She held the cookies high to navigate past the swinging dancers. She’d almost made it to the refreshment table when Garrick stepped back against her shoulder, knocking her off balance.
“Oh.” She stumbled, and her tray tilted. Garrick grabbed for it and hit her instead, knocking her into a hard wall of warm flannel.
“Oomph!” A male voice huffed in her ear.
The aroma of bay rum aftershave surrounded her. His arms closed around her, and she landed in a very undignified heap on the floor, or more precisely, on his chest while he sprawled on the floor.
Again he oomphed in her ear.
Anna scrambled away and turned to stare into the most beautiful light blue eyes she’d ever seen. The man shook his head as if to clear it and rolled to a sitting position, holding his stomach. Cool air rushing up past Anna’s ankles brought her to her senses, and she jerked her dress back into place. She should have worn her trousers. The uncontrollable urge to burst out laughing took over, and she buried her face in her arms before she gave in. Everyone’s stares and the poor fellow trying to get his breath filled her awareness, yet the music played on. Her shoulders shook from the laughter she held in. Didn’t the musicians know she’d taken their job of entertaining? A very unladylike snort escaped her nose.
“Miss, are you all right?” a deep voice asked while a warm hand cupped her shoulder. “Are you hurt? I’m sorry. I got my feet tangled in your skirt when you hit me.”
That remark, and the effort to keep from laughing, brought tears to her eyes. Her shoulders shook again.
“Anna, are you all right?” Larkin knelt beside her.
Garrick joined Larkin. “I’m sorry, Anna. I didn’t see you.”
One peek at the worried expressions on their faces broke Anna’s control, and her laughter pealed forth. A moment later, Garrick laughed, too.
With a crooked smile, Larkin stood and waved at the others who’d pressed close. “All’s well. Papa, would you have the orchestra play something new so we can begin another dance?”
When he nodded, she turned to Anna and the poor man struggling to get off the floor. “This seems the appropriate moment for introductions. Anna, this is Jeremiah Tucker from Seattle. Mr. Tucker, I’d like for you to meet my dearest friend, Anna Wilkin.”
On her feet again, Anna smiled at the tall, dark-haired man who watched her as if she might break. “I’m glad to meet you, Mr. Tucker. I’m sorry I bumped into you. Garrick hit me in one of the turns. Did my … did I hurt you?”
Her face burned. She’d almost mentioned her bustle. She still felt bruised where she’d landed on the thing. Why she’d agreed to wear it, she had no idea.
He chuckled. “No, I’m fine, except I believe you owe me a dance, Miss Wilkin.”
Anna motioned to the scattered cookies. “I can’t. The mess—”
“Go ahead.” Larkin touched her shoulder as if to guide her away. “I’ll—”
“We’ll clean it up.” The blond man with the cleft chin drew Larkin closer to him and out of Anna’s way. “Go dance.”
“Thanks, E.V.” Mr. Tucker motioned to where the other dancers were lining up. “I became quite concerned when I thought you were crying.”
“Crying? Me?” Resigned to dance with the poor man, Anna shook her head. “I assure you, I would not be crying over a silly spill such as that.”
Jeremiah Tucker kept a close eye on his dance partner. She was a petite young woman. He’d hate it if she were injured. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to be. A pleasant smile brightened her pretty face while her quick, sure steps kept time to the polka. Something about her struck a chord in his memory. Rebekah would be about the same age if she’d lived. She’d always been as plucky as this girl, too.
They locked arms and twirled in a circle. He grinned at her. “Tell me, Miss Wilkin, what’s a fun activity you enjoy even more than dancing?”
“Fishing.” She giggled and moved away.
She was teasing, and he was intrigued. They came together, and he took her small, gloved hand to lead her through the steps. He could tease, too.
“So you sink worms and like it?”
“Of course, every chance I get. Mama thinks it’s unladylike, but she cooks all the fish I catch.” Her dark brown eyes sparkled with humor.
How refreshing to talk to a girl who didn’t bat her eyelashes. “Go fishing with me Sunday afternoon. Maybe you can show me how.”
A light flickered in the depths of her eyes before the dance carried her away from him. She’d caught on to his skepticism. The girl was fun, cute, and smart.
When she returned, she accepted his hand, twirled, curtsied, and stepped into place beside him, graceful and light on her feet. “I will, with my friend. Right after lunch. Meet us at the lake.”
“I’ll be there, Miss Wilkin.” He hadn’t expected her to accept. His grin remained as the set came to a close. He bowed, and she offered a little curtsy.
“Mr. Tucker, there you are.” A beautiful young woman resembling Anna, her sister perhaps, hurried toward him. “The orchestra has agreed to play some popular songs for us to sing. Please say you’ll join our group.”
“I’d be delighted.” Jeremiah turned toward Anna in time to see her long blue skirt flare out as she pivoted away. She stopped beside Garrick Leonard, one of the workers at the logging camp. They exchanged words then walked to the refreshment table where E.V. and Miss Whitworth were talking. About time his friend found a female who could woo a conversation out of him.
Movement at his side brought his attention back to Kathleen. “Your sister and Garrick Leonard seem to be good friends.”
A frown touched her brow. “Yes, they are.”
Jeremiah chuckled.
“Is something funny?”
“Sorry, your kid sister just doubled up her fist and punched Leonard.”
Kathleen shrugged. “Anna is a child. Garrick—Garrick is—” She turned away with her fingers pressed to her eyes. “Will you excuse me? Something’s in my eye.”
As she hurried away, Jeremiah wondered if he should follow, but Anna’s laughter rang out, capturing his attention. Rebekah would have loved her, but his little sister was gone, taken in the same fire that killed his parents. He watched Anna, captivated in a way he’d never been before. A fishing companion? He chuckled again. He couldn’t wait to watch her touch a worm. If she even showed up.
Chapter 2
Anna sat beside Abigail and tried to listen to Reverend Bollen’s sermon. If Mama knew how Anna’s insides skittered in anticipation for this afternoon’s fishing excursion, she would withdraw the privilege of leaving the family pew to sit with the Leonards.
Would Reverend Bollen ever finish preaching? If nothing else, she’d have a fun outing with Larkin. Competing with Jeremiah would add to the fun. Her lips twitched upward. She really shouldn’t think of him by his given name. Mama wouldn’t like that any more than she would the squirming, but she couldn’t call a fishing buddy Mr. Tucker, could she?
“Please stand for the benediction.”
Anna rose with the others and bowed her head. As soon as the amen sounded, she darted into the aisle.
Garrick stopped her. “Where are you headed in such a hurry?”
The light of curiosity in Abigail’s eyes cautioned Anna. If she told them about the fishing contest, Garrick would want to come. Then Abigail might tag along. She didn’t want anyone but Larkin there, and Abigail could never get along with Larkin. “Home for dinner of course.”
“You must be hungry.” Garrick moved closer.
Her stomach growled on cue, and she grinned. “I am.”
She turned toward the back. Already a line of folks had formed at the door to speak to the minister and his wife. Mama and Papa had just reached them. Kathleen stepped out the door—with Jeremiah.
A fist of dread slammed into Anna’s midsection. Kathleen had taken over Jeremiah last night at the party, and she was doing the same today. It wasn’t fair. Just because Kathleen had Mama’s d
ark auburn hair and porcelain skin and everyone said she was beautiful didn’t give her the right to take Anna’s friends away.
She couldn’t take Jeremiah if he didn’t want to go.
Anna ignored the voice of reason in her mind. Men always liked Kathleen best.
She turned back to her friends. “I really do need to go. The preacher’s family is coming for dinner today, and Mama will need my help.”
Abigail fanned herself with her lacy white glove. “That means the Bollen sons will be there. If your mother needs extra help, let me know.”
Anna laughed. “All right, but it isn’t likely.”
She hurried past several people waiting to talk to Reverend Bollen. She couldn’t honestly say she knew what he’d preached about today, so she slipped past.
Jeremiah stood in the churchyard, grinning at Kathleen as if he’d been smitten just like every other fellow in Tumwater. Oh! If Anna wasn’t such a lady, she’d stomp her foot—right on top of Jeremiah’s toes. Obviously, Kathleen hadn’t dragged him out of the church and held him hostage. She wasn’t even touching him.
Anna ran to catch her parents. “Papa, I’m going to walk home today.”
He nodded. “All right. Be careful.”
“I will.” She turned on her heel and set a brisk pace through an unusually sunny day. Too bad Kathleen had to put a damper on it. She’d probably talk Jeremiah into doing something else this afternoon and the fishing competition would be cancelled. As if she cared. She’d have won anyway. She’d turned on Division Road when footsteps pounded behind her.
“Hey Miss Wilkin, wait.” Jeremiah skidded to a stop.
Anna looked past him, but didn’t see Kathleen.
“So are we still going fishing?” His lopsided grin held her attention. “Or did you chicken out? Decide you don’t want to touch a worm after all?”
“Ha! I’m not the chicken here. I’ve probably baited more hooks than you have.” Anna glared at him, one fist landing on her hip.
He threw his head back and laughed. “Not likely, little one. I’m going to eat with my friends, but I’ll see you after that—if you show up.”
“I’ll be there.” Little one? She’d show him little when she caught more fish than he did. He was halfway to the church when she called after him. “My name’s Anna.”
She didn’t wait for him to respond, but set her mind to getting away from the house. If she was lucky, she’d be able to slip out after dinner. Of all days for the Bollens to come, why did it have to be today?
Anna rushed about, setting out the pies Mama baked the night before. She started the dishwater and had the pots scrubbed clean before Mama called her into the dining room. The fact no one seemed to notice the work she’d done should have bothered her, but today she didn’t care. She only wanted to have dinner over with so she could be on her way to the river.
Reverend Bollen ate the last of his potatoes then leaned back in his chair “Mrs. Wilkin, you’ve outdone yourself today. Everything was delicious.”
Mama’s cheeks grew pink, and she smiled. “Thank you. My girls are a big help.”
Anna began clearing the table. Maybe if she washed the dishes, Mama wouldn’t say anything about her leaving in a few minutes.
Kathleen stood and motioned for Natalie. “Come upstairs, and I’ll show you the pattern I was talking about.”
In Godey’s Lady’s Book, no doubt. Anna carried the first load of dishes to the kitchen while the others left the table.
Mama hurried after her. “Anna, we don’t need to clean up right now. We’ll let it rest and visit. I’ve already told Mrs. Bollen we don’t need help.”
Anna set the stack of plates on the counter beside the sink. “I don’t mind, Mama. You and Mrs. Bollen go visit. I’ve already done the pots. The rest will be easy if I do them now before they stick.”
Mama took a couple of tea towels from the drawer. “If you’re sure you don’t mind. I’ll cover the table in case anyone wants something later.”
“Mama, I promised Larkin I’d be over this afternoon.” Anna held her breath.
“Are you coming?” Papa stuck his head in the kitchen.
Mama ignored him. “Anna, you need to stay here while the reverend is visiting. How would that look if you up and run off?”
Papa gave Anna a wink. “Anna’s done her duty. This is Sunday. The day of rest. The reverend will understand her need to get out of the house on such a pretty day. See that sunshine out the window? Days like this are few and far between. Makes me dream of a fishing pole on the riverbank.”
“But—”
“But nothing.” Papa touched Mama’s shoulder. “Come. Your company’s waiting.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Anna’s held breath rushed out.
He gave her another wink and ushered Mama from the kitchen.
Anna washed dishes faster than ever then carried the water to the back door and threw it out. Would Jeremiah still be at the lake? She’d taken far too much time, but what else could she do? If she hadn’t offered to clean up, Mama would never let her go. And if Papa hadn’t intervened, it wouldn’t have mattered how much cleaning she’d done.
In the garden shed, Anna changed from her dress slippers to the work boots she wore at the logging camp. She grabbed her fishing pole and held it so her body shielded it from the house. If Kathleen looked out an upstairs window and saw it, she’d be sure to tell Mama. Anna didn’t relax until she turned the corner and the house was no longer in sight. Then she set long strides to Larkin’s house and found her ready to go.
They walked to the edge of town, stopping not far from the lake. “Next to go is this skirt,” Anna said. She stepped behind a tree to shed her skirt and petticoat, revealing the trousers hidden beneath. After rolling them together, she propped them in the fork of a tree.
Larkin smiled and shook her head. “If your mother saw you now, what would she do?”
Anna shrugged. “I imagine she’d faint dead away. But Mama doesn’t understand how important fishing is. She doesn’t love the forest, the trees, and the river the way I do. If not for Papa, I’d have to act just like Kathleen.” She spotted Jeremiah by the lake and grinned. “Can you imagine anything more dreadful?”
Jeremiah found a likely spot on the riverbank and baited his hook. A quick flick of his wrist, and he sent the worm into the water. He leaned back against a tree, letting his muscles relax. So Miss Wilkin didn’t show after all. She’d looked so cute boasting about being the best fisherman. He chuckled. Sure would’ve been fun to show her up. Like he used to do to Rebekah. Of course, no one could take Rebekah’s place, but it might be fun to have a substitute sister.
By saving every penny he could from his job, he’d soon have enough to start building a new house on his land. He sighed. A home of his own without the bad memories.
A tug on his line alerted him to a bite. He grinned. The only thing missing was a certain female to listen to him gloat.
He reeled in his first fish and dropped it in a pail of water beside him. A quick glance down the trail toward town revealed nothing. She wasn’t coming. He might as well give up. He sank another worm and leaned back to do some serious fishing.
Kersplash! Jeremiah jumped a foot off the ground. Water arched from the lake and soaked his feet and legs. His heart took off running without him. Something had hit the water right in front of him, and it wasn’t a fish. He swung around at the sound of giggles—out-of-control giggles.
Miss Wilkin and the Whitworth girl stood behind him, clasping hands and laughing at him.
He deliberately placed his pole to the side and anchored it with a rock. Keeping his quarry in sight, he rose, speaking in a low tone. “Did you throw something at me?”
Anna’s eyes grew to twice their normal size, and the other girl stepped back. A squeal such as he hadn’t heard in a long time almost shattered his eardrums. Anna took off running with him right behind. He caught her waist and swung her around as a loose pebble threw him off balance. He fell, t
aking her with him. This time when she slammed against him there was no bustle to knock the breath from his lungs.
She hadn’t stopped giggling. Her laughter was just as contagious as Rebekah’s had been. He could never stay angry with his sister. Looked like his substitute sister would be the same in that respect. His laughter joined hers. He released her, letting her scurry away.
“You little scamp. What’d you throw at me?” He sat up and rested his arms on his bent knees.
She shook her head, still laughing. “Nothing. Not at you. I threw a big rock in the water.”
“You could’ve hit me.” He took a second look at her. “What is this? Does your father know you’re wearing trousers?”
She stuck her pert nose up. “Maybe. Mama doesn’t know I went fishing though, and she wouldn’t understand if I came home with dirt and grass stains on my skirt.” She grinned and tugged at her pant legs. “She’ll never see these, so it’s okay to get them dirty. Come on, I want to fish. Larkin has already started.”
Jeremiah watched Anna and her friend bait their own hooks, and his eyebrows rose. Within minutes Anna pulled a fish as big as his from the river. He shook his head. Rebekah would have loved going fishing with Anna. Larkin was a nice enough girl, but Anna seemed to bubble with fun. “You know what?” he asked.
She turned her pretty dark brown eyes on him, and her lips curved the least bit. “Not unless you tell me.”
He grinned. “I think I’ll call you Little Bit. Yep, that’ll be my special name for you. Miss Wilkin sure doesn’t fit.” He laughed for no special reason, but he’d done a lot of that this afternoon. “Little Bit fits you just fine.”
A wide smile lit her face. “Okay, then I get to call you Tuck like I heard your friends doing.”
He chuckled. “Sure, but you’d better be careful around your mother.”
She rolled her eyes, and he laughed long and loud.
Chapter 3
Here, Papa.” Anna handed the hatchet she’d been using to her father. A misty rain hung in the air, but she didn’t mind. She’d rather work in the rain with Papa any day than be cooped up inside cooking. “I need to go. Mama will have a fit if I’m late again. She sure didn’t like it when I was late on Tuesday.”
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