by Annie Boone
He took the hint and ran with it, though innocent of her intentions. The man nodded furiously and pointed his chin toward the two Millers. “It’s indeed a delight, a pleasurable joy that Mrs. Miller’s son has returned. Do you remember him? They were among the first arrivals this morning, and the young Mr. Miller said he has returned home after graduating college.”
“College?” she feigned surprise. “Well, that is delightful. I wonder what he studied?”
The pastor grinned, apparently enjoying the opportunity of being of some help. And indeed he is, Mary smiled to herself. A great deal of help to the future Mrs. Miller!
“It was business, if I remember correctly. Can you imagine that, my dear? Well, once he starts helping out our town, I’m sure we’ll be doing just wonderfully. I do believe that.”
She nodded impatiently. “Yes, indeed, most assuredly. Now, I wonder, did he bring anyone back with him?”
He thought about it and shrugged. “I’m not sure what you mean by that, I’m afraid. But he is genuinely a good young man, and there is no doubt his presence will do wonders for Mrs. Miller and—”
It was apparent she wouldn’t get anything more out of him, and so it was time to move on. Mary waved a hand. “Yes, yes. Oh, I’m afraid I’m being called to join my family. We’re celebrating my grandfather’s birthday today. Thank you, Pastor Lastch. Have a lovely day!”
And she hurriedly escaped him. After promising her parents she would only be another minute, Mary rushed over to Frances Cleary, who was courting her cousin, Bart. She was considered the town’s most up-to-date gossip. Mary had no idea what Bart saw in the woman, but who was she to throw stones? At least Bart had taken a single woman off the market for the time being.
Mary and Frances had been friends on and off over the years but had never quite grown close. Their main connection came from discussing the business and behavior of everyone else in Cutter’s Creek. Right now, Mary needed information and Frances was likely the one who had it.
After the basic courtesies were exchanged, Mary pulled Frances from Bart and nudged her down the aisle. “I noticed Zeke Miller has returned to town.”
The other girl grinned eagerly. “Yes, and he’s grown up quite nicely, don’t you think? What have you heard?”
For a minute, Mary gloried in the fact that someone else cared like she did for information. How did June not enthusiastically join in on things like this anymore? While they were preached upon that gossip was wrong, Mary couldn’t believe it was a bad thing to learn whether a young man was available or not. And if it meant the possibility of a wedding, that was especially important. Because weddings were ordained by God, after all.
“He graduated college,” she told Frances. “Business—I think in Boston. Now he’s clearly back with his mother for some time, from the looks of it. He was early to church, as well. What do you think? Any chance he’s here to stay or is just visiting?”
Frances shook her head. “He’s moved back in with his mother and has already fixed up her porch, the one Mr. Prater was planning to help out with. Speaking of which, I’m not so certain that the two men get along. Mrs. Miller has been joining the two Praters for weeks now at church, but today they didn’t sit together. Can you imagine what this means?”
Mary was sure she could, but that wasn’t her concern. “Right, yes,” she waved off that thought. “But is he courting anyone? Is there another woman?”
The other girl paused and chuckled, as the light in her eyes sparkled. Certainly, she now realized what Mary was getting at. She put a hand over Mary’s and gave her a wink. “He’s as single as they come, Mary, but you’d better move fast. He has a handsome face and I’ve already heard several girls talking about him.”
Mary crooked her eyebrow at that challenge, smirked and looked around. Zeke Miller was still there, standing near his mother as she spoke with Mr. Prater about something. But the young man didn’t appear to be listening but was glancing out the window. The sunlight brought out the chestnut highlights in his dark locks. Mary imagined how a more combed, dapper style might look on him.
“Is anyone speaking with him yet?” Mary asked absently.
When it came to that, Frances shook her head and gave Mary a slight push in his general direction. “Let me know how it goes,” she giggled lightly and returned to Bart’s side.
It was one thing to gossip and another to take action. But Mary straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. Patting her hair again, she straightened the wrinkles in her skirts and headed over to him. She had done this often enough and was excited for this new opportunity. He has to be the one! she told herself, feeling in her heart that this all meant something.
“Hello there,” Mary looked at him demurely through her eyelashes, fluttering them just a little more in hopes of catching his eye. She gave the slightest curtsey and held out a hand to him, glad her skin wasn’t too dry today. “It’s marvelous to see you again.”
She smiled as he straightened up, turning to face her. He was a handsome man, though the nose was more pointed than she had thought. But he was tall, clean shaven, and had clear dark eyes. The man gave her a hesitant smile, and she watched him look her over for a second. “I, um, well, hello. Um, do we know each other?”
Putting a hand over her heart, she laughed delicately. “Oh, you are such a tease. Of course I know you, Zeke Miller. We went to school together years ago.” There Mary paused carefully. “Of course, I was much more of an ugly duckling when I was younger. You would have never given me the time of day.” It was a modest statement and altogether false, but words like these always made men look at her more carefully. Now she hoped her cheeks were pink enough for him.
A look of realization finally passed over his face and he took a step back. “Mary Pershing? It’s been years. Goodness, I… well, how are you?” He ran a hand through his hair. “Still here, I see? How have you been? Married, I’m sure?”
It came out rougher than either of them had anticipated, but Mary was used to men tripping up over themselves around her. Still, she blushed more than she had anticipated. “Not quite, I’m afraid. But, yes, I’m still here. How could I leave a place like Cutter’s Creek?”
She wanted to say more, but Mrs. Miller was calling her son. He turned, seemingly forgetting her for a moment. “Yes, I’m right here. I’m ready to leave when you are. I’ll be right there.” He turned back to Mary. “I’m sorry, my mother needs me. But it was lovely seeing you again, Miss Pershing.” He gave a short, sharp nod and left her side.
She looked over at her parents who were scowling. Her father took out his watch, flipped the case open, and looked at the time. Then he scowled again. When he saw her looking in their direction, he motioned for her to come.
She tamped down her excitement about Zeke Miller returning to town and went to join her family.
Chapter 6
Mary couldn’t stop talking about him the entire way home. It was really quite annoying, June thought to herself, as her sister was already planning an early summer wedding. With the winter finally over, everyone was eager for the better weather that was guaranteed to come eventually. But that permitted only a short space of time for courting.
“And he’ll propose at the spring dance,” Mary added blithely. “We’ll have flowers for that. Oh, I’m sure the sun will warm up,” she told her sister. “Oh, and he’ll look so dashing in a blue-trimmed suit. His hair is a little long right now, I’m afraid, but I’m sure he won’t mind trimming it. In fact, he’ll want to make me proud so I won’t even have to bring it up.”
Their father chuckled at this remark. “You’ll have a hard time telling a man what to do with his hair, my dear. Your mother’s been saying the same thing about mine for years. And there’s no chance he’ll figure out what you want on his own.”
But their mother turned back and gave them a wink. “Your father can comb his own hair. It’s the one piece of freedom I grant him. But I set out his suits each morning, and I decide what he eats a
nd reads. Don’t go giving our daughters any other crazy ideas now, dear. Especially if you want them to ever get married,” she added as an afterthought.
They arrived home and he helped them all down. “Now, Mildred, there’s no need to say a thing like this. Why, I’m sure they’ll be married before they know it. And then we’ll miss them something fierce.”
Mildred sighed. “Well, yes, but I’d be glad for them. After the mess with Josh Garrett, why I just don’t know what to expect.”
June took in a deep breath. It annoyed her endlessly the way her family perceived some matters. “Why not let that drop? He and I were never meant to be, and I’m happy with that outcome. I have no idea why you continue to make out like it was some sort of fiasco.”
“He certainly didn’t treat you or your sister well at all, June. Why are you so willing to accept shabby treatment from others? Men, I mean.” Her mother harrumphed and exhaled loudly, chin tipped up in the air.
Choosing to ignore her mother’s remark, June replied. “Look, Mother, Josh is with Felicity, and they are very happy. They’re a couple made in Heaven. No one should get in the way of something like that. And granted, not everyone marries, you know. Uncle Calvin never remarried and he’s quite happy.” She made the comment hesitantly as she knew it always set her mother off. But why not go ahead and say all her mind since her mother was already annoyed?
Her father, Aaron, was chuckling. “Don’t say a thing like that, dear. I assure you, marriage is the best. Isn’t it, now?” And he leaned over and kissed his wife loudly on the cheek.
The woman nodded. “It is, and I won’t settle for anything less than perfect happiness when it comes to my girls. Now let’s tidy up and prepare for the birthday celebration supper, shall we? Portis, Jack, and Calvin should be here momentarily. I believe Bart is joining us, as well. Thank the good Lord he’s not bringing that woman he’s courting. Mary, I really wish you wouldn’t be so friendly with her.” With that, her mother was off to the kitchen to get the meal ready to serve.
June was thankful the focus had moved from her to her grandfather’s birthday. Well, that and her mother’s disapproval of her cousin Bart’s lady friend.
But, she also realized that a budding hope in her chest had begun to deflate at her parents’ words. What had she been thinking, saying that not everyone gets married? That kind of talk always caused problems for her. She was always sorry when she spoke her mind to her parents. Or even to her sister.
More uncertain than ever before, she shook her head and tried to get the thoughts out of her head. She knew it sounded wrong, the lack of interest in getting married. But there was so much else in the world she wanted to explore, and the idea of staying inside a house forever to only cook and clean didn’t appeal to her. Even being married to a rich man who allowed her to shop at will wasn’t appealing.
June was quiet through supper, even though it was a lively affair. She was happy to see her uncles and her grandfather. His birthday was a lively event every year. Even Bart was in a good mood. And her Uncle Jack, well he was true to form.
Her mother disapproved of his rogue-ish ways and so did Mary. She wondered if her father ever envied his younger brother’s lifestyle, but that didn’t matter at this point. Her father was a man whose path was set. And that was that.
June thought Jack was charming and funny. Her opinion of the man was unexpected, given her much more introspective nature, but she couldn’t help but be amused by his stories. She suspected he got into some sort of tangle most every place he went.
He hadn’t quite decided what vocation was best for himself quite yet and he’d tried out several apprenticeships over the past few years. Currently, he was doing a stint as a fur trader. There was no telling if this calling would be permanent or not. June suspected not.
She remained pensive for the next few days. She helped around the house with her chores, visited her father in his office in the town square, and took up her needlework again. But when she was ready to go out of her mind, she put together a small basket and went to her mother.
“It’s the afternoon, and I thought I would take some food to Grandfather and Uncle Calvin. Would that be all right with you, Mother?” Even her boots were already on, ready to walk out the door the moment the woman nodded. June’s heart pattered nervously, wondering what she would do if it was a negative response.
But her mother smiled. “Yes, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. That’s very kind of you. Give them a kiss for me, would you?”
Barely two seconds later, June was out the door and strolling across town. The law office took longer to get to than her father’s office, but it was advantageous because it meant more time out of the house. It also gave her something new to do.
She enjoyed the stroll, resisting the urge to splash every still puddle that she passed. It was still just a bit chilly out and the melted snow had made the puddles even bigger. Passing by the school, she waved to the children and stopped for a moment to watch them chase each other around the yard. Two streets later, June entered the family law office.
There had only been a few occasions in the last three years that she had been here, though it was as familiar as home. Father had been a prestigious lawyer who had practiced in New York before moving to Cutter’s Creek when he was younger. The whole extended Pershing family had made the move at the same time. He had set up the firm with his father and brother, though now the man was focusing on his career as mayor. Still, she liked to visit the office and had missed it.
“Good afternoon—it’s me,” she called out in the front room, closing it carefully and wiping her boots dry. The young woman was welcomed by the familiar scent of dusty books and thick, wet ink. Taking a deep breath, she almost didn’t hear Grandfather.
“Is that who I think it is?”
Grinning, she left her coat behind and carried the picnic basket into the first study, finding Grandfather standing up from the desk. He was surrounded by books and papers and files, holding up his spectacles to peer at her.
The man had a finely trimmed white mustache with a thick head of equally white hair. He was tall with straight shoulders and he chuckled as she walked through. “Well, it is, indeed! My own true heart, June.”
They were very close, for she was named for her grandmother who had died when she was just a toddler. Stepping through the doorway, she forgot about how heavy the basket had grown on her walk and brought it over to set on his cluttered desk. He wrapped her in a big bear hug, and she breathed his scent in. Briefly, she wondered why she didn’t come by here more often. “It’s good to see you, Grandfather. Where were you Sunday?”
He let her go as she opened the basket for him. “I’m recovering from a nasty old cold, unfortunately,” he replied, falling back into his chair and blowing into a handkerchief to prove it. “I’m afraid I’m no longer in my prime and often forget how important it is to sleep.”
“It is very important,” she reproved him. “But I brought you some fresh food, so hopefully that will help. Is Uncle Calvin around, as well?”
He gestured towards the other room, where the door was firmly closed.
She hesitated and looked back at her Grandfather, less certain about opening that door. “He’s probably napping,” the man chuckled. “It’s all right to check in there. You know I’m really teasing.”
Chapter 7
Obediently she rapped firmly on the door and then peeked her head inside. The room was an utter mess but that was usual for Uncle Calvin. He was thicker and stockier than her father and was losing his graying hair. Currently, he had his nose in a book, his bushy brows poking over the top.
“Hello there!” She rapped again when he didn’t budge. “Uncle Calvin?” June had to do this twice more, raising her voice each time before the man finally jumped and looked over the book, wearing his large spectacles. She smiled and waved. “I brought you a snack, if you want a short break from your work.”
A wave of exhausted relief instantly spread ac
ross his face. “Well, aren’t you a welcome sight for sore eyes, June!” He stood and tried to straighten himself up, brushing his hair down and fixing his crooked tie. He stepped around his desk, carrying three files and a book as he gave her a quick side hug.
She followed him back into her grandfather’s office and watched as Uncle Calvin set down his pile of papers on the edge of the larger desk. She looked longingly at the files. Her love of case files was unnatural, or so her father said.
“These are the files for a murder charge way back in New York,” her uncle explained.
“New York? How did you get them from that far away?”
“Sometimes we hear from lawyers at firms looking for a second opinion or consultation. Your Grandfather had quite a reputation back in his day. Apparently, his name hasn’t been forgotten. The Pershing Firm might be a bit better known than you’d think.”
“Well, that’s pretty impressive. You both work hard for your clients. I don’t suppose there’s too much excitement in the career of a lawyer in Cutter’s Creek.”
The three of them chuckled lightly and tucked into the basket June had unpacked across the disorderly desk in front of them.
“We do enjoy an interesting twist or two when we hear from some of the firms who need our help. Can’t lie about that,” nodded her grandfather, taking a bite of sliced ham and bread.
As the men ate and sighed happily, June sneaked a glance through the files and wrinkled her nose at one of the reports. “I don’t understand what it means here. The man couldn’t have been in two places at once. It’s simply not possible. So, the first alibi couldn’t have been sound enough to—”
Uncle Calvin snatched the files away from her, garnering a paper cut. His gasp made her grab her handkerchief to help him wipe the blood.
“You shouldn’t look at that!” Calvin almost yelled. “What were you thinking? By all that’s holy! Young women shouldn’t see a thing like this!”