Mrs. Roberts waved her ring-bedecked hand in the air. “Not at all. Well, I should say, I don’t appreciate the underhanded way she behaved, but that’s not what I meant. Your mother is blunt, but she is not afraid to say what she thinks. I like that. Too many people hide their feelings behind falsities. Now take me, for example. I come right out and ask people a question if I want to know something. I don’t beat around the bush and hint. Mrs. Cooper and I have that in common, I believe. Although I will admit I wish she’d learn to couch her opinions with a bit of courtesy and grace.”
Katherine hardly knew how to respond and shot a glance at Beth. The young woman shrugged but didn’t offer a comment.
“Yes, indeed. And something else. I am quite ashamed that I wasn’t aware your mother had been ill. I have a family remedy that might help. I took a walk trying to clear the cobwebs and hoping to remember exactly what it is. Once I can recall it, I will be sure to share it with her. She’d like that, don’t you think?”
“I …” Katherine tried to get a grip on her whirling thoughts. She’d come hoping to calm Mrs. Roberts’s ire and keep her from doing anything hasty that might cause more distress in the household, but the woman had taken a walk hoping to remember a family remedy that would help her mother? Maybe she hadn’t made a mistake about letting this odd pair move back to her home, after all. “Forgive me for appearing rude, but you took me by surprise. I thought I’d find you angry and hurt at my mother’s behavior.”
“Oh, that. Piffle. I was quite upset at first, and had I not made a promise to you to try to hold my tongue, I would probably have said something I’d later regret. But once I had time to think about things, I realized the poor old dear must be lonely for companionship. All she needs is a friend to pour out her troubles to, and that’ll put her sour spirit to rights.”
Katherine didn’t know whether to weep with relief or laugh hysterically at the picture Mrs. Roberts had painted. She couldn’t be further from the truth. Mama would never pour out her troubles to anyone, least of all to Wilma Roberts. And if Katherine didn’t set things straight quickly, there’d be even more hurt feelings in the future. “Um … Mrs. Roberts?”
“Yes?” She waved toward the chair Katherine had recently vacated. “Forgive my manners. Please. Sit down again.”
“No. I can’t stay, but I must tell you something.” She paused, unsure how to continue.
“Go on. I’m listening.”
“You’re very kind to want to help my mother, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea to try.” She inwardly groaned. That hadn’t exactly been what she’d wanted to say, but it certainly was the truth.
Mrs. Roberts narrowed her eyes. “And why would that be, might I ask? Surely everyone needs a friend.”
“Yes, I’m sure you’re correct.” Katherine hedged, wondering how in the world she’d explain without heaping more hurt on this kind-hearted woman. “It’s just that Mama isn’t like everyone else. She’s always been a loner in many ways, and I’m not sure …”
“Not to worry, my dear.” Mrs. Roberts smiled, a dimple in her left cheek peeking out. “I know how to deal with women like your mother. Kill them with kindness, that’s what.”
Katherine reached for the door. All she wanted was to get out of this room and to the safety of her kitchen. “That’s very good of you. But I hope you won’t be too disappointed if things don’t work out. As you mentioned earlier, Mama has a mind of her own, and she can be a bit unpredictable.” And that’s being charitable. “Now I’d best get back to work. I have baking to start before supper.”
“Give it time, Mrs. Galloway. Your mother and I will end up being fast friends, you will see.”
Katherine gave a weak wave toward Beth, feeling as though she’d swallowed an egg whole. Trouble was coming; she knew it. And there wasn’t a thing she could do to prevent it.
She slipped out and headed down the hall, then paused on her way downstairs. Lucy could help with supper preparations, and Amanda was old enough to set the table. Swinging toward Lucy’s room, she tapped on the door and poked her head inside. Nothing. But she was sure she’d heard her older daughter’s giggle. Picking up her pace, she rushed forward, hearing it again, louder this time. The door to Zachary’s room stood cracked a couple inches and Katherine halted, her hand over her heart. Surely her daughter wasn’t alone in a boy’s room; she’d taught her better than that. Giving a quick rap on the door, she opened it wide and gaped.
Lucy jumped back from Zachary’s embrace, a horrified look clouding her features. “Ma! What are you doing here?”
The blood pumped through Katherine’s veins like fire blazing a trail to her heart. “I won’t let you make the same mistakes I did at your age.” She gripped her daughter’s arm and yanked her toward the hall.
“I didn’t do anything wrong.” Lucy’s words rose in a wail. “Let me explain!”
Katherine’s voice shook, and she willed it to settle. “Out.” She pointed at the door, then swiveled toward Zachary. “I’ll thank you to keep your hands to yourself if you live in my house.” It was all she could do not to grab him by the scruff of the neck and haul him to his father’s room, but she couldn’t continue to react out of anger. She would not imitate her mother. No, she’d wait and speak to Micah when her emotions calmed.
The color drained from Zachary’s face, and he gave a short nod.
“But, Ma—” Lucy’s eyes pooled, and she stepped toward her mother.
“Out, Lucy. Downstairs to the kitchen.” Katherine waited for her elder daughter to leave the room and shut the door behind her.
Lucy met her at the bottom of the stairs, her stormy face set. “I can’t tell you what I was doing because I promised Zachary to keep it a secret, but I didn’t do anything wrong, Ma.”
“That’s not enough, Lucy. I can’t have you making promises to boys and doing things I don’t approve of.”
“You’re not being fair.” Lucy whirled and raced for the front door, slamming it behind her.
Katherine started forward, but by the time she reached the foyer, she’d reconsidered. Memories from the past threatened to swamp her. There were things Lucy needed to hear, but they’d have to wait. There was no sense in making this situation worse, and her daughter was too upset to listen to reason. First her mother caused problems and now her child. What in the world was next?
Micah slowly made his way to the breakfast table the following morning, thankful he could now care for his own needs. He’d appreciated the care of others when he needed it, but sitting at the table made him feel less of an invalid. Doc said the burns were healing nicely, and the pain had lessened, so Micah no longer lay awake the entire night. He’d almost given in when Doc Sanders had first offered laudanum, but in the end he managed to resist the lure of the medicine that would dull the pain—and dull his senses right along with it.
Mrs. Roberts scooted back her chair, stood, and pulled his out. “Well, dear boy. How’s your leg today?”
“Tolerable, thank you. But you didn’t need to get up.”
Apparently Mrs. Roberts didn’t listen to directions. When she made her mind up, she was like a bull intent on breaking a fence to reach green grass. Oh well, better to let it go. He reached behind him, placed the crutches against the wall, and slid into the chair she drew out for him.
“No bother at all, Mr. Jacobs.” Her joyful smile creased her cheeks. “We were all talking about an upcoming social in a couple of weeks.”
Zachary brightened. “Can we go, Pa? Mrs. Galloway is going to bake pies for it, and everyone is welcome.”
Mrs. Roberts cleared her throat. “And my sweet Beth will be baking pies, as well.” She addressed the silent girl sitting beside her. “Won’t you, dear?”
Red raced into Beth’s cheeks as the gaze of everyone at the table swiveled toward her. She placed her hand over the base of her neck and ducked her head. “I’m sure Mrs. Galloway won’t want me in her kitchen, Aunt Wilma.”
“I’ve already spoken to h
er about it.”
Katherine nodded and sent Beth an encouraging smile.
Her aunt rushed on as though she hoped to convince the girl before she fled. “As long as you get your baking done before she needs to start, and leave the kitchen clean, of course.” She faced Mr. Tucker across the table. “Beth learned to cook at the boarding school she attended back East, you know.” The words came out with a simper. “She got very high marks. Are you planning on attending the social, Mr. Tucker?”
Micah covered his smirk with his hand. If a man could turn green, Jeffery Tucker did so quite nicely. “Uh, I’m not sure, ma’am.”
Sympathy for the man welled in Micah’s chest. Being cornered by this woman was not a pleasant experience. Beth was little more than a child. Certainly not the type or age Mr. Tucker would be interested in. His gaze shifted to Katherine Galloway sitting at the head of the table. Not that he had any personal interest in marrying again, but if he ever did entertain the idea, a woman with wisdom and grace would be far preferable to one recently out of boarding school.
Zachary placed his palms flat against the table. “If Pa comes, I’ll be there, Mrs. Roberts. I’ve saved a little money from chores, and I’d be pleased to buy one of Miss Beth’s pies.”
Startled, Micah stared at his son. No mistaking the admiration coloring Zachary’s words. Could the boy be smitten with the young woman? But she had to be, what, three or four years older than him, didn’t she? He frowned and studied Beth. Not the slightest hint of flirtation showed. In fact, if anything, she appeared a bit shy and embarrassed.
Maybe he’d imagined the interest in Zachary’s voice. But at almost fifteen it was possible a pretty woman could turn his head. Something to watch out for. However, he’d been certain his son was infatuated with the Galloway girl. He cast a quick look Lucy’s way and didn’t note any jealousy. He gave a mental shrug. Matchmaking, or an understanding of the subject, wasn’t something he had a hankering for. He’d best turn his thoughts elsewhere. “Mrs. Galloway?”
Katherine’s eyes widened. “Yes, Mr. Jacobs?” A hint of a smile touched the words.
“I seem to remember you mentioned going to the general store today. I’d like to come with you, if I may. I’ve waited long enough to see the remains of my livery and pick up a few things at the store.” He regretted the gruffness that roughened his voice and cleared his throat, hoping to lighten it.
“Certainly, Mr. Jacobs. I take my horse and wagon when I go to market, so I don’t have to carry my supplies back. I’d be happy to give you a ride.”
“Much obliged.” He dipped his head briefly but didn’t remove his gaze. Such lovely blue eyes—almost like the color of a mountain lake on a calm day, restful and pure. He wrenched his attention away before everyone noticed him staring.
The rest of the meal passed quietly, as the diners dug into their food. Micah tried to repress his growing anticipation. His heart rate increased as he imagined sitting next to Katherine on the wagon seat. Of course, that was mostly due to anxiety over seeing his burned home and business for the first time since the fire, he was sure of it. Yes, his excitement about the trip was solely an eagerness to see if anything had survived.
It wasn’t acceptable for it to be anything else.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Talk about stubborn men! Katherine clenched her hands around the reins as Micah struggled to get up into the wagon on his own. The obstinate man had refused her offer of help in spite of his apparent discomfort. Just because he could manage around the house with the aid of crutches didn’t mean he had the strength or ability to hoist himself onto the seat.
“Everything all right?” She wanted to fuss over him now that he’d settled himself but knew he wouldn’t accept it. Besides, he wasn’t her husband, her beau, or even a close friend. Time to grab these wayward thoughts and corral them before they galloped away. Besides, she must speak to him about his son. More than likely, by the time she finished he would never want to ride with her again.
“I’m fine. Nothing to it.” But the slight panting belied his assertion. “I’m just glad to be out of the house.” Worry flickered in his eyes. “Sorry. I’m grateful you offered us rooms, but it’s hard being dependent on—” He paused, then continued, “Others.”
Katherine shook the reins and clucked to her mare. “You were going to say ‘a woman,’ weren’t you?” She shot him a quizzical look, hoping she didn’t sound as amused as she felt.
He hung his head for a moment, then lifted it. “I’m sorry. I’m so used to caring for women—first, my mother after my father passed, then my wife, Emma. I guess it feels wrong, somehow, having it the other way around.”
The tension eased from her shoulders. “I understand. Is your mother still living?”
“No. She passed away when Zachary was three. I think she pined for my pa so much that it weakened her heart. She was never the same after he died.”
“I’m sorry.” Katherine wished there were more she could say, but the mention of Zachary’s name renewed her anxiety.
Micah adjusted his bad leg against the footrest. He peered at her with a slight smirk. “At least you still have your mother.”
“Yes.” She stifled a groan, then allowed a chuckle. “And she makes her presence known daily.” She sobered. “Seriously, I’m very thankful I have her in my life, but at times …”
“She can be difficult. So I’ve noticed.” He tossed her a grin. “Not that I’m complaining. I must say, she managed to raise a very nice daughter.”
“Why, thank you.” Warmth suffused Katherine’s body, and her palms grew damp against the leather reins. She’d better concentrate on her driving and not the man beside her, or they’d be in trouble. If only Lucy and Zachary weren’t so young and hadn’t chosen to break the rules. Attraction drew her to Micah, but the relationship forming between her young daughter and his son wasn’t acceptable. In her heart she knew it would place a wall between any chance she and Micah might have of growing closer.
They crossed the bridge over the Powder River, the wagon wheels clattering against the wood boards. A black raven flew from an overhanging branch, screeching his displeasure at being dislodged.
She reined the horse to the left and onto the dusty main street, taking in the Elkhorn Mountains towering above the town. She loved this settlement, with the two mountain ranges to the east and the west and the river running through the middle. The wide valley extended for miles, allowing ranchers and farmers to raise cattle and crops that helped sustain the miners and residents.
“Where would you like to go first?” She slapped the reins against the mare’s rump, then turned toward Micah.
“What? Oh, sorry.” He ran a hand over his head. “Wherever you’re going is fine.”
“But you wanted to see …” She didn’t finish as she caught a glimpse of pain etching deep lines around his mouth. “I’ll be about an hour or so. Will that be enough?” She scrambled to decipher what had happened. Why had he changed his mind about going to the site of the livery?
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“Whoa, Gracie.” Pulling the mare to a stop, she waited. “Will you be all right, Micah?” Katherine touched his arm, and he jumped.
“Sure. I’ll be happy to get down and stretch this leg a mite.” He hitched himself to the edge of the seat and twisted his body, gripping the side rail and easing down onto the step. “I don’t reckon I’ll go far.” He reached back up and pulled the crutches off the seat. “Not this trip anyway.” Shooting her a grim smile, he tucked the crutches under his arms and hopped away.
Micah wanted to kick himself a minute later for not having Katherine drop him off in front of his old business and home—even more, for allowing her to see his discomfort. He was a grown man, for pity’s sake, not a child who couldn’t handle a little tragedy in his life. Why had he told her he wouldn’t go far when the burned-out building four blocks away beckoned him? Surely he could make it that distance without too much trouble.
G
lancing around, he took in the people strolling the boardwalk in front of the stores and the wagons rattling past on the dirt street. He’d forgotten how good it felt to be out in the sun and standing on his own two feet. A wry grin formed—well, sort of on his own feet.
“Jacobs! Good to see you in town.” The voice of Pastor Seth came from close by. “You drive yourself in from Mrs. Galloway’s place?”
Micah shook his head, leaned his weight on one crutch, and extended his other hand as the man strode up. “No. Mrs. Galloway had some shopping to do so I hitched a ride. I was considering moseying on down the street.”
“Ah.” The pastor cocked his head in the direction Micah indicated. “Care if I walk with you?”
Micah shrugged. “Sure. I’d appreciate the company after being cooped up so long. If you think you can stand visiting with me yet again.” He grinned.
Pastor Seth laughed. “Not sure about that, but I’ll try.” He gestured toward the crutches. “When do you get rid of those?”
“Doc says soon, but it can’t be soon enough for me. I’d dump them now if I could, but he’s worried the cut will split open again if I put too much pressure on it. Another day or two, I reckon.”
“Good. You put any more thought into rebuilding?”
“That’s about all I think about these days.” Micah slowed his pace and shifted his balance. At least he’d gotten the hang of moving quickly, and since his arms were strong from swinging a blacksmith hammer so many hours a day, it was no chore to carry his weight with his arms and one leg. “But no, I haven’t made any decisions yet. Still no idea where I’ll come up with the money, but I’ll make it happen somehow. I’ve got to.” He tried to keep the desperation out of his voice but knew he’d failed when the pastor regarded him with compassion.
“Something will turn up, Micah. I’ll be praying about it, as well. God’s not going to let you down.”
“Right.” This time Micah didn’t try to hide the sarcasm. “That would be a first.” He shook his head. “Sorry. It’s not your fault. You’ve been decent and kind since I met you, and I appreciate it. But I don’t feel the same way about God. He’s let me down more than once in past years, so I have no reason to believe He won’t again.”
Blowing on Dandelions: A Novel (Love Blossoms in Oregon Series) Page 16
