“I believe I shall, Mr. Guthry. And please, call me Alex.”
“Good night, Alex.” Arlan backed out the door and almost bumped into Luke. Tipping his head to his employer, he continued down the steps. “Please tell Filly I appreciated the fine meal, Luke. I’ll see you at the bank in the morning.”
“Night, Arlan.”
Luke closed the front door and turned to his guest. “I hope you’re ready for a room full of rambunctious students. A few of them can be trying, but I’ve got an idea you’ll handle them with ease.”
“I certainly hope to prove you correct, Luke. I certainly hope to.”
Chapter Four
Apprehensive, Alex nervously pushed the wayward pins back into place in her hair and glanced at the clock, waiting for the first students to arrive.
Luke noticed her anxiety and leaned against the teacher’s desk with his long legs crossed at the ankle in front of him.
“Don’t worry. You’ll do fine. You have Miss Bevins’ lesson plans. I have every confidence in your ability to maintain order in the classroom while helping the students learn something of value.”
“I appreciate that, Luke. It’s just been so long since I’ve taught, I’m sure to be quite rusty.” Alex fiddled with the pencils on the desk.
Her father’s words of encouragement echoed in her ears as she straightened her shoulders and drew in a deep breath. She could do this. She would charm the students into behaving and learning. If accomplishing that proved impossible, a little magic might win them over.
Mentally reviewing the lesson plans she and Luke discovered, it was no wonder the children acted out during class. The material was dry and boring. For today, she’d follow along with Miss Bevins’ detailed notes, but starting tomorrow, she would add her own unique touch to the plans.
Students began pouring inside the classroom, laughing and chattering as they set aside lunch pails and hung caps and hats on the pegs by the door. When they turned to take their seats, they noticed the tall woman standing beside Luke Granger and immediately grew silent.
“Good morning, students.” Luke grinned as he waved a hand toward their seats. “Come on in and sit down.”
“Where’s Miss Bevins?” Percy Bruner asked as he took a seat beside Anna Jenkins. He’d been sweet on the girl since they were both five. Now that they were nine, he liked sitting beside her in school.
“I’ll get to that in just a moment, young man.” Luke winked at Percy. The redheaded imp full of sass and vinegar kept everyone on their toes, although he was a hard worker and a fine boy.
Once all the students arrived and took their seats, Luke stood to his full height and let his gaze rove over each face in the classroom. He let it rest for a longer period on the four large boys in the back of the classroom, hoping to intimidate them a little.
Alex would need all the help she could get to keep them in line. Of the four, three were good kids, but they often allowed themselves to be sucked into the mischief of the lone troublemaker.
Pointedly clearing his throat, Luke smiled. “Miss Bevins had an urgent matter that took her back East for an indefinite time. Miss Janowski will take over her teaching duties for now. If any of your parents have questions, please let them know to contact me directly.”
Luke stepped aside so Alex could stand before the students in front of the teacher’s desk. “Students, please give Miss Janowski a warm welcome.”
“Welcome, Miss Janowski.” The united sound of their voices made Alex smile. Some of them stumbled over her last name.
“Thank you, class. I appreciate your welcome and your cooperation until Miss Bevins returns. You may call me Miss Alex since Janowski can twist your tongue in knots.”
“Name might be hard to spit out but she’s easy on the eyes.” A voice that teetered between a boy’s and a man’s spoke from the back of the room. Alex turned to one of the big boys slouching at his desk.
Luke started toward the boy, but Alex put a restraining hand on his arm. She picked up the seating chart she’d found in a desk drawer and looked at the name.
“Fred Decker, please stand.” Alex pinned her gaze on the smirking youth.
In no hurry, he rose to his feet with a look of insolence on his face.
“I don’t know what sort of nonsense Miss Bevins allowed, but I assure you, I won’t put up with any. Your comment was inappropriate. It had better be the last one of that sort I hear while you sit in this classroom. Is that understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The boy didn’t appear at all concerned by her warning as he returned to his seat.
Luke offered her a nod of approval and strode to the back of the classroom. “You all be on your best behavior today or you’ll answer to me.” He gave Alex an encouraging smile before walking outside and closing the door behind him.
After asking the students to rise, she led them in a brief prayer then began working on their lessons.
It quickly became apparent that Fred and his friends would continue to be a disruption. When they weren’t whispering and laughing, Fred tossed crumpled balls of paper at some of the girls. He went so far as to trip one of the younger students when the boy asked to be excused to the outhouse.
Alex waited until the children played outside for morning recess to separate the four boys. An aisle ran down the center of the classroom, dividing the room in half lengthwise from her desk to the door. Additional aisles ran along each side of the room near the walls.
Each row had two desks to the left of the center aisle and two to the right. The arrangement meant the four big boys dominated the back of the classroom with two on each side of the middle aisle.
Tired of their constant disruptions, she moved their desks, placing one in each corner of the classroom. Bracing herself for a battle of wills, she called the students inside and watched as the older boys looked around for their desks.
“Since the four of you are incapable of remaining quiet or paying attention seated in the back row, you’ll no longer sit together. John and Ralph, your desks are in the back. Tom and Fred, you’ll both sit up front.”
“I ain’t sittin’ in the front.” Fred glared at Alex from the back of the classroom.
“You’ll do as I say or go home. As I stated this morning, I won’t tolerate disrespectful behavior. It’s your choice.” Alex held her ground, staring down the young man. He had to be at least sixteen with broad shoulders and thick arms.
She wondered why his parents sent him to school when the boy appeared to possess no interest in learning. His clothes were new and neatly pressed, indicating he came from a home that provided well for him.
Determined to ask Luke and Filly about his family later, she needed to gain control of her classroom. If that meant Fred went home, so be it.
“What’s it going to be, Fred?”
“I ain’t sittin’ in the front.” He turned and stomped out the door, slamming it behind him so hard the windows rattled.
Alex focused her attention on Tom where he lingered at the back of the room, hesitantly looking toward the door.
“The same extends to you, Tom. If you’d like to stay, you are most welcome.” Alex pointed to his desk near hers at the front of the room.
Tom dipped his head and quietly shuffled to his seat. Red creeped up his neck and stained his ears.
“Thank you, Tom. Now, shall we continue with our math lessons?”
By the end of the day, Alex felt like a team of workhorses trampled over her then dragged her limp body through the streets.
Slumped against her chair working on lesson plans for the following day, she heard footsteps clack against the wooden floor.
As she lifted her gaze, she wasn’t surprised to see Fred sneering at her from behind a short, rotund woman wearing an expensive gown.
Alex rose to her feet and stepped in front of her desk as the woman marched up to her.
“What is the meaning of this?” the woman demanded, shaking a finger in Alex’s face.
Alex c
aptured the waggling finger in her hand and gave it a shake, ignoring the woman’s surprised look and lack of manners.
“I’m Miss Janowski. I assume you must be Fred’s mother.”
The woman took a step back from her, yanking her hand away. “I’m Mildred Decker and I won’t stand for the way you’ve treated my boy. Just so you know, I plan to speak to the school board about you.”
Alex’s eyes took on a hard glint. “When you’re speaking to them, you might also want to bring up the fact that your son disrupts the entire class, exhibits a complete lack of respect, and makes comments more befitting someone frequenting the Red Lantern than a classroom.”
Taken aback by Alex’s words, Mrs. Decker’s face turned purple with rage. She grabbed Fred’s arm and yanked him toward the door. “I won’t stand for it! You’ll be immediately relieved of this post, even if it is temporary. Just wait until I speak with Luke Granger!”
“I plan to speak to him myself at dinner.” Alex couldn’t help but grin as Mildred Decker dragged her son out the door and slammed it behind her.
With legs wobbling from the confrontation that took place, Alex returned to her seat and stared at the lesson plans on her desk. She’d just refocused her attention when she heard the door open. Daunted by the prospect of facing another angry parent, she slowly raised her gaze and discovered Arlan watching her.
“What are you doing here?” She braced her chin on her folded hands and smiled at him. “Is it after five already?”
“Yes. I thought I’d see how your first day went. Mrs. Decker has been at the bank for the last half hour, blasting Luke’s ear full of threats and dire consequences.” Arlan held out a polished apple to Alex that she accepted with a smile before he continued. “It was smart on your part to kick Fred out of class. He’s been nothing but trouble the past few years and his mother only makes matters worse. Fred is far too old to behave in such a reprehensible manner. By holding your ground, you’ve established with the other students that you won’t tolerate misbehavior. Miss Bevins greatly struggled with maintaining order in her classroom.”
Alex bit into the juicy apple and felt the intensity of Arlan’s gaze rest on her mouth. Self-conscious, she wiped away a drop of juice clinging to her lip with her finger and attempted to redirect her thoughts. “Is there a Mr. Decker?”
“Yes, but he’s rarely home. Joe works for the railroad and frequently travels. They moved here when everyone thought the railroad would come through Hardman, but the line went through Heppner instead. Since Mrs. Decker was already settled into a house, Mr. Decker didn’t see the need to uproot her since he’s so often gone anyway. His absence is most notable in Fred’s behavior. The boy needs someone to take him firmly in hand.”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think there is anything firm about his mother.”
Arlan chuckled as he thought of the woman’s wagging chins as she lambasted Luke about his poor choice in a substitute teacher.
After taking another bite of the apple, Alex glanced at the papers on her desk. “Would it be presumptuous to assume I’ll be teaching again tomorrow?”
“Not at all, dear lady. Luke thought it wise you took a stand with the Decker boy and made the other three boys behave. Did you have any trouble with them after Fred left?”
“Not a bit.” Alex gathered papers and stuffed them into a leather bag she’d brought with her that morning. “I set one in each corner of the classroom. When they had no one to whisper to and misdirect their thoughts, they paid attention to the lessons. Poor Tom Grove had a red neck the entire afternoon since I made him sit in the front. I thought I’d allow him to sit in the back again tomorrow to see if the three of them can behave without Fred around.”
“Would you like me to move his desk?” Arlan carried the desk she indicated back to the end row and moved the two in the outer corners into line. She left one desk in the front corner to her left and Arlan nodded with approval. “At least if Fred comes back, you can keep an eye on him there.”
Alex grinned at him. “I’d prefer he stay home, but I expect to see him in the morning.”
“Most likely, although his mother may accompany him. If so, it should make for an interesting day, watching her sit at one of the small desks.”
Attempts at mustering a reproachful look at Arlan failed and Alex giggled as she pictured the woman stuffed into one of the tiny seats. Lightheartedly smacking Arlan’s arm, she walked with him out the door and locked it behind her. “That isn’t at all kind. I need to keep an open mind where that woman is concerned.”
“Better an open mind than an open invitation to dinner. I once witnessed her eat an entire pie at an auction at the church. ‘Eat to live, not live to eat.’ I think that is sage advice.” Arlan strolled with Alex in the direction of the blacksmith shop. He surmised she wanted to check on both the wagon and her horse.
“Where did you glean that sage advice?” Alex admired the way sunlight glinted off Arlan’s white-toothed smile.
“Benjamin Franklin. He shared many words of wisdom.”
“And you feel inclined to pass them on.” Alex gave him a sassy grin. In the short time she’d been around him, she noticed Arlan liked to quote the man. Her father had also been partial to Mr. Franklin’s quotes. “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Arlan stopped and stared at her. “You enjoy his quotes, too?”
Alex glanced over her shoulder at him as she continued walking. “My Papa did. He used to quote Ben Franklin and James Madison.”
Impressed, Arlan silently followed her into Douglas’ shop.
“Miss Janowski! If you’re hoping I’ve got the wagon done, I haven’t even gotten started on taking it apart.” Douglas grinned and motioned to where her wagon sat in the middle of his shop floor.
“I came to collect a few things and check on Bill. Is he behaving himself?” Alex walked to the back of her wagon and unlocked the door.
“He’s a perfect gent.” Douglas glanced from her to Arlan. “Say, Arlan, I heard Miss Bevins had to leave town sudden-like.”
“Yes, she did. Miss Janowski is filling in as the teacher until her return.” Arlan didn’t like the gleam in Douglas’ eye.
“Is that so? I’d say she’s filling in for Miss Bevins as more than just a teacher.”
Annoyed by the man’s comment, Arlan was glad Alex couldn’t hear from her location inside the wagon. “I don’t believe that assessment is entirely accurate.”
Douglas chuckled and winked. “So you say.”
Alex reappeared, trying to balance a small trunk in her hands, hold her skirts, and carry the leather satchel she’d filled with papers at the school. Arlan hurried to take the trunk from her then offer his hand as she stepped down from the wagon.
“Thank you.” She tipped her head to him, thanked Douglas for working on her wagon, and disappeared out the door to the livery to check on Bill.
“Yep, I’d say she’s doing a right smart job of filling Miss Bevins’ place.”
Luke accompanied Alex to the school the next morning, carrying the trunk she’d retrieved from her wagon the previous afternoon.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay for a while? Mrs. Decker will probably show up with Fred and try to stir up trouble.”
“I’ll be fine, but thank you, Luke. I’ve got to handle this matter on my own or I’ll lose the respect of all the students.” Alex set down her satchel on the desk while Luke set the trunk on the floor beside it.
He glanced down at the trunk then looked at Alex. “What have you got in there?”
She grinned. “I’ve always get a few tricks up my sleeve.”
Luke laughed and tipped his hat to her as he walked to the door. “If things get too bad, send Percy to the bank to fetch me.”
“That won’t be necessary, but thank you for the offer, Luke. I appreciate it.” Alex waved as he walked out the door then began writing spelling words and math
problems on the blackboard.
She listened to the sound of children laughing as they arrived in the schoolyard. After she finished setting out her prepared lessons, Alex glanced at the clock on the wall.
With a fortifying breath, she strode across the room and stood on the top step, ringing a hand bell she found in a desk drawer.
Alex stood aside and continued ringing the bell as the students began traipsing up the steps and into the school. She smiled warmly at the three older boys but they kept their gazes down and walked in a subdued manner inside the building.
Once the last student trailed inside, she followed them and closed the door behind her. Walking to the front of the room, she returned the bell to a desk drawer and smiled at the students as they hurried into their assigned places.
Tom Grove sent her a grateful smile as he took his seat at the back of the room with his two friends. An almost imperceptible nod from her acknowledged his silent thanks.
“Good morning, class.”
“Good morning, Miss Alex.”
“Shall we begin our day?” The students rose to their feet and Alex asked Percy to lead them in a prayer. He puffed out his chest and offered a short but sweet prayer followed by a hearty “amen!”
Students returned to their seats and Alex directed them to the spelling words she’d written on the blackboard. She set the older students to their lessons while she worked with the youngest students, kneeling in front of them as they sat together in the front row.
“That’s wonderful, Susan. Now, Jimmy, you try spelling ‘hat.’” Alex encouraged her youngest pupils as Mrs. Decker charged inside with Fred right behind her.
Alex rose to her feet and raised an eyebrow at the woman as she bustled to the front of the room.
“Mrs. Decker, I must ask you to refrain from disturbing the class. Fred is fifteen minutes late. He’s welcome to stay if he thinks he can behave himself today.”
“Don’t you go pointing fingers at my boy. He’s got every right to be here and I won’t stand for you saying anything against him.” Mrs. Decker glowered at Alex as she yanked Fred to stand beside her.
The Christmas Calamity Page 4
