Blowing on Dandelions (11 page)

“Zachary can bring anything more that I need. You have enough work to do.”

Silence settled over the room, and Katherine backed toward the door, suddenly unsure of what else to say, like a young girl fumbling for the right words on her first day at school. Turning, she hurried from the room. Maybe she’d ask Zachary or Lucy to collect the tray when Micah finished. Yes, keeping her distance from Micah Jacobs would be a very sensible plan.

Chapter Fifteen

Jeffery Tucker stared at the newspaper, trying to concentrate. Why didn’t someone answer that door? He’d finished supper and retired to the parlor, hoping no one would join him. All he wanted was a little peace and quiet after the hubbub of the day. It had been eight days since Jacobs and his son moved in, and the amount of activity seemed to have doubled. This was the second time someone had knocked. For that matter, why would a person continue to hammer when it clearly stated this was a boardinghouse? Most people just walked in and asked for the proprietor.

There appeared no help for it. He laid the paper aside and propelled himself with long strides toward the insistent knocking. Whipping open the door, he fixed a scowl on his face, intending to educate the person on the niceties of boardinghouse etiquette.

A petite young woman cowered behind a matronly lady at least twice her age—and twice her width, since the older woman’s bulk almost hid the younger. Dark brown ringlets peeked from under the younger woman’s bonnet, falling several inches past her shoulders. Her hand clutched a large locket, which hung around her neck on a gold chain. Her wide blue eyes caught his attention, but the sheer panic in them caused the harsh words to die in his throat.

The stout woman slowly lowered her fist and surveyed him from head to toe. “Are you the owner of this establishment? I say, you certainly took your time answering. Not the way to run a successful business.” She planted her hands on her hips. “Well, are you going to open the door and ask us in or stand there gawking?”

Jeffery, startled back to his senses, bowed as he stepped aside. “Pardon me for my ill manners, ma’am.” He nodded toward the younger woman and offered a smile. “Miss. Please, do come in. I’ll see if Mrs. Galloway is about, if you’re inquiring about a room.”

“Mrs. Galloway, is it?” The matron stood in the spacious foyer, allowing her gaze to sweep over the furnishings. “Isn’t there a Mr. Galloway? I’m not accustomed to dealing with a woman on matters of business.”

“I’m afraid Mrs. Galloway is widowed, ma’am. But she’s a capable person, and I’m sure she’ll care for your needs.”

Katherine Galloway appeared in the arched doorway that led to the rest of the house. “Thank you, Mr. Tucker. I appreciate your kind words.” She stepped forward. “Pleased to meet you, ladies. I’m the proprietor.”

Something akin to relief mixed with a surprising amount of disappointment washed over Jeffery when he realized there was no need to linger. The young woman standing in the hall had lovely eyes and a gentle demeanor—she might be worth getting to know. But the strident tones of the older woman chased him from the room. If they stayed, Jeffery was sure he’d find another place to live. Shades of Katherine’s mother. A shudder coursed through him. This female seemed cut from the same cloth.

Another thought struck him and tipped his mouth up in a grin. On the other hand, he might garner new material for his project when those two met. Sparks would fly—he’d wager his last dollar on the fact. Yes, indeed, staying might not be such a bad plan after all.

Katherine repressed a smile as Mr. Tucker hurried away, certain she understood what had caused the man to flee. The rather imposing female standing in her foyer, arms akimbo, was enough to intimidate the bravest of souls. But fear didn’t so much as tickle Katherine’s consciousness; after all, she’d been raised by Mama.

“Were you looking for lodging?” She peered beyond the pair. “Did you bring any bags?”

“Humph.” The matronly woman snorted. “Of course. Why else would we come to a boardinghouse? Our luggage is outside with our driver.”

Any number of reasons crossed Katherine’s mind, but she bit back a retort. “May I ask your names and have you sign my guest book?”

“
I
am Wilma Roberts, and this is my niece, Beth Roberts.” She beckoned the girl forward. “Don’t stand there with your mouth open, Beth. Act like the lady I raised you to be.”

The young woman snapped her lips closed and shuffled closer. “Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry.” The whispered words appeared to mollify Mrs. Roberts, as her grim expression faded to one of tolerant patience.

“That’s better, sweetheart. Why, a good-looking young man answered the door, and you didn’t so much as nod or smile. How do you expect to find a husband that way?” She rounded on Katherine, shaking her head. “Beth’s a little shy, but she’s a good girl.”

Pity flooded Katherine’s heart. The girl, who looked no older than seventeen, was as timid as a newborn fawn. She directed a warm smile at Beth, then returned her attention to the aunt. “Would you care to share a room with your niece, Mrs. Roberts, or do you require two rooms?”

Mrs. Roberts’s mouth formed a small circle, giving her a comical look. “Why, neither. We would like a suite, if you please. With a drawing room separating two private rooms, and a bath.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s not possible. I don’t have any suites or private baths.”

“I beg your pardon?” Mrs. Roberts’s bulk quivered with indignation. “I will pay extra, if that is what it takes. I am sure the lodgers who reside in your suite can be convinced, with a little persuasion, to take a different room.”

Irritation chased away the last remnants of Katherine’s amusement.
The gall of the woman.
“No, ma’am, you misunderstood. My boardinghouse has no suites, but even if we did, I’d not ask someone to give up their rooms for any amount of money.”

“Oh. I see.” The furrows between the woman’s eyes relaxed. “Then give us the best two rooms you have that adjoin, and we will have to make do.”

Katherine shifted her weight. She’d been on her feet all day, running errands, caring for Mr. Jacobs, fixing meals, and trying to placate her mother. As much as she could use the money from extra boarders, she wondered if this woman would be more work than she was worth. There seemed no help for it, however; she’d do the best she could, but she’d hazard a guess Mrs. Roberts still wouldn’t be pleased even if she were given the best rooms in the house. “Will there be anything else, Mrs. Roberts?”

“I was directed to your establishment as being one of the best in town, and since it’s late, we will stay. But perhaps we’ll look around tomorrow to find something a bit more … suitable.”

At the moment Katherine would love to see them leave. She didn’t relish the idea of a second opinionated woman running roughshod over her household. “You’re welcome to look, of course, but I’m afraid you won’t find anything with suites available, other than The Arlington Hotel, which is very expensive. The other two hotels are mostly used by miners coming in for a day off or a night on the town, and those don’t cater to ladies. There is one boardinghouse besides mine, but it doesn’t take single women.” She wished she
could
direct them elsewhere. “I’m afraid I can’t even offer you two rooms that are connected. The best I can do is offer rooms on the same floor, but you’ll be sharing a bath.”

“Sharing a bath? That is
not
acceptable, Mrs. Galloway.” Mrs. Roberts drew herself up and peered over her spectacles and down her rather long nose. “What do I need to pay to acquire a private bath?”

Katherine almost shook her head and laughed but caught herself in time. Apparently this woman thought money could solve every problem. “Unless you have the funds necessary to build one, there’s nothing I can do. We have one bath on the main floor. In your room, you’ll have a washstand, basin, clean cloths, fresh water daily, and a mirror above your bureau, but that’s the best I can offer.”

“Since I have no choice, I will take the rooms.” The matron huffed and turned toward the door. “I’ll have the driver bring in our bags.”

Katherine held up a hand. “Wait, please. I need to acquaint you with our rules, and
then
you can decide if you still care to stay.”

“Rules? What an antiquated idea. I must say, I have stayed in some of the finest establishments back East, and the owners went out of their way to accommodate us. Why bother your lodgers with rules?”

“Antiquated or not, I have certain things I require if you choose to stay.”

Mrs. Roberts grimaced, then gave a sharp nod. “All right, Mrs. Galloway, if you feel the need.”

Katherine glanced at Beth, wondering what the young woman was thinking. Downcast eyes and stooped shoulders spoke volumes regarding her relationship with her aunt. Poor dear. Any personality that had tried to sprout over the years had more than likely gotten trampled before it took hold.

“First, I don’t allow drinking in my establishment. Second, you have a niece who’s single, and a town full of unmarried men, many who are looking for wives. A gentleman caller may be seen in the parlor but may not go beyond that room.”

Mrs. Roberts’s nostrils flared. “I resent the implication.”

“I’m not implying anything, madame. I say the same to any single woman who chooses to reside here. Now, for the rest.” She wondered if what came next would be better received. “I have two daughters. One is thirteen, the other six, and both are well behaved. However, this is their home, first and foremost. My mother, Mrs. Frances Cooper, lives here and occasionally has charge of the girls if I’m away. They will try not to bother you, but I don’t expect them to stop being children. Is that acceptable, Mrs. Roberts?”

“I suppose it has to be, whether I find it acceptable or not. As long as your children aren’t allowed in our rooms, that is, and aren’t overly boisterous.”

“They know never to enter a guest’s room. But we can both make a decision tomorrow.”

“Both? What do
you
need to decide, Mrs. Galloway? Isn’t this up to me?”

“This is my home, and I fear you might not be happy here for any length of time. While the income I receive from boarders is important to me, peace in my household is more so.”

Shock and indignation struggled for prominence on Mrs. Roberts’s face. For the first time since their arrival, she didn’t appear to have anything to say.

Katherine mustered a smile and allowed her words to settle. “Please, have the driver bring in your bags, and I’ll show you to your rooms. Breakfast is served at seven o’clock, if you care to rise early enough to join us. If not, there’s a nice café in the hotel where they serve meals most of the day.”

Mrs. Roberts stared at her as though she’d lost her mind.
As well she might
, Katherine thought ruefully. Truly, she hated the idea of losing the income from renting two additional rooms, but she’d meant what she said. Katherine stepped to the front door and swung it open. A man sat slumped in the seat of a wagon, appearing for all the world to be asleep. “Driver?”

His head snapped up, and he shook himself. “Yes, ma’am. You ready for these bags?”

“Thank you, yes.” Katherine waited till he clambered down and hoisted a bag onto one shoulder, tucking another under his arm. “Follow me.” Nodding at the driver, she headed down the hall.
Lord, grant me strength. Two strong-willed women under my roof is two too many.

Chapter Sixteen

Katherine tied the strings of her bonnet and slipped out the door the next morning, praying she could avoid more confrontations with Mama and Mrs. Roberts. She hadn’t decided if both women keeping to their rooms through breakfast boded well or ill for the day.

She’d kept so much bottled up since the last time she’d met her friends at the church. If she didn’t talk to someone soon, she’d boil over. It would be sheer joy to spend time in the company of her friends again.

Birds twittered and sang as she hurried down the dirt road leading to town. Katherine inhaled a fresh breath of morning air and cast a glance at the Powder River, which meandered beneath the footbridge. Large fir trees flanked the water’s edge, allowing only a smattering of sunlight through the branches, but a cool breeze stroked her skin, giving welcome relief. They were into the third week of June and already too hot for comfort. She was thankful the willow trees cast their welcoming shade over both her home and the church.

Katherine gazed at the exquisite stained glass window set in the roof peak at the front of the Methodist church, not far below the bell tower. She walked through the front door into the sanctuary, enjoying the fact that the builders had added a similar work of art on each side of the building, creating a sense of reverence and beauty.

Women’s laughter rang across the sanctuary. Katherine’s brows puckered in a sudden memory. She hadn’t seen Ella in church this past Sunday and had forgotten to ask how the young woman was faring. It was only a month before her baby was due. Hopefully she wasn’t feeling poorly or encountering problems with the pregnancy.

Katherine crossed behind the wood pews and entered the side room. Four cheerful faces swiveled her way, each one lit with a welcoming smile. Relief welled up in Katherine, and she hurried to Ella’s side, gathering her into a hug. “I’m glad to see you. I worried when I didn’t see you in church on Sunday. But you look the picture of health.” Drawing back, she kept a light touch on Ella’s upper arms and gave a gentle squeeze.

A flush tinted Ella’s cheeks, and she ducked her head. “It was Matt’s doin’. He insisted I stay at home and rest. He’s been fussin’ at me the past couple of weeks, sayin’ I’m doin’ too much.”

Hester Sue thumped the flat of her hand against her hip, making everyone jump. She chuckled. “Good for him. Train ’em young, and some of these men will turn into right good husbands. You snagged a keeper, Ella.”

Virginia tucked a strand of silver hair into the bun at the base of her neck. “Matt’s doing a good job taking care of you.”

“But he has his own work. He doesn’t need to be waitin’ on me, fixin’ me breakfast, and totin’ the water just because I’m expectin’ a child. Why, women give birth every day. I surely don’t want him resentin’ me or the babe before it comes.”

Leah reached a hand across the corner of the quilting frame and patted Ella’s shoulder. “Nothing you can do would make that man resent you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. My stars, I wish a man would look at me that way someday … but I’m afraid my time is past.”

Hester Sue emitted a cross between the bray of a donkey and a smothered laugh. “Past? Why, honey child, you got plenty of time to find you a man. What are you, a whoppin’ twenty years old?”

“I’m afraid I saw that birthday a couple of years back, Hester Sue.” Leah pushed her needle through the edge of a patchwork square. “I’m almost twenty-two, an old maid by anyone’s standard.”

Katherine rolled her eyes at her friend. “You are not an old maid, Leah. Just because a man hasn’t caught your eye yet doesn’t mean you won’t marry.”

Leah laughed. “You mean
I
haven’t caught a man’s eye, don’t you?”

Ella cradled her belly with one hand and stroked the top of it with the other. “Baby’s kickin’ somethin’ fierce.” She scrunched up her face, then blew out a long breath. “Whew. He’s feisty today.

“I think men are scared of you, what with you bein’ so pretty. I’ve seen men turn and stare when you walk down the street. Maybe they don’t know how to go about talkin’ to you.”

“Yep, they’s plumb tongue-tied.” Hester Sue chuckled. “Kinda strange, though, with all the single miners floatin’ around town. You’d think one of them would propose.”

Leah didn’t reply. Katherine studied her, trying to read beneath the seemingly calm exterior. She didn’t want to embarrass her friend, but something seemed to be bothering her. “Leah?”

“Yes?” Leah jabbed the needle into the fabric, making the tightly drawn quilt bounce.

Ella giggled and placed her hand on the wooden edge to steady it. “Whoa, there. Better take it easy, Leah, or this quilt might jump right out of the frame.”

“I’m sorry, ladies.” Leah dropped her needle. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately.”

“I think it’s time for a cup of tea.” Virginia stepped over the threshold, waving in the direction of the sanctuary. “I know we usually get our work done first and visit after, but maybe this time we should reverse the order. I’ll be right back with a tray.”

Katherine could hear her footsteps headed toward the back wall where a teapot simmered on a potbellied stove.

Hearty assent rose from each woman, and they moved to the cluster of chairs in the corner. After they’d all been served, Virginia turned her attention back to Leah. “Come now, dear, tell us what the trouble is. I’ve rarely seen anything get you down.”

Leah hunched one shoulder. “I wasn’t completely honest when I said I haven’t caught a man’s eye.”

Katherine jerked upright, almost spilling her tea. “Do you have a beau you haven’t told us about?”

“No.” Leah shook her head, making her red curls, clasped in a ribbon, dance around her shoulders. “But I’ve had two men approach me recently, and, well, I haven’t appreciated their remarks.”

Hester Sue narrowed her eyes. “What you tryin’ to say, love? Sounds to me like we need to organize us a necktie party if men are treatin’ fine ladies like you with disrespect.”

Leah lifted a shoulder. “We’re neglecting our work, and we haven’t much time to finish.”

Virginia pursed her lips, deepening the wrinkles on each side. “People are more important than projects, my dear. We want to help if we can.” She glanced at Hester Sue and smiled. “Although I’m not entirely ruling out that necktie party should the need arise.”

A light laugh escaped Leah’s mouth. “Sorry, ladies, but the picture of the four of you dropping that ‘necktie’ over some man’s head and hoisting him off the ground makes me laugh. Not that I don’t think you incapable of protecting a friend, but I hardly think it’ll come to that.” Her eyes roamed from one face to the next, finally resting on Katherine’s. “I’ve shared with you that my father …” She seemed unable to finish.

Katherine laid her hand on her friend’s knee. She knew exactly what Leah referred to but wondered if the others did. It wasn’t something they’d discussed in this group, but if Leah hadn’t wanted them to know, Katherine doubted she would mention it now. “Yes. He falls into a melancholy mood at times and drinks more than he should.”

Leah nodded. “That’s being charitable, but yes.”

Murmurs and understanding sighs followed.

Leah waited a minute before continuing. “I think he mentioned that his spinster daughter couldn’t find a husband while drinking at the saloon.”

“I’m so sorry,” Virginia murmured. “It may be wise to stay home for a few days.” Then her face brightened. “But I do have another idea.”

Leah leaned forward. “I’d love to hear it.”

“We can pray.”

The words dropped into the quiet like flower petals falling in a gentle breeze, releasing their fragrance. Smiles lit the women’s countenances. Silently they held out their hands, linking each heart in a circle and lifting their voices to the One who could change, heal, and protect. Each petitioned the Father on her friend’s behalf, then Leah finished with words of thanksgiving and praise.

Raising tear-dampened cheeks and eyes filled with peace, she whispered, “Thank you. I love you all so much. I don’t know what I’d do without each of you in my life.”

As one, they rose, set aside their teacups, and walked back to their places around the quilting frame. Needles were poised above the squares, and thimbles worked to push the sharp instruments through the colorful fabric.

Leah broke the silence. “It’s your turn, Katherine. How are things going at home with your mother? And how is Mr. Jacobs doing? I’ve despaired for the poor man and his son, losing their home and business. Do you know how long before he’ll be back on his feet?”

Katherine smiled. “Let’s see … which one of those questions do you want me to answer first?”

Hester Sue piped up, laughter dancing through her voice. “The one about Mr. Jacobs. Now that there’s a fine-lookin’ man. And just the kind I like—one who don’t talk a lot. I stopped in there to have him look at my wagon wheel a couple weeks ago. Couldn’t a-been more courteous and didn’t try to make me feel stupid for drivin’ it with the wheel wobblin’. My pa woulda chewed me out something fierce, and even my Arthur mighta scolded a mite for not noticin’ it sooner, but not Mr. Jacobs. He’s as nice as could be.”

Katherine gave a slow nod. “Now that you mention it, I have to agree. I’ve never heard him raise his voice to his son, even when he had cause.”

Ella’s dimples showed in her cheeks. “Sounds like my Matt. He’s always patient with me.”

Hester Sue chuckled. “Matt’s still smitten, Ella. You two only been married a little over a year.”

Virginia tapped her fingers against the wood quilt frame. “Makes no difference how long you’ve been married, dear. A man’s character shows up mighty fast if something angers him. I’d say both Mr. Jacobs and Ella’s Matt are cut from the right kind of cloth.”

Uh-huh
s and
Yes, ma’am
s echoed around the room.

Katherine straightened after finishing the last row of stitches on her square. “As for Mr. Jacobs’s health, he’s doing better. The doctor is to stop by this morning to dress the burn and leave a pair of crutches. Mr. Jacobs can start using them today if the swelling is down.”

“How long do you think he and his son will stay at your place, Katherine?” Virginia asked.

“I’m not sure. I’ve told him he’s welcome for as long as he needs lodging, but he seems determined to leave and make his own way.”

Hester Sue tsked. “Sounds like a man. Stubborn and proud. Ain’t likely he’ll find any place better or more reasonable than yours, though. Did he say anything about tryin’ to rebuild?”

“I think he wants to, but with his injured ankle, it’s going to be hard. Besides …” Katherine wondered how much she should say but decided to plunge ahead. “… I’m not sure he’d have the funds to rebuild. He’s only been in town a short while, and from what I heard, he bought the livery outright. I can’t imagine he has a lot of cash to put up a new building.” She shrugged. “Of course, I could be wrong, but he seems a little sensitive about the subject of money.”

Hester Sue snorted a laugh. “What man isn’t? Another place pride can take hold, if a man ain’t careful.”

Leah wove her needle through the patchwork and pushed it back up, then plunged it in once again. “I wonder if the townspeople might help.”

“How?” Multiple voices echoed the word.

“I’m not sure. Maybe a barn raising or something? The pastor might be able to put that together.”

“A barn raising might be a good idea,” Katherine said. “I’m not sure how Mr. Jacobs would take it, as I’ve never seen him attend church, but I can’t imagine it would upset him too much to have help.”

“Who knows?” Virginia’s eyes glinted with a spark of anticipation. “It might be a way for God to bless him and draw him to Himself. Let’s make it a matter of prayer this next two weeks and see if the Lord opens a door.”

Yes
and
Good idea
chorused from the group.

“And how about your mother?” Leah repeated her question from earlier. “Have things improved?”

“Not a lot. She thinks I should expand—build more rooms to bring in added income. It’s not that I’d be against that, but she wants to invest and …” Katherine was loath to say more.

Hester Sue nodded understanding. “The Good Book says we’re not to be a debtor to any man. But would it be bad if your ma helped you out, since she’s living there now?”

“I turned her down.” The words came out flat, almost harsh. “She made it clear she’d expect to be involved in making decisions. The next thing I know, she’d take over completely. It’s what she does. She can’t help it, and I’m having a hard enough time dealing with her suggestions now. She doesn’t think I cook the right type of meals or have enough linens, and she wants to know everything about my finances. If she invested money, it would be unbearable.”

Ella’s sympathetic voice came from across the quilting frame. “How did she take your decision?”

“Not good, I’m afraid.”

“And how are
you
doing?” Virginia leveled a compassionate gaze her way.

Katherine’s hands stilled for a minute. “I’m not sure. A bit overwhelmed at times, I suppose. Wishing Mama had only come for a short visit, then hating myself for being selfish. Gout causes her pain, and she was lonely after my half sister passed away, but knowing all that doesn’t make her any easier to live with.”

Virginia nodded. “I understand, and I don’t think you should feel guilty. All you can do is love her the best way you can and leave the rest up to God. Does your mother’s attitude cause any problems for your girls?”

“I don’t think so with Amanda, as Mama tends to dote on her, although she has spoken to her sharply a couple of times. But, overall, Lucy is the one I worry about. She’s spoken disrespectfully to Mama once, and I’ve had to caution her about her tone a time or two.” She laughed ruefully. “I’m guessing she thinks I’m weak, based on a comment she made.”

Hester Sue quirked her brows. “What kind of comment?”

“She says I let Mama walk all over me and that I should stand up to her more. I explained that she’s my elder and the Bible teaches us to respect our parents, but I could tell by her attitude she believes I let Mama go too far.”