Garnet's Gift

by Kimberly Grist

  Garnet laid her hand across her throat, then met Mrs. Scott’s gaze. “He’s a widower and a godly man. I believe he’s been in love with my mother for years.”

  “Does it bother you that your mama wants to remarry?”

  “My mother deserves to be happy again, and the doctor is a wonderful man. I’m more than pleased.” Garnet smoothed the paper. “But it will take me some time to get used to the idea.”

  “We’ve already received an offer for the house. So please don’t feel the need to send more of your hard-earned salary. Aunt Mae is happy about moving to Elmer’s home since her room is on the first floor. If you recall the location puts her closer to several friends.

  Mrs. Scott leaned closer. “Although it seems to be good news, that’s a lot to take in all at once. Does it make you sad to think about your mother and aunt relocating?”

  “Mostly, I feel relieved my mother and aunt are happy and financially secure. It’s as though a heavy weight of worry has lifted from my chest.” Garnet let out a deep breath. “I suppose I sound selfish.”

  “Hogwash, there’s nothing wrong with admitting your relief to be released from some of the stress you’ve been under.” Mrs. Scott patted her hand.

  Garnet swallowed then continued.

  “We want a simple ceremony without any fuss. Elmer is fond of you and wants you to know you are welcome to come home at any time. Since I know how committed you are to your teaching position, I told him I felt certain you would want to complete your contract this year.”

  Chapter 12

  1890 – Rules for Teachers

  You must wear two petticoats.

  Garnet’s petticoats swished as she exited the church with Emma and joined Mrs. Scott and several other women who were in an animated discussion over the preparation for the upcoming nativity play.

  Emma leaned closer and spoke softly in her ear, “This is the second week in a row Noah’s attended church service. He told me he felt guilty letting a few bad memories rob him of worshipping with us.”

  “I sympathize with how difficult it must have been to come from an open range and to be expected to sit quietly during school and church. I was a fidgeter myself. As a teacher, I try to find a balance with the children, but it’s challenging at times.”

  Emma placed her hand over her mouth and giggled. “One winter, I stepped in a mud puddle in the schoolyard. We sat close to the potbellied stove, so my stockings dried out quickly, but as the morning progressed, the combination of the wet wool and heat caused me to break out in a rash. It was as though my boots were on fire and I couldn’t sit still.”

  “I imagine not.”

  The sound of the deputy’s deep voice drew Garnet’s attention to the front stoop of the church where the deputy was speaking with the pastor. “He certainly seemed captivated by the sermon.”

  “Excellent message today. Enjoyed it.” Deputy Scott extended his hand and lingered a moment with the preacher.

  “Good to see you, deputy. I hope you join us again at the Christmas Eve service.” Pastor Nelson motioned with his thumb toward a group of young boys who were engaged in a game of tag on the vacant lot next to the church. “You’ve made a wonderful impression on our children, both shepherds and angels alike. Your attendance will mean a lot to them and me as well.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” Deputy Scott positioned his Stetson on his head and sauntered toward Garnet and Emma. He reached in his vest pocket and pulled out a scrap of brown paper. “Ladies, we have a bit of detective work to do, and I need your help with something.”

  “Detective work? Isn’t your aunt the one who studies the wanted posters?” Garnet raised one eyebrow.

  The deputy chuckled and pushed his hat to the back of his head. “Not that kind of help.” He flattened the paper and handed it to Garnet. “I found it in the wastebasket. It’s a Christmas wish list. The writing is smudged, but I feel certain the author is Stephen.”

  Garnet held the paper so she and Emma could read it together. “Everything is marked through except for a request for a coat for his sister.”

  Emma’s eyes grew misty. “I met her the other day. Her name is Florence. She recently started filling in at the diner.”

  Garnet tapped her finger against her mouth. “I feel certain this is Stephen’s handwriting.”

  “Can you read what they marked through?” Emma squinted while Garnet studied the paper. “A pocketknife like my brother’s.” Garnet nodded. “All the boys admired the knife Bobby won at Thanksgiving.”

  “I can take care of that.” Garnet felt her heart pound when the deputy’s mouth lifted in a smile. “Number two is scratched through with a vengeance.”

  “There are several straight lines and curves, which makes me think of the letter p.” Garnet held the paper closer to her face. “My guess is a puppy.”

  The deputy nodded. “I should have guessed. Every boy wants a dog.”

  “Or a horse.” Emma grinned, then pointed at the next line. “I’ve got this one figured out, slingshot.”

  Garnet looked between Emma and the deputy. “Your aunt has quite a few items, including jackets ready for the boys, but nothing for their sister. If we work fast, we should be able to come up with something for her.”

  Emma clasped her hands together. “What fun. I wonder if they have a Christmas tree. If not Scotty and I can bring them one. I can stop by the mercantile tomorrow and pick up something for their stockings.”

  “Why don’t we talk about this at lunch? I’m sure Aunt Madeline will want to be a part of this plan.” His blue eyes twinkled. “Besides, my stomach is growling something fierce, and if I wait much longer, I’m afraid the teacher’s belly will join in.” He leaned closer and nodded his head toward Emma. “If anyone on the school board ever hears it, there will be another rule added to the list.”

  ~

  Garnet sat between Mrs. Scott and the deputy on the front seat of the wagon loaded with firewood and supplies. Gravity pulled her closer to Deputy Scott as he maneuvered past a rocky spot in the road. He chuckled. “Couldn’t have planned that better if I tried.”

  Her cheeks burned while she clung to the bench along the path toward the Johnson’s home. The deputy nodded toward a raised fire pit with a spit and hanging pot. It stood in front of a small log cabin with a stone fireplace and one small window. “Their pa is a trapper but recently took a temporary job on the railroad. Bobby said he hoped to be back after the first of the year.”

  Garnet sighed. “I hate to think of them living out here by themselves for so long. Do you think it’s safe?”

  “The house is solid, and the walls are well chinked. But I understand your concerns.” He pointed at a path through the clearing. “The Miller family lives close by, so that’s reassuring. Emma and Brian raise herding dogs and have one left from a recent litter. She’s going to take the sister aside, so the boys won’t hear and offer them one. The dog will help with safety.”

  Garnet rested her hand on the deputy’s forearm. “How wonderful.” She glanced toward the home, then bit her lip. “But I think they’re struggling to feed themselves. As much as they could use a dog for protection, I don’t believe they could feed one.”

  “Noah likes to hunt,” Mrs. Scott added.

  Garnet jumped. What in the world is wrong with me? It’s as though I forgot Mrs. Scott is sitting next to me. “Remember my son and daughter-in-law raise beef, so we have that figured out too.”

  “We’ll get their smokehouse filled.” The deputy winked. “Even if we have to build it first.”

  The rattling of wheels forced her attention toward Emma and her husband, who pulled alongside them.

  Brian motioned toward the freshly cut cypress in the back of his buckboard and spoke in a low tone, “We thought we’d say Ma had another tree picked out for their parlor, and since we had an extra, we wouldn’t want it to go to waste.”

  “Makes sense.” Deputy Scott placed his hands around Garnet’s waist and swung her from the
wagon.

  Garnet stood transfixed while his eyes darkened to the color of a midnight sky.

  The sound of a throat clearing broke their gaze.

  Emma lifted a large basket filled with magnolia and pine branches woven together and tied with velvet ribbon. “I was worried we wouldn’t have enough, but judging from the outside, it will be plenty.”

  “The tree will be a perfect size as well.” Mrs. Scott took her nephew’s hand, then landed with a soft plop beside them. “Why don’t I knock? You girls follow my lead. We’ll visit for a few minutes while Noah and Brian unload the firewood.”

  Chapter 13

  1890 – Rules for Teachers

  Every teacher should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of his earning for his benefit during his declining years so he will not become a burden to society.

  The large picture window of the mercantile sparkled in the morning sun. Garnet paused with Victoria in front of a display labeled, What He Wants for Christmas. A tin sign advertised pipes and tobacco products. Shaving soaps and accessories were positioned strategically at the front. Her eyes rested on a toy train surrounded by tops and blocks.

  “With your budget, you’d best stick to penny candy.” Victoria pressed a gloved finger to her mouth. “Besides, from what you tell me, the children will be thrilled with their gifts. You don’t need to add to it.”

  Garnet rested her finger on her cheek. “You’re right. I get caught up in the excitement.”

  “That’s one thing we have in common, my friend. We’re always excited about gifts.” Victoria tapped the parcel under her arm. “Since you’ve convinced me to broaden my horizons and think of others this Christmas, I’ve been shocked how much I’ve enjoyed giving.” She nudged Garnet with her elbow. “It’s almost as fun as getting.”

  Garnet rested her hand on her friend's arm. “Can you imagine how thrilled Florence is going to be when she receives both a new cloak and a new outfit?”

  Victoria pursed her lips. “It was no sacrifice to donate the cape. I hate the color and I don’t know what possessed me to purchase it in the first place.”

  “Hmmm. I suppose the new skirt and blouse were castoffs as well?” Garnet’s mouth lifted at the sight of her friend’s flushed cheeks.

  “Enough about me.” Victoria pretended to be interested in the shaving soaps. “Did you finish the scarf for the deputy?”

  “I did,” Garnet whispered. “I’m still not certain I should give it to him.”

  Victoria’s eyebrows drew together. “I’m telling you this for your own good. If you have feelings for the man, at least give him a hint that you like him.”

  “He knows I like him.” Garnet shuffled her feet.

  Victoria tapped her parasol on the boardwalk. “Garnet, I realize you must act in accordance with the rules of the school board, but you treat the man the same way you do any other person in this town. You’ve gone to all the trouble to make him something. Don’t hold back now.”

  “You don’t think it will seem forward?” Garnet studied Victoria as she adjusted her parasol to shade her as well. She was proving to be as complicated a personality as the deputy. Underneath her confident and flirtatious manner was an insecure but caring and trustworthy friend.

  “To some, maybe.” Victoria shrugged. “But you’ve all but admitted to me you’re in love with the man. I don’t think there would be anything wrong with giving him something at Christmas.”

  “It wasn’t until I completed the knitting of the scarf when it occurred to me it might be improper to give him a gift. After all, Noah is not my fiancé. We’re not even courting.” Garnet blew out a breath.

  “Noah, is it?” Victoria raised one eyebrow.

  “We’re not on a first-name basis. But when I think of him—” Garnet swallowed.

  Victoria locked her arm through Garnet’s. “Although I’ve never progressed in a relationship of substance with a gentleman, according to the American Etiquette and Rules of Politeness by Walter R. Houghton, young ladies can give a gift.”

  “My aunt has a copy of the same book.” Garnet giggled. “Whoever wrote the rules for the school board must have one as well.”

  Victoria pulled Garnet through the doors of the mercantile. “Let’s pick up a bag of penny candy and head to the church. I don’t want my angel choir to think I’ve abandoned them.”

  ~

  Noah stood with his back to the front of the church. Four of the young boys dressed as shepherds joined him, while the congregation finished the last hymn. He placed one finger to his lips and whispered, “It won’t be long now. I’ll tap you on the back when it’s time to go.”

  The pastor stood in front of the crates and assorted pieces of lumber nailed together to resemble the outside of a stable. He extended his long arms. “At this point, we will turn this portion of the service over to the children who will reenact the birth of Jesus as told in the book of Luke, Chapter two.”

  The pastor’s daughter, dressed in a white robe and wearing a wreath made from lavender, recited, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.”

  Five-year-old Annie appeared, wearing a colorful robe and head covering. She took her position in front of a hand-painted sign displaying Bethlehem Inn, and in large letters, No Room. Noah chuckled when she waved to the congregation.

  The pastor’s daughter continued, “And everyone went to his own town to register.” Two other children playing Joseph and Mary walked toward Annie.

  “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” The pastor’s daughter paused.

  Annie pressed her hands on her hips. “What do you want?”

  The young boy playing Joseph pulled on his beard made from yarn. “This is Mary. She needs a place to have Baby Jesus. Do you have a room?”

  Annie pointed at the sign. “There’s no room in the inn.”

  As practiced the children playing Joseph and Mary followed Annie toward the stable. “Hold on a minute. I just thought of something.” Annie made a motion toward the makeshift Bethlehem Inn. “You can have my room.”

  The boy playing Joseph nodded and dragged Mary by the arm. “Okay, thanks.”

  Noah’s jaw dropped. He held his breath, waiting for the pastor or some other adult to scold the child. Instead, the congregation laughed and applauded while two of the older angels patiently redirected the younger children to the proper positions.

  “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” The angel continued. “She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

  Bobby pulled on his sleeve. “Is it time to go?”

  Noah patted the boys on the shoulders. “Yes. All right, shepherds, your turn. Go and welcome Baby Jesus.”

  Mark Montgomery strummed his guitar while the children sang, “Away in a Manger.” His shepherds stood proudly beside Joseph. Mary stepped on her head covering, causing it to tilt precariously. With a relentless tug, she pulled it from her head and used it to blanket the ragdoll wrapped in strips of cloth. Kneeling beside the manger, she sang softly.

  The preacher returned to the front of the church and wiped his eyes. “Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all were as welcoming to our Lord as our little innkeeper?” Noah was surprised to feel moisture on his cheeks in response.

  Pastor Nelson continued, “Tonight we remember how the prophet Micah foretold that the birth of the Messiah would be in Bethlehem, also the birthplace of King David, and the joy of the shepherds as the angels announced that Jesus came for everyone, even humble folks like them.

  “As we get ready to return to our homes, consider the true reason we celebrate is not about the material things but about God coming to earth in
person. God incarnate, Jesus, came as a baby who was both fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect life and gave himself as a sacrifice for all our sins. He rose again and one day He is coming again.”

  The children cheered. Noah straightened. He scanned the faces in the churchgoers again, surprised they received no censure.

  The congregation exited the church amongst laughter and well wishes. Noah’s cousin, Brian, and his wife, Emma, waited with his aunt and uncle outside the church, declaring the service to be the best ever. “We’ll see you back at the house, Noah.” His aunt kissed him on the cheek. “I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a Christmas Eve service more.”

  Noah studied the attendees who called out Christmas greetings and well wishes.

  Mike Montgomery assisted both the Miller family and the Johnson’s into his wagon.

  Still in shepherd gear, Bobby, Stephen and their friend, Thomas, grinned from their seats on bales of hay.

  “The service was perfect, don’t you think?” Miss Adams appeared by his side.

  Still dumbfounded, Noah nodded.

  “Your aunt mentioned you were on duty tonight.” Miss Adams deposited a parcel in his hand. “It’s a Christmas gift. I …well, I thought it might be useful.”

  “Deputy Scott.” The pastor tapped his shoulder. “Would you mind assisting Leo and me for a moment? I don’t want to leave the bales of hay in the church overnight.”

  Noah’s boots shuffled on the church steps while he carried several wooden crates that had made up the stable.

  “That’s everything, deputy. I’ll lock up now.” The pastor extended his hand. “Thank you again for your help with the children. While you’re out on your rounds tonight, feel free to stop by and get out of the cold. The Missus and I will be up late. She’ll have hot apple cider or some coffee if you’d rather.”

  Noah glanced toward the evening sky. A cool burst of wind blew tumbleweeds across the dusty streets. He pivoted. Where was Miss Adams? The rattling of wagon wheels drew his attention toward Elton Weaver, his wife and the young teacher heading toward the boardinghouse. Might have known the school board chairman would make sure she went straight home.