All eyes turned when she entered. Jonathan’s piercing blue ones bore into her more so than the others. “Good morning, all.”She stopped at the head of the table.
The two overnighters nodded in response but continued eating as if it were their last meal.
“My goodness, what beautiful flowers,” Maggie exclaimed, a curious arch to her brow.
“Yes, aren’t they? They’re from Jonathan. Do you have something I can put them in besides my pitcher.”
Maggie rose and fished in the cupboard beneath the pump. “How about this jar?”
When the flowers were arranged in fresh water, Sarah set the bouquet on the counter and moved to the table. Jonathan jumped to his feet and pulled out her chair. “Allow me.”
She sat across from Mr. Sikes who seemed unaffected by the goings on around him. Accepting the cup of coffee Maggie offered, Sarah blew on the steaming contents and waited for it to cool.
“Did you sleep well?” She purposely kept her eyes trained on the two travelers, but sensed Jonathan’s continued stare.
Duggan rapidly chewed and swallowed. “Yes’em. A right nice evening it was. It felt good to get out of that coach for a while. I only wish we could tarry a day or two to take in the sights, but Mr. Sikes and I are catching the early stage.”
“Pity. The early fall social is a week from Friday.” She turned to Jonathan. “And speaking of, I’ve considered your invitation and I’d like to accompany you… that is if you still want me to.”
His face dimpled as a smile emerged. “Of course. I’d consider it an honor.”
Maggie set a filled plate in front of Sarah. “I don’t mean to put a damper on your festivity plannin’, but you’d best hurry and eat and get on over to see Judge Lawson. You never know how many others are vying for that teachin’ position.”
Jonathan covered his mouth in a futile attempt to stifle a laugh. Sarah squinted and cast him a disapproving glare. He straightened in his chair and took a bite of egg yolk, his face sober, his gaze focused on his plate.
Homely and rigid, indeed! Looks had nothing to do with how a body fared in their calling. She turned back to Maggie. “I’ll just have bacon and a biscuit. I’m too excited to eat much. Do you really think I have a chance?”
“As good as anyone, I imagine. But it’s a smart filly who lines up at the gate before the rest of the competition.”
Sarah chuckled at the woman’s continued comparisons to animals. She quickly finished her buttered bread, washing it down with two large swallows of coffee, then stood, smoothing her dress. “Then I guess this thoroughbred mare better gallop off to Judge Lawson’s office. Wish me luck.”
“May I drive you?” Jonathan dabbed at his lips with his napkin.
“I appreciate your kindness, but no. The walk will do me good and give me time to clear my head.” The last thing she needed on her mind today was Jonathan Montgomery and trying to figure out how to sway him from his mission. With squared shoulders and fake determination, she left the boarding house for her interview. Morning dew still glistened on the rooftops and some shopkeepers were opening their doors for business. The air was pleasantly cool.
Sarah made the walk in record time but stopped short of entering the courthouse door. She released the knob and stepped to the side, allowing an elderly couple access, giving a nod in response to their friendly ‘good morning’.
Suddenly her heart felt as though it leapt into her throat. Perspiration dampened her palms and had nothing to do with the growing heat of the late July morning. She removed a handkerchief from her sleeve and patted away the moisture. Did she know everything that was expected of a teacher? Could she really convince the judge she was the perfect person for the job? She had only to try. With a deep breath, she walked inside, reading the signs on the wall, and searching for the Judge’s chambers.
Stopping at one room, she peeked around a doorjamb at a man sitting at a large mahogany desk. Stacks of papers teetered dangerously close to the edge. When she cleared her throat, he peered up, looking over the gold rim of the spectacles balanced on the bridge of his nose. “May I help you?”
“Ye…yes. I’m looking for Judge Lawson.”
The man stood, hooking his thumbs under his vest. “I’m Judge Lawson. What can I do for you?” Tall and a tad pudgy, he wasn’t nearly as intimidating as she’d expected. The sweet smell of tobacco smoke lingered in the air.
Sarah stepped forward, her legs shaking. “I’m Sarah Collins, and I’m here to inquire about the teaching position.”
“Ah, Miss Collins. My wife mentioned you were staying at Maggie Smith’s place and had an interest in instructing. Please, come in and sit down.” He gestured to a floral armchair.
Judge Lawson settled back behind his desk, pulling a pocket watch from the end of a gold chain that spanned his chest. He glanced at the time, then back to Sarah. “I have an hour before my next meeting, so tell me about your qualifications.”
Her heart seized. What training could she possibly share with him? She swallowed hard and struggled to find her voice. “Well… let’s see… I love children and I’m very good with them. Although I lost my younger brother when he was only an infant, I’ve always had a good relationship with the sons and daughters of my parent’s friends. Most of them were younger than I.” She tucked the hankie she’d twisted into knots back into her sleeve. “Oh goodness, I’m so nervous I almost forgot… I recently spent some time at St. Mary’s Mission, working with young Indian girls. It was such a delight to see their eyes sparkle every time they learned something new. They particularly enjoyed the Bible verses I read to them. Of course, they didn’t comprehend everything, but between hand gestures and patience, they learned. They even taught me some words in Lakota.”
When she finally took a breath, her mouth felt dry as cotton. She fixed a pleasant smile on her face and waited for his reaction.
“Indians? Hmmm. You won’t find any of those in our school.” The judge leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers atop his stomach. “We are looking for someone with patience and good character. You know you must lead by example if you want the students to respect you. Have you had any other teaching experience?”
She clenched and unclenched her hands. “No, sir, I’m sorry.”
He slowly shook his head, a pensive look on his face. “We’ve not ever had a female teacher in Independence, but it seems that men are finding different professions.Rumor has it that some schools are requiring new instructors to possess a license of some sort, awarded by an institute of higher education, but our Town Council’s concern is more with a women of small stature being able to handle discipline issues. So you see, this is a very important decision I’m making.” He sat forward, leaning on his desk. “Under the circumstances…”
Anticipating his answer, Sarah leaned forward and clasped the edge of the desk. “Please, Judge Lawson. Before you say no, let me assure you I’m the person you need in this job. Just let me prove it. If you hire me, you won’t be sorry. I’ll do my very best, and… and I promise if you aren’t satisfied with my performance in one month, you can let me go and I won’t put up a fuss.” She formed her hands in a praying pose beneath her chin. “Please, I need this job if I’m to remain in Independence. I’m hoping to make this my permanent home.”Finished, she stared into her lap, fire burning beneath her cheeks at having groveled.
“Although you present a good argument, you clearly aren’t very experienced. I have to…”
“I understand.” She stood, shoulders sagging, and offered her hand. “It was very nice to meet you, sir. I only…”
“Miss Collins!” Judge Lawson barked.
His eyes widened; she dropped back into her chair.
He pushed his glasses farther up on his nose. “If you would let me finish a sentence, you might be surprised to learn I’ve decided to give you that chance. Dang if you ain’t a jabber box, girl.” His face softened. “Those kids are bound to learn something from you. Besides, my wife tells me her b
est friend, Maggie, gives you her highest praise.” He pushed a paper across the desk. “If you’ll sign this contract, I’ll give you the key to the schoolhouse and expect you to be there promptly at eight o’clock Monday morning. The town council insists on a balance of reading, writing and arithmetic, but I’ll leave the how and when up to you. You may not have a full classroom at this time of the year as some of the older children are helping with farming. Attendance picks up after the harvest.”
She read and signed the paper. The contract was nothing more than affirming acceptance of the same scant study outline already mentioned. Taking the key, she stood. “Thank you, Judge. Now if you would be so kind as to tell me where the school is located, I would be most appreciative.”
He turned and pointed to the wall behind him. “From the back of the courthouse, follow the street until it narrows. You can’t miss the small clapboard building on the left-hand side.”
She departed, feeling much more relieved than when she came. Her cheeks hurt from smiling. She was the new schoolteacher and couldn’t wait to tell Maggie. If happiness made people float, she’d be able to see the rooftops on the walk home. Sarah reached the boarding house before she realized it.
The backdoor slipped from Sarah’s fingers and slammed. Maggie looked up from dicing vegetables on the sideboard, an immediate inquisitive lift to her brow. She put down the knife. “Well?”
“I got the job! Judge Lawson hired me and I start on Monday morning. I’m so excited.” She gathered Maggie in a hug and danced her around the room. “Thanks to your high praise of me to the judge’s wife, I found the perfect way to spend my days and earn money at the same time.”
Maggie broke the hold, stepping back and clapping her hands to the side of her head. Lordy, girl, I’m so dizzy I can barely stand… and I only told you about the opening for a teacher. You got it on your own merits. Sit down and tell me about it while I finish up here.”
Sarah pulled out a chair and plopped down. Removing her bonnet, she reenacted the entire interview for Maggie’s benefit. “I felt certain he wasn’t going to hire me, but he did. The first priority after I get a paycheck is to settle up with you for the room and board and then start to repay Jonathan. I don’t want any obligation to him hanging over my head.”
Maggie looked up, waving the knife about while speaking with her hands as she normally did. “Then you repay him first. Don’t you worry yourself over settlin’ with me. I own this place free and clear and havin’ another female in the house to talk to has been a treat. You’ll notice most of my boarders are men, and God knows they ain’t much for gossipin’.”She threw back her head and laughed, jarring a lock of gray hair loose from her bun.
“You’re such a dear. I will always be thankful to Wolf for bringing us together, but you’ll take payment or I’ll move.” The mere mention of his name tugged at Sarah’s heart.
Maggie rolled her eyes. “You drive a hard bargain, Sarah Collins, but if it makes you feel better to pay, how about half of what I charge the others plus you help me out occasionally when I need it?”
“Done!” She rose and shook Maggie’s hand. “Now I have two days to develop a study plan for the children. My goodness, I don’t even know where to start.” Sarah sagged back into the chair. “What was I thinking? I don’t know anything about being a real teacher.”
Maggie pulled out a chair, sat next to Sarah, and patted her hand. “Just let the students lead you. Ask them what they were studyin’ afore you arrived; they’ll let you know where to begin. By the way, givin’ the talk about their old teacher, I’m sure the youngins’ will be pleased as crows in a cornfield to see you. Everyone says ol’ Elijah Woods was meaner than a snake and treated his class real bad.”
“I had a teacher like that once. Seemed he was mad at the world and wanted to punish everyone. Luckily, he didn’t last long, and Miss Ray replaced him. She was a wonderful lady, and one I vowed to use as an example in life.”
“I’m sure you’ll make her proud.” Maggie stood and crossed to the stove. She filled a cup from a pot simmering on the back. “Coffee?”
Sarah nodded and accepted. “Have you seen the schoolhouse?”
“I’ve passed by but never went inside. Why?” Balancing her own mug, Maggie returned to her chair.
“I’m trying to get an idea of how the classroom is set up.”
“I believe I see a key next to you. Just a guess, but I reckon if you try it on the lock at the school, it might open.”
“See how addlepated I am? That never came to mind. Before it gets too hot out, I think I’ll take a stroll over and see for myself. Would you like to go with me?”
“I’d would, but I got word from the stage station that three overnighters are comin’ in late this afternoon. I have to get the beds changed and ready for ‘em.”
“I’ll tell you all about it when I get back. And… thanks again, Maggie. You’re an angel for helping me.”
“Pshaw.” Maggie waved off the compliment. “You just skedaddle and let me get my work done.” Her melodic laughter faded as she ascended the stairs.
In her excitement, Sarah dashed out the backdoor, her bonnet dangling on her arm. She paused on the stoop, took a deep breath and willed her heart to slow. The cooler air provided a welcome respite from the brutal summer. Fall was definitely creeping in, but the impending season change served as a grim reminder of her previous plans to start life over in California. She squared her shoulders and held her head high, vowing no regrets. She might not be where she expected, but she survived when others didn’t. Today was definitely the beginning of something new and exciting. She bounded down the steps, hiked her skirt over the grass, and set out for the clapboard building beyond the town square.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sarah stood in front of the whitewashed building and gazed up at the pitched roof. In two days, she’d be greeting her pupils, making another new start. She hoped this one didn’t end on a disastrous note like her last attempt. Taking a deep breath, she ascended the four stairs to the front door and keyed the padlock. The door creaked open. Once inside, the stifling, musty air washed over her, making her nose crinkle at the unpleasant smell. How long had it been since the place had been occupied?She left the door ajar to vent the room.
Sun beamed through the top panes of the large windows on the east side. Someone had sewn and hung burlap curtain panels along the bottom half of the casements, she supposed to keep the heat to a minimum and deflect the brightness away from the students. Two matching windows on the opposite wall bore the same cloaking. The large one on the far wall was bare, shaded by a large elm outside.
A pot-bellied stove stood in the corner. Opposite was a small room lined with wall hooks. The vision of the coats and hats hanging there during the winter months brought a smile to her face.
She walked down the wide aisle separating the rows of tables and chairs, and paused at the huge desk at the head of the room. Turning, she gazed at the empty space that would hold a passel of strange faces on Monday. Rubbing her dampened palms together, she tried to find a comfortable posture to address her imaginary pupils. “Good morning, class, I’m Sarah… no, I’m Miss Collins, your new teacher, I’d like you to…”
Applause echoed in the empty room.
Sarah’s glanced up to see Jonathan standing in the doorway.
“Bravo. You sound like a natural.”
A flush crept up her neck and burned into her cheeks. “What are you doing here?”
He removed his hat. “Maggie told me where I could find you. I hear congratulations are in order. I just came from the bank and wondered if you might like to join me for lunch.”
The bank? Had he gone there to undermine Wolf’s purchase? She wanted to ask but feared the answer.
“It’s a simple yes or no question,” he said, when she didn’t reply.
“I would really love to go, but I have so much to do to get ready for the students. Can we celebrate my good fortune another day?”
He shrugged. “Maybe that’s a good idea. I really don’t have much cause for merriment at the moment. It seems that the bank is legally bound to honor your friend’s agreement on that parcel of land I want. I have to wait until the allotted time expires to see if he honors his end of the bargain. If he defaults, then I can step in.”
The sad look on Jonathan’s face almost made her want to apologize, but she didn’t. Instead, she found it hard to hide her glee. Wolf still had time to come up with the remaining money. She wondered where he was and what he was doing. Had he scouted enough to satisfy his advance wages?By her calculations, he had until the middle of August to remit the balance owed. Darn, why hadn’t she asked how frequently she’d be compensated? She’d rather help Wolf than repay Jonathan. Of course, she felt certain Wolf would never agree to take money from her.
She’d been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed Jonathan cross the room. “We might have to wait for lunch to toast your success, but…”
Sounding so close, his voice startled her. He tossed his hat on a table. “I can show you how happy I am for you right now.”
He gathered her in his arms and lowered his mouth to hers, stifling her surprised gasp.
Stunned by Jonathan’s boldness, Sarah pulled away. She peered up at him and swiped the back of her hand across her mouth, too conflicted to react. Part of her wanted to chastise him for taking such liberties but, strangely, she enjoyed the fleeting kiss. His soft lips, fresh smell, hard body pressed against her—all overpowered and enticed her. She silently cursed her traitorous body, strode to the window and gazed out.
A rope swing, suspended from a large tree, swayed in the breeze. A weathered seesaw, erected not far away, had apparently been made from wood left over from building. It all looked so desolate.
Sarah's Heart Page 17
