Love's Story (40 page)

“Certainly, Chase.” He extended his arm for her to pass.

Rachel walked down the steps and behind the house so that she could see the lake.

“What is it?” Rachel didn't care what his words were. This morning she was happy just seeing his bluish-green eyes and his freshly shaven jaw line. His clean scent floated near her, and she instantly remembered the warm embrace they had shared.

“Rachel, I've had a very long night. I've been praying for most of it and I've come to a conclusion.”

His words caused her stomach to churn.
Is he going to declare himself?
she found herself thinking, her heart racing in anticipation.

“Rachel…” he looked into her eyes solemnly, “first, let me apologize for yesterday. I shouldn't have held you, in a public place or otherwise. Secondly, I think it's best if we're not seen together for awhile.” The words were a stunning blow, and Rachel stiffened with coldness.

She looked at the dusty path, blinking quickly to keep the tears from falling. She would not give him the satisfaction of knowing he'd hurt her. If he wanted to abandon her, just as much of the Searsville population did, that was fine, but she would never let him know she cared.

“Of course. I think that's best.” Rachel said the words in strict business fashion, the way she'd heard Marshall say them a dozen times. “I must go; I'll be late for school.” Lifting her skirt, she dashed toward the schoolhouse without so much as a cup of tea for breakfast.

Chase remained in place, a look of confusion coming over his face. He had thought they had reached an understanding the previous night. Perhaps he had only caught her during a moment of weakness and had taken advantage of her situation.
Still, she must agree this is best for now. The whole town is talking. We'll be able to see each other as soon as the gossip dies down.

I
tell you I saw them by the lake, in each other's arms.” Gretchen Steele was telling the story with relish, her inflection greatly exaggerated. “No!” Mrs. Davenport gasped. Just then Mrs. Irving and Mrs. Thorne entered the general store and the story was repeated again with evil delight.

“I knew I was right about her from the very beginning. I'm so glad my daughter will not be attending school any longer,” Mrs. Thorne bragged.

“You're so lucky your son's too young to understand any of this, Gretchen,” Mrs. Irving said.

“Well, my son was witness to it though. His poor innocent eyes. Afterwards, Henry asked me if they were to be married. Ha! I told him directly that men like Chase do not marry women like her.”

“Good for you, Gretchen,” Mrs. Davenport affirmed, her head nodding.

“I plan to talk to Mr. Lathrop today about finding a new schoolteacher. We may live in the woods, but that doesn't mean we don't have common decency,” Mrs. Irving clucked.

“Amen!” Mrs. Davenport agreed.

The women had banded together in a tight circle near the large wooden barrels. Their tones, which started out hushed, became louder until Mr. Davenport entered from the back room. The conversation was redirected immediately.

“Veronica's wedding is four weeks from Saturday. She's so excited, she's simply impossible to have around,” Mrs. Thorne said. The women parted and began milling around the emporium, fingering the latest goods. Mr. Davenport eyed them all suspiciously, but went about his work pricing the latest inventory.

“You're so lucky to have her married off to a fine gentleman like Jeremiah. I hope there's such a man when my April is old enough to wed,” Mrs. Davenport commented. Mr. Davenport shook his head at his wife and reentered the back room.

Mrs. Davenport dashed to the back doorway to ensure her husband was safely out of earshot and the circle resumed until Chase Dylan arrived.

Chase was extremely wary, his eyes narrowing in suspicion when he saw the gathering of familiar women in the shop. He looked directly at Gretchen Steele, whose guilt forced her to avert her eyes. Once again, the women separated.

“Mighty popular place you've got today, Mrs. Davenport.”

“Yes, Chase. Thursday, you know. Quite a big day for supplies. Speaking of which, I've got yours right here.” She lifted a paper-wrapped bundle onto the counter. “That will be $4.10.”

Chase paid his bill and collected his goods. As he strolled out the door, he looked back knowingly; he had been deceived by Gretchen Steele. Gretchen's knowing expression and fierce hand-wringing had given her away.

Rachel began to wish she had never gotten out of bed that morning. She was having a difficult time maintaining order at school following her talk with Chase. The children were especially wild this day and seemed to question the schoolteacher's authority continuously. When she had finally had enough, she decided to make an example of the rebellious leader. “Michael Hansen,” she said sternly.

“Yes, Miss Phillips,” a boy of twelve answered sarcastically, rising from his seat; he stood a full head taller than his teacher.

“Michael, do you see the chalk line I've drawn in the rear corner?” Rachel pointed and Michael turned to look to the back of the classroom.

“Yes, Miss Phillips.” His crooked smile remained.

“I'd like you to stand there, facing the corner, for exactly half an hour. I will tell you when your time is up. The rest of you may go outside for recess.” The boy stared in defiance and Rachel's eyes met his own in challenge. Sauntering slowly, the boy walked to the rear of the classroom and Rachel exhaled deeply with relief. She had won, this battle, anyway.

The children walked out one by one, each snickering as he or she passed the disconcerted Michael. Rachel hated to make the boy a laughingstock, but it was important she not lose her control in the classroom, especially now. The students' parents might openly discuss her personal life, but she would give them no reason to question her professional capabilities.

“Miss Phillips?” Veronica Thorne had entered the schoolroom and now leaned over the young teacher's desk.

“Veronica, how are you?” Rachel was deeply concerned for the young woman and the seriousness of her tone told the girl so. “Your mother told me you wouldn't be attending class any longer. I must say, I am disappointed. You were one of my most promising students.”

Veronica brightened at the unexpected compliment. “Thank you, Miss Phillips. I'm busy planning my weddin', so I don't miss it too much. The weddin's gonna be a potluck at the church, four weeks from Saturday. You will come, won't you?”

Rachel knew Mrs. Thorne would be livid if she knew that her daughter had extended the invitation, but she had every intention of attending Veronica's wedding. Feeling somewhat responsible for the match, she would certainly be there to celebrate the bond.

“I wouldn't miss it, Veronica.” Rachel looked at the young woman standing before her; she was beaming with happiness. True, she had gotten her way, but for the first time Rachel felt comfortable with Veronica's decision.

Women were married at sixteen every day, and Veronica's mother had probably been preparing her for marriage from the day Veronica was born. Rachel's own mother had been married at sixteen and bore Rachel at the still-tender age of seventeen.

Veronica broke into Rachel's thoughts. “Well, the reason I came by was to give you my slate. I figure if I'm not gonna use it, you'd be able to give it to one of the older boys when they come back.”

“Veronica, that's very generous of you.” Rachel took the slate with misgivings. They smiled warmly at one another. No longer were they teacher and student, but friends.

“I better go.” Veronica walked toward the door and stopped when she approached the silent figure of Michael Hansen. Veronica lapsed into girlhood: “What ya do, pull somebody's hair? I guess it don't matter, you probably won't do it again.” Veronica winked at Rachel and laughed as she exited.

Chase entered Robert's blacksmith workshop and found his friend bent over a huge black pot, mending a large hole in its base. “Robert?”

Robert put his tools down and stood. “Hello, Chase. I was just thinking about you. I had a little run-in with Gretchen this morning. She was here again to call for the immediate dismissal of our schoolteacher.” Robert's teeth were clenched.

“She's been mighty busy this morning. I just saw her over at Davenport's General Store. Do you mind if I ask what you told her?”

“I told her that since I paid Miss Phillips's salary, I would need to pray about the matter. Obviously, I already have, and I'm quite comfortable with my decision to keep the school as it is. But you know how Gretchen can be. I thought it best to appease her for now.”

“Thanks, Robert. I appreciate your support and I know Rachel does, too. That's actually why I'm here. I have a favor to ask of you.” Chase lowered his voice. “This morning I spoke with Rachel about us not seeing one another for a while. You know, give the town a little time to get used to the idea. With the logging season coming to an end, I'm going to be spending time in Redwood helping the Williamses remodel their hotel for the train's arrival.

“I think we both know who started the rumor about Rachel. Worse still, I think I'm the reason she was targeted. Robert, I want you to watch over her while I'm gone. Protect her from a certain sewing circle until I return.” Chase's eyes were pleading.

“I'll do what I can, but I think you're asking the wrong person. I can't even protect my own wife from those women.” Robert's head hung in shame. “Go to Redwood, Chase. I'll do my best, but you'd be better off praying.”

“Thanks, Robert. I'll be praying for all of you. Say good-bye to Rachel for me, will you?”

“I think that's something you should do yourself,” Robert answered.

Chase cast his head downward, thinking hard about seeing Rachel again before leaving, and finally shook his head. “No, I don't think so. It's best for Rachel if we just wait until I get back.”

“Well, you take care of yourself and we'll see you when you return.” Robert waved and picked up the pot he'd been fixing.

“Tell Maria I'll be back for her home-cooked meals just as soon as I can get here.” Chase felt dejected leaving for Redwood now. He wanted to be in Searsville to carry Rachel through this difficult time, but in his heart he knew it was best for her that he leave.

Rachel grabbed her study plans and left the schoolhouse early, trying to put an end to a troubling day. She was eager to unpack her things and get settled into the Lathrop home. Jaunting along the main route toward the Lathrop ranch, she neared Mrs. Steele, who was mumbling angrily to herself as she headed toward the town center. Rachel decided it was best to avoid her and took a circuitous route off the main road. When she arrived at the house, Maria had already returned from the butcher and was preparing a roast for dinner.

“This house smells divine!” Rachel exclaimed.

“It's a special occasion for the newest member of our family. Well, that and I'm desperately craving roast beef!” Maria laughed and Rachel hugged her. “What was that for?” Maria asked.