“Now he tells us we’re cursed and living in sin,” Edward added before Marybeth could speak. “The man is obviously upset over something more than Carrie.”
“It sounds like you’re probably on the right track thinking that he’s losing out on something. He’s been trying to talk the wealthier congregants into building a new church for a long time. He probably saw Marybeth’s situation with her sister and figured that would be the way to secure Mr. Wandless.”
Marybeth went to the first of the wooden crates and pulled off the lid. “Did you bring nails to secure this after I pack it?”
“I did,” George said, pulling a handful from his pocket. “I figured you’d have a hammer.”
“I do.” Marybeth picked up a stack of newspapers. “After I line the box, I’ll fetch it.”
“I know where it’s at, Marybeth,” Edward said. “You go ahead with what you’re doing.”
George went to help her by picking up a smaller box. “This is heavy. What’s in it?”
“My mother’s dishes. They’re breakable, so I wrapped them in dish towels and put them in that box, hoping the shipping crates would be big enough to hold it. I figure we can pad the smaller box inside with towels and rag rugs.”
“That sounds good. Once you get the paper down, let’sput one of the rugs down. We can spread it out in such a way to cushion everything.”
They were just getting to the rug when Edward returned with the hammer. “Might as well take the hammer too. Can’t have too many tools.”
“Papa’s tools are mostly in the shed out back. If you want to go through them and take what you think we’ll need, that would be wonderful. I had forgotten all about them.”
“I’ve got a bunch of my own but let me go see. George, did you bring the papers you need Marybeth to sign?”
“I did. Marybeth, these papers will basically give me the power to handle the house and your father’s estate. Is that what you want?”
“Yes.” She glanced up and smiled. “It will be a great relief to know you’re taking care of everything.”
“And what is it you want me to do exactly?”
“Sell everything. I’m taking what’s important to me and Carrie. We’ve got some things from each of our mothers, as well as everyday things I figure we’ll need, but the rest can be sold. All the furniture and what tools Edward doesn’t want, as well as whatever else I’ve left. If you see something you want, George, feel free to take it as well.”
“Not without paying you for it. I’ll hold an auction and sell stuff that way. Then I’ll put the house up for sale. I think it will sell fast. Your father kept it in good shape.”
“Yes, but some folks are still hurting for money after the war. It’s only been two years, and it’s not been easy on anybody, even in the North, and we’re situated right on the edge of the South. Seems like folks around here suffered more loss than some.”
“There was plenty of misery to go around, but things are improving.”
Marybeth nodded. “I hope it will sell fast, because we’ll need the money to build our own place, but if not, perhaps you could arrange for it to be rented out.”
“I’ll do my best for you.” George placed the box of dishes in the cushioned spot they’d made. “This should keep it pretty safe. We’ll have them mark it fragile at the station. Hopefully that will keep any zealous handlers from tossing it about.”
It wasn’t long before Edward returned with a dozen or so tools. “I’ll put these out in my crate with the other tools.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. I know Pa would have wanted you to have this.” Marybeth hurried into her father’s bedroom and returned with a rifle and ammunition. She handed it over to Edward. “I’m sure there’s room to pack it.”
Edward looked the rifle over and nodded. “I’d be honored to have this to remember your father by.” He tucked it into a fold of blankets, then added the ammunition. “I’m sure we’ll be glad to have it. Did he teach you to shoot, Marybeth?”
She smiled. “He did. He worried that the war might come this far north, and I might need to protect Carrie and myself. I don’t do too bad if I do say so.”
George chuckled. “Well, from what I hear you’ll need such skills where you’re going.”
Marybeth frowned. “I know it’s awfully wild out west, but I hope I won’t have to rely on my shooting.”
“We’ll rely on God,” Edward reminded her.
“Of course you will,” George declared, taking up the last of the pillows. “Let’s get these in there.”
“Oh, wait, I still have the coffee- and teapots.” Marybeth hurried to the kitchen and came back with the items. Edward took them and tucked them into the box.
