Peace from the Trials Part One

 by Emma A. 

A HUGE shout out to ‘H’ who came up with this wonderful idea and allowed me to use it! Thanks so much!

And also to my editor friends who have improved this story immensely. Thanks y’all! I couldn’t have done this without you!

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 “Boss? Ya there?” A shadow moved in the bushes, “It's really dark. Do ya think we should give up? I’m startin’ to git scared.”

“Shut up, you nitwit! Do ya want the people hearin’ ya?”

The other man opened his mouth to curse when he was stopped by the sound of clinking harness’ and clipping hoofs.

The older of the men nodded to two other accomplices in the bush. “Now!” he yelled and sprang from the bushes. Leveling his gun at the man driving he warned, “Don’t move, mister, and everything’ll be fine.”

But the man didn’t heed his words. Pulling a gun from his shirt he pointed and fired, missing. But the bandit, startled, shot the man and watched him drop to the ground, blood pouring from his chest.

*****

Twenty-seven-year old Liberty Flanders galloped into town, not caring what others thought. “Please,” she gasped. “I need help. My family and I were on our way here when men robbed us. My family is injured and they need your help!”

Several people looked up but shrugged. One said in a slow drawl, “Go back to yer kitchen, girl. We’re busy, can’t ya see?”

Libby was near tears. “Can’t you understand? My family is bleeding and hurt and you're standing around doing nothing!”

Libby slapped her horse’s rump and with tears streaming down her cheeks she burst into Goodwin’s Mercantile. “Somebody! Please help me!”

One handsome young man looked up. “What’s happened?”

Taking a deep breath Libby told what she saw and needed. The young man marched to the door. One of the men standing around the front desk said, “Don’t do it, Carter. The pretty girl’s luring you away into something.”

Libby whirled on the man. “I am not trying to lure anyone away, mister, but trying to help my family. If you were anybody but a no-good, low-lying–”

The young man, the one called Carter, reached out and grabbed her arm. “I wouldn’t mess with him,” he whispered in her ear. “Brett can get mighty wound up.”

Libby glanced over her shoulder and saw the man’s face was bright red. He took a step toward her but decided against it because Carter was standing right next to her and no one but no one messed with the Carters.

Libby hiked herself up on Cotton Candy, her horse. “We need a doctor, sir. From what I saw, we need him badly.”

 He disappeared for a moment then came back with a wagon connected to a brown and black horse along with the town doctor.

After riding for what seemed like hours they came in sight of the robbed family.

Three figures lay on the ground while one knelt beside the larger figure, seemingly the father.

Libby galloped ahead and flew off of her horse before it stopped. “Laura! Is Father…?”

Laura looked up. “No Libby. He’s not dead. But his breathing is shallow. Did you bring a doctor?”

“Yes. He’s right behind me.”

They waited until the wagon came closer and the doctor jumped down. “Can you explain what happened in full detail, young ladies?”

Libby was choking back tears at the sight of her father, mother and youngest sister lying still so Laura explained.

“We were coming to Fresno because Father had some business here. He had along with  us some money to put in this bank instead of the one back home because he doesn’t trust that bank. Suddenly from nowhere came three men and they fell upon us like wolves on a fawn. We were helpless against them. They took the money and shot Father, Mother and Lana. I’m so afraid that they might die.” Laura buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking.

Libby’s head whipped around when her mother groaned. Rushing to her side, Libby gently shook her mother’s shoulders whispering, “Mother! Mother! Please wake up! Please.”

Caroline Flanders woke to find her eldest daughter’s face quite near. “Libby. Your father…is he… all right?”

Libby looked over at her father. The doctor was bending over him. Dr. Weaver looked up. “Tell your mother not to worry; I’m here beside him and doing my all.”

Libby looked back at her mother to repeat the words but Mother said, “I heard, darling. The doctor is not sure he shall live. I hear it in his voice.”

Libby switched subjects, saying softly, “Mother where do you hurt?”

“I was not shot, but only hit on the head with the butt of a musket. I shall be all right as shall your sister. She is only hurting because the robbers slapped her and broke her arm. But she shall live.”

Libby nodded and moved closer to her sister, Lana. “Can you wake up, little sister?”

Lana moaned and reached for her arm. “Oooh! It hurts!”

Her sister grimly said, “Yes. Mother said that your arm is broken.”

“How is Mother?”

“She seems to be okay at least from what she said.” Libby leaned down closer to her sister and whispered, “I don’t know about Father though. The doctor is solely focused on him and he looks worried. I think a bullet went through his stomach.”

Lana gasped. “Let me up Libby! You know I’m training to be a nurse. Surely Father could use my help now!”

Libby gently pushed her sister down. “Yes I know but first you need to take care of that arm of yours. I’ll go get a wrap for you.”

Libby stood up and bumped into Carter. “I have the wrap.” Handing it to Libby he said, “I don't know if I’ve introduced myself. I’m Mitch Carter. My brother knows your father.”

“Yes, yes he does.” Libby couldn’t help looking at him. He was so handsome and his blue eyes seemed to truly see her. His muscular chest and arms showed that he worked hard alongside his ranch hands. His blond hair had escaped from underneath his Stetson and blew against his forehead with the wind.

Libby reluctantly pulled her gaze from Mitch and knelt down beside her sister. Her smooth, long fingers wrapped the plaster around her sister’s arm and made sure she was comfortable.

   Libby glanced around and saw Mitch standing by her father, talking in low tones to the doctor.

   She had long-ago told herself she was destined to be an old maid. Nobody had wanted her. But now seeing Mitch an unwelcome thought wormed itself until it was pounding on her head. He’s mine. And nobody else is going to get him.

 

~a few days later~

 

“How are you doing, my daughter?” The voice came from among the blankets.

“I’m doing fine, Father. How about yourself?” Libby pulled back the curtains to let in the morning sun.

“I’m happy to be alive,” Father said, watching his daughter’s movements. Something about her seemed determined and on a mission.

Libby had been so overjoyed when the news came that during the night her father had awoken. And she had been excited about one other thing– the Carter’s had offered their house until the Flanders were all recovered. Libby had received Melinda’s old room and Laura and Lana got Andi’s room. Mr. and Mrs. Flanders received the guest bedroom.

But what her father saw in her was that she was determined not to let her feelings show before Mitch. But she couldn’t help thinking dreamily about what her name would sound like if she was ‘Liberty Carter.’ And immediately after she would think such a thought she would hastily scold herself, blushing.

Libby bent over Father, rearranging bed coverings and fluffing his pillow. As she turned to go Father grabbed her wrist and whispered, “Are they treating you well?”

Libby nodded. “Yes. I’ve been treated like a queen since we’ve arrived here.”

Father lay back down satisfied. When Libby was away from the room he turned to his wife and said, “I’m positive Libby has her eyes on Mitchell Carter.”

Caroline Flanders merely smiled and continued on with her knitting.

 

*******

A few days later, Libby was in the barn taking care of Cotton Candy when she heard a soft meow.

Looking up she saw bits of hay falling from the loft. Hand over hand she climbed up the ladder until she was peeking over the edge of the loft.

A mother kitten had just given birth to six little kittens and was now licking them clean. Three were spotted, one was pure white and the other two were black and gray.

Libby gave an exclamation of joy and slowly went closer. She sat at a safe distance from the little animals and forgot how long she was there. But a clap of thunder and a brilliant flash of lighting drew her back to the time.

Swiftly climbing down from the loft she ran to the barn door and looked out. Already the yard was a mess and the rain was falling so swiftly that she could see nothing but a white sheet of water.

“Looks like we’re both going to be stuck here awhile.”

Libby spun around, heart racing. The barn was so dark she couldn’t see a thing. Then the man struck a match and lit a lantern. Libby noticed with relief it was only Mitch. “Oh, it's only you.”

“Yep. And I didn’t bring anything to shield myself from the rain. Looks like there's hail mixed in with it too. Chad isn’t going to like that. He thinks everything of his precious cows. ”

Libby heaved at the barn door, slamming it shut. Mitch led the way over to some crates and flipped them over for seats.

After a few minutes of silence, Libby was scolding herself. Think of something, Liberty! Make conversation! Has the cat gotten your tongue or what? Opening her mouth she said softly, “Thank you for receiving my family when we needed help.”

Mitch leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. His blue eyes caught her dark brown ones and he smiled. No other words were needed.

Libby was inwardly smacking herself once again. Think of something! Mitch wouldn’t want to have a girl who’s not interesting!

Clearing her throat she blurted, “Are all your siblings married and have kids?” Libby’s eyes widened. Oh great. Now he knows you’re thinking of marriage.

Mitch nodded. “Justin has Lucy and they have Sammy and Gracie. Chad and Ellie have Susie and Thomas. Kate and Troy have three kids; Levi, Betsy and Hannah. Melinda and Peter have only one—William. Andi and Riley have Jared, Lilly and Lottie. And I’m not married.”

Libby thought she caught a glance when he mentioned he wasn’t married. After another moment of silence she gave a small laugh and said, “You definitely are an uncle. How many is that? Like eleven  nieces and nephews? And plenty of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.”

Mitch chuckled. “Yep. And how about you? Are your sisters married?”

Libby tucked her knees underneath her dress and rested her chin on them. “Lana is courting someone and Laura is engaged. So I’m the only one who doesn’t have anyone. I get plenty of teasing about it from my family but I don’t mind. I think I’ve decided that I’ll be a schoolteacher until I’m an old maid. My town doesn’t need anyone now so I’ll probably have to travel somewhere to get a job.”

Mitch nodded slowly then offered, “Our town needs a schoolteacher.”

Libby looked up eagerly. “Really?”

“Yeah. Virginia Foster is marrying Jack Goodwin this spring and the job will be open again. Are you thinking of taking it?”

Libby sighed. “I’ll have to talk to my parents about it but if it’s left up to me—I’ll take it.”

Mitch laughed.

They continued talking until the rain and hail lessened and then they made a run for it, hiding under a horse blanket.

Reaching the house they were both laughing. Libby hair was plastered to her neck and forehead and her wet dress clung close to her body.

Pulling off her wet boots she emptied them of the water and wrung out her sopping stockings.

Mitch ran a hand through his sandy hair. It stood up in all directions and Libby laughed aloud. In revenge, Mitch ruffled her hair and Libby gave a slight shriek. Dancing out of his reach, she dashed up the stairs and turned around to watch him at the bottom. He looked up and teased, “Don’t flood the house, wringing out that hair of yours.”

Libby gave a parting laugh and tripped to her room. Peeling off her soggy clothes she slid on a clean, fresh muslin dress. Going to town on her hair with a towel helped immensely.

Her dark, curly, waist length hair was so wild she pulled it into a sloppy braid and flung over her back. Sitting down on the bed, she thought back to when she was a young girl. She had always wanted to be very ‘city like’ and had worn the most ridiculous outfits and floppy, big hats. But now she had realized that Jesus was humble and she wanted to be like Jesus so out the window went all the clothes–literally.

Libby looked up when a knock on her door brought her back to the present. “Come in.”

Elizabeth Carter stepped in and said with a smile, “Supper almost ready. Since you’ve been wanting to learn how to bake an apple pie I thought I’d teach you today.”

Libby leapt up.  “Oh thank you!”

Elizabeth laughed. They went down to the kitchen and Libby put on an apron. They made enough to have two pies.

Thirty minutes later and the pies were finished. When Libby pulled out the crisp apple pies she smiled and looked over at Elizabeth. “You did amazing, Liberty. I couldn’t have done better myself.”

Balancing them on her hands she set one down on the counter. But before she could place the other down, two little girls ran into the room knocking into Libby. The apple pie flew into the air and landed on the ground with a splat!

Libby and the little girls started slipping as the juices and apple slices spread. Then, in a blink of an eye, they were all on the floor.

Libby moaned when she saw her pie ruined. Elizabeth helped the little girls up first and admonished them. “Lilly. Lottie. You girls know better than to run in the house. Look at what you’ve done to Miss Flanders pie.”

A young woman appeared at the door, gasping for breath. “I’m so sorry, Mother.” She winced when she saw the pie on the floor. “One minute I had them under control and the next they disappeared. They wanted to see you, I reckon.”

The girl named Lottie shrieked, “Grandma!” And her twin echoed her.

Libby remained on the ground trying to keep from laughing. The situation was funny.

But then Mitch had to appear. He took one look at Libby and burst into laughter. “What happened to you?”

“Mitch! Leave her alone,” Elizabeth scolded her son.

Libby scowled at him and stuck out a hand. “Help me up, will you.”

Mitch grabbed hold and pulled her to her feet. “I’m guessing you met my nieces.”

Libby winked at them when he wasn’t looking. “Oh yes. They’re very polite girls. Why, I could hardly hear them come in, they were so quiet.”

Another round of laughter followed.

Then the young woman looked closely at Libby. “Have…have we met before?”

Elizabeth quickly introduced them. “Andrea, this is Liberty Flanders. Her poor family was robbed and injured and are staying here until recovered.”

Andi hiked Lottie up on her hip and came forward. “It’s nice to meet you again, Libby. I remember the last time we met. It… well wasn’t in pleasant circumstances.”

Libby smiled. “No, it wasn’t. But at least we got rid of that rat, Jeffrey Sullivan.”

Andi nodded solemnly. “And saved my sister from certain doom.” Then she brightened. “At least you and I agree—he’s a rat.”

*******************

At supper that night, the candles illuminated the relaxed faces of the Carters and their guests. Libby slipped from the table and entered the kitchen. She carefully grabbed the pie, looked around for little girls and carried it to the table.

Setting it down in the center of the table she prayed that Mitch wouldn’t bring up the failure she had earlier. Thankfully he didn’t, though at times he would suddenly chuckle and look her way.

Libby would raise her eyebrows at him and shake her head, pleading silently with him not to bring it up.

   After dinner the family dispersed to do their own things until bedtime.

   Libby slipped away to stand on the front porch and watch the stars, a thing which she had done since she was a little girl.

   She leaned against the railing and gasped when a shooting star flashed across the sky.

   A hand clapped down on her shoulder and pulled her towards him. Libby gave a shriek then felt sorry for doing so because Mitch then said, “Gotcha.”

   Libby batted away his hand and rebuked him. “You scared me, Mitch Carter! Hasn’t your mother taught you to be kind and considerate around women?”

   Mitch laughed. “She taught us alright. But you looked like you needed some excitement and I gave it to you.”

   Libby gave an exasperated sigh and turned back to her sky gazing. Then out of the blue, Mitch said softly, “Libby, I’ve talked to your father about this and he gave his permission. I was wondering… well” — then very quickly—“would you be willing to enter into a courtship with me?”

   Libby nearly fainted. He was finally asking her! Her heart was pounding and she had to control herself not to fling herself into his strong arms and cry with delight.

   Instead, she turned to him and whispered, “Mitch, there is nothing else I’d rather do than have you court me.”

   Mitch reached out and pulled her into a tight, warm embrace. For the first time in all her life Libby felt safe, secure and at peace. All at the same time. She smiled into the darkness. I have received what my heart desires.

 

*A year later*

  

“Mitchell James Carter, you are going to hear from me if you do not appear in five minutes.” Liberty Flanders tapped her foot and looked for the hundredth time at the clock.

Mrs. Hearter clicked her tongue and said mildly, “Child, calm down. When my husband was late picking me up for buggy drives, I always found something to do to keep me busy until he came. Now I suggest that you do the same. If you want to do something there’s a fine stack of dishes in the kitchen needing to be washed.”

Libby knelt beside the older woman. “You’re such a dear Mrs. Hearter. I’m going to wait outside if you don’t mind.”

The good woman smiled and excused her.

Libby stepped out into the cool fall evening and heard the bells from the church ringing. Mesmerized by the sound she stood still, facing the sound..

A couple months before she had taken the school teachers job but told them, blushing, it might be temporary. No one had pressed any further, knowing that Mitch Carter had his eye on her.

So far she enjoyed it. There was a few rough times but overall the students loved their teacher and she loved them.

A tap on her shoulder made her whirl around. Mitch held out his hand and apologized. “I had to stop to get something.”

Libby graciously let it slip by but warned with a smile, “Please don’t let it happen again.”

Mitch nodded and grabbed her hand, helping her into the buggy. He climbed up next to her and slapped the reins. The horses jumped forward, slamming Libby back against her seat.

After an hour or so of driving, Mitch laid down the reins and grasped Libby’s small, cool hand. “Liberty Flanders, we’ve been courting for a little over a year. I want to take this a step further.” Mitch swallowed and leaned closer. “Will you be my wife?”

Tears came to Libby’s eyes and she choked. Throwing herself into his arms she gasped, “Yes! Oh Mitch! Yes!” She couldn’t speak any more because of the lump in her throat.

Mitch cupped her face in his hand and whispered, “I love you, Libby.”

“I love you too, Mitch.”

The full moon fell on their faces. Mitch leaned down and kissed the girl he loved more than anything or anyone in the world.

Then something cool slipped over Libby’s finger and she glanced down. A diamond gold ring was on her finger and she gasped at its beauty. Mitch smiled and said, “A beautiful ring to match my beautiful girl.”

PART TWO >>