Wanted: Carpenter

by Marianne Spitzer

  “When Michael and I were twelve, he stole two cigars from his father’s office in the hotel. His father only bought the best for his customers and kept them in a box on his desk. We wondered what all the fuss was about and one Saturday afternoon, we found out. No one explained to us about how to smoke a cigar, and we inhaled the smoke, too much smoke. I was so sick I could barely make it home. My mother was worried that I was coming down with some dreadful disease until she smelled the smoke on my clothes. She sent me to my room and told me I deserved what I had. The next morning, I still felt a bit sick, but I didn’t say anything, my mother ignored me, and my father smiled. I think he understood.”

  Katie laughed out loud. “It sounds as if you learned your lesson the hard way.”

  “I certainly did and so did Michael. He shared the same experience, and neither of us has smoked since that day.” He picked up his ham sandwich and took a big bite. Swallowing, he looked over at Katie. “I suppose you never did anything wrong.”

  Katie giggled. “Nothing as bad as cigars, but Ella Grace and I tore a lot of dresses and stockings climbing trees and running through the fields. We did have one small calamity with a blueberry pie.”

  “Do tell,” Benjamin said leaning closer.

  Katie stared off into the distance as if remembering that long-ago day. “It was a Sunday, and we just returned from services. I was eight, and Ella Grace was ten. We were hungry, but we had to wait because Miss Edie invited guests. Ella Grace decided if we just ate a little of the pie on the counter no one would know. We took the pie out behind these pines although they weren’t as tall as they are now. One thing led to another, and we ate most of the pie with our fingers. They were purple as were the many spots on our good Sunday dresses. We tried to wash our fingers and faces, but the evidence was still there. We also ruined our dresses.”

  “Did you get in a lot of trouble?” Benjamin inquired taking a fork full of potato salad. He was falling helplessly for the woman sitting across from him. He could listen to her talk for hours.

  “Not as much as you’d expect. We brought the nearly empty pie plate back, apologized, and were sent to our room without supper. That wasn’t so bad since we were full of pie, but after the guests left, Miss Edie came up to our room and told us how disappointed she was. She expected better from us. I think that hurt worse than if she cut down a switch, but we were never physically disciplined. Miss Ethel explained that thieves begin with small things and would grow up and end up in prison. She also said if we couldn’t learn to behave like ladies she would send us to a convent. That scared us because neither one of us knew what one was. When a friend at school explained that was where nuns lived, and if you were sent there you never came back, we were terrified. At the time, we didn’t know what a nun was either and believed her awful story.”

  Benjamin bit back a laugh. He wasn’t sure if Katie was serious or joking.

  “Then we had to wash our dresses, and of course the stains didn’t wash out, so we wore them that way every Sunday until we outgrew them. We never took anything that didn’t belong to us again.” She finished and took a big gulp of lemonade. She picked up her fork to continue eating and asked, “So what about the whiskey?”

  “It’s like the cigar story. Michael and I were fourteen and curious. His father’s hotel has a lounge similar to the one in the Inn. He also kept his favorite expensive whiskey in his office. Michael borrowed a bottle one Saturday afternoon. I don’t know how much we drank, but we both passed out. Our fathers found us later that afternoon and got us home somehow. I woke the next morning to wide open curtains, sunlight blinding me, and my father’s booming voice telling me it was time to get up, do chores, and get ready for church. I thought I wouldn’t survive. He gave me a cup of coffee, but there was no smile like when we smoked the cigars. My mother’s glare told me this was serious, and I was in trouble.”

  “I can imagine. What happened to you?”

  Benjamin shrugged. “My folks pretty much let the situation be punishment enough like your guardians did with the pie. My father lectured me on the evil of overindulgence and what happens to drunkards. I had to do my chores, attend church, and act as if I wasn’t in pain or feeling sicker than when I smoked the cigars. It was a fitting punishment, and neither Michael or I drink much. We both learned a lesson that day.”

  “It sounds as if we all had similarly learned lessons. It’s the way I would raise a family, I think,” Katie said and wondered once more if that was too forward. It was nearly the turn of the century, but she still wasn’t sure how bold women should act.

  “I agree,” Benjamin said and blurted out. “Katie, could I court you? I mean seriously court you with marriage the objective?”

  Katie blushed and answered, “I think you should ask Miss Ethel and Miss Edie.”

  “If I did and they said yes, would you agree?”

  “Of course.”

  Benjamin grinned and then his smile dropped. “I have a question.”

  “I’ll try and answer it,” Katie offered.

  “Michael told me that you sent an ad off for a husband,” Benjamin said staring straight into her eyes. “Are you planning on answering any letters you receive?”

  Katie shook her head slowly. “Not anymore. I thought it was the answer to my needing a husband. Maybe it isn’t.”

  “Maybe not,” Benjamin agreed. “Can we take a walk before we have that cobbler. I think I ate too much potato salad. It was delicious.”

  “Thank you, and I’d like to take a walk.” He held out his hand and helped Katie to her feet.

  “Did I tell you that you look beautiful today?” He continued to hold her hand as they began their walk.

  “No, but you can say it anytime.” Katie blushed.

  They circled to the back of the pines and to the small stream that meandered through the field. Benjamin looked back toward the house and realized the pines blocked the view of the house and he assumed it prevented them from anyone watching from the house’s windows.

  “May I kiss you,” he whispered.

  Katie looked up at him and nodded.

  Benjamin drew her closer and slowly leaned toward her gently placing a kiss on her lips. Katie stepped a bit closer, and Benjamin wrapped his arms around her holding her as close as he dared for a first kiss. When she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss. Both broke apart a bit breathless and jumped at the sound of giggles.

  “Michael told me about this, too. I assume that’s Ivy and Rosie watching us,” Benjamin whispered.

  “I’m sure it is. Perhaps we should go back to our picnic and enjoy the cobbler before they run and get Miss Ethel,” Katie suggested.

  Benjamin grabbed her hand and hurried back to the picnic blanket and basket before Miss Ethel showed up with her rifle in hand.

  Chapter Ten

  The walk back to Howard House was joyful. Both Katie and Benjamin were excited and nervous about Benjamin asking Miss Edie and Miss Ethel for permission to court Katie.

  “Just be honest with them and don’t mention your mischief with Michael and you’ll do well. Michael passed muster, so I’m sure you will, too,” Katie assured Benjamin.

  He just nodded not sure how to answer. What would he do if they said no? They can’t say no. He’s a hard worker with good prospects. He’d make a good husband. He loves Katie. Loves Katie? Did he just think that? Yes, he did, and when he peeked at the vision walking next to him, he was sure of it. He loved Katie.

  Benjamin and Katie unpacked the picnic basket and Katie suggested, “I think we should talk to them now or at least you should.” She grabbed his hand and led him to the parlor. Both Miss Edie and Miss Ethel looked up from their embroidery when they entered the parlor.

  “Did you have a nice picnic, dear?” Miss Edie asked Katie.

  “Yes, we did, and Benjamin would like to speak to you,” Katie answered.

  “All right young man, speak up,” Miss Ethel stated. “We’re listening.”

  Benjamin felt hi
s knees weaken just a bit as he stared into the two sets of eyes staring back at him. Feeling utterly incompetent at the moment, he decided to just come right out with it.

  “I asked Katie if I could court her. She agreed. Now, I would like your permission, please,” he blurted without taking a breath.

  Miss Edie’s smile spread across her face, and Miss Ethel’s blank look didn’t change when she asked, “You told us quite a bit about your life before you arrived in Silverpines while we had dinner the other night. What we need to know is what you plan on doing now and if we agree, and Katie agrees, if the outcome is marriage, how will you support her?”

  Benjamin knew he could answer this one. “Are you familiar with the small farm about a half-mile from the edge of town?”

  “The Milligan place? It’s such a sad story,” Miss Edie said.

  “Yes,” Benjamin replied.

  “Her husband was killed in the mine collapse. When she heard the siren blow, she and her children ran to the mine. An aftershock or something caused a lamp to topple over, and her home burned to the ground. She and her children had nothing left. She sold the few cows and chickens she had left and with the help of the town, returned to Montana and her family.”

  Benjamin nodded. “I heard that story at the bank.”

  “Bank?” Miss Ethel inquired.

  “Yes, Michael told me about the property. I rode out, and the barn is still intact and usable. It was well cared for. The barn will make a good workshop, and once the remains of the house are removed, an office and showroom can be built to offer customers a chance to see new pieces.”

  “Hmm,” Miss Ethel continued. “You sound as if you have made some plans. How do you know if they will work out in your favor?”

  “I have good carpentry skills. I’m confident I can make a good living here. I purchased the Milligan property on Friday. We’ll begin clearing the burnt remains tomorrow,” Benjamin said feeling a bit more confident.

  Miss Ethel’s eyebrows rose, and Miss Edie smiled again. Miss Edie asked, “You have made plans to stay and make Silverpines your home. That is a good start. What do you think, Sister?”

  Miss Ethel exchanged a look with her sister and said, “I think we can approve you courting our Katie as long as you remain a gentleman at all times.”

  “I promise.”

  “And,” Miss Edie added. “You work with wood. I do not expect Katie to come home with sawdust on her clothes. We don’t need two girls with that problem.”

  Katie bit back her lip to keep from smiling when she thought about her guardian’s reaction to Cindy Lou coming home with sawdust on her clothes after having dinner with Peter Bunyan. It wasn’t the poor man’s fault he worked at the mill all day. She lifted her hand from her lap and gently waved it at Benjamin letting him know she’ll explain later.

  Benjamin understood and answered Miss Edie. “No, ma’am. That won’t happen.”

  “Very good,” Miss Ethel stated. “You have our permission.”

  Miss Edie clutched her hands to her chest, a dreamy look crossing her face. The ladies were twins, but their personalities were nothing alike.

  “I should leave,” Benjamin said. “I had a delightful picnic, and I’m sure Katie needs time to help with her sisters. I would like to have her and your permission to take her to dinner Tuesday evening.”

  Katie smiled, Miss Edie nodded, and Miss Ethel said, “That is acceptable.”

  “The babies are still sleeping. I’d like to walk with Benjamin a bit and stop to visit Ella Grace.”

  Miss Edie and Miss Ethel nodded knowing that Katie and Ella Grace were closer than many sisters born of the same parents. There was a bond that formed the moment Katie, at age two, and Ella Grace, at age four, saw each other for the first time. Time had only strengthened their attachment.

  Benjamin said his goodbyes and guided Katie out the front door. He whispered, “That was easier than I thought it’d be.”

  “I told you they were nicer than most people think. You never asked about why I live at Howard House. Aren’t you worried your parents might not approve of you courting a girl without a past.”

  Benjamin felt her grip his arm a bit tighter and knew he needed to assure her that nothing about the past mattered. “First, my parents are not here, and when I do tell them, they will be happy for me. Second, I don’t care about your past.”

  “But I don’t have a past. My first memory is of Ella Grace hugging me. I was told a man dropped me off telling Miss Edie and Miss Ethel that my mother was dead, and he couldn’t raise me. He gave them a slip of paper with my name and birthdate, but no other information. They believed he was my father, but he didn’t say he was and he never returned.” Katie had stopped walking, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

  “This bothers you?” Benjamin wanted to wrap his arms around her, but they were walking in public, and he couldn’t do that to her reputation even if he meant to marry her and soon.

  “A little,” Katie whispered.

  “It shouldn’t. You had no control over what happened to you. I’m sorry your mother died, but your guardians raised you with love. I can see that, and you became a lovely and kind young woman. Not everyone will dedicate their lives to care for orphans. Please don’t dwell on your past. Let’s concentrate on our future,” Benjamin responded staring into the most beautiful gray-blue eyes he would ever see. He wiped another tear away with his thumb and smiled.

  “Our future?”

  “Yes, if we are so blessed. I believe we have a wonderful future ahead of us.”

  Katie blushed. “We should continue to Ella Grace’s.”

  They continued their short walk, and Ella Grace saw them before they made it to her porch and opened the door wide. “Please come in. Michael had a small crisis at the Inn, or he’d be home.”

  Benjamin shook his head. “I’m headed back to the Inn myself. I escorted Katie to visit with you.” He wanted to pull Katie close and kiss her until she put all her worries about her past behind her, but he had to settle for a quick kiss on her hand before leaving the two ladies on the porch.

  Katie and Ella Grace watched Benjamin walk toward the Inn before Ella Grace grabbed Katie’s arm. “Come in. We’ll have tea, and you can tell me all about your picnic.”

  Katie’s excitement bubbled over, and she told Ella Grace every detail of the picnic and the conversation with their guardians.

  Ella Grace lifted her cup and took a sip of tea. “Does this mean you like him,” she asked her eyes dancing with excitement.

  “You know it does. I think I like Benjamin a lot. When he asked if he could court me, I didn’t think about courting, my mind went right to the wedding. Do you think I’m falling in love?”

  Ella Grace laughed. “My dear sister, I believe you have already fallen as has Benjamin. He looks at you the same way you look at him.”

  “Oh, my,” Katie answered beginning to stir her tea rapidly. “If it’s true, I won’t need a mail-order husband. What do I do when or if I receive letters from interested men?”

  “I’ll help you with that if you receive letters. Don’t worry about it now,” Ella Grace assured.

  Katie nodded still wondering what she’d do. Eight days later, she’d find out.

  Chapter Eleven

  Katie and Benjamin enjoyed each other’s company every other day over the past week. An enjoyable dinner at the Inn, a dinner she prepared at home, and on Saturday, a quiet picnic. They were able to walk along the stream without any little spies for nearly an hour allowing Benjamin enough time to steal several kisses and tell Katie his feelings were well past friendship. Her feelings were the same, and while he didn’t propose directly, he certainly hinted that was his intention soon.

  She smiled and hummed after leaving her short breakfast shift at the Inn and crossed the street heading for the post office. Although Benjamin held her heart, she needed to make sure she didn’t receive any letters from the ad she posted in the Grooms’ Gazette.

  She stopped
before entering wondering how to answer Widow Wallace if she inquired about the letters if there were any.

  Pulling open the door she was greeted by the smiling face of Widow Wallace. “Good morning, Katie. It’s certainly a lovely day today. The sunshine makes everything brighter, don’t you think?”

  Was this Widow Wallace? Maybe everyone was right that she seemed happier after having tea with one of the Bunyan brothers. Whatever it was, Katie liked it.

  “Good morning. I just wanted to see if I received any mail.”

  “Certainly, you received three letters. Here you go,” Widow Wallace said and set three envelopes on the counter.

  Katie picked them up and said, “I need to run. I had an early shift at the Inn and want to check on the babies.”

  “Of course, run along dear, and have a lovely day.”

  Katie closed the Post Office door behind her wondering what affect tea and a handsome man had on Widow Wallace. It certainly was interesting, but not quite as interesting as the three envelopes she held in her hands. They must be answers to her ad, but she didn’t want answers now. She wanted Benjamin. Gripping the letters tightly she hurried back toward home planning on stopping and talking to Ella Grace first.

  She arrived at Ella Grace’s nearly out of breath. Clara answered her insistent knocking. “Mercy, you had me worried something was wrong. Are you all right? Your face is red,” Clara said opening the door wide as Katie rushed inside.

  “I’m all right, I didn’t mean to alarm you. I think I have answers to my ad and I don’t know what to do with them now that I’ve met Benjamin. You and Ella Grace need to help me decide what to do.”

  “First,” Clara said, “Come in and have a cup of tea. I made cookies. Ella Grace is in the kitchen eating them. She loves my cookies. We’ll help you with the letters.” Katie followed Clara solemnly her mind on the three letters she held. Why did she ever place that foolish ad?

  “Hello,” Ella Grace greeted Katie. “I heard your conversation with Clara. Sit, and we’ll have some tea and cookies and think of a good answer for your gentlemen.”