Kaitlin woke the next morning with an awful premonition that Rigg was going to do something about her salary. She didn’t want to get anyone in trouble period. Kate was convinced that Mr. Carson must have had a reason for his actions.
Knowing there would be no time to go and see Rigg before school, Kate planned on going to the mercantile immediately after. She was pleasantly surprised when he walked into the schoolhouse moments after she dismissed school for the day.
“Hello.” His deep voice and pleased smile nearly made Kate forget what she was going to ask him. “How was your day?”
“It was great.” Kaitlin felt herself blushing and wished she had better self control.
“I came by because I wanted to ask you something.” Rigg’s eyes were watchful. He needed to gauge how she was doing to know how she would respond to his question.
“I’m glad you did because I wanted to tell you something too.”
“All right. You go first.” Rigg sat on the bench at the front, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Yesterday, well, I got to thinking that you might go to someone about my salary and I don’t want you to do that. I know you were upset but I think Mr. Carson must have had a reason to do what he did and I don’t want to file a complaint or anything like that.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way, Kaitlin, because it’s too late. I spoke with my dad this morning.”
“Oh no,” Kaitlin sighed and sank down into the chair behind her desk.
“Kate, it was bound to come out at some point and Greg Carson knew what he was supposed to do. I promise you that my dad will handle it gently. You’ll get the money you’ve worked hard for and that will be the end of it.” Rigg gave her a moment to ponder his words and realized he couldn’t have asked for a better lead-in to his question.
“Actually, I’m glad you brought this up. I’ve been thinking about the fact that school is out in a month and you’ll be out of work.
“Now, I think Sean will want to put in more hours and I can certainly use him. I can also use you and your gift for numbers. I would like to hire you to handle my book work.”
Kate’s mind was working furiously. Just last night Marcail had asked her what they were going to do for money when school was out. Kate had answered honestly and told her she didn’t know.
“Would I work right at the mercantile?”
“Up in the office.”
“What would I do with Marcail?”
“I don’t want you to be upset with me but I’ve discussed that with my mother. She’s been thinking for some time about cutting back on her hours at the shipping office. She told me if the only thing holding you back from accepting my offer is someone to be with Marcail, well, she said she’d be glad to watch her.”
Kaitlin could only stare at him. “I’ve never done any bookkeeping before.” It was the only thought that would come to mind.
“That’s not a problem. I can show you my system and exactly what I would want you to do. For the first few weeks you’d probably be full time but then on most days, if you’re as fast as I suspect you are, you’ll probably be ready to go home by two.”
How can I possibly spend all day working with this man? Kate asked herself. He had backed way off and had become her friend, just as she’d asked him to, but now her heart was changing just as his must have. Only she was falling for him and he obviously thought better of getting involved with her.
Oh, he was kind to her, really sweet actually, but the intensity he’d shown when they first met was gone. Maybe that was for the best.
“I’ve never noticed anyone working in your office.”
“No, I’ve never hired an office clerk, but I’ve prayed a long time about someone to keep books for me, someone I could trust, and I just feel that the Lord sent you my way.
“If you’re worried about us working alone in the office, well, it’s very open. Anyone in the front-half of the store can look up and see all the way to the back wall. I’ll have another desk brought in and, actually, if you’re doing my book work, freeing me up for things on the floor, I shouldn’t have to be underfoot very often.”
In his next breath Rigg told her what he would pay, along with offering an employee discount on items in the store. Kate’s mind reeled.
“What about my father?” His face suddenly sprang up in her mind. “I don’t have any idea when he’ll be back or where he’ll want to live. I wouldn’t want to leave you without help.”
Rigg had already considered this and knew that he’d ask Kaitlin to marry him on the spot before he’d ever let her up and walk away.
“Well, I don’t have any help with the books now, so however much time you can give me will surely help. Don’t let that stop you from taking the job. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
“May I let you know?”
“Certainly.” Rigg stood. “Take your time and just tell me when you’ve decided.”
Kate thanked him and he left a few minutes later.
“You’re going to tell him yes, aren’t you?”
“Marcail Donovan! You were eavesdropping!”
“Yes, I guess I was,” Marcail admitted from her place outside. She poked her head through the window that sat to the side of Kaitlin’s desk. Rigg must have known she was there all along.
“What are you standing on?” Kate knew she wasn’t that tall.
“A box.”
“Well, get down before you fall and don’t do that again.” Kaitlin tried to sound stern but the truth was she was so pleased she couldn’t scold anyone.
A job at the mercantile! It was something she’d never considered. A moment later Kate found herself almost wishing that her father wouldn’t return right away and then instantly felt guilty for the thought.
She stopped then and there to pray for her father, wherever he was. As always it was a comfort to know that God knew his location and loved him more than she ever could.
Unfortunately, knowing God was in control did not lessen the pain of their separation. Kaitlin bit her lip even as she wondered if he was still alive. My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, the verse came softly to Kate and she closed her eyes against a sudden rush of tears.
Oh God, she prayed, help me to go on without knowing. I wish he was here but I want to trust You.
“What are you doing Kate?” The question came from her brother, who had entered quietly.
“I was praying and trying to find some peace about Father.” Kate was not prepared for the angry look that came over Sean’s face.
“Sean, what is it?”
“I just think he should be here! School lets out in a month and Rigg wants me for more hours but it isn’t going to be enough to pay the rent on that house and—”
“Sean, he offered me a job at the mercantile,” Kate cut into Sean’s angry tirade. He gaped at her.
“Doing what?” the boy’s voice was cautious.
“The book work, up in the office.” Kaitlin watched her brother’s shoulders sag and understood for the first time, the pressure he’d been putting himself under.
“Sean,” Kate’s voice was gentle. “We’re going to be fine. God is going to take care of us. He always has.”
The words failed to comfort him as they had in past times but he was careful not to show his sister. He nodded and smiled at her and then Marcail came in and they talked, each one agreeing that Kate should take the job. As Kate closed up the schoolhouse, she couldn’t help but wonder what the next few months would bring.