“Did you see that?” Micah’s mouth fell open. “She deliberately ignored me.”
“Serves you right. She’s a person, too, even if she is small. You hurt her feelings and didn’t apologize.” Eppie raised her eyebrows at him. “You’ll need to do some groveling, I think.”
“Oh, I agree.” Madeline tucked her arm into Eppie’s. “Nothing like a woman who’s been miffed.”
“She’s not a woman. She’s not even three years old, for God’s sake.” Micah frowned as he opened the door for them.
“Damn good thing you didn’t give me daughters.” Teague commented as he walked out behind the women.
“Who says?” Madeline sounded as mysterious as she could be.
“Is there something you haven’t told me, Maddie?” Teague ran to step next to his wife. “Are you keeping a secret?”
Madeline turned to Eppie and smiled. “I hope you’re taking notes, because there is a lot to learn here.”
Eppie laughed, a big gut-busting laugh all the way from her toes. She didn’t remember doing it before that very moment and it felt almost as wonderful as being with Micah. But not quite.
Micah fell into step beside Eppie and offered her his arm. Madeline patted her shoulder.
“Go on, take his arm. You two deserve to have the pleasure of a walk together.” She narrowed her gaze at Micah. “Walk slowly. She’s still recovering.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Micah saluted and Teague cursed under his breath.
“Don’t mind them, Eppie. Ex-soldiers will always be at odds, no matter how long it’s been since the war.” Madeline leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder as they walked. “That doesn’t mean we can’t ignore them, though.”
Eppie smiled and slipped her arm into Micah’s. It felt comfortable, even natural, to do so. They were just the right height to walk together and they fell into a natural rhythm. Perhaps that’s what happened down by the river. It was meant to happen.
At least that’s what she wanted to believe. If she were honest with herself, she still couldn’t believe what she’d done, had allowed Micah to do. Just thinking about it made her body heat up, and perspiration popped out all over. It would probably be better to think about walking through town and going to the bank. At least that wouldn’t arouse her.
They were almost to the end of the street and Eppie’s amusement at her own body’s reaction to Micah ended as soon as she spotted the street corner. Petals from the flowering trees floated down around them like a rain of white. It felt as if the tree were either welcoming them or warning them.
As soon as the buildings of Plum Creek came into view, Eppie wanted to turn around and go back. The house might not be home, but it was familiar and safe. Where they were headed was anything but safe. She felt almost sick to her stomach when she saw the church steeple.
That was where the awful minister must preach his fire-and-brimstone sermons. She’d do well to avoid that man for the rest of her life. It was bad enough to think he’d visit the house, she sure as heck didn’t want to go to his church. God only knows what the man would do to hold her up as an example of a sinner.
It was four in the afternoon, so the streets weren’t as busy as they probably were in the morning. That was at least, a blessing. Some people stared at the two couples, while others were polite enough to say hello. Eppie cursed inwardly when she saw Matilda Webster and her two blond cohorts cross the street to intercept them.
She hoped she didn’t embarrass herself or the others.
“Madeline Brewster, while I live and breathe, I’m surprised to see you back in Plum Creek.” Matilda smiled prettily for Teague. “And you’re here with your convict again. How nice.”
“Matilda, for one thing, Teague is my husband, therefore my name is O’Neal, not Brewster. Secondly, he’s not a convict. As a matter of fact, your husband is the only convict I know.” She nodded to the other two women. “Virginia, Beatrice, lovely to see you.”
Madeline didn’t miss a step and Eppie was not only impressed, she decided she wanted to be like her new friend when she got her life in order. The looks on the faces of the three blond witches were priceless. When Matilda caught Eppie looking at her, the expression of astonishment turned to malice.
“I see you brought your slave and her lover out for fresh air. Nice how their half-breed daughter can now have two parents to keep her out of trouble.” With that she turned and walked away, leaving Eppie in pieces on the wood-planked sidewalk.
Eppie stopped, her breath caught somewhere in her throat. Micah put his arm around her shoulder and leaned in.
“Don’t listen to that bitch, Eppie. She’s unhappy because her husband is a thief and a liar. She likes to hurt other people because she hurts all the time.” He squeezed her arm. “Nothing she said is the truth.”
“Am I a slave?” Eppie gasped out.
“No, darlin’ and I don’t think you ever were.” Micah handed her a handkerchief from his pocket. “I think your mother was freed before you were born. You’re a beautiful, wonderful, amazing woman who came into my life four years ago. I thank God every day for it and I’m proud to be your lover.”
Eppie felt so overwhelmed by the last two minutes, she allowed him to lead her down the street. Madeline and Teague had gotten quite a ways ahead but weren’t walking quickly so they kept pace with them. The outing to the bank was turning out as badly as Eppie had anticipated, unfortunately.
Micah kept his grip tight as they walked and she, for once, was glad to have him there beside her. She thought him weak and dependent, but he just proved he wasn’t either of those things. Perhaps all he needed was to be challenged. When Matilda and her friends had come calling two days earlier, she hadn’t allowed them to see Micah. Maybe she should have and they likely wouldn’t come back.
Candice had warned her about Mrs. Webster, but Eppie honestly hadn’t expected such cruel viciousness from someone. It appeared her short time awake hadn’t given her enough experience with the depths to which human beings could sink. Matilda just showed her the bottom of the barrel and Eppie hoped there wasn’t another level down.
“Are you okay?” Micah asked after a few minutes.
“I don’t know. My heart tells me to turn around and go back to the house, but my head is telling me to keep walking and straighten my shoulders.” She sucked in a shaky breath. “Life so far has been a circus with crazy folks popping up left and right. I only hope that nasty minister keeps to his church today.”
Micah stopped her. “What nasty minister?”
Too late Eppie realized the things she hadn’t told him were ones she probably should have. “He came by to visit the day you, well, took a bath in whiskey. I was outside getting fresh air and he appeared out of nowhere. He’s the kind of man of the cloth I plan on avoiding.”
“Good, because he’s a small-minded bigot with as much mercy and compassion as a rock,” Micah nearly snarled. “He’s stirred up the town to think of me as the drunk who lives off Madeline’s charity. I won’t even go into what he’s said about Miracle or the fact that he thinks she needs to live with a real family.”
It didn’t surprise Eppie that the minister had taken it upon himself to judge others, but the fact he’d picked on little Miracle made her furious. The minister would have an earful from her the next time he dared darken their doorstep. If he ever came near Miracle, she didn’t know what she’d do, but he’d regret any intervention he proposed.
The anger helped push aside the hurt and the confusion, allowing Eppie to get control of her emotions before she and Micah got to the bank.
Her first glimpse of the hub of Plum Creek was that of a small town with well-kept buildings and well-swept sidewalks. The bank sat at the center, its shiny clean windows gleaming in the late afternoon sun. The name FIRST BANK OF PLUM CREEK was in gold on the windows. Eppie realized she could read the letters and inwardly did a jig of joy.
Teague held the door open and they filed in. The building looked almost as fancy on
the inside as the mansion. There was only one customer in the bank at a teller station. The men and women working there were all dressed in white shirts and navy trousers or skirts.
Every one of them stopped what they were doing to stare at the newcomers. Eppie was getting used to being stared at, but it surprised her to have it happen at Madeline’s bank.
It still felt odd to call it Madeline’s bank. Eppie didn’t know the woman owned half of the town, and was still as down-to-earth and friendly as she could be. Most rich people were more selective in their friends and certainly didn’t give away mansions to others without expecting something in return.
Obviously Eppie was much more cynical than she realized.
Madeline stepped up to the first teller’s window. “Good afternoon, David. It’s nice to see you again.”
“Miss Brew—I mean Mrs. O’Neal. I didn’t know you were in town.” He was a young man, probably no older than Eppie, with jet-black hair and friendly eyes.
“Yes, I arrived a week ago. I’m here to sign the deed over to Mr. Spalding and Miss Archer.” She pointed to the closed door in the corner. “Is Mr. Long in there?”
“Yes, ma’am. He’s been working on balancing the week’s ledgers.” David turned to look at the rest of them, and when his gaze landed on Eppie, he gaped at her. “Miss Eppie? Is that you?”
Damn, another person she was supposed to know. “Yes, it’s me.” She didn’t know how long she could pretend to recognize folks before someone found out her secret.
His exclamation caught the attention of the other tellers and they stepped over, along with the gray-haired man who was there as a customer. Exclamations and genuine friendliness replaced the suspicion and malice she’d encountered from other citizens of Plum Creek.
As near as she could tell, three of the tellers remembered her, the lady teller had heard about her from the others, and the older man had known her since she’d come to town.
“The Lord surely did send his blessings down on you, Miss Eppie. Madeline and her kin have kept you safe so you could heal.” The man patted her hand. “It’s a miracle, just like that little girl. I’ve kept you in my prayers.”
Madeline smiled at him. “Horace Brindle, you are so kind. I know Eppie appreciates your prayers.”
Eppie nodded. “Yes, I certainly do appreciate your prayers. Thank you so much, Mr. Brindle.”
Strange looks and raised eyebrows told Eppie these folks had noticed she sounded different, too. There was no way she could stop that. She didn’t know how she was supposed to sound; she could only speak as she knew how.
Madeline took the situation in hand, again. “Thank you all for your good wishes.” She herded Teague, Micah and Eppie toward the office.
The tellers all walked back to their positions and Eppie breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad to find someone in town who thought well of her, but it was still a bit too much to absorb all at once.
Madeline opened the door and stepped in. A tall man with spectacles and a balding head stood and smiled.
“Madeline, there you are.” He held out his hand and shook hers. “I have everything ready.” He glanced at everyone else. “Micah, Teague, good to see you. Eppie, I’m sorry we haven’t met, but I’ve heard a great deal about you.”
His friendliness was genuine as far as Eppie could tell. The bank, which should be the most serious place in town, was turning out to be the warmest and most welcoming.
“Thank you, Mr. Long.”
“Why don’t you all sit and we’ll get these papers signed.” There were only two chairs in front of the desk.
“Eppie, sit down with me. Let’s get your half of the deed signed.” Madeline smiled as she sat down.
As she sat down, Eppie’s agreement to come to the bank suddenly seemed like a bad idea when she caught sight of the pen and inkwell waiting for her. What if she didn’t know how to write? She obviously knew how to read, but could she write? Her mouth turned cotton dry and her face felt very hot.
She glanced at Micah and he frowned at her. Likely her face reflected the sheer panic racing through her. The bank manager was laying out the papers on the desk and Eppie’s breath caught in her throat.
“Mr. Long, could you step outside for two minutes please?” Micah smiled tightly. “I need to ask Madeline a couple of questions.”
“Of course.” Mr. Long exited the office without question, closing the door behind him.
Micah squatted down beside Eppie. “What’s wrong?”
Madeline swiveled around and turned a concerned gaze on Eppie.
“I don’t know if I can write.” She hated how scared her voice sounded or the fact that she hadn’t even considered whether or not she could sign the papers. Micah had convinced her to come, or rather, she had convinced herself. Now it could be a disaster, an embarrassing, stupid disaster.
“Oh, honey, I didn’t think of that.” Madeline took Eppie’s cold hand in hers. “You did know how to write before the accident. Many nights we read books to each other.”
Eppie wanted to believe her, but until she tested her abilities, she couldn’t. “Let me try before Mr. Long comes back in.”
Madeline pointed at the corner of the desk. “Micah, get a piece of paper so she can practice her signature.”
Micah stood and set a blank piece of paper on the desk in front of Eppie. She was surprised to see his hand tremble as he handed her the pen and popped the inkwell open. Eppie took a deep breath and accepted the pen.
She knew they had to move quickly as the minutes were ticking by, but she was afraid.
“It’s okay, Eppie, if you can’t. We’ll leave and come back when you can.” Micah smiled and she remembered just how dangerous he was to her equilibrium.
She closed her eyes and thought about how her signature should look. Elizabeth Archer. When she opened her eyes, she dipped the pen in the ink and tapped off the excess ink. With a deep breath, she gave her mind permission to write.
Nothing happened.
She thought about the letters in her name, thrilled to realize she knew what letters were in the name. That meant she could read, but could she write?
Again, she put the pen on the paper and told herself to sign it.
Nothing happened.
Eppie wanted to cry and scream at the same time. It was so frustrating to have half a memory. Micah rubbed her back and kept silent while Madeline put her hand over Eppie’s. None of it helped her feel better.
“You’re trying too hard. Just relax and don’t think about what you’re doing. Just do it.”
Eppie would try one more time and then give up. Another day, another time would have to work. When the nib touched the paper, she let her mind go blank and suddenly her hand started moving, and so did the pen.
It was shaky, but readable. Eppie had signed her name.
Strange how something so simple could make her feel so joyous. It was as if she’d won a prize for something extraordinary. Madeline clapped her hands and Micah kissed her cheek. Even Teague grunted.
“You did it.” Madeline let out a big sigh. “I knew you could. Teague, please ask Mr. Long to come back in.”
When he came back in there was a flurry of papers put in front of her and Eppie realized she could read very well. Even though this house was a gift, she read through each of the papers before signing them. By the time they were done, the sun had sunk low on the horizon and the rest of the tellers had left the bank.
Eppie was in a bit of a daze as she walked through the empty lobby. She owned half a house, her, a blank nobody without a past or a memory, was now a house owner. It was unreal to her although Madeline talked with Micah as if nothing amazing had just happened, as if Elizabeth Archer had not just been born.
She stopped in her tracks, stunned by the notion. By signing her name she’d become a real person, someone with property, a woman named Elizabeth Archer.
“I don’t want to be Eppie anymore.” Her pronouncement made everyone stop at the door.
Micah looked confused while Madeline looked shocked. It shocked her, too—she’d been floundering in a sea of uncertainty and confusion about who she was and in an instant, the confusion cleared.
“Elizabeth. Please call me Elizabeth.” She smiled and a great weight lifted from her shoulders.
“Are you sure? You once told me that name made you cringe whenever you heard it.” Madeline walked toward her with a frown. “We’ll do whatever you feel comfortable with.”
“That’s what I want. It’s who I want to be.”
“Elizabeth’s a nice name,” Teague nodded. “I had an aunt named Elizabeth and she was a right fine lady.”
Micah cocked his head and stared at her, a hundred emotions fluttering in his gaze. He held out his hand.
“Let’s go home, Elizabeth.”
Pure joy flooded her heart at his immediate acceptance and she took his hand, then stepped out into the late-day light, a new person, a real person.
Micah lay in bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering who it was he was in love with. She looked like Eppie, but she spoke and acted like Elizabeth, whoever that was. He understood to some extent why she needed to grab hold of her life and proclaim who she was, but she was so different. It confused him and made his already damaged soul even more adrift. Even his damn chest hurt when he thought about how she could walk out the door and leave them behind without a backward glance. After all, she didn’t know him, or Miracle. They were strangers to her, even if he’d held her in his arms again.
He loved her. That, fortunately, hadn’t changed, and God willing, it wouldn’t. She was fated to be his and that was that. He wouldn’t accept a different outcome.
Elizabeth was Eppie and Eppie was Elizabeth. He just didn’t know which one would agree to marry him. He’d been waiting for years to make her his wife, hoping and waiting and even praying. A significant feat for him since he’d given up on God long ago.
Things were simpler when Eppie had been in the coma. He had a routine and things went along the same every day. Boring but predictable. However much he’d hoped, wished and wanted her to awaken, the last thing he wanted was to lose what he had.
The Redemption of Micah Page 11
