Lesson of the Poinsettia

by Mildred Colvin

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  After Abigail dismissed Mr. Marshall, she turned to face her sister. “I’ve decided to attend the board meeting, which I believe is my right as co-owner of Steven’s Steel.”

  “But, you’ve never taken an interest in the plant before.” Rachel’s voice rose in loud tones, sounding annoyed, maybe even angry.

  A male voice spoke close beside her. “Miss Stevens, would you care to sit here?”

  Abigail smiled toward the gentleman who offered her a chair. “Thank you.”

  She sat and faced her sister’s voice. “I’m interested now. Please, continue.”

  Abigail sat quietly through the dry meeting scarcely listening until Robert began talking about the engineer. Then she listened carefully, almost holding her breath until he said, “Mr. Jones left our employee Friday at closing and we are now faced with finding a replacement.”

  A smile played around the corners of Abigail’s mouth. As she had hoped, no one had been found yet to fill the now vacant spot. She pulled a folder from the large bag she’d carried in with her and held it out.

  “Would someone be kind enough to read from this file?” Rachel took the file from her hand and gasped. “Abigail, what are you doing with Mr. Warren’s employment records?”

  “I stopped at the office and got it.” Abigail smiled at the shock in her sister’s voice. “Please, find the page with his previous employment and read it out loud.”

  “This is ridiculous, Abigail. Mr. Warren is a common laborer. We are concerned with finding a chemical engineer.”

  “I understand that, Rachel.” Abigail tried to keep her voice calm. “But, I assure you, Mr. Warren is an engineer.”

  “Oh, Abigail, honestly.” Rachel’s voice indicated her disdain. “If Mr. Warren is an engineer, why is he working in the plant at entry level?”

  “I don’t know, probably because he needed a job when he moved here and accepted what was available.” Abigail motioned toward her sister. “Please, just read the record of his employment.”

  “I’m sorry, Robert.” Rachel turned away from Abigail. “If you don’t mind, I may as well read it.”

  “No, I don’t mind at all.” At least Robert didn’t sound annoyed. “At this point we are open to any suggestions.”

  Rachel read not only of Seth’s employment as a chemical engineer, but also his education. Abigail was quite pleased with what she heard. Pride swelled in her chest as if the words were about her.

  When Rachel finished, Abigail said, “I’d like for you to interview Mr. Warren for the job of engineer.”

  Robert spoke first. “Yes, I think that might be a possibility. Right now, shall we open the floor for discussion about the possibility of bringing Mr. Warren in for an interview for the position of chemical engineer?”

  Abigail listened quietly to the short discussion that followed concerning Seth’s application as well as that of another man who lived in Pennsylvania. Abigail stayed out of the discussion, as she felt Seth’s record spoke well of his abilities. Much better than she could. When the board made the decision to interview both men on the condition their former employers gave a good reference, Abigail breathed a sigh of relief. Seth would make a good showing. He’d be better than the other man and would be offered the job. She trusted it to be so.

  ~*~

  The next day, Seth and Mary Ella knocked on Abigail’s door. Mary Ella seemed unhappy. “I can’t come see you so much now.”

  “Oh, really?” Abigail’s heart dipped as she lifted her face toward Seth. “Why is that?”

  He chuckled. “I’ve hired a part time tutor for Mary Ella, so she can catch up to her class. We’re hoping she’ll be able to attend school next year.”

  “Mary Ella?” Abigail followed the sound of the little girl moving across the room. “I thought you wanted to go to school.”

  “I do. I want to go now.”

  “Then you must study and learn your lessons well.” Abigail smiled toward Mary Ella. “Soon you will running and playing with other girls your age.”

  “Oh, all right.” Her voice brightened. “Can we make cookies today?”

  Abigail and Seth laughed together.

  Mrs. Marshall spoke from the doorway. “Did I hear our favorite little cook in here? What’ll it be today? Fudge or popping corn?”

  “Oooh.” Mary Ella’s feet scurried across the room to the cook. “Can we really make fudge? That sounds wonderful.”

  “And this is just the kind of day for it. Crisp and cold.” Mrs. Marshall led the way into the kitchen where she handed out aprons. “You’ll need to cover up your nice clothes. Here you go, Mr. Warren. You aren’t getting out of helping either.”

  Abigail took her apron and slipped it on. How would Seth feel about putting on an apron? She smiled at the thought and wished she could see him. As she finished tying her apron strings behind her back, his hand touched hers.

  His voice sounded low as if sharing something private with her. “Abigail, can you help me with this? I’ve developed all thumbs on both hands.”

  A cotton apron string tickled the open hand she held out, and she giggled. “Do you have it on?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, I managed that. But I’m not used to tying a bow behind my back.”

  Keeping a straight face was impossible, but at least Abigail didn’t burst out laughing. “Turn away from me and hand me the other string.”

  “What makes you think I’m facing you?”

  “I can tell.” She giggled again. “Now turn around.”

  He did, and she not only tied his bow, she fluffed it. “There you go.”

  “Here, Abigail, Mr. Warren.” Mrs. Marshall handed them a large pan. “Set this on the counter and we’ll get the ingredients in. Mary Ella, can you measure out this sugar?”

  Under Mrs. Marshall’s watchful eye and instructions, they quickly measured sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla into the pan. Seth and Abigail took turns stirring the concoction as it heated to a boil on the stove. Abigail searched her memory for a time when she’d had more fun and came up empty. Maybe her company made the difference. Finally, Mrs. Marshall tested the mixture by dropping a bit in cool water. She lifted the pan from the heat.

  “Mary Ella, take some butter from the ice box and bring it here.” She ordered the little girl who ran to do her bidding. “That’s good. Now it’s your turn to do some stirring.”

  Abigail and Seth found a place to sit at the table while Mary Ella and Mrs. Marshall finished beating the mixture and pouring it into a small cake pan.

  They set their fudge in a shallow pan of water in the dry sink to cool while they returned to the sitting room and listened to Seth read from one of Abigail’s favorite books, Swiss Family Robinson. His baritone brought the story to life in a way Rachel’s voice couldn’t. She could listen to him all evening, but Mary Ella soon grew restless.

  “Isn’t the fudge done yet?” Her small voice brought a halt to the story.

  Abigail stood. “I imagine it is. Why don’t we save our story for another time?”

  While they ate the candy in the kitchen, she listened to the happy sounds with a contented heart. Surely there would be more times, many more if she had her way. Each time she had to tell Seth and Mary Ella good-bye, she found the task harder than the time before. She’d grown far too close to both Mary Ella and her charming father.

  ~*~

  “If you have no other plans, Mr. Warren, we’d love to have to join us for Sunday dinner.” Rachel’s invitation almost staggered Abigail as she turned quickly toward her sister.

  She’d been thrilled when Seth and Mary Ella returned to church the second time and sat with her, but she hadn’t expected Rachel to appreciate their presence. Now she wanted them to sit at the table as guests? Obviously, her attitude had changed. Or maybe she had an ulterior motive for her change of heart.

  “If you’re sure we won’t be an inconvenience, we’d be delighted.” Seth sounded as surprised as Abigail felt.

 
; “No inconvenience at all. Mrs. Marshall always fixes more than we can eat. Isn’t that right, Abigail?”

  “Yes, of course. We’d love to have you stay.” Abigail smiled at Seth and wondered at her sister.

  “Then we’d love to come.”

  When they entered the house, Rachel turned to Abigail. “Why don’t you take Mary Ella to the kitchen. Maybe she would like to help Mrs. Marshall set the table. I always enjoyed doing that when I was a little girl.”

  “Are you sure?” Abigail hesitated.

  “Yes, Abigail.” Rachel sounded annoyed again. “Actually, I’d like to visit with Mr. Warren for a few minutes.”

  Abigail had no idea what her sister was up to, but she did as she was told, keeping an ear tuned toward the sitting room. To her surprise, Rachel seemed to be initiating a pleasant conversation with Seth and nothing more.

  A few minutes later as they gathered around the table, Rachel asked Seth to pray. When Seth spoke to the Lord as one would a good friend, Abigail placed her hand over her heart. Surely one’s heart could not burst from happiness, yet hers felt as if it had been filled to the brim.

  After the dishes had been passed around the table, Rachel spoke. “Abigail tells me you used to live in Michigan, Mr. Warren.”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “What sort of work did you do there?”

  Just as he had told Abigail, he spoke of his job as a chemical engineer. Rachel continued to question him about various aspects of his work. Abigail held her breath and kept her head down while she ate mashed potatoes and roast without tasting either. Would he suspect Rachel was interviewing him for the job of engineer? He might have heard rumors of the position being open.

  Abigail rejoiced, silently thanking God for His goodness. Surely Rachel would not have taken this opportunity to give Seth a personal interview if his former employers had not sent a good recommendation. If Rachel approved of Seth, the job would be his. She could hardly wait until the next day when she was sure Seth would be offered the position of engineer for Steven’s Steel.

  ~*~

  Seth opened the door of the business office and stepped inside. He spoke to the secretary. "I was told to report to Mr. Hanson."

  "Yes, come right this way." The young man knocked on a closed door and then ushered him into Robert Hanson’s office.

  Mr. Hanson shook his hand and then motioned to the chair in front of his desk. “Please, be seated, Mr. Warren.”

  Seth sat down and rubbed his palms against the rough texture of his pants leg. What was going on? If he lost his job, he might have to move. He’d never been fired before. Surely Mr. Hanson wouldn’t have shaken his hand just before letting him go. Conflicting thoughts rushed through his mind. He took a deep breath and watched the other man open a file on his desk. Seth’s file, no doubt.

  Mr. Hanson looked up at him. “I have before me a report of your work ethics, punctuality, and attendance. That sort of thing.” He waved a hand as if none of it was important.

  Seth leaned forward as his chest constricted. Maybe he would be fired after all. Only he hadn’t done anything wrong that he knew of.

  “I also see in your records that you, by trade, are a chemical engineer. Could you tell me about that?”

  Seth’s brows drew together. So he wasn’t being fired. Then what? He set his questions aside and answered, telling about his former work experience and education.

  When he finished, Mr. Hanson nodded. “We have an opening for a chemical engineer and from what I’ve seen and been told by your former employer, I’d like to offer you the position. It comes with a sizeable increase in salary.”

  When Seth heard the amount, his heart pounded. Surely he’d dreamed this meeting. He stared at Mr. Hanson, letting the man’s words sink in. A twitch of his lips turned into a wide smile that quickly spread across his face. He cleared his throat and found his voice. “I would like that very much.”

  As Seth went back to work, he could scarcely wait until the day’s work ended, so he could run across the street and share his good news with Abigail. She would be so surprised.

  Chapter 8

  All morning, Abigail’s mind drifted across town to Kingson Steel. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall in Robert’s office today! A fly with perfect vision and hearing, so she didn’t miss one bit of Seth’s interview.

  She laughed at the thought.

  Abigail settled in her favorite rocker and picked up her knitting, although Kingson Steel stayed in her thoughts. As did Seth Warren. If only they had a telephone, she could call the office and ask what was going on. But no, she had to wait until this evening when Rachel returned.

  She set her rocker moving while her knitting needles began a long row of purl stitches. The name Kingson spoke of both their beloved Grandfather and their father, whom Abigail still missed very much. Rachel might marry Robert one day and he would take a greater interest in the business. She smiled at the thought. Maybe he would go from favored employee to part owner. She paused while her fingers held her place on her needle. What if she married, too? Would her husband be given a partnership? A smile settled on her lips. A chemical engineer would already have a good knowledge of steel manufacturing.

  “Abigail.” Mrs. Marshall’s voice broke into her musings. “Lunch is ready.”

  “Did Rachel say if she’ll be joining us?” Abigail laid her knitting aside and rose.

  “No, last I heard, she planned to eat with Mr. Hanson. That seems to be a common occurrence here lately.”

  “Yes, it does, doesn’t it?” Abigail followed Mrs. Marshall back to the kitchen where Mr. Marshall waited. Of all days, why couldn’t Rachel have come home for lunch?

  ~*~

  After they ate, Abigail went out to her greenhouse. She wandered aimlessly through the aisles between tables and tended her flowers. Christmas was fast approaching, but she couldn’t wait until then to give Mary Ella the special gift she’d gotten for her. As she worked she kept an ear tuned toward the doorbell. When it didn’t ring, she wondered if Mary Ella had forsaken her, too. Then she laughed at herself. No one had forsaken her, but oh how she wanted to know if Seth was offered the job as engineer and if he accepted.

  An hour or so later, she returned to the house and her knitting. She’d barely sat down before the doorbell rang. When she heard movement from the back of the house, she called out, “I’ll get it, Mrs. Marshall.”

  As soon as she opened the door, Mary Ella’s cheerful voice said, “Hello, Miss Abigail. How are you today?”

  Abigail laughed. “I’m fine now that you’re here. And you came at a very good time. I believe Mrs. Marshall is planning to make sugar cookies.”

  “Oh, yum. Can I help?” Abigail smiled at the eagerness in Mary Ella’s voice.

  “I think you might, but first I have a surprise for you.” Abigail picked up a package from the low table in the living room and held it out. “This is for you.”

  She listened as Mary Ella tore the paper away. Within seconds she heard a squeal and staggered as the little girl flung her arms around her waist and squeezed. Abigail enfolded her in a heartfelt hug. How had she, in such a short time, come to love this motherless little girl so much? She couldn’t imagine life without her.

  Mary Ella pulled back. “Now I can go to Sunday school with my very own Bible.”

  “Yes, you can. But, open it. There are pictures inside.” Abigail listened to the rustle of pages and a quickly indrawn breath.

  “Oh, there’s Jesus with some little children. And over here’s Moses. I love my new Bible.” Once again thin arms grabbed her around the waist and held her close. “I love you, too, Miss Abigail. Thank you so much.”

  “And I love you.” Abigail returned the hug, feeling her eyes tear up. She swiped at the moisture when Mary Ella let her go. “Would you like to read some stories now?”

  “Can I read later? I want to make cookies first.”

  “I thought you had been working on your reading with the tu
tor.”

  “Oh, I can read real good now, Miss Abigail. But sugar cookies sound a whole lots better.”

  “All right. Let me go tell Mrs. Marshall we’re ready.” Abigail went into the dining room where a whiff of cinnamon from the pies Mrs. Marshall had baked earlier alerted her to the housekeeper’s presence.

  The older woman spoke first. “I need to talk to you.”

  “What’s wrong?” Abigail didn’t like the serious sound in her voice.

  “I know you had your heart set on making cookies with the little girl, but won’t none of us be making cookies unless we get some more sugar. Problem is Mr. Marshall’s gone on an errand he promised Miss Rachel he’d take care of this afternoon, so there’s no one to go.”

  “Oh, dear, I had hoped to have cookies for Mary Ella today. Would you mind walking to the store? It isn’t so very far, is it?” Abigail clutched the back of a dining room chair and shook her head. “Oh, but I shouldn’t ask you to do that. What can we do?”

  Mrs. Marshall gave Abigail’s hand a motherly pat. “It isn’t far to the store, and I’d welcome the walk. But I can’t leave you alone with a child in the house. Miss Rachel would have my hide.”

  “I’ve been here alone with her before.” What was her sister’s problem now? She could be so worrisome the way she continually tried to run Abigail’s life.

  “That’s true, you have, but not for long periods of time. I just don’t know that I should go off for so long as a trip to the store would take. Where is Mary Ella, anyhow? I thought I heard her voice while ago.”

  “I’m sure you did. She’s in the sitting room. I gave her the Bible so she can begin reading it.” Abigail turned toward the sitting room to listen for the sounds Mary Ella usually made, but heard nothing. Could she be reading so quietly?

  Mrs. Marshall bustled past Abigail and as quickly returned. “That little girl is nowhere in the sitting room. Not in this room neither. I found that nice Bible you got her on the coffee table.”

  “I don’t understand. She was right there.” Abigail swung around in a vain attempt to see for herself. “She wanted to make cookies. She wouldn’t have gone back home without telling us.”