Charity came forward and ran her finger along the green velvet. “It’s going to be so pretty, Lily. I can’t wait to see how you finish it off.”
John pointed upstairs. “Thought I’d drop in before heading out to the Brown’s place.”
Lily was thankful John had not told anyone about the morphine. Everyone just thought her downward turn was due to old age and deteriorating health. “She is asleep right now. I tried to get her to come down this morning, but she complained that she had not slept well.” They exchanged a look.
“I think it’s going to take a little more than your coaxing. I’ll see what I can do after she wakes up.”
The tiny bell sounded again, and the banker, Mr. Shellston, flanked by the mayor, Fred Billingsworth, came in. Another man unknown to Lily followed close behind. He was tall and foreboding, and dressed in all black. The shop seemed to shrink before her eyes as they looked around.
“I see your problem worked out just fine, Miss Anthony,” the banker said confidently, looking the place over, a coveting gleam in his eyes. “And, with ease it seems. There was really no need for all your panic over my Spring Street building, now was there?”
“Things have a way of working out,” she responded coldly. She noted the way John drew himself up and the tightening of the muscles in his jaw. The reddishness around his scar appeared to deepen a little as he looked the newcomers over.
“Maybe it seems that way to you, Shellston,” John said. “That this place transformed itself overnight, but Miss Anthony has been working night and day to get it presentable. I’m positive you remember how it looked not that long ago.” Charity seemed to pick up on her brother’s mood and stepped closer to him. Her chin tipped up as she looked the men over.
The banker had the audacity to laugh at John’s remark and pass it off as polite conversation. “Nothing of value ever comes easily, my father always told me. I live by that rule.”
Lily was having none of it. “With the help of the good people of this town, all this work got done. It was because of them and none other.”
Mr. Billingsworth spoke up saying, “It’s because of those good people that we’re here this morning. We still have the problem of the vacant teaching position, and the children are becoming a nuisance running over this town like a horde of locusts. We wanted to ask your sister, Dr. McCutcheon, if she’d take over the position just until our replacement gets here,” he said, looking first at John and then over to Charity. “We’d hoped to have the problem solved by now, but teachers are scarce.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Nuisance? Problem? Horde of locusts?” Charity asked, taken aback.
Her toe started tapping and John almost chuckled, getting ready for the explosion he knew would soon follow.
“This is the mayor, Mr. Billingsworth,” John said, introducing them and trying to defuse his sister. “The banker, Mr. Shellston, and Mr. Boone.”
“Really, Mr. Billingsworth,” Charity scolded. “I’m surprised at the way you feel about the children of the so-called ‘good people’ of this town. Aren’t these the children of the same citizens who pay your salary? You should be ashamed of yourself. And, if they’re as rambunctious as you say they are, I’m not sure I’d be capable of controlling them.”
A few moments of uncomfortable silence filled the room as the mayor’s face turned scarlet. “Uh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”
Charity glanced from one man to the other as her expression softened. There was something going on in that head of hers.
“Forgive me, Mayor. I am pleased to make your acquaintance,” Charity replied, now going all ladylike. “I heard the news about Miss Smith. I’m sorry.”
“Yes, it was a horrible tragedy for everyone concerned.” The pudgy man wiped his forehead with a white handkerchief he’d pulled from his pocket, then dabbed at his upper lip. He seemed undecided if he should go forward with their offer. Mr. Shellston gave him a look and he continued, “What do you think of our proposal?”
Charity smiled, turning on her charm full force as she gazed from one man to the other. John didn’t like in the least how Lector Boone was looking back. “She’s not interested,” he interjected, feeling protective.
“I’m not so sure about that, John. I’ve yet to hear what the offer is. Just what would be required of me and how much does it pay?”
Taken aback, John started to object, but she stopped him with a tip of her head. “Let’s hear what the mayor has to say, John. It might be a way for me to fill my time. You know how the days have been dragging on.” Oh, geez, she was laying it on thick. He heard Tucker chuckle.
“It’s a temporary position until the new teacher we hired from Abilene can pack her things and get here. I predict it shouldn’t be more than three weeks to a month.”
“The pay, Mayor?”
“Two dollars a week.”
Charity tapped her finger on her chin, making them wait. “Hmm, the teacher in Y Knot is a friend of mine and she makes twice that much. I don’t know…”
“It’s only for half day,” Mr. Shellston said. “Just keep them in for the morning, give them some homework and send them home. How hard can it be? Two dollars a week is more than generous.”
“In that case, I decline.”
The mayor gaped. “But, we need you. Won’t you reconsider?”
“I would if I had the support of the town for the education of the children. I don’t want to be just a babysitter. What good is that? And, if I’m teaching them something, then my time is worth more than pennies a day.”
The two men looked at each other as Mr. Boone watched from the back.
“The town will pay you four dollars a week, Miss McCutcheon,” Billingsworth said.
“Five. Temporary positions always pay more.”
The bank owner frowned. “That’s robbery.”
“Pay the woman,” Lector Boone said, stepping forward. “She’s educated. And smart. Maybe the locusts will learn something.”
Charity turned on him, eyes blazing.
He laughed, making her all the madder.
John reached out and put his hand on Charity’s shoulder, calming her youthful anger, and disliking the whole situation intensely. What was Charity thinking, taking this job? She was here for a visit and that was all. He stared back at Boone until the man dropped his gaze.
Boone was silent for a moment, then asked, “Any information on the gem I asked you about Monday evening?”
Lily gave a small gasp and Boone immediately looked at her. A bird caught between two cats couldn’t have appeared more uncomfortable. John groaned inwardly. “No, nothing.”
“I need to check on Tante Harriett,” Lily said, going at once to the back of the store. Her slim figure disappeared around the partition and her steps were heard quickly ascending the stairs.
“I’ll take the job, Mayor.”
“At that pay, I should take the job,” Shellston grumbled.
Mr. Billingsworth smiled and wiped his head again. “Good. Good. You can start tomorrow, if that’s acceptable with you.” He seemed oblivious of the interaction that had just occurred between Lily and the gunman. He held out his hand. “Here’s the key to the supply cupboard in the schoolhouse.”
Charity took it. “I presume there are books and slates?”
“To a degree.”
“Chalk?”
“Yes.”
“By the way, Mayor, what made you think of me? I mean, I haven’t been in town but a few days and have met only a handful of people since coming to Rio Wells.”
Mr. Billingsworth looked more relaxed now that the negotiations were concluded and Charity had agreed. “Because you’re a McCutcheon and I learned through the grapevine that you’re well versed and smart.”
John wondered where that information had come from.
“What about my cousins, Madeline and Becky?”
He shrugged. “They seem more ladylike. I don’t think they could handle the children. Any woman w
ho can travel from Montana to West Texas on her own has to have some grit.”
A blush crept up Charity’s neck and onto her face and kept going until it reached her hairline. The comment was meant to be a back-handed compliment, John was sure, but it looked as though Charity didn’t take it that way.
Mr. Shellston stepped to the door, opened it, and then stopped and turned back. “Tell Miss Anthony good luck tomorrow. The shop is now one of Rio Wells’ finest.” He went out, followed by Mr. Billingsworth and Mr. Boone.
John turned on Charity as soon as the door clicked closed. “What are you doing? You’ve never expressed interest in teaching.”
She straightened defensively.
John pointed his finger in her face. “I never know what to expect with you.”
Tucker made his way to the door, and slipped out. Now that John had Charity and he intended to get some answers. “I mean it, Charity. Since the day you arrived I’ve been a little on edge, feeling this mysterious energy from you. And now this? Are you planning on staying longer here than you let on? Has something happened between you and Brandon? Out with it. What’s the big secret?”
“Why are you so upset? I have no ulterior motive, like you hint at, except to help the children of this town while I’m spending time with you. That’s all. You can put your speculations to rest.” She plunked her hands on her hips and glared back at him. “You’re not the boss of me.”
“You damn well better believe I am,” he retorted. “At least while you’re here in Rio Wells.”
Lily’s footsteps sounded overhead, then descending the stairs. John breathed deeply, then gave his little sister an all-knowing look of authority. Lily seemed to have recovered from her shock. He needed to talk to her, but not in front of Charity. No need to put his sister in jeopardy by knowing about the gem’s whereabouts. The fewer who knew about it, the better. He was now having serious doubts about Boone’s proclamation about working for the robbery victim in Boston. For all they knew, the man was out to steal it himself. Just because it was hidden in Harriett’s things didn’t mean the object wasn’t with its rightful owner. There were more possibilities to this story the longer he thought about it.
“The men are gone?” Lily asked.
“Yes,” Charity answered. Her face was still red with annoyance. “Mr. Shellston sent his good wishes for tomorrow.”
“That man,” Lily said with aggravation. “He has the nerve to come here and wish us luck.” She picked up the green velvet and carefully laid it over the back of the wooden frame. “He is one person that sets my blood to boil.”
“Here, let me help,” John said, reaching forward to hold the edges as she stretched it taut across the frame. “Get the hammer, Charity. Please.”
Still looking sullen, Charity picked up the hammer and tapped two small nails through the fabric and into the wood. She edged around his way as she worked, forcing him smack up next to Lily, and the sweet scent he’d become familiar with in the stagecoach. Lily’s fingertips brushed his forearm accidentally in an effort to fit the velvet to the opposite side, and tingles of fire raced up his arm.
“There. There—hold that,” Lily said close to his ear, then laughed nervously. Every fiber in his being surged in pleasure and he fought the impulse to take her into his arms. He knew, without a doubt, that she felt the electricity humming between them, too.
Charity yelped as the hammer glanced off a nail, clattering to the floor.
Lily went for the tool at the exact moment he did, and unexpectedly they were face to face. Their gazes locked, and held, as his hand enfolded hers on the hammer. They came up slowly with it between them.
A second passed. Charity cleared her throat.
In conspicuous silence, they finished up and John turned the now-covered frame over and held it up for inspection.
“It is beautiful,” Lily gushed. “Even without anything else I think the velvet picks up the light so nicely. Can you imagine how it will look with buttons and glass beads and other pretty things? Thank you so much.” She pointed to a spot on the wall. “I think it will go right over there.”
She looked questioningly to Charity. “What do you think?”
“Nice.” Charity narrowed her eyes at John over Lily’s unsuspecting head. “Really pretty.”
The door banged open, barely giving the bell time to tinkle. “Remind me to find you a doorstop,” John said, as Dustin stepped into the shop. “You need one before the wall gets worn out.”
Dustin removed his hat and held it in his hands. “Mornin’,” he said, looking around. “Just thought I’d drop in since I had some business at the bank.” He gave a low, satisfied whistle. “The place looks great. Ready for business.”
“It is due to your help, too.”
John couldn’t help but smile as the color of Dustin’s face deepened. The silence in the room was palpable.
Finally, Dustin turned. “I guess I better get to my appointment.” He hesitated, then put his hand into his pocket. “Here, Lily. This is for luck.”
He placed a small item, sandwiched between two pieces of delicate paper, into Lily’s open palm. “It’s a four-leaf clover. It’s been dried. A fresh one is nonexistent around these parts.”
Lily’s eyes opened wide and she looked at the gift for several long moments. “We used to hunt four-leaf clovers for hours. When I was a little girl,” she said, turning it over and looking more closely. The tone in her voice spoke volumes. “It is an especially thoughtful gift. Thank you, Dustin.”
She walked to the door and pulled up a chair. When she stepped up, both cousins hurried over to assist her, each steadying a side. Extracting a pin from her pocket, Lily carefully secured the clover in place a few inches above the front door.
Turning, she smiled. “There. We will see what the future brings.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Charity gripped the rope hanging from the bell tower and pulled it to her knees. The good-sized iron bell pealed out its announcement that class would resume this morning. A bit nervous, she ran her hands down the front of her dress and smoothed the apron she’d fastened around her waist. Her. A teacher? Who would’ve thought?
All the way down Dry Street was Lily’s shop, open for business for the first time. She hoped Lily would have a customer today. Maybe even two. She liked Lily. There was something brewing between her and her brother. Dustin had set his sights on her, too.
The night she arrived in Rio Wells John had told her about his engagement to a young woman in Boston. It had been a surprise. And now this. Charity wished there was something she could do to help. But, with things of the heart, one had to travel the perplexing road alone.
Next to the school was an open lot where the children played at recess, and next to that was the Cheddar Box Restaurant. She was the last building on this side of Dry Street, with nothing but land as far as she could see until it ended at the base of the hills. The old Station House Hotel and the old stage stop were directly across, with Cradles’ Livery next door. At that moment, Cradle stepped out of his barn doors with pitchfork in hand and looked around. Catching sight of her on the school house porch, he smiled widely and waved.
The sight of him made Brandon Crawford pop into her thoughts and she wondered what he was doing right now. Was it quiet in Y Knot? Was he having a cup of that horrible coffee he boiled at the sheriff’s office? Or, was he hanging out at the ranch with her brothers?
She closed her eyes, bringing to memory his smile, and her heart fluttered. No one else had the power to do that to her, and she relished the sensation as she missed him all the more. Had he discovered she wasn’t in Denver? Had the rest of the family?
She needed to let them know where she was. Of course Luke was going to be furious when he found out, as were Matt and Mark. She didn’t even want to think about her mother and father, and what they might do. But, she reminded herself, she was an adult and free to go wherever she wanted. Still, saying and doing were two different things.
&
nbsp; A wagon pulled up in front of the school. A man garbed in farm clothes tipped his hat to her and a boy about seven hopped out and helped his sister to the ground. The child ran up to the porch steps as the little girl tried to keep up.
“Good morning,” Charity said, as he came close. “Welcome.”
“Mornin’,” he answered in a raspy little voice. He hurried into the school room, apparently too shy to talk. His brown hair was slicked back and his face scrubbed clean. His dungarees had such a big roll at the cuff Charity was sure they were meant for someone much taller than his small frame.
The man watched until his children were inside. “Thank you. I’ll be back later to pick them up,” he called in a think Texas accent. He slapped the long reins across the team’s back and the wagon rolled away toward the town center.
“Good morning,” Charity said going to the front of the room. “How are you this wonderful Thursday in May?” She had thought the girl younger, but now with a better look at the two, she realized they must be twins.
“My name is Miss McCutcheon and I’m going to be your teacher for a few weeks. Since I’m new in town I’ll need your help with names and such. Do you think you can do that?”
Both nodded.
“Good.” She looked to the boy first because he seemed most outgoing.
“My name is Jedediah. And this here is Jane.”
Charity relaxed and clasped her hands behind her back, getting used to her new position. “What’s your last name?” She pointedly looked at Jane, trying to draw the little girl out. She wore a tattered blue checkered dress that looked as if it had been fashioned out of an old tablecloth. Her hair was brushed and pulled into two pigtails, just above her ears, which were equally as scrubbed as her brother’s. Her hair was so long that even in pigtails it fell down past her shoulders.
“It’s Cole, ma’am.” The child’s face turned beet red and she giggled.
“Where do you live?”
Jedediah sat up straight. “‘Bout a mile outa town toward the Rim Rock.”
Texas Twilight Page 14
