by Janice Hanna
“What do you think of O’Farrell’s Honor?” Jake gestured to the acreage before them. “It’s really something, isn’t it?”
“I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
“Keep your eyes on that field over there.” He pointed to the west. “Every few minutes the sunset changes and you see something new. If you stand here long enough, you can see literally dozens of different colors. It’s like a kaleidoscope.”
A few minutes later, she gasped. “Oh, I see what you mean. First it was red, and now it’s sort of a purple color.”
“Yes, and that will eventually fade to pink and gray, so keep watching.”
They stood in silence as the sun slipped over the horizon and left behind heavy gray skies. Still neither of them moved.
After a while Anne yawned, and Jake fought the temptation to slip his arm across her shoulder so that she could rest against him. “Sounds like we need to get you back inside. You’ve got to be exhausted.”
“I am tired, but it’s so beautiful here, even in the dark. So peaceful and quiet.” She offered another sweet smile, which he could barely make out in the hazy shadows of the evening. “Just a couple more minutes?”
“Of course.”
“You’re very blessed to live in such a wide-open space,” she said after a few moments of silence. “Do you ever feel…lost?”
“Lost?” He shook his head. “Not that I can remember. Of course, I’m surrounded on every side by family. It’s hard to feel lost when the people you love are all nearby.”
He paused, realizing the pain his words must be causing her since she’d just lost a parent. How insensitive could he be?
She sniffled and he reached for his handkerchief once again.
“I’m sorry.” She turned his way, her voice as soft as lamb’s wool. “I think I’m just exhausted. I’m not usually this emotional. I try to be the strong one for my sisters. Ever since Papa died…” Her words drifted off.
“You don’t have to say anything else. And I’m sorry if I hurt you with what I said a minute ago, about having family surrounding me on every side. I don’t ever want anyone to think I dislike having family nearby. They’re wonderful. Chaotic, but wonderful. I love every single person and would give my life for any one of them. So it’s not that I feel crowded. I’m just…” He found himself unable to continue. How could he explain what he really felt? That he couldn’t live up to what others expected of him? That no matter how long he tried, folks would go on seeing him as nothing but the baby brother?
“There’s plenty of room for everyone here.” She gestured to the open field. “I’ve never seen so much land.” She paused, her eyes widening. “Oh, look!” She pointed heavenward. “I can actually see the stars here.”
“Well, of course.” He chuckled. “They’re as bright as candles. It’s like this every night.”
“Not in Denver. With all the tall buildings, I rarely caught a glimpse of the stars. But out here, it’s magnificent.”
“Mama always says you can reach out and touch the stars. That’s one of the things that drew her father to the Panhandle.” He chuckled. “When I was a kid, my grandfather used to tell me to snatch ’em in my hand and put ’em in my pocket.”
“In your pocket? Why?”
“So I wouldn’t lose them.” He laughed. “I can’t tell you how old I was when I finally figured out that the stars were too big to be able to reach out and grab with my hand. It was quite a letdown, let me tell you.”
A contented sigh followed from Anne…and then a yawn. Afterward, she turned his way. “I guess it’s time to get back inside. It’s been a long day.”
“Mm-hmm.” He wanted to add, “It’s been a wonderful day,” but didn’t. Instead, he offered her his arm so they could walk together across the field toward the house. Maybe, if he took small steps, he could snatch a few extra moments alone with Guinevere.
No, not so. From the porch, he heard Kate’s voice. “Annie, are you coming in? It’s getting late, and I want you to tuck me into bed.”
Anne picked up her pace, and he followed suit. Hopefully there would be plenty of time to spend with her tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that.
Anne couldn’t get Jake’s words out of her mind as she settled into bed that night. She rested her head against the pillow and tried to sleep but could not. Through the open window, a beam of moonlight cast a silvery glow across the room. The sound of the cattle lowing in the nearby field served as a beautiful backdrop. She’d never found herself so content. Or so conflicted.
Anne closed her eyes, and a vivid picture of her mother flashed through her mind. The image was so startling that Anne’s eyes flew open. Her heart raced. She reached for the tiny cross necklace, rubbing it between her thumb and index finger. As always, it brought comfort, and before long, she began to relax.
Just as she started to doze off, a noise at the bedroom door startled her.
“W–who is it?”
“Annie, it’s us.” Kate’s voice rang out. “Can we come in?”
Anne sprang up from the bed, turned on the bedside lamp, and opened the door. Emily and Kate stood outside the room.
Emily stood with her arms crossed at her chest and a sour expression on her face. “Kate couldn’t sleep, so I told her she had to stay in here with you.”
“Emily told me a scary story—that’s why I couldn’t go to sleep.” Kate turned and stuck out her tongue at her older sister.
“You asked for it. How was I to know you would be such a scaredy-cat?”
‘Well, come and get in bed with me for a few minutes, Kate,” Anne instructed. “If you doze off, you can stay here and Emily can go back to her room.”
Then Anne heard a suspicious panting sound coming from the hallway.
“Emily, is that dog with you?”
“Yes. I couldn’t help it, Annie. Ginger was really lonely and needed someone who understands.”
“Tell me you did not allow that dog in your bed.”
“Well, I…” Emily climbed into Anne’s bed, and the dog followed suit.
Anne waved her arms, trying to shoo Ginger away, but the contented pooch was having none of it. She weaseled her way under the covers and collapsed at Anne’s feet.
“Now look what you’ve done. Maggie’s going to be mortified if she finds out.”
“No, she won’t. I know her. She’s so sweet, Anne. She won’t care one whit. And besides, Ginger is a great guard dog. Out here in the wilderness we need a good watchdog.”
“Well, all right. Just this once. But we can’t make it a habit.”
The girls—and Ginger—settled into the bed, and Anne pulled the covers up to Kate’s chin.
“Annie…” Kate pulled her hand out from under the covers and touched Anne’s arm. “Do we have to go to Uncle Bertrand’s?”
All the questions she’d asked the Lord earlier this evening washed over her. Anne struggled to find the right words to say. “Honey, if I could change our situation, I would. I’ve thought about this from every angle, but there just doesn’t seem to be any other way. We will stay with Uncle Bertrand, and I will find work. Perhaps once I’ve made a little money, we can get a place of our own.”
“Find work?” Emily sounded stunned. “Doing what?”
“Perhaps I can work as a nanny. I’ve had a lot of experience in caring for the two of you.”
“Humph. We don’t need caring for.”
“Or maybe…” An idea took hold. “Maybe I could ask Maggie to teach me to cook. Then I could get hired on as a cook or a waitress. Maybe even one of those Harvey Girls.”
“Ooh, a Harvey Girl?” Emily’s eyes shimmered. “How romantic. I’ve heard such wonderful stories about them. Harvey Girls meet so many interesting people.”
“Surely there’s a Harvey House hotel in Dallas,” Anne said. “If so, that would be just the ticket.” She chuckled at her choice of words. Ticket. Railroad. Funny.
Still, there was nothing funny or romant
ic about the idea of being on her feet all day serving customers or slaving away in a hot kitchen. Suddenly the idea of working didn’t sound as appealing.
Emily yawned and curled up next to her. “I daresay Uncle Bertrand won’t like the idea of you working. He will marry you off to some rich banker friend of his as quickly as possible. Of course, he won’t be much to look at, but his wealth will blind you to that fact.”
“You and your silly notions.” Anne laughed. “I daresay Uncle Bertrand’s well-to-do friends won’t be interested in the slightest in a girl with no money and no family position. So you can put that thought right out of your pretty little head. Besides, I plan to marry for love, not money.”
“Oh, but to marry a wealthy man would mean that Kate and I could live with you and your new husband. We wouldn’t have to stay with Uncle Bertrand.” Emily’s eyes filled with tears. “We won’t, will we? If you leave, I mean.”
“Not if I have anything to do with it.” Anne crawled under the quilt and beckoned Kate to her side. “But let’s put this conversation to bed, shall we? I have no intentions of marrying anytime soon.”
“Speaking of weddings…” Emily’s voice grew more animated. “Did you know that Cody is getting married one week from tonight? I heard Maggie talking about it.”
“Is he, now?”
“And guess what? I heard Maggie say that Jake is going to be the last single fellow in the town of Groom after Cody gets married.” Emily giggled. “Isn’t that funny?”
“I’m sure Jake doesn’t think so.” She paused to think about that news. No doubt he felt more than a little awkward about it, especially if folks were making a big to-do over his situation. How would she feel if she were the last single woman in a town?
Well, she wouldn’t mention it. No point in pouring salt on an open wound.
With the moon’s glow hovering over the room, she found herself caught up in a story-like frame of mind. Her thoughts settled on Jake. His warm smile. Those cute dimples. His handsome face. Those broad shoulders.
Careful, Anne. You’re not Emily. This isn’t some story you’re writing.
Oh, but if it was, she’d give it a happily-ever-after sort of ending. Any story with a hero this perfect called for nothing less.
Chapter Eight
Summertime is upon us, and you know what that means…church socials. Grab your partner and a picnic basket and head outdoors to the church lawn after a rousing Sunday morning service. Spread out that hand-stitched quilt lovingly made by your mama or grandma, and settle down for some afternoon fellowship with other parishioners. Surrounded by mountain-mahogany and mesquite trees, you’ll dine on fried chicken and homemade bread with jam and will drink cold glasses of pink lemonade. Panhandle socials are by far the best way to get to know your neighbors. And when the pie auctions get going, watch out! You’ll find yourself paying top dollar for your sweetheart’s apple pie! —“Tex” Morgan, reporting for the Panhandle Primer
Anne awoke bright and early on Sunday morning to the smell of bacon. She rolled over in the bed, and Kate let out a squeal.
“Oh, sorry, honey.” Anne giggled. “I forgot you were here.” She sat up and stretched. “Guess Emily went back to her room.”
“Mm-hmm.” Kate rolled over. Then she too sat up. “Is that bacon I smell?”
“Yes. Heavenly, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” Kate stretched and released a contented sigh. “Can’t we just stay here forever, Annie? Please?”
Anne almost let “Don’t I wish we could!” slip between her lips but chose to remain silent. No point in letting Kate get too carried away.
Minutes later they were dressed and headed to the kitchen, where Maggie greeted them with a smile. “Happy Lord’s Day. I’m hoping you ladies will join us in church this morning. Our Sunday morning services are wonderful.”
Anne nodded. “I would love to.” She looked down the table, which was loaded with platters of scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits. Was the whole family coming back for breakfast, or did Maggie always serve up such a large spread?
Jake entered the room dressed in his Sunday finest. Anne couldn’t help but gawk as she saw him in the blue button-up shirt and slacks. He did look like a hero from one of Emily’s stories, no doubt about that. Though she doubted he wore a gun, especially on the Lord’s Day. She didn’t have time to comment, however. Maggie flew into gear, feeding everyone, then encouraging them to get ready to leave.
“We’re having supper on the grounds after service,” Maggie explained. “So I need to gather up the food I’ll be taking and get it loaded.”
“Supper on the grounds?” Anne had never heard this term before and didn’t know what to make of it.
“It means everyone in the congregation gathers together on the church lawn after service to eat lunch together and visit,” Jake explained. “Some folks play horseshoes, and there’s usually some singing. I think you’ll like it.”
“Ah, I See.” Sounded interesting, to be sure.
“Yes, and I have a lot of food to take,” Maggie said. “So we need to hurry up.”
“I’ll help, Mama.” Jake went to work, making an easy task of loading up the food.
Anne changed into a Sunday go-to-meeting dress and made sure her sisters did the same. Kate looked lovely in her soft pink dress, but Emily grumbled when Anne insisted that she wear her yellow taffeta.
“It’s itchy, Annie. I hate it. Besides, I look stuck-up. None of the girls here wear dresses like this.”
“Trust me, it will grow on you with time. Before long, you will love taffeta.”
“I’ll stick out like a big, yellow sore thumb.” Emily unhooked the buttons. “I want to wear the green cotton dress. Please.”
“All right. But don’t come crying to me if you change your mind.” Anne turned to the mirror, fussing with her hair. “Should I wear it up?”
She didn’t have time to answer her own question. Maggie called out, “Let’s go, girls,” and off they went.
Before she knew it Anne found herself at the church, seated in a pew with Jake on one side and her sisters on the other. A couple of times she caught Jake glancing her way. She did her best to act as if she didn’t notice.
Just before the service started, Cody approached.
Jake turned to her with a smile. “Anne, you met my best friend Cody yesterday.”
“Of course.” She extended her hand, and he took it with a smile. “Thank you again for giving us a ride to O’Farrell’s Honor in your car. That was very nice.”
A beautiful young woman with red hair swept into place beside Cody and looped her arm through his. “My Cody’s a peach, isn’t he? He’s always rushing in to the rescue.”
Cody planted a little kiss on her cheek then turned to Anne and her sisters. “Ladies, this is my fiancée, Virginia. We’re getting married on Saturday night.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful news.” Anne turned to the bride-to-be with a smile. “I’m so happy for you. I attended so many lovely weddings in Denver. And there’s nothing prettier than a June bride.”
“Thank you.” Virginia’s cheeks turned pink. “I’m awfully excited. My parents are coming all the way from New York. They’re set to arrive in a few days and then our plans will be set. Will you be staying until Saturday night?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Likely not.” She glanced at Jake. “Will the track be repaired before then?”
He nodded. “Yes. In fact, we should be done by Wednesday or Thursday, from what I’ve heard.”
This news caused a little sigh to rise up inside of Anne. So, they would be leaving sooner than she’d thought.
“We might have to leave on Wednesday?” Emily crossed her arms at her chest. “That doesn’t give me enough time to write my story.”
“I’m sure your story will be brilliant no matter how long we stay.” Anne started to say more but found herself distracted by a beautiful young woman approaching behind Virginia. She wore one of the most ridiculous-looking dresses Anne
had ever seen. Oh, the blue silk certainly brought out the color of her eyes, no doubt about that. And the beautiful ribbon at the midsection accentuated her tiny waistline. But the skirt appeared to be widest at the hip and frighteningly narrow at the ankle.
Quite odd, indeed. How could she possibly walk with such poise and elegance in a gown with such a narrow ankle? Was this some sort of costume? Anne did her best not to stare.
The young woman gave Anne a curious look. “Well, who have we here?”
“I’m Anne Denning.”
“Anne’s from Denver,” Virginia added. “She’s visiting with the O’Farrells for a few days. Anne, this is my best friend, Amaryllis. She’s come all the way from New York to be my maid of honor.”
Anne nodded in the beautiful blond’s direction, taking in her beautiful ivory skin, which had been dusted over with enough facial powder to hide any imperfections.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Anne managed. She took note of Amaryllis’s beautiful upswept hair, which had been pinned with a jeweled silver clip. Lovely. Still, Anne could hardly get past that interesting dress. How did one walk in such a thing?
Amaryllis fussed with one of her curls. “Gracious, I must look a mess with the wind blowing so hard outside. Well, never mind that. It’s nice to meet you, Anne.”
Thankfully the music began, and before long the church service was underway. Anne thought about Virginia as the service progressed. How wonderful would it be to get married in a lovely country church like this one? And to a sweet boy like Cody. She pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the reverend as he delivered a sermon about the Good Samaritan. Anne couldn’t help but peek at Jake and Maggie as the words to the sermon took root. Hadn’t they acted in much the same way as the Good Samaritan? They’d taken in Anne and her sisters when they needed a place to stay and had cared for their every need.
Thoughts of gratitude nearly overwhelmed her as the service came to a close. By the time the reverend led them in the final prayer, Emily was already whispering in her ear. “Anne, we’re going to have a church social.”