Blowing on Dandelions (19 page)

“I apologize for being gruff. Guess I have a lot to work through right now. Go on. I’m listening.” He settled his frame against the back of the bench.

“It’s about Zachary.”

He shot bolt upright. “What about him? What’s wrong?”

“Oh, dear, I didn’t mean to worry you. I guess I should have said it’s about Lucy and Zachary.”

Micah slowly relaxed again. “What about them?”

“I’m concerned about some behavior I observed last night before supper.” She held up her hand to forestall his questions. “I’ll explain. Just give me a minute. I was looking for my daughter and heard her laughter coming from Zachary’s room. The door was partially open, so I pushed it the rest of the way and stepped in. Lucy jumped back, but it was clear Zachary had been holding her in his arms.”

“What?” Micah choked on the word and then sputtered, “I don’t believe it.”

Katherine waited until they’d crossed the bridge, then reined Gracie to the side of the road and pulled her to a halt. She wound the leather reins around the brake handle and swiveled toward Micah. “See here, Mr. Jacobs. I’m telling you what I saw, and I’m not accustomed to making up stories.”

He held up a hand and shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. Simply that it’s hard to believe my son—my boy—with a girl—”

“He’s not that young. He’s fifteen, isn’t he?”

“Yes. Well, almost. Next month.” His voice dripped with confusion. “What did they say? Did you talk to him about it?”

“No. I told Lucy to get to the kitchen, and then I walked out. I assumed Zachary would tell you about it before I had a chance to.” Katherine had been trying to keep her anger from showing but couldn’t contain it any longer. “Lucy denies anything happened, and I suppose I’m willing to believe that, but I don’t like it. It’s been obvious to me from the start that Zachary is smitten with Lucy, but I told her some time ago that she’s too young to court. She assured me she and your son are only friends, but after what I saw, I don’t believe it.”

“Did she explain what happened?”

Katherine gave a slow nod. “She said it wasn’t a hug. That she was helping Zachary with something, but she promised to keep it a secret. And, if you must know, I can’t for the life of me think of anything she could be helping him with that involves hugging. I’m worried. I can’t have Zachary inviting my daughter into his room and making inappropriate advances toward her.”

Micah’s face hardened. “They’re children, Katherine. You seem to be taking this a bit far.”

“Really?” Katherine stared at him for several seconds, then plucked the reins from around the brake and slapped them against the horse’s rump. “Let’s get home, Gracie.”

The mare broke into a trot that sent Micah rocking against the seat. “I’ll talk to Zachary, but I still think you’re upset about nothing.”

“My daughter was in your son’s room, and his arms were around her.” She kept her tone level, but it took all the effort she could muster. Why didn’t this aggravating man see how dangerous this situation might be? Two young people alone in a bedroom—even if the door had been slightly open—wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

“Yes,” he said with an edge. “She was in his room; he wasn’t in hers. Have you thought of
that
? Besides, I’d like to know what’s wrong with my son. If he did care for your daughter, would that be so terrible?”

Katherine whipped her head toward him. “I didn’t say there is anything wrong with Zachary. That wasn’t my point at all.” Her body began to tremble with barely suppressed frustration and anger. “I can’t believe you’re implying this is Lucy’s fault. She’s only thirteen!”

“Yes, but obviously old enough to know better, and she still chose to enter his room. I’d say your anger is a little misguided if it’s all pointed at my son. And I’m more than a little upset on his behalf, that you apparently feel he’s completely to blame.”

Katherine gaped, then closed her mouth with a snap and turned back to her driving. She wouldn’t argue with this impossible man any more. But from now on, she’d keep an eye on his boy.

Micah gritted his teeth to keep from saying anything that he shouldn’t. Right now he wanted off this wagon and out of Katherine Galloway’s house—and life. Of all the infernal, insufferable, frustrating women, she took the cake. Why did she have to be sweet, pretty, and generous so much of the time, then do this complete about-face and accuse his son of improper behavior? And just when he’d started to think he might be able to open his heart a crack to another woman. Well, it was a good thing he’d found out before anything happened. The last thing he needed was another broken heart.

Exactly what did she have against Zachary that she believed he wouldn’t be suitable for her daughter? Micah hated to think that it had anything to do with his own poor circumstances, with the loss of his home and business. Most likely, he’d not have much to pass on to his son if things didn’t turn around soon. But he’d never have believed Katherine would be so petty as to feel that way. Was it because he wasn’t as educated as her? Did she think his family beneath her?

No, this wasn’t about him, and he shouldn’t try to make it into something it wasn’t, but it stung all the same. His son was a fine, upstanding young man, good enough to court any girl he chose, and Katherine should be able to see that on her own.

The silence hung as dense as quicksand pulling at his boots, ready to suck him under if he so much as glanced at the woman who sat ramrod straight beside him. When the wagon drew to a stop in front of Katherine’s small barn, Micah clambered down from his perch as fast as his injured leg would allow. Good manners demanded he scoot around to Katherine’s side and assist her as she stepped down, so he headed that direction. To his relief, her small feet touched the ground as he came around the back. She reached up to loosen the reins from the brake and her skirt lifted an inch or two. He quickly averted his gaze. “Want me to lead the mare to the barn?”

“No. Thank you. I have a man who does the afternoon chores. He’ll unhitch Gracie and put her away.”

“What can I take into the house for you?” He chafed at standing outside talking when all he wanted was to get inside to find Zachary. He’d get to the bottom of what happened if he had to squeeze it out of the boy.

“Nothing.” She gave a pointed look at his crutches. “It wouldn’t be easy to juggle those and a box of supplies. But I appreciate the offer. Lucy will help.”

“All right. Thank you for the ride. I’ll go find Zachary.” He hated that they sounded like polite strangers who’d only met, but it couldn’t be helped. She’d accused his son of luring her daughter into his room and behaving as less than a gentleman, and until Micah heard the details for himself and made his own judgment, he’d keep his distance.

He didn’t look back over his shoulder as she tarried outside, even though everything within him shouted to do so. This woman tugged at his emotions more than she ought, and he didn’t like it. As soon as he could make other arrangements, he’d move. No way could he allow himself to get entangled in a relationship with someone who didn’t trust his son.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Frances marched to the kitchen, hoping to find Katherine alone. The wagon had pulled in, the front door slammed, and then Mr. Jacobs stomped up the hall toward his room. The man had mastered the art of stomping while using crutches, something she had never thought possible. She smirked. Maybe he and Katherine had a falling out while on their jaunt to town.

She had almost forgotten the plan she’d conceived several days before when she overheard Lucy and that boy talking, but right now might be a good time to put it in place. After all, it couldn’t hurt to give Mr. Jacobs an extra nudge out the door. Not that she had anything against him personally, but with him having no home or prospects, Katherine should be discouraged from looking his direction.

Katherine glanced up from unpacking a crate of provisions and smiled. “Hello, Mama. How are you feeling today?”

Frances wavered, her conscience pinching. Why did Katherine have to be so kind and friendly? It would be so much easier if she were grumpy or disagreeable. Frances pushed those thoughts away. She did not plan on lying, and this was for her daughter’s own good. Katherine had an admirable existence in this house with her girls, and she did not need a man lugging his troubles into her life. “
I
am fine, thank you. Did you get everything you need?”

“Yes, I think so. Would you care for a cup of tea? The kettle is hot, and I’m about finished and ready to sit.”

“That sounds good. I will get the cups.” Frances removed two of Katherine’s special sprigged china teacups, which she reserved for tea with family, and placed them carefully on the table. Her daughter only used these for special occasions, but they so rarely had time to take tea alone together.

She slid into her place. Katherine poured hot water from the kettle and sat across from her with a sigh.

“Long day, my dear? Or is something bothering you?” Maybe she could find out what had transpired between her daughter and Mr. Jacobs before launching into her own tale.

Katherine hesitated, as though trying to decide whether to confide in her mother or not, then slowly shook her head. “Nothing I want to talk about at the moment, Mama.”

“Oh. I see.” The words came out sharper than Frances planned, but Katherine’s words pricked. Why couldn’t the girl ever talk to her about things that mattered? It was either surface chatter or irritation at some imagined wrong she had committed. Katherine never shared any confidences or secrets. Frances pressed her lips together. No sense in starting yet another disagreeable scene. That wouldn’t accomplish her purpose. “Very well, you are entitled to keep your own counsel, of course.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“Nonsense. Do not give it another thought.” Frances lifted her chin. “Do not let a fussy old woman’s words bother you.”

Katherine’s brows rose, sending another shaft of annoyance through Frances. The girl acted like she never spoke kindly to her, for goodness’ sake! Of course she did, but she spoke plainly, too, and it ought not to bother Katherine when she did.

But enough of that. It was time to say what she had come to say.

Frances fingered the handle of her teacup. “I have noticed that Lucy and Zachary have been spending a lot of time together.”

Katherine nodded but didn’t reply.

Not the response Frances hoped for, but she pressed on. “You know, I was interested in my first husband when I was her age. Thirteen is not too young to start thinking about a girl’s future, and Zachary seems like a fine young man. Maybe you should consider allowing him to court her.” There, the words were out, and all she could do was hope they had the desired effect.

“Lucy is too young to court, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t plant that idea in her head.” Katherine set her cup on the saucer. “You haven’t already said something to her, have you, Mother?”

Mother.
Ha! The only time her daughter used that word was when she was overly annoyed. “No, of course not. My goodness, Katherine, you act like you want her to be an old maid all of her life. The girl is young, pretty, and will certainly have boys calling soon. You must realize that.”

“Yes, but she’s only thirteen and still a child. I have no intention of allowing her to court until she’s at least fifteen.”

“You have a perfectly acceptable young man living under your roof who appears to be very interested in Lucy, and if my eyes do not deceive me, she might even return the sentiment. Why are you being so stubborn?”

There, she hadn’t come right out and said she believed or knew Lucy liked the boy. Not exactly. A little coloring of the truth for the good of all concerned. If Katherine believed they were interested in one another, that might be enough for her to ask them to move. Frances sat back, working to keep a satisfied smirk from spreading.

“I am not being stubborn. I am being Lucy’s mother.” Katherine pushed her chair away from the table and rose. “And I do not care to discuss this further. I have work to finish.”

“Whatever you say, dear. I think I will go along to my room to rest for a bit. But you might want to check on Mr. Jacobs. He seemed upset about something when he came in. I hope his leg is not acting up and causing him to feel poorly again.”

She left the room to the sounds of pans clanging and jars clanking as Katherine put the rest of the supplies away. Guilt washed over Frances as she walked to her room. Had what she’d accomplished been worth the price she paid in evoking Katherine’s anger and displeasure? Well, her own mother hadn’t approved of her most of the time, and they’d never been close friends, so what could she expect with her own daughter? She often wished for a closer relationship with Katherine, but she’d had to content herself with June. Maybe getting that man and his son out of the house and letting life return to normal would help. Frances sighed, not sure the Jacobs’ leaving was the answer, but only time would tell.

Katherine wasn’t sure how she’d gotten through the past couple days after her talk with her mother. She still wasn’t convinced Mama hadn’t encouraged Lucy in her behavior toward Zachary, regardless of what she’d claimed. Not that Mama had ever outright lied to her before, but there had been times Katherine suspected she’d shaded the truth in a certain direction when it suited her. After what her mother had shared, she was thankful she hadn’t confided about the episode between Lucy and Zachary. That would pour fuel on the fire, for sure.

Today, Katherine couldn’t get her morning work done fast enough to suit her. Micah had been taciturn at breakfast, Lucy had refused to speak, Zachary appeared to be embarrassed, so she could only assume his father had spoken to him. The only person who didn’t seem to notice the tension was her precious little Mandy, who’d chattered throughout each meal. She talked about the fun she’d have with her friend while Mama quilted with the ladies today. Katherine winced at the memory, wishing Mandy hadn’t mentioned the group in front of her grandmother.

Anger bubbled inside, and it took all Katherine’s effort not to slam the pots and pans. She’d known it wouldn’t be easy having her mother live here, but the years of being apart had softened the bad memories. Since Mama arrived, they’d come rushing back. So many harsh, hurtful words had bruised her young heart, with no tender touches or hugs to balance the pain.

All Katherine could think about at this minute was getting out of the house and off to her quilting session. The ladies were nearing the completion of the quilt and had decided to meet an extra day this month. Thank the good Lord it was today. Everything seemed to be tilting sideways in her world. Maybe her friends could help bring her back into balance.

Drying her hands on a towel she surveyed her kitchen with satisfaction. The bread dough was rising in a large bowl beside the stove and would be ready to punch down when she returned.

“Mandy? Are you ready to go, honey?” Katherine stopped at the door of the parlor and smiled. Her little girl sat on the floor playing with a doll.

“Yes, Ma. Can I take my dolly and the clothes Grandma made for her?”

“Of course. Hurry and let’s go.”

Mandy carefully folded and placed each item into the bag her grandmother had provided for safekeeping, then jumped to her feet and held out her free hand. “I’m ready. Carrie will be so happy to see Verna.” She waved her stuffed doll in the air. “She doesn’t have one with a real head and glass eyes.”

Katherine leaned down to Mandy’s level. “Are you sure you should take her, then? We don’t want Carrie to feel bad that she doesn’t have something as nice as you do.”

“Oh, it’s all right.” The little girl spoke in a wise, serious tone. “She has a doll with real hair, and my doll’s head is naked.”

Katherine choked back a laugh. The porcelain-headed doll was a replica of a newborn baby, and the artist had painted tiny tufts of hair on its head rather than applying real strands. “Well, as long as you girls are both happy, I guess that’s what matters.”

“We are, Ma. And I don’t even mind that Carrie’s doll has long hair.” She placed her petite hand into Katherine’s, and they set off out the front door.

After dropping Mandy at her friend’s house a block or so away, Katherine sighed with contentment and struck out at a brisk pace for the church. She slipped into the building, drawn by the chattering voices and laughter echoing through the open door. This was as close to heaven as she was apt to get today or anytime soon.

Each head turned and faces lit with smiles as she walked into the side room. Voices lifted in greeting and Virginia, standing the closest, offered a warm hug. Katherine melted into her embrace, holding the older woman for several seconds. Virginia stepped back and swept her a quizzical glance. “Is everything all right, dear?”

Katherine inhaled a long, cleansing breath. “It is now. I needed to get out of the house and be with friends who love and accept me.”

Leah cocked her head. “Your mother again?”

Katherine gave a dry laugh. “Something like that, I guess. But truly, I don’t want to dwell on my problems today. Leah, are things getting any better with your father?” She took her place behind the quilting frame and positioned her thimble on her finger, then held up her needle and ran the thread through its eye.

“Yes, I think he’s forgotten all about his efforts at the saloon.” She wrinkled her nose.

Hester Sue poked her needle through a colorful square of the sunburst quilt. “Ain’t no man worth his salt should do a thing like that. No offense to your pa, Leah, but someone needs to knock some sense into that man’s noggin. Why, you’re as fine a lady as they come.”

Leah held out her sun-kissed hand. “I’m certainly no city lady with soft hands and white skin.” She rubbed her fingers against her cheek. “I wish these confounded freckles wouldn’t pop out every summer.”

Virginia patted the younger woman’s shoulder. “Your freckles give you character, and your skin has a positive glow. I wouldn’t worry overly much about little things like that, if I were you.”

“I declare, any man worth keepin’ won’t give a lick about freckles, or brown skin over white.” Hester Sue jabbed at the cloth beneath her fingers, then ran the needle back up through the square. “Mark my words, girl, the good Lord will send along the right man, and you’ll be glad you waited.”

Leah rolled her eyes. “It’s not like I have much choice in the matter, ladies. I don’t have many eligible men beating my door down wanting to marry me. I’ll probably be single forever.”

Virginia shook her head. “I doubt there’s much chance of that, dear. You’re much too pretty to stay single forever, but it’s all in the good Lord’s time.”

Leah brightened and turned to Katherine. “Enough about me. Tell us what’s been happening at your house. I heard you have new boarders—beyond Mr. Jacobs and his son—so your house must be nearly full now?”

“Yes. There’s Mr. Tucker, a single man who’s in town on business. And you know about Mr. Jacobs, Zachary, and my mother, of course, so that leaves Mrs. Roberts and her niece, Beth.”

Ella tugged her needle through the fabric and pushed it in again before looking up. “I met them both in the store not long ago. The girl is lovely, but she didn’t say a word. But as I recall, her aunt didn’t leave much time for anyone else to talk.” She giggled. “Do they have business that brought them to our town?”

“I’m not certain, but it seems Mrs. Roberts might be hoping to catch an eligible bachelor for her niece and marry her off if possible.”

Leah snorted. “Good luck to her is all I can say.” She eyed Katherine. “Sounds like you have your hands full as well as your house.”

“Yes, but if I have anyone else needing a room, I’ll put a cot in Micah’s—I mean, Mr. Jacobs’s—room and move Zachary in there.” Heat crept into her cheeks, and she prayed the ladies wouldn’t notice.

Hester Sue’s head whipped up, and she cackled. “Micah, is it? Well now.” She winked. “Want to tell us about it, dearie?”

Katherine shook her head. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Come now, you used his Christian name, so that must mean somethin’.”

“We’re just friends. We decided it might be simpler to not be so formal.” Hearing the words, she realized how weak they sounded, but she had no idea what else to say. “That is, we were friends of sorts until recently. Now I’m not so sure.”