Dangerous Illusions (Hearts of Hays Series #1)

by Barbara Goss

  “Joanna has asked me to speak to Arthur on her behalf. I told her that I would, but I haven’t made any headway. Your father is awfully stubborn.”

  “That’s only one of his admirable qualities.”

  Kate told him about the approach she’d tried that morning.

  Josh shook his head. “Words can’t penetrate his thick skull.”

  Kate sighed. “Joanna and Phillip deserve a life with their daughter, and they are willing to compromise—why do they need Arthur’s consent? Since you don’t object, why don’t they just live as a family?” Kate asked.

  “My father generally has a quick temper, but about this he acts almost insane. He’s never forgiven Phillip’s family. Why to get rid of this new son-in-law, he even hired men to club Phillip over the head, drug him, and put him aboard a ship. Phillip had money in his pocket and a letter from my father, threatening his life and Joanna’s, if he returned.”

  “Are you sure Arthur would react violently, if he knew the whole truth?” she queried.

  “He knows. I told him the first day you came. Remember our talk in the den all that evening? He hardly left his room the next day. He has already threatened all sorts of things.” Josh stood up and began pacing nervously. “He did lie about one thing, though.”

  Kate looked up at him with one raised eyebrow.

  “He said that night he’d have nothing more to do with Anna, because she was a Barringer. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t hurt Anna. He loves the child dearly, whether or not he admits it. I’m sure he’s mellowed somewhat with age, because years ago he would have completely ignored the girl.”

  Josh laughed. “That very next evening Anna crawled up on Arthur’s lap and asked him to play checkers with her. He melted like butter on a desert cactus.”

  Kate held up her hand. “I had an idea this morning, but I need some help perfecting it. Are you interested?”

  “Idea on what?”

  “On how to reach Arthur and get him to forgive the Barringers.”

  “Yes, I’d love to hear it!”

  “You promise not to laugh? It’s pretty farfetched.”

  Josh held his hand up solemnly. “I promise.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “I know you’ll think I have an overactive imagination! Maybe it comes from all the reading I do—I always have my nose in a novel. Just tell me if you think this idea is too dramatic for the real world.”

  He winked. “I think I like your imagination and your quick wit. I promise to give it serious consideration.”

  “This morning Anna came into my room with a colorful picture of a huge eyeball, a heart, and the letter U,” Kate began. “She claims that her grandfather told her words are meaningless without action—or actions speak louder than words. So she drew an action picture, of ‘I love you’ and explained that she planned to present the picture to her mother, with a kiss.”

  Josh nodded.

  “We take Arthur’s advice. Words, to him, are futile; we need to show him. I thought of a way to prove how foolishly he’s acting.”

  “Sounds logical so far. Go on,” Josh prodded.

  “We could try to arrange a way that Phillip could save your life or Joanna’s—wouldn’t that repay the debt to your father? Or perhaps we could have him save Arthur’s life!”

  She folded her hands in her lap and looked at him expectantly. “What do you think?”

  Josh sat silently and rubbed his temples for so long that Kate thought he’d reject the idea.

  “Your idea has merit, Kate. Why doesn’t my mind think of schemes like those?

  Kate played with the folds of her dress. “But are you willing to try it?”

  He looked at her thoughtfully. “I like the idea, but am afraid my father would see right through a life-saving attempt. Don’t you think so?”

  She pondered it for several moments. “He is awfully sharp, isn’t he? It would have to be very well done.”

  “And,” added Josh, “he has a devious mind—not merely creative, like yours, but downright devious. He’d see through it like a sheet hanging on a clothesline at noon.”

  Kate laughed. “You lied.”

  “About what?”

  “You said you had a hard time saying things. I like your way with words!”

  He blushed. “Thank you.”

  “So I’ll think of another plan then?” She asked in a voice tinged with disappointment.

  “I didn’t say we wouldn’t try it, only that I felt my father was too smart to fall for any simple plan. It’s certainly worth considering. Maybe with some tweaking…” He rose. “Let’s work out the details and meet here again tomorrow at this time, to compare notes. How does that sound?”

  She smiled and held out her hand. “Partners?”

  “Partners.” He shook her hand firmly.

  The sound of laughter coming from Lydia’s room reminded Kate of Margo’s presence in the house. She tapped lightly and opened the door. “What’s all this?” She exclaimed at the packages strewn about the room.

  “Lydia’s wedding dress!” Margo danced about, holding it up to herself. “Isn’t it the final word?”

  Kate reached out and touched the delicate lace. “It’s the loveliest material I’ve ever seen. Wherever did you get such a fine dress, Lydia?”

  “I had it made in New York. My father sent it. “

  Kate’s eyes filled. “You’ll make a beautiful bride. I’m so happy for you—“ She turned and ran to her own room in tears.

  Wiping away her tears, Kate swept a book out from under the bed and curled up with it. “Come in, door’s open”, she called to a light knock on the door.”

  Margo and Lydia pushed their heads through the door cautiously and peered around before entering. “What are you doing?” asked Margo.

  “Reading.”

  “Why did you leave us in tears?” Lydia asked.

  “You know how romantic I am? Those type of things choke me up, that’s all.”

  “Well, you certainly worried us!” scolded Margo. “We thought for sure something was horribly wrong.”

  “Things have never been better. How are the twins?”

  “Fine. They didn’t get measles, but they’re getting on my nerves. I can’t wait for school to open again. It keeps them occupied.”

  “Have you heard anything from Mr. O’Brien?”

  “No. He said he’d let me know, so I suppose he doesn’t think school should resume yet.”

  “Have any more children come down with measles?”

  “Just one that I know of—Effie Groom.”

  “I almost went there!” Kate cried.

  “I’m terribly concerned for poor Olive,” said Margo.

  “Why? Is she ill, too?” pressed Kate.

  “In a way, yes.”

  “What’s wrong?” Lydia asked with concern.

  “I can’t say, except she isn’t as healthy as she looks, and she does her housekeeping poorly because she’s ailing most of the time.”

  “A secret disease, is it?” Kate asked with a laugh.

  “In a way it is!” Margo defended Olive. “She suffers from continual low spirits.

  “That’s as much as I can tell you.” She said kindly. “Just remember her in your prayers. Don’t let what others tell you about Olive Groom shade your opinion of her. I knew her when she first married, and her house was one of the cleanest in all of Hays!”

  “I’m sorry, Margo. I didn’t mean to sound uncaring.” Kate put her arms around the other woman. “I’ll pray for Olive. I’m so proud that you’re my friend, and I’m going to try to be more like you.”

  “Me, too!” Lydia cried, rushing in to embrace them both. “You both are inspirations to me.”

  Kate broke the embrace and spoke firmly to Lydia. “It’s time to start lunch. You go on ahead, and I’ll join you. I haven’t had a chance to visit with Margo alone yet.”

  “But what should I do?” Lydia asked.

  “Start boiling some water
, and preheat the oven. Make coffee, the way I showed you, and take out the butter. By the time you do all that I’ll be there with you.”

  When Lydia had gone, Kate asked, “How is Clara Mullin?”

  “The baby died as expected but Clara is recovering nicely. Ayda is helping keep the household running with the other children and the illnesses and all.”

  “I’m so sorry. If you see Clara or Ayda please tell them for me.”

  “I’ll tell them, Kate.”

  “Well, Margo, Lydia’s coming along just fine.”

  “Really?” Margo looked surprised. “Is she really doing well?”

  “At first I nearly pulled my hair out. If there was a way to botch the job I gave her, she found it! Thank the Lord for His gift of patience, because that’s all it took. Lydia is not unintelligent, just a slow learner. Once she catches on, she doesn’t forget and follows orders to a tee! Don’t worry, she’ll be the perfect Mrs. Geoffrey Grandville.”

  “Thank you, Kate. I really didn’t think you’d give it your best. I mean, you seemed so reluctant to even try teaching Lydia. I thought you disliked her for some reason. This news is really wonderful!” She kissed Kate’s cheek. “You know, you’re a good friend to have, too! It’s important that she learn because Geoffrey thinks everyone in Victoria is giving up and going back to England. But he loves it here and wants to stay. He’ll need Lydia to know these things.”

  Kate nodded. “How do you like Lydia’s new hairdo?”

  “It’s perfect! Geoffrey told me about it! He’s noticed many changes in Lydia. Things he’d secretly worried about. You’ve helped them become perfect for each other. God will certainly bless you, too, Kate. Wait and see!” Margo said, pointing her finger at Kate. “You wait and see what wonderful thing He’ll do for you!”

  “I feel good about myself, Margo, that’s all the reward I need. I’ve learned so much since I came out here.” Kate chuckled. “And I thought I was coming here to teach rather than learn!”

  Margo gave her a knowing look. “We never stop learning, my dear, never.”

  The next morning, after breakfast, Kate met Josh in the den.

  “Well.” She laughed. “Have you smoothed out the ripples in our crooked scheme?”

  “Of course. I’ve even talked to Joanna and Phillip. Joanna was elated and claims she knew she could trust you to solve the problem. She thinks you have some secret quality—of course, and who am I to argue with her, right?”

  “Exactly.” Kate’s eyes sparkled gleefully. She hoped Joanna had not told Josh how she felt about him.

  Josh looked at her intently, his brown eyes twinkling. “You do have an unusual quality. Something magnetic.” She had to strain to hear his next words, for he turned away and spoke under his breath. “And I’m a helpless piece of metal.”

  Kate blushed, and her insides lurched, as they never had before. It seemed as if senses she’d never felt before suddenly came alive. She blinked. “What ideas have you come up with? Where do we begin and when?”

  “You’re the creative one, you go first. Any new ideas?”

  “Do you suppose we could get Arthur to ride Loco? When he starts spinning, we could arrange to have Phillip there just in time.” Kate gave Josh a doubtful look. “I know it’s not great, but it’s all I could come up with.”

  Josh considered for several seconds. “It might work, if we knew where and when Loco would spin. But getting him to ride that horse after what happened to you would be almost impossible. “

  “Again you’re right.” Kate sighed mournfully. “Why do we have such a hard time helping Arthur think well of a good man? After all, Phillip’s hardly the image of his father. He must have so many fine qualities. We just have to show them to your father.”

  “Making my father see good in a Barringer is almost impossible!” A grim look appeared on Josh’s face.

  “My other idea was to pretend Anna was ill and Phillip could come to the rescue and save her by finding the herb to cure her or something.” Kate mumbled… “the ideas sound so good in my head but once spoken sound ridiculous.”

  Josh simply looked pensive.

  “I suppose we have completely ruled out Phillip’s saving you or Joanna?” Kate asked.

  “My father would see right through that. Phillip thought so, too. We’d have a better chance at convincing him if we made it personal.”

  “What ideas have you come up with?” she asked.

  “Only one, and it isn’t as clever as yours.” Josh winked. “And more dangerous and expensive, too.”

  “I can tell already it’s more elaborate and better than my idea. What is it?” she asked.

  “Remember that building behind the lumberyard?”

  Kate nodded and recalled the school site Margo had shown her.

  “I could ask him to assist me in doing some work in it.” Josh chuckled. “I hadn’t thought yet what I’d have him do, but something that would leave him alone in it long enough for it to catch fire.”

  “Fire!” exclaimed Kate. “That is dangerous! What if someone should get hurt?”

  Josh nodded. “See what kind of ideas an uncreative man gets?”

  “Is that your only idea?” she asked.

  “I’m afraid so. I’ll talk to Phillip later today or tomorrow and see if he has any ideas. Then we’ll give Joanna a vote. How’s that sound?”

  “Perfect! I can’t wait to begin.” A mischievous glint lit her eye.

  “You are enjoying this, aren’t you, Katherine?”

  “Why do you call me that?”

  “Katherine? It’s your name, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, but no one calls me that unless I’m in trouble. Until now, that is!”

  “And now?”

  “For some reason it sounds more personal.”

  “That’s because I’m the only one who calls you that. Do you want me to stop?” He asked, standing and reaching for her hand.

  Kate’s stood, head spinning. Could her feelings for Josh be mutual? Is this my Romeo? She wondered as he moved closer.

  His lips met hers softly, and instinctively Kate took a step backward. “Why did you do that?” she asked, once he’d drawn away.

  “To show my appreciation for all you’ve done and—“

  “Oh!” she exclaimed and, turned on her heel and fled the room. As she ran up the stairs she scolded herself, it’s you, not him, that backed away. Why? You know he had more to say; yet you cut him short and left him feeling like a dolt! Katherine Marie Hunter! Do you know yet what it is that you want?

  Once into her room she locked the door and peered at herself in the mirror. Just what do you want, Kate? To forever read of love for others? Why, after all these years of reading about romance, do you shy away when it comes into your own life? What are you afraid of? She’d never been kissed before and she felt confused. It had surely taken a lot of courage on Josh’s part for him to make that move and she had spoiled it. She wished she could go back and relive those moments.

  Kate was sure that Joanna had told him of her feelings for him which gave him the encouragement to kiss her. She had to fix this or her relationship with Josh would be awkward. She hoped he was still in the den as she ran down the stairs.

  Josh was seated before the fire with his head in his hands when she came into the den.

  “Josh,” she began… “I’m sorry I fled.”

  He stood looking at her. “I’m sorry. I guess I had my wires crossed.”

  “No, you didn’t.” She said. “I mean… “ She decided it was time to be brave and play, even if she lost the game.

  Kate walked over to where Josh stood and put her hands on his shoulders. “I’ve never been kissed before and I wasn’t expecting it is all. It was good… I mean…” she stuttered.

  Josh stood and smiled and hugged her to him. “Shall we try again then?”

  She nodded.

  She enjoyed her second kiss more than the first. It made her knees so weak she was thankful that Josh had a firm
hold on her.

  Chapter Eighteen

  It was a beautiful, crisp, late fall day, and the schoolhouse was full for Sunday services, despite the measles. Kate noted that a few of her pupils who’d first contracted the disease were in church and healthy.

  The only problem they had today was getting Arthur to accompany them to church. Josh finally asked Anna to plead with her grandfather, and Arthur reluctantly agreed to come. He covered what he thought would look like weakness by saying, “You can make me go with you, but you can’t make me stay awake!”

  Kate wore a crisp, dove-gray dress with matching gloves and hat, while Lydia came down wearing a blue-and-white outfit with a violet hat. After a reminder from Kate, she changed to a violet dress, to better match the bonnet, because she couldn’t find a blue or white hat.

  As was usual in fair weather, when the services were over, the people gathered in groups outside the schoolhouse. Children ran in and out, between the adults, playing as much as possible in their short time together. Kate carried on a conversation with Lydia, Geoffrey, and Archie Kessler. Joshua talked animatedly with Buzz and Nancy Balcomb. Hester O’Neill had Arthur sequestered in a comer and seemed to be filling his ears with the latest gossip. Margo, and Elmer laughed heartily over something Luther Aldrich had said. As Kate listened to Geoffrey tell a hunting story, she found her eyes searching out Joshua Redfield. Their eyes met, and he smiled and signaled her by looking at his watch and raising his eyebrows, as if to say, “Shall we go home and eat dinner?”

  Kate nodded, and he exaggerated a lip pantomime that told her to find Anna.

  Excusing herself from her group, Kate went in search of the child, whom she’d seen not five minutes ago, playing with the Dutton twins. As she scanned the area for Anna’s red and green dress, she located every other child but Anna.

  She walked up to Arthur, who was still busy listening to Hester O’Neill. “Have you seen Anna?” Kate interrupted.