by Janet Dean
“This house isn’t the same with you gone,” Martha declared, leading her inside. “I want to hear all about what’s happened since you left.”
As they walked through the main hall, their footsteps echoing in the all but empty house, Elizabeth’s heart dipped. Even more of the furnishings were gone.
In the kitchen, they enjoyed a simple, delicious meal while Elizabeth regaled her family with stories of her life on the farm. Catastrophes that had hurt her now brought laughter.
After dinner that night, Martha packed Robby’s clothes, books and favorite possessions. Elizabeth kissed her brother goodnight, then left Martha and Papa to tuck him in one last time.
In her room, she glanced out the window onto the lawn where she’d made her escape a few weeks ago. Though it felt like a lifetime. She filled a trunk with books, shoes and clothing.
She’d donate the ball gowns and frivolous things that would be out of place in New Harmony.
On her way downstairs, Elizabeth noticed a light on in her father’s study. She rapped on the door then let herself in.
Papa and a stranger had their heads together. From the expression on her father’s face, the conversation had taken an unpleasant turn.
“This must be your daughter, Manning.”
Her father paled. “Yes.”
The stranger strode to her. “Your father and I go way back. I’m Victor Hammer. Most people call me Vic.”
That scar, those eyes, her father’s demeanor put Elizabeth on alert. Who was this man?
“I understand you’ve recently married.”
“Yes.”
“Seymour said you live on a farm. Big change, I’d imagine.” When she merely nodded, he turned to her father. “I’m sure you want to spend time with your daughter. I’ll show myself out.”
Papa walked him to the door. “I’ll find a solution.”
The man’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m counting on it,” he said, then left.
Waiting until the outside door opened then closed. Elizabeth released a gust of air. “Who is that man, Papa?”
“No one of importance.”
Elizabeth knew her father. He’d avoided her questions about that man. Why? As if an icy finger slid down her spine, Elizabeth shivered.
Papa motioned to chairs near the fire. “Sit. Tell me more about this husband of yours and his children.” He grinned. “Guess this means I’m a grandpa.”
“I hadn’t thought of that, but you are.” The streaks of silver in his hair only made her father appear more distinguished. “You don’t look like one.”
He smiled. “With two ready-made children and your brother, you’re going to have your hands full.”
A log tumbled forward, shooting sparks up the chimney. Elizabeth jumped. “I’ll admit Anna’s a handful.” No point in disclosing how much. “Taking care of Henry’s a full-time job, but Ted’s good to me. It’ll work out.” Amazingly, she believed what she’d said. “Robby won’t be any trouble.”
“A small farm can’t provide much money.” He frowned. “Can your husband give you what you’ve been accustomed to?”
Elizabeth looked around the barren study, stopping at the spot where Papa’s desk and chair once sat. Bookcases crammed with leather-bound books now stood empty. What an irony that Papa was concerned Ted couldn’t provide for her when his gambling had almost put them in the poorhouse.
But possessions didn’t bring happiness. Another lesson she’d learned.
“Don’t fret about me, Papa.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m living a rich life. I have all I need and more.”
Her father jerked toward the sound of a clearing throat.
Vic stood in the open doorway, his eyes bright like a hawk. “Sorry for the interruption. I forgot my hat.” He motioned to the wide window ledge. “Ah, there it is.”
Papa ushered Vic out, then returned, his composure shaken though he tried to hide the fact under a wide smile. “So tell me more about the farm.”
“It’s the perfect place for Robby,” she said. “He’ll love playing with Ted’s dog.”
A flash of pain crossed Papa’s face, probably guilt over the puppy he’d given then taken away. “Take Robby and leave tomorrow on the first train. I’ll see to the arrangements.”
“I’d planned to leave after lunch.” Alarm traveled her spine. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing new. I’m about to lose the house. I want Robby settled with you as soon as possible.” Out of his pocket, he pulled a slip of paper and a pen. “Write down your address in Iowa so I can reach you.”
Elizabeth did as he asked, then handed it to him. “What will happen to you? Where will you go?”
“I got a job. Imagine that?”
She smiled. “Doing what?”
“A sales opportunity. I’ll be fine, as long as I know my children are safe.”
Her stomach turned over, a queasy reminder of Vic. “Safe? What do you mean?”
Papa smoothed the lines on his forehead. “You know, taken care of. Content.” He looked deep into her eyes. “Are you happy, princess?”
“I’m fine. All that matters is Robby.”
Papa had changed. How much she didn’t know, but she couldn’t bring herself to broach the subject of his gambling.
“I’m sorry I insisted you marry Reginald. I only wanted what I thought was best for you.”
“I’ll never understand how you could’ve promised me to Reginald in exchange for the payment of your debts.”
He studied his hands. “I did what I had to do to take care of my family.”
“I don’t agree with what you did, but I forgive you.”
“I can’t tell you what that means to me.” He met her gaze. “I’m sorry about losing the house. It should’ve been yours and Robby’s.”
“The house doesn’t matter. Robby and you and Martha, that’s what matters.”
Papa’s charming smile firmly in place, he rose and tugged her to him. “I hope your husband knows what a treasure he married.”
No need to tell her father that she and Ted didn’t have a real marriage. “Treasure or booby prize.” She forced up the corners of her mouth. “I’m not much of a farm wife.”
He chuckled. “I have trouble picturing that, as well. Is Ted a patient man?”
“Remarkably.”
Suddenly tired, Elizabeth stifled a yawn. “I’m going up to bed. We’ll talk more in the morning.”
Her father wrapped her in a hug and kissed her cheek. “I love you. Sweet dreams, princess.”
“I love you, too, Papa.”
That night Elizabeth dreamed of her and Ted climbing an endless hill. She wanted to rest, but he towed her along, insisting they’d make it. An odd dream, but perhaps they would.
The next morning, Elizabeth went down to breakfast. Martha gave her a big hug. “You just missed your father. He left for work.”
Elizabeth hurried to the window. Papa stood outside talking to a man. The same man she’d met in his study. Vic. Perhaps Martha could give her some insight into the man. “Who’s that talking to Papa?”
Martha glanced out, then shrugged. As Elizabeth watched the men go their separate ways, the nanny bustled around the kitchen, making small talk, but Martha’s frenzied behavior only increased Elizabeth’s uneasiness.
Robby appeared, rumpled from sleep and ready for breakfast.
“I’ll never stop missing you two,” Martha said, putting out a breakfast fit for a king.
“I wish you could come to Iowa. I could sure use your help with Ted’s children.” She sighed. “But there’s no room in the house and no money to pay you.”
“From what you said last night, your struggles with Anna can’t be fixed with good meals and fair rules, though those things are important.” She took Elizabeth’s hand. “Anna needs you to open your heart to her. To love her. Even when she’s unlovable. That’s what all children need.” She smiled. “That’s what I gave you.”
At Martha’s advice, Eliz
abeth released a shaky breath, knowing getting close to Ted and his children meant inevitable heartache.
She took Martha’s callused hand, now much like her own. “When do you leave for your sister’s?”
“I’ve changed my mind about that.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t let Seymour go through this alone.”
Elizabeth noted the use of her father’s first name. What had transpired between Martha and Papa? “What are you saying?”
“I’ve taken a position as a cook in the same boardinghouse where your father’s taken a room.”
Elizabeth studied Martha’s damp eyes, the lines etched in her brow. Never once had she seen anything improper between her and Papa. But the misery in Martha’s eyes reminded her of an expression she’d seen in her own. “Are you in love with—”
Nodding, Martha squeezed her hand. “Is that all right with you?”
“Yes.” Why hadn’t Papa mentioned their relationship? Perhaps she’d been too focused on her own life to notice the attraction between them.
“But I won’t marry a man who’s set on destroying himself. And those he claims to love. I’m praying for him. For you. For all of us.”
“Papa broke Mama’s heart. Don’t let him do that to you.”
“I’m not your mother, God bless her. I’ve lived in this house since you were five. I never once saw her oppose Seymour.”
“Are you saying if she had, things would’ve been different?”
“Who’s to say? Seymour and I have talked. He knows where I stand when it comes to gambling, to what he’s done to his family. He wants to change, but whether he can…well, that’s why I’m staying in Chicago, for now.”
Maybe this woman had made a change in Papa. Or perhaps he’d reached the bottom of the abyss and had found the courage to climb out. Or maybe God was working in Papa’s life. Whatever the reason, hope latched onto her heart. Maybe God would perform a miracle where Papa was concerned.
Martha accompanied her and Robby to the depot, and waved goodbye from the platform, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Elizabeth wiped Robby’s tears as the train pulled away, tugging him close. “You’re going to love the farm.”
Her brother would find happiness in Iowa. She hoped Martha and her father would find happiness with each other in Chicago. Without a doubt, Martha was a good influence on Papa.
That Martha and Papa had found something she and Ted might never possess squeezed against her heart.
At least, by marrying Ted, she could give Robby his dream.
Anna blocked the doorway into her room, her arms folded across her chest, her chin thrust to the ceiling. “He’s not coming in here.”
“Mind your manners, young lady.” Ted’s stern tone issued a warning, but Anna stood her ground.
“My brother will share my room, Anna,” Elizabeth said, wishing she’d thought to settle this before she’d left for Chicago.
Anna smirked. “Daddy doesn’t like you and Robby.”
“Anna! That’s not true.” Ted exhaled. “Why would you say such a thing?”
“’Cause you sleep in the barn.”
Crimson climbed Ted’s neck. “Never mind where I sleep. Elizabeth and I are the adults here. We make the decisions.”
Ted’s harsh tone crumbled Anna’s bravado. Tears filled her eyes. She spun into her room, slamming the door.
The three of them stood mute. At their feet, Henry clapped his hands, as if he’d witnessed a stunning performance.
Robby leaned into her. “I want to go home.” Elizabeth dropped to her knees and drew her brother close. He buried his face against her shoulder. “Please, Lizzie, take me home.”
How could she tell her brother he had no house to go home to? “It’ll be all right, sweet boy. You’ll love the farm.”
Ted laid a hand on Robby’s shoulder. “Do you want to watch me milk the cows?”
Robby shook his head. Tears stung Elizabeth’s eyes. Ted was a good man and did what he could to keep things on an even keel. But Robby wasn’t some ship passing through rough waters. He was hurting.
“Robby,” Ted said, “there are cookies on a plate in the kitchen. Why don’t you have a couple before bed.”
Robby looked to her. She nodded. “I’ll be right there.”
Her brother shuffled across the living room and down the steps to the kitchen.
Ted tugged her to the sofa and leaned close. “You’re trying too hard, Elizabeth.”
“What do you mean?”
“You can’t force the children to get along. Give it time. They’ve just met.”
“Would it have hurt Anna to show Robby her room?” she whispered. “She wouldn’t even let him look at it.”
“She’s acting like…Anna.” He smiled. “I’ll talk to her. But you and I need to relax and give the children time to get used to the idea of being a family. We need to be careful not to pick sides. In the meantime, we’ll ask for God’s help, then leave it in His hands.”
“I’ll try.”
“I know how disappointing this is for you. Give Robby time to adjust.” He patted her hand. “I’m going out to milk.”
She walked Ted to the kitchen door. He turned to Robby. “Good night, Robby. Sleep well.”
Robby had finished his snack. As Elizabeth led him to her room, she felt a prickle down her back. She’d married Ted to give her brother a home, to give Robby the security he lacked. Never once had she considered that he wouldn’t be happy here.
But Anna wasn’t about to accept Robby any more than she’d accepted Elizabeth. And her brother missed Martha and Papa more than she’d expected.
But then she remembered Ted’s words. She needed to pray. To give it time.
Please, Lord. Work this out for Robby’s sake. For Anna’s sake. For all of us.
With Tippy loping alongside him, Ted wrestled the slop jar while Robby gripped the pail, not much help, but doing what Ted had asked. His gaze lifted to the sky. Not a cloud in sight. “Looks like another dry day.”
Robby nodded.
“Not good for the crops. We need rain.”
Robby nodded again, looking jumpy, as though he wanted to hightail it back to Elizabeth.
“You like pigs?”
“I dunno.”
From the sad expression on his face, the poor kid must think he was heading to the gallows instead of the pigpen. Earlier Ted practically had to hogtie the youngster to get him to release his hold on Elizabeth’s apron strings.
Ted stopped and waited until Robby looked up at him. “Way I see it, you have two choices. You can keep on saying no more than two words to me or you can try and enjoy yourself here.”
Robby toed the ground. “I’m probably not gonna stay, anyway.”
His words pretty much summarized Ted’s childhood. Sympathy rose in his chest. He’d find the same patience he had with Anna. His daughter chose to fight while Robby chose to shrink from connection. He’d do all he could to bring this boy to life.
“My family went from place to place and I know how hard it is to fit in.”
Robby glanced up at him, then quickly away.
“I know how difficult it must’ve been for you to leave your life and family in Chicago to come to an unfamiliar place. I’d like to help you feel at home here…if you’ll let me.”
Robby didn’t say a word, but his eyes glimmered with tears.
He’d no doubt been the pet of the family. Having to share Elizabeth’s attention must hurt. But sitting on the sidelines, feeling edgy, lonely and overwhelmed only made things worse. He’d involve Robby in the work on the farm. The best remedy for what ailed him. Time in the fresh air and sunshine wouldn’t hurt, either. He’d run the boy ragged.
“This morning, you and I are going to feed this slop to the pigs. By the time we’re done, breakfast will be waiting for us. And we’ll give those pigs a run for their money.” He chucked Robby under the chin. “Now don’t you go telling your sister I mentioned slop and her breakfast in the same
breath, or we’ll both find ourselves in the doghouse.”
As if against his will, the corners of Robby’s mouth twisted up. “Yes, sir.” He cocked his head at him. “Slop?”
“That’s what we call what’s in this pail. The pigs get the potato skins, eggshells, every scrap of edible food left from our table. They love us for it. And we love them for using our leftovers to grow side meat and chops.”
The boy looked puzzled. Better to leave him in the dark for now. “God knew what He was doing with every creature He made. Not that we always appreciate them all. Any animal or bug you could do without?”
Robby shrugged.
At the pigpen, Ted hauled the bucket over the fence, hopped it and then helped Robby scramble over the slats. Tippy sat on his haunches, watching. With Robby’s help, Ted dumped the slop into the trough, then stepped back and called the pigs. “Suey! Suey, pig, pig!”
Ted heard them before he saw them. They left their foraging in the woods and trotted toward them, snorting, grunting and shoving toward the trough. Noses plowed through the mixture, fighting their neighbors for a share. “They’re not much for table manners,” Ted said.
“No, sir.”
“They remind me of Henry going after your sister’s biscuits.”
Robby almost smiled.
“Sometimes you’ve got to be like those pigs, Robby, and push your way in.” Especially with a girl like Anna.
Ted motioned to the nearby pen. “Never climb that fence. That old boar isn’t above adding boy to the menu.”
“Yes, sir.”
Back at the house, they washed their hands at the pump. “Better take your shoes off. If you don’t, your sister will tan my hide.”
Inside, Henry sat in his high chair, smearing oatmeal on his hair. Ted glanced at Robby. “Does my son remind you of anybody?”
“Yes, sir,” Robby said, and his eyes almost twinkled.
The boy’s conversational skills could use work, but the amused expression on his face looked promising.
Whereas his daughter eyed him warily, her mouth turned down as she finished laying out the flatware.
Elizabeth poured the milk. Her questioning gaze met Ted’s.
“Your brother was a big help, Elizabeth.” Ted glanced at Anna. “With two children to lend a hand around here, the work will get done a lot faster. Perhaps Anna and Robby could handle the egg gathering.” Maybe they’d find a way to get past all this timidity and hostility.
