Tarah's Lessons Page 11

  Edging toward the door, Tarah motioned for Anthony to follow.

  “Got her all settled in?” Cassidy asked when they reached the front room.

  Tarah smiled and nodded. “She’s sound asleep.”

  “Good. This fellow will be ready for bed as soon as he’s eaten his fill.”

  Ben beamed at Cassidy. “This is mighty good cookin’, Ma’am.” He reached up as if to swipe his sleeve across his mouth, then stopped, his gaze darting to Tarah. She smiled and inclined her head toward the napkin next to his plate.

  “Will you stay and have some supper, Anthony?” Cassidy asked.

  “I best be getting on home. Ma doesn’t know where I am, and I’m sure she’ll be worried.”

  Tarah swallowed her disappointment at his refusal. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “Don’t stay out too long, Tarah,” Cassidy said. “There’s a chill in the air. We don’t want you catching cold.”

  Warmth flooded Tarah’s cheeks. Honestly. She didn’t need to be treated like a baby right in front of Anthony. But she smiled and nodded, then slipped out the door ahead of him.

  “I want to thank you for coming after me today,” she said, as they stepped into the star-filled night. “I couldn’t have managed those children alone.”

  “My pleasure.” Anthony’s mouth curved into a smile. “You did a fine job. Although I think I’ve mentioned that a couple of times today.”

  “I think so. But I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  Reaching out, he fingered a strand of hair, long since pulled loose from her chignon. “I guess we make a pretty good team.”

  “Yes,” Tarah murmured, lifting her chin a little just in case he wanted to kiss her, “I suppose we do.”

  Anthony touched her shoulder, then her arm, until finally, he took her hand in his. Warmth enveloped her, and a soft unbidden sigh escaped her lips as Anthony pulled her ever so slightly forward.

  A loud cough from the other side of the porch startled them, making Tarah jump. Anthony dropped her hand and took a large step back.

  “Guess you two didn’t see me sitting here,” Pa said with a chuckle.

  Tarah’s cheeks warmed, and she was glad for the cover of darkness to hide her humiliation.

  “No, Sir.” Anthony’s voice cracked like a twelve-year-old boy’s.

  “Didn’t think so. I guess you’ll be going now?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Anthony turned to Tarah. “Good night. I’ll see you in church on Sunday.”

  “We’re looking forward to it,” Pa said, a teasing lilt to his voice.

  “Well, good night, then,” he said, backing down the steps.

  “Night, Anthony,” Pa called, a little louder than he needed to, in Tarah’s opinion.

  A lump of disappointment lodged in her throat as Anthony mounted and rode away. Furious, she turned her gaze to Pa.

  “Well, now,” he said. “I couldn’t have him kissing my little girl right in front of me, could I?”

  “Oh, Pa.”

  “Now, there’ll be plenty of time for that if he ever says his piece and asks for your hand. And not before. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, Pa.” Tarah said a curt good night and stomped inside. She’d been sure she was about to get herself kissed. If only Pa hadn’t been on the porch, she could have made Anthony forget all about Louisa Thomas!

  Nine

  “Looks like we’re not the only ones who thought a fall picnic was a good idea.”

  Tarah glanced up at the sound of Pa’s voice. Dread engulfed her as she recognized the pair seated on a blanket a few yards from the river. She inwardly groaned at the sight.

  “Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me,” Pa said, thick amusement coloring his words, “I’d say that’s Anthony and Louisa up ahead.”

  “And Josie,” Luke piped in, excitement edging his voice. “Hi, Jo!”

  From her spot at the riverbank, Josie grinned and waved. Luke hopped from the still-rolling wagon and sprinted to join her, leaving Cassidy to call after him to stay close by.

  Tarah felt a low ember of indignation quickly give rise to an inferno of temper as Anthony’s beseeching gaze reached out to her. With a jerk of her chin, she averted her gaze, letting him know just what she thought of the situation.

  Nearly choked with tears, Tarah felt his betrayal to her toes. After all they had been through just two days ago, she had caught the two-timer having a chummy picnic with Louisa Thomas. And he called himself a preacher!

  Seated next to his girl, Camilla, on the wagon flap, Sam gave Tarah an understanding smile. His compassionate gaze searched her face, sending a rush of heat to her cheeks. What did Sam know about unrequited love? He and Camilla had been in love since they were both fifteen years old. And now, seated together with a twin on each lap, they made a picture of domesticity.

  Cringing, Tarah realized Pa’s comment a few weeks ago about Sam getting married first might actually come true. She gave Sam what she hoped to be a reassuring smile, then looked away to hide her humiliation.

  Anthony rose from the blanket and stepped forward, waving in friendly greeting.

  To Tarah’s way of thinking, he looked just about as guilty as a dog caught with a Christmas ham.

  Obviously thinking the same thing, Pa gave a low chuckle.

  “Dell. . . ,” Cassidy lightly admonished.

  Louisa rose and took her place next to Anthony. Her willowy hand slipped through his arm, and she challenged Tarah with a lift of one delicate eyebrow.

  “What’s she doin’ here?” Laney asked, her perky nose wrinkling into a scowl. “That preacher’s not too smart. I told him he outta send her packing.”

  Pa laughed outright.

  “Dell!” Cassidy turned to the outspoken little girl. “Laney, Honey, please don’t be rude.”

  “But that lady ain’t nothin’ but a—” She broke off the flow of words, apparently thinking better of what she’d been about to say, and ducked her head in submission. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  Resisting the urge to bolt, thus giving Louisa the pleasure of knowing she was upset, Tarah plastered a smile on her face and reined in Abby. She dismounted and tied the horse to the wagon.

  “Looks like we’re sharing a picnic spot,” Pa said, extending a hand to Anthony. “That okay with you?”

  “Of course.” Anthony accepted the proffered hand and gave a short, dry cough.

  “This is just wonderful,” Louisa gushed, taking Hope from Sam’s arms. Tarah scowled as the little girl went to Louisa without so much as a hint of protest. Her chubby hands grabbed onto a strawberry-blond ringlet. “Pwetty.”

  The little traitor!

  Releasing an annoying giggle, Louisa planted a kiss on the little girl’s cheek. “Look,” she called to Anthony, who had joined Dell and Sam to help unload the food from the wagon. “She loves me.”

  “Aw, don’t think yer nothin’ special,” Laney said, reaching up a hand to tickle Hope’s belly. “She loves everybody. Don’t ya, Hopey Wopey?” Hope laughed outright and threw her body toward Laney. “See?” With a smug grin, Laney took the toddler and headed toward the blanket Cassidy had spread onto the ground.

  With a great sense of satisfaction, Tarah watched Louisa’s cheeks grow red. She silently blessed Laney for putting the bothersome woman in her place. But her guilt got the better of her, and she gave Louisa a genuine hint of a smile. “You three might as well eat with us,” she offered to take away the sting of Laney’s rudeness.

  “I don’t suppose we have a choice,” Louisa hissed, “although we’d much rather be alone. It was bad enough we had to bring Anthony’s horror of a niece along with us.”

  A gasp escaped Tarah’s lips, and she felt her eyes growing wide. “We certainly didn’t interrupt your little outing just to inconvenience you. My family has been coming to this picnic spot twice a year for the last three years. And Anthony doesn’t seem at all bothered by our presence.”

  Louisa’s nostrils flared in anger. “Don’t think
I can’t figure out what you’re up to.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Pursing her lips, Louisa narrowed her eyes. “Come, now, don’t act innocent with me. We’re both women and we both know what we want. Or rather whom we want. The difference is I already have him. And you never will.” She spun on her heel and flounced away to join the others.

  Tarah stared after her, fuming and wishing she could refute the other girl’s words. Though it grated on her to admit it, Louisa had spoken truthfully. She had staked her claim on Anthony, and it appeared he had no desire to be rescued from her clutches. That was his misfortune, Tarah thought stubbornly. Louisa would make him miserable in the long run, and it served him right for being so ignorant of the ways of women.

  “Teacher?”

  “What?” she asked in a clipped voice, turning to find Ben standing next to her looking as if he’d been slapped. “Oh, Ben, I’m sorry. It’s not you.”

  “I heard them things she said to you.”

  Chafed from the knowledge that this child had witnessed her humiliation, Tarah planted her hands on her hips and frowned. “It’s not nice to eavesdrop.”

  “I wasn’t. Just heard it, that’s all. Anyways,” he murmured, “I wanted to tell ya not to believe what she said. It ain’t true.”

  He started to limp away, but Tarah placed a restraining hand on his arm. “Wait. What do you mean?”

  A shrug lifted his bony shoulders. “Preacher ain’t gonna ask her to marry him. Near as I can tell, he don’t care too much for her.”

  Tarah’s heart soared, then plummeted. What did a fourteen-year-old boy know about love? “Thank you for trying to make me feel better, but you needn’t worry. Reverend Greene is perfectly free to court whomever he pleases, and it’s immaterial to me.”

  The look of disbelief covering his face brought a fresh rush of heat to Tarah’s cheeks, but she stood her ground. “Anthony and I have known each other for several years,” she insisted. “There’s nothing but friendship between us.”

  The boy’s gaze darted over her shoulder, and his eyes widened.

  “Really, Ben. It’s not very polite to look past someone when they’re speaking to you.”

  “Sorry, Teacher.”

  “Oh, it’s all right. I just hope you understand that whatever Louisa said to me doesn’t matter because I’m not interested in Anthony as a beau. You see? He’s just a good friend.”

  Tarah released an impatient sigh as the boy’s gaze drifted past her once again. “Honestly, Ben.” She twisted to see what he found so interesting.

  A knot formed in the pit of her stomach as she realized why Ben had been so antsy. With a sinking feeling, she wondered just how long Anthony had been standing less than five feet behind her.

  ❧

  Anthony tried to concentrate on his food but found his stomach recoiling at the sight of the meal Louisa had prepared. The talking and laughter from the merry group of picnickers buzzed around him unintelligibly, and he wished for a quick end to the day so he could salvage his wounded pride in private. How could he have been so mistaken about Tarah’s feelings for him?

  If Dell hadn’t interrupted two nights ago, he would have taken Tarah into his arms, and he had the feeling—or had had at the time—that she would have allowed a small kiss before all was said and done. He glanced at her now, observing the fact that she struggled with her appetite just as he did.

  As if sensing his eyes studying her, she lifted her head, a question written on her lovely face.

  Dear Father in heaven, he prayed, the shock of revelation shooting down his spine. I’m in love.

  Sorrow, combined with question, filled her eyes. Anthony wanted to look away but found that he couldn’t escape the violet depths of her gaze. Surely, she knew how he felt. He could shoulder her anger, swallow her disdain, or accept her love, but her pity he could not and would not abide.

  Just as he was about to excuse himself from the company, he heard Josie speak up. “Ma says we’re going back East as soon as the school term is up. Isn’t that right, Uncle Anthony?”

  Dragging his gaze from Tarah’s, Anthony nodded. “Ma’s doing much better. Ella is anxious to get home before the baby arrives, but she wants to let the children finish out the term, first.”

  “Tarah, I imagine you’re relieved the school term will be over soon,” Louisa piped in. “I hear things haven’t gone well.”

  Tarah flushed and glared at Anthony. Indignation swelled his chest at the accusation in her eyes. Did she really think he had betrayed her confidence about his unruly niece and her brother?

  Louisa pressed on before Tarah could answer. “Perhaps the town council will give someone else a chance to teach the children since you apparently aren’t enjoying the position.” She cast a hopeful, sidelong glance at Dell.

  “Tarah’s the best teacher alive,” Laney declared hotly.

  “How would you know?” Josie’s voice rang with challenge. “You didn’t stay at school long enough to sit down, much less see her teach.”

  Laney’s eyes narrowed dangerously, her lips pushing out from her face. “Tarah’s a sight better’n anybody could be in a million years. And I ain’t gotta go to no school to figure that out. And iffen anyone’s callin’ me a liar I’ll knock ’em flat.”

  “That won’t be necessary, little lightning bolt.” Dell cleared his throat and eyed Louisa with a stern glance. “I reckon the job for next term will be Tarah’s if she wants to accept it. The council has heard no complaints about her teaching.”

  Color flooded Louisa’s cheeks, and she ducked her head.

  “Oh, honestly. I probably won’t be here to teach another term, anyway.” Tarah shot to her feet. “I had planned to discuss this with Ma and Pa privately, but since you all feel so comfortable speaking about my life, I guess I’ll just go ahead and tell you.”

  Dread filled Anthony at her words, and he waited impatiently while she paused to take a breath.

  “Tell us what, Tarah?” Cassidy asked, her brow furrowing.

  “I received a letter Friday from Mr. Halston—”

  “Clyde Halston? From Starling?” Dell asked. “Why would he write to you?”

  Anthony wanted to know the same thing. A surge of jealousy shot through him at the thought of another man courting Tarah.

  “It seems Starling has come into some funds to build a small school and hire a teacher. And he suggested me.”

  “But that’s nearly twenty miles away!” Cassidy’s frown deepened. “I don’t think it’s such a good idea.”

  “Darling,” Dell said gently, placing a hand on her arm. “Our little girl is old enough to make this decision on her own.”

  “Now, hold on!” Laney hopped to her feet and stood facing Tarah, her features twisted into a scowl. “Ya just cain’t get a body to goin’ to school and then up and leave ’em. I ain’t goin’ if she’s teachin’.” She tossed her head toward Louisa without moving her gaze from Tarah.

  Tarah’s face softened considerably as she stared down at the little ball of fire. “I will finish out my term in Harper.” She glanced back up, her eyes shifting between Dell and Cassidy. “They’re building the schoolhouse now and would want me to start teaching a winter term. Mr. Halston said the town has the funds to pay a teacher for five months.” Tarah glanced around the circle of family and friends, and her voice faltered. “Th–they want me to come right after the new year.”

  “But Tarah, you can’t go.” Emily’s lips trembled, her wide green eyes regarding Tarah sorrowfully. “We’d miss you something awful if you left home.”

  “Oh, Honey. I’d miss you, too. But—”

  “Well, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for Tarah,” Louisa said brightly.

  “Yer just sayin’ that ’cuz you wanna steal her job out from under her.” The look of disdain on Laney’s face could have melted the strongest of men, but Louisa opened her mouth as though ready to take on the tiny creature.

  “Laney,” Cas
sidy said before Louisa could voice her retort. “You owe Miss Thomas an apology.”

  The child stamped her foot and glared at Louisa.

  Anthony thought he detected a note of triumph in Louisa’s returning gaze. Laney must have detected the same thing, for she jerked her chin and planted her hands firmly on her tiny hips. “Ain’t no way I’m gonna ’pologize to her. I stand by what I said, and ain’t nobody gonna make me say nothin’ else!” With that she dashed off toward the river, leaving the group around the blanket to stare in disbelief.

  “I’ll go after her,” Tarah offered.

  “Well, I certainly hope you give her a good talking to,” Louisa said indignantly. “What a spoiled child!”

  Anthony shook his head as his anger surged. “Laney is the least spoiled child I’ve ever known. It’s ridiculous to even say such a thing.” Louisa’s mouth dropped as Anthony continued. “And I don’t believe I’d be remiss in pointing out that she has a wisdom about human nature that many of us lack.”

  He caught Tarah’s wide-eyed gaze. “Would you mind if I go after Laney and have a talk with her?” he asked.

  “I–I guess not.”

  “I’m goin’, too.” Ben stood beside Anthony. “She can get awfully stubborn.”

  With a nod, Anthony set off toward the river, with Ben close on his heels. He found Laney seated on the bank, tossing stray twigs into the rippling water.

  She dashed a tear from her cheek and didn’t bother to glance up as Anthony dropped to the ground beside her. Ben took the space on her other side. “I stand by what I said, and I ain’t ’pologizin’ to that hoity-toit even if she is yer girl. So you can fergit it, Preacher. And you ain’t talkin’ me into it, Ben. I don’t care if Tarah’s folks kick us out, neither.”

  Anthony chuckled. “I didn’t come here to try and get you to apologize. You don’t need to worry about Tarah’s folks kicking you out. And how many times do I have to tell you Louisa’s not my girl?”

  Laney snorted. “Then yer the only one who don’t think so.” She tossed a twig into the water. “I even heard that Josie say you’ll most likely marry up with her.”