by Janette Oke
Julie appeared in the bedroom doorway, anticipation in her smile. “What do you need—?” She stopped before finishing and crossed her arms firmly. “Not more tulle. I am not making any more bows.” Her dramatic expression said more than her words as she gestured around the two rooms. “You can’t possibly want more than this. Besides, where on earth would you store them? It looks like we’re living in a wedding chapel already.” Indeed, white bows hung from hooks and strings in every corner of the room, and rows of fabric flowers lined the tops of the dresser and rested against the baseboards along each wall.
Beth laughed. “No, not more fabric. I do have a list of other things though. It isn’t very long, but I need to have time to prepare everything. Perhaps we could go this weekend.”
Julie nodded vigorously. “Goodness knows I’d like to get out of this place for a while.”
“Poor Julie. Will you ski again today?” Beth ventured.
“I’m not sure.” An elusive look in her sister’s eye caught Beth’s attention, but then Julie added, “I’ll tidy up around here a bit, then maybe I’ll go for a walk or sit with a book in Abigail’s. Can you imagine how many books I’ve read since I’ve come to visit? Father’s eyes would pop right out of his head to see my tall stack. I only wish I actually enjoyed it as much as the two of you. I suppose it’ll be years after I get home before I’m interested in picking up another.”
Beth felt a little pang of guilt that Julie hadn’t found more to fill her time. “Well, drop in the classroom if you’d like. I can always find some ways for you to help the students.” And she added silently, Whatever Robert might think of your qualifications.
“You offer that as if it might appeal to me. I prefer to find my own amusements, thank you very much. And I believe I’ve thought of a delightful endeavor.”
Beth allowed the cryptic comment to pass. Julie swung away to get her coat and was out the door without any of the tidying up she’d offered.
Shortly after Julie’s departure, as Beth picked her way across the ice to school, she noticed a small group of men leaving the building. Robert must have had another early morning meeting. That would be the second just this week. What could he possibly find to discuss so often with the council members?
Bill Shaw tipped his hat toward Beth as they passed on the sidewalk. The others merely murmured, “Good morning,” one after another.
Beth greeted them in return and made her way into her classroom. She sighed. There was so much for her students to accomplish before the end of the school year. With wedding plans and evening Bible club, Julie and the others Beth wanted to spend time with, she was feeling stretched. And then what? After I’m married, after the school year is done? Oh, Father, You’re the One who knows . . . the One I can trust with it all.
“Miss Thatcher, may I have a word with you?” Robert stood in the entry, holding a notebook.
“Of course. What is it?”
“I’ve been asked by the council to address a situation with the schoolchildren.”
“Oh?”
“They’ve been playing in the woods on land that belongs to the mining company.”
“Yes?” Beth wondered what influence he expected her to exert. It seemed an issue that would be more appropriately discussed with the parents.
“They seem to be collecting a considerable amount of scrap materials there—timber, cast-off boards, even scrap metal.” He paused. “Is it possible that you know, or have heard, what their intentions are?”
Beth smiled a little, then said, “No, it simply sounds like curious, energetic youngsters looking for something interesting to do.”
“They haven’t mentioned if they might be building something?”
“No, I haven’t heard anything like that.” She looked at him quizzically. “Are you asking about students in this classroom? The younger ones? I can’t see how they would be able to create very much disorder in the woods.”
“No, I believe it’s those who are older and in my class, Miss Thatcher. But”—he hesitated, his gaze straying off toward the window—“you seem to know them all rather well, to be included in their confidence, more so than I. They’d trust you more easily with their secrets.”
Beth was rather stunned at the admission. “Well, James and Kenny and Peter are a formidable trio. The Coolidge boys might also be with them, though I don’t see why they wouldn’t just carry out any project of their own at Frank’s cabin. I can ask their mothers though, if you like.”
“I’m afraid that hasn’t been effective to date.”
Beth wondered if the issue was more serious than he had expressed. “Are they damaging property?”
Robert stepped closer and lowered his voice. “The concern is that items may have been taken from company grounds. Tools and such.”
“Oh my, that is cause for concern.” Beth hurried on, “But Mr. Harris Hughes, I have absolutely no reason to believe any of the boys I mentioned would be involved in any kind of theft. Please don’t rush to judgment. I’ll speak with them myself if you like, but we can’t presume they’re guilty without some evidence.”
“Of course, Miss Thatcher. However, the company is placing a great deal of pressure on me as mayor to arrive at a solution. And I’m rather perplexed as to how to proceed.”
Is he admitting he needs help? My help? Beth felt some unexpected empathy for this difficult man. “I’ll do what I can. And if I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you, Miss Thatcher. I appreciate your assistance in any way you can provide.” He turned, then swung back again. “Oh, and Miss Thatcher, I have a second request.”
“Yes?”
“You see, Ivy, my fiancée, will be paying a visit next week. I was hoping you would be willing to dine with her at Abigail’s—you and your sister, if you like—to welcome her and answer any questions she may have regarding the community. I, of course, would cover the cost of the meal for all of you. I feel you would be the most suitable companions as women of similar station and deportment. She arrives in the afternoon on Tuesday next, weather permitting. Perhaps after school that Wednesday would be convenient for you, Miss Thatcher?”
Oh yes, his fiancée . . . Beth tried to picture what this woman might be like while she accepted his offer. “I’d like that, and I’m sure my sister would be thrilled to meet someone new. Will your fiancée be staying long?”
“Just a few days.”
“I’ll confirm this meal tomorrow, for both Julie and me.”
“Thank you, Miss Thatcher.” And he disappeared through the entryway.
Beth decided to begin her inquiry with the oldest boys. She approached Teddy while he was chopping wood in Molly’s backyard. “Hello. Do you have a minute for a question?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The teenager rested the ax-head on the ground, handle leaning against his leg.
Beth came right to the point. “Teddy, I’ve been told that an issue is developing just west of town. Someone has been collecting logs and metal and wood on company property. Have you heard of any project there?”
He shrugged carelessly. “I ain’t, I mean, haven’t been out that way fer a while. But I can ask around. Do ya think it’s kids?”
“I’m not sure anyone knows. But it would be odd for an adult to be interested in that kind of scrap material.” Beth chose not to mention the allegation of theft. No need to make that link yet.
“Sure, Miss Thatcher, I’ll check around.”
“Thank you. I’ll walk over to Mrs. Coolidge’s today and speak with Luela and Addison.”
Teddy’s face wrinkled in a frown. “Why don’t ya just ask ’em at school and save yerself a walk?”
“Well, I don’t want to alarm anyone. I’m trying to do this quietly, with discretion. Do you understand?”
“Sure,” he answered. “You don’t want the guilty kids to find out yer on the prowl.”
She covered a smile. “Something like that. But it’s not that anyone is really guilty. We don’t even know what’s goin
g on. So there’s no sense stirring up trouble.”
“I get it, Miss Thatcher. Ask around, but keep it quiet.” The young man swung his ax up to rest on his shoulder.
“Thank you, Teddy.” She struck out through the woods to Frank’s former home. Addison and Luela gave no more insight, though.
After two days of queries, Beth was no closer to finding any useful information. It seemed that none of the mothers or their offspring knew of any project that would fit the description, and she was convinced that they were speaking honestly. She would have to tell Robert she was unable to help him.
Council members continued to enter and exit the school early in the mornings. They seem quite concerned about this nuisance. And somehow Robert’s been thrust into the center of it all. Her eyebrows rose as she wondered if he would have let his name stand for mayor had he known of this Coal Valley crisis.
Beth made arrangements for a ride into town on Saturday morning, but she was disappointed after school on Friday to see a bank of fierce, dark clouds rolling over the mountains and down into the valley. There would be more snow, the mountain roads would be treacherous, and there wouldn’t likely be a trip anywhere.
Poor Julie, she had been looking forward to another visit with Eliza Smith’s sister, Mary. And there was something else. Something she seemed only to hint at. Beth knew, though, that probing would get no place with her sister. When and where she would be forthcoming, only Julie would decide in her own time and way.
Speculation about what was happening in the woods had become an open conversation at lunch among the students gathered in Robert’s classroom. All of them were adamant that they were not involved. By Monday afternoon even Beth’s side of the school was full of speculations, much of the talk beginning with, “My mama says . . .” Beth insisted to the children that they were not going to be drawn into those discussions during school hours.
Frank mentioned on Monday evening that their road had been spared the brunt of the last snowfall and that it was clear again and seemed likely to remain open at least through the weekend. Particularly for Julie’s sake, Beth was glad they would make their trip to Lethbridge. And she was also pleased for Robert, hoping his fiancée would have a pleasant journey on the morrow.
“Miss Thatcher, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to meet you. Robert has said so many complimentary things about you.”
Beth was speechless for a moment, then managed, “Why, thank you. That’s very kind of him, I’m sure.”
Ivy greeted Julie, then slipped an arm through Beth’s and led the two toward a corner table in Abigail’s teahouse. It appeared Ivy had arrived early and made arrangements for their meal. “We’re sitting here, girls. I already ordered a platter of sandwiches, a little tray of sweets, and some tea, if that’s all right. But, oh, do you prefer coffee? Robert tells me that’s more common out here.”
Julie slid into her chair, her delight in the visitor clearly visible on her face. “We’re tea drinkers mostly. That sounds very nice, Miss . . .”
“Oh, I don’t stand on ceremony. Just call me Ivy. Everybody does.”
As Beth took her seat, she was still reworking her imagined idea of Robert’s fiancée. Ivy was outgoing and exuberant with an easy, confident presence. She was also very striking, though not what many would label a classic beauty, with rather sharp and angular features softened with blond curls ringing her face. Her polished nails were a deep red. Everything about Ivy was thoroughly modern and stylish.
Julie was mesmerized. “May I ask where you found your dress, Ivy? It’s stunning.”
“It’s silly, I know. I shouldn’t have worn it today, but it’s Robert’s favorite and I wanted to make him smile. I’ll tone it down once I move here—serviceable frocks and such.” She winked at Julie.
Beth actually couldn’t remember ever having seen Robert smile, since she didn’t feel his typical smirks quite counted.
She looked down at her own simple skirt and blouse, her nails badly in need of care, and couldn’t stop a small sigh. “I hope you had a pleasant drive and that the roads weren’t too slippery.”
“Oh, gracious, aren’t they a mess? I thought we’d veer off the side of a cliff half a dozen times. I remember thinking it was such a lovely drive in late summer. The lofty vistas are so very different at this time of year.”
Julie leaned forward, enthusiasm over this new friend clear in her face and voice. “When do you plan on being married? And where will you live?”
The woman’s laugh was infectious. “It’s all very up in the air right now. Robert wants to pin me down. You know, make a plan. He’s very much an organizer. But I’m afraid I’m having rather a good time of it in Calgary. I sing at a nightclub there. It’s loads of fun. And so I’m not sure when I want to take the plunge. But that won’t slow him down. He’s already negotiating to purchase the lot next to this, so I suppose he’ll be ready to build first thing in the spring. My dears,” she said, lashes batting demurely, “he writes me often saying he’s just lost without me. The sweetest romantic letters—like a lovestruck schoolboy.” She laughed. “I’ve known lots of men, but Robert is . . . well, he’s positively unique among them all. So stalwart, predictable. I can always tell what he’ll do next. He’s never surprised me yet—hardly even tried—and I guess I must like him that way.” She giggled again.
Beth chose to ignore Ivy’s description of her beau. She means the lot between Abigail’s place and Molly’s. That’s the community garden and provides food for many of the families—much-needed food. “Who owns the property?” Immediately Beth wished her words had sounded less direct.
“I believe it belongs to the same couple who used to own this building.” Ivy gestured around Abigail’s teahouse. “Name of Grant, I believe. The Davie Grants.”
Beth cleared her throat, pushing aside the emotions that the name provoked. “Were they planning to sell?”
“I’m not sure. I know they don’t live here in town anymore. Robert hasn’t told me much else. But he usually finds a way to get what he wants.”
Julie drew closer to Ivy and lowered her voice. “Well, you wouldn’t believe their story if I told you.”
Ivy leaned in with a grin. “Do tell.”
“You see, Mr. Grant—”
“Julie,” Beth put in quietly, nudging her sister. “That’s not appropriate for us to tell.”
Both pairs of eyes studied Beth, seeming to debate whether or not to ignore her rebuke.
“Well, anyway,” Ivy said, breaking the tension, “almost everyone sells if you offer enough, and Robert comes from money. So . . .” Her confident wave of the hand said more than the words.
“What kind of house will you build?” Julie prompted.
Ivy shrugged. “It won’t be big, but it’s to be brick so that it’s snug and warm in this dreadful cold. And it’ll have a proper oil furnace for heat, not just a wood stove.”
“Electricity?”
“Sadly, not out here. But we’ll make do somehow, just like pioneers of old. Imagine me, a frontierswoman! Who would have guessed?”
“Oh, Bethie, won’t that be nice for them?”
“Yes, I’m sure that will be delightful.” Beth sank back in her chair, her thoughts distracting her from much of the remaining conversation. Is it possible, then, that they might live next door—and that Jarrick and I would be forced to see them regularly as neighbors? But we won’t be staying long anyway. Just to the end of the school year. She couldn’t hold back the sigh that followed.
CHAPTER
22
SNOW WAS FALLING SOFTLY early Thursday morning as Beth hurried to school. She passed by as Robert bid farewell to Ivy in the moonlit darkness before the students arrived. Later, during lunch, Beth watched through the classroom window as the storm gathered strength. She feared the new snowfall would delay the excursion with Julie to Lethbridge once more. It’s good Ivy was able to make it out in time, she mused as she turned back to her desk.
The calendar page ha
d been turned to March, but it looked like spring had no intention of making its appearance anytime soon.
At Bible club, Beth was surprised to notice some of the students’ mothers gathering in the back of the room while she finished directing the cast for the day’s story. Beth closed the meeting with prayer and went to greet the unexpected guests.
The women were all smiles. “We thought it would be just as nice to catch you here as anywhere,” Abigail explained, looking a bit mysterious. “Your sister said you were feeling much better now and wouldn’t mind staying out a little later.”
“Thank you, yes, I am back to normal now.” Beth glanced around as cookies, pies, and hot coffee were produced from the next room. They had begun to move desk chairs into a circle. Is it a prayer meeting? A game night? “I’m confused, Abigail. What exactly am I staying up for?”
Her question was greeted with a mysterious smile and a squeeze of her hand. Abigail looked around, and at her nod those gathered called out, “Your wedding shower!”
Beth gasped, and her hand rose quickly to cover her surprise. “Oh, that’s so kind . . . so kind of you all.” And so generous. So very humbling! Beth could picture the scantily equipped homes, the patched hand-me-downs on their children. In truth, she had been able to purchase everything she’d needed to set up housekeeping when she arrived. Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked them away.
Julie slipped in to join them, and the circle of chairs filled with Beth’s friends, including the older girls. They laughed together and enjoyed their desserts while Beth opened each brown-paper-wrapped package. One after another, Beth held up embroidered tea towels crafted from flour sacks and starched handmade doilies, a delicate teacup and a set of pillowcases, a colorful kitchen rug crocheted from strips of rags, a feather duster and a tea cozy, and a wall hanging cross-stitched with a Scripture verse. Beth was overwhelmed by their love and kindness. She gazed at the beautifully simple treasures laid out before her, and her heart broke with its familiar sorrow. I’ll never forget all of you. You’re such dear people. How I wish I could stay.