by Danni Roan
“What’s this?” The excited, accented tones of Rupert’s voice carried on the breeze.
“It’s a pot pie,” Priscila Adams replied. “See it has two crusts and then chicken and vegetables inside.”
Rebecca smiled, glancing at the two young people, their heads nearly buried in a large picnic basket. She wondered for a moment what Sara would have to say, but lost herself once more in thought as she continued.
Chapter 12
The sound of voices echoed along the boardwalk in cheerful strains and children’s laughter.
Rebecca moved quickly to the kitchen, stoked the fire and set the kettle on, along with the large enamel coffee pot.
“Guests.” She smiled, tidying her hair, and headed for the front door just as it opened to giggles.
“Ms. Polly!” Rebecca exclaimed, smiling, and looked at the four children who had gathered around the older woman’s skirts.
“Becky, it’s good ta see ya,” George offered, stepping through the door and closing it behind him. “We brung a surprise.” He grinned, his dark eyes flashing.
“Say hello, children,” Polly prompted with a wink. “This is Ms. Rebecca Carol and she works here with us.”
“Hello,” four small voices chimed politely.
“Won’t you come into the kitchen,” Rebecca offered. “I’ve got the kettle on and I pulled a loaf of blueberry bread from the oven a moment ago.”
“Sounds good,” George answered. “Polly, you and the youngin’s go on and I’ll bring the bags.”
“Hang your things up and go wash your hands upstairs,” Polly said to the children as she followed Rebecca to the far end of the house. “Everything looks fine around here,” she said, gazing into the parlor on the way down the hall.
“We’ve had no problems keeping up with the work and have had few guests,” Rebecca replied, moving to the shelf and pulling down the tea things. “You sit down and tell me all about your trip,” she added as Polly reached for an apron.
“I’ll feel like a guest in my own house,” Polly chided, but slipped into a chair as the sound of little feet could be heard on the stairs.
“You’ve been traveling,” Rebecca said, placing the teapot on the table along with serving wear and the still warm loaf of rich quick bread. “I know how that feels and with children as well, you must be tired.”
Polly Esther smiled, her blue eyes twinkling. “I’m thrilled to have them grandbabies here for a spell but oh my, they are hard to keep busy on a train.”
Rebecca ducked her head toward the hall as the door opened again and caught a glimpse of George, a bag in each hand, starting for the stairs.
“How’s everything been?” Polly asked, pouring tea into a cup and savoring the flavor.
“We had a bit of excitement this weekend when Billy Stanley fell ill, but he’s pulling through just fine.”
The sound of children’s laughter and running feet preceded the four rambunctious youths into the kitchen, where they scrambled up to the table, offering their hands for inspection by their grandmother.
“Mimi,” the littlest one said, “I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry, Jeremy,” a girl of about nine spoke. “I’m Beth, by the way,” she smiled at Rebecca.
“Pleased to meet you, Beth,” the young housekeeper said.
“I’m Chris,” the youngest spoke, “and I’m four.” He indicated four fingers on a pudgy hand.
“Eat your bread, Christopher,” Polly said, placing a plate in front of him.
“These other two are Clyde and Amy,” Beth spoke again. “Say hello, you two,” she scowled at her siblings.
“Hello,” Clyde said around a bite of the warm bread.
“Clyde,” Amy glared at her brother. “You shouldn’t speak with your mouth full.”
The boy merely shrugged, causing her to roll her eyes. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Carol,” the girl said, picking her teacup up delicately.
“I got the bags in the rooms,” George called, clomping into the kitchen. “It sure is nice to be home.” He grinned around him. “What’s for tea?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows and making the children giggle.
“It is always nice to get home, isn’t it,” Polly agreed, patting George on the knee. “We had a wonderful time though, and when we suggested the children come along for the Easter holidays, their parents were thrilled.”
“O’ course they were, it’ll be like a break for ‘em,” George mock grumbled, looking at the children, “but I reckon we’ll get along alright if they don’t eat up all the treats around here.”
All four children giggled at the gruff voice he used, but continued eating their blueberry bread happily.
The sound of a horse in the backyard drew everyone’s attention and a moment later Sara burst through the door. “Polly, George!” she exclaimed, running to each and hugging them tight. “I didn’t know you’d be home yet.” Her green eyes sparkled with delight.
“We thought we’d bring the kiddies home for a visit and give their folks a rest,” George said.
“You’re timing is perfect,” Sara continued with a smile at the children. “I came from the house and it’s ready!”
“Children, this excitable little filly is Sara Dixon.” George leaned over the table, making eye contact with each of his grandchildren. “What she’s goin’ on about is her new house.”
“Congratulations,” Amy offered politely. “Have you been staying here all this time with Pap and Mimi?”
“No dear,” Sara said. “My husband Rafe and I have only been staying here while your grandparents have been away. Before that, we lived with my father-in-law.”
“When I get married,” Beth spoke up, “I’m going to live in a big fancy house with electric everything and a shiny porcelain bathroom.”
“Who’d wanna marry you?” Clyde barked, then squealed as Amy pinched him.
“You kiddies pipe down now,” George spoke, “I wanna know what Sara has to say.”
“I just came from the place.” Sara smiled, “Rafe and some of the men are finishing up the trim work and the plumbing, then it will be all ours.”
“What about furniture and such?” Polly asked. “Do you have things to start out with?”
“We’ll take Rafe’s old things from his father’s house, and I have enough kitchen wears and linens to get started.”
“There’s a fella over to Tipton that sells some nice furnishings,” George said. “Maybe you two should take a ride that way sometime.”
“Thank you, George,” Sara replied. “Now if you’ll all excuse me, I think I’d better get packed. I think Rafe and I’ll head home tonight now that you’re here. There’s so much to do.” She flounced to her feet with a wide smile.
“I’ll look forward to seeing you around, children,” she added, practically skipping down the hall.
“She seems nice,” Beth commented.
“Can we go play now?” Clyde asked, stuffing the last bit of bread into his mouth.
“You sure can, but don’t go scaring the chickens,” George said. “We’ll see you for lunch.” He grinned at Polly and Rebecca. “You two women can have a nice chat while I go have a look around,” he said, placing a sweet kiss on his wife’s cheek.
“About lunch, Polly,” Rebecca looked at her apologetically, “I can make something special if you’d like, but at all I have is chicken and dumplings right now.”
“Is there plenty?” Polly asked practically.
“Yes, Sara made it when we were frying chicken for Sunday.”
“I’m sure that will be fine.” Polly smiled. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m due for a nice hot bath to wash this soot off.” She winked a bright blue eye encouragingly. “We’ll catch up soon.”
Rebecca smiled at the change of events. The house seemed more homey again, more like a place of residence than a job. There was just something about Polly Esther to make a body feel at home.
Quietly she busied herself in the ki
tchen, cleaning up the remnants of the snack and setting the pot of chicken and dumplings on the stove.
Checking the heat of the cook stove, she also decided to whip up a gingerbread for dessert, confident that the children and George would be pleased to have something sweet.
She gazed out the window at the children chasing each other in the sunlight and thought of Billy, her heart stuttering. Closing her eyes for a moment, she lifted a prayer of thanks that the boy would be alright.
“You alright?” a gruff male voice asked making her turn.
“Grady, you do sneak up on a woman,” she gasped, laying a hand to her throat but smiling at the same time.
“It keeps the students on their toes.” He grinned. “How are you feeling? Not too tired are you?” He stepped close, gazing into her eyes.
“No, I’m not too tired,” she replied, meeting his gaze and wondering what he was thinking.
“I’d like to talk some more if we could,” Grady’s voice was a quiet whisper, “about things.”
Rebecca dropped her gaze; perhaps sharing her thoughts with someone she trusted would help. It seemed like ever since arriving in this little town, her world view had been topsy-turvey.
“Oh, Grady,” Polly’s voice cut through the silence. “What are you doing here? Come for lunch?”
“Welcome back, Ms. Polly,” Grady greeted. “No, I was just checking in on our resident hero.”
“Hero?” Polly asked, looking between them.
“Yes, didn’t Rebecca tell you? She saved Billy Stanley’s life.” Grady’s eyes shone with pride as he pushed Rebecca in front of him.
“She told me he was ill but not that. What happened?”
“He had croup,” Rebecca replied, a soft blush infusing her cheeks.
“That can be a bad one,” Polly nodded. “Don’t see it so much these days, but it can be deadly.”
“Rebecca knew just what to do,” Grady said encouragingly. “She stayed up all night with my little buddy, nursing him through the worst of it.”
Polly Esther Olson reached out a hand, taking Rebecca’s fidgeting fingers. “You must have been brought to us for just such a time as this,” she offered.
“I’m glad I could be useful.”
“I’d best get back to school,” Grady said with a grin. “It’s a might more quiet there today, with the Stanley boys all at home.” He winked at Polly, who laughed.
“Well, don’t expect that to last, especially since I brought a passel of my grandchildren along with me.”
By supper that night, the boarding house was hopping. A late train had arrived and several passengers had decided to stay the night. This combined with the busy children and the town’s people stopping by to welcome George and Polly home made for an interesting night.
As night fell and the stars came out, weary guests and tired children made their way to bed and Rebecca swiped the last few dishes and placed them on the shelf.
She was surprised how much she enjoyed the simple daily chores, how she appreciated the quiet of the night.
“It’s an awful nice night to be cooped up inside,” George said, making his way to the coffee pot on the stove. “Shame you being shut in here with us old folks.”
Rebecca smiled. “I’m fine, George.”
“I know,” George postulated, as if she had not spoken at all. “Why don’t you get Grady and go for a walk? That man sits a marking up them papers too much if you ask me. It ain’t good for a fella.”
“George, did I hear my name?” Grady asked, walking into the kitchen, cup in hand.
“You sure did. I was just telling Rebecca how you should take her for a walk. You both spend too much time inside, it ain’t healthy like.”
Grady smiled, his warm eyes falling on Rebecca. “It is rather a nice night,” he agreed. “I don’t suppose a little fresh air would hurt.”
“Alright,” Rebecca agreed, as both George and Grady looked at her. “I’ll go.”
A few moments later Rebecca wrapped her arm through Grady’s and started down the boardwalk of the town.
A few riders ambled by on their cowponies headed home or out on the night watch, and the quiet sound of a piano tinkled into the night.
“George is right, it’s a nice night,” Grady commented, moving along the darkened street.
“Looks like someone’s still at the Grist Mill, though,” Rebecca commented, skirting the issue she badly wanted to discuss.
“I believe Rupert lives above the shop, perhaps he’s preparing something special for tomorrow.”
“Do they actually do much business?” Rebecca looked at Grady and her eyes lingered on his face.
“I believe they do. Plenty of folk from the train stop and grab a quick meal while the locomotive is fueled.”
“Of course, I should have realized.” She smiled.
“I hope you don’t mind me saying this,” Grady offered, “but moonlight becomes you.”
Rebecca blushed despite herself.
“Have you thought anymore about, well about what I said?” he finally asked.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I even spoke to Pastor Dalton,” she replied, surprised when he chuckled.
“You did, did you?”
“Yes,” Rebecca spoke shortly.
“I’m not laughing at you,” Grady placed his hand over hers, letting the warmth sink through him. “It’s just that I spoke to Pastor Dalton, too.”
Rebecca’s smile dazzled, her eyes shining with laughter even in the dim light. “I see,” she said, “and what did he say?”
Grady furrowed his brows. “He told me he’d get back to me and sent me away.”
“You aren’t serious?”
“I am.”
Rebecca laughed again and Grady knew that he’d already lost his heart. If only Rebecca could accept herself as the strong, woman he knew her to be.
“What did the good pastor say to you?” he asked pointedly, his thumb absently stroking her hand.
“He told me to read Romans 8,” Rebecca replied.
“And did you?” Grady asked, coming to a stop at the end of the boardwalk.
“Yes.”
“What did you learn?”
“That I am a recipient of grace and that nothing I do can earn favor with God.”
Turning, Grady looked into her eyes as he pulled her hands into his. “Yes?” he prompted gently.
“It seems too easy,” she said, shaking her head. “I know we’re saved by grace, but we need to work, to be useful.”
“But you are useful.”
“Working as a housekeeper? Anyone can do that.”
“Yes, anyone can do that, but if we do all things to his glory, isn’t’ that enough?”
Rebecca rubbed her brow with her hand, her eyes troubled, and Grady could not resist the urge to push a lock of hair behind her ear.
“Rebecca, God puts us where he wants us, when he wants us, for a reason.” His dark eyes were barely visible in the dim light. “He only wants our love and then he’ll do the rest. Any service done with an open heart is right.”
Pulling away from him, Rebecca turned her back and looked into the darkness. “Then why did I get sick? Why did I have to come home?” She dropped her head. “I didn’t have enough faith to carry me through.”
Gently placing his hands on her shoulders, he turned her around to face him. “Maybe he simply had something different in mind for you.”
“Like what?” She implored, “How can I do something better than that?”
“By doing what your heavenly father wants for you.”
Rebecca gazed into the handsome face that looked at her with such patience as she struggled with the truth. If God was all knowing, then He must have brought her here for a reason.
“You were already on hand to help save Billy,” Grady continued. “Now it’s time to find what comes next.”
“Like what?” Bright tears sparkled in her eyes as acceptance and understanding settled into her heart.
&n
bsp; Grady Gatlin placed a finger under Rebecca’s chin and lifted her face. “I was rather hoping that perhaps He brought you here for me,” he said quietly, letting his lips find hers and brushing them softly with a kiss.
Rebecca raised her arms, wrapping then tightly around Grady’s neck as he broke the kiss, and she settled into his arms.
Rebecca felt her heart tugging toward the man who held her in his embrace. The feel of his breath on her neck, his hands at her back, felt at once strange and familiar.
“You really are a good teacher,” she finally smiled, sniffing back her tears as she pulled away. “I think I understand now.”
Grady wiped a glistening tear from her cheek with his thumb. “I do my best.” His words were gentle.
“I think that’s all any of us are meant to do.” Rebecca smiled.
“We should probably get back,” Grady said, resisting the urge to kiss her again.
Taking his arm, Rebecca turned toward home. “I feel so very free,” she mused as they walked along darkened shops, “and maybe happy too.”
Grady smiled. “I hope I have some part in that,” he commented.
“You do,” she agreed, dropping her eyes shyly.
***
Rebecca snuggled into her warm quilt, a smile playing along lips that still tingled from the brief kiss. How was it possible that she’d had to come to Biders Clump to find her purpose?
She had thought traveling so far away had been the right thing, but she had tried to do it in her own strength. God had other plans for her life and now she hoped that plan included a gentle teacher with a keen mind and a big heart.
“I thought I was doing the right thing,” she spoke into the darkness of her room. A peaceful silence echoed back to her as it settled into her heart.
Chapter 13
“Good morning.” Grady offered, his voice still rough from sleep, as he walked into the kitchen the next morning.
“Good morning,” Rebecca replied brightly, wondering if he would be bold enough to kiss her on the cheek the way Cameron always did with Aquila.
“You seem chipper this morning.”
“I am.” She smiled turning to study him. “I had a truly peaceful night.”