#352
Corbin Atwood was an interesting man; polite and mannerly, well spoken and very much interested when he discovered the clan was headed westward. His questions were astute and unobtrusive, but skilled in the art of satisfying his curiosity. "If I might suggest," he spoke to Mark, as befitting the patriarch of the clan; "The young men that tried to fondle the ladies, belong to a strong and ruthless gang. I believe it in your very best interest to move out as quickly as possible, before there is retaliation for the broken noses." then Corbin laughed, as he recalled to Mark how the ladies had handled themselves.
"They certainly have my admiration, and it was a good warning to onlookers not to mess with women just because they are out without an escort. You might say that was a indelible lesson, it will take many launderings to remove the blood stains from the fronts of their white shirts." Corbin was well pleased with the lesson taught to the rowdy punks. "They are young men from good families; but the change in their lifestyle has them bored and constantly looking for mischief."
Clara had been listening from her seat next to Corbin. "Those riff-raff had knives, long sharp ones and they appeared mean enough to use them. I didn't see any guns, and oh by the way, we weren't frisked before we were jailed." she chuckled. "I was ready to draw my pistol when Abby drop kicked that wicked old gal in the bread basket."
Corbin was coughing until his eye watered. "You had guns on you?" he asked incredulously, "oh what a situtation."
"Of course," Clara looked at the man like he had two heads. "We are all armed and are excellent shots, thanks to Mark." she looked at the white haired man, head of the clan and nodded her head happily.
Corbin looked at the woman that had caught his interest. The more he learned about her, the stronger his interest.
Robert made the rounds, yelling out, "be ready to move in an hour."
"Well, that means I have to go to work, excuse me," Clara smiled at Corbin and his knees went rubbery.
"Judy," Clara called out, "please come help." and the two of them set about bringing the horses in to be harnessed. Calm and efficient, the two women worked in unison to hoist the heavy leather to the backs of the team and spread the lines and buckles.
Corbin was half turned in his chair, watching the bustle and hustle as Clara worked. "Is there anything she can't do?" he asked half in jest.
"Not anything she sets her mind to do." Mark was serious. "May I ask what your interest and intentions are?" he said without smiling. "We are a Christian clan here, and do not allow people to live together."
"Well, I won't deny I'm interested, to what extent, I honestly don't know. I've hardly talked with her, and certainly not to the extent of voicing any intentions. Tell me; are you accepting new members to travel with you?" Corbin steered the subject to a less volatile topic.
"If you have the correct answers," Mark was grave. "We have a wagon you could drive, that would be Robert's wagon as he is the wagon boss and usually on his horse. That would free up one of our young men to ride, hunt and scout. Do you ride, how about shooting, any specialized work areas. Tell me about Corbin as I harness our teams."
The two men went to the last two pairs in the inner circle, and Corbin held the second pair while Mark backed the wheel horses into position. Clora was busy buttoning up her kitchen and assorted stray items. Everyone had a job, did it with practiced ease, and the children were well mannered and active, running errands when requested.
Corbin helped as much as he could, telling Mark that he couldn't leave town for a couple of days, but that he could and would, catch up to the travelers if he was invited to join.
"Give me a couple of minutes to gather some info from the rest of the families," Mark cautioned, "I'll meet you at Clara's wagon." he finalized.
Corbin nodded, and walked back to where Clara was doing a last minute check of her team and wagon. "What would you say if I wanted to join the wagon train, I'm interested in going West; but not as much as I'm interested in you."
Clara stilled her hands and then turned to look Corbin in the eyes. She watched as he stood quietly, letting her see truth and honesty.
"I'd say welcome," she blushed, and then smiled so her face crinkled at her eyes and her dimple on the right side of her mouth showed.
"That's what I needed to know," he replied. "I have to go back to the city and bring several items to a close, but I will hurry as fast as possible and catch up with you. Mark said I could bunk and drive with Robert, and now, given the enormity of the trek, I'm wondering if there will be enough room for what I need to bring."
"If you have a wagon, bring it. It takes a lot of room for personal gear that needs to last for several years. Coats, especially boots, sturdy clothes and cookware. Our premise has been; each one of the wagons needs to be able to journey alone and not depend on the others for help." Clara was truthful.
"Excellent planning and rules," Corbin complimented. "Are you ready to go? I watched how efficient you were in harnessing and breaking camp."
"Yes, I'm ready; Judy is wonderful help, and Andy and Donny get her wagon ready after they get Tess ready. We are a God loving, God fearing group," Clara said without apology, the implied inference was that there would be no over friendly socializing.
Corbin nodded, "Mark already let me know he runs a tight ship; but I would never do anything to dishonor you, you know that." he was very serious.
Clara nodded, "I do know that, I can feel your honesty in a way that I have never felt before with another person. Judy's father has been gone for a long time, and I've not connected with another gentleman since. What about you?" Clara was emboldened to ask.
"I've been widowed and divorced. I was married to my first wife for 20 years and then remarried a second time and it lasted five years. I have no children, one brother and no sisters. My parents passed away many years ago, and I have one nephew and no nieces. I have a droll but wicked sense of humor, I'm pretty easy going and am a Christian, born again." Corbin was hurrying through the spiel, as he could see Mark walking his way.
Clara laughed gently, patting the handsome man on the arm. She winked at Corbin as Mark came to a halt, and stood close to the gentleman as they both turned to face Mark.
"You're in on a probation. We are heading due West from here, get a compass and we'll see you when you catch up with us; we've got to be moving." and he strode away.
Corbin took Clara by the arm as they walked to the front of the wagon. As she got ready to put her foot on the wheel hub and climb into the seat, Corbin snatched a lightening fast brush of his lips on hers.
"Oh my," Clara breathed softly, "OH MY!" as Corbin handed her up to the seat. Roses blossomed on her cheeks, and Clara looked thunder struck.
"That's to hold you until I catch up to you," Corbin had a very self satisfied gleam in his eye as he sauntered to the edge of the inner circle, "be careful and be safe," he urged as he waved and headed back to town.
Just then, Robert shouted, "move on wagons." and the next part of the journey was begun.