He chuckled. “Make sure Lula has all she needs to fit in. She probably needs unmentionables as well.” He waved a hand in dismissal. “You ladies know all about that. Thankfully, I don’t have to deal with those purchases.”
Ron glanced at the stairs. “I should tell Lula about the sheriff. She thinks highly of him.”
Alexandra leaped to her feet. “I’ll go tell her about him and our shopping expedition.”
Although Lula’s bedroom door was open, Alexandra rapped on the doorjamb.
Lula turned from the armoire and smiled. “Come in, Alexandra.”
“Mama and I are taking you clothes shopping tomorrow. Won’t that be fun?”
The other girl backed up a step. “That’s not necessary. I have the dresses I got from the Mercantile. Surely that’s enough.”
Alexandra shook her head. “Papa insists. Oh, and I wanted to let you know the sheriff was injured today.”
Lula’s expression sobered and she crossed the room. “What happened?”
Alexandra explained all she knew. “He’s off work the rest of today and all of tomorrow.” Trying not to let her feelings show, Alexandra acted casual. “Ron said you’re particularly fond of Sheriff Witt.”
Lula wrung her hands together. “Wouldn’t you be if he’d saved your life?”
“Oh… yes, I’m sure I would be. I’d forgotten he’d done that. Do you want to go check on him?”
The other woman shook her head as she paced the room. “I don’t think he’d appreciate the intrusion. He’s very nice but he’s also very private.”
“I’d noticed.” Alexandra ventured into Lula’s room. “Do you mind if I sit down?”
Lula’s expression showed surprise. “Not at all. I guess I think of this as your home so I’m surprised you asked. Living here still seems like a dream to me.”
“You should feel as if this is your home and this is your private room. No other family members would ever come in without your permission.” She nodded toward the chest of drawers, where a photo of a woman was displayed. “Is that a photo of your mother?”
Lula smiled and picked up the picture. “Yes, that’s Mama. Her name was Mirabelle Neeley.” She handed the frame to Alexandra.
The frame was cheap and barely held together but Alexandra gasped. “Why, she looks like Mama did when I was small. No wonder you and I look so much alike.”
Lula took the portrait and returned it to the chest. “She was beautiful until she became ill. Then, she lost so much weight she was gaunt. I miss her so much—but not the man who was my stepfather.” She shuddered as if in revulsion.
“Papa explained he traded you to redeem his gambling debts, as if you were a piece of furniture or an animal. What a horrid thing to do, especially after he’d promised your mother to take care of you. I can’t imagine anyone so evil.”
Lula huffed. “Not as evil as Ira Wiley, the man who brought me here. If Virgil hadn’t saved me, I’d have been sold to the highest bidder for sport simply because I’m a virgin.”
“Who would do such a thing? How did he manage to get you here? Oh, I don’t mean to pry if you’d rather not talk about your bad experience.”
“You might as well know. Shortly before she died, Mama had told me my father’s name and where he lived. My stepfather told Ira where Mama had worked and that she’d been popular. I convinced Ira that if he brought me here, he’d get more money because so many men who lived here had a high opinion of Mama.”
“That was clever of you. I guess you didn’t have a chance to run away.”
Lula shook her head as she closed her suitcase and slid it under the bed. “He had me tied up and a lot of the time gagged me with his dirty handkerchief. When we got to Robert’s Rest Saloon, he ripped my dress from me and I was forced to stand with my hands tied and wearing nothing but my shift.”
Alexandra gasped. She’d heard most of this from her father, but hearing Lula explain made it more personal, more vivid. “That must have been humiliating. I-I’m glad the sheriff arrived in time to intervene.”
Lula gazed at her hands. “I’ll be eternally grateful to him. He had one of the other waitresses bring me a dress and was so gentle when he untied me. He chased Ira out of town and lectured all the men who’d been bidding on me. Virgil lectured Mr. Coker, too, for allowing the auction. Of course Mr. Coker pretended not to know what had been going on. Since Virgil shamed him, at least he said I could work there serving drinks and wouldn’t be expected to take men to my room.”
Alexandra shook her head. “But… but, you’d be serving the very men who bid on you. How horrid that must have been.”
“You’re right, it was difficult. Still, I had a room of my own and a small income. I thought I’d be able to find a better job, but I couldn’t. Once a woman is tainted by the saloon, no one will give her a job.”
Guilt engulfed Alexandra. Hadn’t she looked down on Lula because of her working in the saloon? “I-I’m sorry you had to endure so much but now that part of your life is over. You have a home and a family.”
Lula’s blue eyes turned stony and her mask cracked. “Don’t think I don’t realize you and your mother resent having me pushed on you. I remember how you treated me at the Mercantile the first day we’d met. You hardly considered me human. I can’t believe you’ve suddenly changed your opinion.”
Embarrassed, Alexandra stood. “I was wrong, Lula, and I’m embarrassed when I recall the way I treated you and some others. I have changed and I’m trying to become a nicer person. Please be patient with me.” She rushed from the room and left Lula to finish arranging her things.
Chapter Five
The next morning at breakfast, Alexandra was silent. She’d spent a restless night after Lula’s comment. In addition, Virgil Witt’s accusation haunted her. I figure there is no reason a woman like you would want to talk to a poorly-paid sheriff like me. If you saw where I live, you’d laugh.
Would she have a few weeks ago? She knew she wouldn’t laugh now, but would she be surprised he lived wherever he did or would she approve? Why did she feel the way she did about people and things?
She’d realized long ago that Mama was a snob but she hadn’t thought of herself as one. When she thought of the way she and Evelyn had acted toward Scott and Moriah, she wanted to hide her face and weep. No matter what he said, the sheriff would never forgive her for being mean to his friends, and that included Lula.
Her father’s sharpened voice pulled her from her reverie. “I said, isn’t that right, Alexandra?”
She felt the flush of heat creep across her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Papa. I was woolgathering and didn’t hear you.”
Mama sent her the look mothers give when you’re in trouble. “Really, Alexandra, can’t you pay attention?”
Papa looked as if he would like to whack her on the head with his folded up newspaper. “I was talking about you and Lula going shopping today with your mother. I said it should be a fun day, isn’t that right?”
Alexandra twisted her napkin. “Oh, yes. We should have a lovely day. You’ll probably have to apply to Ron for a loan from your bank to pay for our expedition.”
At least Lula grinned at that.
Papa pushed back from the table and stood, his good humor restored. “I hope it won’t be as bad as that, ladies. I do want you to enjoy yourselves, though.”
Ron stood also. “Hear that, Mama? Papa has given you carte blanche for shopping. You and the girls will no doubt buy out the town.”
Mama laid a hand at her throat. “Now, son, we’re not as bad as that. However, I intend to have a pleasant day with my girls.”
What a thing for Mama to say. Her girls, plural? This charade was getting tiresome and Lula had only been here one night. Alexandra was trying for Papa’s sake. She hoped she could play the part he’d assigned her.
Papa kissed Mama’s cheek before he left the dining room. Ron did the same. They were very much creatures of habit.
The two men walked toward the front door as the clock
chimed half past seven. Alexandra didn’t need to hear the chimes to know the time. Papa and Ron always left the house at exactly the same time each morning. At half past five each evening, they returned. Except for the few days after the fire and the robbery, they never deviated from their schedule.
***
Virgil enjoyed his morning visits with Scott and Moriah. They were fun and congenial. “These oatmeal cookies are good, Moriah. Did your mother make them?”
Moriah pretended to be insulted but her eyes sparkled. “No, she did not, as you know very well. I baked those early this morning while preparing breakfast.”
Scott grabbed another cookie. “They’re my favorite.”
Virgil laid a hand on his chest. “Your favorite? Darn, I thought she baked them for me.”
Scott toasted him with his coffee mug. “We do appreciate you bringing the mail and taking the posts back to the depot. Say, you’re a celebrity. I thought you were supposed to be resting today while Milton was covering your rounds.”
Virgil set his cup on the shelf as Moriah had instructed him. Each evening she took the mugs upstairs to wash them. “I’m not sick, just sore. I didn’t like aimlessly knocking around the house all afternoon yesterday.” He liked his house but it felt empty.
Scott grinned and tapped the stack of newspapers at the end of the counter. “Herman sure made you out to be a hero. He leaves the impression you were half dead.”
“Aw, I suppose he goes for the dramatic effect. Sells more papers.”
Sobering, Scott leaned forward. “Listen, Virgil, you saved a man’s life and that is dramatic.
“Guess I’d better get moving. Thanks for the cookies and coffee.”
He left wondering why he felt so odd. Maybe his experience yesterday had affected him more than he realized. He’d been out of sorts since then, as if he were lost.
When he was near Mrs. Eppes dress shop, he met Mrs. Novak, Alexandra, and Lula on the boardwalk. “Good morning, ladies.”
Lula laid her hand on his arm. “Are you all right, Virgil? The newspaper said you’re supposed to be resting today.”
“I felt lost at home during working hours and told Milton I’d take over.”
Alexandra smiled him. “You’re a hero again, Sheriff.”
“Not at all. Herman got carried away. It was all in the line of duty.”
Alexandra exchanged looks with Lula before she met his gaze. “Having your arm stretched out of the socket is not routine. You should at least use a sling for it.”
“Aw, I hated wearing that thing. Thanks for your concern, but I really am all right.” He’d better change the subject. “Where are you three lovely ladies going this morning?”
Lula bounced on her toes. “We’re going to buy me new clothes.”
He was happy to see her excited and looking forward to something. “I’ll bet you won’t be the only one getting something new.” He grinned at Alexandra.
Mrs. Novak sent him one of her “you’re a peasant” looks. “Girls, we need to get going. So glad you were successful in saving that man, Sheriff. Have a good day.”
Alexandra sighed. “Coming, Mama.”
As she passed by, he whispered, “Now who’s running away?”
She hissed at him. “You know it’s not the same thing.”
Aloud he spoke around a chuckle and tipped his hat. “Good day, ladies.”
He laughed when Alexandra sent him a glare. She sure had a temper even if she was learning to control it.
***
The three women went into Paris Fashions. Mrs. Eppes and her helper, Mrs. Umphress, were behind the counter. Both women smiled and Mrs. Eppes walked toward them. If she was surprised Lula was with them, she masked it.
“Lovely to see you, ladies. How may I help you?”
Mama put an arm around Lula. “We’ve just learned that Lula is a distant relative whose family fell on hard times. Mr. Novak and I plan to formally adopt her. In the meantime, she needs a new wardrobe.”
Lula held up a hand. “Not too elaborate or expensive, please.”
Mama shook her head. “Nonsense, Lula dear. You need to dress every bit as well as your soon-to-be sister and I.”
Alexandra imagined she saw coins clinking in Mrs. Eppes’ eyes.
“Come this way. Let’s look at fabrics. What are your favorite colors?”
“Pinks and lavenders and blues but you have so many beautiful rolls of fabric.”
Alexandra sensed this was going to be a long, boring day. Watching someone else get new things was no fun.
Mrs. Eppes held up a swath of rose faille. “What do you think of this?”
Lula touched the fabric. “It’s lovely but I’ve never worn this color.” She turned to Alexandra. “What do you think, Alexandra?”
Surprised, Alexandra moved closer. “That is nice, isn’t it? Maybe with the cream lace trim.”
Lula nodded. “Let’s use this one.”
By the time they had chosen fabric for six dresses, Alexandra delighted in helping Lula decide on colors and styles. She had always wanted a sister, but certainly not this one. Still, shopping together was fun, even with this girl.
Mrs. Eppes gestured to her fitting room. “Come with me and I’ll show you several dresses I have in your size. I try to keep several in case there’s a sudden need.”
They followed her and she brought out a lavender silk dinner dress trimmed with a darker faille pleated border around the hem. Next, she showed them a pale pink trimmed in white lace then a light blue sprigged muslin with ruffles. Each of them looked too young for Alexandra but ideal for a girl of seventeen. She suspected Mrs. Eppes had made them with Lula in mind.
A horrible thought popped into Alexandra’s mind. Everyone already knew Lula was living with them. She suspected they even knew why. How humiliating. What could she do but continue this charade Papa created?
Mrs. Eppes touched her shoulder. “Miss Novak, are you all right? You’ve gone quite pale. Sit down and let’s get you some refreshments.” She signaled to Mrs. Umphress.
Alexandra sat on the dressing room couch beside Mama. “Thank you, I don’t know what happened. Suddenly I got dizzy but I’m fine now.”
Soon, Mrs. Umphress brought in a tray with tea and tiny cakes for three. “Mrs. Novak, I hope you’ll excuse me for serving your daughter before I serve you. She still looks pasty.”
“Of course, Mrs. Umphress. Thank you.” Mama felt of Alexandra’s forehead. “Alexandra, your forehead isn’t feverish but you’re still ashen. Are you ill?”
For once, Alexandra didn’t want to be in the spotlight and certainly not this way or for this reason. “I’m really all right, Mama. Let’s concentrate on Lula’s clothes. We’re supposed to have a fun day, remember?”
Mama patted her hand. “Such a good girl, always thinking of others.”
Alexandra saw the glance that passed between Mrs. Eppes and Mrs. Umphress. She realized they thought Mama’s statement as untrue as she knew it to be. Could this day get any more demeaning?
Mrs. Eppes smiled at Mama. “You’re fortunate to have the children you do, Mrs. Novak. My husband and I never had children.”
She directed her gaze to Lula. “If you’ll step behind the screen, I’ve hung the completed dresses there. If there are any you like, you can try them on. If they need altering, we can remedy that quickly.”
Mrs. Umphress stood near the screen with her hands clasped. “Let me know if you need help with the fastenings. When you have one on that you like, step out and show Mrs. Novak how it looks.”
In a few minutes, Lula emerged from the screened area wearing the lavender silk. Her face shone with happiness and she looked like a princess. “Isn’t this a beautiful dress?”
Mama smiled. “You look lovely, Lula. Certainly we must take that one.”
Alexandra nodded, too upset to speak. Obviously, the dress had been made in readiness for Lula. As Alexandra suspected, Mrs. Eppes knew Lula would be coming and why.
Everyon
e in town must know what she had hoped was their secret. All their friends must be gossiping about them and laughing at their flimsy lies. She really was ill. Thankfully, she was seated and had a cup of tea.
Alexandra forced a smile and mumbled the appropriate comments for each dress. She had a second cup of tea while Lula selected shoes, jewelry, hair combs, and unmentionables more delicate than those at the Mercantile.
Mrs. Umphress dealt with the three readymade dresses.
Lula looked from Mama to her. “Aren’t you going to get something too? I know you already have lovely clothes, but surely you plan to buy something.”
Alexandra rose to her feet. “I want new combs to go with my blue dress.”
Mama waved a hand in dismissal. “It’s been a pleasure watching you select things, Lula. And, I got to sit and have tea.”
Finally, they were ready to leave Paris Fashions.
“I’ll have these delivered for you this afternoon. Thank you, ladies.”
Alexandra held the door for her mother. “Where to now, Mama?”
“Next door for hats and gloves at Milady’s Millinery shop. Have you shopped there before, Lula?”
Lula wrung her hands and appeared distressed. “No, ma’am.”
Alexandra opened the door and Lula preceded her and Mama into the store.
Ruby Ann Nichols, the owner, gave Lula a disgusted glare. “You can march right back out the door, young lady. We don’t serve your kind here.”
Lula stopped and her face turned fiery red. She backed up a step as if she intended to leave the shop.
Alexandra put an arm around Lula’s shoulders. Even though she didn’t want that girl in their family, no one should be treated this way.
Mama drew herself up to her most imperious bearing. “Mrs. Nichols, how dare you talk that way to Lula. For your information, she is a distant relative. Now that we’ve found her, Mr. Novak and I are adopting her. You may consider her our daughter.”
Mrs. Nichols grabbed hold of a display stand and spluttered for a few seconds. “Please excuse me. I meant no offense to you, Mrs. Novak. I have to be so careful who shops here or quality folks like you won’t trade with me.”
Alexandra's Awakening (Pearson Grove Book 2) Page 4
