Dancing With the Preacherman (Book Two of the Red River Valley Brides)

by Rita Hestand

  "Did she take her father's death hard?"

  "Seems to have, yes."

  When Sarah was silent, he went on, nervously.

  "I was surprised to see you here this morning." Luke said as Sarah turned to get her things.

  "Trish invited me to come. I wanted to support her. She's my friend and I love her. I'm afraid the others were really hoping they wouldn't get married. They think Trish could do a lot better."

  "Don't you?"

  "She is doing better Luke. She'll have a home now. She has a big strong man to protect her and take care of her. She has a husband. She's fulfilled her contract."

  "The contract seems to be hanging over all of your heads." He looked incredulous.

  "Yes, it does." Sarah bowed her head; she didn't want to look Luke in the eye this morning. She had a lump in her throat from the ceremony.

  "You have a remarkable ability to see things that others can't, Sarah. It astounds me. I'm really glad Trish has you as a friend." Luke said as he walked her out. "Because I think today, she needed one."

  "You have to understand, Trish and Chester are not a fairy tale couple, Luke. He offers her stability, support, a home. That's what she needs. She can sacrifice a lot for that. She's more sensible than the other girls are. She's strong and capable. She said she and Chester talked for a long time last night, about their future together and they were making plans. They will be all right. Talking is important, I know a lot of couples that have married without a thought to anything other than getting married itself."

  "Chester does have a nice place, and I'm sure Trish can make a good life there. But…what about love…?"

  Sarah smiled and shook her head. "I think that sometimes love grows slowly from what you make of it. Chester accepts her for who she is and what she is. That's important. Maybe more important than love, who knows. But I wish her the best, I really do. It's up to them to make it."

  "Sarah…I…" Luke started to come closer, but Sarah walked off.

  "I better go now. It was a lovely ceremony. Thank you for doing this for Trish." Sarah smiled at him and started walking away.

  "Sarah!" He called, but she didn't turn around, she kept walking away. He'd never know she was crying.

  When she got home Ma had a scowl on her face. Sarah hoped she'd wiped the tears away so Ma couldn't see them." Well, did they do it?"

  "Do it?" Sarah frowned at the glum way Ma had of asking.

  "Get married." Ma firmed her lips.

  "Yes, they did." Sarah croaked, clearing her throat.

  "That's such a mistake." Ma shook her head. "She could do so much better. Trish is so lovely, and to end up with a man like Chester."

  Sarah flopped down in a chair and stared out the window. "Could she Ma? Why can't you just be happy for her and wish her well."

  "I do wish her well, honey, but…" Ma came over to the table and leaned over Sarah. "Chester isn't right for her; I feel it in my bones. And I so want what is right for all of you girls."

  "What is so wrong about Chester?" Sarah's voice rose with indignation.

  "Wrong? Well, where do I start!" Ma put her hands on her hips. "He drinks too much, he gambles, and up until he met Trish he was a womanizer."

  Sarah bowed her head, and fumbled with her hands. "It was her decision."

  "I know, I just wish…"

  Sarah glanced up at her, "Ma, sometimes we have to be realistic. You know as well as I what we came from. That is reality, Ma. And one man to bed, is much better than dozens. Course I guess you can't understand that, can you. Actually, looking at it that way, Trish did better herself. She does have a home to go to now. Wish her well, and be done with it, Ma."

  Ma studied Sarah for a minute, and nodded dully.

  "Not everyone can be as fortunate as Jo Ella, you know." Sarah looked at her with tears in her eyes. "There just aren't a lot of Harry's in this world."

  Ma nodded silently and rolled out the dough for the biscuits.

  "You saw Luke this morning. Did he say anything?"

  "Not much, I don't think he was very happy for them either." Sarah sighed. "But at least he did agree to marry them. It was such a beautiful service."

  "Promise me you won't jump into something like that too." Ma encouraged.

  Sarah jumped up and stared at Ma. "I can't make any promises Ma, I don't know what the future holds."

  "You've totally given up on Luke?"

  "Yes," Sarah dragged herself up and headed toward the stairs. "I have and you must too!" She glanced over her shoulder at Ma and saw the dismay on her face.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The next day Ronald came by, introduced himself to Ma and asked if he could see Sarah. Ma looked him over good. "You're Rebecca's cousin, aren't you?"

  "That's right. How did you know? I don't think we've been formally introduced."

  "Word gets around in a small town. Well, it's nice to meet you. They call me Ma, and you can too. Are you staying long in Vada?" Ma asked not bothering to let Sarah know yet that he was here. She kept looking over her shoulder at him, observing his neatly trimmed blond hair, his all seeing green eyes, and his honest approach. She liked him. He looked a little citified, but she liked him.

  "I'm not sure. I'm considering moving here, though. Rebecca needs so much help. She's been lost since her father died and I'm trying to get her settled in."

  "She always was a needy young lady. That's because her father spoiled her so." Ma quipped, then she put her hand over her mouth as though she'd said too much. "Sorry I tend to say too much sometimes."

  Ronald laughed. "I think you have the gist of it, yes ma'am."

  Ma looked at him and chuckled.

  "The more you get to know me, the more you'll understand I don't hold back about people. So where did you and Sarah meet up?" Ma asked her curiosity getting the best of her.

  "We sort of bumped into one another in town. I introduced myself and was taken with her the minute I laid eyes on her. I'm here to ask her to the dance, next Saturday before someone else does." Ronald smiled as Ma brought him a cup of coffee.

  "Oh that's fine, just fine. Well, let me go tell her you are here, then." Ma smiled and headed up the stairs.

  "Thank you," Ronald smiled as he stirred cream into his coffee.

  Sarah came downstairs a bit surprised to see him, even though he had said he'd come by one day.

  "Ronald, so nice to see you again…" Sarah seemed a bit embarrassed, as she wasn't dressed for a caller. She wore her everyday dress. But he didn't seem to notice.

  "I've come to ask you to the dance," Ronald stood up and came to take her hands in his.

  Sarah was flustered at his forwardness.

  "Let's go….out on the porch…" Sarah suggested.

  "Fine…" Ronald nodded to Ma who was watching with an eagle eye.

  As they went outside, the cool morning breeze forced Sarah to wake up and appreciate the morning. She heard the mockingbird singing his little heart out, and she smiled to herself. Some things she could always depend on.

  Ronald seemed to be waiting for her answer. "Well, I'd love to go with you to the dance, Ronald, thank you for asking."

  "Wonderful!" he smiled and let out a breath.

  He sat down on the swing and waited for her to join him, but Sarah stood by the railing. She sized him up quickly. He dressed impeccably, always handsome.

  "I was going to escort Rebecca, my cousin, but she practically begged Luke, the Reverend, to take her." Ronald informed her.

  "I doubt she would have to beg him to take her." Sarah sighed. "She's a beautiful woman."

  "He really didn't seem to want to. I could tell he was hedging. But he was gracious enough to finally ask her. Rebecca is quite pushy when she wants something. Comes from being royally spoiled by a father who doted on her endlessly. I think she's setting her cap for him. And Rebecca usually gets what she sets her mind on."

  Sarah's heart plummeted to the ground, but she didn't let on. She couldn't. Suddenly her throat
constricted and she had to strain to keep from crying.

  Sarah harnessed her anger quickly and disguised her disappointment that Luke would ask Rebecca to the dance. But why wouldn't he? She had accepted once herself, then chickened out of going. No man wanted to be treated like that.

  "Did it bother you that Luke asked her?" Sarah scrutinized Ronald now.

  "Not at all, but…he didn't ask her. I mean, she goaded him into it. She asked him. I have been to many dances with Rebecca and I can assure you, she dances with almost every man. She's a huge flirt and tease. Besides, she's my cousin, and I'd really rather escort you."

  "I'm flattered." Sarah smiled.

  "I don't know you very well, but what I know, I like." Ronald informed her as he stared up at her.

  Sarah came to sit beside him on the swing. "It will be fun."

  "So, have you lived here in Vada all your life?" Ronald asked her.

  "Oh no," Sarah fumbled with a piece of paint that looked as though it and fallen from a brush onto the railing. She absently tried to pick it off. "I'm from north of here. I've only been here a few months." Sarah assured him, hoping he didn't get too noisy.

  "Really, somehow I pictured you as living here all your life. You give the impression you know everyone, and like everyone too."

  Sarah began to relax, "I love it here in Vada."

  "So you plan on making this your home?"

  "I plan on it, but who knows what the future holds." Sarah smiled.

  "Amazing, I like you. For a small town girl, you seems so open to the possibilities."

  "Why?" She chuckled.

  "Because you are adaptable, you like people; you seem so open and honest. You are so refreshing. Rebecca is such a snob, there are times I wonder if we are really kin." Ronald chuckled.

  "You sound as if you don't like your cousin." Sarah stared at him with a smile.

  "Like her, no, I don't. Love her, yes, as family."

  "I guess I can understand that. Sometimes the people you love can be hard to understand or get along with."

  "You are like a breath of fresh air for me." Ronald said moving a bit closer.

  Now Sarah squirmed. He was a pleasant man, enjoyable to be with, but she hardly knew him. His head bent and he meant to kiss her but she moved away and stood up.

  "Have you and Rebecca lived together long?"

  "Yes and no. She travels a lot, I work. But when her father died, she called upon me to help her, and of course I couldn't say no."

  It was an opportunity to change the subject and Sarah wasn't ready for his advances, yet.

  "What kind of work do you do?"

  "I advise people what to put their money into."

  "My, are you good at it?"

  "In all modesty, yes I am. Quite good."

  "That sounds hard. I mean, what if they lose their money?"

  "Some do, it's a gamble at best, but I'm very good at it. I've advised Rebecca's dad for years and he's made a fortune. He was a stock holder in ten major corporations."

  "Really, you must be very good at it."

  "Oh, I can assure you, I am. Not many can make a decent living at it, but I manage to know the right people and what is going on with them."

  "Do you travel a lot?"

  "I did at one time, not so much any more. Lately I've wanted to settle down, and enjoy life a little. You can get tired of traveling." Ronald smiled. "I'm sorry. You probably think me very forward. It's just something about you. I've never enjoyed a woman's company as much as I do yours."

  "I like you too, Ronald, but, let's take it a little slower. This is a small town and not as sophisticated as you seem to come from."

  "Of course," He flustered. "You are absolutely right. I don't know what came over me. I'm not usually this bold. But I feel so I don't know…in tune with you."

  "I'm sorry, I've got some chores to do, but I will go to the dance with you…" She smiled sweetly from a distance.

  "Thank you, Sarah, I'll look forward to it."

  He walked boldly up to her and kissed her hand, then stared into her eyes.

  She nodded and he walked off the porch and down the path. She watched him for a long time, wondering where life would take her next. She liked him, but he was way too forward to her way of thinking.

  She wondered about him.

  As she went into the kitchen Ma was busy, but she stopped long enough to eye her. "So…what did he want?"

  "To ask me to the dance next Saturday." Sarah replied.

  "And…did you accept?"

  "I did."

  "He seems like a very likable sort. What do you think?"

  "He is likable, Ma. But…a little more sophisticated than I'm used to. He tried to kiss me…" Sarah admitted.

  "Did you let him?"

  "No…he doesn't know me well enough for that. It would seem both of the Goldfields are a bit forward." Sarah chuckled.

  "What do you mean?" Ma eyed her once more.

  "Ronald said Rebecca goaded Luke into asking her to the dance."

  Ma snorted, her brows nearly meeting with disproval.

  "Good. I'm sure you are right about the sophistication. Those city fellers move too fast sometimes. You'll have to watch him. He is nice…He spoke right up with me. I liked that."

  "I agree." Sarah chuckled. "I'm just going to the dance with him, not marrying him, Ma."

  "Well you never know about these things." Ma said and went back to cooking.

  "Do you need any help this morning?"

  "Not a bit."

  "Then I'll go make my bed and clean the room up a bit." Sarah told her. "When Trish moved her things out, she didn't bother cleaning up the mess. I promised I'd tend to it."

  "I hope Trish is doing alright."

  "She only got married yesterday Ma." Sarah laughed. "Give them a little time."

  "Seems like a year ago."

  "I miss her too."

  "It's funny, but Trish didn't have to talk much, to know she was in the room with you. I liked that about her." Sarah was heading toward the stairs when Ma turned to smile over her shoulder. "This Ronald fella might give Luke something to think about."

  "Luke is going with Rebecca." Sarah announced tightly. "And that's the end of the discussion."

  "Well I'll be!"

  "I don't think he's going to be worrying about me, with her on his arm." Sarah touted and went up the stairs.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Saturday morning Sarah prepared for her fishing trip. Brady and Haney were there but Orville didn't come with them this time. Sarah was glad. She liked it better when it was just the three of them. The conversations didn't get so tangled.

  Haney seemed in a better mood Sarah noticed.

  "Boy, Betsy is really upset today." Haney shook his head.

  "Oh why, Haney?"

  "Luke's taking that Rebecca to the dance, that's why."

  "I'm afraid Rebecca has a little more to interest a man with than Betsy, Haney." Sarah realized how that sounded and amended herself quickly. "I mean…well…"

  "What do you mean?" Haney frowned at her.

  "I mean, Rebecca is rich. She comes from an affluent family. She is somebody. Someone a Reverend would appreciate taking to a dance. Any man would for that matter."

  About that time something warm, wet, and icky fell on top of Haney's head.

  Sarah and Brady were speechless for a moment. Then they broke out in laughter.

  Haney just stood there.

  Sarah took him to the water's edge, and washed it out of his hair.

  "Bird dookey…" Haney glanced up as the bird flew off.

  "So who you going with?" Brady asked, his brow raising in question as he shot Sarah a glance.

  "I told Ronald I'd go with him."

  "You don't sound too happy about it."

  "I hardly know him…" Sarah began.

  "Then why did you say you'd go with him?" Brady asked.

  "I don't know. He's new, and it would be impolite not to accept." Sarah shrugge
d.

  "Why do girls do that?" Brady crinkled his nose up with distaste.

  "Do what?"

  "Go with a fella, make him think she like him, but she don't. It's like playin' games or something."

  Sarah sent him a scowl, "It's called manners Brady."

  "Who is Ronald?" Haney asked.

  "Rebecca's cousin."

  "He's a city fella." Brady frowned.

  Sarah shrugged. "Yes, he is. To tell the truth, I haven't been out with many city fellas. He seems real nice."

  "I heard Rebecca is stuck up." Brady informed them.

  "Rich people often are." Sarah explained.

  "Why?" Haney asked innocently.

  "Why what?"

  "Why is she stuck up?"

  "She is rich. Very rich. Sometimes rich people think that money makes them better than others."

  "Is that why the Reverend likes her?" Brady asked, studying Sarah.

  "I don't know. But she's also very beautiful too. I'm sure her dress for the dance will be exceptionally beautiful." Sarah told them. "And I’m told she has a habit of dancing with every man."

  "Orville's taking Betsy." Brady announced.

  "What happened to Jennifer?"

  "She got another guy to take her from over in Hadley. She's been seeing him along with Orville. Orville got a little up set with her about it. So now he's taking Betsy."

  Sarah smiled, "That's nice…"

  "Do you like Orville?" Haney glanced at her as he tossed his pole out in the water.

  "He's alright, I guess. A little full of himself. I'm glad he didn't come today, though. I kind of like it, just the three of us. We can be ourselves."

  "Me too," Haney smiled.

  Brady chuckled. "Yeah, he brags all the time, but I bet Ronald and Rebecca have a lot more to brag about than him, now. Wish I could go to the dance, just so I could watch them all."

  "I'll tell you all about it, how's that?" Sarah suggested.

  "You will?"

  "Sure, why not. You know you are old enough to go to the dance, Brady. You should ask some girl." Sarah chuckled and baited her hook before she threw it out in the water.

  "I don't know if I could get up the courage to ask a girl to the dance."