Love Finds Faith

by Martha Rogers

  Her hands held the edges of the curtain closed a moment as she inhaled deeply and attempted to push all thoughts of him out of her mind with little success. Of course, he’d most likely be in church this morning with his family. Sallie mentioned he’d been in the mercantile Friday to purchase a shirt and tie. Hannah had been out helping Manfred at one of the ranches where a horse had thrown a cowboy and severely injured him. Hannah sighed, wishing she’d been at the store when Micah had come in, even if he didn’t pay any attention to her. Maybe he’d be courteous and speak to her today at church. She hated to admit it, even to herself, but she was eager to meet the young men of the town, like James Hempstead and Micah Gordon. Especially Micah.

  She grabbed her Bible. If she didn’t stop thinking about men and get downstairs, Manfred and Sallie would go off and leave her.

  When she entered the hallway at the top of the stairs, Sallie’s voice called from below. “Hannah Grace, we’re ready. Are you coming or not?”

  “I’m coming now.” Her shoe thumped harder on the stairway as she hastened her way down. The faster she tried to walk, the clumsier the shoe became. She’d have to remember to go more slowly down the stairs. At the landing she tucked her Bible under her arm and reached out to embrace her niece Molly. “You look especially nice this morning.”

  A grin spread across her face. “Thank you, Auntie Hannah. Ma made the dress for me.” Molly slipped from Hannah’s grasp and whirled about so that her skirt flared out around her.

  “Now don’t be showing off, Molly. It’s not becoming.” Sallie herded her two younger ones ahead of her with one hand while holding Daniel in her other arm. “Papa’s waiting with the carriage, so we must hurry along.”

  Hannah suppressed her grin at Molly’s pout as they headed out the door. Perhaps Sallie needed reminding of how she once preened and whirled in front of the mirror in their room back home. Having a beautiful sister like Sallie had been difficult at first, but as they grew up, Sallie always managed to find a way to make Hannah feel special. Now Hannah could pass that encouragement on to Molly.

  They all climbed into the carriage Manfred had obtained for his growing family. With Tommy and Daniel in front with their parents, Clara and Molly clambered up to sit on either side of Hannah. Both girls chattered all the way to the church. As soon as one paused, the other picked it up. Such little magpies, but they were precious, and Hannah didn’t even try to add to their talk.

  Although she only half listened, Hannah learned about Molly’s and Clara’s friends they’d meet at church. As soon as the carriage halted in the church yard, both girls jumped down to join those friends under the trees.

  Manfred assisted Hannah from her perch on the seat. She smoothed her skirts and glanced toward the entrance. Her heart jumped then thudded when Micah appeared on the steps. A beautiful woman joined him, and Hannah’s throat tightened. Camilla Swenson, the banker’s daughter, laughed and placed a hand on Micah’s arm.

  Hannah stiffened, remembering her earlier encounter with Miss Swenson on Thursday at the general store. The graceful, blonde woman had let Hannah know she didn’t quite measure up to Miss Swenson’s social standards. Although the attitude hurt, Hannah shrugged it off. She hadn’t come to Stoney Creek for its social life.

  Her gaze darted to Micah. How handsome he looked in his dark suit. Except for the boots and string tie, he could have been a banker himself. Hannah regained control of her emotions, resigned to the fact that a man like Micah Gordon would never be attracted to her. He might be polite, but pity would most likely lace his demeanor.

  Sallie touched her arm. “It’s time to go inside. I want you to meet some of the other people who don’t live in town.”

  Hannah blinked. Camilla and Micah had disappeared into the church. “Yes, of course. The more of them I meet, the more confidence they’ll have in me if or when they come into Manfred’s office.” She walked beside Sallie up the steps and into the sanctuary.

  Sallie made her way to the fourth row from the front, where Molly had already sat down with Clara. Several couples stopped, and Sallie introduced her both as her sister and Manfred’s new nurse. Friendly smiles welcomed her before they headed to their own places. She’d heard so many names in the past few days that her head swam with them, but give her time and she’d learn them all. She’d make sure of it.

  The pianist began the first hymn, and the congregation rose to sing. She resisted the urge to turn and see where Micah would be sitting. He’d probably be with Camilla, so forgetting him would be the best route to take.

  At the end of the music Reverend Weatherby stepped to the pulpit. “We’re happy to welcome a new resident among us today. Miss Hannah Dyer has come to live in Stoney Creek and serve as a nurse with Dr. Manfred Whiteman. We’re pleased to have you, Miss Dyer, and look forward to knowing you better, although I do hope it’s not in a professional capacity.”

  The congregation tittered, and a few chuckles filled the air, but the welcome warmed her heart. Then he welcomed back Micah Gordon, and this time heads simply turned or craned to get a look at him. A tight smile and quick nod of his head acknowledged the greeting.

  After a seemingly endless sermon and final prayer, Reverend Weatherby stood at the door to greet the members as they departed. Hannah grasped his hand. “Thank you for the welcome. I look forward to meeting here each Sunday.” She meant it, but she hoped the sermons would be somewhat shorter than today. Back home the services never ran more than hour or so. Things were so different in Texas.

  She started across the yard but stopped short. Camilla and Micah stood by the carriage conversing with Manfred. Taking a deep breath, she set out the rest of the way. At least she could be cordial.

  Micah itched to get away from the church. The only reason he’d come today had been the invitation of Miss Swenson. If he hoped to impress her, he had to show interest in her activities. He’d had no use for church since the day he’d left home. After all, God sure hadn’t done much for him these past five years. If it hadn’t been for Micah’s own determination, he’d still be in the mud of his former life.

  “Good morning, Mr. Gordon, Miss Swenson. It’s nice to see you again.”

  Once again Miss Dyer’s beauty struck Micah. He’d had no opportunity to get acquainted with her other than the brief encounter at the train station. She stood a few inches shorter than Miss Swenson, who stood straight and tall as though she were the queen of Stoney Creek.

  The contrast in coloring struck him even more as he compared Miss Swenson’s pale features and light blonde hair to Miss Dyer’s glow and spun-gold hair that shone with red highlights. Most men likely wouldn’t notice such things, but those few years before he gave up the wild life had him comparing women to decide which one to grace with his company. If not for the deformity of her leg, Miss Dyer would be tops on his list of women to charm.

  Micah grinned and acknowledged Miss Dyer’s greeting, but Camilla merely sniffed and raised her head a little higher. Anyone below her status didn’t deserve recognition. A chill coated the warm air, and Miss Dyer’s crestfallen features replaced the smile with which she’d greeted them. Pity rose in his heart. Rudeness wasn’t necessary, but then it wasn’t his place to correct Camilla’s behavior.

  A hand tugged at his arm. “Come, Micah. Your parents won’t like to be kept waiting.”

  “Of course, Miss Swenson. After you.” He swept his hand to the side for her to pass. He tipped the brim of his hat. “Have a pleasant afternoon, Doctor and Mrs. Whiteman and Miss Dyer.”

  Camilla waited beside the buggy he’d borrowed from her father to take them out to the ranch. Micah hadn’t been happy when Ma told him she’d invited the banker’s daughter. The invitation seemed a little precipitate, but Camilla had jumped at the offer, so he couldn’t exactly play it down.

  He left his horse with her father and helped her up to the seat, then he pulled himself up beside her. She opened her parasol and balanced it on her shoulder. “You may call me Camilla, Micah. Aft
er all, we are old friends, and my father gave me permission to ride with you today.”

  “Yes, he did, and I’d be delighted to call you Camilla.” Most likely her father had agreed because Pa was one of the bank’s best clients, and Micah stood in line to inherit the ranch.

  How gracious would the old man be if he knew Micah had no interest in the ranch? Then another thought struck him. As the banker, Mr. Swenson should know exactly where the ranch finances stood, especially with a loan pending. So what was the banker’s motive for allowing Camilla to accompany Micah out to the ranch today? Did he want a firsthand, eyewitness account of the state of affairs?

  He might spend some time with Camilla, but he made no plans beyond the next month or so. She may be beautiful to look at, but he had more pressing issues to deal with right now than the choice of a wife.

  On the way to the ranch, as the heat rose, Camilla dabbed at her forehead with a lace-edged handkerchief. “I can’t believe it’s so warm already in June. What will it be like in July or August? I shudder to think.”

  “It’s Texas, Camilla, and if I remember correctly, summers are always hot and dry.” That had been one of the things he’d wanted to escape, but he hadn’t traveled far before he’d gambled away his money. He’d never been able to leave the state.

  “Yes, but it could at least rain once in a while. Papa is afraid the lack of rain is going to harm the market for cattle and keep the farmers from having a decent crop. That will affect their holdings at the bank.”

  Her matter-of-fact tone raised Micah’s eyebrows. How did she know so much about her father’s opinions? “I can see how he’d be concerned. Do you discuss such matters with him?”

  Her laughter rang out. “Oh, yes. Since Papa has no sons, he’s decided I should follow in his footsteps as the town banker. Of course, if I should marry, that would change.” She turned her head slightly and peered at him through lowered lashes.

  Beautiful, coy, and smart. Camilla was more intriguing than he’d remembered her to be. “I found I enjoyed working with numbers and keeping accounts when I worked at a livery stable last year.”

  Her smile accentuated the dimple in her left cheek. “I do believe we have more in common than our ages, Micah. I’m looking forward to spending more time with you.”

  “That will be more my pleasure than yours, Miss Swenson.”

  She tapped him on the arm with her laced gloved hand. “Now, Micah Gordon, I told you it’s Camilla. We’ve known each other far too many years to be anything but Camilla and Micah.”

  Courting Camilla might be a way to his dreams after all. Despite any ulterior motives the banker might have in allowing Camilla to accompany him today, he’d enjoy the afternoon, She did look nice on his arm, and her intelligence and influence could go a long way toward his dream of becoming a wealthy, successful businessman. Perhaps marrying for a position at the bank would solve any problems with Pa and Levi as well.

  His mother’s spotting him with Camilla this morning at church might turn out to be one of the more fortunate encounters of his life. Now her invitation for Camilla to join them for dinner became the opportune time for him to get to know her better.

  As Camilla chattered away about the town and her likes and dislikes concerning it, Micah tried to listen, but his mind still raced ahead to the afternoon. If only he could make contact with Levi and try to get him to understand the ranch could be his, the weeks ahead would go much more smoothly.

  Camilla grabbed his arm. “Micah Gordon, you’re not listening to anything I’ve been saying for the past half hour.”

  Micah’s brain went into action and drew on lines he’d used in the past with other women. “I was so charmed by your beauty, Camilla, that I became completely engrossed. Please forgive me.”

  She batted her eyes and a wide grin spread across her lips. “Of course I will forgive you.”

  It had worked again. As long as he remembered what impressed young women like Camilla, he’d do well. And it didn’t hurt that she actually was a beautiful young woman with a fine figure and a rich father. The day ahead looked brighter and brighter. Only one person could ruin it. Levi.

  Hannah retired to her room to rest after playing a while with the children following Sallie’s wonderful Sunday dinner. She removed her clumsy shoes and lay back against the pillows on her bed.

  Church had been pleasant this morning. She had been pleased by the welcome from the people. Lucky for her not all the town’s residents were as unfriendly as Camilla Swenson.

  Her thoughts turned to Micah. She’d noticed the Gordon family and saw that Micah had a brother close to him in age. Even she, a virtual stranger to the town, had noticed the iciness between them. At first it appeared Micah intended to speak, but his brother had walked by without so much as a nod. The two had acted like they didn’t even know each other. Whatever could have happened to cause that much dislike between brothers? She couldn’t imagine snubbing Will or Tom no matter how angry she might ever have been with them.

  Something powerful must be going on for the behavior she saw. Sallie had told her about Micah’s wayward life before he left Stoney Creek, but he didn’t appear to be that kind of man now that he’d returned. What had happened to love and forgiveness in a family?

  “Hannah, it’s Sallie. May I come in a minute?”

  “Sure, come on in.” Hannah sat up on the bed and tucked her shorter leg under her body and dangled the other leg over the edge of the bed.

  Sallie stepped in and closed the door behind her. “I don’t mean to intrude on your private time, but we haven’t had much time for talk with the clinic being so busy. What did you think of church this morning?”

  “It was different from home, but the people are friendly except for Camilla Swenson. Even Jay Barnes stopped and talked to me, and I was glad to see Kenny there with his mother and father. His arm must not be hurting him.”

  “I imagine he’ll be in a few more times in the next months. He’s a rambunctious little boy and doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything. And I wouldn’t worry about Camilla. She’s the only child Mr. Swenson has left, and her widowed father dotes on her. She’s had everything her way for so long that none of the rest of us bother fighting it.”

  They continued with small talk about others in the congregation. Hannah asked about the pretty young schoolteacher, Miss Bradshaw. “She looks about my age and someone with whom I could be friends. Do you know her?”

  “Yes, her family has lived here for years. Ellie went away to school then came home to teach when the other teacher decided to go back East. Word has it that she is seeing Levi Gordon. I think they would be a good match.”

  Hannah picked at the design on the quilt covering her bed. What she really wanted was to know more about Micah Gordon. A deep breath bolstered her courage. “How do you think things are going with Levi and Micah? I noticed how Levi treated Micah at church and thought it was rather sad. I could never do that to Will or Tom.”

  Sallie shook her head. “There’s a lot going on there that we know very little about. Micah left under a cloud, and Levi was very angry with him. I imagine that anger has grown stronger in the years Micah’s been gone.” Sallie absentmindedly smoothed the quilt where Hannah had wrinkled it.

  “That’s so sad for two brothers to feel that way. I’m glad his mother and father and sisters appeared to welcome him.” A sigh escaped, and Sallie shot her a glance.

  “Do I detect some interest, little sister?” A cloud of disapproval came into her eyes. “Depending on who Micah has become, you might steer clear of him, like Burt suggested. In the three years I knew him before he left, he had become quite the ladies’ man. He broke more than a few girls’ hearts.

  I’m surprised Camilla has taken up with him. Maybe she sees him as a challenge.”

  Hannah shook her head, glad that the topic was out in the open. “I must admit I do find him intriguing. With Camilla around, I won’t have much chance to get to know him better, unless he breaks a leg or
something.”

  Sallie laughed. “I have an idea that might help you out. I would like to give you a welcome party. That way you can get to know everyone a little better, including Micah Gordon. What do you think of that?”

  “I think I’d like that. Maybe it will help me to remember names and faces. I did get rather confused this morning at church.” Hannah dipped her chin. “I . . . I don’t think it will make much difference with Micah, though. He seemed quite smitten with Camilla. If she’s at the party, he’ll never notice me, and most likely none of the other men will either.”

  Sallie frowned. “Hannah Grace Dyer, you stop that kind of talk right now. You are a very attractive young woman and a talented one as well. Give it time. Men will see what a delightful person you are and will take notice. You didn’t let your deformity stop you when you were younger, so don’t start it now.”

  Hannah cringed, but then Sallie’s frown disappeared and a smile appeared. “Let’s see what happens in the days ahead.” She slipped from the bed and reached for Hannah’s hands. “We have a party to plan, and it’s going to be the best party this town has seen in a long while.”

  She leaned over and kissed Hannah’s cheek, much like she had when they were children. “You’ll see. It’ll be fine.”

  At the doorway, Sallie stopped and turned back to Hannah. “When you’ve rested, come on downstairs for tea and cookies.”

  When the door closed behind her sister, Hannah thrust her short leg from under her skirt. All her life she’d coped with disability and had gone her own way with confidence in her abilities to study, learn, and be whatever she wanted to be. That feat had been accomplished and bolstered her belief in herself, but it had done nothing for her social life. The party may be fun, but Hannah didn’t plan to get her hopes up for any recognition from Micah Gordon—or any other man for that matter.