Year of Jubilee by Peggy Trotter Page A

Rafe’s mother wrapped her in another
hug.
    Jubilee breathed a sigh of relief as they
moved off the busy platform. Horse-drawn buggies crisscrossed
everywhere, but the Tanners wove confidently through the crowd,
laughing and jostling the children.
    She clung to Rafe, marveling at the easy
atmosphere of the family. Grandpa Will swung one of the many
smaller girls up in his big arms, thundering a laugh at her pouty
expression.
    “Never gonna get cherry pie with a face like
that!” he teased before tickling the little girl. She burst into
giggles and wiggles. Rafe seemed engrossed in full conversation on
the state of his new farm with the eldest brother…Everett? Jubilee
wasn’t totally sure. Sarah skipped to Jubilee’s left, eyes alight
at every word Rafe spoke, punching in questions about his new place
when she could. Jubilee swung her gaze around and noticed how tall
the men were, and that most of the women were taller than she. Even
Sarah towered half a head above her, and Jubilee remembered she was
only sixteen.
    Reaching the wagons, Jubilee learned they’d
brought four. She and Rafe ended up in the driver’s seat of his mom
and dad’s wagon, while they occupied the backseat. Sarah and a
couple of the older children got in the back on a colorful quilt
and made themselves comfortable, chatting and singing.
    Rafe took a hold of the reins and gave a
gentle slap on the backs of two fine black horses and they began
rolling north. The road was busy with the docking of the steamer,
and she surveyed the businesses that lined the main street while
the Tanners talked.
    Jubilee glanced at her husband, and he
flashed an encouraging smile. Rafe’s father, Will, seemed abuzz
about his son’s new farm, and Rafe’s eyes sparkled as he told him
of the improvements he’d made since his arrival.
    “The barn is one amazing building. You
should see it, Dad. It’s one of the biggest I’ve seen. And it’s
well built, all pegged together. I’ll have no problems getting the
hay and feed stored for the winter. I’ll be able to house the cows
and the young livestock on the coldest of days.”
    Rafe continued talking about crops with his
father for several minutes until his mother interrupted. “Now all
this farm talk can wait, Rafe. I want to hear all about your sweet
wife. Why, she’s hardly spoken a word, poor dear. Don’t you ever
give her a chance to speak?” Jennie chuckled.
    Jubilee turned wide eyes on him and he,
taking pity on her, smiled and answered. “Well, Mom, she was just
thrown in with about thirty strangers all loaded with questions and
such, so I’m thinking she needs some time to warm up.”
    “You must’ve had a whirlwind courtship,
being as you were only gone from home a few months, Rafe. You left
here so besotted with Rosemary, and the next thing we know you’re
married.”
    Rafe’s body stiffened. Ah, Rosemary. That
explained a lot.
    “Now, Jennie,” Will began, “no need stirring
the pot before we even get them home. They’ll tell us when they’re
ready.”
    “Oh, Jubilee, don’t think I’m not thankful
you’re here. I’m pleased as punch. Why that ole’ Rosemary…”
    “Jennie,” Will’s voice rumbled.
    This, however, did not put the woman off one
bit. She leaned forward and patted Jubilee on the back.
    “Oh, I’m sure it’s this way when you go
home, Jubilee. We’re just all full of curiosity. I bet your folks
are as curious about Rafe as we are about you.”
    Rafe cleared his throat to speak, but in cut
Jubilee’s quiet voice.
    “Actually, I grew up in an orphanage in
Pennsylvania. I don’t really know who my parents were.”
    The silence thickened. Then Jennie answered
softly. “Oh, I wasn’t aware. I’m truly sorry for butting in. Please
forgive me.” She paused before continuing, “Well, I want you to
know you’ve got a family now. If you ever need anything, you just
ask.”
    Jubilee’s hand buried itself in her skirt
and began a nervous circle. This was going to be