His Protective Wings

by Sophie Dawson

Moving to the table, Massot picked up the sanding block and began smoothing the table.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “HIS PLACE WAS the dirtiest place I’ve ever seen,” Ruth said. It was late evening and the children were in bed. The Ladies were gathered in the parlor, each doing some kind of needlework. They were knitting or crocheting. Hats and gloves or mittens were being made to give the children for Christmas which was about a month away.

  “He’d tracked sawdust up and left I don’t know how many newspapers scattered on the floor. And the walls aren’t even built. Just a couple. Mostly it’s just studs. I don’t know how he can live like that.”

  “Men can live in a pig pen.” Chloe Ashburn drew some more yarn from the ball in her work basket. Her knitting needles clacked softly as she stitched. “I’ve only been up in McIlroy’s room a few times after Dunc shot him, but his place was a mess too. Pastor Noah did dishes while I picked up clothing and rags and other wash on the floor.” Chloe’s son had accidentally shot the blacksmith in the behind. They were now engaged and would be marrying just before the holidays.

  Laura Duffle laughed. “He was one of the men who wanted to wait weeks before they brought in extremely dirty laundry for me to wash.” Laura’s laundry business was quite successful since most of the town and surrounding area was populated with single men. “They all learned it’s better to bring them regularly since I charge more for extra dirty laundry. A lot more.”

  Blanche Basking, the unofficial leader of Sanctuary House, cut the yarn and held up the finished mitten. “Three down and five more mittens to go. I’ll be tired of mittens by the time I get all my children’s ones done.” She had four children, three boys and one girl.

  “I’ll help. I’m nearly done with Kathryn’s things.” Ruth held up the hat she was crocheting. “I should finish this tonight or tomorrow.”

  “You’re a sweetheart, Ruth. I’ll take you up on the offer.”

  These four ladies were those still living at the House. The other four had married and were living in town or elsewhere nearby. The ladies who moved to Stones Creek were expected to work to make their own living until they married. If they never did, they were welcome to stay at Sanctuary House as long as they wanted while supporting themselves and any children by working. Chloe would move out when she and McIlroy married. She would take her two children with her.

  Blanche and Chloe had started a cafe partnering with Almeda Wilson, an ex-slave who ran a bakery. She had combined it with the cafe and all three ran it for two meals a day, six days a week. Laura had her laundry business which was supporting her and her two boys.

  “Massot asked if I’d help him clean his shop once I have the upstairs done.” Ruth chuckled. “The sawdust must be a couple of inches thick on the floor and every surface. You can tell where he’s worked last because it’s cleared off there.”

  “Are you going to?” Laura asked.

  “Yes, next Friday afternoon once Blanche comes back from the café. Without any other children but Lil-Pen and John, I’m free in the afternoons. Almeda picks up Abraham in late morning.”

  “That’s true,” Blanche said. “Are you going to try and find other businesses to clean?”

  “I hope to. I’m afraid they’ll want me to clean at night after they close. I don’t want to work in an empty building at night, but I need the work. Cleaning the store and Massot’s apartment won’t earn enough for me and Kathryn. Next year John will start school so that will leave me with only Almeda’s Abe.”

  The Ladies nodded their understanding. Before all the weddings there had been enough children for Ruth to mind. School took all of those old enough to attend and the marriages had taken the younger ones she had watched.

  Ruth set her crocheting aside. Her situation discouraged her. “I’m going up to bed. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” She rose and left the room. Her friends watched her go with sympathy in their eyes. They understood how difficult it was for Ruth to be near a man, let alone speak with one.

  ~~~~~

  Stepping down off the step of the church onto the snow sprinkled grass, Ruth saw Massot striding away. He was heading off into the woods. He did that nearly every Sunday. Always alone. She wondered if he had memories he wanted to mull over or if he simply liked to walk in the woods.

  Massot had spoken a few words to her before service, telling her what a good job she’d done cleaning his flat. Ruth knew she’d turned bright red at the praise as her cheeks had heated, making her want to press her gloved hands to them. She hadn’t, of course. That would have given away that his words had affected her more than they should have.

  Ruth couldn’t remember the last time a man had praised her. Probably her father before he banished her. Then again, he hadn’t been one who complimented anyone very often. He’d rather be judgmental. Knowing how that felt, Ruth praised Kathryn often wanting her to grow up to be confident and self-assured.

  “Miss Naylor?”

  Ruth turned and saw Mr. and Mrs. Ritter standing behind her. Mr. CJ Ritter was president of Stones Creek National Bank. Mrs. Debbie Ritter was petite with a wide smile. She was friendly to everyone in town. Ruth had heard that she and Mrs. Norie Pierce, daughter of the owner of the Chasing R Ranch, were best of friends.

  “Good morning, Mr. Ritter, Mrs. Ritter.” Ruth waited. There must be something they wanted as they’d never singled her out before.

  “I’ve been hearing from Ben Cutler and Arty Massot how well you’ve been cleaning their places. I was up in Massot’s apartment and was very impressed. I’ve been up there before and the difference is astounding.”

  Ruth suppressed the grin pulling at her lips. Yes, Massot’s place did look much better but she didn’t want to seem proud.

  “I’m looking for someone to clean the bank. Since Birdie Putnam married Harvey Hayes, I haven’t had anyone making sure the bank is cleaned on a regular basis. Would you be interested in taking on the job?”

  Ruth glanced at Mrs. Ritter who smiled encouragingly. “Um, when would you want me to do the cleaning?” Her stomach tightened thinking she’d have to work at night and walk both ways in the dark.

  Mr. Ritter answered. “My suggestion would be Wednesday afternoon as the bank closes at twelve o’clock.”

  A smile came as she heard his suggestion. “That would work well, Mr. Ritter. It would need to be after Blanche, Mrs. Basking, comes from the cafe. I watch her son while she’s at work.”

  “That will be fine. I normally work a few hours in the afternoon, so I can let you in.” Mr. Ritter shook Ruth’s hand, then said, “I won’t take up any more of your Sunday. I’ll see you on Wednesday. Just knock on the door when you arrive and I’ll let you in.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Ritter, Mrs. Ritter. I appreciate the work. I’ll do a good job.”

  “I’m sure you will,” Mr. Ritter said as he guided his wife away.

  Ruth glanced around, seeing her daughter, Kathryn, and several of the other House children walking toward home. It was those who had chores for the noon meal. Laura Duffle was with them. It was her meal to get ready to serve. The other children were still running around the church yard playing with some of Stones Creek’s children. She wondered how long it would take her to just see them all as the town’s children rather than separate groups.

  “What were the Ritters speaking with you about?” Blanche placed a hand on Ruth’s arm as she stepped up.

  Ruth smiled. “God does provide. Mr. Ritter asked me to clean the bank. It’s not going to be much, but it’s another income, and I can work during the afternoon.”

  “Yes, He does. I’m so glad for you.” They began walking away from the church. Blanche linked her arm with Ruth’s.

  “I still need more income, but I’m trusting that He will supply all my needs.”

  “I’m sure He will,” Blanche said. “Come along children,” she called and those of the House came running.

  ~~~~~

  December was active with two of the King gang attempting to kidnap Chlo
e Ashburn but ending up in jail. Then her marriage to McIlroy, and she, Duncan, and Lil-Pen moving out of the House.

  All the Ladies, both married and single, with the exception of Esther Fuller who’d left town with her trapper husband, had gathered at the House to celebrate Christmas dinner. Now, Ruth held a weeping Kathryn on her bed.

  “I ruined the whole play. But that cow pooping and peeing right next to me. I just couldn’t sit there. It stunk so much. Everyone will hate me.”

  Ruth fought the giggle that threatened to escape her lips. “No one will hate you. I understand why you ran out.”

  “But they’ll never want me to be Mary again,” Kathryn sobbed, clinging to her mother. “And I knew every line I was supposed to say.”

  “Mr. Bergdorf knows that. I’m sure he’ll take that into consideration when they plan the play for next year.” Ruth patted her back. “You certainly were a memorable Mary.”

  Ozzie Basking stuck his head in the room. “I wish I’d been on the stage when that cow pooped. That would have been so great.”

  “Ma’s not happy that poop and pee got on her dressing gown.” Will Basking could be heard in the hall. “I told them the kings shouldn’t have to wear ladies clothes just ‘cause they look like rich people clothes.” Both boys ran on to their room.

  Kathryn had stopped sobbing when the first boy spoke. She let out a small giggle. “They did look stupid in the gowns. All the ruffles and lace.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  THE LADIES STOOD on the platform of the railroad station waiting for the train. A telegram had been received a few days before that two more ladies from Sanctuary Place were coming right after the New Year: Gema Volkovichna and Libby Trembly.

  They knew Gema. She had come to Sanctuary Place at the age of sixteen when her family died of influenza as they immigrated from Russia while traveling through Iowa. She hadn’t known any English at the time and still struggled with the language. She was now twenty. Libby Trembly no one knew. They were curious why the two women had been sent across the prairie in the dead of winter.

  A whistle, clatter and rumble, along with the whoosh of steam brought the train to the station. Ira Bragg, the station master and telegraph operator, came out of the building. He was short and thin with eyes that bugged out of his face. Stringy blonde hair hung below his hat as he strutted across the platform. “It’s twenty-five minutes late,” he complained.

  Ruth knew that. They’d been standing in the cold since ten minutes before the scheduled arrival. None of the Ladies wanted to wait in the station though it would be warmer. Bragg watched them with his wide buggy eyes. It made Ruth far too nervous.

  Gema’s call rang across the platform from where she stood on the steps of the rail car waiting for the conductor to place the steps. “Myra, Cora, Ruth, Chloe, Blanche, Laura.”

  Ruth smiled. Gema was just as vivacious as ever. She by-passed the steps, jumping down as soon as the conductor was out of the way. Soon, she was hugging each of her friends, letting out a string of broken English in her excitement.

  Glancing up, Ruth saw another young woman descend the steps. There was an aura of deep sadness surrounding her. She went to identify all the baggage being unloaded. This must be Libby Trembly. It was odd that she be sent to Sanctuary House so soon from when she’d arrived there. She couldn’t have been there more than a few months as Ruth and the others had come to Stones Creek in July.

  “Miss Naylor?”

  Ruth turned swiftly toward the male voice. Ira Bragg stood behind her. He was looking her up and down.

  “Yes, Mr. Bragg?”

  “I’ve heard you do cleaning. I’m needing someone to clean the station. Not real good at it myself.”

  “Oh?” Ruth didn’t want to take the job. The man made her far too nervous. “When would you want it done?”

  “I’m thinking Tuesday evenings. That’s one of my nights to man the station and telegraph.”

  “I see.” There was no way Ruth was going to be in the station alone with that man at night. It gave her the willies just thinking about it.

  “Ruth, come.” Gema grabbed her in a hug. “We go now. Want see House. Can’t wait.”

  With relief, Ruth turned from the weaselly man and followed the rest of the Ladies away from the station. Gema was bouncing with excitement as they walked along the boardwalk, passing Cutler General Store.

  Ruth trailed slightly behind walking slowly with Libby Trembly. “I’m Ruth Naylor. You must be Libby. I’m pleased to meet you. Welcome to Stones Creek and Sanctuary House.”

  “Thank you. Pleased to meet you too.” Libby gave a weak smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Ruth got the impression Libby didn’t really care where she was. She decided to become the sad woman’s good friend.

  ~~~~~

  Massot looked up as Hank Johnson came into his workshop. Early March had been horrible for Stones Creek. A measles epidemic was sweeping through the area keeping Massot busy building caskets. He set down the plane he was smoothing with.

  His stomach tightened. Ruth’s face came to mind. He hadn’t heard that she’d taken ill, but Kathryn had. Hank’s face told him he’d be building another casket. Massot swallowed waiting for Hank to tell him who had died.

  “We need a coffin for Lucy Tanner. She passed last night.”

  Sorrow and relief fought within him. “Those poor babes. First, their pa is killed by those outlaws. Now, they’ve lost their ma.”

  “Yeah. Lucy gave the twins to Libby Trembly to raise. They’d gotten real close.” Hank let out a tired breath. “Lucy just gave up. Laura said she never got over her husband’s death.”

  “You’ve been a real blessing to the House, Hank. All you’ve done for the Ladies and children.” Massot picked up the plane and began running it over the wood again. “How long do I need to make the casket for Lucy?” Hank relayed the information, patted Massot on the shoulder and left.

  Massot let the relief he felt that it wasn’t Ruth or Kathryn he was building for flood through him. Not that he was going to act on his attraction to Miss Naylor. There was no way she would want him. He was just a carpenter after all. Just a man who worked with his hands instead of a lawyer or banker or business man.

  He looked around his workshop. In early January he’d asked Ruth to clean it. It had taken several days to get most of the scraps and sawdust cleared out. Then they had arranged his tools, creating permanent places for each one. That had been her idea. It certainly helped knowing where they were when he needed one. That is, if he remembered to put it back when he was finished. He was getting better at that. Or had been before the epidemic struck. Now the place was inches deep in sawdust and scraps again and his tools were scattered around. Once the rush of caskets needed was over maybe he’d ask her to help him again.

  ~~~~~

  Ruth looked down at the girl sleeping beside Kathryn. Nancy Basking slept in the trundle bed nearby. The evidence of tears traced down Mae’s face. What was going to happen next in Stones Creek? First, the epidemic, then Gema was kidnapped by outlaws. By the grace of God, she’d escaped and been found by Red Dickerson.

  When they made it back to town, Gema told enough details about where she’d been held that a posse was sent out hoping to capture the criminal gang haunting the area. The posse hadn’t found the outlaws, but rather four abandoned children. They were in the process of burying a fifth. Brought to Sanctuary House, the children were taken in, bathed, fed, accepted as the precious ones they were in the eyes of God.

  Boone was the oldest and looked to be around twelve. The other boy, Tadpole claimed to be eight. Nina, a little girl the others said was three, had wide eyes that flickered with fear, joy, and longing as her life changed so drastically in one day.

  The one Ruth watched sleeping was Mae. At only ten, she’d been raped by the men of the gang and was suffering the aftermath of that. Ruth understood. So did Chloe McIlroy who had been kidnapped and raped at about the same age as Mae, living with the gang until they’d abando
ned her and her son Duncan when she was about to give birth to Lil Pen.

  “Is she sleeping quietly?” The soft voice of Blanche had Ruth turning her head to see her friend standing in the doorway.

  Ruth stepped back and they went into the hallway. “Yes, she seems to be. The depravity of man. To do such evil to one so young.”

  “I know. At least now they can know the love and security they’ve missed their entire lives. Duncan shows that a child can overcome that sort of beginning. We’ll pray that we can help do the same for these young ones.”

  “How are the boys and Nina?”

  “Nina’s sleeping in with the twins and seems to be doing well. She cried for her mama for a while. Boone said she has every night since the adults all left. He and Tadpole thought they were sleeping on the floor in the spare room on the third floor. They didn’t think they would have a bed. It just breaks my heart.” Blanche’s eyes were nearly overflowing.

  Ruth patted her friend on the shoulder. “I’m so thankful they were rescued and brought here. We can do just like they do at Sanctuary Place back in Iowa. Tend to their physical needs and help the Lord tend their spiritual ones.”

  “Amen.”

  Ruth and Blanche made their way to their own beds, each praying for wisdom and strength to deal with the challenges of the four abandoned children.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  SPRING BEGAN PEEKING its head as tulips and daffodils emerged that the ladies had planted around the foundation of the House in the fall. Massot sat looking out the window of his flat. Below Ruth and her daughter, Kathryn, were planting seeds in the space he’d plowed up for a garden. Ruth had asked him if the Ladies of the House could plant a garden beside his workshop. They would give him all the fresh vegetables he wanted and supply him with canned produce as they processed it.

  Kathryn, though only eleven, seemed to have experience with gardening. She was working in one row and Ruth in another.