Well, he wasn’t the man for her. She wanted a strong man. She liked the idea of a rancher. That’s what she’d set her heart on. She’d heard that Texas was overrun with wild cows ready to be picked up by anyone enterprising enough. She had ideas to help the right man.
Jeff fit that description. She’d heard that he already put down on a ranch and was busy making it a success. She could help. A lot better than mousy Diane. Jennifer wasn’t afraid of hard work or cows.
Diane would run from both. Oh, the woman could sew and make something of a living by sewing dresses and doing alterations. But as a rancher’s wife, Jennifer just didn’t see it. Diane was afraid of her own shadow.
Someone needed to explain that to Jeff. Pausing at a low hanging branch, Jennifer held onto it and grinned. “Perhaps, I will be the one to tell Jeff. In time. All in good time.”
***
Diane placed the last few stitches on the silk dress that the banker’s wife had ordered. Yes, the woman had exquisite taste, and the color would look wonderful on her. Careful to set the dress down, Diane moved to the far table and took a drink of her coffee. She’d worked late into the night to finish the dress.
Mrs. Bristow and her husband were going on a trip to New York at the end of the week. Diane sighed. What she wouldn’t give to be able to go on such a trip. She glanced at the record book. Mrs. Bristow was paying her a tidy sum, but it was nowhere enough for Diane to think of such extravagances.
Then there was Jeff. He didn’t care about fancy balls or trips. All he talked about was his ranch. She was glad it was doing well, but to spend the day looking at cows was not her idea of fun.
Then there was his family. Why Jeff couldn’t get rid of them puzzled her. But he had promised he’d tell them to leave so that they could be married. Diane set her cup down and slumped into the corner chair and sobbed.
They’d been so happy to meet at the social. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Jeff had swept her off her feet, and they danced the night away. Together once again. Nothing could come between them. Nothing, at least she fervently hoped it to be true.
Diane stared out the window and saw Jennifer walk down from the hill from the Lone Oak. Why did she have to interfere? Why did they have to rescue her? Feeling remorse for her thoughts, Diane closed her eyes and begged the Lord to forgive her.
Never had she wished anyone ill until now. Jeff’s father and brother and Jennifer were now at the top of her list. Although she tried to pray for them, she asked the Lord to send them out of town more times than not.
She turned from the window. No longer could she endure seeing that woman. Now that Diane stayed at the boarding house, she was forced to run into Jennifer, eat with her, and exchange pleasantries.
All were lies. Diane wanted to scream at her and tell her to leave town. To ask Kirk and Mary Louise to find some reason to send her away. Exhausted with her private war, Diane leaned against the wall. If only she could sew her life together as well as she did the dresses.
The bell above the door rang. Diane looked up and saw Adelaide walk in.
“Diane, I hoped I’d find you working. I would love it if we could have lunch together. I’m afraid I’ll miss the Thursday Night Ladies Club again.”
Diane ran to her and hugged her. “I have missed you, but you look wonderful. Married life agrees with you.”
“Any news on Jeff and his family?”
Letting Adelaide go, Diane shook her head and slumped down into the chair by the window. “No, I can barely get him to talk to me about his father and brother. He keeps promising me that soon they’ll be gone, and we can get married. But—”
“Shh, I’m sure Jeff means it.” Adelaide sat beside her in the matching chair she’d bought for tired husbands to wait while their wives tried on dresses. “You have to trust him.”
“Do I? Will it always be that way? I thought he loved me ten years ago. Then one day, he was gone. I’m beginning to think he hasn’t changed.” She pulled her hanky from her sleeve and wiped the tears. Diane hated to cry but never seemed to be able to stop the tears when they started.
“There, there. I’m here. Remember, we promised we’d help each other until we were all married. Are you going to the meeting tonight?”
Diane nodded. “Yes, it’s my one night out with others. But everyone is either married or about to be.”
“And that includes you. Jeff proposed to you.”
Looking up at her friend, Diane slowly shook her head. “You know, I try and remember if he ever really asked me to marry him. I’m not so sure. It was as if we were taking up where we left off ten years ago. But now, I wonder if Jeff really wants to marry me. Sometimes, I see the doubt in his eyes.”
“Oh, Diane. He loves you. I saw that the night when you first saw him. Both of you looked as if you couldn’t wait to resume your lives together.”
Diane waved her hanky as if in surrender. “Perhaps. But I am having my doubts now. Ten years ago, it was my father who stopped our marriage. Now, it’s his father and brother. I am beginning to think that we are just not supposed to be married.”
Adelaide took her hand and stroked it. “I thought you loved Jeff.”
“I did too. Now, I’m not so sure. It’s just that, well, Jennifer hangs around him. I am no match for that little siren. She makes me so mad.” Diane folded her arms and ground her teeth.
“Now, now. I thought Jennifer was doing better and leaving the married men alone.” Adelaide frowned. “I guess she is desperate to not become a spinster herself.” Adelaide patted Diane’s hand.
Pulling her hand from Adelaide’s sympathetic petting, Diane shook her head. “That is easy for you to say now. You married your man. That leaves me and Mary Louise as the only unwed women, and I think Jennifer is afraid that Mary Louise will convince Kirk to throw her in jail if she tries anything with her man.”
Laughing, Adelaide stood. “Yes, I think you’re right. I see Angus. I guess I better…”
Diane looked at her friend and stood. Jennifer was talking to Angus. “Ah, ha. See, Jennifer bothers you too, and you’re married. Why would she be talking to Angus? The woman is beyond maddening.”
“I trust Angus.” Adelaide eased toward the door. “I better go.”
“Yes, I see you trust Angus, but you don’t trust Jennifer, do you?” Diane opened the door. At least, she didn’t see Jeff anywhere. Then again, he was at his ranch today.
“Humph. I’m sure it was an innocent conversation.”
Diane shook her head. “Innocent and Jennifer don’t go together in the same sentence.” She watched as Adelaide made her way to her husband. The speed with which Addy walked wasn’t lost on Diane, either. Her friend was worried about having her husband talk to Jennifer. Like all the women in Lone Oak took pains to make sure their husbands weren’t alone in town.
No, Diane knew she had a very good reason to worry about Jeff. What to do about it was another thing. She’d have to come up with a plan. Perhaps at the meeting tonight, she could get some pointers from the other women.
Chapter 5
Adrian knocked on Attorney Peter Gabriel’s office door. He’d spent a few days seeing the town and getting a feel for the citizens. He liked the place. Most were friendly and bright. That gave him hope that the parents would take an interest in his students.
He’d taught in one school where that had not been the case. After a miserable semester, Adrian had left them after giving a scathing critique to the town. Later, he learned that most of the town people were on the wrong side of the law. Fathers were in prison, and the mothers under extreme hardship.
Yes, if Adrian could take back his judgments, he would have, but he wasn’t going to waste his time teaching there any longer. Lone Oak was a decent town.
The door opened, and Peter Gabriel smiled and extended his hand. “I’d heard you were in town. I hope you find it satisfactory.”
“Yes, quite charming and growing with opportunity. I’m excited to begin teaching next semeste
r. That is if you accept me.”
“As I said in the letter, our meeting will be but a formality. Your records and recommendations are stellar. If you’d like, I can introduce you to the teacher and classroom before they break for Christmas.”
Adrian nodded. “I would be most interested. The teacher is a woman, and she was just married, I understand. That’s most unusual.” He knew most towns forbade a married woman to teach.
“Yes, we didn’t have a replacement, and the council agreed Kate could continue to teach this semester. She’s an excellent teacher. We hated to lose her, but I am, as you know, her husband, and I want her home with me.”
Adrian put his hat on the peg alongside his coat and sat down in the chair. Peter pointed out. “I didn’t realize that you were her husband. I hope I didn’t say anything to alarm you.”
“No, no. We’ve got a few ladies in town who keep the gossip vines flowing. They have made themselves somewhat of a nuisance. Still, most of the people in town have been very accepting of the circumstances.” Peter shuffled some papers on his desk until he found what he was looking for. “Here we are. If you will, sign the contract here and here and initial on this page.”
Taking the pen from Peter, Adrian dipped it in ink and did as instructed. “Thank you for your trust in me. I will do my best to give the children of Lone Oak the kind of education they deserve.”
“I’m sure you will. When would you like to meet the teacher and students?”
“Whenever you think it is permissible.” Adrian straightened his shoulders. Posture was important to him as he took it as a sign of strength.
“We can go to the school now if you’d like.” Peter smiled. “I will take any opportunity to see my wife.”
Adrian nodded. “I can see you love her very much.”
“No wife for you at the moment?”
“No, I am not looking for one. I want to throw all my attention to teaching.” Adrian fumbled with a loose string on his pants. He really would need to find a good seamstress to make him a few new suits.
“I felt the same way until I woke up one morning and saw the sun rise. I deeply wanted to find a woman to share the beauty with.” Peter grinned. “I came up with a plan. I kept mostly to myself, so I really didn’t have any idea of what women in the area might be looking for a husband. So, I put a letter in the paper as The Mystery Groom.”
His interest piqued, Adrian nodded. “And did it work? Is that how you found your wife?”
“Yes, it is. In fact, four women answered the letter. Those women became good friends and had a meeting every Thursday night at Heart’s Café. If you’re interested, you might have dinner around seven.”
“Hmm, seven, you say. I might do that.”
“Two of the women are now married. Two are engaged.” Peter frowned. “There is another single woman who is a bit of a problem in town. I hesitate to name her as I don’t want to persuade you one way or another. She shows up some nights, but she has caused the other women trouble.”
Adrian thought of the novel he wanted to write. “Sounds intriguing. I find people fascinating.”
Peter sat back and twisted a pencil in his fingers. “Well, if you’re interested, I can tell you the troublemaker. I hate to lose a teacher because of her.”
“I’ll take my chances. I study people and their behavior. I do have a dream to write a novel.”
“Interesting. If I can help in any way, let me know.” Peter stood. “Let’s go to the school.”
Adrian followed Peter out the door. “The wind has changed. Do you get much snow here in Lone Oak?”
“No, not really. But our weather can change on a dime. We have had snow before. And I think this year is pointing to we might have more this year.” He pulled out his gloves and put them on.
The attorney walked fast, making Adrian’s limp to become more visible. He hoped Peter didn’t notice. His wound embarrassed him. Adrian felt as if his leg wanted to point out to all that he had failed in the war. Come up short and fallen by the wayside, leaving his fellow soldiers to go onto Gettysburg where so many had fallen.
Peter didn’t say anything about the limp. For that, Adrian was thankful. Finally, they reached the one-room schoolhouse. It was located at the opposite end of town from the church. Like bookends, the white buildings sandwiched the town between them.
“Any chance the school can be enlarged?”
Peter shrugged. “If it needs to. Right now, it’s big enough for our needs.”
Adrian nodded and waited while Peter knocked on the door. Soon a beautiful woman answered the door and smiled at her husband.
Peter held the door. “I brought the new teacher. Mr. Adrian Farnsworth.” He nodded at Adrian. “Mrs. Kate Gabriel.”
Holding out his hand, Adrian shook the woman’s dainty but firm hand. “Pleased to meet you. I don’t want to intrude but would like to see the school and the students.”
“My pleasure. Come right in.” She walked ahead of them and clapped her hands. “Students, I have a treat for you today. Your new teacher is here and wants to meet you. He will start in January when you come back from Christmas break.”
The children looked at him with curiosity. One little girl raised her hand.
Adrian glanced at the teacher, and she nodded.
Pointing at the little girl, Adrian smiled. “Yes, you have a question?”
Curtseying, the child smiled at him. “Do you like to tell stories?”
“As a matter of fact, that is one of the things I enjoy most.” Adrian warmed to the child. As he did truly enjoy telling stories. “We’ll have a storytime each week.”
“Oh, good. I love stories.” She cupped her hands around her angelic face and smiled.
A boy raised his hand. “Will we still have homework?”
Adrian looked thoughtfully at the boy. “You look like a smart chap. I’ll put it this way. I believe in work. Hard work. And if you work hard in school, I see no reason why you should go home with more assignments.”
With a sigh of relief, the boy looked at Peter. “I think you hired a good one.”
Adrian laughed. “I just wanted to come in and introduce myself. You’ll see me around town, and I welcome all questions. My name is Mr. Farnsworth.” He wrote it neatly on the blackboard.
Kate Gabriel came up beside him. “We are delighted to have you here, and I am sure all the students will be happy to see you in January.”
After a few more questions, Adrian followed Peter out of the school. He was most pleased by the students and the resources he’d seen. Yes, he’d made an excellent decision to come to Lone Oak.
A wife? He’d not really considered it. In fact, after the war and the wound that caused him to limp, he’d given up the thought of a family of his own. Peter’s idea about the mystery groom ad was intriguing. And it had worked for him, and he said for two other men.
Adrian said good-bye to Peter and walked to the boarding house. He’d rented a room from Claire. He had to admit, the idea of having meals with a room full of mostly women proved a bit daunting to him, but Claire had assured him he could have dinner in his room if he wanted to.
Not that he was shy, but he didn’t like to have to explain where he was from and why he was here, much less why he had a limp. Fortunately, Claire gave him a room on the first floor. She explained at one time it had been Peter Gabriel’s room.
A mystery groom letter. The thought toyed with Adrian. Though he’d had absolutely no idea of ever getting married, he did find the idea firmly planted in his mind. He’d have to pray and think about it.
But could there be a woman that would be suitable for him? He wouldn’t be the easiest man to get along with. He knew that. Not that he wanted a mousy woman, but he sure didn’t want one who would challenge him on every turn.
He shook his head and laughed to himself. No, Adrian Farnsworth was perfectly happy to live alone.
He paused at the steps to the porch of the boarding house. The irony was not lost on him.
He had chosen to live in a house full of people. He could have rented a cabin on the outskirts of town, but he’d chosen Claire’s instead.
Why? The idea of the holidays alone in a cold cabin hadn’t filled him with peace. Was he lying to himself? Was he lonely? He walked up the steps, limping on the last two, and entered the house.
No one was around, and he made his way to his room. He stared at the windows facing east and wondered if he would feel differently in the morning when he saw the sunrise.
Chapter 6
Diane made her way to the diner. She was a bit early and hoped Jennifer wasn’t going to show up. Diane wasn’t sure she could tolerate the woman tonight. Everything was so upside down and sideways as her aunt would say. And that would be her spinster aunt.
“Oh, dear. Now I am talking like a spinster. Perhaps it is my lot.” She opened the door and looked at the ladies’ regular table. With a sigh of relief, she saw Kate already seated.
Skirting around the crowded café, Diane rushed to sit beside Kate. She had been her first friend. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Kate smiled. “How are you, Diane? Has Jeff had any progress with his family?”
“No, at least none that I know of. I’m not sure we’ll even get married.” Diane frowned and felt her shoulders slump. She was hardly exhibiting the confident woman that a man would like.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Kate reached for her hand. “Remember, we’re here for you.”
Mary Louise came in laughing, bringing in a rush of cold air. “I think we’re in for some snow.”
Diane smiled at her. “I’m not ready for the cold weather. Addy won’t be here tonight. She said Angus wanted to get back to the ranch.”
“Oh, I’ll miss her. I wanted to see how she liked married life.” Mary Louise was all smiles.
“She told me she loves it, and by the look on her face, I’d say she’s right. She came by the dress shop before she left.” Diane tried to smile but failed. It was as if the ends of her lips weighed then down.
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