Tracie Peterson - [Land of Shining Water 02] (21 page)

Tavin’s mind had been so fixed on himself that he hadn’t
noticed much of anything. He looked at his mother now as if seeing her for the first time. She had more gray in her hair, and her eyes betrayed a weariness that he couldn’t deny. She was thinner—much more so than he’d ever known her to be. How could they have all just ignored this?

“It is essential that your mother rest each and every day.”

“We could hire someone, Mother,” Tavin said. He squatted down beside her. “Surely there are women in town who could come here to keep house for you.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Mrs. Knox declared. “I have already told your mother that I can spare Emmalyne while Dr. Williams makes arrangements for your sister.”

Tavin frowned. Before he could speak, however, Gunnar was at his side. The boy put his hand on Tavin’s shoulder. “I like Emmy. She’s real nice, Uncle Tavin. I think you would like her, too.”

Seeing the innocence in the boy’s expression, Tavin tried to soften his words. “I think it would be better to have someone . . . else. Someone . . . older.”

Gunnar shook his head. “Emmy’s more fun, and Grandma said she loves Emmy just like she loves Mama.”

Tavin knew he’d been defeated. He supposed the only thing he could do was to push for the immediate removal of his sister so his mother’s workload would lessen. “Why don’t we take Fenella to this facility tomorrow?” He stood and looked to the doctor. “After all, I could escort her there by train. It wouldn’t take that long. I’m sure Father could spare me, and that way Mother’s workload will be lessened immediately and there would be no need for . . . for Miss Knox to be here.”
No need for me to worry about seeing her. No need to risk saying the wrong thing
.

“The fact is,” Dr. Williams replied, “it will take some time to make arrangements for Fenella. At least a week, maybe more. Your mother needs the help now, and Miss Knox is available. I think it’s the best solution, and obviously your nephews are comfortable with her.” He waved his hand toward Emmalyne and the sleeping baby. “Quite comfortable.”

Tavin felt his hands balling into fists, and his anger rose from a deep sense of frustration. He knew he needed to leave or he would say something he’d regret. “Well, since you seem to have this all figured out, I hope you’ll excuse me.”

He left as quickly as possible, wanting nothing more than to let loose a guttural cry. He denied the urge, and instead turned to God. “Is this how you answer my prayers, Lord? Is this how you ease my pain?” Now not only did he have to deal with her father and brother, but given this new development, Tavin would have to see Emmalyne herself. Possibly every day.

“I don’t think Tavin was very happy about my offer to assist his mother,” Emmalyne said as Dr. Williams helped her mother from the buggy. The trio had said little on the way home, but Emmalyne couldn’t help but express her thoughts now. Perhaps it was because she felt safer now that they were back on Knox property. Perhaps it was just that she needed the time and distance from Tavin.

“He’ll come to see the sense of it,” Mother replied matter-of-factly. “He’s probably pretty worried about his mother’s failing health but doesn’t want to acknowledge how serious it is. Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I’ll get supper started.” She strode toward the house, Emmalyne and the doctor staring after her. A small smile graced Emmalyne’s face. It was
awfully good to see Mother back among the living, finding purpose in life and doing what came naturally to her.

I want to focus on the good
, Emmalyne thought.
I want to keep my eyes on God and all that He has made right, rather than what man has made wrong
. She stared at the front door for several moments, struggling to eliminate thoughts of Tavin from her mind. This wasn’t how she had pictured things. She wasn’t against the idea of helping Morna, but being so near Tavin, hearing his mother speak about him . . . well, it made her most anxious.

“If you keep worrying your lip like that, you’re bound to bite clear through,” Dr. Williams said.

Emmalyne looked at him in surprise. She couldn’t quite read his expression. “What?”

He shrugged. “Just a doctor’s observation, but the way you’re chewing on your lip can’t bode well. . . .” He shook his head and gave her a sad little smile. “I really had plans for you, Miss Knox.”

She was even more surprised. “Plans?”

“Yes, I had hoped to court you, Emmalyne. Ever since you dropped into my arms, I’d entertained pursuing your hand in marriage. I can see now, however, that you are in love with Tavin MacLachlan. I don’t know what all happened between the two of you, but I can tell he still has feelings for you, as well. So my question is this: Why are you two fighting the inevitable?”

Emmalyne thought about Jason’s comments all that evening and into the next morning. She hadn’t explained the situation—there had been no time, for he’d no sooner asked that last question than she heard her father and brother approaching. She had given him a hasty promise to speak more about the matter at a later date before hurrying inside to help her mother.

Now, she was still contemplating Jason and his observations—about both Tavin and herself. Emmalyne was attracted to the doctor’s kindness and good character, and she found him very handsome. She would have enjoyed a courtship, had it not been for her feelings for Tavin and her parents’ tradition. Dr. Williams was the kind of man a woman would feel fortunate to have in her life. Emmalyne was grateful for their friendship.

But it was Tavin who held her heart. The comments Dr. Williams had made were most intriguing to her. He wasn’t the first to suggest that Tavin still had feelings for her, and if the doctor could recognize it, then there was little doubt others could. Especially her father. The thought of what he might say or do made her stomach lurch. It was best to put
such thoughts out of her mind. She turned her attention to the dishes that needed washing.

“Emmalyne, I’m going to the hen house to collect the eggs,” her mother announced. “I’ll see the chickens fed and watered.”

“Thank you, Mother. I was just about to wash up the morning dishes.” Emmalyne tested the hot soapy water to make sure it wouldn’t scald her, amazed at her mother’s return to health . . . body, soul, and spirit.

“Maybe we can finish up those baskets today,” her mother suggested. She paused at the back door. “Who knows, perhaps we can get into town and see about selling them. That would give us a little extra spending money. You could use some new clothes, daughter.”

“My clothes are fine, Mother.”

The older woman smiled in a knowing way. “You wouldn’t want to shame your family when you go helping out at the MacLachlan house.” She left the kitchen before Emmalyne could reply.

Emmalyne added dishes to the water and let them soak while she wiped down the dining room table. Mother’s comment was so out of character. Why did she care what Emmalyne looked like? Her mother knew full well that Morna wouldn’t care, and if she had in mind to fancy Emmalyne up for Tavin . . . well, Mother knew as well as Emmalyne that nothing could come of it.

Once the table was clean and shining, Emmalyne spread out a freshly pressed linen tablecloth. It was one of her mother’s favorites and had been in the family for generations. Emmalyne ran her hand over the smooth cloth and its lovely embroidery. When she’d been a girl she’d dreamed of inheriting
such things for her own family. Emmalyne lifted her shoulders, took a deep breath, and fought back the urge to cry. There was no need for tears. They wouldn’t change anything.

Emmalyne was up to her elbows in soapy water and dishes when she heard the approach of horses. She hurried to wipe her arms dry before going to the front door. They were so isolated out here that they could hear the approach of visitors well before their arrival. She waited and watched the road, knowing it was possible whoever it was might pass by and head on to the MacLachlans’.

She was rather surprised to find Dr. Williams riding up on horseback, leading a fully saddled bay gelding. She stepped out onto the porch and tipped her head to one side as Jason halted the horses at the end of the walkway.

“Are you afraid the first horse will tire out?” she quipped with a smile.

“Good morning to you, Miss Knox.” He tied off the mounts and made his way to the porch. “I come bearing a gift.”

“A gift?” She looked at the horses and shook her head. “What gift?”

“The extra horse. I have purchased it, and I thought to bring it to you for your use. I know you will be traveling back and forth to the MacLachlan place, and I figured you might need it.” He held up his hand as she started to protest. “I know you are quite healthy and capable of the walk, but this will add precious hours to your day. You can cut your travel time considerably, and that in turn will give you more time at home as well as at the MacLachlans’.”

“But—”

He put a finger to her lips. “Furthermore, you won’t have to hitch rides into town. Should Fenella get ill or have another
situation occur like the other day, it won’t be so difficult to get into town. You can simply ride old Buster here.” He waved to the bay, then turned to her in a somewhat abrupt manner. “You do ride, don’t you?”

“I do. That, however, is not at issue here,” Emmalyne said, feeling self-conscious with her sleeves rolled up and apron still on. She smoothed the material of her sleeves down and tried to pretend it wasn’t bothering her.

“Then what is the issue, may I ask?”

She met his warm gaze and continued to button her sleeves. “I appreciate your consideration, but I cannot accept such a gift from you. My father would never understand, even with your kind explanation. He would never spare the money for feed, either. No, I’m sorry, but you must take the horse back.”

Dr. Williams shook his head. “I realized something yesterday.”

Emmalyne felt her frustration mounting. “And what would that be?”

“I realized that I care more about your happiness than my own. Call me a glutton for punishment, but I intend to see you and the rather inhospitable Mr. MacLachlan back together.” He gave her an impish grin. “I’m a hopeless romantic.”

“That can’t happen,” Emmalyne said flatly, refusing to fall in with his lighthearted demeanor. “I’m sorry you made a trip here for nothing.” She turned to step back into the house, but Jason’s words stopped her.

“Look, I don’t know what the problem is, but I truly believe you and Tavin were meant for each other. Now, you must realize that this epiphany hasn’t been easy for me. I am dealing with a very disappointed heart at the moment. However, I am no fool. You two belong together.”

“I don’t deny that,” she said sadly. “I do deny the possibility of it happening.”

“But why on earth not?”

She looked at the horse and drew a deep breath. Letting it out slowly, she made up her mind to tell Dr. Williams about the tradition. “Maybe you should step inside. There are some things I need to tell you. It will help you to understand the impossibility of my situation.”

That evening Emmalyne sat silently while her mother chatted with Angus about his day. Father, though, dug at his shepherd’s pie as though the thing might well rise up and attack him at any moment. He was clearly unhappy about something, but there was nothing new about that. Unfortunately, it made what she had to say all the harder. She tried to think how she might explain Jason Williams’s gift. The beast was tied up to graze behind the barn down by the stream. He would have enough food and water for the present, or so Dr. Williams figured. He had assured Emmalyne that he would return with feed to see the animal through the next two weeks. After that they could revisit her need for the horse.

She knew her mother had no plans to tell Father about Emmalyne’s new duties, but the discovery of the horse would make it difficult to keep the secret. Father often took a stroll down by the “burn,” as he called it, to clear his head. If he did that this evening, he would see the horse and know that something was afoot. Be that as it may, Emmalyne still hoped she could find a way to lessen the severity of her father’s displeasure, maybe even convince him of the merit of this loan from the good doctor.

“The horses respond well to me now,” Angus was explaining to their mother. “I thought since I was away so long they would be difficult, but they are handling it quite well. I seem to have a way with them.”

“I’m so glad to hear it. And you like what you’re doing?” Mother asked.

“Very much so. I hadn’t thought to work with a team before, but now I’m considering how it might be a good investment to purchase my own. If I save my money, I could buy a strong draft team and hire out to transport freight. There’s good money to be made.”

Father gave a disgruntled snort. “Always lookin’ to greener grasses. Ye’d do well to stop yer dreamin’ and focus on the job at hand.” He drank down the rest of his coffee and held the cup out to Mother for refilling.

Emmalyne thought now might be the time for her to interject her news. “Speaking of horses, I was surprised today with a horse.” She met her father’s shocked stare and hurried on. “Dr. Williams thought it would be good for us to have a mount here at the house. You know, in case something happened to Mother . . . and to be able to get back and forth to town.” She thought her words sounded rather lame by the end of her announcement.

“We’ve no money for a horse, and ye cannae be takin’ such a gift from a man.” Her father snatched the refilled cup and slammed it down. Coffee sloshed onto Mother’s beautiful linen tablecloth. “I grow awful weary of folks interferin’ with ma family.” His Scottish brogue thickened and his r’s rolled heavily. “Reasonable folk would understand.” He blew out a breath and turned his attention back to the meal as if the matter were completely settled.

To Emmalyne’s surprise, her mother firmly put down her fork and looked directly at her husband. “I believe the good doctor was kind in the offering,” she said. “I think it wise that we have a mount. When you are gone and the wagon and horse are with you, there is no hope for us should there be an emergency.”

“Wheesht, woman! Yer nae the man of this hoose. It costs a guid amount of coin for the feed and care of such a beast. We donnae need another horse.”

“Dr. Williams has provided for the feed, as well,” Emmalyne said in as nonchalant a manner as she could muster. “Would you like another bannock, Father?” She held out the plate of biscuits, hoping it would distract him.

“I’ll nae allow it!” Father slammed his fist on the table, causing all the china to clatter.

“You will allow it,” Mother stated, standing to her feet. “Emmalyne needs the beast to make her way back and forth to the MacLachlan place. I’ve agreed to let her help Morna for a spell. Morna is near to exhaustion with . . .”

Emmalyne lost the thread of the conversation as she nearly choked on her bite of buttered bannock. The last thing she had expected was for her mother to let the cat out of the bag with such a declaration. What was she thinking? Emmalyne fixed her gaze on her mother, unwilling to face the wrath that was sure to be upon her father’s face.

But Mother was acting as though nothing were amiss. “. . . and you know their poor daughter Fenella hasn’t been well since she lost her husband. The lass has suffered a complete nervous disruption. She’s all but worn out Morna, what with the care she needs and that of Fenella’s two wee lads.” Mother sat down again. Emmalyne dared a side glance at
her father. She could see that his face had reddened, but he seemed to have lost the ability to speak. Angus took that opportunity to add his thoughts on the matter.

“I think it’s great that Emmy can go and help them. I’m sure it will ease Mr. MacLachlan’s mind, and the horse will make it a whole lot easier for Emmy to get there and home.” He took another portion of the shepherd’s pie and lifted a forkful to his mouth.

Mother nodded and smiled at Emmalyne. “Morna was so good to us all those years ago. I doubt I could have gotten through losing . . . Well, she was a great comfort. I know Emmalyne will be a great help to Morna because she’s been so useful to me.”

Father finally found his voice. “And that is what she’s expected to be,” he roared. “She’s here for our care, nae our neighbors.”

To Emmalyne’s surprise, Mother was undaunted. “They won’t need her for long. Fenella is to go to a special home where the doctors can help her regain her mind. It’s the Christian thing for us to help as we can until that occurs.”

“Christian? Ye wimen are always bletherin’ about religion to excuse yer actions.”

Mother folded her hands and raised her chin. “The Bible makes it clear.”

“Ye forget yerself, woman!” This time it was Father who rose from the table to stand at his place. “Who are ye to tell me what’s in the Guid Beuk? Emmalyne’s duty is to us. ’Tis the tradition that we agreed upon long ago.”

“Well, I don’t agree with it any longer,” Mother said. She sat calmly, looking at Luthias without even a hint of nervousness or fear in her expression.