That again. “I know no such thing.”
He gave her an exasperated look, as if her words were nonsense. Then he crossed his arms. “Regardless, you won’t be around to see how it all unfolds, will you?”
She stiffened, brought up short more by the hint of accusation in his tone than the words themselves. “My future plans are not up for discussion. Meg’s future is what we need to concentrate on.”
Why in the world did he keep bringing that up and in such an accusatory way? Was he more bothered by her plans to move away than he’d let on yesterday? If so, was it because he’d truly miss her or was it just the inconvenience of not having her to help with Meg?
The shop bell jangled, interrupting their conversation.
Eunice Ortolon, the town’s biggest busybody, breezed into the shop, chin up at a disapproving angle. Hazel had no illusions she was here to make a purchase.
Nevertheless, she stepped forward with a smile on her face. “Good morning, Eunice. Is there something I can do for you?”
“I came to speak to the sheriff. I saw him step inside here.”
Ward straightened and spoke up. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to make certain you’d been made aware of the incident at the mercantile.”
He nodded. “Mayor Sanders and I discussed that when I arrived in town yesterday.”
“Does that mean you’ll be arresting the Lytle boys?”
“If I find proof that they are indeed the perpetrators, I certainly will.”
“Proof? I would say it’s obvious that they’re guilty.”
“Unfortunately, suspicion and talk don’t constitute proof.” He placed his hat back on his head. “Now if you ladies will excuse me, it’s time for me to make my rounds.” And with a tip of his hat, Ward made his way unhurriedly through the door.
That was one of the many things Hazel admired about Ward: his ability to remain calm even when provoked.
Eunice’s lips pursed in a sour line for a moment, then she caught sight of Meg, playing on the floor with Pugs. Her expression quickly changed to one of speculation. “So that’s the little girl the sheriff’s taken in.”
Hazel nodded, feeling suddenly protective of both Meg and Ward. “Her name is Meg.” Then she gave the same explanation she’d heard Ward give when pressed. “Her family placed her in Sheriff Gleason’s care temporarily. I’m merely helping out during the day while he’s at work.” All of which was true.
Eunice, however, wasn’t ready to let the subject drop. “I would think anyone who knew the sheriff well enough to leave their child in his care would know about the loss of his sister. This hardly seems an appropriate time for him to be taking on such a responsibility.”
Hazel’s protective instincts shifted to include Ward. “On the contrary, it seems the perfect time. Sheriff Gleason needs such a distraction right now to keep him from dwelling on his loss.”
Eunice sniffed disdainfully. “Distraction? Hah! I would think finding this hooligan who’s been running amok through our town would be enough to keep him busy.”
“I’m sure he’s working hard to discover who the culprit is.”
“Well, I don’t know why it’s taking so long. Everyone in town knows one of the Lytle boys is to blame. The only thing Sheriff Gleason needs to do is find some proof as to which one and then arrest them.”
Hazel pressed her lips tightly closed to keep from saying something she’d regret. She crossed her arms. “Are you interested in ordering a new frock today?”
Eunice made a quick excuse about not being quite ready to decide, then made her exit.
Which was just as well. Much as she needed the business, she wasn’t sure she could deal with Eunice’s sanctimonious airs right now.
Once Eunice left, Hazel had an idea. “Meg, how would you like for me to make you a new dress?” The little girl’s wardrobe had been pitiably lacking. And remedying that was a good way to keep her and Meg occupied while they spent the day together.
The child’s eyes rounded. “Brand new? Just for me?”
Had Meg never owned a new dress before? “Of course. And you can help me pick out the fabric.”
Meg held out her doll. “What about Chessie? She only has this one dress and it’s getting raggedy.”
Hazel smiled approvingly. “What a wonderful idea. Why didn’t I think of that? We can even make it to match yours if you like?”
Meg returned Chessie to the crook of her arm and clapped in delight. “Oh yes! Me and Chessie would really like that.”
They spent the next hour or so picking out the proper fabric and trims, pausing occasionally as customers showed up.
In fact, more ladies found their way into her shop that morning than she’d seen in the past few weeks. But none of them ordered anything. The visits seemed to all be thinly veiled excuses to get a better look at Meg and to try to find out more about the child. Thankfully, the little girl seemed oblivious to the stir she was creating.
When pressed, Hazel used the same explanation she’d given Eunice. And for the most part, folks left it at that.
As Hazel and Meg studied fabrics, she had to gently steer the little girl away from the more inappropriate fabric choices, but at last they found something both of them liked. It was a bright yellow cotton fabric with tiny white and orange flowers scattered throughout.
Hazel was getting excited about the project. She’d never made children’s clothing before so this would be something new for her. It would be easier than a lady’s garment, but she could already envision ways to make it special for Meg. She would make a fairly simple jumper first, just so she could produce something quickly. But then she’d make a couple of additional garments and do something extra special—maybe some pin tucks or even smocking.
“And I think we’ll make a white ruffled pinafore that you can wear over it.”
“And one for Chessie too?”
“Of course.” The little girl certainly loved her doll.
Meg tilted her head, studying Hazel thoughtfully. “Can you make clothes for a man too?”
The little girl’s question brought up an image of Ward’s broad shoulders and lean, athletic build. She could make him a shirt in a crisp fabric, perhaps a smoky blue color to match his eyes.
Before she could answer Meg’s question, the shop bell jangled, signaling the arrival of yet another visitor. Hazel turned toward the door and braced herself for more prying questions. This time it was Hortense Lawrence standing there. Surprising, since Tensy had never set foot in the emporium before.
Had it taken the promise of gossip to get her into the shop?
The young woman stood at the threshold of the dress shop as if not quite certain whether or not to come the rest of the way inside and Hazel’s heart softened. Tensy had always been somewhat shy and awkward.
“Why, hello. Please come in. Is there something I can do for you?”
“Yes, that is, I was just wondering...” Tensy’s stammering response tapered off as she glanced Meg’s way. But rather than being interested in Meg’s presence, Tensy seemed disconcerted by it, as if she hadn’t expected Meg to be there.
Hazel chided herself for jumping to conclusions. It didn’t appear Tensy was here to pry about the little girl after all.
Hazel smiled down at Meg. “Sweetheart, you see that display of ribbons over there? Why don’t you go pick out one for you and one for Chessie while Miss Lawrence and I talk?”
After Meg skipped off to examine the ribbons, Hazel gave her visitor a bracing smile. “Now then, was there something you wanted to discuss with me?”
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t certain what the child’s relationship was to you and I didn’t want to say anything to upset her.”
“Oh?” What did she have to say that would upset Meg?
Tensy hesitated, as if uncertain how to proceed. But then she squared her shoulders and gave Hazel a self-deprecating smile. “Forgive me for prying, but I heard a rumor that you’re moving away and I wanted to find out if it was true.”
So it was a different sort of gossip Tensy was trying to dig into. Though she wasn’t sure why Tensy should care about her leaving town—the two of them weren’t particularly close. Hazel was glad she’d sent Meg out of earshot. No point in giving the little girl something else to worry about. “That’s not a rumor, it’s the truth. I’ll be moving to New York in a few weeks. I have an aunt who lives there and she’s invited me to work in her fashion studio. It’s all quite exciting.” At least that was what she kept telling herself.
Tensy nodded with an approving smile. “I thought it must be something like that. You’ve always been such an inspiration to me.”
Hazel was slightly taken aback. She’d never realized Tensy had even noticed her before. “What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.”
“Oh, I mean it.” Tensy sighed. “It’s so uplifting to see a woman who’s not afraid to spread her wings and go where her talents can really shine.” She fingered her collar. “I don’t think I’d be able to summon the courage for such a move myself. But you’re going to do well in New York, I just know it.”
It seemed at least one person was happy for her.
Then the woman hitched her shoulder slightly. “I apologize if it seems I came here just to pry into your personal business, but I do have a reason for asking. I wanted to see if the rumor is true because I’d like to have a very special dress made, and there’s no one in Turnabout who can do it better than you.”
Hazel perked up at that. Even if she’d be closing her shop soon, it would be nice to have a paying customer again, some money coming in to help her stretch her dwindling funds. “I certainly have time to take care of that for you before I leave. Tell me what sort of dress you’re looking for and what sort of occasion you’ll be wearing it for.”
The woman actually blushed. “I’m hoping to wear it when I get married.”
“Married! Oh, Tensy, that’s wonderful!” And totally unexpected. Hazel hadn’t been aware that the woman was even walking out with anyone. It seemed there was much more to Tensy than she’d realized.
It also reinforced the notion that she herself really was destined to be the last woman of her generation in Turnabout to find a husband.
Oh yes, it was definitely time to move on with her life.
Chapter Six
Hazel pushed aside her self-pitying thoughts. This was about Tensy, not her. “Who’s the lucky man?”
Tensy’s blush deepened. “I’m afraid I can’t say. I’m being premature because he hasn’t actually asked me to marry him yet.” She wrung her hands. “But we have an understanding,” she added quickly, “and I have high hopes that the proposal will come soon. The only reason I’m confiding in you this way is because you’ll be leaving soon and I had my heart set on a special dress...”
Hazel sincerely hoped Tensy wasn’t headed for heartbreak. But it wasn’t her place to preach caution. “Say no more,” she said, raising her hands. “I’m honored to have you share your secret with me. Now, let’s pick out a style first and then we’ll discuss fabrics. Do you have anything in particular in mind?”
“I want a dress special enough to make me feel like a princess.”
Hazel hid a smile at her customer’s hyperbole. “I’ll do my very best. It’s my personal belief that every bride should feel like a princess on her wedding day.” She drew out the latest copies of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Magazine that she had on hand and the two women began poring over them.
Tensy eagerly looked through the magazines, pointing out everything that caught her eye. These tended to be ostentatious gowns with lots of lace, ruffles and beading. Hazel mentally winced. She had nothing against embellishments, but these could be taken too far and one had to be conscious of how it would look on the individual. Tensy was much too squarely built to be able to wear such styles with grace.
When Hazel diplomatically mentioned the cost of the materials involved in such elaborate creations, Tensy’s expression turned to one of dismay.
“Actually,” Hazel said with a conspiratorial smile, “I prefer something less elaborate myself. There’s something so elegant about a simple, understated design, especially when it’s paired with just the right fabric. And we can certainly add a few extras to give it that regal look you want.”
Tensy perked up a little at that. “You always look so fashionable, whatever you’re wearing,” she said wistfully. “I suppose I should trust that you know best.”
It was a half-hearted acceptance, but Hazel gave her an approving smile. “I promise you won’t be disappointed. Your future husband will have eyes only for you on your special day.”
That brought a more genuine smile to Tensy’s lips and they quickly picked out a design that Hazel felt would be much more flattering for the bride-to-be. As they turned to the selection of fabrics and trims, Hazel found her mind drifting to what it would be like to be designing her own wedding gown. Ward would make such a handsome groom. To walk down the aisle with him waiting at the altar, she’d be the envy of every woman in town.
Firmly pulling back on those thoughts, Hazel turned her focus back to Tensy and studied the girl thoughtfully. “I think a soft pastel would set your hair and complexion off to the best advantage. I have a couple of selections over here that I would recommend you choose from.”
After much discussion, they settled on a pale pink satin with a bit of ivory lace trim for the cuff and waist.
Hazel made short work of getting Tensy’s measurements and preferences on trim. While she put away her things, Tensy drifted over to say hi to Meg.
The shop bell rang just as Hazel returned from the workroom and Ward walked in.
Tensy straightened. “Sheriff Gleason, how nice to see you.”
Ward tipped his hat. “Miss Lawrence.”
Meg ran up to the sheriff with a broad smile. “Miss Hazel is going to make me and Chessie new dresses.”
“Is that a fact?”
“Uh-huh. You want to see the pretty fabric we picked out?”
While Meg chattered away to Ward, Tensy turned to Hazel. “I’d best be heading back home to get Pa’s lunch cooking. Thanks for your time today.”
Hazel smiled. “My pleasure, and don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.” She’d pitched her voice low so that Ward wouldn’t hear.
Tensy gave her a grateful smile, then with goodbyes for Meg and Ward, quickly made her exit.
Hazel watched the woman retreat, her movements those of a mouse scuttling away from a cat. It was hard to imagine that someone as timid as Tensy had found a beau. She hoped whoever the gent was, he treated her well.
Ward reclaimed Hazel’s attention, drawing her thoughts from her new customer. “So how have you ladies passed the morning?”
“It’s been unusually busy,” Hazel said drily, “but not with actual customers, I’m sorry to say.”
Ward glanced toward Meg, a sign that he knew just what had drawn the townsfolk in this morning. Then he changed the subject.
“I sent that telegram to the sheriff over in Adler’s Bluff. I’m hoping to hear something back soon.”
“And in the meantime?”
“In the meantime I do my job, namely to tackle the problem of whoever has set the town on its ear this past couple of weeks.”
There was something in his tone that caught her attention. “Do you have any leads?”
“Nothing firm. I plan to go back and talk to the victims and see if I can dig out any additional information that might lead me to identifying the culprit.”
“Do you think whoever is doing this will strike again?”
His ja
w tightened. “I’m hoping to resolve this quickly so we don’t have to find out.”
“And when you do identify him?”
“Or them. I’ll make the arrest. After that it’s up to a judge to figure out the fines and any other consequences.”
Then he smiled. “But right now, I’d like to take you two ladies to lunch.”
“That’s quite generous. But you don’t have to include me. I know Meg would like to have some time with you.”
“Nonsense. Meg and I would like to have you join us. Isn’t that right, Half-pint?”
Meg nodded enthusiastically. “You can pretend you’re part of our family too.”
“Why, thank you, Meg. I think I would enjoy that.” She would enjoy it more if there was any chance it would become real rather than pretend.
* * *
After lunch, Ward escorted Meg and Hazel back to the dress shop, then headed out for the Lawrence farm. This was where the first incident had taken place. There had to be some significance to that, even if it was just a matter of convenience.
Tensy answered the door, wiping her hands on her apron. As soon as she recognized him, she pushed the screen door open. “Why, hello again, Sheriff. Please, come in.”
Ward removed his hat. “Thank you. I apologize for the interruption, but I’d like to speak to your father if he’s about.”
“Yes, of course. He’s in the parlor.” Tensy led the way the short distance from the entry to the parlor door. “Father, we have a visitor,” she called out. Ward tried not to wince at the loudness of her hail as he stepped past her. Had Enoch’s hearing got as bad as all that?
Enoch rose from his chair and extended his hand. “I hope you’ve come to tell me those young hooligans who’ve been causing all this mischief about town have been caught.”
“No, but that’s what I’m here to talk about. I know we’ve discussed this before, but has anything new about those incidents occurred to you? Since it all seemed to start here at your place, is there anything you can think of that might cause anyone to want to do some mischief to you?”
A Tailor-Made Husband Page 6