Under the Summer Sky

by Lori Copeland

  The evening heat was letting up for the day and the sun was sinking lower in the sky. When she was a child this had been her favorite hour of the day—still was, only she hadn’t stopped much these days to enjoy the peaceful feeling. Good health wasn’t anything she thought about either—one surely didn’t at her age—but she paused as she watched Pauline struggle to lower herself into the rocker. One day, if the good Lord allowed it, she’d be like Pauline. Her footsteps would be slower, more uncertain. Her eyesight would be poor, and her hearing would fade. Her patience might be fleeting.

  Granted, her aunt had lived much longer than the allotted three score and ten years. Maybe God had forgotten Pauline, but Trinity didn’t see how. She was a Wilson, and she made herself heard loud and clear.

  The good Lord couldn’t miss Pauline.

  Approaching the house, Trinity touched a self-conscious hand to her hair. She should have dressed more properly. A hat would be in order. Mae had offered one but Trinity had refused. It was too hot to be proper. Right now she had to concentrate on her mission, and she didn’t need anything distracting her.

  Pauline nodded off as Trinity climbed the two steps leading up to the porch. A rose vine wound its way up the white column and around the handrail. The summer night caught the sweet scent and carried it on a soft breeze.

  “Aunt Pauline?”

  The old woman’s head bobbed, her chin dropping lower to her chest.

  Easing closer, Trinity approached the rocker. She didn’t want to startle the poor thing awake. “Pauline?”

  “I heard you the first time.”

  Trinity jerked back, startled. Her aunt didn’t have the most pleasant personality. She knew that old age often made a person persnickety, but this woman was downright ill-mannered. She cleared her throat. “I enjoyed our visit so much this afternoon that I thought I’d set a spell with you this evening.”

  Pauline opened one watery eye and peered at the setting sun. “Again? It’s my bedtime.”

  Encouraged by the more hospitable tone, Trinity took the chair opposite her aunt.

  Pauline’s eyes were wide open now. They scanned Trinity’s length, head to toe. “Ain’t you the one that was here last month?”

  “This morning,” Trinity corrected. “We had a picnic together. A very enjoyable one. With bread and butter sandwiches and peaches.”

  “Don’t recall.”

  “I promise I won’t take much of your time.” She scooted the chair closer. “I’ve come to ask a favor.”

  Pauline’s eyes narrowed. “Mooching? You here to mooch off your kin?”

  Mooching wasn’t what she had in mind. Trinity briefly explained her plight. When she mentioned Wilson’s Falls Pauline appeared to stir, but then sat back and listened. Trinity couldn’t tell if anything she was saying made sense to the woman, but she plowed on. “My brother, Rob, was the last of our kin. Wilson’s Falls must be sold. The proceeds will be yours, but we must have a clear deed to the land in order to sell.”

  “Clear deed,” Pauline repeated.

  “Yes.” Trinity sat up straighter, confident she had her aunt’s undivided attention. “Do you have one?”

  “One what?”

  “The deed to Wilson’s Falls.”

  “Why would I have a deed to some falls?”

  “Because you and your sister, Priss…”

  “Priss?” She shook her head. “She passed a long time ago. Good woman. I miss her.”

  “My condolences.” Trinity squeezed the old woman’s hand. “But since no one is left to work the land, and the railroads are buying track sites, you need to dispose of the property.”

  “That right?” Pauline sat back, setting her rocker in motion. “Why?”

  “Because I live in Sioux Falls and I want to go home.”

  “Sioux Falls is your home?”

  “Yes.”

  “Had a friend there once. I think. Daisy. Darnell. No—Dixie. Not sure on that. What are you doing in Dwadlo?”

  “I came here to find you so I can help you sell the land. Once that’s done, I can go home. As soon as possible.” She didn’t mention that she was counting on the money from the sale to cover her train fare. That would be an overload of information.

  “Where’s that?”

  “Sioux Falls…” Oh dear. She was fading. “Wilson’s Falls is the piece of land we’re discussing.” She was only confusing her more.

  “We’re in Wilson’s Falls?” Pauling glanced up at the sun sliding down beyond the horizon. “Why, that can’t be right. It’s my bedtime.”

  Scooting closer, Trinity found her words rushing out. “Please, Aunt Pauline, stay with me. Do you have a deed to Wilson’s Falls?”

  “What’s a deed?”

  “It’s a…” Sitting back, Trinity closed her eyes. Grant me patience, Lord. She’s old and I know she gets tired easily.

  Shoving herself out of the chair, Pauline shuffled to the screen door. “We’re talkin’ in circles. You need to go home and if you come visitin’ again, don’t wait till so late.” She sniffed. “A body can’t get a lick of rest around here.”

  A woman’s voice came from inside the house. “Are you talking to yourself again, Pauline?”

  “Ah, dry up,” Pauline muttered. “Talk about not gettin’ any peace. It’s a madhouse ’round here.” She opened the door and stepped inside.

  Night birds called. Twilight had started to soften the heat. The setting was peaceful…peaceful as a tomb. Sighing, Trinity watched the screen door bang closed. A second later a woman with a mop of white hair appeared. She was round and jolly, but her tone was none too cheerful. “What do you want?”

  “I’m here to visit my aunt.”

  “Pauline’s your aunt?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You’re real kin?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You wouldn’t pull my leg, now, would you?”

  “No, ma’am. Pauline’s my great-great aunt.”

  “Ain’t nothin’ great about that woman. Hold on a minute.” She disappeared into the house and Trinity listened to the rise and fall of muted female voices. From the sound of it, a heated dispute was in progress. She heard what sounded like a dish hitting the wall. Then shouts. Livid accusations.

  Trinity began to sweat in spite of the cool evening breeze. Were the women fighting? Was she supposed to go inside to defend her aunt? Perplexed, she stood and shifted on her feet. How she longed to see friendly faces and serve up a plate of fried catfish and cornbread to normal folk back in Sioux Falls.

  A full five minutes passed before the white-haired woman returned with Pauline in tow. Opening the screen, she nudged the elderly woman out and stuck a sack in her hand. “Now get on out, and don’t come back here no more.”

  “I’ll come if I want…”

  The screen door slammed and Trinity’s jaw dropped as the woman flipped a hook over a nail. The defiant act struck her. Pauline had just been handed off. To her. To a long-lost niece who didn’t have the slightest idea of what she would do with a ninety-four-year-old relative she hadn’t known existed until a few days ago.

  Pauline was muttering. “Let’s go. That woman’s not playing with a full deck.”

  Still reeling, Trinity sputtered. “Go where?” Her room over the café had one small cot and a dresser.

  “How should I know? ’Pears you’re my keeper. You figure it out.”

  Her keeper! The words ricocheted through Trinity’s brain. The entire situation was getting out of hand. She’d come for a deed and gained an old woman. Her gaze fell on the small bag in Pauline’s hand. Could it contain the deed?

  It couldn’t be that simple.

  “May I see your bag?”

  Pauline drew the sack closer to her breast. “No. It’s mine.”

  “I know it’s yours. I just want to make sure you have everything.”

  “It’s all here.”

  “How do you know?” She’d packed in such haste. Something like a deed could
have easily been overlooked.

  “I just know. It’s personal and you’re not looking.”

  Obviously the matter would have to be dealt with later. For now, Trinity would have to find a place for her.

  Find a place for Pauline. This was insane.

  Jones leaned back, cold drink in hand, and let the warm breeze ruffle his hair. The store was closed to business, but a few late shoppers trickled by and ventured a knock. Mae would good-naturedly let the person in for a tin of powder or sack of sugar. The elephant and a couple of saddled horses stood hitched at the railing. Benjamin’s hairless jenny grazed beside the building.

  His gaze traveled over the near-empty street. Nice town, Dwadlo. Small, but friendly. Had a few weird characters, but he supposed all towns had their share. By now he’d have been nearer Chicago, but a few days’ delay wasn’t going to make or break him. Except in Violet’s case. The banker’s daughter had played coy long enough and had finally consented to have supper with him when he got back. Hopefully the delay wouldn’t cost him his social life.

  Sliding lower in his chair, he closed his eyes and pictured the dark-haired, blue-eyed beauty. She was quite a prize. Pretty, sensitive, and knew how to laugh. A smile twisted the corners of his mouth. Maybe it was getting to be time to settle down, have a few children. Stay put for more than a week at a time. But he’d never leave the railroad like Tom. He needed the open space. When the time came he’d put in for a desk job. Push a pencil instead of scouting remote territories for land to buy up.

  The screen opened and Tom stepped out of the store. Taking in a deep breath, he patted his stomach and sucked in the night air.

  Jones motioned to the opposite chair. “Looks like Mae’s feeding you well.”

  Grinning, Tom dropped into the chair and propped his feet up on the railing. “I have to say I like married life real well.”

  “That a fact?”

  “That’s a fact. You should try it.”

  Chuckling, Jones focused on the quiet street. “I might consider it. In time.”

  Tom closed his eyes and rested his head on the back of the chair. “Where is everyone?”

  “Can’t say. The streets seem empty for so early.”

  “Everyone must be out looking for the old prospector,” Tom guessed.

  “Might be. The old coot got away faster than a greased hog.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Lil still in there with Fisk?” asked Jones.

  “Yep. She’s still trying to fix that toothache. He was in pain when he got here and the two of them have been squabbling for the past half hour. One of these days one of them is going to tear the other’s head off.”

  Jones chuckled. “This could be the day.”

  “They’ve always fought, Mae says. They can’t get along, but if either of them are in trouble they run to each other first.”

  “Fisk isn’t married?”

  “He was,” said Tom. “Lost his wife about a year and a half ago. Nice guy. Quiet—if Lil isn’t around. Unassuming. Nothing like Lil.”

  Shouts came from the back of the mercantile. Fisk’s raised voice tangled with Lil’s bossy jeers.

  Jones dozed, only half-listening to the ruckus. Settling down with someone like Mae would be nice, but what if he got a hooligan like Lil? Violet, now, was as meek as a kitten. But what if she turned out to be like his stepmother?

  The screen door flew open and Fisk stalked outside, holding his swollen jaw. Jones watched as he marched off the porch and walked up to the jenny grazing at the side of the building. He sat up straighter when the blacksmith bent and kissed the donkey. Smack on the lips.

  Bolting upright, Jones watched as he did it again. “Hey!”

  Tom’s eyes flew open. “What’s wrong?”

  “Fisk just kissed that donkey.”

  “Kissed the donkey?” Tom turned to look, then broke into a grin. “Old folk tale. Kissing a donkey is supposed to relieve toothache.”

  “You aren’t serious.”

  “I sure am. Ask Lil—she knows all about those old remedies. I guess Fisk is willing to try anything at this point.”

  The man in question straightened, spit a couple of times, and then wiped his mouth on his sleeve, wincing. He turned and stalked back into the store without looking at either man.

  Jones sat back in his chair. “There isn’t a woman alive who could convince me to kiss a donkey.”

  “Speaking of women,” said Tom, “here comes a mite pretty little thing.”

  Jones turned to see Trinity and someone walking beside her. It wasn’t the old prospector. It was a woman, moving slowly and laboriously.

  “Good grief.” Tom got to his feet. “She’s got Pauline with her.”

  “Her aunt?”

  Tom stepped off the porch and went to meet the two women, offering a supportive arm to the elderly lady.

  Another shout erupted from the back of the store and Jones winced. If Lil couldn’t fix that tooth he needed to see the doc and have it yanked out of there.

  Trinity approached, her cheeks flushed from the walk. Jones stood up to greet her. “Evening, Miss Franklin.”

  Trinity nodded to him and sat down on the porch steps. Tom helped Pauline into a chair. “Now, what are the two of you doing out this late?”

  “Mrs. Farley just threw Pauline out of her house.”

  “Threw her?”

  “She packed her things in that little sack and ordered her to leave. With me.” She lifted her eyes, and Jones could see that she was close to tears. “Where will I put her?”

  “Mae! We need you out here!” shouted Tom.

  The screen door of the store opened and Mae poked her head out. “Pauline?” She let the door swing closed. “What are you doing here at this hour?”

  “I’m homeless. Again.”

  “Oh, dear.” Mae glanced at Trinity.

  “I went for another visit this evening,” said Trinity, “and Mrs. Farley and Pauline had some sort of…dispute.” Her words trailed off as shouts came from the rear of the store.

  Mae shook her head. “Just ignore that ruckus. Lil is trying to help Fisk with his toothache.”

  Another yell. Jones shuddered. “Can’t they do that somewhere else?”

  “No. Lil has a dental chair set up—or something that acts as a dental chair. Just ignore it.”

  Yelps filled the summer air.

  “I’m plumb tuckered out. Where’s my bed?” asked Pauline.

  Mae looked at Trinity and sighed. “I’ll make up a pallet for you. Tomorrow we’ll find a more permanent place.” Her eyes drifted to her husband. “How much longer before the rest home is complete?”

  “A few months yet, honey.” His eyes reflected his apology.

  Shaking her head, Mae took Pauline’s arm. “Come on, sweetie. We’ll give you a nice sponge bath and put you to bed.”

  Trinity stood to follow, but Jones reached out and took her arm. “Come on. I’ll get you a cold lemonade.”

  Her eyes brimmed with gratitude. “Thank you. I’d be ever so grateful.”

  The shrieks from the back of the store heightened and Lil’s voice rose. “I’m pulling that tooth! Now you get a firm grip on the chair. That sucker’s coming out!”

  “No, it ain’t!”

  “Yes, it is!”

  “Good Lord, help me!”

  “The good Lord’s sent me, so hush up!”

  Listening to this was excruciating. Frozen into place, the expressions of those on the porch changed from agony to revulsion to panic as the noise swelled. From the sounds, there was an all-out war going on in the back—one that none of them were inclined to join.

  The sound suddenly ceased. A blanket of silence dropped over the group.

  Jones felt sick to his stomach. Trinity’s eyes were larger than they’d been the day he stuffed her in that barrel.

  Mae and Tom stood, speechless.

  “Well? Is anyone going to put me to bed?” Pauline demanded. “I can’t stay here all night.”<
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  The front door flew open and Fisk stalked past, his jaw wrapped in a large white cloth and tied in a knot at the top of his head. He nodded a silent hello as he passed, then stepped off the porch and strode toward the livery.

  Jones just watched, shaking his head. Just suppose he did decide to settle down. What if he got a girl like Lil? Then what?

  Trinity set the sponge aside with a sigh. Pauline had been bathed and dressed in one of Mae’s soft cotton nightgowns. Jeremy came into the house and paused in the open bedroom doorway. “Mae, Pauline can’t sleep on the floor. She can have my bed.”

  “Thank you, sweetie. That’s kind of you, and I’m sure Pauline will appreciate a good night’s rest. How’s the sick dog?”

  “Twelve’s better today.”

  “That’s good.” Mae looked at Trinity. “He gives each of Pauline’s strays a number. It’s easier to keep up with.”

  The boy turned to leave, then came back. “Mae, can I walk out to Lil’s place? She told me I could help wash Esau if I got there in time. He hasn’t had a bath in weeks.”

  Mae glanced out the window. “It’s getting late. The sun will be down before you get back. Be sure to take a lantern.”

  “I will. Thanks!”

  “He’s a delightful young man,” Trinity said when she heard the front door bang shut.

  “Was that a gunshot?” Pauline asked. She sat up straighter. “Is someone robbing the bank?”

  “No, that was just the door slamming shut.” Mae led her to the bed in Jeremy’s room. “Here we go. Nice fresh sheets.”

  Pauline slid onto the mattress, pulling the sheet up to her neck and grinning toothlessly. “Ah. Now this is better.”

  “Is your bank robbed often?” Trinity asked. It was such a strange town, filled with such eccentric people. Backfiring two-wheeled machines. Elephants. Excessive crime, apparently. And according to last night’s dinner conversation two trains had derailed there within the past year. Why, a body wouldn’t be safe here.

  “No, but Pauline worries about things.” Mae flashed a smile. “Everything, actually.”