Chapter 12

Jaris came running over to help Cordia into the wagon seat as she walked away from her friend Susannah outside of the church. "I guess you know we won't be seeing you for dinner today," he said as he took her hand and helped her up.

She did not know that. She looked at him with a blank stare, expecting him to continue, which he did. "My ma wants us to have a meal with my cousins, just the family today. Kind of a remembrance."

Cordia nodded. This must be the first time in nearly two years that their two families had not met for dinner on Sunday. "I see," she stated. "Well, Frieda was going to gather up some dresses of mine for your cousin. Julia, is it?" He nodded, and she continued. "I was thinking perhaps I would bring them by later, maybe see if there is anything that I can do for her."

"Cordia, you're one of the sweetest people I ever did meet," he said, still clutching her hand, though she was already in her seat. "I think that would be a wonderful gesture toward my cousin. I know she would dearly appreciate your friendship."

Cordia could feel her face turning a little red. She hadn't really thought it would mean too much, just giving someone some old clothes. "Well, maybe I'll see you later then." She smiled at him. Her father and mother said their goodbyes as well and waved to some remaining friends outside the church. Just before Jaris let go of her hand, he kissed it very quickly, about the boldest thing he had done to show his affection that year. Cordia was surprised but had no time to even see Jaris's face as he stepped away from the carriage, as they were on their way. She glanced back over her shoulder as they made their way the few blocks toward their home. He tipped his hat to her, and she waved. Maybe one of these days, before he off and left for the war, he would actually get up enough nerve to kiss her lips again.

That April afternoon was wet, as many April days are in that part of Missouri, and Cordia was having a little bit of trouble steering the wagon down the muddy dirt path that led to the Adams Farm. It was only a few miles out of town, but the wind was blowing up the rain a bit, and she didn't think she could possibly make it there without being absolutely drenched, even with a hat and with Frieda attempting to keep the umbrella over their heads. Her mother had practically forbidden her to go, saying the dresses would be too wet to wear by the time she got there anyhow, but Cordia was about as stubborn as they came, and she had insisted that she would not leave that poor girl another day without some proper clothes and a proper friendship. Jane had finally realized she was arguing on a losing side, as most people were if they ventured to argue with her daughter, so she had let her go, as long as she took Frieda along with her. Cordia agreed, and much to Frieda's dismay, here they were.

Frieda was one of the few people on the planet who ever attempted to put Cordia Pike in her place. She was a middle-aged woman who had been looking after Cordia, and her parents for that matter, since Cordia was born. Frieda had no family of her own, being the only child to survive when typhus hit their cabin when she was twelve. She had buried both parents, three brothers and two sisters, and she had never married. So, though she did not necessarily like being out in the rain assisting this foolhardy young lady, she did understand how the girl they were trying to help was feeling. And she understood that, while she often had the mind of a mule, Cordia Pike had a loving heart, and she was set on showing some love that day.

As Cordia made the last turn into the drive that led up to the Adams Farm, she could see that there were cows loose all over the place. "Must have had a fence break," Frieda was saying. Surely the Adams's knew, but Cordia sped up a little, dodging a few strays, as she neared the house, hoping to inform them of the breakout as soon as possible. She tied up the horses as Frieda grabbed the bundle of dresses, which they had been keeping in a wooden box to help keep them dry.

Cordia knocked on the door, but no one answered. She looked at Frieda and then knocked again, this time more determinedly. "I wonder if they aren't all out trying to get those cows put back in," she yelled over the wind. Frieda just nodded. But surely someone had to be home. Would Julia be out helping in her condition? Frieda knocked one more time, and finally, the door opened, just a crack.

"Who is it?" a frightened voice answered from within. Cordia could barely see pale blue eyes peeking out at her. It was Julia. She was white as a ghost and looked petrified to open the door to strangers. Cordia could understand why she might be concerned, after her ordeal, but she was a little astonished that she might think these two women could do her some harm.

"Julia?" she called, softly. "Julia, my name is Cordia Pike. I am a friend of your aunt and her family." She paused, wondering if the girl would believe her and let them in. Though the porch offered a little bit of protection from the blowing rain, they were still getting drenched. Julia did not make a move, so she continued. "Julia, I was here yesterday for Jaris's birthday party. Perhaps you saw me? I know you weren't in a state to be paying much attention." She thought maybe she had overstepped her boundaries and again Julia didn't move.