“You don’t like cats?”
“It’s not that I don’t like them. I find some of the things they do annoying, like wrapping around my legs when I’m trying to walk.” Moses scowled. “We’ve worked so hard to clean the place up. I didn’t want to leave a cat locked in the house unattended. But now that I moved in, I see the wisdom in what Mama’s saying.”
His mother’s knitting needles paused at Annie’s declaration. “Moe’s real aversion to cats is because of the calico we had when he was about ten.”
“Ma, please don’t tell that story.”
Mrs. Montgomery’s eyebrows rose. Locks of silver-streaked auburn hair framed her face, and her green eyes sparkled. “Why ever not? Bethany likes cats and will understand. The cat was a calico named Patches, and she loved Moses and liked to sleep on his bed. But she also liked to leave headless presents in his boots.”
“Ew.” Annie slapped her hand over her mouth.
“That’s what cats do when they like you.” Nine-year-old Andrew peered up from studying the firefly resting on his plaid shirt. “Miss Brady, did you hear about the cat that swallowed a ball of wool?” He gave her a snaggle-toothed grin. “She had mittens.”
Chapter 14
“Words are like bees. Some create honey, and others leave a sting. I wish I could remember who said that.”
—Mrs. Maggie Montgomery Benton, Designer and Blacksmith
Two weeks later, sitting on the front porch of the Montgomery home, Bethany pushed her fingers to pluck the strings of her dulcimer more quickly. It was a challenge keeping up with the lively, unsuppressed melodies full of random trills, slides, and extra bits of flourish flowing from Moses’s violin. She caught glimpses of the enjoyment on his face when he played. His bow changed pace. The tune became graceful, elegant, and swanlike as they transitioned to the Virginia Reel.
Annie clapped her hand and spun in a circle at the conclusion. “Can you play, ‘Buffalo Gals’ again, please?”
“Sorry, Shortcake. I promised your sister we would take you home before dark.” Moses returned his violin to its case.
“All right.” Annie poked out her bottom lip.
“Perhaps you can listen again tomorrow after supper. I’ve got a lot of practicing to do if I’m going to participate with your uncles at the upcoming dance.” Bethany patted the little girl’s back.
“You play nice, and I like the way you sing too.” Annie twirled her braid with her finger and stared at Bethany’s instrument. “Would you show me how to play?”
“As long as it’s alright with your sister, I’d be glad to teach you.”
Annie threw her arms around her neck. “Thank you, Aunt Bethany. Uncle Moe sure did good when he picked you out.”
Bethany blinked back unexpected tears.
“You’re right about that, Annie.” Moses extended his hand to the young girl. “I sure am thankful my flair for writing convinced Bethany to come.” A muscle in his jaw twitched.
Bethany rested her hand on the crook of his arm. “Your uncle wrote lovely notes.”
“I wish I possessed the gift of putting my thoughts on paper. But if you stick with me, I’m afraid the art of reading between the lines will be a lifelong journey.” Moses brought her fingers to his lips.
“I look forward to it.” Bethany felt her heart pound and was startled by the pull on her skirt.
“We’d best get a move on. It’s starting to get dark.” Annie hopped on one foot.
Moses tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “We’ll hurry. We want your sister to allow you to stay late again another time.”
“Oh, she will. She says I wear her out with all my questions, and I need to save some to ask Grandpa.” Still holding Moses’s hand, Annie skipped the short walk to her family’s creamy yellow and white Victorian cottage.
Strolling along the path, Bethany’s mouth lifted at the sight of the wrought-iron bench with a swirled heart design under the giant oak tree that Moses’s sister and father crafted. Stepping past the herb garden, the woodsy aroma of rosemary greeted her, reminding her of pine and lemon. The combination of crickets chirping and katydids buzzing a drawn-out softer note made a calming melody.
“I don’t know if it’s your sister’s garden or the house. But every time I pass by your home, Annie, it grows more beautiful.”
“My sister is better at gardening than cooking.” Annie paused to stroke the fur of a fluffy yellow cat on the L-shaped porch. “Carol says the porch calls to everyone to come and sit a spell.”
Bethany giggled when the cat meowed a greeting and circled Moses’s pant leg. “I’ll never understand why you don’t like cats. Especially since they seem to adore you.” Reaching for the feline, she stroked her back and received a loud purr of gratitude. “Kitty seems to agree with your sister about the porch, Annie.”
Annie scrunched her nose. “I’ve listened and never heard the porch call to me, not even once. I have no idea what the cat thinks.”
Moses’s chest rumbled with laughter, and Annie skipped up the stairs. His brother John-Mark swung open the door. “Thanks for seeing her home.”
“Anytime,” Moses answered.
Annie paused before entering. “Uncle Mark, I forgot to tell Aunt Bethany about The Pied Piper.”
“All right, hurry and go get your book, and we’ll show Aunt Bethany. But then you need to get ready for bed.” John-Mark coughed to cover a laugh.
“Uh, oh. I don’t like the look in your eye, brother. Do I want to hear this?” Moses’s eyebrows shot up.
His brother stepped on to the porch and spoke softly, “She’s been making me read that stupid poem for weeks trying to figure out why you like it so much. Last night she had me reread the part that describes the land where the piper is leading the children.” Annie appeared with the book. “Okay, honey, you can talk to them about this tomorrow. Go on and get ready for bed.”
Waiting for Annie to disappear around the corner, John-Mark opened the book and read.
‘The sparrows were brighter than peacocks here,
And their dogs outran our fallow deer,
And honey-bees had lost their stings,
And horses were born with eagles’ wings.’
John-Mark blew out his cheeks. “Bethany, you’ve probably heard what an active imagination Annie has. But I’m not sure if you’re aware she’s convinced Memphis is a long-lost princess, Deputy Weaver’s wife is Nellie Bly, and the cook at the diner is a fairy godmother.”
“I didn’t know about the cook at the diner.” Bethany giggled. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
John-Mark’s shoulders shook while he flipped through the pages. “She’s concluded that the magical land where the piper is taking the children is where you’re from.” His dark eyes so like his brothers crinkled. “I’m afraid the secret is out. You aren’t Bethany Brady from Tennessee, but instead, a former mermaid who’s been granted mortality.”
“Why would she think that?” Bethany shook her head.
Mark turned the book around and handed it to Moses. “Annie thinks the dulcimer is a magical harp and that Bethany’s able to charm men, animals, and insects. The fact that you’ve charmed my brother as well as being a beekeeper adds additional merit to the theory.”
Bethany stepped closer. She gasped at the sight of a young woman covered only by her long hair. Moses whistled. “Nice outfit.”
“Oh, for goodness sake, that is not me.” Bethany slammed the book shut.
Moses reached for the book and reopened it to the mermaid illustration. “You know, the more I look at it, the more I see the likeness. Although your hair is styled a little differently, it’s the same color.” He tapped his finger on the paper. “Look, she’s even wearing your favorite flowers. Isn’t that a daisy chain wrapped around her head?”
Bethany placed her hands to her flaming cheeks, then laughed. “I don’t know why I’m so embarrassed. Annie is an adorable child with a vivid imagination. Maybe we can find a way to deemphasize her theo
ry so she won’t mention it to anyone else.”
“One good thing about it, since school is out for the summer, she won’t have quite as large an audience to share her new aunt’s portrait.” Moses waggled his eyebrows.
Mark rubbed the back of his neck. “True, but before I could stop her this morning, I’m afraid she already shared it with Mrs. Mackenzie at the mercantile in front of numerous wagging tongues.”
Moses placed his hand around Bethany’s waist. “Don’t worry, honey. The townsfolk are used to Annie’s stories and like to play along. Even if she shares your illustration with everyone in town, people will accept your role as the little mermaid just fine.”
“That is not me in the illustration.” Bethany swatted Moses’s arm.
Moses reopened the book and grinned. “Nothing to be embarrassed about; you make a mighty fine picture.”
Chapter 15
“Proverbs 16:24: ‘Gracious words are like honeycombs,’
So, in other words, be sweet, watch your tone and your words.” – Pastor Nelson, Carrie Town Baptist Church.
Standing outside the church, waiting for Moses to return with the buggy, Bethany chatted happily with her friend, Daisy, who was matched to the handsome sawmill owner.
The former mathematics teacher’s hazel eyes sparkled. She wrapped Bethany in a tight hug, then held her at arm’s length. “Another new and beautiful dress and bonnet. The color looks lovely on you.”
Bethany smoothed the cream-colored cotton dress with small blue flowers. “Thank you. I have our good friend and your former roommate to thank for this pattern. Magnolia insisted I pick out bright colors for my new wardrobe when she knows full well Grandmother always insists on serviceable gray.”
“Magnolia has the gift of persuasion. If she can convince children to eat collard greens, she can certainly handle your grandmother.” Daisy crossed her arms. “My question is, why didn’t we think to use her influence years ago?”
“Grandmother gave up hope of me ever marrying. This matchmaking scheme has given her a new purpose. Her fingers have been in constant motion, filling my trunks with clothes and household items. I can’t wait for you to see the curtains she made for the front rooms.”
Daisy squeezed her hand. “I hope you and Memphis can spend the entire day with me tomorrow. So much has happened these past few months. We need another long visit to catch up.”
“That sounds wonderful to me.” Memphis arrived along with a burst of wind that sent her golden locks blowing across her face. Holding on to her straw bonnet, she stepped closer and spoke softly, “Before Moses and Mike return with the buggy, there’s something we want to tell you about the house.”
“I didn’t realize you both had seen it.”
“Moses and Matthew often help David at the sawmill. They trade out work for lumber. The children and I were with him when he delivered the most recent order.” Daisy swallowed.
Memphis patted Bethany’s arm. “Moses is proud of the progress made on the house so far. But he still has a long way to go. Daisy and I have already discussed this and want you to know that we worked together for months to make our homes comfortable. We will help you do the same.”
“I’ve enjoyed making David’s house our home.” Daisy’s mouth twitched. “My advice is to take things slowly. If you notice things that need to be changed, talk to Moses about them, and come up with a solution together. I’m certainly not the expert. But I’ve noticed there is a reason why the Lord said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone.’ The poor things need help.”
Memphis laughed. “The hardest part is communicating. It’s almost as though they speak another language.”
“My grandfather shared something with me that I’m still trying to understand. He said that husbands want to be loved, but they want to be respected even more. In other words, they want to feel supported in the decisions they make. But women are different. They want to be respected but want to feel loved most of all.”
“I miss your grandfather. He is such a dear.”
A young boy with a face sprinkled with freckles appeared and pulled off his cap displaying hair the color of deep ginger. “Excuse me, Aunt Daisy, Uncle David, said to let you know the wagon was blocking the road. He sent me to tell you he’s circling around.”
“Thank you for bringing the message.” Daisy patted the boy’s back. “Bethany, this is my nephew, Henry. He’s great friends with Andrew and has taken quite an interest in honeybees since you’ve been corresponding with Moses.”
“How nice to meet you, Henry. I enjoyed the jokes and puns you and Andrew contributed for me to share with my class in Tennessee. It’s nice to meet you in person.”
Henry scrunched his nose. “Are you really going to live in that old house?”
Daisy cleared her throat. “Mr. Montgomery is working hard to repair their new home. He’s even put on a new roof since you’ve seen it. Just you wait and see, it’s going to be lovely.”
“The Montgomery brothers are good at fixing things.” His freckled face puckered. “Did you bring any bees with you?”
“No, but my grandfather is going to send me a shipment soon. If it’s okay with your aunt and uncle, would you like to stop by and see them once I set things up?”
“I sure would, thank you, ma’am. Can Andrew come too?”
“Of course, I would love that.”
Daisy nodded toward the approaching wagon. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
Bethany’s heart warmed at the sight of Daisy’s smartly dressed husband jumping down to help her into the wagon. She turned her attention back to Memphis, who was twisting her reticule. “Now, what is it about the house you’re not telling me?”
“I don’t want to spoil the surprise, and Moses is so happy with the work they’ve done.” Memphis blew out her cheeks. “Let me put it this way, the structure is sound, but the outside needs a lot of attention. However, it’s been over a week since I’ve seen it. A lot can happen in that amount of time.”
Bethany raised one eyebrow. “What if I hate it?”
Memphis inclined her head toward the approaching buggy driven by Moses. “My attempt at preparing you is causing you to imagine some sort of catastrophe. Everything is going to be fine. Just don’t say anything about the outside.”
“No comment at all?”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something nice to say.” Memphis patted her arm. “There’s not even a chair to sit on. Try and envision how nice things will look when the furniture your grandparents are giving you is delivered. We’ll meet you there in about a half-hour.”
***
“Keep your eyes closed. We’re almost there.” Bethany felt the buggy veer and come to a stop.
“That was a short trip.” Bethany sucked in a breath and tried to calm the empty feeling in the pit of her stomach.
“The location is close to the livery and town. That’s the main reason I like it.” Moses placed his arm around her shoulder and spoke softly into her ear, “Go ahead and open your eyes.”
Bethany blinked rapidly. The two-storied L-shape house sat on a slight incline between the stable yard and overgrown pasture. The reflection of the afternoon sun on the steep tin roof gave it the appearance of silver, which was a direct contrast to the mud-colored sandstone. The house had a plain design with no additional details such as brackets or gingerbread trim. A path ran between the waist-high brush, leading up to a set of crude wooden steps. She swallowed and searched for the best thing she could say. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a house with two front doors before.”
“It takes some getting used to it, that’s for sure.” Moses extended his hand to assist her from the buggy. “After we finished replacing the roof, I’ve been focusing on the inside. Figured that’s where we would spend most of our time.”
Bethany grabbed Moses’s arm when a rabbit shot out from the thicket and crossed their path. His eyebrows narrowed. “It’s just a rabbit.”
“Thank goodness. The sud
den entrance and speedy exit frightened me.”
“Didn’t figure you to be the skittish type.” Moses chuckled and placed his arm around her waist.
Bethany felt her face flame. “I don’t know that I would consider myself skittish, but I admit I’m easily startled, especially if I’m going into the unknown.”
“I like your response. Maybe I’ll see if I can find any other rascally rabbits that will scare you enough to jump in my arms.” He waggled his dark eyebrows.
“Don’t you dare,” Bethany punched his arm playfully.
Moses paused in between the two front doors and motioned with his thumb. “The sheriff has a home similar to this in town. He uses the first door for his office and the second for the parlor. Which one do you want to see first?”
“Let’s start with the parlor.” Bethany bit her lip and silently thanked the Lord for her friend's warning about the front of the house. Hopefully, the interior would be more promising. Moses positioned the key in the door and pushed it open to a loud squeak. The aroma of fresh paint teased her senses. She admired the twelve-foot ceilings, center hallway, and staircase.
“Figured I’d keep it simple, so I painted everything a creamy white.” Moses shuffled his feet. A lock of wavy hair caressed his forehead giving him a boyish charm.
“It looks nice and clean.” I wish he asked me what color I preferred first. Bethany’s boots made soft taps on the long-leaf pine floors. “The floors are beautiful, such a rich color of amber.” His brown eyes flecked with a similar color met hers. “I may have to add this hue to my list of favorites.”
“You can thank my mother for that. She helped me polish the front rooms with linseed oil and beeswax.” Moses slid the pocket doors into their hiding spots and waved his hand, “After you, young lady.”
“What a nice big space.” Bethany crossed to the far wall and pulled the shades of both windows, letting them go with a snap, flooding the room with light. She followed Moses’s gaze to a double-sided fireplace in the center of the room.
A Beekeeper for Christmas Page 8
