Chapter 7 #2
Spencer knew she was trying to make it sound as if their betrothal had ended months ago instead of a couple of weeks. He smiled and extended his hand.
“I’ve heard a great deal about you, Mrs. Vogel. I’m excited to get to know the family better.”
Marybeth was still in such a state of shock that Spencer wondered if she’d be able to accept the situation. Just then a young woman showed up at the door.
“Carrie! Oh, you’ve come home at last. You’ve been gone forever.”
“Greta, just look at you. You’re all grown up and so pretty.” Carrie hugged her sister and turned to Spencer. “This is my husband, Spencer Duval.”
“Husband? You got married without the family? But I wanted to be your maid of honor.”
“It was a sort of last-minute decision,” Carrie offered. “We probably wouldn’t have wed quite so soon, but we wanted to be married before moving to Cheyenne.”
“Moving here? You’ve come to stay, then?” Greta’s tone was evidence of her pleasure and disbelief. “You’ve really moved back to Cheyenne?”
“For now. I am still pursuing my research, and if I can’t do that here, then I’ll have to push on, but for now it seems possible to settle in and remain here.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful news. Papa will be so happy.”
“Let’s go inside rather than continuing here,” Mrs. Vogel said, seeming to finally recompose herself. She led the way back into the house, with Greta pulling Carrie along inside, and everyone leaving Spencer to follow.
Inside, a petite dark-haired young woman approached them in the foyer as Spencer closed the door behind him.
“Who’s come?”
“Oh, Rosie, this is my daughter Carrie and her . . . husband, Spencer.” She put an arm around the young woman and drew her closer. “This is Rosie, Robert’s wife.”
Carrie smiled and reached out to give Rosie a hug. “I wish I could have come to your wedding last fall.”
“You gave us crystal glasses.” There was something about the young woman that Spencer couldn’t yet figure out. She was almost childlike in her mannerisms and speech. “Robert and I love them very much, and we talk about you when we use them.” She then looked to Spencer. “You’re tall like Robert.”
“And you’re tiny like a pretty little fairy.”
“Fairies aren’t real, you know.” Her reply surprised him, but Spencer just gave a nod. “And fairies have wings.” Her contradiction regarding fairies amused Spencer in a way he thought best to keep to himself.
“Come and sit in the front room. We’ve a fire going, and you can warm up,” Mrs. Vogel directed. “First, give me your coats. I know that seems rather counterproductive, but I’m sure you’ll soon be amply warmed.”
Spencer shed his wool coat, then reached to help Carrie with hers. He handed both to Mrs. Vogel while Greta took Carrie’s hat and gloves.
“I’ll take your hat, Spencer.” Greta’s cheeks reddened slightly, as if embarrassed. “May I call you Spencer?”
“Of course.” He chuckled. “I’m not particular. Call me Spence, Spencer, brother. Whatever you like.”
Greta nodded. “I like you already.”
Carrie took hold of Spencer’s arm and led him without further comment to the fireplace. He noted the room as he always did. Even though he doubted there was any danger in this setting, it was always good to be aware of one’s options.
“Rosie, would you and Greta bring us some refreshments and hot coffee?” Mrs. Vogel paused. “Unless you prefer tea? We tend to drink more coffee. There’s always a pot on the stove just like there used to be.”
“Coffee is fine, Mama. Spencer and I like both.” Carrie took up the fireplace poker. “I’ll stir up the fire, if you don’t mind.”
“Throw another log on,” her mother instructed.
Spencer took the poker. “Allow me.” He took up a log from the woodbox at the edge of the fireplace and worked the fire up into a fine blaze. When he turned back, the ladies had already taken their seats.
“When will Papa be home?” Carrie asked.
“Very soon. I expected him some time ago. He had a meeting with the mayor and some of the other city fathers. You know we’re hoping this will be our year for statehood.
There’s been a great deal of work done behind the scenes to push our agenda.
Apparently, Congress is less than eager to act, although no reason has been given except concern over our low population. ”
“They’ve been clamoring for statehood here since we were made a territory,” Carrie said, looking to Spencer as if to explain. “Becoming a state has been of the utmost importance.”
“It does offer certain benefits, to be sure.” Spencer went to sit beside his wife.
“Yes,” Mrs. Vogel agreed.
Greta and Rosie appeared with a serving cart and immediately began pouring the coffee.
Spencer wasn’t sure what to say as the room fell silent.
He could feel Carrie stiffen at his side and reached over to take hold of her hand.
She looked at him, and he gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.
“It’s obvious you two are very much in love,” Greta said, handing a cup and saucer to Spencer. “I’m so glad you found each other. I can tell you now that from the things you wrote about Dr. Nelson, I found it difficult to like him.”
“Well, you certainly don’t need to worry about that anymore,” Mrs. Vogel declared. “I hope that I don’t sound too critical, but didn’t this marriage take place rather fast?”
“We’ve been friends for over a year, Mama. Spencer and I just have a great friendship and . . . love for each other. You and Papa always maintained that when a thing is right, you should hurry to do it.”
“Well, that was mostly in speaking of God directing us.”
“I felt directed,” Spencer chimed in. “I think we both did. We prayed a great deal about it, and I can say for myself, it was exactly what I felt led to do. Carrie is an amazing woman, and we fit very well together. We’re both college educated and intellectually minded.
We enjoy reading and theater and a great many other things.
I believe God put us together for a very special reason. ”
The front door opened and closed with a bit of a bang. Everyone straightened and looked toward the foyer at the same time.
The man who entered was tall with brown hair that was graying at the temples. He turned to the group in the front room and seemed momentarily surprised. Then his lips broke into a grin.
“Carrie, when did you get here?”
“Just a short time ago. Came on the afternoon train.” She got up and went to her father.
Spencer watched as they embraced and the older man whispered something in her ear.
Carrie gave him a hug and kissed his cheek.
She took him by the hand and drew him into the room.
Spencer got to his feet and waited for her introduction.
“Papa, this is Spencer Duval. He’s my . . . we’re, uh, married.”
Edward Vogel sobered and fixed Spencer with a hard look. “Married?”
“Yes, sir.” Spencer extended his hand.
Mr. Vogel ignored it and turned. “Come with me.”