“Where are you ladies headed this afternoon?” Deputy Scott asked.
Victoria’s exaggerated her southern drawl. “We’re going to call on Florence Johnson and her brothers. Then carry some medicinal teas to Mrs. Miller, who lives next door.”
“I’m not sure it’s wise for you ladies to drive out of town by yourselves. Would you like me to ride along with you? ” Deputy Scott’s voice sounded rough. Garnet gave him a sideways glance, and his blue eyes caught hers.
“It’s only about a half-mile outside of town, but I understand your concerns. Which is why when I drive on my own, I carry two weapons with me.” Victoria patted her hat, then her pocket. “My hat pins and my revolver.”
“If it’s all the same to you, I’ll tag along. I’d like to get a look at the boys' puppy.” Noah rubbed his jaw. “Hope you won’t mind the intrusion?”
“Not at all.” Victoria batted her lashes.
Garnet pulled her attention away from the pair and focused on the fringe of her reticule.
“Okay, you can look up now.” Victoria steered the buggy away from town. “What in the world is wrong?”
Garnet lifted her chin. “Did you encourage Noah to shave his beard?”
“Other than a hello and goodbye, the man barely speaks to me.” Victoria huffed. “But if I had any influence with him, shouldn’t you thank me as opposed to shooting daggers with your eyes?”
“While you were flirting with him a moment ago, it crossed my mind that you are the woman he’s interested in.” Garnet wrapped the cord of her reticule around her fingers.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Victoria’s eyes flashed. “And I was not flirting.”
“And I was not shooting daggers.” Garnet crossed her arms, then huffed. “I’ve thought about it all night, wondering who his love interest is. I heard Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Montgomery talking about a matrimonial service. Do you think he’s writing someone?”
“A matrimonial service?” Victoria’s shoulders slumped. “If anyone should be contacting a matchmaker, it should be me.”
She clucked to her horse, encouraging him past a dip in the rocky road. “Garnet, I’ve seen the way you and the deputy look at each other. What has you so upset?”
Garnet stared at a group of oak trees and yucca plants clinging to three large boulders. “His cousin said a pretty girl gave him a big hint, and since he wanted to impress her, he shaved.”
“My guess is you’re the pretty girl. You must have said something to make him think it would please you to rid himself of his beard.” The outdoor kitchen in front of the Johnson’s log cabin came into view. Victoria pulled to a stop parallel to the raised fire pit.
Victoria’s bay whinnied to Noah’s light-skinned palomino who tossed his white mane as if in greeting. “The only way to know why is to ask him.” Victoria motioned with her thumb toward the deputy.
“I’m not ready to speak about it to him yet.” Garnet cleared her throat. “I need a little more time. I’ll get over him soon …I hope.”
~
“She thinks what?” Noah stared at the path between two clusters of small cypress trees that led to the Miller’s sod house.
Victoria Wilson sat on the front porch of the Johnson’s log cabin, then pointed toward her kid-leather boots. “That’s why I pretended to twist my ankle and asked Florence to walk with Garnet to deliver the basket for the Millers. Based on what your cousin said yesterday at dinner, she believes you removed your beard to impress another woman.”
“The only woman I care to impress is Miss Adams.” Noah ran his hand along his jaw.
“I’m probably the worst person in the world to give relationship advice, but I’d find a way to explain what your cousin said. Try and work it into the conversation.” Garnet’s friend stood and smoothed her skirts. “Provided you have an excuse.”
“I may as well tell you the whole thing.” Noah removed his Stetson and ran his fingers through his hair. “Christmas Eve, Miss Adams gave me a gift. I was distracted and laid it down somewhere. Spent all night looking for it but couldn’t find it. Deputy Weaver told me he saw you both looking at the display of men’s gifts for Christmas at the mercantile.”
Miss Wilson’s eyes widened. “Based on his observation, you assumed what exactly?”
“We looked the merchandise over, and shaving soap seemed the best guess.” Noah returned his hat to his head. “My intentions were to continue to look for the package, but until it turned up, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and shave, just in case Leo’s hunch proved correct.”
Miss Wilson’s mouth twitched, then she broke out into giggles. Noah kicked the dusty ground with his boots. “I’m glad you find this funny.”
She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her eyes. “Garnet is the first woman I’ve ever met who accepted me for who I am, shortcomings and all. Nothing would make me happier than to help you two sweet-but-misguided individuals unravel this muddle.”
Noah posted his hands on his hips and studied the young woman. Most of the single men in town gave the beautiful young woman a wide berth due to her flirtatious and seemingly shallow personality, himself included. Perhaps he was wrong. Noah cleared his throat. “Ma’am, if you could give me any guidance on how to move forward, I’d be most obliged.”
“Garnet did mention you seemed distracted.” Miss Wilson pressed her lips together. “She saw you place the gift in a crate and thought you threw it out.”
Noah stiffened. “She thought I discarded it? No wonder she’s seemed so upset. But why didn’t she say anything? I’ve turned this town upside trying to find it.”
“She didn’t know if it was an accident or if it was an outward symbol of your regard. Then based on your cousin’s comments, she concluded you had feelings for another woman.” Miss Adams offered a half-smile. “Once you tell her the truth, she’ll come around.”
Noah shuffled his feet. “That’s going to be quite a trick, since she can’t abide to be in my presence for more than a few seconds at a time.”
Chapter 17
1890 – Rules for Teachers
Joining women’s suffrage groups will be grounds for dismissal.
After delivering the basket to Mrs. Miller and admiring Thomas’s and Betsy’s Christmas kitten, Garnet and Florence made their way along the path back to the Johnson’s log home.
“Miss Adams, I forgot to mention something to Mrs. Miller. Do you mind letting my brothers know I’ll be a few more minutes? ” Florence asked
“Of course not. You go on ahead.” Garnet lifted her skirts and stepped around a small boulder. In the distance, Bobby and Stephen called to their dog. She stepped closer, then paused. Deputy Scott was crouching on the ground, restraining the puppy while the boys ran in a circle.
“Call him again. boys, and when he comes to you, praise him.” The deputy broke into a wide grin, displaying two dimples when the sable-colored shepherd ran straight to his new owners.
Garnet laid her hand on her throat. For a moment, she couldn’t tear her gaze away.
He rose slowly, then his long stride ate up the distance between them. “We need to talk.”
Garnet skirted around him and continued along the dusty path. “Do we?”
The deputy stepped in front of her and crossed his arms. “Yes ma’am, we do.”
Her heart ached, she closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. Maybe it would be better to hear the man out. Surely there was nothing he could say that could make her feel worse. Unless he was about to tell her who his love interest is. Garnet’s eyes flew open.
Deputy Scott reached for her hand. “There’s so much I need to say, and I’ve been praying for an opportunity to explain myself. Will you give me a chance to try?”
“I suppose so,” Garnet’s voice cracked.
“First let me apologize about Christmas Eve. Since the nativity play went longer than anticipated, I was short on time, since I had to be at the station when the train came in. Then the pastor needed my h
elp, and even though I hurried as fast as I could, by the time I got back, Mr. Weaver was already carting you back to the boardinghouse.” A muscle jumped along his jawline.
Garnet looked down at her feet. “You don’t have to apologize. I knew you were on duty.”
Deputy Scott lifted her chin with his finger. “I wanted Christmas day to be perfect, but I ruined it for both of us.”
Garnet studied the shape of his mouth. She fought the urge to run her hand along his cheek.
“About the gift you gave me.” He glanced at her lips. “When I returned to the front of the church, I looked everywhere and retraced my steps all night over and again. But there’s nothing else to do except admit I lost it.”
Garnet opened her mouth, then closed it. “It was my fault. I picked a terrible time to give it to you.”
“To me, the most frustrating thing about our relationship is worrying about the restrictions the school board demands. My desire is to spend time with you and court you properly.” Noah’s cheeks flushed. “ I’m getting ahead of myself.” His fists opened and closed. “When I couldn’t find your gift, Leo mentioned he saw you and Miss Wilson looking at the Christmas display in the store window. I know this is deceitful, but I was trying to buy some time. We figured the logical gift was shaving supplies.”
Garnet stared at the shape of the deputy’s face and admired his square jaw. “Shaving supplies?”
He rubbed his face. “About my cousin’s remark, Brian knew I shaved my beard for you. He was giving me a hard time. Of course, you had no way of knowing it was his way of teasing me.”
Her heart raced and warmth raced to her cheeks. “You did this for me?”
He placed his hand over hers. “I’d do anything for you. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Garnet threw her arms around his neck.
Noah stroked her hair. “There’s something else I want to say. I know you help take care of your mother and aunt. I’m willing to do whatever is in my power to help you continue.”
“Oh Noah, hearing you say that means everything to me.” Her eyes filled with tears. “ My mother is getting remarried. She and my aunt will be well provided for.”
“I want you to be happy. Even if it means relocating to a big city like Dallas, I can find a job there.” He brushed the pad of his thumb across her cheek. “I’m getting ahead of myself again.” Noah reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. “My Christmas present to you. It would please me if you’d wear it.”
Garnet’s hands shook as she opened the lid. Her finger traced a heart-shaped locket set with small garnets in rose gold. She placed her hand over her mouth. “It’s beautiful.”
“I wanted to get you something special, and when I saw the stones were the same as your name—” He offered her a sheepish grin. “I’m doing this all wrong.”
“No, you’re not.” Garnet placed her hand in his.
“You standing so close to me makes it hard to think.” Noah cleared his throat. “Garnet, I realize getting married goes against the rules of your contract. Even though I’d like to hurry things along, if you’re willing, I want to be upfront with the school board and let them know I plan on courting you. Then if I haven’t scared you off by the end of the school term in the spring, I’d like for us to get married.”
“Ask me.” Garnet grinned.
Noah’s eyes widened. He knelt on one knee. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” Garnet pressed her hand against her heart.
He rose slowly to his feet and pulled her close. Their lips met.
Garnet ran her hand on Noah’s jaw. “I often wondered what your beard would feel like, whether it was soft or scratchy. Thank you for shaving for me.”
“I’ll shave every day for the rest of my life just for the chance to feel your fingers on my face.” He pulled her close.
“There’s something I need to tell you.” Garnet pulled away. “About your Christmas gift.”
Noah’s shoulders slumped. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am about being so careless.”
“I saw you set it on a crate and walk off. I couldn’t take a chance that anyone else would find it.” Garnet shuffled her feet. “So, I took it.”
“You took it?” Noah’s eyebrows shot up.
“I did.” Garnet nodded. “And there’s something else you need to know.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask.” Noah’s back straightened.
Garnet bit her lip. “I knitted you a scarf.”
Chapter 18
Spring 1891
1890 – Rules for Teachers
You will not marry during the term of your contract.
Patting the back of her infant son, Emma strolled into the room next to the sanctuary where Garnet’s mother was lacing the back of her wedding dress. “Mrs. Montgomery and Noah are keeping your aunt company. She’s completely mesmerized by the ladybugs in the church.”
Garnet sucked in a breath while her mother tightened her corset. She inclined her head toward the windowpane, reflecting the morning light. “We have a few visiting with us as well.”
“When a couple landed on Noah’s sleeve, your Aunt Mae said that was a sign of good luck. Mrs. Montgomery agreed, then said the number of spots on their backs is the number of children you two will have.” Emma laughed. “Your poor fiancé turned as pale as milk.”
Garnet giggled. “I’ve always wanted a large family. But two ladybugs’ worth might be a little excessive.”
“The pastor asked me to let you know they’re ready when you are.” Emma rewrapped the baby in his blanket and positioned him in a Moses basket.
“We ought to be done in a minute or two.” Victoria placed her hands on her hips and smiled.
“I’m ready, but my stomach is a bundle of nerves.” Garnet smoothed her hand over her two-piece gown in ivory brocade. Her skirt made a soft swish when she spun in front of the mirror. Matching wedding slippers peeked out from the taffeta-frilled hem. “Thank you, Mama. It’s more beautiful than I imagined it would be.” Garnet wrapped her arms around her mother. “I can’t wait to see the headpiece.”
Garnet’s mother blinked back tears and inclined her head toward Victoria. “When you said you wanted to wear the ensemble I wore for my wedding with your father, I felt confident about remaking the dress. Yet I was doubtful about the bonnet. Wait until you see how Victoria revived it.”
She reached into a box and removed the blue satin cap covered with ivory lace to match the fingertip veil. “I love it.” Garnet squeezed Victoria’s hands.
Victoria positioned it on Garnet’s head, securing it with pins.
Garnet’s mother clasped her hands together. “You look perfect.”
Victoria opened the door to a soft tap. Garnet’s new stepfather stood with her bridal bouquet fashioned with wildflowers and tied with ivory and blue ribbon. “It seems strange that just a few months ago you became my daughter and now I must give you away.” Dr. Darby’s voice was rough.
Beautiful notes from a piano filled the air. “That’s our cue, ladies.” Emma carried her sleeping baby in his wicker cradle and led them into the sanctuary. Mr. Weaver, the chairman of the school board, stood waiting with Garnet’s students, Bobby, Stephen, Thomas and Andrew, who were busy escorting the guests to their seat.
Annie and Betsy wore identical dresses in pink made by Garnet’s mother, and carried small baskets filled with petals. When the girls saw her, they clapped excitedly. “Miss Adams, you look gorgeous.” Annie dropped her container and spilled the contents.
Thankful for the distraction, Garnet admired Victoria’s calm response while she assisted with the cleanup and positioned the girls to enter on cue.
Garnet’s knees knocked when a melody of strings joined the piano. Her fellow musicians, Mike Montgomery and Daniel Lawrence, signaled the beginning of the bridal march with their violins. Annie and Betsy giggled, then strolled down the aisle scattering petals.
Victoria, wearing a simple but elegant blue silk gown,
shot her a grin, then followed.
Dr. Darby patted her arm. Garnet trembled before taking her first step. Noah, handsome in a dark sack coat, vest and string tie, stood proudly next to his father. His face broke out in a wide grin when she entered. The sparkle in his blue eyes made her heart skip.
Pastor Nelson’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Friends, it is my honor to welcome you. We are gathered here on this day to join in marriage Garnet Alice Adams and Noah Christopher Scott. Who gives this woman to be married?”
“I do.” Her stepfather placed her hand in Noah’s, then took his seat next to Garnet’s mother and aunt.
Annie placed her hand to the side of her mouth. “Mr. Preacher, we do too.”
The congregation chuckled and Garnet and Noah joined in.
“Thank you, Annie. Indeed, Miss Adams will be missed in her role as teacher, but we are happy that she and Deputy Scott will be making their home in Carrie Town. We appreciate your willingness to be part of this celebration and embrace the change, which we pray will be a long and happy union. Because marriage was established by God in creation when He said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone.’ Which is why God fashioned a woman and brought her to him.”
Annie huffed and placed one hand on her hip. “Then Eve ate the apple and made a mess out of everything. Right, Preacher?”
The pastor’s dark eyebrows rose. Garnet placed her hand over her mouth, then burst into giggles at the sight of Noah’s shoulders shaking with mirth.
Pastor Nelson pulled on his ear. “That’s a sermon for another day, Annie.”
He opened his Bible, then winked at Garnet and Noah. “In the same way, God placed a rainbow in the sky as a covenant to remind us of His promise to never again destroy all life on earth with a flood. The covenant of marriage is the union of a man and woman in heart, soul and body.”
Pastor Nelson placed his reading glasses on his nose. “Marriage is also for the procreation of children and the Bible tells us, ‘Be fruitful and multiply.’”
The preacher gestured with his long arms. “I’ve grown so accustomed to seeing the ladybugs here each spring I honestly don’t pay them any attention. But I overheard an old wives’ tale this morning about what it means when they show up at a wedding.”
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