Dove placed the last of the breakfast dishes on the shelves and wiped perspiration from her brow. She gazed out the window of the kitchen. Everything as far as the eye could see was brown. The few trees in the yard drooped in the heat. No rain for more than five months made this the hottest and driest summer she could remember. The last really soaking rain had been the tornado last spring. Farmers had time to replant the crops destroyed by hail, but then the drought came.
She had seen devastation like this only once before, but then not so many families lived in the Territory. Now so many lives would be affected by the lack of rain. Still, more families continued to move to the Territory. The increase made for more customers at the mercantile in town and kept the Anderson family busy.
It had been almost a week since the incident at the Haynes ranch, and she had succeeded in putting the worst parts in the far corners of her mind. She wanted only to remember the best part . . . Luke’s kiss. Her fingers touched her lips. How she would love to have the feel of his lips on hers again.
Her mother came into the room. “I know it’s going to be a warm day with the heat like it is already, so I want to go into Barton Creek this morning and pick up the two dresses we had made for you. Mrs. Weems said they’d be ready this week. We can pick up any supplies we might need too so we won’t have to go in tomorrow with Pa.”
A trip into town today meant she could begin the first phase of her plan with Mrs. Anderson. “That sounds like a good idea. If we leave now, we could still be back before the real heat of the afternoon.”
Ma smiled. “That’s what I thought. Now get your bonnet and parasol. I’ve already asked to have the surrey ready.”
Dove scurried to fetch her things and joined Ma on the porch. The surrey stood ready and waiting for them. Although it was rather big for just two people, the fringed top would offer more protection from the sun.
As they rode into Barton Creek, Dove considered what she wanted to say to Mrs. Anderson. She had rehearsed her words every day for the past week. Her prayers for Luke’s mother had changed. No longer did Dove pray for the woman to simply change her attitude and allow Luke to call on her; now she prayed for God to touch Mrs. Anderson’s heart and help her to forgive. The anguish seen in the woman’s eyes every time she saw Luke and Dove together could only be relieved with the peace God could give her through forgiveness of those who had harmed her family.
When Ma stopped the surrey in front of Mrs. Weems’s Fashions for Ladies, she stepped down and turned to her mother. “I have an errand to run. I’ll be back in a few minutes to try on the dresses.” Before Ma could reply, Dove strode across the street to Anderson’s Mercantile.
The large new sign, recently added to sport the new name for the store, creaked on its chain. Dove stopped beneath it and breathed deeply. God would get her through this, no matter what Mrs. Anderson’s reaction might be.
She walked through the open door, no jangling bell to announce her arrival. Dove stood for a moment to let her eyes adjust to the contrast from the bright sunshine. Alice and her mother had their backs to her, one with a pad and pencil, the other looking up to the shelves.
Dove cleared her throat. “Mrs. Anderson?”
The woman turned with a smile of welcome that turned to a frown upon sight of Dove. She worked her mouth a moment then turned her back. “Alice, see what Miss Morris needs.”
Dove stepped forward. “I need to see you, Mrs. Anderson.” She glanced around the store. Neither Luke nor his father were anywhere in sight. Relief washed over her. This would be easier without Luke.
Mrs. Anderson didn’t turn around, but Dove plunged ahead. “I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am to Luke for standing up to Mr. Fowler and to Zeb. He showed great courage and restraint in protecting Sarah and me. I believe he is the brave, kind young man he is because of you and Mr. Anderson. You have taught him well and have every right to be very proud of the man he is.”
Alice smiled and grasped her hand. She mouthed the words, “Thank you.” Mrs. Anderson didn’t turn around, but Dove noticed her shoulders move.
“That’s all I have to say. Good day, Mrs. Anderson, Alice.” She hurried back to the street and crossed over to Mrs. Weems’s store. She stepped inside and leaned against the door after closing it. Her heart raced in her chest, and she patted her chest to catch her breath.
Ma rushed to her side. “I saw you go into Anderson’s. Did that woman say something that upset you?” Her eyes narrowed, and she peered over Dove’s shoulder and toward the window.
“No, she didn’t say anything. I said something.”
Ma’s eyes opened wide. “You said something? What?”
“I . . . I told her how grateful I was for Luke’s bravery and that he was a fine young man because she and Mr. Anderson were good parents.”
“My dear, sweet girl.” Ma wrapped her arms around Dove’s shoulders. “That took courage.” She stepped back. “I’m proud of you.”
“I decided that by being very nice to Mrs. Anderson at all times, I could do more to help her see who I am than by fretting over her attitude. I . . . I’ve been praying in a selfish manner and for my own desires, but I realized I needed to be praying for her.”
Ma pushed a wayward strand of hair off Dove’s forehead. “When did you get to be so wise?” She hugged Dove again. “I’ll pray for her to have peace too.” She blinked her eyes. “Now, I think it’s time to try on those new dresses.”
As Mrs. Weems fitted the bodice and made adjustments, Dove fingered the ruffles on the blouse. At least bustles were no longer popular, and the gored skirts fit so much better. They didn’t need all the petticoats worn under the full skirts she usually wore on the ranch.
Mrs. Weems spoke through the pins in her mouth. “Even with your tiny waist, I think a corset would help to make it even smaller.”
Dove grimaced. A corset was the last thing she wanted to wear. If becoming a young lady meant wearing one, maybe she’d rather be just a young girl. She sent a pleading look to Ma. “Do I have to wear one? Lucy told me how she wore one in Boston to a party and couldn’t breathe. I don’t think I’d like to be bound up like that.”
“It may be the fashion in the larger cities, Mrs. Weems, but I don’t think Dove needs that right now. We’re still a small town, and fashion isn’t as important here. I think the fuller sleeves and gored skirts are as much style as we need.”
Dove breathed a sigh of relief then tried on the other outfit they had chosen. She turned so that she stood facing front. She could see the mercantile across the way. How she wanted to go back and see what Mrs. Anderson said or felt about the declaration Dove had made. She prayed it hadn’t angered the woman further.
“Ma, are you all right? Can I get you anything?”
Bea shook her head. “No, I’m fine.” But she wasn’t. Her heart raced with the emotion that filled her soul. Her first impulse had been to race after Dove and tell her to stay away from Luke, but that would then break her promise. Besides, she’d pledged to herself to never make a public display of her feelings toward Dove and her mother, and running after her and catching her in the street would do just that.
She sighed and swallowed the anger but couldn’t get rid of the bitter taste in her mouth. Dove had never spoken directly to her before, and her soft words in praising Luke rang in Bea’s ears. Luke was a fine son, and yes, he was brave and kind, all the things that a good son should be. However, Bea could see no reason why Dove would come now and say those things when every time before she stayed in the background and never said a word.
“Alice, go upstairs and check on Will. He should have been back down by now. No telling what he’s getting into.”
Her daughter bit her lip but headed up the steps. Will didn’t really need to be checked, but Bea needed a moment to think about Dove’s visit. The more Bea thought about it, the more she believed that Dove had come simply to play on the sympathies of a woman who loved her son. If that girl thought she’d get favor by doing that, then she’d better think again. Still, Bea couldn’t help but admire the girl’s courage.
Bea walked over to the window and stared across the street. The Morris surrey sat hitched to the post outside of Mrs. Weems’s shop. Dove and her mother must be there getting new clothes for Dove to wear at college in September. That thought brought a smile to Bea’s heart. In just a few weeks Dove would be miles away in Texas. Luke would soon forget about her and concentrate on helping his pa with the store.
Luke and his father rode back to Barton Creek with their wagon loaded with supplies picked up in Guthrie. Noise from the railroad crew greeted them a few miles from town. Soon the section would run through Barton Creek, then down to Stillwater, and on to Oklahoma City. Barton Creek would no longer be cut off from all the trade and commerce now taking place in the Territory. All the activity and growth bode well for a bid for statehood. Growth meant more people, but that was a good thing for businesses such as Anderson’s Mercantile.
Pa handed Luke the reins as they entered Barton Creek. “I need to make a stop at the bank. You take the wagon on to the store and start unloading. I’ll be there shortly.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll stop with you for a few minutes. I need to speak with Martin.”
“All right, son. Just don’t be long.”
Pa hopped down at the bank and went inside. Luke tied the reins around the post. He glanced up and spotted the Morris surrey and team down the street. Joy filled his heart. If Dove was in town, perhaps he’d have a chance to speak with her. A week was a long time to go without seeing her.
He followed his pa into the bank but stopped short. Mr. Haynes, Mr. Morris, Mr. Dawson, and another man stood talking with Mr. Fleming. Luke’s feet rooted to the spot as he overheard the conversation.
Mr. Dawson shook Mr. Haynes’s hand then Mr. Morris’s. “I can’t thank you men enough for all the help. We’ll be heading back to Kansas by Monday.”
Mr. Haynes nodded. “We’re glad to do it, and let Mrs. Dawson know that my wife and Mrs. Morris will be over to help her pack and do anything else she needs them to do.”
They shook hands again, and Mr. Dawson turned to leave. When he saw Pa, he stopped. “I’ll be in to settle up my bill this afternoon, Mr. Anderson. Thank you for all you’ve done to help me and my family.”
“You’re welcome. If I’m not in, Mrs. Anderson will take care of you.”
Pa waited until Mr. Dawson closed the door behind him and the other man. “What was that all about? He’s the second farmer to leave this week, and that was Elmer Jasper with him.”
Mr. Morris set his hat on his head. “Dawson came to Ben and me and asked if we would buy his land. His brother back in Kansas has a good wheat crop this year and needs an extra hand. We were glad to help him out. It’s a shame he has to give up, but it’s good he has an opportunity waiting for him. Ben and I divided the acres between us. Jake bought out Mr. Jasper.”
Ben furrowed his brow. “The only problem I see is how mad Chester Fowler is going to be that we have more land.”
“I don’t see why. Dawson’s property isn’t anywhere along Fowler’s, and Jasper’s is next to Jake’s ranch, not Fowler’s. Besides, he’ll be in jail a good while yet.” Mr. Morris shoved his hat on his head.
Mixed feelings filled Luke. He was sorry to see the Dawsons leave Barton Creek. His family had been regulars at church, and Will had made friends with Billy Dawson. Still, if he had opportunities back home, it would be good for the family to have money for travel and settling in when they arrived there. He didn’t know as much about the Jasper family, as they kept pretty much to themselves.
Men like Ben Haynes and Sam Morris would always be the ones who succeeded in life because they looked out for their fellow man. They’d made sure Mrs. Fowler was taken care of while her husband and sons were in jail by providing food for her. Mr. Haynes even sent Matt over to help with any chores. Of course not everyone knew who was doing it because Luke and Martin had been sworn to secrecy by their fathers. Still, these men set a fine example of what Christians are meant to do in time of need.
Luke waved to Martin. “I’ll talk to you later.” He turned and left his pa to do whatever business he had at the bank and sauntered down the street toward Mrs. Weems’s shop. Then he remembered the wagon and that he should be unloading it. The choice pulled at him. Take a few minutes and try to see Dove or go back and take care of his responsibilities. With a deep breath, he turned and headed back to the wagon. Responsibility over pleasure was more important at the moment.
Pa came out of the bank. “You still here? Thought you’d have the wagon to the store by now.”
“Sorry, Pa. I started walking off and didn’t even think about it until I was nearly home.”
Pa moved to the side and peered over Luke’s shoulder. “Wouldn’t have anything to do with the Morrises being in town, would it?”
Heat rose in Luke’s face. He turned to see Dove and her mother exit the dress shop and head for the new bakery that had opened last week.
“It’s OK. You go on and see if you can catch them at the bakery. You might want to see what kind of breads and things they have while you’re there. Fresh-baked bread would give your ma some relief from her baking.”
“Thank you, Pa. I’ll do that.” Not that Ma would want bread she hadn’t baked herself, but Pa understood Luke’s desire to see Dove. He sprinted down the street toward the bakery.
Delicious aromas of fresh-baked yeast breads greeted his nose as he entered the shop. Luke had met the owner once when he had come in to buy flour. “Good day, Mr. Peterson. Sure smells good in here.”
The stout man behind the counter laughed. “That’s what pulls in the customers. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
Dove turned, and her eyes sparkled as she spoke. “Hello, Luke. I didn’t expect to see you today.”
Luke’s insides melted like candle wax at her smile. “I’ve been with Pa picking up supplies. I’m glad you’re here because I wanted to ask you about coming out for a visit Sunday afternoon.”
Dove glanced at her mother, who nodded. “I think that will be a fine idea. Pa’s going over on Saturday to Guthrie to pick up ice for that new box your father ordered for him. We can have iced lemonade, and I’ll bake cookies.”
He turned his gaze to Mrs. Morris. “Ma’am, do you mind if I bring Alice with me? She would sure like to see Eli again.”
“No, I don’t mind a bit. I’ll tell Eli.” She stepped aside. “Excuse me, I see Mr. Morris outside, and I need to speak with him. Dove, you can take care of our order.”
When she had gone, Mr. Peterson took out a white bag with a picture of his store printed on it. “Say, that looks nice.”
Mr. Peterson beamed. “Mrs. Peterson drew the picture, and I took it down to Oklahoma City and they printed the bags for me. Makes for a nice touch, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does.” Something like that would be good for Anderson’s too. He’d have to tell Pa about it. He turned back to Dove. “I’ve missed seeing you this week.”
She lowered her gaze toward the floor. “I’ve missed you too, but Pa thought it best not to come into town for a while so all the talk about last Saturday would die down.”
“I understand. Thank you for allowing me to come see you on Sunday.”
“It will be nice to have you visit and bring Alice.” She reached for the bag on the counter. “I must go now. Ma will be waiting.” She flashed one last brilliant smile before leaving the store.
Luke sucked in his breath. One more day before Sunday, and then he could spend several hours in the company of one Miss Dove Morris.