Читать книгу The Gift Of Twins - Gabrielle Meyer - Страница 12

Chapter Two

The next morning, Ben stood near the cast-iron stove scrambling eggs for breakfast. Snow and ice blew against the house with a vengeance, as if winter was shaking its angry fist at the world, daring it to lay dormant. He’d never seen a blizzard so early, and it didn’t bode well for the lonely months ahead.

A floorboard creaked and Ben turned to find Miss Wilkes fidgeting uncomfortably in the doorway. In the light of day, he found her to be even prettier than he’d first thought by the glow of the lantern. Her blond hair was twisted in a becoming knot, with tendrils curling around her face. Blue eyes, the color of wild forget-me-nots under a warm prairie sun were fringed with those long lashes, and she had the tiniest waist he’d ever seen. She didn’t look as young and defenseless as he’d first thought, either. He guessed her to be twenty-three or twenty-four, though she carried herself as if she had a fair share of life already behind her.

“Good morning,” Ben said as he nodded to the table. “I’ll have some eggs for you in a minute. Help yourself to bread and jam. The coffee’s hot.”

She took a tentative step into the kitchen as if afraid of being in the same room alone with him. Last night, they’d gone to their bedrooms immediately after they ate their flapjacks. It had been awkward and she’d fled the moment he’d said good-night. He didn’t blame her. It was a difficult situation she’d found herself in, but he’d do all he could to protect her reputation.

“Will I find a more suitable place to stay this morning?” she asked as she picked up a mug and filled it with coffee. “I’d also like to see the superintendent as soon as possible.”

Ben glanced out the window, but all he could see was snow and more snow. “I think the storm is worse today than last night.” He shook his head. “I don’t feel right about taking you out there again. At least not now. We’ll go later, if it lets up.”

She sighed and set the coffeepot back on the stove. “I suppose the damage is already done.”

Ben put the eggs on the table and motioned for her to take a seat. He also sat and then he bowed his head. “For this meal, and our lives, Lord, we are eternally grateful. Amen.”

“Amen,” she echoed.

Ben dished up her plate and she took a piece of bread and lathered it with strawberry jam. There was so much he’d like to know about her. He was always fascinated when a young lady braved the frontier and set out on her own—this one especially. She seemed so vulnerable, yet he suspected there was steel-like determination under that delicate exterior.

She glanced up at him. “Thank you for your hospitality. I’m sure this isn’t what you expected, either.”

He laughed. “I was definitely expecting Mr. Wilkes.”

She smiled, revealing a row of beautiful white teeth. “Do you take in many boarders?”

“He would have been my first.”

She laughed, and the sound was the merriest thing he’d ever heard. “He doesn’t exist.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Ben scooped some eggs onto his own plate. “I was looking forward to a roommate for the winter months. I used to be a circuit preacher and I would go from home to home, rarely alone for more than a night or two. Before that, I lived at three different missions, which were always busy with people coming and going. It’s been a hard transition to living alone.”

Miss Wilkes studied him with unabashed curiosity. “You’re a very interesting man, Reverend Lahaye. I’d like to hear more about your life and travels one day.”

He didn’t mind her honest assessment. Welcomed it, actually. “Feel free to call me Ben.”

She lifted her eyebrows and took a sip of her coffee. “I hardly know you.”

“I don’t sit on pretenses or eastern manners,” Ben said. “Life’s too hard and too short to worry about all that.”

She set her mug down, sadness filling her countenance. “Life is too short.”

What had this young lady experienced that would sit so heavily upon her? He had always been good at reading people, and he could sense she had a great deal of pain in her past.

She pulled herself from the sadness and squared her shoulders. “I suppose you should call me Emmy, then, since I intend to stay.”

Ben paused as he spread his jam over his bread. “I have it on good authority that the superintendent will send you home on Monday.”

“And I have it on good authority that I won’t let him.”

He liked her willpower, even if it was misguided. “The school board wants a man.”

“Don’t you need a teacher? At least while you look for a man? Why not give me a chance?” Her eyes filled with such passion, he couldn’t look away, even if he wanted to. “Allow me to prove to you that I am here to stay. I want this job more than anything—and I assure you, I have no intentions on marrying now or in the future.”

What a pity. It wasn’t hard to imagine her in a snug home, surrounded by children.

“As a school board member,” Emmy continued, unaware of Ben’s wayward thoughts, “could you speak on my behalf? I promise you won’t regret keeping me in Little Falls.”

It wouldn’t take long for suitors to come calling on Emmy Wilkes—despite her declaration to remain single. It would be impossible to keep the men away. But didn’t they owe her the benefit of the doubt? “I will do what I can to help.”

She let out a relieved sigh. “I’m in your debt.”

A knock at the front door brought both their heads up.

“Who would brave this storm?” Ben wiped his mouth and looked out the window. Sure enough, the wind had finally calmed and the snow lessened so he could actually see his backyard again. He had hardly noticed as he spoke to Emmy.

Should he invite her to join him in the front room? The last thing he wanted was a neighbor to see them alone together—yet, he didn’t want to hide her and lie. Everyone would eventually know.

“Would you care to join me?” he asked.

She also wiped her lips, but shook her head. “I’ll stay here and finish my breakfast.”

He left the kitchen, being sure to close the door behind him, and entered the front room.

The knock came again, this time with more force.

Ben pulled the door open and found Mr. Samuelson on his front porch.

“Ahh, Reverend Lahaye.” Mr. Samuelson walked into Ben’s house without invitation and clapped his mitted hands together. “Is Mr. Wilkes here? Did he arrive safely?”

“Come in, Mr. Samuelson.” Ben closed the door behind him, glancing toward the kitchen. The superintendent lived about two blocks east of Ben. He was a widower with five children, though his two oldest daughters were old enough to see to the needs of the younger ones.

“I came the moment the snow started to let up a bit.” Mr. Samuelson’s dark eyebrows were caked with ice. “I wanted to meet the man who will teach my children.”

Ben was uncertain how he should proceed. No matter what he said, it would still come as a shock to Mr. Samuelson, and there would be no way around the truth.

The kitchen door squeaked open and Emmy spared Ben the discomfort of deciding.

She stepped out with confidence and grace. “I’m afraid there’s been a mistake, Mr. Samuelson.”

Dennis Samuelson spun on his heels at the sound of the lady’s voice.

Emmy walked across the front room and extended her hand. “I am Miss Emery Wilkes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Dennis didn’t move a muscle to welcome the new teacher.

Ben squared his shoulders, ready to fight on Emmy’s behalf. They had made the mistake in hiring her, and they owed her a chance to prove them wrong.

* * *

The superintendent stared at Emmy much longer than she felt necessary.

Ben came to stand beside Mr. Samuelson, though his gaze was on her. “As Miss Wilkes said, there’s been a mistake.”

Mr. Samuelson stood in all his outdoor gear, mouth and nose covered by a thick scarf. Emmy was only able to see his hazel eyes as he took her in, head to foot. “What’s the meaning of this?”

“Apparently, you thought I was a man.”

“Of course we thought you were a man. Your name is Emery, is it not?”

“She was named after her maternal grandfather,” Ben told the superintendent.

He’d remembered that little detail?

“I don’t care if she was named after the president of the United States.” Mr. Samuelson unwrapped his scarf with more force than necessary. “We don’t want another female.”

“I realize that,” Ben said, coming to her defense. “But what’s done is done.”

“It must be undone.” Mr. Samuelson was younger than Emmy first thought, now that she could see the rest of his face. He was a pleasant-looking fellow, though his face was contorted in anger. “She’ll have to go back posthaste.”

Emmy took a step forward, unwilling to let these two men determine her future without some say in the matter. “I came in good faith that a job would be waiting for me. I’m not returning home until I fulfill the contract.”

“She’s right, Dennis.” Ben put his hands in his pockets and nodded in her direction. “She came because we hired her—”

“We didn’t hire her.” Mr. Samuelson motioned toward her like she was a pesky fly. “We were expecting him.”

“I realize you’re upset,” Emmy said. “But you have to understand how I feel.” It had been five years since William died, and it had taken her that long to get the courage to fulfill their dream to come west. She couldn’t let one little mistake send her back. “Reverend Lahaye explained to me why you’re seeking a male teacher—and I’ve assured him you have no fear of losing me. I don’t plan to marry, nor will I in the future. I am committed to staying in Little Falls as long as the Lord sees fit.” She smiled and added quickly, “Which I hope is a long, long time.”

Both men studied her. Mr. Samuelson with a calculating, unhappy look, and Ben with an approving, tender one.

“I suggest we let her stay on at least until we can find a replacement,” Ben suggested. “We did guarantee her a contract for the first term, which ends at Christmas. Surely she’ll stay unmarried until then.”

Mr. Samuelson crossed his arms and let out a discontented grunt. “I thought we were done with looking for a teacher once and for all.”

Emmy offered up a silent prayer, hoping her journey was not over before it had begun. She wanted desperately to stay and serve the children and families of Little Falls. It was all she had thought about this past month after she’d received the acceptance letter. She had fought so hard to come on her own, defying her parents’ wishes, her friends’ concerns, and putting up with the tittle-tattle of neighbors who thought she was ruining her life. She couldn’t return now, not like this.

“Fine,” Mr. Samuelson said. “She can stay—but only until Christmas. In the meantime, I will continue searching for a male teacher and have him ready to take her place the first of the year.”

Emmy let out the breath she’d been holding. It wasn’t what she’d hoped for, but it was a start. “If I can prove to you that you have nothing to fear, and that I have no intentions on ever marrying, will you allow me to stay?”

Mr. Samuelson squinted at her. “How would you prove that?”

“On Christmas Day, if I have made myself invaluable to the school and community, and I’ve shown myself above reproach, will you allow me to stay?”

Mr. Samuelson looked at Ben, who stared back at him without expression.

The superintendent threw his hands in the air. “Fine. But I’m warning you, Miss Wilkes—” he pointed at her, his finger shaking “—I will watch you closely, and if I see even a hint of romance, I will immediately terminate your contract and find a new teacher. Do I make myself clear?”

Hope bubbled in Emmy’s chest for the first time since her arrival. She had no doubt she’d prove herself to the superintendent. No doubt at all. “You’ve made yourself clear.”

“Now.” Mr. Samuelson turned to Ben. “Where is she staying?”

“I haven’t decided.”

Mr. Samuelson eyes grew wide as he swung around to face Emmy. “Where did you stay last night, Miss Wilkes?”

“She stayed here,” Ben said quickly. “We tried to go to the Coopers, but I turned back, knowing it would have put her life in jeopardy if we had continued.”

“Here? Unchaperoned?” Mr. Samuelson’s face filled with disapproval.

“There was nothing untoward about last night,” Ben said with authority in his voice. “Neither one of us expected the mistake and we did our best to rectify it. Miss Wilkes slept upstairs, while I slept down. I hope my character and reputation will speak for itself.”

Mr. Samuelson balled his scarf in one hand. “I don’t like it, but what’s done is done.” He addressed Emmy. “It is your upmost priority to ensure that your reputation stays untarnished, do you understand?”

“Of course.” Her reputation meant more to her than almost anything.

“I want you to bring her to the Hubbards immediately,” Mr. Samuelson said to Ben. “It’ll be cheaper to board her with the Hubbards than pay full price at the hotel, and her meals will be included.”

“But don’t you think she’ll have more privacy at the hotel?” Ben asked. “The Hubbards’ boardinghouse is always full.”

“Pearl will make room for her.” Mr. Samuelson’s voice suggested the debate was over. “And she’ll be across the road from me, so I can keep an eye on her.”

Emmy suspected that was the real reason he wanted her at the Hubbards’ boardinghouse.

“I’ll help you with your things,” Mr. Samuelson said to Emmy. “We’ll leave right now.”

“We haven’t finished our breakfast,” Ben said.

“Now.”

Emmy smiled at Ben, offering him a quiet thank-you with her eyes. He had done more than he needed, and she was grateful.

Without prompting, Emmy entered the enclosed stairway near the front door and went up to the room she’d slept in the night before. It was a spacious bedroom with a large bed, a bureau and a generous window. The bed had been warm and comfortable, and she’d had the best night sleep since leaving Massachusetts, given the circumstances. She gathered up her things as quickly as she could and placed them in her bag, and then she went back downstairs where the men were waiting.

“Feel free to borrow the cap and scarf and mittens,” Ben said. “You’ll need them.”

“Thank you.” She dressed for the outdoors, and when she was ready, she instructed them to bring the two trunks she needed most. She’d leave the one full of books at Ben’s to be picked up later. She lifted her bag and then followed them out into the snow.

The cold air took her breath again, but this time she could see where she was walking. It was hard to get a good look at Little Falls with all the snow, but there would be time enough for that later.

She followed close behind Ben, thinking of the evening before when he’d held her hand. He was a kind man and she could sense that they would be friends. It didn’t surprise her that he was a pastor. No doubt his parishioners loved him. She looked forward to attending church the following morning to hear him preach. She imagined he was good at that, too.

Ben led her and Mr. Samuelson across the road and down a block. A large, brown house appeared in the falling snow. It was quite impressive, and not what she would have expected on the frontier. Where Ben’s home was modest and simple, this structure was overbearing, if not ornate. It was styled after the Greek Revival architecture and reminded her of some of the homes back east.

“Timothy and Pearl Hubbard are one of the founding families in Little Falls,” Ben explained as they drew near the house. “You’ll like Pearl. She runs a respectable home. They have three children. They’ll be some of your students.”

Excitement raced up Emmy’s spine at the prospect of meeting some students, despite the frigid air. She had taught for several years back east, but she suspected it would be much different in the West.

A picket fence ran around the property and Ben unlatched the gate, allowing Emmy and Mr. Samuelson to pass by. Mr. Samuelson then went to the front door and opened it without knocking.

Emmy stepped over the threshold and into the foyer. She was instantly met with the smell of warm spice cake and fresh coffee. A wide staircase ran straight up the right-hand wall, curving to the left at the top. Two archways flanked the foyer. The one on her left went into a front parlor and the one on her right looked into a dining room. Noise at the back of the foyer suggested a kitchen was in that direction.

“Hello,” called a woman from the kitchen.

“Hello, Mrs. Hubbard.” Mr. Samuelson set the trunk down with a thud. “We have a boarder for you.”

A plain-faced woman entered the foyer, her middle thick with child. She wiped her hands on her apron as she came down the hall. She was a bit older than Emmy would expect to bear children, but she looked healthy and robust, if a little frazzled. Her dark hair was split down the center and dropped to cover her ears, before being secured at the back in a bun. She smiled a welcome to Emmy and offered Ben a fond glance, but she squared her shoulders when she met Mr. Samuelson’s gaze. “I’m sorry, but I’m full at the moment.”

As if summoned, five boisterous men plodded down the wide stairs. They stopped short when they glimpsed Emmy, the ones in back plowing into the ones in front. All but one grinned like an idiot in her direction.

“Is there nowhere to put her?” Mr. Samuelson asked, as if she was a piece of furniture to be stored.

“Mrs. Hubbard,” Ben said graciously. “May I introduce you to Miss Wilkes, the new schoolmistress?”

Pearl’s eyes lit and she took Emmy’s hand in a gentle squeeze. “The new teacher? Why didn’t you say so to begin with? It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wilkes. I’m so happy you’ve come to teach our children.”

“For the time being,” Mr. Samuelson amended. “Now, can you board her or not?”

The men passed by and entered the parlor, though they didn’t make any noise, suggesting they were listening to the conversation in the foyer.

“I suppose I can make room.” Mrs. Hubbard sighed. “We always have space for the teacher. You’ll need to room with Rachel, my serving girl. She sleeps in the room off the kitchen.”

It wasn’t ideal. Emmy liked to spend her evenings studying and reading in solitude—but if it was all that was available to her, and meant she could stay in Little Falls, she’d make do. “Thank you.”

Mrs. Hubbard eyed her two large trunks. “We’ll have to store your things in the attic. There won’t be any space in your room with Rachel.”

“Store my things? Will they be safe?”

“It’s just until another room becomes available,” Mrs. Hubbard assured Emmy.

“When will that be?”

“There’s no way of knowing. We have men in and out all the time.”

“I’ll go home and retrieve your other trunk,” Ben said to Emmy.

“There’s more?” Mrs. Hubbard asked.

“All my books.” Emmy felt bad that she’d packed so much, but she couldn’t bear to leave anything behind.

Mrs. Hubbard shook her head. “There’s not much room in the attic, either, I’m afraid.”

“I’d be happy to store them for the time being,” Ben offered. “You could come for them anytime you’d like.”

The thought of not having her books at her disposal made her uneasy—but one look at Mr. Samuelson suggested she leave well enough alone. “Thank you, Reverend Lahaye.”

“If this storm passes, we’ll expect school to begin at eight o’clock sharp on Monday morning,” Mr. Samuelson said. “See that you’re there and ready on time.”

“I will.”

Mr. Samuelson tipped his hat at Mrs. Hubbard, and then at Emmy, though she suspected he did it out of habit and not a desire to be a gentleman, and then he left.

“I’ll bring the trunks to the attic,” Ben said to Mrs. Hubbard. He turned to Emmy. “It’s been my pleasure, Miss Wilkes. I hope you’ll be happy here.”

“Thank you.” She wanted to say more than thank you, but she couldn’t find the words to express her gratitude. If he had been any other man, she probably wouldn’t have a job right now.

“Do my ears deceive me?” One of the men exited the parlor and put his hands over his heart. “Is this beautiful creature going to abide under the same roof as me?”

“Mr. Archibald, remember your manners,” Mrs. Hubbard said. “Miss Wilkes is a lady.”

“How could I forget?” Mr. Archibald took Emmy’s hand and bent over it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wilkes.” The other men followed Mr. Archibald out of the parlor. They circled her like a hungry pack of wolves, and she their prey.

It would be quite a feat to hold them at bay—of that she was certain—but it was vital if she wanted to keep her job.