Trusting Grace

by Maggie Brendan

  Robert took a moment to look around her sewing room. A scarred rectangular table held material, scissors, thread, and a small stack of thin tissue paper, which he assumed was to cut out patterns. Her sewing machine sat in front of the window where bright light flooded in, next to a dress form. She had all the makings for a dress shop. He hoped one day she’d have it.

  A few minutes later Opal returned. “I’ll need to take your chest, neck, and arm measurements and then your pants length. If you could hold your arm out for me . . .”

  Robert did as asked while Opal started at the center of the back of his neck and measured from there down to the cuff of his shirt.

  She marked the number on a small pad, then moved on to the next measurement. “Now if you’ll hold both arms out a little, I can measure your chest.” When she was done and scribbled down the number, she looked up at him with surprise. “Your chest is broader than I first thought.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “No, not at all. I was only thinking aloud.” She continued with his waist and legs. Satisfied she had what she needed, she took a step back. “Do you prefer a dark suit in broadcloth or a pinstripe?”

  “Whatever you have on hand is fine, since I have no suit at all.”

  “Okay—” Annie’s cries sounded in the background. “As I was about to say, if you can drop back tomorrow late afternoon, I’ll have the pattern cut and would like to check it against you.”

  “Will do. How much will I owe you?”

  “Whatever you can afford to pay me, but if you could help spread the word, it would help me grow my business. It’s been a real struggle since my Will died.”

  “I’d be glad to do that.” The crying was getting louder as he opened the door to leave. “I wonder . . . would you like someone to entertain Annie while she’s not asleep so you can work?”

  Opal laughed. “That would be like a dream come true, but of course, I know no one who fits that description.”

  “I do. I have a daughter, Becky, that would love to help with Annie. She’s free during the summer and she loves children. I can bring her with me next time.”

  Opal’s eyes grew wide. “Oh my! That sounds too good to be true.”

  “Then it’s a deal. I’ve got to get going and let you go handle Annie,” he said, standing at the back door.

  She reached out and shook his hand before he left. “I look forward to it. Thank you.” She smiled broadly. He couldn’t help but notice how her face had brightened, and it did his heart good. He strode back to the boardinghouse to get his horse from the barn before heading to the farm.

  Grace looked closely in the mirror at her cheek. Only a fine line was visible now, but the scar on her heart from the episode was deeper. She was uneasy sometimes, and especially when she was alone, the nightmare of Warren clouded her mind. What if he escaped? Would he come back to finish what he started? She mustn’t let those thoughts creep in. Ginny told her that it was the work of the devil in order to keep her from healing.

  She’s right. Warren was behind bars, right where he needed to be. Frank told them that Sheriff Mendenhall had heard judgment was swift and Warren was in prison for a long time, convicted of confiscation of goods, bribery, and attempted rape. Thank God!

  Since the harvest, Grace had more free time on her hands to tend her flowers, pick berries, and can the vegetables for the coming winter. Becky and Sarah spent several days learning the process and sampling the jams as they helped. Other days, the girls were in town now that Tom was working at the mercantile every day. Robert tended to the cows and had removed the wilted potato vines left behind from the harvest.

  Her father was spending more and more time away with Stella and going to the hot springs as often as time allowed. He still had bad days, but was encouraged when he would have an entire week when he felt like himself . . . almost. But Stella didn’t seem to mind, and Grace was so happy that she was a part of their lives.

  After gathering the eggs, Grace filled a bowl with peas to shell and went to the porch to sit in the shade. Robert strolled from the barn to where she was.

  “Just cleaned out the barn and worked on that loose gate.” Taking a rocking chair, he dragged it close to hers. “Can I be of help before I leave to go to Eli’s?”

  Grace paused with her shelling. “If you’d like.” She was curious why he’d sat so close but placed the bowl between them. If he got any better-looking, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. When he was this close, her insides quivered.

  He reached inside for a pod to shell and brushed her knuckles with his, then looked over at her. “Grace, I’ve been meaning to ask this all week, but time got away from me. Can I take you to the Bozeman Ball?”

  She flashed him a smile of pleasure. “I’ve been hoping you’d ask but was beginning to wonder. I’d love to go with you.”

  He gave her a childish grin. “Great! Stella says anyone who is anybody will be there. I guess she means the staunch bedrock of our community.”

  She laughed. “I believe that to be true. It’s at least something we can look forward to since there’s little out here to do but work or farm.”

  He reached back into the bowl, but this time when his hand touched hers, he took hold of it. “Grace,” he croaked.

  “Yes?” She blinked.

  “Uh . . . I’m glad you’re going to go with me. I’m not much on dancing.” His eyes searched her face, and she had a feeling he had intended to say something entirely different. But he didn’t. Instead he leaned over the bowl, stroking her cheek with his fingers. Her heart began to hammer. She licked her lips, staring at his as he moved in closer to nibble her bottom lip until she tilted her head back with a sigh.

  The screen door swung open and Owen hobbled out. The timing couldn’t be worse. “You young’uns care for a glass of iced tea?”

  They both jumped back, almost turning over the bowl of peas as Robert fumbled to grab hold of it.

  “Yes, Pop. But I’ll go get us some.”

  Owen chuckled. “Taking you a long time to shell those peas I see,” he teased.

  “Pop!” Grace protested. She’d been longing for Robert’s kiss for days, and now the moment was past. She sighed and looked at Robert, who stood up, looking embarrassed, with his thumbs in his pockets.

  “I’ll pass on the tea. I really should get on to Eli’s.”

  “Are you sure?” Grace gazed at him.

  “I’m sure. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” He started down the steps, then paused. “Is there anything you need from town while I’m there?”

  Owen scratched his head. “Nothing I can think of.”

  “I don’t need anything either, but thanks for asking. Tell the children hello for us.”

  “Will do.” He doffed his hat and strode toward the barn to get his horse.

  Owen sat down and propped his cane on the armrest of the rocker. “I’m sorry if I interrupted a private moment, Grace.”

  Grace resumed the pea shelling with a shrug. “It’s okay. How would you know? I certainly didn’t. Sometimes he can be a bit impulsive.”

  “Either that or it’s due to the fact that he caught you alone. You know the children are always around, or me. Plus, with him working two jobs, and that long drive to Virginia City, I can’t say I blame him. You’re a pretty woman and good-hearted to boot!”

  Grace patted his hand. “Thanks, Pop. Something nags me about him. If he really cared for me, other than kissing, why doesn’t he just tell me?”

  Owen sighed. “Only he can answer that, but I think it has something to do with his first wife, her sudden death, then inheriting three kids all at once. That alone could keep him a widower for a long time to come.”

  “Words of wisdom. But surely someday in the future he’ll get over that, won’t he?”

  “It takes some longer to forget than others.”

  Grace had been piling the pea pods in her apron in her lap. After finishing the rest, she rolled her apron up and set the bowl full of shelled peas
on the floor. “At least he asked me to Saturday’s ball. I was afraid I was going to have to go with you and Stella.”

  “I’m glad he did. Just don’t rush him, Grace. I have no doubt that he has other things in mind when it comes to you, but he’s cautious.”

  “I’ll try, Pop.”

  41

  Ginny decided once she’d finished feeding the baby and before the day’s heat became too much for her that she’d take Grace for a stroll in the baby carriage Frank had bought. Nell helped her take the buggy down the steps and met her with lively little Grace in her arms.

  “Maybe the stroll will help her take a long morning nap,” Nell commented.

  Ginny nodded with a smile. “She really has gotten used to her morning outings, and it helps me to get out of the house for a while and stretch my legs.”

  “Let me know when you’re back or just park the buggy by the steps, and I’ll come get it for you.”

  “Thanks, Nell. I couldn’t make it without all the help you’ve been.” Ginny placed the baby in the buggy, unlocked the brake, and began their usual morning stroll. She waved to the familiar folks on the street going about their day. Most were friendly, hardworking folks just struggling to make a living for their families. She loved her life here.

  As she rounded the block, between houses, she once again saw Robert nearing the back door of a house whose owner Ginny didn’t know. Probably someone new in town since she’d had little Grace. She paused, chewing her lip, wondering if she should mention this to Grace. It had been early morning right after breakfast this week when she’d first seen Robert at the house. Now she caught a glimpse of a pretty woman with blonde hair opening the door with a friendly smile and taking his wrist, pulling him inside. Mighty friendly, she thought. Is that the reason he’s never seriously courted anyone? Another woman? Heavens to Betsy, I pray not!

  Grace pulled out the emerald gown to make sure that no alterations were needed. She was in awe at the beautiful and intricate silk embroidery on the dress. Her friend had excellent taste, that was for certain. After slipping it over her head, she realized that she and Ginny were nearly mirrors of one another’s shape, with Grace only a little taller. The dress didn’t reach the floor but was only an inch above. No one would notice that small difference in length, and she was quite pleased when she wandered over to the cheval mirror and caught her reflection there. She was transfixed at how elegant she looked in the lovely gown of moiré silk. Ginny had probably ordered it from Paris, costing her a pretty penny. Grace felt bad that she would be the first one to get to wear it—she mustn’t spill anything that night.

  She pulled her hair up from the nape of her neck. Not too bad, but she’d have to work on taming those curls. Will Robert think I’m pretty? She scrutinized her face with a critical eye. Her skin was drier this year than ever before, a direct result from working in the fields with the harsh wind and sun. More freckles dotted the bridge of her nose and cheeks as well. So much for trying to protect my skin. I’ll never look like a real lady like Ginny does.

  Despite all that, a thread of excitement coursed through her as she anticipated the ball and Robert’s arms about her as they waltzed. So much so that Grace waltzed about her room, her gown making swishing sounds across the hardwood floor until she was nearly out of breath. She stifled a giggle so as not to wake her pop.

  For the third time, Robert hurried up the back steps to Opal’s, surprised when the door opened and she quickly grabbed him by his wrists, pulling him in.

  “I’m sorry, but Annie’s in a foul mood from teething, and I didn’t want the neighbors to hear her screaming. Do you think Becky will come today?”

  “Yes, she’s coming and plans to bring Sarah, so with the two of them, they should be able to give you some freedom.”

  “Oh, thank you! I have your suit ready for one final measurement—to hem the sleeves and pants. Then I’ll press it and I should be done. Could you slip on the trousers and coat while I check on Annie? Then I can mark the hemline with my chalk.”

  “Of course, you go right ahead,” Robert answered, thinking he would never want babies. The three kids he had were plenty. Still, it might be nice to see what a little girl would look like if Grace were his wife.

  “I’ll close the door for your privacy and be right back,” Opal said before hurrying away.

  Robert slipped on the pants first, then the coat. He’d never owned anything as fine as this pin-striped suit. He stared at his reflection in the full-length mirror and decided he liked it very much. Opal had outdone herself.

  A knock sounded on the door, and Robert invited Opal to enter.

  “Don’t you look nice? With a bit of tweaking, it will be a perfect fit,” Opal said. “I hope there’s a certain young woman you want to impress.” She arched a brow, standing back with her arms folded to size up her creation on him.

  “There is. Grace Bidwell—but I’m guessing you haven’t met. She’s an incredible, resilient woman, very sweet natured. I’m sure you two would get along well.”

  “I’m sure we would. I’ve barely got settled, as Stella told you, but I’d like to meet her. Stella allowed me to stay at the boardinghouse rent free with Annie until I could get on my feet with a few clients. I owe her a lot.”

  “That sounds like something Stella would do. She’s quite a woman and has been good to me and my children.”

  They talked further while she marked the cuffs and hems, chatting about Grace and her father before Opal spoke a little more about herself.

  “There. I think that about does it. You can pick up your suit any time after tomorrow. I only need to sew buttons on the vest.”

  “I appreciate this so much. If I can help you out in any way, please keep me in mind.”

  She left the room so he could change, and he was soon out the door, riding toward Grace’s with romantic thoughts for the first time in a long time—if one didn’t count their interrupted interlude the other day.

  Robert was in an exceptionally good mood when Grace spoke with him that morning and didn’t seem to mind that he had fence line to repair. “I haven’t seen Sarah or Becky in a couple of days. What have they been up to?” she asked while he loaded his tools in the back of the wagon to repair the fence.

  “Aw, you know kids.” He was quiet for a moment then added, “Uh . . . different things or reading every book they can get their hands on from Stella.”

  “Oh.” Grace thought he sounded vague but didn’t comment further. “You’ll be gone by the time I get back from town. I’m off this morning to pay Ginny and the baby a visit and take some jam that I made.”

  Robert watched her climb on Cinnamon’s back to leave. As she left, she turned in the saddle to wave. He was still standing there, gazing after her. She blew him a kiss, and knew her father was in good hands while she was away.

  The warm bundle in her arms had finally drifted off to sleep, so Grace forced herself to put her namesake into her crib. “She has the face of an angel,” she whispered as they quietly left the nursery.

  “I couldn’t agree more. Nell made us a light luncheon. Why don’t we have it on the back porch in the shade?”

  Once they were halfway through lunch, Ginny coughed and cleared her throat. Taking a big gulp of water, she looked at Grace intently.

  “What is it? I know from the look on your face something’s not right. Do you want your gown back?”

  “I wish it were that simple.” Ginny chewed her bottom lip. “I’m not sure if I should be telling you this at all.”

  Grace shook her head. “Please don’t make me guess. Tell me what’s wrong.”

  Ginny squirmed in her chair. “It’s Robert. I . . . uh . . . saw him with another woman.”

  Grace’s heart slammed against her ribs. “What do you mean saw him with another woman? Who? Where?”

  Ginny sighed and her eyes were pained. “I was strolling with the baby, and I saw him going in the back door of a very attractive lady’s house. The children were not with hi
m either.”

  Grace laid her fork down, a rock in the pit of her stomach threatening to make her sick. “I’m sure there’s an explanation. Perhaps he’s taken on a third job.”

  “Like what? By slipping in through the back door?”

  “I don’t know, but we aren’t engaged, so he’s free to do whatever he chooses.”

  “How can you say that? He’s kissed you more than once, and I thought you said you two had an understanding?”

  Tears welled up and Grace croaked, “I thought we did too.”

  “It may all be purely innocent, but I have to say I’ve seen it more than once, usually after breakfast when I walk Grace. Once, the woman yanked him in quickly like she was very happy to see him. Remember, he married his first wife rather fast, and I don’t know his intent, but you’re my best friend, and I felt you should know. I’m sorry if the knowledge hurt you.”

  So much for the longing Grace thought she’d seen in his eyes lately. Maybe she misunderstood his look of sympathy when he’d really wanted to tell her that he was seeing someone else. She didn’t know, but she knew she wouldn’t play second fiddle to anyone.

  “I’m sorry, but I must go. I can’t eat another bite.” Grace shoved her chair back and Ginny did the same.

  “What will you do? I don’t want Robert to think I was spying on him. It just happened that he was there when I was out with the baby,” Ginny insisted.

  Grace walked to the door. “I’m not sure, but he owes me an explanation.”

  “I’m sorry. Maybe it’s not at all what it appears to be,” Ginny said. “Let me know.”

  All the way home, Grace struggled with feeling betrayed—but how could one really be betrayed when there hadn’t been any real commitment? Her heart felt it all the same.

  When she neared the river, she pulled Cinnamon to a stop and slid off her back, dropping the reins to allow her to munch on sage grass. Any other time, she would be filled with happiness and wonder at the grandeur of the mountain peaks, the wildflowers, and rushing waters of the river, but not today. Tears fell and everything she’d stored up tumbled out. She cried about Robert—cried about her pop—cried that she had no children—cried that she’d given her heart away, and that she was an old maid, until she was thoroughly spent.