Where the Wild Rose Blooms (12 page)

The entire wagon was quiet on the way home that afternoon, and Clayton couldn't help but notice. Sammy was beside him on the seat, and she looked so sad that Clayton was tempted to put an arm around her. He planned to ask Milly about it as soon as they were home, but the snow was deep in places and the ride was taking longer than usual. He realized he should have brought the large sleigh.

"Everything okay, Milly?" he questioned as soon as he'd pulled into the barn.

"Sure," she answered easily enough, but her voice held no conviction.

"It seemed like everyone was pretty quiet today."

"Well," she shrugged, "we're probably all just tired of school and ready for some time off for Christmas."

Clayton stared at her, but Milly didn't notice. What she just described should have made them all restless and happy, not depressed. But Milly was already moving toward the path their father had shoveled out so they could reach the house. Clayton settled the two roan horses and wagon and then followed her. They found their father at the kitchen table filling out a survey report and working on some letters, but he put it all aside when they came in and joined his wife and children for hot coffee and fresh muffins.

Barefooted, Lexa stood in the hallway outside of Eddie and Jackie's room, a small jar clenched in her hand. It was late, time she was in bed, but welcome or not she had to see Jackie. She took a deep breath and knocked.

"Come in," Eddie called from within.

Lexa pushed the door open just enough to slip inside and then shut it behind her. Like Lexa, both of the older girls were in long flannel nightgowns, but the light was on and only Eddie was under the covers. Lexa made herself go to the other side of the bed, right up to Jackie, and speak.

"Uncle Mitch gave me this ointment a long time ago when I cut myself. I thought you might like to use it."

Jackie stared down into her sisters hesitant
eyes
and took the jar from her outstretched hand.

"Thanks, Lexa."

"You're welcome," she said and then just stood there. Jackie spoke next, her voice fierce, but not toward Lexa.

"I knew those states and capitals, Lexa. I knew every one."

"I know you did. I heard you say them to Mother."

Quiet descended until Eddie said softly, "I know its Saturday tomorrow, but you'd best get to bed, Lexa."

"All right. Good-night, Jackie. 'Night, Eddie."

The older girls wished her a good night as well, and when Lexa slipped back out of the room, Eddie pushed herself up against the headboard. When Jackie climbed into bed still holding the ointment,
Eddie immediately reached for her hand.

"Oh, Jackie," she whispered when she saw the marks, tears filling her eyes.

"Don't cry, Eddie!" Jackie's voice was sharp, but Eddie ignored her. Seeing those tears, Jackie's fell as well.

With tender movements Eddie took the small jar and removed the lid. She carefully smoothed the white cream over Jackie's swollen hand, moving painstakingly and sniffing back her tears. When she was done, her voice sounded as fierce as Jackie's had.

"Tag would never do this."

"Tag? What are you talking about?"

"Clayton Taggart. I don't think he'll hit anyone when he's a teacher."

Jackie shifted in order to get a better view of Eddie's face.

"Clay is going to be a teacher?"

"That's his dream."

"How do you know that?"

"Jackie," Eddie's voice held a note of rebuke. "I talk to the man. We visit every time he comes to the store, and whenever he's home he stops here to see Mother and me."

Jackie was frowning at her sister as though she didn't have the right to Clayton's company. Without speaking she took the jar from Eddie, replaced the cap, and set it on her nightstand. She settled her head on the pillow, her back to the sister who had just shown her such kindness.

"You're going to be 16 in a few weeks, Jackie. Don't you think its time you gave up this childishness?"

"What about Clay?"

"What about Clay?" Eddie asked back. "Honestly Jackie, you have no grounds. He couldn't be kinder to us if he tried. He doesn't even tease you anymore."

Jackie was well aware of that fact but tried again to divert Eddies belief.

"Well, anyway, Clay's too young to be teaching school. I, for one, would never respect him."

"Clay is no child, Jackie. He was 19 in October, and by the time he finishes his training he'll be even older than that. Like I said, you have no grounds for disliking him outside of your stubborn pride, and in my opinion that's no grounds at all."

With that Eddie blew the light out. The tender way the older girl had ministered to Jackie's hand seemed to be forgotten. Both girls fell asleep without sharing another word.

"What are you doing?" Milly called down to her brother from her place in the hayloft. He'd just moved the ladder away and stranded her above him.

"Moving the ladder."

"I can see that. Why?"

Clayton tipped his head back and stared at her. "You can come down when you've told me what's bothering you."

"Oh, Tag."

"Don't 'oh, Tag,' me. Now what's going on that's ruining your weekend, Milly? Even Dad and Mom have noticed."

He heard Milly's sigh from his place on the barn floor. A few more seconds went by and she said, "Let m£ down from here and I'll tell you."

Clayton did so, and after they had both taken seats on the bench by the stalls, Milly explained what had happened in the schoolhouse the day before. It wasn't long before she was crying. Clayton put an arm around her.

"I feel just awful. Tag. Anyone can forget, and it's so hard to stand up there and have everyone looking at you. I know Miss Bradley must have hurt her. Her whole body jumped, and Miss Bradley didn't just do it once either. She must have hit her five or six times. "

She turned her face into her brothers coatfront and cried. In so doing, she missed the clenching of Clayton's jaw. He could hardly stand the thought of anyone being hit on the back of the hand, but with Jackie, somehow it was worse. He was certain her pride had taken a beating, but that wasn't what
bothered him. He had looked at her hands many times. For a girl who often helped in the general store, her hands were remarkably smooth and soft-looking with no jagged nails or calluses. He could well imagine what a few whacks with the ruler must have done.

The most frustrating part of this was realizing his position; he had no place in this situation. It was not his job to go to the teacher, nor could he even talk to Jackie and try to bring her comfort. Indeed, he was quite certain what her response would be if he tried.

"I think the worst part—" Milly had calmed enough to go on and voice Claytons own thoughts—"is that I'm not close to Jackie, so I can't even tell her how sorry I am."

"No," Clayton agreed quietly. "She wouldn't welcome that."

"I could see that Danny was upset too. Lexa and Sammy probably were also, but they had their backs to me.

"We'll just pray for her, Milly. It doesn't have to be one of us to help her. We'll just pray that Danny or Eddie or
maybe her mother will talk to her and make her feel better."

Milly sniffed and Clayton produced a handkerchief She thanked him and sat up straight to repair her face. The subject of Jackie was dropped, but she was still heavy on both of their minds.

The Saturday before Christmas brought heavy snows to the mountains in Colorado,
but
many made it out for
church the next day. Christmas was on Thursday of that week, and excitement was high. The Fontaines planned to have Mitch and the Taggarts join them for Christmas dinner. Addy and the girls would be doing the bulk of the meal, and Elaine was to bring the dessert and rolls with fresh butter. Eddie was planning a splendid tea for the afternoon, and Danny and Milly already had their heads together about their own activities for the day.

At the moment, however, they were all bundled to their ears and getting ready to go home after the sermon. Pastor Munroe had ended his message with a tender prayer for blessings on his congregation in the week to come. He had asked God to remind them that His Son was to be celebrated all year long. Eddie had gone up to thank him for the reminder.

"And how are the wedding plans coming, Edwina?"

"Just fine." She smiled. "Less than three months now."

Pastor Munroe chuckled. "I may seem old to you, but I well remember the day when I counted the hours until my wedding." Mrs. Munroe had come to his side, and he sent her a warm smile.

"Robert wrote and told me heel been in touch with you and that you'd like to meet with us when he arrives."

"Yes, 1 would. I met him of course last fall, Edwina, but I think it might be a good idea to see you both again."

"Weather permitting, he and a friend plan to leave Boulder in time to arrive here on March 6."

"Well, fine. Why don't you come by and see me as soon as it works into your schedule?"

"Thank you, Pastor Munroe. I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas."

"You do the same," Ora Munroe told her kindly, and Eddie smiled her thanks.

Eddie turned to find her family gone. Indeed, Morgan was headed back inside to locate her. He
hushed her into Mitch's waiting wagon and took them all home. Eddie helped with Sunday dinner as usual, but she was slightly preoccupied. As soon as she could get away, she took her stationery to her room and lay on the bed to write Robert a long letter.

Christmas is Thursday, and I hope and pray with all my heart that it will be the last one we spend apart. How I love the snow and the way it turns the mountains white, but my true longing is

to be snuggled together in our own home, watching it together. Even if the house cannot be complete, just to be with you will be enough.

I spoke to Pastor and Mrs. Munroe today, and they were very kind as we talked about the wedding. I'm looking forward to meeting Travis Buchanan since you've written so much about him. Its a shame Jackie's too young for marriage; he sounds wonderful.

And speaking of Jackie, I don't know what Christmas day will be like with her strong aversion to Tag. Honestly, Robert, I don't know what her problem is, unless its as you say, "She protests too much." Its nearly inconceivable that under all that antagonism she could be fighting stronger feelings for him, but you might be right. I do wonder what she would say if he got hurt or she was never able to see him again. Well, I guess time will tell, and a little growing up wouldn't hurt, either. I keep praying about it.