by Bonnie Leon
“They probably just want to speak to Daniel about cattle or some such,” Willa said.
“If you’re here about that last payment, you needn’t have come all the way out ’ere. I always pay my debts. And I’ll pay this one. It’s just delayed a bit. I’ve got to take a mob of cattle south for sale before I can pay Mr. Marshal.”
Jack moved his horse in close to Daniel. “Don’t think ya understood when ya signed those papers. Mr. Marshal frowns on late payments. Money’s due when it’s due. No later.”
“Right, I agree. But a bloke’s got to have a bit of room now and again. Money doesn’t just fly in on a schedule, not ’round ’ere, anyway.”
“We don’t care how the money comes in, just so long as it does.” Luke gave Daniel a malicious grin.
Daniel knew he was in trouble. “I don’t have the money.”
“Get it.” Jack nudged his hat down slightly in front. “Mr. Marshal will be right annoyed if we come back without it. His words to us: ‘Don’t care how ya get it. Just get it.’”
“Tell him I’ll have some of it in a few weeks. A bloke’s buying a couple of horses from me.”
“We’re ’ere t’day.” Ruthless pleasure touched Jack’s eyes.
Daniel lifted his hat and ran his fingers into his hair. Where would he get any money? “I have a bit in the bank. But . . .”
“Get it,” Jack said.
“Right. I’ll do that . . . tomorrow.”
“T’day. We’ll go along ta see that ya take care of it.”
“I don’t have enough to cover all the payment. I’m just getting back on my feet.”
“We’ll take what ya got. And I don’t care ’bout yer feet.” Jack looked at Luke. “Ya think we ought ta give him a bit of time on the rest?”
“What do people say? Can’t get blood out of a turnip? Might like to try.” Luke snickered and then turned a hard stare on Daniel. “When will you have it?”
“Two or three weeks.”
“What is it, two or three?” Luke asked.
Daniel felt his anger rise. He didn’t care who these blokes thought they were. They weren’t bullying him. “I’ll let you know when I get it,” Daniel snapped.
In a flash, Luke lifted his foot and thrust the heel of it square in Daniel’s face. Daniel reeled back. Covering his bleeding nose with his hand, he stared at the man who’d kicked him. He wanted to drag him off his horse and teach him a lesson in manners.
“When I ask ya a question, I expect a civil answer.” Luke grinned. “Two weeks. We want a payment in two weeks.”
With a canvas bag draped over one shoulder and balancing an armload of slates, Rebecca ducked beneath the tent flap and walked into the temporary schoolroom. The barn was finished, and Daniel had gone back to work on the house; perhaps a proper school could be next.
A breeze billowed the sides of the tent, and Rebecca shivered. I best not ask him. He’s already fretting over expenditures. She remembered the men who’d come to Douloo and roughed up Daniel. Did their visit have anything to do with money troubles? She cringed inwardly at the memory of Daniel’s poor bruised face and injured nose. He hadn’t told her what the men had wanted or why they’d hurt him, but every time she thought of them, she felt afraid.
She looked across the room to one of the station’s roustabouts. He was setting up a blackboard on a wooden easel. Thank goodness for the school. It had provided a welcome distraction. A blackboard will be such a help.
“That’s perfect,” Rebecca said. “When Mr. O’Brien offered us the board, I was dumbfounded. He said he wanted to help.”
“Is that the bloke who owns the mercantile?”
“Yes. He’s a fine man.”
“Roight nice board,” the young black man said.
“It’s a blessing. It will make teaching much easier.” She glanced down at the new slates she’d purchased. “He may have taken a risk giving us the blackboard. I guess there are some people who would rather we didn’t have a school here for the aborigines.”
“Could be trouble. But I’m glad yer doin’ it.” The man smiled, and his face softened, making him look almost handsome.
“I’ve seen you about the last several days. You’re new here, right?”
“Yais. Hired on a coupla weeks ago. Glad ta be ’ere. Heard this is a roight fine place ta work.”
“I’m glad that’s the word in the district. It’s nice to know people hold us in high regard.” Rebecca set the slates and the bag containing chalk, pencils, and papers on the desk.
“First school I ever saw in a tent. Looks nice though.”
“Thank you. I’ll be glad when the permanent schoolroom is built. But for now this will do.” She noticed two fuzzy-headed youngsters peering in the doorway. “Good day,” she said.
With a giggle, the children dashed out of sight.
“I’m not sure the students’ parents are in favor of my teaching their children.”
“Don’t know the people ’ere well, so I couldn’t say, mum.” The young man was quiet a moment, then asked, “Will ya let someone like me come ta yer school?”
“Anyone who is interested in learning is welcome. Do you read?”
“No. But I was thinkin’ ’bout it.”
“You may join us if you like. We start at nine o’clock.”
“Thank ya, mum. I’ll try ta be ’ere. Got plenty of work ta do, so I don’t know that I can come all the time.”
“Whenever you can attend will be fine.”
“Thank ya.”
“Can you tell me your name?”
“Koora, mum.” He smiled, and his dark eyes warmed. “Be roight fine ta learn readin’. Can ya teach me how ta write me name?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good, then.” He turned and walked to the door.
Just as he started out the doorway, Callie walked in, and the two nearly collided. They looked at each other but didn’t speak. With a slight nod, Koora continued on his way.
“Who was that?” Callie asked, walking to the chalkboard. “Don’t remember seein’ ’im ’round the place.”
“He’s new, but you must have seen him. He’s been working for us a couple of weeks now. His name is Koora.”
“A drover?”
“No. I don’t think so. He said he wanted to come to school, and drovers are out and about too much.”
Callie’s eyes moved to the doorway.
“He’s rather handsome, don’t you think?”
The servant’s dark face flushed. She shrugged. “Fine, I guess.” She rested her hand on the cool surface of the blackboard and then traced a finger across it. “Never seen this before.”
“Mr. O’Brien gave it to us.”
“Roight nice of him.”
The tent flap opened, and Daniel stepped inside. He didn’t look happy. “I was told you needed more benches.” He surveyed the room. “Looks like you’ve got plenty.”
“I was hoping for a couple more. It seems every day there are new children.” Rebecca could still see a bit of bruising along Daniel’s cheek and beneath his left eye. She fought the urge to touch his face. Daniel had been very brusque about the whole business and had refused to speak of it.
“The children won’t care about having benches. The ground will suit them fine.”
Rebecca leveled a reproving look at her husband. “If it was you, would you prefer sitting on the ground or having a bench to sit on?”
“Right. Well, we have a few benches ’round the place. S’pose I could get some from a couple of the cottages.”
“I don’t want to take them from the help. Couldn’t you make some?”
“Yeah, but not today. I’ll just look ’round and borrow some for tomorrow, and then I’ll have two made up later in the week.” He offered Rebecca a halfhearted smile.
She could feel Daniel’s annoyance. “I know this gives you more work, but it’s not much, really, and this school is a proper endeavor that will make a difference in the children’s lives.”
Rebecca moved to him and placed a hand on his chest. “Please don’t be annoyed with me.”
“I’m not.” He half grinned. “Well a bit, maybe. There’s a lot of work to be done without adding to it.” He glanced about the room. “Looks like a proper schoolhouse.”
“It does, doesn’t it? I’m quite happy with it. It’s served me and the children well.” She motioned toward the blackboard. “And look what we have now.”
Daniel looked at the board but didn’t seem impressed.
“It’s from Mr. O’Brien. He’s been very kind.”
“Right. He’s a good bloke.” He stared at the board. “Never liked school much.” He grinned. “Mum said as a lad I was more interested in riding and swimming rather than studying my lessons.”
“She’s been a wonderful help to me. And Callie has helped some. She’s making progress with the parents. If only she can reach more of them.”
“And what about that new fella? I saw him leave a few minutes ago.”
“Koora?”
“I heard some talk about him wanting to take part in your school?”
“Yes. He said he’d like to attend. Would you mind?”
Daniel looked displeased. “He’s got a job to do.”
“Of course. But he said he’d only come when he’s finished his duties.”
“He seems like a fine bloke. Works hard and does a good job. I don’t care if he joins your class as long as it doesn’t get in the way of his responsibilities.” Daniel picked up a reader lying on the desk and thumbed through it. “You know, for generations the blacks have done right well for themselves . . . without books.”
“I don’t know what you think right well is, but it doesn’t appear as if they’ve done well at all.”
“They’re happy enough.” He set the book back on the desk.
“Having an education will be good for them.” Rebecca could feel her anger flare.
Daniel crossed his arms over his chest. “S’pose you’re right. Well, I better get to those benches.” He left without another word.
Feeling deflated, Rebecca watched as he walked toward the barn. “It seemed he’d be just as happy if there were no school.”
Callie picked up a broom and started sweeping the dirt floor. “He’s got a lot ta think ’bout, mum. Seems the school is more a bother roight now. Shoulda waited, eh?”
“You’re probably right. Rebuilding has been an enormous weight on him. But if I’d held off too long, it would mean waiting until after the baby is born. And I was afraid that delaying would mean there’d never actually be a school.”
“Yer never one ta let things go, mum. Ya would ’ave seen that it was taken care of.” Callie grinned. “I’ll see if Mrs. Thornton needs anything more done before we start.” She strode outside and toward the house.
Rebecca tidied her desk and then picked up a piece of chalk and moved to the small blackboard, where she proceeded to write the date and the day’s assignment. She was careful to make her lettering just so. When she’d finished, she stepped back and looked at her work. The white, perfectly slanted lettering looked nice on the black surface, but as she studied it, she realized how pointless it was to write out instructions. The children couldn’t read script yet. She started to erase what she’d written and then thought better of it. It will be good for them to see the words.
She set the chalk on the rim of the blackboard and turned and looked at the room. It was organized, spotless, and ready for students. She pulled her shawl more tightly about her. It was cold in spite of the wood stove. She opened the door of the stove and peered inside. A fire flickered but needed more tinder. She picked up two pieces of wood and set them in the flames.
“Rebecca?” Cambria, Rebecca’s closest friend, pushed open the door flap and stepped inside. Her eyes inspected the room. “It’s quite nice. You’ve done a lot since I was here last. Now it looks like a real schoolhouse.” Her blue eyes were bright.
“It is at that.” Rebecca moved to Cambria and embraced her. “How good to see you. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been wanting ta come by, but ya know how things are—there’s always work and more work. Never much time for socializing.”
“I’ve heard you find time for Jim.” Rebecca smiled.
“Yais. I suppose I do.” Her cheeks turned pink. “I want ya ta be the first ta know. Jim and I are engaged ta be married.”
“How wonderful! I’m thrilled for you. When is the wedding?”
“Don’t know quite yet. He’s looking for a piece of land so he can build us a house. Says he’s not about ta let a wife of his live in a cabin owned by someone else, even if it is a Thornton cabin.”
“I hope he finds something soon. Of course, we’ll miss having him here. Will he continue to work for us, or do you plan to run your own stock?”
“He’d like ta have his own, but that’s going ta be a tough one ta manage. It takes money. He has some savings, but we don’t know if it will be enough.”
“Jim’s a fine drover and has a good head on his shoulders. He knows the business. Perhaps Daniel would consider selling him a piece of Douloo.” The moment the words were out of her mouth, Rebecca knew it was an outlandish idea. She remembered the time she’d suggested selling off a portion of the station. Daniel’s response had been immediate and harsh. He’d never let any of Douloo go. “Now that I think on it, I don’t believe that’s likely.”
“Course not. And anyway, Jim and I want our own station.”
“I hope you’ll be close to us. That way we can continue to ride together and visit often.”
“Yais. Wouldn’t want it ta be otherwise.” She settled an affectionate gaze on Rebecca. “I was hoping ya’d stand up with me . . . when we get married. Yer me closest friend.”
“I’d be honored.” Rebecca hugged Cambria. “How exciting. I’m so happy for you. Jim’s a good man.” She grinned. “However, I do recall that our first meeting wasn’t exactly friendly. He was quite angry with me for moving here.”
“He told me he didn’t know ya then, and he thought ya were just another Yank with dreams muddling yer brain. He didn’t expect ya ta make a go of it.”
“Well, I have.” Again Rebecca felt the stir of excitement over her latest project. “And now life is quite thrilling—the school and your getting married.” She glanced at her rounded abdomen. “Another baby. There’s so much happening.”
Cambria scanned the room again. “This is grand, really. Even if it’s just a tent. I dare say, you’re doing a fine thing by teaching the children.” She walked to the blackboard and picked up the piece of chalk Rebecca had left on the bottom rim. She wrote out “Cambria Keller” and then stepped back to look at the name. “I quite like that.” She smiled. “It’s fine, eh?”
“Yes. It is.”
“I’ll be happy the day my name becomes Keller. But I may have a long wait yet.” She returned the chalk to the board.
“Most likely not.” Rebecca draped an arm over Cambria’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “It’s all in God’s hands anyway. And his timing is perfect.”
“True enough.” Cambria moved to the desk and picked up a book of basic grammar. “I’d like ta help if ya need me.”
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be needing assistance, especially after the baby’s born.”
“Are ya feeling well?”
“Yes. Just getting anxious for her arrival.”
“Her?” Cambria smiled. “I hope yer right. Douloo could use more females.” She set down the book. “’Round town there’s talk ’bout the school.”
“I know. I’ve been told.” Rebecca sighed with exasperation. “I’m not going to worry about it. Each time something new comes along, everyone seems to have something to say.”
“I figure folks will get used ta the idea.”
“I hope I’m up to it all. Sometimes I feel as if I’m doing nothing except filling time.” She wiped a smudge off the blackboard. “The children don’t always seem happy to be here.�
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Cambria smiled. “Right. Don’t ya remember how it was? There were lots of days I’d rather have been out riding or fishing or doing just ’bout anything other than lessons.”
“Yes. I do remember. There were times when I couldn’t think about anything but riding.”
Two girls Rebecca had never seen before walked into the tent. Their hands clasped, they stood and stared at Cambria and Rebecca. Finally the taller of the two said, “We’re ’ere for the school.”
“Welcome. It’s so good to have you,” Rebecca smiled, hoping to set their nerves at ease. “You can sit right over there.” She nodded at a bench in the front.
The children moved quietly to the places indicated and sat. The smaller of the two was tiny, and her legs dangled above the floor, so she swung them back and forth.
“Where are you girls from?” Rebecca asked.
“We from the McCleary place, mum,” the older girl said. “Heard ’bout the school and was hopin’ ta learn.”
“That’s fine. I’m very happy to have you.”
“Can’t stay,” Cambria said. “Just wanted ta give ya the news. Hope ya have a fine day.” She moved toward the door. “See ya later in the week, then.”
Callie walked into the schoolroom just as two boys jumped up on one of the benches. As if competing with each other, they leaped from one bench to the next, landing between other students. When the larger lad shoved the smaller one, they dropped to the floor and fought over who was the stronger of the two.
“Stop! Stop that!” Rebecca hollered, trying unsuccessfully to step between the two. “Please. Stop this.” The boys kept going after each other.
Callie walked up to them, grabbed each by an ear, and yanked them apart.
“Ah!” one of them cried.
“That’s enough of that! Ya straighten up roight now. This is no place for mischief. Yer ’ere ta learn.” She let them loose. “Behave yerselves now.”
The lads stared at her, then returned to their seats.
“Ya tell Mrs. Thornton yer sorry.”
“Sorry, mum,” both youngsters mumbled.
“Thank goodness you showed up. I’ve been having difficulty with those two. They’re brothers, and it seems they started their squabbling while on the way here this morning.” Rebecca folded her arms over her chest and studied the boys. “They’re bright and very good students, but sometimes they have too much vigor.” She smiled.