by Kari Trumbo
They hadn’t prepared a buckboard for her, but a light buggy with just enough room in the back for Izzy’s trunk. Barton guided her to the rig and helped her up to the seat, then came around the back and climbed in next to her. His smile warmed her right down to her toes. “Have you ever driven one of these? Can I trust you to get it back to the livery in one piece?” he teased.
She swatted his shoulder. “I lived on a ranch for years. Beau showed me how to drive before he’d even let me ride.”
Barton picked up the lines and gave them a flick. The horse made quick work of the short drive and soon they were at the women’s dormitory. Barton rushed inside and reappeared shortly heaving the massive trunk, Mrs. Keets on his heels.
He shoved it in the back and laughed as he returned to Lula’s side, resting his hand against hers where she held onto the seat. “I wish I felt comfortable enough to come with you, but I have to think about our future. I don’t want you to miss having a good time with Izzy because you’re too worried about Harland seeing something between us.”
“And you’re sure there’s no worry from the professor?”
“He said he’d only act if he’s forced to. He has to think about his job as well. I shouldn’t linger here – people will wonder why. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He backed away from the rig, waved, turned and walked away.
She still had to rush to beat the sunset down the hill. She flicked the lines repeatedly, prodding the horse to speed up. Harland and Izzy now lived above the office of a real estate lawyer. It would be easy to find right on the main street of Spearfish.
The wide streets were easy to navigate in the twilight, with very few people dashing around. Most were in their warm homes eating and enjoying time with their families.
Harland waited for her outside the building, blowing on his hands and shuffling back and forth. “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming. What took you so long – too many goodbyes for Mr. Oleson?” He sneered.
What had her friend found likable in Harland? He’d seemed quiet and reserved prior to marrying Izzy, but now … “No, Mr. Lawson, I was bringing Izzy’s trunk and we only got out of class an hour ago, as you know.” She climbed down and waited for him to offer to take the rig back to the livery.
He hauled out the trunk and said, “Open that door, on the right. We’ll be ready for you as soon as you get back.”
Lula gasped. Barton had gone out of his way to help her, to pay for the rig and drive it back to campus. Harland couldn’t even be civil? The comparison was stark. What would being married to this man do to her beloved Izzy? She opened the door for Harland, closed it behind him and climbed back up into the rig. The livery was only a few blocks away, so she wouldn’t have to walk far in the dark, but still the lack of consideration or even gratitude stung.
Leaving the livery, the streets of Spearfish were dim, the moon blanketed in clouds so every shadow seemed murkier than the last. It wasn’t terribly late, but the darkness bore down on her. Spearfish was a wealthy town of farmers, cattlemen and business owners. It was like night and day compared to Deadwood, which had a reputation for scrappy poverty and a loud, bright night life. Spearfish almost rolled up the boardwalks at nightfall.
A man walked toward her, and she shuddered. The door to the Lawsons’ apartment was still a block away. If the man didn’t turn his steps, she’d have to walk right by him.
“Lula Arnsby?” the man called.
Her heart raced and she stopped, clutching the wall next to her. “Yes, who’s there?”
A loud sniffle answered her question before his voice could. “Amos Vangilder, from school? Harland asked me to join you tonight.”
Why would Izzy agree to such a thing when she knew Lula only wanted to be with Barton? Neither of them liked Amos very much. But maybe Harland hadn’t told her. Amos hadn’t been there when Harland was talking about Izzy because he wasn’t a teaching student, but she suspected he knew just the same. “I didn’t realize anyone else would be coming.”
Amos stopped a few steps away. “Harland tells me you decided you don’t want to teach anymore. Why are you still coming to class, if you don’t mind me asking? Seems to me it’s taking time away from the rest of the class if you’re just there for sport.”
Bile rose in the back of her throat. What sort of rumors was Harland spreading, and where would he hear such a thing? The only answer was his wife, who wouldn’t see any issue with telling her husband everything. “Harland doesn’t know what he’s talking about, I’m afraid.” She went to walk past him.
Amos grabbed her wrist and whipped her around to face him. “You forget, my closest friend has sat in that class all year long. We all know there’s more going on between you and the teacher than you want anyone to know. If you’re going to be a loose skirt, there’s plenty of us who could use a little attention. Though I bet he gives you some pretty good grades as payment. How many kisses for an A?” He wiped his arm under his nose.
Her stomach roiled – how dare he accuse her of such things? She slapped him, her leather riding glove landing a satisfying blow on his cheek. He groped for her other wrist, but she kicked him in the shin, her heart clamoring against her stays as she fought for freedom.
A gunshot pierced the night. Amos dropped her wrists and shrank back against the building. Lula’s shock froze her in place.
Barton appeared out of the shadows, the pistol in his right hand pointed in the air. Her cavalry had arrived. “I suggest you make your way to wherever you were headed, Amos.” His teacher voice brooked no argument and the gun backed it up. He offered her his hand, and she tucked herself into his side. Safe.
“You think you can keep this away from the administration, Oleson?” Amos snuffled. “You’ve just earned yourself a report. I saw you out here alone with Lula, walking arm in arm down the street, and because of your gunshot, others will see you too. Say goodbye to your teaching career.” He went to shove past Barton toward Harland and Izzy’s door.
Instead, he found himself with one arm wrenched behind his back, thanks to Barton. “You misunderstand the situation, Mr. Vangilder. You saw no such thing. I, on the other hand, saw you assault a fellow student on the street, where she was minding her own business. Since I was on my way back to campus to see Professor Cook about another matter, I’m sure he will want to hear about this – and who do you think he’ll believe, his trusted assistant who’s never lied to him, or a snotty student who’s barely passing?” He released Amos’ arm.
Amos, realizing he was now greatly outgunned, fled for the Lawsons’ door and hurried inside.
Barton holstered his gun and wrapped his arms around Lula. “I’d planned to stop by and offer to take you home if things weren’t going well. I’m glad I did.” He rubbed his chin on her head as she clung to him, letting him absorb the fear. “Walk with me?”
She nodded. “Are you really going to visit Professor Cook?”
“I wasn’t before, but I am now. A student who assaults a fellow student might assault one of their own charges as a teacher.” He held her close to his side as they walked back toward school.
She’d have to send Izzy a note in the morning and let her know why she’d never made it to supper, but she couldn’t leave Barton and didn’t want to face Harland or Amos anymore. She cleared her throat. “We’ll need to do something. They’ll report this in the morning, and you might lose your position. Our plans may have to change. If you think they would let you stay, I’ll go home. We can write letters until the end of term.”
“I appreciate that you’re willing to sacrifice your dream of teaching for me, but it seems foolish to do that. You were the one who wanted to teach, Lula, not me – if anyone should go home and write letters, it should be me. Perhaps it’s what I should’ve done to begin with. Instead of forcing myself back into your life, I could have written to you, begged you to forgive a little boy who just wanted some attention from his girl.”
Lula stopped them and wrapped her arms around his waist. “
Barton, you’re forgiven. I’m sorry for the hateful words I said to you.”
“Oh, I earned them with the things I did. I wish I could take back every last tear I caused. I just wanted you to notice me. I wanted to feel your soft hair running through my fingers. I’d never seen a girl as pretty as you. And now you’re a woman and I don’t think the Lord made angels any lovelier.”
She grinned. “You’re too much, Barton Oleson.”
He leaned down and kissed her gently on both cheeks. “Hopefully, I’m just enough for you, Lula Arnsby. Will you marry me when you graduate?”
His soft wool coat brushed against her cheek as she embraced him close. “Yes, I will. I wish I could tonight.”
“So do I, my Buttercup. So do I.”
Chapter 24
The small hard bench outside the dean’s office had never felt quite so uncomfortable, Barton thought. Lula sat next to him, her leg bouncing with her nerves. He’d already assured her, three times, that he was more than willing to offer to leave if they would just let her stay, but he didn’t want to leave, not really. And if what Professor Cook had told them was so, they wouldn’t have to. But it was the Dean’s decision, not the professor’s.
The door to the dean’s office opened. Barton rose to his feet and offered Lula a hand. Best to show the utmost respect if he hoped to convince the dean to allow them to stay.
Professor Cook exited the office, smiled and indicated they should follow him. They did, to the professor’s own office, where he had them sit in front of his desk.
Cook sat on his own side and steepled his fingers. “Well, this has been a messy little adventure, hasn’t it?”
Barton looked at the professor’s desk. Lula looked at her shoes.
“Mr. Oleson, Miss Arnsby … I am very grateful you came to me right away last evening before any of this was reported by … other parties. That gave me a chance to head off any problems with Dean Hampstead. He was not pleased with it, but he’s a married man who understands that sometimes you don’t choose whom you love. The Lord can pick the most unlikely of people to put together.”
Lula snorted, then gulped. “I’m very sorry, Professor.”
“No need to be. For instance, when you, Barton, arrived back at school just a few days after leaving last summer and requested to take the teacher course for the purpose of doing your apprenticeship with us this year … I was curious. I looked up your file, which interestingly was chock full of history with one particular girl.” He turned to Lula and regarded her for a moment. “It intrigued me, but I kept it to myself. You are an excellent student, Mr. Oleson, so I saw no reason to block you.”
“Thank you, sir,” Barton replied nervously.
“But the moment I saw you speaking to Miss Arnsby the first day of the school year, I knew you weren’t in my classroom to teach. Or at least, that wasn’t your prime motivation.”
His professor had seen right through him the whole time. They’d hidden for nothing. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“Again, no need to apologize. My wife found it particularly romantic, but she has that bent. Now, we come to the problem. Any time you two are together, there will be suspicion. So, here is my solution. You may take it or do as you suggested and forfeit your contract. Personally, I hope you take it.”
The contract didn’t matter anymore. Ranching didn’t have his heart any more than teaching did. He just needed some job to care for Lula, to provide for her and hopefully his family. “I’m listening, sir.”
“If I were to transfer your apprenticeship to the primary school for the remaining four months, you and Lula could marry if you wish. Though I think there is a better way.” He took Lula’s hand and pressed it a moment, then laid it down. “Miss Arnsby, I don’t know if Mr. Oleson has told you, but there’s a school near his hometown of Belle Fourche looking for a teacher. They have been for a year, so they can most likely be convinced to take a married one – or two. It might be worth finishing your schooling for.”
Lula dipped her head. Barton squeezed her hand. She hated to be the center of attention, and he wished she didn’t have to be, but she had to make this choice. “I’ll … have to consider that,” she finally said.
“Mr. Oleson, if you’re willing to remain here with the younger students for now, I’d prefer it. I don’t want you to go. It may not have been your goal at first, but I do think you could make a good career of it. You have the gift.”
Barton smiled. Lula had said much the same, but if he had to choose, it would always be ranching with his family. “Thank you again, sir,” he whispered.
Lula took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Sir, I’d like to finish and try for the teaching job. If they don’t like me, or they decide that having a married teacher isn’t working, then I’ll be a wife full-time.” She clasped Barton’s hand tightly.
His heart was fit to burst. She’d been so opposed to just being his wife, of being the sole reason he worked, that he’d felt like less of a man for even offering it to her. Her desire to fill the role renewed his faith in himself.
The professor nodded. “I think you’re right, Miss Arnsby. And if you’re blessed with children, your teaching will not stop. It will be continuous – ‘train them up in the way they should go,’ as wise old Solomon said.”
Barton stood and pulled Lula along with him. “So now the only question is, do we marry now, or wait?” If they’d been anywhere but in his professor’s office, he’d have gotten down on his knees and begged her. He was through hiding and acting as if what he felt for Lula was wrong. “Whatever you want, Lula, that’s what we’ll do.”
She reached up and cupped his cheek. Her smile dazzled him. “All of my sisters save one were married on very short notice. I think we’re used to it by now.”
“Thank you, Lula. For giving me another chance.” His arms wrapped around her waist of their own accord and he kissed her soundly.
The professor chuckled, causing Lula to separate from him, covering her warm cheeks with her palms. “I must be the most foolish woman alive to not only offer, but to want to have your children, Barton. I hope they don’t show me love the same way you did when you were a boy.”
If only he’d talked to his mother about Lula back then, before Pa had to crack the whip. But now Ma would be so proud, and he couldn’t wait for them to meet. “I’ve never treated my ma with anything but love and respect and I’ll guide any children we have in exactly how it should be done.”
The professor cleared his throat. “Might I suggest we send a few telegrams?”
Did he want to wait for his family to come or should he just tell them he’d done it? Well, hadn’t he just said he’d never disrespected his mother? She would be so disappointed to not be there. “Tell them the wedding will be Friday. That should give everyone enough time to get here.”
“Well done. Now shoo – I’d like to have some of my Saturday to myself.” Professor Cook waved them toward the door.
Lula wrapped her arm around Barton’s waist as they left the professor’s office. Holding her in the open was glorious. He didn’t have to watch for anyone.
Ironically, Harland was sitting outside the dean’s office on the bench Barton and Lula had occupied before. He rushed to his feet as his jaw dropped. “What’s the meaning of this?” He gestured at them. “You’re so brazen now about breaking the rules that you can’t even help yourselves in the full light of day?”
Barton flexed his hand, but Lula spoke before he could make his point in Harland’s face. “We’re simply excited, Mr. Lawson. Barton and I are to be married – with the dean and Professor Cook’s approval.” She grinned at Harland. “You would understand that excitement, wouldn’t you?”
Was she testing Harland? They both knew he wasn’t happy with Izzy. Barton’s father had always said “you don’t want the woman who cooks for you to be angry.” Harland would be setting himself up for some hungry evenings if he wasn’t careful.
Harland sat back on the bench with a heavy thum
p. “Yes, I suppose I would,” he mumbled.
“Good day, Mr. Lawson,” Barton interrupted. “Please give my best to your wife and let her know that the wedding is on Friday. We’d love for her to attend.” He smirked and led Lula away.
At the doors, he helped Lula with her coat and they stepped out into the sunlight. He turned to face her. This was where he had to start guiding her, protecting her. He couldn’t afford to be a selfish little boy – he had to be an unselfish man, all the time. “Lula, it would be too easy for me to ask more of you than I ought, knowing you’ll be mine forever in less than a week. Would you join me for every meal, and not let ourselves be caught alone until after we’ve said our vows?”
Lula looked around at the campus, mostly empty on a Saturday morning. She stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips gently against his. “Yes. And I look forward to when I never have to leave your side again.”
Chapter 25
Lula’s family arrived on Thursday, just after Barton’s, and her heart was full as all the women embraced. The men formed a wide circle and talked quietly. Ruby brought one trunk with them containing Lula’s wedding dress – the same one Frances had worn a few years before, with the tiered white lace skirt and bodice and the elegant pleated sweep down the front – and the clothes for all her sisters. Lula didn’t care – as long as she had Barton, she would gladly be wed in a flour sack.
She was nervous about after the ceremony, though. Her moment with Barton behind the bush was months ago, and since the holiday break they had been very diligent. She hoped he wouldn’t look on her in disgust as Harland had with Izzy. Her dear friend had been fooled into thinking he was just as happy as she was – would Barton be the same? He’d changed so much for her. Would he regard her as a bother if she didn’t meet his expectations? And she had no experience whatsoever …
