Love Inspired Historical October 2013 Bundle: A Family for Christmas\The Secret Princess\Taming the Texas Rancher\An Unlikely Union (9 page)

“Well, I certainly won’t try to force you to relax. You’re free to do as you please.”

Eve was caught off guard by his easy capitulation. But before she’d taken more than a couple of steps toward the stairs, he spoke again. “By the way, I saw you eyeing the piano earlier. Do you play?”

He’d seen that? She thought she’d waited until she was alone to examine it. But there was no point in denying her interest. “Mrs. Mulvaney, our church pianist, taught me to play so I could fill in for her when she couldn’t be there. Though I’m not as good as she is I’ve always enjoyed playing.” In fact, she found great joy in it.

But there was sewing to be done. She turned her steps resolutely toward the stairs.

* * *

Chance noticed Eve had a tendency to downplay her abilities. She’d done it with her cooking earlier, when talking about her sewing skills and now this. Was she merely modest or did she really not know her own talents?

But rather than pursuing that train of thought, he spoke up quickly before she could reach the stairway. “The instrument was here when I took ownership of the place and other than to move it out of my way, I haven’t paid much attention to it since then. To tell you the truth, I’m not even sure if it still functions.” He saw a hint of longing in her eyes as she turned back to study the piano.

So she
was
more tempted than she’d let on. “Before you collect your sewing, I’d consider it a favor if you’d play a tune or two so I can see if it still works.” He pulled a chair from one of the workbenches and set it in front of the instrument. “I don’t know what became of the original bench—this is the best I can do for now.”

She hesitated and he saw her nibble at her lower lip as she glanced guiltily toward the stairs. Would her strict sense of duty win out over her desire to give the instrument a try?

Time to press a little harder. “It truly would be a help to me to have someone who knows what they’re doing try it out. Then I’ll know whether it’s worth the effort to get it tuned or I should just chop it up for firewood.”

She cast him a horrified glance. “Oh, surely you wouldn’t do that? I mean, other than the scorch marks, it looks to be intact.” She moved toward the instrument. “I suppose the sewing can wait just a few more minutes.”

He managed to suppress a triumphant grin. “If you’re sure it’s not an imposition...”

A smile tugged at her lips and there was a flash of guilty anticipation in her eyes. It was the same expression she’d worn when studying the titles in Abigail’s library. He liked her smile—it was the guilty part that bothered him. Why couldn’t she just take pleasure in such harmless entertainments?

He swiped at the bench with a rag, then lifted the keyboard cover. “How’s this?”

Eve settled onto the bench gracefully then smiled up at him. “Thank you, it will do nicely.”

She placed her hands on the keyboard and he wondered what song she would select.

She tentatively played a few opening notes, then paused. There was no sheet music—had she forgotten the rest? Or was it his presence that inhibited her?

But then she straightened, lifted her head and started again. This time she played with more confidence, seeming to lose herself in the music. He recognized the melody from a hymn his mother used to sing while she was gardening. As Eve played on, she hit a few flat notes but overall it seemed the instrument was sound.

When the piece was ended, she rested her hands on her lap, and her mind seemed to be miles away.

“That was quite good.”

She jumped, as if she’d forgotten he was standing there. Then she quickly stood and moved away from the instrument. “I... Thank you.”

That protective urge he’d felt twice earlier, once on the platform at the depot and once in the sheriff’s office, kicked in again.

Luckily, Dotty and Leo stepped out of the kitchen before he could respond. “Eve, you must be responsible for that lovely music,” Dotty said.

Chance answered first, glad for a reason to shift his train of thought. “Of course. And any sour notes you heard were a result of the piano being out of tune. I’ll see about getting that taken care of tomorrow—I’ve heard Daisy mention that her father has that skill.”

Predictably, Eve protested. “Oh, no. That’s not nec—”

He raised a brow. “Are you telling me I shouldn’t get my own piano tuned?”

She reddened. “No, of course not. I only meant—”

“Good. Then it’s settled.”

He turned to Leo, letting her know he considered the subject closed. “Do you know how to play checkers?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then what do you say we see which one of us is the better strategist?”

Chance felt Eve watching as they set up the board and settled into their game, but he refrained from so much as glancing her way.

A moment later she headed upstairs and he watched her climb and turn to her room. She hadn’t said her good-nights so he assumed she wasn’t retiring for the evening. At least he sincerely hoped not.

For Leo’s sake, of course.

A few minutes later she reappeared with her sewing basket in hand. So much for her relaxing with a book.

He watched peripherally as she crossed the room to the table where Dotty sat. Not that she seemed to be paying any attention to him. Instead she asked Dotty about the knitting project the widow was working on and admired her work.

Once she’d settled into her own needlework, Eve seemed in the mood to fill the conversational void.

“I’ve heard several mentions of the Thanksgiving Festival since I arrived,” she said to Dotty. “Can you tell me more about it?”

Did that mean she’d decided to attend?

“Oh, it’s a wonderful time of fellowship,” Dotty said enthusiastically. “Everything is focused on celebrating God’s bounty and enjoying each other’s company. There’s lots of food—supplied by the townsfolk themselves, of course.”

Dotty resumed her knitting. “Just before lunch Reverend Harper will preside over a short prayer service. There are also games and competitions for both the adults and the children. And of course in the afternoon there’s a dance.”

“A dance?”

Chance heard a note of something more than idle curiosity in her voice. Was it surprise, nervousness or something else?

“Oh, yes,” Dotty responded. “It’s quite gay. I don’t participate as I did when my Gregory was alive—these days I spend more time in the schoolhouse watching over the infants and toddlers so the young mothers can enjoy themselves.”

“I like little ones.”

There was a distinct note of relief in Eve’s voice. Did she plan to hide out with the little children when the dancing started? He’d have to make sure that didn’t happen. “Don’t you enjoy going to dances?” he asked.

She turned to him, her cheeks pink. “I don’t know. I’ve never attended one.”

“Oh, my stars.” Dotty sounded truly shocked. Then she reached over and patted Eve’s hand. “Well, then it’s high time you did. And I guarantee you’ll have a fine time.”

Eve fiddled with a button at her throat. “I understand the meal is truly a feast. I’d like to contribute something if I may.”

Chance noticed she’d changed the subject without really agreeing to anything concerning the dance.

“There’s no need for you to feel obliged,” Dotty said. “You’re a guest in our town. We don’t expect you to provide any of the food.”

“Nevertheless, I wouldn’t feel right taking part without contributing something.”

Was she always so serious about everything—even about something as celebratory and full of fellowship as the upcoming town festival?

“That’s very admirable,” Dotty was saying. “Of
course,
you may prepare something if you feel so strongly about it. Is there specific dish you had in mind?”

Leo spoke up before Eve could answer. “How about making some of that candy you were talking about?”

“Candy?” Dotty looked intrigued.

Eve waved a hand dismissively. “I mentioned earlier that I enjoy candy making. But this is probably not the right occasion for that. I can prepare some bread or a vegetable dish of some sort.”

“Candy sounds a lot better.” Leo’s expression was hopeful.

“I’m with Leo,” Chance chimed in as he made another move on the checkerboard. “There’ll be vegetables and breads aplenty. Candy, on the other hand, would be something special.” He gave her an innocent look. “Unless that’s too much trouble.”

“Oh, no, I actually enjoy making candy.” Then she turned to Dotty. “What do you think? I mean, candy sounds like a frivolous offering for such a solemn occasion.”

“Land sakes, no. It’s not so much a solemn occasion as a celebration. I think candy would be a very popular offering. And as Chance mentioned, there will be lots of traditional dishes there already.”

Her face lit up. “Very well then, candy it is.”

For a woman with the courage to face down the conductor the way she had, she sure was timid when it came to other areas of her life. What had made her so afraid to pursue the things she enjoyed?

* * *

Eve smiled as Leo let out a whoop.

“What kind of candy are you going to make?” the boy asked eagerly.

A little bubble of excitement tickled her insides as she thought about his question. It would be such fun to try her hand at candy making again. “It depends on what sort of supplies I can get my hands on, but I think we’ll definitely have sugared pecans and pumpkinseed brittle since there should be an abundance of both ingredients. I’d also like to make some pretty fondant candies and maybe some chocolates, but I’m not certain I’ll have time to get it all done.”

“Oh, boy.” Leo leaned forward. “If you need someone to taste for you, I’ll be glad to take care of that.”

Mr. Dawson grinned. “I’m with Leo, those all sound like delicious treats. And I may just have to arm wrestle him for the chance at being your taster.”

“I’m certain I can use two tasters when the time comes.”

He glanced Leo’s way. “And we can earn that treat by gathering some pecans. I know just the place—we can head out first thing tomorrow.”

He glanced Dotty’s way. “I hope you’re bringing that carrot dish you fixed last year.”

“I am.” She glanced Eve’s way. “Orange-spiced carrots—it was my Gregory’s favorite. And, as it happens, I’d planned to make a couple of pumpkin pies, as well. The seeds are yours to use in your brittle if you like.”

Later that evening, Eve escorted Leo up to his room. He professed himself to be too old to be tucked in like a baby, but she insisted on fussing over him anyway. The boy had been too long without any cosseting and she aimed to remedy that for the short time she would be in his life.

How long would that be? She couldn’t imagine it would take more than a day or two for the sheriff to get a response to his inquiries. Perhaps a little longer since Thanksgiving was the day after tomorrow. But then what? If Leo was truly alone, what would become of him? And what role did she want to play in that? More to the point, what role would she be
allowed
to play in that?

Father above, I know that You are in charge and that things will work out according to Your perfect will. But please forgive me for continuing to worry over the matter. I so want to do whatever I can to assist You, or at least not get in Your way, to see that Leo is well taken care of. He’s seen so much harshness in his young life. He deserves to find a home where he will be loved and well cared for. Show me how to help him.

Amen.

Chapter Nine

T
he next morning, right after breakfast, Eve and Dotty went down to the mercantile to purchase supplies for the cooking they intended to do.

Eve shopped carefully. It was going to take a good portion of her funds to get what she needed, but it didn’t feel right using Mr. Dawson’s pantry items to prepare her treats. If her stay here lasted much longer she’d have to find some way to earn a bit of money. Of course, this could all be resolved soon and her little adventure would be over. She’d be free to resume her journey and take up her role as a milliner’s apprentice.

However, she refused to dwell on that vision of her future at the moment. The here and now was much more exciting, and there would be time enough to think of that after Thanksgiving.

Eve found sharing the kitchen with Dotty was quite different from sharing it with her grandmother. Dotty loved to talk and was full of droll stories about the town and its people, about Thanksgiving Festivals past and about her own life. She tried to draw Eve out about her own life and plans, but Eve managed to deflect most of her questions.

She also showed great interest in Eve’s candy-making efforts, offering to assist without being intrusive, and praising the results.

True to his word, Chance had roused Leo early to go pecan picking and when they returned midmorning they had gathered up more than enough for Eve’s candy making. He and Leo sat at the kitchen table cracking and cleaning the nuts while she and Dotty cooked and baked. The conversation was light and teasing and altogether a new experience for Eve.

By the time they halted for a quick lunch, Dotty had one pie cooling on the sill and another in the oven, and Eve had two trays of candies prepared.

Right after lunch, Mr. Johnson, Daisy’s father, came by and worked on the piano, while Chance headed into his workshop to tinker with something mechanical that Eve didn’t recognize.

When the piano tuner had finished his work, Chance insisted she sit down and play them a song to make certain the instrument was as it should be.

All in all, Eve couldn’t remember when she’d spent a happier day.

* * *

Thanksgiving morning dawned clear and crisp, cool without being uncomfortably cold—perfect for the festivities, which were to be held outdoors for the most part.

Chance escorted Eve, Leo and Dotty to the school grounds, where already a large crowd gathered. Eve liked the look of this place. The building was painted a cheerful red with white trim, and the schoolyard was well kept and equipped with three teeter-totters and a couple of swings, which were already in use by groups of laughing children.

When they stepped inside the schoolhouse, the first person Eve saw was Reggie Barr, who bustled over to greet them. “Adam was looking for you earlier,” she said to Chance.

He hefted the large basket that held Dotty’s pies and a few other dishes. “Just tell me where to set this and I’ll go track him down.”

“Just put it here and we will take care of getting it to the proper spot on the tables.” Then she turned to Leo. “Jack and some of the other boys are tossing horseshoes around back by the well if you’d care to join them.”

Chance placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Come on, I’ll show you where that is.”

Eve thought both of them looked happy to have an excuse to leave what was obviously the women’s domain.

“Where’s that sweet little baby girl of yours?” Dotty asked.

“Mrs. Peavy has her for now. I volunteered to help organize the food as it arrives.” She grinned. “One of the least demanding jobs the Ladies’ Auxiliary had on the list.”

There were over a dozen tables lining the walls and all of them held an abundance of food. Eve looked over the platters that weighed down the tables and inhaled appreciatively. “Oh, my, doesn’t this all smell wonderful? If it tastes even half as good, then it appears we’re in for quite a meal. I imagine there’ll be folks tripping over themselves to get a taste.”

Reggie laughed. “The ladies of the town outdo themselves every year. Truth to tell, I think there’s a bit of a competitive streak involved.”

Eve returned her smile. “I suppose there’s nothing wrong with striving to do one’s best.”

Reggie looked inside the basket Chance had set down. “Now, let’s have a peek at what goodies you’ve brought us.” Then she grinned in delight. “I see your orange-spiced carrots in here. Thank goodness—it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them.”

“Eve here has a special treat also,” Dotty said.

Reggie glanced up. “And what might that be?”

Eve smiled uncertainly. “I made some candies.”

“Oooh, that sounds marvelous.”

Eve was certain she was just being kind. “I’m afraid it’s not much, especially compared to all these beautiful dishes spread out on the tables.”

Dotty tsked. “She’s just being modest. I tasted a few of these yesterday and I predict they’ll go fast. You’d better grab one while you can.”

Reggie grinned. “Thanks for the warning. That’s one of the good things about this assignment—I get to do a bit of tasting before the meal actually starts.” Then she straightened. “And speaking of my job, let’s figure out where we’re going to set out the yummy contributions you ladies brought.”

Just as Eve set the last of the platters on the table, a second woman, one she hadn’t met yet, came up to them. “Hello there. You must be Eve Pickering, Mr. Dawson’s friend. I’m Eunice Ortolon and I run the boardinghouse here in town.”

“Mrs. Ortolon, I’m very glad to meet you. I’ve passed by your establishment and it looks like a lovely place.”

The woman preened. “Why thank you, dear. I do try to keep a tidy, respectable residence for my boarders.” She looked at the platters Eve had just placed on the table. “And what have we here?”

Dotty spoke up before Eve could say anything. “Eve has made some candies for us. Don’t they look delicious?”

“Candies, you say?” Mrs. Ortolon’s tone implied she wasn’t certain she approved. “Yes, very nice.” Then she smiled at Eve. “Make certain you taste my apple pecan pie—it’s right over there. But you’ll have to be quick—it always goes fast.”

“I’m sure it’s quite delicious.”

Dotty took Eve’s elbow. “Oh, there’s Reverend Harper and his wife. Allow me to introduce you.” She smiled at Mrs. Ortolon. “Please excuse us, Eunice.”

After that, Eve found herself being introduced to and greeted by what seemed to be the entire town. Everyone was friendly and welcoming—so much so that she almost felt like a fraud. Would they be so friendly if they knew her background?

The shifting groups of people seemed almost overwhelming. Except for school and church, she’d led a rather solitary life. The home she’d shared with her grandmother had been on the outskirts of town and not many folks had occasion to pass that way. But today, whenever she turned around, Dotty or Reggie or Daisy was at her elbow, pulling her into another group of friends, introducing her, making her feel warmly accepted. And she enjoyed just strolling around, watching the games. Chance and Leo participated in the three-legged race and took third place. When she gave Leo a congratulatory hug she was pleased to feel him lean into it for just a heartbeat before pulling away with little-boy disdain for such signs of affection.

At one point, Chance approached her with another man in tow. “Eve, this is Adam Barr, Reggie’s husband. Adam, this is one of my new houseguests, Eve Pickering.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Mr. Barr gave her a short bow. “And might I say those candies of yours were a real treat. I barely got a taste before the platter was empty.”

“Thank you.”

Chance reclaimed her attention. “I discussed Leo’s situation with Adam. He’s a lawyer and I thought we might need his professional advice at some point.”

Did he really think it would come to that? But it was interesting that he had said
we
instead of
you.
“No offense, Mr. Barr, but I hope we
won’t
be needing your services.”

“No offense taken. Just know that I am willing to help should the need arise.” He gave another short bow. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I see Reggie is signaling for me to join her.”

When he’d gone, Eve turned to Chance. “Do you really think we might need a lawyer?”

Chance shrugged. “Since we don’t know the full extent of Leo’s problems, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have Adam at least aware of the situation should we discover the boy is in real trouble.”

Her expression must have conveyed her worry because he quickly gave her arm a light touch. “Don’t worry, whatever the situation, we’ll see Leo is taken care of.”

Eve nodded, reassured in spite of herself. What was it about this man that made her trust he could work it all out?

Around eleven-thirty, Reverend Harper presided over a short service of Thanksgiving out in the schoolyard. Then he gave thanks for the meal and everyone began to file through the schoolhouse, filling their plates from the oh-so-tempting bounty there.

Several tables with benches had been set up both inside the adjoining classrooms and out in the yard. By tacit agreement these were reserved for the elderly and less agile townsfolk. Everyone else found other accommodations such as the schoolhouse steps or makeshift benches that had been set up, and even blankets spread in the open sunshine.

Eve saw Dotty at one of the inside tables with a group of ladies who appeared close to her in age. Before she could decide whether or not to join her, Chance appeared at her elbow.

“There you are,” he said. “I found us a spot to eat.”

She hesitated a moment. “Have you seen Leo?”

“He’s with Reggie’s family. He and Jack have apparently become good friends.” He swept a hand out. “Now, if you’ll come this way.” He steered her to a makeshift table, constructed from a couple of planks set atop two barrels, where Daisy’s family was seated. Eve was introduced to the only member of the group she hadn’t yet met, Daisy’s husband, Everett. She was immediately charmed by his slight British accent and his dry wit. And also by his solicitation for his heavy-with-child wife.

As the meal progressed, Eve felt a yearning grow inside her that was almost a physical ache. The joy and bond these people shared, and that they seemed willing to extend to her, was something she was afraid to accept. Because she knew it couldn’t last, and if she ever let it in, she wasn’t sure she could stand it when it was ripped away.

* * *

After the meal, the activities picked up again. The youngsters indulged in games of tag, horseshoes and even marbles. Some of the girls found a jump rope to play with. Checkerboards and chessboards came out as did dominos and tiddledywinks.

Eve found herself drawn into a discussion of the best way to can fruit.

Abigail approached her at one point in the afternoon. “I understand you’re the one who brought that tray of pumpkinseed brittle.”

“I am.”

“I’ve never had such a treat before. Who would have guessed that pumpkinseeds could be so scrumptious.”

Eve warmed at the praise. “Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“I have some friends back in Boston I’d like to send gifts to for Christmas. I was wondering if you’d be willing to make another batch that I could purchase from you? I mean if you’re going to be here for a few more days and it’s not too much of an imposition.”

She’d really liked it that much? “I’d be happy to, but you don’t have to pay me.”

“Oh, but—”

“Consider it payment for that book you loaned me from your library.”

Abigail grinned. “Well, if you put it that way I suppose I won’t argue. But I insist on paying for the ingredients.” She smiled. “Which is not saying a lot because I can get the seeds from Daisy—she’s been baking a lot of pumpkin pies lately for the restaurant.”

Eve returned her smile. “In that case you have a deal. I’ll prepare a batch for you as soon as you get me the seeds.”

As Abigail walked away, Eve felt a small spark of pride. Someone had actually wanted to
purchase
her candies. If things didn’t work out for her with Mrs. O’Connell, perhaps she could find a position at a candy store there in Tyler.

* * *

Chance smiled. He’d overheard the exchange between Abigail and Eve and had seen the way it had put that unfamiliar smile of self-satisfaction on Eve’s face. Had she finally started to come out of that timid shell she’d encased herself in? Perhaps there was hope he could entice her to participate in the dance after all.

And he was honest enough to admit his motives for wanting that weren’t entirely altruistic.