Hannah's Hanky by Kirsten Osbourne

Author:Kirsten Osbourne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unlimited Dreams
Published: 2020-03-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

MARCH 29, 1852—JED

We left for Oregon today, and it was a hard day to say the least. My dear bride is sore and tired, but she kept her spirits up and cooked supper for me just as agreed upon. We had to cross the Missouri River this morning, and it was much simpler than expected. We were ferried across the river, and we stayed close, walking along the banks of the river and setting up camp here after a ten-mile drive. All of the wagons are in a circle, and we are all encamped within the circle.

Hannah spent the first day on the trail walking with Mary and her siblings, whom she was watching over, and watching over Mrs. Bolling’s daughters. The girls were excited to start the journey but once they’d had lunch, which was only about a mile after everyone was ferried across the Missouri River, they became cantankerous.

They didn’t like to use a hole in the ground to do their business. They didn’t like it any better when all the women stood in a circle around them with their skirts spread to keep anyone from seeing them when they went. They really didn’t like having to use a leaf to get the feces off their bodies when they were finished. All in all, they were not happy with their first day on the trail.

Hannah suggested to Mrs. Bolling that both of her daughters would do well with a nap in the wagon, and with the other woman’s agreement, she lifted both girls in. Once they were settled, Hannah moved back and walked with Mary, whose mother was now there. It was Hannah’s first opportunity to meet Mrs. Mitchell.

“It’s so good to meet you, Mrs. Mitchell. I truly enjoy Mary’s companionship.”

Mrs. Mitchell shook her head. “Just make sure she learns your good habits, and you don’t learn her bad ones.”

Hannah couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. “I’m not learning anything from Mary that my husband doesn’t approve of.” It was true, but she knew Mrs. Mitchell probably wouldn’t be as lenient with her as Jed was.

As they walked, Hannah had the kittens in her pockets some, and sometimes let them down to walk. Without fail, they would start rolling around and biting one another within minutes of being put on the ground, and Hannah would grumble and carry them again. She honestly wasn’t sure which would hurt her arms more, carrying the kittens or driving the wagon.

The day, she was told, would be like most days on the trail. They’d been woken up by a shot into the sky, and they’d had a short while to have breakfast, make coffee, take care of their bodily needs, and get their wagons reloaded for the day’s drive. Then they’d crossed the river and started walking.

By the end of that first day, Hannah was certain she would never be able to move again, but she was careful not to complain. What was the use? Everyone else would have been hurting as well.

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