Just as Eve set the last of the platters on the table, a second woman, one she hadn’t met yet, came up to them. “Hello there. You must be Eve Pickering, Mr. Dawson’s friend. I’m Eunice Ortolon and I run the boardinghouse here in town.”
“Mrs. Ortolon, I’m very glad to meet you. I’ve passed by your establishment and it looks like a lovely place.”
The woman preened. “Why thank you, dear. I do try to keep a tidy, respectable residence for my boarders.” She looked at the platters Eve had just placed on the table. “And what have we here?”
Dotty spoke up before Eve could say anything. “Eve has made some candies for us. Don’t they look delicious?”
“Candies, you say?” Mrs. Ortolon’s tone implied she wasn’t certain she approved. “Yes, very nice.” Then she smiled at Eve. “Make certain you taste my apple pecan pie—it’s right over there. But you’ll have to be quick—it always goes fast.”
“I’m sure it’s quite delicious.”
Dotty took Eve’s elbow. “Oh, there’s Reverend Harper and his wife. Allow me to introduce you.” She smiled at Mrs. Ortolon. “Please excuse us, Eunice.”
After that, Eve found herself being introduced to and greeted by what seemed to be the entire town. Everyone was friendly and welcoming—so much so that she almost felt like a fraud. Would they be so friendly if they knew her background?
The shifting groups of people seemed almost overwhelming. Except for school and church, she’d led a rather solitary life. The home she’d shared with her grandmother had been on the outskirts of town and not many folks had occasion to pass that way. But today, whenever she turned around, Dotty or Reggie or Daisy was at her elbow, pulling her into another group of friends, introducing her, making her feel warmly accepted. And she enjoyed just strolling around, watching the games. Chance and Leo participated in the three-legged race and took third place. When she gave Leo a congratulatory hug she was pleased to feel him lean into it for just a heartbeat before pulling away with little-boy disdain for such signs of affection.
At one point, Chance approached her with another man in tow. “Eve, this is Adam Barr, Reggie’s husband. Adam, this is one of my new houseguests, Eve Pickering.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Mr. Barr gave her a short bow. “And might I say those candies of yours were a real treat. I barely got a taste before the platter was empty.”
“Thank you.”
Chance reclaimed her attention. “I discussed Leo’s situation with Adam. He’s a lawyer and I thought we might need his professional advice at some point.”
Did he really think it would come to that? But it was interesting that he had said we instead of you. “No offense, Mr. Barr, but I hope we won’t be needing your services.”
“No offense taken. Just know that I am willing to help should the need arise.” He gave another short bow. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I see Reggie is signaling for me to join her.”
When he’d gone, Eve turned to Chance. “Do you really think we might need a lawyer?”
Chance shrugged. “Since we don’t know the full extent of Leo’s problems, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have Adam at least aware of the situation should we discover the boy is in real trouble.”
Her expression must have conveyed her worry because he quickly gave her arm a light touch. “Don’t worry, whatever the situation, we’ll see Leo is taken care of.”
Eve nodded, reassured in spite of herself. What was it about this man that made her trust he could work it all out?
Around eleven-thirty, Reverend Harper presided over a short service of Thanksgiving out in the schoolyard. Then he gave thanks for the meal and everyone began to file through the schoolhouse, filling their plates from the oh-so-tempting bounty there.
Several tables with benches had been set up both inside the adjoining classrooms and out in the yard. By tacit agreement these were reserved for the elderly and less agile townsfolk. Everyone else found other accommodations such as the schoolhouse steps or makeshift benches that had been set up, and even blankets spread in the open sunshine.
Eve saw Dotty at one of the inside tables with a group of ladies who appeared close to her in age. Before she could decide whether or not to join her, Chance appeared at her elbow.
“There you are,” he said. “I found us a spot to eat.”
She hesitated a moment. “Have you seen Leo?”
“He’s with Reggie’s family. He and Jack have apparently become good friends.” He swept a hand out. “Now, if you’ll come this way.” He steered her to a makeshift table, constructed from a couple of planks set atop two barrels, where Daisy’s family was seated. Eve was introduced to the only member of the group she hadn’t yet met, Daisy’s husband, Everett. She was immediately charmed by his slight British accent and his dry wit. And also by his solicitation for his heavy-with-child wife.
As the meal progressed, Eve felt a yearning grow inside her that was almost a physical ache. The joy and bond these people shared, and that they seemed willing to extend to her, was something she was afraid to accept. Because she knew it couldn’t last, and if she ever let it in, she wasn’t sure she could stand it when it was ripped away.
* * *
After the meal, the activities picked up again. The youngsters indulged in games of tag, horseshoes and even marbles. Some of the girls found a jump rope to play with. Checkerboards and chessboards came out as did dominos and tiddledywinks.
Eve found herself drawn into a discussion of the best way to can fruit.
Abigail approached her at one point in the afternoon. “I understand you’re the one who brought that tray of pumpkinseed brittle.”
“I am.”
“I’ve never had such a treat before. Who would have guessed that pumpkinseeds could be so scrumptious.”
Eve warmed at the praise. “Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“I have some friends back in Boston I’d like to send gifts to for Christmas. I was wondering if you’d be willing to make another batch that I could purchase from you? I mean if you’re going to be here for a few more days and it’s not too much of an imposition.”
She’d really liked it that much? “I’d be happy to, but you don’t have to pay me.”
“Oh, but—”
“Consider it payment for that book you loaned me from your library.”
Abigail grinned. “Well, if you put it that way I suppose I won’t argue. But I insist on paying for the ingredients.” She smiled. “Which is not saying a lot because I can get the seeds from Daisy—she’s been baking a lot of pumpkin pies lately for the restaurant.”
Eve returned her smile. “In that case you have a deal. I’ll prepare a batch for you as soon as you get me the seeds.”
As Abigail walked away, Eve felt a small spark of pride. Someone had actually wanted to purchase her candies. If things didn’t work out for her with Mrs. O’Connell, perhaps she could find a position at a candy store there in Tyler.
* * *
Chance smiled. He’d overheard the exchange between Abigail and Eve and had seen the way it had put that unfamiliar smile of self-satisfaction on Eve’s face. Had she finally started to come out of that timid shell she’d encased herself in? Perhaps there was hope he could entice her to participate in the dance after all.
And he was honest enough to admit his motives for wanting that weren’t entirely altruistic.
Chapter Ten
By late afternoon, a large area had been cleared and two men with fiddles took their places on the edge of the circle. After some initial tuning, they began to play a lively tune. It wasn’t long before young men began to draw ladies onto the makeshift dance floor. Like butterflies on the wind, twirling couples with tapping feet and swishing skirts soon filled the area.
After only a few minutes, Eve realized her toes were tapping, as well. She drew her shawl closer around her shoulders, feeling the chill of the day. When the second set started, she quietly turned away from the dancers and moved toward the scho
olhouse. She glanced toward the children playing with a stick and ball on the other end of the schoolyard. Satisfied Leo was still among them, she stepped through the schoolhouse door. The music was still audible inside but much more muted.
The schoolroom itself was surprisingly full. This was where the babies were bedded down with some of the ladies taking shifts to watch over them. There were also others moving in and out to revisit the refreshment tables, which still contained quite a bit of food.
As she slowly crossed the room, Eve thought about the merriment outside. Chance seemed to be in high demand as a dance partner. Abigail had quickly claimed him for the first dance, leaving several disappointed ladies in her wake. Almost before he’d escorted her back to the crowd of onlookers, another lady, one closer to his own age, claimed him for the next dance.
Eve herself hadn’t been without petitioners. Daisy’s husband had gallantly asked her to dance with him for the first set, but she’d managed to decline by responding she had a pebble in her shoe. She’d moved to one of the nearby benches to remove the offending pebble but still, the sight of the happy dancers and the beat of the music had momentarily entranced her, filling her with a yearning to take part that surprised her.
When she’d realized what was happening she immediately retreated inside.
Looking for a familiar face, she spotted Dotty gently holding the Barrs’ little girl.
“Why, hello there,” Dotty said as she approached. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
Eve smiled. “Very much so. Everyone is friendly and the festival itself is everything you said it would be.”
“Good. And not to say I told you so, but those candies of yours were quite a popular offering today. They certainly disappeared quickly.”
Eve had heard that over and over this afternoon. She’d never dreamed her candies would be so well received. “It was the least I could do. I appreciate everyone allowing Leo and me to participate in the festivities.”
“That’s what Thanksgiving is all about, isn’t it?” Dotty patted the baby. “Leo seems to be enjoying himself, as well.”
“It does my heart good to see him smiling so freely. I think he’s struck up a friendship with Reggie’s son.” She doubted he’d had many friends these past few years.
Then Dotty turned serious. “Pardon my asking, but what are you doing in here? You should be out there enjoying yourself with the young folk, not in here watching over the babies with us old folk. You can’t tell me no one’s asked you to dance.”
“I’ve been asked, but I’m afraid I’m not one for dancing.”
“Bless my soul, why ever not? Just because you’ve never danced before is no reason to be shy about it.” Her expression softened. “I remember in my younger days how I did enjoy whirling around the dance floor on the arm of a handsome lad. Nothing like it to make a girl feel alive.” She sighed like a young schoolgirl. “And my Gregory was the best of the lot. He made me feel graceful and beautiful.”
Eve could still hear the music through the open door and felt her pulse respond to it. It was all she could do to keep her foot from tapping again. What would it be like to do as Dotty described, to surrender to the joy of the music? Her treacherous mind pictured it in vivid detail. It took her a moment to realize the partner she pictured herself dancing with was Chance.
Oh, dear. That will not do. Theirs was not that sort of relationship.
Reggie and Daisy approached arm in arm. “How is Patricia doing?” Reggie asked.
Dotty glanced down at the now-still bundle in her arms. “She’s sleeping soundly, the little lamb. Don’t you worry about her. I’ll come fetch you if she gets hungry.”
“I’ve come to relieve you,” Daisy said.
“Oh, there’s no need for that.” Dotty waved her hand in a shooing motion. “Y’all just go on and enjoy the music while you can.”
Daisy eased herself into a chair next to Dotty. “Actually, I’ve been ordered by my worrywart of a husband to get off of my feet for a while.”
Reggie laughed. “Husbands can be such fussbudgets when their wives are expecting.”
Daisy rolled her eyes. “Amen. Still, it doesn’t hurt to indulge them occasionally.” Then she reached over to take Patricia from Dotty. “And don’t tell me you’re not itching to get out there yourself.”
Dotty handed over the baby. “I do enjoy a good spin on the dance floor.” She grinned at her companions. “I imagine we more experienced folk can still show you young’uns a thing or two.”
Reggie laughed. “I never doubted that for a minute. Let me just have a look at Patricia before I go back out.”
Dotty tilted her head Eve’s way. “You need to help me convince this one. She’s never attended a dance before and I think she’s a bit shy.”
“Is that true?” Reggie’s eyes widened and both she and Daisy looked at Eve as if she’d admitted to never having tasted water.
“Well, yes. I mean, dancing is such a frivolous activity and there were always more productive things to—” She halted abruptly as the heat climbed in her face. Had she just insulted her new friends?
But Daisy was shaking her head with a smile. “A person needs to find time to enjoy herself as well as work. Even the Bible tells us that there is a time for everything in life, including a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Reggie nodded firmly. “Absolutely.” She took both of Eve’s hands and drew her toward the door. “Come along, we’re going to fill that void in your education right now.”
“Oh, no. I—” Eve felt a bubble of panic rise in her throat.
“I’m not taking no for an answer. And don’t worry about learning the steps. There’s nothing to it, especially if you have the right partner. And I know just the man for the job. Chance is wonderful when it comes to making his partner feel at ease. And I think he’d like to be rescued from the designs of a few matchmaking matrons.”
“He didn’t appear to be bothered by it earlier.”
Reggie laughed. “So you did notice him.” She gave Eve’s hand another tug. “Stop dragging your feet. It sounds like the current set is winding down.”
Eve tried to protest once more, but Reggie was having none of it. In less than a minute she found herself on the edge of the crowd of dancers.
The music had just stopped and Chance was escorting his current partner back to a group of other young people. Reggie hailed him and he excused himself from the group with a smile.
Chance was approached twice on his way to meet them and both times he extricated himself with a quick word and a smile.
“There you are,” he said to Eve as he neared. “I wondered where you’d disappeared to.”
Had he really noted her absence or was he just being polite? She tried to maintain a calm demeanor. “I stepped inside the schoolhouse for a few minutes.”
“Ah, slipping back to the tables for seconds, were you?”
Reggie tapped his arm lightly. “Stop your teasing. I have an assignment for you.”
Chance gave a short bow. “At your service, as always.”
“Eve here has never participated in a dance before and I’m looking for someone who can guide her through the steps.”
Chance gave her a gallant smile and offered her his arm. “It would be my pleasure to partner you in your first dance.”
It was so wrong for Reggie to paint him into a corner this way. The poor man really had no choice but to comply. “Oh, please, that’s not necessary.” It was hard to put much conviction in her tone, though, when she was sorely tempted.
“Perhaps it’s not necessary, but it is fun.” He jiggled his elbow. “Shall we?”
“But I don’t dance.”
A small furrow appeared above his brow. “You mean you haven’t danced.”
“No, I mean yes—I mean I’ve never—”
“So we’ve already established. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.”
“You don’t understa
nd. I don’t want—”
But, just as Reggie had earlier, he paid no attention whatsoever to her protests. “No need to be shy or embarrassed. This isn’t some fancy drawing room. No one here worries about how well you do, so long as you’re having fun.”
His words served only to remind her that he had been to fancy drawing rooms and no doubt danced with ladies far more graceful than she.
Eve caught sight of Reverend Harper leading his wife out onto the dance floor and her resistance wavered once more. Surely, if the preacher participated, there could be nothing inherently wrong with the activity. And it would be only one dance, just to see how it felt.
“Besides,” Chance continued with a hint of challenge in his tone, “if I can help make candy, then you can dance.”
Why did he care so much? Was it because he was trying to please Reggie, who’d backed him into this corner?
But people were starting to notice their discussion and Eve decided it would be best to just dance with him and get it over with. After that she could disappear back into the schoolhouse.
And truth to tell, she was a bit curious as to what it would be like to give in to the music the way the other dancers were doing.
Before she quite realized that they had moved, she found herself on the edge of the dance floor, facing Chance.
“Rest your hands on my shoulders, like so,” he said as he positioned her hands. “I’m going to place my hands lightly at your waist, like so.”
The feel of his hands at her waist shocked her, sent a little shiver of surprise coursing through her.
But Chance’s expression didn’t change and she quickly got herself back under control. Of course it was nothing to him, he’d held any number of ladies thusly tonight. It was just the novelty of it that had caught her off guard.
“Now, keep your eyes on mine, relax and feel the rhythm of the music.”
Feel the rhythm of the music—yes, she could do that. Relaxing might be a little more difficult.
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