Embers of Love (19 page)

“If I were a bettin’ man,” G. W. said, allowing himself the slightest hint of a grin, “I’d take a wager on it that you’re wrong.”

Rob and Uncle Arjan came up just then, and G. W. left Albright to decide what he’d do next. G. W. hated the thought of the man returning home to harass Lizzie, but there was really nothing he could do to stop him.

“They’re settin’ up to start loadin’ logs,” Arjan told his nephew. “I guess we’ll see you back to home when you finish your job with these men.”

G. W. nodded and was starting to say something when George Jackson came running – waving his arms in the air. “Come quick. David’s done cut himself bad.”

Gone was any concern about Albright. The men made their way to where David was moaning in pain. Uncle Arjan squatted down to see how bad the wound was. Blood had drenched the young man’s trousers.

“We started too low, I reckon. Ax just seemed to bounce back off the trunk and hit David instead.”

The lower trunks of the older pines were hardened from resin deposits, making the cutting sometimes perilous. The men hated trying to fell them at a low level for this very reason, but the rule was to cut no higher than the diameter was thick. Arjan motioned to Rob. “Get some help. Let’s get him loaded on the train and get him to the doctor.”

Rob raced off just as Mr. Wright and Mr. Bishop came to see what the commotion was all about. G. W. straightened. “David’s taken a bad blow to his leg. We’re gonna get him to town, where the doc can stitch him up and tend him.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Mr. Wright asked.

G. W. appreciated the man’s concern. “No. Just stay out of the way.”

The men nodded as Rob returned with several of the other loggers. Once Arjan had tied off the wound to cut down the bleeding, the men made quick work of lifting David and carrying him to the train.

“George, you go along with him. Sissy should have you there to tell her what happened.”

George nodded and wiped his bloody hands against his bibbed overalls. “ ’Preciate that, Mr. Arjan. I’ll be back soon as I see to him.”

“Just take the rest of the day, George. I won’t dock your pay,” Uncle Arjan assured him. “Now, hurry.”

George looked like he wanted to say something more, but instead, he gave a slow nod and made his way to the train. G. W. looked to Wright and Bishop. “We should be headin’ out, too.”

He left them and went to where the horses waited. Albright stood by his mount, looking bored with the entire matter. He held up his left hand, studying his fingernails for a moment. “I don’t suppose I understand all the fuss. The man is a Negro, is he not?”

G. W. stopped in his tracks and looked hard at Albright. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Albright shrugged. “It just seems to me that given it’s only a Negro and not a white man, you wouldn’t make such an ordeal over the matter.”

It was clear by Albright’s expression that he was trying to irritate G. W. further. No doubt it was payback for G. W.’s earlier conversation regarding Lizzie. He stepped forward, his nose nearly touching Albright’s. “I’m gonna forget you said that.”

“Why? I meant every word. There are thousands of freed blacks who could easily take his job. Why expend the money and time on a man who was obviously too stupid to keep himself from harm?”

G. W.’s jaw tightened. He wanted so much to punch the man square in the nose. He forced himself to take a step back. “You can think what you like. But just keep in mind, that man bleeds red, just like you’re gonna if you don’t keep your thoughts to yourself.”

Albright gave G. W. a rather sardonic smile and turned away. G. W. was glad the man had not replied. It had taken every bit of his self-control to keep from acting upon his anger. He could hear his mother telling him,
“The Bible says ‘Be ye angry, and sin not.’ ”
Those words often helped G. W. keep his actions under control. But would it really be a sin, he wondered, if he hit Albright? The man clearly deserved worse than that. Wasn’t there such a thing as righteous anger?

C
HAPTER
16

Lizzie found herself constantly thinking of G. W. and Stuart while they were off on the Vandermark property. They’d been gone for a week, and she hoped fervently that when they returned, Stuart would declare that he was mistaken – that they weren’t married at all.

She gave a sigh and put away the last of the dried supper dishes. After learning what had happened to David, Lizzie found it hard not to fret about the men. What if some other tragedy had befallen them? What if G. W. were somehow harmed? Lizzie knew she had no claim on G. W. He had appeared kind and considerate of her, and definitely seemed to enjoy her company. But she had no reason to expect more.

“Is there a specific reason for that frown, or is it just life in general?”

Lizzie jumped and snapped her head up as if her neck were a springboard. “I beg your pardon?”

Deborah smiled. “I saw your frown and couldn’t help but wonder what caused it. I know you’re disappointed that G. W. hasn’t returned, but maybe it’s something more?”

“There’s certainly enough to frown about,” Lizzie said. She looked around the kitchen to make certain she’d put everything away.

Deborah came to her and took hold of her hands. Giving Lizzie a squeeze, she lowered her voice. “I know you miss him. I’m sure he misses you, as well.”

“Oh, Deborah, am I so obvious with my pining? I feel like a schoolgirl all over again.”

“I think you’ve hidden your feelings well. Although I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that Mother suspects. She has mentioned several times how wonderful it would be to have you in the family. She really likes you.” Deborah let go her hold and gave Lizzie a wink. “I suppose I should be jealous.”

“Hardly. Look at the mess my life has become. I may or may not be bound in marriage to one man, but I love another.”

“Do you truly love him?” Deborah asked. She clapped her hands together. “I had hardly dared to hope!”

Lizzie leaned back against the counter. “For all the good it does me. Oh, why hasn’t Father responded to our letter or telegram? I’m starting to fear that something terrible has happened to him. Oh, Deborah, what if he’s met with an accident?”

“Stop it. You mustn’t worry about your father. He’s probably doing what he can to get to the bottom of all of this. You must give him time to work out the details. I’m sure that when he’s able to offer you counsel, he will.”

“I know you’re probably right, but I thought we would have heard something by now. It’s so hard to wait.”

“At least we haven’t had to deal with Mr. Albright or your mother much this week.”

“Mother was none too happy with me when I accompanied her back to the boardinghouse.” Lizzie drew up her apron hem and wiped perspiration from her forehead. “I know she expected to badger me into submission, but I found the strength to stand my ground. I told her specifically that I would not be forced to return to Philadelphia. She told me I was selfish and needed to consider the feelings of others.”

“She should take her own advice,” Deborah said, shaking her head. “I mean the woman no disrespect, but she honestly irritates my patience.”

Lizzie smiled. “I told you so. Remember all the times I’d return from our visits and rant about Mother’s demands?”

Deborah nodded. “I do, and I feel sorry for you.” She leaned back against the doorframe. “I’m glad I could share my family with you. Now you can see what I was talking about, as well.”

They both heard the back screen door open and turned. “G. W.!” Deborah exclaimed. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. We thought maybe you’d decided to make the woods your permanent home.”

He looked weary but managed a smile and gave Lizzie a nod before addressing his sister. “I wanted to deliver Albright and the other fellas to town before I came home. Took a bit longer than I figured, as Mr. Perkins wanted to jaw a bit about the trip.”

“Have you eaten?” Lizzie asked. “I could warm something up for you.”

“No, Mrs. Perkins fed me.” He patted his stomach. “Ain’t near as good as what I get here, but it filled me up. Right now, all I really want is to go to bed.”

“What about a warm bath?” Deborah asked. “Lizzie and I will bring you hot water.”

He considered that for a moment, then shook his head. “Sounds tempting, but I washed up outside. I’ll save that for another night.” He crossed the room. “I’ll see you both at breakfast.”

“You’d best let Mama know you’re back. She’ll have a fit if you don’t.”

He nodded at Deborah’s comment and kept walking. Lizzie watched him go, wishing she could have had more time with him. She had missed his company – their quiet evenings on the porch together, their occasional walks.

The clock in the dining room chimed the hour. Nine o’clock. Deborah seemed surprised by this. “I guess we all should be getting to bed. Morning will come early enough.”

Lizzie nodded and gave another sigh. At least G. W. was home, safe and sound. She might have to contend with her mother and Stuart on the morrow, but worrying over that could wait.

–––––––

G. W. stumbled into the kitchen well past breakfast. “Why didn’t anybody wake me?” He plopped down at the kitchen table, nearly upsetting a pan of cooling corn bread.

His mother eyed him for a moment, then poured a cup of coffee and placed it in front of him. “Because Arjan said you were to be allowed to sleep. He figured you’d earned a day off since you’d been squiring those men around.”

He downed the hot coffee, hardly even noticing the burn, and held the cup out for a refill. “Thanks, it’s mighty good. Could I maybe have another?”

His mother grinned. “You know you can have a whole pot if you want.” She went to pour more coffee while Lizzie surprised him with a big plate of food.

“We saved breakfast for you. Would you like me to cook you up some eggs to go along with this?”

He looked at the thick ham steak, fried potatoes, and slices of fresh tomato. “I guess a couple of eggs would top this off just right.”

She laughed. “Just a couple?”

“Well, maybe half a dozen,” he admitted. “Scrambled up fluffy like you made the last time I was home.”

Lizzie blushed, and G. W. couldn’t help but grin. She was the prettiest gal he’d ever known, and he knew she cared for him. Who would’ve thought it possible that a city girl all educated like Lizzie could fall for someone like him?

Deborah came into the kitchen and spied G. W. at the table. “I thought I heard you.”

“How’s the office work coming?” he asked.

“Not too bad. I feel I’m gaining a better understanding of things.” She went to pour herself a cup of coffee. “I don’t know how Uncle Arjan kept track of it before, but it’s all recorded now.” She sipped the coffee and smiled. “This is really good.”

“Lizzie made it,” her mother replied. “She’s learned so fast, she’ll have me all but replaced in the kitchen.”

“Hardly that,” Lizzie countered. “I may have mastered coffee, but I still have a great deal to learn. You saw my dinner rolls. They were terrible.”

“Well, all things come with practice. We don’t use flour as much as cornmeal around here, and yeast breads are always harder to master.” She turned to her son. “While Lizzie makes your eggs, maybe you could tell us how the trip went. Are those men going to invest in forested lands nearby?”

G. W. cut a piece of the ham steak. “I believe that’s their plan. They marveled at how inexpensive property is around here. Wish I had a bunch of extra money – I’d buy it all up for Vandermark and keep the greedy easterners out.”

“Your father said the same thing during the influx of people right after the war. That was the one and only time he borrowed money to buy land. Paid it off as quick as he could, too. But at least we were able to increase the holdings.”

“Do you think we should borrow and buy land again?” Deborah asked her brother. “I mean, you did just sign the new contract with Mr. Perkins.”

“It’s a thought, but we’ve also got to hire new men. It’s all gonna take money. Speaking of men – how’s David doing? I feel bad for not askin’ last night.”

Lizzie placed the eggs in front of him and answered before anyone else could. “Dr. Clayton was just here yesterday. He said David’s injury was healing well.”

“That’s a relief. It looked like a nasty cut.”

Mother nodded. “It was bad enough. I suggested Sissy stay home to take care of him until he’s able to be up and around. She sent word with George that she figures to be back tomorrow.”

“I’m glad you gave her the time off, though I doubt they can afford it,” G. W. said, digging in to the eggs.

“Arjan said we could manage to pay her anyway, and David, too. I was glad for that,” Mother stated. “They need every bit of money they can get.”

“Should I pay them all in cash instead of half company script?” Deborah questioned.

“You certainly could, but Sissy told me that script is just fine. She doesn’t like me paying her without her being here to work. She thinks it’s charity. I suppose she’d think herself unreasonable to demand cash.”

Deborah exchanged a look with her brother. “Like Sissy would ever demand anything.”

G. W. shook his head. “Ain’t charity. They’re good folks. They’ve been here for this family when others walked away – too busy to help or just didn’t care. George and David dug Pa’s grave and Sissy prepared his body.”

Mother nodded and replenished the coffee in G. W.’s cup once more. “Exactly my thinking.” She gathered up several baskets and headed for the back door. “I’ll let Lizzie take care of you. I have a garden to tend to.”

“Wait, Ma. Is there anything you need me to do for you here at the house?” G. W. questioned. “You know I can’t just sit around.”

She thought for a moment. “Well, you and Rob have been promising to build me a place to store food, and the lumber is out there waiting. You could sure enough get to work on it, if you absolutely needed something to do.”

“I’ll get to it after breakfast.” He waited until his mother had gone, then addressed Lizzie. “If you don’t have anything better to do, you could always keep me company.”

She looked hesitant. “Stuart and my mother will no doubt be out here to see me today. Stuart has never been one to wait, if he’s of a mind to do something.”