Lois's Risk

by Kimberly Grist

  Lois sliced another piece of the pie. “What makes dessert so comforting?”

  Her mother nodded, then reached for the topping. “There’s something missing, isn’t there?”

  “Yes,” Lois pierced the pastry with her fork. “He’s not Daniel.”

  “What?” A full spoon paused in her mother’s hand. “You’re in love with Daniel?”

  Her mother plopped the cream on top of the remaining pie, then moved it to her plate. “I had no idea. I thought you’d grown tired of him when you moved to town and started your business.”

  Lois studied her hands. “At the time, he shared with me his concern for his sister and niece and how he needed to put them first. I thought things would work out eventually. But I didn’t think he would ignore me entirely. I haven’t even seen him at church.” She sighed. “The reason I accepted Matt’s invitation and allowed him to court me was to help me forget.”

  Lois’s mother reached for the cream. “Daniel has run himself ragged between his farm and taking care of his sister. There was a time when the woman wouldn’t get out of bed. He asked me to call on her. After several weeks, I convinced her to quit thinking about herself and focus on Helen.”

  Lois folded and unfolded her napkin. “Her daughter is in the Sunday School class I teach with Emma. The child ponders everything before she speaks. But when Helen does have something to say, the other girls listen intently. She has the most beautiful brown eyes.” Her eyes are the color of chocolate, so similar to her uncle, and they make my heart melt.

  Taking her spoon, her mother scooped out more whipped topping. “Does Daniel have any idea of your feelings?”

  A large dollop landed on Lois’s plate. “I thought our feelings were mutual. But he never declared his love or asked me to marry him.”

  Lois met her mother’s gaze. Born Susannah Claire, she’d been called Sunny since she was six months old. Her blond hair streaked with white gave her an almost angelic appearance. “First off, you need to have a conversation with both men. If you think Daniel’s avoiding you, seek him out and ask him why. Next, be honest with the banker. Do you think he is in love with you?”

  “Definitely not.” Lois searched her plate for the small portion of pie left under the large pile of topping. “We have developed a good friendship, but it’s certainly not love.”

  Her mother’s blue eyes crinkled and dimples below her rosy cheeks appeared. “Tomorrow the three of us will come up with a plan.”

  “The three of us?” Lois' eyebrows rose.

  Pointing her spoon, her mother answered, “You, me and Amanda.”

  Lois gasped.” Daniel’s sister?”

  Chapter 4

  “The lady of the house should generally take the lead in the conversation unless there are too many present for her to address herself to all. Then she speaks with the different ones in turn, unless she sees them engaged with someone else. She may give special attention for a little while to the latest arrival.”

  Houghton, Walter R. American Etiquette Rules of Politeness

  New York: Standard Publishing House, 1883.

  Lois placed two loaded baskets on the bench of the wagon, gathered her skirts and took her seat next to her mother. “Are you sure about this? Isn’t this too forward, me calling on him?”

  With a sly smile, her mother tied the blue bow of her straw bonnet with a flourish. “Don’t be silly. You and I are visiting a neighbor who has been ill and her daughter whom you teach in Sunday School. We are also bringing lunch. They will be happy to see us.”

  Clucking her tongue to the horses, Lois drove the mile and a half to Daniel’s home. They passed fields of cotton and alfalfa before turning onto the road, which ran parallel to the house. Dozens of haystacks aligned both sides of the pathway giving her the feeling of driving through a tunnel.

  The white house with green shutters showed clean and bright from the morning sun. Lois smiled at the sight of a recently added porch swing. The covered corridor separating the living area from the bedrooms also contained new additions of a table, chairs and two rockers.

  She gathered her skirts, stepped from the wagon, and hurried to the other side to assist her mother. Taking her hands, she spoke softly, “What if he comes into the house while we are here?”

  Her mother landed with a soft thump. “Try to act as though this is nothing out of the ordinary. Be calm. Goodness, your palms are sweaty.”

  Lois reached into her pocket and wiped her hands on a handkerchief. A deep square neckline, a V waistline and a gathered skirt adorned her simple blue floral, calico dress.

  Lines formed over her brow. “What if he doesn’t come in?”

  “Aren’t you a nervous Nellie? Now take a deep breath and follow my lead.” Her mother lifted her skirts with the grace of a queen and stepped onto the porch. “Bring the baskets, and I’ll knock on the door. But for goodness sakes, hurry up.”

  ***

  Sitting at the kitchen table with her mother and Daniel’s sister, Lois placed both hands around her coffee cup and took a sip of the rich brew. Amanda was pleased to see them and had talked almost non-stop for the last hour.

  Lois smiled as she watched eight-year-old Helen, a quiet, miniature version of her mother with light brown hair and eyes the color of chocolate. “Helen is such a wonderful addition to our Sunday School class. She was the first to memorize Psalm 23.” The young girl blushed.

  Amanda beamed. “Unlike me, my daughter has a gift for memorization. She’s been excited about the tea you are going to host after the rest of the girls learn their verse.”

  Helen smiled, displaying several missing teeth. “Miss Lois is going to use her tea set and have cookies, and we are going to play games.”

  “That will be so much fun. I would love to be a part of it. Would it be all right if I come too?” Amanda asked.

  “Of course. We are hoping all the girls will have their verses memorized this week. The tea is scheduled for next Saturday at my shop at 2 o’clock.” Lois leaned toward Helen. “Do you still think the younger girls will be ready by then?”

  Helen wrinkled her nose and nodded. “Sometimes they just need to be given the next word as a reminder. The youngest girls, Sadie and Grace, get nervous. But when it’s just them and me, they can recite the entire verse.”

  “Thanks to my brother and your mother, I am finally feeling more like myself. Tomorrow will be the first time I’ve been to church in a long while.” Amanda squeezed her daughter’s hand.

  Lois’s mother placed her hand over her mouth. “Speaking of your brother, where has the time gone? Will he join us for lunch, or do you take something out in the field to him?”

  Amanda’s eyebrows rose. “You’re right. Where did the time go? Usually, he takes it with him in the morning, but I didn’t have anything ready. I was going to send Helen out with something.”

  “I know how hungry men get when they’re out working. Lois, why don’t you take the basket with the bow, go with Helen and take some sandwiches and lemonade to Daniel? That will give you and him a moment to catch up on things. Amanda and I will sit here and visit a little longer.”

  Helen sprang from her seat and grabbed Lois’s hand. “Come on, Miss Lois. I’ll show you a short cut. It won’t take long at all.”

  Chapter 5

  “Several persons may go together to call upon a common friend, but there should not be a crowd. Not more than two, or at most three persons from the same family should go together.”

  Houghton, Walter R.. American Etiquette Rules of Politeness

  New York: Standard Publishing House, 1883.

  Helen pulled Lois by the hand as they took the well-worn path beside a small stone structure with a Dutch door and a stout chimney. Pointing toward the building, Helen said, ”Uncle Daniel is making the old summer kitchen his creamery and skimming station. He wants to start a dairy farm.”

  Lois tried to take in a deep breath. “Slow down just a little bit, sweetie.”

  Pursing her lips
, Helen nodded. “It’s not much further. He’s usually in the barn this time of day.”

  The large stone barn came into view. From a distance, she could hear the sounds of Daniel’s rich baritone singing, “How Great Thou Art.” Her heart pounded—whether from the restraint of her corset or the thought of seeing him again—she was uncertain.

  Running ahead, Helen called, “Uncle Daniel, look who’s here.”

  Daniel lowered his pitchfork. He pushed his dark brown Stetson to the back of his head. His brows lifted, then burrowed together. Moderate in size, broad shoulders, narrow waist, he was dressed in rugged brown work pants. The sleeves of his dark green gingham shirt were rolled above his elbow. His hair the color of chestnuts, eyes a chocolate brown—he was a polar opposite of the banker and the most handsome man she’d ever seen.

  “We brought you some lunch.” Helen pulled Lois forward. “This is my Sunday School teacher, Miss Lois.”

  Daniel patted the top of his niece’s head. “Miss Lois and I are acquainted. Or at least we used to be.” His penetrating eyes searched hers.

  Lois stared down at her feet, blinking rapidly. Do not cry. She cleared her throat. “How have you been?”

  “Tolerable.” Her heart leaped in her throat when he stepped closer. “You changed your hair.”

  Lois wrapped a finger around a lock framing her face. Inspired by a fashion magazine, she’d cut several strands of her waist-length hair to wear the new style. He must hate it.

  “It looks real pretty.” He raised his hand, then stopped just short of touching a curl.

  Helen pulled on her lip and stared at her uncle and then grabbed Lois’s hand. “Let me show you where we eat. Come on, Uncle Daniel.”

  Lois followed Helen on a path to a small table with benches beside a cypress tree. As Daniel washed at the pump, she unpacked the basket. Her mouth twitched when she found enough cups, plates, and food for the three of them. You forgot to tell me about this part of the plan, Mama.

  Straightening her shoulders, she asked. “Is it all right if we join you?”

  Daniel offered a slow smile. “Now how could I say no after you’ve gone to so much trouble.”

  After filling each plate, she took a seat beside Helen. The little girl was beaming and asked, “Can I say the blessing?”

  Daniel nodded, then took off his hat.

  Lois took in a few deep breaths. Be calm. Just tell him you’ve missed him.

  Helen’s feet swung and she chatted happily, explaining every detail of her Sunday School class’s upcoming tea. “It’s just for girls though, Uncle Daniel.”

  Daniel’s head bent toward his niece. He responded encouragingly. The heat rose from Lois’ neck to her cheeks when his eyes met hers.

  Minutes later, Lois glanced at her heart-shaped pendant watch, then began packing to leave. ”I expect my mother is wondering where we are. I’d best get her home so we can start dinner.”

  Helen skipped ahead toward the house. Daniel tipped his hat. “Thank you for lunch and for all you’ve done for Helen. I’ve not seen her this happy since her father passed away.”

  Lois watched Helen spin in circles. “She’s a precious little girl. It’s clear she adores you.”

  Their gazes met, his eyes darkened.

  Lois averted his eyes. “I should go.”

  His hand brushed against hers as he took the hamper. “Let me carry that back to the house for you.”

  Chapter 6

  “Home may be the brightest place on earth, or it may be the gloomiest. To make it the grandest of all institutions —to make it the one place ever dear to the heart, should be the ambition alike of parents and children. While all can contribute to its joy and happiness, there is no concealing the fact that it is pre-eminently the kingdom of woman. It is hers to embellish it, to make it tasteful and cozy. If a woman rules and directs this little kingdom to the comfort and blessedness of her family, she has done what God intended in giving her to be the ‘help-meet’ of man.”

  Houghton, Walter R. American Etiquette Rules of Politeness

  New York: Standard Publishing House, 1883.

  Standing in her mother’s bright yellow kitchen, Lois spooned the gravy over the bite-sized roasted beef tips, seasoned to perfection. Her mouth watered as she slid the pan onto the wood-burning stove. “Mama, this is another one of my favorite dishes. The marinade you use adds to the flavor and makes the meat so tender.”

  Her mother sat in the center of the room at the large, dark walnut work table. The kitchen was designed with a wide aisle between the stove, sink and work area, allowing multiple cooks to work together amicably without getting in each other's way.

  “It’s one of my preferred recipes too. Not only because it’s delicious but because it’s simple.” She patted the chair beside her. “Come and sit. We need to discuss the next steps.”

  Lois laughed. “You could have knocked me over with a feather when I unpacked the picnic basket. Why didn’t you tell me you planned for me to eat lunch with Daniel? I’m afraid to find out what else you have in mind.”

  Moving a tray of cookies to the side, her mother slid a book, pencil, and notepad within reach. “I didn’t know what would happen. I just hoped the opportunity would present itself.”

  Her mother drummed her pencil on the writing pad. “If you are certain of your feelings for Daniel, I think we should find a way to let him know.”

  “You could always wink at him.” Her brother pulled up a chair beside her.

  Lois grabbed her heart. “Goodness, you scared me. I didn’t hear you come in.”

  Leo flashed her a grin. His blue eyes danced as he grabbed a cookie. “If you don’t want to wink, take his arm and bat your eyelashes.”

  Lois face flamed. She shook her head and smiled at her brother who inherited his square jaw, broad shoulders, and height from their father. But his blond hair, blue eyes, and easy-going nature were from his mother. Five years older, he embraced his role as big brother and was always her biggest supporter.

  Her mother wagged her finger. “Son, dinner will be ready in one hour. Your sister and I are discussing something important. I will not have you interrupt our conversation with silly suggestions.”

  Her brother scratched his chin. “Since I am a man similar in age to at least one of her suitors, I believe that makes me uniquely qualified to help.” Leo rose from his chair. “But if you’d rather I get Pa.”

  “Leonard Elton Weaver, if you want me to continue making your favorite desserts, you will not breathe a word of this to your father, and no further discussion of winking or any other foolishness.”

  Leo poured himself a glass of milk. “All right, Ma, if this is about encouraging Daniel and not the old coot, count me in.”

  Sunny Weaver eyed both her children, set her reading glasses on her nose and opened American Etiquette and Rules of Politeness by Walter R. Houghton. “I’ve done some research, and I have two ideas, which I believe show promise.”

  Leo’s eyebrows shot up. “I thought your book was just about how to fold napkins and set the table.”

  Her mother opened the book on manners and flipped to several earmarked pages. The source was one she often referred to and quoted. The author covered topics from gossip, proper wedding anniversary gifts to how to behave at the White House.

  She squeezed her mother’s hand. “I appreciate what you are trying to do. But this is all starting to feel nonsensical.”

  Peering over her glasses; her mother huffed. “You want Daniel to know you care. But you can’t come out and tell him or you will appear fast. I’ve given this considerable thought, now listen.”

  Clearing her throat, she drummed her pencil on her notepad. “Suggestion number one, according to the author, young ladies can give a gift.”

  Lois placed her hand on her neck. “A gift?”

  Her mother’s blue eyes twinkled. “He suggests a dainty product which reflects your taste and skill.”

  Leo scowled. “Something dainty? You mea
n like a handkerchief? That might work for the banker but not for Daniel.”

  “You are probably right.” Lois tapped her pencil on the table, a habit she’d had since childhood. “Although an embroidered handkerchief seems forward to me.”

  “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Her mother’s dimples appeared. “I know Daniel’s sister doesn’t bake. My suggestion would be bread, pie or cookies.”

  Leo rubbed his stomach. “My vote is cookies. I also volunteer my services if you need someone to sample the first batch.” Her brother wiggled his eyebrows.

  “Leo, if you repeat any of this, I promise I will beat you with a stick.” Placing her hand over her mouth, she giggled. “But I agree cookies are an excellent idea.” Lois tapped her cheek. “Mama, you mentioned two ideas. What’s the other one?”

  Her mother turned the opened book between Lois and her brother and pointed at an underlined sentence. “A love letter should be dignified in tone and expressive of esteem and affection.”

  ***

  Working late into the night, Lois managed to make dozens of oatmeal cookies and several pans of biscuits. She wrapped the goods in brown paper and placed a simple note in the basket saying she hoped they enjoyed the treats.

  Her mother nodded in satisfaction at the bounty. “I’ll deliver the goods this afternoon. Leave everything to me and don’t fret. I’ll see you later in church.”

  As was their custom, Leo drove Lois into town so they both could assist in teaching the children’s Sunday School classes. “I made enough biscuits with honey for both the boys and girls classes this morning,” she said.

  Leo pushed his hat to the back of his head. “Your biscuits will be a welcome treat. Thank you. You must have been up baking for hours.”

  Lois smiled. “I was. But I enjoy baking, especially when I can work in Mama’s kitchen.”

  “Your kitchen in town is sure a far cry from the one at home. But I guess it gets the job done.”