HOME AGAIN...

When Canute arrived with another company of converts from Norway, there was much rejoicing in the Peterson household and the community as a whole. Again there were people to be settled in and time to do catching up....



Not much had changed in Canute's family this time. The mission was not for as long as the last time. Naturally he noticed his children had all grown and changed considerably, but Sarah hadn't gone out and adopted her a family. Perhaps she felt the family was increasing enough without adopting anymore, although she would have if it was needed.

Sarah's thoughts were confirmed nine months after Canute's return. In January, the stork flapped it's wings twice in the Peterson home and left both Sarah and Marie a baby. Sarah had a baby girl whom they gave the illustrious name of Walberg Herbertie, which was wisely shortened to Bertie. Marie's child was a son whom they named Jacob.

Both women, being rather indisposed at the time, welcomed a young immigrant, Charlotte Extram into their home. She had come over with the group Canute had brought in May and had been staying with them since. She was a lovely, genteel girl, refined and cultured. She was quick and lively and very clever at spinning and weaving.  This latter ability proved a great help as the need for additional clothing material was in constant demand in this household. Charlotte preferred this over any other household task, which suited Sarah and Marie. This gave them more time for the many other tasks needed to be done in the large home.

Marie was more quiet and serious minded and not given to quick mirth and spontaneous laughter as were Sarah and Charlotte. She liked best the tasks that required physical labor. Marie took great delight in the snowy whiteness of a clean wash, or the gleaming cleanliness of a well scrubbed floor. She was also good at weaving, but given her preference, she always took the cleaning.

Sarah was the marvelous cook and seamstress. She was also a scrupulous housekeeper. She did most of the cooking and baking and was frequently besieged on baking day by the children. They all called her 'Mommie", her own as well as Marie's children, and they begged her for a taste of cakes and cookies. Her quick humor and keen sense of understanding made her a favorite with them all. At times when Canute or Marie became a little agitated with one of the children, it was Sarah who would caution patience and interceded for them.

As the women went about their daily tasks, they would take time to talk and learn of one another. Sarah had shared the story of her family she left when she made the decision to head West. How she often thought of her beloved mother, but knew what she did was the right thing for her. Of the trials coming across the Plains and the joy of finally arriving. Marie told of her life in Christinia, of meeting Canute in the park when he was so hungry, yet shared his last piece of bread with the doves. How she learned of America and the new religion that had started up there. Of coming across the plains and starting a new life.

They learned from Charlotte that she was born in Arnka Sweden in 1844. She had gone to Christinia Norway with her parents at the age of eight. In 1862 she had joined the Mormon church and was an active member when Canute had gone back on his second mission. She had dreamed of coming to America and when a company of converts was ready to leave in 1866, she was among the group that Canute took back with him.

Often in the evenings after everyone had gone to bed, Charlotte would remain at her spinning wheel. She didn't want to be a burden on the household and was contributing all she could in spinning to the ever growing demand for material. Clothes and other necessities were always needed and she felt the more she could do, the less burden on Sarah and Marie. they had become close in the months since she had arrived.

Sarah noticed that Canute had taken to staying and chatting with Charlotte in the evenings. He loved to remove his shoes after a long day and warm his feet by the fire.  She and Marie had exchanged knowing glances when he stayed up later, but said nothing. Therefor it was no surprise when a few weeks later Canute came to Sarah and said" Sack my dear, it's time for me to take another wife. Do I have your permission?"

This time the shock was not as great or the hurt as deep. After the first time what did it matter if there were one more, she mused. She was surprised at herself, that she could look at it so calmly. It wasn't that she loved Canute any less. Maybe all the hardships she had endured had worn her down and caused her to lose her spunk somewhat. And there she sat, wondering and reasoning, and keeping Canute waiting again for her answer. She took a deep breath, smiled at him and the words came out ever so gently.

"Yes Canute, of course, go ahead. You knew what my answer would be, didn't you? Have I ever refused you anything, or refused to do what was expected of me?"

"No Sack, you never have. No man could ask for a better wife than you've been. I'll always love you deeply."

At his words the song was once more ringing in Sarah's ears and heart. And when Canute kissed her a fond goodnight, she marveled at the charm of the man she loved.

The next night when Charlotte arose from her spinning wheel, Sarah spoke kindly to her, saying she'd better stay a little longer, Canute had something to say to her. Charlotte sat again and smiled at Sarah saying " Alright, if you say so." Maria glanced up quickly at Canute and then at Sarah who smiled at her and gently inclined her head in a nod. With a slightly disgruntled "Humph", Marie left the room.

Two days later on the second of February, 1867, Canute and Charlotte took off in the new Surrey and team of horses that Peter had worked for and headed to Salt Lake City to be married. When they returned three days later, Canute told them of his new assignment he'd learned about from the church leaders in the City. He'd been assigned the position of going to Ephraim in Sanpete County, a settlement about ninety five miles south of Lehi. He was to be Bishop of the settlement and also act as mediator and peacemaker between the settlers and the Indians.

Canute seemed pleased with the appointment, but to Sarah the announcement fell like a heavy blow. The thought of pulling up stakes again, uprooting all that had been established, seemed an awful thing to her. She looked out the window at the beautiful big willow trees that had grown in the years. And she thought of Emma, her beloved friend. She would have to be left behind. This was just too much. Sarah felt as if she were suffocating, the unshed tears were busting her heart and stinging her eyes.

She excused herself and left the room. Going outside, she went to the little room they used for washing, put her apron to her face, and here alone she cried in reckless abandon. The fury of her grief soon spent itself and she fought bravely for composure when she heard Canute's footsteps. She softly began humming the song that always came to her lips in times of stress and emotion. Stepping inside, Canute put his arms around her, then turned her to face him.

"Look at me Sack. You're not fooling me by your humming, and especially that song. I know why you're humming it. I can well imagine what this move will mean to you. This is your first real home in the wilderness and all we see around us is the result of your labors in my absences. I hate to take you from all the things you love and your friends. But I'll build you a fine house, you'll make new friends there and perhaps new opportunities will come to you there that you'd never have here. Be brave my sweet Sack like you've always been. If it's the Lord's will, and of course it must be, everything will work out all right."

"Oh Canute, you make everything sound so right, so logical when you talk about it. Of course we'll be alright. I'm just sentimental about my friends and all they stand for in my life. But I'm your wife and will always stand by your side, where ever you are."

Together they walked back to the house to start making arrangements to start a new life in the wilderness...again.


And I'll be back with more soon.

Need to dry my own eyes...


See ya Yesterday...