Blowing on Dandelions (20 page)

The women put their work aside and turned their full attention on Katherine, each one intent and alert. Finally Leah asked, “So, what happened?”

Katherine settled onto the stool behind her, sticking her needle into the quilt and leaving it there. “I found Lucy in Zachary’s room and confronted them. Lucy claimed she was helping Zachary with something, but she wouldn’t tell me more. I’m convinced the boy is smitten with my daughter, and she’s too young for courting. So I had a talk with his father on the way back from town.”

Ella’s mouth formed a small O. “You went to town together? You and Mr. Jacobs?”

Hester Sue smirked. “No, she didn’t go with Mr. Jacobs; she went with
her friend
Micah.”

“No, I mean, yes … it’s not like we’re courting or anything. I simply took the wagon to the mercantile for supplies and gave him a ride. He’s still on his crutches for a while. That’s all it amounted to, I assure you.”

“Oh.” Ella’s face fell, then lit up. “But you had a day together, and it was lovely.” She patted her swollen belly. “It’s been some time since I’ve had any real romance in my life, so hearin’ about the possibility in someone else’s makes my knees a little weak.”

Katherine stifled a chuckle. “Believe me, Ella, there was no romance involved on this trip, nor will there ever be between Mr. Jacobs and me. Especially after our talk.” She sobered. “He was none too happy that I accused his son of inappropriate behavior toward my Lucy. In fact, he implied it was as much her fault since she was in Zachary’s room, rather than the other way around.”

Virginia’s gaze was direct. “I’m afraid you can’t really fault his reasoning, dear … at least not if you’re fair and looking at it from his point of view.”

Katherine’s indignation rose, but she pushed it aside. She loved this woman and knew Virginia would never say or do anything with the intent to hurt. “Would you explain, please?”

“Mr. Jacobs may have felt you were attacking his son’s virtue unjustly.” She held up a finger when Katherine started to protest. “Hear me out. I’m not saying Lucy did anything wrong, and she’s a young girl who didn’t think through the impropriety of going into his room. Was the door open or closed? Do you think they were trying to hide anything?”

Katherine thought for a moment. “Not at all. The door was open, but not wide enough for me to see in before I pushed it the rest of the way. I heard her giggling and the two of them talking before I entered.”

“Has Lucy ever lied to you that you’re aware of? Do you have reason to believe what she told you—that nothing happened?”

“No, she’s never outright lied. Like any child, she’s probably skirted the truth a bit when it served her purpose, but if asked a direct question, I believe she’s told me the truth.”

“Then if she told you Zachary wasn’t doing anything wrong,” Virginia pondered, “you ought to believe her.”

Katherine sighed. She probably should have talked to these wise ladies before jumping on Micah about his son and embarrassing Lucy and Zachary, but seeing them together in his room had shocked her. “Yes, I suppose. But it still wasn’t right they were together, unchaperoned, in a bedroom. Mr. Jacobs needed to be aware of that fact.”

“I agree; he did.” Virginia nodded, and the other women followed suit. “I’m merely pointing out it may have been totally innocent, and that Mr. Jacobs isn’t at fault here.”

Katherine frowned. “I know he’s not, but he
is
Zachary’s father and responsible for his son.”

“To a point, yes, but just like you can’t be everywhere at once watching your children, neither can he. Let me ask you a question. What if he’d been the one who walked in on those two? Do you think he’d have the right to be incensed and come to you, demanding you take action against your daughter?”

Katherine’s hand went to her throat. “Putting it that way, I suppose I can see how he’d feel. In fact,” she caught her breath as she recalled the last words he’d spoken, “he thinks I was judging Zachary because I believe his son isn’t good enough for my daughter. I’ve made a mess of things, haven’t I?” She bowed her head. The past weeks with her mother’s shenanigans, the advent of Mrs. Roberts, the bickering between the two women, Micah’s accident, and now this business with Lucy and Zachary, left her feeling completely drained.

Virginia patted her hand. “Not at all, dear. Have you prayed about this? You might consider apologizing to Mr. Jacobs.”

A sick feeling lodged in Katherine’s stomach. She hadn’t prayed much about anything lately, she’d been so busy. When had she slipped so much in her daily walk with the Lord?

“Not like I should have, I’m afraid. I appreciate the reminder, Virginia.” She was skirting the suggestion of apologizing to Micah, but that one needed a little more consideration. “I know you’re right about how Mr. Jacobs must have perceived my words.”

Why was she being so stubborn about agreeing to apologize? She was so tired of the battles going on in her home that left her feeling battered; maybe she simply wanted to be right this once.

Whatever the case, Katherine knew she was wrong. The last thing she desired was her relationship with the Lord suffering as a result. She must make this right, and not only for Micah’s sake.

Someone tapped at the portal of the open door, and all heads swiveled that direction. Katherine covered her mouth with her fingertips.

“Hello, ladies. Katherine has told me so little about this group that I decided to come see for myself what I was missing. I found my way down here, and I would dearly love to get acquainted. Introduce me to your friends, will you, Daughter?” Mama stood in the archway, smiling, her eyes pinned on Katherine’s, looking for all the world like a cat that cornered a canary.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Frances swept her gaze over the faces of the five women gathered around the quilt frame, each frozen in place, staring at her as though she were an apparition come to haunt them. At least one of them looked to be her age, so she couldn’t imagine not being welcome. After all, church quilting groups were typically open to anyone who wanted to attend and could handle a needle, and that was one area where she excelled.

A flutter of nerves attacked her spine and almost set her to shaking during the silence that seemed to stretch without end. Had Katherine gossiped about her, and were her friends aghast that she had shown up unannounced? Maybe she should march right back the way she’d come, before one of them opened her mouth and dismaying words tumbled out. She had rarely been wanted in many small groups she’d attended before, so why should this one be any different? Slowly she pivoted, reaching for the door frame with a trembling hand.

“Mrs. Cooper?” The oldest woman in the room stepped from her place and moved forward, her hand extended. “I am Virginia Lewis. You must be Katherine’s mother. We are so happy to meet you. Please, won’t you come in and join us?” She grasped Frances’s hand in both of hers, giving it a warm squeeze.

The rest of the women came alive and moved toward them. Friendly voices were raised in welcome, and smiles creased nearly every face. Every face, that is, but for one.

Katherine’s.

Her daughter’s expression of shock had turned to one of fleeting anger that just as quickly smoothed over into careful acceptance. Had Frances even seen that flash of anger, or had it been something more akin to hurt? But why should her daughter be grieved because her mother came to a church quilting group?

Maybe she’d misgauged Katherine’s reasons for hiding her attendance and walked in where she wasn’t needed, much less wanted. The other women seemed welcoming enough, but for all she knew, it could be an act.

People had set her up to be disappointed before, offering friendship and then withdrawing it as soon as they got better acquainted. She had learned years ago to put her prickles to the forefront to keep from being disappointed. At least she knew what to expect that way and didn’t chance opening her heart only to have it stepped on.

She lifted her chin and sniffed. And she would put up a wall again here, since it appeared she wouldn’t be welcome for long—not if Katherine had much to say about it.

Micah placed his foot on the floor and grinned at the doctor. “Feels good. I’m happy to get rid of those sticks.”

Doc Sanders pointed across Micah’s bedroom to the open door leading into the hall. “Not so fast. Let’s see you walk first; then we’ll decide.”

Micah took a tentative step, then another, lengthening his stride with only a slight limp as he walked into the hall, turned, and came back again.

“How’s the leg feel?”

“Not bad. Sore, but I guess that’s to be expected.” He slowed to a halt a couple paces in front of the doctor.

“It is. Any burning in your muscles or tightness?”

“No, just a little stiff.”

“Good. The gash is healing well, and the stitches are holding. The burned area has covered over nicely and doesn’t appear in danger of infection, so I think I can release you from some restrictions. Of course, I expect you to be sensible, and I’ll want to see you again in a week or so to remove the stitches.”

“How much do I owe you, Doc? I’ll need to make payments, but I’ll get you the money, you can count on that.”

Doc Sanders waved in dismissal. “I’m sure I’ll need your services in the future. As many trips as I make out to the ranches and up to the mines with my buggy, work always needs to be done on a wheel or a harness. I’ll take it out in trade, if it’s all the same to you.”

The tension went out of Micah’s spine. He hadn’t realized how worried he’d been about his inability to pay this bill on top of what he owed Katherine for board. “Thank you, Doc. Much obliged. You say the word, and I’ll take care of whatever you need.”

“Fair enough. Keep those crutches handy in case you overdo and that leg weakens, but I think you’ll be fine if you’re careful.” He plucked his black bag off the dresser and headed out the bedroom door.

“Thanks again, Doc,” Micah called as the man disappeared down the hall. No sense in sitting in his room all day, now that he’d dumped his second pair of legs.

Then his smile drooped as the memory of last week’s talk with Katherine rushed back. Zachary had denied any wrongdoing when Micah cornered him but refused to say more than Lucy was helping him with a project. It didn’t appear to have anything to do with school, and the boy wouldn’t tell him any more. In fact, he’d appeared a bit embarrassed when pressed, but not guilty or sullen. Micah hadn’t been able to make head or tails of it and finally allowed it to drop, but not before he’d made it clear that his son was never to be alone in a bedroom with a female again.

Micah stepped into the parlor and glanced around. He’d half feared that the Roberts woman or her niece might be in evidence, but he was happy to see it empty for a change. Not that he had anything personal against the pair, but he didn’t care to be the object of affection Mrs. Roberts set her cap for—or rather, set Beth’s cap for.

A pinprick of disappointment hit him at not finding Katherine; then he remembered something about her visiting the church this morning. He wandered toward the kitchen on the chance he might be wrong. Not that he wanted another confrontation, but he’d have to face her sooner or later, and it might be easier without others around.

As he neared the doorway into the kitchen he heard a girl’s giggle and paused. Zachary’s muffled laugh followed right after, and Micah picked up his pace. He halted in the doorway and stared at the sight of his son clutching Lucy in his arms, for all the world appearing as though he were hugging her.

Lucy gripped Zachary’s hand and drew him forward. “You can do this, silly. Keep your hand on my waist and move your feet with mine.”

“Zachary!” a man’s voice bellowed, making Lucy jump clear of Zachary’s arms, her hand going to her heart.

Mr. Jacobs stood nearby, horror blanketing his face. “What do you think you’re doing? Get away from that girl this instant!”

Zachary scrambled backward and tripped over a chair leg, sprawling onto the floor. “Pa! What are you yellin’ for? You liked to scared us to death.” He pushed up onto his knees and glared.

Lucy caught her breath as Mr. Jacobs’s expression rapidly changed to anger. What was he thinking, anyway? They weren’t doing anything wrong, and they weren’t hiding in a bedroom this time, either.

“Mr. Jacobs, Zachary isn’t doing anything bad.” She hurried to her friend’s side and bent over, offering her hand while directing a worried glance at his father. “Zachary, are you hurt? Come on, I’ll help you up.”

He scrambled to his feet. “I’m fine.” He scowled at his pa. “Everybody keeps yelling at us! First Lucy’s ma and now you.”

Mr. Jacobs rubbed his forehead. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on, then?”

“I don’t really want to, Pa, but I guess I don’t have a lot of choice.” He tossed a look at Lucy, raising his brows, and she gave a slight nod. “Lucy is teaching me to dance. Or, at least, she was trying to whenever I wasn’t stepping all over her feet.”

“Dance?” Mr. Jacobs looked from one to the other of them. “Whatever for?”

Lucy tried to muster a smile, although her insides still trembled at his bellowing. “Because he wants to ask someone to dance at the social next week.”

“Yeah, Pa. I don’t know anything about dancing, and Lucy promised to help me.”

“So why hide in your bedroom to do it?” Mr. Jacobs frowned. “If it was innocent, you shouldn’t slip away in secret to learn.”

Zachary shrugged. “Guess I didn’t want Beth to find out. Her aunt isn’t good at keeping secrets …” A slow red stain worked up his neck to his cheeks. “That is …”

“I get it, Son.” Mr. Jacobs nodded. “Mrs. Galloway worried something fierce when she found you.” He swung his gaze to Lucy. “And from what I understand, you didn’t tell her the truth, either.”

Lucy dropped her head and scrubbed her toe against the wood floor. “No, sir. I didn’t.”

“That’s not her fault, Pa. She promised me she wouldn’t tell. I shouldn’t have asked her to do that.”

“I see.” He looked squarely at Lucy. “I’d say Miss Lucy has been a good friend, if she kept her word at the risk of getting in trouble.”

“Yes, sir. The best friend a fella could ask for.” Zachary beamed.

Lucy’s heart melted into a puddle at the admiration in Zachary’s tone, and a tiny spurt of envy toward Beth sprouted in her heart.

Katherine slowed her pace, thankful her mother seemed content to walk in silence and wondering yet again why Mama showed up uninvited today. Not that the group was closed to outsiders, but she hadn’t shown much interest since arriving in town. Katherine sorted through her memory to find the exact words Mama had used when she’d arrived over an hour ago.
“Katherine has told me so little about this group that I decided to come see for myself what I was missing.”
She made it sound as though the meeting had been kept hidden on purpose.

In her heart Katherine wanted to deny it, to shout to the skies that her time with her friends was sacred and she had no obligation to invite anyone, much less her mother. But she knew better. She
had
deliberately slipped out of the house more than once, hoping Mama wouldn’t ask to come along, and always breathed a sigh of relief when she didn’t. But why should she invite her? Mama didn’t know these women and didn’t need to take part. Her eyesight and hands weren’t what they used to be, and while she might add something to the work they did on the quilt, she probably wouldn’t enjoy it. Standing too long would bother her feet and ankles, and … Katherine caught herself.

Excuses. Every one.

What if Mama came today because she was lonely? The idea had never occurred to Katherine before. Her mother had never seemed like someone who needed friends, but was that fair? Everybody needed at least one friend in their life. What would her own be like if she didn’t have Leah and the others?

Destitute, but for her two daughters.

Katherine gazed at the diminutive woman limping along beside her. They’d never been friends. Not ever. Not that she hadn’t tried, but Mama had squashed that notion early in Katherine’s childhood….

Her best friend in the whole world had moved away. She’d asked Mama to play dolls, hoping to fill the void. “I am your mother, Katherine, not your friend. You need other people too much, and you might as well get over that. It will only cause you more hurt.” She’d never asked her mother to play dolls or anything like that again…. The pain still pricked to this day.

Katherine blinked and focused on the present. “I didn’t know you were coming, or I would have brought the wagon so you didn’t have to walk. Would you like to lean on me?” She extended her arm.

“Certainly not. I am not an invalid, you know.” Mama sniffed and made an effort to walk the following strides without limping. “Besides, if I had mentioned I wanted to come, you wouldn’t have let me. I know you did not want me there. I saw it on your face as soon as I entered.”