THE CHIPPEWA FALLS DAWSONS
Chapter Seventeen
The next few months passed quickly. Everyone
on the Leary farm was busy. Rose, Ruth, and Elaine were adjusting to life on a
farm. Jack and the Leary men spent all morning working in the fields and then
went over to the Dawson farm to rebuild the house. The work made them all
grumpy, but it was satisfying. The women would spend the mornings there and
help as much as they could. Not only were they rebuilding the house, but they
were also building a smaller house for Ruth to live in. It had been her idea,
and she was using the money she had brought to buy all the supplies. The Dawson
house was beginning to take shape. The fields were left alone; Jack was hoping to
be able to plant next year.
It had become obvious to everyone that
Michael was fascinated with Elaine. It was soon apparent that the feelings were
mutual, but they still hadn’t spent much time together. Too much work was going
on. Michael figured that this winter would be soon enough to court Elaine.
The fourth of July came, and everyone took a
break to go to the festivities. There was going to be a dance in town, and lots
of food. For the last week, the women had been in the kitchen, preparing food.
The men had tried to get ahead, so that taking a day off wouldn’t put them
behind. Rose was looking forward to being able to spend a whole day alone with
Jack. It seemed like forever since they had had more than an hour alone. And
that was usually before bed. Some nights they were so tired, they fell asleep
lying on top of the covers. Rose had known how hard it was going to be, but
sometimes she felt abandoned by Jack. All it took was a smile from him to
remind her how happy she really was.
They loaded up into two wagons, and started
into town. There was going to be a tent revival in the morning, and they didn’t
want to miss it. The Learys were religious people, and had not missed one
Sunday at church, no matter how much work needed to get done. Jack and Rose had
gone with them. Being part of the church had helped bring some of the town
folks back on Jack’s side. They were starting to treat Jack and Rose like part
of the community.
Jack and Rose were sitting in the back of one
of the wagons. He had his arm around her, and they were laughing at some jokes
that Jack had heard the last time he went into town. Elaine and Michael were
sitting with their legs hanging off the back of the wagon. They seemed to just
be enjoying being together. A few looks passed between them, but no talking.
Michael was shy, and Elaine was willing to wait for him to get his courage up.
Mr. and Mrs. Leary were driving one wagon, with Ruth sitting on the other side
of Mrs. Leary. They were discussing the best way to pluck a chicken.
Rose glanced up at her mother, and laughed.
"Jack, did you hear what Mother just said?"
"Yep. Sure did."
"She sure has come a long way. This time
last year we were fighting about my engagement to Cal!"
"She seems to have realized that you
were more important to her than money."
"I know. I’m just so happy, Jack. I hope
this never changes. I’m excited about this party, too. What exactly happens at
a fourth of July celebration?"
Jack started to tell Rose stories of past
fourth of Julys and kept her fascinated the rest of the trip into town.
The Leary’s pulled into town and they headed
over to the tent that had been set up. They were too late to get seats in the
front row, but they managed to get seats close. Ruth would have no part of a
tent revival, so she was left to set up a table by the town square. She laid
out all the food, and then sat on a rock in the shade. Ruth felt younger than
she had in years. She was adapting to this life faster than she thought
possible. A few of the other town folks who didn’t go to the revival were also
setting up around the square. A few even came over to talk to Ruth as she sat
on the rock. In no time at all, everyone was pouring out of the tent, looking
for food. Ruth stood up and watched Jack and Rose walking towards her. They
were so happy, him with his arm around Rose’s shoulders, talking quietly. I
wonder what they’re talking about. It can’t be anything that preacher said,
from the look on my daughter’s face. I know that look. She’s going to get into
some mischief.