Love's Story

by Christner, Dianne; Billerbeck, Kristin;

  “No, I’m sorry, Dennis. That is incorrect.” The young schoolteacher tried to be gentle now; she had seen that the older boys were more than humiliated, and had had their share of the day’s lessons.

  A child of twelve raised her hand. “I know, I know. Half of anything is fifty percent, so if he got half of what he should have at $12.50, then he should have received twenty-five dollars.”

  “Very good, Michelle.” The children were enjoying themselves immensely, having answered questions that could help their parents and silencing the school bullies at the same time. Rachel had prepared enough questions to keep the children actively involved until recess time. Dennis and Aubrey remained sheepishly at their desks. Rachel momentarily thought about how much Chase would have enjoyed the spirited lesson, but then remembered Mrs. Steele. Chase had probably invited her to Redwood; Rachel thought perhaps she had only been a simple diversion to the handsome mill owner before he made any commitments. If he returned, he would probably be married and a proper father for Henry. The idea pained her and she bent over her desk to lose herself, once again, in her work.

  Chase Dylan bent over a floorboard, hammering a nail with fury. His black trousers were white with board dust and his black hair was colored with pink redwood shavings. The heavy fall rains had never come, and the heat caused the dirt to stick to everything.

  The room additions to the once “bunk style” hotel were almost complete and Chase’s project was ending. Mr. Williams would arrange for professionals to do the finishing work, and Chase could return to Portola to start up his mill due to the lack of inclement weather. The dry winter would be a blessing for his men, who were used to being without work in the winter. Chase was anxious to get back before other mills hired his sawyers out from under him.

  “Chase, I just made some iced tea. Would you care for some? Joseph says I need to practice my serving skills if we’re going to wait on those rich folk from San Francisco.” Mrs. Williams held a silver tray, filled with two crystal glasses and a large pitcher.

  Chase laughed at the scene. “My dear Mrs. Williams, you have such a servant’s heart, you could serve any king or queen.”

  “Oh my, Chase, but you always know what to say. It’s a wonder you’ve managed to remain an eligible bachelor for so long.”

  Chase smiled at the compliment and his blue-green eyes sparkled with merriment.

  “You’re just determined to get me married off, aren’t you? Well, I have news for you. I think I just may be heading in that direction. That is, if a stunning young schoolteacher in Searsville will have me.”

  “Why, you little schemer. You’ve been here for over a month and you haven’t said a word.” Mrs. Williams brought her hands to her hips in mock anger.

  “All I can say is,” Mr. Williams added, “if your intention is to marry that girl, you better get yourself back to Searsville. Ain’t no telling how many sawyers might have laid claim on such a pretty little thing while you’ve been gone.” His genial tone made light of the situation, but Chase knew there was truth in his words.

  “I’m sending Mrs. Williams along behind you. I want her to stay in Searsville while the finishing work is done. She’ll drive those poor carpenters to tears with her instructions.” Mr. Williams smiled amiably at his wife. “That hotel still up and running?”

  “If you think I’d let my Mrs. Williams stay at Eikerenkotters’ Hotel, you don’t know me too well,” Chase said.

  “Now Chase, you know I’m perfectly capable of handling myself in the midst of sawyers.”

  “I know Missus, but I’ve got a better idea. There’s a dry winter widow who could use a little spiritual guidance. I think you two would get along wonderfully, and I have ulterior motives.” Chase winked cryptically, and Mrs. Williams was clearly intrigued.

  After her successful day of teaching loggers’ math, Rachel had a bounce in her step as she approached the general store. She usually had Maria pick up her supplies because of the way Mrs. Davenport treated her, but today she felt especially confident and decided to go it alone.

  The idea seemed like a good one until she spied Gretchen Steele coming out of the store. She had Henry in tow, and Mr. Davenport followed along behind her to her carriage with a large number of packages. Mrs. Davenport pursued the trio outside the store upon seeing Rachel and spoke loudly for her benefit, “Now you enjoy yourselves in Redwood. I hear it’s going to be the peninsula’s San Francisco during the foggy winter months. If you see Mr. Dylan at one of those balls, tell him hello for us.”

  “I’m sure we’ll have many opportunities to do so, Elizabeth. We’ll see you at the wedding when we return.” Gretchen lifted her heavy black skirt into her buggy and reached for Henry when Mr. Davenport handed him up. Gretchen’s hired man finished helping the store owner with the packages and then climbed aboard to take the small family to Redwood.

  “Why, Miss Phillips, I didn’t see you there.” Mrs. Davenport had stepped in front of the doorway, blocking Rachel’s entrance. “Your order hasn’t arrived yet. Is there something else that you need?”

  Rachel reached for Mrs. Davenport’s hands and held them gently. “Why yes, I need quite a few things,” Rachel replied sweetly. She knew she had flustered the woman with her touch and she took the opportunity to casually spin herself into the store.

  Mrs. Davenport remained in the doorway, a look of astonishment on her lined face. Mr. Davenport gave his wife a sideways glance as he passed her, smiling at the teacher’s ingenuity. “Miss Phillips, how nice to see you,” he said.

  “Thank you, Mr. Davenport. It’s been so long since I’ve been here, and I needed to pick out a gift for my mother’s birthday. Do you mind if I browse?”

  “Of course not, make yourself at home. I’ll be in the back; just call when you’re ready.” The proprietor disappeared into the back room and Rachel could feel Mrs. Davenport’s glare boring into her back. Rachel allowed her anger to give her strength, and she walked slowly through the mercantile, eyeing each item methodically and never looking back at Mrs. Davenport.

  Rachel approached the main counter and appreciatively eyed the small collection of jewelry set beneath the glass. Mrs. Davenport walked heavily into the back room and began whispering loudly at her husband. “I don’t want her in here. Don’t you understand? If my friends and our customers see her here, they are going to protest with their purses.”

  “Elizabeth, you’re being ridiculous. No one believes that inane gossip.”

  “Well, you may play the innocent, but…”

  Rachel lost track of the words when she noticed an order book open before her on the glass countertop. In it was a catalogue dress order for Gretchen Steele. Rachel studied the description of the gown, which was a yellow satin with a lace neckline. The thought of Mrs. Steele in attractive attire sent a wave of jealousy through Rachel. She looked up to see if the Davenports had noticed her discovery, but their argument was heated.

  Rachel noted the dress size on the order and once again peered about the empty room. Quickly, she picked up the abandoned pen near the catalog and wrote a “1” before the entered size. She giggled at the mere thought of Gretchen’s dress showing up big as a tent and dropped the pen as though it were on fire.

  It wasn’t long before Mr. Davenport returned and asked if she’d decided. Rachel’s heart was pumping wildly as she managed to calmly reply, “I believe I’ll take this small cameo. Will you have it sent to this address for me? I have a letter to accompany it.”

  “Certainly, Miss Phillips, and thank you for your business.” Mr. Davenport sounded sincere, but his wife watched with crossed arms from the back room.

  A soupy fog enveloped Redwood, but the building and loading on the docks proceeded as usual. Chase had spent his morning in prayer before packing his leather satchel to return home to Portola after a month away. He planned to stop at Robert’s place on the way home to inquire after Rachel. The thought made his heart ache to see her.

  Mrs. Williams prepared a lunch for
him to eat on the way and now stood before him in the renovated hotel lobby with tears in her eyes.

  “When I think of all you’ve done for us, Chase… I am forever thankful the Lord brought you into our lives. Joseph couldn’t have done this work in twice the time without you. You’re like a son to us, Chase. You know that, don’t you, dear?”

  Chase placed his large hands over the older woman’s. “I know. And I also knew you’d be there if I needed you. Wipe your eyes, I’m going to see you in a few days. I’ll send word when I have a proper place for you to stay. Then we’ll begin our plan.”

  Joseph walked in and looked at them both warily. “I don’t know what you two are up to, but I don’t like the sound of it.”

  “The sound of what?” A familiar voice jarred Chase and he turned to see Gretchen and Henry Steele in the unfinished lobby. Her full-skirted dress of shiny fabric contrasted sharply with the still-crude skeleton of the hotel.

  After the initial shock of Gretchen’s appearance, Chase immediately focused on Henry. “There’s my boy! Did you see the train yet?” he asked as he playfully tousled the boy’s hair.

  “Not yet, but I heard it from our room at Mrs. Littlejohn’s, and I saw the tracks and the station and I even met a conductor.”

  “A real conductor?” Chase inquired.

  “In a uniform and everything.”

  “Gretchen, this is quite a surprise. Do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Williams?” Chase asked graciously, while his mind searched for a reason she might be in Redwood. He hoped it was not him.

  “Of course, I’d never forget a friend of yours, Mr. Dylan.” Gretchen smiled coyly and extended her hand to the older couple. “You’re not on your way out, are you?” she asked Chase. Noticing her evident disappointment, Chase knew he was indeed the reason she had come to Redwood.

  “I’m afraid so. I’m going back to Portola to restart the mill.”

  “Would you mind if I borrowed Mr. Dylan from you for a moment?” Gretchen said to the Williamses. “Before he leaves, I must discuss some pressing business matters with him. Henry, stay here in the lobby and keep out of trouble.”

  “Yes, Mama.”

  Gretchen lead Chase to a small, sheet-covered sofa in a far corner of the lobby. She sat down first and motioned for him to follow. “I want to talk with you about Miss Phillips and my impression of her. I know you may think this out of place, but hear me out. I’ve noticed you developing a sort of attachment to our schoolteacher, and as your longtime friend… After all, you were best man at Harold’s and my wedding. Due to our long and intimate history together, I feel I must warn you about this young woman’s questionable character. Harold would want me to watch out for you, just as he asked you to care for Henry and me, should anything happen to him.”

  Chase wanted to be livid. But, upon hearing her words, he knew how alone Gretchen would feel if he married, and suddenly his heart softened toward her. There was a time when, playing the chaperone for Gretchen and Harold, the three were inseparable, taking Sunday picnics and afternoon strolls along the bay in Redwood. Looking into her dark eyes, he recalled the sparkling young girl that once held the attention of nearly every man on the peninsula. He remembered with sadness the adoration and worship she had shown to her husband, and the terrible grief when he was gone.

  “Gretchen, I don’t think…”

  “I’m not asking you to make any promises, I just want you to think about what I’ve said.” Gretchen’s pleading eyes were convincing.

  “Very well, Gretchen. Of course I will.” Chase decided immediately that, out of respect for Gretchen’s feelings, he would not go by Robert’s on the way home. Rather, he would bide his time and wait for the right moment to ease the blow to his best friend’s widow. She was right that they had too much history for him just to put aside her objections. He would continue to pray about the matter.

  Chapter 12

  Rachel, are you certain you want to attend this wedding?” Maria asked with marked concern. “You know we weren’t officially invited, and if you aren’t comfortable…”

  “Maria, the entire church body was invited. Pastor Swayles said so at service last week; you told me so yourself. Besides, Veronica invited me personally, and I am the reason they’re getting married in the first place.”

  “Rachel, I think you may be going to this wedding with the wrong intentions.”

  “I have not been invited to even one social event since my first week here in Searsville, and that was a horrible sewing circle. I want to meet people, the parents of my students; I want to explore Searsville.” Rachel’s arms danced as she spoke. “This is the perfect opportunity, and I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.” Rachel smiled mischievously and walked toward her room to dress.

  Undaunted, Maria followed her. “I appreciate your wanting to mix socially with our neighbors, but I am concerned about your heart. I know what you did with Mrs. Steele’s dress order.”

  Rachel’s eyes popped open wide with surprise. “But, how—”

  “I walked in when you did it. I left before you saw me, and didn’t tell anyone because I was afraid of what might happen if you were caught. But I’ve never been comfortable with my decision. Rachel, I can’t continue to cover for you; my conscience won’t allow me to do it any longer. Pastor Swayles often asks why you haven’t been in church, and Seth is beginning to ask as well. I know you don’t want to let him down. Please, Rachel, I’m begging you; pray about your feelings.”

  “Maria, please don’t upset yourself and the baby. I’ll work on it, I promise.”

  Maria nodded through her tears and left the room. Rachel opened her closet and began to dress for Searsville’s big event.

  After fastening the last button, Rachel studied her reflection in the small mirror above her dresser. She approved of what she saw. The rosepetal pink, long-sleeved gown that Marshall had purchased for her was magnificent. Coordinating fabric buttons lined the fitted bodice, and an elegant white lace collar framed Rachel’s fresh complexion.

  She pinned the forward portions of her hair up with a small silver pin, but left the back cascading in luxurious, auburn curls. Her ivory skin was set aglow by the soft color of the dress, and she gently bit her full lips for the ruby-colored mouth she shared with her paternal grandmother.

  “Pi-tee.” Seth’s tiny head bobbed up and down in approval.

  “Thank you, my love. Would you like to escort me to the wedding?” Again Seth’s head nodded vigorously. “Well, let’s be off then.” Little Seth was dressed in black pants and matching suspenders. Underneath he wore a white, starched shirt that his mother had sewn just for the occasion. Rachel knelt down near the doorframe of the bedroom, fixing his collar. “Oh my, but you are very handsome. I shall be the belle of the ball with you on my arm.” Rachel kissed his plump cheek and was rewarded by a gleeful hug.

  Rachel hoisted Seth up on her hip, reached for his small hand, and danced cheerfully into the sunlit kitchen. Robert and Maria stopped in their tracks and stood, mouths open wide, when they saw Rachel emerge from the darkened hallway. “Oh… it’s breathtaking!” Maria finally said.

  “True, it is that. But do you think it might be a… well, uh… a little too fancy?” Robert stuttered.

  “Rachel, you look lovely,” Maria whispered, silencing her husband.

  “I will hate to see the bride’s face when I escort the two most beautiful women in Searsville to her wedding!” Robert said as he kissed his wife on the forehead. Maria wore a traditional Spanish gown of dark lace with a hint of crimson, which had been let out in order to accommodate the growing baby. “Maria, you are a vision, just like the day I married you.”

  The church was filled to capacity. Recent rains had slowed the work for a few days, bringing sawyers in from each of the surrounding mills. Workmen of all ages had gathered in their best clothes, and they fidgeted in the pine pews of the sanctuary. Pastor Swayles stood at the altar, welcoming the uneasy faces. Mrs. Steele entered on the arm of her youn
g son, dressed in a modest navy skirt with coordinating jacket.

  They seated themselves near the front.

  A murmur arose from the crowd, and Rachel felt all eyes turn toward her as she entered the sanctuary, her quiet steps watched by all. Rachel’s gown of satin rustled as she moved, and her cheeks flushed the same soft pink as her dress. A jealous rage flamed within her as she spotted Gretchen Steele, yet Rachel also felt the envy in the widow’s glare. Things had not worked out well for her in Redwood, and Rachel took pleasure in seeing Gretchen and Henry alone in the pew.

  Mrs. Thorne, seated in the front row of the church for her daughter’s wedding, gave Gretchen a knowing look that Rachel could not help but notice.

  “Ahem!” After Rachel was seated, Pastor Swayles signaled his flock with an obvious cough, and slowly, one by one, the eyes returned to the altar.

  It was several more minutes before the wedding began. Guests continued to fill the sanctuary as the pastor welcomed them. Soon the groom appeared at the end of the aisle; Jeremiah nervously tapped his toe while playing with the chain from his pocket watch. The gathering stood in unison upon the pastor’s signal, and the bride appeared in the foyer on her father’s arm.

  Rachel thought her dress was charming. Its white taffeta skirt, topped by an elegant laced neckline, was the latest style; but sadly, it was nothing compared to the exquisite gown Marshall had purchased for Rachel. Her own gown had obviously been made by a fine dressmaker, not purchased from a mail-order catalogue. Unaware of the earlier commotion, Jeremiah had eyes for only one woman. To her relief, Rachel Phillips went unnoticed by both the bride and the groom.

  Veronica and Jeremiah looked lovingly into one another’s eyes and completed their vows with conviction. After the nuptials, the couple was introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Smith while they beamed at their friends and family seated before them. A reception outside of the church began immediately following the ceremony. Tables overflowed with breads, pies, and special creations the townswomen had been busy preparing all week.