“Frankie?”
She jumped and turned. Mark stood next to her, a smile on his face.
He held his hand toward her. “Would you like to dance?”
Frankie blanched. Missy must have put him up to this. “I. . .I suppose so.” Just one dance ought to satisfy Missy that she’d had her fun. Then, maybe they’d let her help out with the food. She would certainly feel more comfortable if she had a job to do.
Her hand firmly in Mark’s, they made their way to the edge of the dancers. The fiddler had slowed down the pace and was treating them all to a waltz.
She stiffened as Mark pulled her close. Clamping her jaw, she forced the muscles in her back and arms to relax. It was only Mark. He was her friend. She was safe with him. And she would dance this one dance just to prove it to herself.
***
Frankie bit her tongue as she carefully poured the dipper of punch into the pair of tin cups. She smiled at the flush-faced couple that reached for the cool drinks. No doubt they’d be back on the dance floor in another few minutes.
“Now you get on out there and find a nice young man to dance with,” Missy scolded, reaching in front of Frankie and taking the dipper from the large basin. “You’ve done quite enough back here. Go have some fun.”
Frankie glanced toward Seth and Violet. Waltzes were always fun and Seth looked to be enjoying himself. Violet’s smiling expression was rather forced, Frankie thought. Those expensive shoes her father had brought from his trip to Houston might have something to do with the pinched look on her face. Uncle Wally carried a more thrifty version of them in the store, and several women customers she had talked with had commented on how uncomfortable the style tended to be after wearing it for several hours. Dancing in them was probably torture.
The fiddle player played the last note and took a bow, as everyone clapped. She couldn’t help but watch Seth. He was talking to Violet, maybe encouraging her to dance the next number with him, but she was shaking her head. Frankie quickly glanced away as the two headed toward the refreshment table.
“I said out of here, Frankie,” Missy laughed, giving her a soft shove.
She swallowed hard and nodded. There would be no convincing her friend that she would feel more comfortable working than dancing. She stepped around the table and headed toward the bench the other couple had occupied until a moment before.
Spotting a smaller bench in the back, she took a seat there, resting her back against the barn wall. It was the perfect place to watch the dancing and had little risk of anyone noticing her.
The musicians were busy conversing, one of the guitar players strumming a few notes of a song, as the others shook their heads.
Seth slid in beside her. “You’re not going to sit out this next reel are you?”
Frankie smiled and shrugged. “I like watching the dancers. Some are quite good. Including you,” she added. He and Violet made a handsome couple on the dance floor. “Besides, the dances are a little different than the ones we had at Jasper Creek. Mostly just a step here and there.”
He shook his head and smiled. “I saw you dancing with Mark. You’re pretty good, yourself. Too good to just sit here and watch.”
She gave a slight nod. There was no way he could know how nervous she’d been during that waltz. Mark was a good dancer and she had finally started to enjoy herself just before it was over.
“All right, folks,” Mel called to the couples milling around the floor.
Seth grinned. “Come dance this reel with me. Violet’s feet are too sore for anymore dancing tonight.” He stood and held out his hand to her.
How could she say no? “Thank you. I’d like that.” What was wrong with her? She should dance with anyone other than Seth. But no one else seemed interested at the moment.
The fiddler, Mac Johnson, pulled his bow across the fiddle and the music began.
“Bow to your partner, gentlemen,” a new caller instructed.
Frankie did her best to avoid looking directly into Seth’s eyes. If she did, she would never be able to count her steps. There was a time when she knew this dance by heart, but tonight she was dancing with an added distraction.
“We’re the fourth couple in line,” Seth spoke in her ear as they twirled around once, each stepping back to their side of the dance line.
Frankie shivered. To do the dance and slide down the aisle of couples and back was not something she was looking forward to. Someone would see it in her eyes that Seth was more to her than a dance partner.
Her arm in Seth’s they came through the archway made by the third couple and ended up at the beginning of the line.
“Your turn now, Seth and Frankie,” The caller announced.
The fiddler changed the tune to a lively jig.
Frankie felt her heart slip down to her feet. They were now the couple at the head of the line. She tried to swallow, but her mouth was too dry. Her stomach rolled with every step. If only tonight was over and she was home, asleep in her bed. But there was nothing to do but smile and go on.
***
Everyone began to clap as they locked hands and danced the passageway between the other couples.
Seth held tight to her, his eyes locking on her face. A better dancer than Violet, he could pick up the pace and she would follow. When they announced the next waltz, he would be asking her to dance.
The practical braids she wore to work had been discarded tonight. Her dark blond hair was loose down her back. The wavy tresses seemed to sway in time with the music as they stepped to the lively tune. Her gray eyes were smoky in the soft light of the lanterns. The gentle rose blush on her cheeks gave her face a certain glow that no other girl there seemed to have. When had she become such a pretty woman?
At that moment, she looked up and smiled. Breath stalled in his throat and his heart began to gallop ahead of the notes from the fiddler
He gave his head a shake. Frankie was. . .like a sister to him. She was…well, Frankie. And Violet. . .she was the woman he loved. The one he wanted to marry and spend the rest of his life with. Whereas Frankie…
***
If only she could brush her hands on her skirt. They were slick with perspiration. Her heart raced with their feet as they started back down between the other partners. When they reached the end of the line, Seth didn’t let go. His gaze was locked on hers, an odd expression clouding his indigo eyes.
Another girl bumped into Frankie as the rest of the couples tried to turn and walk in their lines. Still Seth held on, a mask of confusion covering his face.
Had she taken a wrong step? She was sure she had counted right. They were holding up the dance. The other couples, stopped, not knowing what to do. The rhythm of the reel had been broken.
“Seth, are you all right? ” she asked, attempting to pry her fingers from his. It was time to swing around, yet he just stood there, as if his feet were nailed in place.
At last he released her hands and stepped back, his eyes wide. He stared at her as if he‘d never seen her before.
“Let’s go, Seth,” She hissed through clenched teeth. Everyone was beginning to look at them. They had to move and move fast to keep the dance going. At last he turned and walked behind the men to the end of the line. She did the same behind the procession of women dancers.
They grasped hands and held them high, making an archway for the other couples to pass under. Frankie avoided looking in his face. What had she done to make him so unhappy? She should never have danced with him. She didn’t know these dances well enough. He was probably embarrassed at whatever mistake she had made.
***
At last the music stopped. He released her hands and she hid them behind her back, ignoring the tingles that flowed through her wrists and up her arms. She offered a brief smile and turned toward the door.
“Frankie?”
She turned and sighed. It was best to face him now. This was the only dance she would ever have with him. It was a shame to end on such disappointment. “Seth, I�
�m sorry about what–”
A flash of pink swooped in beside him. “Why Frankie, we had no idea you were such a good dancer!” Violet batted her eyelashes and gave an adoring glance to Seth’s face. “Did we, Sweetie?”
Frankie chewed her lip and stared at the girl now hanging on Seth’s arm. No doubt afraid that Frankie would snatch the next dance from her. She had no need to worry. He belonged solely to Violet. From now on, he would be off limits, even in Frankie’s thoughts.
She gritted her teeth and gave a smile as forced as Violet’s words. “Thank you. And thank you for the dance, Seth.”
If only Seth would speak. Say something. . .anything. But he was silent as a rabbit hiding in the brush. He offered her a half smile and patted Violet’s arm.
“Well, come on,” Violet said, pulling him toward the new circle of dancers. “We sure want to be in this one.”
Frankie watched Violet limp away with her prize. They joined in the group as the fiddler tapped his foot and began to play a familiar waltz.
“Do you want to dance, Frankie?”
She jumped as Mark’s voice sounded beside her. “No, thank you,” she said. “I’m tired. I think I’d better head home and check on Charlie.” Her voice trembled in her throat.
“Well let me walk you,” he offered.
“No. I’ll be fine, really,“ she insisted as she gathered her skirt and headed for the exit. Outside, she turned and headed south. Only two more blocks and she would be home.
***
I’m sorry, Lord. Sorry I danced with him. Sorry. . .sorry I love him. She turned over on her back and squeezed her eyes shut, making sure to be quiet and not disturb Mrs. Hamilton. But nothing would stop the pain that pulsed through her. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks.
She loved him. There was no other way to describe her feelings for him. And what a mess she’d made of her emotions. It was all her fault for imagining that she could be like other girls her age. She had passed all of that. She had responsibilities.
Please forgive me for being jealous and wanting something that I can’t have. Show me how to be happy for them.
But was that even possible? Only God could make it so.
Chapter 20
Seth swung the hammer and sent the nail through the pine board, the final one for the kitchen wall. He drew the back of his hand across his forehead, wiping the droplets of sweat that continually beaded on his face. He should go down to the house for the evening meal. Up before dawn and outside before he’d had a chance to speak to anyone, he hadn’t eaten more than a snack since the dance last night. Facing the family wasn’t going to be easy. No doubt they were all speculating on his odd manner last night. Looking back, he couldn’t fathom what had come over him. For a moment, he had almost thought that. . .
Shoving the memory to the back of his mind, he walked to the open window. His eyes scanned the valley below and the gentle rolling hills beyond. This truly was the perfect spot for the house. Lucky for him, Jared hadn’t noticed the location when he’d built the ranch house below. Of course, back then it was important to be close to the spring. But nowadays, wells were easier to come by and a man could situate his house where he wanted.
He glanced around the room. So close to being finished. Baseboards, trim around the window, and then he could move on to the next project. Only two more rooms to add a few extra touches. Two more rooms until he proposed.
He turned and pressed his back to the wall. He should be happy, excited. . . .but something had changed. Almost like. . .no, it was impossible. He’d set his heart on Violet. She would come and live in this house with him. The two of them would eat supper in this room every night. Sit in front of the fireplace on cold winter evenings. Eventually the house would be filled with laughing children. It would all work out, just like he planned. He was just tired.
Fatigue settled into his limbs. Setting the hammer on the floor, he walked through the center hallway and out onto the porch. He had been working since daybreak. The cold biscuit and piece of ham he’d snatched from the larder as he left the house was long gone. His belly rumbled and begged for more substantial food.
A movement below caught his eye. His brother, Jared. And he was headed up the hill.
***
“Coming along pretty good,” Jared commented, making his way through each room. “What about the upstairs?”
Seth hooked his thumbs in his suspenders and stared at the oak staircase. The thing had taken he and Mark three weeks to build. And that was after he’d waited two weeks for the sawmill to get the boards to him. Probably would have been faster if he’d asked Jared for help, but for some reason, it had been important to him to do it himself. He had mostly needed Mark for the carvings on the banister and fireplace mantle.
“It’s finished up there, except for some trim around the windows. Thought I’d get to it first and not be so tired from climbing the stairs all the time.”
Jared nodded and folded his arms across his chest. “It’s a good house. You’ve done a fine job. Any woman will be proud to live in it.”
Seth shrugged and looked away. That had been his thoughts when he started building, but now he wasn’t so sure. Violet was used to expensive things. Those silly, stylish shoes she’d had on last night were the cause of all the trouble stirring in his belly this moment. If he’d only danced that reel with her instead of Frankie.
Now he was stuck with the memory of silvery eyes looking up at him. Eyes that had made his heart race with the music.
“Seth?” Jared’s eyes were locked on his face.
Seth shrugged. “I guess so. You never know what a gal’s gonna like.”
Jared’s eyes narrowed. “Have you already asked her?”
Seth looked away. No doubt there’d been a lot of discussion down at the house about his odd behavior last night. How was he ever going to explain when he didn’t know the answer himself?
He folded his arms over his chest. “No, not yet. Just waiting for the right time.” It sounded good. Like he was getting everything in order before he made a commitment. But that wasn’t it at all. He couldn’t put his feelings into words for himself, much less for anyone else.
Jared nodded. “Nothing wrong with taking your time. My main advice to you is to make sure you really love her.”
Seth stared, irritation rearing in his chest. Jared had no right to interfere in his private life. “What do you mean by that?”
Jared shook his head. “Take it easy. Just a piece of brotherly advice, that’s all. Just make sure you’re doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted by something that’s not really right for you. But that’s a decision that you have to come to yourself. In fact, refusing to get over your own pride can sometimes stand in the way of making the right decision.”
Seth shrugged. It sounded like Jared would like to tell him what was best. “I have a good time when I’m with her. And she’s awful pretty.” No one could dispute that fact. Until last night, he’d thought her the prettiest girl in town.
Jared gave a short laugh. “There’s more than one kind of pretty. The kind that lasts a few years and the kind that lasts forever. That first one is awful tempting to a man, sometimes. Just let your heart tell you what to do. Pray on it. You just want to make sure she’s the right choice for you.”
Seth nodded and turned his head toward the golden sunset. He’d set his heart on Violet a long time ago. It somehow seemed wrong to turn back now.
“Well, guess I’ll be heading back to the house. Don’t stay up here too late,” Jared advised.
Seth stared after his brother, watching him make his way down the hill to the little farmhouse below. A soft yellow light shone from the glass windows on the back. Missy would be in there, tucking Isaac in bed and rocking little Annie Frances to sleep. There was no doubt, Jared had chosen wisely.
And what of himself? Would he make the right choice? I want to, Lord. Next to knowing You, this is the most important decision of my life. Help me make t
he right one.
Chapter 21
Seth sighed and picked up the saw. One more plank and the back porch would be finished. These past six weeks had flown by, with work at the store and mill occupying his daytime hours.
With autumn moving in, the daylight was getting scarcer each evening. All this work didn’t give a man much time to think, and making excuses was easy. Violet made sure to visit him when he was working at the store, but he found himself avoiding her more and more. The confusion in her face was hard to bear, at times. His heart knew the truth, but his pride kept trying to convince him to stand his ground. Tomorrow was his last day to work at Stoner’s store. It was the day to make a decision.
***
“Sure you don’t want to keep the two days a week?” Wally grinned as he took the last bag of sugar from Seth and put it on the shelf.
Seth shook his head. “No sir. I’m needed out at the ranch. It‘s put a burden on Jared and Mark with me being gone all these months.” Not to mention all the time he’d spent on that house. A house that might sit empty for a long while. Unless he let his heart have its way.
He glanced around the store for Frankie. The nerves churning in his stomach were not going to deter him. He’d made up his mind. Might as well get it over with.
“I think she’s gone out back to get some water,” Wally said, a twinkle in his eye. “Just go on through the kitchen and out that door,” he nodded.
Chance Creek Brides (Volumes 1-3 & the Stagecoach Bride) Page 18
