Love's Sweet Beginning

by Ann Shorey

  Cassie arched an eyebrow. “You’re living in one room now. Except for meals, Rosemary tells me you spend no time downstairs.”

  “Well, that’s different. I could if I wanted to.”

  “We can’t wait any longer to hear from Uncle Rand.” She knelt beside the chair and took her mother’s hands. “Rosemary and Elijah need this room for their baby. They’ve been more than gracious to us, but the time has come for us to have our own place to live.”

  Mother jerked her hands free. “If you call a rotting cabin a place to live. I certainly don’t.”

  “Would you rather stay in a boardinghouse full of workmen? Right now, that’s our only other option.”

  “How dare you speak to me in that tone of voice? What happened to my respectful daughter?” She narrowed her eyes. “You’ve changed since you started working for that Mr. West. He’s put these notions into your head, hasn’t he?”

  “I make my own decisions.”

  “You don’t make mine.”

  “This time I have. The rent is paid for the first month. We’ll move in Saturday after I finish cleaning the rooms. That way we’ll be all settled and ready for church on Sunday morning.”

  “You don’t know the first thing about cleaning a house.” She sniffled. “My own daughter, scrubbing floors. How did we ever sink so low?”

  Cassie bit back a sharp retort at the sight of her mother’s tears, and used a soothing voice instead. “Lots of families are suffering as a result of the war. Things are bound to be better soon. Who knows? Uncle Rand may pop up any day.”

  Mother stood and stared out the window. Gripping the sill, she asked, “What about furniture?”

  Cassie felt a surge of triumph. Asking about furnishings meant her mother was thinking ahead to living in the cabin.

  “We won’t need much. I’ll see what I can do.” She infused her voice with confidence she didn’t feel, then put her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “I need to go tell Rosemary our plans.”

  “Your plans, not mine.”

  Instead of responding with further argument, she kissed her mother’s cheek. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  As she descended the stairs, Cassie wondered at the strangeness of life. She’d always believed she would live under her own roof after she married. But Garrett Fitzhugh, her fiancé, had died two years ago in Jefferson City. Then a train derailment left her and Mother in Noble Springs following Garrett’s funeral.

  Now here she was, preparing to make a home for the two of them by herself. So many changes in such a short time. She prayed the Lord would help her mother accept more changes to come, beginning with Saturday’s move.

  She found Elijah reading in front of the bay window in the sitting room. Bodie lay at his feet. The dog gave his tail a lazy thump, but didn’t rise.

  Elijah lowered his magazine. “You look like you need a cup of Rosemary’s mint tea.” He smiled. “She’s in the kitchen at the moment.”

  Tiredness weighted her shoulders at the memory of everything that had happened since she left the house that morning. “It has been an eventful day. I’ll let her tell you my news later.”

  He nodded and returned to his reading.

  “I heard you say you’d had an eventful day.” Rosemary stood in the kitchen entrance.

  “Indeed I did. I rented a cabin for Mother and me from Mr. Slocum. We’ll move in on Saturday.”

  “No. That soon?” She sank onto a chair.

  “I promised you we’d be out by the end of the week.”

  “You know I’d never hold you to such a promise.” Rosemary rested her fingers against her cheek. “You have no . . . possessions. Is he renting furniture to you as well?”

  Cassie huffed out a breath and sat facing her friend. “That wasn’t part of the bargain. We only need a bed and a couple of other things.”

  “Like a table and chairs, curtains, rugs, dishes . . .”

  A headache stirred in her temples. She hadn’t thought about curtains, rugs, and dishes. Or pots and pans, knives and forks, or a scrub bucket and mop, for that matter.

  She straightened her shoulders. She’d do what their housekeeper had always done. Make a list. Then buy what she could.

  On Saturday morning, Jacob stood with Jesse Slocum surveying the empty cabin.

  “Didn’t know this place was back here until Miss Haddon said she’d rented it.” He shifted on one foot and looked the older man in the eye. “You think they’ll be safe?”

  “Don’t see why not. Any trouble, they can come get me. I’m usually here.”

  “Unless you’re in the mercantile.”

  “Yup. But daytime’s not what you’re worried about, is it?”

  Jacob flushed. He hadn’t realized his worry showed. Sooner or later, Miss Haddon’s innocent beauty was bound to attract attention from the men in the boardinghouse across the street. He doubted her mother had the grit to stand up to a threat to their safety.

  “I feel responsible for her. Somebody’s got to care.” He stepped inside the entrance, his boots crunching on wood chips and bark scattered over the floor. Flames flickered behind the open damper in the small stove at the back of the room.

  Jesse pointed to a glowing red area around the stovepipe. “Thought I’d better make sure this thing wasn’t rusted through anywhere. Works fine.” He took a stick from a box of firewood on the hearth and pushed the damper closed. “We’ll let it burn itself out. Don’t need heat today anyhow.”

  Ducking his head beneath the lintel, Jacob moved into the second room. A few fingers of light spread from gaps in the shutters. Pegs lined two of the walls about four feet from the floor. An iron bedstead was pushed against a corner. New rope crisscrossed the side rails, forming a platform for a mattress tick. He turned to Jesse.

  “When did Miss Haddon have this brought over? Thought they weren’t moving until this afternoon.”

  Jesse scuffed a few dead leaves to one side with the toe of his boot. “Well, this old thing was left out here when we built the big house. Wife wanted everything new.” He shrugged. “Figured the ladies could use it.”

  Jacob hid a smile. Perhaps he wouldn’t have to concern himself with their safety after all.

  Back in the main room, he took a piece of paper from his pocket and scratched “bed” from his list. The challenge now would be to see how many necessities he could provide without the Haddon ladies knowing he’d done so.

  On Saturday afternoon, Cassie lifted her shawl from a peg next to the kitchen door. Her hands shook. She had so much to do. One afternoon in which to shop for supplies, clean, and arrange their possessions in the small cabin. She’d stopped by there on her way to work. Wood chips littered the floor, left from the firewood Mr. Slocum had moved to a lean-to beside the alley. Cobwebs netted the grimy windows. Mother was right about one thing. She didn’t know the first thing about cleaning a house.

  Today, she’d learn.

  Mrs. Fielder spoke behind her. “You got everything you need to live in that old place? I heard you came here with nothing more than a trunk full of pretty clothes.” She cleared her throat. “Between me and my daughters, we might be able to scare up a skillet for you, and maybe a kettle or two.”

  Grateful tears welled in Cassie’s eyes. She turned, laying her hand on the older woman’s arm. “Bless you. You heard correctly. Anything you can spare would be very welcome.”

  “Now, no need to take on so. Can’t hardly find my way around my own kitchen for all the clutter. Glad for a reason to make some room on the shelves.”

  After thanking her again, Cassie pushed open the screen door and set off for Lindberg’s Mercantile. Mrs. Fielder’s unexpected kindness lightened her steps as she strode past the businesses along the boardwalk. A smile hovered on her lips. The woman’s brusque exterior hid a warm heart.

  Still smiling, she pushed open the mercantile door. At the sound of the tinkling bell, Faith Saxon glanced up from the counter where she stood, then hurried toward her. “Mr. Slo
cum told me you’re moving into his old cabin today.” She hugged Cassie.

  “I am.” Cassie returned the hug, then stepped back. “I was hoping you’d be here this afternoon.” She took a quick glance around. “Where’s little Alexander?”

  “He’s asleep behind the counter in the buggy Curt made for him.”

  “Your husband is a man of many talents.” She tiptoed over to the buggy and gazed down at the sleeping baby. His blond hair lay in wisps over his forehead. “He looks more like you all the time,” she whispered.

  “Today’s his two-month birthday. I baked a Dolly Varden cake for him this morning.” Faith’s blue eyes sparkled. “He won’t get to eat it, of course, but Grandpa will certainly enjoy a slice or two. It’s his favorite.”

  Cassie liked Faith’s grandfather. In spite of his age and memory troubles, he accompanied Faith and Curt to church each Sunday, and never failed to greet her and Mother in a courtly manner. She’d never known either of her own grandfathers. Her father’s father died before she was born, and her mother evaded questions about her own parents.

  Wishing she could settle in for a visit instead of having to hurry to the cabin, she stepped away from the baby and drew her list from her handbag. “I came to buy a few things before I can start cleaning. There isn’t much money, so my list is small. To begin, a bucket and scrub brush and some towels. Oh, soap and a broom.”

  “I think you’re very brave. I can’t imagine scrubbing out a dirty old cabin. Spiders, mice, and who knows what running around inside.” She shuddered.

  Cassie shook her head. “I can’t either, but it needs doing before we can live there. I’m praying I can have everything spotless before Elijah brings Mother over with our trunk this evening.” Her mind flashed to the interior of the cabin as it looked that morning when she peeked inside. Maybe spotless was too tall an order. As clean as possible might be more realistic. She drew a deep breath. With the Lord’s help, she’d do her best.

  Faith took the list from Cassie’s fingers and scanned the contents. “You’re right, this is a small list. Dishes, four yards of blue gingham, a lamp, tableware. Are you sure you’ve thought of everything?”

  “It’s all I can afford. I’m hoping to get Mother interested enough to sew curtains with the fabric.”

  “You don’t have to do this.” Worried wrinkles creased Faith’s forehead. “Curt and I can make room for you.”

  “Thank you, but no. We were in the way at Rosemary’s, and it would be no different in your house. Now that I have employment, I can take care of my mother by myself.”

  After paying Faith for the purchases and securing her promise to have Curt deliver the items she didn’t need right away, Cassie stuffed everything else but the broom into the bucket. With her hands full, she walked to the corner of King’s Highway and then turned north toward High Street. After a couple of minutes, someone fell into step behind her. The back of her neck prickled.

  She increased her pace.

  So did the person following.

  10

  Cassie wanted to run, but with both hands full she couldn’t lift her skirts out of the way. The best she could do was a modified trot. She cast a frantic look over her shoulder when she reached High Street.

  A dark-skinned man wearing a battered slouch hat was closing the distance between them. Heart racing, she pivoted to face him.

  “Come any nearer and I’ll scream for help.” She brandished the broom like a club.

  He stopped a safe distance away and pulled off his hat. “Sorry to scare you, missy. Mr. West told me to go to that store and fetch your parcels for you.”

  Her heart slowed its wild pounding. Without his hat, she recognized Wash Bennett, the man who came in at the end of each day to scrub the restaurant kitchen.

  She held out the broom and bucket. “I’m sorry, Wash, I didn’t expect you. I welcome the help. Thank you. But how did Mr. West know where I was going?”

  “Don’t know, missy. He never said.” Wash looped one arm through the handle on the heavy wooden bucket and grabbed the broom with his free hand. “Where you takin’ this?”

  “Just a couple of blocks down the street. Cattycorner from the restaurant.” She started in that direction, then paused when he didn’t join her. Surely he didn’t plan to take her purchases and run away. “Wash? Are you coming?”

  “Just waitin’ for you to get ahead. Wouldn’t do for me to be next to you.”

  “Those days are gone. You don’t have to walk behind me.”

  “’Fraid not all folks think like you. If’n you don’t mind, I’ll keep my distance.”

  She gave a reluctant nod and set off toward the cabin. After a moment, she heard Wash’s footsteps behind her.

  Cassie stopped in front of the two wooden steps set against the rock foundation. She noticed that someone, probably Mr. Slocum, had opened the shutters so afternoon light could fill the interior. She’d have to sweep the wood scraps out before she could scrub the floor. Or should she wash the windows first? She wished she’d watched when their housekeeper cleaned her parents’ home.

  When Wash caught up with her, he placed the bucket on the ground and leaned the broom against a wall. “I’d best not tarry.” His gaze darted toward the alley. “If anyone sees me with you . . .”

  “I wouldn’t want to bring trouble down on you. Thank you for helping me.” She dug in her handbag and held out one of her remaining coins.

  Shaking his head, he took a step away. “No need, missy. Mr. West done paid me already.” He turned and strode along the path to the street.

  Her gaze followed him until he was out of sight. The thought that Mr. West had paid Wash to help her left her dumbfounded. Why would he do such a thing? Shaking her head, she stepped inside the cabin.

  The bedstead in the other room was the first thing she noticed. A clean straw tick rested between the rails. Then she saw a square table and two chairs pushed against the wall. Moving closer, she bent her head to get a better look at the chairs. An exact match to those in the restaurant. First sending Wash, and now this. She’d seen enough of her employer to know he had a soft heart when it came to other’s needs, but she hadn’t asked for help.

  Her thoughts jumped to the task before her when something scuttled across the floor and disappeared under the bed. She ran back outside and grabbed the broom. After dragging the bed away from the wall, she chased the rodent around the cabin until it scurried out the open door.

  Heart pounding, she leaned against the frame and marveled at herself. Ladylike Cassie Haddon, chasing mice. None of her childhood friends would believe the tale. They’d never believe what she planned to do next, either.

  After unbuttoning the cuffs on her blue work dress, she rolled up the sleeves, then carried the bucket over to the lean-to and filled it from the pump. The weight of the water dragged at her arm as she staggered back to the cabin. A few drops sloshed over the edge when she plunked the wooden container next to the waiting broom.

  Dust flew as she swept. The afternoon sun inched lower in the western sky, prodding her onward. Just keep going. If you stop, you’ll never finish in time. She shuddered at crackling cobwebs and scattering spiders when she brushed the broom over the window glass. She wished she knew how their housekeeper had accomplished all these tasks in a home far larger than this tiny cabin.

  Cassie wiped perspiration from her forehead and dropped to her knees next to the bucket. After plunging the brush into a lye soap and water solution, she began scrubbing the floors in a back corner of the bedroom. Dip the brush. Drag the bucket. Each dip brought her closer to the front door.

  When Elijah arrived with her mother at dusk, the damp floors gleamed in fading light that pooled beneath clean windows. A resin-fresh aroma rose from the scoured pine boards. Cassie had moved the table and chairs near the stove in the main room. A shelf nearby held the skillet and pots Mrs. Fielder had promised, along with the dishes Curt delivered from the mercantile.

  Cassie had never been so ti
red, not even after her first day at the restaurant. Her back ached. Her fingertips were raw from scrubbing. Yet she couldn’t stop smiling at what she’d accomplished. Just let her uncle—or anyone else—try to call her useless now. She’d made a home for herself and her mother.

  Elijah was first up the steps. He set their trunk inside the door and whistled as he stared around the room. “I’d never have believed you could do all this in such a short time. I stopped by yesterday while Jesse was repairing that table. Figured then you’d need a week to clean out the years of neglect. And you did it in an afternoon.”

  She basked in his look of admiration, at the same time making a mental note to thank Mr. Slocum for providing the table.

  Her mother appeared in the doorway, dressed in her best traveling suit. She’d done her hair in an elaborate twist at the back of her head.

  Cassie held her breath, hoping for praise.

  Mother sniffed. “At least the place feels sturdy enough. I was afraid it would fall down around our ears.”

  Elijah sent Cassie a sympathetic glance.

  She blew out a breath and then slipped her arm around her mother’s waist.

  “Welcome to your new home.”

  The lamp Cassie purchased sent a warm glow over the cabin’s interior. Once she unpacked the trunk and spread their red and green thistle pattern quilt over the bed, she settled onto one of the two chairs, unable to keep a smile from her face. The small dwelling looked almost . . . homey.

  She turned to her mother, who sat across the table. “We’ll be comfortable. I know you’ll get used to being here.”

  The lamplight caught the glitter of tears in her mother’s eyes. Her lower lip quivered.

  Mother seldom cried.

  Cassie’s heart plummeted. She jumped to her feet. “You must be tired. Rosemary sent over some of her teas. Would you like a cup?”