Catching her reflection in the glass, she stopped nibbling her bottom lip. Her knuckles whitened from clutching the windowsill. “I…I’m not quite sure how to react.”
“Are you angry with me?”
Not ready to face him, she stared through the spotted glass. “No, just surprised. I don’t believe we’ve progressed to the point of being so familiar with one another. I’m sorry if I’ve given you the wrong impression.”
Jonathan’s boots clicked on the plank floor as he closed the distance between them. He stood behind her. His hands rested on her shoulders, warming her skin through the fabric of her gown. “I’m very attracted to you, Sarah, but I’m sorry if I acted inappropriately. I promise I won’t be so impulsive in the future. I’ll let you decide if and when you want to be kissed. Fair enough?”
She turned and nodded. “Thank you for understanding. It’s not that I don’t find you attractive. I just…”
He silenced her with two fingers across her mouth. “No explanation necessary. Now, about the social. It’s a week from today, and I’m hoping my brashness hasn’t caused you to change your mind.”
Uncomfortable with his closeness, she went back to her desk. “Not at all. I’m looking forward to meeting the townsfolk. Now that I’m the new teacher, I’ll most likely be interacting with them on occasion. The festivities couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Jonathan picked up his hat and plopped it back on his head. “I’ll leave you to your planning, then.”
She took a deep breath, watching his broad shoulders barely clear the slim doorway.
* * *
Sarah snapped the padlock shut on the classroom door and hurried toward the boarding house with her bonnet swinging from her arm. Thankfully, she still had a small amount of cash stashed away. She couldn’t show up in school without supplies of her own, so she made a mental list of things she needed from the mercantile. Her petticoats swished with each rapid step.
Crossing the side yard, Sarah entered through the kitchen door. Maggie hovered over a large pot, slicing potatoes into it. She looked up. “Did Jonathan find you?”
“I’ll say he did.”
“I hope I didn’t create a problem by telling him where you were.” Maggie picked up a big purple onion and began peeling it.
“Nothing I can’t handle. Our Mr. Montgomery is a little impetuous. But I think he’ll keep his hands to himself from now on.” She placed her bonnet on the table.
Maggie blinked watery eyes and crinkled her nose in a sniff. “Tell me you didn’t slap him again.”
Sarah laughed and plopped down at the table. “No, he was actually apologetic and quite nice. He’s still escorting me to the social, and I’m very excited about it.”
“So how was the schoolhouse?”
“Oh, Maggie,” Sarah leaned onto her hands and sighed. “It’s so exciting and scary at the same time. My desk looks so big and empty. I viewed the size of the seats and realized I’ll be teaching children of all ages. Do you really think I can do this?”
“Of course you can.” Maggie put down the knife, gathered up her apron, and wiped her hands. “You’ll be a wonderful teacher.”
“Do you need help with anything at the moment? Anything from the mercantile?”
“Not that I can think of. Why?”
“I’m going to pick up a few things for school. I don’t even have pencils or a slate. I did notice a stack of primers in the corner of the room, but I wish I had asked Judge Larson a few more questions. I feel so… so unprepared.”
“Don’t fret so,” Maggie tutted. “I told you the youngins’ will help you out.”
“I guess you’re right. I’ll be back soon.”
Sarah lifted her skirt and dashed upstairs. She took a quick glance in the mirror, tucked a stray lock beneath the ribbon at the back of her neck then grabbed her money. The gun in the bottom of her valise reminded her of Wolf. His handsome face flashed through her mind, reeling her with memories of his kiss. Jonathan’s had been nice, but there was no comparison. What she wouldn’t give…
Stop!
She almost yelled the word. Why did she keep wishing for what couldn’t be? She closed the armoire, and with the steps hidden by her full petticoats, she made the trip downstairs much slower. Sarah pulled the front door closed behind her and breathed in the fresh smell of a fleeting rain shower.
Moisture hung in the area as the short storm drifted past; it did little more than clear the air and create a few puddles that dried rapidly. The walkway soaked up the water, turning the planks a darker color. Only the area beneath the covered porch remained the same scuffed and dusty brown. Seeing the clear sky, Sarah hastened toward the mercantile, anxious to complete her school shopping.
The opening door’s friendly tinkle announced her arrival. The clerk looked up from stocking the shelves. “Good day to you again, miss.”
“And to you, too. Could you point me to your school supplies?”
He rose from kneeling, wiping his brow with the hem of his apron. “Certainly is humid today.”
Sarah smiled. “I suppose I’ve gotten used to it, or perhaps I’m too excited about my new job to notice.”
“Hmm, school supplies, new job? I’ll bet you’re the teacher I heard about.”
“That’s right, and I need a few things to get me started. My name is Sarah Collins. I heard that elderly… lady, call you Clarence the other day. It’s very nice to meet you. I imagine we’ll be seeing each other on a regular basis.”
“Clarence Bagwell is my full entitlement. Pleasure is all mine. I’m still chuckling over how you put that cranky ol’ Edwina Goodwin in her place.” He led Sarah to a shelf holding tablets and books. On the end, an empty coffee tin held an array of pencils. “You stayin’ at Miss Maggie’s place?”
“Yes. Maggie has been a godsend. She’s the one who told me about the teaching post.”
“From what I hear tell about their last experience, I’m sure the youngsters will consider themselves lucky to have you.” He mopped his brow again. “I’ll leave you to your shopping now.”
The bell over the door sounded. Sarah, engrossed in thumbing through the assortment of books, didn’t bother to look up.
“What do you want?” Clarence snipped.
Curious at his tone, she turned. Her heart seized. Wolf, looking virile in his buckskins and longer braids, stood at the counter, his knife sheathed against his left leg as always. A ridge of tension ran along his jaw, visible even from where she stood. She remained quiet and unnoticed, hidden in the shadows for the moment.
“I need some canned goods, coffee, flour, and salt pork.” He managed to keep a civil tone despite Clarence’s unfriendly glare.
“I’ll sell you what you need as long as you pay up and move along. People don’t like shopping with your type hanging around. You’re not good for business.”
Sarah stepped into view. “Mr. Bagwell! I’m surprised at you.
Wolf’s eyes widened. “Sarah?”
She trained her gaze on the clerk, waggling a finger at him. “You’re sounding an awful lot like Mrs. Goodwin.”
Confusion creased Wolf’s brow. “Who’s Mrs. Goodwin?”
“It’s not important. Clarence knows what I mean. Honestly!” She flashed an exaggerated frown in his direction.
Clarence’s jowls hung in humiliation. He turned and started gathering the things Wolf had named. Ignoring the patter of her heart, Sarah peered up at Wolf and tried to act cordial. “So… I heard your shopping list. Can I assume things are going well with your note at the bank and you’re not stocking up for a trip?”
“Actually, I am leaving for a while. I have to earn that advance the army gave me, so work on my land will have to wait. There’s been some unrest with the Pawnee tribe and white settlers up along the Platte River. Since no one else speaks their language, I’m pretty handy to have around.” He laughed, but it did little to calm her fears.
What if he was injured, or worse… killed? “How l
ong will you be gone?” She had no right to ask, but the words spilled from her mouth.
“Never can tell. All the tribes are feeling pressured to move or sign treaties with the government. The army has to step in and keep the peace or wars flare. It’s not pleasant for me because of my tie to both sides, but it’s a way to earn the money I need. The bank has granted me another six-month extension at the request of my commanding officer, so I’ll be gone for as long as necessary, I reckon. The Colonel did in one visit what I’ve been begging the bank to do for months.”
His tone was emotionless, but his hazel eyes softened when he looked at her. She hated the thought of him making such a perilous journey, but perhaps not running into him for a while would finally put an end to the emotional whirlwind that swept her up whenever he came near. She fought the urge to kiss him goodbye—even if only a peck.
Clearing her throat, she offered her hand. “Please take care of yourself.”
His grasp radiated warmth up her arm and into her chest, his smile weakened her knees. “I will,” he promised. “You do the same. And uh…Sarah….”
Clarence slammed Wolf’s goods on the counter. “Here you go. That’ll be nine dollars and thirty three cents.”
Wolf released her hand, pulled money from his pocket and paid for his purchases. He gathered the bundle beneath one arm and faced her again.
Sarah’s heart pounded. “You were saying?”
“It’s nothing.” He cleared his throat. “Please tell Maggie I’ll see her when I can.” He gave a parting nod and strode toward the door.
Sarah watched him leave. Her heart ached to run after him, but she forced herself back to the shelf to pick out her needed supplies. Tears burned the back of her eyes and blurred the words in the primer she viewed. Somehow, she had to sever her emotional tie with him. Clearly, it was one-sided.
She finished making her selections and carried them to the counter. “I’ll take these, Clarence. I hope you aren’t angry with me. Wolf is a friend, and seeing him mistreated greatly disturbs me.”
“Nah, I’m not mad. I deserved your reprimand. I didn’t like the way Mrs. Goodwin treated you, and then I turned right around and… Would you like me to put your supplies on your account?”
Sarah flashed a wide-eyed look. “I didn’t know I had one.”
“You do now. A teacher has needs and I know you’ll be getting regular pay.” He chuckled.
“Then, on my account, sir.” She scooped up her items and turned. “Have a nice day, Clarence, and remember everyone deserves to be treated with respect.” She grimaced at the preachy words she called over her shoulder. When had she gotten so self-righteous? Was she really naïve enough to believe she could change people’s view of Wolf, one person at a time?
Squaring her shoulders, Sarah opened the door. She needed to stop worrying about Nathaniel Gray Wolf Elder. Clearly, he wasn’t part of her future.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Wolf tied his supplies across Scout’s back and mounted. He’d almost slipped and suggested to Sarah that he accompany her back to Maggie’s place. Telling his old friend goodbye in person would afford him more time with Sarah before he left. He couldn’t help himself where she was concerned. She made him forget who and what he was, stirred feelings no one else had. Luckily, the clerk’s attitude snapped Wolf back to reality, serving as a reminder that Sarah deserved better. She was worthy of nothing less than respect, and she’d never get it in his company.
He nudged his mare away from the hitching post, scrunching down for one last look through the window. The sunlight reflecting off the glass made it impossible for him to see her.
* * *
Sarah took a deep breath and marched into the classroom. Doubts about her ability diminished her resolve. What made her think she could teach?She had no idea how many children to expect when school began at eight o’clock, but she’d come an hour early to get things in order. Breakfast sat in her stomach like a rock.
Shaking off the negative thoughts, she gathered a stack of primers from the corner and slapped copies atop each desk, but stopped short of finishing. An important question popped into her mind. Who got the primers? She glanced at the covers, but they all looked the same. Surely the older children read at a different level than the younger. She massaged her brow. What made her think she was qualified for this job? Her time with the three Indian children paled in comparison to what she faced today.
She dropped the primers and, with a sigh, slumped down in one of the student’s chairs. Resting her elbows on the table, she cradled her face. “You can do this, Sarah.”
“Yes, you can!” She swiveled to see Jonathan, and cringed. Not now of all times. Dealing with him took more effort than she wanted to expend.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to give you some moral support.” He whisked his derby from his head and stood with hat in hand.
Sarah rose, smoothing her skirt then fidgeting with her cuffs. “I appreciate your intentions, but I haven’t time to visit. I have children…”
“You didn’t look all that busy when I first arrived.”
Sarah grasped her neck to hide the warming flush creeping upward. Her jaw tensed at his audacity. “I was thinking. Perhaps it’s something you should do before you speak and offend people.”
His lips thinned, his brow furrowed. “Point taken.” He plopped his hat back on his head and turned to leave.
“Wait! I’m sorry, Jonathan.”
He paused in the doorway, silent, as if waiting for her to beg his indulgence.
She took a step toward him. “You’ve caught me at a bad moment and I’m taking my worry out on you. I truly am sorry.”
Once more, he removed his hat. “I apologize for my rudeness. You had every right to put me in my place.”
Sarah took a deep breath. “We were both wrong, so can we let bygones be bygones and see each other later this evening back at the boarding house? Hopefully, I’ll be in a better frame of mind by then.”
“Agreed. I have some business at the bank, and I really only stopped by to say good morning. I hope you fare well on your first day of teaching.”
Sarah smiled and nodded. She hoped so, too.
He was barely out the door when she stamped her foot on the scarred flooring. “Oh, that man infuriates me.”
She had never run across a cockier person in her life. Her mother once had a bantam that strutted with the same arrogance and pride. The little rooster was Jonathan but with feathers. Sarah creased her brow, wondering if his business at the bank had anything to do with Wolf. She chewed her bottom lip, knowing she could nothing it if it did, besides hadn‘t Wolf mentioned an extension?After checking the time, she frantically gathered the books from the tables. Waiting until the children arrived might give her a better idea who needed one. She counted on Maggie’s guarantee that the students would help her understand more about her job.
“Good mornin’, teacher.”
Sarah turned to a tow-headed lad with the biggest blue eyes she’d even seen. He smiled, revealing a missing tooth.
“And good morning to you, young man.” Her gaze drifted downward past his overalls to bare feet wearing a thick coating of dirt.
“My name is Curtis Johnson. What’s yorn?”
“I’m Miss Collins.” She looked up and smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you, Curtis.”
He craned his neck upward and stared at her for a moment. Freckles peppered his nose and cheeks. “We ain’t never had a lady teacher afore. Are you gonna be mean to us like Mr. Woods?”
Sarah shook her head. “No, of course not. We’ll have rules, but as long as everyone follows them, things will be fine.” She ruffled his curly blond hair. “Why don’t you take a seat, Curtis?” Turning, she peered through the window then looked back to her first pupil. “I believe I see more of your classmates coming.”
Knots formed in her stomach as she stood behind her desk. This time she wasn’t just helping with three little Indi
an girls, she was actually expected to teach a whole class of children. She clasped her hands at her waist and smiled at the group as they entered. “Come in, children, and find your place. We’ll be starting in a few moments.”
The once-silent room gradually filled with excited voices, laughter, and chairs screeching against the plank flooring as the children took their seats. Sarah gazed at the twenty-odd youngsters and clapped her hands. “Attention, class. My name is Miss Collins and I’m you’re new teacher. I—”
“Yer too young and purdy to be teachin’. I can show ya a better time down by the river.” The rude comment came from an almost man-sized boy in the very back of the room. He boldly winked.
Feeling tongue-tied for a moment, Sarah gathered her scattered wits. “Young man, judging from your poor language skills, your time would be better spent at school.”
His gaze shifted to his desk, and to her relief, he had nothing more to say. A smattering of giggles sounded around the room.
Sarah clasped her hands together, assuming a pose far more relaxed than she felt. “Now, class, where were we? I believe I was about to assure you that I’m here to help you learn. I’d appreciate your assistance in return. I have no idea where your previous teacher left off in your primers, who used them, and who is still learning to read. If we work together respectfully, I’m sure we’ll all profit from the experience.”
A dark-haired girl with big chocolate eyes raised a waving hand high in the air. “Teacher, teacher, I can help.”
“And what’s your name, young lady?”
“I’m Emily Potts. I’ve been coming to school the longest, and I know almost everyone here.”
“Very well, Emily. I’d really appreciate your help. But before we begin with our studies, I’d like everyone, in turn, to tell me who you are. It will help me, and classmates who may not know you, learn your name.” Sarah pointed to the girl sitting next to her eager assistant. “Let’s start here.”
Sarah's Heart Page 18
