The next few days were repeats. Liz insisted Scar stay off of his feet, which caused her to rise earlier than normal and work later in the evenings. He wasn’t happy with the arrangement but gave in to his wife’s wishes and stuck to his book. Most early mornings were cold, but by noon things warmed up. One morning there was a light covering of snow.
Before noon on Friday, Scar saw Jake coming down the alley leading Maude. He quickly put his book down and headed out to meet him.
“What brings you to town, Jake?” Scar asked as he went to his mule. He gently scratched her forehead.
“We have things pretty well caught up at the ranch, and since Maude’s leg is healed, I thought I’d bring her to you…thought you might need her.”
“Thanks, Jake. It’s time I’m getting back into circulation. I’ve been holed up with these sore feet about as long as I can stand.”
“That’s what a wife will do to you, Bart.” They both laughed as Scar nodded his agreement.
“It’s almost noon,” Scar said. “Let’s go to Jenny’s and eat.” Scar made a fast, nonchalant inspection of Maude’s leg, not wanting it to appear he questioned Jake’s diagnosis. The leg looked normal, so he tightened the saddle’s girth strap and climbed aboard. Jake followed on his Double D horse.
There were only two tables in use when they entered Jenny’s. The sheriff and his niece occupied one. The lawman waved them over. “Why don’t you join us? We just got here.” Scar sat across from the sheriff. Jake eyed the girl. “Do you remember my niece? She accompanied me to your Thanksgiving party last Thursday. Her name is Rebecca.” The men across the table nodded their greetings. It wasn’t long before Mrs. Kaiser brought their food.
Scar and the sheriff enjoyed a lively conversation as they ate their meal, but Jake and Rebecca only eyed each other, remaining in complete silence. The table had been cleared and cups refilled when Rebecca said, “Mr. Carter, may I ask you a question?” The statement took Scar by surprise. To his recollection, he’d never been referred to as Mister.
“We’re not very formal out here, Rebecca, and I’m not much older than you. Please call me Bart.” She looked back with a question in her eyes and nodded with a smile. “Now, what was it you wanted to ask?”
“I’d like to speak to your wife about school.”
There was a long pause. “I’m sorry, Rebecca. She only enrolls students under fourteen,” he said.
The girl looked offended. “I’m not a child, Mr. Carter,” she protested. “I’m seventeen years old and have graduated from the most prestigious high school in St. Louis. Since I have my teaching certificate, I…I might be of assistance to Mrs. Carter…without compensation, of course.” Scar’s face turned red.
“I’m sorry, Rebecca. I misunderstood your request. You certainly don’t look like a child. I’m sure Liz would be pleased to speak with you whenever time permits.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ca…I mean Bart.” Everyone at the table smiled.
The men were finishing their coffee when Scar made a suggestion. “Rebecca, you’re new in town and probably haven’t been exposed to much social life. Why don’t you and the sheriff plan to have supper at our house tonight?”
“Thanks, Scar,” the sheriff said, “but I’ll be staying home. I’m sure Rebecca will accept the invitation.”
The girl spoke up. “If it’s not too much bother, I’d be pleased to join you.”
“It’s all settled then. We’ll see you at six o’clock, Rebecca.”
The four patrons were nearly to the café’s door when Jenny called Scar back. “The plan worked…didn’t it, Bart?”
“What plan are you referring too, Jenny?”
“You know. The plan to have Jake in here at the same time the sheriff’s niece is here.” Scar shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
“At the party last Thursday, I saw Jake eyeing Rebecca, so I told him she and her uncle ate at the café every day at noon. I told him to make up some kind of excuse and come to town so he could eat with her. It’s apparent he followed my suggestion.”
“He did,” the big man said with a grin. “He brought Maude home.”
When the men returned to Scar’s house, Scar was taking Maude’s saddle off when Jake said, “I might as well be heading for the ranch. There’s not much to do around Flat Peaks. Besides, it’ll be time for evening chores by the time I get back.”
“I thought you might stay around for supper, Jake. I’m sure Liz will be fixing something special since Rebecca will be eating with us. But I know you’d rather eat with the ranch hands than with Rebecca.” Both men grinned.
The evening went exceptionally well. Liz had fixed a delicious meal topped off with apple pie. Conversation between the two women seemed endless. They had hit it off with a great deal in common. Both were teachers, both had been exposed to city life, both loved the wilderness, and both were young. Only two years separated them. Of course, unlike Liz, Rebecca was still unwed, but it was clear she desired to change that sometime in the not-too-distant future.
Liz was excited to have the girl join her in the classroom. They discussed the roles each would play and talked about new teaching methods they could incorporate with two teachers involved. It was decided Rebecca would start the following Monday.
The women paused for a minute to find the men with folded arms, sitting in total silence. Liz reached across the table for her husband’s hand. “I’m sorry, honey,” she said with a smile. “We’ve totally ignored you and Jake all evening. But Rebecca and I have so many ideas to talk about.”
“I’m sorry, too,” Rebecca said. “I promise not to be so talkative when we get together next time.” Jake looked like his heart skipped a beat. For the next hour or so all four were in a joyous mood sharing stories of their past. Finally, Rebecca said, “I’ve had a wonderful time. I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed an evening so much, but I’d better be going, or my uncle might get worried.”
“I’d be happy to drive you home,” Jake offered.
“Thank you, Jake. I’d like that,” the girl said, eyeing him with a smile.