“I’m sorry.” Kitty bent over and gave Miriam a hug. “I’ve never known when to be quiet.”
“But I like your candidness. It keeps things interesting.”
Kitty laughed. “Interesting. That’s a good word for it.”
It was probably best to change the subject altogether, so Miriam asked about their other friends from school. She was surprised at how many were still unmarried.
“Grandma says it’s because everyone’s focusing on building up their land right now. They think it’s more important to plow their fields than get married.”
“How is Bonnie doing?” Miriam asked. “You haven’t said yet.”
“She’s doing well. She’s gotten involved in that new sewing circle Jane Henderson started in her shop, and she enjoys her friends there.”
“Jane Henderson has a shop?”
Kitty laughed. “I keep forgetting how much we have to catch up on. Yes, and it’s the cutest little place. It’s half a block from Appleby’s general store, and she carries yarn, thread, fabric—anything you’d need for a sewing project. She started it after her husband died, and she’s taken the widows of Topeka under her wing. They get together and sew once a week there in her shop, and it’s been so good for Grandma. Esther goes too—she probably hasn’t had the chance to mention it.”
“We haven’t talked a lot yet—I’ve just been unpacking since supper.”
Kitty leaned over and touched one of the dresses lying on top of an open trunk. “This is sure pretty.”
“I was thinking about wearing it to the party tomorrow.”
“You should. You’ve always looked beautiful in this shade of pink, with your dark hair.”
“Thank you. I wondered if it was too fancy.”
Kitty shook her head. “You’ve just come from New York. Everyone’s expecting you to look fancy—if you don’t, they’ll be disappointed.”
Miriam laughed. “All right, I’ll wear the fancy dress so I’m not disappointing anyone.”
Kitty hopped off the bed. “Good girl. Now, I wish I could stay longer, but I promised Mother I’d be home to help put the twins to bed. They’ve been extra fractious lately.” She gave Miriam another quick hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow, and I’m so glad you’re home!”
She bounced down the stairs, and Miriam watched her go with a smile. Kitty always did cheer her up. She felt terrible, though, that she still couldn’t promise to stay. She’d been in Topeka only a number of hours now and she was already feeling restless, as though her feet were halfway down the sidewalk toward the train station. When would she ever feel comfortable where she was without wanting more?
Chapter Five
Toby didn’t sleep well that night. His grandmother would be making her announcement that afternoon and all his questions would be answered, but he didn’t feel he’d be ready to face that announcement until he had more information. He got up early, bathed and dressed, then headed down to Main Street, hoping to catch Mr. Burns before the man became busy for the day.
He opened the door of the newspaper office and stepped inside. The press was still quiet, but a typesetter worked diligently in the corner. Toby pulled in a deep breath. He loved the smell of paper and ink. He felt the same way about that aroma as some people did about lilac bushes in the spring.
“Good morning,” Isaiah Burns called, walking out of his office and extending a hand. “What brings you by this morning, Toby?”
“A matter of a somewhat personal nature,” Toby replied. “Do you mind if we go back in your office?”
Isaiah gave a nod and led the way. Once both men were seated, Toby came right to the point. “You know the citizens of this town better than just about anyone—are you aware if my grandmother is being courted by anyone?”
“Your grandmother?” Isaiah raised an eyebrow. “No, not that I’m aware of. She’s a bit past that age, isn’t she?”
“Perhaps, but it’s been known to happen.”
“What makes you think she has a suitor?”
Toby settled back in his chair. “She’s been dropping little hints lately, and she seems more flustered than usual. She told me she’s planning to make an announcement this afternoon, but she didn’t say what it was about. I’m worried that whoever this man is, he might not have the best of intentions.”
“Meaning, you think he’s going to steal from her?”
“Exactly. I hoped you might know something about the situation.”
Isaiah shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I haven’t seen or heard anything of the kind. If there is such a man prowling around, he’s keeping himself well hidden. I’ll see what I can find out, though.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate that.” Toby started to rise, but Isaiah shook his head.
“Hold up there a minute, Toby. I’m glad you came by—I was actually planning to come see you this morning, and when you walked in, I thought you’d caught wind of my visit and had decided to save me a trip.”
“You were coming to see me?”
“I was. You and I have talked quite a bit about the newspaper business over the last few years, and you’ve expressed interest in the field.”
“That’s right.”
“Well, turns out that Walter Reeves is leaving the paper, and I need to fill his spot. Are you interested in applying?”
Toby couldn’t respond for a moment. He felt as though he’d just been blasted by an arctic wind and was now frozen to his chair. “You’d like me to apply to be a reporter?” he said at last.
“That’s right. Your education is right in line with what I need, and you’ve got a good head on your shoulders—I feel I could trust you to tell an unbiased story. What do you say?”
Toby managed to pull in a breath. This was exactly the opportunity he’d been looking for, and he needed to stay calm so he wouldn’t ruin his chances. “What would you like me to do?”
“I’d like you to write two articles and have them on my desk by five o’clock tonight. The first will be a piece about the potential for spring flooding down along the riverbank, and the second will be a society piece.” Isaiah smirked. “I’d like to get your unique perspective on the shindig at Esther Brown’s house this afternoon.”
“You . . . you want me to write about my grandmother’s engagement announcement?” That was odd. If Isaiah hadn’t even known his grandmother was being courted, how would he know about this?
“No, I’m talking about . . .” Isaiah paused. “You don’t know?”
“About what?”
Isaiah leaned back and laughed. “Just be at Esther Brown’s at one o’clock this afternoon and have both articles on my desk at five. There are a few other applicants, but not many, and frankly, you’re my pick for the job if you can prove that you have what it takes.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Toby shook Isaiah’s hand and left the building, elated at the opportunity, but also confused by much of the conversation. He wasn’t going to waste time trying to figure it out, though—it would all make sense soon enough, he supposed. He’d stop in at the Brody Hotel, eat some breakfast, then head down to the river. He had an article to write that morning.
Esther’s friends had converged upon the house at eleven sharp and had forbidden Miriam to come anywhere near the kitchen or the backyard. “We have everything well in hand,” Thora told her. “You relax and enjoy your day.” That was nice enough in theory, but Miriam found it impossible to relax when she knew other people were working, so she went into the parlor, found her grandmother’s mending basket, and made herself useful by replacing some buttons on a blouse.
The whole time she worked, as hard as she tried to keep herself distracted, her thoughts kept wandering back to her conversation with Kitty—particularly the part about Toby.
Oh, Toby. She’d never in her life felt about anyone the way she had about him. He was simply perfect. She’d met him when he was twelve and she was ten, and she looked up to him as though he was some sort of fairyt
ale prince. He was tall for his age, not gangly like the other boys, and he didn’t ignore the girls or tease them. If they wanted to play stickball, he’d hand them the stick and give them a chance.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he’d helped rescue a puppy that had gotten swept up in the current of the river. Miriam remembered it clearly—she and some of her friends were standing on the bank, watching in horror as the poor little creature struggled against the water, but Toby hadn’t hesitated even for a moment. He’d waded out into the river, scooped the animal up, and carried it back to shore without giving any thought for his own safety. On that day, every girl in Miriam’s school declared that she was going to marry Toby someday.
Miriam was the one who meant it the most.
“Ouch,” she muttered as she stabbed her finger with the needle. She shouldn’t let herself get distracted while working with sharp implements.
“Miriam? Are you in here?”
“Yes, I’m in the parlor,” Miriam called out as she grabbed a handkerchief to press against the drop of blood she’d produced.
Kitty entered the room and sat down on the nearest chair. “I’ve been sent to tell you that you may come outside in ten minutes.”
“That’s good—I hate being in exile.” Miriam handed the blouse to Kitty. “Do you mind finishing that button while I make sure I’m not going to leave spots all over Grandma’s mending?”
“You’ve been impaling yourself, have you?”
“Yes, and it’s Toby’s fault. Or maybe I should blame you for bringing him up last night.”
“I’m sorry. It really was an accident.”
“I know. And he really shouldn’t be off limits—that would be ridiculous, considering that we live in the same town and we’re likely to run into each other.” That thought made her stomach churn. Seeing him again was inevitable, but what would she say to him? Was there some sort of etiquette for running into the boy you’d once thought you were going to marry?
“Everything will work out—I’m sure of it. You’ll see each other, you’ll have a few awkward moments, and then you’ll laugh about it.” Kitty tied off the button and trimmed the loose threads. “There you go. Now you can stop bleeding all over.”
“Thank you.” Miriam checked her finger to make sure it was fine, then returned her handkerchief to her pocket. “So, what have the grandmothers been doing out there, anyway? From the snippets I’ve heard through the window, it’s quite the to-do.”
“There are decorations everywhere, tables with cakes and punch, another table to hold the gifts people will bring you—”
“Gifts? Why are they bringing me gifts?”
“Because they’re really nice people and they love you.”
“But . . . I don’t need gifts!” Miriam put her grandmother’s sewing basket back in the corner. “Aren’t they taking this just a bit too far?”
“They don’t know how else to show you how glad they are that you’ve come home,” Kitty replied.
“But . . . but I’m not even sure I’m staying.”
“What?” Kitty came up out of her chair as though she’d been jabbed by Miriam’s needle too. “I thought you were here for good! They all think you’re here for good!”
“I told my grandmother I’d be here through the summer. I never said what I’d be doing after that.”
Kitty sat back down, looking hurt. “But why would you leave again?”
“I don’t know, Kit. I’m just not happy here—I’m not happy anywhere, I guess.”
“So if you’re just going to be miserable, why not be miserable here with us?”
Miriam didn’t know how to respond to that. Kitty must have sensed that she’d said something hurtful because she was immediately on her feet again, wrapping her arm around Miriam’s shoulders.
“I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to sound so harsh. What I meant to say was, wouldn’t it be easier to figure out why you’re so unhappy if you were here, surrounded by people who love you? We could help you, and maybe after a while, you’d feel better.”
“I don’t know, Kit. That sounds simple enough, but in actuality . . .”
Esther came into the parlor, her face aglow. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, we’re on our way.”
“Good. Oh, I hope you like it.”
“Grandma, you know I’ll love anything you’ve put together.”
Esther reached out and took Miriam’s hand. “Then come! We’re all waiting.”
When Miriam stepped into the backyard, she was overwhelmed. The ladies had put ribbons in all the trees, bunting along the porch rails, and lanterns along the edges of the lawn. She wondered if they were meant to be useful or decorative—the party wasn’t going to last until after dark, was it? She wasn’t sure she had the stamina. Several tables had been set up all over the lawn with matching chairs, and there were two long tables filled from edge to edge with food.
“Oh, my,” Miriam said, trying to take it all in. “This looks beautiful. Please tell me you didn’t move all this furniture yourself.”
“Goodness no,” Maude Thomas replied. “A few of our sons and grandsons came over to help. They’ll be back for some cake after they’ve cleaned up.”
“This is the loveliest party I’ve ever seen.” Miriam swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Thank you so much—I don’t feel I deserve it.”
“Nonsense,” Viola Spencer said from her nearby chair. “And if we only got what we deserved, none of us would have anything.”
“That’s very true.” Miriam turned in a circle to make sure she’d seen everything. “Thank you again. I’m going to remember this forever as the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
Esther beamed. “I was worried that you’d think it was too much.”
“Well, I do, but that’s not always a bad thing, is it?” Miriam chuckled, and the ladies laughed with her. “Now, I’d better run upstairs and change so I look ready for a party.”
Kitty came with her to help manage the buttons, and within just a few minutes, they were returning. Guests had already started to arrive, and Miriam took a deep breath before stepping off the porch and walking around to greet everyone. She had nothing to be nervous about, and yet, she still felt butterflies in her stomach. What could she give these good people in return for everything they’d given her, and would she ever feel like she’d lived up to their expectations?
Chapter Six
Toby got back to his grandmother’s house as quickly as he could and changed out of his mud-spattered pants and shoes. Turned out, it was very difficult to research a story about flooding by the river without getting a little damp, but he was pleased with what he’d accomplished. Not only had he taken note of some areas where the banks seemed most vulnerable, but he’d spoken with some of the people who lived along those banks and asked for their thoughts on the situation. They shared some of the things they’d experienced when the river ran high in previous years, and he felt that their quotes would add validity to the piece.
Once he’d changed, he sat down and began the article, knowing that he’d have to finish it after the party, but if he could get a good start on it now, that would put him on track. His grandmother wasn’t home, but she’d left a note on the table reminding him to be at Esther’s at one o’clock. It wasn’t likely that he’d forget—not with two such compelling reasons to be there.
At a quarter to one, he blotted his page, grabbed his hat and coat, and headed out, facing what needed to be done. He wasn’t pleased with Isaiah for asking him to write about his grandmother’s surprise engagement, but if he became a reporter, he’d have to write about a great many unpleasant things, and he supposed it was better to get over the shock of it now so he could plunge right in to the actual work once it began. He was determined to get this job, so he’d do what it took to ensure it.
Esther Brown’s yard looked lovely. He took a moment to note the colors of the decorations and the types of refreshments being served—the readers o
f the society column loved those kinds of details. Then he glanced around, looking for his grandmother. She was over by the punch bowl, handing a glass to an older gentleman with a small goatee.
So. That was him.
The man who planned to rob his grandmother blind.
Toby crossed the lawn, his notes for the article fisted in one hand. He wasn’t sure what he would say or if he should even be approaching them, but his feet seemed to be moving of their own accord, and he wasn’t sure he could pull himself back now.
“Grandmother,” he said, his jaw tense.
“Oh, hello, Toby! You made it.” Nola’s hand shook a little, and she glanced over her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“You asked me to come, so I came.” Toby nodded toward the man with the goatee. “Who’s your friend?”
“Hmm? Oh, this is Rudolph Green. He moved to town not long ago. Mr. Green, this is my grandson, Toby.”
“Pleased to meet you, son.” Mr. Green stuck out his hand, a smile on his face, and Toby obliged. “Your grandmother was just telling me what a help you’ve been these last couple of years.”
Toby glanced at Nola. She was still plainly rattled, and he wondered how she could feel right about this decision when it was causing her so much turmoil just announcing it. Surely she understood that if this was the right thing, she’d feel more peaceful about it.
“I’ve just done what I could,” Toby replied to Mr. Green. “So, where did you live before you came to Topeka? Do you have any family?”
Before Mr. Green could reply, Nola let out a gasp, and Toby turned to see the cause. Miriam Brown was descending the porch steps wearing a deep pink gown that made her cheeks glow and her lips look kissable and her hair shine in the afternoon sunlight, and he honestly went weak in the knees.
“Miriam?” he said, blinking. “Miriam’s here?”
“Yes!” Nola said, clapping her hands and then tucking them under her chin. “Surprise!”
A Stitch in Time Page 4
