White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  He laughed and ducked his head. “Well, don’t worry, ma’am. You sure don’t look like one.”

  “Why, thank you, Bobby.” When his face flamed, she hastened to change the subject. “Would you please check Ruby’s right front hoof when you get back to the stable? I believe she may have picked up a rock or something.”

  “Sure thing. See you later.” He waved and took off down the street toward the livery.

  Shouts from the children drew her attention. She smiled and waved then stepped inside the school, removing her hat and gloves. She’d been here the week before to clean and dust and make sure the books were in order. Glancing around the room, she gave a nod of satisfaction.

  She supposed it was a good thing she enjoyed teaching. It appeared she’d be doing it for a long time. Apparently she wasn’t destined for matrimony and motherhood. Or even an adventurous single life. She straightened a stack of graded papers. Her dissatisfaction was probably the result of reading too many silly books growing up. She had a nice steady life and must learn to be content.

  But Jim loved her, and she loved him. What if…

  Before the thought could reach maturity, she shoved it away. If Jim really loved her, he’d ask that nice man with the railroad to keep him on here in Branson instead of sending him away. And she would never leave Abby.

  She stepped outside and rang the bell more loudly than necessary in order to drive the traitorous thoughts from her mind.

  She had planned some outdoor activities today, knowing the children would be restless after three months of freedom from the confines of the school.

  A screech from the back of the room confirmed her decision. Carla Bright, a new student whose family had recently arrived from Kansas City, stood on top of her desk, a look of horror on her face.

  Addy hurried down the aisle and looked up at the trembling girl. “Carla, what happened?”

  Without turning her head, the girl pointed at Johnny. “That boy threw a mouse on me.”

  Whirling, Addy glared at the boy. “Johnny?”

  “Aw…it wasn’t a real mouse, Miss Sullivan. I thought she’d know. Anyone can see it’s rubber.” He held up the offending “mouse,” which indeed was rubber and obviously so. He handed it to Abby.

  She dropped it into her pocket and tapped on his desk with her ruler. “But perhaps it wasn’t so clear to her that it was rubber when it came flying across the aisle and hit her. And I think you probably knew that.”

  He ducked his head. “Yes, ma’am,” he mumbled.

  Addy shook her head. “Look at me, Johnny.” When he complied, she frowned slightly. “I believe you ended our last classroom session on the stool in the corner?”

  He darted his eyes at the stool and back at her. “Yes, ma’am, but…”

  “No buts. It’s really a shame to have to start the year out this way, Johnny. But you must learn to think about other people’s feelings. And especially a new student. I’m sure your antics didn’t make Carla feel very welcome.” She rested her hand on his curly top. “As soon as you can honestly say you’re sorry, I’d like for you to apologize to her, Johnny. Will you do that?”

  He stood and stepped over to where Carla still stood upon her desk and stared up at her. “I’m sorry. I really am. But you don’t have to keep standing up there. It wasn’t no real mouse.” He turned and headed for the corner.

  Addy glanced at the girl who still stood atop her desk. Addy was pretty sure that by now it was merely to keep everyone’s attention. “Please sit down, Carla. There’s nothing to be afraid of. As Johnny said, the mouse was only a toy made out of rubber.” As the girl scrambled into her seat, Addy walked away but said loudly enough to be heard, “Of course, we do see a real mouse, occasionally.”

  When she got to the front of the room and turned around, she noticed Carla sat with a sheepish look on her face. “Well, class, I’d planned an outing this morning to the new hunting lodge. They’ll be opening next week, and the owners very graciously agreed to let us tour the facility today. In fact, several mothers have volunteered to go with us and will arrive at any moment.” At the outbreak of excited voices, Addy raised her hand. “But of course, we can’t leave Johnny here alone, so I guess we’ll have to have class instead.” Disappointed murmurs arose but stopped when Addy once more raised her hand. “It’s time for roll call.”

  Addy kept a surreptitious glance on Carla while calling roll. The girl was almost in tears. Addy was pretty sure there was more to the mouse story than had appeared on the surface. “Carla Bright,” she said.

  The girl raised her hand and said, “Here.” She threw Addy a pained look. “Miss Sullivan, I’m so sorry. I knew the mouse wasn’t real because I saw Johnny playing with it on the playground.”

  “I see.” Addy bit her lip. “Then would you like to explain your actions?”

  “I was mad because he threw it at me. I guess I just wanted to get even.” She ducked her head then said, “I really am sorry. Please don’t punish the class for what I did. I’ll stay with Johnny.”

  The whole class stared. Addy wanted to take the girl, hug her, and say, “Bravo, Carla.”

  “Hey, I ain’t no baby. I can stay here by myself.”

  Addy clamped her lips together to prevent a smile from popping out and glared at Johnny. “I can see you’ve forgotten proper English over the summer, Johnny. We’ll have to work on that. But first, no more using ‘ain’t.’ ”

  “Sorry.”

  “So, will you let me stay with him, Miss Sullivan?”

  “Hmmm. Take your seat, Carla. We’ll put it to a vote.”

  “Class, I’m going to pose three questions. After you’ve heard all three, I’m going to leave the decision up to you. The first option will be that we stay here today and try to reschedule our tour. The second option is that I allow Carla to stay here with Johnny. The third option is that we trust they have both learned a lesson today, we forgive them both, and we let them go with us.”

  As one voice, their decision roared across the classroom. But Addy made them sit and vote in an orderly way. After all, this would be a good lesson in civics.

  Addy’s heart lurched when she saw the huge log building, looking almost the same as it had at the World’s Fair. It was startling to see it standing in solitude on the bluff overlooking their own White River. What changes had been made to the inside? Would it look somewhat the same? Probably not.

  She swallowed and took a look down at the two lines of children waiting to enter the building. Ten volunteer mothers were interspersed along the line to keep them in order. Addy only needed two but hadn’t the heart to turn them down. This would more than likely be their only opportunity to see inside this FOR GENTLEMEN ONLY establishment.

  Yes, it actually said that on the cedar wood sign beside the door. She wasn’t surprised, merely a little indignant. Why, pray tell, couldn’t they bring their mothers, wives, and sisters along? Maybe some of them would like to go hunting.

  She gave herself a mental shake. Well, maybe their women wouldn’t want to go hunting, but there were other activities in the area they could enjoy while their husbands had their fun.

  Just as she was about to lift the enormous knocker, the door swung open. Jim Castle bowed slightly as she gaped up at him. “Miss Sullivan, ladies, boys, and girls, I have the honor of being your guide today. Please step inside, and I’ll show you the wonders of this historical edifice and also give you a glimpse of our plans for the future.”

  “Wow, look at that!” Sam’s awe-filled voice rang out, almost echoing in the enormous room. “Is that a real bear?”

  Jim turned and looked at the huge, brown animal that stood on its hind feet, fangs bared.

  “Yes, it is, young man. Shot, stuffed, and put on display where it can’t hurt a soul.”

  “But we don’t have bears that big around here.” Mrs. Allen’s voice trembled. “Do we?”

  “No, ma’am,” Jim said quickly. “This magnificent animal was actually shot in the mountai
ns of Wyoming.”

  Mrs. Allen’s relieved sigh, accompanied by a few others, was audible to all.

  “Perhaps we should get back to the tour, Mr. Castle,” Addy suggested with a glare in his direction.

  “I want to see some more bears,” Sam said.

  “Me, too.” Johnny stared in wonder at the creature.

  “Well, we’d better do as your teacher says, young fellows. But you’ll see a few more stuffed animals along the way.”

  “You boys get back in line now.” Addy shooed them with her hands. She met Jim’s eyes and he smiled, an apology all over his face.

  What in the world was he doing here anyway? Had he taken a job at the lodge? Did this mean he planned to stay in Branson after all? A surge of excitement rushed through her. She followed along, not hearing a word of his narration as he guided them through the building.

  Jim had taken a job in Branson. He did care. But why hadn’t he mentioned it to her? Had he changed his mind about wanting to court her? Pa had never said a word.

  As they left the building, she gave Jim a very warm smile and offered her hand. “Thank you, Mr. Castle. It’s been very interesting, and the building is perfectly wonderful.”

  He looked at her in surprise. “Why, thank you, Miss Sullivan. It’s been my pleasure.”

  “Boys and girls, thank Mr. Castle for taking time to show us around and for the history lesson.” Which she hoped one of the mothers could recite to her. Otherwise, how could she discuss this field trip with the students?

  Among a chorus of “thank yous,” the students lined up and walked down the hill to the school.

  Addy’s heart danced. He had decided to stay in Branson. And what other reason could there be except to please her?

  Chapter 17

  Jim wasn’t sure whether to be elated or confused. The smile Addy had given him was warm and almost inviting. Wasn’t it? He was more than likely imagining the whole thing. Or was it possible she’d had a change of heart and was willing to pursue a relationship even if it meant leaving her family?

  He rode by the school at least half a dozen times that day. Then railing at himself for being an idiot, he took his horse to the livery stable. After that, he still managed to find errands that took him past the school at least once an hour.

  Standing on the corner, Jim gazed toward the schoolyard then pulled out his watch. Almost three o’clock. He’d meet her when she came outside.

  Suddenly he realized he had no idea what he intended to say to her. Was he crazy? He couldn’t just come out and ask her if she’d changed her mind. He’d probably imagined she was having a change of heart. He’d better stay with his plan and continue to search for suitable employment. If and when he could come to her and offer a promising future, then the situation would be different. But until then, he was simply torturing himself.

  He could see her on Sunday, perhaps, at church. That would be better than nothing. He’d been going to a church here in town for the last few weeks, and the preacher had given him a lot to think about. To the point, he’d recommitted his life to Christ. And he’d begun to look at life a lot differently. The main thing being if he and Addy were supposed to be together, God would work it out. But a sudden pang stabbed him. What if God said no? But that’s what commitment to Christ was all about. Letting Him have His way in one’s life. And knowing that He knows best. Perhaps he should continue with his present church for now.

  Spinning around, he headed for his hotel. He had accounts to work on and needed to get on with it. Next week he’d head to Kansas City and see what was available there. It wouldn’t hurt to help God out a little bit, would it?

  Addy searched through the cedar chest in the extra room that used to be Betty’s nursery but was now used mostly for storage. Ma had sent her to find a shawl she wanted to use for a pattern. Addy’s hand fell upon a soft bundle. A very soft bundle. Maybe a pillow? But it didn’t feel like feathers. Should she look? But perhaps Ma wouldn’t want her snooping. Still, who knew if the shawl might be inside? Guilt nibbled at her conscience. Ma had very clearly stated the shawl was folded up by itself.

  Curiosity won. Addy lifted the bundle from the chest and laid it on the floor. Carefully she unwrapped the soft cotton sheet. A glimmer of red peaked out from the edge. Addy gasped. Excitement zigzagged through her as she lifted the bright red and green dresses from their protective sheet. “Ma, would you come here?”

  “What is it, dear…?” Ma paused in the doorway. When she saw what Addy was holding, a dreamy smile crossed her face. “Yours and Addy’s Christmas dresses. I made those for you the year you came to live with me at Aunt Kate’s.”

  “I remember.” Addy swallowed past the knot that had formed in her throat. She smoothed her hand over the piney-green velvet. “I was so proud. I’d never worn anything so wonderful. I felt like a princess.”

  “You looked like a princess.” Ma smiled. “So did Addy, even though she seldom wanted to wear dresses at all. I remember she was fussing about trying hers on, but when she saw the cherry-red velvet, she grew very quiet and didn’t say another word.”

  “Yes, and she looked so pretty.”

  Ma gave her a knowing look. “So did you, sweetheart, even though you wanted the red for yourself.”

  Addy gasped. “How did you know that? I didn’t say a word.”

  “No, you did not, because Abby’s happiness was always first with you.” For a moment a hint of sadness slid across her face. “I didn’t know until I saw the look on your face that you wanted the red dress.”

  Addy smiled. “It’s all right, Ma. I loved the green, and once we were dressed, I don’t think I ever thought about it again.” She laughed. “I’d never seen Abby primp before. So it was worth it.”

  Ma eyed the garments. “I should have used the fabric long ago, but I couldn’t bear to cut into them.”

  “Look, Ma. The fabric is still in fine shape except for a couple of spots.”

  “Yes. You’re right.” She stooped down and placed a hand on each dress. Suddenly she stood, the dresses in her arms. “I’m going to take them in the parlor. Did you find the shawl, dear?”

  “No, I’m still looking.” Addy gazed after Ma. Now what was she up to? Shrugging, she began to search through the chest again. There it was. She removed the delicate shawl then closed the chest and stood up and carried it into the parlor.

  Ma sat holding the dresses on her lap.

  “I found the shawl, Ma. It’s so beautiful.”

  Ma looked up from her rocker, her eyes sparkling, but ignored the shawl. “I have the most wonderful idea.”

  “Oh? And what is this wonderful idea? Tell me, please,” Addy teased. “Let’s make Christmas suits for Davey and Dawson out of Abby’s red and a dress for Betty from your green.”

  Addy stared at her Ma. She wanted to cut up their Christmas dresses?

  Ma’s eyes sparkled. “I thought I’d keep them forever, but we really need to do something with them while the fabric is still good.”

  “Really?”

  Worry lines appeared between Ma’s eyes. “Oh, of course not, dear. If you want to keep your dress, then certainly you may.”

  Addy closed her eyes. How silly could she get? Of course they needed to use the fabric.

  “No, I think your idea is wonderful. I’ll stop at the store Monday and get some white satin for bow ties for the boys and a hair ribbon for Betty.”

  Ma reached over and patted her. “We’ll have enough from each dress to make bows for you girls to keep.”

  Addy’s eyes swam. “Thank you, Ma. That will be perfect.”

  Ma’s eyes danced. “Shall we tell Abby or wait and surprise her?”

  Addy thought for a moment. “I think we’d better tell her. Otherwise she might take a notion to make Christmas suits herself.”

  “Very good idea.” Ma laughed. “Let’s tell her tomorrow at church.”

  “She’ll probably want to help make them.”

  At least Addy hoped so. What
if Abby didn’t want her cherry-red Christmas dress cut apart?

  Addy stepped out of the church. She’d hoped Jim might come this week, although he hadn’t been there since the day they’d dined at the Branson Hotel. Abby had told her he was attending a church in town and had recommitted to Christ. The news had thrilled her. But after sending him what she thought was an inviting smile at the lodge, she’d expected him to be here today.

  Oh! Maybe he’d thought she was too bold. Or maybe he’d found someone else, and that was why he’d gone to work for the lodge. Although, now that she’d thought about that, she couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t just stayed with the railroad. Surely they’d have found something for him to do. Maybe he’d had to wait for an opening.

  Oh, what difference did it make? Apparently he wasn’t interested in her anymore. Her face flamed as she thought of her actions that day. Why she’d been positively brazen, smiling at him that way. Her thoughts continued to race until she felt like putting her hands up and squeezing her head.

  “Addy!”

  At the sound of her sister’s voice, she looked up.

  Abby stood right in front of her. “What are you day-dreaming about?” Abby laughed and grabbed her arm. “Come on. You and Betty are riding with Rafe and me. Ma invited us to dinner.”

  “Oh, did they leave?” She glanced around and saw the wagon pulling out of the churchyard and onto the road.

  “Yes. What’s the big mystery? Ma said she wanted to show me something, but she wouldn’t say what.”

  Should she tell her? But Ma would want to be the one. She only hoped Abby wouldn’t be too upset. After all, her own first reaction had been a jolt of dismay. Maybe Addy should have tried to talk Ma out of the idea. She cleared her throat. “I think I’d better let Ma tell you. You know how she is about anyone spoiling her surprises.”

  Abby laughed. “Yes, how well I remember. Okay, come on. Let’s go so I can find out what this is all about.”

  They climbed into the wagon and headed toward the Sullivan farm. Some of the trees were beginning to turn, and the varying shades of green, yellow, and bronze were breathtaking. Fall had always been Addy’s favorite season. Abby’s, too.