Anna set off with long strides toward camp. How hard could it be to tell Papa she didn’t want to go away? He always understood.
At the tool shed, she stopped and took a deep breath before opening the door and slipping inside. Papa sat on a stool with an ax across his knee. He ran a long file along the edge of the blade then stopped and looked up at her. “Anna. Did you come to help?”
She nodded. “Yes. What can I do?”
He grinned. “Take your pick.”
Anna straightened the tools on Papa’s worktable. The steady rasp of his file on the blades scraped her nerves in a way it never had before. How could he sit there acting as if nothing was wrong? How could he send her away?
“Papa?” She turned to meet his questioning gaze. “Does it bother you for me to wear pants when we’re in the woods?”
A soft smile lightened his expression. “I wouldn’t let you if it did.”
“Oh.” She looked down. “Mama doesn’t like it, and Kathleen’s always the perfect lady.”
He chuckled. “Your mama doesn’t know, does she?”
She grinned. “She knows, but not how often I wear them. I don’t think Kathleen knows either.”
“Kathleen’s a good girl.” Papa smiled and turned back to his work. “Just like her mother. She’ll make a fine wife someday.”
Air huffed from Anna. “Like I said, always perfect.”
Papa shook his head. “Not perfect, but she knows what’s important.” He looked up. “Don’t worry, little one. You’ll learn, and one day you’ll be ready for marriage, too.”
Anna wrinkled her nose and turned back to stack wedges, alternating them so they were even. She sighed. Papa wanted her to learn—to get ready for marriage. He’d confirmed what Kathleen said. Papa wanted her to go to finishing school. Maybe if she started acting like a lady all the time, they’d let her stay home. She could do that. Surely she could. Only she wouldn’t give up wearing her trousers when she went into the woods alone. Or with Papa. Or Tuck.
Tears burned her eyes, and she blinked them away. “Papa, I’d better go. Mama will want me in the kitchen before long.”
“Okay, that’s fine. Thanks for your help.” He didn’t even look up.
Outside, Anna saw no one. Today, Kathleen helped Mama prepare the food. Tomorrow would be Anna’s turn. She had at least an hour before she was needed to serve. Her heart weighed a ton. How could Papa be so unfeeling? To send her away was cruel. A cool November breeze brushed past as her feet carried her toward her beloved woods and the tall pines that gave her solace. Their scent was like balm to her soul. Tears blurred her eyes because of the unfairness of her situation. She loved her parents, yet they found her lacking. Under the cover of her trees, she ran while the forest passed in a blur of movement and tears. Finally, she collapsed at the foot of a fir tree in a soft bed of damp moss, her body shaking with sobs.
Jeremiah headed back to camp early. He’d cracked his ax handle, and the foreman told him to go see if Mr. Wilkin had another.
A flash of red to the side caught his eye. Anna’s long, dark braid flew out and bounced against her red plaid jacket. Her dad’s, no doubt. He chuckled. Only Anna would wear a man’s jacket with boots and a skirt. His smile faded when she fell to the ground and curled into a tight ball with her face against her knees. Had she hurt herself?
Jeremiah’s strides lengthened as he altered his course toward Anna. He leaned the ax on the opposite side of the tree and knelt in front of her. She sniffed and sobs shook her shoulders.
“Anna?” He murmured her name, not wanting to startle her. “Little Bit, what’s wrong?”
Her head lifted. Tears trailed down her cheeks. He brushed a damp tendril from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “Tell me what it is.”
She swiped her sleeve across her eyes. A hiccup brought a curve to his lips. No other girl could be so adorable in the midst of a crying spell.
“Is this about you going away to school?”
Her eyes widened.
“Kathleen told me.”
“Oh.” She turned away from him so he couldn’t see her face. “She would. She wants me to go. So do Mama and Papa.”
“But do you want to go?” He touched her chin and brought her back toward him. “You’re the one who needs to decide, right?”
She shook her head and blinked as her eyes filled. Two big tears ran down her cheeks.
He caught them with his thumbs and brushed them away.
“Oh Tuck.” Her voice caught. “I don’t want to. I have to. I just talked to Papa. He wants me to go.”
If he could, he’d wipe the worry from her face. She should always smile and be happy. Her hurt brought heaviness to his heart. “I thought Kathleen said you’d leave in late spring or early summer. That’s months away. Your parents could change their minds by then. I wouldn’t worry about it now.”
Anna’s eyes brightened for a moment. Then, as a cloud covered her countenance, she shook her head, and another tear eased from her eye. “No, Mama will never change her mind. Papa said I should learn to be a good wife. He wants me to be like Kathleen. He wants me to go away.”
Another tear fell and yet another. Jeremiah’s heart broke. Without thought of the consequences, he reached for her, and she fell into his arms. He patted her back. “Hey Little Bit, don’t cry. It’s cold out here. You’ll freeze your face.”
Her only answer was a sniffle. A tremble moved through her body. His arms tightened, and he tucked her head more securely under his chin. He’d do the same if she were truly his sister. Only his heart had never acted up like this when he consoled his sister. Emotions, having nothing to do with brotherly love, surged through his awareness.
His muscles tensed, and she looked up. Tears glistened in her lashes. Her full lips pulled down into a pout. His heart pounded as if he’d run a mile. He stared into her wide, chocolate eyes until they blurred, and his nose touched hers.
He jerked back and fell to the ground as if he’d been hit. What just happened? He’d almost kissed the pout from her lips. He’d wanted to kiss Little Bit. His nose still tingled from the brief contact. What on earth had he been thinking?
Chapter 6
He was crazy. That’s all there was to it. Taking advantage of Anna’s innocence that way. He felt sorry for her. Nothing else. No reason to start kissing her.
He scrambled to his feet. “I’m sorry, Little Bit. I need to get this ax to your father. The handle broke.”
She sat on the ground looking up at him with wide, luminous eyes. No doubt calling him a few choice names for his behavior.
He grabbed the ax. “Well, I better go. You take care now.”
She never spoke, and he didn’t look back. Better if he didn’t. Seventeen years old. Same age Rebekah would have been. Little Bit. Little sister. He thumped his forehead with the heel of his hand.
Sure, he cared about Anna. She was fun to go fishing with. Her chatter would keep anyone entertained. But to court? To kiss? Not likely. Her father would have his job if he knew what had almost happened. Better if he took a second look at Kathleen. At least she was closer to his age.
Jeremiah strode through the forest’s carpet of leaves and broken sticks, stretching the distance between Anna and him. What appeal drew him to Anna? He searched his heart and had to admit he cared. Far too much. Girls like her were the ones who could tear a man’s heart out. She was family, pure and simple. Only more. Could be a lot more. Enough to get hurt again, because family didn’t always stay.
He dodged a tree branch and took a deep breath of the pine-scented air then let it out in a rush. His plans didn’t include waiting around for a little girl to grow up. Sure, he needed a wife, because come spring, he planned to be living on his own farm. He’d carry on the tradition of farming his grandfather and dad had left him. He needed a woman suited for marriage. Someone who didn’t turn his emotions inside out and set his heart pounding like a drum. Maybe Kathleen would be the best choice. Her mother seemed to like him
, and Kathleen did invite him to their cabin. Wouldn’t hurt to think about it, pray about it, and maybe ask her father for permission to court her.
Camp came into view, and he quickened his stride. His heart had returned to normal. He shoved both sisters far from his mind. Willum had promised to build a house for him. He’d even joked about it, saying it would be one less man taking up space in his tiny cabin on weekends, so he’d be glad to do it.
Clouds blanketed the sky, releasing a gentle rain when Anna tugged the horse to a stop in front of Tumwater’s grocer and set the brake. She hopped from the wagon, her skirt flaring out before settling back down to cover her ankles.
“Anna, be careful.” Kathleen climbed down, scarcely exposing the toe of her shoe. “You could fall and get hurt jumping like that. What if your foot got caught on something or you slipped in the mud?”
“It won’t.” Anna twirled toward the mercantile three doors up the street. “Oh Kathleen, there’s Larkin. She’s wearing the new dress she got for her birthday. You won’t need me for a few minutes, will you? I’ll be back in time to help load the wagon.”
Kathleen sighed. “Go ahead. At least you drove.”
“Thanks.” Anna ran up the boardwalk steps, her boots clomping on the wood. Her green calico looked shabby next to Larkin’s fancy blue dress, but Anna didn’t care.
Larkin turned, a dimpled smile brightening her face. “Anna, I didn’t see you.”
“Kathleen’s in the grocery. Mama didn’t feel well and asked us to shop for her. I’ll have to help, so I don’t have a lot of time. I wonder if they have any new embroidery floss.”
“I don’t know, but I’d love to see, too.” Larkin held the door open. “Are you feeling better? You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers all week.”
Anna stepped into the mercantile. She’d like to forget this past week, except for one special part. Every time she thought about Tuck’s nose brushing hers, her stomach jumped just before her heart took off like a horse in a race.
“I’m fine.” She tossed the answer over her shoulder, her boots beating a hollow staccato against the wood floor. What would Larkin say if she knew? They had shared a lot of secrets in the past, but maybe not this one. It was too new. Too unsure. Tuck sure had acted funny after it happened.
Larkin caught up with her at the thread counter. “Have your parents said any more to you about finishing school?”
Anna fingered the embroidery floss. “Mama hasn’t, but Papa says he wants me to learn to be a lady, so that’s what I’m doing.” She sighed. “Sure do hate to give up fishing.”
Larkin’s eyes widened. “You’re giving up fishing? You can’t. You love to fish.”
Anna glanced around the store and grinned as she leaned closer to Larkin. “Maybe ladies can still fish.”
“Of course they can.” Larkin picked up a violet hank of floss and grimaced. “This is Mama’s new favorite color for next year.”
“It’s pretty.”
“Try wearing it all year.”
“So is this green one. Kind of reminds me of the woods.” Anna couldn’t stop the catch in her voice.
The warmth of her friend’s hand on her arm almost brought tears to Anna’s eyes. Larkin patted her arm. “I’m so sorry. Why don’t we plan a fishing party to prove to your mother you can fish and still be just as much a lady as your sister? Once she sees that, you can stay right here in Tumwater. My Chinook grandfather always said a fish fry makes everything better, and the Farmer’s Almanac predicts this dry spell will continue through the next month at least.”
At Larkin’s mention of the almanac, Anna smiled, her tears banished. “You and your weather talk. And tempting me with fishing. When can we have the party? How many shall we invite?”
“As many as you want. Would next Sunday afternoon work?”
Tension seeped from Anna as excitement took its place. “Yes, we can bring food and cook the fish we catch.”
“Now, how about this embroidery floss? Do you want any?” Larkin began picking out several hanks of brown and gold shades.
Anna took the green one she’d admired earlier. She’d make something she could take to school that would remind her of her woods. Maybe ivy on a pillowcase. “I’m getting this one, then I’ve got to get back to the grocery before Kathleen tells Mama I ran off.”
Larkin gave her a quick hug. “I need to look at some other things, but I’ll see you tomorrow at church.”
“All right.” Anna paid for the floss and hurried out the door, almost bumping into Abigail coming in. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“That’s fine.” Abigail looked into the store with a frown marring her face. “I see Larkin is here.”
“Yes, we were just talking.” Anna stepped onto the boardwalk.
Abigail followed, letting the mercantile door close. She fell into step with Anna. “I don’t know why you hang around with her. Just because her father’s the richest man in town doesn’t lessen the fact she’s a mixed breed.”
“Most people around here are. I’m a mixture of Dutch and Scots.”
Abigail patted Anna’s shoulder as if she were a foolish child. “Sometimes you say the strangest things. What were you and Larkin talking about?”
Why don’t you like Larkin? If it’d do any good, she’d ask. “We’ve decided to have a fishing party out at the lake. Everyone’s invited. Why don’t you and Elizabeth come? And Garrick. It’s for the fellows and girls, both. We’ll bring potluck and fry the fish. It’ll be lots of fun.”
Abigail nodded. “I’m sure it will. I haven’t been fishing in ages.”
“Then it’s time you did.” Anna’s heart lifted at the thought of everyone gathered around the lake. Larkin always knew how to make her feel better. Now to convince Kathleen their idea was a good one.
“Anna, the order’s ready. Are you?” Kathleen stood in front of the grocer, her hands on her hips.
“Yes, I said I’d be right back.” Anna frowned. What was wrong with Kathleen?
Kathleen headed toward the wagon. “You could have stayed and helped instead of running off.”
“I didn’t …” Oh, what was the use? She could argue all day that Kathleen gave permission, and still her words would get turned around somehow. “Larkin wants us all to meet next Sunday afternoon for a fishing party at the lake.”
“I don’t like fishing.” Kathleen wrinkled her nose and shifted toward Abigail. “Are you going?”
Abigail nodded. “Yes. I’m sure Elizabeth and Garrick will, too.”
Kathleen’s eyebrows lifted. “Well, I suppose I could.” She looked back at Anna. “Mama should approve of your fishing with a large group rather than going off by yourself or alone with—”
“I know, Kathleen.” Anna climbed to the high wagon seat. “You don’t need to complain. I’ve decided I’ll be a lady from now on.”
“Ha.” Kathleen laughed. “I can’t wait to see this come to pass. If you can act like a lady at a fishing party, it’ll be a miracle. Abigail, it was nice seeing you. We’ve got to get home. Most of what we bought is for the camp.”
“I understand.” Abigail walked on down the street.
Anna shook her head at her friend’s behavior. She’d been going into the mercantile until she saw Larkin. What could she possibly have against Larkin? Anna picked up the reins and flicked them above the horse with a click of her tongue. There was no understanding some people. But one thing she knew. Mama would have nothing bad to say about this fishing trip. Not with Kathleen going. Now all she needed to do was spread the word. Would Tuck and his friends come? Her tummy did its familiar little jump, and she smiled. He’d better come. If she didn’t have a chance to ask him at church tomorrow, she’d make sure to during the week. Maybe they could bump noses again.
Chapter 7
Jeremiah squinted at the overcast sky above the church. “Looks like a good day for fishing. At least it’s not raining.”
“Good thing.” Frederick grinned. “I’ve got a craving for fr
ied fish and good company.”
E.V. nodded. “So the plan is to head to the lake this afternoon and fish for our lunch, right?”
“Right.” Jeremiah’s gaze shifted to the Wilkins’ buggy pulling to a stop beside the church.
Anna climbed out and turned toward him. His rebellious heart raced without his permission. His eyes refused to look elsewhere. What was wrong with him? He’d kept his distance ever since he’d almost kissed her. She wouldn’t have stopped him either. Would she have known to? She’d probably never been kissed, and he almost took advantage of her. She’d been crying. Upset, vulnerable. Disgust for his actions landed on his heart, bringing it under control.
“There’s the Wilkin family.” E.V. nodded toward the girls. “Didn’t I see you talking to the little one, Tuck?”
Little one. Jeremiah almost laughed. Even his friends thought she was too young. “Yes, she gave me the invitation for this afternoon. Said to invite all of you, though I can’t imagine why.”
Frederick gave him a playful shove. “Watch it, buddy.”
Jeremiah laughed. His gaze shifted to Kathleen. A chestnut ringlet brushed her smooth cheek. Her eyes, dark and wide, looked across the yard. He looked, too. Garrick and his sisters walked toward them from the opposite way. Jeremiah looked back at Kathleen. A soft smile brought out the loveliness of her face. She was a real beauty. A woman any man would be proud to claim for his wife.
Anna twirled and ran back to the wagon, taking his attention from her sister. He shook his head. Kathleen’s beauty paled next to her rambunctious sister.
Kathleen walked past and smiled. Every man lifted his hat and acknowledged her presence. What better time to set his plan in motion? He stepped forward but felt a hand on his arm.
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