“You did what?” Audrey’s hands shot to her hips, and she glared at Copper. “Why did you do that?” After a perfectly wretched morning, Copper had just increased the misery.
“I thought you’d be pleased. He’s such fun, Audrey. Why not invite him to supper? I invited Tucker and Eli too, but neither could come, though Tucker wanted to.”
And Eli didn’t. Copper might as well say it. “You’ve made it very clear you have no personal interest in Caleb. Why invite him to supper if the other men can’t come?”
“I’m not interested in Caleb—romantically.”
“Nor am I.”
“I’m just trying to be hospitable.”
Copper’s expression turned as bland as buttermilk, but Audrey wasn’t fooled. She was up to her old matchmaking tricks, and it wasn’t going to work. She heaved a sigh. “Don’t try to pair me off with him. End of discussion.”
“I don’t understand why you’re so distressed. I do believe you’re protesting too much, Audrey Pride. Are you sure you aren’t the least bit attracted to Caleb Gray? He’s a very attractive man, and eligible.”
“Then you may have him. And don’t expect me to help with supper.” Turning on her heel, Audrey headed for the stairs and her room. If she stayed a moment longer she would surely say more than she intended. If this rain didn’t stop and Copper didn’t go on her way to Beeder’s Cove, she was going to lose her mind!
In her room, Audrey flung herself on the bed, lying flat on her back and staring at the ceiling. Why did life have to be so complicated? Lord, forgive my ill-temper. You’ve already done more for me than I deserve, and I’m grateful. Thank you for the job; I’ll do the very best I can, but please silence Copper…in a compassionate way.
A commotion outside the window drew her. She slid off the mattress and stood behind the curtain, peering out as Willow and Copper dashed through the rain, chasing a fat Rhode Island Red pullet around the yard. Apparently they were going to have chicken again, if they could catch the main dish.
Copper finally cornered the pullet in an open shed and emerged holding the fowl by the legs. Willow had the dishpan ready, and Copper laid the chicken over the chopping block and raised the ax. It took three tries before she finally managed to kill the ill-fated bird. Willow brought a teakettle of boiling water to scald the carcass, and the women gingerly began to pluck off the wet feathers.
Turning away, Audrey decided she wouldn’t eat that night. Copper wanted guests? Then she could entertain.
That evening, Copper answered the door and ushered Caleb inside. Relenting, Audrey came downstairs because she was hungry. If she skipped supper, she’d only be scouring the kitchen later for something to tide her over until breakfast. She took a second look at Caleb as she passed the foyer. The man was resplendent tonight, dressed in a blue shirt and black trousers. Every hair was in place, overshadowing his usual appearance of locks tumbling over his forehead in an unruly mass of curls. He removed the canvas rain cape and grinned at her.
“Evening, Audrey. First time I’ve seen you dry since the night you arrived.”
She smiled. “I know. It feels downright strange to wear dry clothing. I’m starting to mildew.”
Willow urged the guest into the kitchen, where the table sagged beneath its load of baked chicken and dressing, gravy, and mashed potatoes. Audrey began to fill cups.
“Sure wish Tucker and Eli could have come.” Willow bent to take a pan of bread out of the oven.
“Tucker was a mite envious of me, but he had a meeting with a potential customer.”
“Yes, so he said when he stopped by earlier.”
“Are you afraid he’s off to see Meredith Johnson?” he teased.
Willow closed the oven door. “Not in the least. Meredith knows her life would be worthless if she messes with my man.”
Once everyone was seated, Caleb asked the blessing, thanking God for the bountiful feast, and in a deep baritone, mentioning that others might be in need of showers, and the citizens of Thunder Ridge were ready to share.
Succulent chicken and the scent of fragrant sage dressing filled the kitchen. Willow and Copper had outdone themselves tonight. Beet pickles glowed ruby-red in a cut-glass bowl. Caleb speared one with his fork, and held it up, admiring it.
“First time I’ve had beet pickles since the war.”
“Betsy Pike sent them so they’re bound to be good,” Willow said.
Audrey had met Betsy on her last visit and taken to the newly widowed woman. Her husband, Leonidias, passed quite suddenly, leaving Betsy alone to care for her ailing mother, and she could no longer make the short trip from Blackberry Hill to Thunder Ridge to help cook and clean for Wallace.
Willow passed a bowl of potatoes to Caleb. “Save room for dessert. Copper made dried apple pies.”
“Love those.” Caleb flashed a smile in Copper’s direction.
Audrey watched closely for any sign of sparks, but none was apparent. Sighing, she picked up her fork. Why would her interest lie in the one Gray cousin who wouldn’t give her the time of day, when here was Caleb, underfoot and available?
Talk turned to the rain and how well the town was coping. Caleb cut a bite of chicken. “If the river keeps rising, the mill will be under water before long.”
Willow paused, her fork in mid-air. “Poor Tucker. Yet another financial blow. I’m grateful Uncle Wallace’s house is on high ground. So far we’ve been safe from floodwaters.”
Audrey noticed that she made no mention of the overflowing attic pans and chamber pots, which they would have to empty again before going to bed. Tucker would have to know about the leaky roof soon, but Willow was as independent as the day was long, and she’d not bother him with one more worry. Audrey knew if anyone told Caleb, he would pass the information along to Tucker in an attempt to help.
“The cemetery has us a little worried.” Caleb buttered a roll. “The road’s washed out. Can’t get anyone down there now. If no one dies until the water goes down we won’t have a worry, otherwise we’ll be in a fix.” He turned to give Audrey a mischievous smile. “Speaking of which, I heard you’re going to be working with Kirkland.”
Nodding, Audrey took a bite of green beans, picturing the strange man in her mind. Copper’s eyes turned accusingly on Audrey, and she affected a mock shudder. “Can’t we talk about something more agreeable? Let’s talk about pleasant subjects.”
Audrey calmly took a bite of potatoes. “Let’s talk about Copper’s hen-killing ability.”
Copper shot her a dry look. “Let’s not.”
Caleb didn’t seem to notice the exchange. “Dying and burying are a normal part of life.”
“Yet we do our best to avoid the entire process,” Audrey noted.
“Well, I’m not partial to the idea, but not because I think the deceased are something to avoid or that I fear them. Like you women, I’ve had enough of death to last me for a spell.”
“Enough talk of death and dying. Is everyone ready for pie now?”
“I am.” Caleb pushed his plate aside. “Looking forward to it, as a matter of fact.” He winked at Copper.
“Copper makes excellent pies,” Audrey said. “She certainly knows her way around a kitchen.”
Her friend bent to remove Tucker’s empty supper plate. “Don’t listen to her. My pies are nothing compared to Audrey’s wild plum cobbler. Her crust is as light as an angel’s kiss.” Copper smirked at Audrey from behind Caleb’s back.
Oh, don’t start, Copper. Two could play this game. Audrey lightly dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “It’s sweet of you to say so, but nothing can compare to Copper’s rabbit stew. She uses just the right blend of herbs and spices.”
Copper’s brow lifted in battle, and her lips firmed. “Ah, but you should try Audrey’s biscuits, flaky on the inside, delicately browned on the outside.” She banged Caleb’s empty plate near the sink. “Pure perfection—with just a hint of butter, and a spoonful of honey.”
“Well!” Audrey set her water glass down firmly. “You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Copper’s Lord Baltimore cake. She’ll have to bake you one. Soon.”
“Cherry pie! I defy anyone to show me a better cherry pie than Audrey’s,” Copper challenged.
“Fried chicken!”
“Yams! Have you tasted Audrey’s yams? Unbelievable!”
Blinking, his forkful of pie held halfway to his mouth, Caleb’s eyes pivoted from one woman to the other, seemingly trying to keep up with the bizarre exchange. Audrey realized the tone of their voices held more than a little hostility. She glanced at Willow, whose expression cured her of any desire to continue the game. In their zeal to club each other with compliments, they had gone too far.
Willow quietly rose and walked to the stove. “Actually they are both fine cooks. Would anyone like more coffee?”
Audrey picked up her fork and took a bite of pie. A glance at Copper showed her doing the same. An uncomfortable silence settled around the table.
Willow returned to sit down, eyes watchful, clearly daring the two women to erupt into another round of one-upmanship.
Caleb glanced at Audrey. “Then you took the job at the Burying Parlor.”
“This morning.”
“Well, I suppose you don’t have much choice, but sure doesn’t seem like work you’d take to, honestly.”
“Why do you say that?”
He swallowed a sip of coffee before answering. “From your earlier tone, I don’t think you’re cut out for that sort of work. Don’t seem proper for a woman to be dressing dead bodies.”
Copper’s fork clattered to the plate. “Do what?”
“Dress bodies.”
The woman paled. “You can’t be serious?”
He nodded.
She turned to Audrey. “You can’t do that. I won’t allow it. There must be work elsewhere.”
Audrey blotted her lips with a linen napkin. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m rather tired. I believe I’ll retire early.”
“But you don’t have to do this,” her friend argued.
Caleb shook his head. “You have friends to help you. Give it time. Something will turn up.”
Audrey focused on him. “The Burying Parlor is all that’s available. You just said I don’t have much choice.”
Caleb’s eyes held hers for a moment, and then he nodded. “You’re right. I apologize. I’ll not mention the subject again.”
Willow cleared her throat. “What about parlor games? Is anyone interested?”
“I am.” Copper shoved her chair back and stood up. “What shall we play?”
“Something nice and quiet. I don’t want to disturb Uncle Wallace. Stay, Audrey. It’s still early.”
Audrey wanted nothing more than to go to bed and put the evening to rest. This entire day had been taxing, and she’d had enough. Without Eli, she had no desire to stay.
“I know.” Copper clapped her hands. “Let’s have a spelling bee.”
“We can’t have a spelling bee,” Audrey objected. “There are only four of us. Who will give out the words?”
“Wait.” Willow dug a couple of dictionaries out of a crowded bookcase. “Copper and I will give the two of you a word to spell, and then you can give us one.”
Audrey sighed, something she’d done a lot of lately. Rain pounded the roof as Caleb lined up chairs, two on each side, facing each other. Copper thumbed through their dictionary.
“All right, Caleb, here’s your first word. Pluvious.”
“P-l-u-…Are you sure that’s a real word? What does it mean?”
Copper smirked. “Rainy.”
Caleb nodded. “Well, that’s appropriate. Let’s see P-l-u-vi-o-u-s. Pluvious.”
“Correct. Your turn.”
“And you’ve got a good one coming.” Caleb turned the worn pages. “Poetaster.”
Willow’s left brow lifted. “Meaning what?”
Audrey shifted in her chair and crossed her arms. Poetaster. She should have excused herself earlier.
He gave a hint. “A writer of bad poetry.”
Copper laughed. “You take that one, Willow. I’ll wait for the next.”
“Spelled just like it sounds,” Caleb said. “Poet-aster.”
Willow closed her eyes, and then spelled it correctly. “Poetaster.”
Copper spelled reliquary, a small box. Then it was Audrey’s turn. She had been only half listening to the easy banter going on around her, still annoyed at her friends for arranging the evening.
Turning to her, Copper grinned mischievously. “Sententious. Saying much in a few words.”
“C-o-p-p-e-r,” Audrey spelled. “Saying little in many words.”
Copper glared. “Incorrect.”
Audrey drew a deep breath. “S-e-n-…t-e-…Say it again.”
“Sententious.”
“S-e-n-t-e-n-s-h-u-s.”
Copper giggled. “Wrong. You’re a schoolteacher and you can’t spell?”
Caleb sobered. “I always figured teachers were the smartest folks alive.”
“Audrey.” Willow shook her head in disapproval. “That was fairly easy.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
The words came out sharper than she intended, but she didn’t care. Willow’s chiding was the last straw. She hadn’t wanted to play this idiotic game anyway.
Caleb dug out his pocket watch and squinted at the time. “It’s late. I’d better head on home. Thank you, ladies, for a delightful meal, and a lovely evening. Don’t know when I’ve had such a good time.”
Willow took his proffered hand. “We’ll have to do it again, sometime soon. Perhaps Tucker and Eli can come too.”
“Excellent idea. They’d appreciate a good meal, and the charming company.” He shook Copper’s hand and then Audrey’s. When he smiled down at her, she grinned, repentant, and clasped his hand with both of hers.
“I’m sorry I was so distracted tonight.”
“I’d say you have good reason to be. Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow, and we’ll all feel better.”
Before checking the attic water pails, Willow paused in front of Wallace’s door and quietly checked on him. The three women then parted to their bedrooms. Audrey and Copper shared a warm hug, apologizing for their sparring natures, and said good night.
In the privacy of her room, Audrey slumped to the bed. Her mood tonight had been atrocious. Was it because Willow and Copper were trying to initiate a relationship between her and Caleb, one she clearly didn’t want?
Or because she was forced to work in a funeral parlor in order to retain her independence? Both were reason enough, but still she would have to apologize for her behavior. Poor Caleb. He must think woe was the man who landed either her or Copper.
And he would be entirely correct.