Hope Rekindled (12 page)

“Neither is my place in town,” Christopher replied. “The owner may kick me out any day. I believe this is the best answer.” He pushed back his hair and stood. “I know this is hard for you, but I need for you two to help me.”

Jimmy looked at Tommy and nodded. “I know it’s not easy for you, either. I just . . . well, I hate it.”

“I do, too,” Tommy added.

Christopher studied his brothers. They seemed so young to him. Were they really nearly grown? “Come on,” he encouraged. “I’ll show you around.”

The boys ambled along beside him while Christopher told them about the Vandermarks. “They really are the very best people you could ever know. I used to write and tell Ma about them, and she said they were just the kind of folks she’d cherish knowing better.”

“And Mrs. Vanermark did say that we could maybe have jobs,” Tommy added.

Christopher smiled. “As you can see, there’re plenty of ways to earn your keep here. The garden alone takes many hours of tending.” He waved his hand toward the area where Sissy was working even now. “Then there’s canning and smoking food. Hunting and fishing.”

“Do you suppose we could learn to shoot?” Tommy asked.

Christopher stopped walking and faced his brothers. “There isn’t a single thing you can’t learn if you put your mind to it. The Vandermarks can show you how to shoot, how to log, how to hunt, and do just about anything else you’re of a mind to learn. If you give them a chance and agree to stay here, I promise I’ll work quickly to come up with a more permanent solution. If we need to move to a bigger city like Houston or Galveston, I will need some time to make arrangements.”

Jimmy kicked at a rock in the path. “They won’t laugh at us ’cause we’re from the city, will they?”

“I’ve never known them to be unkind to anyone, Jimmy. They are good God-fearing folks who practice what they hear each Sunday. I know you’re feeling a bit angry with God right now, but I believe He has given us this opportunity for the safety and well-being of everyone concerned. I’m just asking you to give it a chance.”

Jimmy and Tommy exchanged a glance. “Guess there isn’t much of any other choice,” Jimmy said. “Just remember, I want to go to college.”

“I also want you to further your education,” Christopher replied. “I won’t forget.”

Stuart Albright looked at the figures his father-in-law had just handed him. “I suppose if we’re to rebuild, we’ll be best to keep the present location.”

“It will cost three times as much—just for start up—if we move the mill elsewhere,” Dwight Longstreet told him. “More than that if we have to run a new siding for the train.”

“I can see that for myself.” He pushed the papers away. They fluttered in the air momentarily and fell onto the massive desk. “So have you arranged for workers?”

“I’ve put out the word. We need men with experience; otherwise, it will take forever to get the mill operational.”

Smiling to himself, Stuart shook his head. “No, I want the blacks working on it. They are taking up space on my land—in company houses. Have them begin the construction work.”

“And if they do not know how?”

Stuart shrugged. “Hire a foreman who does. One white man can handle it.”

Longstreet looked at him oddly. “I suppose it could work.”

“It will. I’m not in any hurry to see this mill running—I only want to prove that I’m actively pushing forward. That way, the Vandermarks won’t have a leg to stand on should they decide to pursue a lawsuit.”

“They will also expect you to begin purchasing logs again.”

“I’ll delay that until I have no other choice,” Stuart replied. “I want them to suffer, Dwight. I want them to know that I’m not a man to be toyed with.”

His father-in-law said nothing, but the disapproval lined his expression. Just like his daughter—no guts for making bold moves.

“What of Houston?” Longstreet asked. “Are you still of a mind to move there?”

Stuart was glad for the excuse to change the subject. “I am. I think that it will keep your daughter away from the bad influence of the Vandermarks. She doesn’t understand my desire for her to abandon her friendship with Miss Vandermark.” Stuart leaned back and laced his fingers together. “She is too emotional to make a sound decision on this matter, so I must make it for her.”

Longstreet shrugged. “I’ve never known Jael to practice poor judgment.”

Stuart thought of revealing the truth of Jael’s pregnancy to her father, then decided against it. It was much more powerful as a sword he held over her head. He smiled. “Well, I have. So this is how I will handle the matter. You are, of course, welcome to reside with us once we find a suitably sized home.”

Jael’s father nodded and picked up his hat. “I have my own place there, and I must return. There are banking affairs to see to.”

Stuart gave him a curt nod and turned back to a stack of papers at his right. “I don’t anticipate you’ll need to visit Perkinsville anytime soon. Find a foreman and have him brought to me. I’ll instruct him on what we want.”

Longstreet looked like he might comment, but said nothing. Stuart hated the man. He was a coward, ignorant of the way modern business needed to be handled. He cared too much about people and the details of their lives. Such a waste.

Still, Longstreet had his uses. When those ceased to exist, then perhaps Mr. Longstreet would, as well. For now, Stuart would tolerate the man, as well as his daughter. His father had put a stipulation on getting his inheritance and keeping it. He had to remain married to the woman for at least six years. It irritated him to no end, but he would prove to Father that even this wouldn’t hold him back. He would remain married to Jael, and when six years had passed, then he would decide what was to be done. Until then, neither her nagging for a divorce nor her desire to help the Vandermarks would deter him from his duties.

I
thought you’d never get home,” Mother said, pulling Arjan into a long embrace.

He gave her a quick kiss, then turned to G.W. “Tell her the good news.”

G.W. stood with his arm around Lizzie and nodded. “We found enough folks to help us in our arrangement of tradin’ logs. Longtime family friends, willin’ to keep it to themselves. It won’t be easy, but we’ll manage. Mr. Decker made a good suggestion.”

Deborah came alongside at this. “And what was that?”

“We’ll abandon the current camp and set up to the far north,” G.W. replied.

“It seemed to me,” Brian Decker began, “that any travel done by Mr. Albright is usually to Houston. If that is indeed the case, he would most likely never pass this way for any reason. You can reduce the rail time by moving to the far northern reaches of your acreage, as well as keep it out of the sight of locals who might say something without realizing the harm.”

“That will mean no more coming home in the evenings,” Mother said with a frown.

“Maybe not every evenin’, but we’ll still make it home often enough,” Arjan replied with a grin and a wink.

“And have you talked to the men about this?”

“We have,” G.W. said. “Stopped at the camp for a brief time on the way down here. They understand what we’re up to. I reckon those with families will move them north to live in tents at the loggin’ site. Some will probably move on into Lufkin since it’ll be close enough to get home at night.”

“Well, if you’re certain this is how it must be,” Mother said. “It will be a great deal of work just getting the site set up. You’ll probably need to build a corral and keep the mules there.”

“True. We’ve been discussin’ all of this,” Arjan answered. “We have a plan.”

“What will you need us to do?” Mother asked.

Arjan put his arm around her shoulders. “Keep us in grub and prayers.”

Deborah looked to her mother. “You’d best tell him our news.”

Mother nodded. “Christopher is back. He’s brought us a bit of a surprise.”

G.W. shook his head ever so slightly. “What kind of surprise?”

“Five of his siblings. A house fire killed their parents, and Christopher found himself in charge of the five youngest. They range in ages from seven to sixteen. The oldest two boys would like jobs this summer.”

“Where are they now?” G.W. asked, looking around.

“Christopher took them to town to see about school,” Deborah interjected. “He wasn’t certain when Mr. Huebner was ending the term.”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t mind if they stayed here with us,” Mother added. “Christopher certainly hasn’t enough space or food. We can easily put them to work here. They can help in the garden and with other chores.”

“They seem to be very well behaved,” Deborah added.

“They are,” Lizzie concurred. “Darcy is thirteen and very capable with the twins.”

“I’d say you ladies have this worked out already,” Arjan said, laughing. “I see no reason to interfere. How about you, G.W.?”

“It’s fine by me.”

“I did want to ask if you might be willing to let Christopher use the cabin.” Deborah quickly added, “Christopher suspects that Stuart will force him to leave his house soon. I thought if you and Lizzie weren’t planning to move into the cabin yet, it might make a good place for Christopher to stay and see patients.”

“I have no objection to that,” G.W. replied. He fixed Deborah with an ornery grin. “Just so long as you two aren’t sneakin’ around at night to meet under the moonlight.”

Deborah felt her cheeks grow warm. Arjan and Mother laughed. If a hole in the floor would have opened to swallow her, Deborah wouldn’t have minded. They had no way of knowing that such thoughts had crossed her mind. It would be wonderful to have Christopher just a short distance away. The cabin was where Uncle Arjan had lived for years, and it might even be suitable for Christopher and Deborah after their wedding.

“I guess we’re all set, then. I’ll look forward to meetin’ the doc’s brothers and sisters—and I’m sure we can find the boys some work. Pay might not be much at first, however. They’ll have to understand that. And now,” Arjan pulled Mother along with him, “how about tellin’ me what kind of cookies you have in the tin.”

Deborah smiled as the couple exited for the kitchen. Mr. Decker glanced at Lizzie. “Where are my grandbabies?”

“Napping,” she told him.

“That sounds like a splendid idea.” Mr. Decker looked to the trio. “If you wouldn’t mind excusing me, I will join them—at least in napping. I believe I’ll seek the comfort of the guest room rather than the nursery, however.”

“You go right ahead,” G.W. said. “I have some things to talk over with Lizzie.”

Deborah made her way into the front room to allow them some privacy and took up her sewing. A million questions assaulted her peace of mind.

When would she and Christopher marry? What would they do for money? Would they have to relocate? She certainly didn’t want to leave.

And then there were the children. What kind of needs would they present? How could Christopher possibly provide for them unless he secured another steady position as a doctor? Again, the idea of moving elsewhere crossed her mind.

“But Stuart is rebuilding the mill,” she murmured.

But that didn’t mean he would hire Christopher. Stuart hated the Vandermarks, and Christopher was clearly tied to the Vandermark he hated the most.

The most important question, however, was the one Deborah didn’t want to ask. It frightened her. What if Christopher no longer wanted to marry her? Worse yet, what if she decided she couldn’t marry him? No. She shook her head. She loved Christopher. A little bit of trouble wouldn’t keep her from a life of happiness with the man of her dreams.

Of course, five siblings were hardly a little bit of trouble.

“Deborah?”

She jumped, startled by G.W. calling her name.

“I nearly forgot. I ran into Jake Wythe in Lufkin,” G.W. said. “He wanted you to know how sorry he was. Gave me this letter for you.” G.W. handed the envelope to Deborah.

She looked at the handwriting and then back to G.W. “Was he well?”

“He seemed to be. Better off than last time, for sure. He seemed sincerely sorry for the way he acted at your party and asked if there was any chance of getting his job back.”

“What did you tell him?”

G.W. shrugged. “I figured it was up to you. You were the one most wronged. He said he’s left off drinkin’. He realized his mistake there. Said he was mighty discouraged and never meant to cause you harm.”

Deborah looked again at the envelope. “I’m sure he didn’t. He’s usually a very gentle man. I knew it was the whiskey that caused him to act as he did. I never intended to see him lose his job, but I also didn’t want him taking liberties with me.”

“Well, read your letter and let us know what you think,” G.W. said, heading back to the foyer. “He’s a good worker, but I don’t want him back with us if he’s gonna make you uncomfortable.”

Once G.W. was gone, Deborah opened the letter and began to read. Jake was full of apologies and regret. He assured her that he would never touch liquor again, and that he was quite disgusted with the way he’d acted.

She read his final words again.
I’ve been drawing closer to God, knowing that my behavior was in part due to having walked away from my faith. Please forgive me, even if you don’t want to ever see me again. I know that you and Dr. Kelleher will be very happy.

He seemed sincere, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. As far as she was concerned, Jake deserved a second chance. She would ask Christopher what he thought, however, before giving G.W. an answer.

By the time Christopher and the children returned, Deborah had finished the final touches on a shirt for Jonah. She held it up and showed it to the little boy. “What do you think, Jonah?”

He looked at the shirt and then to his big brothers. Christopher smiled. “Tell her thank you, Jonah.”

“Thank you,” he said, still uncertain as to what he should do.

“Well, go and get it,” Christopher added, laughing. “I don’t think he’s used to getting presents—especially new shirts. In our family, hand-me-downs were more common.”

The little boy walked up to Deborah and gave a shy smile. “Is it really for me?”

“Only you,” she replied. She could not imagine how these children must have lived in Kansas City. Christopher had told her how poor they were, but it was still hard to fully grasp.

“We also have a surprise for you girls.” Deborah got to her feet. “Mother and I changed the furniture around from my room to yours. You will each have your own bed now.”

“Our own bed?” Darcy asked in disbelief. “Emma and I used to share before the fire, and at Mrs. Maynard’s house, I just had an old cot.”

“I hope that means you are pleased. We took the smaller beds from my room and put them in yours so that you and Emma wouldn’t have to share the big bed. I will use your bed in my room.”

“Can we go see?” Emma asked. “Right now?”

“I don’t see why not,” Deborah said, smiling. She looked to Christopher. “Is that all right with you?”

“Absolutely.”

The girls shot out of the room without another word. Christopher shook his head and laughed. “You’ve made them very happy.”

“It was an easy enough solution. Also, Arjan and G.W. are back with Lizzie’s father. They are waiting to meet Jimmy and Tommy. I think they’ll be happy for the extra help.”

“We can help right away,” Tommy added. “Mr. Huebner isn’t gonna have but another week of school, so we’re not gonna start until next fall.”

“Hopefully, by next fall, the mill will be up and running. Did Mr. Huebner say whether they plan to stick around?” she asked, looking to Christopher for an answer.

“He mentioned the possibility. He plans to head down to Burke to see what kind of jobs are available there, as well. He needs to find work in case the mill isn’t up and running by September.”

“Surely it will be operational by then,” Deborah said. “Most of the mills set up with an outdoor arrangement at first. If they build a covered area for the saws, then they should get workers back right away. If the same men bring their families back to Perkinsville, then Mr. Huebner will have more than enough students.”

“I thought I heard voices.” Uncle Arjan came into the room. “These must be the Kelleher boys.”

“Yes, sir,” Christopher replied. “This is my brother Jimmy. He’s nearly seventeen and has a mind to go to college. This is Tommy, and he’ll be fifteen this year.” He put his arm around Tommy’s shoulder. “The youngest is Jonah.”

“I’m seven,” Jonah offered.

“Well, that’s half grown,” Arjan said, ruffling the boy’s brown curls. Jonah beamed. “Why don’t you come with me into the office, and we’ll talk with G.W. about puttin’ you to work.”

The boys followed Arjan from the room, leaving Christopher and Deborah alone. She saw the weariness in his expression. “What’s wrong?”

He straightened and crossed to her. “First, this.” He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her with such passion that Deborah felt her knees give way. He caught her easily and pulled her against him. With a low chuckle, Christopher set her on her feet.

Breathless, Deborah opened her eyes. “Goodness . . .” She fell silent and pressed her hands to her chest. Her heart nearly pounded out of her body.

“Do you require a doctor’s assistance?” he asked, grinning.

“I very well might.” She shook her head. “I have to admit, I was sitting here contemplating whether or not we should move forward with the wedding right away.”

He raised a brow and frowned. “You’re having doubts because of the children?”

She shook her head. “I’m not having doubts after a kiss like that.”

“But doubts, nevertheless,” he said without smiling.

Deborah reached out and took hold of his arm. “Not doubts about my love for you. It’s never been that. Neither do I doubt your love for me. I do admit, I am concerned about my ability to care for all of them.”

“I have worried about putting this burden on you.”

“Christopher, I want to share your burdens—your worries. The children need you, and I understand that. I feel . . . well . . . I don’t know what to say.” Deborah turned away, knowing it would be impossible to tell him about her fears. At least not yet—not before she could face them herself.