Corduroy Road To Love

by Coleman, Lynn A.

“Cyrus isn’t a farmer. Neither am I for that matter. But he did do an excellent job rebuilding the house, didn’t he?”

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t doubt yourself, then. Ye did what was right with what facts ye knew. We now know he can’t farm, so you will not let him live there again after the harvest.”

  “True.”

  “Ida Mae, I see in ye an incredible woman. Yes, I want to protect you. But ye have done well to settle your parents’ accounts and work out a plan with your brothers for the family assets. You are a smart woman. Not to mention a wonderful spinster.”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  “Pardon?”

  “Never mind. Just my foolish ramblings about the two meanings of the word.”

  Spinster? Ah, one who spins and an old single lass. “I can change one of those meanings for you.”

  She slapped him on the knee.

  “Tell me this, at least. Are ye at peace with me beside you?”

  She glanced down at her hands. Her soft, delicate hands. Olin swallowed a desire to kiss each and every one of her fingers.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  Olin’s heart soared.

  The sound of a horse approaching caused him to remove his arm from around her shoulders.

  ❧

  Ida Mae was more confused now than she was on her arrival earlier that morning. Olin had no idea how much she enjoyed and longed for another kiss from him. Even if it was just an emotional response to the shocking events of the day.

  “Ida Mae?” The deep voice of her uncle, Minnie’s father, echoed between the house and the barn. “Where are you?”

  Olin jumped up from the swing and held out his hand to assist her. She took it but let go as soon as she was on her feet. There was no question what her uncle was here for or who told her uncle where she was. “Uncle Ty, I’m out back.”

  The man stood about six feet tall. “Your cousin told me I’d find you here. Come on. You’re coming home with me.”

  “I’m fine, Uncle Ty. Have you met Olin Orr?”

  “Hello, sir.” Olin extended his hand.

  “I ain’t met him, nor do I have a mind to. You’re coming home with me right now. I ain’t having the whole town shaking their tongues about our family and how my niece is a lady of ill repute.”

  Olin’s shoulders squared as he stepped in front of the man. “Ye will not speak of Ida Mae that way. Nor shall ye speak to her in that manner.”

  Ida Mae placed her hand on Olin’s forearm. “It’s all right. I’ll go with him.”

  “Ye will not. I won’t have ye subjected to such evil thoughts.”

  Uncle Ty paled. “What gives you the right, son?”

  “I love her. And if ye did, ye wouldn’t have spoke such to her.”

  Kyle, John, and Olin’s father came out of the barn and stood beside her and Olin.

  “Uncle Ty, I’ve done nothing wrong. Olin simply offered a place for me to stay while my window is repaired.”

  “And his mother and I would nay allow any improprieties in our house.”

  “I’ll go if you insist. But at least here I have my own room and my own bed. I’m not partial to sleeping with Minnie. The girl tosses and turns all night.”

  Uncle Ty relaxed. “You weren’t taken against your will?”

  “No, sir. Olin’s a perfect gentleman.”

  Mrs. Orr joined them, rubbing her hands on her apron. “Can I get ye a glass of iced tea?”

  “That would be mighty neighborly of you. I guess I let my emotions run away with me.”

  Olin’s father walked up to him. “I have a couple daughters of my own. I understand. Come in the house and let’s set a spell.”

  Kyle and John went back to the barn. Olin, his parents, Uncle Ty, and Ida Mae sat down in the front sitting room. “Mighty fine house you have.”

  “Thank ye. The good Lord’s blessed us.”

  Uncle Ty’s house was a rugged log cabin with small rooms. They finished off the dirt floors a few years back. He was a hard worker, and over the years Minnie spent more money than they could afford. Thankfully, they sent her to work at the local bakery a few years back and it had been a huge help.

  “Ida Mae, Minnie’s been tellin’ us all kinds of things. Has someone been stealing from you?”

  “Yes.”

  “And there have been broken windows?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about this fire? Minnie said Olin’s been rumored to have started it.”

  Mr. Orr cleared his throat.

  “Forgive me; she said it was a rumor.”

  Olin spoke up. “Most of what Minnie has shared with you is true. For some reason folks are trying to bring up the past and make me leave town. You may speak with the sheriff and confirm his reinvestigation into Gary Jones’s death. I admit he died at my hands while we were involved in childish fisticuffs but it was accidental.”

  Ty turned to address Ida Mae. “I’m still concerned about folks thinking you are not behaving as a lady should.”

  “I can’t do anything about gossip, and I certainly can’t do anything about Minnie. She means well, but she’ll listen to anything and assume it is so. As I said outside, I’ll stay with you for the night if you insist, but I’d prefer to stay out here, if you don’t mind. I’m returning to my home tomorrow.”

  “Well, I don’t know. Your aunt will have my hide if I don’t bring ya. But I can see that these folks will watch over you. Why don’t you stay in your shop tonight, Olin?”

  “I moved my shop to McGillis’s Grain and Feed. There isn’t room for a cot in there.”

  Not to mention the sheriff will be sleeping in his old shop tonight. Ida Mae smiled. “Uncle Ty, I am fine and I am safe.”

  “Very well. But I want you to let us know the next time.”

  There hadn’t been time. “Sure. I’m sorry to have put you through so much worry.”

  Olin stood first. “Mr. Jacobs, who told Minnie that the town was gossiping about Ida Mae being a woman of ill repute?”

  “I don’t know. She said someone saw you entering Ida Mae’s late last night.”

  Olin glanced over at Ida Mae.

  “That was in the middle of the night.”

  “You mean it’s true?” Ty’s hands clutched the arms of his chair until his knuckles turned white.

  ❧

  Olin had taken just about enough from Ida Mae’s caring family. “Sir, I told ye once, ye will not speak thus to Ida Mae. I shall not warn ye a second time.”

  “Uncle Ty, relax, please. There was a fire outside my house. Olin put it out. We were talking in the entryway. Nothing happened.”

  “I ain’t about to put up with the likes of you speakin’ to me in such tones. Ida Mae, come with me now. Pack your bags and come.”

  Ida Mae stood up.

  “No, she’s not leaving. She’s safe here and she’ll stay here.”

  “Olin Robert Orr, sit down.” His father stood with his hands on his hips and pointed toward Uncle Ty’s chair.

  “Mr. Jacobs, have ye ever known Ida Mae to be anything less than honorable?”

  “No.”

  “Ye should be trustin’ your niece, not the gossip of others.”

  Olin fought the desire to escort the man from his home. He was looking after the well-being of Ida Mae, even if it was misguided.

  “On my word of honor, Mr. Jacobs, we did nothing inappropriate last night or any other time.”

  The sheriff and Olin had decided to keep the message from the rock hidden in hopes of exposing the person who had written it. But it appeared the individual had already started informing others. Olin wanted to be on the streets, watching Ida Mae’s. He wanted to catch this man in the act. No, he needed to catch this man. Ida Mae should not live in fear or humiliation because of her relationship with me, Lord.

  “I’m sorry I spoke poorly of Ida Mae. I do apologize. I’ve been up all night, helping birth a calf. But it ain’t right for Ida Mae to stay here when folks are suspect
in’ the worst. I think she should stay with us.”

  “I’ll come.” Ida Mae stood. “I’ll get my carpetbag.”

  “Are ye sure?”

  “Yes, Olin, thank you. It’s for the best.”

  “As ye wish. I’ll lend you my horse.” Olin walked out to the barn.

  “What’s happenin’?” John and Kyle jumped on him when he entered the barn.

  “She’s going home with her uncle.”

  “I don’t like it,” Kyle said, twisting the rope in his hand.

  “Neither do I, but it is her family and it is her choice.”

  “Aye, ’tis true. What should we do about the recent rock?”

  “Let me give Ida Mae my horse. I’ll come back and tell ye the plans.”

  Olin walked the horse over to the front door. He’d left it saddled when he returned from town; he’d been waiting to discuss his returning tonight to watch the street when he was pleasantly interrupted. Olin thought back on their kiss. Warmth and a huge sense of protectiveness came over him.

  Ida Mae and her uncle exited the house. “Are ye sure?” he asked again, praying she’d change her mind.

  “Yes.”

  His heart sank.

  “I love ye,” he whispered as he helped her mount the horse.

  Ida Mae’s smile sent his heart thumping again. “I’ll see you in the morning, Olin.”

  “Aye.”

  “Come on, girl, the sun will be setting soon.” Ty Jacobs clicked his tongue and his horse trotted forward.

  Ida Mae followed.

  Olin watched as they made their way down the long dirt road. She turned back and waved just before the bend. Please, Lord, keep her safe.

  Olin ran back to the barn. “Saddle up the horses, boys. We have a long night ahead of us.”

  Ten

  “Minnie, please stop. What is it with you?”

  “Me? You’re the one that won’t listen to common sense. The man is dangerous, I tell you.”

  Ida Mae’s patience was wearing thin. She would much rather be savoring the memory of Olin’s kiss than arguing with her cousin that she didn’t know what she was talking about. “Minnie, I don’t know why you believe Percy Mandrake anyway. The man is not the most God-fearing man in the county.”

  “But he’s fine-lookin’.”

  “If you say so.” Olin’s deep brown eyes and wonderfully curly black hair flooded back in her mind.

  “See, ya know what I mean. Percy also knows how to treat a woman.”

  Ida Mae’s smile slipped. “Minnie, I don’t know Percy, but he’s never struck me as being completely honest.” And how does one trust a male gossip? Not that I trust a female one, either.

  “He says Bobby has always been a problem.”

  “Maybe for him. Olin says ever since they were children Percy and he never got along. They’ve been oil and water forever.”

  “See, you have to agree with me. Percy is telling the truth.”

  “No, I don’t have to agree with you. Percy is not telling the entire truth. How’d he know that Olin came into my house last night? It was the middle of the night. No one should have been out there walking the streets.”

  “So, why was Bobby?”

  “He couldn’t sleep and came by to check on me because of all the problems I’ve been having.”

  “Neighbors said he started the fire.”

  “And the sheriff got the truth out of them that they didn’t really see him start the fire. And why does Percy want Olin out of town so badly?” Ida Mae pressed. “After all these years, why does he care? It seems to me he goes out of his way to interfere with Olin’s life, and Olin hasn’t done anything to Percy.”

  Minnie curled her knees up to her chest. “You trust Olin that much?”

  “Yes. Do you trust Percy that much?” Ida Mae sat down on the bed beside her cousin and faced her.

  Minnie hung her head. “No, I suppose I don’t.”

  “Ah, so who do you think might be right in this case, Olin or Percy?”

  Minnie shot her chin upward. “I’d hate to admit it, but probably Olin.”

  Ida Mae smiled. “Thank you. That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, let’s get to sleep so I can go to work having rested a little bit.”

  They shifted and slipped under the covers. “Ida Mae?”

  “Hmm.”

  “Cyrus is still telling folks you and he are married.”

  “What?” Ida Mae shot back upright. “He’s married; I’m not.”

  “He’s married?”

  Ida Mae closed her eyes and sighed. “Yes, but promise me you won’t tell a single soul. I mean it, Minnie, not one person.”

  “Who to, if it ain’t you?”

  “I can’t say. I promised I wouldn’t. They haven’t told her parents yet.”

  “Oh, brother. If I marry I won’t be staying in my parents’ house and pretending I’m not.”

  “Nor would I.”

  Ida Mae lay back down and slipped the covers over herself once again.

  “Ida Mae?”

  “Hmm.” Please, God, let her sleep. My nerves are shot. I need some peace.

  “Do you think you’ll get married?”

  “I hope to.”

  “I’m worried. We’re getting too old. Men like the younger women.”

  “Minnie, trust the Lord.”

  “I suppose.”

  Ida Mae thought of a hundred things to say to her cousin about trusting the Lord and not throwing herself at men as she had in the past. Minnie rolled to her side. Ida Mae rolled to her other side and faced the dark wall. Choosing to think on better things, she allowed her mind to go back to the kitchen at the Orrs’ farm. Olin’s warm embrace, their tender kiss and his mother’s. . . Ida Mae giggled.

  “What?” Minnie whispered.

  ❧

  Olin sequestered himself behind the houses of the nosy neighbors who had reported him to the sheriff. They had a fair view of Ida Mae’s shop. In the dark, it didn’t make sense that they could have made out that it was him who put out the fire. He didn’t know these people. They were new in town, at least within the past seven years. Charlotte was growing. No one could know everyone any longer.

  A man walked past Ida Mae’s building. It was late enough that most folks were home in bed. Olin whistled the night owl’s birdsong to alert his brothers that someone was walking past.

  The man continued to walk at a slow but even pace.

  Olin sat for another hour until a dim light appeared in Ida Mae’s room. He eased out of his cramped space and stretched his muscles. Should he go in?

  He signaled Kyle with the screech owl’s birdsong, which would keep John perched with a perfect shot of the back door if someone should come out.

  Kyle jogged quietly among the shadows.

  “Look.” Olin pointed.

  “Someone’s in there.”

  “Aye, it could be the sheriff. Should I go in?”

  “No, little brother, ye stay here. I’ll take a wide circle around the block and sneak up to the blacksmith shop and tell the sheriff.”

  “Tap the door three times lightly. If he doesn’t answer, barge in.”

  Kyle nodded and slipped back into the shadows.

  Olin moved to a location closer to the back door but lay down under some overgrown bushes, praying that he wouldn’t disturb any snakes or other creeping animals.

  Ten minutes later a man yelled in front of the shop. Olin bolted, immediately joined by John.

  ❧

  Exhausted, Ida Mae prayed she could get some rest in her own bed. She didn’t have any clients coming in this morning, so she decided to close the shop for the morning and take advantage of her own bed. Whomever Minnie married would have to snore louder than her or else be deaf, because he wouldn’t get a wink of sleep otherwise. She felt some relief that her family believed her about Olin. Granted, the Jacobses were hesitant, but they did trust her. It had been a good decision to go home with Uncle Ty. She would have preferred to stay at Ol
in’s, but her family needed to know Olin was not the man the rumors made him out to be. What still bothered her was Percy Mandrake. Why did he hold so much disdain for Olin?

  “Ida Mae! Ida Mae!” Mrs. Waters ran up to her as she exited the stable. “Did you hear what happened last night?”

  Dread spiraled down her spine. Olin said the sheriff was going to spend the night in the shop. “No, what happened?”

  “In the middle of the night a man fell and broke his leg right in front of your shop. Can you imagine?”

  “No, who?”

  “Sheriff found him in the wee hours. What was the man doing out at that hour, I ask you? Up to no good, I tell you.”

  “He was in front of my shop?”

  “Actually, by the town well, but that’s just about in front of your shop. You didn’t have a gentleman caller again last night, did you?”

  Ida Mae held down her temper. “No. I didn’t have one any other night, either, contrary to gossip.”

  “Where were you last night?”

  “I spent the night at my uncle Ty’s house with my cousin Minnie, if you must know.”

  “Oh, I heard you were out at the Orrs’ farm.”

  “I visited Mrs. Orr during the day. Mr. Orr insisted I stay away from my shop while he cleaned up the damage and the sheriff investigated. Then I ate dinner and spent the night with Minnie.”

  “Oh. I knew you were a good girl.”

  “Mrs. Waters, who’s been spreading ugly words about me?”

  “I don’t know, dear. No one seems to have seen anything, just hearsay, which is why I came to you directly.”

  Ida Mae smiled. “Please inform your friends I was safe with my family last night.”

  “I’ll be happy to spread the word.”

  “Thank you.”

  Mrs. Waters left before Ida Mae remembered that she hadn’t heard who got hurt in front of her shop. She unlocked the front door and went inside. Olin had cleaned up the broken glass. The window was covered by wood. It wasn’t pretty but it was functional.

  In her room, she flopped down on her bed.

  The hammering of someone knocking and calling her name woke her up. She glanced at the clock. Oh my. Rattled, she jumped up and ran to the door.

  “Olin, what’s the matter?”

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, what’s wrong?”