and it had been necessary to find a job. Thus the reason he now found himself an employee of the Pony Express as the station keeper on the Young farm. He would work and save his money so he could continue the search for Charlotte because he had to fulfill his promise to his grandmother.
The air seemed to match Jacob’s mood and turned frosty. Seth sighed inwardly. He had a job to do and knew he couldn’t do it alone, so silently he turned to his Maker. Lord, this family’s emotions are all over the place. Please, help me to bring some kind of peace to them while I’m here.
Anger radiated from her oldest son. She’d felt it all the way from town. As she climbed down from the wagon, Rebecca called to him, “Jacob, will you help me carry the supplies into the house?” Rebecca had a feeling she knew what was wrong with Jacob.
“Sure, Ma.” Jacob took the box from the wagon and followed her up the porch steps.
“Boys, let’s unload this wood,” Seth ordered. His strong voice had her other sons hurrying to do his bidding.
Rebecca held the door open for Joy and Jacob. Once inside she said, “Joy, go change into your work clothes.” Then she headed for the kitchen, where the real work awaited her.
She allowed Jacob to place the box on the kitchen counter and then asked, “What happened in the general store that upset you so?”
Jacob met her gaze. “Do you have any idea what they are saying about you and Seth?” He lowered his eyes as if realizing for the first time how personal this situation was for his mother.
“I have a good idea of what Mr. Edwards says.” She began to unload the box.
Anguish filled the young boy’s voice. “It isn’t right.”
Rebecca sighed. “No, son, it isn’t, but I can’t stop people from talking.” She met his gaze. “We need the money the Pony Express pays to provide a future for you boys and the experience it offers could be useful later in life. You’re going to make history, I just know it. Papa John thought so, too.”
“Well, we may not be able to stop them from talking but I made the decision to move back into the house on the way home. You and the little kids need a grown man to watch over things.” He put both hands on the back of the chair and leaned into it.
She turned her back on him to hide her grin. Her oldest son planned to protect her reputation. Rebecca nodded. “I like that idea. Why don’t you take the room across from mine?”
His sigh warmed her heart. Day after day, Jacob proved to be a good man and, God willing, would make a good husband someday, too. “I’ll go help unload the wood and then bring my things inside.”
Rebecca turned from the spices she’d just taken from the box. “Jacob, wait.”
He stopped and looked at her, his eyes sad. Things had changed a lot for the young man in just a matter of hours. Rebecca walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his narrow waist.
Jacob hugged her back. “It will be all right, Ma. Seth seems like a good man. I’m sure he’ll set folks straight soon enough.”
Rebecca grinned. Once more the boy thought only of her. She pulled away. “I’m sure he will, son.” She released him. “You better go on out and help with the lumber.”
Jacob patted her shoulder, then turned to do as she said. Rebecca wanted to pull him back, offer him comfort, but Jacob wasn’t twelve years old anymore. He’d work through whatever bothered him in his own time. She just prayed he’d share his troubles with her should they get too great for him to carry alone.
* * *
Seth looked around the barnyard. The lumber had been delivered from the general store. Each of the boys had chosen a mount to care for and Jacob had shared his concerns about his ma and younger siblings being in the house alone at night.
The horses moved quietly in the corral as the sun sank in the western sky. Weariness hung about Seth’s shoulders like a dark thundercloud.
Rebecca stepped out on the front porch. He waved to her and watched as she walked across the yard to join him. A light blue shawl hung over her shoulders, and her hair, which he’d only seen up in a bun, now hung down her back in a braid that reminded him of a golden lasso.
When she got within speaking distance he said, “I’m about to swear the boys in as Pony Express men. Would you like to join us?”
“Yes, John and I had planned on doing that as a family, so I should be there, even if he can’t be.” Rebecca pulled the edges of her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Sorrow filled her pretty blue eyes. “Is it a ceremony-type swearing in or a simple handshake and ‘welcome to the Pony Express’?”
“It’s a solemn formality, so, yes, I guess it’s a ceremony.”
“Would you like to use the house? I could put on the tablecloth we use for special occasions. It’s late but shouldn’t take but a few minutes.”
“No, that won’t be necessary. In front of the fireplace will be fine. That way, Benjamin will see how we do things and learn what’s ahead for him and perhaps even look forward to it.”
Seth had thought about having her come to the bunkhouse, but at her suggestion he decided it might be better to have the boys go to her. Plus, she’d have to bundle up Joy and Beni, so it would be easier on her if he brought the boys to the house. “I’ll get the boys and we’ll be right in,” he offered.
“Thank you.” She turned and walked back to the house.
Ten minutes later, they assembled in the living room, Joy propped against Rebecca’s legs, her corn-silk doll in her lap. There was an air of expectancy among them, an excitement about the unknown.
Seth cleared his throat. “This is an important day as you boys take your first step into manhood. When a boy can handle responsibility, can be depended on to carry out a job, then he is thought to be a man. I trust that each of you will with honesty and pride uphold your position in the United States Postal Service.” He reached to pick up his Bible from the table. “If you young men will step forward we will commence with the swearing in.” They walked forward, shyness preventing them from showing how eager and proud they were to be involved in something bigger than themselves.
When they stood in front of him, he paused a moment, his gaze moving from one to the other. “Lift your right hand and repeat after me. ‘I—’” he waited until each boy had voiced his name, then continued “‘—do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while I am an employee of Russell, Majors and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers, so help me God.’”
The boys repeated the words with force and pride. Seth glanced at Rebecca and noticed Benjamin standing beside her, holding the same pose as the other boys. He walked over to him. “Benjamin, did you say the oath, also?”
Benjamin nodded his small head, his eyes down.
Rebecca
