Hester's Hope

by Danni Roan

  “I don’t know what to say,” Mrs. August whispered looking at Hester for help, as the women all dispersed to various jobs. “What should I do?”

  “Why don’t you put on the coffee,” Hester whispered back. “I’ll speak with Polly.”

  Mrs. August stumbled toward the kitchen, too shocked to argue.

  “I’m going to check on the goats,” Janine said dreamily from where she stood studying the stairs.

  “I’ll come with you,” Beverly hurried to fall into step. “The goats have been very sweet.”

  Polly smiled watching the two traipse out the door as Sara walked back in carrying buckets and cleaning supplies.

  “Polly,” Hester called, walking to the older woman who stood by the door. “We certainly didn’t expect you and the others to come help with the house. What was your plan?”

  “We’ll do whatever needs done. Some of the men folk will be along after school lets out.” Polly looked around smiling as Becky rejoined the group. “Becky, why don’t you see if Mrs. August can use some more help in the kitchen, you know your way around there after being here yesterday. Quil get some polish and start on the woodwork in the office across the hall.”

  “Oh Hello,” Hyke stumbled into the room. “I came to see Hester. Are we having a party?”

  Hester giggled. “Uncle Hyke, some of the ladies from town have come to help us get this house ship-shape.”

  “Well isn’t that a treat?” The old man smiled walking to his niece. “How are you feeling?”

  “Dizzy,” Hester admitted.

  “Doc Walker will be along to see her shortly,” Polly interjected. “Harlan’s off to fetch him now.”

  “You gave me a scare,” Hyke said, bending and kissing Hester on the top of the head. “I’m headed back down to that pit of despair,” he added. “It’ll be safe and clean when I’m done with it.”

  “What’s all this?” Cecil walked into the room wiping his hands on a greasy rag, as Hyke exited. “I go out to get the pump working and come back to an invasion.”

  “Mr. Payton, Mrs. Olson has brought a welcome committee and cleaning crew.” Hester grinned.

  “We figured with a place that has sat empty for so long, you could all use an extra hand or two.” Polly grinned, turning to examine the house more closely. Besides,” she added with a wicked grin. “We all wanted to see what this place is like. It’s in better condition than I would expect.”

  “The house was well built and closed up tight, so it has held up well,” Cecil said, feeling a little overwhelmed. “There’s a terrible lot of work to be done, but at least the roof is sound.”

  “That’s good, George doesn’t like working on roofs at his age.” Polly’s chuckle seemed to put everyone at ease.

  “I’ve got the coffee on,” Mrs. August walked back into the room watching the two older women washing the dirty windows at the front of the house, a bemused expression on her face. It was clear to see that the housekeeper wasn’t accustomed to receiving help.

  Polly Esther walked to Mrs. August taking her hand. “That’ll be nice for when we take a break. How about we go upstairs and see what we can get into.”

  A moment later, Hester was alone with Mr. Payton who was looking at her intensely.

  Chapter 22

  “How are you feeling?” Cecil asked, running a hand behind his neck. He could still feel Hester in his arms as he carried her from the dark basement below.

  “I’m afraid I get dizzy when I try to stand.” Hester replied. “Mrs. Dixon, one of the women that came with Polly, sent her husband to fetch the doctor. I tried to stop her but…”

  “I’m glad she did.” Cecil looked up noting the two older women washing the windows on the front porch, one carefully directing the other. “I didn’t want to override you when you said you didn’t need one earlier.” He shot Hester a half smile and she responded with one of her own.

  “Who’s that?” Cecil stepped closer as a young woman carried a bucket and broom up the stairs.

  “I think that’s Sara, Mrs. Dixon’s daughter. Becky is in the kitchen with Mrs. August, and a woman named Quil is cleaning mantels. It all makes my head spin.”

  Cecil crossed the space between them in one stride falling to one knee. “Why don’t you lie down again,” he urged. “You need to rest and get better.” He felt his heart stutter as he thought of trying to go on without Hester’s help.

  Hester met Mr. Payton’s eyes and something quivered in her stomach. He was a very handsome man and his eyes drew her in.

  “Hester.”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m, I’m glad you’re alright. I will be relieved when a real doctor checks you out though.” He turned pacing the room as he questioned the strange feelings in his heart. He was starting to care for the pretty woman who had done so much to care for Bev and Jonas. “Thanks for not letting the children run you off.”

  Hester opened her mouth to reply, but Mr. Payton was gone, walking through the kitchen door without a backward glance.

  Hester settled herself back onto the sofa, feeling guilty for not doing something to help as a whirlwind of activity buzzed around her. She wasn’t used to sitting still while others did things for her, and it felt odd, but she knew that it was the best thing she could do. Unfortunately, that left her mind all to idle to consider her feelings for Mr. Cecil Payton.

  By noon, all of the ladies returned to the living area to join Hester and the others for tea and sandwiches. She was surprised at how comfortable she felt with the others and even Mrs. August seemed to relax as Becky helped her bring the food out and place it before their guests.

  “Mrs. August?” Hyke stepped into the parlor, his white hair sticking up in all directions from the dust and cobwebs covering his head. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he stopped looking around at the women. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your tea party.” The old man’s brows rose high as the women tittered.

  “What is it Mr. Johnson?” Mrs. August turned pinning him with a condemning look.

  “I just wanted to know if I can have one of these sandwiches on the table.” Hyke scanned the room again, looking ready to bolt at any moment.

  “Yes, those are for you and Mr. Payton.” The housekeeper turned back to the children who sat with the adults. “Jonas you may eat with the men if you like.”

  Jonas sprang to his feet racing to the kitchen without a backward glance, relieved to miss out on women’s talk.

  “Now it’s just us girls,” Beverly piped, making everyone laugh.

  The ladies had nearly finished their lunch when a buggy arrived and Doctor Walker knocked on the door. “Where’s the patient?” the man asked, hefting a black bag in one hand as he smoothed his gray mustache with the other.

  “Here,” Hester greeted. “I’m Hester Johnson. I’m so sorry to trouble you.”

  “No trouble,” the doctor replied walking into the room and squinting at her. “That’s a nasty bump,” he pointed at her head. You’ll need to take it easy for a few days at least.” The graying doctor turned gazing at the other women who rose returning to unfinished jobs.

  “Uncle Cecil is looking at the barn,” Beverly spoke to Janine, taking her hand as they walked toward the door. “Do you want to see it?”

  Hester smiled. Beverly had gravitated to the young woman with the sweet little girl, and it made her happy to see that Bev was adjusting to her new home.

  “I can carry Alice if you like,” Beverly’s voice was hopeful.

  “Well, let’s take a look at you,” the doctor pulled a chair close sitting down and taking her wrist, checking her pulse before examining her eyes. “I’d say you’ll be fine,” he grinned. “Just take it easy. If you feel light headed or faint, sit down.”

  “I’m so sorry you had to trouble yourself coming all the way out here,” Hester felt a trickle of embarrassment at all the unexpected attention.

  “I’m just doing my job. Besides, I’ve always wanted to see this place.” The old man grinned, offering
Hester a wink.

  Mrs. August walked into the room with a fresh pot of tea. “How is she?” she asked the doctor. “Will she be all right?”

  “She’ll be fine.” Doc Walker patted Hester on the shoulder and pushed out of his chair. “She’s young and healthy, and sensible enough to rest for a few days.”

  Mrs. August smiled, an unfamiliar sight that seemed to soften something in Hester’s heart. Perhaps there was hope of a true friendship between herself and the housekeeper.

  “I have another call to make,” Doc said pulling a watch from his vest pocket and checking the time. “If you start having regular headaches send for me again.”

  “Don’t you at least have time for a sandwich and a cup of tea?” Mrs. August looked at the tray in her hands.

  “I’m off to see to Constance Wooster,” Doc said, eyeing the sandwich. “She’s due to have her baby, and I should get over there.” He licked his lips, then looked up to meet Mrs. August's smile. “Her grandfather is poorly as well ya see.” The older man ran a hand over his mouth and jaw, smoothing his bushy mustache.

  “Well at least take the sandwich with you,” Mrs. August insisted. “I’ll wrap it up.”

  “It’ll be fine as is,” Doc grinned snatching the thick ham sandwich and giving a nod. “Let me know if you need me,” he mumbled around a mouthful as he hurried out the door.

  In a matter of moments the man was gone, the sound of a horse and buggy making a brisk exit from the yard. If this kind of traffic kept up the drive way would be the clearest spot in the yard.

  No sooner had the doctor gone than the sound of another buggy and the laughter of children filled the outer yard.

  “This is turning out to be a very busy day,” Hester smiled as Mrs. August rushed back to the kitchen to prepare more refreshments. It was obvious that today was to be a revolving door of people.

  Chapter 23

  Another round of people poured into the house, men with various tools, and children with excited voices.

  Jonas immediately corralled Mark and Georgie hurrying them to the attic to get their ideas on how to make it his own special place in the far reaches of the old house.

  Beverly shyly invited Alyssa to see her room, but Alyssa insisted she had to help her step-mother first with cleaning first. Soon both girls were busy washing windows upstairs as they chatted, getting to know each other better.

  “Mr. Olson, I can’t just sit here anymore,” Hester said as George Olson walked into the room, a hammer in his hand. “Will you be kind enough to escort me to the kitchen?”

  “I’d be delighted,” the older man grinned offering his arm. “Polly said you had a nasty fall.”

  Hester nodded, pleased that this time when she tried to stand, the world stood mostly still.

  “Hester, I don’t seem to know what to do,” Mrs. August fluttered when Hester took a seat at the table. “There are people in and out and all around. It’s chaos.”

  Hester grinned. “I think this is just how Biders Clump does business,” she suggested. “People are friendly, helpful, and more than a little curious. We should be thankful they wanted to help.”

  George Olson chuckled as he helped Hester to a chair. Folks around town were a close knit bunch and believed in helping their fellow man. Still grinning, he turned heading back the way he had come.

  “But what should I do?” Mrs. August seemed completely unable to adjust to the informal manner of the day. Her dark eyes were wide as she watched Mr. Olson leave.

  “Just go with it.” Hester smiled, feeling compassion for the stalwart woman. “Why don’t we make a big pot of stew, so that everyone can eat here and not have to go home and cook later?”

  “Well, yes. I guess that would work.”

  “No, need for that,” George Olson returned carrying a large pot in his hands. We men were charged with bringing the food along with the children.” The old man winked a devilish grin on his face. “We want you to all feel welcome and right at home here in Biders Clump. We might be a tiny town, but we have a big heart.”

  Hester couldn’t contain herself anymore and burst out laughing. “Mrs. August, I think you might want to see if Hyke can use your help in the cellar at this point. Everything seems to be under control up here. Perhaps you can guide him in arranging whatever it is he has found down there.” The young woman hoped that sending Mrs. August downstairs would give her time to collect herself.

  “Mrs. August, why don’t you find Polly Esther,” George intervened. “I’ll go down and help Hyke, but I’m sure my Polly would be grateful for your input on what to do next.” He shot a grin at Hester who hid her smile behind her hand.

  “Yes, yes, I’ll find Mrs. Olson,” Mrs. August agreed. “Hester are you all right on your own?”

  “I’ll be fine,” Hester insisted. “I’ll be sure to send for you if I need anything. She watched as the housekeeper left the room in search of Miss Polly then turned back to George.

  “You handled that very well.”

  “She seems a little uptight,” George grinned. “I just wanted her to know she was needed.”

  “Is it always like this around Biders Clump?”

  “Mostly, we’re a small town and everyone knows everyone. If you want to keep good neighbors, you need to be a good neighbor. There ain’t anyone who hasn’t had a few bad times in their life, but if we help out, everyone gets through them. Why every one of the people here helping, have been through something that helped make them who they are.”

  “That sounds very profound,” Hester sighed.

  “No, it ain’t profound. It’s just sense. If more people would look at others, thinking about how we all have good days and bad, joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses, the world would be a better place.

  “Thank you,” Hester said simply.

  George gave Hester a smart salute then headed down the stairs to the cellar.

  “You’re up,” Rebecca Gatlin walked into the kitchen through the back door, smiling at Hester. “Are you feeling better?”

  “Yes, I just wish that I could be helping.” To Hester’s surprise Becky pulled out a seat at the table offering her a kind nod.

  “Sometimes we have to have the sense to stop and look after ourselves if we ever hope to help others. I’ve struggled to learn that over the years. Grady helped me come to grips with that reality.”

  “I seem to be hearing a good deal of wisdom in this kitchen today.” Hester laughed, cheered by Becky’s smile.

  “Are you glad you came to Biders Clump?” Becky asked.

  “I think I am. I don’t know how things will go here, but I think it was a good move for this family. Mr. Payton and the children will have room to grow into the people they need to be.”

  “But what about you,” the other woman pressed.

  “Me? I’m just the hired help.”

  “If you say so,” Becky laughed softly. “Though watching the way the children depend on you and how Mr. Payton defers to you with them, I’m not sure that’s true.”

  The brief kiss in the late hours of a long day flashed into Hester’s brain, and she felt her cheeks heat. “I’m only trying to do my job the best way I know how.”

  “As long as you’re honest with yourself,” Becky said. “Sometimes that is the hardest thing to do.” She looked up pushing her chair back and preparing to leave as Mr. Payton stepped through the back door. “I’ll go check on Polly,” Becky finished disappearing as quickly as she had come.

  “You’re feeling better,” Cecil smiled pleased to see Hester sitting up. “Can I get you anything?”

  “No thank you. I am feeling much better though. It feels good to be sitting up, though I’m as useless as a chocolate tea pot.”

  Cecil walked to the stove grabbing a mug and filling it with coffee. “So what do you think of the folks here in Biders Clump?”

  “To be honest, I’m a little overwhelmed by everything and everyone,” Hester felt the tightness growing in her throat as she met the man’s ey
es. “This move seems to be so much more than I expected it.”

  Cecil reached out taking Hester’s hand in his. There was something on her face that compelled him to want to comfort her. He was thrilled that so much was being done to make his new house into a home. There was so much work to be done, but he suddenly felt like he was a part of a community.