Stone quickly moved to the door and placed his back against it. “Storeroom. I–I have things in there that—”
“It’s none of our business,” Juliette stated sharply as she tugged at her sister’s sleeve.
“It’s all right,” Stone said, interceding. “It’s nothing important, Caroline. Really. Just a storeroom. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see it. Let me show you the other bedroom.” He ushered them into the smallest of the rooms. “Not much to see in here. Mostly, I just use it as a place to keep my books, though I don’t have much time to read.” He moved back into the hall. “Let’s go upstairs.”
Caroline’s eyes widened. “You have a bedroom upstairs too?”
Stone’s booming laugh filled the house. “Caroline, I have three bedrooms upstairs. That’s why I told your father I have plenty of room for your family to come and stay with me.”
Caroline climbed the stairs, keeping a full step ahead of their long-legged host.
“Only if Father doesn’t buy the hotel or get a job,” Juliette explained quickly.
They toured the upstairs bedrooms, then made their way into the kitchen to enjoy the cakes and tea America had prepared. “Look who woke up!” America said, holding Andrew in her arms.
“Hi, Precious.” Juliette reached out to take him. “Did you have a good nap?”
“He sure looks like it.” Stone pointed toward Andrew’s smiling face. “You’re a happy baby.”
America placed the platter on the table. “I hope you like these.”
“America is the best cook in the world,” Stone commented as he moved to her side and planted a kiss on the little round bun of hair secured to the top of her head.
She grinned. “That man is just used to my cookin’. He don’t know no better.”
Caroline moved quickly to the table, pulled out a chair, and seated herself. But Juliette waited until Stone pulled her chair out for her in true gentlemanly fashion.
Once they were gathered around the table, America filled their cups with freshly brewed tea.
“This is good,” Caroline commented as she bit into one of the tasty cakes. “Do you fix these for Stone often?”
“I’ve fixed these cakes for Stone since he was two years old,” America said with a kindly look toward her employer. “They’re his favorites.”
Everyone laughed when Andrew’s chubby hand reached for a cake as America handed the platter to Juliette.
After they’d finished their tea and cakes, Stone motioned for them to follow him. “I nearly forgot to show you the special room I built on for Lucy. It was her favorite.”
He led them through a small door off the kitchen. In the middle of the cozy room sat a large wooden tub. On a table nestled next to it, a row of candles lay in a delicate china dish, along with a tiny bar of French soap molded into the shape of a flower.
“This was your wife’s bath?” Juliette asked incredulously as her eyes scanned the intimate little room set into an alcove. “Her very own bath?”
“Only hers.”
Juliette stared at the small stack of towels lying beside the rosebud-trimmed china washbowl and pitcher. “This is so nice.”
“This smells wonderful,” Caroline commented as she picked up the sweetly scented bar of soap and touched it to her cheek. “Wouldn’t you like to have a room like this, Juliette?”
Juliette flashed an uncomfortable glance toward Stone, then quickly turned away as their eyes met. “Of course. What woman wouldn’t?”
Stone took a quick step up behind her and whispered in her ear. “It could be yours, Juliette. All of this could be yours, if you’d just say yes.”
Five
Juliette moved away quickly. Obviously, no matter how appealing his house seemed or how much money he may have in the bank, she could not, and would not, even entertain the thought of marrying him.
He wished he’d kept his suggestion to himself. He hadn’t meant to offend her. He’d simply wanted her to see the advantages for everyone concerned if she’d marry him.
Juliette gazed out the window, turning her back on him.
Stone wanted to follow her to apologize, but Caroline kept going on about Lucy’s bath and asking him all sorts of questions.
Finally, he pulled a folded paper from his pocket and moved back to the kitchen table. “Now this is the way I figured we could house the Baker family.”
At first, Juliette continued to stare off in space as if she had no interest in his plan. But as he pointed to each square on the chart and talked about where each family member would be housed, she couldn’t help but listen. She asked Caroline to change Andrew’s diaper, then joined Stone at the table.
“And I thought this small room on the first floor at the end of the hall would be good for you and Andrew, Juliette. There’s a nice feather bed in there. That way, you won’t have any stairs to climb with that heavy boy in your arms. Is that suitable for you?”
“Ah—yes, ah—anything would be fine if Father doesn’t find a job by the end of the month. But I’m sure he will.”
Stone checked to make sure Caroline couldn’t hear as his face grew solemn. “The end of the month is nearly here. Even if he were to find a job tomorrow, he would most likely not get paid for two weeks. From what John has told me, his money is nearly gone,” he said in a near whisper.
“I know. He told me too,” she confessed meekly.
“Plans need to be made now.”
“I told him, if we have to move, I could go work in Mr. Ward’s store,” Juliette inserted. “I might not make much money, but whatever I made, he could have.”
Stone reared back with a frown. “Do you honestly think your father would allow you to work in that store? A fine young lady like you has no business dealing with the men who go in there for supplies.”
“Women go in there too, and if I want to work at that store, Father would have to allow it,” she answered with an indignant tilt of her chin. “I am an adult.”
“Well, that’s between you and John. If we were honest, I think we both know what his decision would be.”
“I’m ready to go home now,” Juliette announced as Caroline came back into the room. She grabbed up her cape, snatched Andrew from her sister’s arms, and headed out the door. “You have a fine house, Mr. Piper. But hopefully, Father will work something out and refuse your offer.”
Stone turned to Caroline. “Stay here with America. Give me a few minutes to speak with your sister.”
Caroline nodded.
He found Juliette standing on the porch, attempting to wrap her cape about her shoulders and hold Andrew at the same time. He stepped forward and took the baby from her arms as he motioned toward a bent willow bench. “Please, Juliette. I didn’t mean to offend you. Sit down and let’s talk. I want you to understand my position in all of this.”
She crossed her arms and turned away from him.
“Please?”
Slowly, she moved to the bench and seated herself. Stone sat down beside her with the baby contentedly snuggled up in the crook of his arm. “Look. Your father and I haven’t known each other for very long, but he’s my friend. I’d do anything to help him through this hard time. I even offered to give him the money to buy the hotel outright. But he refused to take it.”
Her gaze lifted to meet his. “You offered to give him the money? Really?”
“Yes. As his friend, I wanted to help. But he wouldn’t take it.”
“That’s when you came up with this ridiculous marriage idea?”
He thoughtfully smoothed at the baby’s hair before answering. “Actually, I came up with the marriage idea several months ago. I’ve wanted to bring my boys home for such a long time. I think you can understand that. Being separated from them all these years has been hard on them and on me.”
She smiled at her baby, and he smiled back. “Then why didn’t you?”
“Who would take care of them? I’m outside working my ranch from before the sun comes up most days, and what da
ys I’m not, I’m repairing barns and tools, helping other ranchers, or performing my duties as deputy. Those boys need someone to be with them all the time. America’s too old to care for two growing, energetic boys. I couldn’t ask that of her.”
“You could hire someone.”
“I’ve thought of that many times. But who would I hire? One of the local women with a family of her own to tend to? Someone who would go home at the end of the day?”
She grew thoughtful. “Carrie Sullivan could probably do it. She’s not much over twenty and would be good to your boys.”
“Carrie Sullivan is a single woman. Do you think it would look proper for someone like that to live in my house?”
Her gaze lowered. “No, I guess not.”
“Now you’re beginning to see my problem. I don’t want a nanny and a housekeeper for my sons. They deserve more than that.”
She looked up into his eyes. “Then what do you want, Stone?”
He grinned. “You. You’re the perfect solution.”
“Me?” She jumped to her feet and snatched the nearly sleeping baby from his arms, her face flushed and angry. “I’m the answer for you, maybe, and perhaps for Father. But I won’t be anyone’s solution, Mr. Piper. I’m not a slave you can buy and sell at your whim.”
He rose awkwardly, knowing he’d used the wrong words. Again. “I did not buy America or Moses. You know that. I would never attempt to buy another human being.”
She rushed down the steps toward the buggy, nearly tripping on the last step, with Stone at her heels. “Never? You just did, Mr. Piper. You tried to buy me!”
“No, that was not my intention! Why can’t you understand my motives?” Frustrated, he stood on the bottom step, his arms dangling limply at his sides. It’d been years since he’d argued with a woman, and he found himself speechless and inadequate.
“Oh, I understand your motives all right,” she quipped angrily as she struggled to put the baby into the buggy’s seat and climb up herself without assistance. “Your motives are very clear. You need a mother for your boys, and you’re willing to buy one. Well, let me tell you, Stone Piper: You will not buy this woman. Juliette Baker Martin is not for sale.”
“But—”
Andrew began to cry at the top of his lungs, nearly drowning out their conversation. “But—nothing, Mr. Piper. Now, if you’d be so kind, I’d like to go home. All this bargaining is giving me a headache.” With that she squared her shoulders, lifted her chin, and stared straight ahead, ignoring his pleas.
“Caroline,” Stone called out loudly. “You can come out now. Your sister is ready to go home.”
Silence permeated the air all the way back into town. No one seemed to have anything to say.
Occasionally, Stone would sneak a peek at the girls. Each time, he’d wish he’d been more diplomatic in his approach of the marriage subject. You’re a fool, he told himself as the buggy rolled toward town, to even think that lovely young woman would consider spending the best and most productive years of her life with you, taking care of your children, when she could have her pick of men.
He circled the buggy around and came to a stop near the hotel’s door. He hurried to assist Juliette, but she refused his hand and lowered herself to the ground before reaching for her baby. He followed the three of them into the hotel where John was waiting.
John greeted them warmly. “What did you think of Stone’s place, girls?”
Still wide-eyed, Caroline was the first to answer. “Oh, Father, it is so pretty. I’ve never seen such a fine house.”
He turned to Juliette. “What did you think?”
Stone pulled his hat from his head and rotated its brim nervously between his fingers with a sheepish grin toward her. “There’s plenty of room for the Baker family, right?”
She moved toward the stairs. “Yes, I guess so, but not for me. I’m sure Andrew and I can find a place with one of the members of our church.”
“Want me to change Andrew’s diaper?” Caroline asked, reaching out toward the smiling baby. “I’m going upstairs.”
Juliette gave her an appreciative grin. “Would you mind?”
Caroline took Andrew and cuddled him in her arms. “Not a bit.”
As soon as she’d reached the top of the stairs, John stepped out and took hold of Juliette’s arm. “You and Andrew aren’t going anywhere. We’re a family. Where one goes, we all go. That includes the two of you.”
Ignoring their guest, she turned to face him, her eyes burning their way into his. “But you’d let me go and marry a man I don’t love? Move away from my family so you can keep your precious hotel? I think not, Father.” She pulled away and followed her sister up the stairs. “You’ll have to excuse me. I have to feed my son.”
Stone bowed his head in defeat. “Sorry, John. Guess I didn’t handle things too well.”
“Not your fault. You tried. She’s right though. I guess I am willing to sell her to keep the hotel.”
“No, that’s not true. None of us wants to put Juliette’s happiness on the line. You want the best for her, and so do I. I could give her the kind of life she’s always wanted.” He let his shoulders slump. “Oh, I know I’m not the kind of man she wants for a husband, but I’d be good to her, John. I’d give her anything she wants. . .except love. I can’t give her that. My heart still belongs to Lucy. But your daughter would never want for anything.”
John put his hand on Stone’s shoulder. “I know that. You’re a good man.”
“That daughter of yours is as stubborn as they come. Did you know she’s planning on getting a job at Mr. Ward’s store?”
“So she says, but I say no. I forbid it.”
“She’s an adult. What could you do to stop her? Women are doing strange things nowadays.”
“I know, and that’s what worries me. But if I can’t provide for her and Andrew, what say do I have?”
“None, it appears. But she respects you, John. She’d never do anything to embarrass you or her family.”
“I’m counting on that. I finally told Reuben about our financial condition. I hate to keep things from the family. By the way, thanks for bringing the girls home.”
“You do know I’ll give you the money, even if Juliette refuses to marry me, don’t you?”
John nodded. “Yes, I know. But I can’t take it—not without you getting something in return.”
❧
Juliette stood at the top of the stairs, listening. How could her father and Stone expect her to marry a man she didn’t love? David had been the love of her life, but their time together had been so short. Surely somewhere she could find another man who would love her as David had—a man who could sweep her off her feet and make her spine tingle at his touch. One she could give herself to wholeheartedly.
She listened as her father and her suitor discussed the money her father needed. She marveled at Stone’s generosity when he offered to give them his hard-earned money. Not many men would do such an unselfish thing. He’d be a good catch for any woman. If only she loved him.
❧
Stone jammed his hat on his head, then untied the horses from the hitching post and climbed into the wagon. “Women!” he said aloud as he whipped the reins and headed toward the ranch.
❧
“Juliette, Caroline. Wake up!” Her father’s voice pierced the darkened room. “Your mother needs you!”
Juliette sat up and rubbed at her eyes. “What time is it?”
“Nearly four. Hurry!”
She grabbed her robe and wrapped it around her, pulled the coverlet over her sleeping baby, and hurried down the narrow hall to her parents’ room. Her father was bending over the bed, hovering over her mother. “What’s wrong with her?”
“She started feeling poorly right after you girls left with Stone yesterday afternoon. I didn’t tell you last night.”
“Did you call Doc Meeker?”
He shook his head and whispered his response. “No, I wanted to, but she didn’t
want me to call him. I think she knew we didn’t have the money to pay him. I shouldn’t have listened to her.”
“Go get him,” Juliette ordered as she bent over the bed and stroked her mother’s fevered brow.
John nodded and disappeared.
The two girls kept vigil and prayed over their mother until John returned with Doc Meeker.
“How long has she been like this?”
“She had a bad spell yesterday afternoon. She started vomiting, and she’s been having terrible headaches,” John explained as he rubbed the pad of his thumb over his wife’s frail hand. “She hasn’t felt well since the twins were born.”
“Why didn’t you send someone for me?”
“I—ah. She— We—we didn’t have the money to pay you.”
The doctor stopped his examination and stared at John. “This is your wife’s health we’re talking about. I’m a doctor, not a banker. She seems very weak. I hate to tell you this, but the best thing you could do for her is send her somewhere where she can have constant bed rest for a few weeks. I think the woman’s problem is exhaustion.”
John rubbed at his temples and nodded. “It’s my fault. If I’d had any idea she was carrying twins, I would never have left Ohio. Her other births had been such easy ones; neither of us expected this last time to be any different.”
“Picking up and moving such a long way, tending to the needs of her family, then having the babies—” Doc paused. “I think all of it has taken a toll on her, John. Look how thin she’s become. She’s nothing but skin and bones.”
“She isn’t going to die, is she?” Juliette blurted out.
The doctor spun around to face her. “No, Juliette. But if she doesn’t get away from the responsibilities and pressures of her life here at the hotel, I doubt she’s going to get any better. This woman needs rest. Uninterrupted rest.”
“But how—”
Doc Meeker lifted a hand. “I know what your family has been going through, but it’s Mary’s life we’re talking about here, and—”
“Mary’s aunts live about fifty miles away. They’ve been wanting her to come for a visit.” John wiped at his eyes with his sleeve. “Do you think she could stand the trip?”
Lucy's Quilt Page 7
