Wilkesboro
They arrived in Wilkesboro about five o’clock. It looked smaller than Salisbury but much larger than Yadkinville. They crossed Cub Creek and headed straight down Main Street. Luke stopped at the first inn and secured two rooms for them. The larger one had a bed and a trundle, and the women would take it. Luke left them to freshen up, while he went to stable the mules and wagon.
“I feel so wilted and as wrinkled as dried fruit,” Ivy said. “I can’t wait to get into a fresh dress.” Leah agreed. Camping had left her feeling grimier than usual.
“Here, Patsy. Take this dress downstairs and see if someone will let you use an iron,” Ivy said. “Be quick about it before you’re in the way of supper preparations.”
“Yes, Miss Ivy.” She took Ivy’s dress and picked up Leah’s, too.
“Wilkesboro seems a little more civilized than I expected,” Ivy said. “Since we left Salisbury, I feared we would see nothing but wilderness. This town gives me hope.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased.” It was about time Ivy found something likable.
Patsy came back with their ironed dresses. “The lady was going to charge me for this, but when I helped her move some heavy pots of water, she said never mind about the fee.”
“Thank you,” Leah said. Patsy smiled and Ivy frowned.
Ivy poured water from the pitcher into the bowl and washed up first. Leah went downstairs, emptied the bowl, got fresh water, and washed up next. Patsy had offered to fetch the water, but Leah didn’t want to continue treating her like a slave.
“I don’t like you washing right in front of me, Patsy,” Ivy said. “You should go somewhere else or wait until I go down to supper.”
“She’s not a slave anymore, Ivy,” Leah said.
“She’s still a darky, though. No papers are going to change that.”
“Yes, when the Europeans immigrated to America, many of them were discriminated against, too, but they were eventually disseminated, and today it is hard to tell one from the other. The Irish seem to be the European group on the bottom right now, but eventually they’ll fit in, too. The Africans are never going to be able to do that in the same way. Prejudiced people are always going to be able to pick them out.”
“Save your highfalutin lectures for Luke. He seems to appreciate them. I don’t.”
When Luke knocked on their door and came in, he had cleaned up, too. Leah’s breath caught, and she quickly looked away. This growing attraction just wouldn’t do.
“Are you ladies ready to eat?” he asked. “We didn’t have much for dinner, and I’m ready for supper.”
“Whatever you think is best,” Ivy said, and smiled sweetly at Luke. He seemed as surprised as Leah. Leah looked at her sister. What was she up to now? She must have decided to change tactics, since her pouting hadn’t worked.
“I’ll just go on down to the kitchen, get a plate, and bring it back to the room to eat,” Patsy said. “They’ll probably think I’m getting it for one of you, anyway.”
The proprietor came to take their order. “We have some nice beef stew, but the Missus is in the process of frying up some fresh catfish, and I’d recommend it. It’s just coming out of the pan.”
Leah and Luke ordered the catfish, and Ivy wanted the stew. The catfish came with boiled potatoes in an herb butter sauce, coleslaw, and cornbread. Ivy had the stew and wheat bread.
“Where did you get this catfish?” Luke asked, when the owner came by. “This is really good.”
“It is, isn’t it? I just had me a sample piece. A passel of brothers must’ve gone fishing today. They came by with a slew they’d just caught. I bought them for a good price, and they even cleaned them for us. Agnes is going to serve them up until they’re gone, then it’ll just be the beef stew. It’s a good thing you folks came a little early. He looked at Ivy. Would you like me to bring you some catfish, Miss?”
“No, thank you,” Ivy said. “I’m happy with my stew. I don’t care for fish.”
“I heard Father say he thought fish is good for the skin and hair,” Luke told her.
“Do you think my skin and hair need help, Luke?” She said it as if she knew the answer, but her tone was honeyed, and she seemed to be flirting.
“No, I certainly don’t. I don’t think you could improve on anything, as far as your appearance goes.” He gave her a melting smile, and she beamed.
“The mules are getting privileged treatment. They’re being housed in the courthouse,” Luke told them with a twinkle in his eye.
“Is that true?” Leah asked him.
“I know you haven’t known me long, but have you ever known me to lie?” His eyes still held that teasing look.
“No, I don’t, but there’s more to the story than you’ve told us.”
“Yes, there is,” he laughed. “The first courthouse was a log structure. The court ordered it moved from the square in 1830 and a new courthouse built. They moved the log building from the site and turned it into a stable. So, you see, the mules are staying in a courthouse.” He laughed again.
“Or what used to be a courthouse.” Leah laughed, too.
“That was a good one, Luke,” Ivy cooed, but her eyes showed no merriment.
“Would you ladies like to go for a walk before it gets dark?” Luke asked.
When they agreed, he asked Leah to go up and get Patsy.
“Do we have to take her?” Ivy asked sweetly. “Wouldn’t it be better to leave her in the room?”
“I think Patsy would enjoy seeing the town, too,” Luke told her. “She’s probably never been off the plantation, and it’ll be good for her to see new things.”
“You’re always thinking about others, aren’t you, dear?”
“According to the Bible, it’s what we’re supposed to do.”
“Of course it is.” Leah could tell Ivy wanted to appear agreeable, but she didn’t really agree.
Leah left to get Patsy. She didn’t know if she preferred the pouting Ivy or this honeyed, sweet one. She’d been getting more nauseated by the minute, almost like when she’d overindulged in rich desserts as a child. She wished she could get a sister somewhere between the two extremes.
First, they walked east, the way they’d come into town. Not far down Main Street they saw the Presbyterian Church.
“I like the simplicity of the building,” Leah said. “Isn’t it Greek Revival style?”
“I think you’re right,” Luke said. “Don’t tell me you know architecture, too.”
“Not really. Papa had a few books on it. The church is made of red brick I see, and look at those massive white stucco columns.”
“They almost look too big for the tiny church,” Ivy said.
“The style is similar to the courthouse they’re building in Salisbury,” Leah observed, “but this is a much smaller version.”
“You’re being quiet back there, Patsy,” Luke said.
“I don’t have nothing to say, Master Luke. I’m just taking all this in.”
“Why don’t we dispense with the master and switch it to mister or, better yet, just Luke? ‘Master Luke’ makes me uncomfortable. I’m no one’s master.”
“That’s not exactly true, Luke,” Ivy said. “You’re my master.” She gave him a theatrical smile, one she had practiced many times for its allure. Luke appeared to stifle what he started to say. As they admired the church, they heard, “Well, hello. Are you folks interested in coming to church? I’m Reverend Pharr, the pastor here.”
Luke introduced them and said, “We’d like to come, but I’m afraid we’ll be leaving before Sunday. We’re on our way to the mountains.”
“It’s a pretty church,” Leah said.
“Thank you. We’re rather proud of it. If you’re seeing the sights, you’ll also want to see St. Paul’s Episcopal Church up on the hill past the courthouse headed west. It was built by Dameron, the same builder who built this church. You’d never know it by its looks, though. The Episcopal is Gothic in style.”
“I’ve heard of it,” Luke said. “The faculty and students from the seminary at Valle Crucis in Watauga County walked all the way down here for the opening ceremonies.”
“How far was that?” Leah asked.
“About fifty miles, I’d guess,” Luke told her.
“The Episcopal church was built in 1848, about a year before this one,” the minister told them.
“Thank you for the information,” Luke said and shook his hand.
“You’re welcome, and come to church anytime you can. We’d love to have you.”
They seemed to be getting out of the main part of town, so they turned around and headed west. The town seemed to contain many private homes. There were businesses, too, including three general stores, three doctors, and three attorneys.
The new courthouse had been made of brick but had a rock foundation, which Leah found odd. It still looked impressive, however.
“It looks almost majestic, doesn’t it?” Ivy said.
“I think I heard someone say this is one of the best courthouses in the state now,” Luke said.
Luke pointed out a large oak tree standing nearby. “They call it the ‘Tory Oak,’” he said. “In 1779, during the War for Independence, Colonel Benjamin Cleveland’s scouts caught about five Tories, who’d stolen some horses. They hanged them on this oak. The British sent a captain with two men to capture Cleveland. They were also taken prisoner and hanged on the Tory Oak.”
“How do you know all this?” Ivy asked.
“I guess living in the area helps, and I pay attention to what people tell me. Plus, I’ve always been interested in history and learning. Besides, Cleveland is considered a hero in these parts.”
Much of the town seemed to be clustered around the courthouse. Past it to the right, as the pastor had said, the Episcopal Church sat on a hill.
“It indeed does look different, doesn’t it?” Luke said. “And, to think, this builder also built the Presbyterian Church.”
“He must have been talented,” Leah said. “Although, about the only things the two churches have in common are their bell towers and their brick.”
“Look, there’s the post office,” Luke said. “I think I’ll write Father before we leave and post it from here. If any of you would like to include a note or letter, you can.”
“I’d like to do so,” Leah said. “I’d like to at least send him a letter of thanks for his kind hospitality.”
They walked a little farther, but soon turned and went back to the inn. As dusk began to settle, Leah sensed the streets might be getting more dangerous. She saw a man, who’d been behind them, stop and stare. When he realized Leah had noticed him, he quickly turned his eyes elsewhere. Maybe he had just been looking at Ivy, because her sister often got stares.
The women slept well. They’d been so tired from the jolting wagon ride and camping out, the bed felt particularly comfortable. They went to bed early and were asleep almost immediately.
Leah awoke earlier than the other two. She quietly washed from the basin and put on her same dress. When she went downstairs, Luke sat at a table drinking a cup of coffee.
“I’m glad to finally have someone to talk with,” he said, as he held out the chair for her.
“Have you been up for a while then?”
“I have. I think this is my third mug of coffee, but I haven’t eaten yet. Shall we order?”
“We might as well. Ivy will sleep until much later, and Patsy won’t eat with us anyway.”
“Are they both still asleep then?”
“They are.”
“Let them sleep as long as they can. I plan to stay here today, and we’ll leave early in the morning, weather permitting. I don’t want to deal with a heavy rain.”
“Do we have a long distance to go?”
“It’s only about as far from here to Boone as it was from Yadkinville here, but the steep grade will slow us down. The farm is on the other side of Boone, toward Grandfather Mountain, too.”
“Will we make it in a day?”
“We should if we get an early start, and we don’t have any mishaps or hold-ups along the way. I’m planning on driving all the way to the farm.”
They were served boiled eggs, butter, and a basket of muffins and breads warm from the oven. Luke continued to drink coffee, and Leah had tea.
“Ivy seemed more pleasant yesterday, didn’t she?” If she could, Leah wanted to see what Luke had been thinking about Ivy’s behavior.
“Yes, she was. What do you think of her change of attitude?”
“I don’t know. She doesn’t confide in me. Do you think she’s decided to look forward to the wedding again?”
“That is the important question, isn’t it? However, most people don’t change their minds on basic beliefs and values that quickly, unless God is involved.”
“I’ve seen no signs of her turning to God.”
“I know you told me you’ve been baptized. Has Ivy?”
“No, she hasn’t. She said she didn’t want to get all wet and mess up her hair.”
Luke shook his head. “I don’t think I understand her.”
“I’m not sure I do either, but I do love her. I don’t want anything bad to befall her, but I think I care more for her than she does for me. We’re just so different that it’s been better for us to stay away from each other as much as possible. It’s sad when you think we’re sisters and only two years apart in age.”
“So you’re seventeen, then? I knew Ivy was nineteen, but I’d never heard your age.”
“Yes, I’ll turn eighteen in September. What do you think of the way Ivy’s been acting?” There. She’d been blunt enough for sure. Luke had a knack of turning the conversation to Leah every time they talked.
“I’m just going to wait and see how she feels when we get to the farm. Perhaps the uncomfortable trip has made her irritable. But, I promised to marry her, and that’s what I still plan to do, if she still wants to marry me. I began to wonder after the way she reacted about my Cherokee heritage. I’m not going to rush things, however. I see now we both need to take the time to really get to know the other. I’m glad she’s out of her bad mood, though. It’ll make things easier for everyone.”
“I admire your patience, Luke. It’s a virtue I sometimes find I lack.”
“It’s easier when you give your life to God and know everything’s in his hands.”
“I know that, too, but thank you for reminding me. I need to remember it more.”
“Well, I have some business to take care of this morning. What are your plans?”
“Do you think it would be okay if we walk around town and maybe go to the store?”
“Normally, it would be fine, especially if you stayed in the central area, but I’m a little cautious, since we left secretly. If someone had trailed us, they could easily grab you and Ivy. I’d prefer you’d stay inside unless I’m with you.”
“Do you think they’re still searching for us?”
“I don’t know, but I sensed someone might be following us yesterday when we walked around town.”
“I thought I saw someone, too.”
“I don’t know how long I’ll be,” Luke said, “but I’m certain I’ll be back for dinner.”
Leah went back to the room. Patsy had already gotten up and gone down to the kitchen, but Ivy still slept. Leah got out her Bible she’d moved from her trunk to her travel bag, sat down in the chair near the window, and began to read.
Patsy came back shortly and smiled at Leah, but they didn’t speak, so they wouldn’t disturb Ivy. Both preferred the peace as long as possible. Patsy quietly moved a chair closer to the window and began to mend some clothes.
Leah read several chapters then remembered she wanted to write Dr. Moretz. Luke had already written his letter and had let Leah borrow his pen and ink and have some paper. They would mail them after dinner. She wrote a brief letter and read back over it.
Dear Dr. Moretz,
I wanted to thank you again for your warm hospitality. I enjoyed our visit ever so much.
We didn’t find a suitable place to stay in Yadkinville, so we camped beside the wagon Monday night. It turned out to be a lovely night, and everything went well. We bought enough produce at a store in Yadkinville to cook a warm supper.
Thank Frances and your housekeeper for the food they sent. It was appreciated by all and lasted as long as we needed it. We finished the last of it for the noon meal Tuesday.
We arrived in Wilkesboro about five o’clock Tuesday afternoon. We would have been here earlier, but the road grew very rough, and we were delayed by a freight wagon with a broken wheel. I think he was hauling libations, but Luke helped him with his wagon, and we were able to continue west.
Wilkesboro is a quaint town, but it has some impressive buildings, especially the courthouse and churches. The inn, where we’re staying, is clean and sufficient, and the food is quite good. How long has it been since you were here?
We plan to start out early in the morning. I’m eager to see the mountains, and to meet your mother. I pray we encounter no problems on this, our last part of the journey.
I hope this letter finds you well. Please reply soon and let me know how things are there and all the latest news. I shall be eagerly waiting to hear from you.
Yours truly,
Leah Morgan
Much later, Ivy woke up. “My, I needed that.” She stretched. “I was tired.”
“You’ve missed breakfast,” Leah told her, “and you probably need to start getting dressed for dinner.” Leah knew Ivy never got ready quickly.
“Where’s Luke?”
“He said he had some business to take care of this morning, and he would meet us back here for dinner.”
“So, you saw him, then?”
“Yes, we had breakfast together this morning.”
“How cozy. Look, Leah, a fool could see you are becoming besotted with Luke. Don’t go getting any ideas. He’s mine, and he’s not going to look at another woman.”
“I would never try to take Luke from you.”
“That’s good to hear. See that you don’t.” It appeared Ivy’s sweetness only extended as far as Luke.
Ivy got ready, and Luke still hadn’t returned. They could’ve heard him moving about next door if he had.
“I’m getting tired of this room,” Ivy said. “I’m going to the store. At least it will be something to do. Do you think Luke might have an account set up there?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t think you should charge anything without his permission.”
“Never mind, I have the money from the ruined dress.”
“Luke said he wanted us to stay inside in case someone was following us.”
“Nonsense—if someone were following us, we’d know it by now. I’ll go alone, if you don’t want to go.”
Leah would never forgive herself if Ivy went alone and something happened, so the three left the inn. Leah and Ivy walked together, and Patsy followed closely behind. They hadn’t gone far when Leah looked back and noticed the same man she had seen last night, and this time he didn’t seem to be hanging back. In fact, he walked fast enough to be gaining on them.
“We’re being followed,” Leah whispered to Ivy.
Ivy looked back. “It’s your imagination, you ninny.” Leah looked back again and saw no one. She knew she’d seen the man, but had she just imagined he’d been following them?
Luke came out of the store just as they started in. They almost collided. “What are you doing here?”
“Ivy insisted on coming, and I didn’t want her to come alone,” Leah said.
“Didn’t Leah tell you I wanted you to stay in the inn?”
“No, she didn’t. I’m sorry, Luke. I wouldn’t have come if I’d known.”
“I heard Miss Leah tell you,” Patsy said as she backed up out of Ivy’s reach, “but you said you’d come by yourself if she didn’t want to come.”
“Well now,” Luke said with a frown, “standing in the street arguing isn’t going to solve anything. Let’s go get something to eat. Maybe some food will make us all feel better.”
“Leah’s as jumpy as a marionette on a string.” Ivy said as they ate. “She said someone had followed us, but when I looked, I couldn’t see a soul.”
“That’s why I didn’t want you to go out. It would be easy for someone to grab two unescorted ladies.”
“Well, I don’t know about that. I think Leah and I together might put up enough resistance for it to take more than one somebody.”
“There could be more than one man.”
“It sounds like a lot of crying ‘wolf’ to me. There could be a lot of things.”
Luke didn’t say anything else, but he looked troubled. Leah’s worry ratcheted up a notch, too.
“I’ve got one more thing to do today,” Luke said as they finished their meal. “If you have your letter written, Leah, I’ll go by the post office, while I’m out.”
“I finished it this morning.”
“Since we can’t go out without you, won’t you let us go, too?” Ivy asked.
“Not this time, but I won’t be gone as long as before. I just have two stops to make.”
Ivy stuck out her lip, but said nothing. She didn’t like not getting her way.
“Come,” Luke said, “I’ll escort you ladies to your room and get Leah’s letter.”
True to his word, Luke came back within an hour. When he returned, he wanted them to walk to the courthouse with him.
“I just saw the most fascinating thing,” he told them as they left. “Two strange-looking men, joined at the waist, just went into the courthouse. I think I remember Father once mentioning something about conjoint twins touring the county as a side show, but I’ve never seen anything like it.”
As they started up the steps to the courthouse, Luke saw someone he knew. “Rayhue, what are you doing in Wilkesboro?”
“Well, hello, Luke. I had some business here. I bought some land just across the county line. I thought one or more of the boys might need it someday.”
Luke made the introductions. Rayhue looked to be close to Dr. Moretz’s age and seemed friendly and talkative.
“What are you doing at the courthouse?” Rayhue asked.
“I just saw a strange pair of twins go into here. I wanted the ladies to see them.”
“Yes, I’ve met Eng and Chang Bunker. They were born in Siam, but when they were sixteen, they were put on show around the world. They traveled for ten years, but became tired of it. One of their shows had been in Wilkesboro, and they loved the town and people, so they decided to settle here. They ran a store in town for a while, but ended up buying a farm north of town. They married sisters and have two households and children, I hear.”
About that time, the twins came out. Sure enough, they were joined at the mid-section.
“Hello there,” Rayhue said to them. “I’m Rayhue Wilcox. Do you remember meeting me at the doctor’s house? I live near Stony Fork.”
“Yes, yes, we remember.”
“I’d like you to meet my friend, Luke Moretz, who owns a farm in Watauga County. These ladies are his fiancée, Ivy Morgan; her sister, Leah; and their maid, Patsy. This is Eng and Chang Bunker.”
“Beautiful young women,” Chang said.
“Must go quickly,” Eng added. “Need to buy supplies and get home.”
“Nice to meet you,” Chang said as they left.
Ivy continued to stare at them as they walked away.
They were fascinating, but Leah tried not to stare. The twins must get too many of those.
“What did you ladies think of Eng and Chang?” Luke asked as they walked back.
“I could hardly believe what I was seeing,” Ivy said. “I’ve never seen anything so bizarre. And to think they are each married and have children. I just can’t fathom it.”
“It must be hard for them, always being stared at and treated as oddities,” Leah said. Luke smiled an agreement.
“Well, they are oddities,” Ivy said. “Their oriental looks make them stand out, and then to be joined like that.”
“What a handsome little boy.” Ivy now stared at a family getting out of a farm wagon in front of a store. “That could be your son in a few years, Luke.”
Leah looked. The boy seemed to be about ten, and he was already handsome enough to turn heads.
“Come on, Tom, don’t dawdle,” the woman said. Tom had been staring at Ivy.
“What can I do for you today, Miz Dooley?” Leah heard the store clerk ask, as they walked by the door.