“I’ll be fine,” said Tamara. “You are a talented dressmaker, Kara. Has anyone ever told you that?”
“No, Mrs. Spencer. Just a job that puts bread on the table.” Kara had heard that comment thrown in her face enough that she almost believed it at times.
“You put your heart and soul into your creations. I am not convinced it is merely a job.”
Chris came bouncing into the room. “Got the fire in the stove at the schoolhouse going, Mama.”
“Thank you,” Tamara said, turning to smile at her daughter.
“Mrs. Spencer, please stand straight or I’ll never get this hemline done in time.” The dish slipped from Kara’s hand and pins scattered across on the floor. “Stupid me!” Kara bit her lip, sorry the instant the words slipped from her mouth. She’d read in a book that an outward showing of confidence was necessary for a woman in business. No one should detect that the town seamstress was uncomfortable in her own skin.
Chris dropped to her knees to help. “Mama says stuff like this is just an accident – like spilled milk – nothing to get our hair in a frizzy about.” They all laughed for the child’s hair was indeed red, wet and frizzy at the moment. “And I know all about accidents, Miss Frankford. Mama says I am one just waiting to happen.”
Kara blushed. This type of bantering was not something she enjoyed often. In her childhood home, she was expected to do chores and keep her mouth shut. And she’d discovered, at the seat of learning, that obedience to her father was the best route to follow.
Chris chattered on. “You just keep pinning the dress, Miss, and I’ll pass them to you as I pick them off the floor. Two sets of hands will get this hem turned up real quick.”
“Keep an eye to the clock, Chris. You might need to ring the bell for me and get the children settled in their seats. I don’t want to waste Kara’s time having to come back. She’s a busy woman.”
Kara pondered those words. She was busy. Women, and a few men, came from the surrounding area for her to design their garments. But, this was her first wedding dress, and she wanted it to be perfect – the lacy top, the embroidered flowing skirt with an extra layer that trailed on the floor, and the fifteen round pearl buttons that fastened the bodice at the back. Her father would say it wrong to feel pride at such an accomplishment, but that would not stop him from stealing the money she’d earned with her needle while sewing it.
“When I get older, Miss Frankford, you can design my wedding dress. I couldn’t wear this one. That wouldn’t be fair to Annie – unless we both wear it, of course. My, wouldn’t that be carrying the family ties into the next generation.”
Tamara laughed. “You will have to excuse my daughter. The good Lord blessed her with an overactive imagination and the gift of gab to boot.”
“She’s delightful,” said Kara, secretly jealous for the freedom this young girl enjoyed with her family and peers.
“Miss Frankford – if you ever need help at the shop I’d love to come over. I can clean and set up good displays to draw the customers in. Mama even says I’m pretty fair with a sewing needle.”
“Now whatever brought that on? What will happen when we move out to the Parker ranch after the wedding?” Tamara asked.
“Well, she might not be so busy after your big day. Marriage gowns are time-consuming, Mama.” Another thought seemed to take its place. “Or better yet – why don’t we get Miss Frankford to make a new dress for Annie and me. We’re walking up the aisle too, with the basket of petals.” With every word, Chris’ excitement heightened. That idea is even better than working!” She covered her mouth. “Whoops! Of course, I can still help Miss Frankford.”
The young shop owner laughed. “With you around, I fear we would get no work done.”
Chris straightened and handed the tin container to Kara. “Most times, I can keep my tongue under control. The Good Book says I need to learn so you’d be doing the Lord a favor by having me around. Might make me a better Christian.”
Both ladies burst out laughing.
“When you put it that way, how can I refuse?” said Kara.
“Beware, my daughter is the queen of convincing others to do her bidding,” said Tamara. “You do not need to have her under your feet. She will understand.” Tamara cast a long glare in Chris’ direction.
“Of course, Miss Frankford. The decision is totally yours. Just offering some free labor to move your busy day along.”
“I could not have you here for free. That wouldn’t be right.”
“You’d be keeping my over-active tongue tied to the roof of my mouth and Mama would be forever grateful for me to learn such a discipline.”
“If you’d like to come in after school, we’ll talk about how you can help. I never seem to get to the cleaning, and I’m afraid that Mrs. Hollinger called me up on it the other day.”
Chris bounced to attention and grabbed Kara’s hand. She shook it to seal the deal. “Be here prompt-like, right after Mama rings the school bell to dismiss the class.” She raced for the door. “Speaking of bells, best go ring it now before the students all freeze and their fingers won’t work to write out their lessons.”
“I’ll be right behind you – just as soon as I get out of this dress. Thank you, Chris.” Tamara was speaking to her daughter’s fleeing shadow now, for Chris had raced out the door and was headed in the direction of the schoolhouse.
*****
Chris saw Annie sitting on the steps, her eyes spanning the road between herself and the boarding house. When Annie caught sight of her best friend, she jumped to her feet and ran to meet her halfway.
“Where have you been?”
“Setting the plan in motion. I have good news. Not only have we picked the recipient of Mrs. Claus’ ornamental gift, but I also have an inside track to make sure the magic happens.”
“I thought we made team decisions,” Annie said.
“We do! And I did hint at knowing a possible candidate for the lonely heart. Can’t be another lady in this entire town as needy as Miss Frankford. The opportunity to set it all in motion just fell into my lap – quite by accident. It even surprised me when Miss Frankford swallowed it up – was as easy as drawing a bee to the honeycomb.” Chris could barely contain her excitement.
“But what will I do?” Annie asked.
“I’m sure there will lots for both of us to do as the plan takes hold.” Chris stopped and grabbed Annie’s arm. “We need to make an ornament! Mrs. Claus is taking far too long to respond to our letter.”
“But we don’t know the rules and what about the magic?”
“We’ve been enlisted for this job. Surely the love dust will fall on our creation too. Besides, I know just what to make.”
“Care to enlighten me?”
“It needs to be something with fabric – that will make it significant for Miss Frankford.”
“I suppose you’re on the right track, but what about the counterpart? We don’t even know who her perfect man is yet, so how can we match him up with her?” Annie stood on the side of the road, perplexed. A sleigh whizzed by in the direction of the schoolhouse. “I don’t think this job is as easy as it first appeared.”
Chris pulled her forward. “We’ll figure it out. Right now, I have to ring the bell and get everyone inside. Mama will be along shortly.”
*****
At the shop, Kara hummed while she worked her needle. That wee one of the schoolteachers was quite a gal to handle, but she liked her. Chris was everything she’d hoped she could have been – if born to a different family. The only dream fulfilled in her twenty-six years of life was this shop. And that was permitted merely because her father saw the enterprise as money in his pocket. How she longed to break free. But she could never leave her mother alone. Millie Frankford would shrivel up and die without her baby girl to take her mind off the biggest mistake she’d ever made when eloping with Sam Frankford. Her mother’s emotional dependence on her only daughter had spilled out many times over the years during their
goodnight prayers. It smothered the child, but as an adult it killed Kara’s dreams for a life of her own choosing.
What would she get the child to do after school? Cleaning had been suggested and that sounded like the perfect place to start. She wondered why the girl offered to work for no wages. Surely there was something she wanted to buy – perhaps for her mother’s wedding. A thought came to her. They’d work on an embroidered coverlet for the child to give as a gift. That would accomplish two things. Kara would not feel guilty at using the girl without pay, and she’d be able to see how experienced Chris was with the needle. If her business continued to expand she’d need an apprentice. Although, the child was too young to know what she wanted to do as her life’s work. Kara suspected she’d make an excellent writer if she could somehow put to pen all that chatter she loved to spout.
Sure to her word, Chris bounced into the shop thirty minutes after the bell ended the day for the children.
“Had to wipe the board, Miss Frankford. That’s my responsibility every night. Then Mama said I needed to change out of my school clothes. That’s why I’m a tad late.”
“Nonsense. You must always put your mother’s requests ahead of mine. I’d expect nothing less from a dedicated employee.”
“Employee – that word has a mighty fine ring to it.”
“I’ve been mulling over a few things that need doing. Of course, cleaning is a high priority that I never seem to find the time to complete. I’d appreciate you dusting and sweeping when you first come to work. I am open to any suggestions that you have to offer as to new eye-catching displays to lure people in.”
“Oh, yes, Miss. Mama says I have a great sense of balance when it comes to setting things up pretty-like.”
“Good – I don’t. If its not a clothing design, I’m lost.” Kara spoke in a no-nonsense tone. “Also, since you refuse to take money for your labor, I was thinking I could help you create a delicate piece of needlework for your mother – to give as a wedding gift.”
Chris brought both hands to her mouth, and when tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, Kara knew she loved the idea.
“Oh, Miss Frankford. You are an answer to my prayers. Mama loves beautifully embroidered designs, but I never had the need to learn the skills while living in Texas. My Granny always purchased or hired out such elegant pieces. My fingers always itched to give the task a whirl, but there was always something else to do on the ranch. I love horses, you know.” Chris stopped chattering. “Now, I promised Mama I would not talk your ear off. Just show me to the cleaning supplies, and I’ll get to work.”
“You and I are going to get along just fine, Chris Spencer. Follow me to the storage room.”
Chris’ eyes bulged at the quantity and diversity of supplies piled around the large room. “Why Miss Frankford. This room provides me a feast of ideas to decorate the space at the front of your store. It could become a grand showroom, not just a passageway to your sewing room.” She fingered glass vases lined on shelves, naked manikins – with spare body parts thrown in a box. Reams of cloth, both simple and extravagant, lay piled in crates. Chris brushed her face against a piece of red velvet. “This is soft like a kitten. I can imagine this fabric cushioning the dining room chairs in some high-class lady’s house, or draped across her windows, or worn as a cape to a party.” Chris straightened and grabbed the box of cleaning supplies. “Sorry Miss. Forget myself sometime.”
Kara laughed. “I’ll leave you to it then. If you need me, I am in the sewing room.”
Kara picked up the arm piece for the dress and dropped into her seat, squirming to find a comfortable spot in the lumpy cushion. Kara dared to imagine the thick, lush velvet under her, but quickly cast the thought aside. She was not a grand lady living in a lakeside estate, and never would be. Concentrating on the clear-cut path placed before her would save disappointment in the end. Dreaming was for the young.
An hour passed quickly, and Kara wondered what her new employee was up to. She stood and stretched then went into the front room. The clean smell in the air drew her in and the thick layer of dust that had lain on the cashier table for a week was now gone. She smiled. An ornate vase holding a bouquet of colorful, artificial flowers sat next to the antique cash register, and in front of it sat an exquisite glass dish with a few wrapped candies inside.
Chris entered the room with her arms full and stopped. “Finished the cleaning out here, Miss Frankford, and thought I’d throw a few splashes of interest around the place. Got a heap of ideas, but can’t stay too much longer. The boarding house serves supper promptly at six, and I need to freshen up. Did you know people come from all around the town to eat with us? Some folks just never cook. Between the Diner and the Boarding House, them ladies are reaping in a great business.”
“Yes – I’ve been tempted to eat at Fran’s, just so I can remain in town and continue working into the evening hours.”
“You should come sometime. There are a few bachelors that show up regular-like. You might enjoy keeping company with one of them.”
Kara laughed aloud, but it was weak and shaky. That would fall under the dream category, which had no place in her life. “I don’t have time for men, Chris. But thanks for thinking of me.”
“Can’t just eat, sleep and work forever. Mama says a woman needs to set down roots with a man. Sort of balances it all out somehow.”
Kara laughed. “Your mother is a wise woman, and I am pleased she found love with Joel Parker. That man was never meant to stay alone for as long as he did.”
“There are plenty of others to pick from,” Chris said.
“Are you a matchmaker in disguise?” Kara said as she narrowed her gaze in on the youngster. She witnessed the child shrink back. “I’m sorry – did I offend you, Chris. I was only funning with you.”
“Mama says I talk too much. Don’t pay no mind to me.” Chris went to the entranceway. “I’ll be back tomorrow to set up more decorations if you like?”
“Yes, you have already breathed new life into the space. Thank you, Chris. This was a perfect first day together.”
Chris bundled into her winter coat, boots, hat and mitts and waved goodbye. “See you tomorrow, Miss Frankford.”
A COUNTERPART
Chris scolded herself all the way to the boarding house. She had no idea her matchmaking efforts would become so obvious. The last thing she wanted to do was scare the woman away before the man of her dreams came calling. She’d been contemplating a counterpart for Kara and had a few questions to ask Fran, the owner of the boarding house. That woman knew everybody in the entire territory it seemed – if not personally, definitely by name or reputation. Chris had heard her say that many a thread of gossip had started from the diverse clientele that sat around her supper table. Not that Chris was interested in gossip – she wanted the raw facts that might serve to tie two lonely hearts together.
Annie met Chris the moment she walked into the house. “Pa surprised me. He finished chores early and said we were eating with you and your mother tonight. That man is head over heels in love – rather comical to see at times the way he carries on, tripping over his own feet.”
“I am so happy you’re here. We have a lot to talk about. Let me get out of these work clothes first.”
Tamara rounded the corner and heard that last comment. “Hurry with the outfit change, Chris. Supper is near ready to put on the table and Fran could use your help setting the table. We have a full house tonight.”
Chris groaned, and Annie whacked her arm. “Sure thing, Mrs. Spencer. Tell her we’ll be right in.”
When Tamara disappeared into the kitchen, Annie said, “Pa is taking your mother for a romantic sleigh ride later. He’s hoping for a bit of kissing under the stars and filling her ear with plenty of sweet talking.”
“Guess romance don’t mind that it’s freezing cold out there,” Chris said.
“The man has come prepared. He brought a mountain of rugs for them to snuggle under.”
Ch
ris’ voice took on a teasing chant. “I can picture it now – the dimly lit lantern swaying in the evening breeze; the reflection from the stars twinkling in their eyes; and the moon casting just enough of a glow to send sparks of love-dust all over their good sense.”
The girls giggled as they raced off to the bedroom. Although the new job description with Mrs. Claus involved matters of the heart, their young age restricted understanding of how the entire messy affair could seize and hold captive a perfectly sensible person within its grasp. Definitely a disadvantage for the young sleuths, but Annie was a fast learner, and it appeared Chris could naturally transport herself into the swooning, dreamy approach of a relationship between a man and a woman.
Five minutes later they returned, making their way quickly to the formal dining room. Chris went into the cabinet, withdrew a pile of plates and handed them to Annie. Next came the green cloth napkins, quality silverware, water goblets, cups, and saucers. Chris placed the long hot mats along the middle row each side of the low oblong flower display that took center stage. Fran preferred providing a family-type sit-down supper, as opposed to placing it all on the morning sideboard. Her regulars appreciated the homey touch she added to their solitary lives.
“Solitary lives!” Chris shouted aloud.
“What?” Annie asked.
“Lots of single men come and eat at this table. Keep your eyes peeled for the perfect counterpart for our dear, Miss Frankford.”
“Did you receive a letter from Mrs. Claus yet? I’m not comfortable diving ahead of her lead,” said Annie.
“We are hard-pressed for time. Winter will understand. Besides, she said she was tired after a busy season. She might appreciate us showing a bit of initiative.”
The doorbells chimed every time a new guest arrived. Chris and Annie relieved them of their coats, scarves, and hats, hanging them on hooks in the entranceway. When everyone had made their way to the dining room, the girls quickly lined the boots up in a tidy fashion and followed them in.
Cupid Valentine (Ornamental Match Maker Series Book 11) Page 2