White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  Addy nodded. She wanted to tell Abby how torn she felt. Part of her yearned to settle down with a husband and babies, but another part wanted to hop on a train or a boat and explore the world. But she couldn’t say that to Abby. Her sister would think she was losing her mind.

  Maybe she was. One minute she was dreaming of Jim Castle asking for her hand in marriage, and the next her thoughts took her away to strange and new places.

  How could she be so double-minded?

  Chapter 13

  Addy peeped out from behind the curtain hung to separate the actors from the rest of the room. She almost giggled at the sight of proud mamas seated on the small chairs that usually sat behind the students’ desks. Johnny’s mother had somehow managed to fit her portly body on one of the chairs, albeit squeezed tightly against Clara May’s tiny bit of a mother on one side and Mrs. Marshall on the other. Ma and Addy perched on their chairs, with Betty on Ma’s lap. At last year’s Christmas party, Addy had planned to ask folks to bring chairs but was informed by several students that the parents always managed fine on the children’s chairs and they probably wouldn’t like it if she tried to change things.

  Most of the men were lined up against the back wall, including Pa and Rafe, who each held one of the twins.

  She scanned the room for Jim, but he hadn’t yet arrived. Perhaps he wouldn’t be back in time.

  When it appeared that everyone was there who was coming, Addy stepped out and smiled at the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are so pleased you could come tonight. Your children have worked hard on this presentation, which depicts the history of transportation in our region. When the play is over, please feel free to look over the essays and pictures that are posted on the walls. The front wall from side to side is our joint project and tells the same story that you will see performed live. The other walls contain individual illustrated essays about the first train into Branson. These contain your children’s own thoughts about the events of that day. We hope you will enjoy your evening. At this time, I’d like to introduce our narrator, Miss Annie Brown.” Hearty applause sounded across the room as fourteen-year-old Annie stepped out wearing a long, pioneer-type dress with an old-fashioned bonnet atop her head.

  The curtain was pulled back, and Johnny and Sam, faces painted and dressed in buckskins, stepped in through the door. Each of the boys wore a band around his head with a feather sticking up proudly. With solemn looks on their faces, befitting the stalwart race they represented, each led an Indian pony across the front of the room while Annie told the story of the native population of Branson many years ago and their mode of transportation.

  Whistles and clapping thundered through the schoolhouse as the boys led the ponies down the side aisle toward the front door. The effect of their solemn expressions was spoiled as they gave war cries while leading the ponies through the door.

  Addy closed her eyes and shook her head while laughter exploded from the men. But she grinned and breathed a sigh of relief that there’d been no accidents. She hadn’t relished the thought of cleaning up horse manure.

  Next a small covered wagon made of cardboard and sheets rolled across the room. Two boys dressed up like oxen pulled the wagon along. No one seemed to mind that instead of four wheels, eight feet stuck out the bottom.

  Addy, directing things, still managed to keep an eye out for Jim. The covered wagon had just made its way through the front door when his tall form stepped inside. His eyes searched the room until they spotted her. Addy attempted to keep her delight and excitement from her countenance, but when he grinned, she was pretty sure she hadn’t succeeded.

  She made it through the rest of the program without too many glances toward the back wall where he stood.

  The final mode of transportation to be displayed was the students’ pride and glory. A huge black engine made of cardboard chugged across the stage followed by two freight cars. The audience showed its approval of the train and the actors by whistles and applause.

  When the train had made its way outside, Annie explained that as soon as the two ends of the White River Line met and connected, they would have passenger coaches as well.

  The curtain was drawn again as all the students made their way back inside through the back door. Then it was pulled open, and with Addy on the piano, the class sang the closing song, “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” When the chorus began for the second time, most of the audience members joined in.

  Addy glanced at the crowd. From the proud looks on their faces and the jovial comments they made to one another, it was apparent the program was a huge success. Once more she reminded the guests not to leave before looking at the projects on the walls.

  She glanced around for Jim. He stood reading one of the essays with a smile on his face. Her heart thumped. Of course he would find the essays interesting. He had interests in the railroad coming into Branson.

  Suddenly a thought popped into her mind. She had no idea what those interests were. They had never really discussed what Jim did for a living. They always seemed to talk about her. She blushed. He must think she was terribly self-centered.

  She pursed her lips. She was pretty sure it had something to do with the railroad. Didn’t it? Oh dear, somehow she must turn their conversation to him when they spoke again. Or perhaps she should ask Abby. That way she wouldn’t have to admit she didn’t know anything about him except that he was handsome, he was Rafe’s best friend, and he thought she was pretty.

  She started as he appeared at her side. “Good evening, Jim.”

  “A very good evening,” he said. “Your students are talented.”

  “Thank you. I think so, too. Fenton Taylor is a fine artist, and Annie Bolton writes very well.”

  “Yes, I saw her essay. She shows a lot of promise.” He smiled into her eyes.

  Addy fidgeted under his scrutiny. She cleared her throat. “Well, I’d best get this room straightened up.”

  “I’ll help.”

  “Oh, there’s no need. I’ll come in next week and put things away and do a thorough cleaning.” She glanced at him and smiled. “But thank you for the offer.”

  “Then will you allow me to accompany you home? I’ll just ride next to your buggy. That way your family won’t need to wait for you.”

  “That would be kind. I’d like that very much.”

  A ride home in the moonlight? Was that really wise? She took a deep breath. Who cared if it was wise? Jim was a perfect gentleman, and she’d be quite safe with him.

  What was he doing? Jim mentally kicked himself. He’d had every intention of watching the program then saying good night, having made the decision not to spend time with Addy until Sunday when he’d have a chance to talk to her. It wasn’t fair of him to seek her out when she wasn’t aware of the facts concerning his plans for the future. But one glance at the joy on her face when she saw him standing there and he could no more have left than he could have jumped in ice water.

  Now as Jim held Finch back to keep pace with her buggy, his breath caught as moonlight danced in her hair and touched her brow. Inwardly he groaned. Every time he was near her, he felt the attachment grow. If something wasn’t settled soon, would he be able to walk away?

  Perhaps he should talk to her tonight. But no, he wanted to be able to focus his attention on her. To have a chance to read her face, in case she avoided revealing her feelings. Anyway, a road in the moonlight wasn’t the place.

  The silence had gone on too long. He noticed confusion cross her face and groped for a safe conversation. “So, has Annie Bolton shown an interest in writing before?”

  “Yes, she showed me a tablet full of poems and stories she’s written, starting with a little poem she composed when she was seven.” She smiled. “It went like this. ‘The moon is smiling from the sky. If I could fly so would I.’ ”

  Jim laughed. “Well, I’ve heard worse. At least it rhymes.”

  “Actually, I think it shows a lot of imagination for a seven year old.” She smiled
at him, her eyes dancing.

  Oh Lord, help me. He’d found himself speaking to God a number of times lately. His recent visits to church must have had more of an effect on him than he’d realized.

  “You may be right. What do you plan to do about it?”

  Surprise flashed in her eyes. “Why, I’m not sure. Of course, I’ll encourage her to continue her efforts and see where it leads.”

  He frowned and shook his head.

  “What?” she asked. “What do you think I should do?”

  “Maybe you could try to find a mentor to help her.”

  “But where? I don’t know any professional writers or even writing instructors. Do you?”

  “Well, no. Perhaps you could try the nearest university. They may have some suggestions.” Why had he brought up the subject in the first place? What did he know about writers?

  She frowned. “Maybe.”

  He took a deep breath. “I’m looking forward to Sunday.”

  Her eyes brightened. “You are? Oh, I am, too.”

  His breath caught. If she was this excited about their dinner together, maybe there was some hope after all.

  “I’m so glad you’re enjoying church services. Reverend Smith’s sermons are very uplifting.” She frowned. “Most of the time.”

  He didn’t know whether to be disappointed that she was speaking of church and not dining with him or amused that she was still miffed about the sermon from Song of Solomon. Amusement won, and he pressed his lips together to keep from smiling.

  She glanced his way and caught his expression. Indignation crossed her face, and he quickly composed himself.

  “Yes, the reverend is quite effective. He seems to know his Bible quite well, too.” Realizing that might not go over right, he added, “I especially liked his sermon about the crossing of the Red Sea a while back.”

  She peered at him, probably to make sure he was serious, then smiled. “Yes, it was very good even though he did get quite loud a few times.”

  “I’m also very much looking forward to our dinner engagement.” There, hopefully she still planned to accompany him.

  She nodded and gave him a sweet smile. “It was very kind of you to invite me. I’m looking forward to it as well.”

  They turned onto the lane leading to the Sullivan farm. Lamps in the parlor gave out an inviting warmth. A twinge of sadness bit at Jim. He hadn’t experienced that since his mother died when he was twenty. His father had passed on a few years before that, but somehow his mother had managed to keep home intact until she, too, was gone.

  Could he ask Addy to leave a loving family and the warmth of home to travel from city to city, state to state? Even if she agreed, would she eventually hate him for it? And what sort of life would that be for children? The situation seemed to be growing bleaker. At the moment, it seemed almost impossible.

  They stopped in front of the house. He dismounted and helped her down as Jack stepped out onto the porch.

  “Don’t worry about the rig, Jim,” Jack said. “I’ll take care of it later. Lexie told me to invite you in for a late supper.”

  “Are you sure it won’t be an inconvenience, sir?” Did they see the needy side of him? Maybe they were taking pity on him. Nonsense, they knew nothing of his parents or his lack of family.

  “If I thought it would be inconvenient, I wouldn’t have invited you. Come on in, Jim.” He held the screen door open and motioned them inside.

  Grateful, Jim grinned and started up the steps. Whatever happened Sunday, he was going to enjoy this time with Addy and her family.

  Chapter 14

  Could you let your own child die to save others? Even if an entire town or state was in danger? Could you?”

  Jim sat at attention as Reverend Smith glanced at the tiny girl sitting on Mrs. Smith’s lap on the front row. “I couldn’t. I wish I could say if the logs of this church building caught on fire at this moment, I would grab the first person or two I saw and help them reach safety. But I know, as sure as I’m standing here, that my first thought would be to get my wife and child away from the flames. My love and concern for all of you would not be enough for me to endanger my sweet baby girl.”

  What honesty! Jim stared in amazement at the courage of the man who proclaimed to his entire congregation that his love for his child would allow him to let them all die.

  “But God…” The preacher took a handkerchief from his vest pocket and wiped his face. “God loved you and me so much that He sent His only Son to suffer horribly and die for us, so that all we have to do is believe on Him and we escape the punishment we so deserve and spend eternity in heaven with our Father.”

  He paused and took a deep breath. “Yes, and it’s only because of that great sacrifice made by the Father and the Son that we can even call him Father. Jesus died to reconcile us to His Father and ours.”

  A twinge of discomfort settled in Jim’s chest. Was that true? He’d always thought Jesus died because evil men killed Him and wondered why God had allowed it. But if what the preacher said was true, then He died of His own choice to pay the price for everyone’s sins. But surely just believing wouldn’t be enough to make up for all that agony. Would it?

  His thoughts went to a small white leather Bible stowed away in a box with a few other mementos from his old life. His mother’s Bible. He’d look up the verses the reverend had quoted through his sermon. He’d see for himself. And maybe he’d talk to Rafe and see what he thought.

  The congregation stood and burst into song. Startled from his thoughts, Jim stood. He’d missed the last of the sermon.

  As soon as the final amen was out of the preacher’s mouth, Jim glanced around in search of Addy. He spotted her walking down the aisle behind her mother. She turned her head, and their eyes met. Shyness and joy seemed to battle on her face. She smiled then turned and followed her parents through the door.

  Jim’s heart lurched. Would she look as favorably upon him after their talk? He hoped so. But besides her parents and little sister, there was the incredibly strong bond between her and her twin sister.

  He shook Reverend Smith’s hand at the door then stepped into the churchyard. Addy stood talking to a group of young women. He walked over to Rafe’s wagon and shook his hand, then greeted Abby, who sat with one of the twins in her lap and the other snuggling at her side. For a moment, he could almost see Addy surrounded by his children. But the vision only lasted a few seconds. As much as the two women resembled one another physically, their mannerisms and expressions were undeniably their own.

  “We’re going to Ma and Pa’s for dinner, Jim,” she said with a friendly smile. “Why don’t you join us?”

  “Thank you, Abby, but Addy and I are going to dinner in town.” As an afterthought, he added, “You are all welcome to join us.”

  He didn’t realize he was holding his breath until Abby burst out laughing and Rafe chuckled and said, “Don’t worry, buddy. We wouldn’t intrude for the world.”

  “Am I that obvious?” He shook his head and gave a little laugh.

  “Afraid so, but we understand.” He climbed into the wagon and, leaning over, gave Abby a kiss on top of the head.

  Jim got the buggy and pulled up under the oak tree in the shade. He didn’t have long to wait. Addy walked toward him almost immediately. He stepped down and helped her in.

  “What were you and Rafe and Abby finding so funny?” she asked as they drove away.

  “Oh, they were laughing at me about something.” He smiled. “I made reservations at the Branson, so we’ll be sure to have a nice table.”

  “Thank you, Jim. That was very thoughtful.” She smoothed the skirt of her dress then folded her hands in her lap.

  He wondered if she was thinking about her dinner there with the doctor. Jealousy seized his stomach, and he quickly got it under control. She’d sent the doctor packing. But who knew if he might not shortly receive the same fate?

  There was little activity in town when they pulled up. The saloons were
all closed, which helped quiet things down on Sunday. A few businessmen stood at the door of the hotel. They tipped their hats at Addy and moved aside. Families stood around talking in the luxurious lobby. The dining room doors were closed.

  “I’m sorry,” Jim said. “It’ll be a few minutes before they open. Would you like to have a seat while we wait?”

  “Addy!” A high-pitched voice sounded from across the lobby.

  Jim turned to see a middle-aged woman bearing down on them. The banker’s wife, Mrs. Townsend.

  Addy smiled and held her hand out to the woman. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Townsend. How nice to see you.”

  “My dear, it’s very nice to see you, too.” She threw a questioning look at Jim. “And Mr. Castle. I didn’t know you were acquainted with our school mistress.”

  Jim knew he needed to choose his words carefully. Mrs. Townsend loved to share every tidbit of news she could come by, and if it wasn’t exciting enough to get the desired response, she didn’t mind expanding on what she did know. It wouldn’t do for her to get her hooks into Addy. “Yes, I’ve known Miss Sullivan’s family for years. I was best man at her sister’s wedding.” He hoped that would be enough to curb the woman’s curiosity, but from the gleam in her eye, he feared it wouldn’t be. “We’ve just come from church and thought we’d sample the cuisine here. Perhaps you could suggest something…”

  Before she could reply, the doors to the dining room swung open, and Jim spotted Mr. Elmer Townsend coming their way.

  “A shame we have to delay our conversation, but I believe your husband is coming to fetch you, Mrs. Townsend.” With a flourish he lifted her hand and leaned over just enough that his lips avoided actually touching the appendage.

  With a girlish twitter, the woman took her husband’s arm and pranced off to dine.

  Addy pressed her lips together, feeling a little faint as they walked to their table. The waiter pulled out her chair, and she sat, lifting her eyes to Jim. “Thank you. You may have saved my reputation and my job. There’s no telling what she would have made of our being here together.”