Carol's Choice

by Kimberly Grist

  “I wouldn’t want to impose.” Her hand went to her chest.

  “Once you’ve met my mother, you’ll understand. It will not be an imposition for her.” He grinned. “You can ask her for hints about cooking on a stove like this one. But fair warning, she’s going to talk your ear off.”

  Mark felt a flutter in his stomach when she nodded.

  “Thank you, I accept.” She smoothed her dress. “But we really should wash up first.”

  “Let me unload your trunk, and then I’ll show the kids where the outhouse is and how to work the pump.” He pulled a watch from his vest pocket. “I’ll be back in an hour and a half. Will that give you enough time?”

  Carol felt a churning in her stomach. Why didn’t I think to ask about a water closet?

  She let out a deep breath. “We’ll be ready. Thank you, Mr. Montgomery. You’ve been very kind.”

  ~

  Carol’s eyebrows lifted when Mark Montgomery pulled the wagon in front of a Gothic Revival-style house with pointed arches and window shapes. Though more modest in size than her former home, it looked grand compared to her new abode. The wooden structure was painted gray, trimmed in white. Decorative screens with wrought iron covered the windows and front door, adding visual appeal. Several wooden rockers and a massive swing looked inviting on the L-shaped porch.

  “You have a lovely home, Mr. Montgomery.” Carol smiled. “It’s charming.”

  Mark pushed his Stetson to the back of his head and followed her gaze. “We relocated here a little over a year ago. My mother cracked the whip, and between my father and four brothers, we brought the place up to her standards. The details on the wrought iron are my sister’s idea. But my father did the hammering.”

  She smiled. “Your father is a blacksmith?”

  He swung Annie into the air before placing her safely on the ground. Mark extended his arms to her brother. “Go ahead and jump. I’ll catch you.”

  Andrew grinned as he accepted the challenge. “We read a poem about a blacksmith at school.”

  Carol felt her heart race when he offered his hand. She landed with a soft thump beside him, her face warming to a blush. “Thank you.”

  “I bet your father has big muscles.” Andrew flexed both arms.

  “He sure does.” Mark chuckled. “His shop is just down the road. If it’s alright with your sister, I’ll see if I can get Pa to give you a tour after lunch.”

  Carol’s eyebrows narrowed. “I don’t know if that is a good idea.”

  Andrew’s blond hair dipped and he drew a circle with his boot. Carol sighed, then faced the man. Tall, hair the color of dark walnut, broad-shouldered with a square jaw, he was certainly good looking. Handsome and nice at the same time. What a novelty.

  One eyebrow lifted. His eyes darkened to the color of chocolate. “I’ll keep an eye on him. Pa enjoys it when he gets visitors.” He ruffled Andrew’s hair. “Just like in the poem.”

  “I suppose that will be alright. But you must do whatever Mr. Montgomery says.” Carol bent closer to her younger brother and tapped him softly on the tip of his nose.

  “Can I go too?” Annie clasped her fingers together and bounced on one foot. “I’ll be good, I promise.”

  “All right then. If Mr. Montgomery is sure we won’t be a bother, we’ll all go.”

  “Like I said, my pa welcomes visitors.” He motioned toward the house. “Y’all go in. My mother is expecting you. I’ll join you as soon as I take care of the horses.”

  Annie skipped to the front door, her blond curls bouncing with each step. Andrew was a little slower. He kept peering over his shoulder at the back of the retreating Mark Montgomery. Carol swallowed. It felt strange to walk into a stranger’s house unannounced. She raised her hand to knock on the front door when it opened to a middle-aged woman with silver-streaked auburn hair and the greenest eyes she’d ever seen.

  “You must be Miss Stone.” Two dimples appeared, framing her smile. She opened the door wide and waved them inside. “And you must be Annie and Andrew. I’m Mark’s mother, Tennessee Montgomery. Make yourself at home. You can hang your coats on the hall tree.” Mrs. Montgomery nodded toward a black hand-forged iron structure with twisted rods, spiral finials and a wood-framed mirror.

  “What a beautiful piece.” Carol reached for her sister’s wool cape and brother’s coat. “I've never seen anything like it.”

  Tennessee's round cheeks rose with her smile. “Our youngest daughter has a gift for design. And my husband has a talent with a hammer. Come into the dining room. Everything is ready. We’re just waiting on the men to arrive.”

  Tantalizing aromas from the kitchen greeted them. Carol’s stomach rumbled in response.

  “Something smells good.” Andrew grinned, and Annie’s head bobbed up and down.

  “It certainly does. Thank you for allowing us to come on such short notice, Mrs. Montgomery.”

  “Nonsense. That’s what neighbors do for one another.” The middle-aged woman shooed them into the dining room. “I’m excited you’re here. I hope we can break bread together often.”

  “I’m glad we’re your neighbors.” Annie reached for Tennessee’s hand.

  “I am too, dear.”

  Andrew’s eyebrows narrowed. “I hope you still feel the same way after you taste my sister’s cooking.”

  Carol gasped.

  “Maybe we ought to wait a while before we have the Montgomery family over.” With a grimace, Andrew cut his sister a sideways glance. “That’ll give you some more time to practice.”

  Chapter 4

  Tennessee Montgomery took three ladder-back chairs from their resting spot in the corners of the dining room and positioned them for seating. “It’s nice to have a full table again.” Mrs. Montgomery posted her arms on her hips and grinned.

  Carol admired the large dining room, which now stood waiting to seat nine people. “Your dining room is almost as big as my house.”

  Mrs. Montgomery waved her hand. “Not quite but with this group of mine, we need a large table.” Her eyes crinkled. “One of the good things about a large family is they’re accustomed to welcoming another one, or in this case, three more. We’re happy to have you. Please take your seats.”

  Carol pulled a chair out for Annie and Andrew. The afternoon sunlight poured in through the bay windows and highlighted the russet green, tulip-designed wallpaper. Cream-colored dinnerware with shamrocks painted around the perimeter of the plates created a beautiful setting. “Can I help you with something?”

  “Hmm, let me think.” Mrs. Montgomery put a finger to her cheek. “You can put out the vegetables. Everything else is already on the sideboard.” She nodded toward a platter of ham and several baskets of yeast rolls.

  Carol set bowls of green beans and black-eyed peas on the table. Just then, four broad-shouldered men over six feet tall with dark hair and eyes followed Mark into the room.

  “Miss Stone, let me introduce you to my brothers.” He gestured toward each. “My older brother, Mike. Matthew, Moses and the youngest is Malachi.” He patted a tall, slender-built teenager on the shoulder.

  “Ma’am.” All four men nodded their greeting. Mark pulled a chair out for Carol, his fingers brushing her shoulder.

  “Thank you.” She glanced toward his brothers. They were all similar in coloring and stature. Why do I find Mark more attractive than the rest? “All of you have Bible names beginning with ‘M.’ That was creative of your parents.”

  The oldest brother’s mouth twitched. “Our older sister, Molly Rachel, was named for our grandmother, then I was named for our father, so our parents decided to stick with the letter ‘M.’ John-Mark is the only deviation.”

  “Mostly, I go by my middle name.” Mark shrugged. “Except on formal occasions.”

  “Those being when he does something to upset Ma or Pa and gets called out.” Mike chuckled. “Which used to be often when we were younger, not so much of late.”

  A tall man with dark hair slightly graying a
t the temples entered the room followed by their hostess. “And this is my father, Michael Montgomery,” Mark explained.

  “Welcome to our home.” Mr. Montgomery extended his large hand to Carol and then to Andrew. “I see you are surrounded by women, young man. Feel free to come visit us any time.” He bowed toward Annie. “How do you do, young lady?”

  Annie’s eyes widened. “Fine, thank you.” She inclined her head. “Y’all sure are tall.”

  Mr. Montgomery chuckled. The corner of his mouth lifted. “She reminds me of Maggie when she first came to live with us.” He pulled out a chair for his wife.

  “I thought the same thing.” Mrs. Montgomery nodded. “Maggie is our adopted daughter. She came to live with us when she was four and has recently married a local physician. I hope you will meet her soon.” She nodded toward her husband. “Everything is ready if you’ll say the blessing.” She bowed her head.

  Mr. Montgomery took his seat at the head of the table and reached for his wife’s hand. “Thank you, Lord, for our new neighbors. May they be as happy here in Carrie Town as we are. We thank you for this food and ask you to bless it for the nourishment of our bodies. Amen.”

  Mark passed the breadbasket to Carol. Her cheeks warmed when their fingers touched. She averted her gaze and busied herself placing warm rolls on her siblings’ plates. “Thank you again for having us to dinner. Everything looks delicious.”

  “Our pleasure, dear.” Mrs. Montgomery passed the platter of ham to her husband.

  “Ma, Miss Stone isn’t familiar with the workings of the stove at her place. Would you be able to make some time to help her become accustomed to it?” Mark asked.

  “I’ll be glad to.” Tennessee’s green eyes brightened. “But how about I send you home with enough to last you for supper? Mark can start the fire for you and show you how to keep it going. I’ll stop by in the morning and we’ll take a look. Sometimes these new stoves have a mind of their own.”

  ~

  Carol helped Mrs. Montgomery clear the table and wash the dishes while the children went with Mark and Mr. Montgomery to the blacksmith shop. She’d been surprised at her disappointment at not being part of the tour. Get hold of your emotions, Carol. This isn’t the type of life you’ve planned. Carrie Town and the people in it are a temporary solution.

  She dried and stacked the plates on the walnut worktable. The kitchen was a creamy yellow with a wide aisle between the stove, sink and work area. “Your home is lovely, Mrs. Montgomery. Each room seems more welcoming than the next.”

  “Thank you, dear. There’s not a nicer compliment you could give me. Now let’s get a basket packed for you and your family for this evening’s supper. You must be tired and have things to do before you put the children to bed tonight.”

  She wiped her hand on a dishtowel. “I didn’t even think to ask if you need help getting unpacked. What about bedding? Perhaps you should stay here tonight as our guests?”

  “Thank you. It’s kind of you to offer but we’ll manage. The children are excited about sleeping in the loft.” She bit her lip. “I’ll be honest. I was disappointed in the size of the house. My attorney tried to warn me, but I was in such a hurry to get settled I didn’t concern myself with anything other than to ensure we would be warm, dry and safe.”

  “That’s all you need, apart from the Lord and good friends. Don’t you worry. I’m sure Mark will be happy to set up anything you might require this afternoon when he takes you and your siblings back to the house.” Mrs. Montgomery’s green eyes twinkled. “As a matter of fact, I’m sure of it.”

  Chapter 5

  Over the next two weeks, Carol stayed busy unpacking and attempting to make the tiny house a home while the children were at school. They’d already made several friends and were given parts in the upcoming nativity play. The children would perform for the community on Christmas Eve.

  Carol glanced at the clock. Almost four. Annie and Andrew would be home at any moment. They would barely have time for homework and a quick meal before it was time to go to church to practice with the children’s choir.

  She shut the door to the room she’d at first mistaken for a pantry. It now contained her bed and washstand. The small windows on each side of the front door cast light on the dust particles floating toward her floral-patterned settee and matching armchair. Thanks to Mrs. Montgomery, their dining table now wore a cheery checkered oilcloth.

  The rattle of wheels and clip-clop of horses’ hooves surprised her. She stepped to the window in time to see Mark Montgomery pull to a stop in front of the house. Andrew jumped down carrying his lunch pail. Annie waited for Mark, then leaped into his arms with a loud squeal.

  Carol opened the door as her brother jumped on the porch. “Mr. Montgomery picked us up.” He grinned, displaying two newly emerging front teeth.

  “I see. How nice of him.” Carol felt a twinge of excitement despite herself. Mark deposited Annie on the porch and tipped his hat. ”It’s a bit nippy outside, so I timed my afternoon delivery to pick up these two for you.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Montgomery. Would you like to come in for a moment? I was getting ready to make some tea.”

  “No thank you, ma’am. As much as I’d like to, I don’t want to keep the horses standing. But I did want to offer to walk you home this evening after the children’s choir practice. I promised my sister I would swing by to help.”

  Annie tugged on Carol’s skirt. “Mr. Montgomery is going to play his guitar for us.”

  “He plays the fiddle and the banjo too,” Andrew added.

  “Goodness, you’re a man of many talents, Mr. Montgomery.” Carol’s lips lifted at the slight flush creeping across his cheeks. Her eyes wandered to the five-o’clock shadow that darkened his jaw.

  “I wish you would call me Mark.” He relaxed against the railing on the porch. “Whenever I hear someone say Mr. Montgomery, I suppose they’re talking about my father.”

  “All right, I suppose that would be fine. Please call me Carol.” In spite of the chilliness in the air, heat rose from her neck. She bit her lip. Back east, she would never have allowed a man to call her by her first name.

  Mark gave her a slow smile, then tipped his hat. “I’ll see you folks at church in a little while.”

  ~

  Carol sat with Mark’s sister, Maggie, on a middle pew. Maggie spoke softly and nodded toward the group of children, practicing for the Christmas Eve service. The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows and reflected light off the white clapboard walls onto the faces of six boys and four girls of various ages from five to ten.

  “I enjoy teaching so much, but I have a hard time keeping my composure and maintaining control of the class. When Victoria Wilson volunteered to help, I was desperate enough to accept.” Maggie scrunched her nose. “I should have figured she was up to something. She’s been on a manhunt since she came to visit her cousin a few months ago. I hope I’m wrong, but I assume the real reason she’s here is to try and impress my brother.”

  Carol blinked as she took in the scene. The raven-haired beauty in a stylish dress and matching hat gazed adoringly at Mark who slowly strummed the chords to “Silent Night.” He smiled and motioned toward the children as they attempted to sing the chorus. A lock of dark hair fell across his forehead.

  “I can see why. Your brother is not only nice looking but he’s the kindest man I’ve ever met,” she whispered.

  Maggie’s blue-green eyes sparkled. “I’ve never known him to pay too much attention to any woman in particular. But I can tell he likes you.”

  Carol's lips pressed together in a slight grimace. “I’m afraid we don’t want the same things. As soon as I turn twenty-one, I plan on taking the children back east to live.”

  “I thought you liked it here. The children certainly seem happy.” Maggie touched the base of her neck.

  “We do like it.” Carol twisted her reticule in her lap. “You’ll probably think I’m shallow, but I want the children to have the sam
e opportunities I had when I was a child. Although I can’t say for sure, I suppose that’s what my mother would want.”

  “Do you mean better schools or exposure to more people?” Maggie raised an eyebrow.

  “I’m pleased with their education. It’s incomprehensible to me how one teacher can be so effective to a room full of children of various ages, but they’re happy. Annie is content in most situations, but I’ve never seen my brother so eager to attend school.”

  “You must miss your friends and family.” Maggie gave Carol’s hand a light squeeze.

  “I don’t have any family left. I went away to school, so my friends are scattered between Georgia and New York.” Her eyebrows narrowed. “Annie and Andrew have an uncle, but he doesn’t like small children and stays occupied with his business.”

  “I already feel like we’re good friends. Maybe you just need to give us a little more time?” Maggie offered a half smile.

  “This is completely different from anywhere I would have ever imagined living.” Carol glanced at her lap. “I thought I would meet someone and live the life my mother did. If my parents were alive, my only worry would be what dress I was going to wear and whether or not to accept an invitation to a party or the theater.”

  “Within the next few weeks, there will be opportunities for parties and even a dance or two.” Maggie inclined her head and grinned. “In the meantime, there are plenty of theatrics here in Carrie Town.”

  With a delicate handkerchief, Victoria Wilson covered her mouth and cleared her throat. “Attention please, children. Perhaps if you hear the song sung correctly once through, it will help.”

  The children’s eyes grew wide as she opened her mouth and with exaggerated movements sang in a shrill soprano.

  “‘Silent night, holy night

  All is calm; all is bright

  Round yon virgin Mother and Child

  Holy infant so tender and mild

  Sleep in heavenly peace

  Sleep in heavenly peace’

  There now. Do you have any questions?” Victoria sashayed across the front of the church and positioned herself in front of Mark.