A Cook for Christmas

by Teresa Ives Lilly

  Barkley closed his eyes and silently thanked God for the miraculous change in his father.

  “Where will you stay, if not here and not at the shanty?”

  “There’s the boardinghouse. I'll stay there. You and Liliana are going to need your space here.”

  At her name, Barkley's head shot up.

  “Pa, Liliana does not know about our money.” Barkley pressed.

  Ron gave a questioning stare. “Why not? She would be mighty proud to be marrying one of the richest men in town.”

  Barkley ran a hand through his hair. “That's just it. I want her to care for me, not my money. I'll tell her, after we are married. Until then, I want to keep it quiet. Do you think you can do that?”

  “Sure, son. I already planned to do the comforting things quietly. I don't want anyone to feel they owe me a thing. But I think you aren't giving Liliana enough credit. She's not the type to have her head turned by money. If you’re afraid of it, I think it would be better to tell her before you marry her, not after.”

  Barkley sat back, his mouth forming an O. His father was right. All this time, he’d been busy trying to keep his money secret from Liliana so she would learn to love him for himself, but he didn't consider what she would be like, once they were married and knew about the money. There was always the possibility she would change. Gold had changed many men in Sweet Water, it could do the same to a woman.

  “You may be right, but for now, until I decide what to do, will you keep mum about the money?”

  Ron nodded and began reading his Bible. He couldn’t get enough of it. “If she were to ask me directly, I won’t lie.”

  Barkley stood with a nod. “It's good to have you back, Pa.”

  CHAPTER 12

  Ron moved into the boardinghouse several days later which meant Ma and Pa Baker could keep an eye on him as well as Lilianna. Both Barkley and Liliana were overjoyed at the change in his life. His focus was now on helping others and the cry of gold no longer held him captive. Now that Liliana had seen the way money could overtake someone, she understood why Barkley seemed to flare up whenever she asked about his finances.

  He’s afraid of marrying someone who thinks more of money than of him, Liliana concluded. She decided right then and there she would no longer worry him about money. He’d allowed her to purchase enough warm clothes to last the whole winter and she couldn’t think of anything else she would need once they were married.

  The home above the Eating House was plenty big for them and Barkley had already furnished it tastefully. There were several miners who were gifted at woodcarving. To help them survive, Barkley had enlisted several of them to build the furniture. There was a lovely pine bed, a sofa, two rocking chairs, a small table, and a large dining table with six sturdy chairs.

  Barkley asked if there was any other furniture she would like to have made for the house before their wedding on Christmas Day.

  When she shook her head, he stepped close and whispered, “What about a cradle?”

  Liliana’s cheeks flushed, but she solemnly nodded her affirmation. Her heart pounding with pleasure.

  “We’ll need a Christmas tree.” Liliana tried to change the subject.

  Barkley’s eyes lit up. “That is a great idea. We can go hunt for one tomorrow. I’m sure there are some cranberries and popcorn in the mercantile. We can decorate it in the evenings after you’re done with work.”

  A question crossed her mind about where Barkley worked or what he did for a living. He said he didn’t work the mine, but he had to be doing something to make money.

  No, don’t think about it. Trust God.

  ***

  Liliana loved her job, and she got used to the routine and cooking for such a large number of people. At first it was only the men who came to purchase meals, but soon couples also stopped by the Eating House if they were in town. It was encouraging to meet other women. It gave her hope that the town would eventually be a civilized place.

  Ginger blossomed as the business grew and Liliana took her under her wing. It didn’t take long for Ginger to start trying to copy the refined ways Liliana held herself and the way she spoke. Although she knew the girl was only imitating her, Liliana was glad to see the changes in the young waitress.

  Ryker Tanner had finally sobered up and had become a regular customer at the Sweet Water Eating House. He always asked to sit at Ginger’s tables and Liliana often noticed a pink flush on the girl’s cheeks after the man had spoken some flirtatious words to her.

  Barkley ate both meals at the Eating House and Ron took one meal a day at the Eating House and the other at the boardinghouse. The man easily made friends everywhere he went. No one in town knew about his good works, but each time Liliana overheard a miner talking about finding a warm blanket set outside his door with a Bible on top, she knew it was from Ron.

  It did cross her mind once in a while to wonder where he was getting money to purchase the gifts, but was just too busy to ask.

  ***

  The third week of December, brought a fine layer of snow throughout the valley. From the boarding house window, she could see the well covered mountains.

  Liliana shivered at the sight. She felt safe here in Sweet Water, surrounded by new friends, Ma and Pa Baker, Ginger, Ron and Barkley. Her life in Maine was only a slip of a memory now.

  With Christmas just a week away, she’d been keeping late hours, trying to make small gifts for each of them. She could sew and had been able to purchase the needed supplies with her own money from the Eatery. She was looking forward to their intimate Christmas eve, followed by her wedding on Christmas Day.

  Barkley had reminded her he wanted to get married by Christmas and she’d agreed to Christmas Day. Although there were things about Barkley she still didn’t know, the one thing she was absolutely sure of was that she wanted to marry him. Even if it meant giving up her job at the Eatery. She looked forward to taking care of the home above the Eatery and Barkley.

  ***

  At the Eatery that day, Ron appeared in the kitchen, a serious look on his face.

  Liliana stopped stirring the large pot of stew. “Is something wrong?” She eyed him nervously.

  “I’ve come to ask a favor.”

  “What is it?”

  “I was wondering if you would consider serving a special meal here at the Eating House on Christmas Day for the miners. Most of them will take that day off, but they won’t have any family or friends to share Christmas with. They won’t have any cookies or pie or any of the traditional things others have.”

  Liliana’s eyes grew round. “That’s my wedding day, remember?”

  The man scuffed the ground with his shoe. “Yep, I know it. And I wouldn’t want to interrupt that for the world, but these men need some Christmas spirit. I’ve been praying about how I could get them all together, the Eating House on Christmas is the answer God put on my heart. It may be the only chance I get all year to tell them all the story of Christ.”

  Liliana gulped. Her wedding was scheduled early in the morning on Christmas day. She expected to spend the rest of the day with her husband enjoying their first Christmas together.

  As she stared at Ron, twisting his hat in his hands, her heart melted. How could she turn him down? It would be like turning God Himself down. Since sharing scriptures about the Comforter with him, Ron had become a true follower. How could she deny him this? Especially if he felt it was an answer to prayer.

  “Yes, Ron. I’ll serve a special meal for the men. But I need to get an okay from the owner first. I’m not at liberty to serve free meals. How many men do you think would attend?”

  “I expect fifty or more.”

  Liliana nodded. A Christmas meal for that many men would be very expensive. There would have to be at least five or more turkeys, hundreds of cookies, twenty or more pies, not to mention yams, biscuits and so much more.

  “Ron, do you know who the owner of the Eating House is? I’ve asked everyone I can think of, but no one
seems to know.”

  The older man glanced away and his cheeks turned slightly red. Liliana squinted at him. “You do know who he is, don’t you?”

  Ron stood ramrod straight. “What makes you think that?”

  She stepped closer. “Remember, Ron. You are a Christian now. You mustn’t lie. Do you know who the owner of the Eating House is?”

  Ron gulped and nodded slowly.

  “Wonderful. Just tell me and I’ll ask him about the Christmas meal. I understand the owner wants to remain anonymous. I wouldn’t tell anyone else.”

  Ron shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you. But here’s what I can do: I will talk to him myself. If he agrees, I’ll have him send you a note.”

  Liliana’s shoulders sagged. She’d hoped this one mystery would be cleared up. It was hard enough not knowing the things she wanted about her husband-to-be, but working for a secret Eating House owner was truly irritating. There were so many things she wanted to discuss with him; changes to the menu, new tablecloths and much more. Whenever she mentioned her chagrin, Ginger reminded her she’d been given permission to do whatever she wanted, that she was in charge. But these were some decisions that involved a great deal of expenses and she absolutely did not feel comfortable making such choices on her own. A free Christmas meal for over fifty men was one such choice.

  ***

  Barkley slipped into the Eating House, found a seat and ordered a meal. It wasn’t long before Ginger delivered it.

  “How’s the cook?” He nodded toward the kitchen with a wink.

  “She’s fine. A bit upset since your Pa came to see her.”

  Barkley sat straight. “Pa? What did he need to see Liliana about?”

  Ginger looked over her shoulder to make sure no one else was listening in on their conversation, then whispered,

  “I guess I should tell you. He wants Liliana to host a meal here for the miners on Christmas Day.”

  “What!” Barkley shoved back his chair and was about to rise, but Ginger pressed his shoulder with her hand.

  “There’s more.”

  Barkley turned curious eyes toward her.

  “She wants to know who the owner of the Eating House is, so she can ask him about having the Christmas meal here. She was able to get some information from your Pa.”

  Barkley’s voice dropped. “What did he tell her?”

  “Only that he knows who the owner is.”

  Barkley’s heart was pounding and fear gripped his throat.

  “She tried to make him tell, even brought up Jesus, but he didn’t let it out of the bag. So, you don’t have to worry, yet.”

  Barkley’s head shot up and his eyes met Ginger’s in surprise.

  “Sure, I know it’s you. Anyone with eyes in their head could figure it out. But I guess I’m the only one. Don’t worry none. I won’t tell.”

  Barkley reached out and took Ginger’s hand in his and gave it a friendly squeeze. “Thank you, Ginger. I do have my reasons for not telling her yet.”

  “I figured so, but it don’t matter to me. I’m just glad to have a job. But you best have a good stern talk with your Pa. He’s changed so much; I don’t think he’ll be able to withstand her questions for long.”

  Barkley nodded in agreement. “I’ll talk to him later today.”

  Just then, the kitchen door swung open and Liliana stepped into the room carrying a loaded platter. Barkley realized he was still holding Ginger’s hand. He cringed as he noted Liliana's eyes taking in his hand clasped with Ginger’s. He immediately pulled back, but it was too late.

  Liliana had turned abruptly to leave the room, but as usual her ankles twisted together and before he could get to her, plates, steaks, biscuits and jam flew across the room and splattered on the floor. Liliana lay sprawled out on the ground. When she lifted her head, he noted the pink hue of humiliation and tears trickling down her cheeks as she moaned.

  Barkley rushed across the room and lifted Liliana up. Food smeared the front of her apron. He grabbed a napkin from a nearby table and tried to wipe the offensive grease off.

  Liliana grabbed the napkin and hissed, “I’ll do it myself. I don’t need your help.” She moved toward the kitchen again.

  Ginger had already scurried by and was cleaning up the spilled meals.

  Barkley followed Liliana into the kitchen. “Dear, I think you just saw something that was not at all what it seemed.”

  Liliana turned back to him with alacrity. “Do you mean, you holding hands with Ginger? I’m sure I have no idea what else it could be than what it seemed. I have no idea why you sent all the way to Merville, Maine, for a mail order bride, when you have a lovely girl like Ginger right here. I thought she and Ryker Tanner were beginning to court, but I see I’m wrong.” She stepped toward a chair and sank onto it with a sob.

  Barkley rushed over and slipped onto his knee in front of her. “Liliana, I promise you, it was not that at all. Ginger had just been telling me something that was important for me to know. I took her hand in a friendly gesture only.”

  “What did she tell you?”

  Barkley flushed. “Uhm, well, it’s something I needed to know about.”

  “I am your intended. Is there anything you can’t share with me? Because if there is, I don’t see how I can marry you. I expect my husband to share everything with me. There are already so many things that I’m unsure of. You have several secrets and I’m not sure I want to get married unless I know what they are.” She stood and brushed passed him. “If you will excuse me now, I have to remake the meals that just got splattered on the floor.” She stomped away.

  “I’ll wait outside to walk you to the Boarding House at the end of the day. We can talk then.” Barkley’s voice lowered.

  “I can see myself home, Mr. Maynard.”

  “I’ll wait.” He said to her back, watching her stiffen. “I don’t want you walking alone.” Lillian hesitated, her hands still. She finally nodded, sharply, and Barkley the Eating House.

  Liliana quickly cooked more food and served it to the men waiting in the dining area. She noted Barkley standing on the front boardwalk, waiting.

  As she scrubbed the kitchen, she sighed. Ginger assured her there was nothing romantic going on between her and Barkley, but even Ginger wouldn’t explain what the two had been talking about.

  This town is full of secrets, Lord and they all seem to have something to do with money and this Eating House and Barkley!

  Liliana scrubbed the last skillet vigorously. She was in no hurry to face Barkley again. She knew he would be waiting for her. Ever since Ryker Tanner’s inappropriate behavior, Barkley had been good to his word and walked her to and from the Boarding House. Nothing ever hindered him.

  As she’d been pondering earlier, she had no idea what Barkley did all day long. From what she could tell, he had no job. He’d assured her he stopped working the mine several weeks before she came to Sweet Water.

  A tinge of concern wove its way through her mind. If he wasn’t mining, and he wasn’t working, but he was able to afford to live above the Eating House and provide her with a winter wardrobe, he had to be getting money somewhere.

  Several scenarios filled her mind. Each of them terrible. Recently, there’d been a bank robbery and although the men had been caught, there was always a chance Barkley could have been a silent partner. She sank into a chair, lifted the apron to her eyes and began to cry in earnest.

  CHAPTER 13

  Once she was assured by letter from the owner of the Sweet Water Eating House, she could host the Christmas meal, Liliana not only cooked all day for the Eating House, but made plans for the Christmas meal. She gave a list of needed supplies to Jordan, whom she’d finally met. As he scanned the list, she expected him to speak up against the cost. Instead he nodded and assured her he could get everything she’d asked for.

  “Jordan, are you sure you don’t know who the owner of the Eating House is?” She watched his eyes carefully, hoping to detect a subterfuge. />
  “Nope. I got the job from a letter. I suspect the only person who does know is the assayer, Mr. London. But I can promise you won’t get an answer from him. He's a closed book.”

  Liliana sat on a chair with a huff. “I know. I’ve already asked him.” Liliana remembered the embarrassing conversation she’d had with the assayer in which she’d basically begged him for information but got nothing but a cold glare.

  “Why worry? Whoever it is has given you the right to make any and all decisions.”

  “Yes, but to spend so much money on a Christmas meal, especially a free meal?” She twisted her apron in her hands.

  “Well, I got a letter from the owner, telling me to purchase any supplies you needed for the Christmas meal. What’s the worry?”

  “It’s all so mysterious. I can’t help but feel something is wrong about the whole thing.”

  “Maybe you should ask Barkley to talk to Mr. London, the assayer. I know they’re good friends. If anyone can get the man to talk it would be him.

  Liliana shook her head. She didn’t want to involve Barkley in anything that had to do with money. Besides, he was a mystery himself.

  Since her realization about Barkley not having a job, Liliana was quiet whenever he walked her to or from the Eating House. She didn’t encourage conversation between them and she had made excuses not to go on any outings with him. She didn’t really believe he was a thief, but the thought niggled at her, eating away her peace of mind.

  She agreed to help decorate the Christmas tree, but insisted Ron and Ginger be there. Ginger asked for Ryker to be welcomed and so he was. He’d apologized several times for the way he’d treated Liliana that day and she’d forgiven him, so all was well in that area. Now if she could just feel some kind of assurance about Barkley.