She loved her town, and her enthusiasm made her even more charming. How lucky her students were to have such a beautiful teacher. As he listened to her expound on the background of the courthouse, the musical lilt to her voice made whatever she said a delight to hear.
If he ever decided to settle down with a girl, it’d be someone like Molly, but with his military career, he hesitated to even think of a future with a girl like her. Life on an army post wasn’t easy for wives and families. Safer than in the past, yes, but not as comfortable as living in an established town.
They passed a building nearing completion, and Molly’s face lit up with a warm glow. She grasped his arm.
“Oh, Stefan, stop for a moment. This is our new theater. It opens Friday evening, and I believe Papa has purchased tickets for us all to attend the first concert.”
The red-brick two-story building stood out in its glory among the other less elaborate businesses. Workmen scurried about their duties taking boxes and trunks of items through the leaded glass doors. Arched stone edifices sat atop each window on the second floor and allowed the noise of construction to reach the outdoors. A large poster advertised the first performance at Stoney Creek Auditorium on Friday, June 8.
“Theater is becoming more popular than ever these days. My parents have taken Clarissa and me to several shows on the showboats that come along the Mississippi to New Orleans. It’s no wonder Stoney Creek wanted to have a theater of its own.”
“I’ve read about some of those shows as well as the ones where all the actors put black on their faces and perform songs and dances. I’ve never actually been to a professional play or concert, and I’m so looking forward to it. The first performer to come our way is Caroline Cushing. She’s supposed to be a wonderful singer.”
“Yes, I’ve heard she is. I’m sure we’ll have a pleasant evening.” Once more he flicked the reins across the horse’s back and proceeded toward the other end of town. Along the way, Molly pointed out the bakery, a new dress shop, the wheelwright business, and several others, but Stefan barely listened to the words, simply enjoying the sound of her voice and the animation in her gestures as she described the various points of interest.
Molly stopped talking and turned to grasp his arm again. “I’m so sorry, Stefan. This must all be so boring to you what with seeing the likes of New Orleans and other places much larger than Stoney Creek.”
“Nothing is boring as long as I’m beside you.” That was the truth, and he wanted her to know she was more important than seeing the sights. He hid a smile as red stained her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I do enjoy your company, so anywhere we go is fine with me.”
She bit her lip, and a smile lifted one corner of her mouth. “Then let’s go out to my favorite spot along the creek. The bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes are long gone, but it’s still pretty there.”
“Lead the way, as your plans are my plans.” He drove to the end of Main Street and turned down a road leading out of town. They left behind the smells of animals and people and the hustle-and-bustle sounds of a town at work. In a few minutes the houses thinned out until they were in open country where the fresh air soothed his lungs.
He breathed deeply and smiled. “Now this is more like it. Nothing like nature to fill your senses.”
“Yes, it is much more pleasant out here, but I do love the activity of town. I only come out here when I want to have quiet time.” She pointed to the west. “The creek is over thataways. It’s not far.”
In a few minutes they were at the creek trickling its way between two rocky banks. Stefan hopped down then assisted Molly. With his hands on her waist, he set her on the ground, but didn’t move his hands. He stared into her eyes that were only slightly below his and noted how the yellow dress she wore today brought out the green in her eyes. Any other woman and he’d lean down for a kiss, but not with Molly, not yet.
She cleared her throat and he dropped his hands to his side. Her gaze pierced his with an intensity that set every nerve in his body on edge. How could she have such an effect on him in a only a few days?
Molly reached up and unpinned her hat then set it on the seat of the buggy. The sun picked up the red-gold highlights in her hair and stole Stefan’s breath. She reached for his hand then led him to the creek bank. Right here and now, he’d follow her wherever she led him, even into the rippling waters of the creek.
“This is my favorite spot. The trees give plenty of shade from the heat of the sun, the creek babbles along its way, and little creatures dart here and about if you’re really quiet.”
She stopped at a large rock and climbed a few steps to sit perched on top. She patted the space beside her. “There’s plenty of room for both of us.”
Yes, there would be if they sat very close to each other, and he didn’t mind that a bit. He grabbed hold of the edge and pulled himself up to the spot next to her. She gazed out across the creek, but his eyes stayed glued to her face.
“Tell me, Miss Molly, how do you like teaching?”
The green in her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “I love the children and all the things we get to do. We have two rooms, one for the lower grades and one for the upper ones. You met the other teacher, Levi’s wife, Ellie. I think she has the harder job.”
“And how many of the children are related to you in one way or the other?” He’d met enough children at the Gordon ranch for a small town school.
“Only seven of the twenty in lower school are related, but it sometimes seems to be a lot more than that. One of my favorites is Grace, Aunt Hannah’s girl. She loves horses and riding to the point that’s all she talks about most of the time. She can play the piano, too. Gets that from her mama. Aunt Hannah is a talented pianist as well as a nurse.”
With her legs pulled up to her chest, she rested her chin on her knees and clasped her hands about her skirt. “You know, we left St. Francisville when I was a little girl, so I don’t remember a lot about it. What I do remember is seeing the mighty river down the road at Bayou Sara. Papa’s brothers worked that river and it always impressed me. One time I thought how much fun it would be to get on a boat and go down to New Orleans and see the great ocean at the end of the river.”
Stefan balanced himself so as not to crowd Molly. He could sit and listen to her talk all day. The more she talked, the less he’d have to reveal about himself. She’d already expressed her distaste for his being in the military, so he had no desire to say anything more about it.
Molly raised her hand to point to an area across the river. “Years ago, before we ever came here, there was a great Indian battle right over there. Some of the Indians escaped and went around another way to the town and started burning buildings. A lot of people died that day, but the men of Stoney Creek held their ground and finally forced the Indians to retreat. People still talk about it, but not near as much as they did when we first came here.”
Stefan didn’t comment for fear he’d say something to spoil the mood. Couldn’t she see from that skirmish how sometimes killing was necessary to protect property and those you loved? He’d killed a few men himself, and it never felt good, even when the men were outlaws or murderers. Killing unnecessarily went against God’s laws, but the apostle Paul himself said that authorities had both the reas
on and the right to punish the wrongdoer with the sword.
“Stefan, when I think about fighting and battles it makes me sad. Mama told me about a time she had to kill a Yankee soldier, and she hoped I’d never be in a spot where I’d have to do something like that.”
He’d heard the story from his mother, and it helped him understand even more Molly’s distaste for killing. “Your mother and mine endured some hard times when they were young, and your father and mine both fought in a terrible war. I’m thankful those days are behind us.”
She reached over and placed a hand on his arm. “Nothing against you or our fathers, Stefan, but I hated to hear those stories of soldiers and battles. I’m sure what you do is necessary but I don’t think I could stand being around soldiers all the time knowing that they are being trained to kill.” She put her hand to her mouth and shot him a glance, indicating that her true opinion had just spilled out, and she feared how he would respond.
Not wanting to go deeper into the subject, Stefan chose to make light of it. “Oh, you get used to it after a while.”
She smiled slightly, then changing the subject, began to talk about the local ranches. But her words stayed with Stefan. And that was precisely why, no matter how much he might be attracted to her, he could never consider taking someone like Molly for his wife. But how could he convince his heart of that?
CHAPTER 9
AFTER THE WONDERFUL lunch at the hotel Molly didn’t see how she could sit through a large evening meal. At least there had been no more talk about wars or battles, but then that might indicate she’d offended Stefan in some way with her outspoken opinion. She’d have to be more careful with her words in the future.
Clarissa and Andrew had certainly appeared to enjoy their time together, and Clarissa positively glowed all afternoon. Mama must have noticed as well since she included Andrew again for the evening meal. At least Mama hadn’t prepared a heavy dinner. The cold ham was just enough.
After they finished supper, Molly moved to the parlor with Clarissa while the men headed for Pa’s study. Soon after they had settled themselves for a chat, Mama strode through the doorway with Mrs. Elliot, Clara, and Alice behind her. “The kitchen is finally clean.” She waved her hand toward Molly. “It’s now time for some entertainment. Molly, will you play for us first?”
“Yes, but only if Clarissa agrees to sing after that. She has a beautiful voice.”
The men ambled in and joined the ladies. Stefan nodded to his sister. “Even if I may be somewhat prejudiced, she does know how to sing.” He glanced over at Molly and winked. “But I haven’t heard you play the piano since you were in St. Francisville for your uncle’s wedding. I don’t imagine you’ve lost your touch.”
Heat bloomed in Molly’s cheeks at the memory of that evening at the Elliot home when Papa had insisted she play for them. She’d been smitten with Stefan even as a twelve-year-old, and to think he’d remembered all these years sent her heart to fluttering.
“Thank you. I’ll play Papa’s favorite first, a polonaise. He loves Chopin.” As her fingers touched the keys her heart and soul went into her music. As usual everything else in the room dissolved, and she became part of the notes she played. She’d disliked practicing when she was a child, but now as she became one with the music her heart swelled with joy and gratitude for those hard lessons.
As the last notes faded, silence greeted her, but the ensuing praise that came as everyone clapped brought heat to her face. Papa stood behind her, hands on her shoulder.
“Well done, my sweet girl. It’s been a while since I heard you play like that.” He bent and kissed the top of her head and whispered, “I’m so proud of you.”
Clarissa moaned. “How will I ever sing after something that beautiful?”
Mrs. Elliot reached across for Clarissa’s hand. “Yes, it was beautiful, but you have a wonderful voice. We’ll be delighted to hear from you.”
“Oh, yes, Clarissa. Tell me what you want to sing, and if I can’t play it, Mama can.” Molly started shifting sheets of music around. There should be something she could play for Clarissa to sing.
As Clarissa’s pure soprano voice filled the room with Foster’s “Beautiful Dreamer,” Molly stole a glance at Andrew and stifled a grin. The enraptured expression on his face left no doubt he was smitten hard with the beautiful singer. What a wonderful match, a small-town doctor and a plantation girl. The more Molly considered it, the more delight filled her, and she let her smile become full blown.
As before, a moment of silence preceded the clapping and compliments. Molly stood and wrapped her arm around Clarissa’s waist. “I think we make quite a pair.” She giggled and nudged Clarissa. “Let’s run off and join the theater and travel all over the country singing.”
After laughter and more remarks about her voice, Clarissa raised her hand in the air. “Now let’s sing something fun for all of us. Molly, strike up ‘Oh, Susannah.’”
As everyone sang, Juliet and Alice linked arms and danced in a circle. The boys clapped and sang along then Tom grabbed Clara and whirled her around the room. When they finished, Mama fanned her face.
“Y’all did all the work but I feel like I’ve been to a barn dance. What fun, but I see two little girls who need to go to bed.” She reached for Alice’s and Juliet’s hands. “C’mon girls, it’s time to leave this party.”
Juliet protested with a frown. “But, Mama . . . ” A yawn stopped her words. Papa picked her up and headed to the stairs. “We’ll be back in a few minutes. Entertain yourselves while we’re gone.”
Stefan called after Papa, “Dr. Whiteman, may I take Molly for a walk?”
Papa grinned and waved his free hand. “Yes, go enjoy yourselves.”
Andrew turned to Mr. Elliot. “And may I do the same with Miss Elliot?”
At his nod, Andrew grasped Clarissa’s elbow. “I don’t think you’ll need a hat or parasol this late in the evening.”
Pink bloomed in Clarissa’s cheeks as he tucked her hand under his arm. They walked to the door and Stefan grasped Molly’s hand. “Are you ready for a stroll?”
“Yes, but sitting on the porch would be much nicer, don’t you think? Andrew and Clarissa can stroll about all they want, but I’d prefer to sit.” She wasn’t sure how much weight Stefan was allowed to put on his leg, but she wanted to make sure he wouldn’t be tired. He did have to walk back to the hotel later.
“Whatever you wish, my dear Molly.” He placed one hand at her back and pushed the door open with the other.
A gentle breeze wafted across the porch, ruffling the leaves of the ivy plants along the porch rail. A white wicker table and several chairs sat to the left of the door. After they sat down, the murmur of voices drifted out from the parlor to break the silence of the evening.
“This is nice. I’m glad you suggested it. It’s good to have a large front porch like this. Someday I plan to have a house with a porch and railings that go all the way around.”
Molly settled in the chair and smoothed her skirt. “Oh, do you not plan to stay in the military?” That possibility had never occurred to her. If he was willing to leave the military, she’d be more willing to have a relationship with him.
He laughed. “Being in the military doesn�
�t preclude having a life of my own. A home and family are within my goals as well.”
“I see.” She bit her lip. Could she handle being married to someone on active duty? Curiosity ate at her.
“Do they have many wives and families at the fort where you are?”
“We have a number of the officers and enlisted men whose wives have joined them. They have special living quarters that are nicer than the bachelor officer barracks. They bring a social atmosphere that is actually quite pleasant, and most of them are very good cooks. The commanding colonel’s wife bakes wonderful cakes and cookies to have on hand to greet us when we return from patrol.”
“It seems like it would be awfully dangerous to live out in the wilderness. Who protects them when you’re out fighting or on patrol or whatever it is you do?” How could they endure being so far away from civilization? She shuddered to think of the distance from her own home and family.
“We don’t all go out at once unless it’s a big Indian attack, and we haven’t had one of those since Geronimo was captured a few years ago. Most of the Indians are now on reservations, and we have a large one near the fort. However, many were relocated to New Mexico and Colorado. That was before my time, but I’ve heard many stories.”
“Well then, exactly what is it that you do with your time?”
Stefan swallowed hard. How could he answer her and not make her angry? Why were they even discussing this anyway? He should have asked her about herself first rather than bring up his hopes for the future.
“Mostly drills and other boring stuff like cleaning and taking care of our equipment and horses. We go out on patrols to check the area around the fort, and that sometimes may take a week depending on how much territory we need to cover.” Maybe that would satisfy her questions for now.
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