“Thank you, thank you. You’re so very kind,” Mrs. Stribling said in her loud voice when they entered her kitchen and placed the food on her table. “Please sit down and enjoy a cup of tea with me.” Mrs. Stribling’s wrist was bound, and a sling around her neck kept her arm tucked snugly to her chest.
“We’ll sit a minute, but we’ll have to pass on the tea,” Mrs. Gardner said, taking a chair and motioning for Nellie and Ruby to sit. Mr. Gardner pulled up a chair near his wife. “The girls are anxious to get to the dance.”
“I’m so clumsy,” Mrs. Stribling said, raising her arm out in front of her. “I wanted to attend the dance tonight to visit with everyone and enjoy the fun fiddle music. Now, I don’t feel like going anywhere.”
“You probably need your rest,” Mrs. Gardner said. “And if you leave your windows open, you might hear the music all the way over here.”
Mrs. Stribling’s laugh was hearty. “A splendid idea,” she said loudly, and then turning to Nellie and Ruby, she quizzed them in a softer voice. “And who might you young ladies be dancing with tonight? Oh, how I wish I could watch. I used to be quite the dancer, you know. Why, my Walter and I were known as one of the best dance couples in our day.”
“Nellie’s dancing with George Jepson and Evan Howell,” Ruby said, placing a huge amount of emphasis on both names. “She’s already promised them.” She grinned at Nellie, as though she knew she was embarrassing her sister. “As for me, I’m hoping to dance with anyone. But if I don’t, that’s fine too. I’m like you, Mrs. Stribling. I’m happy to just be around the fiddle music. I can’t tell you how much that music thrills me.”
Mrs. Stribling beamed. “Are the Jepson and Howell boys courting you, Nellie? Is anything getting serious with either of them?”
“Oh, no,” Nellie said, almost stammering. She wanted to kick Ruby for placing so much emphasis on who she was dancing with. “They’re both quite nice, though.” Nellie didn’t care to give a lengthy explanation about the attention of either Evan or George. Besides, if she and Ruby weren’t careful, they might be sitting out the dance in Mrs. Stribling’s kitchen, answering questions instead of enjoying the dance.
Mrs. Stribling showed no intention of dismissing her company any time soon. She was known for freely giving out advice, and that seemed to be her intent now. “Here’s what my mother taught me,” she said, leaning forward and obviously trying to soften her voice. “Watch the boys, and see how they treat their family members. That is how they will treat you, once you marry them and the honeymoon wears off.”
Nellie blushed at the mention of a honeymoon. She certainly didn’t want any more matrimonial advice. “Thank you for the counsel,” she said, taking Ruby by the arm and nudging her toward standing. “I think we’d better set out or we’ll miss the first dance.”
Ruby stood, but stopped abruptly, causing Nellie to bump into her and sit back down. “And we can’t miss the first dance,” she said sweetly. “Because Nellie promised the very first dance to George.”
“Really?” Mrs. Stribling’s eyes widened. “Oh, how I hate to miss that.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” Mrs. Gardner asked. “We’d be happy to help you get ready.”
“You know what?” Mrs. Stribling replied, her eyes now sparkling. “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to sit home by myself all evening. Are you sure you don’t mind waiting for me?”
“We’d be happy to have you join us,” Mr. Gardner said, “and what’s more, we’ll bring you home any time you want to leave, whether the dance is over or not.”
“I’ll have to change my dress,” Mrs. Stribling said, glancing down at her old housedress. “Will it hold you up too much?”
Nellie was quick to offer help. “Nonsense,” she said, knowing they’d have to hurry if they were to make the first dance. She stood and offered her hand to Mrs. Stribling. “Ruby and I will help you and we’ll be on our way in no time.”
It took nearly fifteen minutes for Nellie, Ruby, and their mother to help Mrs. Stribling into an evening dress, and for Ruby to arrange Mrs. Stribling’s hair. But soon, they were all in the wagon headed back to the dance.
“Why does Mrs. Stribling talk so loud?” Ruby whispered to Nellie as they walked into the schoolhouse.
“Don’t you know she’s hard of hearing,” Nellie whispered back. “That’s probably why she decided to come with us at the last minute. Perhaps she realized she wouldn’t hear the music unless she was practically under the schoolteacher’s fiddle.”
“Oh.” Ruby frowned and shook her head slightly. “That would be so terrible not to hear the music.”
When they entered the schoolroom, Nellie was practically pounced upon by her friend, Lucretia Jepson. “My brother’s been looking for you,” Lucretia said, squeezing Nellie’s arm. “He told me you promised him the first dance.”
Nellie nodded. The room was filled with happy, jovial folks, and it was already getting hard to hear anything except the schoolteacher warming up with his fiddle. Mr. Jones sat at the reed organ, looking happy and ready to play.
Lucretia leaned closer to Nellie. “I’m so glad you made it,” she said. “I hope you and George marry. Then we’ll be sisters.”
Nellie blushed. She was hardly planning to marry George, although the possibility kept entering her mind. But every time she entertained the idea, it only seemed like a practical idea, not a romantic one. Her thoughts of Evan Howell were always romantic thoughts, like every time he had given her a wildflower, and like today when she was holding his hands in front of the cellar door. Were those waves of excitement that had flooded through her from fear Evan would enter the cellar and see what was hanging on the ropes, or was the excitement because of the touch of his hands? It was the touch of his hands, Nellie was sure, but still, she cringed, thinking about how close Evan had come to entering the cellar.
Lucretia leaned in again as if she had somehow discerned Nellie’s thoughts. “Now don’t entertain thoughts about Evan Howell. He’s the last person you want to think about marrying. You don’t want the whole town feeling sorry for you.”
Nellie pursed her lips and looked out over the dance floor. Couples were lined up to dance, the fiddler and organ player were ready to begin, and George was walking toward her.
“Ah, you’re here,” George said and bowed slightly. “Shall we?” He took her hand and led her to the end of the line, turning to face her just as the fiddler struck the first chord.
The fiddler and the organ player burst into motion, putting heart and soul into a wave of lively music. All thoughts of Evan Howell receded from Nellie’s mind as stomping, twirling, and clapping took over. After a seemingly long time, the fiddle music faded to nothing, and Nellie, along with George and the other dancers stopped to catch their breath.
“Oh, my goodness!” Nellie exclaimed, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe her face. “That was so fun!”
“Let’s get some cool air,” George said, quickly leading her off the center of the floor toward the door. Once they were outside, he led her to the side of the building.
“George . . . it’s muddy out here,” Nellie said. The evening air felt refreshing, but Nellie wanted to return to the schoolroom before the next dance started. “And I’m supposed to dance the next dance with Evan.”
“A little mud won’t hurt your shoes,” George said. He led her forward a few more steps until they were out of sight of anyone near the door. “Relax, Nellie. Take a look at that beautiful sunset.”
Nellie looked up just in time to see George’s face closing in on hers. He pulled her closer and their lips nearly touched before Nellie jerked her head to the side, and tried to free herself from his grasp.
“No, George,” she yelped, squirming to get away from him.
George forced her face back toward his. He nearly completed the kiss when he was suddenly thrust backwards by Nellie’s fierce kick to his shin.
A familiar voice roared from behind George, an
d Nellie saw Evan charging toward them.
“The lady said, ‘No!’” Evan shouted, his voice grinding out the words. He grabbed George by the shoulders and shoved him into the side of building. Then he took Nellie’s hand and carefully escorted her back to the schoolhouse. He bowed slightly as the music started playing, this time a waltz.
“Well done, my lady,” Evan said gently, leaning close to Nellie’s ear. “You put the rogue in his place. Are you all right?”
Tears welled in her eyes. Romantic music filled the schoolroom and couples slowly whirled past them, shoes and boots gliding across the wooden floor, skirts swishing gently.
“I believe this is my dance,” Evan said, smiling at her in a most kindly manner. “But only if you feel like dancing.”
“My shoes,” Nellie said, her shaky voice almost a sob. “They’re all muddy.” She was actually more upset with George’s brazen behavior than she was with her muddy shoes.
Evan escorted her to a bench, and after a while he took off his boots. “My boots are muddy too,” he said. “But who needs shoes or boots for a night of dancing?”
Nellie’s grin broke like a light in the darkness. She was not about to let George’s poor behavior ruin her evening for another minute. “Who needs shoes, indeed,” she said, quickly pulling off her muddy shoes and tucking them under the bench. They joined the circle where the dancers were already swaying to the rhythm of the waltz. The touch of Evan’s hands and the close proximity to him calmed her trembling heart. When the dance ended, Evan walked her to an empty chair next to Mrs. Stribling, and offered to bring her something to drink.
“Would you like some cider?” Evan asked Mrs. Stribling.
“What’s that?” Mrs. Stribling said, leaning forward.
Speaking louder over the din of the townsfolk, Evan tried again. “Would you like some cider!”
“Oh, yes, please,” Mrs. Stribling said, nodding.
While Evan was gone, Mrs. Stribling practically yelled in Nellie’s ear. “Your young men are impressive. You certainly have chosen young men with good manners.”
Nellie smiled, but she didn’t reply. If Mrs. Stribling only knew, she thought. She would surely change her tune about George.
Later that night, Nellie lay in bed thinking about the events at the dance. George had been rude beyond belief. He never came near her until the end of the evening, and it was a good thing. She had been so furious with him, she would have kicked him in the other shin. His ungentlemanly actions still bothered her, but he had apologized to her just before the last dance. The last dance. She smiled when she thought about it. She had danced with her father, her brother, and several other young men, but she had saved the last dance for Evan. Thanks to Evan, her Saturday night dance had turned out to be delightful instead of ruined.
In outward appearances, George might be the best match for a husband, and he had apologized. But Nellie shook her head as she lay in bed next to her sleeping sister. Mrs. Stribling’s words about watching for the way a boy treats his family ran through her mind. As far as Nellie knew, George treated his family with respect. But the way he had treated her tonight at the side of the schoolhouse certainly hadn’t shown any respect for her.
The most frustrating thing for Nellie was that Evan was a far better person than George, but most of the people in Clover Creek didn’t realize that. She couldn’t understand why so many people thought Evan would turn out to be a drifter like his father. When Nellie finally quit thinking about the dance and let herself slip into a dream world, her dreams were filled with dancing to a waltz in the arms of Evan Howell.
The following morning, Nellie took a basket containing corn bread and apricot jam with her to church. She intended to take the bread and jam to Mrs. Stribling if the older woman didn’t make it to church. Sure enough, there wasn’t a sign of Mrs. Stribling throughout the sermon.
George was at church, but Nellie ignored him. She stayed close to her parents and her siblings when church was over.
“I need to run this bread and jam over to Mrs. Stribling.” Nellie said as her family neared their wagons.
Several of her sisters groaned.
“Mrs. Stribling talks too much,” Alice whined.
“Hush, now,” Mrs. Gardner said. “Taking food to Mrs. Stribling is very thoughtful of Nellie. Charlie, will you drive your sister and anyone else who wants to go with her? The rest of us will take the other wagon home and get dinner on the table.”
“I’ll go with Nellie and Charlie,” Ruby said. “But I may wait outside in the wagon. I have a headache and the fresh air feels good.”
Nellie was thrilled when Charlie offered to wait with Ruby. She had a personal reason to want to see Mrs. Stribling one more time before she left for a few weeks as part of her father’s survey crew. “I won’t be too long,” she said when Charlie helped her down from the wagon.
Mrs. Stribling’s face lit up when she opened her door and saw Nellie standing there with another basket of food. “Oh, you sweet girl,” she said. “I shouldn’t have gone out last night, even though I’m glad I did. Now, I’m completely worn out, and my wrist aches.”
“Would you like to come out and have dinner with us?” Nellie asked. “We’d bring you home whenever you wanted to leave.”
“Thank you, my dear. I think I’ll stay home today and get my rest.”
Nellie helped the older lady sit at her kitchen table and fixed her a piece of the corn bread and jam. As soon as she dared, she sat down opposite her and brought up the other reason for her visit.
“Mrs. Stribling, you gave Ruby and I some good advice last night concerning boys.”
“What was it? Oh, yes.” Mrs. Stribling lowered her voice somewhat. “Watch how a boy treats his family. That’s very important. But there’s another critical trait to watch for in the man you want to marry.”
Nellie’s eyes widened. That was exactly why she had come—to see if Mrs. Stribling had any more good advice for her. “What is it?” she asked, placing her hands on the table and leaning forward. She hoped Mrs. Stribling wouldn’t tell her not to marry a man whose father didn’t support his family.
“Look for a man who loves the Lord. If a man truly loves the Lord, he will love his wife and family as he should, and devote his life to caring for them.”
Nellie sat back, blowing out the breath she’d been holding. Someone who loves the Lord? She hadn’t seen Evan or his family at church for months. On the other hand, George Jepson never missed. Mrs. Stribling would certainly have observed who went to church and who didn’t. Did Mrs. Stribling think George was the better option?
“Now don’t think I know who is the best person for you,” Mrs. Stribling said, as though she had read Nellie’s mind. “And don’t worry if you don’t know who the best person is yet. Just be your happy self and watch and observe. Your heart will know who the right person is as you come to know them better.”
Nellie thanked her friend and explained that she needed to get on home to help her mother with dinner. “I’m leaving in the morning for a few weeks to cook for Pa’s survey crew,” she said. “I’m sure Ma and some of my sisters will check up on you this week to see how you’re doing.”
“Oh, thank you, dear,” Mrs. Stribling said. “You and your family are so good to me. Look for a good man like your pa.”
Nellie wondered what to think as she left the house. Did the fact that Evan and his family had not attended church in months mean that they didn’t love the Lord? And what about George? She had been too embarrassed to tell Mrs. Stribling what had happened with George the night before. George came from a good family. And he had apologized. Should I overlook George’s behavior last night? Perhaps he was simply wound up after that first dance and forgot himself? Should I have let him kiss me without making a fuss?
All the way home, Nellie stewed about finding the right person to share her life with. But then she realized that no one had asked her to marry them anyway. Perhaps, she should try to enjoy each day and not fret
over the future.
6
Monday morning dawned cool and clear with the promise of a pleasant day for a country ride. Evan breathed deeply of the refreshing air as he helped Charlie harness three work teams, hitch them to three supply wagons, and line them up in front of the Gardner barn. He kept glancing toward the Gardner home, but he had yet to see Nellie. Warmth radiated through him as he anticipated working in close contact with her for the next few weeks. Just thinking about being in her presence every day set his heart racing.
By the time Evan brought out the chuck wagon and lined it up behind the supply wagons, a few of the horses snorted and pawed at the ground, adding to Evan’s excitement . He figured the horses were as anxious to get moving as he was. He had never considered survey work before Mr. Gardner approached him about the job, but now he couldn’t wait to get started.
“Okay, boys,” Mr. Gardner said after the chuck wagon was in line. “Recheck all the straps and buckles to make sure everything is secure. I think we’re ready to move out. I’ll go inside and see where our cooks are.”
When Mr. Gardner returned, the whole family followed him to see everyone off. Nellie was the last one out the door, and Evan’s heart drummed in his chest when he saw her. She was wearing a blue dress that matched the sky, and she smiled and waved to him as she stepped down from the porch. Evan wanted to throw his hat in the air.
Mr. Gardner kissed his wife and the daughters who were staying behind. Mrs. Gardner hugged everyone, including Evan. Gunner flitted from person to person, wagging his tail vigorously and whining. He nuzzled Mr. Gardner’s legs, like he had caught the enthusiasm of going somewhere and wanted to be a part of it. Mr. Gardner patted the dog on his head and scratched behind his ears. “I know you want to go,” he said, “but I need you to stay behind and look after the family.”
Her Believing Heart (The Surveyor's Daughters Book 1) Page 5