“Yes, everyone loves her designs,” Mrs. Benton enthused.
Maggie glanced at B.J. “Papa’s designs are practical, but he admits that when I add a bit of whimsy to them, they sell more quickly and at a better price.”
A tap on the back door interrupted the conversation. Maggie rose from her chair. “Excuse me for a moment. That must be my brother, Malachi. He said he’d be by later to walk me home. I still need to collect my things.”
“Invite him in for some cake and coffee.” Dr. Benton’s cheeks rose with his smile. “We’ll keep him entertained while you gather what you need.”
~
Maggie’s boots tapped across the wooden floor as she entered the kitchen and opened the back door. Her eighteen-year-old brother’s large frame filled the open doorway. He grinned as he removed his hat, exposing wavy hair and hazel eyes. “Pa said you finally wore out your welcome. So here I am to bring you back into the fold.”
“Oh hush.” Maggie pulled her brother into the kitchen. “You know that’s not true. Papa just didn’t think it would look right for me to stay here since the Benton’s’ son has come home.” She took his hat. “They invited you in for coffee and dessert.”
Malachi’s eyes darted toward the cake on the worktable. He rubbed his chin. “It’s a bit lopsided.”
“I know. Isn’t it awful?” Maggie giggled.
B.J. appeared, carrying two dessert plates. He stopped mid-step.”I thought you were exaggerating when you said you were glad no one saw your cake.” He coughed, unsuccessfully suppressing a laugh
Maggie’s face flamed and she busied herself by cutting her brother a large slice.
“Forgive me. Please don’t concern yourself.” B.J. stepped closer. “Both the dinner and dessert were delicious. Which is why I’m here. Father and I would like another slice of cake.”
Maggie studied his face. A small dimple appeared on the side of his mouth as he grinned. Goodness, he was handsome. Maybe Mama’s right when she says the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
Chapter 4
Maggie left Mrs. Doc settled with tea and a slice of pie and tapped on Dr. Benton’s office door before opening it. “I’m leaving to run some errands. The sandwiches and potato salad are in the kitchen whenever you have time to take a break. Your wife has already eaten.”
Dr. Benton deposited his glasses in his pocket. “You go on ahead as planned. I’ll only be another few minutes.”
Maggie offered a quick smile, then hurried out the side door onto the porch, casting a backward glance through the bay window and waved at a smiling Mrs. Doc. She gathered the strings of her reticule and made her way the few blocks past her father’s blacksmith shop toward the center of town. Strong gusts of wind caused her skirts to snap in protest as she took the remaining steps to her friend’s dress shop.
The jingling of the bell attached to the door announced her arrival. The Texas sunshine streamed through the window highlighting the lively calico on the matching mother-daughter outfits. Bolts of muslin, linen, and calico lined the shelves. Maggie laid her hand on her chest as she observed the beautiful colors that ranged from deep red to peacock blue, positioned strategically amidst the coordinating plaid fabrics. “Everything is so beautiful. I don’t know how I will ever choose.”
“The easiest solution is to select more than one.” Lois, the store owner, appeared and closed the door behind her to her workroom. Carrying a ragdoll dressed in a fabric matching the display in the picture window, Lois approached Maggie and wrapped her in a warm embrace. “I’m glad you finally found the time to come see me.” Lois motioned toward a marble-top bistro table and two chairs. “Please have a seat and I’ll bring us some coffee. Then we can catch up a bit.”
Lois’s skirt swished as she returned with a tray containing dainty china cups filled with coffee. The shop owner appeared poised and graceful. A slight mound showed in her midriff hinting at the upcoming birth of her first child. Short strands of blond curls softly framed her face while the rest was twisted skillfully in a bun.
Maggie’s hand went to her hastily braided hair. “Thank you for the coffee. I’m sorry to make you go to so much trouble for me.”
“Don’t be silly.” Lois waved her hand. “This gives me an excuse to sit. Besides, you and I haven’t shared more than a few words in months. I’m excited to spend some time with you.”
“Mama’s been fussing at me for years about the clothes I wear.” Maggie felt her face flush as she smoothed her faded skirt. “Frankly, my thought has always been to dress practically. What’s the point in putting on something nice if I’m going to ruin it by gardening or working in the forge?”
“I would agree with dressing comfortably.” Lois rested her hand over her stomach. “When I’m at home, I typically wear a walking skirt and a calico blouse.” She grinned. “But even practical clothes can be beautiful.”
“You and I have a different picture of practical, I think.” Maggie giggled. “My idea is to wear my brother’s castoffs.”
“When you are working on your designs in your father’s shop, your overalls are the most sensible thing to wear.” Lois took a sip of coffee.
“The truth is for quite some time I’ve wanted to wear something pretty.” Maggie swallowed as she met Lois’s gaze. “I haven’t gone to the trouble because I felt it would be a waste of time. I’ll never be beautiful like you or my mother and sister.”
Lois gasped. “That’s ridiculous. You are adorable now. But if you would like to update your look to be a bit more fashionable and age-appropriate, you’ll be amazed at how simple changes will make a huge difference.” Her face brightened with a wide grin. “I’ve got just the thing.”
~
The clapboard walls caught the light from the window and reflected in the full-length wall mirror. Maggie grinned at her appearance. The blue dress was lovely with its button-front closure, semi-fitted sleeves and jewel neckline. “I love it.”
Lois’s face appeared in the reflection. “I do too. I can finish the alterations by tomorrow, so it will be ready for you to wear to church this Sunday. You can take the walking skirt and the two blouses with you.”
Maggie leaned closer to the mirror. “I almost feel pretty.” Her hands went to her cheeks. “I wish I didn’t have so many freckles.”
“For goodness sakes,” Lois gasped. “Quit comparing yourself to other people. You are pretty, and I love your freckles.”
“Mama said I look like my real mother.” She blinked at her reflection. “She had freckles too.”
Lois laid her hand on Maggie’s shoulder. “I’d forgotten you were adopted. Although your coloring and stature are different from your siblings, the mannerisms you use are so much like your mother’s and sister’s. Not to mention you have every one of your brothers, as well as your father, wrapped around your finger.”
“I’m thankful every day for the family God gave me after my parents died. Our former doctor back home told me more than once that the people who survived the measle outbreak that year owed as much to my mother’s nursing skills as they did to him.” Maggie pulled her locket from underneath her collar.
Lois held the pendant in her palm and gasped at the tintype of Maggie’s parents. “You favor your mother, and she is just as beautiful as you are.”
Maggie’s brow furrowed. “Do you think so?”
“Look, she wore a few curls around her face.” Lois studied Maggie’s reflection in the mirror. “Let’s do something with your hair.”
Maggie’s eyebrows rose. “What did you have in mind?”
Lois pulled a few locks to frame Maggie’s face. “Before I trimmed my hair, I was constantly pushing a strand behind my ear or readjusting my pins.”
“I don’t know.” Maggie swallowed. “I haven’t cut my hair in years.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t do a thing without your consent.” Lois bit her lip. “I didn’t realize your hair was so wavy.” She twirled strands around her finger. “If we trim the lo
cks that tend to fall in front of your face just a few inches, it will curl on its own. Not only will it be beautiful, but it will be easy to style.”
“Just a few inches?” Maggie’s voice croaked.
Lois nodded. “Once I trim it, we’ll wet it and let it curl naturally. It will also cover up that bruise on the side of your head.”
Maggie covered her eyes with her hands. “Go ahead. I trust you.”
“I can tell.” Lois laughed as she reached for her scissors.
Chapter 5
Maggie readjusted her parcel containing the new blouses.
Lois wagged her finger toward the old dress. “Don’t you dare take that old thing out of my shop. I’ll cut up anything salvageable for quilting and give the remnants to you next week. Just look how beautiful you are.” Lois swiveled Maggie to face the full-length mirror.
She smiled at her reflection. The calico blouse made her cheeks appear rosy. “The strange thing is—I feel pretty for the first time. How can a simple cotton blouse not only change my outward appearance but make me feel different on the inside?”
The bell on the door to the shop jingled. “Afternoon, ladies.” Lois’s brother, Leo, called from the front of the store. His boots made shuffling sounds across the room. “I picked up your freight from the station. Where do you want it?”
“Thank you. Please place it in the corner next to the shelves. That’ll make it easier for me to organize things.” Lois’s hands flew to her cheeks. “I’m excited to see the new fabric. Maggie, don’t go yet. There might be something here that you like better than the fabric we put aside.”
Maggie set her parcel down and stepped closer while Leo used a hammer to open the crate.
He caught her gaze, and his eyes widened. “Maggie Montgomery, is that you?” He cleared his throat. “I didn’t recognize you for a moment. You’re dressed kind of fancy.”
“Doesn’t she look pretty, Leo?” Lois patted Maggie’s back.
“Yes. You look nice.” Leo frowned. “But I hope this doesn’t mean you’re not going to help your pa in the smithy any longer? Ma’s got her heart set on a bench like you made Mrs. Doc, and I was hoping you could help me with a design I’ve got in mind for some furniture.”
Maggie peered up into the blue eyes of the handsome brother of her friend. Leo smiled back at her, his deputy badge shining bright against his leather vest. He removed his hat displaying golden-tipped air, lightened by the sun. He was the most uplifting person she knew and supported not only his sister in her business endeavors but encouraged Maggie’s as well.
She posted her hands on her hips. “I know how much you enjoy working with wood, but when do you have time? Between the farm and now filling in as deputy, you must never sleep.”
“You’re one to talk.” Leo chuckled. “You stay busier than a church fan during a revival in August. I’ve only done a bit of sketching so far. If it’s okay, I’d like to show you my ideas after church on Sunday?”
“You’ve got my curiosity up. I’d love to take a look.” She returned his smile. “I’d best get going now. I need to get back to check on Mrs. Doc and start dinner.”
“Let me walk you back.” Leo reached for her parcel.
Maggie’s eyebrows drew together. “Thank you. But it’s only a few blocks. I’ll be fine.”
Leo followed her to the door. His voice was rough. “Trust me on this. I don’t want to worry you, but there are some things going on in town that have caused the sheriff some concern. And those men hanging around outside the mercantile—I’d rather you not walk past them unescorted.”
Lois rested her hand on Maggie’s arm. “You’d better listen to the deputy. Remember it’s his duty to keep us all safe,” she said with a grin.
~
Maggie entered the Benton’s’ home, arranged her package on the bench by the front door and removed her hat.
Mrs. Doc rose to greet her. “You look lovely. Did Lois style your hair? I love the color of your blouse. I would never imagine you’d select pink, but it suits you.”
Maggie gave a half smile. “Pink is actually my favorite color. Other than blue, of course.”
“You’ve got the tiniest waist.” Mrs. Doc’s face lit up in a smile. “I’m excited to see what else you purchased.”
A clatter and a loud thunk came from the kitchen. Maggie inclined her head toward the noise. “Sounds like your husband is trying to make coffee again. Let me see what he needs and get started on supper. I’ll tell you about my visit with Lois later.”
Mrs. Doc took Maggie’s arm. “That’s funny. I didn’t hear him come in. Perhaps it’s B.J. just now eating lunch. I’ll join you both in the kitchen.”
The swish of Maggie’s new skirt and petticoat joined with Mrs. Doc’s as they moved toward the back of the house. Maggie’s eyebrows rose as she pushed the swinging door open. Her carefully organized sketches lay scattered on the table. A large yellow cat greedily licked cream that dripped from an overturned bowl onto the floor. A wooden box lay upside down. Handwritten note cards painstakingly copied from her mother’s instructions on plants and herbs now dripped with coffee and cream.
“What in the world? Is that the neighbor’s cat?’ She covered her mouth with her hand. “How did she get in here?”
“I thought I closed the back door when I left this morning.” Maggie lifted the feline, stroked its back and gave a heavy sigh. “It’s my fault. Thank goodness I can copy my notes over again.” She released the cat into the yard. “Out you go, Whiskers.”
Mrs. Doc sank into a chair and sorted through papers. “Some of your sketches are dripping wet. Will you be able to recreate them?”
“I hope so.” Maggie blinked rapidly. “The strange thing is I don’t recall leaving my sketching pad and box of note cards on the table.”
Chapter 6
Maggie untied her apron, placed it on the back of a kitchen chair and carried a pot of coffee into the dining room. “I need to leave in the next few minutes. I told Lois I would help her and Emma today with the children during Sunday School.”
Dr. Benton peered at her behind his newspaper as she refilled his cup. “You go ahead. We’ve got everything we need.”
Mrs. Doc sighed. “I’ll be glad when I can attend church again.”
“At the rate you’ve improved the last few weeks, perhaps it won’t be too much longer.” Dr. Benton’s thick grey eyebrows flew up as he glanced at Maggie. “Is that a new dress?”
Maggie fingered the high collar of her new blue calico and nodded. “Yes. I finally succumbed to your wife’s and my mother’s nagging and bought several new things this week.”
“You’re a sensible young woman. Don’t let them turn you into a spendthrift.” Dr. Benton winked.
“Don’t pay him any mind.” Mrs. Doc patted her husband’s arm. “You look beautiful, dear. You’ll need to carry a stick with you to church to fight off all the young men attending service today.”
Dr. Benton laid his newspaper aside. “I don’t know that a stick would be enough to scare anyone off. Although given the size of her father and brothers, they’ll make sure she’s safe enough.” He chuckled and leaned forward. “Which will work in your favor, Maggie. It will take a man of good character to have the guts to ask your father if he can come courting.”
“I’ve never even been asked for a dance much less to be courted.” Maggie’s face warmed.
Dr. Benton shook his head. “Either that’s about to change, or there’s not a man in Carrie Town with an ounce of sense.”
The rattle of wagon wheels and the clip-clop of horses’ hooves came to a halt in front of the house. Maggie inched a curtain to the side and glanced out the window as Lois’s brother stepped down from the wagon. “That’s Leo now. He’s going to give me a ride.”
A tap on the front door followed by male voices in the hall spurred her into action. Maggie smoothed her hair. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”
~
B.J. opened the door and stared into th
e face of his old friend, Leo Weaver. A man over six feet himself, he was unaccustomed to having to look up at anyone. With a healthy glow on the deputy’s shaved face, he certainly didn’t appear to be in need of a physician this morning. “Good morning, Leo. Is everything all right?”
Deputy Weaver extended his hand. “Morning, B.J. I’m here to pick up Maggie for church.” His eyes crinkled as he stared past him. Soft taps from boots and a ruffling sound from a skirt caused B.J. to turn around. For a moment, time stood still. A beautiful woman stood in his parents’ foyer. Her blond hair curled softly around her pink cheeks. He blinked as she situated her hat on her head and tied the blue ribbon with a flourish.
“Good Morning, Leo. Thank you for picking me up.” Maggie’s bow-shaped lips broke into a beautiful smile.
“Happy to do it.” Leo offered her his arm. “You sure look pretty.”
B.J. rubbed the back of his neck. For goodness sakes, is that Maggie? She was the epitome of femininity. Her attractive appearance was nothing like the young woman who typically dressed in her brother’s clothes or wore items meant for someone twice her size. And what was she doing with Leo? If she needed an escort to church, he was certainly able to do so.
“Perhaps we’ll see you later at church, Dr. Benton.” Maggie’s dark eyelashes blinked as she studied him.
Are her eyes blue or green? B.J. cleared his throat. “Yes, of course.”
The deputy and Maggie strolled toward the wagon. B.J. shook his head. What in the world is wrong with me? Maggie Montgomery was the opposite of his ideal woman. Most certainly different from Claire, the daughter of a prosperous banker he’d met back east while attending college. He’d never seen his former fiancée dress in anything but the latest fashions in the most beautiful silk. Claire would have stayed home rather than ride to church in anything but a well-sprung buggy.
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