“They can eat watermelon for all I care. I want them gone.”
He chuckled. “Just hold on a moment.”
He called down the steps for Dede.
She and Bebe ran up to see what he wanted.
When they appeared, he asked Dede, “Can you catch some of these spiders for Loreli, and put them outside?”
“Sure, Uncle Jake, let me get my jars.”
The twins ran off, and a surprised Loreli said to Jake, “She catches spiders?”
“Among other things. She’s fearless when it comes to bugs.”
“Dede?”
“Yep.”
And sure enough, after sending everyone else from the room, Dede spent the next hour catching spiders, crickets, and long, wiggly centipedes. She came back downstairs triumphantly showing off her canning jars filled with insects. She’d put the spiders in one jar and the crickets and the like in the other.
Loreli looked at the collection of bugs. “Dede, I’m real impressed.”
“I like bugs, Loreli. Bugs can’t kill you like horses can.” With that said, she went outside to release her captives into the grass.
Loreli turned to Bebe. “Your sister’s pretty handy to have around.”
Bebe smiled. “Yep.”
Jake used nails to affix the screening to the open window. Glass would have to be ordered. For now the screening would allow air and light in but would keep Dede’s bug friends outside where they belonged.
Loreli had Jake haul up some water, then she went to work scrubbing down the walls and floor. The lye in the water burned the skin but her hands were already reddened from Monday’s washing, so she ignored the stinging and kept to the task. By midafternoon, she was a mess. Her hair had sprays of dust and cobwebs sticking to it, her dress was filthy and wet in spots, and her face was streaked with dirt. The knowledge that she’d be able to soak in a real tub at the end of the day made the work less distasteful, but no easier.
It was early evening before Loreli declared the room clean enough to move in, but she wanted the walls and floor to dry first. She stood and looked around. The space seemed much larger now that it had been cleaned. She walked over and peered out of the screened opening that served as the window. The room could use another window, but Loreli settled for what she had. Outside she could see the cornfields and the windmills. She wondered what it might be like to wake up here with the sun streaming in. Would Jake move in with her after the wedding or would he continue to sleep on that hard excuse for a bed? Speaking of which, she made a mental note to ask him if he’d come up with a solution for getting her headboard and frame inside the house. It was still under a tarp on the front porch. All in all, Loreli was pleased with the work accomplished today, and the only thing she wanted was to sit her tired self down.
It was not to be, however. As she and the twins and Jake sat on the porch relaxing, a carriage turned onto the long drive.
“I wonder what Reverend Appleby wants?” Bebe asked.
Loreli viewed the buggy. “Is that who that is?”
Jake stood and looked down the drive. “Yep, sure is.”
Loreli had no desire to see the town’s religious leader; he’d already proven he had little Christian charity. Her first thought was to go inside the house and make herself scarce until he accomplished whatever he’d come here to do, but she didn’t. Hiding or running away was not in her nature.
Jake, not sure what Rebecca’s father might be after, sent the girls in the house to play. When the man pulled up to the porch and stepped out of his carriage, Jake walked down to greet him, “Evenin’, Reverend. What brings you here?”
“Jacob,” he returned tersely. “I’ve come to speak with you.”
Up close, Appleby was a very short man with a sour, pocked-marked face who walked with his chest puffed out and his arms swinging as if he were tall and important. His disapproving eyes swept over Loreli. She met the gaze without a flinch. He issued a snort of disapproval and turned back to Jake. Loreli snarled inwardly.
“I expected better of you, Jacob,” the reverend said.
Jake had no plans to let Dexter Appleby grill him like a grouse. “What do you mean?”
The reverend cast a withering eye Loreli’s way. “She’s what I mean.”
Loreli stood up. “Sir, if you have something to say to me, I suggest you say it.”
“Harlot!” he spat.
Loreli saw Jake tense with anger, but Loreli didn’t need a champion. She simply folded her arms casually across her chest, and drawled, “My, what a Christian thing to say. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble getting into the pearly gates.”
His whole body puffed up with outrage, reminding her of Diggs. “I demand that you release this man from whatever pledge he’s given you.”
Loreli responded with mock confusion. “Why?”
“Because he belongs to another.”
“And whom might that be?”
“My daughter, Rebecca.”
“Ah, I see. How is Rebecca?” Loreli asked him. Her golden eyes flashed her mood.
“Harlot!” he hissed again.
A weary Loreli had had enough. Out of respect for Jake and his relationship with this man, Loreli did not give Appleby the tongue thrashing he so righteously deserved. Instead she walked to the door, then told him, “Sir, I’ve been insulted by men much taller than you, so I’ll see you around.” She went inside.
When Loreli disappeared, Jake’s voice was harsh as he addressed his pastor. “That wasn’t necessary. Your beef is with me. Not her.”
Appleby didn’t seem to hear. “How could you set aside a good, God-fearing woman like my Rebecca for trash like that?”
Jake’s voice was soft but deadly clear. “She isn’t trash, so keep your slurs to yourself.”
“You’ve made my daughter a laughingstock and you want me to respect that whore?”
Jake snatched him up by his shirt. “That so-called whore is the woman I’m marrying. One more word out of you and I’ll toss you in the nearest hog trough.”
Appleby stared as if he’d never met this version of Jake before. “How dare you assault a man of the cloth! You need prayer, Jake Reed. This woman has set the devil loose within you. Fall on your knees with me. Please. Let the spirit cleanse you of—”
Jake tossed him aside. “Go home, Reverend.”
Then not trusting himself to be near Appleby any longer, Jake walked off the porch and headed toward the barns and pens.
Behind him he heard Appleby’s strident voice calling, “Save yourself, Jacob. Save yourself!”
Jake kept walking.
Jake surreptitiously watched Loreli for the rest of the evening. If Appleby’s slurs had touched her, the results were not evident in her golden eyes. As she went about helping the girls get ready for bed she had only smiles for them and for him. A less formidable woman might have crumbled beneath Appleby’s verbal assaults, but she’d batted him away like the gnat he was, and paid him scant attention. Or at least it seemed that way. Jake could only guess how many times a woman such as herself had been met with crudeness by men like Appleby, yet she’d had enough respect not to give Rebecca’s father both barrels. Harlot? Jake wanted to throttle the little hypocrite; everyone in town knew the reverend and Veronica Diggs were sneaking around, everyone except Rebecca and Sol Diggs. For the Reverend Appleby to act so offended by Loreli’s presence while his own dirty laundry was blowing up and down the streets made Jake even more glad he hadn’t married Rebecca.
After the girls were tucked in, Loreli and Jake stepped out onto the porch. Loreli sat on one of the old cane chairs. The water for this night’s much desired bath was heating out back. Jake stood on the edge of the porch looking out at the night. He was so silent for so long, Loreli finally said, “Penny for your thoughts.”
“Rebecca’s pa didn’t have to be so nasty.”
Loreli cracked sarcastically, “It’s his job to confront sinners like me.”
“No, it isn’t.”
Jake shuddered. “What a mistake that would’ve been.” Then he asked quietly, “Did his words hurt you?”
“And if they had?” she asked, more defensively than she’d intended.
“It was just a question, no need to snap.”
Loreli was instantly contrite. “Sorry. The answer is yes. It always hurts. I’ve just learned to bury it, that’s all.”
He wished it weren’t so dark so he could see her eyes to determine whether she was being flippant or serious. It was hard to tell the difference at times. “I’m putting folks on notice that I’m not tolerating you being slurred.”
She smiled a bit. “Thanks, but it isn’t necessary. I can look after myself.”
“You shouldn’t have to. That’s your husband’s job.”
Loreli raised an eyebrow. “My husband?”
“Yes. Whether it’s in name only or not, I’m responsible for you.”
Loreli eyed him in the dark. “That’s a nice thing to say, but the only person responsible for Loreli is Loreli. That way no one gets hurt or disappointed.”
“Spoken like an independent woman.”
“Sarcasm?”
He shrugged in the dark. “Maybe. You’ve never had ties to anyone.”
“A few, but I never relied on them for my peace of mind or safety.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve been on my own too long, Jake. Seen too much despair and heartbreak. You rely only on yourself. If you don’t have ties, you don’t get hurt.”
“What about your tie to the girls. Is that real?”
She couldn’t lie. “Very real. I fell in love with them the moment I met them. It’ll be real hard letting them go.” And it would be. In the short time she’d been their mama, she’d come to care deeply for them.
“And what about your ties to me?”
Loreli didn’t want to answer that, at least not truthfully. “We knew going into this that it would only be temporary, so whatever we share for however long this lasts is to be enjoyed, then we move on…” So what if I think I’m in love with him?
Jake turned his attention back to the night. “I see.”
An invisible wall seemed to drop between them, and it gave her pause. She asked, “You’re still going to be looking for a real wife, right?”
“Yes.” It was the only reply Jake could give. He certainly couldn’t tell her that he loved her and wanted no other. The admission was startling. When had she captured his heart so completely? He knew it would serve no purpose to declare his feelings aloud. If he did, Jake was sure she’d fall off the porch laughing; gambling queens did not fall in love with small-town hog farmers.
“Good,” Loreli answered, with more confidence than she felt. “I don’t want any misunderstandings about what’s going on here.” To herself, however, she asked, who would ever believe she, Loreli Winters, would fall head over heels for a hog farmer? Everyone who knew her would wonder if she’d lost her mind. In a way she had. Jake Reed was decent and good. How could she not fall in love with a man who was kind to children and animals? There was no future in loving him though. They were from different worlds and she was no more willing to give up her way of life than he was willing to give up his.
“I think the water’s probably hot now,” Loreli said. “I’m going to take my bath.”
He didn’t offer to join her and that was all right; she needed to put some distance between them. She needed to think about some things, and she couldn’t do that if he was near. “I’ll see you in the morning?”
“Yep. Good night.
“Good night, Jake.”
In the tub in the dark, Loreli swatted at the insects buzzing around her ears and shoulders. She thought distancing herself from Jake and her feelings for him a necessary thing. He wasn’t going to love her back, so the sooner she was able to rid herself of her attraction to him, the better off she’d be.
Once Jake was alone, he wanted to kick himself for having asked her such a loaded question. What had he expected her to say? Of course there would be no ties. He’d set that in stone when she agreed to do this. Surely he didn’t believe that what they’d shared last night would alter that agreement? Yet he had. He had feelings for her that seemed to be burning him up inside. Never in his life had a woman affected him so profoundly, and his hope that he’d affected her as well was illogical. He was dumb as a post for thinking she might return his feelings, and even dumber for having fallen in love with her in the first place.
The next day, Jake noted the slight coolness in Loreli’s manner. She was no less loving toward the girls but seemed to be avoiding him and his eyes. He attributed her distance to the question he’d asked the night before and wanted to kick himself again for not keeping it to himself.
On Thursday, Loreli’s bride friends rode over to help with the wedding fixings. Jake stayed out of the way. Later, he rode into town to talk with the sheriff.
When he entered the office, Walt Mack looked up and said, “Afternoon Jake, what brings you here?”
“Need to know if you’ll read the words for my wedding?”
Mack smiled. “Sure. Be honored. Heard you and Miss Loreli were tying the knot. That’s a lot more woman than country boys like us are used to. You sure you can handle her?”
The words were said in jest, and that’s how Jake took them. “I think I’m up to the task.”
“Well, good. Nothing like confidence. What time shall I come around?”
“The wedding’s going to be at five.”
“Then I’ll come around four o’clock. Wear my best suit too.”
Jake smiled. “Good. Oh, Diggs was out at my place yesterday. He threatened Loreli. She wanted me to let you know.”
“Mad as he was, I’m surprised he didn’t confront her sooner. You should’ve seen his face when Peterson showed him that deed. I thought Sol was going to pop every button on his vest. Cursed her something awful on the ride back here. Did you tell Miss Loreli Sol’s not dangerous, just greedy?”
Jake chuckled. “I did, but I just wanted to let you know in case something happens. I’m more worried about his safety than hers, to tell you the truth.”
Mack nodded knowingly. “I wouldn’t want to cross her. Any woman who can play poker the way she can is not a lady to take lightly. Maybe Diggs’ll remember that the next time he sees her. He’s not invited to the wedding, I take it?”
“Not as far as I know. It’s supposed to be a small affair.”
“Well, weddings sometimes take on a life all their own, so keep your powder dry.”
An amused Jake said, “Sure will.”
The sheriff looked at Jake. “Need to talk to you about something else.”
“What?”
“Knights of Labor.”
“What about them?”
“Diggs is telling folks that you’re bringing them in to start trouble.”
“The only folks causing trouble are greedy capitalists like Diggs and his pals. If farmers were treated fairly, there’d be no need for groups like the Knights.”
“Well, just wanted to let you know what I’m hearing.”
“Thanks, Walt.”
“You’re welcome. My daddy farmed when I was a boy, and we lost the land and everything on it when the mortgage came due, so I know what men like Peterson and the others are facing. Just don’t cause any trouble, Jake. My sympathies may be with you, but I was elected to keep the peace and I plan on doing that.”
“You don’t have to worry. We won’t be breaking any laws.”
“Good. Then I’ll see you on Saturday.”
“Thanks, Walt. See you then.”
With that small chore out of the way, Jake rode home.
The brides were gone when Jake returned. In fact, there was no one in the house, so he stepped out onto the back porch. He saw Dede over by Rabbit, but he didn’t see Bebe or Loreli anywhere.
Dede was attempting to tie a fat go
ld ribbon around Rabbit’s neck, but the dog kept twisting and turning away. When Jake walked up, his obviously frustrated niece said, “Hello, Uncle Jake. Loreli said I can tie this around Rabbit so he can look pretty for the wedding, but he won’t stand still. Do you think it’s because he’s a boy dog?”
Jake hid his smile. “Could be. Maybe Rabbit would rather just look like himself.”
“But everybody’s supposed to dress up.”
Jake shrugged. “Sometimes animals don’t know about people rules, De.”
She gave in. “Okay. Suzie didn’t want to wear a ribbon either.”
Jake had no trouble believing that. “Where’s Loreli and your sister?”
“Loreli’s giving Bebe a riding lesson. They’ll be right back.”
And all of sudden they came barreling out from behind the barn at a speed that widened Jake’s eyes. Loreli was holding the reins and Bebe was seated behind her, Bebe’s arms fastened tightly around Loreli’s waist. Jake knew Phoebe could run, but he never knew the big mare could run so fast. The horse and its riders streaked by them, racing across the open fields.
Dede watched them silently. “Phoebe’s going real fast isn’t she, Uncle Jake?”
“Yes, she is. How many times have they come through here?”
“Three. Loreli said they’d race four times, then she’s going to show Be how to cool Phoebe off so she won’t get sick from running so fast.”
Jake thought that made perfect sense. Racing the animal that way and then not tending to her afterward would only make the horse ill down the road. It pleased him that Loreli was giving Bebe the responsibility of looking after the animal’s care as well as helping Bebe prepare for the Circle race.
“Are you mad at Loreli?” Dede asked.
Jake searched her eyes. “No.”
“Then how come you don’t smile at her anymore?”
The honesty in her face made Jake look away. “I don’t know, De.”
“Well, I think you should kiss and make up.”
A Chance at Love Page 23
