by DiAnn Mills
“Good. You are my angel.” He picked her up and planted a kiss on her peachy cheek. “Sure smells good in here,” he said and stared hungrily at the stove.
Mimi eyed him curiously. “Did you and the lady quarrel again?” she said.
“A little.”
She shook her head. “I thought so.”
He didn’t ask her why for fear she’d want to know the details and give her opinion about how to resolve the matter. “I might try to see her before coming home.”
“Are you going to see Aunt Jenny?” Rebecca said.
I’ve got to watch more carefully what I say. “I might see her if I get finished with Uncle Ben soon enough.”
“Can I go?”
Those dark eyes were hard to resist. “Not this time, sugar. Miss Jenny will be back to see you soon.”
“She’ll be here early tomorrow morning for a baking lesson,” Mimi said with a laugh. “Although I’d rather hear her play piano. When she touches those keys, sounds like all of heaven stops to listen.”
Rebecca smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Goodie.”
If only making Jenny happy could be this simple. He grabbed his hat and headed to the sheriff’s office.
*****
“What do you think about Martha’s threat to Ellen and Jenny?” Grant said.
Ben stood outside the sheriff’s office and glanced down the street toward the town’s eyesore. The church sat farther down the road than the brothel. “I’d like nothing better than to shut her down, and she knows it. But some of the town’s money is invested there. Every time I try to put her and her girls on a train, I get stabbed in the back with politics.” He blew out an exasperated sigh. “Believe me. She’ll get a good tongue-lashing from me about it. After all, Ellen is my sister-in-law, and I’m proud of her.”
“Do you think Ellen and Jenny are overreacting to the idea that Turner put Martha up to it?”
“Probably not. I keep wondering why he’s hanging around. If he was engaged to Jessica and she left him before she came here, why is he so interested in Kahlerville now?”
“And why did he follow Jenny?”
“I’m not turning up a thing on him. If he’s wanted, he’s using a different name.”
“That’s reassuring.”
“And I can’t do a thing unless he breaks the law.” Ben broke into a fit of coughing.
“When are you going to see me about that cough?”
“It’s nothing. A little summer cold.”
“It’s getting worse.”
Ben frowned. “Look, I’ll talk to Martha. Once Frank hears about this tonight, he’ll be ready to burn down her brothel before anyone gets the chance to burn his lumberyard. Sure would hate to put my own brother in jail.”
Grant peered into Ben’s face. When had he grown so pale? “And I’ll expect you to stop by the house so I can give you some medicine for your cough.”
Ben waved him away. “I’m too busy for such nonsense.”
“How—”
“Please. I’ve got too much on my mind right now with the baby coming and this business with Turner.”
Grant understood. When Ben felt so bad he couldn’t work, then he’d come see the doctor. “Let me know what I can do.”
Ben simply nodded. “I’ll stop by after I talk to Martha.”
No eye contact. No smile. The glazed look in his eyes indicated a fever.
*****
Jenny took a deep breath and knocked on Grant’s front door. She hadn’t seen him since their argument on Monday, and neither had he tried to contact her at the boardinghouse. He must be furious with her, just as she’d been with him. The more she pondered the matter, the more she realized Grant had no reason to trust her. She’d been trouble for him since the day she fell off the train and greeted him with vomit on her dress and a treacherous plan in her heart.
As difficult as it might be, she needed to apologize. If only the proper words would magically come to mind to set her heart at ease. But if she truly had abandoned her desire to take Rebecca, then she should leave Kahlerville soon. A deep yearning surfaced. She never wanted to leave. She wanted to stay in this town forever. How foolish. How very foolish. Not even her teaching position or friends tempted her to return to Cleveland.
The door creaked open, interrupting her musings. Jenny breathed relief when Mimi welcomed her inside.
“I hope I’m not too early,” Jenny said. “It’s not even dawn, but I wanted to take a loaf of our bread to Ellen’s this morning.”
“Nonsense. I’m always up and about at this time. And we do want your bread to rise nicely.”
Jenny peered about.
“He’s in his office. Most likely talking to God. You should do the same.”
Jenny reddened.
“You and Grant must still be in a tiff. Land sakes alive, girl, can’t you two see what the rest of us already know?” Mimi stared into her face with wrinkled wisdom and insight that sent Jenny’s heart into a whirlwind of emotions.
“What are you saying?” Jenny said.
Mimi placed her hands on her ample hips and waddled down the hallway to the kitchen. “Let me tell you a story.”
Obviously, Mimi planned to enlighten her about the whole matter whether she wanted to hear the story or not.
“There’s a man who comes to see Grant real regular. Don’t know why. He’s healthy as a horse. He and my husband, God rest his soul, were best friends. Whenever Jake comes by, he always stops to see me. I always act like I’m too busy and put-out with him interfering in my day. But the truth of the matter is, the moment I know he’s here, I bustle about the kitchen making fresh coffee and tidying up myself.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I pretend he’s the last person I want to see when he’s really the only one I want to see.”
Jenny gasped. “I think you must be wrong. Grant and I—”
“Grant and I what?”
Jenny swung around to see the object of her bewilderment.
“Good morning. You’re here early. I thought I heard my name.”
Jenny would like nothing better than to sink through the floor. What had he heard? Best she ignore his comment. “Mimi and I are baking bread this morning.”
He smiled. Avoiding him might be easier if he had a mole on the end of his nose or smelled bad or his eyes weren’t such an incredible shade of green.
“I’m sure Rebecca will be thrilled to see you.”
But you’re not? “We’ll have a good time. I’m sure of it.” She hesitated. “Do you have a minute to talk privately?”
“Of course. We could step outside.”
She followed him while her heart pounded faster than a hummingbird’s wings. The predawn darkness hid her flushed face, for which she was thankful. A dose of a potion guaranteed to calm her shaking limbs would be most appreciated.
“I want to apologize for my behavior on Monday.” The words gushed out like a boiling pot overflowing the brim. “I understand how you couldn’t possibly trust me.” She sucked in a breath, then added, “When I’ve never given you a reason to think I’m trustworthy.”
The imposing silence shattered what little poise she had remaining.
“I’ve given up on taking Rebecca back to Cleveland. She belongs here with you. I can see that now.” She willed her heart to cease its incessant pounding.
Grant pointed toward the east, where shades of purple, pink, and orange slowly spread across the horizon. “Would you look at that? Absolutely beautiful. I was awake most of the night pacing the floor of my room with too many matters on my mind. I talked, and God listened. Everything looked black. And when I went to my window, there wasn’t even a star in the sky. Here is the beginning of a new day, and it nearly takes my breath away.” He turned toward her and reached for her hand. “Thank you, Jenny. I believe it’s going to be a grand day.”
Confused to the point she might not recognize her own name, Jenny allowed him to take her arm and walk bac
k inside the house. What a strange response to her confession. Of course, she’d been confused since the day she met him.
Chapter 20
Jenny stood alongside the white picket fence of Frank and Ellen’s home and admired the charm of the small, newly built home. She smelled paint and noted the sparkle of dark green shutters, wet and shiny in the midmorning sun. Two large clay pots of red geraniums rested on each side of the front steps, and purple and white petunias bordered a red brick walkway. A welcome sign from the gate beckoned her to lift the gate’s latch and walk inside. Her gaze swept over a porch swing and on to a display of green plants and a huge hanging fern. The scent of honeysuckle drew her to the far end where a white trellis supported a climbing vine filled with tubular deep orange blooms. She hadn’t noticed the home’s charm on the day of Mrs. Lewis’s funeral. But the vision this morning was like a scene lifted from a painting.
“How lovely,” she whispered.
The low growl and fierce bark of a dog sent tremors up her spine, and she remembered Grant cautioning her to be wary until she made friends with the Kahlers’ animal. A long time ago she’d been chased by a huge dog, and ever since then, she feared all of them. With a sigh, she realized the ominous sound came from inside the house.
She climbed the steps and lifted the metal door knocker. Her gaze rested on a walnut-stained plaque engraved with the words of Joshua 24:15: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” She tipped the rocker beside her and watched it gently sway back and forth.
Jenny wanted this day to be a time to deepen her friendship with Ellen. The journal had seized Jenny’s interest, and she longed to read it, but the prospect of time with a true friend also lifted her spirits.
The door opened, and the strawberry blond, dressed in a gray skirt and white beaded blouse, met Jenny with open arms. “I’m so glad you came. Your last visit here was not a happy one. Do come inside.”
A huge golden dog growled at her waist, and Jenny’s pulse quickened.
“General Lee, hush.” Ellen gave Jenny a reassuring smile. “He won’t bother you. He’s very well behaved.”
Jenny lifted an eyebrow and glanced nervously at him.
“Really, he is. I can put him outside if he scares you.”
She took a deep breath. “No, please. I’m perfectly fine.”
Ellen bent to the dog’s side and lifted his chin. “General Lee, this is Miss Jenny, and I expect you to be sweet.” Immediately, the pet wagged its tail.
Masking her fear, Jenny stepped inside and presented a small basket covered with a red-checked towel. “I brought you a loaf of bread.”
Ellen lifted the corner of the towel and inhaled the aroma of the warm bread. Her nose wrinkled, accenting her abundance of orange freckles. “It smells wonderful and freshly baked, too. How thoughtful, and the basket is so pretty.”
Jenny felt herself flush with the compliment. “Thank you. Miss Mimi has been teaching me how to cook, and this is the morning’s lesson. I hope it tastes all right. Some of my things have been, well, rather unusual.” Jenny laughed. “If it tastes terrible, you won’t hurt my feelings by feeding it to your dog.” He brushed against her skirt. She stiffened, but the animal didn’t growl.
“Nonsense. I’m sure the bread is as delicious as it smells, and I certainly wouldn’t give it to General Lee.”
“Miss Mimi says a good cook never visits empty-handed. I may not be a good cook yet, but I try.”
Ellen tilted her head. “Your mother didn’t teach you how to cook?”
“Oh, no.” Jenny giggled at the thought of her mother in the kitchen. “My parents have servants to do those kinds of things.”
“So proper ladies don’t spend time in the kitchen?”
“You and I are proper ladies, and we cook.” She followed Ellen into the sparkling new parlor. “Your home is simply lovely. I thought so the first time I was here, but we were so busy that day. What a wonderful job you’ve done.”
“Frank is an excellent carpenter, and he is creative too. He built this before we were married, and together we’ve worked on making it our home. We still have much to do, but most of the fun is in the planning.”
They began their conversation in the parlor, but Ellen suggested they move to the back porch with its two massive elm trees to keep them cool. The lure of sunshine and a gentle breeze promised a perfect day.
Moments later they sat in two rocking chairs, drinking cool lemonade and enjoying sugar cookies. General Lee followed them outside and curled up in front of the back door. He slept until a noise from the road perked his ears and sent him running to investigate, but Ellen called the dog back to her. Jenny was amazed at how well General Lee obeyed her soft commands.
The rear of the yard hosted a variety of flowers: red and purple petunias, white daisies, and towering sunflowers. A fenced area in the far left-hand corner held a vegetable garden. The couple definitely shared a love for growing things.
After much talk about the happenings in Kahlerville, Ellen took on a more somber expression. “I promised you Jessica’s journal.” She leveled her gaze at Jenny. “Before you read it, I want to caution you about the contents.”
“I understand. Some of it may be shocking.”
“She wanted you to have her journal. As I told you before, she believed you’d come looking for her. Someday—” Ellen paused. “Someday I’ll tell you what happened those few days before she died. But not today.”
Jenny wanted to learn it all now, but respect for Ellen stopped her insistence. “When you feel the time is right, I’ll be ready to listen.”
“I can’t help but look at you and see Jessica. Being with you and sipping lemonade is like chatting with an old friend. Unfortunately, she was never as happy and content.” Ellen took a breath, and her eyes revealed painful memories. When she spoke again, a smile played upon her lips and her hazel eyes moistened. “She died at peace with God. It’s such a comfort to know she lives in heaven.”
Uneasiness swept through Jenny. Discussing God was not why she came. Although she sensed her spirit growing closer to Him, she couldn’t bring herself to discuss religion.
Ellen inhaled deeply before speaking. “When she died, I was devastated. I know now that it was a blessing in disguise. Neither one of us would have received Jesus as Lord without the birth of Rebecca. When Grant walked out of the brothel with Jessica’s baby girl, I went with him and never looked back. The reverend and his wife took me in and told me about Jesus.”
A knot formed in Jenny’s chest. Had Jessica felt this uncomfortable with talk about God?
Ellen stepped across the porch and down to the grass where a bench rested under one of the trees. She gestured for Jenny to join her. General Lee rose from his resting spot and descended the porch steps to rest his head in Ellen’s lap.
“She often talked about you,” Ellen said.
The knot tightened in Jenny’s chest. “This is all so confusing to me. We didn’t get along very well. I always sided with our parents and openly condemned her rebellion. I treated her horribly simply because I feared angering our parents.”
“I know love is a very powerful emotion, and she dearly loved you. She even told me what you looked like, about your music, your desire to teach, and your mannerisms.”
“I had no idea she cared so much.” Jenny fought the inner turmoil. She’d been such a poor sister.
“Jessica spent hours telling me about your lives as children and growing up together. Her favorite memory was of the many hours you played with your dolls beneath a lilac tree.” She stopped abruptly and placed her hand over Jenny’s. “Wait here a minute. I’ll go get the journal.”
Jenny wanted to go with her. At the very least, have her take General Lee.
With one hand on the doorknob, Ellen turned and smiled. “I think I’ll slice us a piece of your bread. I churned butter this morning while Frank painted the front shutters.”
“Can I help?”
Please, don’t leave me alone with your beast of a dog.
“No need. I’ll only be a moment, and I wouldn’t want to deny you this lovely breeze from the trees.”
Jenny kept one eye fixed on General Lee. He moved closer. How did one dog grow so large? What did it eat? She trembled.
The beast growled, and she clutched her hands together. He rose on his haunches and stared at the road. A moment later a wagon passed, and he settled back down.
Jenny nearly choked in the dog’s presence. General Lee moved closer. Dare she ask Ellen for help? The dog turned his massive head her way. Why, it was bigger than her head.
General Lee barked, sounding like the roar of a powerful locomotive moving down the tracks. She jumped and feared fainting. His face was so close that she could smell his breath. And it wasn’t pleasant.
Please, Ellen, hurry back before I’m ill or he eats me.
Jenny could not move her head. If she did, she’d touch the dog’s snout. How much longer could she endure this? She squeezed her eyes shut. Something wet swept across her cheek.
“Oh, my, General. Miss Jenny may not appreciate your kisses.” Ellen gasped. “You are deathly pale. Are you afraid of my dear pet?”
Jenny nodded and forced the bile back down into her stomach. “I’ve always been fearful of things.”
“I’m so sorry. General, come up here on the porch. You’ve frightened the wits out of Jenny.” Ellen made her way to the bench with the bread and a book tucked under her arm.
General obeyed.
Ellen handed her a small navy book neatly tied with a faded blue ribbon. She set a small plate with a slice of bread and the butter beside Jenny on the bench.
“Would you like for me to leave you alone?” Ellen said. “I can take General inside with me.”
“Not at all. I can read this later at the boardinghouse.” Tracing the textured cover with her index finger, Jenny repeatedly turned it over in her hands. She longed to open it.
“I asked Jessica if I could mail it to you in Ohio, but she refused. She said I must put it into your hands myself. I’ve never read it or even lifted its cover. To the best of my knowledge, this has not been opened since she last wrote in it a few days before Rebecca’s birth. I firmly believe the secrets of her life before she came to Kahlerville are inside. I’m hoping you learn about Aubrey Turner there. Your sister was cautious of something or someone. Always studied new faces at Martha’s.” She stopped. “My advice to you is to read it all first and then, if necessary, share it with a person you can trust.”
