Louisa dropped her death grip on Anthony’s arm and placed her hands on her hips. Indignantly she looked from Tarah to Anthony. “Are you two going to just stand there and allow this child to insult me?”
To Anthony’s relief, Tarah finally found her voice. “I believe you have equally insulted one another, and you both,” she said pointedly, lifting a delicate brow as she observed Louisa, “deserve an apology.”
Anthony grimaced, anticipating Louisa’s reaction.
“I certainly will not apologize to that…that…creature!”
Yep, just as he thought.
“I ain’t ’pologizin’ to no hoity-toity lady with her nose ten feet in the air neither. And ain’t no one makin’ me do nothin’ I don’t wanna do.”
Louisa stamped her foot on the ground. “I will not stand here and be insulted another moment. Let’s go.”
With that, she swung around and stomped toward the wagon. Stopping halfway to her destination, she looked back. “Well, Anthony? Are you coming?”
“We’ll be along in a little while.” Completely disgusted with Louisa’s behavior, Anthony was in no mood to give in to her whim. “I think you’re right though. It might be best if you wait in the wagon.”
Louisa’s jaw dropped, and her face grew pinker than usual. Without a word, she spun around and stomped back to the wagon.
“Whew!” Laney said. “That’s some girl you got there, mister.”
“Just for the record,” Anthony said, “she’s not my girl.”
Laney shrugged. “Two bits says she gets her claws in you and walks you down the aisle, one way or another, if you get my meanin’. Pa says Ma roped him into marryin’ up with her ‘cause she was gonna have Ben, and he regretted it ever since. So you just watch yerself, mister.”
Heat crept up the back of Anthony’s neck and seared the tips of his ears.
Tarah cleared her throat, her own face tinged with pink. “Laney honey, Reverend Greene is the town preacher.”
Laney scowled. “We don’t hold to no religion, Preacher. I done told Tarah I ain’t got much use for the Bible and such.”
Still trying to recover from the child’s crude statement, Anthony nodded. “Your pa mentioned something about that when I met him at the mercantile yesterday.”
With a shake of her head, Laney released a heavy sigh. “I don’t know why that Tucker’s dumb enough to keep givin’ my pa credit. He ain’t never gonna get his money.”
Taken aback by the disrespectful words, Anthony frowned. “Sure he will, after your pa sells the pig.”
Laney chortled. “Preacher, I hate to tell ya this, but if we had a pig, I’da shot it for food a long time ago. Pa sold off every animal we owned when he took to drinkin’ a few years back. He’d sell that old nag over there, too, if anyone would buy her.”
Remembering the words Mr. Tucker had spoken about being hornswoggled, Anthony felt like a fool. Mr. Jenkins had lied and cheated his way into his good graces.
A twinge of guilt pricked Anthony at the harsh feelings rising up inside, because in truth, he had offered his help to Jenkins. The man hadn’t asked him for anything. Not that he hadn’t taken advantage of Anthony’s good nature—then lied to him about paying him back.
“And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.”
The desire to give the scoundrel a sound thrashing was stronger than ever, and Anthony struggled to contain his anger and focus on the children, who didn’t deserve to be punished for their pa’s underhanded ways.
“Is your pa around?”
“Passed out cold,” Laney said, her lips twisting into a sneer. “Probably won’t wake up till near dark. Why’d you want to talk to him anyways?”
“I have something to discuss with him.”
Laney nodded, curiosity written on her dirty face. “Best time to talk to my pa is between the time he wakes up and when he starts drinkin’ again. I figure ya have near two hours a day b’fore he’s too drunk. You can come back later iffen ya want.”
“Thank you, Laney,” Tarah said. “Do you and Ben have anything to eat for supper?”
“Yeah, we got beans left over from last night, and Ben’ll have that chicken I took off yer hands earlier.”
Anthony pressed a hand to Tarah’s shoulder. “We’d better get going.”
She nodded her response. “I’ll see you at school tomorrow, right?”
“Said I’d be there, didn’t I?” Laney replied. “And one thing ya can count on, Tarah. I always keep my word.” She emphasized “my” as though trying to assure Tarah—and maybe herself—that she was nothing like her pa, who apparently never kept his.
Tarah smiled. “All right, then. I’ll see you at eight thirty sharp.”
“I’ll be there.” Laney grinned, showing white teeth, a startling contrast to her smudged face.
“And, Laney,” Tarah said hesitantly, “would you mind calling me ‘Miss St. John’ at school? All the other students call me that, and I wouldn’t want them to think I’m allowing you special privileges.”
Laney seemed to consider the request for a moment, then her bony shoulders lifted. “Don’t see why not. Wouldn’t want ya to have no trouble on accounta me.”
Anthony smiled at the way Tarah had handled the situation. As they strode back to the wagon, he told her so.
An enticing spot of pink appeared on each cheek at the compliment. “I didn’t suppose she would do it if I tried to tell her she had to.”
“She’s mighty determined not to be told what to do, isn’t she?”
“Yes, but she’s obviously had to fend for herself and her brother for a long time,” Tarah said, rising to the child’s defense. “It’s no wonder she’s so independent.”
“True. Still,” Anthony mused, “I’m concerned about her bitterness toward her pa. To be so bitter so young is a terrible thing.”
“Well, that’s no wonder either.” Tarah’s voice rose. “Honestly, Anthony. The man drinks away any pittance of money he can dig up and lives off the charity of others.”
“No one is so far gone that the hand of God can’t reach him though.”
Tarah stopped in her tracks and glared up at him. “Anthony Greene, don’t you defend that monster to me. I’d like to reach out my hand with a nice big skillet and use it over his head! That might be the only way to knock some sense into him.” Without waiting for a response, she stomped to the wagon, untied Abby, and mounted. “Good-bye, Anthony, Louisa. I can ride the rest of the way home alone.” With that, she turned her horse and rode away in a cloud of dust.
Anthony watched her go. The image of the tiny young woman taking on a man like Jenkins filled his mind, and he chuckled to himself. It would serve the old drunk right if Tarah went after him.
“Anthony, I really must be going home.” Louisa’s clipped voice broke through his thoughts.
“Coming.” Still smiling to himself, Anthony climbed into the wagon and headed the horses toward town. “All set?”
With her back perfectly straight, Louisa jerked her chin and set her lips into a grim line. All signs she was more than a little put out with him.
Rather than feeling distressed by her anger, Anthony felt a sense of relief that she wouldn’t be chattering the entire ride into town. Odd how all her ramblings and flighty ways had once appealed to him. Now they were nothing more than irritations. Especially when she grabbed his arm and exclaimed over his strength.
Even as the thought came to him, so, too, did the image of Tarah’s wide, luminous eyes and full lips. His mind wrapped around the memory of her slight form in his arms, and the way she had taken a dirty little girl under her wing, determined to do whatever she could to see the child had a chance.
Lord, this is the kind of wife a preacher needs. Someone with a heart of compassion. Of course, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea for her to actually follow through with that skillet. Perhaps You could allow her the grace to extend her mercy to include the entire Jen
kins family.
“You should just see the place, Pa.” Tarah filled Abby’s trough with hay and gave her a pat on the neck. “Mr. Jenkins has let it become so run-down I almost didn’t recognize it. Remember how Mrs. Garner used to keep it up and plant flowers all around the house? She must be rolling over in her grave about now.”
Pa nodded as they walked abreast of each other toward the barn door. He closed and latched the door behind them. Pulling Tarah close, Pa steered her toward the house. “I’ve heard he’ll do about anything for a drink. He must be a lonely, miserable man.”
“And deserves no less,” Tarah shot back as the run-down soddy and Laney flashed through her mind.
A frown etched his brow. “That’s a pretty harsh statement.”
“If you could just see poor Laney, Pa. I get so angry just thinking about it.”
“Your anger won’t do that family a bit of good, Tarah. Only your prayers. Just remember, God’s love and grace extend to everyone. Not just the people we think worthy.”
“That’s what Anthony said.”
“He’s right.” He paused a minute, regarding her thoughtfully. “Is there anything I should know about you and this young preacher?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks, but she shook her head. “He’s courting Louisa Thomas.” How she wished she could give him another answer.
“You sure about that?”
“Yes. Why?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m sure Louisa’s a fine young woman, but she doesn’t seem suited to a man like Anthony.”
The words sent a strange sense of comfort to Tarah’s aching heart. She agreed wholeheartedly with her pa. There was only one woman suited to Anthony, and that woman certainly was not Louisa Thomas.
Moving to the door, Pa gave her a wry grin. “I suppose a man’s got to make his own decisions about women. But it’ll be a heap easier on him if he makes the right one.”
Tarah followed, fighting to hold back the tears clouding her eyes. “If Anthony Greene can’t see what’s right under his nose, then it serves him right if Louisa sinks her claws into him,” she muttered.
Pa stopped before opening the front door. “I thought you might have feelings for him.” He studied her face for a split second, then opened his arms wide.
She went to him willingly, taking comfort from the slow thud of his heart against her ear. “Oh Pa. Even back in our school days I favored him. But for some reason, he never saw me that way. It has always been Louisa. When he came back, I hoped he might see me in a different light.”
“He did offer to take your class today,” Pa reminded her, gently stroking her hair.
“We’ve become…friends, I guess,” she admitted.
“Nothing wrong with friendship.”
Tarah sniffed. “But I want more than—” She stopped, aware she sounded like a spoiled child crying for a new toy.
Pa held her at arm’s length and silently regarded her for a long moment, until at last Tarah felt ashamed and dropped her gaze. He cupped her chin and forced her head gently upward. “And if his friendship is all he has to offer you right now?”
With great effort, Tarah swallowed past the lump in her throat and lifted her shoulders. “Then I guess I’ll have to accept it.”
He smiled, his approval causing Tarah’s heart to soar. “I’m proud of you, sweetheart. But don’t give up on him just yet. You never know what God has planned.” He reached for the door, then turned back to her with a grin. “Cassidy and I are proof of that.”
As promised, Laney stepped inside the schoolhouse at eight thirty sharp the next morning. The room buzzed as the children observed the newest student.
“Never seen so much dirt on one person in my life.”
Horrified by Luke’s outburst, Tarah pinned him with her gaze until his face reddened and he turned away. Tarah swallowed past her indignation and glanced at Laney, who now stood motionless midway up the aisle. Struggling to keep from pinching her own nose to stifle the odor coming from the girl, Tarah pasted a smile on her face. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Said I would, didn’t I? And I always keep my word.” Laney eyed the other children nervously.
“Yeah, but does she ever take a bath? Pee–ew.”
The room filled with twitters of laughter at Josie’s loud whisper.
A flicker of hurt flashed in Laney’s eyes but left as soon as it had appeared. She squared her bony shoulders and glared at Josie.
Tarah’s emotions waffled between compassion for the girl and anger at the children’s cruelty. They had no idea the kind of life Laney endured on a daily basis. If Tarah could have her way, she’d march each one of them to the woodshed and give them the switchings they deserved.
“Josie Raney,” Tarah said hotly, feeling Laney’s humiliation. “Go stand in that corner. Luke, go stand in the other one. I will not tolerate rude behavior in my classroom.”
Laney’s brows lifted. “Aw, Tar—Miss St. John. You ain’t gotta do that on my account. I’m used to it. Anyways, I don’t stay where I ain’t wanted.” She turned on her heel, headed back down the aisle toward the door, then stopped as Luke brushed past her on his way to the corner. Grabbing his arm, she brought him about to face her. She raised up on her tiptoes and got as close to his face as her tiny body allowed. “Fella,” she said. “If I had a face full of freckles like you, I wouldn’t be worryin’ over a little dirt. Least I can wash mine off iffen I take a notion to.”
Squaring her shoulders, she spun around and slipped through the door as quickly as she had come.
Luke’s face glowed red as the children laughed at Laney’s rude remark. A twinge of sympathy rose within Tarah at his embarrassment. Luke had always been self-conscious about his freckles, and she knew Laney’s comment had hurt him.
“I’m sorry, Luke,” she whispered as he walked past her.
Surprise lit his eyes. He regarded her briefly, then shrugged. “Didn’t bother me none.”
She knew he was lying but didn’t press the issue. “It bothered me. No one deserves to be treated unkindly.” A feeling of unease clenched her stomach as Louisa’s annoying face flitted to her mind. Stubbornly she shook the image away. That was an entirely different matter.
Without responding to her comment, Luke turned his back and pressed his nose into the corner.
Tarah turned to the other children. “I’ll be right back,” she announced. “Take out your readers and keep quiet until I return.”
Once outside, she scanned the area for Laney. Her heart raced as she spied the child headed toward the direction of the old soddy. “Laney, wait!” she called.
The little girl stopped and waited until Tarah caught up to her.
With a sinking heart, Tarah observed the stony expression on her face.
“It ain’t no use, Tarah. I told ya I weren’t stayin’ iffen I didn’t like it.”
“Oh Laney. You didn’t give it a chance.”
Laney set her jaw firmly. “I don’t stay where I ain’t wanted. ‘Sides, school’s a waste of time anyhow.”
“Honey, I’m sorry those children were rude to you.” Tarah felt her shoulders slump in defeat. “Believe me, I know how you feel.”
Laney’s eyes narrowed. “They say you stink, too?” She frowned and, leaning in close to Tarah, drew a deep breath. “I ain’t noticed nothin’ like that. Fact is, you smell kinda sweet—like I ’magine my ma smelt ‘fore she died.”
“Thank you, Laney.” Tarah’s heart ached for the motherless child who had to live in such squalor. “Please come back to school.”
“Them kids don’t like me.”
“They just don’t know you yet, honey. After a while, they won’t have any choice but to like you—just like I do.”
A glimmer lit Laney’s eyes. “You like me?”
“Of course I do. From the moment we spoke at the river yesterday, I knew you and I would be friends.”
Eyeing her warily, Laney cocked her head to one side. “You ain’t just sayin�
� that so’s I’ll come back for some learnin’?”
“I promise.” Wings of hope fluttered in Tarah’s heart, and she prayed as hard as she had in her entire life. Please, Lord. Change this little girl’s heart.
“Cain’t do it,” Laney said, shaking her head. “Those kids don’t like my clothes nor my smell.”
“Well, maybe you could take a bath and put on some different clothes,” Tarah suggested hopefully.
Laney scowled. “Pa kicked a hole in the washtub and…” She glanced away. “This is all the clothes I got. Sorry, Tarah. Ya been real good to me, and I wish I could go back. But I just cain’t. Not with them sayin’ such things about me.”
Tears stung Tarah’s eyes. She couldn’t blame the child for not wanting to endure further humiliation. “I understand, Laney. Really, I do. And I’m sorry the other children were so mean.” Her voice trembled as she spoke.
Laney’s eyes grew wide.
“Y–ya really do like me, dontcha?”
Tarah nodded, unable to find her voice.
Laney flew into her arms, nearly knocking her over with the force of her little body. Before Tarah could react, the child squeezed her tightly around the middle, then darted away as fast as her scrawny legs would carry her.
Tears flowed unchecked down Tarah’s face as she slowly made her way back to the schoolroom. She drew in a deep, steadying breath, swiped at her cheeks with her palms, and stepped inside. Expecting chaos, she sent up a prayer of thanks when she found her students exactly as she had left them.
Luke turned to face her as she walked toward her desk. For the first time in weeks, no belligerence or teasing marked his expression. Instead, he regarded her with serious eyes, conveying his apology, then he turned and stood motionless with his nose pressed to the wall.
Chapter 7
Tarah shut the schoolhouse door firmly behind her and headed for Tucker’s Mercantile. After the fiasco with Laney that morning, the children were mercifully compliant the remainder of the day. But Tarah took only minimal joy in the fact that they learned their lessons well and offered no resistance. Her heart still ached for Laney.
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