by Caryl McAdoo
“Oh. I see.” She stifled a hoot. Wouldn't do for some unladylike gaff to spoil the moment. “I suppose your proposition is worth a try.” She patted his hand. “Please don't think me unkind, but . . . well . . . you see, I did not have a caustic mother, and for me, it would be lovely if she could fall in love and move to Chicago.” She giggled.
His laughter was like birds singing to her eyes. She loved it. “Melody Parker, that isn't very Christ-like.”
“I know, but how can I help it? I've lived with her eighteen years.” A belly laugh erupted and he joined in. “When can you come to supper? Best talk to Lucy about all this. She's the closest thing I have to a parent now.”
“Saturday afternoon, I give the boys half a day off. I could be there by one-thirty, two at the latest.”
“Good. You can help me. Unless another storm comes, we'll be chopping cotton. Sure will be proud when it canopies, and those dreadful weeds and grass stop growing.”
“I'd love to, almost as much as I love you, sweet lady. I hate it, but I can't linger now. I've got three rooms full of boys who need my attention.”
“I understand. We'll be right here whenever you can spare us any time, kind sir. And as thrilled as I am, I can hardly believe you love me . . . me!” She squealed. Harmony jumped up and clapped.
“Oh, and speaking of reading lips, I meant to warn you, you and your sisters best start watching what you say around her—especially things you don't want her to know. She's already picking it up. Noticed her watching me then Jessie's face during his interpreting at the service Sunday. Smart as the little one is . . .”
“She is, isn't she? I know you can't know the difference you've made in her life, to our family . . .” A tear trickled down her cheek.
Her emotions, like a chameleon's colors, were all over the place. “But baby girl is a whole different child. I'd love you just for that. Skedaddle now. I know you've got responsibilities.”
Backing out of the room, he never took his eyes from hers, filled his lungs, then vanished.
Oh, how she wanted to run after him! Drag him to Preacher then never leave his side again. Alas, not the way things were done.
Prim and proper dictated an engagement, then gathering everyone at the church building to witness the exchange of vows. How would that work? Him not being able to talk in front of everyone?
Maybe he could if she was there. He talked properly in front of Harmony.
She hugged herself. He loved her! And what a miracle! He could sure talk perfectly with her.
Praise the Lord!
Could life be any better?
Chapter Six
O
nce Zeke dismissed his charges to see to their chores or scramble on home, he joined Melody in the parlor. She jumped to her feet and extended a hand.
He took it then she stretched a good half inch, maybe even went onto tippy-toes. All he had to do was bend at the waist a little, and his lips would be exactly right. He gazed into her eyes, but moved no closer.
She licked her lips. “Well?”
“Well what?”
“Aren't you going to kiss me?”
He shook his head then glanced at baby girl. Melody backed a step then faced her niece. The little darling still sat at the table, grinning at her aunt so big her sweet face might crack in two.
She patted her chest, made two fists, thumbs pointing up indicating a question, then pointed at her and Zeke.
“Yes, my darling girl. We love you, too.” While saying it aloud, she signed with her hands.
He did the same. “Here.” His sweetheart took a folded piece of paper and held toward her. “Give this to Servilia. It's a letter of introduction and my cousin's address.”
“Do you hate him?”
“Heavens no, Rupert is . . .” Zeke smiled. “Let's leave it at I think he's exactly what your sister needs.”
Who could fathom any man needing her sister. “How far away is Chicago?”
“A ways, over six hundred miles, but if they want to meet one day, perhaps she could come with us to Saint Joseph?”
“Where's that? And why are we going there?”
“In Missouri, close to halfway. And why I want to go is a long story I shall not go into at this time for if my ears don't deceive me, your sister just turned down our lane.”
Stepping to the window, Melody confirmed his hearing. Two mules she'd know anywhere surefooted their way toward the house.
“You could hear them?”
She stepped back toward him, squelching the desire to throw herself into his arms, though the inclination was almost more than she could bear. She refrained and remained prim and proper, keeping her distance.
“Yes, ma'am. Seems the Lord loosened my ears when He tied my tongue.”
“You have no idea how it blesses my heart.” She smiled. “That you can talk to me.”
“Mine, too. I have none of that nasty concern of most young men over if what they feel is real love. God has clearly shown me you're to be my wife.”
He reached, took her hand, and looked into her eyes. “My partner for life.” She didn't know how long he stood there, gazing into the windows of her soul, but it could never be long enough. Still . . . he broke the gaze.
“We best get you and Harmony ready.”
“What about my kiss? It only seems right to me that we should seal our declaration of love.”
He closed his eyes, his lips moved like he prayed. “Let's wait. I'd like our first kiss to be after we're married.” He peeked. “My parents waited and had a wonderful life together.”
How could she argue with that? The man was so perfect. His abiding love for God, easily ascertained.
Extending her hand, she bowed slightly in submission. “Very well, Mister Sheffield, we will wait. But may we agree that we'll not have an extended engagement?”
He nodded then waved her outside with a toss of his head. “Hopefully, we can settle everything Saturday.”
Unlike her niece, Melody couldn't very well throw herself into Zeke’s arms and get twirled around, no matter how much she'd love to. Nor could she hug him so tight it'd take a pry bar to wrench her free.
But as he did with Harmony, he'd just tickle her ribs until she let go squealing with delight. What an excellent father he would be. She wanted to give him a son first, especially since she'd always wanted a big brother.
Then a baby girl to call his own to spoil. That's what. Another son or four to help in the fields, or would her man-plants preach the good news instead, like their father?
Her future unfolded before her mind's eye, and proved utterly grand. The stuff dreams were made of, and she would share it with Ezekiel Sheffield one day soon.
Melody Sheffield. She loved the way her new name—well, almost—sounded.
If only Papa had lived to walk her down the aisle, and her dear mother. A stray thought nicked her excitement. What would she wear? Mama's dress . . . well, it'd be a bit too snug. Maybe if she starved herself until the wedding, she could wiggle into it.
“What are you brooding about?”
“Oh, sorry. Nothing.” She focused then looked over her shoulder to wave. The mules were a quarter of a mile away from the school, but Zeke still stood out in front. She stood and with great exaggeration, waved with several two-hundred-fifty-degree swings.
“For Heaven's sake, Mel, sit yourself down and stop making a fool of yourself. My gracious!”
Why did her sister's tone always have to be so sharp? She looked at Servilia.
“Never you mind.” She thought about not putting Zeke's cousin through it, no matter what he said, but decided he probably knew best.
“I've got something for you. A letter of introduction. To Rupert, Zeke's cousin. He thinks you two would be perfect for each other and thought you might write.” She pulled the missive from her skirt pocket.
“Oh, he does, does he? Where is this cousin of his? And what does he do? Have you met him?”
“No, but he's a teacher�
�a professor to be more exact—at the University of Chicago.”
A rather unladylike, even for Vili, snort sounded. “Lot of good that would do me! It's like a thousand miles away.”
“Zeke said six hundred, but we're . . .” Her and her big mouth. Why had she said anything at all? The ungrateful . . .
No, even in her head, she shouldn't call names. She'd always heard God made someone for everyone. Servilia deserved to be happy, to be loved, and Chicago was a great place for that to happen!
“What were you going to say? Who's the 'we' in 'we're and precisely what are the two of you going to do? Or is there more?”
“Had I wanted you to know, I wouldn't have stopped mid-sentence. So never you mind again! Do you want the man's address and Zeke's letter of introduction, or not?”
“Have you read it?”
“I have not. Why would I? It's yours. Why would I read it? Oh wait, I know. Because if it was mine and you had ahold of it, reading it would be the first thing you did. Am I right? That's why you suspect me. You think I'm going to act the way you would. I'm right. I know I am. Might as well admit it.”
Silently, she held her hand out flat, palm up.
Melody slapped the envelope in to it. Of course, she received no thank you of any kind. Instead, Vili dropped the reins into Melody's lap, stood, then climbed over the seat into the back of the wagon.
Servilia unfolded the letter, glanced up to make sure prying eyes pointed in a direction they belonged, then began to read.
Dear Rupert,
I have found three roses here in DeKalb Texas, the Parker sisters, all God fearing Methodists. Any of them would make a man proud to wife, but upon meeting and getting to know the middle young lady, I thought the two of you should meet. I'm not exactly sure of her age.
Of course, a gentleman doesn't ask such a question. But the bloom of youth is still on this most attractive flower. No. That's too mild a word for Servilia Parker. Beautiful more accurately describes her appearance.
She puts me in mind of Aunt Esther. If you both are
of like mind, I'm planning a trip to Saint Joseph during
harvest break. Perhaps you could meet us there for a
more formal introduction.
My love and blessings, your cousin Ezekiel
She folded the letter along its creases then held it to her heart. He thinks I'm beautiful. She wallowed in the word he'd put in his missive, then reality broke her heart.
Though he thought she was beautiful, he was trying to fob her off on his cousin! What nefarious scheme had he and Mel hatched?
With Lucy engaged to Draper . . . were they plotting to be rid of her so . . . no, that couldn't be it. Gone or not, a third of the homeplace belonged to her.
Tears threatened, but she blinked them away. Tucking the letter away, she climbed back into her seat, but didn't take the reins or look at her younger sister. “So what kind of deal have you and Mister Sheffield brokered?”
“None. Why would you think there's any kind of deal? Zeke just thinks you and his cousin would get along. There's nothing more to it.”
“Well, let me put it plain and simple. Has Zeke Sheffield asked you to marry him?”
Melody had wanted to wait, wanted the same celebration Lucy'd gotten, but . . .
“He has, hasn't he? Tell the truth! You little schemer! That's the reason you were almost blubbering. I'm right, aren't I?” She grabbed the reins and slapped the mules' rumps. “Well, little sis, you can forget that. It'll never happen! I forbid it.”
“You can't! Do you think I care what you say? You are not my mother! And even if Lucy says no, I'm still going to marry him. I'm grown and neither of you can stop anything. It's my life, and I decide. I will marry him. We love each other.”
“Oh, grown are you? Don't be ridiculous! You're a child, Melody! And love each other? What a farse! You've known him—what—a month? Seen him a handful of times? Don't even pretend you're in love!”
“But Servilia—”
“You're not even old enough to know what love is! Lucy gets engaged, so you think you have to. Well, forget it! You aren't marrying anyone! For certain not that stuttering freak.”
The slow burn inside had grown to a full-blown rage. Who did Servilia think she was? Melody wanted to slap her nasty-mouthed sister into next week, but she'd given her word, and Harmony sat between them.
Probably reading her aunt's lips. Poor little thing, getting a gut full of her vicious aunt's venom. It would never do for baby girl to see her favorite auntie act like some ruffian.
“I love you, Servilia Parker, but it would be best if you shut your hateful mouth.”
“Oh? What are you going to do about it, you fat cow? Oh, gracious me! Is that it? Have you and him—”
“Servilia! Don't you dare say anything like that. Mercy! How could you even think such a thing? Much less say it aloud! And especially in front of the baby?”
“Pshaw! That dumb little . . . she doesn't understand anything!”
“Yes. She does! Zeke said she's picked up lip-reading. All on her own, too. That's how smart she is!” Melody looked away over a field of corn and laughed, a nervous, forced, tension-relieving chuckle. “And oh, by the way, he read your lips yesterday when you called him a freak.”
“Ha! You're such a liar. You're making that up! It isn't possible.”
“That's what you think, but you couldn't be more wrong! He's the one who said it, yet he still thinks you'd be perfect for his cousin. That's the part I just don't get.”
“Oh, he's probably an ugly old coot with one foot in the grave! What kind of name is Rupert? His mother must have been retarded! Your Mister Perfect is only trying to get rid of me, so you can steal my inheritance!”
“Mercy! Do you always have to be so sour and ugly, Servilia? I didn't ask the man's age, but if I was you, I'd definitely write him. Isn't like you have men lined up seeking your nasty hand.
Even though she hated the words pouring out of her mouth, she remained powerless to stop them.
“And it isn't likely any one of them in the Red River Valley is apt to either! Everyone knows how mean and bitter you are. No one in a hundred miles would ask you to marry!”
Her bottom lip quivered, and she glared. Almost as if . . . like . . . she might cry.
Oh, mercy! Who was being cruel then? “I'm sorry, Vili. That was a terrible thing to say. I didn't mean it! There's probably hundreds—if not thousands—of men who would marry you.”
She sniffled. “Then where are they? I'm twenty years old, and no man has ever even . . .” Tears raced down her cheeks.
How she hated herself for saying such a thing! Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. That's what the Word said. She didn't want that ugliness in her heart.
Then and there, she repented and asked God's forgiveness and for Him to help her. She wrapped an arm around her sister.
“I'm truly sorry. You haven't met the right one yet. Will you please forgive me? Two wrongs never make a right. It's just . . . I love this baby girl so much.” Melody lifted Harmony into her lap and hugged her tight.
Poor Servilia. Perhaps she'd misjudged her.
“I really think you ought to write to Zeke's cousin. He says that he's brilliant, but socially awkward. And you don't have a shy bone in your body. You could help him, bring him out of himself maybe. Write to him, won't you? Then after we get the cotton in, you can go with us to Saint Joseph. It's in Missouri.”
“You'd do that?”
“Of course I would. We're sisters, aren't we?” Love filled her newly worked-over heart. “And dear Servilia, I know we've fought like cats and dogs our whole lives, but I love you.”
“You do? Really?”
“Yes. Oh yes, of course I do. I'm sorry you didn't know that.”
For the last few furlongs, her older sister leaned her head on Melody's shoulder.
Wow, Vili had never done that before. For as long as she could remember, she'd never even touched her un
less fighting.
Could there have really been a change in her heart, too?
If so, what a wonderful day!
At first Lucy thought there been a fight, but didn't notice any cuts or bruises, no torn dresses, then again, the pair usually didn't come to fisticuffs right in front of Harmony. Still, something strange was going on. Even after a big brawl, they were never this subdued. She held her peace until after supper dishes.
“So, what happened today? What's gotten into you two?”
Servilia glanced at Melody then grinned. “Our baby sister has news.”
The youngest beamed. “Well, I told him he better come talk to you, but Zeke asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
What, how could that be? Swallowing came hard, and she needed to before she could get one word past that lump in her throat. “Baby, are you sure about this? You've only known him a few weeks.”
“Yes, but from the first I've loved him. I never said anything on account I wanted him to marry you. Well, I didn't really, but I knew how much Harmony loved him and you needed a husband.”
“Melody Parker. What were you thinking?”
“Then you got engaged to Mister Earl, so then he was free to marry me, but I never ever thought he would love me, but he does. He loves me.”
“Did he say the words.”
“Yes, ma'am. He sure did.”
Before that day, Melody had been playing matchmaker between her and the school teacher all right. “So me getting engaged to Earl brought this on? Did Zeke know when he asked you?”
“No, ma'am. Well, maybe some, but . . . you accepted his proposal, and . . . I thought Harmony would be heartsick if Zeke wasn't her daddy, but seems like she'll be just fine with him as an uncle.”
“Did she say that?”
Baby girl jumped up and ran to her, clapping all the way. She went to spelling almost faster than Lucy could follow. 'Uncle Zeke!'”
Melody chuckled. “He says we're going to need to watch what we say around her now. She's taught herself how to read lips.”