Sarah's Heart Read online

  Molly mumbled, “Nice to see you, too.” When Celia left the restaurant, she asked Sarah, “Is that the same Miss Paddon I knew yesterday?”

  “Yes,” Sarah answered. “She needs a new wardrobe, and I think we’re friends now, too. Are you ready to begin work on the drapes for the shop and see the furniture delivered this morning?”

  “Yes,” Molly answered and popped to her feet.

  Chapter 4

  Two days later, Nell was busy clearing tables after an unusually large number of lunch customers. She looked out the restaurant’s front window to see Molly and Sarah across the street in Sarah’s shop holding up fabric across the window. From her vantage point, it appeared attractive, and Nell knew Sarah’s window would turn out lovely. Sarah was a hard worker, and it wouldn’t be long before Sarah’s Seamstress Shop would open its doors for business.

  Nell turned away from the window, lifted the tray full of dirty dishes, and headed toward the kitchen. She heard the bell jingle above the door and began to set the tray down to greet the new customer when Widow Biggs’ booming voice filled the restaurant.

  “Penelope Callahan, this is your fault. I insist you do something about that friend of yours now before it’s too late.”

  The few customers left in the restaurant stared at Widow Biggs and then Nell.

  “What on earth,” Cal said as he rushed out from the kitchen.

  Widow Biggs continued, “It’s a good thing you’re here Mr. Callahan. Perhaps you can finally control your wife. This situation is getting out of hand.” Gripping her hands together tightly enough to turn them white she glared at Cal.

  “Widow Biggs, this is my place of business. If you have a problem with me or my wife, I would appreciate it if you spoke to us privately. You’re disturbing my customers,” Cal declared.

  Widow Biggs’ face turned red, and Nell worried she would pass out. “I will speak to whomever I wish wherever it’s needed. Your wife has brought a woman to this town that is corrupting a virtuous woman. I will not allow Molly Sullivan and Sarah Morey to turn Celia into a wanton woman.”

  “Wanton woman?” Nell asked. “What are you talking about?”

  “Do you realize that Celia has intentions of attending the barn dance at the Greiner’s farm on Saturday night when she should be home working on her sewing or reading?” Widow Biggs reached for a chair to steady herself and finally sat.

  Nell worried about the elderly woman’s health bit back her reply and said, “Please calm yourself. Would you care for a cup of tea?”

  Widow Biggs nodded, and Nell and Cal returned to the kitchen.

  “What is she going on about,” Cal asked his wife.

  “I have no idea. Celia never attends social functions, but she is spending time with Sarah. Maybe they’re going together. Celia needs to get out a little. If I spent all my time with Widow Biggs and Eloise Mudd, I’d lose my mind,” Nell said as she poured hot water over the tea leaves in the teapot. “Let me take this tea out and maybe I’ll find out more.”

  Cal laid a hand on her arm, “All right, but don’t let her push you around. She has a bad temper.”

  Nell picked up the tea tray and smiled, “I won’t.”

  Widow Biggs looked at Nell when she placed the teapot on the table. “Let me pour you a cup of tea. It’ll make you feel better. Tea always makes my day better. Now tell me what has you so upset.”

  Nell sat across from Widow Biggs and poured herself a cup of tea while the woman explained her fears that Celia would take up bad habits if she associated with women like Sarah and Molly.

  Nell thought the old woman only imagined the worst until she glanced out the window and saw Celia hurry into Sarah’s shop carrying a large bundle. Maybe Widow Biggs was right. Not about Celia’s possible wanton behavior, but about her friendship with Sarah. Still, what was wrong with having Sarah or Molly as a friend?

  At the moment Widow Biggs sipped her second cup of tea waiting for Nell to respond to her rant, Celia hurried into Sarah’s shop.

  ~ * ~

  “Oh, I’m happy you’re here,” Celia said. “I’m excited about the barn dance. I did what you suggested and looked for my nicest dress. I don’t have any fancy dresses, only proper Sunday dresses. I brought the three best ones hoping you could help me make them look nicer.”

  She dropped her bundle on one of the chairs and opened it. She pulled out three dresses. Sarah looked at each and suggested, “I think this dark pink one will look lovely with your black hair. It does need a little dressing up. A bit of lace and a few bows will do wonders.”

  Molly rushed over to look. “We don’t have our curtains up yet, but there is a small storeroom without a window. I’ll bring a lamp, and you can change into your dress. Sarah can measure how much lace is needed, and I’ll sew it. I love adding trimmings.”

  Celia clutched the dress to her chest and followed Molly into the back. A few minutes later she emerged looking lovely in the pink dress.

  Sarah and Molly both made suggestions and Sarah measured. Celia hurried back to change again, and the three women left to see what trimmings they could find at the mercantile since Sarah’s fabric order hadn’t arrived yet.

  ~ * ~

  Nell finally had Widow Biggs settled down enough that she wasn’t worried about her health and convinced her that even if Celia spent some time with Sarah that it would be all right. Sarah was a good woman.

  “Well, I’ll give her a chance. It’s just that Celia has changed from the quiet, shy girl I’ve known for a few years. I’m worried about her mental state,” Widow Biggs confided.

  Nell bit back another reply and assured her again everything would be all right.

  Widow Biggs stood holding on to the back of the chair, “Thank you, Nell. I will think about what you said.” She turned to leave and spotted Celia leave the shop across the street with Sarah and Molly. The three women were laughing and hurrying down the boardwalk.

  Widow Biggs gasped and fell to the floor in a loud crash pulling the chair with her.

  “Cal,” Nell cried.

  The local blacksmith that Nell had met only once and couldn’t recall his name jumped from his chair saying, “I’ll get Doc Winters” before rushing out the door.

  Cal rushed to Nell’s side and asked, “What happened?”

  Nell shrugged. “She seemed calm and rose to leave. I think something caught her attention outside. I heard her wheeze and she collapsed. Is she dead?”

  Cal glanced at his wife’s pale face and shook his head. “No, she’s breathing, but she’s still out. Maybe she hit her head.” He pushed the toppled chair away from her body.

  “I don’t think so,” Nell explained. “She stood, looked up, and crumbled. One of our customers ran for Doc Winters.”

  “Good, maybe he knows what’s wrong with her. Mrs. Biggs, can you hear me, Mrs. Biggs?”

  Widow Biggs moaned.

  The customer returned and burst into the restaurant. “Doc Winters is on his way.”

  Cal looked up, “Thanks, Tim. If you’ve eaten, lunch is on me. You don’t need to stay we’ll stay with her.”

  “Thanks, Cal,” Tim answered and left.

  Tim? Tim? Nell wondered. I know his name. Mr. Carbore. That’s it.

  Dr. Winters arrival interrupted her thoughts.

  “Thank goodness,” Nell said. “She collapsed. I don’t know why.”

  Doc Winters knelt next to Widow Biggs and placed smelling salts under her nose for a moment. Widow Biggs shrieked and swung at his hand.

  “You’re trying to kill me.” She accused. “Get that away from me.”

  “I’m not trying to kill you, Henrietta. You fainted is all. What upset you? You’re still pale,” Doc inquired.

  “Celia, my dear Celia is associating with shameless women. Her reputation is ruined.” She threw her hand over her forehead and groaned.

  Doc scrunched his eyebrows and looked at Nell.

  Nell shook her head but added, “Miss Paddon recently became friends
with Sarah Morey and Molly Sullivan. I thought Widow Biggs understood their friendship wouldn’t cause any difficulty.”

  “I saw them right through the window. They walked together and laughed in public. What will people think?” She groaned louder.

  Doc Winters asked, “How are you feeling physically? Can you stand? I’ll ask Cal if he’ll drive you home in his wagon.”

  Widow Biggs’ eyes flew open, and she pushed to her feet. “He will do no such thing. I don’t need a man’s help to get home. Thank you for your assistance. Send someone with your bill. I’ll pay it immediately,” she insisted then grabbed her reticule and walked stiff-backed out of the restaurant.

  Doc Winters shook his head, “She is the most stubborn person I know and healthier than most her age. She upset herself again and fainted. She’ll be all right.”

  “Thanks, Doctor Winters. Would you like a cup of coffee or some lunch?”

  “Both would be good, thank you, Nell,” he answered and sat at the table nearest the front window.

  ~ * ~

  Fortunately, Widow Biggs rushed down the boardwalk toward her home and never glanced into the mercantile. Seeing Celia, Sarah, and Molly discussing ribbon and lace would have sent her straight into another faint.

  Sarah suggested two different widths of lace trim and light pink ribbon to accent the dress and Celia readily agreed.

  “Sarah can pin the lace where she thinks it will look best, and I’ll stitch it on in no time. You’ll look lovely at the dance. Pastor Reynolds and Rachel will attend, and I’m going with them. Why don’t you come with us? You certainly don’t want to travel to the Greiner’s alone,” Molly suggested.

  “I didn’t think of that. I’d love to accompany you. I’m nervous. I haven’t been to a dance in years. Certainly not since my parents became ill and passed,” Celia sighed.

  Sarah whispered, “Do you know how to dance?”

  “Oh, yes,” Celia brightened. “Mama taught me all the dances when I was young, and I went to several dances before Papa died.”

  “Did you stop going to dances then,” Sarah asked.

  Celia nodded. “Mama became sad and didn’t want me to leave her alone. A year later she passed. The doctor said she had a weak heart, but I think she was unhappy living without my Papa.”

  Molly hugged Celia. “This is the start of a new life. You’ll have fun and be happy. Then you’ll get a letter, and I know you’ll find a nice man to marry,” she whispered.

  “I hope so,” Celia whispered back.

  Celia paid for her purchase and Molly took the package. “Sarah and I will get to work on this right away. I promise it’ll be ready. Stop by tomorrow and you’ll see how we’re doing.”

  Sarah agreed with Molly. “It won’t be difficult. The dress fits you perfectly, and you won’t need to try it on before we finish the trim.”

  Celia hugged them both and said, “I’m going to have a cup of tea and piece of pie before I go home. I rarely do, and I think I need to start doing more.” Her smile brightened. “I feel different and happy. Is that wrong?”

  “No,” Sarah insisted. “You’re too young to lock yourself away at home. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Celia waved as she strolled down the boardwalk.

  Entering Callahan’s Restaurant, Celia saw Della Culbay, the local schoolteacher, sitting at a table. Della had been a resident of Gentle Falls for a few short weeks since her rescue along with Nell from a lunatic who tried to form a traveling bordello among the nearby logging camps. The loggers had treated Della as a guest, and she wasn’t harmed. Once she realized no one in her hometown cared that she didn’t leave town on her own, she settled in Gentle Falls and resumed her teaching career. The town didn’t have a schoolhouse, but Della taught the children in the church. Plans for a schoolhouse were under consideration, and the town built a small house next to the pastor’s home for Della. If and when the town decided to build the schoolhouse, it would sit next to the church.

  “Hello, Della,” Celia said. “Do you mind if I join you?”

  “Not at all, please do. I don’t like eating alone,” Della smiled.

  “Neither do I,” Celia agreed.

  “I stop in two or three times a week for an early supper rather than go home to my empty, little house. Not that I mind the house. It’s perfect for me, but after spending all day with the children, it seems too quiet at times,” Della explained.

  Before Celia could answer, Nell arrived at the table. “What can I get for you ladies? Cal has ham, scrambled eggs, and biscuits or chicken stew. I tried the stew, and it’s delicious.”

  “Mmm, Stew, I think,” Della answered looking at Celia.

  “Me, too,” Celia said.

  “Tea?” Nell asked before turning to get their supper. Both women nodded.

  “Tell me,” Celia said, “what have you been doing besides teaching?”

  “Sewing, reading, chores, the usual,” Della smiled. “I have the children to keep me busy five days a week, what do you do with your time?”

  Celia smiled at Nell when she placed the teapot and cups on the table. She turned her attention back to Della. “I do the same as you, but I spend time helping Rachel at church and of course Henrietta and Eloise visit.”

  Della looked down at her cup and stirred it without looking up when she asked, “Doesn’t Henrietta spoil your happiness some days? She comes into the school just to see what I’m doing. I think if she were a man, she’d run for mayor.”

  Celia placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle, “She’s my friend, but to be honest, I think if she were a man she’d rather be the king.”

  Della laughed with Celia until Celia asked, “Are you going to the barn dance?”

  “Oh, yes. Are you? I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Yes, I’m going,” Celia nodded. “I’m excited. I haven’t’ been to a dance in over five years.”

  “Then it’s about time,” Della insisted. She glanced at Nell when she placed their bowls in front of them. “Wouldn’t you agree, Nell?

  Nell scrunched her eyebrows, “Agree to what?”

  “That after five years, it’s time Celia attend a barn dance.”

  “Oh, yes, I agree. We’ll all have a good time.”

  Matthew Bridges rose from his table across from Della and Celia. He strolled over to Della’s side with his hands in his pockets. “I couldn’t help but overhear you’ll be at the barn dance, Miss Della. Be sure and save me at least one dance.”

  She looked up at him without moving her head. “There will be others there, too. You should dance with more than one person. Celia will attend, too.”

  Matthew snorted, “Miss Paddon is going to the barn dance? I didn’t think spinsters went to such things.”

  Celia’s lips tightened into a thin line, she closed her eyes to fight back tears, and slowly stirred her stew with her spoon.

  Della stood and spoke louder than she intended, “Leave her alone, Matthew Bridges. If I weren't a lady, I’d toss this bowl of stew at you.”

  Matthew didn’t move and laughed at her.

  Nell heard Della and rushed from the kitchen followed by Cal.

  “Della, what’s wrong?” Nell asked.

  “Mr. Bridges insulted Miss Paddon.” Celia still kept her head down not moving.

  Cal shouted, “Out and don’t show your face in here for a while, Bridges. You have no right to insult my customers and never have a right to insult a woman.”

  Matthew snorted again, “You can’t tell me what to do, Callahan. You stole my bride.”

  Nell walked up to Matthew and poked her finger right into the middle of his chest. “I would never marry you, Matthew Bridges. Yes, I came to town to be your mail-order bride, but you deserted me. You weren’t in town when I arrived and didn’t return for three months. If it weren’t for Roy, Miranda, and the good people of Gentle Falls, I would have starved and lived in the street. You don’t deserve a bride.” She spun on her heel and walked back to Cal’s sid
e.

  “Out,” Cal shouted again, “Before I toss you out.”

  Matthew balled his fists, but strode to his table, slapped his hat on his head, and stormed out the door.

  Della reached out her hand to Celia, “Don’t let what he said bother you. He’s an insufferable person at times. Please don’t let his words keep you from attending the dance.”

  Celia looked up and wiped a tear before it had a chance to run down her cheek. “I won’t. There was a time I would run home and hide after hearing such a remark, but I’m a different woman now. I sat home last night and thought about my life, how I’ve hidden from living for the past five years, and how I won’t do it from here on out.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Nell said hugging Celia.

  “Good, that’s settled,” Cal said and returned to the kitchen. He stopped and turned to look at Nell. “I meant what I said. He doesn’t come in for a couple of weeks. He has to learn he can’t push everyone around.”

  Nell smiled back. “I understand, and I won’t have a problem turning him away.”

  Celia began to eat her stew again, and Nell asked if they want dessert. “I have cherry cobbler.”

  Della answered, “Yes that sounds good.”

  Celia nodded and swallowed. “Please make that two. I love cherry cobbler.”

  Celia did her best to push the thought of Matthew’s cruel remark from her head and said a small prayer that she would soon hear from Mrs. Brutherington about a possible husband. She wanted someone to love and protect her, and she knew she would never find him in Gentle Falls. There were many good men, but there were also Matthew Bridges and his friends who did their best to ruin other’s happiness. Cal and Nell were happily married, and Matthew still tried to get between them. Yes, leaving the town she loved would be hard, but she would do it and as soon as possible.

  Chapter 5

  The day of the barn dance arrived, and Celia woke feeling a bit of anxiety mixed with excitement. Molly told her that Pastor Reynold’s would pick her up in his wagon, and she needn’t walk to his house. That calmed her somewhat. Riding in the wagon with the pastor, Rachel, and Molly certainly was better than trying to get to the Greiner farm on her own and possibly running into Henrietta. She sat on the side of her bed and said her morning prayers adding a short prayer that a letter would arrive soon about a possible husband.