A Changed Agent

by Tracey J. Lyons

  Behind them laughter spilled from the children. Bees droned along the length of the forsythia hedge. The plant’s thin branches blossomed with buttercup-yellow flowers. Off in the distance the piercing train whistle echoed off the mountains. All Will could think about was Elsie’s pretty mouth. He move to stand toe to toe with her.

  And all those sounds faded into the background until the only thing he heard was her soft intake of breath. Bending his head, he touched her mouth with his. She tasted like warm honey. Her lips pressed against his. Wrapping his arms around her, Will gently drew her into him. To his utter surprise and delight, their kiss deepened until he felt Elsie’s hands pressing against his chest.

  Lifting his head, he waited for her recriminations. But again she surprised him.

  “That was . . .” Her words trailed away.

  “Nice.” He finished for her. He watched as the blush on her face deepened. But she held his gaze steady, searching his face. Hoping to find what, he didn’t know. She laid her hand gently alongside his cheek. Her fingertips felt cool against the heat of his weather-worn skin.

  He heard the steam spraying from the train engine as it pulled to a stop at the station, the sound an intrusion bringing him back to reality. To him their kiss had seemed like an eternity, when in fact it had only been a moment in time. He wondered what Elsie was thinking.

  “Will, you shouldn’t have kissed me.”

  “Why not?”

  “We’re out here in the open. What would the neighbors think if they saw us?”

  “I’m sorry. The next time I kiss you, I’ll make sure we’re inside away from all those prying eyes.” Because one thing was for sure, Will would be kissing her again.

  He saw a spark of mischief in her eyes, but she turned her attention to the twins. Harry was trying to teach Minnie how to pump her legs to move the swing on her own.

  With Elsie leading the way, they went to help Harry.

  Minnie clung to the ropes as Harry pushed her. She seemed irritated by his efforts, her mouth screwed up in a tight line of frustration.

  Elsie took the empty swing, placing her backside snuggly on the flat wooden seat. “Minnie, watch me.”

  With great exaggeration, Elsie swung her legs out straight and then pumped them hard back underneath the swing. Her skirts fluttered to and fro in the breeze her movement created. Before long, Elsie was soaring to Will’s height. He caught a glimpse of her silk stockings. Seeing where he was looking, she sucked in her lower lip. He suspected she wanted to keep his prying eyes away, but then he saw that little glint appear in her eyes and her mouth turned upward.

  “You try, Minnie.” Elsie slowed her momentum so that Minnie could watch her.

  Minnie began to slowly move her legs, and before long, she joined Elsie soaring into the air.

  Bringing the swing to a stop, Elsie said, “You did a fine job, Minnie.” She hopped off. “I’ve got to get back to my chores.”

  Will walked with her to the house. Casting a sidelong glance toward her, he could see faint lines of fatigue around her eyes. Elsie had been working long hours. He didn’t imagine that teaching all day and then caring for the household and for the children was easy on her. But she never complained. He felt certain she never would. Elsie wasn’t one to lament about things.

  Picking up the empty wicker laundry basket, he walked with her to the side yard where the wash bin had been set up. They hadn’t talked about Virgil’s visit yet.

  Setting the basket down against the back door stoop, he said, “I want to be here when Virgil comes by tomorrow.”

  “Will, while I appreciate your intentions, Virgil is truly harmless.” Taking a pair of dark pants from the wash water, she fed them through the fat rolls of the ringer.

  “Just the same. You let me know when he gets here.”

  She fed one of Minnie’s dresses through the contraption. “Are you planning on joining us for church services tomorrow?”

  Rubbing a hand along the base of his neck, Will wanted to tell her no. But they’d been making some good headway lately, and he didn’t want to risk ruining that by telling her he probably would not be going with them tomorrow. Instead, he offered, “Why don’t you take a break?”

  “For land’s sakes, today is the only day I have to get this wash done. And then I have to bake cookies because tomorrow I’m signed up to bring those for after-church refreshments.”

  Laying his hand over hers, he forced her to stop fidgeting. “Elsie, you do too much around here as it is. Why not take an hour to rest up a bit?”

  “Tomorrow is time enough for a day off.” Turning her back to him, she worked at getting the rest of the wash wrung out.

  He was heading around to the wood pile when her words stopped him.

  “Will, the kiss . . .”

  Folding his arms across his chest, he grinned at her, waiting to hear her thoughts. She sure was fussing with the shirt she held in her hands, twisting it around so much that he didn’t think it would need to go through the wringer. Will stepped closer and, cradling her face in his hands, bent in and kissed her again.

  She broke away from his touch. “Will. You need to stop doing that.”

  “Doing what?” He liked teasing her.

  “Kissing me.”

  “Don’t you like it?”

  “I do and that’s the problem. I’m here to take care of your house and the children. These kisses complicate that.”

  Maybe he’d gone too far or acted too quickly. It didn’t matter because, to him, kissing Elsie felt right. And it had been a long time since anything in his life had felt so right.

  “I gave my heart to Virgil and he just left me. I don’t want that to happen again.”

  “I’m not Virgil.”

  “I know you’re not. But you’ve never settled down, either. Not until you had your niece and nephew handed to you a few months back. Will, I know you were not even considering settling down before then. You came to Heartston for this job. Nothing more. You told me so yourself.”

  “A man can change.”

  He said those words realizing them to be true. Whether he’d wanted it to or been expecting it, Will’s life had changed over these past months. He’d gone from being a loner to having the responsibility of taking care of Harry and Minnie. And yes, even the stubborn, independent Elsie Mitchell needed him. She may not want to admit it just yet, but he could tell by the way she waited up for him or held supper for him those nights when he had been working late at the lumberyard.

  Their lives were becoming intertwined, and when the time came, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to simply walk away. He blinked in surprise. “A man can change.” He repeated those words to himself.

  And hadn’t she heard the same tune—“A man can change”—from Virgil? After seeing the desperation in that man earlier today, Elsie didn’t think he would ever change his ways. As for Will, deep in her heart she suspected that there was a lot more to what made up William Benton than he ever let on. If he would open himself to her fully, maybe then she could consider more than just the kisses.

  In her heart of hearts she realized she did want more from him. But she didn’t think she could bear the hurt and pain if Will ended up leaving her as Virgil had. Elsie had never been the kind of woman who issued ultimatums, but she was sorely tempted to do so with Will.

  “Elsie. Tell me what you’re thinking?”

  She took a good hard look into his eyes. He gave her a half smile. But he didn’t fool her. Elsie thought Will was very good at masking his true feelings. She knew he loved Harry and Minnie and recognized that he didn’t give out that feeling freely or easily. She also knew him to be very loyal and a good, hard worker. But that didn’t make it wise for her to give her heart to him.

  And yet that was exactly what she found herself wanting to do. She’d grown used to their life here in town. Some days she even found herself daydreaming that they really were a family. And then she’d be reminded of her commitment to the town as its schoolt
eacher. Or she would look in the mirror and realize that she was no longer considered to be of marrying age. Why would a man like Will want to be with her? Those concerns had been one of the reasons she’d begun to pursue her dreams of travel.

  She wanted him to join them in the family pew for church services of his own volition. She didn’t want to be disappointed by his absences at the dinner table anymore. She couldn’t say those words. Instead, she said, “I’m thinking it’s turned out to be a fine day to hang out the wash.”

  Narrowing his eyes, he put his hands on his hips. “You’re not thinking that at all.”

  “Will. Why do you want to know my feelings? Why is this so important to you now?”

  “Because whether or not you or I ever intended it to happen . . . we’ve been making a home here for Harry and Minnie.”

  Suddenly she felt like they were living the Bible story where two men are tasked with building houses. One builds his on sand and the other on solid rock. Only the home built on rock could withstand the storm. She feared the “sand” foundation they’d been building their lives upon would never hold up to the storm yet to come.

  “This is a home for them. We knew it would never be for all of us.”

  “I know what our agreement was, Elsie. Let me ask you this: How long had you planned to go on living here?”

  “I don’t know. I guess until you decided my services were no longer needed.” Tears sprung to her eyes. “Are you asking me to leave?”

  He came to her then, taking her into his arms. She heard his intake of breath, could feel the solid, steady beat of his heart beneath her ear.

  His voice whispered, “I’m not asking you to leave.”

  Picking her head up off the hard wall of his chest, she wanted to know, “Then what are you asking?”

  The wind picked up again, grabbing at her hair, pulling the strands loose. Will rescued them, wrapping the long lengths around a finger. “I’m not sure.”

  “I’m not sure I can risk my heart again.” Her words caught in the wind, and she wasn’t sure if Will heard what she’d said. He sighed against her, making Elsie wonder if she’d gone too far with her honesty.

  Afraid of what she might find in his eyes, Elsie averted her gaze from his, instead looking around his shoulder to where the children were still playing on their swings. Realizing that their entire relationship had been based on Harry and Minnie didn’t make her feel any better. Whatever happened between them would affect the twins. Eventually, he moved ever so slightly away from her.

  “No one knows what tomorrow will bring.”

  “I have faith that tomorrow will come.” She felt her mouth loosening from the tense hold it had been in.

  “Then I think you should have faith in us.” He grinned down at her. “Let’s just agree to leave it at that for right now.”

  “I suppose I can do that.”

  “Oh, and Elsie, I will be here tomorrow when Virgil returns.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  She finally gave in to Will’s insistence of her need for a break. Leaving him at the house, she wandered into the village, finding it hard to believe that so much time had passed since she’d had a chance to visit with her friend Amy. Coming to a stop in front of the bakery, she noticed the “Closed” sign had been posted. She hoped to find Amy still there and knocked on the door.

  Amy opened the door, a cleaning cloth in hand. “What a lovely surprise!” Beaming, she gave Elsie a warm hug. “Elsie! It’s been ages since I’ve seen you!”

  “I know. I’m so sorry for not getting here sooner.” She returned the hug.

  Amy brought her back into the kitchen. Once there, she directed Elsie to a chair. “Sit here while I make us some tea.”

  Not used to being waited on, Elsie offered to help. “At least let me get the cups and saucers.”

  Amy pointed to the usual shelf where the tea set sat. Elsie took the china service down and brought the teapot to where Amy had set the kettle to boiling on the stove.

  “Did you hear the news? My parents are going to be returning home!”

  “Oh, Amy! That’s wonderful news. You must be so happy.”

  “I am. While I enjoy running the bakery, it’s a lot of long hours.” Waving a hand in front of her heart-shaped face, she added, “I’m not complaining, mind you.”

  “I understand. Still, it is a lot of work and responsibility running a business by yourself.” Elsie thought about how hard she worked and was thankful for Will’s occasional help.

  Once she had the tea leaves brewing in the pot and scones on a plate, Amy nudged Elsie over to the small round table. “Come on, let’s sit down and enjoy our teatime.”

  “Tell me, when are you expecting your parents to arrive?”

  “My mother’s last letter said they’d be in Heartston within the month.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  Amy put her hand on Elsie’s. “Tell me how you’re doing with the children and Mr. Benton.”

  “He kissed me!” She blurted out the words.

  Amy’s mouth dropped open, and then she snapped it shut. “My, my, this is interesting news.”

  “I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

  “Didn’t you like it?”

  “His kiss was wonderful. A bit of a surprise.”

  “Tell me everything.”

  Elsie proceeded to explain the day to her friend. “Virgil came by while I was hanging out the wash. There’s something not right about him, Amy. I’m worried about him.”

  “I heard he’d returned and that he’s been staying out at his parents’ old homestead. Frankly, I don’t think you should trouble yourself with him. Why was he there?”

  “He came for the envelope.”

  “I say give it to him and be finished with the scoundrel for good.”

  “I would, except I left it back at my parents’ house. And as I was telling him this, Mr. Benton came home.”

  “Go on.”

  “I’m afraid I raised my voice and frightened the children. Harry was about to run off to find his uncle.” She remembered how safe she’d felt when Will had walked into the side yard.

  “Sounds to me like Mr. Benton came home at just the right time.”

  “I was glad to see him. Not that I think Virgil would do any physical harm to me, but it was a relief to have a man there just in case.”

  “When did this kiss happen?”

  “While I was finishing the laundry, after Mr. Benton had hung up new swings for the children.”

  “Sounds to me like things are moving along nicely between the two of you.”

  “I never expected to have feelings like these again, Amy. I figured after Virgil and with my age and all that no man would be interested.”

  “Don’t you dare say such a thing! You’re a beautiful woman inside and out. You’re smart, too. And look at the wonders you’ve worked on those children. They adore you. So it seems to me William Benton is a smart man to be interested in you.”

  Elsie blushed. She wished it were that simple.

  “Amy, I really know very little about his past.”

  “Does that matter?”

  “It’s just that sometimes he goes out and returns late into the night or not at all.”

  “Perhaps he’s doing work for John over at one of the lumber camps.”

  Toying with the teacup handle, she thought Amy could be right. But that wasn’t her only concern.

  “He frequents the saloon.”

  Amy raised her eyebrows. “I know the men who work at the camps come into town just to go to the saloon. Could it be possible he’s socializing with them?”

  “I suppose so. He did mention he went there for business purposes.”

  “Elsie, I get the feeling that he is not the type to take advantage of all the saloon’s services.”

  “You’re right. And he’s never smelled of alcohol. Just nasty cigar smoke.”

  But deep down she could tell Will was keeping something from her . .
. holding back a part of himself. She’d learned her lesson the hard way with Virgil. She wouldn’t give herself to another man unless she knew for certain he could come to her freely. Elsie didn’t want to believe that Will could be doing things she would never be able to accept. Keeping secrets from those you cared about never served anyone well.

  “I’m tired of fretting about my relationship with Will. How are things going with you and Mr. Oliver?”

  Amy’s face lit up. “He’s been by nearly every day for the past two weeks. Comes by at the same time every morning for a scone and coffee.”

  “I’m glad to hear this. Has he come to his senses and realized that you’ve been pining after him?”

  Amy laughed. “I think he knows.” She looked down at the empty plate, saying, “He’s asked me to join him for a day at one of the Great Camps.”

  Clapping her hands together, Elsie exclaimed, “I’m so happy for you!”

  “Thank you. I’ve waited a long time for him to take notice. I’m afraid our outing will have to wait until after my parents’ return, though. There’s no one to look after the shop.”

  “It won’t be long. You said so yourself they’ll be here within the month. By then the roads will be dried from the melting snow and spring runoff. You’ll be able to enjoy the trip. And in the meantime you can enjoy your morning visits with Mr. Oliver.”

  “I’m so glad you stopped by today, Elsie. You’ve helped put some of my worries at ease. As for you and Will, I feel like it’s all going to work out.”

  Rising from the chair, she helped Amy clean up their tea dishes. After they were finished, she hugged her friend good-bye and walked back home. Will had been right, a few hours away did wonders to rejuvenate her. Now she felt ready to finish the chores.

  She paused in front of the house, her breath caught in her throat. Laying her hand against the base of her neck, she looked at the scene before her, finding it almost impossible to believe that a few short months ago this house had been vacant.

  Where emptiness had once been, life now pulsed blissfully along. She took in the rockers on the porch and the swings swaying happily in the breeze. From where she stood, she could just make out the edge of the vegetable garden Will and Harry had so lovingly planted. Around back, the sheets she’d hung out this morning flapped, dried by the wind.