by Rita Hestand
"She's quite stunning isn't she?" Maggie's brow was still lifted.
"Oh yes, most of the notable men in town have been dying to escort her around. I suppose the Reverend has the honor because of the huge details of his funeral." Clara boasted.
"Is his funeral going to be different than anyone else's?" Sarah frowned.
"Oh land sakes yes. He'll have an ordinary funeral of course, and be laid to rest in the community cemetery but his headstone will be the largest and most grand one in our little community I can tell you. Six feet tall, with cherubs on the sides, all in marble too. Nothing but the best for him."
"I never heard of such expense for a funeral." Maggie shook her head.
"Well, he is the most important Mayor we've ever had, that's a fact. And rich beyond our dreams. His daughter will inherit it all, so she's quite a catch for some young man." Clara boasted.
Sarah's gaze flew to the window once more, eyeing the beautiful brunette. She nodded and joined Maggie at the counter. "Let's go home Maggie, I'm not feeling well."
Maggie glanced at her and then the window. "Of course dear."
After buying the material, threads and needles, they dashed off for the boarding house.
"Don't let that gal Rebecca bother you. I'm sure the Reverend won't be influenced by her." Maggie told Sarah as they were on their way home.
"It's no concern or mine…" Sarah said, but her heart was not in her words. And a tear escaped down her cheek silently.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sarah made several trips into town the next day, to find the right thread, and spotted Luke and Rebecca riding in a carriage together again. There was no way to avoid it.
Thinking she'd just dash into town and dash out, she ran right into them. "Sarah, how nice to see you. It's been a while." Luke tried to smile. The silence between them stretched. When Rebecca cleared her throat, Luke introduced them. "This is Rebecca Goldfield, she's moving back to our little town."
"So pleased to finally meet you, Rebecca. I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I was told he used to be Mayor here. Well, I guess I'll see you two tomorrow at the funeral." Sarah said, excusing herself quickly.
Luke started to say something, but she quickly disappeared around the corner. She had no idea where she was going and when she bumped into a handsome young man, she blushed. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."
"Me either. But excuse me, hello, I'm Ronald Goldfield."
"Oh!" Sarah was taken aback. "Are you…Rebecca's brother?"
"No, cousin. In town for the funeral and to help with the estate settlement for Rebecca..." He explained.
"Oh I see. Well, I’m Sarah Mills, nice to meet you."
"Likewise, are you going to the funeral?" He asked staring at her.
"Yes, I'm sure the entire town will be there." Sarah smiled at hm. He was handsome, blond, and well built.
"Wonderful, I'll look forward to seeing you there, then." He returned her smile.
She nodded and went on her way.
Too bad he probably wasn't staying in town long, he was almost as handsome as Luke.
She hurried home though, putting him out of her mind.
But the next day, the church was packed, and Sarah didn't sit up front in her usual seat. Instead, she mixed in with the crowd, preferring not to be too close, like she usually was.
She spotted Ronald sitting beside Rebecca and Luke was giving a eulogy. His eyes seemed pinned on Rebecca for the moment, he hadn't spotted her at all, and she was glad.
She wondered how long it would take for this awkward feeling between her and Luke to stop. Would she ever feel at ease around him again?
He spoke eloquently of Rebecca's father, and went through a long list of the man's accomplishments.
Sarah noted the handsome coffin was of solid oak, and well finished, meaning a lot of money was spent on it. Black silk lined the inside.
Unlike the townsfolk, Mr. Goldfield had hired professional gravediggers.
Food had been brought to Rebecca's home, and Sarah got to see the big beautiful house. Adorned like a southern mansion with huge white columns on each side of the porch, and the floors were of the best wood. The staircase was curved and intricately carved. It was huge.
An open room had been used for all the food that was brought. But people didn't stay, they merely spoke with Rebecca and left. Sarah thought about this and Haney's mother's funeral that was so much different. Haney's family had made the best of their home for the food and for others to come in and help, but it was nothing like the hustle and bustle of Rebecca's home. However, there was one big difference, Haney's mother had more friends and neighbors stopping by to cook, clean, and take care of the children. Neighbors chipped in an dug the grave. One of their best friends had carved out a casket. Not an elegant funeral, but huge when the amount of friends were considered.
Maggie sang at the funeral and Rebecca cried all during the song. However, Sarah noted that few others cried at Rebecca's father's funeral. That struck Sarah as very sad. Not many had mourned him. He had obviously been a well-known and well-respected man.
Rebecca had a hankie near her cheek most of the time. Sarah couldn't help but feel sorry for her. It had to be hard to lose both parents. Yet she thought about her own, and wondered how she might feel under the circumstances. It left her bereft thinking about it.
After the service, everyone followed the fancy horse drawn hearse. A wagon full of pallbearers followed it. Vada had never seen anything quite like it, and everyone gasped at the cost of such a funeral.
Rebecca stayed close to Luke and Ronald followed behind them. All other family were out of state and could not attend the funeral. Therefore, Rebecca seemed to rely on Luke for her support.
When Rebecca broke down at the cemetery, Luke comforted her after the prayer and escorted her back in a carriage to her house on the hill. No crowd followed, just Rebecca, Luke and Ronald.
Sarah stared after them.
"Don't read too much into that, it's his job, Sarah." Ma informed her.
"Oh I know that. But I think they like each other and she seems to fit with him." Sarah acknowledged.
"You've really given up, haven't you?" Ma frowned.
"Yes Ma, I have. But…I did meet her cousin yesterday." Sarah informed her trying to sound excited.
"Really, is that the young man that was following behind her?" Ma asked.
"Yes, and he seems very nice. But I didn't get to talk to him long." Sarah explained. "Besides, he's leaving I'm sure after the funeral."
"Oh I doubt he's leaving Sarah." Ma shook her head. "The estate will need managing and I'm sure that's probably why he is here. Although women have good heads on their shoulders, men still take care of such things, especially in families like Rebecca's. I did feel like she had a lack of caring friends though. And for her that is very sad."
"I noticed that myself.." Sarah smiled and nodded.
The other girls joined them and Ma gathered around them. "Let's go home and eat…"
They all piled into one wagon and went home.
Sarah liked it when they were all together. They laughed a lot and it made it easier not to think about Luke and Rebecca.
Deep down she knew that Rebecca was more Luke's type, and somehow she had to accept it and go on.
If Ronald was staying, perhaps she could get to know him. He was handsome, young and obviously well educated.
She kept telling herself it didn't matter about Luke. But it did!
~*~
A week later Sarah was in the general store shopping for lace and pearls to add to Maggie's dress. She so wanted it to be stunning for Maggie.
Ronald walked in and spotted her immediately. He came up to her. "Sarah, isn't it?"
"Yes, I'm surprised you remembered my name."
"I've a habit of remembering pretty girl names." He smiled.
Sarah blushed. "So, how long are your staying in town?" Sarah asked, deciding on some beautiful lace."
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"Indefinitely, it would seem. Rebecca hasn't paid a bit of attention to her affairs, I'm afraid she's been spoken for by the Reverend, they are inseparable these days." Ronald smiled at her.
Sarah tried not to let this effect her, but it was very hard to ignore.
"I'm sure he's a great comfort to her. I couldn't help but notice how no one seemed to show up for her father's funeral, I mean…aside from you…no family."
"Yes, her Uncle, my father, isn't in the best of health and was advised not to try to make the trip. My sister is very pregnant at this time, and all the others, were either vacationing in Europe or busy in Washington these days. She does feel quite isolated. But she is determined to make Vada her home again." Ronald explained.
"Does she have a fiancée?" Sarah asked.
"Not of late, no. Rebecca doesn't keep men long."
"Oh, what does she do with them?" Sarah chuckled.
"She discards them like sour milk." He laughed.
"Well, maybe she will now, settling down in a small town is so much different I'm sure than in a big city." Sarah felt her heart fall to her toes. Luke was probably infatuated already with her. After all, she did have a pedigree.
Shrugging Luke from her mind, she turned her charming smile on Ronald.
"Who was that charming lady singing at the church?"
"That was Maggie. Isn't she great?"
"Her voice…she should be singing in New York or San Francisco." Ronald acknowledged.
"She's very talented. I'll introduce you sometime." Sarah suggested.
"Wonderful, I say, it is refreshing to meet one as sweet and charming as you, here. Perhaps my stay won't be entirely dull…." He laughed again.
"I'll try to see to that…" Sarah said boldly.
Then she saw Luke driving by in a carriage. He looked forlorn. But why?
She couldn't help but stare. He didn't see her though and he was out of sight before she knew it.
"You are buying lace…you sew?" Ronald glanced out the window to see what or whom she was staring at.
Caught off guard she stammered for a moment.
"Yes, I do. I'm making a beautiful dress for Maggie to audition in."
"Oh, here in Vada?" Ronald asked.
"Yes. Next month actually."
"It's beautiful. And I hope I can escort you to that audition…if you don't have an escort that is." Ronald smiled at her.
"I don't. The audition will be closed to regular patrons. However, I'd love you to escort me to the grand opening, if you are still here."
"I'll plan on it." Ronald informed her. "Well, it was a pleasure seeing you again. Might I call on you sometime?"
"Of course, I live at Ma's Boarding House, on the other hill, over there…" She pointed.
"Wonderful, until then…" He tipped his hat and smiled as he walked away.
Sarah took the lace home and showed it to Maggie.
"I declare, you are so good, girl. I wish I could sew like that." Maggie pulled the lace over the bed.
"Everyone has to have some talent, I suppose." Sarah said softly as though to herself.
"You are spoiling me Sarah. I'll be such a knock-out in that dress, they'll have to hire me…"
"I'm sure of it, Maggie!" Sarah laughed.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Trish came in late a couple of nights later.
It was dark in the bedroom, and everyone else was asleep except Sarah.
Sarah was sitting by the window, staring out and Trish saw her.
"What are you doing up so late?" Trish asked her in a whisper.
"Just couldn't sleep. Where have you been so late?" Sarah asked glancing at Trish who was disrobing into her cotton gown.
"Chester and I had a long talk. We're getting married tomorrow…."
"Really? Well, I'm happy for you Trish." Sarah said simply. What was so strange was that Sarah meant it.
Trish sat on the edge of the bed, and glanced at her. "You really mean that?"
Sarah looked at Trish, who was waiting for her answer, and nodded slowly. "Yes, I do, Trish. I can understand now. I mean you are bettering yourself, Trish, even I can see that. You'll have a home now and a man to help build it up for you."
Trish twisted her head, "What changed your mind?"
"I mean, at first I was just looking at it wrong. Now I see why and I understand." Sarah said, extending her hand to Trish. "Chester might not be the best looking man, the youngest man, but he does own his home, he does have that to offer you. And you know, a home is important."
Trish nodded although her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Sarah reflected on that for a bit.
"Sarah, would you come…"
"Come?" Sarah repeated dully.
"To the wedding. Luke's going to perform the wedding for us, in the church tomorrow, and I'd like you to be there, for me. I haven't invited anyone else, afraid they'd try to talk me out of it." Trish's head bowed. "Please say you'll come."
"I'd love to come, Trish." Sarah gripped her hand now and smiled. "It's going to be alright, Trish. Really."
"It isn't some fantasy marriage I know. And the others…they don't understand. But I'd like you to come."
"I'll be there for you Trish." Sarah promised. "What should I wear?
"Thank you! Wear your white dress, the one you wear to church a lot." Trish squeezed her hand and lay down, staring up at Sarah. "What about you, Sarah, what are you going to do about finding a husband?"
"Try to find someone, who will support me, and be kind to me. Someone who I can confess my sins to that won't condemn me."
"Sarah?" Trish raised up, "Are we settling?"
"Yes," Sarah nodded. "But it's still better than going back to Al's."
"You're right. It is. I love Chester's place. We talked a long time, Sarah. He's a good man, I mean deep down. He's not pretty to look at. He's pretty simple in most ways, but I'll have a home, and a home is what you make it, isn't it?"
Sarah nodded, "That's right. It is. And I know you, you'll make it grand."
"Tell me I'm doing alright Sarah. Tell me I'm doing the right thing."
"I can't be sure, just like I can't be sure of myself and finding a husband. But Trish, I want you to be happy. Please, be happy. I'm going to miss you though." Sarah cried.
"Don't fret; we'll see each other…" Trish smiled.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Sarah nodded. "I better get to bed, f I'm going to a wedding tomorrow."
"I won't have a marriage like Jo Ella and Harry, but I can make the best of it." Trish sounded whimsical.
"Tell me about his place…" Sarah encouraged as she slipped into her gown.
"It's six hundred acres. He's got a few cows, a milk cow, some chickens, a couple of horses, he owns a wagon and the house has a small porch on it. Big enough to put a rocking chair on. I can picture myself out there, rocking my babies. It will be grand." Trish sounded as though she were drifting off to sleep.
"Sounds wonderful." Sarah said and closed her eyes. "Rocking your babies…"
The next day, Trish kissed Ma goodbye, and told Nadine, and Maggie she'd see them soon, then her and Sarah dashed off to the church. None of them realized she was getting married in the church that morning. She hadn't told them.
As they neared the church, Trish looked at Sarah and grabbed her hand. "I can do this, can't I?"
"Sure you can."
The church wasn't decorated; there hadn't been time for that. There were no flowers. Sarah was determined to keep an uplifting attitude for Trish's sake.
Feeling as though she needed to give something to Trish for her wedding, Sarah went behind the church to pick some flowers for a bouquet.
While Trish was talking to Luke, Sarah gathered them and tied them with a ribbon from her hair.
When she walked inside, she handed them to Trish.
Trish grabbed her and hugged her tight. "You are the best friend, Sarah."
Trish wore a pink satin dress, and Sa
rah helped fix her hair, in the room behind the chapel. Sarah went out in the field behind the church again, found some Baby's Breath, and brought it back to adorn Trish's hair.
Trish smiled. "You are helping to make my day, Sarah."
"Every bride should have flowers." Sarah smiled as she pinned the flowers in her hair.
When it was time, Sarah hugged her, "Be happy, Trish. Please be happy."
"I will, and I want to thank you for being here."
Sarah smiled.
The regular pianist was there, Mrs. Rogers, as a second witness and she played the wedding march for Trish.
Luke and Chester waited in their places as Trish came down the aisle. Sarah stood up on the other side of the alter as moral support for Trish.
Chester was smiling and looked stuffed in his suit.
Trish glanced at Sarah one last time and joined Chester at the alter.
Luke performed the traditional wedding ceremony, reciting the vows for them, and Chester and Trish ran out of the church as Sarah, Luke, and Mrs. Rogers threw rice at them.
"I hope they'll be happy," Luke said softly as he stood beside Sarah.
"They will be. Trish is determined to make it work."
Luke had a look on his face as though he wasn't that sure.
Mrs. Rogers packed up her hymnal and waved them goodbye and Trish and Chester drove off in his wagon that he decorated for the occasion.
Sarah noticed the flowers Chester had put at each end of the wagon. The effort he showed told Sarah that it could work if they both tried. "Look at that, he decorated the wagon for her."
"His friends did that, while we were in the chapel. I saw them out the window. Still, it is a nice touch. So…how are you?"
"I'm fine." Sarah quipped tightly. She didn't want to get into any heavy conversation with Luke. She needed to leave as soon as possible.
"I haven't had much free time lately. Rebecca Goldfield has needed a lot of help since she moved back to town and she's taken my time up, I'm afraid."
"There's no need to explain. I met her cousin the other day; he's handling the estate for her?" Sarah asked.
"Yes, the way he sounds, he might even be moving here, himself. Rebecca can't seem to manage alone." Luke said.
