“Of course.”
She directed him to turn around and they went back toward town. Her childhood home wasn’t too far away from Basswood Hill, and they were soon on the street where she had grown up.
“My mother was able to keep the house,” Lucy said with a sigh. “But she had to sell almost everything of value to hold on to it.”
“I’m sorry about your loss.” He glanced at her and recognized the sadness in her countenance. “I lost both my parents at the same time. They died in a carriage accident.”
“Truly?” She looked at him, concern wedging her brows together. “What happened?”
He was quiet for a moment as he thought back to that horrible day. He rarely spoke about the accident, but he sensed she was someone he could trust with his darkest memory. “They liked to ride together on Saturday evenings, just the two of them. I was home with my sister, Jessie. I was fifteen at the time. A constable came to tell us there had been an accident. My father often raced with a neighbor and his wife when they were out. That night, my father’s horse spooked and became tangled with the neighbor’s horse, causing both buggies to overturn. Neither couple survived.”
She put her hand on his arm. “How horrible, Eli. Doesn’t their death make you afraid to drive so fast?”
He loved the feel of her touch and hated when she pulled away. “On the contrary. I believe automobiles will be much safer.” He wanted her to understand. He rarely shared the reason behind his passion with anyone. “That’s why I’m working hard to improve them. A horse is easily spooked and unpredictable. An automobile can be controlled at all times.”
She nodded slowly, as if she understood his reasoning—and perhaps she did.
“Their deaths were the hardest thing I’ve ever endured,” he continued. “I want to use it for good.”
They were both quiet for a few moments.
“That’s my home.” She pointed to a large Victorian house. It was set off from the street, with similar houses on either side. A wide front porch, deep gables, and bay windows completed its charm. It looked nothing like the humble home Eli had grown up in, but it wasn’t as fine as the Walker or Alexander mansions, either.
“I phoned my mama and told her we might be coming.”
Eli pulled up to the curb and three young girls rushed out of the house. All of them had the same ginger-colored hair as Lucy, and looked remarkably similar to their oldest sister. They stood on the porch and waved, but none ventured toward the automobile.
“Three sisters?”
“Four. My sister Margaret is inside.” She smiled sadly. “She’d be out here with the rest of them, but she can’t walk.”
“Is she a baby?”
Lucy shook her head. “She’s fifteen. She broke her legs a few months ago, and they didn’t heal properly.”
Eli turned off the engine and stepped out of the Duryea to help Lucy. “Will she ever walk again?”
“Only if she has surgery, but it’s very expensive, and Mama doesn’t have the money.”
An older woman appeared at the door and stood with the girls.
Lucy walked up to the house and Eli followed behind. She kissed each of her sisters and then embraced her mother.
Mrs. Taylor hugged her daughter tight, and then she pulled back to place her hands on either side of Lucy’s face. “My girl. You look well.”
“I feel well.”
“Good.” Mrs. Taylor looked to Eli, her brown eyes taking him in. “And this is Mr. Boyer?”
“Yes. Eli, this is my mama.”
Eli shook Mrs. Taylor’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Mrs. Taylor squeezed his hand and held it a moment longer than he expected. “Welcome to our home.”
Her touch was warm and affectionate and she made him feel comfortable with a simple smile.
A knock at a window made Eli turn. He saw an older girl smiling and waving inside the house.
“Margaret!” Lucy grabbed Eli’s hand and tugged him to the front door. “Will you come and meet Margaret?”
He didn’t know if she realized she was holding his hand—but he didn’t mind. He enjoyed seeing her with her family. “Of course.”
She pulled him through the front door, across a wide foyer, and into a cozy sitting room.
“Lucy!” Margaret reached out to her sister from her chair.
Lucy went to her and hugged her, then bent down and looked her in the eyes. “Would you like to go for a drive?”
Margaret looked up at Eli, a bit bashful, and nodded. She reminded Eli so much of Lucy, it was uncanny. He’d never met a family that looked so much alike. “May I?” she asked.
“It would be my pleasure,” he said.
Lucy glanced from her sister back to Eli. “Would you mind carrying her to the automobile?”
Margaret’s cheeks turned pink and she lowered her eyes, clearly embarrassed by her need for help. She was so young, with her life yet to be lived. It was a travesty that she could not walk.
“Of course.” He went to Margaret and lifted her out of her chair. She weighed practically nothing.
He carried her out to his automobile and set her inside. Her eyes lit up as she looked around the Duryea.
“Can you show me how to start the automobile?” Lucy asked.
Eli nodded and brought her to the back of the vehicle. “I can tell you’re close to your family,” he said as he inserted the crank into the hole.
“Yes. It’s been very hard since Papa died.”
Eli glanced at Lucy’s mother and sisters as they stood near Margaret, exclaiming over the automobile.
Lucy put her hand on Eli’s arm and made him pause.
“You’ve probably guessed why I’m competing during the community picnic.” She looked up at him as she whispered. “If I win, I plan to use the money to pay for Margaret’s surgery—but I don’t want her to know yet. I wouldn’t want to get her hopes up. If she could walk, she could work and help Mama with expenses. As it is, she feels so helpless and dependent.” Lucy’s countenance grew heavy. “I just hope I win.”
Eli’s chest felt heavy and the day suddenly took on a dark pall. If Lucy’s team won, her sister would walk again. If his team won, her sister would be forced to remain in her chair.
Could he win the race, and the rest of the team still lose the competition? That would be ideal. But would it play out that way? He prayed they would all get what they needed, though he was well aware that they might all fail to reach their goals.
The evening before the community picnic, Lucy finally found time to practice her shooting and archery. Mrs. Walker had given her the night off, and Mr. Walker had set up a shooting range near the barn, complete with bow and arrows, as well as a pistol with ammunition. She had been practicing for an hour, but she wasn’t quite ready to go inside.
Eli was at the fairgrounds with the Duryea making last-minute preparations for the picnic and she expected him home any minute. She didn’t want him to think she was waiting for him, so she lingered near the target, pulling out her arrows with deliberate care, and watched the driveway for any sign of the handsome footman.
A low rumble filled the air and she glanced up at the sky, aware of the storm clouds building in the west.
Everything was still. There were no squirrels jumping through the basswood trees, no birds twittering from the branches, and no ducks splashing on the Mississippi. A wall of dark clouds appeared on the horizon and lightning jumped within the thunderclouds, promising a wild storm. If Eli didn’t return soon, she’d be forced to go inside without seeing him. The very thought filled her with disappointment.
She heard the putter of the Duryea before she glimpsed it, and she smiled, despite the sudden nerves jumping inside. After four weeks at Basswood Hill, she had grown to care for Eli more than she realized possible. Ever since he’d taken her out in the Duryea, there had been a quiet bond between them. Mama and the girls had loved him, and every time she called or went home for a visit, they asked ab
out him and the automobile. He hadn’t taken her out driving again, but she’d relived that day in her mind and heart several times since then.
He appeared at the top of the hill and turned the vehicle toward the barn. She pretended not to notice and took her arrows back to the line she’d drawn in the dirt. With practiced ease, she put the arrow on the bowstring and aimed it at the target.
With a ping, she let the arrow go. It hit to the right of her intended mark.
Eli pulled the Duryea up to the barn and turned off the engine. “I imagine you think you’re going to beat me tomorrow.”
She grinned without even looking at him and placed another arrow on her bowstring. “I know I’m going to beat you. You haven’t even practiced.”
He sauntered over to where she stood and she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Joy settled deep within her heart at the sight of his smile. Just knowing he was near made her mood lighten.
A crack of thunder reverberated through the air and they both looked up. Lucy prayed the storm would pass quickly and things would dry up before the picnic in the morning.
“If we have enough time before the storm breaks, would it be possible to give the competition a quick lesson?” He stopped beside her, and she had no desire to move away.
“It would be quite magnanimous to offer a lesson.” She gave him her full attention and realized he was even closer than she thought. Her breath caught as she came face to face with him.
His smile slowly gave way to a deeper, more serious look—one that turned her stomach of nerves into a chorus of warmth running up and down her body.
“Here.” She swallowed and handed over the bow and arrow. “Why don’t you start by showing me your form?”
He placed his hand over hers on the bow and she thought she might melt from the pure pleasure of his touch. She forced herself to let go and then stepped back to allow him to get into position.
Eli put the arrow in place and lifted the bow, pulling back on the string. “Like this?”
“No.” She stepped up to him, putting her arms around him from behind to show him how to stand properly. He was much taller than she was, and much broader, but she was able to reach his hands.
His shoulders stiffened and his breath became shallow as she placed her hands over his. “Like this,” she said quietly, and moved his hands until they were positioned correctly.
“Lucy.” He said her name gently, yet there was depth and meaning in his voice.
He lowered his hands and turned until he was face to face with her again.
Rain began to fall, yet neither moved or said a word.
The air was cool on her wet skin and she began to tremble, but all she could think about was how much bluer his eyes were with the gray sky overhead.
Did he feel what she was feeling? If the answer was yes, she shouldn’t let it continue, though she couldn’t force herself to step away, either.
“You’re cold.” He took off his coat and placed it around her shoulders. “Let me get you inside.”
He took her hand and they sprinted along the bottom of Basswood Hill. Rain fell through the leaves and mixed with the soil, making the air full with the earthy smells of summer. A set of steps rose from the bottom of the hill to the back door of the Walker mansion. Eli brought her up the steps and onto the back screened porch facing the river.
If Mrs. Walker or one of the other staff caught them holding hands, she would surely be rebuked—if not let go. She should release her hold—yet she couldn’t.
His coat was warm and smelled of the cologne he wore. She wanted to stay nestled in it, but she needed to hand it over before someone saw her. She finally did what she knew she must, and pulled away. “You’ll want your coat.”
He watched her, not saying a word, and took it when she handed it to him.
They looked at one another for a moment and then she let out a sad sigh. “Eli.”
“Don’t say it, Lucy.”
“I must.”
He shook his head. “Let’s leave things as they are. I want to always remember you just as you are in this moment.”
In the month she’d known him, she’d grown to admire him more than she had ever admired anyone. She’d never met someone with such deep and passionate dedication. He was thoughtful, hardworking, and highly respected. He didn’t feel the need to impress anyone or put on airs, and that was something she was coming to appreciate more and more. He had told her about his desire to manufacture automobiles and she was excited to see where it would take him. He was the kind of man who drew others to him because of his quiet confidence and vision, her especially.
The rain continued to fall, growing stronger by the moment, and still he did not leave. She didn’t ask him to because the truth was that she didn’t want him to go yet.
She walked to the screen and allowed the cool rain to blow against her warm face. If he didn’t want her to say what she felt she must, then they’d be reduced to mere pleasantries. “I hope the rain doesn’t interfere with tomorrow’s plans. Will you race if it’s raining?”
He was quiet for a moment and then he walked over and stood beside her. “We’ll have to see what the conditions are like before I decide.”
They watched the rain for a little while and then Eli spoke again. “Regardless of how things turn out tomorrow, I want you to know that I hope Margaret can have the surgery.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help you make it happen.” He gently took her hand. “You have my word, Lucy.”
Tears stung her eyes and she squeezed his hand. “I appreciate your offer very much.”
He lifted his free hand to wipe a tear off her cheek. “You’re a good sister. I could see how much your family loves you.”
She wanted to lean into his touch. “I love them, too.”
“What you’re doing for them is admirable.”
“I’m only doing what I can.”
He caressed her face with his gaze and took a step closer to her.
Suddenly, the desire to feel his lips upon hers was so strong, and so swift, she gasped. He must leave. Now. Because if he kissed her, she was afraid she’d want another kiss and another, and soon she’d want more. A home, a family, a future—things she had denied herself when she’d agreed to take the job with Mrs. Walker. If she married, she would have to leave her job, and her mother would have no income. She couldn’t very well ask Eli to support her mother and four sisters, especially when he’d also be let go.
Lucy took a step back and pulled away from his grasp. “I think you should leave, Eli.”
He stood for a moment, so many questions in his beautiful eyes. “Good night, Lucy. I wish you all the best tomorrow.”
“You too.”
He put his hat on and left the porch.
Lucy watched him walk through the rain, down the hill, and back to the barn where he started the Duryea and drove it into the building.
She leaned against the porch rail and tried not to cry. It wouldn’t pay. As the oldest daughter, it was her job to provide for her family. She didn’t have the luxury of falling in love.
Chapter Six
Late the next morning, Lucy stood at the fairgrounds and watched the last raincloud drift toward the east. It had poured all night and into the early morning hours. Mud oozed under her feet and puddles gathered in all the low places, making a mess for those who had gathered for the picnic.
The sound of laughter mingled with conversation as hundreds of people milled about the fairgrounds, not letting the weather deter them. Humidity lingered in the air and the sun promised to bring warmth to the earth again—but would it dry the roads in time for the race?
Several competitions had already been completed, including her shooting. She had earned the highest points that day, pushing her team into the lead. Soon she would have to compete in the archery contest and she would have to face Eli again. She hadn’t seen him since he left the porch the night before, an
d she was nervous that things would be awkward between them.
“Next up is the archery contest,” Mr. Walker called from his platform on the grandstand stage. A thousand people could fill the stands, but only two hundred or so had come to watch. Other contests and events continued throughout the fairgrounds, drawing spectators to one booth or the other. Children waited in line for balloons, a lemonade stand was surrounded by young and old alike, and spectators cheered as a baseball game wrapped up in a nearby field.
“Good luck, Lucy.” Mama kissed her cheek. “You’ll win this one, too.”
Mrs. Walker sat nearby and she offered Lucy an encouraging grin.
Eli appeared in the crowd and walked toward the stage. They met at the bottom of the stairs and he stopped to allow her to go up first.
“Hello,” he said.
“Hello.”
The tension she feared was not there. Thankfully, he acted as if nothing had passed between them, which was what she had hoped.
Lucy walked up the steps and joined Mr. Walker, Eli beside her.
“Playing for the Walker team is Miss Lucy Taylor.” Mr. Walker indicated Lucy and she waved at the crowd. They clapped and cheered, many having seen her win the sharpshooting competition already.
“Playing for the Alexander team is Mr. Elijah Boyer.” Again, the crowd cheered, and Eli waved.
“Please take your places,” Mr. Walker said as he indicated the line where they would stand. “You will each be given three arrows. The archer with the best cumulative score will win the points for their team.”
Lucy took a deep breath and picked up her bow and arrow. Eli did the same, working silently beside her.
They went to the line and Eli gave her a slight bow. “Ladies first.”
She straightened her shoulders and put her arrow on the string. Her hands shook slightly and she forced herself not to look at the crowd. It was hard enough to perform in front of an audience, but with Eli standing so close, it was almost impossible to concentrate on the target.
With as much grace and focus as she could muster, she lifted the bow and pulled back on the string. After a moment’s hesitation, she let the arrow fly. It landed on the right edge of the bull’s-eye.
Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection Page 60