Sarah My Beloved (Little Hickman Creek Series #2)

by Sharlene MacLaren

  "Last night?" his wife asked. "After you finished off the last of the roast beef and potatoes?" Liza picked up her water glass with exacting finesse and sipped, eyeing him over the rim.

  Everyone laughed while Ben conceded her point with a humble nod and a sheepish grin, still rubbing his stomach with a look of satisfaction. "Okay, I'll admit I enjoy mealtime. Can I help it if my wife spoils me by trying out all her best recipes on me? And then to come here and be treated with a meal of equal caliber is a treat indeed."

  "Oh Poo," Mary cut in. "Wasn't anythin' more than a regular meal."

  Ben picked up a glistening knife. "Served with the finest dishes and silver, I might add. I saw my reflection in this before I slathered it with butter. Never knew you to eat off such finery, Callahan," Ben teased. "Were these a wedding gift?"

  The remark and question that followed were innocent enough, but they ruffled Rocky's feathers, reminding him of how un-befitting and out of place the dishes and silver were in his humble farmhouse. He would never have the resources to satisfy Sarah's earthly desires. A woman like her deserved far more than he was capable of providing. Had he been a smarter man, he never would have interfered with Alden's proposal.

  "Yeah, well, I tried to tell Sarah how foolish it was to put the stuff on display," he said, "much less use it. I mean, look around, folks. Does this cabin look suited for silver and china? I have a door in need of new hinges, a cracked front window, peeling plaster, a floor with mismatched boards, and a house too small for four bodies. But we have china and silver."

  Ben looked at Rocky as if he'd suddenly grown an extra head. It only made him more determined to continue. "Yeah, it was a gift from her wealthy beau, no less."

  "He wasn't my-beau," Sarah corrected, laying her napkin alongside her plate, pursing her lips together in a tight line.

  "He wanted to marry her," Rocky explained to the openmouthed onlookers, as if it were his duty to divulge the fact. "But I saved her from the rich clod. Imagine that. I thought I was doing her a favor." To this he chuckled, noting he laughed alone, save the baby, who giggled when she pounded a rattle on the hardwood floor.

  As soon as the rash words escaped, he regretted them, even questioning where they'd come from. He hadn't meant to come off sounding so cruel. Sarah gasped as a wounded look crossed her face, and his mother nearly teetered where she sat, her own face pasty in color before turning red with obvious anger.

  Anger he knew immediately he deserved.

  Before anyone could offer a challenge, Sarah pushed back her chair. A smile trembled across her lips. "I hope you will all excuse me," she said, her shoulders straight with polished pride. "I'm afraid my headache has returned. I think it's best that I rest."

  Rocky pushed his chair back and jumped to his feet, but the belated act only emphasized his stupidity.

  The harm was done, and he might have kicked himself if his foot hadn't already been stuffed up his oversized mouth.

  TiX a% eh 6Z4-,e n

  arah, the horses are hitched," Rocky announced from the living room.

  "I'm coming," she replied, straightening her hat in the mirror and adjusting the wool scarf that hugged her slim neck.

  The children were as excited about going into town as she was. She could hear their restless chatter as they waited by the door. It'd been a good week and a half since the ice storm, and the temperature had warmed enough to thaw the path.

  Things had been anything but relaxed between Sarah and Rocky since his outburst at the table in front of their guests. To say he'd embarrassed her was putting it mildly. Of course, she might have avoided the whole fiasco if she'd quietly asked Mary beforehand to set the table with the old dishes, but it'd seemed so silly at the time-at least to her.

  Oh, Rocky had apologized for his behavior the next morning, apparently figuring it was hopeless even to try that night since she'd refused to come out of her room. She'd accepted his apology, but his hurtful words had been driven deep, even making her question her decision to marry him. It appeared he regretted the arrangement, insinuating she would have been better off marrying Stephen Alden.

  Mary had said little afterward regarding the incident, but it was clear her son had angered her. She'd stayed another two days, then headed back to her own place, saying that Frank would be missing her.

  Before leaving, she'd enfolded Sarah in a tight hug.

  "Thank you for coming," Sarah had said, her eyes moist with tears.

  "Nonsense," she'd replied, "you're a Callahan now. No need to thank me.

  "Now, don't let my son's words gnaw a hole straight through you," she'd whispered. "He didn't mean to hurt you like that. I'm plum mortified that he embarrassed you in front of the Broughtons. Sometimes he says things he shouldn't'cause he's hurting deep down himself. Try to understand that about him if you can."

  Sarah gave a quiet nod but found no words with which to respond. It would be a while before she fully understood her husband.

  "We don't want to miss your appointment with Doc Randolph, Sarah," Rocky said.

  It would be her second checkup with the doctor since her fall. Doc had come out to the house for the last one, but Sarah had insisted she felt well enough to meet him in his office this time. "You sure?" Rocky had asked. "No point in rushing things." Truth was she was anxious to get out of the house, feast her eyes on something other than the four walls of their small home. "I'm sure," she'd said with finality.

  "I'm coming," she repeated, turning away from her reflection and grabbing up her handbag from the bedstand.

  The ride into town was pleasant enough with Rachel and Seth taking up the space between Rocky and Sarah on the wide seat and filling the gaps in conversation.

  It was almost February, and a hint of spring hovered in the air, subtle and delicate. Sunny skies promised the possibility of warmer air and, with it, the exultant first blooms of the mirthful crocus, dogwood, and magnolia.

  Some unidentified bird warbled from afar, putting Sarah on the alert for her first glimpse of a fat mother robin. Too early, she told herself. Still, Kentucky was farther south than Massachusetts. Maybe the robin made an appearance much sooner in these parts. She wanted to ask Rocky, but his clouded expression held her at a distance.

  "You feeling all right, Sarah?" Rocky asked as they drew nearer to civilization, his eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead.

  She appreciated his concern, even though he'd put the question to her in a formal manner. "I'm perfectly fine," she answered. An occasional headache still plagued her, but she refused to admit it. Gazing at his profile, she willed him to glance at her. When he didn't, she continued, "It's a lovely day today. The sun is downright hot on my shoulders."

  "Feels like spring might be around the corner," Rocky said.

  Sarah warmed at the prospect of conversing. "I was just thinking that very thing."

  He threw her a momentary glance before turning his attention back to the road. "Were you now?"

  She smiled. "I love spring. It's always been my favorite season."

  "Mine too," Seth announced.

  Rocky peered at the boy and chuckled. "Yeah? Why is that?"

  "'Cause maybe I can go fishin'." One couldn't miss the boy's hopeful tone.

  "Fishing? You ever been?" Rocky asked, his manner turned casual, as he held the reins, resting his elbows on his knees.

  "Sure. Grandpap took me before."

  "Ali, Grandpap," Rocky said, raising his head with a perceptive nod.

  "Maybe you can take me sometime," the boy said, his eyes trailing a path upward, squinting into the sun as he tried to examine his uncle's face.

  For a change, Rocky didn't stiffen or grow sullen at the suggestion. Instead, he nodded. "That's a possibility, provided we get all the chores done."

  "Yippee! I'll help!" the boy offered, enthusiasm running through his voice.

  Rocky glanced at Sarah over the children's heads and, wonder of wonders, actually smiled.

  After Sarah visited the doctor's office a
nd received a clean bill of health, the family headed for Johansson's Mercantile.

  As soon as he heard the tinkling of the tiny bell hanging over the entryway, Eldred shuffled out from behind a curtain that separated the store from his living quarters. "Well, well, if it ain't the Callahans," he said. "Last I seen you folks you was headin' fer home in that bad ice storm. See ya made it safe enough."

  "Hello, Eldred," said Rocky, offering the old man a friendly nod. "Came in for some supplies. I have a list here that my wife-put together." He seemed to falter on those two words. Sarah bit back a smile. Even she still struggled with the notion of having a husband.

  Eldred took the list offered him and studied it through squinty eyes. "'Spect I can gather it all up and have it ready in a jiffy," he muttered while rubbing at his scruffy beard. "Your wagon out front?"

  Rocky nodded. "We'll head on over to Winthrop's Dry Goods and return within the hour."

  "Sounds good 'nough," Eldred said. "I'll have Gus here help me load up." A young boy of not more than twelve or thirteen emerged from a cluttered aisle where he was stocking canned goods. "He's been helpin' me out ever since the school burnt down."

  Seth appeared all eyes at the sight of the tall, gangly boy. Rachel looked mildly interested.

  "Hello there," Sarah greeted, laying her hand atop Seth's shoulder when he sidled up beside her to have a closer look.

  The boy produced a shy smile, then wiped his hands on his pant legs before stuffing them into his pockets. "Hi," he managed.

  When all he did was stare at Rachel and Seth, Sarah hurried to add, "I'd like you to meet Seth and Rachel Reed."

  "Hi," he repeated. "I'm Gus Humphrey. I think my sister Lenora is about your age," he said, directing the remark to Rachel. Then, gazing at Seth, he added, "We seen you two come in on the stage back before Christmas. Matter o' fact, Miss Merriwether, uh, Mrs. Broughton now, let ar whole class watch from the window. We was all plenty curious."

  "Where do you live?" Rachel asked, not in the least bit shy. "How old is your sister?"

  "My sister's nine."

  "I'm going to be eight," Rachel answered, standing taller.

  "They live over in Gulliver's Hollow, just past Hickman Creek," Rocky inserted. "I know their ma and pop."

  "Can she come and play sometime?" Rachel asked, pointing hopeful eyes in Rocky's direction.

  "You don't even know her," Rocky stated.

  "I think that would be wonderful," Sarah said. "We'll arrange for Lill Broughton to come, too. You tell your sister Lenora to be looking for an invitation."

  Gus brightened. "She'll be real glad to hear it," he said. "We all been pretty bored since the school burnt."

  "Is there any news as to when they might begin rebuilding?" Sarah asked, directing her question to both Mr. Johansson and Gus Humphrey.

  The older man shrugged. "Ain't heard one way or the other." With that, he turned and began reaching for items appearing on the list, apparently figuring it was past time for tending to business.

  "I heard the town ain't got the money," Gus offered. "We need a new church, too, and most townsfolk want separate buildings this time around."

  Sarah had talked Rocky into taking them all into town for Sunday services two days ago at the home of Clyde and Iris Winthrop, and, while the home was certainly spacious, it was clear folks needed their own house of worship. Mrs. Winthrop was a fussbudget, insisting that everyone leave boots and soiled shoes by the door and coats in their laps. Although Mr. Winthrop had been warm and cordial, everyone could see that Mrs. Winthrop worried incessantly about her lovely Persian rugs and fine furnishings. Not that Sarah blamed the woman. After all, it was the Winthrops' private home, and they were more than generous to offer it as a temporary meeting place. Still, if people were to attend in a true attitude of worship, they needed to do so with as few distractions as possible.

  The notion that Sarah had the resources with which to build a new church-and school, for that matter-was a weighty realization. Yet, how could she make such a donation without creating resentment? She was the newest member of Little Hickman. Wouldn't folks think her haughty and proud, and perhaps assume she gave with ulterior motives-to earn their friendship and approval? Moreover, what of others in the town who wished to contribute? A gift the size that Sarah was capable of doling out would make others' donations appear dull by comparison.

  She decided then and there to take the matter before the Lord. Show me what You would have me do, heavenly Father was her silent, heartfelt prayer.

  The streets were abuzz with talk of Hickman's unseasonably warm weather. Folks seemed delighted at the opportunity to walk the streets more leisurely. On the trek to Winthrop's Dry Goods, they passed several clusters of people who were conversing on various topics. Folks waved and smiled as the Callahans passed, often speaking a friendly greeting, but more often gaping curiously, no doubt wondering how the strangelyput-together family was faring.

  Iris Winthrop's head shot up as soon as the door opened. Whatever paperwork she was poring over quickly fell by the wayside as she moved out from behind the counter and pasted a smile on her hard-lined face. "Well, my, my," she chortled, "what can I do for you folks?"

  Seeing the beady-eyed woman again made Sarah think about the time she'd hidden behind a bolt of fabric at the back of the store while several womenfolk openly discussed her unfortunate situation. Imagine coming all this way to marry Benjamin Broughton, someone had clucked. Such a waste of time, another had ranted. Even now she soured at the humiliation of it all.

  "So nice to see you, Mrs. Winthrop," Sarah offered, determined to put on her best smile.

  The woman wrung her withered hands, then clasped them tightly at her rounded waistline. "Are you interested in more fabric, perhaps?"

  "My wife intends to sew some curtains," Rocky told her. Then, nudging Sarah lightly, he leaned in close. "Take your time. I'm going over to Sam's Livery. Later, we'll head back to Eldred's for our provisions, then make a run to Grady Swanson's Sawmill. He's got some supplies stacked up for me."

  It warmed her to realize Rocky intended to abide her wishes to improve their home's interior. Apparently his mother's prodding had paid off.

  "That sounds fine," she answered.

  Rocky glanced down at Seth. "You want to come with me?"

  Seth's eyes brightened. "Do I!"

  Rocky gave Sarah a momentary look that carried just a hint of a smile. "We'll be back soon."

  And with that, he headed out the door, Seth running to keep up.

  "My, they do seem like father and son," Mrs. Winthrop said, watching after the two, who were even then scooting across the dusty street.

  "He's ar uncle, not ar father," Rachel said, making it her duty to clarify.

  "Of course he is," Mrs. Winthrop huffed, back going straight. "But the two seem quite suited to each other. It must be nice for him to have a little boy around the house again, what with him losin' his own like that." The woman cleared her throat then angled her gaze at Sarah. "Of course, I'm sure it's a challenge, having to deal with an instant family."

  Maintaining her Christian witness with Iris Winthrop was a chore, particularly when the woman sniffed, then turned and looked down her long nose at Rachel.

  Sarah forced a smile, then put her hand on Rachel's thin shoulder to draw her in. "We are making out just fine, thank you.

  At that, Sarah pointed the girl toward the wide selection of fabrics. "Show me what you like best, Rachel," she said, pleased when the child seemed eager to help. In the end, they chose enough material to fashion curtains for every window, a fine tablecloth, and matching napkins. Add to that the colorful readymade rugs and fresh new kitchen towels they'd discovered at the back of the store, and they had quite an assortment to haul to the front counter.

  "How lovely that you are handy with a needle, Mrs. Callahan," the meddlesome storekeeper remarked, flashing Sarah a rather peculiar look as she began the job of tallying up the purchases. "Wherever did you learn the craft?
"

  "A dear friend in Massachusetts taught me," Sarah reported, unwilling to tell her it was the live-in housekeeperturned-nanny. Mrs. Winters, a lifelong friend, had been more a mother to her than her own flesh-and-blood mother had. Even now, Sarah mourned the loss of Clara Winters. When the woman had fallen ill and died shortly after Sarah's seventeenth birthday, Sarah had grieved deeply, even though her mother had taken the loss in stride, having hired a replacement within the month because she said she couldn't abide having to take over the housework herself.

  Just as Mrs. Winthrop rang up the last of Sarah's items, the bell above the door announced another customer. To Sarah's delight, it was Liza Broughton and her two stepdaughters, Lill and Molly. She held tightly to the hand of the younger child, Molly, who looked eager to touch everything in sight. Lill, however, walked close beside Liza, a bright smile on her face when she spotted Rachel.

  Liza's own face brightened when she glimpsed Sarah. "Hello. I'm so glad to have run into you. How have you been feeling?"

  "Much better, thank you. Doc Randolph says I'm well enough to resume my duties."

  "That's wonderful news. Benjamin ran into Rocky at the livery. That's how we knew to find you here." She looked over Sarah's purchases. "Rocky said you planned to make several things for the house. By the look of things, you will be a very busy lady."

  Sarah laughed. "I enjoy sewing, and I intend to employ Rachel's help." At that, Rachel gave a look of delight. "Besides, you saw yourself how sparse our place looks."

  Liza giggled. "I swear I didn't look that close, but I will admit that it could use a woman's touch. I'm sure Rocky let the housework slide while he was without a wife."

  Mrs. Winthrop cleared her throat, eager to be included.

  Liza smiled, though sparingly. "Good morning, Mrs. Winthrop."

  "Good day to you," she said, forcing a smile.

  While the women exchanged a few cordial words about the weather and such, Rachel and Lill eyed each other with open excitement. "I wonder if we might set up a time for Lill to come over and play," Sarah suggested.

  "Oh, what a lovely idea," Liza exclaimed. "Lili's been so bored since the school burned down." Both girls' heads shot up, but it was Lill who squealed, causing Molly to shriek with open delight herself.