“Everyone should have a friend,” Maizie said as she reached out for Josie’s hand. “And everyone should feel loved.”
Josie looked at Maizie’s hand in hers and marveled at her darker skin next to hers as she struggled with tears of gratitude. “I really want to hear about this orphan, Anne.”
Maizie smiled and opened the cover and turned to the dedication page. “Josie, this is funny. The book is dedicated to the author’s mother and father.”
“Dedicated?”
“I think it’s like a thank-you.”
“But if she have a mother and a father, how she know what it’s like to be an orphan?”
Maizie laughed, “Guess we orphans are going to see if she got it right.” Josie sunk her back and head into her pillow. Maizie turned to chapter one and began.
In the servants’ quarters, Jeb lay in pain. He listened for the stirrings of life around him. He missed the music from Meadowlark and Maizie practicing in the grand hall. His only entertainment was Ruby and Claire’s Bible reading. In those quiet moments, with the help of his caregivers, he could give way to a time when his body would be freed from the shackles of his afflictions.
Mary came to him upon her return, and between spasmodic coughing and the pain of lying on an arthritic spine, he made his request. He asked to be buried in the wildflower fields near the “Castle” outcropping and artesian well, under a stately oak, the place he’d grown to love. The gift of an opportunity to work at the ranch was from God, he believed. “The place is like the Indians say, Mrs. Glidewell. It’s spiritual, and the waters, they’s healing,” said Jeb. “I found peace there. Why a guy like me found such a place is a mystery. Life has taken me on an incredible journey.” Jeb had a look of peace in his eyes.
“We are glad you are here,” said Mary.
The old man smiled. “Been here a long time. Think my job is done.” Mary reached for the old man’s hand and gently stroked the back of it.
Jeb died peacefully that night, with Ruby and Claire observing his last breath. There was a brief ceremony at the Castle once James had returned. James had been sad that Jeb passed before he had returned with the thoroughbreds. At the funeral, he said a few words in his honor, talking about life and those moments of fate when everything changes. Sometimes, as in Jeb’s case, life can become beautiful where before it was a struggle. James suggested that everyone take the time to think about the gifts of their life and be grateful. They laid Jeb to rest under the oak next to a patch of field stones. It was a beautiful place.
Josie was too weak to attend Jeb’s service. She lay alone on her small bed in the cabin. Her rash was nearly gone; her pain all but subsided. She was getting well. Unbeknownst to her, she did exactly what James had suggested others do at the funeral. She spent a great deal of time during her convalescence considering the gifts that had been bestowed upon her. For the first time in her life she felt at peace; the black clouds had lifted. She said a prayer of thanks; she felt grateful.
Chapter 83
Kinds of Love
Since Capp’s return he had been busy with the new horses, working effectively and gaining confidence. There was one thing bothering him, and that was Josie. He was embarrassed, mostly. He never believed for a moment she would return and here she was, right back at Glidewell. And to top it all off, Maizie had urged him to go see her. He didn’t want to, but he understood that he couldn’t ignore Josie’s presence forever.
He looked toward the paddock and got a glimpse of the sick cabin in the back. Knowing he had a little time before lunch, he ran over there to get the encounter over with. He knocked quietly on the door. Someone on the inside said, “Come in,” so softly he almost didn’t hear it. Opening the door, he stuck his head in and said, “Josie?”
Capp barely recognized her. Her thin face, her eyes, her nearly bald head all told of her misfortune. “Josie?” He caught her panicked look across the room where he noticed a turban like the one Sugar would wear thrown on the back of a chair.
Embarrassed, Josie reached to touch her stubbled head. She did not look at him but kept her gaze straight ahead as he crossed the room towards her bed. “Please, no closer,” she said.
Capp could see she was starting to cry and did what he was told. Remaining about five feet from the bed, he removed his hat and remained silent.
“I’ve something to tell you,” Josie said.
“Yeah?”
“I know now I ain’t never had nobody who loved me.”
Capp kept quiet.
“I thought you loved me when I was here before.”
Capp shifted on his feet and cleared his throat. “I never said I loved you, Josie.”
“I know. Wasn’t I the stupid one?”
“Can’t say you’re stupid.”
“Well, I fell in love with you. That makes me stupid.”
“Don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say nothin’,” said Josie. “I want you to know that if I get a second chance here at Glidewell, I’m going to take it.”
“Yeah, you should. Good place, Glidewell.”
“Doc says I ain’t never having children. That don’t matter either ’cause ain’t nobody goin’ to love me anyways. Look at me, Capp.” Josie turned toward Capp and rubbed her head, tears rolling down her hollow cheeks.
“Who shaved you?” asked Capp.
“The nurse. They wouldn’t help me in Springfield until I was clean. Said I’d infect their whole office.”
“Why didn’t you use
