“Cora . . . I’m not sure of anything just yet. I admit I was very attracted to Greta right from the start, but it was more desire than love. I can’t build a marriage on that alone. It just wouldn’t be right. Greta likes living in town and working at the store. I don’t think she’d like living on a ranch. I’m best outdoors and I worship in wide-open spaces. I can’t be confined to that store forever.”
“I already knew that about you, and I wish you well, but I’m not sure about this, Zach. Greta’s been hurt once before, and I don’t want to cause her any more pain. Why don’t we let things go for a time and see what unfolds? And in the meantime we can each pray that God will lead us.” Her voice quivered, and Zach searched her eyes.
“Does that mean I wasn’t imagining your response to me?”
Cora let out a sigh and looked up at him. “No, you weren’t imagining it. But we must go. I’ve been away far too long, and I promised Greta . . .” She whirled around, dragging the hem of her damp skirts, and climbed up the slope to wait for him.
Zach grabbed Stomper’s reins and reluctantly followed, wondering how he could remedy the situation of the brides, which was all his doing in the first place. Pray? It was worth a try.
18
Shielded by a makeshift curtain that she had hung for privacy, Greta waited as Agnes stripped down to her chemise and stockings. She wasn’t as tall as Greta and was a bit short-waisted but otherwise had a nice figure. This was a first for Greta to be sewing for someone other than herself, though she’d helped out her sister Anna when needed. She wanted to do her best and found she enjoyed creating something from a shapeless piece of material.
Greta sighed and tried to concentrate as she made note of the other woman’s measurements while Agnes chattered away. She wanted to make certain of Agnes’s size before she began to cut the fabric, and she wanted to be precise, but Agnes wouldn’t hold still. Suddenly an impish thought came to Greta on just how to get the other woman to settle down.
She let out an exaggerated sound of surprise. “Oh my . . .”
“What?” Agnes stopped in midsentence, trying to turn around to get a better look. “What is it?”
“Well . . .” Greta sighed with the ease of many years of practice teasing two sisters. “If you’d be still . . . I’m sure it’s just my mistake . . .”
“What are you talking about?” Agnes froze stiff as a board, and Greta suppressed a smile.
“It’s a common thing, really—you simply look smaller in the waist than what I’ve measured here.”
“Well, land sakes—measure it again. I won’t talk or move a muscle.”
“All right,” Greta said graciously, trying to contain her mirth. She let her thoughts drift as she measured. Cole Cartwright wasn’t with Agnes this time, and Greta was thankful. Although he was good-looking and had made his intentions clear, she had all the men in her life she could handle between Zach and Jess.
She wondered what had happened to Cora. Several customers had arrived at the same time as Agnes, but between Jess, Greta, and Caleb, they’d taken care of the customers while making the impatient Agnes wait. Caleb was Johnny-on-the-spot finding items, wrapping them, and hauling them to waiting wagons. The morning passed quickly, and Greta was glad. She’d rather be busy. She was looking forward to tomorrow when they would have dinner with Granny.
“Greta, I’m sorry I’m being such a bother, but I just decided that I don’t like the material we first chose and want to look at something different.”
Greta held her anger in check, though the material had already been cut off the bolt. “I’ll do my best to help you choose something else. Let me take your measurements one more time before we start looking, but I’m afraid that you’ll have to pay for the material that I’ve already cut off the bolt.”
“Just put it on my bill. I simply must be happy with what I’m wearing or the night will be ruined!” Agnes shifted and reached to scratch her back, then quickly clamped her hand over her mouth, bringing Greta’s wandering thoughts back to the task at hand. “Oh, goodness! I didn’t mean to be such a fidget. My mother used to complain that I couldn’t stand still for more than two minutes,” she said with a lopsided smile.
“She certainly had that right, but if you don’t stand still, I promise you this dress won’t be fit for wearing. But with your fair complexion and green eyes, it’ll be easy to find material to complement your features and something you’ll feel good in,” Greta commented through tight lips. Agnes indeed had a peaches-and-cream complexion, which she protected from the sun with her broad-brimmed hats. I bet she doesn’t spend one moment outdoors, Greta thought.
Agnes looked like she might actually blush, but Greta knew she was too proud to do that. “It’s true, I don’t have trouble finding fabric to enhance my fair skin. Mother used to say I’d look good in sackcloth,” she said with a laugh.
“I’m sure your mother thought you were a beauty. All mothers think their daughters are the prettiest!”
“Maybe so, but Jess always told me how gorgeous I looked,” she said with a smug look.
Greta turned her around. “No doubt he thought you were. Tell me, weren’t you two courting at one time?”
Agnes gave her a sly look. “For a while.”
“What happened? You seem to be attracted to him.”
“I was foolishly interested in a businessman who was in town from Denver for a while. He turned my head but left without warning. By then Jess wouldn’t have anything to do with me. I was trying to win his trust back until you and Cora arrived.” Her mouth clenched as she said it. “So I suppose that’s out of the question for me now. Seems he only has eyes for you, according to Annabelle.” Her green eyes snapped as she looked at Greta.
Greta was taken aback. “What? Me? Hardly. But you know that Zach is courting me and Jess is seeing Cora.”
“That’s not the way Annabelle sees it.”
Thankfully, Greta was saved from responding when she heard the door swing open, and Cora and Zach came inside, laughing. Greta finished quickly once she got Agnes to stand still, and Agnes was still subdued when Greta left her to change back into her dress. She slid past the curtain and was surprised to see a somewhat disheveled Cora followed by a bemused Zach as they paused just inside the store.
“That must’ve been a mighty long ride, Zach,” Jess said, striding toward them as they entered the store. “Caleb and I have been busier than a one-armed horse wrangler.” Jess’s eyes flicked over Cora.
Greta walked over to them, noticing the wet hem of Cora’s skirts where dirt had collected. Her normally tight chignon at the back of her neck was loose with trailing strands of hair. Was she imagining it, or was Cora’s face flushed and her eyes brighter?
“Stomper had a stone in his hoof, and I met Cora on her way down the mountain, so we walked back together,” Zach told them, his eyes swerving to give Greta a half smile. “Morning, Greta.” His usual flirting seemed off a bit today.
“I see. Well, I’m glad you’re back now. You and Caleb can deliver the widow Jones’s order that I promised her this afternoon.”
Zach seemed to want to be gone in a hurry. “I’ll get right on it.”
“I hadn’t meant to stay so long at the Careys, but I’m glad I was missed,” Cora said.
“Yes, you were missed.” Jess gave Cora a sweet smile as he took her wrap from her, and his hands lingered on her shoulders for a long moment. Then he hastened away to help a customer.
Greta winced. His eyes had rested warmly on her friend, and it was obvious that he cared a lot for her. Greta longed to have him look at her that way. She glanced away, knowing she’d have to put that out of her mind—forever. Putting on her brightest smile, she said, “Cora, I’ve just taken Agnes’s measurements and she’s getting dressed.”
“I shouldn’t have taken so long, but I didn’t think Agnes would arrive so early. Did you need my help for anything?” Cora’s eyes went everywhere except Greta’s face.
“No, eve
rything is fine, but if you can help with the customers while I finish with Agnes, we’ll be through soon.”
“Certainly, but if you need me at all, let me know.” Cora moved closer to Greta and touched her on the sleeve. “Is she being nice to you?” she whispered.
“Her usual self, but nothing that I can’t handle,” Greta answered softly. “How was Mrs. Carey?”
“She’s very lonely and overwhelmed with a new baby and four little ones. I promised to return and see if either Annabelle or I can help out.”
“Greta! Come here and button up the back of my dress now!” Agnes shrieked. Greta and Cora shared a conspiratorial look.
“Excuse me, but I believe the queen is calling,” Greta whispered in Cora’s ear. “We’ll talk later.” She scurried back behind the muslin curtain, anxious to get the dress project started. She pitied the woman who had made all of Agnes’s clothes in the past. Still, while she didn’t know if she could handle Agnes’s bossy attitude, Greta thought it might be enjoyable to have a sewing task to keep her busy.
———
Cora wanted to get busy, but first she needed to see Caleb. She waited until he and Zach were on the last load of supplies for the widow Jones before she approached. “Caleb, can I speak with you a moment before you leave?”
Caleb turned to face her, his eyebrows knitted together across his forehead. “I guess . . . sure.”
She pulled him near the window, reached into her dress pocket, and handed him the knife.
“What? I told you I’d put it back or pay for it.” Caleb frowned, turning over the fine knife in his hands.
“It’s a gift from me to you. Didn’t you say you have a birthday soon? Think of it as an early present.” She beamed into the young lad’s face shadowed by the beginning of a beard.
“You mean you bought it for me? No one ever bought me a present before,” he said. His voice deepened as he examined the knife’s mother-of-pearl handle. “Thank you, Cora. It’s a beauty.”
Cora clasped her hands together in the folds of her skirt. “Well, it’s about time someone bought you something. I’m not sure what you want to do with it, though.”
Caleb shifted from one foot to the other. “I like to whittle in my free time. It sorta relaxes me.”
Cora smiled. “You’d better be going—Zach’s waiting for you outside.”
His solemn face split into a broad smile, and to her surprise and pleasure, Caleb gave her shoulder a swift hug. He bounded out the door, taking the stairs two at a time.
She had a warm feeling in her heart as she wandered over to Greta and Agnes, who were knee-deep in bolts of material scattered across the counter. From the look on Greta’s face, her friend was very perturbed.
“Have you found anything that suits you better?” Greta asked. “It looks to me like you’ve been through about everything we have in stock.”
Cora caught Greta’s eye. She knew Greta was trying hard to keep her emotions from showing. Maybe Cora could give Agnes a little nudge so she could make a decision.
Agnes looked up as she approached. “I just can’t decide between the gingham and the dimity. What do you think? The pattern has an off-the-shoulder flounce blouse.” She showed Cora the design.
“Hmm. I think if you choose the red-and-white gingham, you might blend right in with the tablecloths!” She laughed, then abruptly closed her mouth at the sharp look from Agnes. “But the white dimity will be cool and comfortable for a hot summer picnic.”
Greta nodded. “I totally agree with you, Cora,” she said, running her hand across the smooth, white fabric. “We can accentuate with your choice of ribbon and perhaps add that to a straw hat for contrast.”
Agnes rested her hand on her hip and tapped her foot thoughtfully, a manicured finger against her cheek. “If you both think I won’t look too washed out . . .”
“Nothing could make you look washed out, Agnes.” Jess came and stood next to the ladies, a pencil behind one ear and a stack of men’s work shirts filling his arms. Cora watched his warm brown eyes swerve from Agnes to Greta. His face seemed to light up—or was it wishful thinking on her part?
“You’re so sweet to say so.” Agnes’s pink lips pouted as she watched his interest shift to Greta.
“Greta, do you think you can fold these real neat like you did the overalls? I’m afraid I’m all thumbs when it comes to presentation.”
“I’ll be happy to, Jess. Could you just put them right here for now?” She cleared the end of the cutting board for him, making a place to pile the shirts. “We’re nearly finished here.”
“No hurry, but can you make them look like they’re worth buying?” He gave her a lopsided grin as he backed away, then bumped into a sharp corner of a shelf and yelped. He rubbed his back and said, “I’ll leave you ladies to finish what you’re doing. I . . . uh . . . have some important matters I must attend to.”
Aha! Cora thought. I knew it! There is something about the way he watches Greta whenever she’s near. But she didn’t see any reaction from Greta to indicate one way or the other that it mattered to her. Before today, Cora might’ve felt some jealousy, but after Zach’s kisses by Clear Creek . . .
19
With just a hint of fall in the afternoon sun spreading across Granny’s porch, Greta didn’t think there could be a more pleasant luncheon than today’s. After dinner at Annabelle and Silas’s, she’d been worried about the outcome. But nothing had happened yet to upset the peace of the day. After an uplifting sermon, she and Cora were embraced by many of the churchgoers as they stood outside preparing to leave. Soon after, they’d driven over to Granny’s for lunch, and none of them were disappointed as they enjoyed second helpings, which only made Granny smile wider. Greta focused on the hot corn bread, baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, and garden green beans garnished with juicy ripe tomatoes, trying to ignore the growing lump in her throat. After the meal, she helped carry Granny’s famous rhubarb pie out to the porch, where everyone retired for dessert. She cut slices while Granny plopped a dollop of cream on top, and suddenly she remembered that Bryan had loved rhubarb pie.
It was apparent in everything she said and did that Granny simply loved her grandsons, making Greta wish she had living grandparents. She wondered just how much she and her sisters had missed.
Caleb was the first to praise the dessert. “I didn’t think I had room for one more bite of anything, but Granny, this is absolutely delicious!”
Granny patted his shoulder. “It’s my specialty, you know!”
Cora sat next to Jess on the porch swing. Zach sat on the top step of the porch. Was it Greta’s imagination, or was he avoiding her by not sitting by her? Ever since he and Cora had returned yesterday, he’d put distance between himself and Greta as they worked in the mercantile.
She watched as Granny pulled up her rocker and sat down, her round cheeks flushed with happiness. “This here’s a right fine gathering of folks, but I’d rather be attending a wedding. So who’s getting married and when? And Jess, I’m going to need to get into town to shop for a new hat from the milliner’s. Or maybe two new hats, unless y’all are having a double ceremony, which makes more sense, after all. So, what’s it gonna be?”
The creaking of Granny’s rocker was the only sound that could be heard except for the slight breeze that played about the porch. Forks were frozen in midair, chewing stopped, and it seemed that a time for reckoning had come.
Caleb choked on his pie, trying to control his mirth, and Greta looked from Jess to Zach while Cora stared at her pie like it was baked rattlesnake.
Jess cleared his throat as his neck turned red. He ran a finger around the top of his starched collar, then threw a warning look at Caleb. “Granny . . . you’ll be the first to know when the dates are set, which will be very soon,” he said, patting Cora’s arm.
“Just as long as you get on with the purpose of why Zach dragged these two fine ladies way out here to Central City. I’m not getting any younger. I’d like to see great-gr
andchildren before the good Lord calls me home.”
Caleb clamped a hand over his mouth this time to keep from chuckling at everyone’s expense. Greta was speechless and left it to Jess and Zach to respond.
“You’re not going anywhere, Granny—you’re as fit as a fiddle and you know it!” Zach remarked, taking a huge bite of pie.
“You never know, son. You never know.” She turned to Greta. “Jess told me that you’re going to sew for Agnes. I hope you’re not intending on using that old sewing machine at the mercantile. That bobbin is a thorn in the flesh. It never worked properly.”
“Jess is right. I’m going to attempt to make her a dress for her barbecue, but I haven’t had a chance to look at the shop’s sewing machine yet.”
“I have an answer for that too! You can borrow mine for a time. It’s a gen-u-ine Singer and runs as smooth as a top.”
“Why, that would really help. Thank you, Granny.” Greta smiled back at the older lady. Even with Granny’s outspokenness, Greta could tell her heart was in the right place where her family was concerned. She enjoyed being able to call the older lady Granny, since she’d never known her own grandmother.
“If you’re finished with your pie, Jess, why don’t you go get my sewing machine from the parlor and strap it on the wagon for Greta?”
Jess hopped up in a hurry. “Sure thing, Granny.” He handed Cora his empty plate. “Caleb, come give me a hand,” he said as he moved to the screen door. Caleb handed his dish to Greta, but not before taking the last bite, smacking his lips in satisfaction.
Zach shifted on the top step, laying his empty plate aside. “I’m going for a walk. Anyone want to come along?”
“I’d enjoy a walk.” Cora sprang up. “Let me help carry these dishes to the kitchen.”
Granny waved her off. “Greta and I’ll collect them. Go on ahead. The sun will be going down soon.”
Greta thought Granny had more or less pushed Cora and Zach down the porch steps and out into the yard. Did she get the same feeling as I have? she wondered.
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