He set the hatchet aside and grinned. “She runs a tight ship, does she?”
“Oh, you can’t imagine.” He was teasing, but Anna shuddered as if she took him seriously. “Between her and Kathleen.”
“Maybe I work you too hard. This isn’t a job for a girl.”
Now this was no joking matter. “I like working with you, Papa. I love the woods and the fresh air.”
“Next time I need some help, I’ll see if I can get you another hour of freedom.” He chuckled as she started away. “You got a skirt stashed around here somewhere?”
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Anna turned and ran back to the stump where her skirt lay. She quickly pulled it on over her trousers. Mama would have more than a fit if she showed up looking like one of the lumberjacks. At least Papa let her be herself. On impulse, she gave him a hug. “Thanks, Papa.”
She ran toward the logging camp, her father’s love as warm and secure as his arms had been around her. At the large mess hall, she walked in the back door. Kathleen didn’t bother to greet her—she just handed her a potholder. “Take one end of this pot and help me carry it to the serving table.”
Anna hung her jacket and ignored her sister’s glares. She carried her end of the large pot of pinto beans through the kitchen door to set it inside the dining area. What was the matter with Kathleen? Anna had permission to help Papa.
“You’re late.” Kathleen whispered the words.
“I am not.” Anna took her place behind the serving table as the outside door opened.
Men poured into the crude building, forming a line where the tin plates and utensils sat. They grabbed what they needed, and the first man held his plate out toward Kathleen just in time to keep her from scorching Anna’s ears. Anna grinned at Garrick for saving her, but he was looking at Kathleen, reaching for the slice of bread she held. Their fingers touched, and Kathleen blushed. Good, she should be embarrassed for almost yelling in front of the men. She could be a real prude.
That group of men had no sooner cleared out than another came in on their heels. Anna dipped a ladle of beans and plopped them on Jeremiah’s plate. “Hey Tuck, how ya doin’?”
She almost giggled at Kathleen’s lifted eyebrows.
He grinned. “Good. How about you, Little Bit? Been fishin’ lately?”
This time Anna did giggle at the soft gasp from her sister. “Not for a few days.”
“Then how about Sunday afternoon? I plan to be at the lake then if the weather holds. Maybe I could give you some fishing tips.” He took the corn bread she handed him.
She hesitated, but couldn’t think of anything she’d like better. Why not go? Papa would let her even if Mama didn’t like it. She flashed a quick grin at him. “All right, but you’d better plan to learn a few things from me.”
Jeremiah’s laughter brightened her day until movement to the side let her know Mama had returned. The scowl on Mama’s face told of her disapproval more than her rebuke might have. Nothing unusual about that. When did Mama ever approve of her? It wasn’t that Anna disliked ladies’ activities. She enjoyed making her own clothes, and she loved to embroider. Cooking and cleaning were okay. But what she absolutely loved the most was being outdoors and running through the woods or sitting on the riverbank with a fishing pole. She felt useful when she helped Papa with his chores.
Anna turned to the next man in line. She’d find some way to go fishing Sunday. Tuck was fun. Even more fun than being with her best friend, but she wouldn’t tell Larkin that or she might not go with her.
Jeremiah ate his lunch and watched Anna bustle about helping her sister and mother. Little Bit. He chuckled under his breath. That name fit her perfectly. Little and as pretty as a china doll, she looked just as feminine.
He walked out of the warm mess hall and back toward work with the other buckers. Yep, Anna was a little thing, but he had a suspicion she was also a bit of trouble just waiting to happen. The question was what kind of trouble.
“Hey Tuck!”
Jeremiah turned toward the sound and realized he was walking beside the railroad track leading into the woods. His mind had been so locked on Anna, he hadn’t seen Frederick or the Shay locomotive he drove to haul logs to the sawmills around Tumwater.
“I’ve been yelling at you. Anything wrong?” Concern covered Frederick’s face.
“Naw, just getting back to work after a good meal.” He couldn’t tell his friend he’d been thinking about a little slip of a girl. He’d never understand. “You getting a load ready to take down?”
Frederick nodded. “I’m heading into the woods here in a minute. Want a ride? Beats walking in the cold.”
“I would, except you’re going the wrong direction for me.” Jeremiah waved and started walking again. “I’ll catch you Saturday. I’m staying in town with Willum so I can go to church.”
“Okay, see you then.” Frederick turned back to his locomotive, and Jeremiah went on.
Nope, Frederick wouldn’t understand his fascination with Little Bit. She continually popped into his head. Had since they’d gone fishing. He needed to get her out of his mind and start looking for a suitable wife. Saturday he’d talk to Willum about building a house. The other men would pitch in to help, too, when they had time. The desire for home and family filled Jeremiah’s heart. He had neither anymore. Only memories that impressed on him the longing to replace what he’d lost.
Although Anna stayed fresh on his mind, he shoved her image aside and replaced it with one after another of the girls he’d met since moving to the area. He thought of the birthday party he had attended in that big, fancy house. Larkin. She was attractive and seemed nice. Then there was Abigail Leonard, Garrick’s sister. Anna sat with her at church Sunday. He shook his head, pushing both Abigail and Anna from his mind. What about her sister, Kathleen? While the other girls were pretty, Kathleen was beautiful. Yet he felt drawn toward Anna.
Jeremiah picked up his ax. He’d be helping cut a log into sixteen-foot lengths for boards this afternoon. If he didn’t keep his mind on his job, he might cut something besides a tree. He didn’t need Anna intruding in his mind so much. Yep, the little bit of trouble he sensed about her could be something more than a physical injury. She had the potential to cause pain in his heart. He needed someone who wouldn’t tear his heart out if she left the way everyone else he’d loved had done.
Chapter 4
Anna pushed from the table and, like the Sunday before, began stacking plates.
Kathleen stood. “Mama, we can put the food away. You go relax with Papa.”
Mama smiled. “You girls are spoiling me, but I’ll take advantage of it this time. I don’t think we’ll want anything until later. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Mama.” Anna tossed the words over her shoulder as she carried her load to the kitchen. Last week she’d done everything alone. Maybe with Kathleen’s help the work would go quickly, and she could get to the lake before Tuck gave up on her. Anna had the dishwater prepared in the sink before Kathleen pushed through the door with a dish of food in each hand.
Kathleen put the pie in the safe and the bowl of potatoes on the counter. “We’ll eat this tonight, so I’m leaving it here. Maybe make potato patties. What are you doing this afternoon?” Her question was tossed out too casually.
Anna looked up at her sister, who didn’t even glance her way. “I thought I’d go see Larkin for a while.”
That wasn’t a lie. She did plan to go by Larkin’s to see if she wanted to go fishing, too. Maybe Tuck would invite one of his friends the next time. Then Larkin would have her own fellow. Heat rose in her face at the direction her thoughts were taking. Tuck was not courting her. She needed to remember that.
Kathleen continued putting away food while Anna washed dishes. After a while, Kathleen picked up a dish towel. “I’ll dry the dishes. You go see Larkin.”
“Thank you.” Anna didn’t waste time untying her apron. She hung it on a hook by the back door, grabbed a coat hanging there, an
d slipped outside into a damp cloudy day. Why couldn’t the sun be shining like last week? Anna shrugged. At least it wasn’t pouring down rain. She spoke back into the kitchen. “If Papa or Mama ask, you can tell them where I am.”
“Sure.”
Anna ran across the backyard to the garden shed. She changed into her boots and grabbed her pole. If only she could stash her skirt here. No, she had to wear it in town. Someone would see for sure and tell Mama.
As she turned to leave, the door opened and Kathleen stepped in. “I didn’t think you were going to Larkin’s.”
“I am, too.” Anna flushed under her sister’s steady gaze.
Kathleen shook her head, her smile knowing. “No, you’re going fishing. You’re running off to meet Jeremiah Tucker, aren’t you? I heard you make plans with him the other day, so don’t deny it.”
“With Larkin. What’s wrong with that? Papa doesn’t mind if I go fishing with friends.”
Kathleen’s eyebrows lifted. “Mama does.”
Anna wanted to stomp her foot, but Kathleen would love that show of frustration. “You’re going to tell, aren’t you?”
“No.” Kathleen folded her arms. “I don’t care. Go meet your beau if you want.” She laughed. “How long do you think he’ll stay interested if you keep acting like a hooligan? You’re almost eighteen. Don’t you think it’s time you grew up and became a lady? I know Mama and Papa are getting tired of your tomboy ways.”
“Not Papa.” Anna’s protest sounded weak even to her. Hadn’t he said she shouldn’t work in the woods?
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Kathleen shrugged. “I heard them talking about a school back East. A finishing school. Mama says it’s the only way now to turn you into a lady.”
An angry flush rose in Anna’s face. “Papa won’t let her send me away.”
Kathleen’s laughter rang out in the shed. “Papa agreed with her. I’m sorry, Anna, but everyone’s getting tired of your behavior. It’s past time for you to grow up. I think it’ll be good for you. Look at this as an opportunity, not a punishment. I wish I could go.”
Kathleen left, and a tremble worked its way through Anna’s body. She leaned against a table. Kathleen had to be wrong. Papa wouldn’t do this to her. Emotions raced through her until her mind whirled without direction. She shoved her pole back into place with the others and pushed out of the building, slamming the door behind her.
She ran toward Larkin’s through wisps of fog that hung in the air and added to her dismal emotions. She had to tell someone who would understand. At the Whitworth house, Larkin let her in. “Anna, what’s wrong?”
“Mama and Papa are sending me away.” Anna knew she didn’t make sense, but Larkin led her upstairs to her room. There, with tears pouring down her cheeks, Anna told what she’d just learned.
“Oh Anna, how terrible.” Larkin’s tears of sympathy blended with Anna’s.
Anna dried her eyes with the back of her hand and straightened her spine. “I’ll show Papa and Mama I can be a lady. I’ll act like Kathleen. They’d never send her away.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you the way you are,” Larkin sympathized. “You aren’t like Kathleen. They shouldn’t expect you to be.”
“But they do.” Anna forced a smile for her friend. “It’s all right. I can do it. I have to because I would simply wilt away without my forest.”
Jeremiah set a rhythm Monday morning with another bucker on the two-man saw. The scent of cedar filled the air and sawdust flew over him while they sliced a six-foot-diameter log into shingle bolts. He hadn’t seen Anna at breakfast. Where’d she been yesterday? He’d caught enough fish for Frederick to fry for him, Willum, and E.V. for supper, but they didn’t make up for Little Bit’s company he’d missed earlier. Something must have happened.
When the noon whistle blew, he strode toward camp and the mess hall, eager to talk to Anna. His eyes adjusted to the dim light inside as he moved through the serving line. “Hello, Mrs. Wilkin. Mmm, boiled potatoes and gravy. Looks good.”
She smiled. “I imagine anything would look good after working all morning the way you boys do.”
“That may be true.” He grinned, but let his gaze roam down the table. Kathleen handed out bread and dished up heaping ladles of green beans near the far end. Where was Anna? He moved down the line.
Kathleen glanced up with a smile. “How are you today?”
“I’m fine.” He held his plate under her ladle. “I haven’t seen your sister lately.”
“She’s working in the kitchen today.” Kathleen set the ladle in the pot.
“She wouldn’t be avoiding me for some reason, would she?” Why had he asked that? He sure didn’t need Anna’s sister thinking he cared.
“Not that I know of.” Kathleen slanted him a glance. “Why would she do such a thing unless you’ve done something you shouldn’t? Like enticing her to go off alone with you for the last two Sunday afternoons.”
Heat crept up his neck. Had Kathleen twisted a few hours of fishing into a romantic interlude?
Before he could defend Anna, Kathleen handed him a couple of slices of bread and smiled. “If you want to see Anna, why don’t you come by our cabin tonight? You know where our family stays here at camp, don’t you?”
He nodded.
She glanced down the line and back at him with a bright smile. “Please do come to the cabin tonight, Jeremiah,” she said in a strong voice. “We’d love to have you visit.”
Someone cleared his throat. Jeremiah turned to see Garrick waiting behind him with a frown on his face. “Oh, sorry.” He gave Kathleen a nod. “I’ll stop by later tonight.”
Kathleen’s invitation didn’t sound sincere. Maybe she’d only asked to get him to move on so she could serve Garrick and the rest of the men. Jeremiah let her words play through his mind until late afternoon, but he couldn’t find the answer. Whatever her reasoning, he appreciated the chance to see Little Bit.
Long strides took Jeremiah through the cold November air to the log cabin set back several yards from the mess hall. Anna hadn’t served supper either. She must be avoiding someone. If not him, who?
Kathleen opened the door at his knock. “Oh, Jeremiah.”
“You said for me to come by tonight. To see Anna.” He shifted his weight. Maybe he shouldn’t be here. He looked past her. “Is she home?”
“No, she’s out somewhere with Papa.” Kathleen stepped back. “Please, come in. They should be back soon, and Mama’s here.”
Jeremiah accepted a cup of coffee and slice of cake from Mrs. Wilkin. “Thank you, ma’am.”
She and Kathleen sat across from him sipping coffee. Mrs. Wilkin lowered her cup and gazed at him. “How do you like working in the woods, Mr. Tucker?”
He allowed a smile. “I imagine it could be worse.”
“I’d guess logging isn’t your calling?” Her smile answered his. “What would you rather do?”
That was an easy question. “Farming.”
Mrs. Wilkin’s eyebrows lifted. “Doesn’t a farm require land, animals, and equipment?”
“Yes ma’am. I hope to have all that within a year’s time.” Truthfully, he had most everything except a house to live in. After the fire that took Rebekah and his folks, he sold the farm and all of Pa’s animals except his best team. When the next-door neighbor offered to board them and store Pa’s plow, wagon, and other tools, Jeremiah accepted.
“I see.” Mrs. Wilkin stood. “I’ll take your plate if you’re finished. Would you like more coffee?”
“No ma’am. Thank you.” Jeremiah stood until she left the room. He turned to Kathleen. “I should be going.”
Kathleen walked him to the door. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to see Anna. She’s probably wandering around in the woods like always. She’s angry right now because Mama and Papa are sending her to school next spring or early summer. By then she’ll have had plenty of time to get over it and see this is best for her.”
Jeremiah narrowed his eyes. �
�What do you mean, sending her to school?”
“Back East. Chicago, I think. Where Mama went. She should be glad to go. I would be, but Anna is such a tomboy, she’s the one who needs polishing.”
“Finishing school?” Jeremiah frowned. Little Bit didn’t belong in finishing school any more than he did. She’d smother there. No wonder she’d been avoiding him.
“Yes.” Kathleen smiled. “She has to grow up someday.”
Jeremiah’s mind whirled with images of the two sisters after he left. Beautiful, graceful Kathleen and fun-loving, cute Anna. So different. Why’d Kathleen invite him tonight? For Anna or for herself? Why wasn’t Kathleen married? She’d make a wife any man would be proud of.
Chapter 5
A leaf, dried on the tree and only now letting go, drifted toward the ground in front of Anna. She bent, picked it up, and twirled it between her fingers. The days were slipping past and she still had no solution to her problem. How long had she walked? An hour? Two? She’d been so upset when she left the kitchen, she hadn’t even changed into her trousers. A short laugh escaped her lips. Mama would be proud of her.
She lifted her gaze toward heaven and the top of the stately old pine beside her. Lord, where is the answer? Must I go to school? Is that Your will for me?
So many questions, but no answers. She couldn’t leave her woods. She just couldn’t. And what about Tuck? Their friendship was new but precious. A tear escaped, and she brushed at it. Why would Papa do this to her? Her insides churned when she thought about confronting him. Maybe Kathleen was wrong, and they wouldn’t send her away. It was just talk at this point anyway, wasn’t it? She should ask Papa tonight after supper and find out the truth. Or maybe even now. He’d gone to the shed to sharpen axes. She could help him before she had to help with the evening meal.
Again, her stomach rolled. She couldn’t talk to Papa if she got sick just thinking about it. She shuffled her toe through old, soggy leaves and soft pine needles on the forest floor then turned toward camp. Maybe if she offered to help, he’d tell her Kathleen made up the story about school just to be mean, or maybe she’d mention it to Papa first, and he’d tell her she could decide if she wanted to go. That sounded more like Papa.
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