Blowing on Dandelions (27 page)

Chapter Thirty-One

Lucy wanted to shake some sense into Ma and Grandma, no matter how much she loved them. She walked with Zachary along the path leading to the Powder River, swinging her pole and scuffing her toe against the clods of dirt kicked up by a passing horse. She didn’t feel like talking today, but being with Zachary was better than being stuck in the house. Grandma went around biting off anyone’s head if they looked at her crossways, and Ma was too blamed nice to Grandma. Lucy didn’t understand. Sure, respecting your elders made sense, but how far did you have to take that when your elders treated you with disrespect most of the time?

She hadn’t been thrilled when she’d seen Ma dancing with Mr. Jacobs three nights ago, but it didn’t bother her as much as she’d expected. It wasn’t like he was a monster or anything. She grinned and kicked at another dirt clod. If she were honest, she’d have to admit he was handsome and kind, and he treated Ma nice. These past few days Ma had been happier than Lucy had seen her in a long time, and that was something, considering how much unhappiness Grandma caused.

Lucy scowled. She wished Grandma would go back to her old house and quit living with them. If she did, maybe life would return to normal. Ma would be happy again without Mr. Jacobs, and … Lucy stopped and peeked at Zachary trudging beside her. If Ma married Mr. Jacobs, that would make Zachary her brother. Would it matter, since he already lived at their house, and they were best friends? She shrugged. Probably not. But if that did happen, he’d better not think he could tell her what to do just because he was older.

Zachary cleared his throat and shot her a sideways look. “What you thinkin’ about? You’re awful quiet.”

“Nothing much.” Lucy heaved a sigh. “Would you bait my hook? Somehow I don’t feel like killing a worm, even if it is for a good cause.”

“Sure.” He reached for her pole and sank down on the grassy bank. “Want to tell me what’s bothering you? Is it my pa and your ma? I saw them dancing together at the social.” He exhaled a sigh of his own. “Since I wasn’t doin’ too much dancing of my own.”

“I’m sorry, Zachary. I couldn’t believe Beth didn’t come. Mrs. Roberts was fit to be tied when she decided to stay in her room. I can’t imagine what’s wrong with her. She didn’t appear to be sick.”

“I think she’s tired of her aunt trying to push her to marry.”

Lucy glanced at him, surprised at the depth of understanding in his answer. She’d always thought of Zachary as a boy close to her own age, but now he sounded more like a man. “You might be right. I know I wouldn’t like it if Ma did that to me.” She harrumphed. “Not that she’s apt to. She’s so worried about you wanting to court me, it’s ridiculous.” Lucy clapped her hand over her mouth.

Zachary turned a shocked expression toward her. “Your ma thinks I want to court you? Is that why she got so riled when she found you in my room?” He gave a shout of laughter. “That’s funny.”

Lucy stood over him, hands on her hips, and glared. “Thanks a lot, Zachary. I may not be the prettiest girl in town, but I don’t think you need to laugh at the idea. Besides, it’s not like I
want
you to court me.” She dropped her arms to her side and plopped onto the grass. “I don’t know
what
I want anymore. Except for Ma and Grandma to get along and things to go back the way they used to be.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I understand. And hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything bad by that. I never thought of you that way. You’re my best friend, and I don’t want that to change.”

“I know. You’re my best friend too.” She leaned back on her hands and tipped her chin up, staring at the lazy clouds passing overhead. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to dance with Beth.”

He peered through narrowed eyes at the hook, then held it up with a flourish. “There you go. All ready. It’s no big deal about Beth. She’s too old for me anyway.”

Satisfaction swelled in Lucy’s chest, quickly followed by shame. She shouldn’t rejoice over Zachary’s disappointment—but she hadn’t realized before how worried she’d been that she might lose his friendship if he continued to pine after Beth. “Yeah, I heard Mrs. Roberts tell Ma she’s twenty. Why, she’s practically an old maid. I can understand her aunt being worried about getting her married.”

Zachary’s head whipped up. “Twenty?” The word came out on a croak. “I thought she was seventeen, maybe. Whew.”

Lucy choked back a laugh. No way would she let Zachary see her amusement; he’d be too embarrassed. “You still have me for a friend if you want.”

“You told me you liked some boy at school.”

She tossed her head, sending her blond braids flying. “Not anymore. Bella Mae caught his eye, and I don’t want anything to do with him. Why, anyone who’d like that stuck-up girl doesn’t deserve my attention.”

“Is that what’s been bothering you?”

“Naw. I didn’t care about him that much anyway. I guess I’m mad at my ma and grandma. I’m so sick of the way Grandma treats Ma, and tired of Ma never standing up for herself the way she should. I’m telling you, Zachary, one of these days I’m going to make them sorry for making everyone around them miserable.”

He pushed up on his elbow and stuck a blade of grass between his teeth, all thought of fishing apparently gone. “Like what? Need any help?”

Her mind scrambled, surprised at his offer. How much should she tell him of her plan? She didn’t have it fully formed yet, and the last thing she wanted was someone trying to talk her out of it. Better keep it quiet for now. “I’m not sure yet, but I’ll let you know when I do.”

“Okay. So we goin’ fishin’ or what? It’s kind of a hot, lazy day. Maybe we should wade in the shallow part of the river instead and get cooled off.”

“Lucy! Zachary!” A distant voice drifted to them, and Lucy turned her head. Amanda stood on the edge of the water a hundred yards away, her skirt hiked up to her knees. “Look at me. I’m big enough to go up to my knees in the water all by myself.”

Lucy sprang to her feet on the grassy slope as fear clenched her stomach. What was her sister doing here? She’d left her home baking cookies with Ma. Calm eddies in front of her sister were deceiving. Only a short distance out the bottom dropped into deeper, swifter water, too treacherous for a young child to handle. “No, Mandy. Wait for me. The water is too swift.” Her little sister took a step forward. “Wait!” The word came out as a wail.

Mandy advanced another step as Lucy raced along the bank toward her, praying the little girl would listen and turn back. Mandy wasn’t a good swimmer, and her heavy dress would pull her under if the current caught her. Lucy heard Zachary’s footsteps pounding behind her and increased her pace, feeling his urgency. “Mandy. Don’t go any farther. Stop!”

The words seemed lost on the child as she moved deeper into the river. She turned with a grin and waved. Then she seemed to totter, slowly rocking one way and then the other, the joy of moments before swamped by a horrified look. “Lucy! Help me!” With a final desperate cry she waved both arms trying to regain her balance, then fell into the river, disappearing beneath the churning water.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Zachary raced past Lucy and yelled over his shoulder, “Run home for my pa and your ma. Hurry, Lucy! And bring blankets.”

Lucy hesitated only a second. Her own swimming skills weren’t strong, but Zachary was like a fish in the water. He had absolutely no fear. If anyone could save Mandy, it was Zac. “You’ve got to save her.”

He threw her a look, then sprinted toward the calm water a hundred feet down the river.

The last thing Lucy saw was Zachary kicking off his shoes and diving into the water.

She hiked her skirt to her knees and ran, thankful it wasn’t far to the house. A sob ripped from her throat. She hadn’t expected her little sister to follow them here. Ma would never have let her come alone. She must have slipped away when no one was looking.

Lucy picked up her pace, her feet flying over the uneven ground. Maybe she shouldn’t have left—what if Zachary needed help and didn’t reach her in time?
Oh, please, God. Help Zachary save Mandy. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens.

Seconds later she burst through the front door of her home and bolted down the hall to the kitchen. “Ma, Mr. Jacobs, come quick! Mandy’s … fallen into … the river.” Her breath came out in pants, and she hoped they’d understand the disjointed words.

Ma came to the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. “What’s all the yelling about, Lucy? Your grandmother is trying to sleep.”

She skidded to a halt. “Didn’t you hear me?” Frustration pulsed in her chest. She didn’t care if she woke her grandmother or anyone else. “Mandy followed us to the river and fell in. Zachary jumped in to save her. Come quick and bring blankets!”

Ma dropped the pan of cookies onto the floor, her face turning white. “She was here a minute ago.” She hurried to the parlor. “Mandy, where are you? Mandy?”

“She slipped away when you weren’t looking. Hurry!” Lucy whirled toward her mother. “Is Mr. Jacobs home? We need his help!”

Katherine rushed out, carrying two blankets and jerked open the front door. “He’s gone to town. Can Zachary reach her in time?”

Lucy bit her lip so hard she almost cried out, wishing she could lie to make her ma feel better. She needed to trust that God would take care of her baby sister. “Zachary’s a good swimmer.”

Katherine grabbed her hand. “Hurry!”

Lucy pushed down the hard lump in her throat as she flew along beside her mother, trying not to trip over the skirt she’d bunched high above her ankles. “I prayed, Ma. I’m … so sorry … I didn’t take better care … of her.”

“Not your fault. You did right. I should … have watched her.” Katherine gulped back a sob. “Too busy … with my baking.” She sucked in a harsh breath. “No matter.”

“What?” Lucy’s mind churned with possibilities. Did Ma think Mandy would be dead when they arrived? A shudder shook her, and she stuffed back more sobs. She must concentrate on where she was planting her feet.

“Nothing … important.” Katherine panted out the words, then reached out and grabbed Lucy’s hand. “Faster! I see the river.”

Katherine wanted to rage and scream, but she didn’t want to scare Lucy. Why would God let this happen? She’d already lost her husband.… Wasn’t that enough? Lucy assumed Zachary was a strong enough swimmer to rescue Amanda, but what if he failed? What if her little girl died? She couldn’t endure the thought. Wouldn’t endure it.
You have got to do something, God. You cannot let this happen. Not again. Please not again.

A shout went up from someone far ahead, and waves of relief washed over Katherine. Micah Jacobs was waving his arms above his head. “Over here, Katherine. Bring the blankets.”

She dropped Lucy’s hand and pushed forward with all her might. It had to be good news if Micah was here. If Zachary had been unable to save Mandy, Micah would be in the river as well.

Katherine slid to a halt on the grass and looked around wildly. “Where is she?” The words spilled from her mouth as she grabbed his arm. “Where’s Mandy?”

“Hang on, Katherine. She’s all right. Zachary flagged me down. He’s with her in the wagon, but I think we should take her to see Doc.” He slipped his hand around her shoulders and gently pulled her close. “She’s awake, but she swallowed some water and got sick to her stomach. Come on.” He nodded toward a towering oak. “Zac told me you were coming. I didn’t want to start out for Doc’s until you arrived.”

Katherine sagged against him, thankful for his strong embrace. Then she yanked away and dashed forward, Lucy right on her heels. She could hear her older daughter’s sobs and slowed her pace to embrace her. “Shh, it’s all right, honey. Mr. Jacobs said Zachary got to her in time.”

Lucy hugged her in return but kept pace with her brisk walk. “Thank you, God.”

“Yes, indeed.” Katherine whispered the words, ashamed at her own earlier lack of faith. “I’m so glad you prayed on your way home, Lucy-girl. My fear got the better of me, and all I did was rage at God, thinking I might lose Mandy.”

Zachary sat in the back of the wagon with the little girl on his lap, rubbing her arms. Micah kept pace behind Katherine and Lucy, and Katherine wondered if he’d heard her admission. It didn’t matter if he had—she knew he’d understand after his own spiritual battles. All she could do was give thanks that this had ended well.

Micah slapped the reins against the horse’s rump and clucked, eager to return home after their visit to the doctor. Funny, he’d come to think of the boardinghouse as home in so short a time. He glanced at the pretty blond sitting beside him cradling her sleeping girl on her lap, and his heart swelled with joy. Katherine was much of the reason for this new emotion. After the narrow miss with Mandy, he’d come to realize how entangled his heart had become with her two girls, as well. He didn’t know what they would do about a future relationship, but for now it didn’t matter. The important thing was that Amanda was safe, and they were on their way home.

“She’s sleeping sound.” He spoke the words in a low voice so as not to wake the child.

“Yes. Doc said she’d probably sleep through the night due to the medicine he gave her. I still think we should have had him look at Zachary. We don’t want him to catch a chill and sicken after being in that cold water.”

“He’s fine. Once he dried out and got warm at the doctor’s office, he perked right up.”

“I can never thank him enough for saving my girl, Micah. Never.” A shudder passed over Katherine’s slender form. She cast a look over her shoulder at the two older children riding in the back of the wagon. Zachary had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders while Lucy sat beside him, holding his hand. “She hasn’t left his side once since she knew her sister would be all right.”

“Yeah, I noticed. They care a lot about one another.”

“Yes.” Katherine let the single word fall and didn’t say more.

Micah’s heart lurched, and the hope that had been rising withered and dried like a tender shoot in the hot sun.

Micah gently took the sleeping child from Katherine’s arms. He allowed his fingers to brush Katherine’s cheek before he tucked Mandy against his shoulder and turned toward the house. All was right with his world, and he thanked God yet again for His provision and care. They’d had more than enough excitement for one day, and what they all needed tonight was peace and quiet.

He’d probably need to help Katherine with supper preparations, but undoubtedly Lucy and Mrs. Cooper would pitch in as well. Between them, they should whip things together in short order, then settle into the parlor and relax before bed.

Katherine stepped down from the seat and turned to the older children climbing out of the back. “Lucy and Zachary, would you take the mare to the barn, unhitch her, and give her some hay and grain?”

“Sure, Ma.” Lucy grinned at Zachary. “But I’ll make Zachary sit and watch. I think he’s done enough for today.”

“Hey, I’m no sissy girl.” Zachary growled the words and Lucy broke into a laugh, poking him with her elbow. They led the mare toward the barn as Micah and Katherine stepped up onto the porch.

He waited for Katherine to swing open the door, then walked up the staircase with his precious burden.

Katherine passed the girls’ room and stopped in front of her own. “I want to keep her with me tonight.” She entered first and beckoned for him. “I’ll sleep better if she’s close.”

Micah tried not to blush as he kept his eyes averted from Katherine’s bed. With her mind on her little girl’s condition, it probably hadn’t occurred to her that she’d invited him into her room. As Katherine drew down the covers, he walked forward and gently placed Mandy against the pillow. Quickly he stepped back and retreated to the doorway, willing her to hurry. This evoked too many emotions he didn’t care to deal with. But at present, Mandy’s welfare was all that mattered. He needed to get a grip on his thoughts.

Katherine leaned over and placed a kiss on Mandy’s forehead, then joined him across the room, joy lighting her face. “I guess we’d better head down. I’m sure Mama and the others are wondering what happened.”

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Yeah.” The word came out with a rasp. “The children and I can set the table or peel spuds or whatever you need. Say the word.”

“Thank you. I may take you up on that offer.” She walked beside him toward the staircase.

They’d gotten halfway down the steps, Katherine behind him, when a sharp sound alerted him.

Mrs. Cooper stood at the bottom of the stairs, appearing so angry fire seemed to emanate from her mouth. “And what do the two of you think you were doing in Katherine’s bedroom? I get up from a nap, find the house filled with smoke, the children missing, a batch of black cookies in the oven, no supper on, and you come traipsing down pretty as you please like nothing is wrong.”

She aimed a glare that should have dropped him in his tracks. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Jacobs, enticing my daughter to leave the straight and narrow. I hope you will have the decency to pack your bags and get out of this house before nightfall.”

Shock at her mother’s harsh words coursed through Katherine’s body so hard her feet were unable to move. She couldn’t deal with Mama’s nonsense tonight. She had endured a sufficient amount of pain already. Thoughts and memories swirled, bouncing from one spot to the next in her head like a jackrabbit hopping through the brush, searching for a hole to hide in.