Sarah’s needle stopped midstitch. “Intentionally break a rule?”
He nodded. “I’ve heard you’re good at that.”
Sarah’s stomach clenched as if she’d been punched in the gut. “Y–you’ve heard I’m good at breaking the rules?”
Mr. Beaumont sobered. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Did the Greenfields tell Mr. Longley I’m a rule breaker?” She didn’t want to break the rules. She only broke the ones that didn’t matter. What must they think of her, if they would tell him such things?
“It’s not how it sounds. It’s just that Luke is so strict—you’d be good for him.” Mr. Beaumont tried to sound reassuring, but Sarah wasn’t convinced.
Chapter 9
I look forward to walking with you after supper.” Luke stood with Miss Pinet near the flapping sheets, thankful for an opportunity to have some time alone with her.
She offered him a beguiling smile. “I must go inside and help get supper ready, but I’ll be waiting to go on a stroll with you afterward.”
She walked toward the house, and his eyes followed her the whole way.
A gust of wind whipped the sheets. One slapped against his leg so violently, it felt like a viper had jumped up and bit him. He tore his eyes from Miss Pinet and reached down to rub the spot, sure he’d have a welt.
When he looked up, she was gone.
He walked toward the porch where John sat with Miss Ellis.
She made a lovely picture sitting there with his shirt in her hands. The simple act of kindness brought warmth to his heart.
He climbed the porch steps and she stopped her hand midway through a stitch, but she didn’t smile at him. In fact, she looked a little upset.
“We were just talking about you.” John rose from his seat and indicated his vacant rocking chair. “Would you care to sit next to Miss Ellis?”
“I’m actually finished with this.” She snipped the thread quickly and set her shears down in the basket. “I must get inside to help with supper.”
“Do you have to go so soon?” John asked.
“I’m afraid so.” She stood and held out the shirt to Luke. “The repair is finished.”
He took the shirt but didn’t examine her work. Instead, he studied her face. “Is everything all right?”
“Of course. I’ll see you at supper.” She picked up her sewing basket and walked inside the house.
John sat in the rocker and scanned the horizon. “This is a peaceful place.”
“What did you say to upset Miss Ellis?”
“Me? Why do you think I said something?”
“She was fine when I saw her by the clothesline.”
John lifted a brow. “Maybe she was upset to see you with Miss Pinet.”
“That’s ridiculous. All of the ladies know I’m here to select a wife. She knows I’ll be spending time with each of them.”
John’s expression indicated he didn’t agree. “Just because they know you’re courting each of them doesn’t mean they won’t get jealous.”
Luke hadn’t anticipated jealousy.
At supper, he watched the four young ladies from a new perspective. The last thing he wanted to do was create strife between anyone, especially between these four women. When he left, God willing, one of them would be his bride. The other three would remain behind, and their friendships would need to stay intact.
From what he could see, they worked in companionable silence. Miss Ellis sat near the children, her voice and eyes animated as she spoke with them about their adventure at the river. Each one looked to her with respect and admiration, and a couple of the older boys looked as if they might even have a fondness for her.
The supper plates were being cleared away when Miss Pinet approached. “Would you care to take that walk now?”
Luke stood, excusing himself from John and Mr. Greenfield’s company. “Of course.”
They left the dining room, and he noticed the other three young ladies watched them go.
He opened the door and followed her outside. The clouds had crowded together in a dark mass in the west. “Do you think it’s wise to walk on the prairie with that storm coming in?”
Miss Pinet lifted her pretty face to the sky and then slipped her arm through his. “It’s a ways off. We’ll be fine.”
She smelled of lavender and was dressed as well as any woman he’d seen in Boston. “I’ve been eager to spend some time with you,” he said. She looked at him with those stunning brown eyes, and he almost lost his train of thought. “Th–there are so many things I’d like to discuss,” he went on. “I thought maybe we could start with our childhoods. I grew up in Boston, the son of a minister. Where did you grow up?”
It was as if a candle had been snuffed, and darkness crowded her eyes. She looked forward, taking several steps before speaking. “I’ve never been to Boston.”
He waited for her to say more, but she didn’t. An awkward silence filled the space between them. Did she not hear what he asked?
Maybe he could get her to talk about something else. “Have you always wanted to be a missionary?”
“I suppose.”
“Why did you decide to go into this work?”
Again, she walked in silence.
“Was your father or mother in ministry work?” he asked.
She stopped so abruptly, Luke almost stumbled.
“Those clouds look menacing. Should we head back?” she asked.
“Have I said something to offend you?”
“No, of course not.” She removed her arm from his.
“I’m sorry if it sounded like I was prying. I just want to know more about you.”
“Why must you know more?” Her dark eyes snapped. “The past is in the past. What does it matter what my mother and father did? I’m standing here, today, committed to teaching the Chippewa children. I plan to dedicate my life to this work—I will never go back east.” She wrapped her arms about her slender waist. “My parents and my past have nothing to do with my life now.”
He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she pulled away, almost flinching. “Please don’t. If you want to marry me, I’m willing.” She dropped her arms and squared her shoulders. “But discussing my past is out of the question.”
He hoped his eyes, and his voice, conveyed how much he truly cared. “Do you think you’d ever grow to trust me enough to share your past with me?”
She didn’t speak at first, but the look of certainty in her eyes said enough. “No.” She lifted her chin. “But I can tell you, I would make a good wife. I will share in your work and labor beside you night and day. I will keep your home warm. If God is willing, I will bear children for you and raise them up in the Lord. I will stand by your side for the remainder of your days. You have my word.”
Any man would consider himself blessed to have such a dedicated, hardworking bride, especially one so beautiful. The prospect of living as man and wife with her was tempting. She offered him everything he could ever desire… everything but her heart.
“What of love?” he asked.
“Love?” She looked confused. “What does love have to do with anything?”
“It has to do with everything. How could you be my wife and not love me?”
“Love is a fickle term used by people who are driven by their emotions. People use it to get what they want, and take what isn’t theirs to take.”
“So you don’t believe in love?”
“I believe in commitment and hard work.”
She stood with her arms wrapped around herself, the wind tossing her thick brown hair. Despite what she said, he wanted to believe she could love him, and grow to trust him.
But was it a gamble he was willing to take? Her beauty had beguiled him, though he was smart enough to know it wouldn’t sustain a marriage.
Chapter 10
Lightning flashed through the menacing clouds as Sarah slipped the cool nightgown over her shoulders and secured the high button at her throat.
“It
was like a scene from a book,” Mary gushed as she ran a brush through her long red hair. “We sat amongst the violets and spoke on and on about ourselves. The smell was almost intoxicating—”
“Mary!” Hazel’s voice rose in shock.
“I said ‘almost.’” Mary rolled her eyes and slid the brush through her hair again. “Mr. Longley is everything I had hoped and more. I’ve never met a more handsome man.”
“Looks aren’t everything,” Sarah gently reminded. “He’ll age, and his looks may fade. It’s his heart that will grow more beautiful over time, if he fashions it after Christ.”
Mary appeared not to hear her.
Sarah sat on her bed and separated her hair into three parts to begin her nightly braid.
Genevieve opened the door and slipped into the room.
“You’re lucky you came in before curfew, Genevieve.” Hazel clucked her tongue. “You could have been suspended from your work.”
“I’ve been home for almost an hour. Mr. Longley and I sat on the porch and watched the storm roll in.”
Sarah couldn’t stop the envy from creeping into her heart at the thought of the two of them together.
“Sarah is the only one left who hasn’t had time with Mr. Longley.” Mary patted Sarah’s knee as her eyes filled with empathy.
“We’ve had a few opportunities to talk.”
“But has he asked you for time alone?” Hazel knotted her nightcap under her chin with a yank on the strings.
“No, he hasn’t.”
“Surely he will.” Mary offered a sympathetic smile. “He only has two more days before he must decide.”
“Unless he already has decided,” Genevieve said as she unbuttoned the front of her dress.
Her comment made Mary’s brows rise. “He can’t possibly make up his mind, not until he’s had proper time with each of us.”
Genevieve removed her dress and stood in her chemise. “Maybe the opportunities he’s had to talk with Sarah are enough to know she’s not the right one.”
Sarah’s mouth parted.
“Maybe he’s saved the best for last.” Mary placed her hands on her hips. “Like dessert.”
Genevieve turned away from them and didn’t say another word as she prepared for bed.
A crash of thunder rattled the window and made gooseflesh rise on Sarah’s arms. Maybe he had made up his mind already. Maybe he wasn’t going to ask her for time alone.
Mr. Beaumont’s words returned to her. What if the Greenfields had advised him not to marry her? Father had often said that her careless ways would be her ruination. Were his words coming true?
But she remembered their time together by the clothesline, when he had said her curls were becoming. Did a man compliment a woman’s beauty, if he was simply a friend?
She shouldn’t read more into the compliment than he intended. He was admiring her hair, like he would a sunrise, or a blossom on the prairie.
The first droplets of rain pattered against the windowpane, and lightning lit the sky, illuminating the sheets flapping on the clothesline.
“My sheets!” Sarah leaped off her bed and scrambled for a shawl. “I forgot them on the line.”
The roll of Hazel’s eyes was almost audible. “Won’t you ever learn, Sarah?”
“Do you need help?” Mary called.
“No.” Sarah opened the door and secured the heavy shawl about her shoulders. “It will only take me a moment.”
She closed the door and raced down the dark hallway toward the stairs. Everyone had found their beds, and Sarah was thankful for the thunder, which disguised her pounding feet. If Mrs. Greenfield knew she had forgotten her duties and left the precious sheets on the line, she would be reprimanded, again.
Rain began to pound heavier as Sarah opened the back door. She pulled the shawl tight about her shoulders and ran across the yard to the clothesline. The hard earth beneath her bare feet was quickly turning to mud. If she didn’t save the sheets, she would have to clean them again tomorrow—in addition to her other chores.
Another streak of lightning lit the sky, and Sarah saw a man standing by the sheets, quickly pulling them off the line.
“Mr. Longley.” She stopped for only a moment.
He turned when he heard her, rain streaking down his cheeks.
She ran to his side and pulled the clothespins from the sheets, wrapping each one under her arm. In no time, they finished and raced back to the house side by side.
They stood on the porch, each trying to catch their breath.
“Thank you.” She hugged the rescued sheets to her chest.
“You’re welcome.”
Genevieve’s accusation arose in her mind. He had spent time alone with the other three, yet he had not asked her if she’d like some time with him. Would he ask her now?
The storm picked up in its ferocity, whipping her nightgown around her legs and pulling her hair loose from its braid. Too late, she realized she’d forgotten to secure it with a ribbon, and the curls blew about in wild abandon.
His blue eyes took her in. She wasn’t as beautiful as Genevieve, but the look in his eyes told her he appreciated what he saw.
“Will the sheets need to be washed again?” he asked above the wind and thunder.
“I think they will be all right.”
They stood facing each other, but neither spoke. Would he ask her?
He looked as if he was about to say good night, so she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Are you enjoying your stay with us, Mr. Longley?” Where had that come from? The question was suited for a parlor on a nice sunny day—not during the midst of a storm.
He tried not to smile but didn’t succeed. “Don’t you think we had better go to bed?” He must have realized how his question sounded, because he dipped his head and quickly said, “That is, don’t you think the others will wonder where you are?”
She nodded and allowed him to open the door for her.
Why didn’t he ask her?
He followed her inside and closed the door. The kitchen lay cloaked in darkness, but she knew her way.
She set the sheets on the worktable. “What are your plans for tomorrow?” She tried to sound indifferent, as if she didn’t care what he did. But she did care—maybe too much.
“I plan to fish.”
“Fish?” She turned, her brows raised.
She could see his outline against the dark but couldn’t see his face.
“I’m accustomed to fishing almost every day at Red Lake,” he said. “I think best while I fish.”
“What will you think about?”
He was silent so long, she didn’t think he’d answer. But finally his voice came to her through the darkness. “The decision I need to make.”
He was ready to make a decision?
“I’ll bid you good night, Miss Ellis.”
He left the kitchen as the storm raged outside. Sarah stood in place, her nightgown damp about her legs and her hair hanging wildly around her shoulders.
He wasn’t going to ask her.
Chapter 11
Luke entered the dark room he shared with John. A small window revealed the intensity of the storm outside, but inside everything was still. He quietly removed his wet clothing and climbed into his cot, pulling the covers up to his chin.
“Did you save the sheets?” John’s voice found him in the silence.
“Yes. Miss Ellis arrived shortly after me, and we were able to rescue them before they were damaged.”
John rolled to his side and propped his head up on his hand. “Are you going to ask Miss Ellis for a walk, or a picnic, like the others?”
Luke stared at the ceiling. He had been thinking about Miss Ellis almost constantly since the first morning when he had come across her praying before sunrise. What kind of a woman broke rules to pray?
He had inquired about her casually to some of the people who worked at the mission. He had even talked to a few of the students. They all loved Miss Ellis—but ev
ery one of them, even the children, could recall a time when she had been in trouble for one reason or another.
It would be best if he didn’t even contemplate her in his decision.
“I believe I’ve had sufficient conversations with her to know she’s not a good choice for me.”
“Because the Greenfields say so?” John rolled onto his back again. “Give her a chance, Luke. She’s the one to choose.”
The room was shrouded in darkness. A bolt of lightning lit the space for a moment, and then it went back to darkness. Every time he had spoken with Miss Ellis, she had challenged him or made him ponder things he’d never pondered before. If he was honest with himself, he was afraid to spend time with her. He liked her, and if he allowed himself to spend time with her, he might not be able to choose one of the others like he knew he should.
The Greenfields felt Miss Ellis wasn’t ready for marriage, and the last thing he’d want to do was go against their advice.
“You’ll be leaving here in a few days,” John said. “Even if you don’t choose Miss Ellis, the chances of seeing her again are nil. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to get to know her now, before it’s too late.”
Luke lay in the dark for a long time, his thoughts swirling like the storm. He finally closed his eyes, hoping sleep would relieve him of his troubles, but the only thing he could see was Sarah Ellis standing on the porch with her hair flying freely down to her waist.
He finally fell asleep, but dreamed of Miss Ellis walking softly through the prairie grass, her yellow gown looking almost angelic with the sun rising behind her.
The next morning, Sarah sat at the front of the schoolroom, watching her pupils with a keen eye, though her heart beat a heavy tune. Every time she went outside, she glanced to the riverbank, wondering if Mr. Longley had made a decision.
Mr. Beaumont had come to breakfast that morning and told them Mr. Longley would be fishing for the rest of the day.
As the hours wore on, Sarah became convinced he would not select her. She watched Hazel, Mary, and Genevieve go about their business with the same apprehension she felt. They were short-tempered with one another, and even the children felt the tension, glancing up at them in surprise when they spoke harshly.
The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection: Nine Historical Romances Celebrate Marrying for All the Right Reasons Page 30