by Janice Hanna
“Yes, small-town churches are likely quite different from the one you attended in Denver.” Maggie paused to run her hand over the back of a pew. “Oh, but I do love it here. The Lord has spoken to my heart on many occasions in this place, so I will always cherish it.”
“There’s no comparison between the buildings,” Anne said. “But I do think I like this best. I certainly prefer the message I heard on Sunday.”
“I’ve been hoping and praying the town would grow so that I could see an influx of children for our Sunday school program,” Virginia said. “It would be wonderful to think of a way to bring in more tourists.” She offered Anne a smile. “You’re the creative one. Maybe you could come up with some ideas.”
“Yes, that’s a wonderful idea,” Maggie said.
“If only I had the time. I’ll be leaving soon, you know.”
“True.” Virginia’s expression shifted to one of sadness. “I keep forgetting that. It seems like we’ve known each other for years and that we’ll go on being friends for a lifetime.”
I would love that.
Anne startled to attention. “Well, let’s get busy talking about your wedding.”
A concerned look crossed Virginia’s face. “I don’t know what’s keeping Amaryllis. She was supposed to join us but wanted to stop off in town at the store first.”
“She can add her thoughts when she arrives.” Anne took a seat on the front pew and reached for her writing tablet. “Virginia, tell me about your dream wedding. What have you always longed for?”
“Oh, everything you’ve already suggested.”
“But what else? What’s missing?”
“Hmm.” Virginia paused. “Up in New York, of course, there would have been a lovely dance afterward. The bride and groom would have a special dance together—and the father of the bride would have a dance with the bride as well.”
“I’ve seen this done in Denver. It’s quite touching. But how do folks in these parts feel about dancing? Is it allowed?”
“I’ve danced a jig or two in my day.” Maggie kicked up her heels, and the girls laughed. “Why, when I was a young filly, my papa used to play the fiddle and we’d dance all over the place. My oh my, but these feet could move!”
“Do you suppose the reverend would allow a dance to take place at the church?” Virginia looked plenty unsure.
“If it’s on the lawn, I can’t see that he would mind.” Maggie gave her a little wink. “You just leave that part to me. Bets will have a fit, of course. She doesn’t believe in dancing.” Maggie began to chuckle. “I daresay a little dancing might just set her free. Loosen up her joints. Get her back to living once again.”
“Get who back to living once again?”
Anne turned, stunned to see Bets standing behind them at the back of the sanctuary.
“Um, well, I…” Maggie ran her fingers through her always-messy hair. “Life is for the living, Bets. That’s all I’ve got to say about it.”
“Humph.” Bets marched up the aisle toward them, her mission clear.
Maggie squared her shoulders and stared her sister down. “The girls are putting together plans for the wedding and they’re talking about hosting a little dance on the church lawn afterward. Doesn’t that sound lovely?”
“Lovely?” Bets began to fan herself. “Dancing is sinful, just like that loud piano playing we have to tolerate every Sunday, which is exactly why I’ve come to speak to the reverend. Figured it’s about time I gave him a piece of my mind.”
“Don’t give him too much of it,” Maggie said. “Or there might not be enough left for levelheaded thinking.”
Anne bit back the laugh that threatened to erupt.
“Maggie!” Bets’s face turned red. “Apologize at once.”
“I don’t see the point in apologizing for speaking the truth. And as for your comments about the music, I daresay the Bible has a lot to say about offering up musical praises to the Lord.”
“Perhaps, though a bit quieter would be better.”
Maggie placed her hands on her hips. “I suppose someone forgot to tell King David that dancing is sinful. I recall reading a biblical passage just yesterday about how he danced and praised the Lord when the ark was returned to Jerusalem. He found it cause for celebration. And we find Virginia and Cody’s marriage cause for celebration too, which is why we plan to ask for permission for a dance after the ceremony.”
Bets shook her head. “There will be no dancing on the church grounds. The reverend won’t allow it. And if he dares to defy me on this…”
“You’ll what?” Maggie took a step closer. “You’ll ruin a perfectly lovely wedding? Why can’t you just relax and enjoy life, Bets? Why do you always have to be so cranky?”
“I’m not cranky. I’m just practical. Someone has to be. There are rules to be followed, you know. Not that you’ve ever followed one, but good folks do.”
“Cranky folks press their ridiculous rules on others and weigh them down.” Maggie shook her head. “I understand rules. But I also understand that there’s a time to celebrate. And a wedding is the perfect opportunity to kick up your heels, make merry. How are we ever going to know how to celebrate in heaven if we don’t practice here?” She began to dance a little jig, and within seconds Bets was fanning herself again.
“Merciful heavens, Maggie. How you do go on. You’ve always been such a free-spirited thing. If Mama had lived to see one of her daughters kicking up her heels in the house of God…”
“She would have joined in the dance.” Maggie stopped and stared her sister down. “And you’ll be better off if you just relax those rules you’ve created in your head and join in the dance as well.”
“I’ll go to my grave with holy feet.” Bets crossed her arms at her chest. “They will walk undefiled into heaven.”
“Not mine.” Maggie started to dance once more. “Mine are going to dance their way past those pearly gates, even if it means I have to baptize ’em on the way in. And I feel certain Saint Peter will join me in the dance. In fact, he’s probably up there with his toes tapping right now.”
“Heathen words.” Bets shook her finger in Maggie’s face. “You will not have your way on this, Maggie. And these girls…” She turned to Anne, squaring off, face-to-face. “They might be young, but they’re not going to bring in these kinds of changes. Groom is a respectable place, and respectable people don’t dance.”
Maggie did a little jig in the aisle.
Anne drew in a deep breath, knowing she now had to face Bets on her own.
“Listen here, young lady.” Bets stood so close, Anne could feel the woman’s breath on her cheek. “You might do things differently in the big city, but we’re a bit more dignified here. So you can take your ideas and you can…”
“Betsy Ann, you bite that tongue. Don’t say another word to that wonderful young lady. She’s done nothing but help.” Anne and Bets both turned as Leo’s voice sounded from the back of the sanctuary. He took long strides up the aisle toward them. “And another thing.” He narrowed his gaze. “I say it wouldn’t kill us to change a few things around here. Just because we’ve always done things a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the right way.”
“But…”
He paused and gazed into her eyes. “Besides, I remember a time not so many years ago when you would run into my arms for a waltz around the room. What happened to that girl? Where is she now?”
Bets’s eyes filled with tears. She shook her head, and her gaze shifted to the ground. “That was a lifetime ago, Leo. Things are different now. I’m different now.”
“Well, it’s a pity. And I said our lives could stand a bit of shaking.” He pointed at Anne, who felt a little shiver run down her spine. “If having this young woman in Groom has caused you to quiver a little, all the better. I say more power to her.”
Anne tried not to let the edges of her lips turn up, but inside her heart was singing. Looked like Uncle Leo had waited awhile to speak his mind, but now that he�
�d opened this can of worms, Aunt Bets seemed determined to avoid them. She hiked her skirt, turned on her heel, and stormed down the aisle, muttering something about men.
“Don’t fret over her, ladies,” Leo said with a curt nod. “You just leave her to me. Things are going to be different around here from now on. I’m going to be different.”
Maggie let out a raucous “Praise God” and kept on dancing.
Virginia gave him a hug. “Oh, thank you so much. I’ve been so worried about what she would think and the influence she might have on others.”
“Well, worry no more. You just enjoy your big day. It only comes around once.” He sighed and mumbled, “Then you have to live with that person for the rest of your mortal life,” as he headed down the aisle.
“She reminds me so much of my uncle Bertrand.” Anne plopped onto the front pew and wiped away the beads of sweat on her forehead. “Always in such a bad mood. I’ve never understood it. Why do some people feel like they’ve got to bring everyone else down? It’s so unkind.”
“It makes no sense to me, either,” Virginia said. “I’ve been so blessed to live with kindhearted parents.”
Maggie took the spot beside Anne. “Honey, would you like to know what makes some older people a little sour?”
“I suppose.”
“Sometimes we older folks are a little disappointed that our lives haven’t turned out quite like we expected.” She hesitated. “I’m not talking about myself here, just so you know. I’ve had the most glorious life a woman could ask for. Married the best man in the world and raised the best boys in the world.”
Anne took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“But I’ve watched my sister, Bets, face life with the opposite spirit. Things in her life haven’t gone as she would have liked. As a young woman, she longed to have a houseful of children. Unfortunately, she never saw that dream fulfilled and it’s soured her, as you can tell.” Maggie fanned herself. “I do hope I haven’t gone to gossiping by mentioning her circumstances.”
“I don’t think so,” Virginia said. “You are speaking out of your personal experience with her.”
Anne nodded her head. “I do understand what you’re saying, though.”
“Yes. I’m just wondering if perhaps your uncle Bertrand has had an unhappy life. Maybe that’s why he’s an old codger.”
“Could be.” Anne paced the room, deep in thought.
“Did he ever marry?” Maggie asked.
“No.” Anne continued to pace. “I can’t imagine any woman abiding him.” But even as she spoke the word, images of Cornelia Witherspoon filled her head.
“More likely he fell in love as a young man and had his heart broken,” Maggie said.
“Yes, he sounds more like someone who’s been jilted in love,” Virginia added.
Anne paused to think about that idea. “It’s so funny you should say that. I’ve just been thinking the same thing. I suppose I’ll never know. He’s not the sort to open up and share his heart. When he’s around me, he’s just cold and angry most of the time.”
“I’ve seen that sort of bitterness firsthand with my sister, as you’ve now witnessed. And I can’t say I understand it. I just know that people like that need to be set free from the bitterness that binds them. Otherwise, they’ll destroy many lives, not just their own.” She paused and fussed with her apron. “Anyway, enough about other people. Let’s you and I agree that if life doesn’t turn out as we like, we won’t sour like lemons.”
Anne chuckled. “Maggie, you’re the least sour person I know. And I realize you’ve already been through many things in your life that have been painful.”
“I’ve been heartsick over losing James,” Maggie said. “But I refuse to get angry about it. I do my best to live for today and trust God with tomorrow.”
“That’s all any of us can do.” Virginia leaned over and gave Maggie a kiss on the cheek.
“And what would be the point to stepping out of the dance just because we’ve faced a grief or two?” Maggie’s face lit into a smile. “No, I daresay this is the very time the Lord wants us to get back to living. Otherwise, why would He have left us here when those we love have already gone on?” She looked at Virginia. “Now you get back to work on that wedding, doll. We’ve only got a few days left, you know.”
“I know. Just four more days until the big day.”
Anne’s heart twisted as Virginia spoke those fateful words. Only four days left to enjoy the people she’d grown to love. And then she would leave heaven and board a train for a life that would likely turn out to be the very opposite.
Jake looked out over the stretch of track as he paused for a drink of water. Just another day or so and they’d have everything up and running again. He swiped the moisture from the back of his neck and took another swig of water.
Strange… Though he’d always loved working for the railroad, he suddenly despised it. The words he’d spoken to Anne last night in the truck washed over him afresh. Had he really shared his heart… told her how much he was going to miss her when she left?
“Jake, you all right over there?” The job foreman slapped him on the back. “You seem lost.”
“Just thinking.”
“Me too.” The foreman sighed. “Thinking about how happy I’m going to be to get this track fixed and for life to return to normal around here.”
“Normal.” There it was, that word he hated. If “normal” was the definition of his life before meeting Anne, then he never wanted to go back there again. But what could he do about it?
With a grunt, he reached for his work gloves, shoved them on, and got back to work.
Chapter Fifteen
You’ve probably heard the expression “Backdoor guests are best.” Here in the Panhandle, we’re not bound to formality. C’mon in the back door and stay awhile. Share in a hot cup of coffee and talk about the price of feed or, if you’re a lady, the latest fabrics at the general store. In other words, feel welcome! You’ll never find a better place to visit. Unless you’ve come to stir up trouble, of course. If so, we’ll just tip our hats and bid you a fond farewell. —“Tex” Morgan, reporting for the Panhandle Primer
On Wednesday morning Anne and her sisters helped Maggie tidy up the parlor. Her thoughts drifted back to that conversation she’d had with Jake in the truck on the way into town. They’d been talking about the weather—nothing too startling—but he’d managed to sneak in a line or two that made her think he could care for her.
What could she do about that? She wanted to fight it but found herself giving in. Her heart seemed to come alive every time he walked into the room.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Would one of you get that?” Maggie raked her fingers through her wild hair. “I look a fright.”
“Let me!” Emily took off running with Kate on her heels.
“Might be Jake. He comes home for lunch once in a while. He’s probably got his arms loaded with things from the store.” Maggie gave her a little wink. “He seems to be spending a lot of time around the house lately, for some reason. Can’t quite figure it out.”
Anne pulled off her apron and ran her hands across her hair.
Seconds later, someone else entirely walked into the parlor. Anne gasped as she saw Uncle Bertrand. He looked as stiff and formal as ever, and judging from his stern expression, he was not in a pleasant mood. It felt as if Anne’s stomach had gravitated to her throat.
“Anne.” He crossed his arms at his chest.
“U–uncle.” Just one word, but it was truly all she could manage.
Off in the distance, Emily made a terrible face and Kate looked as if she might be sick.
“Well, who have we here?” Maggie brushed her hands on her apron and took a few steps in Bertrand’s direction. “Don’t tell me this is the most-loved uncle I’ve heard so much about.”
Most-loved? Anne coughed to keep from saying anything she shouldn’t.
“Well, I, um…” The flust
ered look on Bertrand’s face spoke volumes. “I am their uncle, to be sure. And I’ve come from Dallas to fetch them.” He stood so stiff and straight, he reminded Anne of a fire poker. She hoped his being here wouldn’t cause as much damage. “Though at this point, I hardly see the logic. I was told in town that the track will be repaired later today and passengers will reboard the train to Dallas. As I see it, this drive has been rather pointless.”
“How could coming to Groom ever be pointless?” Maggie stared him down.
“Well, you get my point. The girls could have reboarded the train this very day and saved me the trip. But anyway, I’m here now and ready to head back.”
“Oh, Uncle Bertrand.” Anne took a hesitant step in his direction. “I’m afraid we can’t leave for at least three more days. Didn’t you get my message? I telephoned your store.”
“My secretary told me that you called and wanted to stay here until week’s end,” he said, “but it inconveniences me for you to arrive over the weekend. So I’ve come to fetch you now. We must hurry. I have a lot of work waiting for me.”
“Oh, but we can’t. We simply can’t.” She felt the sting of tears but willed herself not to cry in front of him.
“And why is that?” He pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at it. “I’ve brought my car. There’s no reason why we can’t leave right away.”
“Oh, there’s one very good reason,” she said. “I’m helping plan a wedding for Saturday night.”
“A wedding?” He shook his head. “As long as you’re not the bride in this wedding, I don’t see why you would be missed.”
“Why she would be missed?” Maggie’s eyes flashed with anger. “Let me tell you something, you old coot. She will be missed no matter when she leaves.”
Bertrand turned slowly—very slowly—to face Maggie.
Anne pursed her lips to keep from saying something she would regret. Still, this was bound to turn into a catfight. And she had a pretty good feeling she knew who would come out on top. Maggie might be genteel in many ways, but when it came to getting what she wanted, she was a woman on a mission. Hadn’t Anne witnessed as much in the exchanges between her and Bets?
