Marjorie's Homecoming: Serendipity's Sacrifices, #2

By Linda L. Lattimer

Marjorie Beasley faces a tough decision when she returns home only to learn her heart is torn for her first love and another.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597053891

Book preview

What They Are Saying About

Margorie’s Homecoming

Linda Lattimer has created a read so full of spunky characters the reader never knows what is going to happen next.

Feuding/loving neighbors experience twists and turns of life that makes you wonder what is really going on between them and when things will get sorted out.  And, then, the author leaves you wanting more with teasing tidbits of information that makes the next book a must read as well.

Reviewer – Mary Jean Kelso

Wings-ePress author

Serendipity’s Sacrifices:

Book Two

MARJORIE’S HOMECOMING

Linda Lattimer

A Wings ePress, Inc.

(Historical Romance Novel)

Edited by: Christie Kraemer

Copy Edited by: Rosalie Franklin

Senior Editor: Leslie Hodges

Executive Editor: Marilyn Kapp

Cover Artist: Richard Stroud

All rights reserved

NAMES, CHARACTERS AND incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Wings ePress Books

Copyright © 2009 by Linda Lattimer

ISBN  978-1-59705-389-1

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

TO MY GRANDMOTHER AND grandfather, Beasley, and to all the Beasley sisters and brothers, (my precious aunts and uncles) who instilled great morals, and kindness, and passed it on to their children. To those who have gone but still remain in our hearts, Uncle Woodrow Beasley, Uncle Woodrow Hall, Aunt Eloise Beasley and Aunt Judy Beasley.

To Bob, who watches from above. And always to the Good Lord.

Acknowledgement:

TO LORRAINE STEPHENS, Marilyn Kapp, Christie Kraemer and the artists, of Wings, who helped with the publication of this book. I am deeply grateful.

One

It was a lovely day as the sky with its blanket of blue floated high for everyone to sweep their eyes upward and view the majesties. There were a few white puffy clouds that would occasionally sweep in little patches then drift silently away.

Serendipity was running and playing in the huge carpeted blush meadow as Patricia, Nadine and Teresa strolled in front of her trying to play hide and seek with their big sister.

All right, you three to do not wander far. We don’t want to be late for supper. Mama is making a pot roast with all the trimmings and a delicious apple pie. The girls licked their lips and ran farther away trying to get Serendipity to follow.

You are mistaken, Serendipity. Have you forgotten our mama is dead? She lives no longer, they all chimed together like the little angels they were. We only have you and papa, they chimed again. Come with us, Serendipity. Follow us where there is always beauty on the other side.

They continued to run faster and faster, pacing their tiny bodies farther ahead of Serendipity until they were completely out of sight. But where? Where could they have disappeared so soon? She had only left them for a moment, now they were gone. She had to find them.

Clouds began rolling in, dark and black. She had to find her sisters. Pa would be mad... furious that she allowed her eyes to stray from them one minute. Where were they? The sky was turning blacker but it was too late.

How did this happen? Pa said as they pulled the ragged bodies out from the mine. Serendipity, I thought you were watching them.

I was Pa. I guess I was so tired I fell asleep for just a few minutes. Her voice choking as the tears strained each word.

You of all people know you can’t leave a child alone for even a second.

Pa, Alan said, please, Serendipity is a young child herself. Hasn’t she done enough since Ma died? Don’t lay this guilt on her.

She should have been watching, Alan. Now my three little girls are dead.

Pa, we all should have been watching, not just Serendipity.

Serendipity eyed the blood stained fragmented bodies, then took one look at her Pa’s strained facial appearance. The guilt was more than she could bear. Quickly she turned and bolted, running far away from the scene that would trouble her mind the rest of her life.

Sara, please wait, child. I didn’t mean it. Pa didn’t mean it.

She could still hear the loud cries from her Pa ringing in her ears. But it was too late, her young sisters were gone.

Oh Alan what have I done to this family? Sara said to no one. Serendipity ran farther and farther without stopping, trying to forget that painful image. Wanting to relinquish from her head her lovely baby sisters. Yet now all she could see were their frail bodies, no longer lifeless but dead. Dead because she could no longer keep watch over them.

NOW ANOTHER BEASLEY gone. The only brother Ma had was now cuddled in her arms bleeding from a gunshot wound. Poor dear Alan, yet another Beasley Serendipity was about to lose.

Oh, Alan, why? What will I do without you and Pa? I can’t find Pa. He was mad about the girls.

Pa’s dead. I buried him with Ma. Must not marry, Buck. Must not let Calahan have our land.

But, Alan, I love Buck. He loves me.

Calahan, only wants land...

Then just like a vapor, Alan was gone. Out of her mist sweet Alan was gone, just like Ma, just like the sisters, just like Pa.

A strong west wind was coming through the valley. There was a rumble of thunder. But it wasn’t thunder. It was horses. A swishing of a sharp arrow flew past her ear, then landed in her shoulder. Where was Buck? Where was Louise? She had to find Louise. They had plans. But where was she? All she could see were his dark eyes, his long silky raven hair that blew as he galloped his horse after her as she ran farther and farther from him. But she wanted her sister, and he would not give her Louise. He would not give her, Louise. Then the soldiers appeared and there was no one.

Serendipity awoke screaming as the sharp plunder of lightning struck the earth’s ground. Buck flew up the stairs followed by the others.

Serendipity, it’s all right, he said pulling her securely in his arms. It’s all right, dear. I’m here. I only went downstairs to get some coffee.

Her lips were quivering. He was here. I heard the horses. Did he return Louise? It’s been a year, why hasn’t he returned her? Why haven’t the soldiers found her? I heard the rumble of horses. I want my sister.

She burst into tears as Buck nestled her in his arms. Sandra stood in the doorway clinging to Amanda.

Buck, should we send another wire to Juanita Sherman and her husband? Amanda inquired.

They are searching. They told us we would be the first to know when they found any sign. No one is giving up.

But what if it wasn’t the Apaches who took her? Sandra gasped. What if it was the Comanches and they sold her to the Comancheros. Then we will never find her. We all can’t go through life like this Buck. Marjorie is due home after a year. We should have all our sisters here.

Buck cast her a troubled look. Sandra, honey, we are all doing what we can. Would you bring Serendipity some breakfast? We need to make her eat. It’s not good that she goes without nourishment. I think she should have her breakfast in bed this morning.

Come on, Sandra, I will help you, Amanda offered, cupping Sandra’s hand in hers.

Buck lowered Serendipity to the pillow. It had gotten worse with the approaching year anniversary of Louise’s disappearance. Marjorie had requested to finish school for six more months and there had been no arguments. If the truth were known, Buck was sure Marjorie couldn’t come back home right away. He was sure she was in a world of grandeur trying not to dwell so much on the disappearance of Louise. Anything to get her through the rough times when deep inside she was carrying her own burden. She had written so to Milton in a letter.

She’s holding her own, Buck, but she’s doing whatever it takes to try to shake the feeling of loss. Her letters say she is having fun but deep down I can imagine it is all show. You know how she was the day she left. She was bouncy but tears fogged her eyes. Ever since the abduction of Louise all the girls are on edge trying to hide what they are actually experiencing. It is harder on them than any of us, Milton had stressed as he held a letter in his hand from Marjorie. I wish I could be there to comfort her now but it isn’t possible with us both on different schedules until she returns. All we have are the letters.

True, it had been arduous on all the Beasley girls, Serendipity, he thought the worse. She had started having dreams of her Ma, her baby sisters again, then Alan and her Pa. If that man ever returned, Buck was going to knock some sense into his skull for leaving those lovely Beasley girls alone like that.

No matter how hard the bluecoat soldiers were searching through every village, he was afraid Sandra’s thoughts might be true. If the Comanches had sold her, she would be in Mexico and there would be no way to find her. And she would be...

The ache in his heart was heavy. A single tear slid down his stubbled cheek. The only girl who wanted to marry him except for Serendipity. The more he thought of those lovely green eyes, it just tore a little more of his heart not knowing, not finding...

Buck, please don’t, Serendipity said encasing his strong slightly calloused hand in hers. Things will get better. We have to hope. I just had another bad dream. And I will try to eat when they bring me the food. This time I will try to eat. I have to think of Marjorie, too. She will be here in a day or two if the coach has no trouble. I’m glad Papa Calahan sent Douglas to watch over her. Then we will be married, you and I.

Well you just best hurry, Amanda said catering the food tray to her lap. The town is going to make you out to be a loose woman if they find out Buck’s been sneaking some winks on the other side of your bed.

Buck wiped his eyes. It has been purely innocent. I’ve kept my clothes on and not even slept under those covers. I just needed to be by my girl.

Yes, you did, Amanda stated with a slight pat on his back. I think the rain has stopped. We certainly had a rough flash of a storm there for awhile. But the crops needed the drenching. Anything special you wish for supper, Serendipity?

No, dear. I will eat whatever you fix. I will be down later.

Well don’t push yourself if you don’t feel up to it. Larry, Milton, and Aubrey are going to come by later for supper if that’s all right.

It is.

Amanda gave Buck a firm kiss on the top of his head then headed toward the door. Things will be better, Serendipity. I saw a rainbow. Haven’t seen one of those in a long time. Marjorie will have a safe trip.

She nodded.

THE MAN WITH THE WAIST length gray hair lay on the buffalo robe watching the young green-eyed girl examine the locket as she did everyday. She was such a beautiful little girl and had filled his heart with pleasure with the passing of his own child.

He stretched his frail hand out to her. Child move closer. I wish to see your face today.

Louise edged closer to the old man.

Have I told you what joy you have given me this past year? She nodded. And the locket is your family? Again she nodded. You miss your family?

Very much, Louise barely whispered.

I am old now. Very old. I go to the spirits and walk with them. I will see that you be returned to your people.

But what if they do not allow me safe passage? Again her words practically failed her.

They know my wishes if something happens to me. You have been good to me. You will not receive harm at our hands. You are my child that I have grown to love. And even though Flying Hawk should not have removed you from your family, it did bring me joy.

But Flying Hawk scares me. He will not allow me to go home.

He is not the chief. He will do as the others command. What I expect of them. The old man drew a labored breath as his hands clutched his chest. I see the spirits come for me now. I must go to them.

Louise scooted closer to him grasping hold of his hand. I have loved you, Rolling River.

As I have loved you. Please tell your people of the kindness of the Apaches.

I will if I am able to return home.

You will my child. You will... he finished as his breath slowly drifted from his body.

Louise lowered her head to the buffalo robe, holding dearly to his cold hand and the locket around her neck. Now she would never see home. Flying Hawk would take her for his wife. He boasted he had already shot Serendipity with an arrow meant for the white man that was with her that night. Laughing Cloud had wished to bargain for Serendipity but Buck said she wasn’t for sale. Now no matter what Running River had stated, Flying Hawk would say he was in charge and take Louise and she would have to...

A tear spilled from her eye then another one as the tall muscular Indian entered the wickiup and eyed the dead body on the robe. He knelt by the body. He has gone to the spirits? He asked as he caught Louise playing with the locket. She nodded. Then now you come with me and be my wife.

But he said I could return home, Flying Hawk.

This is your home now. You will be my woman. You will grant me sons, many sons, green-eyed beauty. He wrapped his fingers through her long hair held by a wide brown band on her forehead.

He stood to his feet and washed in Louise’s beauty as she wore the deerskin dress the Indian women had made for her. I will get you a proper dress so we can wed. It will be a wondrous celebration. He reached to grasp the locket from around her neck when the sound of thunder rumbled. Soldiers, we must fight! He turned and fled from her.

Louise buried herself in the corner not knowing what would happen to her. Would the soldiers take her home or use her? What would they do to her? She heard screaming and her eyes caught the others running as she peered through an opening in the wickiup. The slaughter was terrible. Then someone entered. It was him. Their eyes met as he grabbed her by his hand and pulled her outside faraway from the fighting and screaming, the senseless slaughter of old men, old women and small children.

Louise didn’t know how far they fled but it was high