Hart’s Longing
Secrets in Idyll Wood #1
Marisa Masterson
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Epilogue
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Sneak Peek
About Marisa
Dedication
To Christine Sterling Bortner—Thanks for sharing your courage.
A special thanks to Cissie Patterson, Charlene Raddon, Cyndi Raye, and Danni Roan. Your suggestions and encouragement have meant so much to me.
Chapter 1
1887, Idyll Wood, Wisconsin
Why is he here?
Zelly Fuller felt red creep into her face as she caught sight of Ephraim Strong, or Ram as most people called him. This was her best friend’s wedding, a special day for both Zelly and her friend Rebecca. They had planned this event together and giggled over for the last three months. Ram should not be a part of this day.
Ram Strong! The name disgusted her. The man disgusted her.
She hid her anger and sashayed to that man’s side. He stood with his brother and Ralph Stinson, all three snickering and sneaking sips out of what they kept in their coat pockets.
Stopping in front of Ram, Zelly smiled sweetly. She might not be very experienced with men, but even she knew you get more flies with honey than vinegar.
“Ram, can I speak with you a moment?”
He seemed shocked for a moment. She knew this was probably because she was known as an extremely shy person. The shock quickly left his face, though, and he grinned. “What you want to say Zilly Zelly?”
She almost lost her smile at his use of that hated nickname. At least he didn’t complete the taunt he often spouted. Determined to follow through with her quickly formed plan, she fixed an even brighter smile on her face by imagining what she was about to do to the bully.
“No, not here. Won’t you stroll with me outside? You know, under that big full moon.” Heaven help her, she even batted her eyelashes at him.
“Sorry boys, but the lady needs me.” Ram emphasized the word need and the two twits who stood with him guffawed. She wasn’t sure exactly why this was funny. She suspected it had something to do with the talk about boys that Mrs. Hoffman, Rebecca’s mother, gave her soon after Zelly started developing a figure.
Ram offered her his arm. She hesitated to touch him. Still she needed to keep him off guard if her plan was to succeed so she looped her arm around his.
They walked to the open door of the Hoffmans’ hay barn. Mr. Hoffman swept it clean to be used for the reception, with the hay moved outside and covered by tarps to clear a place for the party. Lanterns hung from the bottom side of what was the hay loft in the large barn, giving off a warm butter yellow glow.
The wooden tables now cleared of dishes from the wedding supper were pushed to one side of the barn. Musicians and a dance floor occupied the other side. Before leaving the barn, she looked toward the dance floor and caught sight of the bride. Instead of standing with her groom, Rebecca was speaking with Hart Bahr. As if feeling Zelly’s glance, he stared at her.
Nothing new there. He’s always staring.
As the Hoffmans’ boarder for almost ten years, they considered Hart a member of their family now. She’d shared a supper table with Hart the few times her mother had allowed her to eat at the Hoffmans. Each time was the same. Hart had stared.
Ram felt her pause and looked down at her with an eyebrow raised. “Thought you wanted to talk in the moonlight?” His question dripped innuendo, even to Zelly’s innocent ears.
She looked up at him in the lantern light, ensuring he was able to see her smile. “Oh yes, please!” she said with a sultry voice. Even if she didn’t understand his innuendo, she could easily imitate it.
Holding up the skirt of her light blue dress with her free hand so as not to stain it in the grass, she walked with Ram along the edge of the field that bordered the barnyard. Once they were a short distance away from the celebration, they stopped under an oak.
The scoundrel had made her miserable often in school. She hated him after all of his nastiness through the years.
Suddenly, she remembered a particularly nasty moment when Ram had tried to put a horse apple down the back of her dress. It brought the leaden weight of dread now to her chest. It had been that first year of school. She wore a new dress that her mother, Ma’am, had sewn for her that week, a rare happening, and she’d worn it proudly that day.
While Ralph Stinson distracted her by telling her what a nice dress she had, Ram stood behind her and pulled at the back of her collar, intending to put the smelly horse apple down her dress. When she felt his hand on her she had whirled, ripping her collar. What a whipping she’d received that night!
The memory gave her the strength to act. She looked at him and spoke sweetly. “There’s something I’ve longed to do every time I’m near you.”
He leaned into her. “Yeah, well go ahead,” he encourage.
Taking her arm away from his and balling her fist, she pulled an arm back to send a punch.
He cursed and put his hand up to stop the fist he saw coming his way. She let out a gasp of pain and tried to pull away.
“Silly Zilly Zelly Fuller.” He laughed at her, “Do you remember when I would say ‘Zilly Zelly Fuller, what are you full of today?’ Well, looks like Zilly Zelly the mouse is full of courage.”
With a quick movement, he pushed her back against the oak tree. Still squeezing her fist with his right hand, he moved his left toward her bodice. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
“Zelly, Rebecca’s looking for you inside.”
Hart waited behind Ram. The pressure on her hand eased and she pulled the hand away from Ram. She quickly skittered around him and ran to join the reception again.
Seeing her immediately, Rebecca waved her over. “Now that Zelly’s here, I can toss my bouquet.”
“Girls, are you ready?” At Rebecca’s question, she forced her mind back to the bouquet of light pink roses Rebecca held high above the crowd as she stood on a chair.
David Hildreth, Rebecca’s groom, steadied her as he gazed up at her lovingly. Her friend had everything that she longed for in life.
Still Zelly did not feel jealousy. She loved Rebecca too much to be jealous of her, especially on her friend’s special day. No, instead she selfishly considered the change this wedding brought to her own life.
Not quite two years older than her, Rebecca served as her older sister, confidante, and protector. Tonight Zelly tried to stand up to a bully on her own for the first time. Just consider how well that had turned out!
Who will be left in Idyll Wood to care about me after Rebecca leaves?
“Here it comes.” Rebecca smiled at Zelly and winked before she threw her bouquet. The flowers flew through the arm and straight into Zelly’s hands. Rebecca was playing favorites and had sent it her way, but after all what else should a best friend do?
Knowing how much Zelly longed for a husband and a way out of the home she shared with Ma’am (as Zelly’s mother insisted she call her), Rebecca directed the bouquet straight to her. Wanting a good future for her friend, it was no wonder Rebecca tried to send a little luck her way through this old wedding tradition.
Like a champion, Zelly raised the bouquet of beautiful pink roses into the air. The flowers were tied together with a delicate white linen handkerchief. “Hurray!” she
exclaimed.
Rebecca threw back her head and laughed as her groom, David, pushed her dark hair behind her ear and whispered something into it. Rebecca threw her arms around David’s neck and kissed him right on his lips! What a sight for the young ladies who had gathered to catch the bouquet!
She had to look away, the kiss creating such a longing in her. Romance wasn’t what she had on her mind though as she eyed the gathered crowd. She was afraid that Ram might appear. Who knew what form his revenge might take?
Now that the bouquet had been tossed, she decided the party was over for her. Over without even one dance at the wedding!
With a sigh, she sat down, placing the bouquet on the table. There was no way she would ever be married. Why should she keep the silly bouquet that supposedly promised her a future as the next bride who would marry?
“Well, Zilly Zelly Fuller. How should I punish you? Maybe a horse apple down that dress?” She looked up into Ram’s menacing face.
She watched his lip curl into a sneer as he tossed out the threat. Rebecca, standing not too far away from the table, quickly made her way to her side.
“Certainly you’ve outgrown school house pranks Ram! Zelly and I have.”
Rebecca whispered for her to stand and then put a hand on her arm. She pulled her across the room towards the sawdust covered dance floor.
Oh, how embarrassing! Is Rebecca going to dance with me since no one else has?
Not able to resist, she looked over her shoulder to see Ram’s reaction. The look on his face promised violence.
“Stay away from Ram. He worries me since David and I will be so many miles away from you.” At Rebecca’s comments, Zelly sighed and hugged her friend. Even at her own wedding, her friend was mothering her.
“He’s so handsome Rebecca. He can have any girl he wants. I certainly am not chasing after him.” As if she would ever do such a thing!
“I tried to punch him. That’s why I went outside with him.”
“It didn’t work, did it? Men are stronger.” Rebecca sighed and shook her head. “Just don’t be around him. With as much as your mother makes you stay home that shouldn’t be too hard.”
Then they were off. Rebecca dragged her to where Hart stood at the edge of the dance floor. She realized Rebecca was making sure she kept her promise to waltz at least once at the wedding.
She knew she should be delighted to dance with a decent man like Hart. His shoulders filled his brown suit out nicely and, with his dark golden hair and green eyes, she thought he was actually quite handsome.
Three years older than her, he had come to town to attend high school since he could go no further than eighth grade in the country school nearest to his family. He boarded with the Hoffmans and still lived with them, even though he had graduated some years ago.
After merely darting a glance up at him, she quickly lowered her eyes and tucked her chin in an attempt to hide. Why was Rebecca doing this?
She wished herself in a darkened corner of the barn. Better yet, she longed to escape the barn, leaving behind this awkward dance and Ram’s threats.
Why do I hear Ma’am’s words in my head every time I want to speak to a man?
With her eyes downcast and her mother’s words worthless echoing in her head, she kept her gaze fixed on the floor and felt rather than saw Hart leading her out onto the dance floor for the waltz that was starting.
Did he hold her a bit too close? She rarely danced, and usually just with Rebecca. Perhaps she just wasn’t used to being held. That could be why Hart’s touch felt overly familiar.
His arm around her waist and the hand holding hers seemed to channel heat from his body into hers as if lightning was moving through him and into her. What an odd sensation!
“Zelly, will you look at me? Won’t you give your dance partner one of your sweet smiles?” Hart’s voice was gentle, as if coaxing a wild animal to come near to him.
For his trouble, she quickly looked up and flashed a ghost of a smile. It was barely illuminated in the soft light from the lanterns.
She didn’t really know him. They shared meals at Rebecca’s house, though rarely during the last three months. After Rebecca announced her engagement, Ma’am tightened her hold on Zelly. She seldom allowed her to leave the house now.
The one exception was Sunday. She was allowed to attend church and had even sat next to him in a pew with the Hoffmans. She rarely made conversation with him, though.
Really, she had been too busy talking with Rebecca to spend much time with him. Now she had no idea what to say to him. This awkwardness brought to mind how she felt the many times she caught him watching her.
“With Rebecca moving to Cashton, you’ll need a friend Zelly. Can I be that friend?”
At his question, she lifted her face. She wanted to see his green eyes to be sure he was sincere.
Nodding in response to Hart’s question, she knew she had a stunned look on her face. Hart smiled broadly, showing his even and white teeth.
His smile produced a flow of happiness in her. She loved pleasing people. Having someone want to please her in return seemed impossible and wonderful at the same time.
She had been sure Rebecca would be her only friend. Ma’am was diligent in telling Zelly how odd it was for Rebecca to accept Zelly as a person and as a friend.
Opening her mouth to thank Hart, quite suddenly, she was stopped by the tight grip on her upper arm.
“Zelly! I said no more than three hours. You certainly had enough time to get into trouble.”
With eyes bulging and spittle punctuating each word, Ada Fuller squeezed her arm. “Just like I thought, here I find you with a man!” Zelly winced as those talon-like fingers pinched the flesh of her small arm.
For a very brief moment, Hart’s arms tightened around her, as if he wanted to keep her. The moment quickly passed and he dropped his arms away from her.
The fleeting look in Hart’s eyes made Zelly wonder if he felt actual regret when he pulled away from her. His look gave her a warm feeling inside and she felt almost valuable.
Now, however, she had no time to think about that. Ma’am dragged her toward the edge of the dance floor. “Please Ma’am. Let me say goodbye to Rebecca and her new husband. I’ll just be…”
Ma’am gave a sort of growl in response. The few remaining dancers, who hadn’t already halted at the scene Ma’am created, stopped abruptly.
Hart followed after them, asking permission to see them both home. The woman didn’t spare a glance in Hart’s direction or respond to him.
Zelly’s gaze met Mrs. Hoffman’s. She hurried forward with a conciliatory look on her face. “Ada, I didn’t think you would make it to celebrate with us. Please, let me fetch you a piece of…”
Ma’am neither stopped nor responded, but that didn’t surprise Zelly. She honestly believed that Ma’am hated the entire human race.
Before leaving the barn, Zelly managed a hesitant glance over her shoulder to assure herself that Ram hadn’t seen. With her last look through the door, she caught sight of the nasty man staring after her. He’d thrown his head backward, laughing uproariously.
Ma’am’s actions had merely frightened her. Her enemy’s expression, however, brought on a storm of tears.
To Hart, it seemed like a week of silence passed before the musicians began to play again. Couples moved back onto the dance floor.
Though he saw several people shake their heads in disapproval, he didn’t believe that anyone was shocked by Ada Fuller’s antisocial behavior. After all, everyone in Idyll Wood knew she was a cross old stick.
Hart watched David comfort Rebecca. He, however, stood alone and bereft, gazing out the barn door into the night. Even though he was upset, he still had a difficult time not staring at Zelly’s sweet back end as her mother pulled her out into the field they needed to cross.
Finally, he knew what it was like to touch her. Zelly had been in his arms. Having her pulled away from him produced actual pain.
F
or the last five years at least, he had been keenly aware of her. He watched Zelly during her visits and listened to her stand up for Rebecca when the Hoffman boys teased her. He loved that she was so loyal.
She must be loyal to stay with her witch of a mother.
How can I help her? His hopes for a wife and family were centered, illogically, around that poor broken girl.
He walked to Rebecca’s side and placed a comforting hand on her arm. “Don’t be afraid for her, Rebecca. She won’t be alone after you leave.”
Releasing a combined sob and sigh, she shook her head. “What will happen to her? She’ll be trapped forever in that house?”
With that, she laid her head onto David’s shoulder. Her face showed weariness from the horrendous scene and the excitement of the wedding day.
But he didn’t share her discouragement. “Rebecca, your leaving might be the best thing. Without you in town, I’ll get a chance to get closer to Zelly.
“But Hart, she won’t leave that wicked mother of hers. It’s like she holds some secret over her.”
Hart smiled. He thought his smile probably made no sense to her. Still he was hopeful.
“Some secrets just have to come out for things to get better.” He felt anticipation at finding out Zelly’s secret and freeing her.
Seeing the forgotten bouquet on a nearby table, he picked it up and fingered one of the roses absently. “Your parents might not agree with me, but I think it’s time for some of Idyll Wood’s dark secrets to be revealed.”
Chapter 2
Unfortunately for the newlyweds there was no late-night train out of Idyll Wood. Hart knew from the way Rebecca leaned heavily into her husband’s side she was flagging by the time they’d left the reception.
Rebecca’s fatigue was plain to anyone who looked at her by the dark circles below eyes she struggled to keep open. Still, that wasn’t enough to stop the shenanigans that Hart was sure were being planned.
Ram and that Stinson boy were going from one young man to the next, speaking low. Hart was sure he knew what was in the wind.
Hart's Longing (Secrets In Idyll Wood Book 1) Page 1