Garnet's Gift

by Kimberly Grist

  Chapter 14

  1890 – Rules for Teachers

  Check outhouses daily. There are plenty of old catalogues at the school board office.

  The early morning sun appeared on the horizon, adding a rush of warmth to what was a long cold night.

  “What do you mean you lost it?” Deputy Weaver posted both hands on his hips.

  Noah clenched his jaw. “Leo, I promise if you are playing some kind of prank on me, I will repay you ten-fold.”

  Leo flashed a grin. “I admit it would be the kind of joke I’d pull. However, since I spent an enjoyable evening with my family on the farm, I can hardly be your prime suspect.” His blue eyes danced. “But as your friend, and mostly because I don’t want our pretty little teacher’s feelings to be hurt, why don’t we retrace your steps?”

  “I’ve been over every inch of this town. The last time I remember seeing the package was when Miss Adams handed it to me outside the church. My fear is it got mixed up with the props from the nativity play and discarded.” Noah rubbed the back of his neck.

  Leo whistled. “It was me, you and the pastor doing all the cleaning up. Maybe he saw it.”

  “Nope.” Noah pulled on his beard. “I stopped by last night for coffee while I was out on my rounds. He didn’t recall seeing a package.”

  “You say it was a small box?”

  “I barely looked at it. The pastor needed help and I was in a hurry to be at the station when the train pulled in.” Noah pinched the bridge of his nose.

  Leo raised two fingers. “The way I see it, you’ll either have to confess or figure out what she gave you and replace it.”

  “She enjoys baking with my aunt and knows how much I like gingerbread, but I would have been able to tell if it was food.” Noah licked his lips.

  Leo snapped his fingers. “She and Victoria spent a considerable amount of time outside the mercantile the other day. They were scrutinizing the Christmas display. Let’s take a look.”

  The town was quiet, which exaggerated the clip-clop of their heavy work boots meeting the boardwalk. They paused in front of the general store. Noah leaned against the frame of the large picture window and stared at the sign, What He Wants for Christmas.

  “Sure do have a lot of tobacco products. We can count those out, since you don’t touch the stuff.” Leo rubbed his chin. “Then again you don’t touch the shaving gear either.”

  Noah straightened. His mouth opened, then closed while Leo slapped his leg and roared.

  After another hour of backtracking, with his dusty boots in hand, Noah entered his aunt’s front parlor and took in a deep breath. The fresh smell of pine and the crackling of the fire greeted him. His uncle sat in his favorite chair drinking a cup of coffee. Noah followed his gaze to the Christmas tree decorated with strands of popcorn and gingerbread cookies.

  “Don’t tell your aunt I said this, but these cookies are as hard as rocks. I almost broke a tooth.” The sheriff shot him a grin, then dunked a piece of gingerbread in his coffee.” A word to the wise, they’re not half bad if you dip em in something first. I’ll eat this one and then when she’s not looking, I’ll feed the rest to the chickens.”

  Noah sunk on to the settee. “Uncle Micah, I did something stupid.”

  The sheriff stood to his feet. “What happened? Who’s hurt?”

  “No one is hurt. Don’t get your hackles up.” Noah looked into the ashen face of his uncle and let out a heavy sigh. “Miss Adams gave me a Christmas present last night. But in my rush to help the pastor clean out the church before the nine o’clock train arrived, I lost it.”

  “Whew. You about frightened the life out of me.” His uncle laid a hand over his heart. “Go on.”

  “I’ve looked everywhere. Leo even helped me search this morning.” Noah rubbed his face. “The last thing I want to do is hurt her feelings.”

  The sheriff resumed his seat, broke off a piece of cookie and dipped it in his coffee. “I understand better than you know. Do you have any idea what the present was?”

  “It was a small box, not too heavy.” Noah motioned with his hands. “Leo saw her staring at the window display at the mercantile. He thinks she bought me some shaving supplies.”

  His uncle’s eyes widened, then slowly he broke into a full belly laugh. “Surely not. I can’t imagine Miss Adams would purchase anything so personal.”

  “Have you seen the display? The store owner made everything look so appealing. I was almost tempted to buy some myself.”

  “Do what you think best. Before I’d go shaving the beard you love so much. I’d tell her. Apologize and explain what happened. She’ll understand.”

  His uncle broke another piece of cookie and dunked it in his coffee. Noah rolled his eyes. “Same way Aunt Madeline will understand after spending hours baking cookies, you’re going to pretend to like them and feed the rest to the chickens?”

  ~

  The morning sun made an unsuccessful attempt to stream through the parlor window covered by multi-layered window treatments. While Victoria retrieved refreshments, Garnet’s eyes roamed between the garish wallpapered walls and the multiple accessories adorning the room.

  “Thank you for joining me this morning.” Victoria’s silk dress swished as she arranged the tray on the table and took her seat on the floral settee. “My cousin and her family left for another engagement this morning and wanted me to join them.”

  She positioned the tea set containing strawberries and small biscuits. “I was happy to say I had plans. Do you have any news on the Christmas deliveries?”

  “Not yet.” Garnet shook her head. ”I would love to have been a fly on the wall this morning at the Johnson’s. My understanding is Emma and her husband are making the deliveries, including the puppy this morning.”

  Victoria shuddered. “I’ve never understood that expression. I would never wish myself to be anything other than a princess.”

  “As a princess, perhaps you would like to view the scene from a crystal ball or a magic telescope?” Garnet giggled while Victoria added sugar to a cup of steaming hot tea.

  “I like the way you think.” Victoria extended the delicate cup to Garnet. “ I would love for you to join me and call on Florence tomorrow. She’s a shy little thing, and she could use a friend.”

  Garnet gazed over her cup at Victoria. “How sweet of you to reach out to Florence.”

  “I would like to help the girl, which is why your presence is essential. You know what a terrible friend I am.” Victoria offered a half-smile.

  Garnet wagged one finger. “I see right through you, Princess Victoria, and you’ve been an excellent friend and confidant.”

  Victoria’s eyes sparkled. “Since after a few minutes in my company, I scare any man off from ever returning, I’ve decided to live my life vicariously through yours. Tell me, did you give that grizzly bear of a deputy your gift?”

  “You’ll be disappointed.” Garnet stared at the crimson-colored wallpaper. “After church, I waited for an opportunity to have a private word while remaining in full view.”

  “Very appropriate. Perhaps you should write the next edition of American Etiquette and Rules of Politeness.” Victoria took a sip of tea.

  Garnet bit her lip. “I saw him standing away from everyone while most people were on their way home or occupied in conversations. I took a deep breath, gathered my skirts and made my way over, then put the gift in his hand.”

  Victoria raised one eyebrow. “Then what? Did you say anything?”

  “His reaction was strange.” Garnet’s eyebrows narrowed. “He seemed uninterested or distracted. I lost confidence and mumbled something about hoping he would find it useful.”

  “He will, especially when he’s on duty at night.” Victoria shivered. “I’m still having problems accustoming myself to the varying temperatures. One day it’s hot, the next cold.”

  Garnet reached for a strawberry. “Whether or not the deputy will appreciate the scarf I made, we’ll never know.”


  “Do you mean he didn’t open the package?” Victoria deposited her cup on the table, then swiveled toward Garnet. “Everyone is not the same as you and me. Some actually enjoy waiting to open their gifts on Christmas day.”

  Garnet huffed. “If it hadn’t been for the fact I saw him place it in a crate of rubbish, I might agree with you.”

  Victoria blinked. Her blue eyes appeared violet. “Rubbish?”

  “Things leftover from the children’s party and scraps of lumber stacked to go who knows where. I couldn’t take a chance of someone else opening the package. Especially since I did as you suggested and included a note.” Garnet repositioned her napkin on her lap. “I did what any other scorned woman would do.”

  “You took it with you.” Victoria squeezed Garnet’s hand. “Allow me to be the voice of reason. You said he was distracted. There’s an explanation for his behavior. I feel certain.”

  “I’m determined not to say anything about it. If there is an excuse, the deputy will need to be the one to bring it up.” Garnet’s lips quivered. “I’m joining his family for Christmas dinner. If he doesn’t say anything, I’ll know he’s the person I thought he was when we first met, a rude, self-absorbed drifter who doesn’t have an ounce of feeling.

  Chapter 15

  1890 – Rules for Teachers

  The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of twenty-five cents per week, providing the board of education approves.

  Mrs. Scott pulled a batch of sugar cookies from the oven, filling the air with the aroma of butter and vanilla. “Garnet, you have certainly helped me improve my baking skills. The last batch of cookies I made were as hard as a rocks.” She posted her hands on her hips. “The funny thing is that husband of mine still ate them.”

  Garnet laughed. “They must not have been as bad as you say or he would have stopped with one.” She retrieved the cornbread dressing and situated it on the sideboard next to the gravy in the dining room

  “Dinner ready?” The sheriff sauntered in followed by Emma.

  “Noah wants us to wake him up before we eat.” Mrs. Scott placed a large bowl of snap beans on the table.

  “He’s up.” Brian pulled out a chair for his wife. “Are the vegetables from our garden?”

  “They sure are. I’m thankful for my daughter-in-law’s green thumb.” Mrs. Scott patted Emma’s back.

  The sheriff chuckled. “Here comes Sleeping Beauty now.” He cleared his throat. “At least I think that’s my nephew. He looks a little different.”

  Garnet’s jaw dropped. A clean-shaven Noah strolled into the room. Her gaze darted between him and his cousin. Except for the color of their eyes, Noah and Brian were mirror images. “Goodness, I had no idea you looked so much alike.”

  “Miss Adams is just being nice. It’s apparent I’m better looking.” The deputy winked and took his seat across from her.

  “We’ve got some mighty fine-looking boys. They look a lot like me.” The sheriff grinned. “Let’s join hands and give thanks.”

  Garnet took in a deep, slow breath in an attempt to ignore the pounding of her heart when the deputy took her hand in his. I’m supposed to be angry with the man. Maybe Victoria is correct. I should give him an opportunity to explain himself.

  Emma chatted about the delivery of the Christmas gifts to the Johnson family. “I believe Providence was the reason we still had one puppy available.”

  “He was the runt and sickly.” Brian added an extra helping of turkey to his plate. “Up until a month ago, I wouldn’t have given you a plug nickel for him. But he’s filled out, his coat looks good and he’s smart. He’ll make an excellent companion and offer security as well.”

  Garnet found it challenging to concentrate on the conversations during the meal. Perhaps after dinner, there’ll be an opportunity for me to ask him straight out.

  “I’m curious about something, Noah.” Mrs. Scott leaned forward. “You know I never cared for your beard. I thought you were too handsome to hide behind fuzz.” She tapped her finger on her cheek. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining and think you look handsome, but what made you make the change?”

  Brian chuckled. “He told me some pretty girl gave him a big hint, and since he wanted to impress her, it was an easy choice.”

  Garnet stared at the napkin in her lap. That’s why he discarded my gift. He is interested in someone else.

  “Who’s ready for some pie?” Mrs. Scott asked.

  “I’ll get it, Mrs. Scott.” Garnet stood too quickly and upset her chair. “How clumsy of me. I’m sorry.”

  “No harm done.” The sheriff stood the chair in an upright position.

  Emma rose, then stepped around the table. “Let me help Garnet.” She patted her mother-in-law’s hand. “You keep your seat.”

  Normally the idea of dessert would be welcoming. Garnet paused at the worktable and stared at the cherry pies. Both hands flew to her cheeks.

  Emma retrieved a knife. “I’ll let you slice while I get the plates.”

  Garnet cleared her throat. “Emma, I don’t want to worry anyone, but I’m not feeling well.”

  “That came on all of a sudden.” Emma pivoted, then placed her hand over Garnet’s forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever, but you’re awfully pale. Why don’t you sit down for a minute?”

  Garnet felt her eyes grow misty. “Please make an excuse for me. I’ll be fine after I lie down for a while. Please apologize to your mother-in-law and tell her I’ll talk to her soon.”

  ~

  Emma took the slices of pie topped with whipped cream into the dining room on a tray, then arranged the dessert on the table. “Garnet wasn’t feeling well and went back to the boardinghouse.” She leaned close to Noah’s aunt and spoke softly, “She asked me to offer her apologies and said she’d talk to you later.”

  “What a shame, and on Christmas day too. She did seem quiet.” Aunt Madeline took a bite of pie and closed her eyes. “This is delicious, even if I say so myself.”

  “I thought Miss Adams made the pie.” One side of Noah’s uncle’s mouth lifted.

  “She did. But I made the whipped cream.” Aunt Madeline shot his uncle a saucy grin.

  “She left?” Noah turned his attention back to Emma. “That seems odd.”

  “It did to me as well. Did you two have a fuss?” Emma’s brow furrowed.

  “No.” Noah stared at his plate.

  “Maybe the sight of your face made her sick.” Brian laughed, then tapped his foot against Noah’s chair.

  “Must have.” Noah ran his hand along his jaw.

  “Don’t take this wrong, ladies.” Brian glanced between his mother and wife. “Sometimes, women are hard to figure.”

  Emma inclined her head toward her husband. “You think women are harder to figure than men?”

  “I do.” Brian leaned closer to Emma. “Miss Adams is the one who gave Noah the shaving soap for Christmas. If I were to shave my beard off for you, I’d at least want you to look happy about it.”

  “You don’t have a beard.” Emma offered a saucy grin. “And I’m happy about it.”

  “If all it took was to give you shaving supplies, I would have purchased some years ago.” Aunt Madeline pressed her fork to her plate to retrieve the last crumbs. “The funny thing is, I know Garnet’s been knitting you a scarf. I was with her when she bought the yarn. She never mentioned anything about soap.”

  “A scarf?” Noah straightened. “The package wasn’t heavy. I guess it could have been a scarf. But what was she doing staring at the men’s shaving supplies at the mercantile?”

  “I don’t know anything about shaving items. We visited the store at least three times before she decided on the color. She wanted it to be red but not too bright and finally decided on a reddish-brown. It was fine yarn and soft.” His aunt rose from the table. “I’ll fetch the cookies.”

  Emma’s eyebrows shot up. “I must be missing something. Did Garne
t give you shaving soap for Christmas or did you see her looking at it in the mercantile?”

  “I never saw her looking at it. Leo did.”

  Noah’s uncle coughed, then his shoulders shook with mirth. “I told you to tell the girl you lost the present. Deputy Weaver is a fine detective, but I believe he may have steered you wrong on this one.”

  “Wait a minute.” Emma gaped. “You lost her present?”

  Chapter 16

  1890 – Rules for Teachers

  You may not loiter in town.

  After spending a restless night, Garnet trudged to the small mirror hanging above her dresser in her room at the boardinghouse. She blinked at the reflection of her red-rimmed eyes. Leaning closer, she pinched her cheeks, then repositioned her wide-brim hat.

  A cool breeze blew through the partially opened window, causing the calico curtain to flutter. Using both hands, she forced the gap closed, then peered through the glass at the town. Both Deputies Weaver and Scott perched against the wall of the opera house. “Drat the man. Why doesn’t he leave?”

  The clip-clop of a horse drew her attention toward a beautiful bay pulling a four-wheel carriage driven by a woman with a high crown hat adorned with large feathers. She blew out a sigh of relief and grabbed her half cape and reticule. Thank goodness Victoria took the initiative to come for her.

  Garnet pulled the door closed to the boardinghouse, then hurried her steps toward the buggy. She shivered—whether from the gust of wind or the sight of Noah speaking with Victoria—she was uncertain.

  Deputy Scott extended his hand to assist her in her seat. “Thank you.” She forced a smile, then turned her attention to Victoria. “I appreciate you picking me up. I’m sorry if I’ve caused you to be late.”

  Victoria’s lips lifted into a slow smile. “Not at all. We’ve got plenty of time.”

  Garnet clasped her hands together in her lap and pretended to search for something in her purse.