Chapter 13
Dry leaves crackled beneath the buggy wheels as Livvy drove up the lane to the school. She couldn’t prevent the niggle of worry that worked at the edge of her mind.
Where was the rain? There had been two more fires over the past two weeks and she wasn’t alone in her concern. She could see it in the fearful glances of her friends and neighbors. It was past time for the rainy season to start, but it had been nearly a month since the one gully washer.
The girls were waiting at the stable, their faces bright with anticipation. Only one had dropped out of the class, stating that she hated riding sidesaddle.
Margaret was the first to get her horse saddled. Livvy nodded with satisfaction as the girl turned to help Lily Ann.
Finally, it was time to mount, and Livvy told Margaret and Brenda to go first. Brenda climbed up on the mounting block but still had trouble reaching the stirrup with her short legs.
A guffaw exploded as Jeremiah pointed at Brenda. “Maybe she needs a ladder.”
Livvy’s lips tightened and she stalked over to Jeremiah. “Perhaps instead of laughing at the young lady, you could use your mental talents a little better and come up with a solution to Brenda’s problem. Lily Ann could use the help, as well.”
A stunned look crossed his face. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry.” He ducked back into the stable.
She gave a satisfied nod and walked back to the girls.
The ride was uneventful and soon all the girls had had their turn.
When the horses were taken care of and the girls dismissed, Livvy saw Charles standing by her buggy.
“Thanks for getting it ready for me, Charles.”
“My pleasure. Thought I’d see you off, since I probably won’t see you again until Sunday.”
Livvy grinned. “That’s only four days away.”
“I know. But it seems longer.”
Livvy blushed, not sure what to make of his remark. It almost seemed... She cleared her throat. “Jeremiah was teasing the girls this time.”
Charles’s brow rose in displeasure. “The girls? What was he doing?”
She raised her hand. “Nothing physical. As I said, just teasing.”
“He shouldn’t be doing that, either. I’ll have a talk with him.” A frown still creased his brow.
“Oh, please don’t, Charles. I think he was ashamed, and he did apologize. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“All right. I won’t say anything, but let me know if it happens again. I don’t want him to fall into his old habits now that his mother isn’t here.”
“Where is Mrs. Saunders? Did she get everything settled about her farm, then?” How wonderful that would be, if she did.
“No, they’re still working on that. Patrick and Helen needed some help at the store so she’s working for them and living in the apartment above the shop. She also helps Helen at the house, I believe.”
“Oh. That should work well for all of them. She seems independent. I doubt she’d want to have to accept help she hadn’t earned for long.”
And Helen could more than likely use the help around the house, with her still teaching part-time. Although Abigail had said they had several applicants for Helen’s position.
As Livvy drove home, the things on her mind had nothing to do with Helen or Mrs. Saunders. Was Charles beginning to feel something for her besides friendship? Did she dare hope?
* * *
Charles watched the back of Livvy’s red-gold head as the buggy rounded the curve and disappeared down the lane.
Was there any chance that she might return his feelings or had he waited too long to try to win her? She’d always been there for him, but he’d seen her almost as a younger sister. How could he have been so blind to his own feelings?
He sighed. There was nothing he could do about it yet except for the not-so-subtle hints he’d been dropping. But as soon as this mess with the Saunders family was cleared up and he knew for sure that Jeremiah and his mother were safe from harm, he intended to have a very heart-to-heart talk with Miss Olivia Shepherd.
He sighed and headed for the stable to see if Jeremiah was finished helping Albert. He’d promised Livvy he wouldn’t talk to the boy about his teasing, but he could at least keep an eye on him.
He found Albert sitting on a bale of hay drinking apple cider.
Albert motioned to the quart jar beside him. “Have some cider? Got another cup here somewhere.”
“No, thanks, Albert. I’m looking for Jeremiah.”
“Oh, that boy worked hard today. I tol’ him to quit for the day. I think he over at the barn building something.” Albert scratched his grizzled head and grinned. “He pretty good at that, too.”