His Errant Educator (Willamette Wives Book 3) (5 page)

"Be careful," Charity warned.

Nodding, Agatha glanced at a rack Wyatt had placed next to the door. The holster he'd made her hung there, her revolver tucked securely in its place. Before she reached for it, she peeked out the window.

Lifting the latch, she opened the door. "Ma, this is a surprise."

"I hope a pleasant one?" Catherine said.

"Of course it is. Come in… oh, hello, Reverend Jorgensen. I'm afraid you just missed the men. They've gone hunting."

"Good morning, Mrs. Wilcox. Don't mind me. I was out early, posting some flyers. When I got to the restaurant, Benjamin suggested that since I was heading out this way, it would be nice to drop Catherine off for a visit."

"That's very thoughtful of you," Agatha said. "Won't you at least come in for a cup of coffee?"

"No thank you. I'm heading out to the Colby farm. Margaret just gave birth and I wanted to go by and let them know when the christening can take place."

"Oh, that's wonderful," Charity said. "We've been wondering ourselves, since the last one was… um, well, you know."

"I do," Isiah stated. They all did. The christening planned earlier in the year had been cancelled when Wallace Thompkins had appeared instead of Isiah. With the snows beginning immediately afterwards, parents who had planned on having their children christened had been waiting. With the unanimous vote to offer Reverend Jorgensen the position of their town minister, it seemed that the event could now take place.

"When will it be?" Anna asked.

"In a couple of weeks. The town council has decided that it would be a great idea to hold a dance that same weekend. As long as people are coming in for the christening, well, what better time than to have a bit of fun as well. It can get rather lonely when it's difficult to visit with all the snows we've been having. That's why I had the posters printed up. I'm hoping to see you all there?"

"We wouldn't miss it," Anna assured him.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like a cup of coffee, Isiah? It's still quite chilly and I'm sure the girls wouldn't mind…"

"Now, Catherine, stop fussing. I didn't bring you all the way out here just so you can wait on me. I'm fine."

"If you're sure…"

Agatha watched, her eyes widening when she saw him reach for Catherine. Her breath caught in her throat as her tummy flipped, remembering how often she'd heard a man's sharp words belittling her ma whenever she'd dared to question him. Before she could react, she saw that Isiah was only helping Catherine remove her cloak and heard him speaking without rancor. "I'm positive. I'll be back in a few hours. Perhaps I'll have a cup when I return." After handing her a package wrapped in brown paper that he'd had tucked beneath his arm, he said his goodbyes and turned to leave.

"Come, sit down," Anna said, going to where her friend stood and gently closing the door, a quizzical expression on her face.

"I'll get you a cup of coffee," Charity volunteered, jumping up as Catherine went to the quilt and knelt down to say hello to Hope.

"Agatha?"

"Hmmm…"

"Are you all right?" Anna asked quietly.

"What?" It took a second but the question drew Agatha from her thoughts. "Oh, yes, I'm fine." Looking over to where her mother was listening to Hope's chatter about her doll, she shook her head. "You don't think Ma is, well…"

"What?"

"Never mind, it's nothing. I'm just happy to see her. In fact, if you ask me, it's fate."

"What's fate?"

"Ma being here, of course. Here we are trying to figure out how to help Roger, and now we have the opportunity to learn what we can about how Teresa really feels."

"I don't know," Anna said. "Richard isn't a fan of gossip."

"It's not gossip if it's the truth," Agatha said with a wave of her hand. "Besides, it's only fair. I mean, I'm sure our husbands are talking to Roger about how they think he should handle Teresa. Wouldn't you agree that, as females, it's our responsibility to help Teresa if we can?"

"I don't know," Charity said, having joined the two. "What if she doesn't want us to interfere?"

"We're not interfering, we're helping," Agatha insisted, ending the discussion by stepping away and calling to her mother. "Ma, I'm so glad you stopped by. Perhaps you can help us?"

"Of course I will, if I can," Catherine said, handing the doll back to Hope. "I think she'd like to hear a story, don't you?" she suggested to the little girl. Hope seemed to consider the suggestion and caused the women to laugh when she announced that her dolly would appreciate a story and a cookie. Agatha held up the plate, and after Catherine chose one and passed it to Hope, she joined the others, who had reseated themselves around the table.

Catherine accepted a cup of coffee and then looked around the table. "My, such stoic faces on such pretty young women. I hope it's nothing serious…"

"What can you tell us about Teresa?" Agatha asked.

"Teresa? Teresa Goldman?" Catherine said, her puzzlement apparent in her knitted brow.

"Yes, that Teresa. What can you tell us about her?" Agatha repeated her question.

"I'm not one to gossip," Catherine said, shaking her head.

Ignoring Anna's mumbled, "I told you so," Agatha qualified her question.

"We aren't looking for gossip, Ma. It's just that Roger is courting her and, well, there was a spot of trouble the other day that caused him some… um… well, let's just say he wasn't too happy with the resolution. We just want them both to be happy."

"I'm not exactly sure what was said, but Roger didn't appear too pleased when Ben confronted him, and Teresa has been a bit grumpy ever since Saturday. Oh, this for you." Catherine handed the package to Agatha, who opened it to find her dress inside.

"I'm afraid it got torn but I was pleased when Teresa insisted she mend it herself before I washed it."

"Torn? How did that happen?" Charity asked as Agatha lifted the hem of the dress.

"Well, Agatha is taller than Teresa so I suppose it's understandable that her heel caught in the hem. It wasn't really a big tear. You can barely even tell," Catherine explained. "The stitches aren't perfect, but…"

"That doesn't matter," Agatha said. "I'm just glad she didn't catch her death that day."

"We all are," Catherine said. "To tell you the truth, I think she is trying to make up for the tantrum she threw when Roger brought her home. She might not care about perfect stitches, but I assure you, she certainly cares about that young man. I think she fears that he might decide she isn't worth the trouble."

"That's exactly what we need to talk about," Agatha said. "Ma, we want to help her but we need to know where to start. Is she always so… I don't know…"

"Spoiled?" Anna offered.

"I wasn't going to say that," Agatha corrected. "I'm sure there is a good reason for her behavior. What do you think, Ma?"

Catherine took a bite of her cookie before responding. "Don't get me wrong. Most of the time, both girls are a delight. But, well, when one or the other gets upset, the smallest grievance can set off a huge battle."

"Why doesn't Mr. Goldman do something about their behavior?" Charity asked, shaking her head. "James wouldn't be oblivious if I was always bickering, believe me."

"I'm not sure, really. I can tell it upsets him, especially when they get so loud that customers can hear them all the way out in the dining room, but while he'll ask them to stop, and even threaten to send them out to the shed, he never follows through."

Anna's huff told the others what she thought of that.

"So you think their pa just doesn't care?" Agatha asked, stroking the fabric of her dress.

"That's just sad," Charity said. "He's the only parent they have left."

"Oh, no, I don't want you to think that," Catherine said. "I know he loves them dearly, and I'm not saying they fight all the time." She paused and then sat forward. "You know, I think you might be right, Charity. When they fight, it's almost as if they are doing so in order to get attention. I know they miss their ma."

"That's just it," Agatha said. "Teresa needs some women friends who can guide her. That job falls to us."

"I don't know," Anna said. "From what I've seen, I get the impression that Teresa feels she is perfect just the way she is. I'm not too sure she'd appreciate our offer of friendship."

"Especially not when she learns that when we act that way, we get our heinies spanked by our husbands—" Charity immediately slapped her hand over her mouth as her eyes flew to Catherine. "Um, I didn't mean… they don't… I mean…"

Catherine smiled and patted her hand. "I know exactly what you mean, dear."

Flashing her friend a look, Agatha said, "Ma, we don't want you to think that we fear our husbands. I assure you—"

"Girls, please," Catherine said, sitting back in her chair and giving them each a look. "I am not some naïve schoolgirl, nor some fragile woman who will break down at the least little conflict…"

"Ma, you don't have to explain—"

"I do, Agatha," Catherine said. "It's time you know the truth. Yes, Wallace was an awful man, one who was quick to cut with words and threats, but I assure you he never laid a hand on me in anger. He used his hate and his words to hurt me. The man was truly awful but he was also weak. Perhaps, if I hadn't known better, I wouldn't have survived. But I also had memories of a wonderful man which kept me strong. Your pa wasn't a weak man, Agatha. He was the strongest, most loving man I've ever known. He didn't have to scream and threaten until you don't even hear the words anymore. But, just like your Wyatt…" she turned to give the other two women a glance, "and your Richard and James, I was often across his knees getting a lesson delivered on my bare bottom. Believe me, it is a far better thing to be spanked and then forgiven than to be accused of every sin imaginable and ignored. So please, don't ever feel the need to censor what you say to me. It makes me feel honored and blessed to be included in your lives."

The four remained silent for a moment before three chairs scraped across the floor as the younger women all stood to move to Catherine's chair, each bending to give her a hug.

"Thanks, Ma," Agatha said. "I always thought… was scared…"

"You don't ever need to think about that man again, Agatha. He's not worth another moment of your time. But I do believe that your friend Roger and Teresa are worth it. I'll do whatever I can to help but you must understand that ultimately, if they aren't meant to be together, if God isn't the one who has decided they are each other's perfect mate, then it would be better to let them go their separate ways. Life is too precious to spend with someone who doesn't make your heart stutter every time they come into the room."

"That's romantic, Mrs. Kennedy," Charity said.

"Please, call me Catherine. After all, despite what you might think, I'm not yet old and gray."

"You're definitely not," Anna agreed. "In fact, I'm sure there are quite a few men in town who would agree that you are quite the catch."

"Don't be ridiculous," Agatha said sharply. "Ma has had enough of men. Besides, we're supposed to be talking about how we can help Teresa." She didn't miss the looks exchanged between the other three but had no intention of offering her mother up for discussion. Despite what Catherine had said, Agatha knew she'd been hurt deeply by Wallace. She'd offer her own life before allowing another man to hurt the woman who'd sacrificed her own happiness for her daughter.

The women spent the next hour talking about how they would make sure that they each connected with Teresa.

"We can't gang up on her," Charity said. "It's best if we offer our friendship, which we can do the next time we see her, and see how she responds."

"I agree and since I'm sure she'll be at the dance, hopefully with Roger, that will give us the perfect opportunity," Agatha said. "Ma, you can keep your ears and eyes open. I'm not saying spy on her but, well, all right, I am saying exactly that. It's important that we know what is going on in order to best help."

"I'll do whatever I can," Catherine promised. "Beneath that stubborn exterior I'm sure there is a very sweet girl who wants to be loved, and give love in return."

"If not, the faster we discover the truth, the quicker we can encourage Roger to look elsewhere," Anna said, nodding.

They all turned towards Anna when she giggled. "What's so funny?" Charity asked.

"I'm just thinking about what Matthew is always saying. You know, women aren't worth the trouble."

"We most certainly are," Charity said with a huff. "One day, he'll find his own girl and have to eat his words."

They spent the rest of the afternoon chatting about babies, husbands, and recipes as they pulled out mending and played with the children. They were a bit surprised to hear the sound of horses thundering into the yard, not having expected their men back until dark. As they rushed to pull on cloaks and bonnets, Catherine joined them on the porch to discover that a buggy was also pulling up.

The group celebrated the fact that the men had indeed shot a huge elk, the women very impressed with the large rack of antlers. As the men took care of the horses, an invitation was extended for Catherine and Isiah to stay for supper. Agatha was disappointed when her ma insisted she needed to get back to fix supper for the restaurant's customers.

"We'll have supper when you come into town for the dance and the christening," she promised.

After hugs and kisses were given and Agatha handed a few jars of preserves to her mother, Isiah and Catherine left. Agatha turned her attention to Roger as he carried the steaks they'd be cooking for supper into the cabin, while the other men discussed how long it was going to take to smoke the remainder of the elk. Following Roger, she saw him glance at the dress that had been returned.

"Did Teresa come by?" he asked.

Agatha hated to disappoint him but shook her head. "No, my ma brought it back."

"I suppose that's all right, though I was going to return it."

"Ma said she offered to repair the hem but Teresa insisted she do it herself."

"She did?" Roger said.

"Yes, and it's as good as new now. It was so thoughtful for her to repair it quickly. I'll be able to wear it to the dance."

"What dance?"

Agatha quickly explained about the dance and the christening day. "You are going to ask Teresa to go with you, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'll ask her the next time I go into town…"

"You are going soon, aren't you?"

Roger shrugged. "I'm not sure. A few days, I suppose."

Agatha put her hand on his arm. "You need to go soon. I mean, I'm sure she already knows about the dance, because Reverend Jorgensen posted one of the flyers in their window. She's probably wondering if you are going to ask her. You don't want to chance someone else asking her first…"

"Aggy, Roger is quite capable of making his own plans. Stop meddling," Wyatt said as he and the others entered the cabin.

Agatha could feel her cheeks flush but wasn't quite ready to give up. "I'm not meddling. Besides, weren't you and Richard just discussing the fact that with more and more men moving west, women are becoming quite scarce?"

"Yes, I heard that as well," Anna said. "Who knows how many lonely men will be moving into town within the next week or so. Why, we might not recognize a single face when we finally get to town again."

"It would be such a shame to discover some stranger has swooped in and asked Teresa to the first big dance the town has held before Roger makes his next trip," Charity said, her blonde head shaking. "Such a shame."

"It's highly unlikely the town will be inundated with new people any time soon," James said with a chuckle. "The snows are deep here; imagine how much deeper they are in the mountains. I'm quite sure Roger is safe from much competition until the passes are clear."

"There's always the chance that someone visiting from one of the other towns might come through and see a flyer," Agatha said.

"Yes, especially if they need their children baptized as well," Charity chimed in.

"Well, whether Roger moves fast enough or not, I will be very happy to take my wife to a dance and see my daughters christened."

"Why don't we make a holiday of it and stay a couple of nights?" Richard suggested.

Anna squealed and threw her arms around her husband's neck, and Charity danced around James with Hope in her arms.

Agatha shook her head, her friends were obviously forgetting what they were supposed to be encouraging. "Fine, but don't blame me if Teresa and some total—"

"Agatha…" Wyatt said again

Roger shook his head and interrupted, "I certainly don't want her dancing with some stranger. I'll run into town this weekend. Will that make you happy?"

"Oh, it wasn't my happiness I was worried about, but yes, I'm sure that will make Teresa happy," Agatha agreed, giving her husband a smug smile before reaching for her apron, yelping when a large palm connected to her rear. Looking up to see Wyatt, she hissed, "What was that for?"

"Just as I can tell the difference between a mountain and a hill, don't think I can't recognize meddling when I see it." He bent lower to speak directly into her ear. "And, young lady, I promise your little bottom won't be happy if you continue to pry into business that doesn't concern you."

"I am not meddling," she said again, then swallowed hard at the look in his eyes. "I-I need to start supper."

"Now that will make us all happy," Wyatt said with a chuckle, giving her a quick kiss. "We are starving, and anxious to taste our first elk steaks!"