Maggie's Strength

by Kimberly Grist

  “The conversation is more than likely about whether or not the foundation is square.” Maggie shook her hand and handed her mother the basket of chicken. “The girls and I will unload the rest. Why don’t you go ahead into the house?”

  Maggie studied the log home with a wraparound porch constructed in a dogtrot style with an open breezeway in the middle. Twin chimney stood on both sides, and matching windows on each structure gleamed in the morning sun. Several women were placing oilcloths on tables put together from sawhorses. “It’s a beautiful home. Looking at it, you would never know a storm came through.”

  “It’s a miracle in my way of thinking.” Tennessee’s skirt snapped in the wind and she planted one hand on her bonnet. “All right, dear. I’ll meet you in the house.”

  Maggie hoisted herself into the back of the wagon, retrieved the baskets of food and handed them to Ruth who passed them to her friend, Mary Ellen—the daughter of the newspaper owner. The banker’s daughter, Kate, extended her arms and accepted her parcel with a bright smile that reached her hazel eyes. “Aunt Lois is already here. She’ll be excited that you wore your new dress. You look pretty.”

  Mary Ellen wore a mischievous grin. “I was going to say that Ruth and I could take the last basket and help you down. But a couple of those fellows who have been staring at you are headed this way. Might as well save it for them.”

  Ruth nodded. “They’re both handsome. One you might know. He’s the new deputy. The one with the mustache is the sawmill owner.”

  Maggie’s cheeks grew hot as she took both young girls’ hands and hopped to the ground.

  Chapter 13

  Maggie took a break from the crowded kitchen and headed to the construction area with her friends, Lois and Emma. She shielded her eyes and took in the scene. The framing work was done and laid in sections on the ground. Several mothers grabbed their children by the hand and led them further away from the work area.

  “My father said the framework requires the most skill and is as important to the barn as our ribcage is to us.” Lois nodded toward the fully braced walls that laid on the ground. “Each section is thirty-feet wide and sixteen-feet high. The coordination of the lift and balance is key to keeping everyone safe.”

  Maggie turned her gaze toward the group of men who had come from town as well as the surrounding area to help their neighbor. Her father pounded B.J. on the shoulder, and he removed his sack coat and rolled up his sleeves.

  The doctor caught her eye and grinned. “Your pa aims to put me to work this morning.”

  “Do you want me to put your coat in a safe place?” Maggie moved closer and extended her hand.

  “Thanks.” B.J.’s fingers grazed hers as she took the jacket. “I’ve missed seeing you this week. But things were so hectic after the storm I haven’t been able to get away from the office until this morning. Save me a place at lunch?”

  “All right.” Maggie smoothed her dress. B.J. lifted his Stetson and ran his hand through his hair. His eyes seemed to follow her father and brothers as they helped organize teams. He leaned forward. His voice was soft. “I’ll see you in a few hours."

  Within minutes, groups were assembled to raise the wall. A man at each corner stood ready with an iron bar. The farm owner, Mr. Murdock, called for quiet. An eerie silence filled the air.

  Lois’s father, Elton Weaver, spoke with a strong voice, long and drawn out as he called out the instructions to raise the walls. “H-e-a-v-e- h-o! h-e-a-v-e-’er-up!”

  Seven men on each side of the barn paused. Some switched positions and hurried with long poles to maneuver the wall when it moved out of reach. Mr. Weaver repeated the instructions. Maggie released her breath as the men rotated places to steady the frame. Her brothers joined Leo and Daniel and braced the corners.

  “I’ve never seen a barn raising before. They sure make it look easy.” Emma shook her head and gazed at the scene.

  “Goodness, I didn’t realize I was holding my breath.” Maggie swallowed. “But you’re right. It’s the epitome of teamwork, isn’t it?”

  “Now that the walls are up, there will be a lot of standing around while the others secure the corners.” Lois gave a quick smile.

  Emma peered at the house. “As much as I hate saying it, I guess we need to go inside and help get lunch ready.”

  ~

  Maggie removed her straw hat and welcomed the breeze that blew through her hair. Emma directed several teenage boys to arrange makeshift tables under a group of oak trees. Lois stood ready to cover them in red-checkered oilcloths. A horse whinnied, and wheels on a buggy rattled in the distance.

  Emma posted her hands on her hips. “Lois, your sister-in-law has the uncanny talent of showing up whenever the hard work is done.” Her focus centered on the attractive bank owner as he jumped from the buggy. The banker’s cutaway jacket coordinated nicely with his gray-striped trousers. He offered a quick smile and wave toward them before extending his hand to his wife.

  “Matt Anderson is certainly handsome. But I’ll never understand what you saw in him.” Emma leaned toward Lois. “His smile reminds me of a Cheshire cat.”

  “He was an attentive suitor.” Lois’s mouth curved at Daniel, who was hammering a sideboard into the barn wall. “We’re all happy with the way things turned out.”

  Maggie bit her lip to hide a smile as Emma continued. “I would say so. You married Daniel, and the banker took your sister-in-law off your hands.”

  As if on cue, the banker's wife extended her gloved hand and alighted from the buggy, looking as though she stepped from a fashion magazine. Another beautiful woman followed her. “Who is with her?” Maggie nodded toward the dark-haired beauty in a silk dress and matching hat.

  “She’s Amanda’s cousin from back east. Victoria Wilson is her name.” Lois heaved a heavy sigh. “They are two peas in a pod.”

  Emma elbowed Maggie and spoke softly. “In other words, you’d better keep an eye on your beau, Maggie. She’s as skilled a flirt as I’ve ever seen. She’s laying her trap, just like a spider.”

  “I don’t have a beau.” Maggie felt her face flush. She busied herself spreading the red-checkered fabric on a table.

  Emma took a tablecloth from Lois and gave her a knowing grin. “Come now, Magdalene Elizabeth, we’ve known each other for years. I promise not to tease. You do like B.J., don’t you?”

  Maggie glanced over at the men who now raced to finish the barn. Leo’s and Daniel’s group were a close second to B.J.’s and her brothers' team. The sounds of hammers pounded as the men secured the sideboards. Deep voices and soft chuckles took on a lyrical melody as men took friendly jabs at one another. She’d be lying if she denied her feelings. “Yes, I like him very much.”

  “Hello, ladies. I trust we’ve arrived in time.” Matt Anderson’s voice called out.

  “Your timing couldn’t be more perfect.” Emma’s mouth twitched, and Lois covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.

  “I picked up some fried chicken from the diner. Where should I put it?” The banker raised a large basket.

  “There are several women setting things out now. They’ll unpack it for you.” Lois inclined her head toward the breezeway.

  “See, Victoria, I told you this would be the place to meet an eligible bachelor.” Amanda strolled arm in arm with her cousin and paused.

  The other woman opened her parasol. “It’s hard to tell from here. Besides, they’re sweaty and dirty.”

  “You’ll get used to the ruggedness soon enough. They’re sure to clean up nicely with just a little encouragement from you, cousin.” Amanda’s mouth rose slightly. “There are several I’d like you to consider. The young doctor in the white shirt is my first choice. If he’s not to your liking, there are others. At first glance, they may be a little rough, but they can keep you in the manner in which you’re accustomed to living.”

  Emma raised one eyebrow. “Told you so,” she whispered.

  Maggie swallowed hard as the two women twirled their para
sols and pivoted toward her. “Why, Maggie Montgomery, I almost didn’t recognize you.” Amanda’s southern drawl seemed exaggerated. “I thought for sure you’d be in your brother’s clothes working like the men.”

  Maggie stiffened. “Amanda, you know good and well I only wear my overalls when I’m working in the smithy.” She smoothed her apron. “I save my nice dresses for days when I’m needed to join with the other women in this town and prepare food for an event like this.”

  “I meant no offense.” Amanda’s mouth morphed into a small pout. “I’m sure everyone will appreciate all the trouble we’ve gone to. But that’s what neighbors do for one another, isn’t it?”

  Emma's eyes twinkled. “Yes, at times like this, you find out who your real friends are."

  Amanda raised one eyebrow and glanced at Emma, then rested her hand on Maggie’s arm. “You know, I’m Lois’s biggest supporter. I recognize her handiwork on the dress you’re wearing. It’s quite an improvement from the last time I saw you.”

  Victoria covered her lips with a gloved hand. Her eyes darted from the tips of Maggie’s shoes and worked their way up to the top of her head. “Surely you’re joking. You work in a blacksmith shop?”

  Pink splotches appeared on Lois’s neck and traveled along her cheeks. “Maggie is an artist. You should see some of the beautiful things she’s created.”

  “But that does remind me of something.” Amanda tapped a gloved finger on her cheek. “Maggie and her father made the sweetest bench for the doctor’s wife. We’ll simply have to stop by and pay a call so we can admire it up close.”

  “Is that a fact?” Victoria giggled. “I can’t think of anything I would like more.”

  Chapter 14

  It didn’t escape Maggie’s attention that Amanda’s cousin positioned herself next to B.J. prior to lunch, managing to sit next to him during the meal. “I think it’s wonderful the way you took the time away from your work as a physician to help this poor family.” Victoria batted her eyelashes. “But surely you could have let the others handle the more primitive tasks. A man of your status should stand back and make himself available in case of injury.”

  “I’m thankful the project was so well organized that there were no accidents or need for my medical expertise.” B.J. smiled at Victoria. “Besides I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie and the delicious food you ladies prepared.”

  Emma met Maggie’s stare and rolled her eyes. “Dinner was certainly delicious. I saw some desserts that caught my eye. Did you make something special, Miss Wilson?” Emma asked sweetly.

  Maggie coughed and her eyes watered. “Excuse me.” She rose from the bench.

  “Are you alright?” B.J’s dark eyebrows drew together.

  “I’m fine.” Maggie waved her hand and strode toward the house.

  “Let me come with you.” Emma followed. She took Maggie’s arm and whispered in her ear. “She’s latched on to him like a tick under a cow’s ear.”

  Maggie giggled and choked again. Emma patted her back with a bit more force than necessary. They paused on the steps. “You gave me the perfect excuse to leave. That woman about made me lose my lunch.”

  “Oh, Emma, stop.” Maggie laughed and wiped her eyes. She tilted her head slightly to look over her shoulder. Victoria blushed and appeared to touch B.J.’s arm, then smiled coyly at something the sawmill owner said.

  “Appears to me she and her cousin graduated from the same finishing school. They’re both the perfect picture of modesty and decorum and about as useless as a gun without a trigger.” Emma’s mouth formed a grim line.

  “They certainly are beautiful.” Maggie choked. “The men seem to enjoy their company.”

  “Not all of them.” Leo appeared and flashed a wide grin.

  Maggie’s hand went to her chest. “Goodness, you surprised me.”

  “Don’t get her coughing again.” Emma pounded Maggie’s back and spoke softly. “What is it about women like that? Why do they attract men so?”

  Leo pulled on his ear. “Well, she’s pretty, but too much like her cousin for me. I was invited over to dinner to meet her about a month ago. Before I knew it, we were on a first-name basis and she had me sitting in the parlor helping wrap yarn into a ball. It was the longest night of my life.”

  Maggie laughed. “I can’t imagine you sitting long enough for something like that.”

  His blue eyes twinkled. “Like I said, she’s pretty.”

  Emma looked toward the hand-hewn beams of the porch ceiling. “Men.”

  Leo shrugged. He offered an arm to Emma and Maggie. “Why don’t you ladies let me escort you to the dessert table? The judging for the best pie is about to be announced and Emma’s husband is going to need some support after he announces the winner. That is, unless he can figure out some way to share one prize with about twenty women.”

  ~

  The clinking of a water glass announced that dancing would begin. The townspeople meandered their way into the newly completed barn. Assorted-sized hay bales provided seating around the perimeter of the room. Lois’s husband and Maggie’s brother, Mike, raised their fiddles. A lively melody full of random trills and extra bits of flourish flowed from the bows as they performed a duet of “Camptown Races.” The sheriff called out, “form one circle around the hall. Gents keep partners on your right.”

  Maggie’s eyes searched the room. Couples formed and B.J. escorted Miss Wilson to the dance floor. She lowered her eyes and let out a breath.

  “Chin up,” Leo’s familiar voice chimed.

  Maggie blinked at the handsome deputy. He lifted his hat. His golden hair curled slightly on his collar. “May I have this dance?”

  “You’re the best friend a girl could ever have.” Maggie took Leo’s arm. He winked and led her to join Emma, her husband, Scotty, and two other couples forming a square.

  The sheriff’s voice called out instructions to the beat of the music. “Ladies walk three steps to center, curtsy and back to position. Gents walk three steps to center, honor and back to position.”

  The caller changed the order of the steps with each song, which added to the challenge. Maggie concentrated on the calls and soon began to enjoy herself as she changed positions and partners until everyone arrived back at their starting spot in the square. “All do-si-do partners and corners, swing partners and promenade.”

  Maggie’s brother, John-Mark, and her father joined the musicians with their banjos and played “Buffalo Gals,” and “Turkey in the Straw.” Leo introduced her to the new deputy and they danced the Virginia Reel. She purposely averted her gaze from B.J.’s and Miss Wilson’s group.

  “Change partners,” the sheriff called.

  B.J stepped in front of Maggie and extended his hand. The bow of the fiddle changed pace and became graceful. He grinned as he pulled her into his arms. “I asked Daniel to play a waltz. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”

  Maggie stiffened and turned her face away. “I’m surprised you didn’t want to continue to dance with Victoria.”

  B.J. cleared his throat. “Listen, it’s not what you think. She started talking to me and I didn’t want to appear rude. I just met the woman today.”

  “You seemed well acquainted.” Maggie met his eyes.

  “I noticed you had your share of admirers.” His jaw clenched as he spun her around the dance floor. “I admit I didn’t like it one bit.”

  Maggie raised her eyebrows. “I suppose I should have stood in the corner, waiting to see if you would ask me?”

  “Someone told me you went home.” B.J.’s brow furrowed. “As soon as I saw Leo leading you out on the floor, I knew I’d been duped.”

  “Let me see if I can guess who told you that?” Maggie huffed.

  B.J. pressed his lips together. “It doesn’t matter who told me.” His jaw twitched. “I’m sorry it took me as long as it did to determine her character. But when you rose from the table, I thought you would be back. I didn’t see any harm in talking to the woman. Again, I’
m sorry.”

  “What are you apologizing for?” Maggie felt her cheeks burn. “You can eat and dance with anyone you want. You don’t owe me an explanation.”

  “I asked you to sit with me at lunch because I wanted to spend time with you.” His eyes searched hers.

  “If that were the case, you wouldn’t have ignored me at lunch.” Maggie swallowed and glanced away.

  “I didn’t ignore you.” B.J.’s voice was rough. “Not intentionally.”

  The sawmill owner tapped B.J. on the shoulder. “May I cut in?” He raised his hat displaying stylish hair. His smile was wide underneath a handlebar mustache. “I’m David Taylor. I’d be honored if you’d allow me a dance.”

  Chapter 15

  The rich aroma of coffee lured B.J. into his parents’ dining room. He moved the velvet drape to the side, casting additional light onto his father’s newspaper.

  “You’re up early. I thought you might sleep in a bit since you got in late last night. How was the barn raising?” His father folded the newspaper and set it aside.

  B.J. rubbed the back of his neck. “Very successful. Although not a huge structure by any stretch of the imagination, the fact we were able to work together as a team and build it in one day was rewarding.”

  He stepped to the sideboard and poured a cup of coffee. “The whole thing was well organized. It reminded me of an operating room for surgery—all the tools available and ready for use. I just held the wall steady while others who knew what they were doing secured things.”

  “I see you switched back to wearing your grandfather’s pocket watch.” Dr. Benton motioned his thumb toward the silver chain threaded through a buttonhole and draped across B.J.’s vest.

  “I traded my gold one in at the mercantile.” B.J. tapped his left pocket. “This is more serviceable and has better memories attached to it.”

  His father’s brow furrowed. “Have you given up hope of reconciling with Claire? As much as your mother and I enjoy your presence, we are concerned you are sacrificing your hopes and dreams for us. Our desire is for you to be happy.”