Then he saw her. A brown-haired young woman moving from worker to worker, carrying a pail of water with a dipper. Perfect. The last thing he wanted was another benevolent society member reminding him of where he’d been before the panic and all that he’d lost. Fresh water sounded good. He just didn’t want it to come from someone like her. Yet here she was, headed in their direction.
William glanced down at Jacob, who worked alongside him. At least for his brother’s sake, he’d remain cordial. But he didn’t have to like it.
TWO
“Thank you.” William accepted the dipper and took a long drink. The liquid quenched his thirst and cooled his overheated body. Immediate relief filled his limbs and made him feel as if he could work another ten hours.
“You are quite welcome,” she replied. “I can imagine how difficult it is to spend so many hours in the sun. Would that I could offer more than just water.”
What about some financial assistance or a job other than farming? William asked the question in his mind, but he didn’t speak it aloud. “The water is enough. Thank you.”
The young woman dipped her chin in acknowledgment and bent to offer the pail to his younger brother. Jacob hesitated and looked at William, as if seeking permission or asking if it was all right. Before William could respond, the woman set down the water and knelt in a dry patch of dirt, puffs exploding around her. She didn’t seem too concerned that her well-pressed skirts were getting soiled or that her styled hair had fallen into slight disarray, though. Instead, she focused her entire attention on Jacob as she reached out to touch his shoulder. Jacob startled, but his attention went straight to the young woman. She smiled and held out the dipper again.
“Don’t worry. You can have as much as you like. There is plenty here for everyone.”
William watched the transformation on his brother’s face. The lad went from uncertain to eager in a matter of seconds. He reached out a grubby hand and took the dipper, guzzling its contents in one gulp. Melodious laughter bubbled from the young woman’s lips as she filled the dipper again and held it out to Jacob, who accepted more without hesitation.
For weeks Jacob had worked hard and done his part. He had dug in with gusto, never once complaining and always right there by William’s side. The only concern William and his parents had was Jacob’s lack of interest in people. He no longer sought out other lads his age, and when anyone approached, he held back and attempted to disappear. He didn’t speak to anyone but his family.
Today, however, was different. This young woman managed to coax a reaction from Jacob—quite a feat in and of itself. Her attentiveness and soft-spoken words must have gotten through to Jacob. Perhaps William had been wrong to make such a hasty judgment of her. And those beguiling blue eyes paired with the kind smile made him want to get to know her better.
She had already served his parents. Jacob was the last of his family. If William didn’t do or say something, she would leave them and move to the next family. He had to keep her here, even for just a few extra moments.
“His name’s Jacob.”
The woman rocked back on her heels, then stood in one slow, fluid motion, coming about seven inches below his six-foot height. Not a drop of water sloshed from the pail. Hooking the dipper on the edge, she extended her free hand toward Jacob. William widened his eyes and raised his eyebrows. Jacob showed his surprise as well, his expression no doubt mirroring William’s. A rather bold move on her part. Young women never offered a hand to anyone they met. Maybe she was making an exception for Jacob.
“My name is Annabelle Lawson. Pleased to meet you, Jacob. You may call me Miss Annabelle.”
Again his brother glanced up at him. He gave a sharp nod. Jacob reached out and struck hands with the young woman.
“Nice to meet you, too, Miss Annabelle.”
Annabelle. The name suited her. William searched his memory and years of study for the Latin origin. Graceful. Yes, she had been named well. In fact, William felt rather awkward in her presence. He’d never had a problem speaking with the fairer gender before. But standing in his oversized breeches that felt like coarse burlap, the loose-fitting shirt in need of washing, worn and dirty shoes, and a ragged cap, he lacked the confidence he normally possessed. His previous wardrobe contained nothing appropriate for working the fields, so he’d been forced to resort to handouts from some of the charitable donations. Good thing his brother seemed to hold her interest for now. He certainly didn’t feel ready to venture into conversation at the moment.
“And how old are you, young Jacob?” Annabelle released Jacob’s hand only to tap the edge of the boy’s cap.
Jacob warmed to her immediately. Puffing out his chest and snapping his suspenders, he rocked back and forth on his heels and beamed a wide smile. “I’m eight.”
“Well, now, you’re quite a grown-up young man already. Your parents are no doubt proud to have you working alongside them. I would surmise that you probably do the work of two young lads your age.”
William chuckled at the image his brother presented. If Jacob’s chest got any bigger, he’d explode with all the proud air he’d inhaled. But William was impressed with how quickly Annabelle had set his brother at ease. Jacob could be the inquisitive sort, but since they’d lost everything, his demeanor had dampened in a substantial way. William gave his brother a pat on the back, which caused Jacob to relax and release the breath he’d been holding.
“And how about you?” Annabelle switched her attention from Jacob to him. “Do you have a name as well?”
William opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Despite the water he’d drunk a few moments ago, his mouth felt as dry as the ground he now dug would be in summer. He swallowed several times and attempted to bring moisture back to his tongue. Before he could speak, though, Jacob chimed in.
“His name’s William. William Berringer. And he’s my brother.”
Amusement danced across Annabelle’s face. She no doubt thought him quite the fool for not being able to answer for himself. “William and Jacob Berringer. Such fine, strong names. Your father and mother chose well.”
William cleared his throat and managed to croak, “Thank you.”
Great. Was that all he could say to this young woman? It was the third time he’d uttered those words in almost as many minutes. She might believe him a half-wit with a limited vocabulary if he didn’t figure out how to get his tongue and head to work in tandem instead of fighting with each other.
He tried again. “How did you come to be distributing water at this farm plot? You’re the first nonworker I’ve seen around here in days.”
Annabelle looked away. William thought he saw a hint of pink steal into her cheeks. But she composed herself and returned his gaze. “This land belongs to my father. He donated it to help with this crisis. I learned of it two weeks ago and was eager to help in any way that I could. But Father forbade me to come unaccompanied, so I had to wait until he made his weekly visit before I could venture over this way.”
“You mean you own all this land?” Jacob swung his arms wide and spun in a circle as he gestured toward the expansive plot where at least six families farmed. “You must be rich!”
“Jacob!” William scolded.
His brother ducked his head and scuffed the worn toe of his shoe in the dirt. “Sorry,” he mumbled.
It was bad enough their family had been reduced to this type of work. They didn’t need to act like the migrant workers they were and present the appearance of discourteous behavior as well.
Annabelle didn’t seem to mind, though. The soft smile on her lips and twinkle in her eyes proved that. “Your apology is accepted, Jacob, but I would still like to answer your question, if I may.”
She looked to William to obtain silent permission. Amazed at her forthrightness and the fact that she had no qualms about speaking with them, he could only nod.
“My father has made some very wise decisions over the years. But that doesn’t mean our family is better
than anyone else. We might be rich compared to some, but that could all change. In fact, that’s why I’ve come to help. It could be me and my family here instead of yours.”
“We used to be rich, too. But now we’re not.”
“Jacob,” William warned, keeping his voice low.
Annabelle stayed his protest with her hand. “It’s quite all right, Mr. Berringer. As my mother has quoted many times, ‘Out of the mouths of babes.’ A lot has happened in recent months. This past year has been rather difficult for everyone. Your brother is merely saying what so many are feeling.”
“Well, I appreciate your understanding, Miss Lawson. And you can call me William. We might as well dispense with the formalities around here. We aren’t exactly being presented at court.”
The young woman tilted her head and regarded him with a curious expression. She pressed her lips in a line for a moment then smiled. He thought she might agree. “No, I don’t believe we are. . .Mr. Berringer. However, we have only just met, and it wouldn’t be proper.” Obviously not.
William nodded. “Miss Lawson it is, then.”
“Why do I have to call you Miss Annabelle?” His brother crossed his arms over his chest.
William gave Jacob a playful punch. “Calling her Miss Annabelle is a sign of respect.”
“But don’t you respect her?”
Heat rushed to William’s face, and for once he was grateful for the hot sun that had already made his face a bit red. It seemed his brother had found his precociousness again.
Annabelle’s laughter set William’s mind at ease. She leaned down so she was almost at eye level with Jacob and smiled. “I’ll make you a deal. When you are old enough to own your own piece of land, you may drop the ‘Miss’ and just call me Annabelle. All right?”
So she was giving Jacob permission to be informal yet insisted William abide by society’s dictates? William recalled some from his younger days who had allowed him to address them in a similar fashion, but this was different. Why did William feel as if he’d picked the shorter straw?
Jacob scrunched his face and was silent for several moments as he pondered her offer. Then a grin split his lips, and he stuck out his hand. “Deal.”
Annabelle struck hands with him again. “Deal,” she repeated.
William thought about how long it would be before that time came to his little brother’s life. He hoped by then they would have figured out how to regain their standing in society once again. Right now that possibility seemed too far away to even fathom.
And what about Annabelle? Jacob was sure to remember and hold her to her promise. Would she even be around? Would she even care?
Wait a minute. What was he thinking? He had no business contemplating his future and wondering if she would be in it. He shouldn’t even be taking up so much of her time right now. She was here to bring water to everyone, not just him and Jacob. He should step aside and allow her to continue on her way.
“So do you have any other brothers or a sister perhaps?” Annabelle again faced him. “Or is it just the two of you?”
She didn’t seem in any hurry to leave, but more families needed water. Who was he to monopolize so much of her time when he was nothing more than a dirt farmer with no land or possessions to call his own?
“Don’t you think you should see who else might need some of the water you’re offering?” William cringed at how abrupt that sounded. He tried to soften it somehow. “I’m sure there are others who would appreciate it as much as we.”
Annabelle hesitated, a mixture of hurt and uncertainty crossing her features. She looked between Jacob and him and back again. Finally, she nodded. Schooling her expression into one of nonchalance, she grasped hold of the bucket and dipper and took one step away.
“Very well. I shall see to the other families. Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself and speak with me for a few moments. I am certain our paths will cross again.”
“Good-bye, Miss Annabelle!” Jacob called to her retreating back.
She pivoted and gave him a soft smile. “Good-bye, Jacob. You behave yourself.”
With a final glance at William, she was gone.
William closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. What a fool he’d been. She was only attempting to bestow some kindness on him and his family, and he’d run her off. If what she’d said were true, it would be another week before he’d see her again. That gave her plenty of time to devise a reason to avoid this area of her father’s land. She might even decide to send someone else in her place.
At least Jacob had made a good impression. Maybe that was enough to bring her back. William hoped so. Otherwise he’d blown his only opportunity.
❧
Annabelle resisted the urge to turn around again and watch the two brothers. The abrupt change in William’s demeanor couldn’t have shocked her more had she been splashed in the face with the very water she carried. She could see the tumult of emotions warring within the young man the moment she approached. At first he looked like he would dismiss her and tell her to go back to where she came from.
His desire for the water she brought superseded whatever thoughts he might have had to turn his back on her, though. And despite obvious reservations, he remained cordial. It wasn’t until she spoke to his brother that William warmed a little.
She understood his protectiveness. She’d do the same for Victoria in an instant. It was his mannerisms and choice of words that replayed in her mind.
“. . .dispense with the formalities. . .presented at court. . .”
He spoke as one whose normal life involved expectations and activities such as those. Considering how widespread the effects of the panic were, the Berringer family could have once been equal or greater in station than she. William might not wear the clothes of other gentleman she knew and his face might be smudged with the evidence of his hard labor, but she knew a true gentleman when she saw one.
And William was it.
In fact, his mannerisms fell second only to the appeal of his nervous behavior and rather boyish charm. It seemed almost comical on a man who stood nearly six feet tall and possessed a build familiar with some form of hard work. With his sandy-colored hair that blew in the breeze and fell in stubborn locks across his forehead, the slight tilt of his mouth when he grinned, and the deep chocolate eyes, he possessed a number of charming qualities. The dimple in his cheek only heightened the attraction. He and his brother had been the first to engage her in any way. The rest of the workers gave her nothing more than a cursory nod as they accepted the water. Some averted their eyes, while others appeared to sneer as if she chose to be here in order to flaunt her superiority or make a mockery of them. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Yet knowing that and living with the reality were two entirely different things.
As she finished making her rounds, Annabelle felt compelled to return and continue their conversation. What good would that do? He’d made it clear he didn’t want to spend any more time with her. And he did have work to do. If she interfered, it would only make matters worse. No, she’d have to wait until next week. Perhaps by then William wouldbe in a better mood.
“Annabelle!” Father called from one of the supply stations nearby.
“Yes, Father?”
“Are you about finished? We should be heading home soon.”
Yes, she was done. She’d had more than enough for one day. If it hadn’t been for William and his brother, she might have decided not to return. At least they appeared genuine. And that made her service more than worthwhile.
If only she didn’t have to wait a full week before seeing them again.
“Coming, Father!”
THREE
“All right.” Mrs. Jennings clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Let’s bring this meeting to order, shall we?”
Annabelle looked around the courtyard. A large number of maple, oak, and elm trees with sparse branches and new buds offered little shade or privacy. Sunlight filtered throug
h the trees and shone bright at the very middle, providing warmth to the otherwise chilly day. She recognized most of the women gathered. Some chose to sit on the whitewashed iron benches at the edges of the cobblestone pathways, while others surrounded the center where Mrs. Jennings stood. Mother and Victoria flanked Annabelle’s sides.
“The reason we’re gathered here today,” Mrs. Jennings continued, “as you all likely know, is to discuss possible ways we can bring additional assistance to those working the potato patches throughout the city.”
The self-proclaimed leader of this meeting had been an active member of the nation’s first Ladies Aid Society since its inception more than thirty years ago. At that time, she was no older than Annabelle. With her ingenuity and self-sacrificing endeavors, many women looked up to her for leadership and inspiration. She had earned the right to be deemed the honorary matriarch. Annabelle admired her a great deal and was excited to participate today as an active member.
“What about organizing a rotating group of volunteers to make sure the workers receive food at mealtimes?”
This came from Mrs. Olson. Annabelle didn’t know her all that well, but her husband was an influential business owner like Father.
Mrs. Jennings gave Mrs. Olson her undivided attention, nodding and showing approval of the suggestion. “Are you speaking of arranging the preparation and distribution of the meals at each of the lots throughout the city?”
“Yes.”
“I believe that sounds like a splendid idea.” Mrs. Jennings gazed out over all the women gathered. “Do we have a volunteer or two who might be willing to supervise the others involved? You would need to develop a schedule and arrange for the collection of foods prepared as well as oversee the various teams of ladies at each plot.”
Hearts and Harvest Page 2
