Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  She unlocked the door and hurried inside, locking it behind her. He watched her weave her way to the curtains that must hide the stairs.

  After turning up his collar, he walked toward the boardinghouse. This had been a good day.

  Chapter Three

  Serena floated up the stairs to the rooms in which she lived with her aunt and uncle. The stairs she used were those inside the store. The outside staircase was slick with ice and too dangerous for winter use.

  When she reached the parlor, her aunt sat knitting while her uncle read—or reread—the newspaper.

  Aunt Esther looked up, curiosity showing on her face. “Well, tell us about your outing.”

  “Nothing much to tell. We went to the Talk and Fork and had the roast beef. It was tender and delicious.”

  “You know very well I meant did you learn more about him? What does he do for a living? Is he a prospector?”

  “He’s waiting on his cash to arrive from the bank because he’s investing in… let’s see, he called it mechanization.”

  “Harrumph. That’s hardly an answer.”

  “Well, it’s all I can tell you. Perhaps I’ll learn more tomorrow after church when he takes me for a sleigh ride picnic.”

  Her aunt gasped. “A picnic in the winter with snow on the ground? That’s crazy. You’ll catch cold or, worse, pneumonia.”

  “He’s providing heated bricks for our feet and blankets for our laps. He’s also bringing the food. We’ll be fine. I haven’t ridden in a sleigh since I was a young girl.”

  Before her aunt could raise more protests, Serena kissed her aunt’s cheek and that of her uncle. “Goodnight.”

  She escaped to her room, also on the front of the building’s second floor. There was a third bedroom toward the back which Mama had used. While Mama was so ill, Serena had slept on a pallet near Mama’s bed in case she needed anything during the night.

  Unless Papa came to visit, there was no one else to show up and use the spare room. What a sad thought—when she left, her aunt and uncle would have no one. Since they weren’t gracious or welcoming to customers, they had almost no friends. Reverend Jones came to call, but she considered that part of his job. They didn’t even socialize after church each Sunday but hurried back home.

  She didn’t want that kind of life for herself. She yearned for a special man who thought she was special. The kind of man she’d wished for. Together they’d build a happy life with children and love and laughter and lots of friends.

  Why had Brent Adams’ face popped into her head? He was nice and had been such a gentleman… and he was interesting. But, she hardly knew him and he was only in Hopeful temporarily.

  She wondered where he planned to establish his mechanization, whatever that was. She hoped he’d be here long enough for them to become friends. Perhaps he’d explain his plans and what he intended on their sleigh ride.

  She readied for bed and turned out the lamp. She left the curtains open so the bright moonlight spilled into her room. The wishing well was easily visible from her window.

  Snow glistened from the crescent moon’s golden glow and the well’s frosty stones sparkled. She clasped her hands to her breast. Magic, perhaps there was such a thing as magic on a night like this. Would there still be magic tomorrow?

  The following day Serena could barely wait until church was over. Reverend Jones chose that time to go over on his sermon.

  When she stepped from the sanctuary, Brent waited at the street in the sleigh. Tom Lawson tried to stop her to talk, but she excused herself. She could tell when Brent spotted her because his face beamed with pleasure and he hopped to the ground. How lovely to know he looked forward to seeing her.

  She waved goodbye to her aunt and uncle. Careful not to appear as eager as she was, she went to greet him. In preparation for their outing, she’d worn long handles and quilted flannel petticoats and quilted chemise. Her green alpaca wool dress was the warmest she owned. Her long navy wool coat had a hood which she tugged up over her hair.

  “You look a picture this afternoon. I hope you’ll be warm enough. If not, please tell me and we’ll hurry back.”

  She removed a hand from her fur-lined muff to allow him to help her into the sleigh. “My coat is really warm. I was almost too warm in church.”

  He tucked a blanket around her before he joined her. When he’d tucked a blanket around his legs, he pulled another blanket over both of them.

  He clicked the reins and the horse walked down the street. “Are the bricks too warm for your feet?”

  “They’re perfect. I’m so glad the sun is shining and there’s no wind. We have glorious weather for our outing.”

  “I’m not familiar with Hopeful, of course. A fellow at the boardinghouse, Mr. Jackson, gave me directions to a nice spot for a picnic. He said it’s on Hunter Mountain and has a great view. Mrs. McClain packed us a basket.”

  “She’s a nice woman and I’ve heard she’s a good cook.”

  “The food has been excellent so far. I’m getting a little more used to being around so many people.” He grinned at her. “Guess I won’t become a hermit after all.”

  She laughed. “I’m glad because it’d be a shame for you to grow a long, long beard. So much trouble to keep clean I imagine. How many reside at the boardinghouse?”

  His brow furrowed for a few seconds. “I’d guess about twenty guests plus the staff. Hard to say… some of the men travel. A few are prospectors who are only there for the winter.”

  She exhaled a breath that showed a puff of white in the cold. “That’s what my aunt says. Prospectors always leave but don’t always return. I know she means Papa.”

  He disliked her aunt immensely. “Have you been the way we’re headed previously?”

  “I’m afraid I haven’t been many places. With Mama being so ill, I stayed close to home and helped her and my aunt. That’s when I wasn’t in school.”

  “Mr. Jackson promised there’s a pretty spot up ahead. I think we’re there now. See where the trees form a vee? He assured me they’d shelter us if the wind kicks up. We should be able to see Hopeful below us in the valley.”

  “Our dinner smells delicious.”

  “And, you’re always hungry, right? She said we have friend chicken, potato salad, devilled eggs, pickles, and pie. I see a jar and but don’t know what it holds.”

  “Sounds like a lot of food. Water is fine if that’s what she sent. We have very good water here in Hopeful. That’s what they found when they were digging for gold.”

  “Bet that was a disappointment but water is precious. No gold at all?”

  “Well, there have been small claims of gold, just not a big strike like they’d hoped. There are a couple of mines near town but they’ve been abandoned.”

  “Too bad but that’s the way prospecting is. Unless a man hits a large deposit, the people selling the equipment make more money than the miners.”

  “Is that why you quit prospecting?”

  He pulled into the vee of trees. “I still own my claim over near Lizard Butte. Don’t reckon I’ll ever sell it.”

  She gasped at the view. “Isn’t this lovely? I had no idea this was here.”

  “What, the mountain?” He grinned and his eyes sparkled with mischief.

  She punched his arm lightly. “Obviously I knew the mountain was here. I didn’t know about this incredible view.”

  Happy the view had stopped her questions, he reached behind him for the basket of food. “We probably should remain in the sleigh to eat. I don’t want your feet to get wet and cold.”

  He chuckled and met her gaze. “I’d be willing to wager your aunt and uncle thought we were crazy to go on a picnic today.”

  She rolled her eyes heavenward. “You’d win that bet. Actually, Uncle Willard didn’t have anything to say. As usual, Aunt Esther said plenty.”

  “They didn’t suggest you needed a chaperone?”

  “I’m twenty-two, so it’s not as if I’m sixteen. Besides, I suppose
they thought it too cold for us to get into mischief.”

  He wasn’t going to inform her they could very easily get into mischief. Last night’s dreams were filled with her in his arms. In fact, she hadn’t left his thoughts day or night since he’d met her.

  Balancing the wicker hamper on his knees, he served her plate. “I hope you enjoy this. Mrs. McClain sent enough for three or four people.”

  She accepted the tin plate filled with food that looked and smelled tasty. He opened a mason jar and poured them each apple cider. Mrs. McClain had sent two small jars to be used as glasses.

  A small flock of birds landed at the foot of the trees. “Oh, aren’t those lovely birds? Look how they show up against the snow better than those juncos near them.”

  He watched the small winged creatures collect food. “Rosy finches among juncos. I enjoy observing birds and small animals. On the other hand, I hope to avoid predators like bears, cougars, wolves, and so forth.”

  “I should say so. Thank goodness, those animals don’t wander into town often.” She laughed. “Once, a herd of elk meandered down our main street. They ambled on the boardwalk and peered around and looked in windows as if they planned to go shopping.”

  He reached for another piece of chicken. “Reckon that caused a sensation.”

  “My aunt grabbed a broom and stood at the door as if ready to sweep any intruder from the store. Mesmerized, I watched from the front window. I’d never seen elk that close. They’re much larger than I’d thought and I was glad none tried to enter the store.”

  He’d been watching out for predators, especially for bears. Serena didn’t need to know he had a rifle under the seat.

  “I expect a few men rushed for their shotguns. Elk steak is mouth-watering.”

  “Not that I saw but you’re probably right. If they did, I’m glad I wasn’t witness to the kill. I’m a fair cook but afraid I’d be hopeless at dressing meat.”

  “Isn’t that a coincidence? I can dress the carcass but I’m a poor cook. We’d make a grand pair.” He already thought of them as a pair.

  She blushed. “Any word on when your money will arrive?”

  “I believe it will be here before Christmas. Then I’ll have to gather up all the equipment and begin assembling it. Others will help, of course.”

  “Oh, I hope you’ll still be here for the Christmas tree ceremony. Each year a tree is erected in the center of town, near the wishing well. Traditional decorations collected over the years since the town was founded are placed on the tree. Plus, there are a few new things added.”

  “Sounds nice. When does that happen?”

  “Two weeks before Christmas. Most people in town show up for the ritual. The women from church sell hot drinks of spiced apple cider and coffee. The bakery sells cinnamon buns but Millie and Reg Hardy donate a lot of the proceeds to the church.”

  He longed to spend more time with Serena. Timing would be close, but perhaps he could manage. “All right, you’ve sold me. If I possibly can, I’ll be here for the tree ceremony.

  “I’m glad. I look forward to it each year.”

  Her animated features and sparkling green eyes reassured him accepting was the right choice.

  Chapter Four

  Serena handed her empty plate to Brent. “Please tell Mrs. McClain I enjoyed our food and found everything delicious.”

  “I will.” He added his plate, fork, and glass before closing up the hamper. “Say, I should have asked, do you have a steady beau?”

  She laughed. “No, much to my aunt’s chagrin. She won’t stop nagging until she sees me married.”

  He concentrated so hard on the hamper she thought he was avoiding looking her in the face. “I shouldn’t pry. Only, I saw that man try to talk to you after church.”

  “Oh, that was Tom Lawson. I went out with him once and certainly won’t go out with him again. He thinks reading is bad for women because books give us the wrong expectations.”

  Brent looked up with raised eyebrows. “Meaning he wants an empty-headed woman and not one who thinks for herself, right?”

  “Exactly my opinion. My aunt agrees with Tom. She told me a husband will tell his wife what to think and guide her to have the right opinions.” Even thinking about that situation ignited Serena’s rare burst of anger.

  He leaned away from her as if he expected a blow. “Hey, don’t get riled at me. I agree with you. I wouldn’t want to be married to a woman who couldn’t form her own beliefs and views. She’d be a pretty boring companion.”

  Serena exhaled and her wave of temper evaporated. “What a nice thing to say. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I admit I get frustrated fighting the same old battles day after day.”

  “I don’t blame you. Was your mother anything like your aunt?”

  “In looks but not in personality. Mama was cheerful and optimistic where Aunt Esther is grumpy and always expects the worst. My aunt has frown lines and lines around her mouth from her sour facial expression. They make her look older than she is. Mama’s few lines were from smiling.”

  “Um… I did notice the lines around your aunt’s mouth make her look as if she spends a lot of time puckered in disapproval.” He chuckled. “I’m only guessing she didn’t get them by puckering up for kisses.”

  His statement shocked Serena into a realization. For a few seconds she searched her memory. “You know, I’ve never seen her and my uncle kiss. They don’t even touch when I’m there. Isn’t that odd? I understand why they wouldn’t be familiar in the store, but upstairs in their home?”

  “Perhaps they’re not the touching types. Were your parents like that?”

  “Mama and Papa left no doubt they were in love. Sometimes it was just a touch as one passed by the other or a smile across the room.”

  She twisted away so he wouldn’t see the tears that had overflowed her eyes. “I miss them so much.”

  Gently, he turned her to face him. He brushed a golden strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. He took his handkerchief and dabbed away her tears.

  “Aw, I’m sorry I caused you to have sad thoughts. Only… well, I’m fascinated by you and want to know everything about you. Am I forgiven?”

  She forced a smile. “There’s nothing to forgive. My life is not perfect but I shouldn’t complain. I have a job and a place to live and I’m spending the afternoon with an interesting and handsome man.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. While I’m here I hope you’ll spend all your free time with me.”

  She pulled away from his caress. “Don’t remind me you’ll only be here a short while. Hopeful isn’t very hopeful for me on my own. You’d think since there’s a shortage of women here that Molly Mason and I would be swept off our feet. Not so.”

  “I guess I haven’t met her.”

  “She’s the seamstress at Stitch in Time. We’re approximately the same age. Brent, I won’t settle for a man I don’t love. I’d rather remain a spinster.”

  “You’re hardly that. You said you’re twenty-two. I’m twenty-seven.”

  She waved aside his objection. “Age is different for a man. The few girls I knew in school are married with children now. One married at sixteen and has four children, two married at seventeen and each has two children, and one married at nineteen and has one child with another on the way.”

  “Several of my friends are married or widowers but most are single. Tell me more about yourself.” He leaned toward her as if he really wanted to hear what she would say. “What do you enjoy besides reading, what are your favorite colors, things like that?”

  “Hmmm, my favorite colors are a tie between lavender and green. I enjoy knitting and skating. Sometimes I paint in watercolors but I’m no expert. What about you? You haven’t told me much about yourself.”

  He caressed her cheek. “My favorite colors are red like your lips and green the color of your eyes.”

  Her face heated but she loved hearing his words. “I’m serious, kind sir.”

  He st
ared into her eyes. “So am I but I’ll move on to other things. I build furniture, you know, like chairs and tables, that sort of thing. As you said, I’m no expert, but I’ve sold pieces to others. I once tried a garden, but I didn’t spend enough time tending it. Mostly I fed the rabbits and deer.”

  She laughed. “They have to eat, too.” She pulled the blanket tighter around her.

  He looked at the sky. “Looks like more snow on the way. I’d better get you back before we’re stuck up here.”

  “I hadn’t noticed how dark the sky has become. I’m glad we had our outing before the weather turned.” He gathered the reins and turned the sleigh to head to town.

  She shouldn’t regret the afternoon was ending. Rather, she decided to be grateful she’d had time with a man who lived up to her dreams. At least she knew that she wasn’t being fanciful and that such men really did exist.

  When she returned to the living quarters upstairs, she braced herself for her aunt’s prying questions. She hung her coat and scarf on the hall tree and left her muff on the shelf beneath. After that, she sashayed into the parlor.

  “I’m back after a lovely time. Mrs. McClain prepared the picnic hamper with fried chicken.”

  Aunt Esther’s eyes snapped with displeasure. “Where did you go in this weather?”

  “To Hunter’s Mountain. We could see Hopeful in the valley below. It was gorgeous from up there.”

  Uncle Willard lowered his newspaper. “Yep, nice view from up there.”

  Serena was surprised at her uncle’s comment. Usually he kept silent so as to not incur her aunt’s wrath.

  “There was a flock of rosy finches. They were so pretty against the snow and the green pines. I’d like to go back up there in the summer.”

  Uncle Willard shook his head then smiled. “Too risky. Bears like it up there, too, you see, but they’re asleep now.”

  “Oh, right. Brent said he wanted to avoid predators.”

  Aunt Esther snapped, “Brent is it? That’s too familiar when you’ve known him such a short time. I suppose he kissed you?”