A Sweet Misfortune, page 21
“Me?” Rachel’s laughter floated across the room. “Please don’t look to me for your example. Best to look at Annabelle or your grandmother. I have so much to learn yet.”
Annabelle beamed at the two of them, and John took the two bowls of oatmeal from her and set one in front of Rachel. “Eat up.” He took a chair before sprinkling sugar and pouring milk on the top of his oatmeal. “I’ll be out most of the day, clearing a pathway to the barn to take care of our milk cow.”
“I can help, John.” Rachel grabbed a biscuit and began buttering it.
“Naw, why don’t you stay in and keep Grams company today? I think she’d really like that. I’m sure she’ll be down in a few minutes.”
“I will then, but I do know how to milk a cow, you know, and I’m not above shoveling.”
“I’m sure you could, and if I feel the need for you, I’ll holler.” Which for me could be any minute. He smiled back at her, letting his gaze linger as her cheeks took on a rosy hue.
“Same goes for me,” Annabelle said, taking a seat at the table.
John chortled. “Nope, I need you right here fixin’ up a good pot of beef stew and cornbread. I’ll bring more firewood in for the kitchen and parlor, then we can shut off the extra rooms today. I doubt we’ll get above zero from the looks of it.” Taking his last bite of biscuit, then washing it down with coffee, John decided he could get used to this domestic scene in the kitchen.
“I can do that, and perhaps you could peel the potatoes and carrots for me, Rachel.”
“It would be my pleasure, Annabelle.”
“Wonderful! I’m going to go check on Estelle and see if she needs anything.” Annabelle lumbered out of the room.
They were alone at last. John reached across the table, covering Rachel’s hand with his. “Rachel, I meant what I said last night.” He coughed nervously this time. She looked up at him with a furrowed brow. Did she not remember? He hurried on. “About how deeply I care for you—love you, in fact.” There! He’d finally choked it out. “And I need to confess—I believe you were not like those other gals at the saloon. I’m sorry I doubted you.”
Her eyes flew wide open. “John.” Rachel said his name so softly it sounded like a caress coming from those pink upturned lips. “I’m so happy to hear you say that. Last night I thought maybe I’d been dreaming.”
“It was no dream, Rachel. Do you think you feel anything for me?”
Rachel’s face softened and her eyes misted. She seemed to struggle to speak. “I feel the same way about you, John.”
“You do?” He couldn’t believe his ears. He swallowed hard. “Regardless of my health?”
Rachel rolled her eyes at him. “But of course! Your health has nothing to do with how I feel for you. Besides, I loved you before you contracted pneumonia, truth be known.”
“My dearest Rachel, you’ve made me happier than I deserve. Do you think we could seal it with a kiss?” She nodded, tilting her head toward him as he leaned across the table. Before he knew it, he was touching those sweet lips he’d ached to taste, and a fire singed him clear down to his boot tops.
38
Rachel and Estelle watched from the parlor window as John created a pathway through the snow to the barn. The snow had stopped and it was cozy inside.
“I declare, Rachel. There’s something about you this afternoon that I can’t quite put my finger on.” Estelle studied her with a keen eye. “Has something happened or are you merely happy you didn’t freeze to death?”
Rachel laughed and dropped her arm about the older lady’s shoulder, giving her a brief squeeze. “It shows?”
Estelle leaned back with a chuckle. “Then something has happened! Anything you’d like to share with me? I’ll understand if you’d rather not.”
Rachel guided Estelle to her chair and sat down across from her. “I was hoping John might take the time to talk to you, but then he’s been very busy today.”
“Yes, well—what is it then?”
“John has told me that he cares for me deeply . . . that he loves me,” Rachel whispered shyly as if there was a roomful of people. Her breath caught in her throat with excitement.
Estelle sat up straight. “Oh, please tell me that you feel the same way too!”
“Matter of fact, I do, Estelle—care deeply for him, I mean.”
Estelle clapped her hands together with sudden joy. “Rachel, I couldn’t be happier—for you, for John, and selfishly, for myself.”
Looking at Estelle’s wrinkled, beaming face brought tears to Rachel’s eyes. “I’m not sure if John is considering marriage now. It was only a declaration of love.”
“Are you sure?”
Rachel paused a moment to think. “He did tell me that he didn’t want to live without me when he found me in the snow.”
“Trust me. John has never declared his love for any of the women he’s courted, including Beatrice.”
“Well, we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? But if you’re wondering, yes, I’d love to be your granddaughter-in-law, if he asks.”
Estelle rose from her chair and bent over Rachel, kissing the top of her head. “You have my blessing, dear.”
“Thank you. Your acceptance is very important to me.”
“Say, why don’t we go talk Annabelle into making some cinnamon cookies? If the weather permits, tomorrow I’ll ride into town with you, and I can visit the store for the first time in a long time.”
“Do you think that’s possible with the snow?”
Estelle tweaked her cheek. “Dear girl, I’ve been in much worse conditions in my many years. I’ve seen snow drifts as high as the house and times when we had to climb to the rooftop to knock it down for fear it would cause the roof to cave. I think we can manage, but we can wait until the sun starts to melt it off and we can have John drive us.”
Rachel looped her arm through Estelle’s. “Then I say Molly will be grateful for a batch of Annabelle’s cookies.”
Annabelle walked into the parlor. “I heard something about cookies, and I agree with you. Let’s go whip us up a batch or two. Oh, and I plumb forgot with all the commotion last night.” She fished inside her apron pocket and took out a letter. “Rachel, this came for you yesterday. Looks like it’s from Sue.” She craned her neck around to get a look when Rachel took the letter.
“Thank you, Annabelle. It must be from Sue because it’s postmarked Kansas, which means she arrived.” She walked over to the window seat before running her finger under the envelope flap and pulling out a single sheet of paper. The other two ladies waited anxiously while she read, hoping to hear good news.
Rachel put the letter back in the envelope, then said, “Sue arrived safely, and her family was very surprised but happy to see her. She asks for prayer as she tries to mend relationships and thanks us again for getting her out of a bad situation. I’m just thrilled that she’s out of harm’s way now.”
“That’s good news. I’m so glad you decided to help her,” Estelle said.
Annabelle poked Rachel. “See, Rachel. John was right about you putting others ahead of yourself.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent baking, chatting, and swapping stories as the three of them sampled the cookies while the delicious smell wafted through the house. Rachel couldn’t remember when she had been this happy.
The bright sun began to melt the snow as the temperatures quickly rose the next morning. John insisted they not leave until mid-morning for Cottonwood. Annabelle decided to ride along to pick up supplies from the general store. As the wheels crunched over the snow-packed road to town, Rachel sat next to John with a blanket tucked tightly around them both.
When they entered Cottonwood, the town was bustling with wagons and people going to and fro. Many businesses had their sidewalks shoveled and had opened for the day. “I’ll drive you to the front door of the shop, Grams,” John said over his shoulder. “Then I’ll return later to pick you up.”
Estelle marveled at how immaculate the millinery shop was when she and Rachel entered the store. Molly scurried up to give them hugs and take their coats.
“I got here early to build a fire in the stove so the shop wouldn’t be so cold. I didn’t expect you to make it in today, Rachel, but I’m glad to see you both.”
“Who shoveled the snow from our storefront?” Estelle asked.
“Oh, I did. It was nothing. Besides, I haven’t had but two customers today so far. Everyone is still thawing out, I suppose.” Molly’s head of curls bobbed as she talked.
“Then, I’m very proud of you. Please tell me you weren’t here yesterday.”
“Oh no, ma’am. I confess, I thought about it but figured you’d understand. The streets in town were empty anyway.”
“Smart girl.” Estelle walked around the tiny shop giving everything a brief scrutiny and was satisfied with Molly’s work. “I don’t know what I did before I had you two girls running the place.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Rachel answered for both of them.
Estelle walked over to the mannequin with the beautiful hat that Molly designed and inspected the workmanship, fingering the satin ribbon. “Molly, Rachel told me about this hat. My, but it’s exquisite!”
Molly flushed. “You really think so?”
“I do indeed. I knew you had the creative bent to your nature when I hired you.”
Molly’s brow quirked. “How did you know?”
Estelle laughed. “It’s what I do best—analyze people.”
Both Molly and Rachel giggled.
“In fact, I’ve been giving this a lot of thought—I want to make both of you partners of Estelle’s.”
“What?” Molly’s jaw dropped and Rachel shot her a look of complete surprise.
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Rachel asked.
“I am indeed. I don’t make jokes, as you know.” Estelle loved taking folks by surprise, and it made her very happy to be about this venture with two ladies she cared about.
“But I don’t have money to invest in a business,” Molly sputtered.
“Well, neither do I,” Rachel added.
Estelle continued. “I have that all figured out. Consider your share in the business as a gift. Later, when I’m ready to retire—and that won’t be too long—you can buy me out . . . that’s if you’re interested at all in my plans.”
Molly squealed with delight, grasping Rachel’s hand, and Rachel stood staring at Estelle in disbelief. Estelle’s heart felt full at their reaction. “So . . . what do you think?” she asked.
“I’m so honored that you would even consider doing such a thing, Estelle,” Rachel choked out. “But why?”
Estelle strolled to stand behind the counter facing them. “Because I want to do something good before I die, and I’ve chosen you wonderful girls because you’ve been loyal and faithful to run the shop for me in my absence. I hope you’ll say yes.”
“I, for one, don’t have to give your generous offer another thought. I’m accepting with gratitude,” Molly declared.
“I’ll agree,” Rachel said, and Estelle saw tears in her eyes.
“Then it’s settled. I’ll have my attorney see to the particulars, then draw up the contracts for your protection and mine. Why don’t we celebrate with lunch later?”
The two nodded in agreement. “Good! Now, let’s see how the books are coming along in my absence.”
The shop door swung open and in marched Vera. “Brrr, it’s cold out. I see all three of you made it in today. I came by yesterday and was very displeased to see that you were closed.” Vera huffed out her ample chest as though she’d encountered an altercation.
“You did?” Molly asked. “I’m sorry, but I saw no need to open the shop with the heavy snow that was bearing down on us.”
Vera looked sharply at the young woman. “Since when did you begin making decisions about Estelle’s?”
“Since she and Rachel became co-owners, that’s when.” Estelle knew it was a bit of a stretch in truth, but saw no need to explain to Vera the dangers of being out in the snow yesterday or the fact that nearly everyone had closed for the day.
“Humph! Have you lost your senses, Estelle?” Vera snapped.
“Hardly! Is there something we can help you with?” Estelle asked, trying to change the subject.
Vera fingered the tight collar at her throat. “Yes. I ordered some nice winter gloves for myself and Beatrice. I was assured they’d arrive yesterday.” She glared at Rachel and Molly.
Estelle looked through the received orders that were stacked on the end of the counter. “Mmm . . . I don’t see anything with your name on it, Vera. Perhaps the freight stage didn’t arrive with the bad weather.”
“I’m sure that’s what it is,” Molly added.
“In that case, I’ll be back tomorrow in spite of the inconvenience. Those gloves would’ve come in handy with this sudden cold snap.”
Estelle looked at Vera’s hands. “It’s good you have on a decent pair of leather gloves for now.”
Vera acted as though she hadn’t heard her.
“I’ll be most happy to drop them by when they arrive,” Rachel told her.
Vera seemed placated and gave Rachel a forced smile. “That will do nicely. I must be going. Beatrice and Wyatt are having dinner together, and I want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Estelle pretended interest knowing that Vera made sure they all knew about Beatrice and Wyatt, but she only replied, “That’s nice, Vera. See you soon and watch out for the slippery sidewalk.”
Vera nodded as she left, and the three of them let out loud sighs when the door finally shut.
“Why is she always such a hard-to-handle customer?” Molly asked while she opened the received packages.
Estelle shook her head. “Some folks think they are the only people who matter. Sadly, she raised Beatrice to think the same way.”
Molly turned to Rachel. “Speaking of which, what happened with you and Wyatt? And I thought Beatrice and John were courting.”
Estelle smiled and listened as Rachel filled Molly in on everything—the letter from Preston, getting lost, and John’s rescue. Despite all the trouble it caused, it was very romantic from Estelle’s point of view.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, Molly. I got a letter from Sue and she made it to Kansas.”
“Oh, good. That wasn’t easy for her.”
Soon customers arrived who were happy to see Estelle, and it felt good to know she’d been missed. Life was good. Thank you, Lord!
When John came to pick up Estelle, Rachel saw the look of surprise on his face when all three of them followed him out. Rachel flipped the sign over to “Back in an hour” while Molly turned the key in the lock and John assisted his grandmother.
“Will someone tell me what’s going on?” John asked Estelle, who had settled in the front seat.
“Remember the secret I shared with you about my business the other night?”
John nodded.
“Both of them agreed to become my partners,” Estelle announced proudly. “So we are going to have lunch together and you are welcome to join us. Then you can drive me back home.”
“That is good news,” he said, turning around to smile at Rachel and Molly. “Let me help both of you. We only have to drive one street over, but your dresses would get soggy and wet if you walked.” He handed Molly and then Rachel into the seat behind Estelle.
“We were very surprised but honored that she would even dream of asking us,” Rachel said. Estelle noticed his hand lingered on Rachel’s a moment longer than needed.
“That’s my Grams—always up to something. Congratulations to both of you. I think you’ll both be glad that you accepted. Now, on to lunch.” He hopped up to the driver’s seat and they took off down the snow-filled streets, following the ruts other wagons had carved.
39
A few days later, the only reminder of the storm was puddles of melted snow. As Rachel remembered her night in the whiteout, she silently thanked God for John and Winchester’s perseverance. The mere thought of John’s arms around her that night gave rise to bubbling happiness within. Even through tragedy and Rachel’s unwise choices, good had prevailed. I know the plans I have for you, that’s why, a still small voice reminded her. She marveled at God’s faithfulness to see her through each day.
On her way home from work today, she was going to stop by the church with an idea she had. She hoped Jeffrey would be there. Molly told her he would. Molly seemed to know his every move these days. Rachel told her she’d make a wonderful, caring wife for a pastor, which seemed to please Molly.
It wasn’t long before she reached the church. She set the brake on the buggy and looped the reins over the hitching post in front of the building, then scampered inside calling out his name. She knew Jeffrey’s office, hardly bigger than a closet, was at the back.
Jeffrey’s face poked out from his office door and he waved her on back. “I’m surprised to see you today. It’s not Sunday you know,” he teased. “Please come in.”
Rachel laughed. “I wanted to have a word with you, if I may.” His office was neat and tidy, with a worn wooden desk supplied by the church, two chairs, and a bookcase.
“If it’s about me and you . . . well, I hope you know that Molly—”
Rachel stopped him. “It’s not about that at all. In fact, I’m very pleased that the two of you have found each other.”
“Oh, I see. I did have feelings for you, you know, but after meeting Molly, I felt an immediate connection with her.”
Rachel nodded. “Believe me, I do understand exactly what you mean. But I came by with a gift—and a request.” She opened her reticule and handed him a wad of bills. Jeffrey’s mouth dropped open. “I want to finance a bell for the church’s bell tower.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Jeffrey gasped. “Rachel, are you sure?”
“I wanted a way to honor my brother Preston’s memory, and I like to think that every time I hear the bell, I’ll remember him—and that God is my true inheritance.”
