“Thank you for that at least.” She shook her head. “Nothing will happen to Burt except that his lack of character has been exposed to several influential people in Charlotte who will see his actions stick to him.”
She looked into his face. “The couple who witnessed our proxy wedding was the judge my brother-in-law expected to have me committed. The man he hired as his attorney is someone whose family my father helped decades ago.”
“I see.” His expression remained inscrutable. “Meg, I don’t want you to feel rejected in any way. I mean this as protection for you and the children.”
Desperation clawed at her. A flood of emotion choked her until she could barely speak. In spite of her plans, she blurted, “Curtis, if it’s the money, I’ll sign it all over to you. Or, I can put it in trust for these and any future children.”
How pathetic she must sound. She took a deep breath and searched for calm. None came. “I came all this way to be your wife. Tom and Penny desperately need you to be their father. Can’t you bend a little? Can’t you welcome the three of us into your life?”
“Suppose I can try. But that sends the wrong signals to the children.”
“Curtis, they need to know that if you send me away it’s not because of them. Tom already carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Let him have a little pleasure.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets and paced around the parlor. “Keep your money, but we need to discuss how household accounts will be handled.”
Was he softening his opinion of her? “What do you suggest?”
“Perhaps you can provide groceries, clothing, material needs for the house. I’ll provide printing supplies. Oh, I’d better warn you this house has a mortgage.” He told her the amount he’d paid and how much he owed.
“I have no frame of reference to know if that’s a fair price or not. Doesn’t matter, does it, since the mortgage has been finalized? The homes nearby look pleasant and it will be nice to have neighbors.”
He gestured. “Dr. Nick Walker, his wife Melody, and their toddler live next door. Nick is the one who suggested I move here. We were childhood friends back in Massachusetts and have stayed in touch. Across the street is where the sheriff and his wife live, Quinn and Sarah Cassidy and their children. I see now I was careless to obligate myself for such a large mortgage, but this is the house most suitable for the four of us of any place available.”
“I’m grateful the house is large enough to be comfortable for all of us. If-If you decide we’ll become husband and wife, there’s room for more children.”
She reclaimed her seat in the rocking chair. “You know a bit of my background. I’d appreciate knowing something of your family.”
“I have a brother and two sisters. My older brother, Adam, will take over the family newspaper when my father retires. In fact, he already does a lot of the work. It isn’t large enough to support my parents, Adam’s family, and mine. My sisters have both married and moved west. Daphne and her husband, John Nelson, live in Colorado. Bethany and her husband, Otis Judson, live in Missouri.”
“Is yours a close knit family?”
“We’re not demonstrative but I suppose we’re fairly close. We have our differences. I always knew Adam would take over the family newspaper.”
He continued, “We almost lost everything during the war. We were able to protect the presses but it was rough.” He looked up. “I guess you saw a lot of loss, too.”
“Not property. Our home is in the small portion of the city that was not shelled or burned. We had to fight looters and were almost captured several times, but others helped us. Papa didn’t approve of Burt, but Evie married him anyway. The fastest way to get my sister to do anything was to warn her not to.”
“Same with my sister Daphne. Don’t care for her husband. They have a couple of children now so my parents have stopped hoping the marriage would end and Daphne would come home.”
“I admit having Burt with us helped fend off looters. He’s a large man, tall and built like a barn. When he scowls, he’s frightening.”
He frowned. “Your sister married before the end of the war?”
“She did. Burt claimed he’d been injured and discharged, but I believe he deserted. Thank goodness, I’m away from them. Now that she has to take care of her children and home herself, I wonder how Evie will manage.”
“You don’t know she hasn’t found someone else to help with them.”
“That’s true. I suppose Aunt Felicia will tell me. I was afraid to let anyone else know my new address. Is that terribly cowardly?”
“No, I think it was clever. Burt sounds like a man who doesn’t take loss well.”
“As angry as I am with Evie, I hope he doesn’t take out his anger on my sister.” With resignation, she stood. “If you insist we sleep in separate rooms, then I’m going to the guest room now. I’m exhausted on every level.”
He stood and gave a slight bow. “Good night, Meg.”
She held her head high and hoped he didn’t see the tears on her cheeks. She knew what he said made sense to him. To her, this was painful rejection. She held on to the fact that he had provided a romantic bedroom setting for them as hope for the future.
Curtis watched his new wife walk upstairs. How had this happened? After anticipating her arrival, here he was going to bed alone. Worse, she was certain he was rejecting her as his wife. Not exactly true, but how could he explain his feelings to her? How could he figure them out for himself? His thoughts were coiled like a tightly wound spring he feared would suddenly erupt and spin out of control. He collapsed back onto his chair.
When he’d seen her step from the stage, he’d been flabbergasted that such a beautiful woman would have resorted to using the Grooms Gazette. Blonde with large blue eyes, she was regal as a queen. He supposed whatever threat she faced drove her. The shortage of marriage-age men in Massachusetts obviously extended to all the states on the East coast.
Tom and Penny acted well-behaved, but they were still an intrusion. He didn’t want to be harsh, but he had looked forward to having his own children in a few years. Admittedly, these two were in need of a home now.
Meg was good with the children and willing to help him. But she had too much money to stick it out here in this primitive area. He could have accepted her having just enough to pay her way here and maybe a tiny bit remaining.
But from his viewpoint she was wealthy now—at least if her money arrived. Meg wouldn’t stay with him, not when she had a choice. Remain in a primitive small town with an almost penniless printer or move to a city with more to offer? He knew too well what would happen. By spring, she’d be packed and ready to leave for a city like St. Louis or Atlanta with an easier life.
How could he explain this need in him to be a success on his own terms? Adam had Pa’s newspaper to keep going. Curtis wanted to prove to Pa and Adam that he could create a life just as good as the one they had. With Meg having money, his father and brother would never believe Curtis had succeeded on his own.
He’d seen the sheen of tears on her cheeks as she stood to leave. He was unhappy, his new wife was unhappy, and the two children were afraid of him. What a sorry situation!
Chapter Eight
The following morning, Meg scanned the sign over the newspaper building. The Herald was printed in black letters a foot high against a pale yellow background the same color as the building’s exterior. In smaller print beneath that was Curtis McClain, Publisher. The frame building was about twenty-five feet wide, but she couldn’t see how deep it was yet.
Appearing proud, Curtis opened the dark green door and stood aside for them to enter. “The back room should be a good place for the children to pass the time.”
The interior looked to be about thirty feet deep. Through a doorway at the back of the room, she saw the space Curtis had mentioned.
Once they were inside, Tom stared at the press on one side of the room. “That thing looks kind of scary. Is that how you make a newspaper?”
/> Curtis frowned. “It’s not so much scary as it is dangerous. You must never come in this part of the office unless I’m with you. Do you understand?”
Tom scooted closer to Meg. “Yes, sir. Penny and me won’t cause any bother. We’ll do just what you say and you’ll barely know we’re here.”
Meg patted the boy’s shoulder. “You aren’t in trouble.”
Curtis squatted so his face was level with Tom’s. “I wasn’t scolding you, Tom. I just want to make sure you and Penny are safe.”
“Oh-h-h.” Tom visibly relaxed his posture. “Will I help you with the press?”
Curtis stood. “Maybe someday, but not yet.”
Meg was relieved he had responded to Tom so pleasantly. Perhaps he would soften his attitude toward the children. “For now, you could be a big help if you learn to sweep the floor and bring in wood for the stove. I imagine there are a lot of chores a strong boy like you could handle when you’re not in school or playing with friends.”
Tom clung to her hand. “I know how to sweep. Penny used to help me bring in wood for the fire.”
Meg shepherded the children toward the other room. The building was frigid and she wondered if the stove would warm the entire place.
As if he’d read her mind, Curtis hurried around them. “Let me get the stoves going so it will warm up in here. I’ll start with the one in the back room.”
Meg sat Penny on the bed then took a book from the satchel she’d brought. “Here’s a picture book to show your doll. Tom, I have the book we’ve been reading. I also brought a picture book in case the words are too hard for you.”
She set the satchel on the small table. “There are chalk, slates, paper, grease pencils, and a snack in here. Leave your coats on until the room warms.”
Looking at Curtis, she said, “So this is where you lived for several months.”
He grinned. “You can see that moving to the house was a big improvement. Excuse me while I get the other stove burning. Because of all the paper and ink, I have to be especially careful with fire.” He strode to the other room.
After she’d made sure the children were settled, she went into the main room where Curtis had lit the fire in a larger stove than the one in the back room. “What can I do to help?”
“I’ll give you a tour of the supplies and tell you how I work. Hadn’t planned to spend the entire day here, just show you and the children around a bit.”
“I’m ready for the tour.”
The next day, Meg woke disoriented. Getting her bearings took a few minutes. How she would love to snuggle back under the covers. Instead, she forced herself to dress. If this was considered fall weather, she’d better get busy knitting and sewing for winter.
Perhaps today Curtis would bring the trunk of clothing up here. One held household goods and there was a crate of books that didn’t belong in the bedrooms. The children’s trunk was already in the room they shared and had been emptied and everything put where it belonged.
She slid from bed and hurried getting dressed. Looking around the room, she was reminded of her husband’s rejection two days ago. Some honeymoon they were having, sleeping at opposite ends of the upstairs. How long was this arrangement going to last?
Not that she was exactly eager to consummate their marriage.
Curious, definitely.
Frightened, a bit.
Irritated, most assuredly.
She had hoped for a good life here in Montana Territory. That meant a kind and loving husband for her and the same kind of father for Tom and Penny. Curtis could deny rejecting her, but that’s what she felt. Worrying as much as Tom did, she spent hours fearing her husband would try to send her away as soon as spring arrived. Would she need to get a job of some sort if he did?
What could she do to support the children and her? She could sew and friends admired the hats she made. She could cook. What was she thinking? None of that mattered. What she needed was to make Curtis see she was the right woman for him.
No more was she willing to be only a servant in someone’s home. She would show Curtis McClain he had a rare opportunity to have the best wife of anyone he knew. A good night’s sleep had restored more than her body. She intended to prove she was the woman he needed—and he’d better snap to attention if he wanted her.
She dressed and hurried down the stairs. By the time he and the children came into the kitchen, she had coffee ready, bacon and sausage frying, and biscuits in the oven. Quickly she fried eggs while Tom poured milk for himself and Penny.
Curtis opened his mouth to warn Meg about Penny’s milk, but the little girl spilled it before he could speak or grab the glass.
Meg gasped. “Penny? Now we’ll have to change your dress before we can walk Tom to school.” She grabbed a couple of towels. One she tossed at the liquid running across the table toward the edge before it dripped onto the floor. With the other, she dabbed at the girl’s clothes.
Tom frowned when the mantle clock chimed. “Mama, if we don’t leave now I’ll be late.”
Curtis finished his coffee and stood. Should he stay here and help Meg clean up the milk? He was in unfamiliar territory. “I’ll walk you to school, Tom.”
The surprise on the boy’s face embarrassed Curtis. “Th-Thank you, sir.”
Meg sent him a grateful glance. “Thank you, Curtis. Tom, wear your jacket and take your lunch pail and slate.”
Maybe he hadn’t been jovial as a clown, but neither was he mean. He remembered Meg cautioning him to smile and did. “The teacher is nice so I’m sure you’ll like her.” He shrugged into his jacket and waited while Tom donned his. The boy reached for the metal lunch pail as if it was a sack of gold.
“I don’t know how many children are in your class but there’re bound to be several near your age.”
As the two of them left the house, interest brightened the boy’s eyes. “I sure hope so. I’ve never had anyone except Penny to play with. Mostly, I helped Mama because she was sick.”
“Was she sick before your father died?”
Tom nodded. “I don’t know how long exactly. Papa said she was a little bit sick when they were married, but he wanted her for his wife anyway.”
“Obviously he loved her and it’s nice they found one another. You said they were from an orphanage, is that right?”
“That’s how come they met. Papa left first and got a job then he came for Mama. He said he didn’t make much money, but Mama said they were happy.”
“Why did you have to move out of your house after he died?”
“See, Papa owed money to the bank. Mama was too sick to work and when Papa died, she couldn’t pay anything. The men from the bank said we had to leave and couldn’t take anything with us except one suitcase of our clothes. This man said they were sorry but they didn’t have a choice. Mama told him we didn’t have warm coats and talked the men into letting us each take a quilt and us taking two suitcases of clothes. Only we didn’t have many clothes and mostly she packed our family things from the house. She sure was sad to leave everything else behind.”
“I’m sorry I reminded you of that unhappy time. From now on, your life should be lots better even though your parents aren’t here any longer.”
Tom stopped and looked up at Curtis with a worried frown. “But Mama said they’re angels and would always watch over us. Don’t you believe her?”
Curtis could have kicked himself. He’d botched his effort to ease Tom’s worry about school. “Of course I believe your parents are angels and that they’re watching over you. I meant they’re not here where you can see them like I am.”
Tom resumed walking. “I’m sure glad we got our pictures made. I wish I had one of Papa. Remembering his face is hard now.”
“Don’t worry about what he looked like. Remember how he made you feel and things he told you. That’s what I do when I think of my father.”
“You do? Is your papa an angel too?”
Thinking how un-angelic his father was brought a genuin
e smile to Curtis’ face. His father would be amused at this conversation. “My father is still alive but he’s a long ways from here. I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again.”
“You should write to him and ask him to send you a photograph. Tell him you miss him and what you’re doing.”
Guilt punched Curtis in his gut. Sad when a six-year-old’s comments hit him hard. “I think I will. Do you see that building ahead of us?” He directed Tom’s focus to the school. “That’s where you’ll go to school.”
When they were at the porch steps, Curtis put his hands on Tom’s shoulders. He turned the boy to look the way they’d come. “Do you see our house?”
“I see the upstairs.”
Curtis turned him to face the direction of the office. “Can you see the way to get to the newspaper?”
“Yes, sir. Next door to the Mercantile.”
“Good. I don’t know if Mama will meet you here after school. Can you walk to the newspaper office on your own?”
“Sure I can. When I get there, I promise I won’t be any trouble at all either.”
Another punch of guilt hit Curtis. “I know you won’t, Tom. I’m going over these things because I want you to be safe.”
A cheerful voice said, “Hello, Mr. McClain. Who have we here?”
Curtis faced the teacher. “This is Tom… McClain, who is six and only arrived in Angel Creek two days ago. Tom, Mrs. Schulz is your teacher and is very well-liked by her students and their parents. You’ll be all right now, won’t you?”
Although the boy had gone pale, he nodded slightly. “Y-Yes, sir.”
“I’ll be at the newspaper office all day. If you’re worried, say so now and your Mama or I will come here to walk with you.” As eager as he was to get to work, he hated to leave the scared boy among strangers.
Tom took a deep breath and straightened his little shoulders. “I’ll walk to the newspaper office after school. I can get there by myself.”
Curtis gave Tom’s head a gentle pat. “I’ll see you then.”
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