The Librarian's Journey, page 3
“Grace mentioned several children not attending school. We thought we’d broach both subjects to the parents. If only one adult comes to the classes, it’s still worth it. This mountain has way too many illiterate people.” He straightened in his chair. “Meaning no disrespect to these folks, educating them can help them rise above the poverty level.”
“Not so much during this Depression.”
“This Depression won’t last forever, sir.”The more Anthony thought of Grace’s idea, the more he wanted to do it. “We could help them prepare for when times are better.”
He nodded. “Why don’t you mention it to the pastor? Most of these same folks attend church. They might accept the idea better coming from their shepherd.”
“I’ll be riding along with Grace in order to meet them once school is out for the summer. Are you opposed to my riding with her?” Anthony stared over the rim of his cup.
Grace’s father laughed. “Would ease my mind a bit to be truthful.”
“Pa!” Grace shook her head. “I thought you agreed to my taking this job.”
“I do, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry. Most folks around here are good people, but there’s a bad apple in every bunch.”
Chapter Four
As the days passed, Grace found herself looking forward to visiting the mountain people. All except for Mr. Collins, who seemed to grow more brazen with each visit. As if he thought she’d singled him out for some reason. Actually, she’d prefer to leave the latest mechanics magazine and never step foot on his land again.
Today, she paused at the edge of the packed dirt, signaling she’d arrived at the Collins cabin, thankful come Monday would be the first time Anthony would ride with her. She plastered on a smile as Mr. Collins stepped onto the front porch, snapping his suspenders.
“Good morning, sir.” She held out the latest donated magazine. “I trust you’re well?”
“Better now that I’ve seen your pretty face. I’ve been waiting all morning for you to arrive.” He approached her, putting a hand on her knee. “You’re the highlight of my week.”
Grace narrowed her eyes. “Remove your hand, sir, or I’ll whack this magazine across your head.”
“I like my women proper and feisty.” He grinned and stepped back. “You’re a good woman, Grace Billings.” He took the magazine and strolled, whistling, to the house.
Heart racing, Grace urged Maizie to a trot, slowing when she could no longer see the man’s cabin. How dare he think he could lay hands on her? Did he believe she fancied him? Not at all! Grace merely did her job and did her best to treat him the same as she did the others who she visited. She shuddered, again giving thanks that the next time she saw Mr. Collins, she wouldn’t be alone.
She handed the latest Nancy Drew mystery to the teenage girl living at her next stop. “Did you speak with your parents about attending school, Mary Sue?”
The girl nodded. “They said I’m needed at home. You wouldn’t have any schoolbooks you could bring next time, would you? Perhaps I could teach myself.”
“I’ll ask the schoolteacher, Mr. Lawrence. He’ll be accompanying me the next time I visit. Perhaps he can convince your parents of the importance of education.”
“Maybe.”The girl flashed a smile and raced for a treehouse behind the house.
Again all was right in Grace’s world. Book-lovers, kindred spirits were what spurred her on each day. To see a child derive such joy from a worn, dog-eared book, warmed her heart and made the long days worth it all. She slipped the returned book into her saddlebag.
Finally she turned Maizie toward home. The mule seemed to enjoy the travels as much as Grace did and so far hadn’t caused any trouble by being obstinate.
When she arrived home, she spotted Anthony’s truck parked in front of the house. While curious, caring for Maizie came first, and Grace headed to the barn. All the kittens had found good homes, and the barn seemed strangely empty without their antics.
“Good afternoon.” Anthony rushed forward to remove the saddle from the mule’s back. “You’re earlier than usual.”
She tilted her head. “How would you know that?” Did he watch her comings and goings?
He grinned. “Your mother said so. She also sent me out here to help you. I think she’s excited that you’re home for supper for the first time in ages. Her words, not mine.”
Hmmm. Grace had a strong suspicion her mother wanted to play matchmaker. If so, Anthony riding along with Grace for a few days would only encourage her mother. While Grace admired the schoolteacher, she had no desire to marry anytime soon. “Why are you here?”
“Dropped off some college forms for Matthew and got invited to stay for supper.” He hung the saddle over the railing of an empty stall.
“How was your day?”
Grace turned to face him, leaning against the barn wall. “I have a girl, oldest child of a poor family, who absolutely devours whatever book I can bring her. She can’t attend school as she’s needed at home but has requested some schoolbooks to study for herself. Would you have any you could spare?”
His brow furrowed. “How old is she?”
“About fourteen, I think.”
“I’ll bring some with us on Monday. While I’d rather have the girl in school, I won’t deny her wanting to further her education.”
“That’s wonderful. She’ll be very pleased.” Grace knew he wouldn’t say no. He might not approve of her traipsing across the mountain, although he’d wisely kept his thoughts to himself lately, but he did care very much for the children of Hickory Hollow and took his role as teacher seriously.
With Maizie happily munching on oats, Grace strolled with Anthony to the house. “I’ll go change and be right down.” She liked the comfort of pants, but wouldn’t wear them to the supper table.
She quickly washed her face and brushed out her hair before changing into a cotton dress with white flowers on a blue background. She eyed the dress hanging on a hook for Sunday’s ice-cream social. A new dress, sewed by her mother with fabric Grace had purchased herself. The green would bring out her eyes. She couldn’t help but wonder whether Anthony would think her pretty in it.
Silly girl. Half the young women in the county had their caps set for the new teacher. Why should he spare her a glance as anything more than a friend?
Shaking her head, she descended the stairs and helped her mother serve supper, thus freeing Faith to flutter her eyelashes and act the fool as she hung on Anthony’s every word.
How could Anthony excuse himself from Faith’s attention without being rude? The girl leaned so close he could smell the rose water she’d sprinkled in her hair.
“Stop it.” Mrs. Billings flicked her daughter in the back of the head. “Act like a lady and not some Hollywood starlet.”
Faith rolled her eyes and straightened. “I’m only being polite, Mama.”
Now that Anthony could breathe, his attention focused on Grace as she set a plate of meatloaf in front of him. “Thank you.”
She smiled and filled a plate for herself before sitting across from him.
Next time he accepted an invitation to supper, he’d find a way to make sure she sat next to him and not her flirtatious younger sister.
“I got a job for some millwork,” Mr. Billings announced. “It’s a good job too. Some city fella bought property on the outskirts of town and hired me to cut the lumber for his big house.”
“That’s great, Pa.” Grace smiled.
He nodded. “It’s been awhile coming. I’ve done odd jobs here and there, but this one will help us through the rest of this year if we’re careful. How was your day?”
“Good.” Her gaze dropped to her plate.
Suspicions raised, Anthony set down his fork. “Did something hapen, Grace?”
Every head at the table turned her way. She paled and shook her head. “No, why?”
After supper, he’d find out what she was hiding. Something bothered her. Something she didn’t want her parents to know.
Conversation turned to school and church. Anthony intended to ask Grace to let him accompany her to the social. If he read her mother right, she’d send him and Grace outside while she and Faith cleaned up. He didn’t mind her matchmaking attempts. If he were looking for a wife, Grace would be at the top of the list.
“Have you always wanted to be a teacher, Anthony?” Mrs. Billings removed his plate.
“Since I was a student myself.” His mouth watered despite having just eaten as she set a piece of chocolate cake in front of him. “Is this a special occasion?”
She blinked a few times. “Didn’t Grace tell you? Today is her nineteenth birthday.”
High spots of color appeared on Grace’s cheeks. “You shouldn’t have made a fuss, Mama.”
Her mother put a plain, wrapped package in front of her. “Something I’ve been working on.”
All eyes were glued on Grace as she unwrapped her gift to reveal a colorful patchwork quilt. “It’s beautiful, Mama. When did you find the time?”
“Here and there. You can put it in your hope chest.” She cut a quick glance at Anthony, then took her seat.
“If I’d known, I would have brought a gift,” Anthony said.
“Like I said, no one should fuss. It’s just another day.” Grace got up and moved the quilt to a table by the stairs before rejoining them at the table.
As he’d anticipated, Mrs. Billings ran them outside rather than have Grace help. “We’ve got this. You shouldn’t wash dishes on your birthday. You two go sit on the porch. Your brother Mark will bring some lemonade.”
“I’m sorry about that,” Grace said as she sat in one of the wooden rockers. “I’m sure you didn’t know you’d be joining us for my birthday supper.”
“I didn’t mind.” He held out his hand. “Care to take a walk?”
Surprise flickered across her face, but she slipped her hand in his. “Do you have a destination in mind?”
“I do.” He grinned, glancing at her sensible shoes. She could make the short hike just fine.
Keeping a firm grip on her hand, he led her down the road and into the woods. They’d have to hurry in order to catch the surprise he wanted to give her. “Am I going too fast?”
“No, I’m fine.” She sounded a little breathless so he slowed a little.
They emerged on a small cliff overlooking a hollow. “Watch for it.”
The sun slowly descended, kissing the top of the mountain with crimson, gold, and lavender. “Happy birthday, Grace.”
“Wow.” Her eyes sparkled with the last rays of the setting sun. “I’ve never witnessed this before.”
“I chanced upon it one evening. I might not have a gift for you, but I can show you what God gives us every evening.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes. “Thank you, Anthony. It’s one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.”
“Want to sit? There’s a log over there that makes a fine seat.” He led her to the fallen log and watched with her as the sun disappeared, going from brilliant colors to a navy blue dotted with stars.
He wanted to put his arm around her, pull her close, have her head rest on his shoulder. Instead he sighed. Teaching was his future. There was no reason to muddy the waters by becoming too intimate with anyone, even Grace. He’d be content with her friendship until some lucky man made her his wife.
When the evening grew dark, and the moon rose, he stood and pulled her to her feet. “It’ll be too dark soon. Are you ready to head back?”
“We should before my father comes looking with his shotgun,” she laughed. “No matter my age, I’ll always be his little girl.”
Anthony stopped and faced her. “Will you accompany me to the ice-cream social Sunday?” There went his resolve to not get too close to her.
“I’d like that.”
Yes, Anthony Lawrence was an idiot who couldn’t keep a resolution to not grow closer to Grace. All it took to make him change his mind was a smile, a whiff of her shampoo, and a smile from her pretty lips. It could very well result in a broken heart.
Chapter Five
Grace couldn’t believe how excited she was to be attending church and the ice-cream social with Anthony. Despite her excitement, it came nowhere near to how her mother had acted at the news the night before. She’d been positively giddy. Going with Anthony had fallen right in with Mama’s matchmaking plans.
Grace tied a ribbon that matched her new dress in her hair and grinned. A far cry from what had become her new normal attire, a long-sleeved blouse and trousers. She actually felt pretty for the first time in a long while.
“Mr. Lawrence is here, Grace. Don’t keep him waiting.” Her mother popped into the room and darted back out.
Shaking her head, Grace followed. You’d think Mother was the one being escorted by Anthony.
Looking handsome in a suit and tie, Anthony stood in the front room speaking to Grace’s father. He turned with a smile, his eyes lighting up. “You look very lovely, Grace. You too, Mrs. Billings.”
Mama smiled. “Oh go on with you.” She slipped her purse on her arm. “Come on, my chickens. Let’s enjoy the day God has made.”
The children rushed outside and climbed into the bed of Pa’s truck. Grace slid her arm in Anthony’s and let him lead her to his own truck. For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t riding to church in the truck bed with her siblings.
Anthony smiled her way as she slid into the truck, sending her heart fluttering. Why was she acting like such a ninny? This was Anthony—her friend and nothing more.
“Are ice-cream socials a big thing around here?” he asked, following behind the others.
“More so during the Depression, but there’s always something enjoyable when school ends. Folks need something to take them away from the worries and have some fun.”
He nodded. “My brother travels the rails, looking for odd jobs here and there. Thankfully, he isn’t married and only has to look after himself. I admire your father greatly. Eight children can’t be easy at any time.”
“No, it isn’t, but a large family is also a blessing. There’s plenty of help for Mama and Pa.” She tilted her head. “Is your family small?”
“Just me and my brother. My mother died when I was ten. My brother was twelve. My father never remarried, and he’s gone now too.”
Must be terribly lonely. She put a hand on his arm. “Feel free to borrow my family anytime. There’s plenty to go around.”
He laughed. “I just might do that. Now that summer break has arrived, I might get lonely after a day or two of solitude.”
He parked alongside Pa’s truck and hurried to open the door for Grace, making her feel like a lady instead of a country girl. She smiled and placed her hand in the crook of his arm.
Heads turned, curious looks covering people’s faces as they entered the church and sat in the pew her family always chose. One row behind the halfway mark. Anthony squeezed in with them, his thigh pressing against Grace’s. Oh Lord, how will I be able to concentrate on the message?
They stood and sang hymns, opened Bibles as the preacher started his message, then sang another hymn, prayer, and filed outside, shaking Pastor Olson’s hand on their way. “It’s a good thing you’re doing, Grace,” he said. “Folks all up and down this mountain repeatedly say how much they appreciate your visits.”
“I’m happy to provide the service, thank you.” Pleasure filled her. “They bless me far more than I do them, I’m sure.” Except for Mr. Collins. The man glared across the lawn in her direction, likely upset that Anthony stood at her side. Keeping her smile firmly in place, Grace followed her family to tables where homemade ice cream was being churned by the young men of the church.
Anthony cast her a curious glance. “Something wrong?”
“No.” She widened her smile. “What’s your favorite? Mine is the ice cream made with Strawberry Crush soda.”
He didn’t look convinced but didn’t press the issue. “Plain ole vanilla. I’m a simple guy.”
“Not even chocolate syrup?”
“Only on a rare occasion. Would you like to sit?” He motioned toward a row of chairs being set up under the trees. “The sun is getting warm.”
She glanced to where her parents stood, speaking with a neighbor. The joy on her mother’s face as she waved at Grace had her shaking her head. No doubt, Mama was planting seeds in everyone’s mind that her daughter and the teacher were courting. How could Grace show it wasn’t so without losing the man quickly becoming her dearest friend?
“All right, Grace.” Anthony put his hands on her shoulders and guided her into a chair. “Something is going through that pretty little head of yours. Out with it.”
She exhaled heavily. “No offense, but I do believe Mama thinks we’re an item.”
“Let her have her fun.” He sat next to her. “What’s the harm? I’m not interested in anyone, are you?”
She shook her head. “Mama will have us married by summer’s end if she has her way.”
He laughed, drawing the attention of several people standing nearby. “When it doesn’t happen, maybe she’ll turn her attention to Faith. She has her hands full enough with your sister.”
Sure enough, Faith, surrounded by boys, giggled from the shade of agn elm tree. It would definitely be in Mama’s best interests to focus on Grace’s younger sister. Grace could handle her future fine by herself.
Hadn’t she proved it by traveling the mountain alone? That would end tomorrow, of course, since Anthony would be riding with her. “Have you found a horse?”
“Yes, a mule actually. Mr. Johnson at the mercantile is letting me borrow his big blue mule. Said there are some parts of the mountain a horse might find difficult.”
She nodded, catching sight of Mr. Collins slipping through the trees. Was the man trying to come up behind them? Listen to their conversation?
She turned and glared. The man stepped farther into the shadows of some thick brush.
“What is it?” Anthony followed her gaze. “Is that man bothering you?”
