by Janice Hanna
“You have.” His beautiful eyes locked onto hers. “We were starting to think you were going to sleep clean through the night. Glad you didn’t.” He gave her a little wink and her heart fluttered again.
“Me—me too.”
Jake flashed one last glance her way before heading to the door. Anne settled on the sofa next to Kate. “So, you had a good afternoon?”
“Mm-hmm. It’s so fun here, Annie. I ran and ran and ran. And Emily got a thousand ideas for her story. You should have heard her talking about it. She’s so funny.”
“No doubt.” Anne leaned back against the sofa. “Tell me all about it.”
Kate proceeded to do just that, but in the middle of her humorous tale a knock sounded at the door.
“Would someone get that, please?” Maggie’s voice sounded from the kitchen. “I’m up to my eyeballs chopping onions and can’t touch anything.”
“I will,” Anne quickly responded, rising and making her way to the door. As she pulled it open, her gaze fell on an unfamiliar couple around Maggie’s age. The woman stood a bit taller than the man, though not in a stately way. She did have an air of superiority about her, though. The sour expression on the woman’s face made Anne wonder if perhaps she’d been eating pickles. The man gave her a curt nod, introduced himself as Leo, and eased his way past her into the house, muttering something about needing a cup of coffee.
“So you’re the interloper, then.” The woman stared at Anne for a moment and then sighed. “I told Maggie that taking in vagabonds was a risk, but would she listen to me? No. Then again, she never listens to me.”
Anne did her best not to respond to the woman’s brusque words. Instead, she plastered on a smile and said, “Ah. you must be Maggie’s sister. Nice to meet you.”
“Humph. Wish I could say the same. I’ll let you know right off the bat that I don’t believe you should be here, and I plan to tell Maggie so, just as soon as I can grab her by the ear.”
“Oh, well, I…” How did one go about responding to something so awful? Anne felt the sting of tears in her eyes but willed herself not to let this awful woman see that she’d been hurt by her words.
“That sister of mine rarely takes my advice. But then again, she was always this way, even as a child.” Bets pursed her lips.
Maggie entered the room, wiping her hands on her apron. “I was always what way, Betsy Ann? Happy-go-lucky and carefree?”
“You know what I mean.” The woman crossed her arms at her chest. “Stubborn and headstrong. And you’ve never changed. Not one iota.”
“What’s the point in changing when you’re so near to perfect as you already are?” Maggie popped the woman on the bottom, causing her to gasp.
“Maggie, how dare you…”
“Stop being such a sour old thing, Bets.” Maggie laughed, and then her expression grew more serious. “It doesn’t sit well on you.”
Thankfully Jake entered the room then, distracting them all. Even more distracting was the smell of the shoes in his hand.
“What is that offensive odor?” Bets pinched her nose and began to fan herself with her hand. She glanced at the shoes and clucked her tongue. “Honestly. This is the price you pay for having youngsters around. They’re dirty.”
“No, it’s the cow’s fault!” Kate walked straight up to Bets with an angry look on her face. “I’m not dirty.”
“You’re a child. That’s all I have to say about it.” Bets’s icy look drove Kate to hide behind Anne’s skirts and sent a shiver across the room. Anne could almost feel it.
“We missed you at church this morning, Aunt Bets,” Jake said. He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek, dangling the shoes a bit too close to her face for her liking. She slapped them away.
“Humph.” She dropped down onto the sofa. “I woke up with a headache. Likely because your uncle Leo snored all night long. He’s going to be the death of me yet.”
Leo rolled his eyes. “Got any coffee in that kitchen of yours, Maggie?”
“You know i do. Go on in and fetch yourself a cup.”
He disappeared into the kitchen, muttering all the way.
“Please put those disgusting shoes out in the yard,” Bets instructed. “Likely they will have to be buried.”
“You’re going to bury my shoes?”
“You can put them next to Kate’s dolls,” Emily said, entering the parlor from the hallway. “I buried two of them in the yard this afternoon.”
“You buried your dolls?” Bets began to fan herself again then looked Maggie’s way. “What sort of evil child is this?”
“The sort who delights in mischief.” Maggie giggled. “In other words, she’s my kind of girl.”
“Whyever would she bury her sister’s dolls in the yard?” Bets asked.
“Kate said I could,” Emily explained. She dove into a nonsensical explanation of why she’d buried the dolls, but Bets wouldn’t have it. She waved her hands in the air.
“Enough. This is all wearing on my nerves.” She rested against the arm of the sofa and continued fanning herself. “Thank goodness I never had to deal with any children of my own. The good Lord knew I couldn’t take it.”
“I see.” Emily sat on the sofa next to her—a little too close, apparently.
Bets turned and stared down her nose at her. “Well?”
“Well, what?”
“What are you staring at?”
“Oh.” Emily shrugged. “I’m memorizing your features so I can use you as a character in my book. I’ve been looking for someone just like you to add to my story. This is going to be perfect. Just the ticket.”
“Well, for once I hear something sensible come out of your mouth. I should very much like to be used as a heroine in a story.”
“Oh, I’m not needing a heroine. I’m thinking of turning you into a villainous bank robber. With that tight gray bun and all those wrinkles, no one would ever suspect you. You could rob banks all over the country and never go to prison for it.”
“Merciful heavens.” Bets paled.
“It’s going to be great,” Emily said. She moved closer to Bets, her gaze narrowing. “Do you pack a gun, by chance?”
Everyone in the room erupted in laughter.
“Well, I like that,” Bets said when the laughter ended. “Now I’m the brunt of a joke. You are a vicious little thing.”
“You think?” Emily looked at the older woman with a delighted smile. “Thank you very much.”
Anne sighed.
Maggie turned her attention to her sister. “We were concerned when we didn’t see you in church this morning. The reverend and his wife asked about you, of course. They wanted me to let you know they’re praying for you.”
“The reverend would be better served asking his wife to tone down the loud piano playing in church. Her banging on the keys must hurt the Lord’s ears. Just one more reason why I couldn’t stomach going this morning. So much racket. Affects my nerves.”
Maggie gave her a sympathetic look. “I really wish you had a telephone so I could check on you in situations like that. Things would be so much easier.”
Bets ran her hands across her lap, smoothing out her skirt. “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times—I’m not going to have that noisy contraption in my home. I like my peace and quiet.”
Anne caught a glimpse of Leo as he entered the room with a cup of coffee. He released a sigh as he settled into the wooden rocker.
“I just don’t understand the logic of having a telephone in the first place.” Bets began to fan herself once more. “What’s so urgent that you have to find out about it right away? Honestly, you must feel you’re better than your neighbors. Putting on airs.”
If anyone appeared to be putting on airs, it certainly wasn’t Maggie, though Anne would never say so.
Maggie paused, counting to ten in a soft whisper. “Bets, make yourself at home,” she said at last. “Have a cup of coffee while Anne and I finish making supper.”
/> “I’m glad to see you’ve put that girl to work.” Bets glared at Anne. “The little wayfarer needs to earn her keep. I can’t imagine what made you think it would be all right to bring total strangers into your home. For all you know, she could rob you blind while you’re sleeping. Have you hidden the good silver?”
“Aunt Bets!” This time it was Jake who came to the defense.
Anne bit her lip to keep from spouting off the words that wanted to come out. How dare that awful woman say such a thing! Anne turned on her heel and stormed into the kitchen.
Jake followed behind her. “Anne, I’m so sorry. You can’t listen to anything she says. She’s just a sour old woman who…” He shrugged. “Who knows how to ruin what started out to be a great day.”
Maggie arrived in the kitchen shortly thereafter. She patted her unruly hair. “Anne, don’t pay any mind to Bets. Her bark is worse than her bite.”
“Well, her bark is certainly something to behold.” Anne paused and put her hands on the counter. Leaning forward, she drew in a deep breath and tried to regain her composure. “I feel like I’ve been assaulted. Maybe Emily was right. There do seem to be ruffians and renegades in this part of the country.”
Maggie erupted in laughter at this. “That’s a good one, Anne. You’re right. My sister is a real pill. Don’t know why she’s always got her knickers in a knot. But I do know that somewhere, underneath that crusty exterior, lays a woman I love.” She reached for her apron and lifted it to wipe the mist from her eyes. “Not saying she’s easy. I’m just saying I’ve got to love her. The Bible says I have to.” At this, Maggie started laughing again.
Before long, they were all chuckling. After a couple minutes, however, Bets’s voice rang out from the parlor. “I wish you would hold it down in there. A body can only take so much racket.”
Maggie put a finger to her lips, still giggling in silence. Anne couldn’t help but join in. Oh, what a fun way to deal with such an unlovely person.
Maggie finally got herself under control and fixed a tray of cookies.
“Jakey, do me a favor and take this tray of snickerdoodles out to your aunt and uncle. We’ll be out shortly.”
“She won’t eat them,” he said. “She never eats sweets before a meal.”
“I know she’ll fuss about it, but Leo will eat them. And from the looks of that man, he hasn’t had a decent meal in months. The least I can do is feed him so he has the strength to fight her off.”
Jake chuckled as he took the tray then squared his shoulders and headed back into the parlor.
“That’s my boy. Always willing to go the extra mile for people.” Maggie gave Anne a knowing look. “A gentleman all the way.”
Anne’s gaze shifted to the ground so that Maggie wouldn’t see the unavoidable smile. “Well, Bets’s husband seems like a fine man.”
“I’ve never really understood their relationship. And it’s true she wears the pants in that family.” Maggie eased her ample frame into a chair at the table. “It wasn’t always that way, honey. They were young once. In fact, there was a time they made a really handsome couple.
Bets was always a pretty girl.”
“Really?”
“Yes, before the bitterness took hold. Lots of fellas were drawn to her back in the day. Why, she was as pretty as you are.”
Anne felt her cheeks turn warm. “I’ve never considered myself pretty. Not even close.”
“Oh, but you are. And I’m sure lots of fellas have given you a second glance. And a third. and a fourth.”
Anne’s heart twisted as the words were spoken. They brought back memories that she didn’t care to relive.
“Oh, I’ve struck a chord with those words, haven’t I?” Maggie rose and placed her hand on Anne’s arm. “Have I said something I shouldn’t?”
Anne paused for a moment, unsure of how much to share. She finally managed the words, “I almost had a beau once.”
“Almost?” Maggie sighed. “Was it unrequited love?”
“No, he genuinely cared for me.” The twisting sensation in her chest escalated, making it difficult to breathe.
“What happened…if you don’t mind my asking?”
“He had aspirations of moving up in his father’s business, and he…” Anne realized she’d started a story that she simply couldn’t finish. Not without betraying her father’s problems. How could she go about sharing that the man she thought she’d one day marry had left because he’d found out her father was a gambler? That his parents didn’t see her as a fit bride-to-be because of her father’s shame?
“Honey, are you all right?” Maggie gave her a curious look.
“Oh, yes. I…well, let’s just say that it didn’t work out.”
“Well then, all I can say is that the Lord must’ve prevented you from a life of misery. I’ve always said it’s better to remain unmarried than to marry the wrong person.”
“Like Aunt Bets and Uncle Leo?” Anne asked. “Is that what made her so bitter? She married the wrong man?”
“Oh, honey, I don’t think so. not really. Like i said, there was a time—years ago—when they went together like bread and jam.” Maggie rose and attended to her cooking once more. “Only problem is, they’re both stubborn old fools. Neither wants to admit the other is right, no matter the situation. It’s just pure selfishness.”
“But they’re still a match made in heaven?”
“More likely made somewhere else,” Emily’s voice chimed in. Anne turned to see both of her sisters now standing in the kitchen.
“I’m not sure that’s the case, either,” Maggie said.
“But Maggie!” Emily spoke in an exaggerated tone. “Your sister is really mean.”
“I know, honey.”
The incredulous look on Emily’s face shared her thoughts on the matter. “She’s a textbook villain. Beady eyes and everything. And have you ever seen such a long nose? I do have to wonder if she and Uncle Bertrand might be twins. Perhaps they were separated at birth and raised in different states. Or maybe…” She snapped her fingers. “Maybe they were raised in a carnival, and when they got old, they parted ways so that no one would figure out their secret.”
Anne grabbed Emily’s arm and shushed her. “Honestly, how you do go on. You shouldn’t talk about people like that.”
“How can I help it? Right after you left the room, she called me an orphan train child.” Emily’s face grew tight, and the wrinkles between her eyes deepened. “I wanted to double up my fist and take her down, but figured I’d leave it to her husband. He looked pretty mad at her too.”
“Good gracious.” Anne fanned herself. “See what you’ve done?”
Maggie stroked Emily’s hair. “Honey, I apologize for Bets. She’s a real pill, one I have to swallow regularly. But she’s my sister, and there’s only so long you can avoid your own family.” Maggie shrugged. “Anyway, let’s finish cooking this meal. Hopefully it will serve as a lovely distraction.” At that proclamation, all the girls went to work preparing a tasty meal. Likely it would be the only easy thing to swallow tonight.
Jake entered the kitchen, still shaken from the awful words his aunt had spoken to Anne a few minutes earlier.
“Everyone all right in here?”
Emily looked his way. “As all right as one can be after being brutally attacked with words.” She pouted. “But don’t worry. I’m plotting my revenge. This story will have a proper ending.”
“Proper in whose eyes?” Anne leaned down to look her sister in the eye. “Honey, I know you’re angry. I am too. But we need to extend God’s grace to her. That’s the only way to win her over.”
That’s right.” Jake drew near. “I’ve learned that the only way to deal with Bets when she’s like this is to get her talking about something else—to distract her. And along the way, God gives me plenty of opportunities to extend grace.”
“You go right ahead and offer grace. I’ll be in my bedroom, looking for another doll to name after her. Then I’m goin
g to bury it in the backyard.” Emily marched out of the room and let the door slam behind her.
Jake couldn’t help but notice the sad expression on Anne’s face. “Are you all right?”
“I will be.”
He rested his hand on her arm to offer comfort. “if it makes you feel any better, she’s like that to everyone, not just you.”
“Though she did go out of her way to make you feel unwelcome,” Maggie said, “and I’m awfully sorry about that.”
“And I’m sorry about Emily. Sometimes I think she’s almost as hard-hearted as…well, as someone like Bets.”
“Don’t be too quick to fret over your little sister. Children are resilient. Besides, I love her just like she is. Emily is a keen and honest observer of the world around her. Now that she’s discovered O’Farrell’s Honor, she’s in a place where there are discoveries to be made every day—good and bad.” Maggie smiled. “Besides, she reminds me of myself as a youngster. I like a sweet girl same as everyone else, but give her a little sass. She has an adventurous spirit.”
“She does at that.” Jake paused to think about that. “I think we all have a lot to learn from her. I know I do, anyway. She’s able to speak her mind better than most.”
“You can say that again.” Anne sighed.
Jake leaned her way and smiled. “She’s able to speak her mind better than most.”
Anne turned, eyes wide, and he found himself face-to-face with her. What a fabulous predicament. For a moment he thought she might lean back. Instead, the edges of those beautiful lips turned up in a delicious grin.
“What do you say we get back in there and pour a little sugar and cream into Bets’s tea?” His mother’s voice interrupted the moment.
Jake startled to attention. “But she doesn’t take sugar and cream in her tea.”
“Exactly. I wasn’t referring to the real thing. Just a touch of grace, my child. Just a touch of grace.”
He wanted to respond but found himself captivated by Anne’s beautiful smile. He didn’t have to go into the parlor to find a touch of grace. Why, he was staring it in the face right now.
