West by Handcart

Nodding, Roxanna replied. "It was Bradford. He was a sailor on the ship with us."

Nodding, her father said, "We thought we recognized him. Sister Jackson confirmed it. She worked in the nursery at the manor when Bradford was little. We said nothing and hoped you hadn't recognized him." Then her father added, "But tell me, how did he happen to find you today?"

A knowing look appeared on her mother's face. "Roxanna, there's more to your story about riding Bradford's horse than you've told us. Just what happened between you and Bradford?"

Lowering her head, not wanting to see the expressions on her parent's faces, she stammered, "Nothing – nothing much. Bradford said he wouldn't tell for a kiss – "

"Roxanna!" Mother's voice was a cry of anguish. "Bradford is the Earl's son!"

Father's stern voice interrupted. "Tell me what has happened since. Just how often have you seen Bradford and allowed him to kiss you?"

Remembering Bradford's kisses today Roxanna was close to tears as she replied, "There's nothing between us. Bradford stopped at the mill to ask when we passed through Florence, and he says God must have directed him to come to the river to find me. He rode back to Becky's with me, and then he caught up with his wagon train to California."

Father looked closely at her then slowly said, "Thank God he did find you and see you safely home. But, Daughter, don't get any romantic notions about Bradford. He is a fugitive and I'm sure he has broken his mother's heart. I can imagine her anguish and the Earl's wrath. All we can do is pray for him and leave his future in God's hands."

Relieved that telling her parents hadn't been as traumatic as she feared, Roxanna mused over the fact that they had known all along that the sailor had been Bradford. Even Sister Jackson had known and she, too, had protected Bradford's identity. Poor Bradford. What would he do in California and would their paths ever cross again?

Two more weeks passed before the third handcart company reached Florence on August 11th. Roxanna stood with her father and watched as they came off the barge and moved on to make camp. She felt her father's excitement even as she felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Would Father really join up with this company when they were so comfortable and doing so well here? She had her answer as her father spoke.

"Roxanna, now we can continue on to Zion as God has directed. I must seek out the Captain and make arrangements for us to join this company."

"But, Father, Charles said he would come back for us this spring. Shouldn't we wait until he comes so we can ride instead of having to pull a handcart? You still haven't regained your full strength."

"Roxanna, be not concerned for me. God has seen me through my illness and if it is His will that I continue, we will do so."