“Yes, he’s very good with his hands. I’m glad he’s being a help to you, Albert. Guess I’ll go see what he’s up to.”
“He a good boy. Just needed to know folks care.”
“I know.” Charles patted Albert on the back, then headed out the door. Now, what was the boy building?
He stepped through the open barn door and followed the sound of hammering to the rear of the old building behind the cow stalls.
Jeremiah glanced up. “Hi, Mr. Charles.” His hands moved quickly as he signed. Quite an improvement lately.
“Hello, Jeremiah. Just saw Albert. He says you’re a great worker and a good boy.”
His lips turned up on one side. “Yeah, I like Albert, too. He’s teaching me a lot.”
Well, that was definitely an improvement on the boy who thought he already knew everything. Except signing and lip-reading in the beginning. But, to be honest, Jeremiah was proving to be a fast learner with those things, too.
“What are you building now?” It appeared to be some sort of stool.
Jeremiah ducked his head, but not before Charles saw the sheepish grin that appeared on his face. “Trying to make something to help the shorter girls get on the horses easier.” He spoke in his stumbling speech, and with his head down, Charles had to listen closely to make out the words.
Charles glanced at the boy in surprise. Did this have something to do with this afternoon’s teasing?
“That’s very nice of you. Did Miss Livvy ask you to?”
Jeremiah leaned back on his heels and appeared to be in thought for a moment. “Well, yes and no.”
“I see. Well, it’s very nice of you and I’m sure Miss Olivia and the girls will be grateful.”
“I guess.” He returned to his project and, appearing satisfied, he picked up a piece of sandpaper and started sanding. “I figure this is big enough to set safely on the mounting block, don’t you?”
Charles stooped and eyed the stool-like structure. It had a broad base, and one step to climb to the top, which was also broad and smooth. Wasn’t a very pretty sight, but it appeared solid and serviceable.
“Yes, I believe this will work fine.” He stood and brushed his hands off. “Of course we’d better try it out before you hand it over to the ladies.”
Jeremiah gave him a disgusted look and signed furiously. “Well, of course. I wouldn’t give it to them unless I knew it was safe.”
“Of course not. I didn’t mean to imply that.” Charles signed back.
“Oh.” Jeremiah grinned.
“Supper will be ready in less than an hour. Don’t stay out here much longer.”
The aroma of Selma’s cloves, ham and candied yams greeted Charles as he stepped into the foyer. Selma always put cloves in her ham. A couple of times he’d been the recipient of one she’d forgotten to remove, but it was well worth it. He’d never tasted better ham anywhere. He smiled. But Livvy’s ma’s was a close second.
He went up to change into fresh clothing before supper. When he came down, Trent had just stepped into the foyer.
“Charles. Just the man I was hoping to see.”
“What can I do for you, my friend?”
Trent removed a light coat and hung it on the hall tree.
“A coat?”
“The temperature seems to have dropped a few degrees in the past half hour or so. Thought I’d bring it along.”
“I hope it brings some rain with it.” The threat of fires hung over them daily and the woods behind the school were a deadly reminder.
Trent shook his head. “Not a cloud in the sky.”
“I heard from Frank Saunders’s lawyer. He’s willing to go out to the farm and confront the brother, but not alone. Was wondering if you could get away this weekend and go along with me?”
“I’d love the opportunity to see that scoundrel’s face when he realizes he’s been found out.” And Charles would have a few words for the bully about his treatment of Jeremiah and his mother.
“I thought we could take the train out late Friday afternoon. But we probably won’t make it back for church Sunday.”
Charles groaned inwardly. He wouldn’t get to see Livvy. Maybe he could take a ride over after supper tonight to let her know.
“Friday will be fine. We have to get this matter taken care of as soon as possible.”
* * *
Despite objections voiced by Charles and Trent, Mrs. Saunders insisted on going with them to the farm.
“After all, the property belongs to my son and me. I need to be there in case there is a legal matter to be decided.”
Charles, deferring to Trent, glanced in his direction.
Trent nodded. “Your attorney will be waiting for us at the hotel in Rome. He plans to get a law enforcement officer to go with us to confront your brother-in-law.”