Radine nodded understanding. She knew the pangs of hunger.
Suddenly a loud crash from the kitchen reminded Radine that she’d spent quite enough time alone with a man in the dark.
“Sounds like they’re having trouble in the kitchen. I’d better go in and see if I can help.”
“It’s been a pleasure visiting with you,” Micah said, his voice as soft as the moonlight overhead.
* * *
Radine brushed her hair by candlelight and ruminated about the day’s happenings. The hour before she crawled into her cot was her special time to think. And someday she would have a room of her own. Harriet had already promised her that a bedroom and a small sitting room just for her would be included in the new hotel being planned. The larger and fancier Grand Hotel would be fashioned from brick and native stone. Guthrie was capital of the Territory and was sure to be the Capital when statehood was granted. Guthrie was to be a great city, and she would be part of it.
Thoughts of Micah filled her mind and she shivered. There was something good and solid and comfortable about the man, Radine thought. And his face was downright pleasant to look at. Not handsome like his brother’s, but she liked Micah’s serious features even better.
Her reflection looked back at her from the kitchen window and she was shocked by the dreamy look in her own eyes. Why Radine Morgan! She silently scolded herself. You’ve got no time to go mooning around after some man. You have other problems. The main thing on your plate right now is finding justice for Ida Mae. Radine frowned and reached for the pencil and tablet Harriet had given her.
A thought kept worrying her somewhere in the back of her mind, sort of like a spider web she couldn’t see, but knew was there because she had walked into it. Writing down the facts as they had happened the night of the murder, might tidy up her brain-box.
For sure Ida Mae was trying to tell her something the night she died. A list of all of the words she said might help. Radine licked the end of the pencil then closed her eyes to recall the exact words. She could do that, even though folks often argued with her about her remembrance. But Pa always told her privately she was right every time and the others were wrong. She concentrated, bringing the scene back and once again seeing Ida Mae’s dying face. Now what was the first word she had said? Oh, yes. Radine began to write.
Saw.
She paused. Numbers had been next.
Hundred.
Four.
Four.
That was it. Then she frowned. No there was something else. Then she added, one more number:
Two.
There. She looked at the words and thought a minute, but the forgotten-thought feeling wouldn’t leave. She must have missed a word that was now hidden somewhere in her brain box. Maybe when all of the excitement of the wedding was over she would ask Harriet what words she remembered.
* * *
There wasn’t a free minute to bring up Ida Mae the next morning. Harriet was up bright and early and at work on her books, even before breakfast. Radine studied her face but found it hard to know what she was thinking. If her wedding night had been the horror that women sometimes said it was, then Harriet was hiding that fact real well. Her face seemed as calm as ever. If anything, she even looked a bit happier, and there seemed to be extra sparkle in her eyes.
“Good morning, Mrs. Garrett,” Radine said with a smile.
“Good morning, Radine.” Harriet smiled back. “Today is a meeting of the Presbyterian Ladies Bible Guild. They’ve decided to study famous women in the Bible and I’m presenting the first lesson today. So much has happened that I forgot to mention it before, but I wish you’d come to give me support. The thought of speaking in public makes me quite nervous.”
“I’d be glad to, but I’m worried that the other ladies would mind. They don’t much like me because of Ida Mae and all.”
“That will be their problem. I want them to come to know you. I’m going to talk about my favorite woman character.”
Radine thought for a minute and then laughed. “That would be Esther, I reckon.”
“Indeed it is. And I’m going to mention that my best friend Radine and that young woman in the Bible have a great deal in common.”
Chapter 5
Harriet wondered if members of the Presbyterian Ladies’ Bible Guild would think it odd that she hadn’t postponed her Bible talk. This question was answered for her when Charlotte Hightower, wife of Banker Hightower, made an unexpected early morning call. Her guest accepted a cup of tea, and then the petite, smartly dressed woman immediately offered to change speaking dates with her.
“Would you like for me to take your turn speaking this afternoon? I fear that on the day following my wedding, I couldn’t have so much as recited a Psalm.” Charlotte blushed prettily, and her gaze dropped as if to study the pattern of her rose sprigged tea cup. “I have already prepared a lesson for my turn, so I could easily take your place.” Her smile was enchanting and Harriet decided that the stuffy banker was a lucky man.
Harriet’s heart was touched by Charlotte’s offer, but she had a special reason for not wanting to delay her lesson. One besides the desire to put the intimidating experience behind her.
“That’s very kind, but I have my talk planned and I’m eagerly anticipating delivering it.” She took a deep breath and prayed God would forgive this little white lie. “Speaking in public is such an invigorating experience, don’t you agree? I’m all enthusiasm.” Harriet mentally crossed her fingers. She had never spoken in front of a group before. The prospect terrified her.
Harriet intended to discuss Esther, her favorite woman in the Bible. She had labored over the talk so she might show the womenfolk who still snubbed Radine, the smallness of their thinking. These were good women, and Harriet was sure their reaction to Radine being friends with Ida Mae had not been carefully considered. Even the amiable Charlotte, while not directly snubbing or being unkind to Radine, had acted uneasy around the girl, as if worrying about what the others might be thinking.
As soon as Charlotte left and Harriet was alone, she closed her eyes and relived the most exciting night any woman had ever experienced. The pleasure that took place in her bed last night had been totally unexpected. Her whole life she had heard whispers about how traumatic and painful a bride’s first night might be. And she suspected that was often the case. Many men were selfish and even cruel. Or perhaps they were just ignorant. But not her Zachariah.
She smiled and sighed while enjoying her most private thoughts. Where on earth had Zachariah learned such things? And best of all, Zachariah himself had seemed most pleased with the event.
There was a tap at the door and Radine entered.
“Is there a problem in the kitchen?” Harriet asked.
“Oh, no, everything’s fine. Cook has lunch under way and said he don’t…” Radine paused, bit her lip and frowned. “I do believe that you would say ‘he doesn’t,’ so I will, too. Cook doesn’t need anything at present.”
Harriet nodded her approval and Radine smiled broadly, clearly proud of herself. Then she continued.
“That Cook sure knows his way around a kitchen. He cooks venison and makes it taste better than beef.” Radine cocked her head to one side and gave a naughty little grin. “Course I’m a better baker,” she said with no little satisfaction.
Harriet smiled at this small conceit.
“I’ve been thinking that I soon may need to hire more maids. Since Cook rules the kitchen, I want you to be housekeeper over the rest of the hotel. Someone else can empty the slops and do other menial chores. Would that be all right with you?”
“Housekeeper?” Radine’s eyes shone with pride. “Well my goodness, I reckon that would be mighty fine with me.”
“Now, what is it that you needed?” Harriet smiled at her friend.
“I hate to interrupt you while you’re planning your talk for church, but there was something preying on my mind.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already finished. S
it down and tell me what the problem might be.”
Radine sat gingerly on the sofa beside Harriet. “As you probably know, I’ve been over to see Deputy Daniels most every day since Ida Mae was killed.”
“Yes, I do know that. What progress is he making on finding her killer? Has he arrested anyone yet?”
“No, and I fear that he never will. I’m not sure he’d arrest the murderer if he did know who it was, at least not if that person was someone important, because of how Ida Mae earned her living and all. Now if a horse had been stolen, that would have been a different thing altogether. But no one cares about a whore.”
The girl slapped her hand over her mouth and looked at Harriet with stricken eyes. Harriet suspected that it was the first time Radine had ever spoken such a word out loud. The girl turned away in shame, and Harriet reached to touch her friend’s shoulder.
“Don’t be upset,” Harriet said. “We’re friends, and I want you to say whatever you think or feel to me. It’s better to share thoughts that trouble you.”
“Ida Mae wasn’t evil. She had a good heart. If she had been respectable, lots more questions would have been asked. Now I’m not saying anything against Deputy Daniels. He’s a good man. He’s just practical minded and doesn’t want to annoy the townsfolk. But Ida Mae deserves justice, too, even if she was a soiled dove.”
“I agree. Women have little power in this world, especially those like Ida Mae. And no creature should have its head smashed, not even a stray dog.”
“Do you think things will ever be different for us women?” There was a longing in Radine’s voice that seemed to mirror the desire in Harriet’s own heart. It was a minute before she could speak.
“I don’t know, but it seems wrong for women to be so powerless.” Righteous anger flared beneath Harriet’s starched white waist, leaving her feeling helpless and frustrated.
“It may be wrong, but it’s the way it is.” Radine lifted the hem of her apron and wiped her tears. “But no matter what happens, I’m not going to rest until I learn who murdered Ida Mae. She was right good to me.”
“I’ll help you,” Harriet said, much to her own surprise. “Men are strong, but women are smart.” The impotent anger eased with this resolution and Harriet breathed out, feeling her corset stays relax.
“I reckon that’s true. Most men think we’re as dumb as a flock of chickens and so stupid that we’re in danger of drowning when it rains.”
Harriet thought about what her friend had said. “Maybe keeping that misconception could help us in this investigation. Let’s put on our thinking caps and not challenge this male ignorance. One of them might slip up and tell us something we need to know. If you and I figure out who murdered Ida Mae, then the sheriff will have to arrest the villain.”
“We’ll be like foxes masquerading as hens!” Radine clapped her hands and laughed. “I think that will work just fine for me.”
Neither Harriet nor Radine knew that this conversation would return later to mock them.
Radine pulled a sheet of tablet paper from her pocket. “I wrote down the words Ida Mae said the night she died, except for one that’s hiding somewhere in my brain-box. But I still ain’t sure if she was in her right mind when she spoke them.”
“Am not,” Harriet corrected her. “You should say, ‘I still am not sure.’ Ain’t, isn’t a proper word.”
“It ain’t? Well, bless me. And it seems like such a good word, too. But I’ll quit using it if I can remember.” Radine grinned.
“Changing habits takes time,” Harriet said feeling pleased with her friend’s quick mind.
“I’m sure glad you’re learning me to talk proper.”
“Teaching you,” Harriet said. “A student learns, and a teacher teaches. And I’m delighted to do so. How well can you read?”
“Better than most. My Ma learned me… I mean, taught me when I was little, and I read everything I can find.”
“Wonderful. I’ll lend you a book that you’ll love. If you find a word you don’t know, just ask me.” Harriet looked back at the paper she held. “Your memory is excellent. This is exactly what Ida Mae said. And the word you’re missing is, “Hello.” It’s amazing that you remembered the order of the numbers.”
The friends chatted a few more minutes and then parted in order to dress for the Bible study. Harriet quickly changed to her dark green dress and matching hat, then walked down to the kitchen to meet Radine. Harriet was surprised to find Radine still in her work dress. The girl claimed she might be along later, but refused to meet Harriet’s gaze. Was the girl afraid to face the church ladies? Harriet frowned. Such avoidance spoke of cowardice, and she felt disappointed in her friend.
* * *
Harriet had never before spoken in public. Her lesson was prepared, but when she stood to speak, butterflies filled her stomach, her knees turned to water, and the notes she held in her hand shook in an embarrassing manner.
A sea of faces stared expectantly at her. Terror struck her heart and her mind went blank. Normally friendly women seemed like inquisitors to Harriet. Then her gaze fell on Radine sitting all alone in the last row! The girl wore her work clothes and a brave smile, looking as if she longed to be invisible. She looked very alone and more than a little uncomfortable. Anger replaced fear. How dare they? With a clear and decisive tone Harriet began speaking.
“Esther was a young Jewess who, through no fault of her own, was placed in the harem of a ruthless pagan king. Her people had been carried into captivity and were now slaves…”
Eyebrows rose and quizzical frowns creased foreheads. Some women even leaned forward as if to hear better. So like Scheherazade, Harriet began spinning the tale that had fascinated her since she was a child. She spoke about how King Ahasuerus promoted an evil man named Haman and established this man’s authority over all the kingdom. Haman required all servants to bow down and pay him homage. But Esther’s kinsman Mordecai, worshiped no human but only God, and would neither bow down nor pay homage. His refusal so filled Haman with rage that the wicked man decreed that all Jews should be destroyed.
Harriet had thought about Esther a lot. People had such peculiar ideas. Somehow folks seemed to picture God as a sort of masculine Queen Victoria wearing a white beard and intent only on criticizing human weaknesses. Some people seemed to think that His main focus was to discourage the act of mating, except when necessary for procreation. And women weren’t supposed to enjoy even this occasional act. But Harriet had read the Bible from cover to cover and knew better. She had spent her first night as a married woman and had enjoyed every minute of it. Even the first twinge of discomfort hadn’t mattered. And she knew anything that wonderful couldn’t be evil. The God she knew and loved wouldn’t create such a dilemma for his earthly children.
“God wasn’t angry with Esther because of the situation she was thrust into.” At this point Harriet looked directly at Radine and smiled, making sure the ladies understood her message. “He used that situation for His own purpose, the saving of His Chosen People. As women, we need to begin to think clearly and wisely. We should ask ourselves what we would have done in such a situation, ask if God could have a purpose in permitting such an unfortunate happenstance?
“Esther, like most of us, learned to survive in the place where fate placed her. She found the courage to walk uninvited into the presence of an all-powerful pagan king, knowing that such a thing was forbidden and even punishable by death. And she did so in order that she might plead for the lives of her people. What courage! If not for this beautiful young woman, who lived in what was considered degradation by her own people, much of Israel would have been destroyed.
“Ladies, let us begin to think for ourselves about situations in our own lives. Let us temper judgment with kindness.” Harriet glanced down at her watch and was surprised to see she had spoken for almost an hour. More than the time allotted, and yet no one had seemed to mind. She took a deep breath and gave what she hoped was a proper closing. “Thank you very mu
ch for your kind attention.”
Harriet walked away from the speaker’s stand surrounded by silence. I’ve ruined myself, she thought. Then she straightened her spine and strode back to sit beside Radine, whose eyes were swimming in tears. She squeezed the young woman’s hand and smiled at her.
Suddenly applause erupted. Very unladylike applause. Harriet glanced around the room and saw smiles and nods of agreement. She took a deep breath and relaxed. Radine would now be welcome in Guthrie.
* * *
Afterwards, plans were made for the ice cream and strawberry social that was coming in June. Radine was assigned to the cookie committee and Harriet was put in charge of lemonade. With these and other important decisions made, the ladies relaxed over coffee. Radine was suddenly popular and was surrounded by women. Harriet sat beside Charlotte Hightower.
“I was touched by your talk,” Charlotte said. “I’ve never heard much about Esther.”
“How very kind of you to say that, I was so frightened to speak that my knees were knocking. And I’m afraid that I misled you about my enthusiasm for public speaking.” Harriet smiled sheepishly.
“But you did very well. I supposed you to be an experienced speaker.”
“No indeed, but I did find the experience quite stimulating. I think the next time I’m asked to speak, I won’t be so terrified.” Harriet sipped her tea and smiled over the rim of the cup at Charlotte, who laughed.
“This morning I forgot to tell you what a nice time Mortimer and I had at your wedding. Everything was lovely,” Charlotte said. “I remember my own wedding and the bliss of gazing into Mortimer’s eyes and vowing ‘till death do us part.’ It was the most exciting day of my life.”
Charlotte’s eyes glowed with love as she spoke of her husband, and Harriet realized with a jolt of surprise that the pretty woman had married the good banker out of love. She found herself liking Charlotte even more.
Foxy Statehood Hens and Murder Most Fowl (The Foxy Hens) Page 5
