She met Jacob as he came back into the kitchen. He wouldn’t look her in the eye, and she determined to let the incident pass without questioning him. “Would you like a cookie and some milk or some bread and jam for breakfast?” She pulled out a chair.
“Can I have two cookies and bread and jam, too? I’m awful hungry.” He tried to wink.
“Where did you learn to do that? Do you think that will make me let you have your way?” She grinned as she set the cookies in front of him and reached for the bread.
Jacob shrugged. “I seed Ty and Uncle John do it when you isn’t lookin’.” He stuffed half a cookie into his mouth.
So those two sneaks winked behind her back? That little bit of information she’d let pass, too. She finished putting the jam on Jacob’s slice of bread and set it on the table. “You go gather the eggs when you’re done eating, then wash your hands and come back upstairs. I’ll lay your clothes out on the bed. Don’t dawdle. We have a big day ahead of us.”
“What’s dawdle?” He wiped jam from his mouth with his fingers. “Does dawdle mean naughty?” He took a swig of milk.
“Dawdle is when you don’t do your chores as quickly as possible. It means to move slow and not pay attention to what you’re doing.”
“What’s pay attention?” He tried to wink again and used his other hand to make his eye stay shut.
She put her hands on her hips. “No more questions. Eat your breakfast, do your chores, then come back upstairs.”
“Just one more question?Pleeease?” He stood beside the table a mustache of milk still covering his upper lip.
Robin wiped his face with the dish towel. “One more, but only one.”
“If I don’t do my chores fast, will Uncle John hit me?”
Robin sat and took the boy on her lap. She wrapped both arms around him and held him tight. “Jacob, your Uncle John would never hit you.”
“He hit you.” He turned and buried his head against her.
“No, he didn’t, Jacob. He threatened to take me over his knee, but he never hit me. And he would never hit either of us.”
“Would Ty or William hit me?” His voice muffled in the folds of her wrapper.
“Jacob, nowIhave a question.” She held him away from her and forced him to look into her face. “Did your pa hit you? Did anyone hit you? Ever?”
Tears puddled in the boy’s eyes, and he wiped at them with a vengeance. His mouth opened, as though he was going to say something, then he shook his head and scooted out of her embrace. With one hand he pulled his eye down into a wink, then scooted away from her. “I won’t dawdle. Promise.”
“Oh, sweet boy. I would . . .”
The door slammed behind Jacob as he raced outside.
“. . . Give my life for you.” She leaned her head on the hard back of the chair. Perhaps that’s what his mama had done. Ty and Uncle John needed to know. Remaining quiet could do more harm than good.
She was halfway up the stairs when the door opened again. “Jacob, is that you so soon?”
“No, it’s me.” Uncle John stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Jacob done passed me like a little windstorm. Is they problems?”
She went down to join her uncle. “We’ll have to talk fast.”
“Well, don’t reckon you’re waitin’ on me. Talk.”
Robin set more cookies and bread on the table and told him what she’d learned. “You want coffee this morning, or a glass of milk?”
“Coffee. So, are you a thinkin’ this fella what the men saw yesterday might be somebody what hit the boy? Who do ya reckon this Liam might be?”
“I don’t know.” She poured his coffee then sat down across from him. “But I think we’d better keep a close eye on the little man today. I’d insist we stay home, but that would disappoint him so much. By the way—did you know you and Ty taught him to wink by your shenanigans behind my back? Now he thinks if he winks it’ll make everything okay.” She laughed. “I promised his mama we’d take good care of him and see to it that he grew into a man she would be proud of. I don’t know what I’d do if something were to happen to him.”
John reached across the table and patted her hands. “First place, ain’t nothin’ gonna happen to the boy without a fight from me and Ty and his men. And me and your Chicago friend done got it planned how we’re not gonna let him out of our sight today.”
“Do you think William likes him?”
John shook his head. “I can’t never figger out why it is you young’uns always ask me the questions you oughta be a askin’ each other. If you’s wantin’ to know how William feels about the lad, then you’re a gonna have to ask him yourself. I ain’t talkin for nobody ‘cept me.”
“Have you seen William this morning? I know he’s been getting up early to ride out into the hills every morning.”
“He was out helpin’ me but then stopped to go along with Jacob. They’ll be in shortly, I reckon.
“Then I’m going to go get ready. You can put the dishes in the sink. It won’t hurt to leave them this morning.” She kissed John on the cheek. “I’m not sure why I cry so easily. I don’t suppose my grandmother Wenghold shed many tears, did she?”
“Not a Wenghold borned what was ever ashamed of tears. She told us boys––me and your papa––it would be a sad day if we was ever to marry a dry-eyed woman. A little salt water runnin’ down your cheeks don’t mean you’re weak. Nope, the way I understand it, the Lord even bottles up them tears they’s so precious to Him. You run on now and get yourself all purtied up.”
###
By the time they arrived, the Hawk was bustling with buggies, wagons, and men and children on horseback. Sam and Rusty seemed in their element as they directed the varying conveyances to positions out of the way of the activity. Long tables stood under the shade of the trees, already laden with food as women proudly unpacked their baskets and unwrapped their prized offerings.
“Look, Jacob. You won’t have any trouble finding someone to play with.” She slipped her arm around his shoulders. “But you must let us know where you are if you leave this front yard.”
Jacob leaned his head against her arm. “Do I have to play with them?”
“Don’t you want to meet some new friends? You’d have fun.”
“Can I stay with Ty or Uncle John?”
William tousled the boy’s hair. “Hey, fella. Mr. Morgan is going to be pretty busy with all the guests here today. I don’t know very many people here either, so what you say you and me stick together?”
Jacob’s brow furrowed. “Are you scared cuz nobody knows you?”
“Not scared. But I would feel better if I knew you’d be my friend today.”
Jacob shrugged then smiled. “I’d rather be with Ty, but I reckon you’ll do.” He turned to Robin. “Who’s gonna be your friend? Will you be sad all alone?”
“I won’t be alone. I see Dolly over there under the trees, so Emma is here. And you and Uncle John and William are here. Maybe I’ll decide to stick with you, too.”
“Aww, mens don’t need no ladies followin’ ‘em around, do we, Mr. Benson?”
William laughed. “Hey, speak for yourself. We men think it quite nice if a pretty woman like Robin wants to stick around with us. What say we let her?” He winked at the boy.
“Well, while you two decide if I can be your friend, I’ll put my food on the table and find Emma. We’ll meet back here at the wagon when they’re ready to eat. Will that give you enough time to be alone with your friend, Mr. Jacob?” Robin reached for the basket of food.
Jacob made circles in the dirt with the toe of his boot. “Can we eat with Ty?”
William shook his head at Robin before she could answer. “Guess what? I just happen to have a ball in the wagon. Would you like to play catch? You think you can throw it to me hard enough?”
Jacob’s eyes lit up. “I can throw it harder than anybody.”
“Well, that settles it. We’ll be over there in the grassy area by the wagons if you wan
t us Robin.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Where in the world did you find a ball? You surely didn’t bring it with you, did you?”
“Shh.” He leaned to her ear. “I have a secret supplier. I can’t tell.”
John harrumphed. “They’s gonna be callin’ for dinner before the likes of you decide what to do. Don’t know why that’s such a big decision.”
Robin giggled. “I’m going to set my food on the table, then find Emma. Want to come along?”
“Now what makes you think I’m gonna spend my day sittin’ with you petticoats? I’ll find Emma by myself when I’m good and ready.” He raised one eyebrow. “Or Emma will find me if she’s a lookin’.”
Laughing, Robin crossed the lawn to join the other ladies. She recognized a few of them from church, but it helped to know Emma would be by her side. She tried to concentrate on the new dress her sisters had included in her trunk—white lawn fabric, with clusters of red roses embroidered on the skirt. A white dress out here on the dusty prairie wasn’t practical, but she’d worn it anyway. And William’s reaction when she’d come down the stairs this morning made it all worthwhile. His eyes had widened as he gazed from her shoulders to the hem and then into her eyes. Not knowing what else to do, she’d turned away.
“You’re beautiful,” he’d whispered. “Why has it taken me so long, Robin?”
She fiddled with her hands. You didn’t tell a man he was beautiful, but she did find him quite handsome. Still amazed that he appeared so much at home here on the Feather, she admired his blue-striped shirt, open at the neck and sleeves rolled to reveal tanned, muscular arms. Today he wore dungarees, like most of the men, and his black boots were polished to a satiny finish. No one would guess he was a Chicago banker.
Emma smiled as Robin approached. “You look like one of them white prairie flowers, Robin. I declare. Is this a new dress?” She helped Robin unload her basket.
“Shh. I don’t want the other women to think I’m trying to show off. My sisters packed it in my trunk as a surprise. Isn’t it perfect for Independence Day?” She made a small curtsey and hoped no one besides Emma observed.
“Are you ready for the day?”
Robin nodded and forced a smile. “Ready or not, it isn’t going to change anything, is it? I’m glad William is here. You haven’t met him yet, have you? You missed a lot of excitement in church Sunday.”
“Didn’t miss a thing. Leastways didn’t miss the telling of it. Henrietta Harvey was waiting for me to unlock the door first thing Monday morning so she could fill me in on every little detail.” She wrinkled her nose in imitation of Henrietta. “I says to Albert, I said, ‘I must let Emma know the news. Why, to think! A right-good-looking young man all the way from Chicago sitting there beside John Wenghold’s niece, just like he belonged here.’”
“You knew he was coming, Emma. I’m anxious for you to meet him.”
“I didn’t finish my story. Henrietta barely got the words out of her mouth when who should walk in the door but the right-good-looking young man himself.”
Robin frowned. “William was in the Mercantile? Monday?”
“Sure thing. Do you think he brought those blue britches from Chicago? He came walking in as if he did that every Monday morning of his life. First he bowed to Henrietta, kissed her hand, winked at me, and announced he was looking for the nicest throwing ball I might have for a very special little boy. I thought Henrietta would swoon plumb off her feet.” Emma laughed.
“Well, that explains his secret supplier. I didn’t know he left the ranch. I was so busy getting ready for today I all but ordered the men to stay out of the house. Did he say anything?”
“Well, of course he said something.” Emma laughed. “You think we just stood and stared at one another?”
“You know what I mean, Emma. You’re as bad as Uncle John. I suppose you’ll tell me that if I want to know anything I’ll have to ask him.”
Emma nodded. “I’m not saying we’re in cahoots, but your Uncle John’s a wise man.”
“Oh, Emma. I know William came to find out if we could have any kind of relationship that might end in marriage. He told me that much in his letter. I feel like one of those mannequins you have in your window. William and I have always been good friends, but this is very awkward. And he’s different out here.”
“Different?” Emma frowned. “Different in what way? He’s still a man, isn’t he? Still your friend, isn’t he?”
“It’s because he is a man. I’ve never seen him so . . . so manly. And when he looks at me, it’s not at all the way he used to look at me when we were just friends.”
Emma patted her hands. “I doubt either of you expected the other one to be different. People have a way of remembering the what-was’s without giving any room for the what-is’s. Give it time, Robin. He’s only been here a short, short while.” She hooked her arm into Robin’s. “Now, let’s meander a bit and enjoy this wonderful Hawk ranch. Back behind the house is perhaps one of the most beautiful views of this prairie you’ll find anywhere. It’s remarkable to think Ty’s grandparents got a wagon over these hills all those years ago. And they traveled alone, so the story goes.”
The panorama was everything Emma promised. A small bench beckoned Robin, and she sat with her back against the rough bark of a large cottonwood tree. Its heart-shaped leaves danced above her as a breeze tiptoed through on its way to the hills. “Oh, Emma, this is beautiful. I could stay here all day.”
“Well, you sit, girl. I want to see if Florence Blair needs help. I doubt she can depend on Anna. I’ll meet you at John’s wagon come lunchtime.”
Robin drank in the view and the stillness. It was hard to believe a place of such solitude existed with all the activity and noise surrounding her. A few large, flat rocks lay here and there, as though they may have been stepping-stones, or perhaps marked boundaries of some kind. How she wished she could share this with her sisters. What fun they would have conjuring up make-believe stories of days gone by. Ty never talked about his parents, but what gracious people they must have been. The large rambling house indicated they’d planned on it housing many people at any given time. And the wraparound porch held an assortment of small tables and chairs, along with two large swings.
“It’s quite impressive isn’t it, Miss Wenghold.”
Anna’s appearance startled her, and she cringed at the thought of needing to make conversation. “It is at that, Miss Blair. And so very welcoming.”
“Yes, well, the Morgans were known for their hospitality, though their choice of guests was often questionable. I don’t suppose Ty’s mother ever turned away a soul.”
“She must have been a wonderful lady. It would be no small job to keep a place like this running efficiently.”
“I can assure you the new Mrs. Morgan does not intend to follow in her footsteps. In fact, I commented to Ty that perhaps after we wed you might consider working for us on a regular basis. You know, cleaning house, preparing the evening meal, laundry, and such. I will certainly need help. As mistress of this lovely place, I will be expected to entertain often, and I certainly don’t want to become a charwoman in the process.”
“And Mr. Morgan agreed to this arrangement, did he?” Robin fought to keep her voice steady.
Anna’s eyes narrowed. “No, as a matter of fact. He seemed to think you would consider yourself our maid, though I assured him you we would treat you as one of the family. That is, of course, if you’ll still be here. Tell me about that handsome man beside you in church on Sunday.” She leaned closer. “Is he by any chance one of those who answered your uncle’s advertisement for a husband? Quite exciting, I must say—not to know who might be showing up next.”
Robin stood. Oh, if only she could run. “My uncle’s advertisement, Miss Blair? And how, may I ask, could you have seen it?”
“Oh, well, you see after I left your house that day, I came here to visit Ty and he—”
“Ty’s aware of this, too?” Her heart thumped
and heat rushed to her face. Would he think she’d agreed to such a scheme? What must he think of her?
“I don’t know how he could not be aware. The advertisement lay on his bedside table, in plain sight. But honestly, Miss Wenghold, there’s no reason for you to be so upset. Your guest is quite handsome, and I’m sure you must know that as well. And I believe Henrietta Harvey understood he was from Chicago. One would never know it by looking, would one?”
“Miss Blair. How many people here today know about my uncle’s ridiculous scheme?”
Anna arched her eyebrows. “Ridiculous? I think he must be thinking only of your own welfare. How else would you find someone willing to take on a . . . a fatherless child and, oh, I know this is going to sound especially cruel, but we’re all aware of your infirmity. You have such a burden to bear. It would be wonderful if you were to find a husband by any means.”
“Oh, there you are, dear.” Florence Blair bustled around the corner of the porch. She smiled at Robin and slipped her arm around Anna’s waist. “You have five minutes to freshen up before we start the activities.”
Anna nodded at Robin. “It’s been so nice visiting with you, Miss Wenghold. I do hope you’ll consider what we’ve discussed.” She turned. “I’m coming, Mother, but don’t start until Ty and I join you, please.”
At her daughter’s departure, Mrs. Blair stepped closer to Robin. “I’m glad you and Anna can be friends. She hasn’t many, you know. I’m quite guilty of being far too lenient with her. I suppose I made the same mistake as many mothers—attempting to be a friend rather than the parent. You see, her dear papa died when she was yet much too young to remember him. I’m sure you understand, practically being a mother to that small child, and with no man to help.” She smiled and laid her hand on Robin’s arm. “But I see your situation may soon change. I do hope you will decide to stay in our fair community. There are not many young married couples in the area. How lovely if Ty and Anna were to have friends close by.”
“And why wouldn’t I stay, Mrs. Blair?” Robin regretted her sharp words, but she had to know if this woman also thought William had answered the advertisement.
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