She rushed through the doorway and nearly knocked her younger brother, Harvey, to the ground. He chuckled as he took hold of her upper arms. “I didn’t realize you would be so anxious to see me arrive.”
Harvey cut a dashing figure. Her brother’s years away from home had matured him. Although Macia hadn’t believed he would come back to Hill City, he’d been good to his word and had assumed ownership of the local newspaper. It seemed he’d given up his lazy habits and become a conscientious businessman.
Harvey peered over her head and waved at Garrett, grinning as the man drew near. The two men greeted each other in a familiar manner.When Harvey attempted to introduce Macia, Garrett quickly interrupted. “If you had arrived on time, you’d know I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with your sister—and I hope to enjoy her company for the remainder of the evening.” Garrett lightly touched Macia’s elbow. “I was afraid you were attempting to escape my company when you left Jeb standing in the middle of the dance floor and hurried toward the door. And Fern expressed her concern, also.”
Heat rose in her cheeks as the two men awaited a response. Though she’d like to know exactly what Fern had said, Macia dared not inquire. Instead, she said she needed a breath of fresh air and hoped they wouldn’t question her further.
“Have you told my sister of our plans?” Harvey asked Garrett. Macia looked back and forth between the two men. Harvey laughed and slapped Garrett on the shoulder. “You should tell her. She’s quite intelligent and might even have some ideas for us.”With that, Harvey strode off and approached a lovely young lady standing across the room.
Macia hadn’t seen the girl before—though there were any number of strangers in the crowd. She nodded toward the girl and asked Garrett, “Do you know that young lady?”
“Mattie Lawson. Her folks own a spread about ten miles north. Harvey tells me they came here from Iowa about a year ago. I believe Harvey’s taken an interest in her, but he has competition from several others.” Garrett chuckled. “With the long hours he works, I fear Harvey finds himself at a disadvantage.”
There was little doubt Garrett had properly analyzed Harvey’s feelings. Her brother held the girl closely while the two of them circled the dance floor. Harvey seemed to have eyes for no other. Perhaps her little brother would be making marriage plans before she did.
Garrett softly touched her shoulder and offered his arm. “Why don’t we move away from the doorway and enjoy a breath of air?”
Garrett led her to one of the benches that had been arranged just outside the hall’s entrance. A harvest moon shone overhead, and the crisp smell of autumn hinted at the change of season. Once they were settled outdoors, Macia pressed for details. She wanted to hear about the business venture Harvey had mentioned. Other than farming, she could think of no investment opportunities in this desolate country. Her own father had invested in farmland before they arrived in Hill City. Back then, her father had thought that Harvey would become a farmer. The very idea still remained a family joke.
“I think this would make an excellent place for a cannery,” he explained. With the vast surrounding farmland, he thought a person could turn a good profit if the railroad laid tracks nearby. “The railroad is the key to making this work. There are plenty of farmers who will sell us beans, tomatoes, and corn, but once the goods are canned, we need the railroad.”
Macia was thunderstruck by the idea. She knew there were large canneries in Chicago and she’d heard folks mention some in Iowa, but a cannery out on the western plains sounded ludicrous to her. However, Garrett spoke with assurance, convinced the plan could work. He wasn’t concerned about workers, either. He figured there were plenty of folks who’d be willing to work for him. But the entire concept depended upon the railroad.
“Shall we stroll for a bit?” Garrett asked.
She rose in response. “And where does Harvey fit into this plan?”
Garrett laughed. “He certainly won’t be working in the cannery.” She took his elbow and they walked along the road. “Nor will he be investing a vast amount of money. Instead, Harvey will lobby the railroad tycoons when the proper time arises.”
The comment surprised Macia. Her brother had developed into quite the businessman since his return from college. A far cry from the laissez-faire way of life he’d embraced back in Kentucky years ago.
Though she had hoped to ask a few additional questions, Garrett pleasantly called a halt to further business talk and insisted they rejoin the festivities inside. Gathering her skirts in one hand, Macia moved alongside him. She would have much preferred to remain outdoors, distanced from Jeb and Fern, but raising an objection would require far too much explanation. For now, she would attempt to avoid the couple. Tomorrow she would speak to her father about Fern.
CHAPTER
6
There was a crispness to the October morning that warned of winter’s impending arrival. Macia bent forward against a surge of chilly wind and tugged her cloak tight about her neck. She should have waited until after the noonday meal to visit with her father. At least the sun would have warmed the blustery air by early afternoon. However, her father had warned of his busy schedule, and this might be her only opportunity for a few moments alone with him. And this discussion must take place away from the house— where Fern wouldn’t be privy to her request.
She shivered as she entered the office. Her father had arrived nearly an hour earlier, and she was pleased for the warmth of the fire he’d started. When he reached for her cloak, she shook her head and then took a seat opposite his desk. “I promise I won’t keep you from your work for long.”
She knew from the tilt of her father’s head that he was pleased to hear that bit of information. He probably had much to accomplish before his first patient arrived. After settling into his chair, he gave Macia his full attention. As she spoke, her father smiled and nodded at the appropriate moments. And by the time she had concluded her entreaty, she believed he understood her plight and would grant her request.
Her confidence began to wane, though, as he stroked his chin and focused on a spot a few inches above her head. When he finally cleared his throat, Macia leaned forward, anxious to hear what he would say. “I know it is humiliating and somewhat difficult to have Fern living under the same roof.” He tapped his pen on the desk. “But I can hardly dismiss her. The young woman is in need of her wages, and we have need of a housekeeper.”
Tears stung Macia’s eyes, and she swallowed hard. He was more concerned over Fern’s welfare than her own!
She kept her gaze fixed upon her tightly clenched hands. “If she had the assurance of employment elsewhere and another housekeeper could be found to replace her, would you then agree?”
“Possibly. But I doubt whether such arrangements could be made, my dear. Difficult as it is, I believe you must endure this situation for the present.” Her father glanced at the clock. “I do apologize, Macia. I wish I had more time, but Mrs. Wilton will be arriving soon for her appointment.”
She rose and silently walked toward the door. Suddenly, unwilling to accept the full measure of her father’s edict, she turned. “But if I could make the arrangements?”
Her father peered at her over the top of his reading glasses. “I do want you to feel comfortable in our home, Macia. If suitable provision can be made, I won’t object.” He pointed his pen in her direction. “But don’t get your hopes up. I don’t want you to be disappointed.”
She agreed and hurried from her father’s office before he could change his mind. A visit to the general store was in order. Mrs. Johnson would know of anyone seeking employment as a housekeeper. The mercantile was the place where folks stopped to purchase their goods, but they also stopped by to catch up on the latest news. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were always among the first to know the comings and goings in Hill City. In fact, Mrs. Johnson made it her business to elicit tidbits of news from the store’s visitors. And she also made it her business to pass along the scraps of gossip to any listenin
g ear.
Mrs. Johnson was near the front door, arranging a new shipment of fabric when Macia entered. She glanced at Macia’s arm and her smile faded slightly: she was obviously unhappy Macia wasn’t carrying a basket. And she knew Macia wasn’t one to share gossip. The woman was astute when it came to business, but she enjoyed hearing the latest rumors even more. If another customer entered carrying a basket and list, Macia would quickly lose the older woman’s interest. She surveyed the fabrics and commented on the quality of several pieces. If she mentioned her need for several new winter dresses, maybe Mrs. Johnson would warm to her.
One comment proved to be all that was required. Immediately, Mrs. Johnson started pulling out various bolts of fabric, commenting on each one as she placed them before Macia. Knowing what was expected, Macia responded favorably as she surveyed the plethora of choices. She rubbed each piece of cloth between her fingers, careful to intersperse her personal questions with inquiries regarding the fabrics. Surprisingly, Mrs. Johnson remained by her side even though several of her favorite customers entered the store.
Unwinding a piece of dark blue print, Mrs. Johnson draped the fabric across Macia’s shoulder. “That color is good with your complexion.” She nudged Macia’s arm. “Garrett mentioned how much he enjoyed your company at the Fall Festival.” She tucked her chin close to her chest and drew nearer. “He also said the dark blue shade of your gown was quite becoming on you.” She lifted the fabric from Macia’s shoulder and slowly began to wind it onto the bolt.
“I’ll consider this piece. My father seems to think shades of green are better suited to my blond hair and pale skin.”
Mrs. Johnson returned the bolt of blue fabric to the table with a hefty thud. “Did you enjoy Garrett’s company? He’s a fine-looking man—an excellent catch. An intelligent, hardworking man who is going to go far in this world. You should give him strong consideration, Macia.”
She nodded, but she knew Garrett would purchase a ticket for the next train out of Kansas if he heard his aunt attempting to sell him like a barrel of goods.
“All of us are pleased when new folks move to the area, Mrs. Johnson. In fact, I wondered if you’d recently met any newcomer who might be interested in a housekeeping position.”
The older woman hesitated for a moment, and then mentioned the recent arrival of German immigrants—a family that had purchased acreage several miles outside of town. Macia perked to attention. Mrs. Johnson’s penchant for gossip might prove helpful after all.
The older woman ran her fingers along the rows of fabric and finally pulled a bolt of green fabric from the pile. She offered it to Macia. “They have a daughter who was asking if I needed help in the store. She speaks English, but I don’t know if her parents understand the language. She appeared eager to find employment, so she’d likely be a hard worker. Maybe she’d be interested in a housekeeping position. Has Fern talked Jeb into setting a wedding date?”
Macia bristled. The question caused her physical pain. Fortunately, Garrett walked into the store, tapped his finger on the piece of deep green silk fabric, and recommended it as the perfect selection for her.
Macia looked at Mrs. Johnson and shrugged. “You see? Green!” Macia grinned at Garrett. “My father also believes green is the perfect color for me. With both you and my father in agreement, I suppose I’ll have no choice but to select this piece.”
Garrett’s eyes sparkled. He took her by the arm as his aunt moved to assist another customer. “I was hoping you’d also agree to have supper with me this evening. I know I’m breaching proper etiquette, but I hope you’ll forgive me and agree.”
Macia laughed. “Since you’ve discovered the perfect piece of fabric for a new gown, I believe I’ll be able to overlook your impropriety this one time.” The grandfather clock in the corner of the store chimed the hour. “I had best be getting home lest Mother worry. I’ll expect you at . . . say seven o’clock?”
Garrett nodded. “Until then.”
Macia had gone only a short distance when the sound of Lucy’s voice caused her to stop and turn. The girl raced at full tilt, her braids blowing behind her like tails on a kite. Though nearing fifteen, Lucy neither appeared nor acted much older than an eleven- or twelve-year-old. Conceivably it was the lack of a woman’s influence in her life, or perhaps she merely wanted to remain a little girl for a while longer. In any case, during Macia’s absence, it seemed as if the clock had ceased ticking for Lucy.
Macia waved. “Slow down, Lucy!” She could envision the girl flying headlong onto the hard dirt-packed street.
When she finally reached Macia’s side, Lucy leaned forward and gulped in deep breaths of air. Her braids fell across her shoulders, and her cheeks resembled two ripe tomatoes. When she’d finally recovered, she grasped Macia’s arm. “Thank you for waiting. I’ve wanted to come and visit, but Jeb said it wouldn’t be seemly. Then when I heard you talking in the store . . .”
Macia’s mind reeled as Lucy’s lips continue to move. She didn’t hear the girl’s words. Instead, her thoughts were consumed by how much Lucy might have overheard. Would Lucy tell Jeb or Fern that she’d been inquiring about a housekeeper? If Fern discovered the news, there was no telling what repercussions might follow. And if Lucy told Jeb, he’d surely think Macia was behaving in a contemptuous manner.
Lucy tugged on Macia’s hand. “Well, what do you think?”
“A-a-about what?”
An exasperated sigh escaped Lucy’s lips. “You haven’t been listening, have you?” An indulgent smile crossed the girl’s lips when Macia shook her head. “I’ve been wanting to come and visit and wondered if now might be a good time. We don’t have to tell Jeb that we plan to remain friends.”
A peddler’s wagon approached, and Macia pulled Lucy aside. Macia gathered her wits about her and quickly agreed. “I’m pleased you stopped me. If you’d like to accompany me back to the house, I have several gifts for you. One from each of the large cities I visited in Europe. We can have a cup of tea, and I’ll tell you a little about all of those places.”
“Oh yes!” The girl’s braids bounced up and down.
Too late, Macia remembered Fern would be at the house. She hesitated, unsure what to do. If she withdrew her invitation, Lucy’s feelings would be injured. Furthermore, what difference could it make to Fern if Lucy came for a visit?
Lucy’s gentle tug pulled Macia from her thoughts. “Is Fern leaving town? Is that why you asked Mrs. Johnson about a new housekeeper?”
Macia swallowed hard. Her conversation with Mrs. Johnson had likely caused Lucy concern that yet another person she’d grown to love was going to slip away. No matter the repercussions, Macia knew she must set the girl’s mind at rest. More than anything, Lucy needed to hear the truth.
Giving the girl’s hand a gentle squeeze, Macia explained Fern was not planning to leave Hill City. “But I think both Fern and I would be happier if she worked for someone else.”
“Because of Jeb?”
“Yes, Lucy, because of Jeb.” She struggled to find the proper explanation. “It’s uncomfortable for Fern and me to be around each other since we both . . .”
Joy sparkled in the girl’s eyes as she peeked up at Macia. “Love him?”
Oh no! How was she going to tactfully answer that question?
They continued down the street, her mind racing to find the proper response. “We have both cared for Jeb, so that makes the situation somewhat difficult—for both of us.”
“So Fern wants to quit working at your house?”
“I don’t really know, Lucy. I haven’t spoken to her just yet, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t, either. I must make sure there is another position available for her and that we can find someone to replace her. Do you understand?”
Lucy looked sad but agreed. “I won’t say anything—to anyone.”
Relief flooded over Macia as they walked up the front steps and entered the house. She wasn’t certain where Fern would be, but the gifts were in he
r bedroom. Perhaps that would be a good out-of-the-way place for her to visit with Lucy. Macia led Lucy upstairs, hopeful they would avoid Fern. She knew Lucy wouldn’t mind doing without tea once she began opening her gifts. While Macia gathered the presents from the bottom drawer of her chest, Lucy hung up their cloaks and sat down in one of the chairs overlooking the small flower garden at the rear of the house. In short order, Macia placed the gifts before Lucy and told her she could begin.
Her pleasure was evident as she exclaimed in delight after opening each package. She giggled at the smiling hand-carved donkey and delicately traced her finger around the small cameo necklace Macia had discovered in Italy. A joyful squeal escaped her lips as she opened first the exquisite piece of lace and then a miniature porcelain figurine of a young girl with braids. But it was a leather-bound journal that truly captured Lucy’s heart. She jumped from her chair, accidentally knocking it to the floor as she rushed around the small table to embrace Macia.
Without warning, the bedroom door opened. Macia and Lucy startled and stared wide-eyed as Fern glared back at them. “It would appear the two of you are having a gay time.” Her gaze dropped to the unwrapped gifts lying on the table. She squared her shoulders. “I see you’re trying to win Jeb back by using your wealth to impress Lucy.”
Lucy placed a protective hold on Macia’s shoulder. “She is not! You’re just jealous because she cared enough to bring me presents.”
Fern pushed the door closed behind her and stepped closer. Her eyes narrowed into two thin slits as she grasped Lucy’s wrist and pulled her away from Macia. Lucy winced as Fern’s hold tightened. “Don’t you ever speak to me in that manner again, young lady.” She swung her arm toward the table. “All of this is nothing but Macia’s attempt to worm her way back into your brother’s good graces. Well, it isn’t going to work.” She moved forward, and before Macia realized what was happening, Fern swept the gifts off the table and sent them crashing to the floor.
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