A Touch of Autumn(10)

Forcing herself to relax, Livvy blotted her forehead with her handkerchief and inhaled deeply. The scent of still-blooming honeysuckle drifted past and she glanced around. The vines with their golden-throated blooms sprawled over the wire fence beside the road. Oak and pecan trees stood sentinel over the lane, interspersed with the occasional sweet gum.

A wooden gate loomed ahead, with a hanging sign to the side that proclaimed Cecilia Quincy School for the Deaf. A tiny magnolia tree reached upward as though trying to reach the height of the one destroyed by last year’s tornado. Livvy reined the horses in, but before she could get down from the buggy, a grinning Albert appeared and swung the gate open for her.

“Afternoon, Miss ’Livia,” his melodic voice sang out, causing an unexplainable thrill of joy to course through her.

“Good afternoon, Albert. How do you always know when someone is at the gate?”

He scratched his grizzly head. “Well, now, I don’t rightly know, Miss ’Livia. You reckon I’s a prophet?” A loud guffaw exploded from his lips. “Naw, I think it’s because Miz Wellington tol’ me you was coming and to be on the lookout.”

Livvy laughed and waved as she drove through the gate. The lane curved past a magnolia tree, and the white-frame, three-story building that housed the school came into view. Lush green lawns spread across the front of the house and surrounded it. Farther back, thick woods created the perfect backdrop to the beautiful picture.

Livvy drove around to the barn and stepped out of the buggy. Michael, one of the older students, gave her a shy grin and took the reins.

She found Virgie inside the front door, waiting. Did everyone at Quincy know she was coming today?

“Miss Olivia, you go on into the parlor and have a cup of tea with Miz Flannigan. Classes will be dismissed soon.” Her soft drawl fell pleasantly on Livvy’s ears.

She thanked Virgie, then went into the small parlor where she found Helen sitting on the settee with a steaming cup of tea in her hand.

“Helen, I’m so glad to see you.”

Helen scooted over and patted the cushion beside her. “To be honest, I forgot this was the day you were fitting the girls. But I’m glad I came early. This will give us a chance to catch up.”

Livvy poured herself a cup of tea from the rose-and-white teapot on the table then tossed a suspicious glance at the other woman. What exactly did she mean to catch up on?

Helen didn’t keep her waiting long. “I hear that Charles isn’t too thrilled about your teaching the girls to ride.”

“No, he isn’t completely happy with the idea.”

“Well, I think it’s wonderful. Molly lived in the city before she came to live with us and I don’t suppose it crossed anyone’s mind to teach her to ride.”

“No, I don’t suppose it would have, living in town.” She frowned. Where was this leading?

“Well, it’s high time someone did and I applaud you.” Helen set her cup down on a side table. “I’d love to help sew the girls’ riding costumes.”

Relief coursed through Livvy. She should be ashamed of herself for thinking Helen had wanted to tear into Charles. Or perhaps gloat because he was upset with Livvy. When would she get over her attitude toward Helen?

“Thank you. We can always use another pair of hands. I’d like to get the classes started before the winter rains set in.”

“When’s your first meeting?”

“Tomorrow morning. Saturday was the only time we could get everyone together. We’ll cut out patterns and decide who will do what. Of course, some of us will have more time to devote to the project than others. But there will be plenty of work to go around. We have seven ladies who’ve volunteered so far, including you.”

A tap at the door drew their attention. Livvy bit her lip as she counted five girls in the doorway. She had thought there would be three at the most. Oh, dear.

Molly grinned at her mother then turned to Livvy. “Miss Olivia, we’ll be waiting upstairs in the sewing room whenever you’re ready for us.”

“I’ll go with you now.” She stood.

“Can you use some help?” asked Helen.

“I certainly can. Abigail had planned to come with me, but Carrie was busy canning, so there was no one to watch the baby.”

With glowing faces, the girls led the way up two flights of stairs and down the west hall, chattering and laughing, then stepped aside to let the women precede them into the recently converted sewing room.

Trudy sauntered over to Livvy and took her hand. “Miss Olivia, thank you so much for getting us into the class.”

“It was my pleasure.” She glanced around at the girls. “Let’s see now. Elizabeth, you’re twelve, aren’t you?”