29

Margaret hadn’t felt so sad since Thomas left with her heart in December. It didn’t seem like five months had gone by…it was more like an eternity. Now Elizabeth was leaving too.

Ensign Miller offered the services of his horse to Papa. The dock wasn’t far away, but he mentioned that his horse would make the trip in short order so as not to cause Elizabeth too much discomfort. The ensign offered to accompany Papa as far as Galveston because he needed to wire his superiors back in New Orleans on the progress that had been made in preparation for the delivery of the temporary lighthouse.

Papa had mentioned on several occasions how grateful he was to have the young man staying with them. He’d said it was a comfort knowing he would be there should anything happen in his absence.

The whole family was touched by how understanding Miller was about Elizabeth. Even though no one said exactly what was wrong with her, he seemed to comprehend the situation. He assured Papa he would watch after the family in his absence.

Mama didn’t utter a word as she loaded some of the rations into a basket for the trip.

“Papa said he would try to buy some fresh fruit for Elizabeth when they get to Galveston.”

Mama didn’t answer.

“You should have seen June and Jeremiah carrying quilts and pillows out to the cart for Elizabeth to lie on. Those pillows are bigger than they are.” She thought surely that would get a reaction from Mama, but she was wrong. “Come on, Mama, let’s get this basket outside.” Margaret picked up the container of food, linked elbows with Mama, and pulled her out of the kitchen.

Ensign Miller held June and Jeremiah in his arms while they petted his horse on the nose.

Papa loaded Elizabeth’s bags into the small cart.

Margaret placed the food basket on top of the other things.

Papa finished loading and then checked the wheels on the cart. “Keep an eye on this wheel when you come back this way. Looks as if there’s a loose peg.”

Miller put the little ones down and took a look at the wheel. “I will, but don’t you worry about it. I’ll get you and your daughter to Galveston and on a ferry to the mainland. I suppose you’ll be able to catch a stagecoach from there; I don’t really know. But you have plenty of money to help you along the way.”

Papa nodded at him and turned to Margaret and Mama. “Caroline, I’ve asked Ensign Miller to help out with some of the heavier chores while I’m gone. Margaret, you know what needs done to keep the place going and you can answer any questions Miller might have.”

“Yes, sir.”

“June…Jeremiah, do what your mama and Margaret tell you to do, ya hear?”

June put her head down as if he’d given her an impossible task. “Yes, sir,” she answered.

“Is she ready, Margaret?”

“Yes, sir.”

Papa went into the house. The screen door slammed shut behind him.

Jeremiah looked at Mama with longing in his eyes. “I go Papa?”

“No, no, Jeremiah. You can’t go with Papa. He’s taking Elizabeth, not you,” June answered.

Mama turned her head away and sobbed silently into a handkerchief. No matter how innocent the words were meant, they worked to pluck out Mama’s heart.

“June, why don’t you go and open the door for Papa,” Margaret said.

June pulled it open just in time for Papa to come through with Elizabeth’s thin frame cradled in his arms. Papa laid her in the cart, her head on a pillow. Mama covered her with a quilt and tucked it in around her.

“Mr. Logan, why don’t you ride, and I’ll walk beside the cart.”

“No…I want her to be able to see me. I’ll walk.”

Miller didn’t argue with Papa. He hoisted onto the saddle and patted his horse’s neck while the family said their goodbyes.

Papa gestured for them all. “Everyone gather around the wagon. I’d like to say a prayer before we leave. Let’s hold hands. Caroline, pick up Elizabeth’s hand.” He prayed for God to give them safety on the road. He prayed for Mama, Margaret, June, and Jeremiah’s safety while he was gone. He spent the most time praying that Elizabeth would be healed. By the time he was finished, they all cried. Tears even rolled down Elizabeth’s cheeks.

Margaret lifted Jeremiah over the edge of the cart to say his short goodbye.

Mama held June up to say her long-winded farewell.

Margaret leaned over and kissed Elizabeth on the forehead. “Get well, sister. I love you.” She wiped the tears from her face with her apron.

Papa looked at Caroline. “I expect to return before the new lighthouse arrives, but if not, Ensign Miller will be here to carry on with the erection plans without me.”

Mama’s tears spoke for her.

Papa lifted her chin and kissed her.

Margaret’s heart ached watching the love flow between her parents. She wished more than ever that Thomas was there to help them all get through this, but it wasn’t to be.

Papa hugged Margaret, June, and Jeremiah and turned to Miller on his horse. “You ready, Ensign?”

“Yes, sir.”

Miller flipped the reins up and clicked his tongue. The horse walked down the property line toward the port.

Mama picked up Jeremiah and pulled June close to her side. They waved and hollered goodbye. Mama started sucking in short breaths of air. She set down Jeremiah, put her hand over her mouth, and ran inside the house.

Margaret felt lonelier than the days following Thomas’s departure. There was no one to comfort her now…not even Mama, who was so heartbroken she couldn’t cope for now.

“I guess it’s just us now.” She looked down at June.

“Let’s go collect some oysters for supper.”

“That sounds like a grand idea. Let’s go find the pail.”

Margaret did her best to smile, but inside she felt as empty as the deep, dark abyss she saw when she looked into Elizabeth’s eyes. Everything was on her shoulders now: the upkeep of the house, her little sister and brother…she even had to watch over Mama. How she longed for Thomas to return. She needed him now more than ever to help her bear this heavy burden. Oh, Thomas, where could you be? Are you safe and well…alive?