Emmett rolled his eyes. “I should have stayed in school.”
At least Neil seemed more enthusiastic. “What are we going to do?”
Luke thought for a moment. What chores could he give these two runts that would keep them out of trouble? “The barn needs mucked out and new straw laid out for the animals.” He leaned on his cane slightly. “You think you can do that?” The youngest boy nodded, his face shining with excitement. “Maybe I’ll find a lizard, or maybe a rat snake.”
Luke seemed to recall hearing the boy collected reptiles.
“What do you put them in when you catch them?”
“Chardy gives him old tin cans to keep them in,” Emmett answered.
“As long as you keep them away from the house.” He riffled the boy’s head. “I can’t imagine your sister would be happy to find a lizard in her room.”
“Oh that already happened!” Emmett’s lips twitched.
“She found a field mouse in her bag of knitting and like to screamed to high heavens. I swear, sometimes Sister can be such a girl.”
Laugher bubbled up in his chest. Poor woman! She’d never been one for creepy-crawly things. Her brothers needed to learn to respect that. “Your sister is a lady, and you need to remember that,” Luke said, and then turned the conversation back to their chores. “Do either one of you know how to ride?”
“Chardy won’t let us.”
“I know how to ride.” The last Stevens boy, Thomas, hesitated for a moment then spoke. “I go down to the livery every day after school to help. Mr. Clarkston taught me.”
“Does Chardy know about that?” George asked, obviously annoyed that his younger brother knew how to ride and he didn’t. “Maybe we ought to tell her.”
Thomas shook his head. “I was waiting until I got really good then I was going to show her.”
“Not if I tell her first,” George muttered.
For Pete’s sake, didn’t anyone want breakfast? Luke needed to stop this bickering before it escalated into fists. “That’s neither here nor there. We’ve got a farm to tend, so all of you are going to have to do jobs you’ve never done before. That’s how you learn.” He turned to Thomas. “I’m putting you in charge of the animals. Is that understood?”
“But that’s my job,” George exclaimed. “What am I going to do?”
Luke walked over to the boy and patted him on the back. “As the oldest, it’s your responsibility to learn how to run this farm.” He laid out his plans to get the ground ready for planting, as well as teaching them how to ride and shoot, so they could protect their home.
When he was finished, Neil raised his hand. “Will you teach me how to milk a cow?”
Luke chuckled. “If that’s what you want to learn.” The boy seemed satisfied with his answer. “Any more questions?”
George stepped forward, his gaze shifting to Luke’s missing leg. “What are you going to be doing?”
It was a question Luke had pondered deep into the night. One thing was for certain, he couldn’t afford to look weak in the boys’ eyes. “I’ll put in a full day’s work just like the rest of you.”
The older brothers exchanged a skeptical look. He’d just have to prove himself to them. Using his cane, Luke pointed down the hallway to where the boys slept. “Get dressed. We’ve got a lot to do today.”
Chapter 6
Fifty, sixty, seventy.” Chardy pushed the coins onto her palm then put them back into the cash register. It had been a good day for a Wednesday, as a steady stream of ladies had come to see her fabrics and notions. Word was getting around about the groom auditions as well as the social the next day, and the ladies of Turtle Springs wanted to make a good impression. If that meant a new ribbon for their bonnet or a pretty new dress, Chardy was more than happy to help them in their quest.
She sat back in her chair, her booted foot rocking her back and forth. What had she done, telling Luke she was signing up for the interviews? The man had practically goaded her into it with all those questions about trusting him. Whatever it was, it had backfired on her, because not only had Luke basically agreed with her, he acted as if it would be for the best.
Or had he? Chardy went back over their conversation as she had done every day. Luke hadn’t really said how he felt about it, one way or the other, though she did sense he was angry. What did that mean? Did the thought of her being with a husband bother him more than she’d thought?
The bell over the front door rang. “Chardy?”
Birdy Green. Probably here to deliver the boys’ class assignments. “I’m back here in the office.”
Moments later, the schoolteacher stood in the doorway.
Chardy stood and brushed the wrinkles out of her skirts. “How do you look so starched and proper after a day at school? You don’t even look like you have a hair out of place.”
“I’ve never really thought about it. It must come from experience.”
“And the fact that you had four less hooligans to make you want to pull out your hair today.”
Birdy’s lips twitched slightly. “I thought the classroom was a bit too quiet today.”
“Then remember the snake crawling out of your desk drawer or having to break up a fight. That should help.” Chardy picked up a jar of peppermint sticks she kept on her desk and offered it to Birdy.
“Your brothers aren’t that bad.” Birdy picked one out and popped it into her mouth. “Thank you.”
Chardy replaced the lid then put it back where it belonged. “I appreciate you saying that, but I know how difficult they are to handle. I think they’re still mourning Papa.”
“Possibly. It’s only been about a year since he passed, hasn’t it?”
“Almost.” She’d read Papa’s name on the casualty list two days after General Lee had surrendered, but he had been gone for a lot longer than that. “The boys hadn’t seen him in almost five years.”
“I’m surprised the younger boys even remember him,” Birdy said.
“I don’t think Neil does.” Her youngest brother was barely a toddler when Papa had left. But Emmett remembered, though how much, Chardy wasn’t certain. “Emmett talks about him at times, but not that much anymore.”
“Maybe that’s why the boys are fighting, because they think they should remember more about their father than they do.”
“That’s a possibility.” But how could she help them, when she was still dealing with her own loss?
She felt Birdy’s hand come to rest on hers. “Give them time, Chardy.”
“Patience has never been my strong suit. And Papa wanted them to get schooling.”
The teacher patted her hand. “I understand, and I agree. But education is not restricted to the classroom. Life experiences teach us a great deal, too.” She glanced around. “Where are the boys? I thought they’d be helping you here in the store.” Chardy shook her head. “They’re out at the farm, putting in the vegetable garden with Luke.”
“That’s an excellent idea!” Birdy’s smile lit up her entire face. “The boys are not only learning the basics of farming, they’re learning what’s expected of them as men. That’s so much more important.”
Chardy hadn’t thought of it that way, though it made sense. “Luke is a good man. One of the best I’ve ever met.”
Birdy hesitated for the briefest of moments then asked, “Does he still believe you’d be better off without him?”
Chardy turned the key on the register then put it in her desk drawer, anything to avoid the pity in the schoolteacher’s eyes. “I told him this morning that I was going to sign up for the groom auditions, but it didn’t seem to bother him one way or the other.”
The prim schoolmarm scoffed. “Has this town gone mad? Why would anyone audition a man to be your husband? It’s not like we’ve not seen a man before.”
Chardy swallowed a laugh. “I think it’s that we haven’t seen very many unmarried men around here since the war was over.”
“Well, that’s just my opinion.” Bird
y patted her hand then released it. “This situation with you and Luke will work itself out with time.”
Chardy nodded, but she wasn’t so certain. Luke could be stubborn when he thought he was right, and he was positively convinced he wasn’t worth having as a husband anymore. How could she change his mind? Convince him that she would love him, come what may?
“I should be going.” Birdy placed her hand on top of the schoolbooks she’d set on the corner of Chardy’s desk. “I took the liberty of gathering up the boys’ schoolwork, for when they have some free time.”
“That was mighty nice of you, Birdy. I’ll get them back to you as soon as they are finished.”
“No need to rush.” She glanced at the dainty gold watch on her lapel. “I really need to go. Frieda will start to worry.”
“I closed up early so I could go out to the farm for a little while.” And see what Luke and the boys had been up to these last few days. She just prayed the house was still standing.
“I shouldn’t keep you then.” The teacher walked over to the door then paused and turned back to Chardy. “Don’t give up hope. God has a plan for you and Luke.”
Chardy sure hoped so. Just as long as it didn’t include saying good-bye.
By the time Chardy replenished her stock and ordered more fabric, the afternoon was almost gone. The sharp shards of sunlight from early in the day had softened, bathing the world in a warm, rosy glow. This used to be her favorite time of the day. Only now, instead of picnics by the stream near their house, or long rides on Sassy, there were socks to mend and supper to make.
Still, she enjoyed these moments. They were precious, almost sacred to her. Once she was out of town, she pushed Sassy into a trot then lifted her face to the heavens. The fading sunlight warmed her skin, and she closed her eyes and breathed deep the scents of wildflowers and earth that always settled her thoughts.
Had Birdy been right? Did God have a plan for her? She didn’t see it, but she hadn’t been on the best terms with the Lord since word of Papa’s passing had reached them. Probably before then, if she were honest. In the days leading up to her father’s departure for the army, she’d prayed he’d change his mind, so certain God would hear her and make Papa stay. After all, her prayer was an unselfish one. Her brothers needed their father.
But Papa left, and Chardy hadn’t prayed much since.
Maybe it was time she tried again. Lord, I’m sorry it’s been so long since we talked. I guess I was kind of mad at You for taking Papa away. Please forgive me. Help me do what’s right for the boys and with Luke.
“Do you always ride with your eyes shut?”
Chardy’s eyes flew open. Coming toward her on the biggest stallion this side of the Mississippi was a man she didn’t recognize. His clothes were worn and dusty, as if they hadn’t seen a cake of soap in weeks. The cowboy hat he wore sat low on his forehead, casting a shadow over most of his face. But he had an honest smile and a gentlemanly way about him that put her at ease. “I was praying.”
He slowed his horse as he came alongside her. “This is a mighty unusual place to be praying. But, then again, the Bible says we should pray without ceasing.”
“Yes, it sure does.” Chardy laughed. “Are you heading toward Turtle Springs?”
“Yes, ma’am. Answering an ad from a paper back East. Something about the town needing grooms.”
She hadn’t expected men to start arriving so soon. “You’re in the right place, then. Chardy Stevens. I run the mercantile.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Chardy.” He tipped the brim of his hat. “I’m William Carter, but my friends call me Will.”
“Are you staying in town?” She stopped. Really, what business was that of hers? For all she knew, he could be an outlaw planning to rob her. “There’s a lovely inn right on Main Street, if you’re looking for a place to stay.”
“Why thank you, ma’am.”
Chardy tightened her grip on her reins. “I’d better get moving before my family sends out a search party to look for me.”
“Of course. You wouldn’t want to worry your husband.”
“I’m not married.” Chardy regretted the words the moment they were out. Will Carter seemed like a nice enough man as a friend, but she didn’t want him getting any ideas about her. “I have four brothers.”
“Then I’d better get you home so they don’t worry.” The man tugged his horse around then pulled up next to Chardy. “Shall we?”
Irritation welled up inside her. “Thank you, but I’m perfectly capable of getting home by myself.”
“My mama would roll over in her grave if I didn’t escort a lady home.” He flashed her a lazy smile. “You wouldn’t want that on your conscience, now would you?”
Chardy pressed her lips together. She didn’t give two shakes of a lamb’s tail what Will Carter’s mother thought, God rest her soul. But she was tired and hungry, and didn’t feel like arguing with the man.
“Suit yourself,” she answered then kicked Sassy in the side. The horse responded like a shot, leaving the lumbering cowboy in a cloud of dust.
Chapter 7
Where could Chardy be? Luke paced to the end of the porch and looked out toward the road, his leg tired and aching from working the plow today. It was a good feeling, one he’d never thought he’d experience again, after his time in the hospital. He hadn’t done much. He had worked one row, but it was enough to make him wonder what other things he could do, once he built his muscles up for the demanding work.
He scanned the freshly cut field in front of the house and smiled. Surprisingly, the boys had taken to their new chores like ducks to water, waking up early every day, ready to learn how to turn their father’s homestead into a proper farm. George had a way of repairing tools that would give the blacksmith a run for his money. Thomas had not only learned to ride but had developed an eye for solid horse flesh. The younger two, especially Neil, had a gentle way with the animals. And Emmett? Well, he hadn’t figured out that boy yet, but he was still young. Chardy was in for a huge surprise.
If only she’d get here.
He pulled his watch from his pocket. He’d give her fifteen more minutes then he’d ride out to find her.
“She’s running late.”
Luke turned to where George stood in the doorway, the dirt that had caked his shirt and arms gone. Funny what a little soap and water could accomplish. “Does she do this a lot?”
The screen door slammed shut as the boy came to stand next to him. “Sometimes she gets a customer in late or she needs to restock the shelves.” He looked off into the distance. “But there are times I think she just doesn’t want to come home.”
That didn’t sound like Chardy. “Why do you say that?”
“I don’t know.” The boy suddenly seemed younger than his thirteen years. “It’s just she doesn’t kid around or tease us like she used to. She’s so serious all the time. I miss how it used to be.”
“I know.” Luke put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “I do, too.”
“You do?
“Of course, I do.” What he would do to go back to those days before the war, when he and Chardy had their whole future ahead of them. He heaved a deep breath. “What we’ve got to do is find the good in the here and now.”
George looked up at him. “Is that what you do, Luke?”
Luke glanced over the field. How did he answer that? With the truth, that he’d found nothing good about his life since the war? But that wasn’t necessarily so either, at least not since he’d come to help with Chardy’s brothers. Teaching the boys how to farm, preparing the fields for a new crop, filled him with a contentment he’d thought he’d lost with his leg. He’d even caught himself praying again. He tuned to the boy. “I’m trying.”
George didn’t answer, just nodded. “Sometimes, I’m so mad at Papa for doing this to her. If he’d stayed home, Chardy wouldn’t have all the worries that she does.”
“Maybe what we ought to do is figure out ways to lighten
her load.”
The boy snorted. “You know how she is. She won’t let anyone help her.”
Luke had noticed. “That doesn’t mean we should stop trying. She may squawk about it some, but in the end, she’ll be thankful for the help.”
“Even if Neil milks the cows?” George asked with a mischievous grin.
Luke chuckled. “Okay, so Chardy might have a hard time dealing with that one. I’ll talk to her.”
“Good. She listens to you.”
Warmth spread through Luke like honey heated in the sun. Chardy had always listened to him, as he had her. Some men might scoff, but he’d like hearing her thoughts and ideas. If he’d been the head of their relationship, she had been its heart. Still, the idea that she listened to him now, after all they’d been through, humbled him.
He didn’t have a chance to respond before the sound of hooves pounding against hard dirt drew his attention toward the two clouds of dust hurtling down the road.
George leaned over the railing. “Why is that man chasing Chardy?”
Luke’s jaw tightened. He should have taken the wagon to pick her up, but she’d balked at the idea. His inaction had put her in danger. “Go inside and keep your brothers occupied. I’ll handle this.”
“But …” George started.
He understood the boy’s need to protect his sister. “I won’t let anything happen to her. I promise.”
“Yes, sir.” The boy walked over to the door then turned back. “I’ll be watching from the window if you need me.”
The screen door slammed shut as Chardy rode her horse into the yard. She jumped down and raced up the stairs, grasping to fill her lungs with air.
“We were getting worried about you.”
“I’m sorry.” She leaned against the railing to catch her breath. “Birdy came by with the boys’ schoolwork.”
His eyes shifted to the man coming up the path to the house. “Did he give you any trouble?”
Chardy glanced at the man then shook her head. “No. He is a mail-order groom who decided I needed an escort home, whether I wanted one or not.”
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