Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries Box Set: Lost, Stolen, Found

Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3

Several days passed without much incident. The weather stayed warm and the animals healthy. We ran low on coffee and some other supplies, but on the return trail we met with several families headed west and traded with them. The Indiana territory stretched wide and far. The maps we had procured were adequate to help us return back east to Philadelphia and soon we reached Ohio. Yet I feared that Renée would soon leave for England and our journey to reach her stretched longer than I would have liked.

That night we slept in our wagon as a rain looked to be coming. I had not dreamed of Jeremiah since the last time. Tonight I hoped I would. Bebe kissed me good night and we settled down for the evening. I thought to look to Renée but fatigue had overcome me. The sleep that called me was complete and in the morning Bebe shook me saying, “Mama, a man is here to see us.”

I quickly presented myself and saw that he had his rifle on his shoulder and carried a few dead birds he had shot. “Morning!”

I smiled and came to greet him. “Good morning, sir.”

Bebe played with his dog and he smiled. “I have a message for you.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and pinched my side to make certain that I did not dream. “A message, you say?” I thought him mistaken and then my heart swelled. Renée had sensed me searching for her and she had used her magic to send word to me. She would help us.

“Yes, you are the only mother with a young daughter I have seen come through my lands.” He put his gun down and said, “My name is Charles Radley. My family and I have been settled here since before Ohio became a state.”

“I am Sophia and Phoebe is my daughter. We did not know that we trespassed on your land. Do you mind if we pass through? We are headed back east to Philadelphia.”

Charles scratched his head. “I have no qualms with your wishes. Passing on through is fine by me. Would you and your daughter like some breakfast and tea? I have your message back at the house and it is not often that people pass on through. My wife would appreciate the company.”

“Thank you.” Bebe rolled on the ground with Charles’ dog, laughing and playing. “Have you any children of your own?”

He snorted. “Five of our own. Only peace I get is when I go off by myself. Will you accept my invitation then?”

“Yes, we will.” I smiled and then called Bebe. “Phoebe, please come here. Mr. Radley has offered us an invitation to his home for breakfast.”

Bebe jumped up and came running over. “Thank you, sir!”

“Go back inside the wagon and put your nice dress on.” I turned back to Mr. Radley. “We will need some time to make ourselves presentable. My daughter and I have been on the road a long time.”

“Follow this trail back to our home. I have cleared away all the brush and you cannot but hear the children at our home. Mrs. Radley will want me to tell her the good news of your coming so we will see you in an hour?”

“Thank you. That will be fine.”

“Hunter, heel.” The spaniel ran to his side and sat, panting. Mr. Radley tipped his hat and headed off whistling a tune with Hunter running ahead.

I walked back to the wagon and saw Bebe all in disarray. “Mama, where did you put my fine dress?”

I had not seen her so excited in a long time. We had been too long on the road alone. “Calm down.” I gave her a big hug and said, “We have an hour to get ready. First we wash up, then we put on our dresses and do our hair.”

“Renée told me that when you were a princess you had women help you dress and lots of pretty jewelry. Will the Radley’s house be like the castle you used to live?”

“Bebe, listen to me.” I sat her down and with my hand brushed back her blonde hair away from her eyes. “You must not speak to this family about my having been a princess.”

“But why? I am not lying.”

“When you meet new people, it is important to be polite and thankful for their hospitality. Telling them of how I used to live in a castle with lots of jewels and pretty dresses would be rude.” I kissed her forehead. “And remember …”

“Yes, yes, I know.” She rolled her eyes up to repeat the mantra, “Never tell anyone your mother is a witch.”

I laughed and said, “Good. We both must remember that. Now let us get ready.”

***

An hour later when Bebe and I walked up the path to the Radleys’ home, five girls of various ages came running toward us. The oldest took my hand and said, “Welcome. Welcome! Breakfast is ready.”

Mrs. Radley appeared at the front door to their humble home and said, “Mary, let them come in.”

Mary let go of my hand and said, “Yes, Mother.” She turned back to me and whispered, “She does not like me to be so forthcoming with visitors.”

The other girls were playing with Bebe who laughed at all the attention and I let the children all go in before me. Mrs. Radley took my hand in both of hers and said, “Good morning to you. Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you for inviting me. My daughter and I appreciate your hospitality.” I walked inside and smelled sausage and eggs.

Mrs. Radley led the way to the dining room and the children followed. The room was small, but we all fit around the table. Once we had our children settled at the table, I asked, “Would you like for me to help serve the food?”

“No, but thank you for the offer.”

I heard a bark from outside and Mr. Radley’s voice as he told Hunter to stay. He came in and I could see him scrapping mud off his boots. He waved a greeting at me and then sat at the head of the table and passed down the milk. “You said that you were headed back east. How far west had you traveled?”

I poured Bebe and me some milk and helped one of the younger Radley children with her napkin. “Not too far. We had expected to go to the Oregon coast, but our group moved on and we decided to head back home for the life on the road was a bit too much.”

“Humph.” He took a piece of bread and ate it and then passed it to Mary.

Mrs. Radley began stacking plates of food on the table and sat down next to her husband. “Charles.” She eyed him with concern, he put his food down and she turned to her eldest daughter. “Mary, can you lead us in prayer?”

Mary folded her hands and the rest of the children became quiet. We followed their example and listened. “For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen.”

Everyone chimed in and then began to eat. Bebe sat next to a young girl her age and the two of them ate and talked without much notice to the rest of the conversation. I drank the milk and savored its taste. A long time had passed since we had had such a fine breakfast. “Mrs. Radley, your hospitality and cooking skills have helped my daughter’s spirits. Thank you and your husband for sharing your table with us.”

“You are welcome.” She passed the eggs to me and I accepted.

We ate most of our breakfast in quiet conversation and afterward we sent the children outside to do some chores while I helped Mrs. Radley clean up. When alone, Mrs. Radley asked of me, “You travel alone just the two of you? Have you no other family?”

She referred to my English accent and I said, “My husband passed on the journey west two months ago. Phoebe and I have been headed back home since then.”

“Are you headed back to England again?”

“Yes, at least temporarily so that I can visit my family and my late husband’s.” I lowered my eyes and then fell silent.

“I am so sorry to hear of your trouble.” Mrs. Radley gave me a warm hug. “You should rest here today and head out tomorrow morning.”

“I wish I could, but I hope to head back east as quickly as I can. Thank you for your offer.” I dried the plates she had passed my way and after all the cleaning was finished she brought me out back and I saw the full scope of their farm.

Mr. Radley had organized the children, showing them how to check to see if the corn was ready for picking. Seeing us come outside, he finished giving instruction to the children and came to talk with us.

“I have fed your horses and given them some water.” He wiped the sweat forming on his brow. “Would you like for me to give you that message now?”

I had almost forgotten. “Yes, I would appreciate that.”

He nodded and went back inside. A few moments later he came back out and handed me a letter sealed in an envelope. I took it from him and Mrs. Radley said, “Charles, come walk with me. I have some questions about the herb garden.”

He nodded and they left me some privacy. With caution, I opened the unmarked envelope and unfolded the single piece of paper and read:

Dear Cinderella,

I arrive tonight. Stay here until then and relax. You are safe with this family. Tomorrow I will accompany you back to England. Please, wait for me.

With concern,

Jeremiah

I folded the letter and wondered. It appeared that the witch hunter would come tonight. But as I looked out over the fields of corn, I could see Bebe playing with the other children and my heart felt at peace. I sensed no danger here and the Radleys had given me such wonderful hospitality. I could wait until tonight.

I walked over to the herb garden and Mrs. Radley looked expectantly at me. “Would you mind if my daughter and I stayed until tomorrow morning? A distant relative of my husband’s will be meeting me here tonight and will help me on our return trip to England.”

Mr. Radley asked, “That is good news. I try to keep my opinions to myself, but you and your daughter being on your own does not sit well with me. You will encounter many unsafe parts on the trail between here and Philadelphia.”

“I would agree, Mr. Radley.” I folded the note and put it away. “Would you mind telling me who delivered the letter from my cousin? I do not know anyone from these parts.”

“One of the local kids from the next farm over came to deliver the letter to me a few days ago. He said something about a man with dark curly hair and animal skins had given it to him to deliver.” Mr. Radley looked suspicious. “Have you ever met this relative of your husband’s before?”

“I have not.”

Mr. Radley asked, “Will you need any assistance?”

“It is true that I have never met the man who will escort my daughter and me back east, but I suspect that my husband’s people back in Philadelphia have sent a cousin I just have not met.” I thought it best to remain positive about tonight’s guest. “All will be well.”

Mrs. Radley inserted herself into the conversation and cut off her husband’s next question. “Come with me. I have plenty for you to help with me. Tonight we will meet this guest into our home and then in the morning you can sort out the details.” She pointed up at the blue sky. “But today, the Lord has given us sunshine and we have lots to do.”

I took her arm and allowed her to lead me away. I did not have to turn to know that Mr. Radley still had concerns and he would be wary tonight. And, honestly, I would be wary too. Mrs. Radley led me back to the house and I allowed her to guide me. I missed Renée and her sage advice. Though older and more settled, I sometimes neglected all she had taught me in favor of protecting myself. I watched Bebe working with the other children in the fields and I paused.

The sun shone down on her and I saw her laughing as the younger children began playing hide and seek with her. I often did not see her smile and laugh or play with children her own age. I turned to Mrs. Radley and said, “Thank you for your support. I am quite taken aback by the challenges before me.”

Mrs. Radley patted me on the arm and showed me inside. “I will fill your day up with honest work and companionship. My children will play with your daughter and the day will pass by in peace. Tonight I will help support you. But worry not, all will be well.”