“I thinks I will. I’s tired, too. I done the wash this morning and cleaned her room and I’s still got to cook supper.”
“Didn’t she jest eat?”
“She did. She even cleaned her plate.” Minerva giggled. “Then she tells me she don’t want to overeat because she’d ruin her supper. I knowed by that I had to cook.”
“I don’t guess I’ll have to do nothing else. I’ll help you, Minerva.”
She put two cups of coffee on the table and took a seat. “Thank you, Tobias. You’s a good husband.”
♥♥♥
Later that afternoon, the buggy stopped in front of the Wedington mansion and Hilda Sawyer turned to her brother. “Now, you know you have to act nice when we get inside, don’t you, Calvin?”
He wiggled. “I was nice when we came before.”
“I know. It’s just that I want you to know how to act when you come here to live.”
“Can I live here now?”
“Not yet. We’re here for a visit, and you have to be on your best behavior. You can’t tell Miz Wedington I told you anything about living here.”
“I won’t.”
“Good.”
“Will I get to meet the crippled girl this time? She was asleep when I was here before.”
“I think you might, and if you do, you know you have to be especially nice to Hannah.”
“She can’t walk. Everybody says so.”
“It doesn’t matter whether she can walk or not. You have to be her friend. She needs somebody who will be nice to her.”
“I will. Do you think she’d want to play with my toy gun?”
“I don’t know, Calvin. I’m not sure how smart she is.”
“I bet she’s not as smart as me.”
“I hope not,” Hilda muttered.
“What’d you say?”
“Nothing important. Just do the things I told you to do, and everything will be fine.”
“I will, Hilda. I want to live here. There’s a pretty yard. I could get a dog and we could have fun running around.” He looked at his sister. “Do you think Hannah would want a dog?”
“Maybe she would.”
“Good. Then we could play with the dogs. I’d like to have a dog.”
Ignoring him, Hilda wrapped the reins around the brake stick and got out of the buggy. “Come on, Calvin. Let’s go pay a call on Mrs. Wedington.”
“But I want to ask Hannah if she wants a dog.”
“Don’t start or I’ll make you stay in the buggy.”
He pursed his lips, but said nothing further.
Hilda took a deep breath. This wasn’t going to be easy, but if they could pull it off, it would be the perfect answer for all of them. At first, when Verbena hinted that they should try to get Calvin and Hannah together, she thought the woman was crazy, but the more she thought about it, the better she liked the idea. She’d be rid of the brother who had been a millstone around her neck ever since her parents died, and Mrs. Wedington could take care of the rest. Then, she could have a normal life of her own with the man she’d loved forever. She knew he didn’t love her enough to have Calvin in the house, but with Calvin gone, he would surely change his mind. She took a deep breath and clanged the brass knocker on the front door.
A tall black man opened the door. “Yes, ma’am?”
“I’m Miss Sawyer. My brother and I are here to call on Mrs. Wedington. Please announce us.”
Tobias stood aside and indicated a room on his left. “Please step inside the parlor and I’ll tell Mrs. Wedington you’re here.”
After Tobias left, Calvin whispered to Hilda, “Is Hannah colored black like that man?”
“No, Calvin. He’s Mrs. Wedington’s butler.”
“What’s a butler?”
“A man servant who answers the door and does other things around the house.”
“Why don’t we have a colored black butler to answer our door?”
“Because we don’t have the money to pay one. Now, sit down on one of those chairs, but be careful. We don’t want to break anything.”
He sat. “I’m glad Hannah isn’t colored black. I don’t think I’d want to play with ...”
“Shh.”
Verbena appeared at the door. “Why, Hilda Sawyer and Calvin, what an honor to have you call on me today.”
“I hope you don’t mind my dropping by unannounced, but when you didn’t show up for Bible study, I was concerned. I wanted to make sure you weren’t sick.”
“Oh, no, I’m not sick. I’m fine. There was a family emergency that I had to take care of. I’ve already written Mrs. Calhoun a note with my apology. I was going to have my butler deliver it this afternoon.”
“Hilda and I don’t have a butler.”
She patted her brother’s arm and smiled at the older woman. “Mrs. Wedington knows that, Calvin.” She turned back to Verbena. “I’m so glad it wasn’t your health. Of course, I’m sorry you had a family problem.”
“It worked out fine.” She returned her guest’s smile. “Would you like some tea?”
“I want some beer. I don’t like tea,” Calvin said.
Hilda looked stricken. “Calvin, that’s not polite. Miz Verbena doesn’t serve nice men beer.”
“It’s fine, Hilda.” Verbena turned to Calvin. “I’ll make sure you get a glass of good cold milk. Would that be all right?”
“I guess so. Hilda makes me drink milk.”
“It’s good for you, you know.”
He nodded and smiled at her. “Does the crippled girl want a dog?”
Verbena looked confused. “What?”
“Please excuse him, Mrs. Wedington. He has the idea that because he wants a dog everyone he meets should want one.”
“Well, Calvin, I don’t know whether Hannah would like a dog or not. Would you like to ask her?”
“Yes. Where is she?” He started to stand. “Do I need to wake her up?”
“No. You sit still and I’ll have her brought down.” Verbena stood. “I’ll be back shortly.”
Hilda leaned toward her brother and whispered, “What’s the matter with you today, Calvin? Can’t you please stop talking about a dog and just listen to what Mrs. Wedington and I are saying? You don’t want me to get mad at you, do you?”
Calvin’s mouth puckered and he looked as if he might cry. “I didn’t mean to make you mad, Hilda.”
“I’m not mad yet, Calvin. I just want you to be quiet and let me do the talking.”
He nodded. “After I ask Hannah if she wants a dog, I won’t say anything else.”
Hilda reached out and patted his arm again. “That’s a good boy. Now, put a smile on your face. Mrs. Wedington and Hannah should be in here shortly.”
♥♥♥
Hannah looked up when her aunt walked into her room. “Put on your new dress and comb your hair, Hannah. We have company.”
“Is it Mr. MacMichael?”
Verbena frowned. “No. They’re friends of mine from church. They want to meet you.”
“Really?” Hannah was confused. Usually, when Verbena’s church friends visited, she was exiled to her room.
“Yes, really. These are special friends. Hilda Sawyer and her brother Calvin.” She took a deep breath. “You’ll find Calvin a little different.”
“What’s the matter with him?”
“He’s a fine young man, but he’s a little slow. People make fun of him sometimes and he just needs someone to be kind to him. I’m sure when you get to know him, you’ll like him.”
“I’ll be kind to him, Aunt Verbena. I know what it’s like to be different.”
The older woman nodded. “I was sure you’d be nice to him, my dear. Now, get ready and I’ll send Tobias up for you.”
When her aunt left, Hannah moved to her wardrobe and pulled out her new dress. She was still a little confused about why her aunt wanted her to come downstairs and meet these people, but she wasn’t going to argue about it. She’d been in her room all day and she was a
nxious to get out, even if she did have to help entertain strangers.
I just wish it had been Jarrett MacMichael visiting instead of these people, ran through her mind, but she brushed the thought away. She’d told herself she couldn’t think such thoughts about Jarrett, even if no one had a clue she’d entertained them in the first place.
By the time she dressed Tobias arrived to carry her downstairs.
“Who are these people, Tobias?” Hannah asked.
“I don’t know, miss, but I want you to do one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Be careful what you say to them people down there.”
Hannah frowned. “Why, Tobias? Don’t you trust them?”
“Can’t say as I do. Jest heed what I say ’cause you don’t needs to trust them, either.”
Though she had no idea what he was talking about, she nodded and said, “I’m sure you have your reason for warning me, and I trust you. I’ll be careful.”
By this time, they reached the parlor. Verbena said, “Put Hannah there in that chair beside Calvin, Tobias.”
“I’ll go back for her chair.”
“Yes, do. We might want to take her into the garden for a walk.”
Stunned, Hannah stared at her. It had been ages since she’d been allowed to go into the garden. Though she’d been wishing for a trip outside, what was so special about today that her aunt would suggest it?
Verbena made quick introductions, because Minerva entered with the tea and a glass of milk for Calvin. There was also a plate of sugar cookies on the tray. Before she had finished pouring the tea for the women, he had finished the entire glass of milk and set the empty glass back on the tray.
Wiping his mouth, he said, “It wasn’t as good as beer, but it was good.”
“I’m glad you liked it, Calvin.” Verbena took the cup Minerva handed her. “Just pour the tea for my guest and Hannah. We’ll put sugar or whatever we like in it.”
“Yes, ma’am.” She served Hilda and Hannah, then backed out of the room.
“I’m glad you could join us, Hannah.” Hilda smiled at her. “Your aunt speaks so highly of you.”
Tobias’s words echoed in her ear, especially because Calvin kept gawking at her. Be careful, he’d said. She nodded at the woman and muttered, “I was happy to come down.” She picked up the sugar bowl and put a small amount into her tea and began to stir it.
“Of course, I’m proud of Hannah. She copes so well with her plight.”
Before anyone else could speak, Calvin leaned toward Hannah and blurted, “Do you want a dog?”
Hannah jumped, and leaned backward almost spilling her tea.
Hilda touched her brother’s arm. “Calvin, calm down.”
“But I want to know if she wants a dog.” He puckered his lips as if he was going to cry.
“I’m sure Hannah will tell you if she wants a dog or not.” Verbena glared at her niece. “Won’t you, dear?”
“Of course.” She sipped her tea as she thought about her words. “I think a dog would be nice, Calvin, but dogs like to run around in the yard and be active. As you may know, I’d be unable to run around with it because I can’t walk.”
He grinned at her. “I know you can’t walk, but you wouldn’t have to worry I’d run around in the yard with your dog for you.”
“That’d be nice of you.”
“Ah, it wouldn’t be any trouble. I’d have my dog to go with, too. They can play when I move in.”
Verbena’s voice interrupted him. “Oh, my! Look what I did.” She had spilled hot tea in her lap.
“Are you all right, Aunt Verbena?” Hannah was almost sure she saw her aunt deliberately spill the tea.
The aunt was frantically dabbing the wet tea spot on her dress with her napkin. “I think I burned my leg a little, but I’ll be fine.”
Calvin looked at her and frowned. “What made you drop it?”
“Calvin, that isn’t polite.” Hilda chided him. “I’m sure it was an accident. Why don’t you have one of those delicious cookies on the tray?”
“I like cookies, but I don’t have any more milk to drink.”
“When Tobias comes in with Hannah’s chair, I’ll have him bring you another glass of milk.”
Hannah sipped her tea and watched the group in the room. Why had her aunt sent for her to join them? Hilda had hardly said a word to her, Calvin was in his own world, and her aunt was the strangest of all. Hannah knew she’d watched as Verbena had deliberately tipped her tea cup for some odd reason. What was that all about? In fact, what was this whole gathering about? It made no sense, but she knew she’d continue to be careful about what she said and did.
Tobias entered with Hannah’s chair and helped her into it.
Calvin watched and his eyes grew big. Before anyone could say anything to stop him, he blurted, “Why can’t you walk?”
“Calvin!” his sister said. “You’re being very rude.”
“Well, I want to know.”
Ignoring Calvin, Verbena said, “Tobias, bring Mr. Sawyer another glass of milk.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Hilda, I want to get a colored black man who we can tell what to do and he’ll do it.”
“Calvin!”
He wrinkled his forehead. “Don’t fuss at me, Hilda.”
“I’m not fussing, but you’re going to have to be quiet.”
He dropped his head. “I forgot.”
Verbena took a deep breath. “After you drink your milk and eat some cookies, would you like to go out and see what’s around the back terrace?”
“What’s out there?”
“Flowers and benches and a little pond.”
He grinned. “I like ponds. Is there any fish in it?”
“No, but you can go look at the yard where you can chase Hannah’s dog if she gets one.”
“I’d like to do that.” He grabbed two cookies and crammed them in his mouth.
In a matter of minutes, Tobias returned with the milk.
Again, Calvin drank it without stopping. “Now I’m ready to go see where me and the dog will play.”
Hannah sipped her tea when her aunt looked at her and gave her a slight smile. Surely, the woman wouldn’t ask her to go out on the veranda with this strange and somewhat muddled man.
But her aunt did just that. “Maybe you’d like to push Hannah’s chair out there with you. She likes to sit outside sometimes.”
“I don’t think…” Hannah started to protest.
Calvin interrupted, “I don’t know how to roll that thing she’s sitting in.”
“If you want to see where you and the dog can play, you’ll have to do it.” Verbena looked perplexed. “There’s nothing to it. Simply stand behind her and push the chair.”
“You can do it, Calvin,” his sister encouraged. “Just try and see what happens.”
“I do want to see where I can play.”
“But…” Hannah started to speak again.
“Give Calvin a chance, Hannah.” Verbena’s voice was sharp. “He’s our guest.”
She said nothing else as Calvin moved behind her chair. He grabbed the back and began to push forward. He ran her directly into the tea table and knocked one of Verbena’s fancy cups to the floor, shattering it and spilling the tea left in it.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered and jerked the chair backward and around, making Hannah grab the side to keep her balance. He then headed for the doorway in an almost-run.
Hannah wanted to scream, ‘Slow down,’ but she didn’t get a chance. Before she could speak, her chair slammed into the side of the door facing causing her to pitch forward. The side of her face smashed into the door jamb and blood gushed from her nose. She felt herself twist as she fell from her chair to floor. She sensed a searing hot pain shoot all the way to her shoulder. She tried not to, but she was sure she was going to pass out.
Hilda jumped up and took Calvin’s arm. “Now look what you’ve done!” Her voice was harsh. “You’re go
ing to ruin everything.”
“I didn’t mean to do it,” Calvin cried.
“Are you all right, Hannah?” Verbena asked as she looked down at her niece without touching her.
Hannah heard her aunt, but was so stunned she couldn’t answer.
“Did I kill her?” Calvin asked.
“Of course not.” Verbena frowned at him. “Why don’t you pick her up and put her back in her chair?”
He grabbed Hilda’s hand. “I don’t want to touch her. She’s bleeding.”
“Oh, my.” Verbena sighed. “I guess you’d better help get her up, whether you want to or not, Calvin.”
“No. I killed her.”
Hannah wanted to say she wasn’t dead. She was only hurting, but her mouth didn’t work.
“I’m sure she isn’t dead.” Verbena’s voice was firm.
“I don’t touch dead people, do I, Hilda?”
Oh, please don’t let him touch me. I think he might really kill me if he comes near me again.
Before Hilda could answer her brother, Tobias came into the entry. “I heard a crash, Miz Wedington. Is ever body—”
“Hannah fell out of her chair. She should have held on tighter.”
Tobias bristled. “Well, we can’t just let her lay there in the floor, Miz Wedington. She’s hurt. I’ll get her to her room and then go for the doctor.”
“I killed her,” Calvin began to whimper.
“Be quiet, Calvin,” Hilda said. “I don’t think you killed her.”
“I’m not sure she’s even hurt bad enough to need a doctor,” Verbena said.
Tobias ignored all of them. He swept Hannah up in his arms and headed up the stairs.
Though her arm throbbed and there was blood running from her nose, Hannah recognized Tobias’s voice and felt his strong arms lift her from the floor. Relief flooded through her. She knew she’d be safe, now.
Chapter 15
Tobias stood behind the dining room door where Mrs. Wedington nor her guests could see him. He wished he’d been able to find Jarrett MacMichael yesterday or this morning, but the hotel clerk again told him Mr. MacMichael was out and he didn’t know when he’d be back. Now, he had to see if he could find out on his own what was happening. He wanted to know what the doctor said and he intended to listen, whether it was right to do so or not. He heard the stairs squeak and he knew the doctor was coming down to speak to a waiting Mrs. Wedington.
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