When Love Comes My Way
Page 16
“Are you sure you know what you’re askin’?” Selma Miller demanded. “You not being married and all?”
“Absolutely. Living with the jacks has provided me certain advantages. I hear the men talking at night when they think I’m studying.” She moved closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. “We must attack their weakest link, and you’re close, ladies, very close. According to my information, some of the men are already tired of haggling over the matter. They want the nice, serene home lives they were accustomed to. Of course, there are always the diehards who keep insisting that they hang on. Those men will never give up unless we make them. I’ve given this considerable thought, and I’m positive you ladies are smart enough to use any means you have of bringing your men around to your way of thinking.”
She straightened with a triumphant grin. “And, in order for me to do my part, I must now request a small concession from you. I have a plan—a very unconventional plan that is bound to turn a few heads, but you must bear with me. No matter what you see or hear, you must go on as if nothing inappropriate is happening. I can assure you, no matter how unorthodox my actions may appear, I shall be conducting myself with the utmost decorum.”
“Oh, goodness. There’s that word again,” Bernice muttered. “What’s she gonna do now?”
“Remember, ladies. We are working for a common goal. As fellow WASPS, we are committed to uphold each other in our struggle for equality!”
An enthusiastic cheer went up. They could not weaken now. Tess stood before her audience, her face set in determination. “We must stick together in our worthy but humble cause. In the end we’ll have our new schoolroom, or we’re not fit to be called WASPS!”
Shouts filled the room, nearly lifting the roof off the tiny schoolhouse. Fedelia Yardley had stirred up the biggest stink Wakefield Timber had ever seen.
And it was going to get worse.
20
Hoisting her valises higher, Tess picked her way up the long stairway behind Menson’s store. A full moon illuminated the narrow planked landing where she set her bags down at her side. Reaching to straighten her hat, she drew a deep, steadying breath. Could she do this? She could. The WASPS were counting on her.
Before she lost her nerve, she folded her hand into a fist and rapped loudly on the door. Then she cocked her ear and strained to listen. For a few frantic seconds, she wondered if Jake might be out. Maybe he was working late.
No. Don’t get rattled. He can’t get to Shadow Pine because of the snow. Fedelia Yardley, you are no coward. Jake has to be home. After all, it’s nearly eleven o’clock–practically the middle of the night. He’s here, all right. He just isn’t answering the door, the inconsiderate slug!
She rapped louder. This time she continued knocking until her knuckles stung. Finally, she heard his muffled voice.
“All right, all right! Hold your horses!”
The sound of feet hitting the floor came next. She winced slightly when she heard a loud crash, and then the door flew open, with a disheveled, disgruntled Jake Lannigan filling the doorway.
“I hope you have a good reason for this—”
“Sorry to disturb you, but there’s trouble at the bunkhouse.”
He reeled for an instant, and then he rubbed the sleep from his eyes to glance at the moon overhead. “What kind of trouble?”
She hefted her bags and said, “Let’s take this inside, shall we, Mr. Lannigan? I’m freezing.”
He backed up, but not quickly enough. A corner of a hard-shelled valise struck him in the leg when she breezed past him into the dark room.
“Hey, take it easy!” He grabbed his knee. “What’s going on?”
“Stop howling and light the lamp. I can’t see my hand in front of my face.” She dropped her bags and closed the door with the tip of her boot. The short walk from the bunkhouse had nearly frozen her blood, and all he could do was bluster.
More fumbling and muttering, and then a match flared. He adjusted the wick before turning to face her. “Miss Yardley, what are you doing roaming around in the middle of the night?”
“I’m sorry I woke you, but you’ve always said that if I needed anything I should come to you.” She removed her coat and laid it on a chair, her gaze scanning the sizeable room, taking in the washstand, small table, two chairs, nightstand, chest of drawers, pine armoire, and the one narrow, rumpled cot. She could set her room in here and have leftover space.
She noted his anxious eyes scanning the floor, where he had hastily dropped his clothes. He was dressed only in thick white long johns.
“What’s wrong at the bunkhouse?” he demanded as he padded over to the bed. “Where are my pants?” He bent, pawing through the mound of clothing.
She averted her gaze to afford him partial privacy. “I hate to tattle,” she said, noting that what she’d said made him pause.
He turned to face her, gripping his pants by the waistband. “On who?”
“Your men.”
“Did someone step out of line?”
“They were rude to me.”
“Rude to you?” He drew his pants on, frowning. “What are you babbling about?”
She removed her hat, carefully brushing the snow from the rows of fabric before setting it on the table.
“Put that silly thing away,” he snapped, “and get on with it!”
Lifting her gaze to him, she said coolly, “An emergency’s come up.”
“Fire?”
“Not the burning sort, but the men are furious with me.”
Their anger had everything to do with the way she had wired some of their lady friends in Shadow Pine earlier. She’d been successful in persuading them to join the Wakefield ladies in pursuit of a new schoolhouse.
Folding his arms across his chest, he stared at her through narrowed eyes. “What have you done now?”
“That’s not fair. You haven’t heard my side, and you’re already taking theirs—”
“Nobody has heard anything but your side lately. Turn yourself around and march straight back to the bunkhouse. We can settle the dispute in the morning.”
She braced herself and said, “I am not going back there. They scare me.”
“No one is going to lay a hand on you, and yes, you are going back.” He reached for a flannel shirt.
Her chin shot up a notch higher, and smugness touched the corners of her mouth. “Ed said to give you this.” She reached into her pocket, withdrew a piece of paper, and handed it to him.
Jake strode to the nightstand, unfolded the note, and held it to the lamp to read.
Big Say,
The boys and I have had all we can take. We left Miss Yardley alone like you said. We behaved ourselves like you told us to, even after she said we couldn’t smoke inside.
Now, on account of her, our women won’t have nothin’ to do with us until we build a new schoolroom. Enough is enough.
If you try to move her back with us, we quit. And we mean it.
The Men of Wakefield Timber
Jake’s eyes scanned the letter twice.
“I don’t know why they have to be so rude,” she murmured.
He released a disgusted sigh. “This is just great.” He crumpled the letter and tossed it. “I have to hand it to you. In a few short weeks you’ve managed to turn this camp on its heel. I hope you’re happy.”
“I wouldn’t say that I’m happy, but a new schoolroom would solve most of our problems. Now,” she said, glancing about, “where do I find clean linens?”
“Clean what?”
She sighed. “Fresh sheets. I need to make my bed.”
“Your bed is at the bunkhouse, Miss Yardley,” he said, following the direction of her gaze. “That bed is mine. And you don’t really think I’m going to let you stay here.”
She crossed her arms. “Then where am I going to stay? From what I understand, you’re the only person in camp who has a private residence.”
Jake edged forward. “And that, my dear, is the way I intend
it to stay.”
“I don’t see that we have much choice.” She upped the ante, her heart racing with anticipation. Would he make her go back to the bunkhouse? “You’ve exhausted all other possibilities, so until you agree to build a new schoolhouse, and I’ve decided it really should have adjacent teacher accommodations, we will simply have to share quarters.”
“You’re not sharing my quarters.”
“That’s entirely up to you. If you wish to sleep with your men in the bunkhouse, you may. You can even have my room. Now, about those clean linens—”
“This isn’t a Philadelphia hotel. Those are the only ‘linens’ I have!”
She crossed the room, scooting around him. With a flick of her wrist, she gingerly flipped the top sheet up over the pillow and sat down on the edge of the cot. His jaw dropped when she started to remove her boots.
“The women in camp will run you out on a rail!”
Gathering a wool blanket around her shoulders, she smothered a tired yawn. “The women and I have a complete understanding.” Removing a piece of chalk from her pocket, she stood, bent, and drew a single straight line across the floor. “If you insist on staying, you may sleep on the opposite side of the room. Don’t cross this line. Ever.”
She turned down the lamp and stretched out on top of the bed. Leaning on one elbow, she smoothed a quilt over her skirt, and then lay back on the nice, soft pillow. “Pleasant dreams, Mr. Lannigan.”
Darkness blanketed the room. She could hear his breath coming in angry huffs. Shortly afterward, she heard him fumbling for a blanket and crossing to the stove. She was moderately surprised she wasn’t headfirst in a snowbank by now.
Did he intend to actually go through with this?
21
Tess tossed and turned on the hard straw mattress. She was too hot, then too cold. She didn’t see how anyone could sleep through such misery, but Jake had apparently slept like one of his logs, rolled up in a blanket beside the stove.
Hours later stiff back muscles screamed for mercy. She rolled to a sitting position when the first light of dawn peeked through the window. Jake had left some time ago. She was grateful it was Saturday. She didn’t know what she would have done if she’d had to teach this morning.
She lit the lamp and rose to inspect her surroundings. The furnishings were minimal, but nicer than those in the bunkhouse. She added a few logs to the stove, and after she was dressed she wandered aimlessly about the room.
He wouldn’t let her stay, of that she was certain. He’d be back shortly, and then she’d be moving, but she’d made her point. He either had to do something about building that schoolroom or put up with this continued nonsense.
She didn’t intend to pry, but she opened the chest of drawers. If he forced her to take the bluff further, she would need room to store a few things. He had jammed his belongings in all six drawers, but she figured if she consolidated his things, she could temporarily use a couple of them.
In no time flat she had rearranged the clutter and put her things inside the two middle drawers. Her gaze focused on the armoire, and she paused thoughtfully. If she scooted his clothes over a tiny bit, she’d have a few hooks in the middle where she could hang her dresses.
The deed efficiently accomplished, she walked to the table where she’d left her hat. The accessory needed a bit of attention. Snow had matted some of the lace, and the feather looked a bit droopy this morning. When she lifted the bonnet, she noticed the table was dusty, and it came to her attention that the whole room could use a good cleaning.
Noises drifted up from Menson’s store downstairs, so she assumed that Henry and Grace were preparing to open their shop. Slipping on her coat, Tess hurried outside and down the narrow stairway. Before she could think twice, she rapped on the store’s back door. It took two knocks before Grace finally appeared.
“Miss Yardley, is something wrong?”
“No.” She smiled. It wasn’t going to be easy explaining to a fellow WASPS what she was about to do, but Grace would be the most understanding. “Why?”
“I’m surprised to see you this early in the mornin’!”
“Nothing’s wrong, Grace. I simply need a few things.” Tess stepped inside to get out of the blustery north wind.
“We were about to open,” Grace said. “What can I get for you?”
“I…I.” She faltered. Grace was looking at her so strangely—almost as if she knew something unsavory was taking place.
“Come over by the stove, dear, and have a cup of tea. You must be cold from your walk from the bunkhouse.”
“I didn’t come from the bunkhouse this morning and I can’t stay. I need some cleaning supplies. You see, I…” Her eyes scanned the store, grateful to note it was deserted. She decided honesty was the only policy at this point. Everybody in town would know she had forced her way into Jake Lannigan’s home before the morning was over. “Grace, I’m about to embark upon my plan. You know, the unorthodox one I mentioned in our last meeting?”
Grace’s voice was a bit hesitant. “Yes.”
Drawing a deep breath, Tess selected a mop and placed it on the counter. “I’ve temporarily moved in with Jake.” The bold act would be short lived. She was confident Jake wouldn’t let her remain there another night. She figured he was trying to find other quarters for her, but he wouldn’t be successful. The WASPS had taken a stand.
“You moved in with Big Say?” the woman repeated incredulously.
Bending close, Tess said quietly, “Remember, as one of the WASPS you are to look the other way, and proceed with our plan as if nothing unusual is going on.”
“Oh, my.”
“I don’t have a choice. Hard times beg for impractical measures. The men were angry because I convinced the women they cavort around with that, as fellow females, it’s their duty to become involved in our fight for the new schoolhouse. Because most of the women are more than tired of the men’s superior attitudes, they agreed to help. Dirk Letson somehow made his way back from Shadow Pine last night and told on me. The jacks won’t even get to see the women until the roads are passable, but they blew up and told me to leave. Of course, this was my plan, and I intend to see it through for the sake of future generations.”
“You’ll be living with a man without benefit of marriage—”
“Grace, I’ve been living with a hundred and twenty-five men without benefit of marriage! It seems to me I’ll be cutting down my risk of harm significantly by having to deal with just one man instead of all the rest. Besides, Jake won’t let me stay here. I think he’s out right now looking for somewhere to put me, but the women have to pull together on this.”
“I don’t like it.”
“I won’t be in his room past late afternoon, but I have to make him think I’m dead serious.”
Grace shifted stances. “I don’t know. You may be just plain dead if he has his way. What will the others say?”
Tess shook her head. She was suddenly feeling very alone and inadequate. She needed a friend, an ally, if she was to carry this off successfully. “You must trust me. If vicious gossip spreads, and it will, you must remind the women of our pact.”
Grace eyed her with a dubious expression. “It sounds as though you’ve put a lot of thought into this, Miss Yardley, but I don’t think it’s going to work. Lannigan isn’t a man to be pushed around. You’re playing with fire.”
She smiled. “Like I’ve said before, I’m discovering that I can be dangerous too.”
“Not as dangerous as Big Say if you get him riled up.” But Grace returned the smile and reached out to squeeze her hand. “I’ll go along with whatever you say because we have to bring this dispute to a halt. My Henry is so testy lately I can barely stand him.”
Tess hoped she sounded more confident than she felt. “Don’t worry. This will all be settled by dark.”
“Grace, are you with someone?” Henry’s voice drifted from the back room.
“Yes, Henry. Miss Yardley is here.”
Her conspirator glanced toward the storeroom and then back to her. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
When her supplies had been gathered, Grace tallied up the bill. Tess waited, relieved to find the woman was going along with the plan.
“Oh, and could you spare some extra bedding? I want to make a pallet.”
Grace sighed with relief. “Of course. A place for you to sleep.”
“No.”
Grace glanced up.
“A place for Mr. Lannigan to sleep, should he be even more bullheaded about this.”
Chuckling, Grace picked up the bill and read the total out loud. “Six dollars and ten cents.” Glancing up, she grinned. “I’ll put that on Mr. Lannigan’s account.”
Picking up the bundle, Tess nodded. “Now you’ve got it, Grace. Keep up the good work.”
22
Lunch came and went. Tess studied Jake’s room with a gleam of pride in her eye. The place fairly shone from top to bottom. She had mopped, scrubbed, and dusted everything, and she had even rearranged the furniture to accommodate a pallet she’d made for him beside the stove. The room was austere, and it afforded very little privacy, but it was clean and it meant business.
If he insisted on calling her bluff, she had carefully reloaded.
But she did need a partition of some sort. She didn’t know where she’d get a folding screen, but a piece of fabric strung across one corner of the room would certainly disarm him.