“I’ll be on my horse right beside you.” He strode over to where his horse was waiting and swung himself up and over the saddle.
Henry clicked the reins, and they moved ahead to join a few other wagons and buggies coming into town for the social. “They have these socials every few months here in town. Not many women around, so the ones who are get plenty of dancing. The married ladies dance with the single men to make it more fun. Even Miss Perth and Mrs. Bennett join in at these events.”
So that’s what had the two women all atwitter at supper as they discussed the social. Mr. Fuller had invited Aunt Mae, and they had left only a few minutes before she had.
At the town hall Cory dismounted and lifted Abigail down from her perch then handed her the crutches. “Now you be sure to stay in one spot and get up only if you have to, and I’d better see these crutches under your arms if—no, when—you do. I can’t see you sitting still all evening.”
“I promise to be careful.” His attention sent butterflies to her stomach. If only she could dance with him tonight. She sighed and glanced around at the crowd entering the building. So many unfamiliar faces in this town she now called home, but she determined to get to know a few more of them tonight.
Henry hitched Danny Boy to the railing and followed Cory and Abigail indoors. Cory led her to a chair among a line of them set against the wall, and Henry headed for the refreshment table.
“Thank you, Cory. I’ll be fine here.” Although she didn’t want him to leave, she couldn’t monopolize his time. She reached out to position the crutches against the wall.
When she looked back up, Elliot stood in the doorway. He’d said he wouldn’t be here. His gaze locked with hers for one instant then jerked away. He strode to the far side of the room. Abigail shook her head. And men said women were hard to understand.
Cory leaned over. “I see the good doc is here. He’ll make sure you behave, so I don’t have to worry about you the rest of the evening.”
His lopsided grin produced a giggle and set her heart to fluttering. “I’m flattered to think you were going to worry about me.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “You’re Daniel’s sister, so that makes you family, and the Muldoon men take care of their women.” He winked then walked away.
Abigail sighed. He’d never see her as anything but someone to watch after. If she didn’t have these crutches, she’d show him a thing or two on the dance floor.
She’d only been in town a little over a week, but she still recognized a few of the townspeople. The Graysons’ daughter had just turned eighteen, and her parents hovered about her as several of the young men showed an interest. A little on the plump side, Marabelle was still pretty enough with her blonde hair and blue eyes that she’d have no trouble attracting a husband. Maybe if her hair was that color and her eyes a prettier shade, she would be attracting some of the attention.
The musicians began playing, and a few couples swung out onto the floor to the tune of “Turkey in the Straw.” Abigail blinked then shook her head. This dancing certainly wasn’t anything like she’d seen or heard back home. Here they called the violin a fiddle, and the music coming from it sounded quite a bit different from the music she had danced to at home. Relief that she didn’t have to try to keep up with the dancing filled her, and for once she offered thanks for her sprained ankle.
Her gaze swept across the room. In addition to not having to worry about keeping up with the new dance steps, sitting gave her an opportunity to observe people and learn more about them. Elliot entered her line of vision, and she stopped to study him. He stood at the refreshment table with his back toward her.
Now there was a young man hard to figure out. Usually she could tell so much from a person by his conversation and demeanor, but Elliot gave no clues at all to his true personality. He was a doctor, a professional through and through. And she’d seen none of that bedside manner Kate had gone on about earlier in the week. He was a mystery for sure, but she didn’t have time to solve mysteries.
She shrugged and turned her attention back to the couples swirling in time to the music.
He shouldn’t have come. Despite knowing Abigail would be there, he’d thrown caution to the wind and attended the event for the first time in more months than he could remember. Elliot’s throat closed, and all desire for the cool punch he’d just picked up vanished. He set it to the side on a tray provided for empties then swiped his hand down his trouser leg. Cory had left her alone, and that was his cue to speak to her if he could get up his nerve.
The music stopped, and people all around applauded. In a minute or two they’d strike up a new tune. Maybe if he danced first he could get up the courage to approach Abigail. Elliot spotted Miss Perth a few feet away. He strode toward her and stopped by her side. “Miss Perth, may I have the honor of the second dance?”
Her gray-blue eyes sparkled. “That would be lovely, Doc Elliot, but wouldn’t you rather have a spin with one of the younger ladies?”
“Now if that’s what I wanted, I would have asked one of them.” The music began, and he reached for her hand.
Pink tinged the older schoolmarm’s cheeks as she followed his steps across the floor. He smiled at her. “I must say that you are very good. I can tell you have experience.”
“Oh, yes. I was quite the dancer in my younger years, but I’ve never lost my love for music and toe tapping.” She glanced over his shoulder. “Too bad Abigail has that sprained ankle. She’d be swamped with requests to dance. Look at her; the young men are buzzing about like bees around spring flowers.”
They turned in one of the steps, and he spotted Abigail. Indeed, three young men vied for her attention, and a swift stab of jealousy pierced his heart. The ugly beast reared its head for the second time this week. He had nothing to be jealous about. After all, he didn’t really care whom Abigail Monroe attracted tonight.
He swept Miss Perth in the other direction and turned his back to Miss Monroe. When the music ended, he led the teacher back to her seat. “Thank you, Miss Perth. You were a most delightful partner.”
Before he could control his feet, they led him straight to where Abigail sat. He stood before her and nodded. “I see that you’re keeping your promise to sit on the sidelines tonight. You will be thankful for that later.”
“I must admit the thought of being on it for even a few steps gives me pain. To tell the truth, I’m enjoying sitting here and getting to know the good people of Porterfield.”
He swallowed the lump rising in his throat. “May I get you a cup of punch and a cookie or two?”
Her smile brightened. “Oh, would you? I’ve been eyeing it and wishing for a bit to drink.”
Why did she have to be so pretty and so friendly? “I’ll be back in a moment.” He turned and hurried to the table laden with two punch bowls and platters of homemade cookies. Now he’d have to spend a few more minutes with her to be polite after bringing her the food and drink. That had not been his intention at all.
Aunt Maggie stepped to his side and picked up a plate. “I saw you speaking to Abigail. Is that plate and cup for her?”
Heat filled his face. “Yes, it is. She’s sitting out the dances like I ordered her to do because of her ankle. The least I can do is provide something for her to eat and drink.”
“Of course, how considerate. She certainly looks pretty in that bright blue. If she wasn’t incapacitated, she’d have her pick of young men for partners.”
He glanced back across the room. Cory stood at her side. She gestured toward Elliot and the refreshment table. Cory glanced his way and frowned. Elliot grinned and held up the cup and plate.
Aunt Maggie laughed. “Well, looks like you better get back over there before the competition takes over. I’m glad to see you having a good time.”
Elliot groaned and grit his teeth. Aunt Maggie would not let this gesture of kindness pass without making something else of it. He headed back, dodging dancers across the way. Was it only an act of k
indness, or was it something else? His fingers gripped the plate, and he refused to even visit the notion that this was more than a doctor watching out for his patient.
Cory still stood by her side. She smiled again and grasped the plate with the cookies and punch. With one hand she spread a napkin across her lap and held the plate in the other. Then she rested the plate on the napkin, still holding the edge. “These cookies are the ones Aunt Mae made this morning.” She glanced up at Cory. “I saw you try to snitch a few and Aunt Mae rap your knuckles. Nobody can get away with that, not even you, Deputy Muldoon.”
Elliot cut in. “That reminds me of a time when Aunt Maggie swatted me with a wooden spoon when I swiped my finger through the frosting she was putting on a cake. Best to stay away from cooks until they offer their goods.”
Abigail giggled at that. “I guess we’re never too old for a little punishment. Right, Cory?” She bit into a cookie then offered one to Elliot.
“No, thank you. I’m still full from Aunt Maggie’s dinner.” He stood in silence for a few minutes. No stream of conversation came to his mind.
Cory leaned over and said, “Whenever you get tired of sitting, I’ll be here to help you with the crutches. And let me know when you’re ready to go home. I’ll be ready whenever you are.”
As Elliot watched Miss Monroe smile up at Cory, he winced. Coming here was a stupid idea. He should have known Cory would take up her attention.
When Miss Monroe turned again to him, he nodded shortly. “I see that you’re in good hands, so if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.”
He turned and strode across the room and to the door. He wouldn’t make this mistake again. Abigail Monroe was not worth a broken heart. He was sure of it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
ABIGAIL LEANED ON her crutches to observe the hustle and bustle of people looking at books. After a week of supervising others in getting books shelved, today, the first Saturday of September, the library had officially opened, and patrons came in a steady stream to browse and sign up for library permits. Aunt Mabel had come into town with Sarah to help with the opening, and she now answered questions with great delight. Abigail couldn’t help but smile at the plump gray-haired woman who once held court in Boston society and now conversed at ease with the citizens of Porterfield.
All the shelved books bore the proper labels and were ready for checking out. Abigail hobbled over to the library desk, where Sarah issued library permits.
“Thank you for sitting in for me while I went to have my ankle checked. The doctor said by tomorrow I should be able to put my weight on it, and for that I am very grateful.” She pulled up a chair and sat down.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Sarah glanced up from her work. “Did you see Elliot or Doc Jensen?”
“Both were there, but Elliot did the exam. He sure is a quiet young man. He’s hardly talked to me at all except to give me directions on taking care of my ankle, and even though he brought me refreshments at the social, he barely spoke to me.” His lack of interest in anything but her injury bruised her ego since she’d never had trouble attracting young men before. At Brighton Academy and again in Boston they’d paid notice to her, and Charles Wentworth had even courted her. But apparently she didn’t much interest this young doctor.
Sarah handed a form to a man and his wife. “He doesn’t talk much when I go in to see his uncle for my monthly checkups for the baby either. Ma Muldoon says my going seems a waste of time to her. She never had the doctor for any of hers until time for their birthing. However, I rather like the idea of having a doctor keep a close eye on how this little one develops.” She walked around the counter to the railing. “I see Donavan out there waiting for me, so I suppose he wants to get back to the ranch.”
“I really appreciate your coming in and giving me a hand today. It’s been a big load off my mind.” Without the help of her friends, today could have been a disaster with her not being able to get around very well. As it was, the opening ran smoothly without anyone complaining about waiting for anything.
Sarah walked toward the door and waved at a young man who approached the desk where Abigail sat. He leaned on the counter and rolled the brim of his hat in his hands. He looked familiar, and dimples winked when he smiled. “Miss Monroe, you do make a pretty picture as a librarian.”
Heat rose in Abigail’s cheeks. “Thank you. May I help you with something?” He was the first young man to approach her in such a way, but something about his eyes reminded her of someone. Had she seen him in town before today?
He shoved his hat back on his head then quickly removed it again. “Sorry, Ma always said not to wear my hat indoors.” He gulped, and his Adam’s apple moved up and down. “I’m thinking about gettin’ one of them library permits and check me out some books.”
“Very well; here’s the application and a pen. Just fill it out and return it to me. Are you from in town?” Maybe he’d give her a clue as to why he seemed familiar. She handed him the paper and hoped he’d be able to read it.
“No, ma’am. I’m out at the Muldoon ranch. I heard about this here place and decided to look at some books. I used to love reading, but I haven’t had much time for it lately.” He moved to the side to fill out the form. That explained it. He must have been at the ranch when she went there for dinner that first night. He fit in with the ranchers and cowboys she’d met so far. Not much in the way of society here. Everyone seemed to be cut from the same cloth. The only ones she’d seen that anywhere resembled those back home were Mr. Fuller, the bank president, the two doctors, and Mayor Tate. Also, Daniel and Nathan wore suits most of the time, but all the other men appeared in denim trousers and cotton shirts and wide-brimmed hats like the young man before her.
She glanced down at her ruffled shirtwaist and the green and black plaid taffeta skirt she now wore. Perhaps these were a bit dressed up for today when most of the women wore simple solid-color sturdy skirts and either a top matching the skirt or a white shirtwaist, but this was a special occasion, and she wanted to look her best.
The young cowboy returned with his application. She raised her eyebrows at the very neat handwriting for each space. “This looks very good. If you want to check out a book, browse around until you find what you want, and I’ll write it on your checkout sheet here.” Where had he learned to write so clearly? Most young men she knew had atrocious handwriting.
He smiled and headed over to the history section. She shook her head. That’s the last place she would have picked for his interests. She straightened up the stack of sheets already filled out and placed the new one in its proper place in the alphabet. James A. Lowell; such an unusual name for a cowboy. It sounded more like a poet or writer. Surely the others didn’t call him James, maybe Jimmy, but it was probably more like Slim, Buck, or even Dusty. Well, it was none of her concern.
Abigail sighed and reached down to rub her ankle. Though not as sore, it still gave a twinge of pain every now and then.
James Lowell returned to check out a book about the Revolutionary War. “It’s nice to see young people interested in history.” She wrote the name of the book and author on his permit sheet.
His cheeks burned red. “Yes, ma’am. I enjoy reading about how those men got together and set up a government that gives everyone their rights.” He clasped the book to his chest and scurried out of the building.
Aunt Mabel ushered a young couple out the door. Abigail recognized Allen and Penelope Dawes from church. Kate told her Penelope was one of those mail-order brides like Suzanne Cahoon. The two ladies arrived in town at the same time and married the men who sent for them. It was a strange way for a man and woman to get acquainted and marry. She’d have to know a man through more than letters before she’d even consider courting, much less marriage.
Aunt Mabel dusted her hands together. “Well, I think we’ll probably have a quiet spell here for a while. Anything you need me to do?”
“No, but how are you going to get back out to Sarah’s place? Dona
van’s already picked her up.”
“Cory said he had some business with his brother and would take me out there when he goes.” She ambled over to pull up a chair and sit beside Abigail. “You know, he’s a right handsome young man with that curly red hair and greenish eyes like Kate’s.”
“Yes, he is, and I enjoyed being with him at the social last week.”
“He’s not exactly from our social standing and probably not what your parents have in mind for your future, but he does have a way about him.”
She agreed on all counts, but what could one expect in cowboy and farmer country? “You’ve seen how he is with his nephews. They dote on him and look at him like he was their hero. I’m not sure he sees me as anything more than one of the family.”
“Well, it seems to me that the young doctor is more to your standing. He’s from a city and knows more of the ways of society.”
“That may be, Aunt Mabel, but neither he nor Cory are interested in me like that.”
“Then they’re both blind as bats if they don’t take notice of a pretty thing like you. Don’t worry about either of them, though. If the right man is here, you’ll know it soon enough.”
“Thank you. I just hope I do recognize it when it happens.”
She glanced at her watch. Miss Miller planned to stop by with her list of books for Abigail to order for her older students. Yesterday Eloise Perth had given her a list of books for the younger children and set up a time for them to visit when the books arrived. Soon the shelves would be full of books children of all ages could enjoy.
Aunt Mabel stood and stretched her arms above her chubby body. “Gotta kink in my back and need to stretch.” She moved her shoulders around and rotated her neck a few times. “Aah, that feels better.” She sat back down. “Now, as I was saying—”
“Pardon us, Miss Monroe, but we’d like to apply for a library permit.”
Abigail breathed a sigh of relief, thankful she didn’t have to listen to a lecture on love from Aunt Mabel. Much as she loved the woman, she had heard the love story of Aunt Mabel and her Franklin numerous times already.
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