“I can’t bear for you to leave.” Willow clung to Audrey’s neck, tears coursing down her cheeks. The visit had been too short, and now Audrey and Copper had to go home—or what was left of home. Her heart ached with the thought of the lonely weeks to come without their daily encouragements. In their company, the load she bore seemed lighter. Now the burden descended full force, all the more wearisome for the brief respite she had been given. There must be some incentive she could offer to hold them here.
“Stay,” she urged. “Uncle Wallace doesn’t mind, and I can use help.”
“I’d stay in a moment.” Audrey lifted a handkerchief to her nose. “But I can’t, Willow. You know that. We have responsibilities in Timber Creek, and we’ve stayed much longer than we anticipated.”
“Two weeks hasn’t been long! And there’s nothing left of the town.”
“We only planned to stay a few days,” Audrey argued. “Our few patrons will think we’ve left for good.”
Copper crowded in for a mutual hug. “You know we want to, but if we close our business before we find teaching jobs, we’ll have no income.” The women formed a three-hold embrace and clung to one another.
“We’ll be back soon,” Audrey promised.
“It will take months, maybe years for other communities to reopen schools.” Realistically, and that’s as far as Willow would allow her thoughts to wander these days, it might be a year before Blackberry Hill or Beeder’s Cove reopened a school because of the war economy.
Copper patted Willow’s back. “We’ll try to come sooner. Maybe we can close the business.”
Audrey protested.
“Soon,” Copper promised. “And we’ll move here for a while, at least to help you.”
“Thunder Ridge is a three-day ride,” Willow said.
“Well, we’ll just have to adjust until circumstances change.” Copper broke the embrace, smiling through tears. “Perhaps Silas will provide an escort to bring you to Timber Creek when we can’t make it here.”
Yes, Silas would do that for her. He would do anything to please her. Willow knew this, but the knowledge didn’t make parting any easier. With Copper and Audrey here, the situation was manageable. Now Willow didn’t know how she would make it through the engagement period.
Audrey dried her eyes. “Most assuredly, we’ll visit over the Christmas holidays, and they’ll be here before you can say fruitcake!” Gathering a hatbox, Audrey climbed into the buggy. “Come visit us the moment you can get away. We can’t wait to show you the sewing room.”
“It’s small and barely adequate, but it allows us a roof over our heads and sewing space, though business is meager.” Copper settled on the padded seat. “Now stop, or you’re going to make me cry again.”
Willow took a deep breath and dropped her argument. I’d love anywhere away from thunder and this pressing responsibility.
Audrey cocked her head. “You’re sure you’ll be okay? I know the town is good to help with Wallace’s care.”
Willow nodded. Without Deet’s help, she would be in a real fix.
“I am sending more gowns,” Copper announced. “Argue all you like, but I’m sending more garments that fit you. With the ones we brought, you should be able to dress comfortably.”
Sighing, Willow accepted the offer. “And while you’re at it, please send a few chemises.” She squirmed, trying to loosen the tight drawers she endured on a daily basis. Copper had forgotten those all-important articles.
Audrey picked up the reins. “Willow.”
“I know. ‘Willow, please reconsider and come back home with us.’”
“Well, you must. I know life appears momentarily bleak and without compromise, but God can work miracles.”
Could he restore Wallace’s health? Willow knew that he was able, but would he? She’d thought her problems worrisome a few weeks ago; now, they were insurmountable.
“Please consider coming here to live.”
Copper nodded. “We will pray about it, Willow. Promise.”
She smiled up at her friend. “Don’t worry about me; just come visit as often as you can.”
Copper’s gaze meandered to the mill, where the men hammered and sawed. “I’d rather hoped that Caleb would come to see us off.” The words had no sooner left her mouth than the women saw the cousin glance up, apparently realize that the women were leaving, and depart his post to hasten up the hill. Swiping his hat aside, his eyes sought Copper. “I’m sorry to see you leave.”
The young lady turned three shades of red, cheeks blazing. “We plan to visit often.”
He bent and tweaked her nose. “See that you do.” Giving the other women a wink, he returned to work.
“Oh, Copper,” Audrey murmured. “I think he’s smitten with you.”
A schoolgirlish giggle escaped the schoolmarm. Willow swapped looks with Audrey. She’d have given a pot of gold if Eli had come to bid Audrey good-bye. Instead, she saw him planing lumber, unmindful of the departure. What sort of woman would win that man’s heart—could one ever accomplish that feat again?
Copper settled on the buggy seat. “Caleb is a wonderful man, but his coming to say good-bye means nothing.” Her eyes followed the tall figure striding downhill. “I’m just looking for a small ray of hope that someday I’ll meet the right man—the man God created for me.”
Willow watched the buggy roll away.
Weren’t they all?