He shrugged. “Maybe he’s independently wealthy.”
“Maybe so.” Christopher remembered the expensive-looking suit he wore to the gathering that night. “He certainly dresses in clothes that look like they were store bought. And not from just any store but a fancy city tailor.”
“Yes, I have to admit, Otis cuts a fine figure. But you look better than he ever could even when you’ve got on dungarees with pig slop all over ’em. Of course you do. You take after your old grandpa.” He wagged his forefinger. “Not that your mother was any slouch in her day, either. Don’t tell your father I said so, but she had quite a few offers before he came along and stole her heart.” Grandpa rocked his chair back on its hind legs. “But your daddy has made her happy, and they gave me and your grandma you and your brothers and your sister. I’ll always be grateful to him for that.” He nodded. “Yep, one day I hope you can look back on your life with as much satisfaction as I have in mine.”
“I’m not sure I will if Katherine decides to abandon me for Otis.”
“Maybe you should speak up now before she sets her mind for good.”
“Why bother? I can’t compete with Otis.”
“With that kind of attitude, you never will win at anything.” Grandpa’s frankness caused Christopher’s heart to skip a beat. “Unless all she wants is money. And you won’t be giving her a whole lot of that out here on the farm.”
“Maybe not, but she’ll always have plenty of fresh air and enough to eat. Besides, Katherine isn’t like that. Money never interested her. Sure, I know she wants enough so she won’t have to worry, but she never seems to care about fine things like some other women. Like Rosette Sims, for one.”
“The flirty little brunette who likes to wear her dresses a little lower than she should on top and a mite too short on the bottom?”
“Grandpa! I didn’t think you’d notice such things.”
“I might be old, but my vision’s still good.”
“As a matter of fact, she did come to mind. She always wears the most elaborate hats and too much jewelry for all occasions. Even more so than Miranda.”
“I see you’ve noticed her too, then.” Grandpa chuckled.
“I don’t mean to be prideful, but Rosette has sent interested glances my way more than once.” Christopher cleared his throat. “I’ve never paid her any mind.”
He knew why. He was still too much in love with Katherine.
❧
The evening of the harp solo arrived. Vera had planned the small gathering of friends as a way to entertain her sister who was still in her confinement, so she had asked the guests to bring dishes to share as well.
As Katherine crossed the threshold of the Sharpes’ kitchen, lap harp in hand, she couldn’t remember a time when she had felt more nervous. Well, maybe during the play in her senior year of high school, when she blanked out on her lines and had to ad lib, thereby adding new meaning to the word comical. Too bad the skit had been written as a drama.
“Are you ready, Katherine?” Vera greeted her. “You certainly look splendid enough to perform at a real theater!”
“Thanks.” She looked down at her dress. “So do you.”
Vera blushed. “Hardly. But thanks for the compliment.”
Otis entered behind Katherine, carrying a load of food. “Good evening, Miss Vera.”
She sent him a pleasant smile. “Good evening, Otis.”
“Pardon me for getting right to the point, but I confess this load is a bit heavy. Where shall I put all this food?”
“Over on the table in the dining room, if you’d be so kind. I’ll arrange it later.” She pointed to a table where other guests had already placed many succulent dishes.
“I’m surprised you couldn’t follow the aromas, Otis,” Katherine chided. “Everything smells so delicious, Vera. You must have prepared your famous chicken casserole.”
“Indeed I did.”
“And everything does smell scrumptious,” Otis agreed.
As he hurried to comply with Vera’s instructions, Katherine whispered to her friend, “I wish I felt as confident as you say I look.”
“You have no reason to fear.”
Katherine wasn’t so sure, and the anxiety in her voice betrayed her sentiments. “What will happen if I falter? I’ll look like a fool in front of Otis and Christopher. . . .” She shook the thought from her head.
“I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Most people don’t know enough about playing the harp to realize any mistakes.”
“I don’t know.”
“You have learned your song well. We certainly practiced enough!” Vera looked toward the door. “Besides, judging from the looks of what Otis brought in, you outdid yourself on the quantity of food. No doubt quality as well.”
“I hope so. I cooked all day. Cherry pie, nutmeg cake, vegetable salad, potato salad, even fried chicken. Otis did a lot of taste testing, and he approved all the dishes.”
“I can’t wait to try everything. Come, let’s go greet the others.”
Katherine nodded. She managed to relax as she talked to her old friends and got caught up with their lives. Though life moved slowly on the farm and proved predictable, she still enjoyed hearing about each person’s joys and mourned with each sorrow. She tried to make her way over to Christopher, but he spent most of the evening with the men, most likely talking about the latest market numbers and other details of running a farm. Though she found the talk fascinating, the men considered numbers and such more their domain, so she tried to look as though she wasn’t paying them much mind.
She caught Christopher’s eye once or twice, and he looked congenial enough, but he never did manage to finagle his way near enough to her to share a thought or two. Funny, she had missed him while he was away at school, but his chatty letters always kept her informed, so she didn’t think much about his expected absence at gatherings. Now that he was always in the same room, she realized how much her fondness for him had grown over the years. Too bad he considered her nothing more than a childhood friend.
Where did that thought come from?
“Why, Katherine,” Miranda noted, “if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were blushing.”
“You must really like Otis a lot,” Lily observed.
“He is nice enough.” Katherine didn’t want to be ebullient about her guest. Otherwise, her friends might get the wrong idea. On the other hand, she didn’t want to be too harsh. Why invent a failing just to show them that her heart refused to flutter when he entered the room?
“Maybe you’ll be moving to South Carolina before you know it,” Lily speculated.
“Now, now, let’s not jump to conclusions,” Katherine said. “I have no thought in my mind of making any such decision. Otis and I have become acquainted through the exchange of letters. That is all, and that is all I think it ever shall be.”
“He hasn’t hinted at more?” Miranda’s eyes were wide.
Katherine shrugged. For the first time, she wished Otis had flirted with her. Then she would have a story to share amid blushes and shy whispers. But as it was, she did not. She swallowed. “As I said, he is a kind houseguest. He will be returning to his home soon.”
“I see.” When Miranda turned her head to eye Otis, her pearl earrings dangled in stride. She fanned herself with a much higher degree of energy than the weather required.
Even Katherine had to admit he cut a fine figure in his tailored clothes.
“He is quite stylish,” Lily noted. “But he has nothing on my Wilbur.” She sent her fiancé a smile that caught his attention. He smiled back.
Katherine held back a chuckle. Only Lily would say that Wilbur appeared superior to Otis. She looked over at Christopher. He held his own against every man in the room. Every man she knew, for that matter. Even Otis.
“Well.” Vera approached from the kitchen and looked at the overburdened table. “It looks like everyone is here. I say it’s high time we ate.”
Alice’s husband
offered grace, and they began.
Katherine wasn’t worried about dinner. She knew she could hold her own in cooking. For once, she felt relaxed and took time to relish the feeling as she sampled the dishes her friends had brought.
“This cherry pie is mighty good,” Christopher remarked later over dessert. “I’m told you made it?”
“Yes, I did. I’m glad you like it.”
“I sure do.” He grinned. “Your cooking certainly has improved since your teen years. I remember when you brought rock-hard biscuits to a church potluck dinner.”
She groaned. “Did you have to remind me?” Still, she cherished his memories. Christopher’s observation only brought to light the history they shared, something she never could have with Otis.
Seeming to sense her thoughts, Otis interjected from his perch on the other side of the divan, “Yes, this pie is wonderful, Katherine. I don’t remember a time I’ve tasted better. And Christopher, you must try the nutmeg cake, too. It’s absolutely splendid. I had the privilege of being with Katherine as she cooked, so I have already sampled every foodstuff she made. I can assure you, each dish is absolutely exquisite.”
“I’m sure.” Christopher didn’t look too happy.
“What amazes me, Miranda, is that you never told me about this particular skill. Frankly, I think cooking well is much more useful than being able to sing and dance. Much more practical, certainly.”
“Katherine is talented in a number of areas, as Miranda told you,” Christopher said. “Katherine is much too modest to boast about her skills and talents. Then again, I’ve known her a long time, and I am well aware of her many gifts.”
“Thank you,” Katherine said softly. Christopher’s kind words meant so much more than any flattery from Otis could have.
Dinner passed all too quickly. Wariness returned later as Katherine went before her friends. Since they were show-offs, the friends played and sang for each other to rousing applause. Miranda took the opportunity to sing an opera tune that impressed all, even Katherine. Upon the song’s completion, Otis clapped the loudest. Miranda curtsied several times to resounding applause.
“I know you brought that harp for a reason,” Christopher said to Katherine. “Let’s hear you play.”
“I agree!” Otis said. “She’s been practicing with Vera, and I haven’t heard her pluck the first note myself.
Katherine swallowed but obeyed their prodding and took her place in front of them.
Father in heaven, I know I don’t deserve Thy mercy, but I ask for Thee to stay with me as I perform tonight.
Once Katherine hit the first few notes, she remembered the rest of the song with ease. She even forgot she had an audience of almost everyone in the world she cared about, and as she plucked, she enjoyed listening to the music she created. She almost couldn’t believe it when the end of the piece was greeted by unstinting applause and smiles from her friends. She felt pleased and relieved. Vera had been right after all. Learning the song was much more rewarding than pretending to learn it. And her conscience was clear.
Father in heaven, I thank Thee for seeing me through.
Eight
After the concert, the group relaxed, seated around the room, and talked among themselves. Otis broke off with Christopher and approached Katherine as Vera excused herself to chat with Miranda.
Katherine gave him a look that she knew expressed her nervousness. She wasn’t sure what to expect.
To her surprise and delight, he offered a smile. “You played superbly, Katherine. Even better than I anticipated. And I assure you, that’s saying quite a lot.”
Katherine smiled, feeling genuine delight in a performance well executed. As Vera had foretold, the effort had been worth the reward. “Thank you.”
Otis rose from his seat. “If you’ll excuse me, I must say a few words to Miranda. Surely she is to be congratulated for her superb rendition as well. She certainly chose a challenging aria and delivered it flawlessly. Why, she could pass for someone trained in such arts.”
“Yes.” The fact she felt no jealousy surprised Katherine.
“Is she?”
“Is she what?” Katherine shot a glimpse Miranda’s way.
“Why, trained in the art of opera, of course.”
“Oh.” Katherine tried to recall. “I believe she took lessons some years back. A voice teacher traveled from town to town, giving lessons every week or so. I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity, I’m sorry to say.”
“That is not to be regretted. Your talents are many.” He nodded once. “Now to congratulate Miranda.”
Katherine wasn’t alone for long, for Christopher soon walked up beside her. “For once I concur with Otis. Your talents are indeed many. I must say, your performance just now was splendid.”
Katherine noticed that Christopher’s congratulations sounded heartier than Otis’s had. His words seemed to convey that he was happy that she had finally learned to play the harp after years of wishing she could. “Yes. Learning that song—really learning to play it—taught me a lot. I have to give Vera credit for being patient enough to teach me.”
“Yes, Vera is a good friend to you.”
She nodded and looked over at Otis. He was engaged in animated conversation with Miranda.
Christopher’s gaze followed hers. “Otis seems to have made a new friend here.”
“Yes.”
His dark eyebrows shot up, drawing her attention not only to his surprise but also to his clear blue eyes. “You don’t seem to be bothered by his apparent interest in your friend.”
“Should I be? I’ve always maintained that Otis and I are just correspondents. Nothing more.”
Christopher didn’t seem to mind her admission and changed the topic. Yet she hardly heard what he said as she recalled the trickery regarding the horsemanship that Miranda had planned over her protests. Katherine had decided to make one last attempt to call it off. “Excuse me, Christopher. I have something to say to Otis and Miranda.”
“Oh?” His mouth straightened. “You don’t want to hear about how Reddy got out of the pen and scared Mr. Crawford half to death?”
“Again?” She shook her head. “That bull has never been one to be controlled, has he? How many times has he gotten out of that pen?” Nevertheless, she drew out her lace fan and cooled herself with it as she stood in place, a sign of her willingness to listen to his tale of mock woe.
Christopher laughed and finished his story, embellishing the details and making much of the fact that his neighbor Homer, known to be equal parts bully and coward, fell face down in the mud while trying to escape the ranting beast, hurting only his pride but leaving a splotch of wet dirt on his dungarees. Though glad for the amusing interlude, Katherine excused herself from Christopher as quickly as she could when he was done.
She made her way through the gathering, weaving through couples as well as clusters of friends chattering about the latest news. When Katherine reached the couple, Miranda was throwing her head back in mirth. Her earrings dangled with the motion.
“Oh, do let me in on the joke. I always like a good laugh,” Katherine said.
Otis’s response didn’t convey the deference to which Katherine had become accustomed. “Perhaps I should wait until we arrive at your home. I would be remiss if I allowed Miss Miranda to listen to my story again. I never like to bore anyone.”
“Oh, you could never bore me, Otis,” Miranda insisted. “Do retell the whole story from start to finish. And don’t you think of leaving out a single detail on my account.”
“Are you sure you’d like to hear me tell my tale again?” Otis asked.
“Indeed.”
“All right then. If you will not take no for an answer.” Otis grinned and then related a story about his office that didn’t seem all that amusing to Katherine, but Miranda laughed again as though she had heard it for the first time.
Katherine wished she hadn’t insisted on hearing the story. She took her cue from Miranda and c
huckled at the right times. Encouraged by their attention, Otis relayed yet another event, one mildly amusing to Katherine but apparently of great interest to Miranda.
“You are aware that Katherine is an expert horsewoman, are you not, Otis?” Miranda asked when the subject of Miranda’s success in horse shows was broached.
Good! An opportunity!
“About that—” Katherine said.
“Yes, indeed,” Otis interjected, lifting his forefinger as though he were a college professor about to make a point that would be included on the examination, “You made that quite plain in your letters, Miranda.”
“Oh, but I could never compete with Miranda. And I wouldn’t want to.” Katherine sent a flattering look Miranda’s way.
Miranda fanned herself with enough gusto to cause her overloaded charm bracelet to clink with fury. She batted her heavy eyelashes at Otis. “Well, I do have my share of ribbons and praise for my skill. Katherine has complimented me many a time.”
“Coming from another expert horsewoman, that must mean a lot,” Otis said.
“About that expert horsewoman business,” Katherine managed, “I must admit, I’m not quite as skilled as you may have been led to believe. In fact—”
Otis swatted his hand at her and looked at her as though she were a child speaking out of turn. “Our Katherine is the modest one, isn’t she?” Otis asked Miranda. “I can see why she’s so popular.”
“I prefer to say that I am blessed with many friends who are kind to me beyond what I deserve,” Katherine said. “Take Miranda here—”
“Yes, Miranda does seem as though she would make quite a good friend,” Otis observed, sending a pleasant smile Miranda’s way. “Perhaps you should come along and watch Katherine as she demonstrates her skill to me some time. I was thinking of asking her if we could meet tomorrow, perhaps.”
“Tomorrow would work well.”
“Good. By all accounts you would appreciate the chance to watch since you will know how hard she works to hone her equestrian skills.”
Miranda didn’t miss a beat. “I’d love to be there. I’ll see what I can do. As you know, I’m always up for an adventure.” She sent Katherine a sly smile that Katherine was sure escaped Otis’s notice. “Seeing Katherine and her horse would be quite impressive, but now that I recall my schedule for tomorrow, I regret that my entire afternoon is engaged.” Miranda let out a larger-than-life sigh. “I’m afraid I shall miss seeing her. Another time, perhaps.” The sweet countenance she conveyed to Katherine left no hint that Miranda had any other intention.
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