“I am. In fact, I’d say I’m better than I’ve been for a long time. I know what I have, I know how precious it is, and I intend to safeguard it the rest of my life.”
She smiled broadly. “Excellent. I might consider this setback a blessing, then, if it taught you such a valuable lesson.”
They resumed their scales, and after fifteen minutes, Mrs. Perry proclaimed them done for the day. It didn’t feel anywhere near long enough, but Justin would accept her counsel and quit. There would be time to sing the next day and the day following, and as he was wise, every day for the rest of his life.
Chapter Seventeen
Mrs. Head had reported that the Denver hotel hadn’t seen Mr. Clark yet. Kitty tried to push that information from her mind while she put the finishing touches on her grandmother’s birthday cake. After the party, if her mother was feeling well, Kitty would tell her what she’d learned, but in the meantime, her sole task was to bring her grandmother some joy on this very special day. Underneath her smile, though, she was so upset and angry, she wondered if her fingers would stop trembling enough to allow her to play the piano.
Maggie, the neighbor girl, had come over to lend a hand with the twins, and Kitty glanced out the window to see them all playing with the puppy in the yard. It was a cute little thing of brown and white, and the girls were delighted with him. Kitty supposed she would be too once it was trained a bit better.
Evangeline entered the kitchen, fussing with a button on her cuff. “Could you help me with this, please?”
After wiping her hands on a dishtowel, Kitty fastened the button, then gave her mother a smile. “You look beautiful, Mother. I haven’t seen you wear that dress in ages.”
“I haven’t had the opportunity in ages.” Evangeline did look radiant in her deep rose-colored dress, and Kitty thought she might even have a bit of color in her cheeks. She prayed she wasn’t mistaken—it would be a sign that Evangeline was on the mend.
“I asked Grandmother to be here a little early so she could greet all the guests from the start,” Kitty went on. “And I hope you don’t mind, but I invited Justin as well.”
“Of course I don’t mind, dear. I rather assumed he’d be here—and that he’d be here quite a bit from now on.” Evangeline gave her a searching look. “Unless I’m mistaken.”
“No, you’re not mistaken.” Kitty’s cheeks felt a little warm, but not from embarrassment—it was the excitement of sharing the good news.
“I’m glad. He’s a fine young man.” She didn’t say more, but she didn’t need to. That statement alone was her blessing.
Bonnie Clark showed up a few minutes later, along with her good friends Jane Henderson and Nola Johnson. “Oh, the house looks lovely,” Bonnie said, looking around at the vases of flowers Kitty had set here and there. “It’s so good of you to go through all this trouble for me.”
“It’s not every day someone turns seventy-five, Grandmother. We needed to make a fuss.” Kitty gave Bonnie a kiss on the cheek, inwardly amused. Bonnie had all but insisted that they make a fuss—this party had been her idea from the start.
They put Bonnie in a comfortable chair facing the front door so she could see who was coming and greet them when they arrived. It was only a matter of minutes before the drive was lined with buggies, and pleasant laughter filled the parlor. Many of Bonnie’s friends brought small gifts, which she insisted wasn’t necessary, but she opened them eagerly all the same.
“She’s like an eight-year-old girl in there,” Geordie said good-naturedly as he came into the kitchen with a tray of used punch cups. “I’ve never seen her so happy or excited.”
“I’m so glad. She deserves it. Just put those by the basin, please—I’ll get them washed up in a minute.”
“You’re cutting the sandwiches. I’ll wash the cups.”
Kitty looked up in surprise. “You will? I didn’t think you were the dish-washing type.”
Geordie shrugged. “Maybe I’m becoming the dish-washing type.”
“I won’t stop you, since you insist.”
Justin chuckled from the doorway. “I’ve never heard people argue about who gets to do the dishes,” he said, his voice still soft, but stronger than before.
“Hello,” Kitty greeted him. She wanted to throw her arms around him and kiss him senseless, but that wouldn’t have been exactly appropriate. Plus, she had food all over her hands, and she’d likely smear it on him. “I’m so glad you were able to come.”
“I’m sorry I’m a few minutes late. Mrs. Talbot from the Ladies’ Aid was coming up the drive at the same time, and she kept me talking about some fundraiser or another for the last fifteen minutes. Apparently, I’m to be the star attraction.”
“Mrs. Talbot can definitely keep one talking.” Kitty picked up the first tray of sandwiches. “May I press you into service? Would you mind taking this into the parlor?”
“Of course I’ll take it.” Justin lifted it from her hands, gave her a big grin, and disappeared down the hall.
“So, when are you making the announcement?” Geordie asked from his spot by the washbasin.
“Announcement?” Kitty tried to sound casual, but her voice hitched. “What announcement?”
Geordie shook his head. “You’re no good at hiding your emotions, you know. The engagement, sister of mine.”
“Oh, that.” Kitty turned her attention back to the sandwiches. “Not for a little while yet. We decided to keep it a secret until things are resolved with Mother—and with Father.”
“I agree with your decision, but not with your execution—it’s written all over both of you. Might as well make it official and stop wasting energy with the pointless charade.”
“You’re likely right. At any rate, we’ll wait until after tonight—this is Grandmother’s day.”
“Again, I agree.” Geordie stepped back and wiped his forehead with his sleeve. “There. One batch of cups, washed and rinsed.”
“Just in time for the next load.” Justin returned to the kitchen carrying a tray laden with more cups. “I’m sorry, but I was asked to bring these in.”
“How did we even get so many cups?” Geordie grumbled, and Kitty laughed. It was good to see him getting his hands wet—in fact, she’d noticed several positive changes in him since he’d come home. He’d helped with the twins, he’d done a little yard work, and now he was washing dishes—he was maturing, and she was proud of him.
When Kitty was finished with the sandwiches, she washed her hands and went into the parlor. Many of the guests were friends of hers as well, although of the older variety, and she wanted the chance to say hello.
“Kitty, over here,” Bonnie called out, waving, and Kitty went to her grandmother’s side. “I wondered when you’d be playing for us.”
“Any time, really,” Kitty replied.
“In that case, what about now?” Bonnie’s eyes sparkled, and Kitty laughed.
“Of course. I can’t say no to the birthday girl.”
She sat down at the piano and flexed her fingers, working out the kinks borne of sandwich making and cake decorating. Then she began to play the Chopin. She glanced over at Bonnie to see a look of sheer bliss on her face, and she smiled. That was the greatest applause she could ever receive.
Because she’d only been learning the music for a week, it wasn’t as seamless as she would have liked, but she thought she did passably well. Those in the room seemed to think so too, clapping and calling out their praise as she rose from the bench.
One voice in particular was louder than the rest, and her gaze flew to the doorway.
Roger Clark, her father, stood there, clapping harder than anyone.
“Father!” she gasped.
Evangeline pushed her way through the guests and flung herself into her husband’s arms while Kitty stood frozen in her spot. Her father had come home? He was really there?
“Darling, what a wonderful surprise,” Evangeline was saying. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”
“I wanted to surprise you.” He gave his wife a solid kiss, then moved through the group to greet Bonnie. “Happy birthday, Mother.”
“Oh, you scoundrel,” Bonnie said, looking at him with eyes glowing. “You never said a word! Give your mother a kiss, would you?”
He kissed her cheek and gave her a hug, then edged his way over to Kitty. “My dear, your talents have surpassed even my wildest imaginings. That was wonderful.”
“You’re here,” she said numbly. “I can’t believe it.”
“The idea came to me last week when I got Mother’s most recent letter mentioning a get-together,” he said. “I realized I could shift some of my obligations and come home for a few days.”
So many emotions were coursing through Kitty, she didn’t know how to feel them all. Instead, she mumbled “Excuse me” and fled the room, going outside and flinging herself onto the front porch swing.
Her father hadn’t left them or disappeared or been kidnapped or any of the terrible things she’d been imagining. Instead, he’d been on a train coming home to them, surprising them all because he was a good son and wanted to honor his mother on her birthday.
What a lovely thing to do—and yet she was so angry with him, she was shaking.
The door opened, and he stepped out onto the porch. “There you are,” he said. “Are you all right, dear? You seem upset.”
She turned to face him, knowing she looked a mess with tears streaking her cheeks. “I . . . I don’t know what I am, Father. You’ve just given me the fright of my life when we needed you the most—how could you?”
He came to her side immediately and sat down next to her on the swing. “What did I do? What’s going on? Tell me, and we’ll make it right.”
“Mother’s ill,” Kitty began, and Roger’s eyes immediately widened with alarm. “Dr. Wayment is treating her and he feels that she’ll make a good recovery, but there’s a chance it’s something else, and I’ve been so afraid. And I sent a telegram to your hotel, and they said you weren’t there, and I sent a telegram to your next destination, and they said you weren’t there yet, and I thought . . . I thought you’d left us . . .”
Roger wrapped his arms around Kitty and held her close while she sobbed. She couldn’t push down her worries any longer—she had to voice them or go mad. “I’m so sorry,” he murmured. “I had no idea any of this was happening, and I would never leave you. Do you hear me, Kitty? I would never, ever leave you.”
She lifted her head and looked at him. “Then why are you always gone?” Her voice was small and she felt like a petulant child, but the question had to be asked.
He opened his mouth, then shut it again. “I don’t know,” he said at last. “But I must go speak with your mother right away. Here comes someone I suspect will comfort you a bit better than I can.” He gestured, and Justin stepped into the glow of light cast by the front porch lantern.
Once her father had entered the house, Kitty nestled into Justin’s arms, trying to calm her surge of emotions. “I can’t believe he’s here. I can’t believe he didn’t say anything. This . . . this is all so . . .” She couldn’t find the words, but Justin nodded anyway.
“I understand.” He kissed the top of her head. “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, but I understand.”
“I know you do, and that’s why I love you.”
He squeezed her a little tighter. “I like hearing you say that.”
“And I like saying it.”
They sat that way for another few minutes, and then Kitty sat up straight. “We’d best go back in,” she said. “We have a whole houseful of guests, and I’m sure we’ve abandoned them to our melodrama long enough.”
“It certainly was exciting,” Justin agreed.
They went inside and began to gather up the next batch of used cups, sandwich plates, and the like. “Where are Mother and Father?” Kitty asked Geordie. “It’s time for the cake.”
“Father said he needed to talk to Mother alone, and he said we should go on without them,” Geordie replied.
Kitty was sorry her parents wouldn’t be there for the cake, but she was glad they were talking things over. She just hoped her mother wasn’t trying to be stoic and holding things back—now was the time when she needed to trust her husband to help carry her burdens.
Bonnie was overjoyed with her cake, and she told Kitty over and over again how much she’d enjoyed the evening. Then she came close and said quietly, “Send your father over when he gets a moment, but don’t let him give me one thought until things are straightened out here at home.”
Kitty appreciated her grandmother’s sensibility. “Thank you,” she whispered in reply.
One by one, the guests left, thanking Kitty for a wonderful party and complimenting her on the lovely performance. “It’s too bad you’re in recovery—we would have loved to hear you sing,” Thora Barton said to Justin as she was leaving.
“Very soon, I promise you,” he told her, and she giggled. That made Kitty smile—it seemed that all older ladies turned into little girls at a party.
Once everyone was gone, Kitty flopped into a chair, and Justin and Geordie flopped down nearby in chairs of their own. “I believe that was successful,” she said. “And we shall all sleep for a week now.”
“For someone who has never really washed a dish, I certainly washed piles upon piles of them tonight,” Geordie replied. “As soon as I got one stack done, they were whisked away to be used again.”
“Your grandmother is certainly beloved,” Justin commented.
“She really is, and no wonder. She’s quite the lady.” Kitty glanced toward the staircase. “I do hope Mother and Father are working things out. I’ve never believed in eavesdropping, but I might be tempted.” She paused. “Except that I’m too tired to climb the stairs, let alone to be sneaky about it.”
Maggie came down the stairs a moment later. “The girls are asleep, Miss Clark,” she said. “They were worn right out.”
“Good. Perhaps they’ll sleep through the night instead of waking each other up.” Kitty waved toward the kitchen. “Go get yourself a plate of food, and package up some cake to take home. We have enough for weeks on end if we don’t share.”
“Thank you, Miss Clark.” She disappeared around the corner, and Kitty closed her eyes.
The chair wasn’t the same as her bed, but she was contemplating staying there the rest of the night when Justin finally stood up.
“I’d better be on my way,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful party, but I have a lesson with Mrs. Perry rather early, and you have family matters to attend to.”
“Thank you for all your help,” Kitty told him. “I’ll walk you out.”
It was difficult to hoist herself out of her chair, but she did it, and they stood together on the front porch for a moment.
“I’ll come by tomorrow when I’m finished with Mrs. Perry,” he said. “Would that be all right, or would you rather have more time alone with your father first?”
“I’m sure that would be more than fine. Besides, you should get to know my father a little before he leaves again.” The thought of him leaving put a knot in Kitty’s stomach, but she knew it was inevitable. “I’ll look forward to seeing you.”
He grinned. “Same here.” He leaned forward and gave her a soft, brief kiss before stepping off the porch and walking into the darkness.
Kitty stood there a moment longer and gazed up at the stars, enjoying the cool evening air before going back inside. It was getting late and she didn’t think her parents would be coming down again until morning, so she made sure the leftover food was wrapped up and then readied herself for bed. Some dishes remained, but she’d get to those in the morning. Sometimes it wasn’t a sin to leave things until the next day, especially after the night they’d just had.
Chapter Eighteen
Kitty didn’t mean to sleep late the next morning, but she did, and no one came in to wake her. When she finally opened her eyes, she sat bolt upright,
trying to orient herself. What time was it? Gracious, what day was it?
Memories from the night before came rushing in, and she jumped out of bed to get dressed. Her father was home, and she didn’t want to miss another moment of his visit.
When she came downstairs, she found her parents sitting at the table feeding the twins. “Good morning,” she said a bit breathlessly. “Why didn’t anyone wake me?”
“Because you worked hard yesterday and you were exhausted,” Evangeline said. “I’d say you deserve a little rest from time to time.”
“You definitely deserve it,” Roger chimed in. “Kitty, your mother has been telling me everything you’ve done around here, and I must say, I’m grateful. Thank you.”
Kitty found herself unexpectedly emotional. “You’re welcome,” she said, blinking back a tear. “It wasn’t anything remarkable, though.”
“I don’t agree. It was very remarkable, but that’s because you’re a remarkable young woman.” Roger gave a nod. “Now, would you call your brother, please? I need to speak with all of you.”
“Of course. Where is he?”
“Out in the stable,” Evangeline replied.
What an odd place for him to be. Kitty went outside and walked across the grass, surprised and yet pleased to find her brother spreading new hay around on the floor of the stable. She had never seen him do that without a great deal of complaint.
“Good morning,” she said. “Father wants to speak with all of us inside.”
Geordie leaned the pitchfork up against the wall. “Did he say what about?”
“No, but I’m sure it has something to do with his next trip.”
“I’ll be in after I’ve washed up.”
Kitty went back inside, her thoughts in turmoil once again. It was wonderful to see her father, and she was so glad he now knew what had really been going on at home—or at least, she had to assume he knew because she never had gotten up the courage to eavesdrop—but what good was all that when he was just leaving again?
Geordie came inside, his face and hair still wet from the pump outside, and took a seat at the table. Kitty passed him a coffee cup, then they both looked at their father expectantly.
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