Especially when Virgil told her he wouldn’t court her, wouldn’t even go on a picnic with her. Her tears started again.
Lula took her arm. “You’ll be fine in a little while. See if you make muddy footprints.”
She did. “I’m so dirty I can’t even walk across the floor. I must have transferred mud to my feet when I was taking off my stockings.” She just wanted to go to her room and hide for the rest of her life.
Mrs. Connor handed her a wet towel. “Here, dear. You can wipe your feet with this. Thank you for being considerate of the floor.”
When Alexandra had cleaned her feet, the towel was streaked with mud, but her feet still left tracks. “What am I going to do?”
Lula took down the washtub. “Stand in this and we can pour warm water over you. Then you can dry and see if we need to douse you twice.”
Mrs. Connor filled a bucket from the range’s reservoir. She added water from the pump at the sink then tested the temperature with her hand. “Can you bend down so I can reach above your hair. It’s muddy, too.”
Alexandra squatted in the tub. Soon the water was brown. “I’ll never get clean.”
Lula handed her a towel. “Stand up and I’ll dry your feet. You can brace yourself with a hand on my head.”
Finally, she was at least clean enough to race upstairs to the bathing room. They’d drained the hot water from the range reservoir. She was glad Papa had added a boiler for the bathroom water when they’d rebuilt the house. As long as she could rid herself of this horrid muck now, though, she didn’t care if the water was icy.
She’d missed lunch but she hid in her room. Her day had started well enough but had turned into one of the worst of her life. She put on her nightgown and robe and lay on her bed. Tears streaked her cheeks. She’d made such a fool of herself people would never forget.
A rap at the door made her groan. “Come in.”
Lula entered carrying a plate and glass of milk. “You must be hungry. Mrs. Connor prepared a sandwich.”
Alexandra sniffed. “Thank you, Lula.”
Lula sat on the bed. “What really happened?”
“You’d laugh if I told you.” She sipped her milk.
“Try me. I’ll bet I won’t.” Lula sounded sympathetic.
That made Alexandra feel worse. “I wanted to walk with the sheriff. He discouraged me in an ungentlemanly way and I stamped my foot. I misjudged the boardwalk and fell onto the muddy street.”
Lula gasped and her eyes were wide. “What did you do then? Didn’t Virgil help you?”
Recalling her conversation with Virgil brought new tears to her eyes. “He tried but he laughed at me and that made me mad. I-I pushed him into the mud.” She recounted the rest of her humiliating story—up until she kissed Virgil.
Lula grinned. “I’m trying not to laugh. The two of you must have been a sight, wallowing in the mud. Papa’s eyes must have bugged out of his head.”
Alexandra closed her eyes, wishing she could erase the image of her father lecturing her while she was in the mud. “He was really mad. Virgil said he was just surprised, but I know better. I disgraced him in front of his business friends.”
“Surely you can explain and he’ll understand. You’ve never done anything like that before, have you?”
“Never. And I hope I never do again.” Alexandra took a bite of sandwich.
“I know it’s none of my business, but what did Virgil say that upset you so much that you lost your balance?”
She took a deep breath, loathe to admit the reason. “I merely invited him to go with me on a picnic sometime.”
She tried not to start weeping again but recalling the humiliation was too much. “He… he… he said he wasn’t ‘playing games’ with me. He’d already told me once that he wasn’t going to put up with what he called ‘my games’ like Scott did. I told him I’ve changed. He thinks I have to have a lot of money.”
Lula reached over and patted her arm. “Dear Alexandra, admit that you do now. Maybe you can learn not to find material things so important. Look at all the money we spent this morning. I imagine that’s as much as Virgil makes in a month, maybe longer.”
Alexandra had never kept track of her own expenses. “How much do you think he makes a month?”
“I don’t know. Pearson Grove is not that large, so I imagine the city can’t afford to pay him very much. I’ll bet Papa would know.”
Hearing Lula call her father “Papa” still shocked Alexandra. She didn’t get as angry now, but she hadn’t grown accustomed to hear another woman say those words and mean Alexandra’s father. Would she ever get used to Lula? Could she ever think of her as her sister?
Alexandra worried with a broken nail. “I don’t know how to ask him. He’s going to be so angry when he comes home.”
Lula rose. “I’ll be right back.” When she returned, she gave Alexandra a nail file. “You’re ruining your nails. You don’t want that.”
Alexandra accepted the tool and went to work on her jagged nail that was probably the result of falling. “How could I find out how much he makes?”
She looked up in alarm. “Not that it matters, mind you. I’m just curious.”
Lula sent her a knowing grin. “Sure you are. In most places the salary is set by the town council headed by the mayor. Isn’t Papa on the town council?”
“He, Mr. Taber, Mr. Baker, Mr. Dixon, and Mayor Paine make up the council. There’s talk of adding a couple more people but for now that’s all there are. I wonder if Papa has information in his study about the council meetings.”
“Likely he does, but we shouldn’t pry there. You’d be better off asking him if you want to know.”
“I can’t, don’t you see? He’d want to know why I thought I needed that information. I don’t have a credible excuse.”
“Maybe Scott and Moriah know.”
Alexandra shook her head. “I sure can’t ask them. You do know my history with Scott, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I don’t have any history with him. Maybe I can ask.”
Alexandra’s mood lightened. “Would you? Oh, Lula, I’d be ever so grateful if you would.”
“I’ll watch for an opportunity. In the meantime, if you’re thinking of Virgil as husband material, you’d better learn to cook and clean and plan menus and iron and do laundry.”
“That all sounds dreadfully dreary. I’ll learn to cook, though. I’ll tell Mama and Mrs. Connor that I’m old enough to know how to run a household and cook. That sounds plausible, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, and it’s true. You do need to know those things. I mean, even if you married a wealthy man the servants would have days off and you’d need to fill in. We can tell them we want to learn together if you wish.”
“We? You already know how to do those things from taking care of your mother and running the household.”
Lula shook her head. “Believe me, that situation was entirely different from any I’d ever agree to again. I don’t mean about Ma because I loved her and would have done anything for her. I mean about living in dreadful conditions you can’t even imagine. Being poor wasn’t all I’m talking about either, but about the way my stepfather acted toward Ma and me.”
Lula’s eyes snapped with anger. “No man I’d want to marry would treat me that way. That’s why Papa and Ron had to teach me a lot about your daily life before I met your mother. At least I was able to go to school long enough before Ma got sick that I can read and write.”
Once again, Alexandra was attacked by guilt. What a horrid life Lula had lived her first sixteen years. “Well, then we can learn together. That will make it more pleasant and a lot easier for me.”
The grandfather clock chimed five times.
Lula stood and opened Alexandra’s armoire. “You might as well get up and dress for supper. You know Papa intends to lecture you, so you should look your best and distract him.”
Alexandra rose to change clothes and meet her fate. She was dressed and downstairs when
her father and Ron come home.
Usually, the two men came in laughing and talking. Today both were solemn.
When Papa saw her, he gestured for her to come. “Alexandra, step into the study with me.”
She exchanged a glance with Lula, who patted her shoulder. Alexandra followed Papa into his study.
“Close the door behind you then sit down.”
She did as told. She started to explain again but couldn’t find the words.
“Imagine my surprise when I walked out of the bank at lunchtime. There are you and Virgil cavorting in the mud in the middle of town. What have you to say for yourself?”
“I explained that I slipped off the boardwalk and fell into the mud—”
He held up a hand. “The whole truth this time. Remember there were others who saw you. Start with why you slipped off the walk.”
“Okay-y-y, I was mad at Virgil. I-I stomped my foot but the walk was slick from mud being tracked on it. When I fell, he helped me up. Then he laughed and said brown wasn’t my color. I was still mad at him and shoved him toward the mud. He tried to retain his balance and grabbed my arm to steady himself. He landed on his back and I landed on him. That’s when you spoke to us.”
“Young lady, what caused you to be mad at him in the first place?”
She opened her mouth several times but the humiliation prevented sounds from escaping.
“When you’ve finished mimicking a fish, answer me.”
“I suggested that we go on a picnic but he said he wasn’t playing my ‘games’, whatever that means. He said he doesn’t make enough money to court me. I told him I’m trying to change but he wouldn’t listen.”
“The man is right, dear. He doesn’t make enough money to court you. You’ll have to change a lot if you’ve set your cap for him.”
She was happy to learn Papa wasn’t against Virgil. “How much does he make?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but he gets a hundred and fifty a month from Pearson Grove plus a percentage of any fines he collects. He runs a good town and there aren’t many fines. Troublemakers don’t stop here.”
“But that’s good, isn’t it?”
Papa pushed a sheet of paper toward her. “Here’s the bill for last month from the dressmaker.”
Alexandra gasped when she read the list. “I’m so sorry, Papa. I won’t order any more dresses for at least a year.”
“I don’t begrudge you any of your expenses. That’s not why I showed these to you. Here are those from the Mercantile and from the Hessman’s Butcher Shop. Now can you understand what Virgil means?”
Tears slid down her cheeks in spite of all she could do. She tried to swipe at them without her father seeing. “What do poor people do?”
“They don’t eat as well or dress as well or live in as nice a house as we do.”
He leaned back in his chair and ran his fingers through his hair. “I shouldn’t have let you be so sheltered. I’ve always been proud of you and Ron. I didn’t see any need to burden you with practicalities. I see now that was a mistake. Fortunately, Ron has become well-grounded through his work at the bank.”
“What can I do, Papa? Lula and I are going to learn to cook and run a household from Mama and Mrs. Connor. Other than that, I’m at a loss.”
His expression changed and he smiled. “I’m pleased you and your sister are doing something together.”
He leaned forward again and tapped his forefinger on the desk. “Listen to me carefully, Alexandra. Virgil Witt is not the kind of man you can chase. If you try, you’ll only drive him away. He has a good memory of the foolish way you acted with Scott Ferguson, who happens also to be his best friend. The only way to attract Virgil is to prove you’re serious about changing the way you live and think.”
His description of her past sliced through her self respect. “I understand, Papa. I’ll do my best.”
He appeared tired. “That’s all anyone can ask.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been a burden, Papa. I see how tired you are and I know I’m to blame.”
His weary smile didn’t help her feelings. “Why Ron and I are sad is that we have to foreclose on someone. That’s the part of banking I hate. The man was in the bank today making threats and raving about it being my fault he’s lost his business. That was just before closing. Left a sour taste in my mouth.”
“Which man was it?”
“You don’t know him, but he owns a quarry. He’s just worthless and lazy but he blames everyone but himself for his failures.”
She rose and went around the desk to her father and hugged his neck. “You’ve had a terrible day.”
He hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Tomorrow will be better, I’m sure.”
Chapter Nine
Virgil went by the Mercantile at a quarter of six because Scott and Moriah had invited him for supper. In addition, he had a list of supplies he needed for home. He gave the list to Scott.
Scott kissed Moriah’s cheek. “Go on up, honey. I’ll take care of this last problem customer before we close for the day.”
“See you in a few minutes.” She hurried to the storeroom where the inside stairs were located.
With a broad smile on his face, Scott watched her leave to go upstairs where they lived. “We learned today we’re going to be parents. I was supposed to wait until we were at the table so we could tell you together. But, I’m too excited to keep the news to myself any longer.”
Virgil matched Scott’s smile. “That’s great news. I’m happy for you.”
“I know we’re not really kin, but I was hoping you’d be Uncle Virgil to our children.”
His friend’s request touched him. “You bet I will. Someone has to watch over them.”
Scott laughed. “If they’re anything like I was, I’ll need lots of help.” He reached for a wicker shopping basket and started down the aisle.
Virgil trailed Scott while his friend gathered the supplies on the list into the basket. “I could get those but I figure you know where everything is better than I do.”
He stopped at a display. “Hey, you have new gloves in stock.”
He picked up a pair of gloves made from thick rawhide. “These would be great for riding or working around the house. You know, fixing things.” He tossed them into the basket Scott carried.
Scott sent him a puzzled glance. “Anything need fixing?”
Virgil rubbed his jaw. “Always something. Need to replace a board on the front porch.”
“I’ll help if it’s on Sunday afternoon.”
Virgil rubbed his jaw, pleased he could always count on Scott’s friendship. “Naw, I have the time, just not much motivation. But, I’d sure hate for someone to fall through a rotten board.”
“Harrumph. Who you expecting on your porch?”
“You’d be surprised. Don’t you remember before you were married when you were the recipient of food from eligible and not-so-eligible females?”
Scott grimaced and added two cans of peaches to the basket. “Do I ever? Had some good food and some inedible. Alexandra brought you anything?”
“Naw, she couldn’t. She only learned where I live today.” Virgil realized too late he’d fallen into a trap.
Scott grinned. “Was that before or after the mud tussle?”
Virgil raised his hand to point at his friend. “Do not start with me. Everyone I’ve run into since that debacle has had to add his questions and comments. Besides, I never ribbed you about such things.”
Scott sent him an incredulous glance. “The devil you didn’t. Anyway, your scene is a major topic of conversation in town today. Knowing we’re friends, everyone who came in asked me what was going on between you and Alexandra. I told them nothing except you were trying to assist her when she fell.”
Virgil exhaled his relief. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Scott shook his head. “Sorry, friend, no one believed me. Some had seen the two of you before she fell and said you were arguing
. Then, others said that after you helped her up, she pushed you and you dragged her into the mud with you.”
Virgil pulled his hat low over his eyes. The mud-stained hat he’d brushed for a quarter of an hour. “I wish people would mind their own darned business. Maybe talk will die down soon.”
Scott sent him a glance filled with pity. “Remember where you are, Virgil. By the end of the week they’ll have you married with three children and a fourth on the way.”
They were back at the counter. “My wife says you’re sweet on Alexandra. That right?”
“Your wife is too smart to be married to a galoot like you. Dadgum, what chance would I have with a spoiled banker’s daughter used to nothing but the best? I make a lot less than you do and you couldn’t afford her. I’ve tried to discourage her but she’s after me like butter on a biscuit.”
Scott emptied the basket of Virgil’s purchases. “Turn the sign to Closed, will you, while I total this stuff for your account.”
“I don’t suppose you have advice for me, do you?”
His friend paused long enough to send him a mischievous look. “You’d be better off asking my smart wife.”
“Sure, I’ll do that… um, first chance I get.” As in never.
***
That evening, Alexandra sat re-reading the newspaper account of Virgil’s heroics. Her stomach knotted and her heart raced.
Lula sat beside her. “Are you all right? You’ve gone pale again.”
“I can’t get over this incident at the grain elevator. Virgil could have been killed trying to save Mr. Zimmerman.”
“The story was frightening. Poor Virgil was seriously injured. I hope he didn’t make himself worse when he fell into the mud.”
Guilt attacked Alexandra. “Oh, dear, I’d forgotten about that when I pushed him.”
She shook her head and returned to the story. “Why was he doing the rescue instead of one of the other elevator employees? Or, maybe the fire department?”
“There wasn’t time to call the fire department, remember. That man would have suffocated in the grain.”
Alexandra's Awakening (Pearson Grove Book 2) Page 6