Benjamin sat back, his mouth forming an O. His father was right. All this time, he had been busy trying to keep his money secret from Henrietta so she would learn to love him for himself, But, he didn't consider what she would be like, once they were married and knew about the money. There was always the possibility she would change. Gold had changed many men in Angel Vale, it could do the same to a woman.
“You may be right, but for now, until I decide what to do, will you keep mum about the money?”
Ron nodded and began reading the Bible.
Benjamin stood. “It's good to have you back, Pa.”
Chapter 12
Ron moved into the boardinghouse several days later. Both Benjamin and Henrietta were overjoyed at the change in his life. His focus was now on helping others and the cry of gold no longer held him captive. Now that Henrietta had seen the way money could overtake someone, she understood why Benjamin seemed to flare up whenever she asked about his finances.
He’s afraid of marrying someone who thinks more of money than of him, Henrietta concluded. She decided right then and there she would no longer worry him about money. He had allowed her to purchase enough warm clothes to last the whole winter and she couldn’t think of anything else she would need once they were married. The home above the eatery was plenty big and Benjamin had already furnished it tastefully. There were several miners who knew woodcarving. To help them survive, Benjamin had enlisted them to build the furniture. There was a lovely bed, a sofa, two rocking chairs, a small table, and a large dining table with six sturdy chairs.
Benjamin asked if there was any other furniture she would like to have made for the house before their wedding on Christmas Day. When she shook her head, he stepped close and whispered, “What about a cradle?”
Henrietta’s cheeks flushed, but she solemnly nodded her affirmation
*****
Henrietta loved her job, and after the first month, got used to the routine and cooking for such a large number of people. At first it was only the men, but soon the married brides and their husbands also stopped in for meals if they were in town. It was encouraging to see most of them happy in their arranged marriages.
Brenda blossomed as the business grew and Henrietta took her under her wing. It didn’t take long for Brenda to start trying to copy the refined ways Henrietta held herself and the way she spoke. Although she knew the girl was only imitating her, Henrietta was glad to see the changes in the young waitress.
Maybre Tanner had given up drinking and was a regular customer at the Angel Vale Eatery. He always asked to sit at Brenda’s tables and Henrietta often noticed a pink flush on the girl’s cheeks after the man had spoken some flirtatious words to her.
Ron took one meal a day at the eatery and the other at the boardinghouse. He easily made friends everywhere he went. No one in town knew about his good works, but each time Henrietta overheard a miner talking about finding a warm blanket set outside his door with a Bible on top, she knew it was Ron.
One day Ron appeared in the kitchen. Henrietta stopped stirring the large pot of stew.
“Is something wrong?” She eyed him nervously.
“I’ve come to ask a favor.”
“What is it?”
“I was wondering if you would consider serving a special meal here on Christmas Day for the miners. Most of them will take that day off, but they won’t have any family or friends to share Christmas with. They won’t have any cookies or pie or any of the traditional things others have.”
Henrietta’s eyes grew round. “That’s my wedding day, remember?”
The man scuffed the ground with his shoe. “Yep, I know it. And I wouldn’t want to interrupt that for the world, but these men need some Christmas spirit. I’ve been praying about how I could get them all together, the eatery on Christmas is the answer God put on my heart. It may be the only chance I get all year to tell them all the story of Christ.”
Henrietta gulped. Her wedding was scheduled early in the morning. She expected to spend the rest of the day with her husband. As she stared at Ron, twisting his hat in his hands, her heart melted. How could she turn him down?
Since sharing scriptures about the Comforter with him, Ron had become a true follower. How could she deny him this. Especially if he felt it was an answer to prayer.
“Yes, Ron. I will serve a special meal for the men. But I need to get an okay from the owner first. I’m not at liberty to serve free meals. How many men do you think would attend?”
“I expect fifty or more.”
Henrietta nodded. A Christmas meal for that many men would be very expensive. There would have to be at least five or more turkeys, hundreds of cookies, twenty or more pies, not to mention yams, biscuits and so much more.
“Ron, do you know who the owner of the eatery is? I’ve asked everyone I can think of, but no one seems to know.”
The older man glanced away and his cheeks turned slightly red. Henrietta squinted at him. “You do know who he is, don’t you?”
Ron stood ramrod straight. “What makes you think that?”
She stepped closer. “Remember, Ron. You are a Christian now. You mustn’t lie. Do you know who the owner of the eatery is?”
Ron gulped and nodded slowly.
“Wonderful. Just tell me and I’ll ask him about the Christmas meal. I understand the owner wants to remain anonymous. I wouldn’t tell anyone else.”
Ron shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t divulge that information. But, I’ll tell you what I will do. I will talk to him myself. If he agrees, I’ll have him send you a note.”
Henrietta’s shoulders sagged. She had hoped this one mystery would be cleared up. It was hard enough not knowing the things she wanted about her husband-to-be, but working for a secret restaurant owner was truly irritating. There were so many things she wanted to discuss with him; changes to the menu, new tablecloths and so much more. Whenever she mentioned her chagrin, Brenda reminded her she had been given permission to do whatever she wanted, that she was in charge. But these were some decisions that involved a great deal of expenses and she absolutely did not feel comfortable making them. A Christmas meal for over fifty men was one of them.
*****
Benjamin slipped into the eatery, found a seat and ordered a meal. It wasn’t long before Brenda delivered it.
“How’s the cook?” He nodded toward the kitchen.
“She’s fine. A bit upset since your pa came to see her.”
Benjamin sat straight. “Pa? What did he need to see Henrietta about?”
Brenda looked over her shoulder to make sure no one else was listening in on their conversation. “I guess I should tell you. He wants Henrietta to host a meal here for the miners on Christmas Day.”
“What!” Benjamin shoved back his chair and was about to rise, but Brenda pressed his shoulder with her hand.
“There’s more.”
Benjamin turned curious eyes toward her.
“She wants to know who the owner of the eatery is, so she can ask him about having the Christmas meal here. She was able to get some information from your Pa.”
Benjamin’s voice dropped. “What did he tell her?”
“Only that he knows who the owner is.”
Benjamin’s heart was pounding and fear gripped his throat.
“She tried to make him tell, even brought up Jesus, but he didn’t let it out of the bag. So you don’t have to worry, yet.”
Benjamin’s head shot up and his eyes met Brenda’s in surprise.
“Sure, I know it’s you. Anyone with eyes in their head could figure it out. But, I guess I’m the only one. Don’t worry none. I won’t tell.”
Benjamin reached out and took Brenda’s hand in his and gave it a friendly squeeze. “Thank you, Brenda. I do have my reasons for not telling her yet.”
“I figured so, but it don’t matter to me. I’m just glad to have a job. But, you best have a good stern talk with your Pa. He’s changed so much, I don’t think he’ll
be able to withstand her questions for long.”
Benjamin nodded. “I’ll talk to him later today.”
Benjamin realized he was still holding Brenda’s hand when the kitchen door swung open and Henrietta stepped into the room carrying a platter loaded with meals. He cringed as her eyes took in his hand clasped with Brenda’s. He immediately pulled back, but it was too late. Henrietta had turned abruptly to leave the room, but as usual her ankles twisted together and before he could get to her, plates, steaks, biscuits and jam flew across the room and splattered on the floor. Henrietta lay sprawled out on the ground. When she lifted her head, he noted the pink hue of humiliation and tears trickling down her cheeks.
Benjamin rushed across the room and lifted Henrietta up. Food smeared the front of her apron. He grabbed a napkin from a nearby table and tried to wipe the offensive grease off.
Henrietta grabbed the napkin and hissed, “I’ll do it myself. I don’t need your help.” She moved toward the kitchen again.
Brenda had already scurried by and was cleaning up the spilled meals.
Benjamin followed Henrietta. “Dear, I think you just saw something that was not at all what it seemed.”
Henrietta turned back to him with alacrity. “Do you mean, you holding hands with Brenda? I’m sure I have no idea what else it could be than what it seemed. I have no idea why you sent all the way to Merville, Maine, for a mail order bride, when you have a lovely girl like Brenda right here. I thought she and Mabry Tanner were beginning to court, but I see I’m wrong. ” She stepped toward a chair and sank onto it with a sob.
Benjamin rushed over and slipped onto his knee in front of her. “Henrietta, I promise you, it was not that at all. Brenda had just been telling me something that was important for me to know. I took her hand in a friendly gesture only.”
“What did she tell you?”
Benjamin flushed. “Uhm, well, it’s something I needed to know about.”
“I am your intended. Is there anything you can’t share with me? Because if there is, I don’t see how I can marry you. I expect my husband to share everything with me. There are already so many things that I’m unsure of. You have several secrets and I’m not sure I want to get married unless I know what they are.” She stood and brushed passed him. “If you will excuse me now, I have to remake the meals that just got splattered on the floor.” She stomped away.
“I’ll wait outside to walk you to the mill at the end of the day. We can talk then.” Benjamin’s voice lowered.
“I can see myself home, Mr. Capell.”
Benjamin moved toward the front room. “I will wait.”
Henrietta quickly cooked more food and served it to the men waiting in the eatery. She noted Benjamin standing on the front boardwalk, waiting.
As she scrubbed the kitchen, she sighed. Brenda assured her there was nothing romantic going on between her and Benjamin, but even Brenda would not explain what the two had been talking about.
This town is full of secrets, Lord and they all seem to have something to do with money and this eatery.
Henrietta scrubbed the last skillet vigorously. She was in no hurry to face Benjamin again. But she knew he would be waiting for her. Ever since Mabry Tanner’s inappropriate behavior, Benjamin has been good to his word and walked her to and from the mill. Nothing ever hindered him.
Suddenly, Henrietta stopped scrubbing the skillet as a thought occurred to her. She had no idea what Benjamin did all day long. From what she could tell, he had no job. He had assured her he stopped working the mine several weeks before she came to Angel Vale.
Why haven’t I thought of this before? What does he do?
A tinge of concern wove it’s way through her mind. If he wasn’t mining, and he wasn’t working, but he was able to afford to live above the eatery and provide her with a winter wardrobe, he had to be getting money somewhere.
Several scenarios filled her mind. Each of them terrible. Recently, there had been a bank robbery and although the men had been caught, there was always a chance Benjamin could be a silent partner. She sank into a chair, lifted the apron to her eyes and began to cry in earnest.
Chapter 13
As the days slipped by, Henrietta made plans for the Christmas meal. She gave a list of needed supplies to Rorey. As he scanned the list, she expected him to speak against the meal. Instead he nodded and assured her he could get everything she’d asked for.
“Rorey, are you sure you don’t know who the owner of the eatery is?” She watched his eyes carefully, hoping to detect a subterfuge.
“Nope. I got the job from a letter. I suspect the only person who does know is the assayer, Mr. London. But, I can promise you won’t get an answer from him.”
Henrietta sat on a chair with a huff. “I know. I’ve already asked him.”
“Why worry? Whoever it is has given you the right to make any and all decisions.”
“Yes, but to spend so much money on a Christmas meal, especially a free meal?”
“You told Mr. London about it, right?”
“Yes, and he wrote a letter to the owner.”
“And the owner answered. I got a letter from him myself, telling me to purchase any supplies you needed for the Christmas meal. What’s the worry?”
“It’s all so mysterious. I can’t help but feel something is wrong about the whole thing.”
“Maybe you should ask Benjamin to talk to Mr. London. I know they are good friends.”
Henrietta shook her head. She didn’t want to involve Benjamin. Besides, he was a mystery himself.
Since her realization about Benjamin not having a job, Henrietta was quiet whenever he walked her to or from the eatery. She didn’t encourage conversation between them and she refused to go on outings with him. She didn’t believe he was a thief, but the thought niggled at her, eating away her peace of mind.
Finally, on the first day of December, she cornered Ron in the eatery.
“Ron, I need to know something.”
Ron looked up with wary eyes. “Yes?”
“Does Benjamin have a job?”
“He’s a miner,” Ron’s voice drifted away. He tried to stand, but Henrietta pressed a hand on his arm.
“Don’t leave, Ron. Benjamin assured me he no longer works the mine. He also assures me he can provide a comfortable home for me. I’m concerned. Whenever I ask him about it, he gets upset.”
Ron reached up and wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead. “Now, Henrietta, I’m not the one to tell you anything.”
“But, Ron, I’m worried. Would you just tell me if he is breaking the law? I have no money and no place to go, but I can’t marry him if he’s doing something wrong.”
Ron patted her hand. “He’s not doing anything wrong.”
Before she could question him further, the eatery door opened and Benjamin stepped into the room, his glance full of questions.
Ron stood and moved across the room.
“You need to tell her, son. She thinks you’re a thief.”
“A what?” He stared across the room incredulously.
“Well, what’d you expect? You don’t work the mine, you don’t have a job in town, you don’t own a farm.”
“But a thief? I thought she cared more for me more than that. How could she believe such a thing?”
Benjamin turned and stomped out of the eatery.
Ron turned back toward Henrietta with a shrug.
A tear trickled down her cheek.
Chapter 14
A week passed. Everything Henrietta needed for the Christmas meal was ordered or already in the well-stocked pantry. She hired two more young girls to work the week of Christmas because she suspected the entire holiday season would bring in more guests.
On the other hand, she’d made no plans for her wedding. She wasn’t sure she would even be getting married, because Benjamin had disappeared from town on the day Ron told him she thought him to be a thief.
She was glad he insisted Ron walk her back and fort
h to work, but her ears strained each day, hoping to hear his footfall on the back steps.
On Sunday, she dressed carefully and made her way down the stairs in the mill to join the others for church services. Even though they were held in the mercantile, she enjoyed the messages and the feeling of community. Most everyone knew her by name and gave her friendly greetings. The only thing she missed was Benjamin by her side.
As she came down the steps, she was startled to see him at the bottom of the stairs. Her hand flew to her mouth as she gulped down a lump in her throat. Forgetting to hold onto the rail, her foot slipped. She tumbled head first, slammed into Benjamin who then stumbled backward and fell with Henrietta sprawled on top of his chest.
“I expected a cold shoulder, not a warm tackle.” His chest shook with laughter, but Henrietta seethed with indignation.
Lord, why, oh why can’t you keep me from making such a fool of myself in front of Benjamin?
She pulled herself up and tried to smooth down her skirt and straighten her hair all at once.
“What are you doing here, Benjamin?”
Benjamin scrambled to stand. “I’ve come to walk you to the church service.”
She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Oh really? After disappearing for all this time, you expect me to just come along quietly?”
“No, I was hoping we could go for a short walk together before service. I want to explain everything to you.”
She eyed him nervously. His absence had only caused her concern to grow.
“Benjamin, I will not go anywhere with you, unless you agree to answer every question I have.”
His eyes dropped and he nodded. “That’s why I’m here.”
Henrietta gazed at him, trying to read sincerity or falsehood.
“Alright, but I warn you, this is your very last chance. If you still want to marry me.”
Benjamin turned and offered his hand. Henrietta slipped her hand into his and allowed him to lead her out the front door and away from town.
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