Yellow Rose Bride (12 page)

Vonnie sat, sewing forgotten. Didn't she know a little of how her mother felt? Hadn't she mourned Adam? Her loss?

Adam.

Why couldn't she get him out of her mind?

T
he days crept slowly by. Vonnie mailed Emily Wilson's gown to Phoenix and Janie Bennett married Edward Lassitor.

Rising shortly before dawn each day, Vonnie dealt with the housework before fixing Cammy's breakfast, then going to her sewing room. Late fall arrived and with it came new heartaches.

She had established a routine of cleaning one room of the house each day, and today the chore was the kitchen.

Every Monday, she straightened the cabinet and shelves and put things in order the best she could, but the jars of canned vegetables that she and Cammy had put up this summer were always in the way. The shiny jars of tomatoes, corn, green beans and pickles stood row on row, filling the holding room off the kitchen. The rest stood on tables at the back of the kitchen where the canning was done. Franz was busy with other, more
immediate tasks, and hadn't finished in the cellar so they could be stored.

Vonnie paused, her hands tightening around a jar of green beans. With Teague gone, the food reserve would last forever.

Perhaps she would give some to Franz. Audrey had been too ill to do any canning this year.

Loading a woven basket with jars of tomatoes, Vonnie elbowed the back door open and made her way to the cellar door and down the steps, where she found Franz diligently at work.

He industriously wielded a broom, clearing the rafters of accumulated cobwebs, brushing stacks of crates and discarded tools.

“Hey! Slow down,” she teased. “It doesn't all have to be cleaned today.”

Apparently willing to take a breather, Franz propped the broom on the dirt floor and leaned on the handle. Vonnie noticed how twisted and painful his joints looked this morning. Her first impulse was to tell him to let the work go, but then she knew he'd be embarrassed by the gesture. He liked to say he could still outwork any man his junior.

Besides, she needed his help. The cellar was filthy, bug infested. She only came down here when it was absolutely necessary. Both she and Cammy had avoided the dank vault like the plague. If they needed anything, Teague had retrieved the stored goods.

The sound of a carriage pulling into the yard caught her attention.

“More company,” she murmured, thinking she didn't need the interruption.

“Leave the basket,” Franz said. “I'll put the jars away for you.”

The job wouldn't be that strenuous, she decided, so she readily set the basket down. “Thank you, Franz. I don't know what I would do without you.”

He nodded and tugged his cap.

Flashing him a smile, Vonnie ran quickly up the stairs. A carriage stood at the railing. Beth Baylor and Hildy Addison were climbing the steps to the front porch.

A flash of resentment went through Vonnie when she saw Beth, but she forcefully pushed it away. Beth didn't know she had once been married to Adam. She had no idea how Vonnie felt, or why.

As usual, Beth looked as pretty as a picture. She wore a vanilla nansook suit trimmed with a deep flounce. The overskirt and waist ran in narrow tucks. Narrow and broad white lace bows of black and white grosgrain ribbon comprised the remainder of the trimming. The perky Italian straw bonnet perched on her head was trimmed with cream-colored serge ribbon and a black ostrich feather.

Beth Baylor was the epitome of fashion, and here was Vonnie, flushed from housework, the odor of the dank cellar clinging to her.

“Hello,” Vonnie called out, refusing to give in to her irritation.

“Vonnie!” Hildy turned. “Were you in the cellar?”

“Yes, putting away canned goods. I'm ready for a break. How about some lemonade?”

“Wonderful!” the girls chorused.

Following her into the kitchen, the two women chattered like magpies. Beth and Hildy seated themselves at the large, round oak table while Vonnie fixed the drinks.

“What brings you all the way out here today?” Seating herself opposite them, Vonnie poured lemonade into tall glasses.

“Oh, Vonnie, I am so ecstatic! I can't wait.” Beth leaned close. “Father said I could ask you to make my wedding dress!”

Vonnie's heart dropped like a stone. The idea Beth might ask her to make the gown had crossed her mind, but she had hoped against hope that the girl would decide on another seamstress, Eleanor Regan, in nearby Lubbock.

“Isn't it wonderful?” Hildy exclaimed. “I'm so pleased for Beth. I know you'll design something absolutely stunning for her.”

Beth doesn't know what she's asking, Vonnie agonized. Make her wedding dress? She'd sooner try eating an ostrich at one sitting.

“How does this sound?” Beth said. “I saw this perfectly marvelous picture in a catalog of a white peau de soie with a full-trained, untrimmed skirt. It had this darling, short, seamless bodice trimmed with lace on the front, set off by a wonderful lace jabot sort of draped diagonally across—sort of like this.” She crossed her hands across her trim bustline.

“Oh my,” Hildy squealed. “It sounds divine!”

“Simply sumptuous. Then it has this wonderful tulle veil, hemmed at the edge and fastened with orange blossom and a small cluster of the flowers on the sleeves.”

“Yes!” Hildy squealed with ecstatic approval.

Vonnie felt her throat close; she reached for her glass. Adam could have spared her this persecution by telling Beth the truth when he asked her to marry him. Beth would understand. Youth sometimes…often made mistakes. Beth wouldn't be particularly fond of others knowing about her fiancé's past folly, but she'd accept the news.

“Well?” Beth asked. “Doesn't it sound thrilling?”

“Thrilling,” Vonnie managed. “You've set the date?

“Almost!”

Almost? Vonnie wondered what that meant.

Leaning forward, Beth covered Vonnie's hand with hers, concern flooding her blue eyes. “I know how terribly busy you are right now, but I told Adam I wouldn't dream of letting anyone but you make my gown. Your work is unequaled.”

Vonnie bit her lower lip and asked, “Adam knows you want me to make your gown?”

“Yes,” Beth said, giving a puzzled look.

“Well, I…don't know, Beth. What with Daddy's death…and the birds…” Vonnie said lamely.

Edging forward in her chair, Beth searched Vonnie's face imploringly. “But you can work it in, can't you? A woman's wedding is the happiest day of her life, and if I weren't wearing one of your gowns, why…why, it
just wouldn't be the same. And…the wedding might be as late as next spring. I just can't decide!”

Beth had no idea of the spot she was putting Vonnie in. They had been friends since grammar school. How could she tactfully refuse to make the dress without a more plausible excuse than she was too busy?

“I…it's that there's so much work right now. I've got orders stacked on my cutting table, the birds are taking more time than I imagined, and there's Mother…. I doubt spring will be any slower.”

“Oh, yes.” Beth patted her hand consolingly. “I understand your mother isn't feeling well.”

“Daddy's death has devastated her. She can't seem to get her life back in order.”

“Of course,” Hildy murmured. She glanced at Beth. “How thoughtless of us to try and put more on you. It's just that we love you and value your work so highly. And spring…well, that's months away!”

“I appreciate that, Hildy, Beth. But I really don't know how I could take on more work right now.”

“I understand completely,” Beth said. “I'm disappointed, but I understand your dilemma. It's that Adam and I so hoped…”

Avoiding Beth's gaze, Vonnie fidgeted with her glass.

Gathering her purse and gloves, Beth mustered a brave smile. “I'd like to leave the invitation open…at least for a while.” She viewed Vonnie hopefully. “Promise you'll at least think about it? It would mean so much to me.”

“Beth,” Hildy cautioned. “Vonnie shouldn't be pressured right now. If she can't make the gown, she can't.”

“Of course. It was inconsiderate of me to press,” Beth relented. “Is there anything I can do to help you, Vonnie? I would like very much to make this transition easier for you.”

In spite of a multitude of reservations, Vonnie felt herself softening. If she had a Christ-like spirit she would put her pettiness aside and make Beth's special day…special.

“When you set the date, Beth, I'll work with you. It would mean that I have to bring in Nelly Fredicks and Susan Matthews to help. I couldn't possibly finish the dress alone and there will be an additional cost—”

“Oh, the cost isn't important,” Beth assured her. “If Nelly and Susan can help, that would be wonderful!”

Right now the nagging feeling of empathy was worse than the thought of making the gown. She felt she would be letting Beth down on the most important day of her life. But it seemed so unfair. How could she make the gown that Beth would wear to marry Adam?

“Well, we must be running along,” Beth said. Picking up her bag, she smiled. “I've a thousand things to do before the wedding.”

And you have almost seven months to do them.

Where is your graciousness? Vonnie told herself. Your sense of compassion? This isn't Beth's fault. It's Adam's.

Vonnie walked the two young women to the door and watched as they drove off down the lane. Upon parting,
Beth and Hildy made vague references to getting together again soon. Soon winter would be here making frequent visits impossible.

Vonnie hoped she hadn't offended Beth. Her request had caught her off guard; she'd handled the situation badly.

Two days later Sheriff Tanner returned.

“Sheriff.”

“Miss Taylor,” he said, thumbing his hat to the back of his head. “Wondered if you had time to think over our earlier conversation?”

“Regarding the birds?”

“Regarding my buyer. The man has cold cash and he's eager to relieve you of your problems. I hope by now you see the wisdom of selling out.”

“I haven't changed my mind,” Vonnie said, folding her arms against her body and leaning against the door frame. “I see no reason to sell my land or birds.”

“Well, now, that's foolhardy, Miss Taylor.” He pointedly studied the outbuildings, pens and surrounding acreage. “Lot of work here for a little gal like you. Genaro and Roel are getting on in years. You think you can keep a place like this going on your own?”

She shrugged. “Men drop by every week looking for work. Young, strong men. Keeping responsible help hasn't been that difficult.”

She didn't know why she was against the idea of selling. Plain mulishness because the sheriff was being so pushy, she supposed. At times it would be a relief to be spared so much responsibility. No, it wasn't the re
quest. It was who was doing the asking that got under her skin. Teague had frequently said he had no use for Lewis Tanner; consequently his prejudice had rubbed off on her.

“Heard your ma still ain't doing well. Seems to me selling out would be to your advantage. Heard you got relations in Frisco. Why not sell out, take your ma to California and let her get back on her feet? The change would do her good.” He smiled, his beard darker than sin. “If you give it serious thought you'll see I'm right.”

Vonnie fought the thread of sudden fear that shot through her. She held his challenging gaze. Why, he was threatening her!

“This is my mother's home. She has no plans to leave. If you want to sell your property you're welcome to do so. I'm not selling mine.”

The sheriff's features tightened. “I can't sell my land because of your birds,” he growled, pointing a sausage finger at her. “You, little lady, are getting on my nerves!”

Vonnie stood firm. The man was offensive and rude! “I won't be pressured into selling my land, or my birds. Or into moving. Is that clear?”

He took another tack.

“If it's the buyer you're concerned about—” he ran a hammy hand over his cheek “—then I'll buy your property.”

She laughed in surprise. “You?”

“Me. I could use the land.”

“I don't want to move.”

“I'll give you a hundred dollars an acre, plus ten thousand for the house and the birds.”

She mentally figured the sum in her head. “That's—why that's—a fortune!” Why, she and Mother could live their life in luxury.

“No.”

“No?”

“No. I'm not selling.”

“Admit it! With Teague gone, a couple of women can't run this place. It makes no sense.”

“This is our home,” Vonnie contended.

Tanner's features hardened. “You're being stubborn. You know I'm right. Take the offer.”

“I don't think so,” she said, wishing he hadn't made the proposition so tempting. The land and birds weren't that valuable, so why would he offer such an exorbitant amount?