With Sarah Beside Me (Borden Series Book 2)

By Barbara Dumas Ballew

Having been raised on an aristrocratic tobacco plantation in North Carolina, Daniel yearned for a newer and more simple life. After marrying Sarah, he and his new wife, along with relatives, headed west on the Wilderness Road to Kentucky. They believed in hard work for their worldly goods and expected loyalty in return for loyalty. Share their lives as they prospered in a new land.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Dumas Ballew
• Release date: Sep 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301247806

Barbara Dumas Ballew

After doing research on my family history for more than twenty years, I knew I had a story. I wrote and published my first novel, "George's Creek to Georgia", about my ancestors from 1790 until 1880. Since then, I have penned an additional nine books, four are chapter books for young readers. One of them, "Little Man: A Little Girl's Dream", is being used in reading classes and the libraries in the Mesquite, TX, elementary schools. I love writing!! It brings back so many memories of things from my past, and since my husband is retired, I can spend full time on it. I do business with Createspace.com which is a POD subsidiary of Amazon. It gives me so much more control over my work and my pricing. I can publish within a month after completion and my previous publisher could only do one book per year. I hope you like my style. It seems to fit my time periods nicely.

Book preview

With Sarah Beside Me

Barbara Dumas Ballew

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Copyright 2013 by Barbara Dumas Ballew

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this ebook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Credits

Editor: Marsha Welsh

Cover Design: Joe Ballew

Cover Photos: iStockphotos.com

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Acknowledgement

My heartfelt thanks go to my readers, Bonnie Ellis and Judy Vaughn. They responded with wonderful ideas and suggestions. To my editor, Marsha Welsh, I want to express my sincere appreciation for her tireless work and cheerful attitude. Her evaluation and professional critique was a great source of encouragement.

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Introduction

The Bordens were a genteel family caught up in the period of aristocratic ways. Their life was torn between the simplicity of the American household and the European elitist standards.

They believed in working for their worldly things, but they felt a patriarchal obligation to the people who lived and worked on their plantation. Their loyalties were fierce and they expected loyalty and respect in exchange.

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Chapter One

There was a chill in the evening air as the season slowly slipped into fall. At first it wasn’t apparent, but soon a small fire in the fireplace felt good. The tempo around the plantation was slowing, and everyone was pleased with the year’s accomplishments.

Joseph had a busy morning, but he was feeling the pressures of the summer easing. After dinner, he went into his study to bring some of his records up to date. He looked out the study window and saw Carolina and Toby working in the herb garden. They were busy preparing the garden for its winter’s rest. With Carolina busy outside, he thought it would be a good time to write a letter to John. He sat down at the writing table, and dipped the quill pen in the ink well.

November 12, 1800

Dear John and Martha,

I find myself with a few quite moments and thought it would be a good time to catch you up on our happenings.

Things are going well on the plantation. We harvested the tobacco and our drying barns are full with a very good crop. Work is slowing down now. The big news here is that we are looking forward in December to the coming wedding of our youngest child, Daniel. He has found a lovely young lady, Sarah Sharp, to spend the rest of his life with. She is a sister to Joshua’s wife, Polly.

The older I get, the more meaning the past takes on. The event has made Carolina and me look back on the beginning of our married life. Daniel and Sarah are moving into Daniel’s bedroom after the ceremony. It will be interesting to see how long that will last, and what the next move in their young lives they will decide to make. We remember our impatience to build our first home, as I’m sure you remember it well yourselves. You were so involved and such a tremendous help in the building and with our young lives.

I hope all is well with you, and we would love to hear all about your children and grandchildren.

I hear Carolina calling and I must go. Carolina sends her love along with mine. I will write the next chapter in our lives soon.

Your loving brother,

Joseph

After closing his letter to John, Joseph laid the letter aside and went to the garden to see what Carolina needed. As he stepped out and off the porch, Carolina look up and said, Toby and I were wondering if we should go ahead and replace the dill and parsley with our winter kale and collards. What do you think?

The first frost will soon kill it back. You can dry what’s left and go ahead and plant the winter crop. We’ll be busy with the wedding so get the winter planting done as soon as possible.

Joseph turned and went back to his work in the study. He opened his ledgers and picked up his pen, but his mind wondered back to earlier times and the beginning of their life along the Catawba River.

He had made most of his money in tobacco. In fact, several hundred of his acres were presently planted in tobacco. His father, Leonard Borden, had been a prominent tobacco farmer back in Virginia. When young, Joseph not only helped with the crops, but he also transported the tobacco down to the mouth of the James River to the tobacco warehouse for his father.

Joseph Paul Borden and his family had moved to Burke County, North Carolina, from Virginia over thirty five years ago, soon after their first home in Virginia burned. Joseph and Carolina had planned this home carefully and had it built by his head carpenter, Tyson Norwood, and stone mason, Miles Tate, who had moved with them from Virginia.

It was a lovely brick home, and the bricks had been handmade there on the plantation. The front and the back of the house were somewhat similar with large, comfortable porches for sitting. The back side of the house faced the river and had a shed-roofed porch that stretched across the entire width of the house. The front of the house faced the road and had a gabled roof over the porch supported by four tall columns. Its surroundings simply emphasized its splendor.

The elegant but imposing two-story home sat on the knoll overlooking the river. It was the home of Joseph and Carolina Borden, well-to-do tobacco farmers. They owned over 2,000 acres of fertile land along the river. Joseph Borden had done well for himself and his family. He and Carolina had been able to raise their children in comfort.

Joseph caught his mind and soon brought it back to the work at hand.

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The reflection of the full moon shone brightly on the waters of the lively, flowing Catawba River. A gentle breeze whispered through the oak trees that lined the river bank, and the limbs displayed their shadows over the moonlit water.

The night was quiet and peaceful, but young Daniel Borden was still up after midnight staring down at the river. Daniel would soon have his twentieth birthday, and his upcoming marriage filled his mind.

He stood straight and was medium height with dark brown hair that was slightly curled. His hazel eyes had golden flecks that made them appear to twinkle. A prominent dimple dented his right cheek and it lent itself to his rugged, good looks. His infectious smile showed the promise of a fun-loving person.

Once married, Daniel and Sarah planned to move in with his folks and live in his bedroom. The home was no longer teaming with children and servants as it once was. Daniel was the youngest in his immediate family, and the others had made lives for themselves in their own homes. Sarah would be a welcome addition to the family. He planned to continue to help his father, Joseph, with the farming, and Sarah could help with the sewing and cleaning chores. Daniel yearned for a farm of his own, so he didn’t want this arrangement to be long-term.

Recently there had been mention that several family members were possibly moving to Kentucky. The thought had crossed Daniel’s mind that perhaps he and Sarah might go with them. He had mentioned this to Sarah but there was no real discussion of it--yet.

This was Daniel’s home. He was born here and had lived his whole life in this house. Moving would take a lot of planning, and the thought of it was exciting to him, but it was still a distant thought. He hoped that, in the near future, he and Sarah would start their own farm and family.

Daniel looked around his upstairs corner bedroom. He loved his room. It had been William’s room, his older brother, until he married and left home. The room had three wide, tall windows that reached from just above the floor almost to the twelve-foot high ceiling. Two of the windows looked out onto the river. A brick fireplace was on the end wall with a large window beside it. The fireplace made the room warm in the winter, and the large, open windows let in the cool breeze in the summer months. Daniel had spent many a pleasant hour stretched out on the floor in front of this fireplace reading by the light of the flickering flames.

Along one wall he had a wardrobe which held his clothes. On the wall next to the wardrobe was a framed, full-length mirror. Between the two large windows was an oak table and chair. There were two tallow dips in tin holders on the table, which were always there to light his room. Also, the table held a china pitcher full of water and matching china wash bowl. Hanging on the wall over the table was a mirror and a single peg for a towel. A row of three pegs for hanging his clothes or other belongings was on another wall. The old rocking chair sitting beside his bed showed the use of many years.

The thought crossed his mind that Sarah would need a place for her clothes. He could give her the wardrobe, and he was sure there must be an extra chest that he could use.

Daniel heard the big floor-clock downstairs strike the half hour and knew he must get back to bed and hopefully to sleep. Dawn would come all too soon, and he would be expected to put in a full day’s work on the farm.

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When Daniel awoke the next morning, the sun was peeping over the horizon. He could hear someone stirring downstairs, and he felt he had scarcely laid his head on his pillow. The rest of the night had passed quickly-too quickly. He stretched and knew he must get up and reluctantly face the day.

He poured water in the wash bowl and rapidly splashed his face and hands. The cool water certainly helped to wake him. He then carefully combed his hair. His work clothes for the day were hanging over the back of the rocker and he dressed hurriedly.

He rushed down the stairs and out to the busy kitchen located near the house with a covered walkway leading to the back steps. He could hear Dolly in the kitchen humming and probably brewing a fresh pot of tea.

Dolly had worked for the family since Joseph had bought her as a girl in Virginia. Dolly had never married. She had started as their cook but soon helped with the children, also. She felt as if they were partly hers.

Good morning, Dolly. I think I smell tea brewing in the pot. May I have a cup and perhaps a teacake to get my day started?

Yes sir. Would you like it here at the kitchen table or in the dining room? I’ve already sent a pot of tea and some cider to the dining room.

I came out especially to see you this morning. I’ll have it here with you if you don’t mind, and we can visit for a few minutes. I’m hauling the cut hay this morning, and I have a load I left in the barn from last evening to be unloaded. I’ll go get that task done and then come back and have breakfast with my parents later. He sniffed the air as if to make a point and continued, I smell the fresh, yeast bread you’re baking. I must say, it’s already giving me an appetite. Dolly, I bet you make the best bread in North Carolina.

Get out of here, sir. You say that because you’ve eaten my bread since you was a little boy. I’ve just spoilt you to it. Dolly knew well that she had a reputation for her bread. Are you hoping to get one of the first pieces I cut?

Dolly, you know you’re my favorite cook, but I can judge good bread. I know what’s good, and if you’re offering me a piece, I surely won’t turn it down.

Dolly laughed a hearty laugh and rolled her dark eyes toward the ceiling. She knew when she was being flattered but she loved it. She didn’t care if it was to get an extra piece of bread before it was served in the dining room. She knew Mr. Daniel and his tricky ways too well. He just happened to be one of her favorites, too. There was something special and endearing about him.

After Daniel had tea and hot bread, he headed toward the barn. He grabbed a large hayfork and started pitching the hay up in the hayloft. It was a gloriously cool morning, and he really enjoyed the work and being out on such a morning.

Daniel’s father stuck his head in the barn door. I’m glad to see you’re already working hard this morning. We need to get this hay up in the next couple of days if the weather holds. When we get the hay in, we can start gathering the corn and fill the cribs.

He walked into the barn and asked, When you finish with this load, can you give me a hand by the front pasture fence? It looks like one of the cows knocked over a small section of the fence, and I don’t want any calves getting out. It should be time for breakfast after we finish that.

I have just a couple of more forks full to throw up. The wagon’ll be ready to go get another load and then I’ll be right with you.

Joseph went in the tool shed and got what they needed to put the fence back up. Daniel’s father was getting to be an old man. He had slowed down, but could still do a fair day’s work. His hair was mostly gray now, but one still got a hint of a dark streak here and there. His beard was totally gray but was neatly trimmed. His dark brown eyes had eyebrows above them that were thick and showed the dark color of younger days. Daniel was a couple of inches taller than Joseph, but you could surely see the resemblance between father and son.

Daniel had finished pitching the hay and was right behind Joseph to help with the fence. Father, we need a new post. The old one’s cracked where it was knocked over. I’ll fetch one from the shed.

The young man hurried to get the post, and when he returned, Joseph was busy readying the hole to accept the new post. Daniel started knocking the boards loose from the old cracked post. Joseph held the new cedar post in the center of the hole while his son placed dirt around the post and let a bit of water soak through to pack it down. Next he packed it tightly with a stick as he poured in more dirt and water. This procedure held the post very firmly.

Joseph pulled nails out of his pocket and steadied the post with his body while his son nailed the boards to the new post. When the job was done to their satisfaction, both men began to gather up the tools. Daniel picked up the old post and carried it over his shoulder to be burned under the wash pot on wash day.

Let’s go get some breakfast.

As they walked back toward the house, they discussed the hay and the day’s work that lay ahead. They stopped to wash their hands on the back porch and went straight to the dining room. Carolina, Daniel’s mother, was already sitting at the table having tea. Dolly had sent Evie to serve breakfast to the family.

On the table was hot bread served with fig preserves and butter. Each had a steaming hot bowl of hominy mush with a little milk and sweetened with sorghum syrup. A platter of cold turkey and ham completed the setting. There was always a glass of cider to wash the food down. After eating, the men lingered over a cup of hot tea to rest a bit more before getting back to work.

While taking his last swallow of tea, Daniel announced that he would like to ask Sarah for Sunday dinner. Mother, can we plan something special for dinner on Sunday? Sarah’s visiting Joshua and Polly for a few days. I’ll be going over to their house on Saturday for dinner and the afternoon. I’d like to invite Sarah to come for dinner with us on Sunday if that’s all right with you.

Daniel, you know how much we care for Sarah and having her here is a pleasure.

Shall I issue an invitation to Joshua and Polly, also? asked Daniel.

Yes, by all means. Your father was by Joshua’s a few days ago checking on them, but I haven’t seen him in a couple of weeks. Joseph told me Joshua was very busy harvesting his hay and corn.

One of Sarah’s favorite foods is roasted hen. If Dolly could make some of her cornbread dressing and some of those spiced, baked apples, Sarah would love that. Daniel was finished eating so he got up. Now on to the hay hauling and I’ll listen for the bell when it’s dinner time.

Daniel walked around the table and kissed his smiling mother on the cheek before he walked out the door. He stood on the porch for a few moments and sucked in a deep breath of the cool, clean air. It was indeed a good day to haul hay.

There were five men with scythes out in the meadow cutting the hay and piling it in big piles. Daniel and one other man pitched the hay onto the wagon, and then he drove the team of horses to the barn to be unloaded. He figured there were about two more days of work to do in the hayfields, and he would be glad to get those two days behind him.

****

Daniel arose this morning in high spirits. Today was the morning he planned to ride over to his brother’s house for dinner. Joshua’s wife, Polly, was Sarah’s sister and had originally introduced Daniel to Sarah. The two favored, but Daniel thought Sarah was the prettiest of the pair. He was sure that Joshua might disagree with that observation. Polly was a bit taller than Sarah, but both girls were built very nicely.

Sarah’s blond hair hung below her shoulders. Her sister’s hair was a light brown, and Polly wore her hair shorter. They both had pretty, sky-blue eyes, but there was something about Sarah, especially when she smiled, that made Daniel’s heart beat faster. There was scarcely two years difference in the sister’s ages. Sarah was almost eighteen and Polly was the older.

Daniel’s parents were sitting in the parlor when he came downstairs. Daniel, don’t be in such a hurry this morning. You’ve planned no work and your father, and I’d like to visit with you a bit before you’re off for the day.

Of course I’ll take time to visit. I’m not in that much of a hurry. He sat on the couch beside his mother and continued, Have you spoken to Dolly about Sunday’s dinner yet?

Yes and you know that Dolly’ll go to special efforts knowing that Sarah’s coming. It’d please Dolly very much if you and your betrothed would take time tomorrow to visit in the kitchen with her for a few minutes before we eat. She likes Sarah very much and it’d brighten her day.

We will. Sarah says she hopes Dolly will give her some cooking tips after we’re married. That seemed to satisfy his mother, so he turned to his father and said, Father, shall we start gathering the corn on Monday?

Yes, I’d like to get it in the cribs while this weather holds.

They continued to make plans for the next few days, and when the talk died down, Daniel looked up at the clock.

If you don’t mind, I’d best be on my way. I told Toby I’d like my horse saddled by ten o’clock. Mother, would you mind if I gather a few flowers from your garden? I’d like to take a bouquet to Sarah. She loves flowers.

Cut whatever you like. Bring them to the serving room door and I’ll wrap their stems in a damp cloth so they’ll stay fresh on your ride to Joshua’s.

Daniel cut a bouquet of pink and white roses and used a few leaves from the ferns that lined one of the garden walks to help accent the roses.

You made a good selection. Sarah should love the roses, and they smell so good.

Thanks for your help, Mother. I’ll see you this evening in time for supper.

Holding the bouquet in his hand, Daniel walked to his horse and mounted up. As he rode, he thought, What a pleasant, fall morning. The air was still cool from the night before and the faint smell of the roses added to its appeal.

Joshua lived about two miles away, so Daniel held his horse, Bess, to a slow trot. As he turned up the narrow road to Joshua’s house, he felt an excited rush fill his chest with the thought of Sarah waiting to see him.

When he neared the house, he could see the two young ladies sitting on the porch. They looked up and saw him coming. Sarah walked to the front steps to greet him.

Daniel stopped Bess not far from the steps, quickly dismounted, and tied her to the rail. He bounded up the steps, and Sarah extended her hand. He reached and took her hand in his and pressed it tightly. She moved nearer and kissed him on his cheek.

I could hardly wait to see you.

And I to see you.

He looked up, smiled, and nodded to Polly.

Come and sit with us. The morning’s so nice that we found sitting on the cool porch a delight. Joshua will be along soon.

Daniel handed Sarah the pretty roses he had brought her.

Thank you. The roses are beautiful, and their fragrance is wonderful.

They’re some of the late blooming roses from Mother’s garden.

Polly hurried to her feet. Sarah, I’ll take your flowers and put them in water. Do have a seat, Daniel. I’ll return, and we can visit.

Daniel and Sarah sat on the double bench fitted with a nice soft cushion and pillows at the back. He held Sarah’s hand while they talked.

Daniel, it’s been three weeks since we were last together. I’ve missed you so. I can’t tell you how much your letters mean to me. I don’t think I could stand the time apart without them.

It’s hard for me too, Sarah. Do you realize that it’s less than a month until our wedding? Time can’t pass quickly enough for me.

I’ve been very busy with our wedding plans. I’m having my dress made in Lincolnton by the seamstress who sews for Draper’s Store. Mrs. McNally should have the dress finished in about two weeks. I’ll go for the last fitting and then pick it up. I’m so excited that I can hardly wait to see it. My family and friends have been making linens and other items for my hope chest. It’s filling with a beautiful assortment of things.

Polly came to rejoin them on the porch. Sarah, I hope you don’t mind if we use your lovely roses on the dinner table. I thought we all could enjoy them and then you can take them to your room. They’ll be pretty on the table beside your bed. Their wonderful aroma should help you have pleasant dreams.

Thank you, Polly. That’s a fantastic idea! They’ll remind me of Daniel.

Just as Sarah finished speaking, they saw Joshua riding down the lane. He had been to check on a friend and neighbor, Mister Norwood, who had not been feeling well. Norwood was an old and good family friend. Joshua spotted Daniel on the porch with the ladies and rode near to speak.

Daniel, how are you?

I’m doing great but working much too hard, Daniel replied and they both laughed.

Let me take my horse to the barn and then we’ll talk. Shall I take your horse, too? I’ll have them both put in the pasture since you’re staying for a while.

Thanks. That’s nice of you. I’m sure Bess would like being in the pasture for the day.

Joshua reached to untie Bess. Polly, will you get me a glass of cool water and I’ll be right back?

Polly rose to get the water while Joshua headed for the barn. May I get water or cider for either of you?

No thank you. We’re fine.

Polly and Joshua returned to the porch about the same time, and Joshua walked over to shake Daniel’s hand.

Joshua, it’s good to see you. You haven’t been over to father’s house lately.

I’ve been very busy getting my hay and corn in and have had little time for anything else.

I understand. After we had all the tobacco cut and drying in the tobacco barns, we’ve been busy with our hay, and now the hayloft is full with two extra piles in the barn’s corners. We’ll start harvesting the corn on Monday. Daniel turned toward Polly and Sarah. I bring an invitation from mother for all of you to come to dinner on Sunday.

He then smiled at Sarah. I understand that Dolly will be making her delicious roast hen and cornbread dressing.

Sarah’s eyes lit up. I’ll be there for sure. Polly and Joshua, you’ll join us, won’t you?

Joshua didn’t even hesitate. You bet. Tell mother we’ll be there won’t we, Polly?

Yes, I’ll be looking forward to the visit and the dinner. I’ll enjoy Joshua having some time off. He’s been working long hours. Shall we meet you at church and follow you home?

Before he could answer, Tess came to say that dinner was ready.

Joshua quickly stood and said, It does smell delicious, and I’m looking forward to Tess’s fried fish.

They hurried into the dining room, and Daniel pulled the chair out for Sarah and then took the chair next to her. Joshua helped Polly settle in and said grace. Next he turned to Daniel and said, Has George told you he’s been thinking about moving to Kentucky?

Yes, he was telling me how fertile the land is and what good terms they have to buy the land. I must say, I’ve given some thought to joining him and his family. He hesitated, turned toward Sarah, and added, That is, if Sarah is agreeable to go with me. Sarah smiled and sat there thoughtfully but said nothing.

I know mother and father would hate to see you go, Joshua added, so would we. He wiped his mouth with the corner of his napkin.

I’ve been thinking it over, and I could stay and work with father as long as he lives. However, you know and I know that, when he’s gone, I’m the youngest son, and I’ll end up with very little. I do want a place of my own. This seems like a good way for Sarah and me to start our new life together. Daniel raised his glass and took a sip of cider.

I understand your feelings and really don’t blame you at all. I know William’s the oldest and will inherit the plantation. You know though, I understand some of his sons are probably going to Kentucky, too.

I’ve been told they are. Then there’s a possibility that Mary and John P. Crim will be moving if Mary will go. John’s giving it some thought. Also, our brother, James, has been thinking about joining the move.

Polly added, Daniel, I bet your sister, Jane, will have a fit if John and Mary move away. John P. is her oldest son, and she loves him with all her heart. It’ll be hard to see that many family members leave here.

I know, but I feel so close to John P., and I do hope he goes if Sarah and I go. I know he’s a lawyer now, but he does want his own office. Daniel added, Then I’ve always been close to James, too. Right now I feel torn about the whole thing with loved ones going and loved ones staying. Sarah and I have a lot of talking and soul searching to do before we make a decision. There’s time to decide because the ones who are going aren’t leaving until early next fall.

The ladies had been listening to the men talk. Tess brought in a platter of cheese and fruit to finish the meal. She asked if anyone would like a cup of coffee. Joshua replied, I’d like one. The others declined.

Sarah, I’ve eaten so much I could use a walk down by the river. If Polly and Joshua’ll excuse us, would you like to join me?

"I’d love to take a walk with you. Do you think I’ll need a wrap?"

There’s one of my light capes hanging on the peg in the hall. You’re welcome to wear it.

Thank you, Polly. I’ll get it on our way out.

Daniel helped her with the cape and opened the door for her. As they crossed the porch, Daniel took Sarah’s hand and gave it a little squeeze.

"I hadn’t intended for you to hear so much discussion about moving to Kentucky before