The Resting Tree - Chapter 3: Preparing for War

As it happened, Schuyler was called to war far sooner than anyone could have imagined. Just a week and a half after his tense conversation with Sally at Clark's, a letter was delivered to his aunt and uncle's house one autumn day.

"Schuyler, letter for you came today, dear," his aunt Mabel said as she dished out bowls of soup beans for dinner, "it looks official."

Schuyler looked to the counter where the day's mail was always left until the recipient could tend to it. To be completely honest, he didn't want any news that the letter could've been offering. As proud and patriotic as Schuyler felt the other day about signing up for the draft, he really didn't want to be called in to fight, at least not this quickly. He also had a sinking feeling that if he was being recruited, he had no choice but to move forward with Sally. After all, she did love him and he loved her, wasn't that what they'd said? Surely the right thing to do would be to get married in case he was sent off and...

Schuyler didn't want to think about that possibility. He slowly stood from his spot at the table and went to retrieve the very official-looking letter addressed to him. He grabbed the envelope and turned it over, carefully running his fingers along the seal before finally tearing it open. He pulled out a document inside which was a notice of call to appear for a physical examination.

A sigh let out from Schuyler's lips, well this wasn't official yet. He had to pass the physical exam and if he did, off to war he would certainly go. The document contained the address to a larger hospital the next city over from them. He would have to get a ride and the only way he knew to get one this quick was from Sally's father. He was one of the few in their city able to afford a Model T.

Schuyler turned to his aunt, who he had just realized was watching him with a rather worrisome look.

"I've been called for physical examination for the military," Schuyler said with a sad smile, "I must appear in Eton tomorrow afternoon at the hospital. I'll ask Sally's father for a ride."

Aunt Mabel walked slowly up to Schuyler and put her arms around him and held him for a long time before she pulled back to look at him with misty eyes and said, "Your mother would be unhappy, but she would understand, just as I."

---

The next day, Schuyler found himself climbing into an automobile with Jackson Finster, Sally's father. Jackson was the owner of the bank in Brighchester where they all lived and despite being somewhat conceited, Schuyler really enjoyed Jackson's company.

Jackson was a man who knew what he wanted and typically didn't stop at anything to get it. He was wildly successful in their town and known by all. Though Jackson certainly would've picked someone else for his Sally rather than a poor painter, he did really like Schuyler. He was hardworking and Jackson could appreciate that.

"Alright, off our we are then," said Jackson in his booming voice, "I say Schuyler boy, it sure is a beautiful day. Sometimes so beautiful you forget there is a war going on."

Schuyler smiled weakly, he was finding himself a lot more nervous than he anticipated, "It sure is a beautiful day and it is easy to forget about the war. But, isn't that how things always are? One side of it is beautiful and sunny as if there aren't any problems in the world but the other side is filled with evil."

Jackson smiled at Schuyler as they drove along to Eton. As they traveled, Jackson and Schuyler chatted as men do. Mostly about work and the war. But of course, especially with Jackson around, the subject of Sally came up quite a lot as well.

"She's quite smitten with you," Jackson said with a grin, "been planning your wedding for a while now, she has."

Schuyler didn't necessarily know what to think or how to feel. He did like Sally, a lot, but he had such a strange uneasiness about marrying her, "I know she has been planning, she's very good at that," Schuyler responded, hoping to sound polite.

Jackson's expression turned serious now, "really now, Schuyler, we know with the war and all loads of young couples who are bound to get married anyway I going ahead and tying the knot, what do you say?"

Couples who were bound to get married anyway? Schuyler again felt an uneasiness come over him. Who was this man to tell him if should get married or not? And was he asking for Schuyler to propose to his daughter?

"Well, I do say the war has made for a lot of romance," Schuyler said with a nervous laugh.

Jackson's face and tone grew ever sterner, "It has, no better time for it and you know it'd be good for you."

"Good for me?"

"Well of course!" Jackson exclaimed, "Think about it, you marry my Sally and she will be happy which is how I, as her father, have tried to keep her feeling her whole life... at any cost."

This was true enough, Schuyler thought to himself. Sally was quite spoiled and knew what she wanted and didn't stop short to get it.

"And just imagine now, I've got no sons of my own. Just my Sally. You marry her and one day, you can come into the inheritance of the bank. Think of it now, eh? I like your work ethic. You could certainly do it with a bit of training and then eventually one day, you could be well off for the first time in your life. Not much prospect otherwise doing your painting."

Schuyler tried not to let this comment stir anger in him. So what if he wasn't "well off"? Schuyler loved his painting. It allowed him to be part of the community and get to know the people he worked around. The only thing you got to know about people at the bank was how big their account was and how much debt they have. What kind of connection was that?

Schuyler took a deep breath and controlled himself, "That would certainly be an honor, sir."

Jackson smiled, "Course it would be! So I say you go for it. It's a win-win situation. For you and Sally... and me!" He let out a laugh. "Whenever you're ready, Sally is your girl and you will have a cozy job waiting for you at the bank as soon as this ruddy war is over."

Schuyler didn't know anything else to say, "Thank you, sir," he smiled weakly.

"And another thing," Jackson said as he eased the car to a stop at the entrance of Eton hospital, he turned to look at Schuyler, "When the time comes for you, and I know it will, Mrs. Finster has a ring for you to give to Sally."

At this, Schuyler almost felt dizzy. A ring? They had a ring? Had all of them been planning this for their own personal gain just assuming he would go along with it all? Schuyler could do nothing more but nod slowly with wide eyes. At this, he got out of the vehicle to go in for his appointment.

Jackson called behind him, "I'll just be round the corner when you're done, I need to talk to a man about a new suit for a wedding." Jackson winked, "good luck in there, son!"