Robin (32 page)

              Lark sniffed. “I suppose you are going to tell me your prairie is like that lake.”

              “It is, in a way. We couldn’t see the other shore, but we knew it was there somewhere, and in between there was another whole world. This prairie ebbs and flows just like that water, sister. Some mornings the grasses barely ripple, other times they toss and roll like waves. Remember the roar the waves made as they were driven by an unseen force upon the shore? There are days when the house at the Feather shudders just like that when the wind rushes across the grass.”

              “You’ve learned to love it, haven’t you?”

              “Ty says you learn to love it or you leave. I didn’t believe it at the time. All I could see is exactly what you see. But then I became her friend and found just how beautiful she was.”

              “She? Kansas has a gender?”

              Robin laughed. “Oh, sister, I asked the very same thing. Then Ty explained how much this Kansas-land is like a woman—gentle enough to cradle the creatures nestled in its bosom—wild enough, unpredictable enough to be exhilarating, thrilling, even dangerous.”

              Lark’s face turned pink. “Robin Wenghold, Mama would take to her bed with that description. What do you know about a woman being . . . being wild or thrilling?”

              “I don’t. I only want you to see this country like I see her. You were afraid of the vastness of the lake, too. Remember? Then Papa picked you up and walked into the water with you. He waded in a long distance before it got deep enough to get your toes wet, then you cried when he made you get out. That’s how I feel. I got my toes wet on the back of Ty’s wagon, jumped into the deep when we found Jacob, and now I can’t bear the thought of leaving. I don’t want to get out, Lark.”

              “Albert says I haven’t given it a chance. Maybe he’s right.”

              “You need to give Albert a chance, too. Please consider it. At least say you’ll come for an extended visit before you decide. Plan for next summer.”

              Lark stood and smoothed her skirt. “We have one more week here, Robin. I’m not ready to promise for next summer.” She kissed Robin’s cheek. “Ty will come looking for you here when he gets back from town, and I don’t think he would be pleased to find me with you.”

              “You heard?” Robin laughed.

              “If he’d been in Chicago the neighbors would have summoned the constable. Maybe the prairie has more advantages than meets the eye—or the ear.” She turned and called back over her shoulder on her way to the house. “Ask him if he knows ‘Aura Lea.’”

Robin lowered herself to the bench under the tree. She’d expect that retort from Wren. But Lark? And she was even smiling.

THIRTY-EIGHT

            
 
Robin leaned her head against the rough bark of the tree. Sunshine peeking through the branches above dappled the ground with shadows. In the distance a meadowlark warbled and she laughed aloud. Lark would not appreciate knowing she was perhaps named after such a raucous bird. She closed her eyes and let the music of the wind in the grasses fill her heart. If only Lark could come to know this land’s melody, its rhythm.

              “Wake up, Robin. We have somethin’ ‘portant to show you.”

              Robin woke with a start. She’d only meant to close her eyes for a short time. Now Ty stood before her, holding Jacob by the waist while the boy rubbed his nose on hers and waved a piece of yellow paper in front of her eyes.

              “Why do your eyes look all funny? It looks like those round things are gonna roll on top of your nose.” He giggled. “Me and Ty have been talkin’ like mens. You wanna talk? First you gotta read this.”

              “My eyes are funny because you’re so close I have to look cross-eyed.” She moved his head away. “That’s better. Now maybe the two of you should sit down.”

              Ty settled on the ground in front of her, pulling his long legs up and resting his arms across them. Jacob leaned his bony elbows on her knees.

              “Well, which one of you is going to tell me what’s so important you interrupted a perfectly good nap?” She took the envelope from Jacob.

              “No. Let me. Let me. Then you can read it.” Jacob’s mouth twisted as he worked to open it. With his chest puffed with pride he handed her the folded note.

“Purchase of home complete. Sisters may stay as long as necessary. Say yes to the next question the boy shoots your way. That’s an order. Always your friend. William.

              She looked at Ty. “Do you know what this says?”

              His eyes twinkled as he pulled a matching envelope from his pocket. “Uh-huh. Got one, too. Mine came with instructions. Did yours?”

              She nodded.

              He winked at the boy. “Jacob, I believe it’s your turn. Do you remember what we practiced?”

              Jacob hopped on one foot and giggled. “I ’member real good.” He stood straight and tall, hands to his side.
“
Ahhemm
.
” He pulled one eye shut with his fingers. “Me and Ty was wonderin’—would you be my mama?”

              “Wha—?”

              Jacob clapped his hands. “Please, please say yes cuz if you be my mama, then Ty says he will be my pa, and I been prayin’, and Papaw says it’s okay with him and Uncle Sam—that’s what I call him now ’stead of just Sam—says it would be fine and dandy, and—”

              Robin cocked her head and smiled. “You’re making a child do your bidding?”

              His gaze didn’t waver.

              Her throat tightened as he leaned toward her and brushed his hand along her cheek.

              “I know how hard it is for you to tell him no.”

              “Jacob, can you give me one good reason why I should say yes?” She couldn’t look away.

              Ty shook his head. “No, Jacob. It’s my turn now.” He held the telegram before her again. “Because this says you must follow instructions.”

              “That’s it? Because a man in Chicago said I should?”

              Ty rose to his knees, his eyes still locked onto hers. “No. Because this man in Kansas wants you to. Say yes, Robin, because we love you.”

             
“
W
e
love you? I thought you wanted to answer for yourself. It was your turn, remember?” She held her breath as he brushed his hand across her lips.

              “Say yes, Robin, becaus
eI
love you.”

              “You love me?”

              Ty pulled her to her feet and slipped both arms around her waist, drawing her close. He smiled. “I. Love. You.”

              “But what if—”

              He shook his head. “No buts, Robin, and we’ll face the what-ifs together.”

              “And Jacob? Can we keep Jacob?”

              His chuckle rumbled along her cheek. “Obed Mason has agreed to become the new preacher, so he’ll be staying. But he wants Jacob to have the advantage of both mama and papa. I told him I’d be his papa, but I’d need to shop around for a good woman to play the other part.”

              She leaned away from him. “That’s not funny, you know.”

              He cupped her face in his hands. “Then say yes.”

              Robin closed her eyes and her head nodded against his.

              How could she answer when his lips covered hers?

EPILOGUE

              “If we ain’t a sorry mess.” John eyed the knot of people sniffling and wiping their cheeks. “Ain’t this supposed to be one of them happy-from-now-on times?”

              A driving rain forced the onlookers to stay indoors while Robin and Ty hurried to their buggy. Jacob’s hand-scrawle
d
Just Marrie
d
sign hung limp, but matched the wet faces of friends gathered at the back of the church.

              “Kinda fittin’ isn’t it? She flew in on a storm, Ty hitched up with her in one. Guess this is one Robin what won’t be leaving come winter. What you think about that, Emma girl?”

              “No amount of thinking could have prepared me for what God provided so exceeding abundant. Jacob’s got his ma and pa, plus a grandpa and uncle. The church has a new preacher, and before winter a little Wren will make her nest at the Feather.”

              Lark averted her eyes when John drew her to him. “And I’ll look forward to your arrival next spring.”

              She shrugged and pulled away. “Spring is a long way off, Uncle.”

              “Are you and Emma gonna get married, Uncle John?” Jacob skipped circles around him. “Cuz you’re standin’ awful close. Ty and Robin liked to stand close, too. That’s why they got married.”

              “Oh, Brother Mason.” Henrietta’s lace jabot fluttered as she pushed and singsonged her way through the throng.

              “Oh, brother, is right,” John muttered. Emma’s elbow dug into his ribs.

              Henrietta puffed to a stop in front of Obed. “I just says to Albert, I says, ‘You know, son, we must ask the new preacher for Sunday dinner.’ My, what a fine strong voice you have. Why, I just loved the way you pronounced them husband and wife. It was so . . . so manly sounding.” She fluttered her eyelashes and fanned herself with her gloves.

              Obed bowed. “I do thank you, Mrs. Harvey. I’d be most happy to accept your invitation.” He grinned at John. “Mr. Wenghold has told me all about your delicious ham and sweet potatoes and what a fine hostess you are.”

              John squirmed
.
Jumpin’ bullfrogs
.
Emma’s elbow nearly sliced clear through him. What he told the man was to be careful because Henrietta’s hams were dry as dirt in the middle of a Kansas summer.

              “He did?” She swished her gloves at John. “Why, John.” Her cheeks glowed pink.

              Emma stepped on his toe. “Yes, John, aren’t you just a talker?”

              Henrietta bustled a bit closer, and John’s eyes watered from the heady scent of cloves.

              “Why don’t you plan to come, too, John? I’ve plenty of room at my table for two men. And guess who will be there? E.P. Does that give you a hint?”

              Emma slipped her hand into John’s and bent his little finger back. Doggone. If that Harvey woman said one more word he would be sore for days. “I’m sorry, Henrietta. I done got other plans, but I reckon the good Reverend here would enjoy a sittin’ and eatin’ ham with ya.”

              Her face drooped. “Well, I suppose if you have other plans—”

              “Oh, he has plans all right, Henrietta.” Emma pinched his elbow as she turned and stalked to the front of the church.

              Now wouldn’t that make granny’s cat howl
.
“Emma, wait.” He followed her, clamped his elbows tight to his sides, made sure his feet were out of the way, and plunged his hands into his pockets before starting a conversation. He peeked around the brim of Emma’s bonnet. “Now, you wanna tell me why you is so het up?”

              She crossed her arms over her bosom. “And what makes you think I’
m
het u
p
as you say?”

              “Mostly cuz you done smashed my toe, pert near cracked a rib, and bent my little finger like a twig. Is that a new bonnet?
”
A smart man would’ve mentioned the new bonnet first thing, John Wenghold.

              Emma turned and fluffed the large bow under her chin. “You noticed?”

              The twinkle in the woman’s eyes made his mouth go dry. “Course I noticed—first thing.” He ran his tongue over the roof of his mouth. No blisters so far, but they’d sure be coming if he couldn’t change the subject.

              “But you didn’t say a thing.” She lowered her eyes.

              “Well, now, I was a-waitin’.”

              “Waitin’ for what? The rain to stop? Henrietta Harvey to invite you for lunch?”

              She was gettin’ all het up again. Best way to stop a stampede was to get in front of the lead animal and pray they’d turn. A fella only had one chance before he got trampled. He reached for her hand and took a deep breath. “I was a waitin’ ’til we could be alone, Emma girl. Thought I’d buy you that steak dinner I owe you—unless you want to bargain for the whole critter.”

              Emma smiled and hooked her arm in his. “John Wenghold—did your mama ever tell you you’d get blisters on your tongue if you told a lie?” She squeezed his arm. “But I’ll take that steak dinner. And I’ll expect the first waltz at the Christmas dance, too.”

              Christmas? John dared to put his arm around Emma’s waist. Would he ever learn the ways of this woman?

###

Lark pressed her forehead against the window as the train carrying her and Wren back to Chicago prepared to chug away from the Cedar Bluff depot. She would miss her sister, but how good it would be to see her music students again. They depended on her. She’d not had anyone depend on her before she began teaching. Robin was the oldest, and by virtue of birth was the leader. Lark cast a sideways glance at her little sister preening herself in the window’s reflection next to her. Wren was the cute one—the saucy, flighty, fun one—who assumed everyone must love her. A lot like Robin’s prairie, she surmised—unpredictable, ever changing, and you learned to love her or leave her alone. Lark smiled at the comparison. She’d need to remember to tell Robin.

              She’d also need to think of a way to make her sister understand she had no intention of returning to Kansas. At least not for an entire summer and certainly not to make it her home. Professor Lucas intimated that perhaps she might be interested in a year-around position at the school. She’d wait to apprise Robin of that bit of information, however. Robin’s scowl whenever his name was mentioned signaled a concern she didn’t care to pursue.

              “Wren? Goodness, girl. Will you get away from that window? You’re using it as a mirror but the people on the platform must think you’re making faces at them.”

              “Maybe you should be the one looking out the window, Lark.” Wren winked.

              “Who taught you to wink, Wren Elizabeth? That’s vulgar.”

              “Jacob taught me, believe it or not.” Wren shrugged. “I’m going to miss him something awful. Robin’s so lucky. A new husband and a child without ever having to . . .”

              “That’s quite enough, Wren. You needn’t spell it out nor announce it to the people across the aisle.”

              “Well, are you going to look or not? You’re so busy scolding me that you’ll miss it. The train is already moving.”

              “Oh, what could be so important that you risk creating a scene to make sure I see it?” To stop Wren’s insistence she turned to comply. The faces were beginning to blur as the train picked up speed—but not enough to distort that of Albert Harvey. Why was he there? She had explained there could be nothing more than an interest of music between them and asked him not to come to see her off. But there he stood, one hand in the air in a farewell gesture that now included all those with windows facing the depot.

              “Did you see him, Lark? I think he was looking for you. Poor man’s arm is probably sore from holding it in the air for so long. Did you . . . did he declare his intentions?”

              Lark rolled her eyes. Even the woman across the aisle seemed poised for her answer. “Would you please keep your voice down
?
I
f
Albert had any intentions
and had thus declared them to me, do you think I would make a public announcement?”

              “You needn’t be so prickly, Lark. I only asked because . . .” She leaned closer. “Did you know Uncle John was going to advertise for a husband for Robin? What if he decides to do that for us? Wouldn’t you like to come back to Kansas with intentions, even if it’s Albert Harvey?”

              “Robin wouldn’t allow Uncle John to mail order a husband for her, and I doubt she’d allow him to do anything of the kind for us. Now, you might as well relax. We’ve a long ride ahead of us.” She leaned her head against the seat and closed her eyes. Albert was a nice man, but Professor Lucas’s offer was much more palatable than a lifetime in the company of Henrietta Harvey.

              “Please don’t go to sleep, Lark. I’m not through talking. I’m not taking any chances. I’m going to do my own advertising.”

              Lark bolted upright. “You’re what? That’s utter nonsense. You’ll do no such thing. For shame. How can you even entertain such an idea?”

              “Oh, gracious. You’d think I was going to rob a bank. I don’t intend to sit back and let Uncle John order me a husband. I’ve already thought of a discreet notice I can post in only the finest newspapers.”

              “There is nothing discreet about advertising for a husband, Wren.” She cast a furtive glance around her. How many travelers had heard this declaration?

              “You go ahead and scold and scoff all you want. I’m a grown woman and I can make up my own mind. I will return to Kansas predisposed.”

              “Predisposed? Wha . . . ?”

              Wren giggled. “It means prepared. I found it when I was searching for words to put in my advertisement. I’m going to be prepared, sister. Just you wait and see.”

♥