in, but I chased him out.”
“There probably be all manner of critters inside,” Miriam said, laughing. “I best see what I can do.”
“I’ll help you,” Brenton offered.
Miriam cast Carolina a sly smile, and Carolina was amazed at how good-humored the woman could be. After her long ordeal of recovering from Hampton’s beating, Carolina could only stand in amazement at Miriam’s attitude. She was cheerful and loving, just as she always had been. Carolina had asked her one day about it, and Miriam had assured her that she didn’t hold Hampton a grudge but rather prayed daily for the man. She told Carolina that praying for a person’s enemies accomplished a whole heap more than spending your time trying to get revenge. Besides, what could a mere slave do to avenge herself?
“Well, the work won’t do itself,” Carolina announced, determined to put forth her best effort. “James, what should we do first?”
“I’d suggest we get a good meal going. These men are going to be ready for something hot and nourishing after we unload all of this,” he answered, waving a hand over to the two wagons.
Just then two redheaded men came lumbering up alongside the first wagon. They’d come from the direction of the small tent city that housed the Irish laborers. These men had been contracted to work on the Kingwood Tunnel, and James had already warned Carolina of their rowdy ways.
“Mornin’ to ya,” the elder and taller of the two said and tipped his hat in Carolina’s direction.
She nodded, noting that his large hooked nose appeared to have suffered more than one break in its time. His wild red hair was a coppery color, and together with his emerald green eyes, Carolina had little doubt the man was Irish.
“Good day to you, gentlemen,” James answered for his family.
“I’m Red O’Connor and this mite is me brother, Kiernan.”
The “mite,” as Red had referred to Kiernan, stood a good head taller than Carolina but did indeed seem rather dwarfed by his larger, beefy brother. Kiernan’s hair was not quite so red. Carolina thought it a more pleasant shade of auburn, and it wasn’t as unmanageable and unruly as Red’s hair. It lay straighter and more orderly beneath a billed seaman’s cap, which Kiernan properly doffed in greeting the Baldwin family.
“I’m James Baldwin,” Carolina heard her husband introduce himself. “This is my wife, Carolina. This is our daughter Victoria.” He glanced around to find the others. “I’ve a son and another daughter about the grounds somewhere, but no doubt they are too busy to concern themselves with our neighbors.”
Red laughed, and Carolina could see that he was missing several teeth. It rather confirmed her first thoughts that this was a brawling man. She turned to say something to Victoria and found the girl staring in wide-eyed wonder at the younger Kiernan.
“We’re very pleased to make your acquaintance,” Carolina said, continuing to watch her daughter. She glanced across to find Kiernan smiling at Victoria, and suddenly she felt the urge to hide her child away. Frowning, she slipped an arm around Victoria’s shoulders and hoped the protectiveness of her action was evident.
“Would ya be a part of the railroad men a-comin’ to see this tunnel through?” Red asked, ignoring Carolina’s frown.
“Yes,” James replied. “I work for the Baltimore and Ohio. I will be the railroad’s eyes and ears on the Kingwood Tunnel project.”
“Will ya, now,” Red more commented than questioned. “We’re workin’ on that very same tunnel.”
Carolina was fascinated by his heavy brogue. It was almost lyrical. “Do you live in the tent city?” she asked, almost hoping it would open a lengthy reply just in order to hear the man talk.
“That we do.”
“Well, this is to be our new home,” James said, moving his gaze back to the clapboard house. “It needs some work, but I’m sure we’ll make the best of it.”
“We might be able to lend you a hand,” Kiernan said without awaiting his brother’s approval. “Leastwise, I might.”
“Ever the do-gooder,” Red said with a smile. “But he’s right. We might be able to lend ya a hand o’ welcome.”
“I’m uncertain at this point what we need to do first,” James replied. “I’m afraid constructing houses isn’t on my list of experiences.”
“Shouldn’t be hard to fix this place up. Looks to be somebody pounded together a few nails and boards in short order without much consideration to the finished product.” He glanced up at the house, then beyond to the sky. “First things first. I’d suggest we get your gear stashed inside,” Red said, pointing to the wagons. “It’ll come a rain in a little while.”
James looked heavenward. “Do you think so?”
“Ofttimes that’s the case. These afternoons have been fairly wet ones.”
“I trust your opinion,” James replied, then turned to Carolina. “I’ll help unload these wagons. You wait inside and direct the men as to where to put things.”
Carolina nodded and released Victoria. “You go round up your little sister and keep her out of harm’s way.”
Victoria nodded and walked away, glancing not once, but twice, over her shoulder at Kiernan O’Connor. Carolina looked up to find Kiernan’s green eyes fairly twinkling from the added attention. Judging by his face, he looked no more than fifteen or sixteen, but his physique was more that of a man than a boy, and Carolina wouldn’t have him dallying with her young daughter.
“We’ll give ya a hand,” Red said, then punched Kiernan to draw his attention. “Come on, ya useless thing.”
Carolina found it impossible to do anything but adhere to James’ directions. She went up the path, hesitant to survey her new home. What if the inside was worse than the outside? She stepped across the threshold and grimaced. There was no flooring in place. Someone had literally put up the building and left off at the floor. The dirt had been packed down hard and someone had thoughtfully put a tent tarp down in the first room, but it was evident that this would only serve as a temporary solution.
She lifted her chin ever so slightly and determined within herself to be strong. This meant the world to James, and to her. She had, after all, been the one to suggest the move. To back out now was unthinkable. Just then Miriam appeared, and it was as if she could read her mistress’s mind.
“There, there, Miz Carolina,” she said, coming to pat Carolina’s arm. “We’s gwanna have a good home here.”
“I pray you are right, Miriam,” Carolina replied. She looked around and shuddered. “What did you find upstairs?”
“Jes four rooms,” Miriam answered. “Downstairs, there be another two with a lil’ cranny in back that can suit jes fine to be my room.”