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JACK LOOKED UP PERIODICALLY from the fence he was mending. It was getting dark. Alice and Doc were gone longer than he expected. Otto Frank’s infection must be worse than Doc thought, or maybe Magda convinced them to stay for coffee and her wonderful German cookies. His mouth watered when he thought about her spice cookies. Or maybe they were Linzer cookies made with her own chokecherry jelly and covered in powdered sugar. He didn’t care what kind of cookie it was, as long as Alice brought some back for him.
The more he thought about Magda’s cookies, the hungrier he got, so he was relieved when Doc’s buggy finally came into sight. He gathered his tools and put them away in the barn.
They were rolling up as he came out to meet them. “How’s Otto doing? The infection isn’t too serious, I assume.”
Alice’s chin quivered. Clearly, things did not go well.
“They’re both dead.” She choked on the words.
“How could they both be dead from Otto’s infection?” Jack took the reins from Doc and secured them to the fence.
Doc stepped down from the buggy. “It wasn’t an infection, Jack.” He shook his head.
“It was influenza.” Alice blew her nose and tucked her handkerchief in her coat pocket.
“I don’t understand.”
“I know.” Doc went on to explain the reason for his secrecy. “I’m sorry, but I was afraid if word got out, we’d have a panic.”
It wasn’t until Alice stepped down from the buggy that Jack saw Fritzi.
“He has nowhere to go.” She stooped down to give the dog a hug.
Fritzi hung his head and whimpered.
Doc handed Jack the blanket and bowls. He held up the partial bag of food. “Where do you want this? There isn’t much left, but you’ll want to keep it somewhere away from the critters until you have a chance to get more.”
“Bring it inside.” Alice led the way. “There should be room on the top shelf of the pantry.” Alice filled the coffee pot with water and scooped grounds into the basket. “Can you stay for a cup? Perhaps a bite to eat? I’ll throw together some dinner for us.”
Jack took the bag of food from Doc and put it in the pantry. “I’ll go into town tomorrow.” He arranged Fritzi’s blanket next to the stove. “I have errands to run, and I know you wanted to get the last of the apples canned for winter.”
Doc patted Fritzi’s head and scratched him behind the ears. “Thank you for the dinner offer, Alice, but I really need to get home myself. I don’t want to get stuck riding back after dark.”
“Thanks again for taking me with you.” Alice hung her coat on its peg by the door and tied on her apron.
“Thank you for agreeing to come.”
Jack held the door open. “I’ll walk you out.”
Doc laid a hand on Jack’s shoulder before stepping up into his buggy. “She’s really good at nursing. Alice has more compassion in her little finger than most women have in their entire body. It’ll be a shame to see it go to waste hosting society teas in Minneapolis.”
Jack nodded. “I agree.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?”
That was the very question he’d been asking himself ever since he’d almost lost her to the influenza, and ever since Harry came home. Problem was, he didn’t have an answer. “What can I do? She’s in love with Harry, and Harry’s my brother.”
“Well, you better figure out something soon, or she’ll be gone. She may love Harry, but we both know he’s not the best man for her.” He snapped the reins and drove away.
Jack pondered the question again. What should he do? He loved her. He believed she loved him. And he knew she’d never be happier than she was right here on the farm.
Fritzi lifted his head when Jack walked into the kitchen. Alice was mixing dough in a large bowl. A pot simmered on the stove. “Do I have time to do the milking and close up the barn before supper?”
“Go ahead. I’m reheating the last of yesterday’s stew and baking biscuits to go with.”
* * *
JACK SET A BUCKET UNDER Rosebud and settled himself onto the low milking stool. He had to find a way to tell Alice how he felt. Not like the last time when he kissed her. She definitely hadn’t reacted well. He would tell her again how much he loved her, and hope she loved him, too. He would fight for her until it was too late. But he had to be careful, or he risked losing her forever.
* * *
“YOU’RE JUST IN TIME.” Alice pulled the biscuit pan from the oven, steaming up the kitchen window. “Dinner’s ready.”
Jack waited for Alice to speak first. She was close to the Franks, especially Magda, and he didn’t want to press her. He was on his second bowl of stew and his third biscuit when he decided he’d have to make the first move.
“I was sorry to hear about the Franks. I know how much you loved Magda. She was everyone’s German grandmother.”
Alice set her spoon down. She’d hardly touched her stew and a half-nibbled biscuit sat on her plate. “They were the only couple I knew who loved each other as much as my parents and weren’t afraid to show it in front of others. A love like theirs was special.”
Her chin trembled, and her breath shook. Jack finished his biscuit. She’d continue when she was ready.
“Otto’s last thought was for his wife’s comfort. Magda’s hair was brushed neatly in place and her brush still lay next to his hand.”
“It’s nice they passed together. Neither one would survive long without the other.”
“Magda told me once they’d never been apart since they were married. No matter where Otto might have to go during the day, he always came home to her that night. She never slept alone.” Alice paused. She picked up her biscuit and took a small bite. “She was never afraid, even when they’d sold almost everything for ocean fare and moved halfway across the world. I can’t imagine. The notion of moving to Minneapolis scares me, and it’s only a short train ride away.”
“Then don’t go.” Jack got the words out before he could think twice and stop himself.
“I promised Harry. It’s where his future lies. Our future.”
“I love you, Alice. Stay here. Make your future here, with me.”
Alice dropped her half-eaten biscuit in her barely touched stew and set the bowl on the floor for Fritzi to finish. She reached across the table for his plate and bowl. “Are you finished? There’s more on the stove if you’re still hungry.”
He grabbed her hand to stop her from taking his dishes and stepping out of reach. “Marry me, Alice.”
She snatched her hand back and hurried over to the stove. “Yes, there’s a little left. Here.” She spooned the rest into his bowl. “There’s not enough worth saving and I hate for even this little to go to waste. I probably shouldn’t have given Fritzi so much, but I feel bad for him right now. He knew they were dead. I could tell.”
“Alice.”
She held out the biscuit plate. “Did you want another? Otherwise, I’m going to put them away for tomorrow. I’ll roast a chicken if you don’t mind killing one for me. Take the one that stopped laying.”
“Stop!”
Startled, she dropped the biscuit plate hard on the tabletop, cracking it in half. “Now look what you’ve made me do.” She sat down and cried into her apron.
Jack thought his heart would break in two like the plate. He’d never raised his voice to her before. And he’d sure as hell never made her cry. “I’m sorry.”
“You promised the last time, the time when you . . .” She buried her face in her apron again.
“The time when I kissed you.” She was right, but this wasn’t a promise he could keep. Not while there was still time to win her heart. He’d have to find another way. For now, he needed to change the subject.
“So, tell me, what else did you and Doc do today? You were gone a long time just for the Franks. It was a nice day. Did you go for a ride? Stop somewhere else to visit?”
“Actually, we did make another stop.” Alice sniffled and dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her apron. “Doc wanted to check on Black John and his family. Have you met him before? I never have. They weren’t at all like I expected.”
Jack jumped to his feet, almost knocking his chair over and sending his cane clattering across the kitchen floor. Did she say they went to Black John’s?
“Have you met him?” Alice retrieved the cane and handed it to him.
“Yes, I have. Why in the world would Doc take you there?” His voice rose. Alice’s brief smile faded. She took a quick step back, bumping into the counter’s edge. He’d never seen her look at him like that before—afraid.
“Don’t you like him? He was really very nice. His wife, too. Well, I guess, she’s not legally his wife, but it’s through no fault of their own. And his children were delightful.” She spoke faster with each word.
Jack took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm his heart, and hopefully bring his voice down to something less frightening. “He is nice, yes. I haven’t met his wife or children, nor have I been out to his cabin. Alice, do you think that was wise?”
“I wasn’t in any danger. Doc was with me, and Fritzi. Although, if you haven’t been out to his place you’ve never met his dog. I didn’t see more than a glimpse before Black John closed the cabin door, but he was more a wild animal than pet.”
“I imagine so. Living out in the woods, and considering the attitude of others living around here, they’d need good protection.”
Alice swept the broken plate and remaining biscuits into the waste bucket. She continued to speak at a fast clip. “Did you know he’s teaching his wife and children how to cipher and speak proper English? Anang, that’s his wife—Isn’t that a pretty name?—Anang said it’s so they can come into town with him some day. I hated to tell her that day might never come.” Her voice trailed off. She stopped and looked at him. “You’re not angry, are you? Because I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, like I said, I wasn’t alone. Doc goes out there all the time, and he wouldn’t have taken me if he thought it was dangerous.” She pumped water into the sink and went about washing the dishes.
“No, I’m not angry. I just don’t think it was a good idea. You shouldn’t go again. You have your reputation to consider.”
“Nonsense.”
“What would Harry say?” He hated bringing up his brother, especially when it would certainly be to his benefit should Harry find out. Jack knew he would not take the news well, and it could mean the end to their engagement. She had to understand that, as well.
“Harry will never know.” She returned to her dishes.
Hell, he wouldn’t tell—for her sake, not Harry’s. He changed the conversation’s direction once more. “You really enjoyed your time with Doc today, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
“Nursing is your calling. I don’t know anyone half as compassionate as you. No one as gentle and loving.”
Alice blushed. “Thank you, but that’s not true. I mean, yes, I try to be all those things, but I’m no more so than anyone else with a heart. I think you’re blind when it comes to me.”
Blinded by love.
He walked up behind her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Her hair smelled like sunshine. He had to kiss her. He had to make her see he was the one for her. Not Harry. His lips brushed her ear. Her breath quickened, and body softened, as she leaned back against him. But just when he thought she was going to give in, she pulled away.
“I’m going to call it a night. I’m really quite tired. So, if you could finish these dishes for me, I’d appreciate it. Then take Fritzi out one last time.”
He reached out to her. “Alice. Please.” His desire to make her understand was so strong he didn’t know how to control it.
“Good night, Jack.” She left the room.
He was being dismissed in no uncertain terms. He washed the last couple dishes and rinsed out the sink. “Come on, Fritzi. Time to go out.” He picked up the dog’s blanket. “How about you stay with me tonight, huh boy?” Fritzi wagged his tail and barked.
“Good night, Alice,” he said to no one. With one last look over his shoulder, he turned down the lamp and left the house.
* * *
JACK WAS FINISHING his coffee when Alice came into the kitchen the next morning. She stopped short when she saw him smiling and leaning against the kitchen counter.
“Good morning.” He set down his cup and poured one for her.
“Good morning.” She put a trembling hand to her hair and looked down at the floor.
“Coffee?” He handed her the cup. She took it, careful not to touch his fingers. He must have really shaken her up the night before. “I’m done with the milking, so I’ll head into town now. I put a plate of eggs and bacon in the stove to keep warm for you.”
“That wasn’t necessary.” She tied her apron around her waist.
“Sit.” He reached into the stove and set the plate in front of her.
“If this is about last night—”
“No. This has nothing to do with last night. You were still sleeping when I got up, so I thought I’d get breakfast started for a change.” He gave her his most charming smile. Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. Like a sunset over the river. “I’ll take Fritzi with me.” He put on his hat and jacket. “You need anything other than dog food?”
“I don’t believe so.” She looked around the kitchen. “Where is Fritzi?”
“Waiting for me in the wagon. As soon as I suggested we go into town, he jumped into the wagon bed and hasn’t moved since. Guess he wants to make sure I don’t go without him.”
Jack left her sitting at the kitchen table enjoying her breakfast. He lied when he said making her breakfast had nothing to do with the night before. It had everything to do with showing her how much he loved her. Harry would never let her sleep in while he made her breakfast. He thought of pointing this out to her but decided that would be going too far. It wouldn’t pay to start an argument.
* * *
DOC WAS STANDING OUTSIDE Erikson’s talking to Reverend Lamb when Jack pulled up to the store. “Good morning, Fritzi.” Doc scratched the dog behind the ears. “Are you happy with your new home?” He looked up at Jack. “Thank you for taking in this poor guy.”
“Well, I need to be moving along.” Reverend Lamb offered Jack his hand. “Nice seeing you, Jack. Give Alice my regards.”
Jack tied his team to the hitching post. “Don’t run off on my account.”
“I have much to do. Good day, Fritzi.” He patted the dog on the head.
Jack waited for the Reverend to cross the road and made sure there was no one within ear shot. “So, Doc, how much influenza is still out there?”
“Not much. But I couldn’t give you an exact number.”
Jack hesitated. “Well, that’s good news, I guess.” He sighed. Should he say more?
“Something bothering you?”
“Yes, actually, there is. I’m not happy you took Alice out to Black John’s place. I know he’s a good guy, but what were you thinking? If anyone else found out, I can only imagine what it would do to her reputation. And if Harry ever knew—”
“I asked her first, several times, in fact, and she insisted she was comfortable with it. But, upon reflection, you’re probably right. I shouldn’t have even given her a choice.” He gave Jack a pat on the shoulder and stepped away. “Well, I’d better be on my way, too. I promised Muriel Darling I’d stop by. She’s been really lonely since Olive died. Now she’s developed a cough and she’s convinced it’s influenza. No doubt it’s only the common cold, but it’ll make her feel better if I check it out in person.”
“Excuse me, Doc, Jack.” Johnnie Erikson appeared around the corner and passed behind them.
Doc turned his attention to the boy. “You’re in a bit of a hurry.”
“Busy day.”
“Indeed.” Doc left them standing there as he headed down the street toward Muriel Darling’s.
“Oh, there you are, Miss Young.” Johnnie jumped to attention when Betty stepped out of the shadow of the store entrance. “Here’s your ticket to Minneapolis. I left your bag with the station master, like you asked. Train should arrive within the half hour.”
“Thank you, Johnnie.” Betty slipped the train ticket into her purse and pressed a quarter into Johnnie’s hand.
“Thanks. Let me know if there’s anything else you need help with. Anytime.” The little bell over the door tinkled when he returned to his place behind the counter.
“Good morning, Jack.” She turned and the brim of her oversized hat threatened to take out his eye. Feathers waved in the breeze, tickling his nose. “Like my new hat?”
Jack stepped aside. “Not particularly.” Her smug little smile made his heart sink like a rock. “How long have you been eavesdropping?”
“Long enough. I was sad to hear about the Franks, but I must admit I was truly shocked to hear Alice went with Doc out to Black John’s. What would Harry think?”
“Is that why you’re going to Minneapolis? To tattle on Alice?” He prayed she’d say no, but he knew the answer was yes.
“I’m going to do some early holiday shopping. I’d forgotten all about Harry being in Minneapolis. Anyway, it’s a big city. I doubt we’ll run into each other. Well, it was nice talking with you, Jack, but I’d better get to the station. I’d hate to miss my train. Say hello to Alice for me.” And she was gone in a flurry of feathers.
How did she manage to hide in the doorway with such a ridiculous hat?
The question of Betty’s hat was the least of his problems. What was he going to tell Alice? Should he tell Alice? Maybe he should wait and see if Betty was telling the truth and wasn’t going to see Harry at all.
“Damn it, Fritzi. She’s running after Harry. She’s going to tell him everything.”
Betty stopped at the corner to let the bakery delivery wagon pass.
“Think about what you’re doing,” Jack yelled after her.
She turned. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Alice calls you her friend. That whole Pine Lake Girls thing you three say. How does it go?”
For a moment Jack thought he’d gotten to her. The smile faded from her face and she appeared to hesitate. Maybe she would change her mind, go home. He’d retrieve her bag for her if she wanted. He’d even refund her ticket money from his own pocket. They could agree to pretend this never happened.
She turned and continued on her way to the train station.