40
Something special happened when Grace held her namesake against her and felt the baby’s heartbeat—an impact greater than that sweet smell that all babies have. A deep longing for a child hit her full force. “Ginny, she is so perfect and beautiful.”
“Just like you, Grace, and I must add that you look very natural holding Grace.”
“Is she a fussy baby?” she asked, not taking her eyes off of the baby’s face.
“Only when she is hungry, but otherwise, a new mother couldn’t ask for a better baby the first time around.” Ginny folded diapers while they talked.
“That’s good. It’s obvious that Frank dotes on her already.” The baby stirred awake, and Grace rocked back and forth with a soothing coo.
“Are you going to the ball with Robert?” Ginny asked.
Grace looked up with a sigh. “He hasn’t asked me. Besides, I don’t own a fancy ball gown and have no one to make one for me.”
Ginny snapped her fingers. “I know exactly what you can wear. I have a beautiful gown that I bought before I knew I was pregnant. There’s no way it’ll fit me now. My figure has changed, and it would be far too tight.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dare take your new dress. You’ll be able to wear it soon, I’m sure.”
Ginny shook her head. “Not before the ball though. While you’re holding the baby, I’ll go get it for you.”
She returned shortly with a gorgeous gown the shade of emerald. Grace drew in a deep breath. “It’s stunning,” she whispered above the baby’s head.
“Grace is asleep, so why don’t you put her in her crib and take a closer look.”
“All right.” Gently she placed the baby in her crib, then the two of them stopped momentarily to stare down at her precious visage. “I could hold her forever.”
“Me too, however, I’d never get anything done, because it’s hard to lay her down. I love the way she snuggles against me, contented after her feeding.”
“I could only hope to be so fortunate,” Grace murmured wistfully.
Ginny squeezed her arm. “You will be. Don’t give up hope.”
They tiptoed away reluctantly so Grace could examine the gown. It was actually two pieces. The bodice had black silk embroidery with black jeweled buttons. Black silk fringe was on the upper sleeves, and the skirt had silk edging sewn around the bottom. Scattered along the sleeves and above the silk trim at the bottom were tiny black embroidered flowers. A cream, lace-edged collar completed the neck of the bodice.
“This is much too beautiful for me, Ginny. I’ve never worn anything like this,” Grace exclaimed, holding the bodice up to her.
“Then it’s time you did. I guarantee you’ll turn some heads wearing it. In fact, you and I have the same coloring, so it’ll work perfectly for you. I insist you take it.”
“But what if I’m not asked?”
Ginny giggled. “You will be. Trust me.”
“Thank you, my friend, but I’m afraid you’re a little prejudiced.” Grace laughed.
The baby started to cry and they both made a beeline for the crib, forgetting all about the ball.
Stella served up a special supper for Tom and Robert the next day, and her boarders were beneficiaries of her excellent cooking. After everyone went their various ways, mostly to their rooms, Robert stayed behind to help with the cleanup. He felt it was the least he could do. Besides, she had become more like a mother to him than a friend, and she took a special interest in the children, which pleased him immensely.
“Stella, if you keep this up, I’m gonna have to buy larger trousers.”
“The way I see it, Robert, you could afford to gain a few pounds,” Stella teased. “You’ve been working too hard. Say, now that the harvest is over, do you plan to stay around these parts or move on?”
“I have no plans to leave yet,” he said, stacking the plates at the sink.
“That sounds vague. Have you got something planned? Perhaps wooing a certain young woman?”
He gave her an intense look. “Maybe.”
Stella dried a dish, then laid it aside. “Why not start by inviting her to the Bozeman Ball?”
“Nah. I don’t even own a suit, and it’s not likely that I can get one quick enough.”
“But it’s the social event of the season,” she protested, hands resting on her hips. You must invite Grace. And as for a suitable suit, I know just the person to introduce you to.”
“Well, I don’t know—”
“Sure you do. Now don’t argue. A young man like you shouldn’t be hiding away at home when there’s a ball here in his town. Come with me. It’s just a short walk,” she said, not taking no for an answer. “I’ll walk you over there right now.” She removed her apron and waited for his response.
What else could he do? He followed Stella down the street to a row of small, hastily built clapboard houses, until she stopped. “She hasn’t hung out a shingle yet. But once folks discover how fast she is with her sewing, you can bet she’ll be extremely busy. Here we are.”
Stella continued to walk up the sidewalk to the front door of a clapboard house with black shutters. “Her name is Opal.” Stella lost no time and rapped on the door. Momentarily, a comely young woman answered the door. “Good evening, Stella,” she said hesitantly when she saw Robert with her.
“Opal, I don’t mean to intrude, but I’d like you to meet Robert Frasier. Are you busy?”
Opal smiled. “Not at all, just cleaning up after supper. Please come in.” She led them to the parlor and stuck out her hand. “I’m Opal Sloan.”
“Nice to meet you,” he answered, but wasn’t sure what else to say.
Opal nodded, withdrawing her hand. “Why don’t you have a seat?”
The odor of fried onions and liver wafted on the air. Robert glanced about the homey but untidy parlor. Evidence of more family members? She looked younger than he was, but he’d never been a good judge of age, especially in women.
Stella took over. “Thanks, but we won’t be here long. Robert is looking for someone to make him a decent suit for the Bozeman Ball next Saturday, and I told him about you. Would you have time to accommodate such a quick request?”
“Mmm.” Opal backed away, sizing him up. “I think I could do that. He’s tall, but it shouldn’t take me long.”
“I guess I should be relieved?” Robert chuckled and glanced over at Stella, and she winked. “What do you need me to do? Go buy the material? I have no knowledge about those kinds of things.”
“You have nothing to be concerned about. That’s my job.” Opal smiled at him.
Robert liked her warm friendliness, which put him at ease. He’d have to get busy and ask Grace to go to the ball.
He heard the sound of a baby crying from down the hall, and Opal glanced in that direction. “I’m sorry, but I need to take care of the baby now, so I’ll need you to return first thing in the morning for me to get your measurements, if you don’t mind.” Her tone was apologetic. “Sometimes she can be a handful when I need to be working.”
“I understand.” Robert nodded. “Thank you, Opal.”
Opal walked them to the front door. “Do you think you can stop by first thing in the morning?”
“I can do that on my way to work.”
Opal gave him a warm but tired smile.
“Good. Could you please come to the back entrance? That’s where I have my sewing area set up for now so it’s away from the living area.” The baby’s wails began to get louder. “I’m sorry, I must go to her.”
She scurried away and they stepped outside, closing the door. “I told you she’d be able to do it,” Stella said.
“Can we keep this between us, Stella?”
Stella looked at him above the spectacles low on her nose. “Sure . . . but why?”
“I want to surprise Grace. She has never seen me in anything but trousers and a chambray work shirt.”
Stella nodded. “I see. Then I’m sure she will be delightfully surprised.”
They continued back to the boardinghouse. Robert paused before he went to his room. “Thank you for helping me out, Stella. By the way, are you and Owen going to the ball?”
“Yes, we’ll be there. He may not be able to dance, but we aren’t going to miss out on the fun. Almost everyone attends.”
Robert walked to the back of Opal’s house the next morning and tapped on the door and waited. Since the harvest was over, Tom was working all day for Eli, so he didn’t have to explain where he was going. The girls didn’t always go to the farm with him every day now. Summer would soon drift into fall and school would be upon them again.
The door swung open and Opal held a baby on her hip, measuring tape around her neck and a pincushion strapped to her wrist. “Good morning.” She stepped aside for him to enter.
“Is this the little one that was crying last night?” Robert asked as he entered.
“I’m afraid so.” Opal grinned. “She’s sweet most of the time . . . unless I’m finishing a sewing project.”
Robert decided she was cute as far as babies go, but never having been around them, he didn’t really know. “What’s her name?”
“Annie. She’s six months old. My husband died in a mining accident before she was born. I’ll measure you as soon as I can get her settled again in her crib with a toy or two for company, if you’ll wait right here.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that.” Robert watched her eyes fill with tears.
“Yes, well . . .” She lowered her eyes and slipped down the hallway.
Robert took a moment to look around her sewing room. A scarred rectangular table held material, scissors, thread, and a small stack of thin tissue paper, which he assumed was to cut out patterns. Her sewing machine sat in front of the window where bright light flooded in, next to a dress form. She had all the makings for a dress shop. He hoped one day she’d have it.
A few minutes later Opal returned. “I’ll need to take your chest, neck, and arm measurements and then your pants length. If you could hold your arm out for me . . .”
Robert did as asked while Opal started at the center of the back of his neck and measured from there down to the cuff of his shirt.
She marked the number on a small pad, then moved on to the next measurement. “Now if you’ll hold both arms out a little, I can measure your chest.” When she was done and scribbled down the number, she looked up at him with surprise. “Your chest is broader than I first thought.”
“No, not at all. I was only thinking aloud.” She continued with his waist and legs. Satisfied she had what she needed, she took a step back. “Do you prefer a dark suit in broadcloth or a pinstripe?”
“Whatever you have on hand is fine, since I have no suit at all.”
“Okay—” Annie’s cries sounded in the background. “As I was about to say, if you can drop back tomorrow late afternoon, I’ll have the pattern cut and would like to check it against you.”
“Will do. How much will I owe you?”
“Whatever you can afford to pay me, but if you could help spread the word, it would help me grow my business. It’s been a real struggle since my Will died.”
“I’d be glad to do that.” The crying was getting louder as he opened the door to leave. “I wonder . . . would you like someone to entertain Annie while she’s not asleep so you can work?”
Opal laughed. “That would be like a dream come true, but of course, I know no one who fits that description.”
“I do. I have a daughter, Becky, that would love to help with Annie. She’s free during the summer and she loves children. I can bring her with me next time.”
Opal’s eyes grew wide. “Oh my! That sounds too good to be true.”
“Then it’s a deal. I’ve got to get going and let you go handle Annie,” he said, standing at the back door.
She reached out and shook his hand before he left. “I look forward to it. Thank you.” She smiled broadly. He couldn’t help but notice how her face had brightened, and it did his heart good. He strode back to the boardinghouse to get his horse from the barn before heading to the farm.
Grace looked closely in the mirror at her cheek. Only a fine line was visible now, but the scar on her heart from the episode was deeper. She was uneasy sometimes, and especially when she was alone, the nightmare of Warren clouded her mind. What if he escaped? Would he come back to finish what he started? She mustn’t let those thoughts creep in. Ginny told her that it was the work of the devil in order to keep her from healing.
She’s right. Warren was behind bars, right where he needed to be. Frank told them that Sheriff Mendenhall had heard judgment was swift and Warren was in prison for a long time, convicted of confiscation of goods, bribery, and attempted rape. Thank God!
Since the harvest, Grace had more free time on her hands to tend her flowers, pick berries, and can the vegetables for the coming winter. Becky and Sarah spent several days learning the process and sampling the jams as they helped. Other days, the girls were in town now that Tom was working at the mercantile every day. Robert tended to the cows and had removed the wilted potato vines left behind from the harvest.
Her father was spending more and more time away with Stella and going to the hot springs as often as time allowed. He still had bad days, but was encouraged when he would have an entire week when he felt like himself . . . almost. But Stella didn’t seem to mind, and Grace was so happy that she was a part of their lives.
After gathering the eggs, Grace filled a bowl with peas to shell and went to the porch to sit in the shade. Robert strolled from the barn to where she was.
“Just cleaned out the barn and worked on that loose gate.” Taking a rocking chair, he dragged it close to hers. “Can I be of help before I leave to go to Eli’s?”
Grace paused with her shelling. “If you’d like.” She was curious why he’d sat so close but placed the bowl between them. If he got any better-looking, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. When he was this close, her insides quivered.
He reached inside for a pod to shell and brushed her knuckles with his, then looked over at her. “Grace, I’ve been meaning to ask this all week, but time got away from me. Can I take you to the Bozeman Ball?”
She flashed him a smile of pleasure. “I’ve been hoping you’d ask but was beginning to wonder. I’d love to go with you.”
He gave her a childish grin. “Great! Stella says anyone who is anybody will be there. I guess she means the staunch bedrock of our community.”
She laughed. “I believe that to be true. It’s at least something we can look forward to since there’s little out here to do but work or farm.”
He reached back into the bowl, but this time when his hand touched hers, he took hold of it. “Grace,” he croaked.
“Yes?” She blinked.
“Uh . . . I’m glad you’re going to go with me. I’m not much on dancing.” His eyes searched her face, and she had a feeling he had intended to say something entirely different. But he didn’t. Instead he leaned over the bowl, stroking her cheek with his fingers. Her heart began to hammer. She licked her lips, staring at his as he moved in closer to nibble her bottom lip until she tilted her head back with a sigh.
The screen door swung open and Owen hobbled out. The timing couldn’t be worse. “You young’uns care for a glass of iced tea?”
They both jumped back, almost turning over the bowl of peas as Robert fumbled to grab hold of it.
“Yes, Pop. But I’ll go get us some.”
Owen chuckled. “Taking you a long time to shell those peas I see,” he teased.
“Pop!” Grace protested. She’d been longing for Robert’s kiss for days, and now the moment was past. She sighed and looked at Robert, who stood up, looking embarrassed, with his thumbs in his pockets.
“I’ll pass on the tea. I really should get on to Eli’s.”
“Are you sure?” Grace gazed at him.
“I’m sure. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” He started down the steps, then paused. “Is there anything you need from town while I’m there?”
Owen scratched his head. “Nothing I can think of.”
“I don’t need anything either, but thanks for asking. Tell the children hello for us.”
“Will do.” He doffed his hat and strode toward the barn to get his horse.
Owen sat down and propped his cane on the armrest of the rocker. “I’m sorry if I interrupted a private moment, Grace.”
Grace resumed the pea shelling with a shrug. “It’s okay. How would you know? I certainly didn’t. Sometimes he can be a bit impulsive.”
“Either that or it’s due to the fact that he caught you alone. You know the children are always around, or me. Plus, with him working two jobs, and that long drive to Virginia City, I can’t say I blame him. You’re a pretty woman and good-hearted to boot!”
Grace patted his hand. “Thanks, Pop. Something nags me about him. If he really cared for me, other than kissing, why doesn’t he just tell me?”
Owen sighed. “Only he can answer that, but I think it has something to do with his first wife, her sudden death, then inheriting three kids all at once. That alone could keep him a widower for a long time to come.”
“Words of wisdom. But surely someday in the future he’ll get over that, won’t he?”
“It takes some longer to forget than others.”
Grace had been piling the pea pods in her apron in her lap. After finishing the rest, she rolled her apron up and set the bowl full of shelled peas on the floor. “At least he asked me to Saturday’s ball. I was afraid I was going to have to go with you and Stella.”
“I’m glad he did. Just don’t rush him, Grace. I have no doubt that he has other things in mind when it comes to you, but he’s cautious.”
“I’ll try, Pop.”