Frances glared at Mrs. Roberts, daring the intrusive woman to speak, but she didn’t appear to have heard. She gave a slight nod. “Yes.”
“Ah, no wonder. Are you up to eating a bite of the toast and coffee Mrs. Roberts brought in?”
“I am not sure. You can leave it if you would like.”
Katherine nodded. “Let’s put the sheet on instead of this blanket, shall we?”
Mrs. Roberts cleared her throat. “I’ll step outside if you’re concerned with modesty, Mrs. Cooper, but let me assure you that nothing you have is news to me.”
Frances narrowed her eyes. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“I know you have gout, and I also know you may have a fever, although I admit it might only be that you are overheated from being too stubborn to take that blanket off since I arrived. And you are wearing a nightdress that covers you from your neck to your ankles, so there is absolutely no reason for this degree of modesty. We are both women well advanced in age, and we certainly don’t need to play games.”
“Well, I never!” Frances sat bolt upright. “My good woman, I do not play games. Stay if you must. I do not give a whit one way or the other.”
Katherine gently drew the blanket down to the end of the bed. “Oh, Mama.” She gasped. “I had no idea it was so bad.” She grimaced at Frances’s swollen joints. “I’ll bring a pan of cool water so you can soak your feet.”
Frances shot a look at Mrs. Roberts, then nodded. “I suppose it might help. Thank you.” She tacked on the last two words with an effort, hating that the smug woman was hearing her private business and observing her discomfort.
Besides, Mrs. Roberts was a paying guest and shouldn’t be asked to do their bidding. Couldn’t her daughter have abandoned her work for a brief minute rather than send this annoying stranger? Apparently not. Now Katherine was trying to compensate by bringing the sheet, but she’d only made matters worse by exposing Frances’s affliction.
Katherine hurried out, leaving Wilma Roberts standing nearby. Why, the woman almost looked like she cared, gazing at Frances with something akin to compassion. “I would like to help. I have no desire to censure you, or make you more uncomfortable, if that’s what you believe.”
“I suppose it is.” Frances met her gaze head-on. “You must admit, we have not been on the best of terms since you arrived.”
Mrs. Roberts crossed her arms over her chest. “Humph. I don’t seem to remember causing the problem.” She let her arms fall to her side. “There I go again, letting you get my back up instead of holding my tongue.” She dipped her head. “I apologize for my temper.”
“I beg your pardon?” Frances wrinkled her nose and almost laughed. Why in heaven’s name would Mrs. Roberts apologize? Frances had done her best to drive the woman and her annoying niece away. Not only did she persist in staying, she continued to surprise her with occasional spurts of kindness. Amazement at the woman’s declaration warred with irritation. Under different circumstances she’d have enjoyed another sparring match. “Never mind. We’ll let it go this time, shall we?” She pointed at the tray. “If you insist on staying, you might as well make yourself useful and hand me that damp rag.” She took it and wiped her forehead and cheeks, sighing as the cool water touched her warm skin. “Thank you.”
“Coffee or a glass of water?” Mrs. Roberts raised a brow.
“Water first, I think. Then the coffee.” The next moments passed in silence as Frances drank the water, then took sips of the strong black coffee.
Katherine carried a large basin of water into the room. “Here, Mama. This is deep enough to cover your feet and your ankles. Can you sit up?” She set it on the floor in front of the bed.
Mrs. Roberts hustled over to Frances’s side. “Let me help.” She extended her hand. Frances hesitated, then gripped it, allowing herself to be helped to an upright position. The woman slipped her other hand under Frances’s legs and ever so gently swung them to the edge of the bed. “Tell me if I’m moving too fast or if I jar you.”
The woman’s tender touch surprised Frances. “I believe I am fine.… Th-thank you.”
Moments later she sat with her feet soaking in heavenly cool water, her nightdress hitched almost to her knees. Relief flooded her heart as some of the heat drained from her body. She ducked her head, a little ashamed at her recent behavior toward both Katherine and Mrs. Roberts, but she had no idea how to let them know without humiliating herself further, so she chose to keep silent. Surely they’d understand how good this felt and know they were appreciated without her having to spell it out.
Katherine looked from one woman to the other. “I need to go check on Amanda. I left her drawing pictures at the kitchen table, but I promised I’d help her make cookies this morning. I hate to leave you, Mama, but I’ll check on you in a little while.”
“Oh, fiddlesticks. I will be perfectly all right now that I am cooled off a bit. You go about your business and do not worry about me.” She waved at her daughter and nodded at Mrs. Roberts. “You, too. I am sure your niece is in need of your companionship, so do not stay on my account. I cannot imagine you would want to sit around playing nursemaid to an old woman, anyway.”
“Nonsense.” Mrs. Roberts plopped down in a chair. “I have no intention of leaving you alone. I’ll stay until you want to get back in bed, then help with that sheet. And if you want that toast and honey, or a refill on your coffee, I shall take care of that as well.”
Katherine thanked Mrs. Roberts and hastened out the door. Frances blinked rapidly, unsure why her eyes moistened without her consent. This woman sounded positively eager to stay around in spite of the way she’d been treated.
Frances didn’t understand it at all, but she didn’t have the energy to figure it out. “I suppose I might nibble at that toast if you have a mind to hand it over.” That was the best she could do, but gratitude and wonder simmered deep in her heart. Wilma Roberts had offered an olive branch—maybe not of friendship, but at least a truce—and Frances intended to grasp it. At least for today. She would wait and see what transpired tomorrow … and how long this truce lasted.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Katherine shook her head in wonder as she headed back to the kitchen. Who’d have thought Mrs. Roberts would take so much time for Mama? Why, they’d nearly been enemies since Mrs. Roberts’s arrival. For the life of her, Katherine couldn’t understand what had changed. Mama certainly hadn’t put out any effort to win over the other woman.
Now where had Mandy gone? Katherine stopped in the doorway of the dining room and examined every inch of the room. Sometimes her little scamp liked to hide in a corner and then jump out to scare her. A smile tipped the corners of her mouth. With the house full of boarders, she hadn’t spent enough time with either of her girls, and she missed their giggles and secrets. Her smile faded. Not that there’d been many giggles lately from her Lucy. Her elder daughter had kept her share of secrets. She heaved a breath. Well, the girl was thirteen—a difficult age for the best of girls—and Lucy had always been one of the best.
A tap sounded at the front door and Katherine lifted her skirt, hurrying down the hall. Still no sign of Mandy, but she had to deal with a visitor. She swung open the door.
Pastor Seth stood on the porch, his hand gripped by that of her younger daughter.
Mandy tugged him inside. “Ma, Pastor Seth has come to visit, and he’d like some tea and cookies.”
The pastor’s face wrinkled in consternation, and Katherine stepped back, stifling a chuckle. “Don’t worry, Pastor. I know you didn’t ask Mandy for anything. She’s been begging for a tea party for the past two days, and I haven’t had time to accommodate her. I’m sure she sees you as the perfect opportunity.”
He gazed down at the girl. “I’d be happy to stay for tea, Miss Galloway, if you’re inviting me to your party.”
Her blue eyes widened as she smiled up into his, then she turned to Katherine. “He called me Miss Galloway, Ma.” Her little chest swelled
, and her chin lifted. “I am a lady now.” She took his hand again. “Come on, Pastor. We’ll go sit in the parlor, and Ma can serve us tea.”
Katherine choked as she tried not to laugh, then waved the two toward the archway of the parlor. “Please go right in and make yourself at home. The kettle is on, and as Amanda mentioned …”
Mandy’s head jerked up. “I am Miss Galloway, Ma, not Amanda or Mandy. I am having a tea party, ’member?”
“I beg your pardon, Miss Galloway. You take Pastor Seth and find him a seat. I’ll be right along.” She whispered to the pastor, “I hope you weren’t in a hurry to get somewhere.”
“Not at all.” He gestured toward the kitchen. “Take your time. I’ll visit with my charming hostess.”
Katherine chuckled to herself as she headed toward the kitchen. Pastor Seth never ceased to amaze her with his gentle, caring ways. Minutes later she returned to the parlor with a tray of molasses cookies, her china teapot, and three cups. She’d hesitated over bringing one of her best cups for Mandy but decided to chance it. The little girl would be so thrilled at being treated like one of the grown-ups, and Katherine would hate to disappoint her during her first official tea party.
She set the tray down on the low table in front of the divan and poured the tea, offering sugar and cream. Mandy eyed the entire proceeding, chattering to the pastor and handling her cup with care. Katherine waited a little longer, allowing her daughter to carry the conversation, before interrupting, casting a quick smile at her visitor. “Mandy, honey, the pastor came to talk to me about something. Since we’re finished with our tea, I think we need some time alone. Would you wait in the dining room? You can get your papers and pencil out of the drawer.”
“Sure, Ma. Would you like me to take the dishes?” She set her cup and saucer carefully back on the tray.
“No, but thank you for offering. We’ll leave it for now, and I’ll bring it when I come.”
Mandy gave a dainty curtsy to Pastor Seth. “I’m so glad you could join us for tea, and I hope you can come again.” The words were spoken with the air of an adult. Pride swelled in Katherine’s heart. Her baby was growing up.
The pastor stood and bowed. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything, Miss Galloway. You have been a wonderful hostess.”
Mandy giggled, waved, and skipped out of the room.
Katherine turned back to her visitor. “Thank you for going along with her. I think this has been one of the highlights of her young life. I had no idea how much she’d enjoy it, or I would’ve made an effort to invite someone over sooner.”
His face lit up. “My pleasure. I don’t get to spend enough time with the little people in our congregation. As you expected, I am here for a specific purpose. I’m glad I caught you alone—well, except for Amanda, of course.”
Katherine nodded, waiting for him to continue.
“Did Mr. Jacobs mention that I spoke with him in town last week?”
“Yes, he did.” She let the words stand. Since she’d returned from her quilting meeting, she’d not been able to find time alone with Micah to apologize. Between Mama’s bouts of illness and the work that needed to be done in the house, the time had flown by with little contact other than meals. When the pastor left, she’d seek out Micah and deal with her poor behavior.
“I offered to walk to the site of his business with him, but we never made it that far. I’m afraid I upset him by asking about his future intentions.”
Her head snapped up, not sure what he might be referring to. “Intentions?”
“Where his business and home are concerned. I wasn’t sure if he’d raised the necessary money or manpower to rebuild either one, but it appears he hasn’t—and it only frustrated him that I asked.” The pastor sighed. “He must be feeling pretty desperate at this point, being beholden to you for a home and not able to pursue making a living. So much of a man’s self-worth comes from providing for his family.”
“I had no idea.” The words came out in a low whisper. She’d sensed something was wrong but had plowed ahead, determined to get her grievance against Zachary out in the open. How selfish and unkind could she be?
The poor man must have felt bombarded on every side. He’d probably been working up the courage to see his business and home, and then anxiety, or something akin to it, had stopped him. Then he’d walked with the pastor, who’d questioned his plans, and afterward she’d scolded him about his son. If only she could turn back the clock and undo the harm she’d done.
She suppressed a shiver. “Mr. Jacobs has been rather withdrawn since we returned from town.” She wanted to say more, to confide in this kind man, but didn’t feel it was her business. “I wish I could do something.”
The pastor laced his fingers together between his knees. “That’s why I came. I have an idea, and I need your help to put it in place.”
Micah entered the parlor in time to see the pastor shut the front door behind him and Katherine turn away with a smile. A sharp stab of unease hit him. Had Pastor Seth called on Katherine for personal reasons? From what he’d learned, the man wasn’t married and might be looking for a wife. As a man of faith, he’d be a perfect fit for Katherine. Micah backed up a step, hoping she hadn’t seen him. Maybe she’d head down the hall and not come back into the parlor. The last thing he wanted was another confrontation with an angry woman.
She paused, almost as though sensing his presence, then slowly pivoted and looked him full in the face. Her lips parted as if in surprise, then she relaxed and smiled again.
Micah’s breath caught in his throat. He’d forgotten how beautiful she was. He tipped his head. “Katherine.” He couldn’t seem to force anything else out.
“Micah.” She breathed the word so quietly he wasn’t sure he’d heard. Then she extended her hands and moved across the parlor toward him. Stopping a mere stride from him, Katherine seemed to come to herself and clasped her hands. “I hoped I’d see you today.”
No anger in her tone, no irritation. In fact, she sounded almost eager and … happy. Not at all what he’d expected. “Oh?” What a dunce she must think him, speaking in one-word sentences and standing there like a dumb ox.
“Would you wait for me a moment? Mandy went to the dining room after having a tea party with the pastor, and I need to check on her and let her know I’ll be along soon.”
“Certainly.”
She disappeared with a rustle of her skirt. Was that kindness in her eyes, possibly even tenderness? Micah shook his head, hoping to clear it, then realization dawned. Pastor Seth had told her about their encounter. The fear of being pitied rose in him again. He wanted Katherine’s friendship, maybe even her affection, but the last thing he’d tolerate was pity. Not from her, or the pastor, or anyone else. Not today and not ever.
Katherine’s heart pounded as she moved back up the hall to the parlor and the man who waited there. Thank heavens for the excuse to step away and gather her composure. She hadn’t expected to see him so soon after her talk with Pastor Seth, and certainly not without preparing something to say. The pastor’s suggestion had thrilled her, and it would be hard to keep any hint of it out of the conversation, but she must remember the purpose of her discussion with Micah. Setting things right between them was of utmost importance. If only she could quell her nerves and ease the trembling in her body.
She quickened her pace, half afraid he’d disappear before she got there. He’d said almost nothing when she’d asked him to stay, and his blank expression told her little. Would he accept her apology and understand, or turn away in disgust that she’d blundered so badly? Katherine paused before stepping through the open door.
Micah stood with his back to her, staring out the front window, his hands clasped behind him. What a fine-looking man he was. The well-defined muscles in his upper arms showed through the fabric of his linen shirt, and his dark head angled to the side, as though deep in thought. She wasn’t accustomed to seeing him without the crutches but was thankful for his sake that he’d
finally left them behind.
She cleared her throat so as to not startle him. “Micah?”
He turned with a slight grimace. A pain in his leg from standing too long, or apprehension and displeasure at having to deal with her again? “Do you need to stay with Amanda?”
“No. She’s happily absorbed in her drawing. Won’t you have a seat?” What was wrong with her that she spoke to him with such forced formality, like they were two strangers starting their acquaintance all over again? “How is your leg? Is it bothering you today?”
He took a seat. “It’s tolerable. Aching a little but getting better, so I can’t complain.”
Relief swept her—not that he’d been in pain, but knowing the effort of swiveling might have caused the distressed look a moment ago. “I’m glad.” She sank onto an upholstered chair. Where to begin? This was harder than she’d imagined it would be. “I need to ask your forgiveness.” There. It was out and couldn’t be taken back. Not that she wanted to, but she hadn’t planned on blurting out the words.
His hands gripped his knees. “I beg your pardon?”
Katherine slumped against the chair. He didn’t look at all happy or receptive. She hoped he didn’t hold a grudge so deep he wouldn’t forgive her. “For what I said to you on our way back from town.”
“About what, exactly?”
Annoyance pricked her, followed by apprehension. Was he purposely being obtuse, or had their conversation meant little or nothing to him? Maybe she’d blown this whole thing out of proportion, and there was no need to even bring it up. But too late now, the deed was done. She must get this out in the open, or things between them might never return to normal—although she wasn’t certain what normal was anymore.
“For accusing Zachary unjustly. I didn’t give you a chance to speak to him, nor did I find out what was going on before I assumed the worst. I was wrong for talking to you the way I did. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
The stiffness in his back relaxed. “Of course I forgive you. And I hope you’ll do the same for me.”
Blowing on Dandelions: A Novel (Love Blossoms in Oregon Series) Page 20
