Blowing on Dandelions (17 page)

“Please, won’t you call me Beth?” Her hand rose to touch the ruffle of lace at her neck. “I have no friends here, and it sounds so dreadfully formal for everyone to call me Miss Roberts.”

“Beth, then.” Pity filled Katherine’s heart at the timid entreaty in the girl’s trembling voice. She could only imagine what her dear Lucy would go through if she were uprooted from her home environment and sent off cross-country with a loquacious aunt to an unfamiliar town—for the obvious purpose of marrying her off to a rich man. “I realize you only arrived a short while ago, but are you settling in nicely?”

“No.” The word came out in a whisper. “I am not. I’m horribly homesick.” Beth bowed her head and covered her face with her hands.

“Oh, my dear! I had no idea.” Katherine wasn’t sure whether to rise and try to comfort the girl or to stay seated and hope she continued talking. “Have you told your aunt?”

The dark curls bobbed an affirmative, but no sound came forth and Beth’s face remained covered.

“And what does she say? Is she willing to take you back home?”

The curls shook, and Beth dropped her hands, revealing pale cheeks. “That’s the last thing she’ll consider.”

“May I be so bold as to ask why not?”

“Mrs. Galloway, if I tell, you must promise not to speak of it.”

“Of course. You have my word.” What could be so horrible at home that Mrs. Roberts would keep the girl from returning? A memory stirred. The woman had mentioned losing part of her money when she’d asked to come back to the boardinghouse.

Beth clasped her hands in her lap. “Thank you. Somehow I knew I could trust you.” She raised tear-dampened lashes and met Katherine’s eyes. “I left the man I love behind. Aunt Wilma thinks he’s not the right man for me, and she seems determined to keep us apart.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Heavy feet clomped down the wood hall and Beth jumped to her feet, her arms wrapped protectively around her waist. “Please don’t say anything to Aunt Wilma. Promise me?”

Katherine rose slowly. “As you wish. You told me very little, and it’s not my place to repeat anything you tell me in confidence. You have my word.”

The girl’s arms dropped to her side as the door flew open.

“Beth? Are you here?” Wilma Roberts stepped inside. “Oh! Hello, Mrs. Galloway. I didn’t realize you were visiting my niece.” She cast a look between the two. “Is anything wrong?”

Katherine moved toward the older woman. “Not at all. I stopped by to see you several minutes ago, and Beth kindly offered me a seat, as she thought you might return any moment. I hope you had a good walk, Mrs. Roberts.”

“Quite.” The tension melted from her shoulders. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“My mother.” Katherine’s words were biting, and almost immediately she wished she could take them back and try again. She hadn’t meant to sound so harsh. “That is, I worried that Mama upset you earlier. I’m afraid she has a rather”—she groped for the right words—“brusque personality at times and isn’t always aware of how she sounds.”

Mrs. Roberts’s brows shot halfway to her hairline. “Humph. That woman knows exactly how she sounds, my dear, and says exactly what she means.” She tossed her parasol on the bed. “I must say that is the only thing I have found to admire about her thus far.”

Katherine knew she must look like a fish gasping its last, so she closed her gaping mouth. “I beg your pardon? You admire her after the way she treated you?”

Mrs. Roberts waved her ring-bedecked hand in the air. “Not at all. Well, I should say, I don’t appreciate the underhanded way she behaved, but that’s not what I meant. Your mother is blunt, but she is not afraid to say what she thinks. I like that. Too many people hide their feelings behind falsities. Now take me, for example. I come right out and ask people a question if I want to know something. I don’t beat around the bush and hint. Mrs. Cooper and I have that in common, I believe. Although I will admit I wish she’d learn to couch her opinions with a bit of courtesy and grace.”

Katherine hardly knew how to respond and shot a glance at Beth. The young woman shrugged but didn’t offer a comment.

“Yes, indeed. And something else. I am quite ashamed that I wasn’t aware your mother had been ill. I have a family remedy that might help. I took a walk trying to clear the cobwebs and hoping to remember exactly what it is. Once I can recall it, I will be sure to share it with her. She’d like that, don’t you think?”

“I …” Katherine tried to get a grip on her whirling thoughts. She’d come hoping to calm Mrs. Roberts’s ire and keep her from doing anything hasty that might cause more distress in the household, but the woman had taken a walk hoping to remember a family remedy that would help her mother? Maybe she hadn’t made a mistake about letting this odd pair move back to her home, after all. “Forgive me for appearing rude, but you took me by surprise. I thought I’d find you angry and hurt at my mother’s behavior.”

“Oh, that. Piffle. I was quite upset at first, and had I not made a promise to you to try to hold my tongue, I would probably have said something I’d later regret. But once I had time to think about things, I realized the poor old dear must be lonely for companionship. All she needs is a friend to pour out her troubles to, and that’ll put her sour spirit to rights.”

Katherine didn’t know whether to weep with relief or laugh hysterically at the picture Mrs. Roberts had painted. She couldn’t be further from the truth. Mama would never pour out her troubles to anyone, least of all to Wilma Roberts. And if Katherine didn’t set things straight quickly, there’d be even more hurt feelings in the future. “Um … Mrs. Roberts?”

“Yes?” She waved toward the chair Katherine had recently vacated. “Forgive my manners. Please. Sit down again.”

“No. I can’t stay, but I must tell you something.” She paused, unsure how to continue.

“Go on. I’m listening.”

“You’re very kind to want to help my mother, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea to try.” She inwardly groaned. That hadn’t exactly been what she’d wanted to say, but it certainly was the truth.

Mrs. Roberts narrowed her eyes. “And why would that be, might I ask? Surely everyone needs a friend.”

“Yes, I’m sure you’re correct.” Katherine hedged, wondering how in the world she’d explain without heaping more hurt on this kind-hearted woman. “It’s just that Mama isn’t like everyone else. She’s always been a loner in many ways, and I’m not sure …”

“Not to worry, my dear.” Mrs. Roberts smiled, a dimple in her left cheek peeking out. “I know how to deal with women like your mother. Kill them with kindness, that’s what.”

Katherine reached for the door. All she wanted was to get out of this room and to the safety of her kitchen. “That’s very good of you. But I hope you won’t be too disappointed if things don’t work out. As you mentioned earlier, Mama has a mind of her own, and she can be a bit unpredictable.”
And that’s being charitable
. “Now I’d best get back to work. I have baking to start before supper.”

“Give it time, Mrs. Galloway. Your mother and I will end up being fast friends, you will see.”

Katherine gave a weak wave toward Beth, feeling as though she’d swallowed an egg whole. Trouble was coming; she knew it. And there wasn’t a thing she could do to prevent it.

She slipped out and headed down the hall, then paused on her way downstairs. Lucy could help with supper preparations, and Amanda was old enough to set the table. Swinging toward Lucy’s room, she tapped on the door and poked her head inside. Nothing. But she was sure she’d heard her older daughter’s giggle. Picking up her pace, she rushed forward, hearing it again, louder this time. The door to Zachary’s room stood cracked a couple inches and Katherine halted, her hand over her heart. Surely her daughter wasn’t alone in a boy’s room; she’d taught her better than that. Giving a quick rap on the door, she opened it wide and gaped.

Lucy jumped back from Zachary’s embrace, a horrified look clouding her features. “Ma! What are you doing here?”

The blood pumped through Katherine’s veins like fire blazing a trail to her heart. “I won’t let you make the same mistakes I did at your age.” She gripped her daughter’s arm and yanked her toward the hall.

“I didn’t do anything wrong.” Lucy’s words rose in a wail. “Let me explain!”

Katherine’s voice shook, and she willed it to settle. “Out.” She pointed at the door, then swiveled toward Zachary. “I’ll thank you to keep your hands to yourself if you live in my house.” It was all she could do not to grab him by the scruff of the neck and haul him to his father’s room, but she couldn’t continue to react out of anger. She would not imitate her mother. No, she’d wait and speak to Micah when her emotions calmed.

The color drained from Zachary’s face, and he gave a short nod.

“But, Ma—” Lucy’s eyes pooled, and she stepped toward her mother.

“Out, Lucy. Downstairs to the kitchen.” Katherine waited for her elder daughter to leave the room and shut the door behind her.

Lucy met her at the bottom of the stairs, her stormy face set. “I can’t tell you what I was doing because I promised Zachary to keep it a secret, but I didn’t do anything wrong, Ma.”

“That’s not enough, Lucy. I can’t have you making promises to boys and doing things I don’t approve of.”

“You’re not being fair.” Lucy whirled and raced for the front door, slamming it behind her.

Katherine started forward, but by the time she reached the foyer, she’d reconsidered. Memories from the past threatened to swamp her. There were things Lucy needed to hear, but they’d have to wait. There was no sense in making this situation worse, and her daughter was too upset to listen to reason. First her mother caused problems and now her child. What in the world was next?

Micah slowly made his way to the breakfast table the following morning, thankful he could now care for his own needs. He’d appreciated the care of others when he needed it, but sitting at the table made him feel less of an invalid. Doc said the burns were healing nicely, and the pain had lessened, so Micah no longer lay awake the entire night. He’d almost given in when Doc Sanders had first offered laudanum, but in the end he managed to resist the lure of the medicine that would dull the pain—and dull his senses right along with it.

Mrs. Roberts scooted back her chair, stood, and pulled his out. “Well, dear boy. How’s your leg today?”

“Tolerable, thank you. But you didn’t need to get up.”

Apparently Mrs. Roberts didn’t listen to directions. When she made her mind up, she was like a bull intent on breaking a fence to reach green grass. Oh well, better to let it go. He reached behind him, placed the crutches against the wall, and slid into the chair she drew out for him.

“No bother at all, Mr. Jacobs.” Her joyful smile creased her cheeks. “We were all talking about an upcoming social in a couple of weeks.”

Zachary brightened. “Can we go, Pa? Mrs. Galloway is going to bake pies for it, and everyone is welcome.”

Mrs. Roberts cleared her throat. “And my sweet Beth will be baking pies, as well.” She addressed the silent girl sitting beside her. “Won’t you, dear?”

Red raced into Beth’s cheeks as the gaze of everyone at the table swiveled toward her. She placed her hand over the base of her neck and ducked her head. “I’m sure Mrs. Galloway won’t want me in her kitchen, Aunt Wilma.”

“I’ve already spoken to her about it.”

Katherine nodded and sent Beth an encouraging smile.

Her aunt rushed on as though she hoped to convince the girl before she fled. “As long as you get your baking done before she needs to start, and leave the kitchen clean, of course.” She faced Mr. Tucker across the table. “Beth learned to cook at the boarding school she attended back East, you know.” The words came out with a simper. “She got very high marks. Are you planning on attending the social, Mr. Tucker?”

Micah covered his smirk with his hand. If a man could turn green, Jeffery Tucker did so quite nicely. “Uh, I’m not sure, ma’am.”

Sympathy for the man welled in Micah’s chest. Being cornered by this woman was not a pleasant experience. Beth was little more than a child. Certainly not the type or age Mr. Tucker would be interested in. His gaze shifted to Katherine Galloway sitting at the head of the table. Not that he had any personal interest in marrying again, but if he ever did entertain the idea, a woman with wisdom and grace would be far preferable to one recently out of boarding school.

Zachary placed his palms flat against the table. “If Pa comes, I’ll be there, Mrs. Roberts. I’ve saved a little money from chores, and I’d be pleased to buy one of Miss Beth’s pies.”

Startled, Micah stared at his son. No mistaking the admiration coloring Zachary’s words. Could the boy be smitten with the young woman? But she had to be, what, three or four years older than him, didn’t she? He frowned and studied Beth. Not the slightest hint of flirtation showed. In fact, if anything, she appeared a bit shy and embarrassed.

Maybe he’d imagined the interest in Zachary’s voice. But at almost fifteen it was possible a pretty woman could turn his head. Something to watch out for. However, he’d been certain his son was infatuated with the Galloway girl. He cast a quick look Lucy’s way and didn’t note any jealousy. He gave a mental shrug. Matchmaking, or an understanding of the subject, wasn’t something he had a hankering for. He’d best turn his thoughts elsewhere. “Mrs. Galloway?”

Katherine’s eyes widened. “Yes, Mr. Jacobs?” A hint of a smile touched the words.

“I seem to remember you mentioned going to the general store today. I’d like to come with you, if I may. I’ve waited long enough to see the remains of my livery and pick up a few things at the store.” He regretted the gruffness that roughened his voice and cleared his throat, hoping to lighten it.

“Certainly, Mr. Jacobs. I take my horse and wagon when I go to market, so I don’t have to carry my supplies back. I’d be happy to give you a ride.”

“Much obliged.” He dipped his head briefly but didn’t remove his gaze. Such lovely blue eyes—almost like the color of a mountain lake on a calm day, restful and pure. He wrenched his attention away before everyone noticed him staring.

The rest of the meal passed quietly, as the diners dug into their food. Micah tried to repress his growing anticipation. His heart rate increased as he imagined sitting next to Katherine on the wagon seat. Of course, that was mostly due to anxiety over seeing his burned home and business for the first time since the fire, he was sure of it. Yes, his excitement about the trip was solely an eagerness to see if anything had survived.

It wasn’t acceptable for it to be anything else.