Jesse McCann: The Journey (The McCann Family Saga Book 1) by Freeman-Harper Jeanie

Author:Freeman-Harper, Jeanie [Freeman-Harper, Jeanie]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2014-01-03T05:00:00+00:00

XIII: A Significant Sunday

The new and troublesome year of 1888 afforded Jesse one glorious evening, following the discord of the town meeting . He had been invited to visit with Annie and Granny Minna. After leaving a riotous uproar at the church, the ride provided him a sense of calm. He was content with the experience of early winter in the woodlands: whitetail bucks with fully matured racks flashing across his path, holly bushes with red berries dotting the side of the road, and air clean and fragrant after a light rain. Belle trotted along as spiritedly as if she were a filly.

Approaching Annie's house, he was met by several geese who honked and nipped playfully at Belle's shins. Three dogs of mixed breed crawled from under the porch, tails wagging their welcome; and a calico cat skittered up the nearest tree to avoid everything. The white-washed cottage with its gingerbread trim was topped by a rock chimney from which a stream of smoke swirled into obscurity against a gray winter sky. As Jesse swung open the gate, the attached cowbells merrily heralded his arrival. He was met by a breathless Annie. She and her Grany Minna welcomed him into a cozy front room femininely done without being fussy: rugs fashioned from remnants of dyed wool woven into Native American patterns , paintings of Texas wildflowers, and Irish lace curtains over tall windows . It was just as he would have expected.

The food was unpretentious and hearty. The women had cooked a shank of smoked ham and added sweet potatoes from the root cellar and last summer's peas , dry preserved at harvest and simmered back to life on that winter's day. The meal was served in the kitchen next to the warmth of the wood stove, and the three of them ate silently, contentedly.

Finally, the questions began, as Jesse knew they would. The women were curious about the men's town meeting, wondering what was to become of the poor families in Shanty Town should their land be seized to make way for the railroad. Jesse said as little as possible, fully aware that he was still the outsider: “The railroad is a good thing for the mill and for Morgans Bluff. Surely a deal can be struck that will please all.”

“Ah, but you can seldom please everyone, and that is the problem,” added Minna.

“The mill needs the railroad, and the people need their land, and no one seems to compromise.”

“This town needs someone who can stand up and lead the way,” said Minna looking pointedly and directly at him.

After the meal ended, Annie shooed her grandmother and Jesse from the kitchen so she could tidy up. Crooking her arm in his, Minna led Jesse to the hallway where she pointed at two framed photographs hanging on the wall: One was of Annie's father and Minna's son, and the second photograph was of Annie's mother who had died in childbirth. The young man looked of mixed blood with Minna's dark almond shaped eyes and Reese Morgan's strong jawline and aquiline nose .

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