by Barbara Goss
Kate nodded.
“Don’t listen to any more gossip. The Bible tells us that “a perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28).
The thought that someone so close could be responsible for his wife’s disappearance or even murder did cause Kate a great amount of concern, and she yearned to know the truth. Yet she agreed with Margo: The man deserved a fair chance. Gossip would, indeed, color her opinion of Josh Redfield. Had it been unfair of Mrs. O’Neill to warn her?
That evening Kate’s heart pounded as she arrived in the dining room for dinner. There stood Geoffrey Grandville, bending over Margo’s hand. Kate froze with delight in the doorway.
“Geoffrey, I’m so glad you could join us tonight,” cried Margo, beaming. “I received a letter from Lydia today!”
“That makes two of us.” He grinned widely. “What did yours say?”
“I haven’t read it yet. I thought we’d share it after dinner and devotions.”
“That should be interesting, but you will make the devotions short tonight, won’t you? I’ve had a rough day and have to tuck in early tonight, for tomorrow is another big day.” He turned. “Nice to see you again, Kate. What a truly delightful dress—on a delightful lady, I might add. Why, I do believe even the ladies of London could not surpass you.”
Kate basked in his words. Blushing, she smiled.
“Do sit beside me. I’m so lonely for female company.” When Geoffrey saw Margo’s frown and her hands on her hips, he added, “Single females, that is!”
Margo cuffed him lightly. “Another woman enters the room and already you forget me!”
“Never, Margo. You shall always remain my favorite love, but naturally Elmer is reluctant to part with you.”
“Good shop help is hard to find.” Elmer laughed as he entered from the living room. “Good to see you, Geoff. Good hunting today?”
“Two rabbits and a prairie chicken.” He beamed. “Tomorrow we’ll take a gun.” Everyone laughed, and Kate joined them when she realized Geoffrey had been joking.
During dinner Geoffrey remained attentive, and Kate found it hard not to seem too preoccupied with this man who drew her like a magnet.
“Tell me about your family. Are you from the West?” he asked, sincere interest lighting his sparkling blue eyes.
Kate shook her brown head, causing the curls to bounce slightly. “No. I’m from the Chicago area. My family has a farm a few miles from the city.”
“A farmer!” Geoffrey exclaimed. “How quaint! What type of farm?”
“Mainly dairy, but we harvest a lot of wheat and corn, too. My folks are hardworking and successful. They sent me to school to receive my teaching certificate, and they plan to send my sister, Em, too.”
“Sister Em? Kate and Em?” Geoffrey laughed. “Are those your real names?”
Kate smiled. “My name is Katherine, and my sister is Emily. We were both named for grandmothers. Emily is Dad’s mother, and Katherine is my maternal grandmother.”
“How American!” Geoffrey teased. “And what are your parents’ name…? Oh, do let me guess!” He put his index finger to his temple. “Clementine and Andrew, and you call them Clem and Andy!”
Kate giggled. “No, silly. I’m not telling you their names, for you’ll mock them!”
Helping himself to more meat and potatoes, Geoffrey mildly scolded, “I’m not making fun! Merely trying to lighten the tension of new friendship. I am truly interested in you Americans and your ways. I’m intrigued with this country so far. Do tell me the names of your family.”
“Mom’s name is Lavinia,” she tested. When he didn’t laugh, she continued. “My father is Benjamin Hunter.”
“No nicknames for them?” His eyes were compelling.
She smiled, admitting, “Yes, Liv and Ben, and my little brother is Benji.”
“And Benji will inherit the farm?” he asked, buttering his bread casually.
Kate nodded.
“That’s the way it is in England, too. Which is why I came here. My oldest brother inherits my father’s whole estate, and they’ve married off my other brother—quite well, I might add. When it came to me, I had two choices. The military or the ministry.” Geoffrey politely touched his napkin to his lips. “No offense intended, but I don’t feel any enthusiasm for either.” Geoffrey’s mouth quirked with humor. “They are both honorable professions, but not for Geoffrey Grandville!”
“So you came here?” She tilted her head to study him.
“A land agent came to England and sold me and my friends on Kansas. We arrived with a rather large group and so far love this country. We hunt and have started a polo club and a tennis club. Now we’re building a hall to hold dances and parties. The first big event will be my wedding, of course.”
Astonished, Kate dropped her fork and stared at him. “But how are you living? I was under the impression being a settler was hard work. Most of the ones I’ve met so far haven’t time for polo, tennis, and parties.”
His brow creased into an affronted frown. “Of course we work! We spend at least three or four hours a day sowing, hoeing, planting, and all that. It is, indeed, hard work.” His face brightened. “Yet because we all work together, it needn’t consume our whole day. We have foxhunts. Of course instead of fox, we hunt rabbit, squirrel, or whatever else happens to run when we chase it. We make time for fun and sports. Can you imagine an Englishman who lost his love of sport? Why, it’s just not to be thought of! Buying our baked goods from Margo saves our women time, so they can keep themselves looking ravishing.” Geoffrey’s eyes flashed with humor. “Yet I don’t know why, there aren’t any available gentlemen to court them! Most of the others at Victoria are married couples.”
“There’s yourself and your two friends.” Kate’s eyes told him everything she felt.
For an instant, Geoffrey’s gaze sharpened. “Well, I’ll soon be wed, and my friends claim to be confirmed bachelors. Yet I wonder about Safford. He’s been sprucing up too frequently and visiting the home of a Miss India Biggs. I’m thinking he isn’t long for bachelorhood either.”
“And there are no other unmarried men in Victoria?” she asked, while wondering how she compared with his betrothed.
Geoffrey put his finger to his face. “We had another, but he disappeared… No, Kate, no others. Such a shame, for some of the lassies are quite comely.”
“One disappeared?” Kate asked.
“Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard the talk. No one in Hays City could miss it entirely. About six months ago Phillip Barringer vanished without a trace, leaving his home and livestock behind. Some speculate he ran off with a married woman; others say the husband put a permanent end to them both.”
Recalling what she’d heard about the Redfields, Kate wanted to question him further, but a warning look from Margo silenced them both.
“Geoffrey, you know how I feel about gossip,” Margo said with warning in her voice. “It isn’t fair to discuss someone who isn’t here to defend himself.”
“You are absolutely correct, Mrs. Dutton, and I apologize most humbly,” Geoffrey Grandville mocked as he stood and bowed in Margo’s direction. “I forgot myself. Will you forgive me?”
Kate marveled at his charm and found a joyous satisfaction in his quick wit and humor.
“Most certainly,” answered Margo with eyes a-twinkle. “Do be seated so we can serve dessert.”
Throughout the evening Geoffrey remained at Kate’s side, dazzling her with his repartee.
Does he act this attentive way with his betrothed? Kate wondered. She’d never known a man to be this attentive to a mere friend. Could Geoffrey lack admiration for her and still want to know all about her life? Her mind went back to her books. Vaguely she remembered a story in one of her romance novels about a quiet woman named Helena who pined for Edward Taggart. Yet he’d fallen in love with the beautiful Cassandra. When that fickle beauty, Cassandra ran off with another man just before the wedding day, Edward h
ad turned to Helena again. And they lived happily ever after, Kate thought. Couldn’t things turn out that way for me, too? All l need to do is be as steadfast as Helena was. When Geoffrey needed her, she’d be there waiting for him.
After Geoffrey had left, Margo spoke of him. Despite her usual distaste for describing the affairs of others, she praised the man and the positive influence he had in Victoria. “We’re so glad he was one of the settlers,” she added. “His father is an earl, you know, and I’m certain he could have had a fine career in England—though he’d never boast of such a thing. Why, even if he didn’t want the military or the ministry, he could have stood for election to the House of Commons. He’d make a fine leader.
“The ladies of London must have felt the loss of him. Every woman in Victoria and Hays City is half in love with his way of making them feel special. But it’s all just a knack he learned in his father’s house. I’ve never seen anyone more faithful to a woman than he is to Lydia.”
Margo’s words became almost pointed. “A woman would have to be foolish to think he meant anything else. Geoffrey’s faithfulness is one of his most appealing qualities.”
She went on to talk about other matters, but Kate was hardly listening. How did Margo know that she felt Geoffrey was fond of her and she of him?
The next afternoon Kate worked in the store while Margo and Elmer baked and decorated cakes. A tall, burly man with reddish-blond hair came in and sauntered over to the counter. He wasn’t heavyset, just solidly built with a large muscular chest and thick strong arms. His quiet voice had an apprehensive quality.
“Is Mrs. Dutton in?”
Kate’s smile froze as she looked up into a face that reminded her of a bear. A thick reddish blond beard and mustache made the man appear brutish and insensitive, and Kate shivered with fear. Only when her eyes met his did she find any warmth. Large brown eyes sparkled below the bushy eyebrows and offered a tinge of friendliness.
Controlling her emotions, Kate replied coolly, “Yes, she’s in the kitchen. May I tell her who’s calling?”
The thick, bushy eyebrows furrowed deeply. “Joshua Redfield.”
Kate dropped the pie she was holding. “One moment.” Kate scampered off towards the kitchen door. “Margo,” she called. “You have a caller. Josh Redfield,” she managed to say.
Margo flew out to meet her visitor. “Josh, how are you?” She shook his hand firmly.
“Fine. Good to see you again,” he uttered without hesitation. Kate could tell by his tone that he liked Margo. She stood off to the side pretending to fix the icing on a cake so she could watch and listen.
They made small talk until Redfield punched his hat with his hand nervously. “Has a decision been made on the school site?”
“Yes, it’s settled. We will gratefully accept your generous offer of your old home for our schoolhouse, and I’d like you to meet the deciding vote.” Margo turned and held out her hand. “Josh Redfield, our new schoolteacher, Kate Hunter.” Wiping her hands on a towel Kate accepted Josh’s firm handshake. Margo continued, “I took Kate out to the old homestead, and she loved it. Didn’t you, dear?”
Kate merely nodded, intimidated by his powerful presence.
Joshua’s eyes gleamed with pleasure. “Is there anything I can do to make it more suitable for a school?”
“Just this morning we made a list of changes and repairs. I’ll run into the kitchen and get it, if you’ll excuse me for one second. “Margo disappeared through the door, leaving Kate uncomfortably alone with the giant, lumbering, mountain-like man.
To Kate’s relief, another customer entered the store. She recognized Hester O’Neill and prepared to greet her cheerfully. But Hester and Josh Redfield’s eyes met, and both glared. Turning their backs to each other, they browsed among the baked goods.
Confronted by such animosity, Kate welcomed the sight of her hostess returning with the list. Margo handed the paper to Joshua. “School should open a week from Monday. Will that give you enough time?”
Joshua’s eyebrows gathered again as his eyes scanned the list. “I think school will open on time. Most of these changes are minimal.” Joshua folded the paper, put it in his breast pocket, and bowed. “Nice meeting you, Miss Hunter.” He nodded toward Margo. “Feel free to come out any time, for any reason. The building is now the school district’s, for the purpose of teaching the children of Hays.”
When the door closed behind him, Margo returned to the kitchen, and a low cough reminded Kate that Hester O’Neill was still in the store. She bustled forward. “I’ll have five loaves of bread, please.”
Kate packaged the bread swiftly. “That will be twenty- five cents.”
Mrs. O’Neill handed her the coins and took her packages. Before turning away, she asked, “So you’ve decided to use the old Redfield house for the school.”
“Yes, ma’am, it’s by far the best choice,” Kate conceded.
“You’re sure of that, are you?” Hester’s eyes pierced Kate’s. “Teaching young children on a murderer’s property is the best choice?”
Kate’s heart pounded and she felt perspiration forming on her upper lip. “But we don’t know that for fact…” Margo says—“
“I know what Margo thinks, but I have all the proof I need. The man is a murderer. He found his wife with her lover and killed them both rather than lose her.”
Kate looked about uncomfortably. “How can you know that?”
“Both Mrs. Redfield and Mr. Barringer left without a trace, leaving behind certain possessions. Joanna Redfield would never have left without her daughter or her wedding ring.”
“Her wedding ring?” Kate asked, green eyes wide.
“You haven’t heard?” She leaned closer. “Mrs. Redfield’s wedding ring was found in Joshua’s pocket when the sheriff searched him the next day after they were reported missing. How do you suppose it got from her finger into his pocket?”
As she opened the door, Hester O’Neill’s gray eyes squinted coldly, “Best choice, indeed.” She disappeared, and Kate felt her heart pound with anxiety.
Talking to Margo, she’d felt right about Redfield. Now, after hearing Hester, Kate felt unsure. Could Margo be wrong? Was the lofty, fierce-looking man a murderer? She shivered.
Chapter Four
Kate gazed at the prairie around her as Margo drove the wagon down the long road toward the new schoolhouse. At least she would have no surprise visitors; the land was so barren and flat an approaching rider could be seen for miles. Her gaze wandered from the schoolhouse to the Redfield’s new home. The stately two-story homestead loomed before her, beckoning invitingly, about an eighth of a mile from the school, separated by only a field and a barn. The pillars shone with new paint and shutters hung at every window. Such an enormous dwelling, Kate thought, for a man and a small girl. It looks as though Josh Redfield had planned for a large family. Had Mr. Barringer foiled those plans? She scolded herself and realized Margo had stopped the wagon before the freshly painted door of the new schoolhouse.
“Look!” Margo exclaimed excitedly. “Someone has hung a chime!”
A large metal plate hung beside the front door, with a wooden mallet hanging from a rope nearby.
“Let’s try it!” Kate cried.
“You have to do it. You’re the teacher,” quipped Margo.
Kate grabbed the mallet and hit the metal plate firmly. The chime rang loud and clear. “I love it!” exclaimed Kate, her eyes clear and bright.
Margo stepped quickly inside, and Kate followed, reluctant to take her eyes from the shiny chime.
Both ladies marveled at the interior, now one large room. Fresh lumber scented the air. Individual wooden benches were neatly placed in rows, behind newly constructed tables. At the front stood a large desk for Kate, complete with a drawer and bookends. Upon the desk sat a green vase with a single red rose tucked inside. At the edge of the desk sat a wooden plaque. Kate picked it up and turned it over. “Oh, look, Margo!” she cried. “It has my name engrave
d on it: ‘miss hunter’.”
“How thoughtful!” Margo looked about. “Everything is simply perfect. Our list is complete—and then some!”
Kate rubbed her fingers along the smooth finish of her desk. “Who made this wonderful furniture?”
“Josh owns the lumberyard, and I suppose he or one of his men did the carpentry work.”
“Why is this Josh Redfield so helpful where the school is concerned?” Kate wondered aloud.
“He’s always been one of the biggest supporters of education in this area. He and Joanna have worked hard to bring a teacher to Hays, not only for the benefit of their daughter, Anna, but because they are both highly refined and educated people and realize the importance of a good education.”
Kate nodded. “Very sensible.” Gazing about, she touched the draperies: Burlap. “Does Mr. Redfield sew, too?”
“No.” Margo laughed. “But Ella Thompson, our church pianist, does.”
“What’s in the box?” Kate peered into a wooden carton beneath the back window. “Why, he’s even supplied us with books. McGuffey’s Reader! How wonderful! And a book of maps! However did he come by these splendid books?” she asked. “Oh, Margo!” she exclaimed, “He’s even given us a Bible.”
“At Sunday meeting we’ve been requesting donations for the school, yet I have a feeling these belong to Josh himself.”
Kate opened the covers of the books. “Most have his name inside, but the Bible has Joanna Redfield written plainly in black ink.”
Margo swung around and grabbed the book from Kate. “Joanna left without her favorite Bible?”
An approaching wagon broke the silence and the impact of Margo’s discovery. She gazed out the window. “Looks as if we have company.”
“Perhaps it’s Josh Redfield?” Kate joined Margo at the window.
Margo shook her head. “He’d come the back way. I think it’s Geoffrey. But why would he be driving a wagon?”
Kate’s throat became dry. “Really?” She squinted. “So it is Geoffrey, and he’s toting something in the wagon.”
