Biltmore Christmas

by Diane T. Ashley

  Mark moved on to the next box and repeated the same procedure. Last evening it had taken a couple of hours to get out of Joshua what had been bothering him. He felt sure his son’s problem provided an inclination as to why Peggy had been angry with him, too. What kind of parent was he that he hadn’t realized Joshua’s problems at school stemmed from his not knowing how to read?

  “Hey Mark, need a couple of extra hands?”

  Mark looked up to see his friend John crossing the orchard. John was an assistant gardener who often came by to chat during his afternoons off.

  “Sure. How about I take a little break and chew something over with you.” Mark put the hive back together and joined John under a nearby apple tree. He pulled an old crate up and sat on it.

  John leaned against the trunk of the tree. His eyes sparkled as he teased, “Woman troubles?”

  Mark really didn’t have woman problems, other than the fact Peggy Bradford seemed miffed at him. That did bother him somewhat. He shook his head to clear it of all thoughts of Peggy.

  “Well that’s good to know. So what’s the problem?”

  “My boy isn’t doing too well in school.”

  John pushed away from the tree and picked up a stick. “That’s too bad. What’s the problem?”

  “Reading.”

  “Not a strong point of mine either.”

  Mark studied his friend. “You can’t read?”

  “No, I can read, it just isn’t easy. My letters get turned around, so I have to really focus on them. Is that your boy’s problem?”

  Now there was a thought. Were Joshua’s letters turned around? Mark rubbed his chin. “I don’t know. Miss Bradford is going to work with him some in hopes of finding out what the problem is.”

  “Hmm, then it would seem your problem is solved. So what are you stewing over?” John took out his pocketknife and began whittling the stick.

  Now that they’d come this far, Mark didn’t really feel like telling his friend the full extent of the situation. Especially after discovering John had reading troubles, too. He stood. “Never mind, it’s not important.”

  John didn’t move, didn’t look up. He simply said, “It is important, if you are blaming yourself for not knowing Joshua had a problem.”

  Mark stared hard at him. “How could I not know?”

  “Did Joshua ever ask you for help with his homework?”

  Mark shook his head.

  “Did he ever ask you to read something for him?”

  Again the answer was no.

  John slid the knife along the wood and then asked, “Did you ever see him with a book, and it looked like he was reading it?”

  Mark thought back to the many evenings he, his dad Martin, and Joshua had sat in the living area of their cabin. Often Joshua held a schoolbook or a newspaper. It had appeared he was reading. “I suppose so.”

  “The boy hid it from you. You can’t be blamed for that. If he is anything like I was at his age, he didn’t want you to know.” John grinned at him over the piece of wood. “How did you find out?”

  Mark groaned, knowing his answer would bring on more questions. “Joshua told Miss Bradford, and when I found them together down by the fishing hole, she was a little miffed at me. I asked Joshua why, and after much talk on my part, he finally told me what he’d told her.”

  “She blames you?”

  Mark moved to the next hive and began blowing smoke into it. “I’m not sure, but I think so.”

  John had followed his line of reckoning but didn’t comment further.

  After several long seconds, Mark looked up at him. The other man studied his face. Mark waited for more questions and felt his neck grow warm as another grin spread across John’s face.

  “And it bothers you that she thinks you are a neglectful father?”

  Mark inspected each frame of the hive before answering. He wanted to be truthful in all things. He’d started this conversation and knew he’d have to continue on with it, or John would assume more than the truth.

  “Well?”

  “Yes, it bothers me. But only because we’ve just met.” I don’t want her to think ill of me.

  As if John could read his mind he said, “And you don’t want her to think that you are a bad father.”

  Mark clamped the lid back onto the box and moved to the next. He motioned for John to go to the opposite box. He blew smoke into his hive and then handed the smoke can to his friend.

  “That’s perfectly understandable.” John smiled, revealing crooked white teeth. “No man wants the woman he’s interested in to think he’s a bad father.” Then he laughed.

  Mark wasn’t sure if his expression brought on the laughter, or if John just thought himself funny, but either way, Mark wasn’t amused.

  He decided to ignore his friend and focus his thoughts on the woman who had recently entered his life. Did he see Peggy as a future mother to his unborn children? Mark thought of her auburn hair, soft blue eyes, and full, pouty lips. Maybe he wouldn’t mind exploring a future with her.

  YUMMY APPLE CAKE

  Ingredients:

  1 pound apples

  1 pound sugar

  ¼ pint water

  1 lemon

  Orange, to taste

  Instructions:

  The apples cut and cored, the sugar put to the water, so as to clarify the sugar, with the juice and peel of the lemon and a little orange. Boil it till it is quite stiff; put it in a mold. When cold it will turn out. You may put it into a little warm water to keep it from breaking when taken out.

  Chapter 4

  CREAM CRULLERS

  Joshua popped another cream cruller into his mouth. “These are great, Miss Peggy!” he said around a mouthful of pastry.

  Joy pure and simple caused Peggy to smile. “You’d think you’ve never had doughnuts before.”

  He swallowed and then answered. “I haven’t had them but a couple of times in my whole life.” Josh reached for another doughnut.

  She pulled them out of his reach and shook her head. “No more until we read a little.”

  “Aw, do I have to?” His eyes followed the sack she tucked away.

  Peggy pulled the Bible out of her larger bag and opened it to Genesis, chapter one. “Let’s start here.” She pointed to the first scripture.

  Joshua read, “In the …” and paused.

  Together they worked through the thirty-one verses. Peggy realized that Josh could read some words but seemed embarrassed when he stumbled over the larger words or the ones he didn’t know on sight. She cautioned him to slow down and take his time.

  As they gathered up their belongings, Josh said. “Thanks for helping me, Miss Peggy.”

  “Just remember to slow down and sound out the words you aren’t sure of.” She put the Bible back into her bag and pulled out the sack of cream crullers. Peggy handed them to him. “I’ll make up cards to help you learn other words, and we’ll continue to practice your reading.”

  “Papa said he’d talk to my teacher about getting some other books that I can read.” Joshua pulled a doughnut from the sack.

  Peggy swung her bag onto her shoulder. “So you talked to your father about your reading problem?”

  “Yes. He felt really bad that he didn’t know.” Joshua followed her back to the road.

  “I’m glad you talked to him. You should never hide things like this from your parent.” She stopped and looked at him.

  Joshua rubbed the toe of his boot into the dirt. “I know.”

  “Good. I best get going. Chef McConnell gave me a little extra time off today, but that time is almost over.” She turned to go back to the Biltmore house.

  “Wait!” Joshua ran up beside her. “Are we going to meet tomorrow, too?”

  A light breeze swept around Peggy. Chills covered her arms and legs. “Yes, but we really need to find a better place to meet. The days are growing colder.”

  “We could meet at my house.” Joshua offered, talking around a glob of pastry. />
  Peggy thought for a moment. She’d like to spend more time with both Mark and Joshua but didn’t think it respectable for her to go to their home unsupervised. “No, butmaybe I can ask the housekeeper if we can use a sitting room.” She studied the boy. His head bent over the sack, and his attention focused on the sweet treats, not her words.

  He looked up. “What?”

  She smiled. “We’ll meet here tomorrow, and I’ll see what I can do about a new meeting place.”

  “All right.” He turned to go.

  Peggy stopped him, “Hey Joshua, why don’t you save the rest of those until after dinner. I’d hate for your father to think I spoiled your meal.”

  He looked longingly into the bag and then rolled the top down. “All right.” Disappointment laced his young voice.

  She watched as he trudged off in the opposite direction. Peggy smiled. Joshua seemed to be a very well-behaved boy. Mark Ludman’s son would be a fine young man someday, just like his father. What was it about Mark that intrigued her? Peggy decided to put that thought behind her and focus on something else.

  Thoughts of the schoolteacher came to mind. Was she young? Interesting? Interested in Mark? After all, she’d made a special visit to his home to tell him Joshua had been skipping school. Maybe she should check with the schoolteacher. She might have suggestions on how to help Joshua.

  Mark saw her coming up the path toward the house. He’d finished his chores early and wanted to see Peggy. Had her meeting with Joshua gone well? He leaned against a tree and watched her approach. She seemed deep in thought. Her teeth worried her bottom lip as if she were working through a problem. Had Joshua misbehaved?

  “Good afternoon, Miss Bradford.” He enjoyed the emotions that crossed her face. First, startled, and then she relaxed. Mark thanked the Lord above that Peggy didn’t shy away from him, like so many others had done.

  “Hello, Mr. Ludman.” She continued walking.

  “Mind if I join you?” he asked, falling into step beside her.

  Peggy brushed a wayward curl from her face. “Not at all. I was just thinking about you.”

  He allowed a touch of amusement to enter his voice. “Good thoughts, I hope.”

  A soft pink filled her cheeks. “I mean, I was just thinking about your visit with the schoolteacher. Were you able to acquire the needed reading books?” The wayward curl fell to the side of her face once more.

  “No, I was too busy to go today. I’m thinking a quick trip in the morning is needed. I’m sure Miss Hart won’t mind a quick visit. Once my day starts, I tend to lose track of time.” Mark fought the urge to stop her and slip the curl behind her ear as she’d done a few moments before. But he didn’t think she would appreciate such forwardness.

  “I understand. Once I am in the kitchen I am inclined to do the same.” Crispness laced her voice that he hadn’t detected before. She stepped around a mud hole in the dirt path.

  He moved with her. “How did it go with Joshua today?”

  She stopped and turned to face him. The bag that hung from her shoulder swayed with her. “About Joshua.” Herhands tangled in her apron. “I need to apologize. I overreacted yesterday and behaved rudely.” Her gaze moved to the ground.

  Mark found he didn’t like this subservient stance, not on Peggy. He gently lifted her chin and tucked the silky softness of her hair behind the shell-shaped ear. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I should have known, and I didn’t.”

  “But—”

  Mark stopped her by gently laying his finger across her lips. “It’s done. Let’s forget it.” His gaze moved to her lips. He couldn’t stop his finger from gently feeling the softness of her mouth.

  Peggy stepped backward. She nodded and then resumed walking. “It went well. He can read but gets nervous and falters when he can’t pronounce a word. With a little practice, I’m sure he will do much better in school.”

  Her cheeks were aflame. He wanted to kick himself. He’d caused her embarrassment with his unwarranted advance. Not sure how to fix the stiffness between them, he simply said, “Good.”

  They walked on toward the house in silence. Mark was sure she wouldn’t want to talk to him again. He had been too bold in touching her. He cleared his throat and offered, “I’m sorry I was forward back there and promise it won’t happen again.”

  Her silence didn’t make him feel any better. She continued to walk onward, her gaze focused straight ahead.

  Just before they reached the servants’ entrance, Peggy stopped. “If it is all right with you, I’d like to continue working with Joshua. I’m going to ask permission to have him come to the servants’ sitting room.”

  “Are you sure it won’t be too much of a bother?” he asked, amazed she still wanted to be around his family.

  “Yes, but I don’t get off work until eight in the evening, and I know that is too late for a young boy to be out alone. Would it be too much to ask you to attend his lessons?” She twisted her hands in her dress but continued looking him in the eye.

  Mark grinned. “I would be honored.”

  She nodded and turned to leave. He wondered if she would sneak a peek back at him. As she entered the door, Peggy glanced over her shoulder. His grin turned into a full smile as something in his chest jumped with joy.

  CREAM CRULLERS

  Ingredients:

  cups sugar

  1cup milk

  2eggs

  Butter the size of an egg

  2 teaspoonfuls baking powder

  3 cups Flour

  Instructions:

  Mix all ingredients except flour in bowl. Then mix in enough flour to roll out soft. Twist dough off into balls, and then fry in hot lard.

  Chapter 5

  CHRISTMAS CUT-OUT SUGAR COOKIES

  Peggy pulled the horse and buggy to a stop, set the brake, and climbed down. Miss Hart’s house sat against a small grove of trees. She reached down to pick up her basket of sugar cookies. The sweet smell drifted toward her and brought forth happy thoughts of the day she would be making them for Christmas at Biltmore.

  Dread filled her as she looked toward the house. “You are doing this for Joshua,” she whispered to herself. Then she took a deep breath to meet the schoolteacher. “It has nothing to do with Mark and the fact that he thinks highly of the woman,” she added. Peggy straightened her hat, smoothed invisible wrinkles from her dress, and knocked on the door.

  A crisp breeze blew across the porch. Peggy pulled her jacket tighter around her waist and leaned closer to the house. The slight scent of baked ham and pinto beans wafted from the doorway. Peggy closed her eyes, enjoying the scent of comfort food. Warmth filled the doorway, and the air became even heavier with the aroma.

  “Good morning. May I help you?” a cool authoritative voice asked.

  Peggy’s eyes popped open. Embarrassment burned her cheeks. How could she have been caught standing on the woman’s porch with her eyes shut? “Oh, I am sorry. I was just enjoying the heavenly scent of your ham and beans.” The words tumbled from her lips.

  The woman before her stood tall and willowy, her gray hair piled into a simple style on top of her head. She wore a faded dress with an apron covering the front. At that moment she looked more like a baker than Peggy did. “I see. How may I help you?”

  “I’m Miss Peggy Bradford. May I please speak to Miss Hart?” She shivered as another gust of wind sailed across the porch.

  “Come inside.” The older woman shut the door behind Peggy.

  Peggy’s gaze swept the clean room. Quilts and blankets decorated the backs of chairs that sat around a small table. A bookshelf filled with books of all sizes rested beside the fireplace, and a colorful rug covered the spotless wood floor.

  “What can I do for you, Miss Bradford?” A small, amused smile touched the woman’s light-blue eyes, softening her face.

  Peggy realized she was facing Miss Hart. “I came to discuss Joshua Ludman.” She raised her chin ever so slightly to look the other woman in the eyes.
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  Miss Hart moved to the couch. “Please be seated.” She indicated a soft-looking chair to Peggy’s right.

  Once Peggy sat, the schoolteacher asked another question. “So Miss Bradford, did Mr. Ludman send you to me for assistance?”

  She felt like squirming under the knowing gaze that rested upon her. “No, ma’am. Joshua asked me to help him and since I’m not a teacher, I came to you for help.”

  “I see.” Those soft blue eyes searched Peggy’s.

  Peggy wondered how much the other woman could read from her face. Did Miss Hart know that jealousy had been eating at her ever since the day she’d learned of the other woman’s visit to Mark’s home? Did she see the relief that Peggy felt knowing she was an older woman and probably would have no interest in the Ludman family, other than education?

  “How exactly are you going to help Joshua, Miss Bradford?” Miss Hart folded her hands in her lap.

  “Please call me Peggy.” At the other woman’s nod, she continued. “I’m not sure. He asked for help with his reading, and I’ve gone over scripture with him a couple of times. He’s not that bad of a reader.”

  Miss Hart nodded again. “He’s not a bad reader. As I told Mr. Ludman yesterday, the boy has confidence issues, not reading issues.”

  “What would cause that?” Peggy placed her basket between them on the table. “Would you like a cookie, Miss Hart?”

  She stood. “I’d love one, but you must call me Emilia, if I’m to call you Peggy.” Her eyes sparkled as she waited.

  Peggy smiled. “Emilia it is, then.”

  “Good. Let’s move to the kitchen, where I can make us both a cup of coffee to go with those cookies.” Emilia led the way to the back of the house.