Polka With Pauline

by Caroline Clemmons

  Disappointed, Creighton smiled anyway. “I appreciate your help.”

  Chapter Five

  Uncle Henry returned for lunch. “He’s coming at six. He showed me a couple of sites, I guess to make his trip look genuine. Of course, I have been gone for months so maybe they are real. We’ve been here over four months and there was the time I was in the hospital and then waiting until we sold our house. Hard to believe I resigned about seven months ago.”

  “It is. I missed you and Aunt Nancy when you left.”

  He sat in his favorite chair. “Hard to believe Hank’s been gone nine months.” His posture sagged. “I thought leaving the house where so much reminded me of him would help us.”

  She sat on the chair’s arm and hugged her uncle’s shoulders. “Has it?”

  “Yes, I’m certain Nancy and I are both better off away from his friends and those memories that house held. We’re away from the constant reminders but I still have days I can barely cope. Don’t worry, I’m getting better.”

  A picture of her cousin’s smiling face was clear in her mind. “Me, too. We’ll always love him but thinking of him isn’t as raw now.”

  He took her hand in his. “Forgive me, dear. Sometimes I forget that Nancy and I aren’t the only ones who mourn him. You know you were dear to him. He thought of you as if you were his sister.”

  “I thought of him as if he were my brother.” Tears welling in her eyes, she kissed her uncle’s cheek. “I’d better check on Aunt Nancy. She’s probably ready to move in here.”

  Pauline spent the afternoon trying to create a perfect meal. She resented having to go to extra effort to prepare for a person she didn’t actually like. The several times Creighton had dined with them, everything was casual and friendly and fun. But, she didn’t want Jasper turning up his nose at the dinner and reporting back to her father that she had failed. That would bring Papa in person.

  Jasper arrived at precisely six o’clock. Uncle Henry answered the door and took him into the parlor. She heard laughter so at least the evening was going well. When the meal was ready to serve, she went to the parlor door.

  “Please come to the table. Jasper, because of the Bath chair, we must eat in the kitchen. I hope you don’t mind.” She wheeled her aunt up the table.

  “Not at all. I appreciate the invitation. I’m looking forward to a home cooked meal.”

  Aunt Nancy took her napkin and tucked it under her chin. A second napkin went across her lap. “With me parked alongside the table, I often spill food. Pauline’s too good a cook for me to waste any.”

  “Uncle Henry, would you carve, please?”

  Her Uncle Henry made a great show of carving the hen. He was such a dear man. She loved seeing him happy. Knowing he was still suffering from Hank’s loss hurt her. Sometimes life was plainly unfair. Otherwise two wonderful parents wouldn’t have lost both their sons.

  When everyone had been served, Pauline asked Jasper, “Did you find likely sites for a local Brubaker’s”

  Jasper set down his coffee cup. “I found two possibilities. I showed both of them to Henry. Even though he’s retired, we still hold him in high regard at Brubaker’s.”

  He toasted her uncle with his cup. “Henry, your shoes are difficult to fill. I only hope I’m up to the challenge.”

  Uncle Henry smiled. “I’m sure you’ll do a fine job.” Poor man lacked sincerity in his voice. She wondered if Jasper knew her uncle well enough to recognize that fact.

  The evening dragged on with Jasper monopolizing the conversation. She finished the dishes and tidied the kitchen before she joined the others in the parlor. She couldn’t help comparing the fact that Creighton washed the dishes while she dried them yet Jasper expected to be served.

  Her aunt gestured to her. “Would you mind helping me to bed? I’ve been in this chair too long. While I’m glad to have the use of the wheelchair, my leg is hurting. I think it’s swollen.”

  “Certainly.”

  Aunt Nancy leaned back in the chair. “I hope you’ll excuse me, Mr. Taggart. I enjoyed hearing your humorous stories.”

  Jasper stood. “Good night. Thank you for inviting me.” He resumed his seat.

  Pauline immediately took her aunt to the bedroom. “Let me see your foot. Oh, it is swollen.”

  She helped her aunt prepare for bed. When Aunt Nancy was tucked under the cover, Pauline touched her aunt’s forehead.

  “You have fever. I’ll send Uncle Henry for the doctor.”

  “Pauline, please don’t. There’s no need to upset him. Truly, I think I was just out of bed too long. If I have fever tomorrow, you can go if you leave Henry thinking the doctor just dropped by on his own.”

  Pauline deliberated. Uncle Henry still shouldn’t be distressed. He’d already been terribly depressed this morning about Hank. She didn’t want to upset her uncle so near bedtime or he wouldn’t be able to sleep well. He was still in delicate health. Her aunt presented a good case. After warring with herself, she agreed.

  Pauline shook her finger at her aunt. “I’m promising you that if you have even the tiniest bit of fever in the morning, I’m getting the doctor.”

  “Thank you, Mother. Goodnight.”

  She shook her finger at her aunt. “You’re not too sick because you’re still well enough to be sassy.”

  Her aunt giggled. “Always will be, right up until they close the casket.”

  “Don’t even joke about such a terrible idea. Goodnight, Aunt Nancy.”

  She wished she could slip into her room and close the door. She sighed in frustration. Grow up and accept your hostess duties.

  Pauline entered the parlor with a forced smile. “Uncle Henry, we must be more careful about how long she sits in that wheelchair. I hope you’ll help me remember.”

  Henry appeared alarmed. “You’re right. Help me figure how long she sat up today. She didn’t take a nap today because she’s trying to finish a gift for someone.”

  “Oh, my, she was in the wheelchair for almost ten hours. No wonder her foot is swollen. In the morning, I’ll convince her to remain in bed until midmorning and then to nap for a couple of hours in the afternoon.”

  Jasper stood. “I see you need to care for Mrs. Chambers. I’ll get out of your way. Perhaps I can return the favor and take the three of you to dinner tomorrow.”

  Pauline shook her head. “That’s a nice thought but we can’t maneuver the wheelchair outside. Perhaps you could pick up a picnic basket at Hearth and Home.”

  “I’ll think of something. Shall we say tomorrow evening at six?”

  “That sounds nice.” She smiled at him. Something different might cheer her aunt and uncle.

  “Could you walk me to the door?”

  She had a sense of foreboding. “If you wish.”

  Jasper shook hands with Uncle Henry. “Good to spend the evening with you. I appreciate the invitation.”

  She led the way to the foyer. Her hand was on the door knob.

  Before she could open the door, Jasper laid a hand on her shoulder. “Seeing you again has been wonderful. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening.” He pressed against her as if contriving to corner her.

  “Thank you, Jasper.” She ducked under his arm and opened the door. “We’ll see you then.”

  He might have tried to hide his anger but it was obvious for a few seconds before his mask slipped back in place. “Until then, my dear.”

  She closed the door before he was off the porch. My dear indeed.

  The next day Aunt Nancy didn’t have fever but her leg still ached. Pauline insisted she stay in bed with her head on a couple of pillows and the foot of the injured leg on a pillow.

  “I don’t mean to be difficult, but I get so restless just laying here staring at the ceiling.”

  “Shall I read to you? When I was at the Mercantile yesterday I found a Sherlock Holmes novel, Sign of the Four. I haven’t read it, have you?”

  “No, and I do love that kind of story. You have a lovely voice
and I’d enjoy hearing you read.”

  Pauline read until her throat was dry and her aunt fought sleep. “Your eyes tell me you’re about to nod off to sleep. You have a nap until lunch.” She marked her place with a piece of paper and closed the book. Her aunt closed her eyes as Pauline left the room.

  That evening, Pauline wheeled her aunt into the kitchen. “You might as well get in place to eat. Jasper is never late and it’s almost six o’clock.”

  She had no sooner spoken than the doorbell rang.

  “That’s probably Jasper.” Uncle Henry strode toward the door.

  Two men accompanied him and carried in containers. The two set the food on the kitchen table, bowed slightly, and left.

  Jasper rubbed his hands together. “Well, well, let me open these parcels and set out our food.”

  “Shall I get bowls and platters?” Pauline had the place settings on the table and coffee brewed.

  “The restaurant loaned me enough serving pieces.”

  Uncle Henry sniffed. “Smells good and I’m hungry.”

  Aunt Nancy arranged her napkins. “You wouldn’t think lounging all day would create hunger but this aroma has whetted my appetite.”

  Jasper set each dish down with a flourish. “We have stuffed pork chops cooked in apple cider, yams, sliced pickled beets, spring peas, and rolls. For dessert there’s a peach cobbler.”

  They served themselves then complimented Jasper for bringing such a delicious meal.

  Jasper looked at her. “I suppose Mr. Reed has been to dinner several times.”

  “He has. The first time was for Aunt Nancy’s birthday when he delivered the rocking chair. Since then he’s called on me several times. Is that a problem?” His question would be humorous if he hadn’t annoyed her by prying.

  Jasper’s facial muscles appeared taut with tension. “I doubt your parents would approve of you encouraging Mr. Reed’s attentions. He’s hardly able to support you as you’re accustomed. In fact, he lives in little more than a hovel.”

  “Jasper, you have no right to censure me. I should hope I’m sensible enough to judge a person by his character instead of his bank account.”

  “But, you’ve never been poor. If you had, you’d realize how important a person’s bank account can be.”

  “I’m sorry if you were impoverished at some time. That has nothing to do with who I befriend or where I go.”

  “You should see where he lives. He lives in rooms at the back of his business. Probably wood chips and sawdust everywhere in the building.”

  “I’m aware of where he lives. For your information, he keeps the interior spotless.”

  Jasper appeared aghast. “You’ve been there? My word, were you chaperoned?”

  She didn’t want her parents learning she had been alone with man in that man’s home. “I went there to get the wheelchair. I don’t know who owns the chair but Mr. Reed had it because he had replaced the cane work on the seat. The doctor’s son accompanied me to show me where Mr. Reed lives.” That was the truth. Maybe she had omitted a few details but she hadn’t lied.

  Uncle Henry pushed away from the table. “Jasper, why don’t we move into the parlor? Pauline will help Nancy to bed and do the dishes.”

  Aunt Nancy wriggled her shoulders. “Pauline, if you don’t mind, I am ready to turn in now. I’m sure I’ll be myself tomorrow. Right now I feel about a hundred years old and tired.”

  Pauline took her aunt to the bedroom. “Some helper I am, letting you overtire yourself yesterday.”

  “Now, Pauline, this is entirely my fault because I wanted to be where you and Henry were and then Mr. Taggart—Jasper—came. I should have realized you would take over hostess duties for me.”

  She kissed her aunt’s cheek. “Goodnight, dear aunt. Sleep well but if you need anything, please call me.”

  After her aunt was tucked into bed, Pauline cleaned the kitchen. She admitted she was being a coward by dawdling to avoid time with Jasper. There was something about the man that set off warning bells. Surely she was being silly. Besides, Aunt Nancy reminded her she was supposed to be hostess while her aunt wasn’t able to fulfill her duties.

  She capitulated, reminded herself to be gracious, and went into the parlor. “Have the two of you solved the world’s problems?”

  Uncle Henry appeared relaxed in his favorite chair. “Just about but we need your input to be certain.”

  Jasper stood when she entered. “I do beg your pardon for not offering to help in the kitchen.”

  Of course it was easy for him to offer now. She wasn’t even going to respond to his fiction. “I stacked the restaurant’s dishes in one of the boxes, ready for you to return them. If you wish, I’ll take care of that for you.”

  “Would you? I’m going back to Denver tomorrow. My ticket’s for the early train.” He looked at her uncle. “Henry, don’t get up. Perhaps Pauline will see me out.”

  Trapped, she exchanged glances with her uncle then looked at Jasper. “Of course.” Relieved he was returning to Denver and this visit was at a close, she led the way to the foyer.

  He followed closely. At the door, she had her hand on the handle but he trapped her hand with his. He was entirely too close.

  “Would you allow me to kiss you?”

  “No, certainly not. I’m surprised you’d think I’d consent.”

  “Pauline, seeing you again has been a restorative. I had hoped to spend time alone with you. When you return to Denver, perhaps you’ll allow me to call on you.”

  “I’m flattered, of course, but that would be a mistake.”

  He placed his hand on his heart. “You crush me. Your father has given me his blessing to court you. Our union would relieve his mind. You and I would make an excellent couple.”

  “Jasper, I don’t have those feelings for you. Surely I’ve given you no reason to think otherwise.”

  “Your presence is all that’s needed to entice me. At least give me the hope of saying you’ll think about my request.”

  “I can’t because that would be untrue. You’re a nice man, handsome and successful and you’ll make some woman a wonderful husband. That woman will not be me.”

  “When you’re back in Denver and in familiar surroundings, I’m sure you’ll come to your senses and change your mind. Your carpenter will no longer be around to distract you.”

  “To be blunt, if I had never met Creighton Reed, my answer would be the same. Jasper, don’t embarrass both of us by continuing on this subject. Give my regards to my father. Goodnight.” She wrenched open the door.

  “You’ll change your mind, Pauline.” He strode down the porch and into the night.

  She closed the door. My stars, what a conversation. She could hardly believe the words exchanged actually happened.

  When she returned to the parlor, her uncle looked up. “I waited in case you needed rescuing. I thought he would press you for a commitment.”

  She dropped into the rocking chair. “You were right. Uncle Henry, I’ve never treated him as anything other than as someone who works for my father. Tell me, did I act otherwise tonight?”

  Hands resting on his abdomen, he tented his fingers. “Not at all, dear. You were polite but cool. A sensible man would have realized that he had no chance for anything deeper.”

  She exhaled a sigh of relief that she had no cause to feel guilty. “Thank you. He said he has Papa’s blessing to court me. He said our getting married would relieve Papa’s mind.”

  Uncle Henry appeared to mull over her statement. “That’s probably true. Your father worries about the firm when he retires. He had intended for Hank to assume control. Now he has no one.”

  She leaned her head against the chair’s back. “I don’t intend to be the sacrificial lamb for Brubaker’s. Now that you’ve retired, are there any men who might take over besides Jasper?”

  “A couple would do as well. Your father is blind to Jasper’s faults. I’m glad you don’t feel compelled to agree.”

  “Papa
will have to cope. I won’t ruin my life by marrying a man I don’t particularly even like.” She stood. “I’m going to bed unless there’s anything I can do for you.”

  “I’m turning in, too. Hasn’t this day been something?”

  “A good way to sum it up, Uncle Henry.” She kissed his cheek. “Goodnight.”

  Chapter Six

  Creighton was delighted with his morning even though he’d had to close the shop for a couple of hours. He’d met with the Hampton family and toured their home and outbuildings before making them an offer slightly less than they’d asked. They’d come to an agreement right away. Either he’d paid too much or they were exceedingly eager to leave—or both.

  The house was too large, of course. The carriage house included a storage area perfect for his workshop. Only three blocks from the Chambers’ home, it was one street behind theirs and two blocks east. Though the mountain walls penned downtown Creede, soon the valley opened to allow the town to spread.

  The Hampton house—now the Reed house—had room for a large family. The Hamptons had eight children and Mrs. Hampton’s mother lived with them. Now that they’d reached an agreement, the family was leaving for Oregon within a few weeks. Before the first of next month, they’d be gone.

  Fares for eleven people would be costly enough. Mr. Hampton must have been quite a successful mine owner to afford the move. Apparently he’d sold his mine for a large price.

  The family was leaving what furniture they weren’t willing to move. Shipping by train was expensive. Mr. Hampton had told Creighton that just because he’d struck it rich didn’t mean he was going to throw money away by shipping heavy furniture. He’d prefer buying new when he got where he was going.

  Creighton planned to start moving his furniture in as soon as the Hamptons vacated the house. He wanted to be moved before he told anyone about his change. Then, he’d tell Pauline and give her and a chaperone, probably her uncle, a tour of his new home. After that, he’d place an advertisement in the newspaper to announce his new location. He’d also start looking for apprentices.