20

“Tell me why you ran off.” Jed kept his voice low but firm.

Josiah didn’t reply, though his lips quivered. Jed clenched his teeth to keep from softening. He put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Come on. We got to talk about this.”

Josiah looked down at his fingers.

“You scared us all half to death,” Jed stated.

“Not Griffin. He never gets scared.”

“What makes you think that?”

“’Cause he told me that. And he’s real brave. All the kids at that place where they fed us knows that too.”

“Hmm. Well, he wasn’t scared like most people think of being afraid, but he was very worried and wanted you to come back.”

“I know Thomas was probably worried. But I couldn’t come back ’cause I hurt my foot and then Copper got stuck in the hole, so I needed to be there for him. Every time I tried to crawl away he started crying.”

“What did you plan to do the whole time? What if nobody came that way for days and you got hungry?”

“Well, I knew someone would come for me, and Miss Cantrell finally did.”

Drawing on his patience, Jed sighed. “There’s no way you could’ve known—”

“No, but I knew someone was coming. So I didn’t worry about it. But I did get hungry.”

“And how did you know?”

Josiah spoke as if the answer should’ve been obvious. “Because I prayed. And then believed it was gonna happen.”

Jed’s throat constricted.

“Just like the preacher talks about,” explained Josiah. “That’s what I told Miss Cantrell too.”

“I’m glad you prayed. That was a good thing to do. And we should be doing that all the time, not just when we’re in trouble,” Jed spoke softly. “But I need you to tell me what happened that made you run off, because I don’t want whatever it was to happen again.”

The sparkle in Josiah’s eyes dimmed. He swallowed. “The fire.”

“Fire can be scary.”

“I like the fire in the fireplace, but not when it burns things.” Josiah rubbed his hand over the burn scars on his wrist.

“Do you remember getting burned?”

Josiah nodded but didn’t look up. “We was all asleep. My ma and pa were in there, but they didn’t come out.”

“I bet you miss them.”

He nodded.

“I’m sorry you lost them. But you have a new family now.”

“Are we going to stay with you forever?” Josiah’s expression held hope.

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure you three boys have a good life.” Jed smoothed his hair. “Now, how did the fire start in the shop?”

“I don’t know. It just did. I was in there drawing pictures in the dirt with a stick while Griffin was working. And I think Thomas was working at something. Then Griffin started hollering and trying to throw dirt on the fire. Then he yelled at me to go find Thomas. But I got afraid and started running as fast as I could. And I remembered that place Paxton took us when we wandered off that one time and got in trouble.”

The floorboard creaked behind Jed.

“Next time don’t go so far that I can’t reach you. Because I don’t want anything to ever happen so that you can’t come back to me.”

Josiah’s lips quivered. He sat up and put his arms around Jed’s neck. “I’m sorry, Mr. Green.”

A hand pressed the center of Jed’s back and then Thomas leaned in for a hug.

Heavy stomps sounded behind them. “Hey, where you guys at?” Griffin growled, with his arms out. “What’re you guys doing? Half the morning’s done gone.”

Jed grabbed his hat that he had hooked on the bed post.

Josiah threw his legs over the side of the bed. “Sorry, Griffin.”

“I bet you are.” Griffin picked up Josiah and threw him over one shoulder. “You got lots of chores to get caught up with.”

Josiah giggled. “I’m not a sack of potatoes.”

Griffin headed for the door while Thomas followed close behind.

The stack of dirty plates from breakfast needed washing.

Griffin didn’t miss Jed’s glance at the pile. “We ain’t got time for that,” Griffin nagged. “Already been one customer needin’ something.”

“Thomas,” Jed called. “Take care of cleaning these dishes. Don’t want no more visitors showing up and the place is dirty.”

“Mr. Green?” Thomas asked as he headed towards the plates on the counter.

“Yes?”

“Is it all right if I walk to the mercantile to get some salt? We’re almost out.”

“Salt? I thought we had plenty.”

“I won’t be gone long. I can go by myself. I won’t be scared.”

“Pick up some cornmeal too, while you’re at it.” He reached into his pocket and handed him some coins. “Get your chores done and wait until I can spare Griffin to walk with you. Then hurry back. You’re needed here.”

Something seemed odd with Thomas’s request, but Jed couldn’t put his finger on it.

~*~

Grace looked through the stack of old newspapers she got from Sheldon’s Tribune as Edith finished her last bit of lima beans.

“If you ladled more on your spoon you wouldn’t have to take as many bites to clean your plate,” Grace said mile.

Edith pushed her plate away. “I’m not hungry.”

“But you must eat to keep up your strength.”

“I’m tired no matter what I do. What’re you looking for in those papers?”

“Something different for the children to read. The school is low on books and reading material. I got these from the owner of the printing press. They’re old copies, but I can use these articles about Ulysses Grant in our government and history lessons.” She scoured the headlines. “This election coming up should be interesting. Some of the Republican Party are disenchanted with the President and split and formed the Liberal Republicans.”

“Sounds like foolishness to me. They’re always looking to argue about something.” Edith grabbed her cane and pushed up from the table. “I’m going to sit for a spell on the porch.”

An article about how the Texas legislature outlawed the carrying of pistols outside the home caught her eye. “I’ll bring you some tea here shortly.”

Edith opened the door. “What in the world?”

“What happened?” She put down the newspaper. Another note. Her heart tickled.

Edith used her cane to move the rock from the entryway. “I’m glad I didn’t trip over it.”

“Here, let me get this out of the way.” Grace picked up the rock and the piece of paper underneath it.

“How’d that get there?”

“Hmm.” Grace pondered her answer. “A little bird dropped it, I suppose.”

Edith wrinkled her brow.

“One of my students wrote me a note,” Grace explained.

“They should’ve knocked on the door.” Edith walked to her chair. “I bet they missed you while you were gone. My sister most likely made an impression on them of some sort.”

Grace unfolded the paper. Thomas’s handwriting this time.

pleas mare mr green so you can be are ma he need lots of help

~*~

Grace walked the aisles as the children took turns reading aloud from the newspaper.

She had captured Leisel’s attention this week. His nose was stuck to the article about President Grant. An image of the student in a well-tailored suit behind a podium rallying spectators swept her mind. If only she could get Leisel to channel his innate leadership skills and brilliant mind toward compassion and fortitude.

Cora stumbled over a few words, and when she finished, Leisel’s hand shot into the air.

“Leisel, I will call on everyone to read. I mentioned there wouldn’t be volunteering. I will get to you soon.”

Leisel raised his hand high again. “My father says Mr. Greeley might beat President Grant, and if he does, there will be higher tariffs.”

“Interesting. Does your father talk to you often about politics?”

Leisel nodded. “He also said the president was a very brave soldier during the war.”

Thomas tapped on Grace’s arm. “Miss Cantrell—”

“Thomas, no more interruptions. I want to get through—”

He pointed to the back of the room.

Grace looked up, and the children turned their heads to follow her gaze. Her knees weakened. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Beauregard.”

The woman in black bowed. Her dress, the deepest shade Grace had seen her wear, must’ve been silk. The shiny material lay smooth against her full hips and reflected the daylight. A gentleman stood beside her. He had a small frame with sunken eyes and thin lips the same color as his pallid cheeks. Dressed in a stately manner, he didn’t look much bigger than Grace.

Grace returned her focus to her students. She clasped her hands. “That will be enough for today. All of you did very well. As you can see, Mr. Hennessy has returned and will take over his responsibilities.” She gestured toward her desk. “Fold your newspapers neatly and set them here.” Grace walked to the doorway to tell each of them goodbye as she did at the end of every day.

Mr. Hennessy chatted with a few children as they grabbed their lunch pails from the hooks on the wall. Cora and Minnie straggled, their faces long and their eyes misty. Minnie clung to Grace’s side while Cora wrapped her arms around her.

“You two young ladies make sure to keep up with your studies. Cora, with your times tables and Minnie, with your spelling. The more you practice, the better you will be.” She patted them on their backs. “Go on now. I will see you at church this Sunday.”

Wyatt stopped in the doorway, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a round, dark object. “This here’s my lucky buckeye. My pa gave it to me, but you can have it.”

Grace opened her palm, and he laid it inside. The hard seed had been worn smooth. “Wyatt, you should keep this if it means something to you. Especially if it’s from your father.”

“No, it’s all right. I asked him and Ma, and they said we could find others. This way you’ll remember me.”

“Thank you, Wyatt. I will treasure this always. But I don’t need something to remember you. My students will always be in my heart.” She straightened his collar. “Now, have a good rest of the day.”

Josiah peeked around the doorframe. Thomas stood beside him.

“You two young men have made great gains this first term, and I expect you to progress even more and work just as hard for Mr. Hennessy.”

Thomas nodded, his face serious. “We will, Miss Cantrell. Mr. Green is having us read to each other after our chores and practice our adding and subtracting aloud as we work.”

The two visitors had moved in front of the bookshelf and chatted between themselves.

“Listen to me, you two.” Grace bent to whisper to them. “I found the notes on my porch and thought they were very sweet, but it’s not wise to do that again. I don’t think Mr. Green would approve, would he?”

Josiah shook his head.

“Are you going to tell him?” Thomas asked.

“I will keep it a secret if you promise not to do it again.”

They nodded.

Mr. Green stood in the yard chatting with Dorsey Crump’s father. He looked up and lifted one hand, and Grace’s heart danced. For a woman who boasted of her adamancy to never marry, she sure felt a spark rush inside her. She hoped it wouldn’t melt her resolve.

“Miss Cantrell.” A sharp, cold voice pulled her from her reverie.

Mrs. Beauregard stood with her arms folded. “It’s probably best you gather your things now.”

The boys’ frowns deepened, and they stepped forward.

Grace put her arm out and stopped them. “Just a minute.” With a hand under each boy’s chin, she lifted their faces to gaze at her. “Always remember that you two are important. And it doesn’t matter where a person came from or what has happened in his life, he is a special creation. To God…and to me.”

She peered at Josiah. “Don’t ever let anyone make you feel unworthy. Your scar is just skin. It doesn’t change a person’s heart. And you’ll grow up to be a fine man. I will pray for everyone you meet to see the good in you. I’ll do that until my last breath.”

Grace straightened and looked at Thomas, the cloud of black silk visible in the corner of her eye.

Hortense gave a disgusted sigh. “Miss Cantrell, are you through?”

Grace placed her hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “Not one person I know has a heart better than you. And it saddens me that for a while you were without parents. But the Lord will take your struggles, Thomas, and your pain, and turn them into peace and joy. I promise you. But you must allow Him to do that.”

Thomas nodded.

“Being an orphan is not something you should be ashamed of. Ever.”

“Mr. Green said we’re not orphans anymore,” Josiah told her.

A big smile stretched across Grace’s face. She embraced both boys, and as she looked up she saw Mr. Hennessy standing behind Mrs. Beauregard. She kept her gaze on them as the boys scampered down the steps.

“Your things, Miss Cantrell,” said Mrs. Beauregard. “Make sure you have all of them.”

The floors had been scrubbed and looked much improved than when she arrived. The blackboards had been cleaned yesterday and the bookshelves neatly arranged. The maps hung straight, and the American flag rested in its designated spot.

She grabbed her melon basket from a stool near the peg rack. “I don’t believe I have anything besides this. A few books have been donated from families as I asked for them since we were quite low,” she said to Mr. Hennessey.

“Mr. Collinsworth will get with you about a new assignment,” said Mrs. Beauregard.

“A new assignment?”

“Yes, I’m sure he will inform you. Another town in the county—a two-day ride from here—is in need. I would take that offer and be on your way.”

Grace’s lips stretched into a smile. “I came to Sheldon with very little, but if I leave it will not be the same, as I’m quite full now with memories.” She turned to Mr. Hennessy again. “I am envious that you will witness their minds transforming, and I will not. But it has been a pleasure to take over for you.” Grace lifted her skirt and walked down the steps. Not once did she glance back. And not until she saw Edith’s quaint house in the distance did the tears escape.

~*~

The fork slipped from Jed’s hand and clattered on his plate. “You two did what?”

Josiah looked to Thomas. When his older buddy didn’t reply, he looked back at Jed. His shoulders drew up.

“We put a note on her porch. We were trying to help.” Thomas’s weak voice sounded pitiable. “It seemed like a good idea when we were doing it.”

Jed propped his elbow on the table. “Well, it wasn’t.”

The boys had stopped eating and looked down at their half-empty plates, unusual for them not to ask for seconds.

Griffin reached across the table and stabbed his fork into Thomas’s potato. “Don’t get yourself all worked up. If you’re gonna be upset, you might as well be with me too. I knew about it when they went off the first time,” the apprentice said. “I covered for them while they were gone.”

“The first time?” Jed opened his palms.

“Just one other time, is all,” Thomas replied.

“Why are you telling me this now?” Jed asked.

The boys looked at each other.

“When we pray at night, I feel bad because it’s like we lied to you.” Thomas’s voice sounded miserable.

“I told him we shouldn’t say anything because you’ll get mad.” Josiah frowned.

Griffin pointed his fork at Josiah. “I’m with you, buddy. He’d probably never have known.”

“She said you wouldn’t like it and told us we shouldn’t do it again.” Josiah pushed the lima beans around on his plate.

“That’s exactly right.” Jed’s voice grew louder.

Griffin reached for another roll, tore off a big piece, and stuck it in his mouth.

“Are you going to punish us?” Josiah asked.

“Haven’t decided how I’m going to handle it yet,” Jed answered crisply. He pointed to Josiah’s plate. “Now eat.”

Josiah scrunched his face. ‘We’re going to have that other teacher now.”

“All the kids say he’s mean,” Thomas said.

“Mr. Hennessy? He’s not so bad. And you don’t know him.” Jed grinned.

“Yes, but Wyatt said—”

“It doesn’t matter what Wyatt or anyone else says. Be careful what you think before you know somebody.” Jed picked up his fork. “The town didn’t know you three when you got here.”

The table grew quiet.

Jed pointed to Thomas and then to Josiah. “Now eat. And get these silly notions out of your head about me and Miss Cantrell.”