Chapter Seven
Two days passed quickly, and Benjamin checked his pocket watch before opening the gate to the brick walkway that led to Howard House. It was two minutes before six, and he hoped he would make a good impression on Katie’s guardians.
Before he could walk to the first porch step, the front door flew open and two adorable little girls stood in the doorway smiling at him. He knew these were the five-year-old twins, but he wracked his brain and couldn’t remember their names. Katie had told him all her sister’s names and ages, but his mind went blank.
One of the little girls called into the house, “Katie, he’s here, and he has flowers.”
The second little girl said, “Hush, Ivy. We’re not supposed to shout.”
Ivy. That was one name, and what was the other, Benjamin thought while standing at the bottom of the porch. Rosie, that was it. Yes, Rosie.
He smiled at the girls. “Good evening Rosie and Ivy. I’m Benjamin.”
“We know,” they both said, giggled, and ran into the house leaving Benjamin standing and staring at the open doorway.
A moment later, Katie appeared. “I’m sorry. Ivy and Rosie are still learning proper manners. Would you like to come in?”
Benjamin was speechless for a moment looking up at the blonde vision in green standing on the porch. He held out the bouquet and stepped forward. “These are for you.”
“Thank you,” Katie said and peeked over the porch railing at the flowers growing around the house. “You didn’t pick these out here, did you?”
“Oh, no, I would never. Michael orders fresh flowers for the Inn and told me to take some. I thought these were the nicest.”
Katie nodded. “With the new men in town trying to win ladies hearts, a few of Miss Edie’s roses have disappeared, and while she is open to love and gifts of flowers, she loves her roses.”
Benjamin took a step up the stairs getting closer to Katie. She smiled again. “I suppose since you didn’t take any of Miss Edie’s flowers, it’s safe to invite you in with your bouquet.”
“These are for you,” Benjamin insisted and frowned. “If I’m in trouble for bringing them, I’ll face your guardians and explain.”
“No, it’s all right. No one will shoot you or chase you with a bat,” Katie explained. “I just needed to be sure you didn’t pick the garden flowers. Please come in.”
Benjamin climbed the last two steps onto the porch and followed Katie into the house. He was greeted by a line of five girls standing in the parlor from youngest to oldest.
Katie looked at her younger sisters and turned to Benjamin. “Benjamin Hunter, I’d like you to meet my younger sisters. You met Rosie and Ivy on the porch.”
Benjamin nodded and had to bite back a grin when the twins did their best to curtsy and nearly fell over. Katie continued, “This is Anna, Meg, and Julia.” Each girl curtsied in turn, and Benjamin bowed from the waist and smiled at each girl.
Katie explained that the babies were asleep, and her sister Maude was out for the evening. They had one more resident, a young woman Cindy Lou, staying with them since the earthquake, but she was out with her beau Peter Bunyan.
Benjamin took a deep breath feeling he’d run the gauntlet and survived because all five girls were smiling. Then he turned when he heard footsteps in the hall and looked into the identical faces of who could only be Miss Edie and Miss Ethel. One was smiling, and one scowled as if he were trespassing. Perhaps he was. Michael told him the guardians were fiercely protective, but he would survive, and even Miss Ethel was not as mean as she portrayed. He assumed correctly that the scowling guardian was Miss Ethel when Katie introduced him.
“Pleased to meet you both,” Benjamin stammered.
“Of course,” Miss Ethel said. Miss Edie added, “Welcome to our home.”
The younger girls scampered off, and Katie invited Benjamin to sit in the parlor. She sat across from him on the settee, and her guardians took chairs near the fireplace.
Miss Edie, still smiling, asked, “Tell us a little about yourself.”
Benjamin visibly swallowed and answered, “I’m twenty-four years old. I grew up in Gentle Falls, Wisconsin. I have two brothers and a sister. Michael and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember. My father owns the carpentry shop, and his father runs the hotel. We grew up as neighbors. My trade is carpentry. I can build houses from the ground up or add details to fine furniture that I also build.”
Miss Ethel squinted. “Do you attend church?”
“Every week, ma’am.”
She nodded but added. “You should have told us that first. It should be your most important quality.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Benjamin answered and did his best to meet the ladies gaze wishing he could look anywhere else. “Please, ask me anything you’d like to know.”
Leaning forward a bit, Miss Edie asked, “Can you repair broken items such as picture frames, cracked crown moldings, or loose window frames?”
Benjamin smiled. This was what he knew best. “Yes, ma’am. I can repair all of those, and if they are damaged beyond repair, I can build new ones to replace them.”
“Splendid,” Miss Edie exclaimed clapping her hands. “You’re exactly what we need.”
Miss Ethel stood. “Follow me. I’ll show what we need before supper is ready.”
Benjamin stood and followed Miss Ethel out of the room hoping he’d be able to repair what they needed. The house didn’t appear to have suffered much damage in the earthquakes, but it takes a trained eye to spot the subtle problems.
As soon as Miss Ethel and Benjamin left the room, Miss Edie turned to Katie. “He’s very handsome and personable. He would make a good husband I think. Do you like him?”
Katie blushed. “Yes, I do, but that’s far from marrying him. I barely know him. I do know that he brought the flowers from the Inn and not your garden.”
“That shows he’s honest, too. You take a little time and get to know him. If you suit, it will be better than meeting a stranger through that ad you sent. At least Michael can vouch for him. I don’t believe he’d have told Ella Grace that he’s a good man if he weren’t.”
Katie had to agree, and her mind wandered to what it would be like to marry Benjamin. He was handsome, friendly, and sweet. Was that enough for marriage? Maybe not, but it was enough for a start.
Miss Edie cleared her throat.
“Sorry, Miss Edie, I was woolgathering.” Katie suddenly paled and then blushed. “We have a problem. I have children to care for, and this is a house for girls. If I marry, where would I put my husband? I mean where would he live? We live?”
Miss Edie sat back and tapped her chin with her fingertip. “Certainly not in the main part of the house, but he’s a carpenter. I am sure he could add onto the house and give you privacy but still access to the house, so the girls would always have you near.”
Katie was going to ask what Miss Edie had in mind when Miss Ethel and Benjamin returned.
“It appears, our Mr. Hunter can repair everything the earthquake damaged and spotted a few extra repairs that need to be done. Julia just said supper was ready.” She turned and slipped her arm through Benjamin’s and headed for the dining room.
Miss Edie winked. “That’s a good sign. I think Ethel likes him.”
Katie was still trying to understand why Miss Ethel called Benjamin “our Mr. Hunter.” Did she approve that quickly? Maybe supper conversation would tell.
Supper conversation wasn’t much different than any other evening. The girls chattered on about their day, asking about the new ribbons at the mercantile, and a dozen other small inessential but seriously important topics for them. After the pie was eaten and coffee served, Miss Ethel said she, Miss Edie, and Julia would clear the table and do the dishes. She suggested Benjamin and Katie could spend some time on the front porch.
Benjamin escorted Katie to the front porch and sat on a rocker next to her. “Your guardians must trust me somewhat. They’re allowing us t
o sit out here alone.”
“No, they trust me, and we are not alone.” Katie turned her head and waved at Ivy, Rosie and Anna sitting by the window. The three girls waved back.
“I suppose in this house you’re never truly alone.”
Katie agreed. “I don’t know if I’d enjoy living in a quiet house. This is all I know.”
“Perhaps we could find somewhere a bit quieter if you agree to have dinner with me at the Inn or go on a picnic. I would be sure to have Michael and Ella Grace act as chaperones.”
“Either sounds lovely,” Katie answered.
“Maybe both.”
“Maybe,” Katie answered blushing.
Chapter Eight
Katie twirled in front of the mirror wishing silently that Benjamin would like her Sunday dress. The ivory dress with the pink flowers was her favorite, and she felt confident wearing it. Today she would enjoy a picnic with him. Dinner Friday night was enjoyable, but Michael and Benjamin spent most of the evening regaling Ella Grace and her with stories of their youth. Today she would spend time with just Benjamin. Alone. Her heart raced at the thought. She drew in a deep breath to calm herself. She couldn’t let her growing feelings get in the way of church services. Attending services first and then a picnic would make for a lovely day. Keeping her mind on Pastor James’ sermon and not Benjamin would be difficult, but it must be done or at least given Katie’s best effort.
~ * ~
Benjamin’s tie was perfect and there were no wrinkles in his Sunday suit. His white shirt was new, and his boots were polished. He was as ready as he could be to attend his first service in Silverpines and have a picnic with Katie. He slid into the pew next to Michael and leaned over to whisper to Ella Grace and asked if Katie would be joining them.
Ella Grace smiled and said, “She’ll be here soon. You’ll know it when she does arrive, and she’ll be sitting with our guardians and sisters. It’s too soon for her to sit with you in church.”
Benjamin knew that, but he hoped Katie would sit with Ella Grace and be closer to him. He turned when he heard several people enter the church. He saw Miss Edie and Miss Ethel leading the five younger girls with Katie following carrying one of the infants. Her sister, Maude, who he met on Friday when he called for Katie before taking her to dinner was next carrying the second infant and a young lady he didn’t know but assumed was Cindy Lou brought up the rear of the small group. He was surprised at how quickly and quietly they filled up the second pew. They weren’t giggling or fidgeting. Katie was raised well and would make an excellent mother. A mother? Where did that thought come from? Was his head coming to terms with what his heart already knew?
Benjamin did his best to concentrate on Pastor James’ sermon but his mind kept drifting to Katie. He would be happy to know Katie was dealing with the same difficulty. Before either knew it, services were over, and Benjamin made his way to the door following Michael and Ella Grace. He was introduced to Pastor James and his wife, Abby. Both greeted him and welcomed him to Silverpines. Benjamin had yet to meet anyone unfriendly in town and he knew he could make a happy life here.
When he stepped away from the pastor and his wife, Julia one of Katie’s sisters approached him. She spoke quickly, “Cindy Lou is going to carry one of the babies home if you want to walk with Katie and have your picnic.” She didn’t wait for an answer, she just ran off to join the rest of her family.
Benjamin approached Katie who waited with the rest of the girls from Howard House and held out his arm. “I was informed I could escort you home. May I?”
“Certainly,” she replied and linked her arm with his. They strolled behind the rest of the small group heading down Adams Street enjoying each other’s company and small talk.
Benjamin asked, “Will one or more of your sisters accompany us today as chaperones?”
“No need,” Katie replied. “There’s a nice spot to picnic at in view of the house. Someone will keep an eye out.”
“Michael told me that when he and Ella Grace picnicked near the house, Miss Ethel sat on the upstairs back porch with a rifle and when they took a walk out of view, Rosie and Ivy ran up to see what they were doing?”
Katie bit back a laugh. “I remember that, and I doubt today will be much different, but don’t worry, unless I scream Miss Ethel won’t use her rifle.”
Benjamin smiled down at Katie, her blue eyes dancing with mischief. “I promise not to do anything to make you scream.”
“We should be all right as long as I don’t see a snake. They make me shudder and I can’t promise I won’t scream.” Katie stopped and opened the gate. “You can follow me into the kitchen, I have the basket nearly packed.”
Benjamin tried to follow Katie but was stopped by a gaggle of small girls in the parlor all asking questions. When he did finally break free, Katie was waiting with the packed picnic basket and a brown blanket draped across the top.
“Ready?” she asked smiling. “My sisters like you.”
“I can tell. The three youngest asked me if I can build doll houses.”
“A doll house,” Katie said her eyes looking wistful. “I always wanted one as a small child.”
“You never know what can happen,” Benjamin answered as he opened the door and silently vowed to make the biggest most detailed doll house for the girls. Maybe he could fashion it after the large Victorian they lived in and Katie would enjoy it, too.
They strolled out the beautifully landscaped back yard filled with flowers and the remnants of a huge summer garden. Benjamin stopped at what he thought was a well and glanced in. “You have fish in the well?”
Katie laughed. “That’s the old well. When the water turned, Mr. Edward dug a new one and after the earthquake, one of the sides collapsed. We had it filled in so none of the girls could fall in, but the brick work was so lovely, Miss Edie decided we could keep it and fill it with fish. The younger girls love it.”
“I’m sure they do,” Benjamin said as they walked through the rear gate and into what looked like a small barren field with dead flowers and small crosses or stones scattered about. “What is this?”
“Our pet cemetery,” Katie explained.
“What?”
“It’s a bit of a story. I’ll tell you as we walk to the pine trees. Miss Edie loves animals and would never harm one. We used to have chickens when I was small, and she would toss extra feed out by the trees, so the squirrels could eat, and the chickens would still be fed. One day coming home from shopping, she heard a small animal whine across the street. It was near the saloon and she investigated. She found a small dog apparently kicked by someone. She brought him home, but it was too late. The little dog died a few hours later. Miss Edie buried him in the field. Word got around town as they do in all small towns and soon children brought their pets and buried them here. We have several dogs and cats, a few birds the children found in their yards, and one fish caught by a little girl who refused to eat it once she caught it.”
“That’s a nice thing to do,” Benjamin agreed. “But why is it so rundown?”
Katie shrugged. “My guardians were going to fence it in with white pickets to match the house, but a small boy was burying his puppy and asked them not to. He said his dog wouldn’t understand being somewhere with a fancy fence. They decided to just let nature take care of the field and occasionally, some child will visit and pull out weeds or bring flowers, but it stays pretty much wild.”
Benjamin nodded and wondered as they continued their walk to the pines just what kind of family Katie grew up in. It wasn’t the first time he wondered, but he was beginning to realize that although eccentric, her guardians were good women with large, caring hearts. Katie was perfect, and he was not going to let her get away if he could help it. He just needed to convince her.
Katie stopped at the shady edge of the pine trees and Benjamin helped her spread out the blanket. He placed the basket in the middle and helped Katie sit on one side and he sat on the other. He took a deep breath enjoying the s
mell of pine, fresh air, and the lady across from him when he suddenly sat up straighter and squinted.
“Is that Miss Ethel out on the porch? Is she holding a rifle? I thought Michael was joking. I truly don’t wish to be shot,” Benjamin stammered.
“You won’t be, don’t worry. It’s her way of letting you know to act like a gentleman. I’m sure she won’t stay on the porch long, but she might sit inside near the window to keep watch,” Katie said as she straightened the wrinkles in her skirt and smiled at the look on Benjamin’s handsome face.
Benjamin wasn’t as sure as Katie appeared.
Chapter Nine
Katie opened the picnic basket and handed two plates to Benjamin. “Let’s have lunch and maybe you will stop worrying about Miss Ethel. I hope you like what I made.”
“I’m sure I will,” Benjamin replied but glanced up at the house. “She’s not there,” he whispered.
“I know, she went inside a few minutes ago. Here, I brought silverware and cups.”
Benjamin accepted them, smiled, and placed them on the blanket. Katie handed him bread, a bowl of potato salad, a plate of ham slices, and napkins. “I made a cherry cobbler for dessert, and we have lemonade.”
“Mmm, lemonade is my favorite drink.”
“I would think it was beer or whiskey. Isn’t that what most men like to drink?” Katie asked and wondered if she was too forward.
“I suppose, but I haven’t had whiskey since I was fourteen.”
“Fourteen,” Katie exclaimed.
Benjamin mumbled. “You would have thought we learned after the cigar incident.”
Katie set down her plate and stared straight at Benjamin. “Are you going to tell me about the cigar incident and why a fourteen-year-old drinks whiskey? If you mention this to Miss Edie or Miss Ethel, they’ll want to know and might banish you from the house.”
Benjamin’s eyebrows shot up, but then he smiled and said, “If I tell you, will you keep my secret?”
More secrets, Katie thought. Oh well, she had enough one more couldn’t hurt. She nodded, and Benjamin continued.
Wanted: Carpenter Page 4
