Owen said, “Hello there. Mighty fine to meet you, Warren. Forgive me if I don’t stand.”
“Hello.” Robert stood, offering his handshake.
Warren took the extended hand. “Glad to meet you.”
“Grace says you are working with Frank as his partner.” Owen leaned back in his chair and scrutinized him.
“Yes, sir, I’m working with him, but we aren’t formally in partnership as of now. It’s best to see how things go first between us.”
Owen scratched his beard. “I see. Frank’s a good, solid man. You can’t go wrong partnering with him.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Warren replied, glancing over to Robert. “I’m glad to hear you’re working for Grace because I intend to get her out more. A pretty woman like her needn’t be locked away all the time.”
Robert agreed, and Grace noticed his intense stare at Warren. “True, but I believe Grace can do as she pleases and I see no rope around her neck.”
Warren laughed heartily. “Touché. Nevertheless, I’m sure she feels an obligation to keep the farm from going under.” He turned toward her and extended his hand. “Shall we go have that dinner, now?”
Why did he mention the farm going under? Had Frank spoken to him about it? It really wasn’t any of his concern. Grace looked at Robert before taking Warren’s arm. “I don’t need defending, but thank you all the same.”
He gave her a genuine smile and said, “Enjoy your night out.”
Warren and Grace were on their way out when Tom clambered up the front steps and murmured hello. He paused a moment to look again at Warren, but said nothing else and went on inside.
“Checkmate,” Owen said just as Tom burst into the room. “Hi, Tom. I just beat your papa at chess.”
Robert grinned. “Pure luck.”
“I’ve seen that man before,” Tom remarked.
“Who are you talking about?” Owen asked.
“The man leaving outside with Miss Grace.”
Now Robert was interested. “Now where would that be, Tom?”
“Uh . . . on the road to town after work . . . I mean after school one day.” Tom chewed his bottom lip.
“Work? You mean the work at school?”
“Never mind. Just thought I’d seen him before.” Tom suddenly grew calmer and Robert suspected he might be hiding something.
Becky and Sarah waltzed in. “You didn’t see him after school because you haven’t been going to school,” Becky blurted out.
Robert stood, hands on his hips. “What are you saying, Becky?”
Becky’s lip trembled and Tom glared at her. “Shut up, smarty-pants!”
“What are you not telling me?” Robert looked from Becky to Tom.
“Just what Becky said,” Sarah added. She went to lean against Owen’s shoulder, and he slipped his arm about her, not commenting.
Tom shrugged his shoulder and gave Robert a defiant stare. “I don’t need schoolin’, and we need the money, so I got a job working for Eli at the general store.”
Robert took a deep breath to control his anger. He didn’t want to say something he might regret. “Becky and Sarah, I think it’s time you got ready for bed,” he ordered firmly.
Becky cast a glance at Tom, and when he nodded his agreement, the two girls scurried out of the room and up the stairs.
“Tom, why have you been lying to me and skipping school?” Robert demanded. “As long as you’re in my custody, then you have to abide by my rules.”
“I figured that I’d be thirteen soon and can earn my own way. I wasn’t planning on staying with you.”
“Do you want me to leave so you two can talk privately?” Owen asked.
“No, Owen. You’re fine right where you are.”
“Tom, where do you think you’d go?” Robert watched Tom’s face for clues. Was he still angry? Would he really leave his sisters behind?
“I haven’t thought about it.”
“I thought we had an understanding. I’m doing the best that I can to provide for you and the girls.”
“I reckon you are, but you’ll never be my father,” Tom retorted.
“And I don’t want to take his place, but maybe sometime you can tell me more about him.”
“I never met him—” Tom’s expression was sullen and he looked away, avoiding Robert’s eyes.
Robert’s heart began softening. No father? Shame on me for never asking. “Tom, I’m asking you agreeably to go back to school because you’re my charge until you’re old enough to make decisions on your own. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” he mumbled.
“Who else knows besides your sisters?”
“Only Eli and the teacher. Can I go now?” Tom fidgeted with a piece of carving wood that he still held in his hand.
“As long as we understand each other and come Monday morning you’re back in school where you belong. Is that understood?”
Tom nodded. “All right,” he said, finally giving in. “I understand.”
“Trust me a little while longer and everything is going to work out,” Robert assured him.
But would it?
20
Throughout supper at the Stafford Hotel, Grace discovered that Warren was a voracious talker, and she was amused that much of his conversation centered on himself. She barely got a chance to speak unless he asked her a direct question, but that was all right with her since it gave her a chance to get to know him better. One thing about him, he was energetic and entertaining. He made her laugh a lot.
“My family is back East, but once I received my law degree, I was ready for adventure, and what better place to explore than the West? I’m so glad that I did now that I’ve met you.” He rested his brown eyes on hers with open admiration. “I’m glad that you decided to get away from the farm for a night out. It must be very difficult taking care of your father without help.”
Grace dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “I manage. He’s not totally helpless, and Robert has recently been a very big help to me in keeping the farm going.” At the mention of Robert’s name, Warren visibly stiffened.
“You know you could sell the farm now and live in town and be free of worry.”
“That may be so, but what would I do to occupy my time?” she replied.
“I would assume a husband and children would keep you busy.” He gave her a boyish grin.
“I’d have to have a husband for that to happen, and if I did, I’d be just as happy being outdoors in my garden and walking the land. There’s peace that only living on the land can afford,” Grace explained, which was true.
“Oh, I’d see to it that you’d have lots to do. There’s travel, community projects, caring for the house, or volunteering—but I’m not too fond of children.”
She laughed. “But you’re not my husband, and I’m simply more suited to living in the country. I long for children. I’m not accustomed to the lifestyle you speak about.”
“You could be . . . and I might be just the man to change your mind, if given a chance.”
“I would never leave my father alone.”
“He wouldn’t have to be alone. You could hire someone to keep him company.”
“Mmm . . . You have it all worked out, don’t you? Are you proposing?” She stared directly at him over the rim of her coffee cup.
He roared with laughter. “Not yet, but I was giving you options to think about. You needn’t pine away forever.” He leaned forward across the table and took her hand, his dark eyes appearing even darker. “Besides, I see loneliness in your eyes. I’d like to help you with that.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Surely you don’t deny that you’re lonely. I believe you have a lot to offer a man and you’re pleasant to be around.”
She stammered. “I’m not denying the fact that I do get lonely from time to time, but presently that has changed, at least for the time being. I have three children under my roof until Robert can get them settled.”
/> “And what does he give you in return for that?”
She withdrew her hand from his. “Are you insinuating—”
“Now, don’t get all riled up. I know kids can be a handful. But Robert may be expecting more of your generosity.”
Her coffee cup rattled as she set it down, much like her mind did. “I don’t believe I like the way this conversation is going, so if you don’t mind, we need to change the subject.”
“I’m sorry, Grace. I didn’t mean anything by it. Truly. Now that we’re through eating, why don’t we go enjoy a beautiful evening ride?” Warren said, pushing back his chair.
“That might be best, but don’t you need to pay the bill first?”
He smiled as he took her wrap and laid it across her shoulders with a gentle touch. “I took care of that in advance.” He had a way of making her feel pretty, feminine, and special—looked after. She had to admit, she craved the touch of a man, but she needed to go slow.
As they were leaving, they ran into Frank and Ginny making their way to a table.
“Grace, it’s nice to run into you,” Frank said. Then, indicating Warren and chuckling, he added, “Him, I see almost every day.”
“Hello,” Grace said, then briefly hugged Ginny. “Are you here for supper? Ours was delicious.”
Ginny looked a little peaked. “Yes, a bit later than we normally go out. I had a little tummy trouble earlier but now I’m ravenous!” She laughed.
“You’re eating for two, so I’m not surprised.”
“If you’ll excuse us, Grace and I were about to leave while we still have time to enjoy this nice evening weather we’re having.” Warren gently nudged Grace.
“By all means, we don’t want to hold you two up.” Frank moved aside for them to pass. “We’ll talk later, Warren.”
“Enjoy!” Ginny called. “Perhaps I’ll see you at church if I’m up to it, Grace.”
“I hope you will. Bye now.” Grace allowed Warren to place his hand at her back, guiding her through the tables. The pressure of his hand felt strange. She hadn’t been touched in a long while, and it was comforting.
When they arrived back at her house, the earlier conversation was forgotten and she’d enjoyed his funny tales of growing up with two sisters. He never again mentioned anything disconcerting, so she thought it must have been her imagination. She could see by the lantern’s light on the porch that her father and Robert were sitting on the front porch.
“I see Robert is waiting around for you to return. I don’t think he trusts me,” Warren complained.
Grace giggled. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m sure he hasn’t given much thought to you. He and my Pop like to sit and chat after a long day.”
“Are you telling me he lives here with you?” He frowned.
“He sleeps in the barn with his son for now. He wouldn’t hear of staying in my house.”
“I see. Very discreet of him, I’m sure. Then I guess I’ll say good night to you in front of an audience.”
She took his hand and he assisted her out of the carriage. “That’s the proper thing to do.” Heaven forbid! Was he planning on stealing a kiss?
“Thank you for the lovely company. We’ll have to do this again soon.” He took her hand in full view of her father and Robert and leaned down to touch his lips briefly to the back of it.
“Good night, Warren, and thank you for dinner.” She withdrew her hand, blushing beneath his penetrating stare, which she could see from the light of the full moon.
He nodded, then got back in the carriage and left. Grace joined her father and Robert on the porch. “Pop, you didn’t have to wait up for me.”
“I wasn’t spying on you, if that’s what you think, daughter. Me and Robert were discussing a situation.”
“Oh?” she asked, plopping down in a rocker. “I’ve only been gone a few hours and there was a problem? The children?”
Robert stood up and leaned against the porch railing, crossing his arms. “I’m not good at discipline because I’ve never had to do it. This parenting is new to me and not an easy thing.”
“But what was the problem?” she pressed, pulling her wrap tighter around her against the night’s chill. A hoot owl sounded in the distance, reminding her that it was late for all of them.
“Tom has been skipping school and has a job at the mercantile,” Robert told her. “Things have been a little strained between us, but I thought we’d worked through all that. Guess I was wrong.”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Robert. Did Sarah and Becky know?” Grace asked.
“Yes, so tomorrow I’ll have to have a word with them about keeping his secret.” He let his arms drop. “I’m not sure why they would.”
“I do. They’re trying to take care of each other and you’re not their real father. You can count on it—they’ll push you on everything,” Owen advised.
“Maybe I can speak to them,” Grace commented. “Tom just wants to be valued, and they’ve had a hard time losing their mother.”
“Thanks, but I need to do this. I can’t thank you both enough for treating them like part of your family.”
“I have a suggestion. Why not see if Eli will keep him on once school is out for summer? That’ll give him a little independence—which he’s reaching for,” Owen said.
“I like that idea, Owen. I’ll talk to Eli about it. I just wish he’d told me about Tom working for him.” He sighed. “I’d better get to bed now. Good night.”
Grace watched him walk in the direction of the barn, shoulders slumped and his head down. She wished there was a way to help him, but they were his children, whether from birth or adoption. She felt sorry for him, but most of all she felt sorry for the children.
When Robert climbed the ladder to the loft, he saw Tom’s slim form in the makeshift straw bed. He removed his boots and wondered if Tom was asleep. He doubted it.
“In case you’re still awake, Tom, I’m not mad at you, only disappointed. I’m going to ask Eli if you can work for him during the summer, or at least until the potato crop needs harvesting. And you can keep the money you earn.”
Tom never answered, but he shifted his body, making the straw crunch. Maybe the idea had at least made him smile.
21
Several days later, Grace stared at her reflection in her bedroom mirror. She was too thin and her muslin nightgown was loose. Too much work and not enough rest the last couple of years. Her wedding band slid down on her finger as proof, and she feared she might lose it. She fingered the thin gold band, deciding she ought to remove it. It had been three years. She’d kept it on mainly as a sweet reminder of Victor and to ward off the men in town when she had no desire at all for another relationship.
Am I ready now? Should she take it off? Was it time to leave the past behind her? She knew she’d never stop loving Victor. Never. Nothing could erase what they’d had together with its sweet memories, but wasn’t God about a future and a hope for her life? He’d said so in Jeremiah. She wished she knew what that would be.
She sighed heavily, then slid the wedding band off and placed it in a carved wooden jewelry box her father had made for her as a young girl. Her hand felt naked without it.
It felt freeing to remove it, but at the same time, she felt a little guilty. Would Victor want her to move forward with her life? She would want him to if she had preceded him. Probably he would want the same.
Robert helped Owen out of the wagon, which he’d parked near the mercantile. Earlier he’d asked Owen if he wanted to take a short ride into town with him. Owen had quickly agreed and seemed eager about it.
When they got to the porch in front of the store, Owen said, “I’d like to sit out here while you go speak to Eli about Tom. You don’t need me for that.”
“It’s up to you.” Robert led him to one of the rocking chairs and Owen took a seat. “Want me to bring you some of that stuff Eli calls coffee?” He chuckled.
“Naw, I’ll pass for now. I’m content to sit here and wa
tch the goings-on.”
“This won’t take long.” Robert strode away, looking for Eli.
Inside the store, Eli was busy with customers, so Robert strolled about the store waiting for a chance to speak to him. He paused, looking through the stack of shirts. Picking up a deep-blue flannel one, he fingered its softness but saw the price tag and put it back. He looked over at the stacks of fabric where two ladies were discussing the different designs. One of them held up a pretty green that would look wonderful on Grace. It was a mighty sweet thing she did, buying the children an outfit when she probably hadn’t bought a new dress since her husband died.
Why he was thinking more about Grace lately, he couldn’t grasp.
Finally, Eli approached him. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Robert. It’s hard to find good help and I’ve been a little shorthanded.”
“No problem, Eli. I wanted to talk to you without an audience if I could.”
Eli’s heavy brows formed a straight line above his eyes. “Oh. Well, we’re alone now. What’s on your mind, son? Everything okay at Bidwell Farms?”
Robert waved his hand. “Yes it is. I wanted to talk to you about Tom.” Robert watched as the older man took a deep breath and realized what this was about.
“He finally told you?” Eli asked.
“Not exactly, but I won’t allow him to skip school, and he knows that now. I wish you had told me.”
Eli scratched his beard. “I considered it, but the boy was adamant that I not tell you, and I figured he’d get found out sooner or later. I think I understood the struggle he felt—wanting to grow up, but not quite there. Don’t we all feel that at some time? Why didn’t the teacher tell you?”
“Good question. I figure a lot of kids his age stay home to work the family farms. I wondered if you might consider letting him work here once school is out—that is, if you’re still in need of help around here.”
Eli grinned at him. “I might be able to do that, even if I have help by then. I’m busier than ever, and our town is growing faster than I can keep up, it seems. I’m missing a large order that should’ve been here a week ago—when it does arrive, I’ll need a stock boy. After school is out, send him over.”
Trusting Grace Page 11
