by Barbara Goss
Kate bit her lip. Dare she ask directly about Joanna or the gossip? No, she didn’t know Josh well enough to pry into his life. She waited, hoping he’d offer something.
Josh watched her for several seconds before clapping his hands together. “Are you ready to get beaten at checkers?”
They made several moves on the checkerboard without speaking. Finally Josh opened with: “I hope we can finish before your friend comes to visit.” His mouth twisted into a cynical smile.
“My friend?” Kate had detected a note of censure in his tone.
“I hope you don’t mind if I make an observation about yesterday.” He continued without waiting for her to comment, “When your friend walked into the room, your eyes lit up like two flaming candles. Yet you have only known each other a short time. Hardly long enough to form such a close relationship.
“What?” To her annoyance, Kate found herself starting to blush. “I’ve known Geoffrey since I came here and am extremely fond of him. If my eyes lit up—which I doubt they did—it would have been from surprise. I never expected to see him here!”
“Amazing,” he answered, his eyes sparkling mischievously from under bushy eyebrows. “I was referring to your friendship with Lydia, not Geoffrey.”
Kate blushed and inside felt anger at being tricked, throwing her game piece down. The game is over!” Please close the door on your way out.”
“Aha,” he said impishly. “I think you just don’t want to play. Some people can’t stand to lose.”
Kate turned and glared at him. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean…” he stood up and collected his game, “there are people who are afraid to play games because they’re afraid of losing. Then there are those who refuse to play because they fear they might win.”
“Is that supposed to mean something?” She sat up straight and glared at him.
“As a matter of fact, it does.” He glared back.
“You don’t make sense!”
“You’re afraid of losing, and I’m afraid of winning. Therefore we’ll never finish the game, will we?”
She digested this for several moments before asking in a childlike voice, “Are you still talking about checkers?”
He walked to the door. “Anyone can see you’re in love or at least infatuated with Geoffrey Grandville. Do you really want him? Then let him know how you feel. Lydia isn’t as attractive or smart as you—or are you afraid? Afraid of losing?”
Stunned into speechlessness, Kate felt her mouth drop.
How had he seen so much? Should she admit to her feelings? “You have a vivid imagination. I don’t know what you are talking about. Lydia and Geoffrey are my friends. How dare you even say such a thing?”
He turned to leave.
“Wait a minute, don’t go yet!”
Josh froze and looked back at her with questions in his eyes.
“Come back here!”
He retraced his steps and faced her; a lively twinkle in his eyes that incensed Kate. How dare he?
“You have some nerve accusing me of loving my friend’s betrothed! We’ve never done anything improper. What about your own life? Just where is Joanna? Why do people say there was foul play involved with her disappearance? Is she even alive?” Kate demanded furiously.
Josh’s brown eyes clouded in anger; his eyebrows twitched, and his temples throbbed. Kate knew the man was close to exploding, which caused her to nearly cringe in fright.
Yet Josh remained silent, seeming to fight within himself to gain control. Finally he turned toward the door, his tone civil, despite his anger. “If you’re finished, I’ll leave.”
“What are you afraid of, Josh Redfield? Have you no answers?” Kate accused him gently, for she now feared arousing his temper again. “Have you nothing to say?”
His voice was cold when he answered, “To clear my name, I’d have to tell secrets that aren’t mine to divulge. I can’t do that! People can think whatever they want. I know the truth, and I have nothing to feel guilty about.”
“Surely you can tell a child if her mother is alive or dead!” Kate countered icily. “What about her suffering?”
Quick anger arose in his eyes. “That’s enough! Leave Anna out of this!” His face reddened, and Kate knew she’d pushed too far, yet she was too fired up to back down now.
“People think you murdered your wife! Anna has already been hurt by hearing that! She misses her mother. How can you protect someone’s secret at the cost of your own child’s welfare?”
His anger simmered into frustration. “But you don’t understand! I’m trying to solve those problems. I just need time!”
“You’ll never erase the hurt all this has caused Anna.”
Josh looked truly concerned. “How can I help Anna now?”
Kate’s heart wrenched at the pain in his face. “Can you give her back her mother?”
Josh seemed to struggle to compose himself. “At what price, Katherine? At what price?” The once tall, proud man walked out of the room, old, slumped, and emotionally drained.
Elated that she’d found Josh did have an Achilles heel— Anna—Kate completely forgot her anger at his remarks about Geoffrey. Though Josh would do almost anything for his little girl, it seemed, something held him back. Loyalty? To whom? What was his secret?
Kate searched all Josh’s words. Before, when she’d asked about Joanna, she hadn’t hit any sore spots. What had he said? Kate could only remember his answer, “I have no wife.” Did that mean she was dead? Kate punched the arm of her chair in frustration. Now she’s angered the man who’s been so kind and she still had no more information than she had before.
Someone had ripped the locket from Joanna. Who and why? And if the locket had belonged to his mother, why did it have Joanna’s initials on it?
So many things didn’t add up. Ayda seemed so certain Joanna remained alive. How could Kate reconcile that with the conversation George Plumb had overheard between Josh and the mysterious Phillip Barringer? Her mind teemed with doubts, and the weeds grew.
Josh had been the only one—besides Margo—to pick up on her feelings for Geoffrey. She wondered if she’d been so obvious. She’d have to be more careful.
Kate wondered what Josh had meant when he’d said that she was afraid of losing and he afraid of winning.
Yes, she admitted, she was afraid to openly make her feelings known to Geoffrey. But what could Josh be afraid of winning? If rumor has the correct story he had already lost. Kate came to two decisions, either Joanna was dead or she’d run off with Phillip Barringer. What was he afraid of winning?
After dinner, Kate sat in the rocking chair in front of her curving windows, reading a book. Her door stood open, for she hoped Josh stopped by so she could apologize. Footsteps stopped outside her door, and she looked up. Margo stood, hands on hips, surveying Kate.
“You certainly have made a life for yourself!” she smiled mischievously. “And you were afraid to come here! I should have it this good!”
“Margo! How great to see you! Come in and sit down.”
“I’m a bearer of sad news, I’m afraid.” Margo took a seat in the gold brocade chair by the closet. Folding her hands neatly in her lap, she faced Kate. “The measles are spreading.”
Kate’s hands few to her cheeks, “No! That means the school stays closed, right?”
“I’m afraid so. But that isn’t the worst. Have you ever had measles?”
Kate shook her head. “I don’t think I ever had them.”
“These are the worst cases Doc Oliver has seen in years. He claims you couldn’t place a pin between the spots on Randy Mullins—they were that close together. He is still very ill.
“We only have one doctor here, and he’s completely worn out treating these children. Another one, from Dodge City, is coming to help.” Margo played nervously with her hands.
“That isn’t the worst news, is it?” Kate asked, adding quickly, “How are the twins?”
“Fine, so
far. Thank the Lord.”
“What else is wrong, then?”
“It’s Clara Mullins, she’s extremely unwell.”
“Measles?”
“They don’t think so, but…” She shrugged.
“What then?”
“Her pregnancy. Doc thinks the baby is dead. Two of her other children are sick with measles; and now she’s ready to go into labor any time and have a stillborn child.” Tears glittered in Margo’s eyes.
“Is there anything we can do?” Kate asked.
“Yes. Ayda has been called to be with her daughter. She’ll stay with her until—“
“I can understand that,” Kate said thoughtfully. “But where will I go now?”
Margo shook her head sadly. “Not only are none of the children’s homes safe for you, I’m worried about Lydia.”
“Lydia?” Kate frowned. “Why?”
“She’s never had measles either. I thought perhaps she could come here with you. She would be a proper chaperone—you wouldn’t have to share your room, because Josh said—“
“You talked to Josh about this already?”
“Why, yes. We visited downstairs before I came up. He said he has another room—not as large or plush as this one that she could use. It isn’t finished yet. But it’s doable. The house has several extra rooms but he only finished the ones he knew they’d use… for now. It’s not so bad; he showed it to me. It just lacks wallpaper, polished floors and furniture. He is right now putting up a bed from the attic and carrying up a dresser for her.”
“Then I can stay?” Kate asked. “I wouldn’t have minded sharing this room, you know.”
“It’s already been put into place.”
“Can we do anything for Clara Mullins and her family?”
“Yes, both you and Lydia can help out here. Because Ayda is with her daughter Josh needs a housekeeper, especially with extra guests. I assured him you and Lydia would help in that regard.
“Margo! Me? A house this size?”
“Certainly you helped your mother, back on the farm?”
“Sure, but… Ayda did everything so efficiently.”
“You don’t have to be as perfect as Ayda, just help out. Lydia is the one I’m concerned about.”
“Why?” Kate asked,
“She isn’t exactly cut out for domesticity. I’ve tried everything. She’s excellent in the store. But ask her to boil water, and she boils the pot dry, and it burns.”
“She really did that?”
Margo held up her right hand. “Honest.”
“Does Geoffrey know?” Kate asked.
“I haven’t had the courage to tell him. He thinks I’m the ideal housewife and mother, and if I teach Lydia, then she’ll be just like me.”
Kate frowned. “You have to tell him. He has a right to know.”
Margo fidgeted in her chair. “Yes, I will. Of course, I was just giving Lydia more time to learn. It won’t matter to Geoffrey though… he idolized Lydia.”
“I told you she isn’t right for him.” Though his haughty attitude toward Josh had slightly disillusioned her, still Kate clung to this chance for winning Geoffrey.
Margo shook her head sadly. “I’ll tell him. I sort of hoped, coming here, that you might help… You know, sort of show her….” Margo looked at Kate hopefully. “Will you?”
“Me! Why me?”
“Because she’s so fond of you, and her mind will be off the store, while she’s here. Perhaps she can concentrate on housekeeping and cooking more.”
“She’s never cleaned, either?”
Margo shook her head. “Her family had a maid.”
“Good gracious!” Kate exclaimed. “My teaching is limited, I’m afraid, to schoolwork. I don’t know—”
“Well, Kate,” Margo stood, “she’s coming here tomorrow, so that you can stay here, it’s the safest place. Perhaps you can repay that debt by teaching her something. Whatever you can do to help, I’ll appreciate.”
When Margo had gone, a conscience-stricken Kate closed her door and slid to her knees, beside the bed, and prayed, “Dear heavenly Father: You know how confused I feel about Geoffrey. How can I give … I mean how can I… Lord, I don’t even know how to say it. “I like Lydia, truly I do, but she and Geoffrey don’t seem right for each other. Doesn’t this prove it? But I don’t think it’s fair that I should be placed in this situation. If I teach her to be a good wife to Geoffrey, I lose. . . .”
What had she said? The words had slipped out, but once said, she wondered. Had Josh been right?
After much thought, she finished her prayer: “Please help me to do what is right. Lord, I know You want me to help. Your Word says that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. But that isn’t always easy. I need Your help. Show me the way. Thank You, Lord. Amen.”
Chapter Thirteen
Early the next morning, Kate hobbled down to the kitchen for a cup of tea and was reminded that Ayda had gone. There wasn’t even a fire started in the stove. Someone had brought in wood, and a fresh bucket of water sat near the kitchen pump. Kate looked about. Where to begin?
Starting up the stove was easy; she’d done it many times on the farm, and their stove had been smaller and harder to work with. She filled the kettle and placed it on the stove to boil. Opening all the cupboard doors, she planned breakfast. There was oatmeal, fresh bread, and a small basket of apples.
Quickly she began peeling apples. She hadn’t made Mom’s apple cake in years. Scanning the shelf over the stove, she found cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. In large metal canisters she discovered flour and sugar. What about eggs? Where would they be? Back home, the egg basket would have been placed by the back door. She wondered if the Redfields had chickens.
As she mused, Josh came in, wearing a tan jacket and carrying an armload of wood to the stove.
“You’ve started the fire?” He gave her a look of utter disbelief.
“Certainly,” she said with confidence. “Did you think I couldn’t do anything but teach school?”
He shrugged and pulled six eggs from his pocket. “Will these do? We only have a few chickens. They’ve been strangely disappearing. Henry, our hired man, says he thinks it’s the work of a fox.”
“A—a fox?” she asked with wide eyes.
He nodded. “Need any help?”
“You can see about Anna, I haven’t seen her yet today. Do you suppose she’s still sleeping?”
“I’ll check.” He walked past the stove. “By the way, the oatmeal’s boiling!”
“Thanks.” She frowned. “I can manage.”
He looked from the oatmeal to her. “Yes, I believe you can.”
Lavinia Hunter had often made the apple cake, and Kate believed it was her own recipe. She sliced and precooked apples and poured them onto the bottom of a greased square cake pan. She then poured a mixture of flour, water, eggs, baking powder, and spices over the apples. When the cake was baked, she flipped it over so the soft, warm apples topped the cake. .
Her breakfast turned out to be a success; Josh ate three pieces of the warm apple cake.
Anna, who knew where everything was and how things were usually done, helped Kate wash the dishes and clean the kitchen.
Next they began making beds. They had started with Anna’s bed, when Lydia came in with Margo. Lydia put her arms around Kate. “This will be such fun!” she cried.
Kate agreed. “But there’s a good deal of work to be done in a house this size. If we all help, it will be done and we still can have time for ourselves.”
“Where should I start? I’m not good at domestic things, but I’m anxious to learn.” Lydia helped Kate and Anna smooth the wrinkles from Anna’s bedspread.
“Anna, you begin dusting, while Lydia and I finish the beds. C’mon.” She nudged Lydia. “Josh’s room is next.”
“He isn’t in there, is he?”
“No. He left for the lumberyard. Probably won’t be back until dinner.” Kate pointed Lydia in the right direction.
Margo exited quickly, calling over her shoulder, “I’m leaving before I get assigned a job!”
Joshua Redfield’s room was immaculate. He hadn’t made his bed, but he had smoothed it out. The man obviously slept lightly, for his bed was simple to make.
His dresser tops were clear, except for a wooden jewelry box and a few grooming articles. He’d emptied and cleaned his washbowl and other bed pots.
“Where to next?” Asked Lydia.
“My room. Go on ahead, I’ll scoop up his dirty laundry and put it with ours.” On her way to the closet, Kate noticed the top on Josh’s jewelry box was askew. She lifted it to peek inside before straightening it. A large-stoned ring blinked at her. She picked it up. A ruby perhaps? She slipped it on each finger until she found one that it fit: her thumb. He sure has big fingers, she thought. Replacing the ruby carefully, she spied another ring beneath it, a plain gold band. The ring fit perfectly on Kate’s third finger. Certainly not his. Joanna’s? Was this the one they found in his pocket, after Joanna disappeared? She removed the ring and took it to the window, for better light. Peering inside, she did not see any initials or a date. She replaced the ring and closed the box, scolding herself for snooping. If she hadn’t peeked, her doubts about Josh wouldn’t have returned.
Kate entered her own room and burst into peals of laughter, until her eyes began to water. Lydia stared at her, then glanced around the room for the object of her hysteria. “What?” she asked. The innocence of her naive look sent Kate into harder spasms of laughter.
“Kate! What is wrong?” Lydia asked. “Have you gone crazy?”
Unable to stop laughing, Kate held her sore abdomen. She pointed at the bed.
“I made the bed,” Lydia replied.
When Kate continued to point, Lydia looked more puzzled. “Kate, if you don’t stop at once, I’ll scream. What is wrong?”
Kate plopped into her rocking chair and composed herself. Her stomach ached from laughing! Blowing her nose and drying her eyes, she sighed. “Oh Lydia! Did you even look at the bed, after you made it?”
The innocent-faced Lydia came around and examined her work. “Oh dear, whatever is that thing hanging down?”
