JAMES Read online

  “That will be fine. Dorothea said Hank will gather some help and dig the grave this afternoon.”

  “I’d better go along so they know where to dig.”

  “Well, wash up and eat first. This will only take a few minutes to finish.”

  He set the table and poured water into two glasses while she stirred in some herbs into the pot and added a splash of cold coffee. Immediately the scent went from good to mouthwatering. “I don’t know what that was, but I can’t wait to try it.”

  “Just some parsley and wild onion Ina sent along.”

  “And the coffee?”

  “It adds some flavor when you’re in a hurry. Mama used chicory coffee, but this should do somewhat the same.”

  He carried the pot to the table and waited while she dished up portions into two bowls, then returned the pot to the stove, setting it to the back where it would stay warm. They gave thanks for the food and the returning of health to their neighbors, then dug in.

  “This is amazing.” James swallowed another bite. “How you take simple ingredients like leftover roast and some vegetables and make such a delicious meal is a miracle.”

  “It just takes a bit of time,” she insisted. “And a little of this and that.”

  By the time Hank and three others arrived, all carrying shovels to dig the graves, James was sitting on the church steps with Robbie, enjoying the sunshine and giving Esther some privacy.

  “It’s a beautiful day, Reverend. How’s the little tyke doing?”

  “Growing faster that Ina’s weeds, Hank. Jeremiah, thank you for helping Mr. Givens today.”

  “I liked Mr. Abel and wanted to do somethin’ to say so.”

  The eleven-year-old boy had grown a full four inches over the last year. It wouldn’t be long before he’d be done with school and deciding how he wanted to make his own way in the world. “Let me see if Mrs. Travers can take Robbie and I’ll go up the hill with you.”

  “Mrs. Travers?” he called out when he was still a distance from the cabin. She appeared in the doorway wearing her man’s shirt and a dark blue skirt he hadn’t seen before. He was stuck again by her beauty and poise.

  “Of course, Reverend.” She met him halfway and scooped Robbie into her arms. “Hello, little man. Did you enjoy your outing?” When Robbie cooed and kicked his legs, she laughed. “I think he definitely did.”

  “Mrs. Travers, this is Hank Givens.”

  “Yes, I remember you. Thank you for your kindness for Emma.”

  Hank blushed to the roots of his graying hair. “Aw, it was nothin’, ma’am.”

  Next, he introduced Edward and Mervyn Abel.

  “I’m sorry for your loss. Your parents will be missed here in King’s Ford.”

  “And this is Jeremiah Davis, Ira and Ruth’s oldest boy. Although he’s growing so fast, it’s hard to refer to him as a boy any longer.”

  Jeremiah’s shy smile told James he appreciated the words. “How do, ma’am?”

  “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

  “See that you all stop here before you go home. I’ll have coffee and apple crisp waiting.”

  “Thank you, ma’am!” Jeremiah headed for the cemetery with long strides, obviously anxious to get done and get back. James and the others followed at a more adult pace.

  As expected, it took most of the afternoon to dig two six-feet-deep holes in the Nebraska soil. They’d encountered some rock, but not enough to cause much of a problem. As they trudged back to the parsonage, considerably dirtier, even Jeremiah didn’t have much energy left.

  Edward and Mervyn bid them farewell and headed for their horses, saying it was time to get back to their mother.

  “We can wash up at the well, gentlemen.”

  “Yes, sir.” Jeremiah checked the rope before dropping the bucket into the water and hauling it up.

  “I remember when I used to have the energy to haul up water after digging a grave,” Hank mused. “Not no more.”

  James laughed with him. “I’m inclined to agree. It’s a good thing you brought Jeremiah along.”

  As they approached the cabin, Jeremiah sniffed the air like a hound. “I smell apple and cinnamon.”

  “And coffee,” added Hank, with an appreciative sigh.

  They dropped into chairs and let Esther serve them huge portions of apple crisp. She poured water for Jeremiah, at his request, and coffee for the men.

  “Robbie just went down for his nap,” she said in explanation. “Jeremiah, do you think I might visit your mother Monday afternoon, after the midday meal?”

  “Sure. Don’t know why not.” He shrugged. “She’s still real sad, but she might like having someone to talk to besides us.”

  As they chatted about his family, the two girls and boy younger than him, and his little brother, Benjamin, James watched as Esther drew out information about the Davises he didn’t know. Like how his father loved to read, and that he’d helped make dreidels for the boys.

  “What’s a dreidel?” Hank interrupted.

  “It’s like a top with four sides with Hebrew words on them. We play games with it and Pa uses it to teach us prayers and history and stuff.”

  As the only Jews in town, it would be up to Ira to teach his children. Not for the first time, James wondered if the man would teach him some of their history, too. He’d like to learn about the people Jesus came from, about how the Lord would have lived. But that might get him thrown out of the church and unable to support a wife and child. No, winning Esther’s heart had to come first.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  The citizens of King’s Ford stayed after the Sunday morning service to attend the funerals. Bible in hand, James led the way as Mr. Washington’s casket was carried to the gravesite where a short service would be conducted. The parishioners either followed or gathered outside in the shade to quietly converse until the others returned. Esther, Dorothea, and Elda stayed back to make sure the sanctuary was ready for Mr. Abel’s service.

  “You play that organ so well, Esther.”

  “Thank you, Elda. It’s been so long since I played. I’m grateful to have an instrument to make music on again.”

  “Young Tad showed an interest in music at one time. Perhaps he could be your first student.” She straightened another song book in the rack on the back of a pew.

  “Oh, I couldn’t teach someone to play.”

  “Nonsense,” Dorothea chimed in. “He’s just a boy. Start with the basics. You’ll know more than he does for some time.”

  Teach? Esther busied herself putting her music in order for the next service. “I’ve just never considered it.”

  “Well, think on it. If the boy wants to learn, I’ll cover the cost of his lessons.”

  “Elda, that’s very generous.”

  The woman’s smile was almost shy. “I always wanted to play, but I haven’t a musical bone in my body. And neither of my girls are interested. And don’t tell me I could still do it.” She laughed. “My mother tried. Five years of lessons, four different teachers, and I still can’t play. So, if Tad wants lessons, he’ll have lessons. Provided you’re interested in teaching him.”

  “I’ll speak with his mother.”

  “Don’t tell her I’m paying. That woman has a double dose of pride, let me tell you.”

  They were interrupted by Zelda. “Mrs. Travers, they’re coming back down the hill. And Robbie won’t stop crying. I changed him and tried walking around. I think he’s hungry.”

  Esther met her in the center aisle. “I’d better see to him before the Abel family arrives. Tell the Reverend I’ll return as soon as I can.”

  “All right.” Zelda beamed at the responsibility. “Then I’ll come to the parsonage and take care of Robbie again.”

  Thanking her, Esther hurried to the cabin. Rather than open doors she’d just have to close again, she lit the candle on the bedside and opened her bodice. As if he knew she was in a hurry, Robbie took his time nursing. “Come on, little one. Mama has to go play…�
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  Mama? Esther tried to calm her speeding heart. I’m not his mother. I’m not his mother. She repeated it like a mantra, but she couldn’t quite convince herself. She’d fed and cared for him for weeks now. Other than giving birth to him, Robbie was her son in every way that counted. As she shifted him to her shoulder, she thought of her own baby.

  Emma, my little love. I wish it could have been you.

  “Mrs. Travers?” Zelda called from outside the front door. “They’re coming.”

  Esther wiped tears from her cheeks with a trembling hand. “We’re finished.” Laying Robbie in the middle of the bed, she splashed cold water on her face. “Come in, Zelda.”

  The door to the cabin opened almost instantly and Zelda hurried to scoop the baby up. “I’ll be sure he’s burped and dry before I bring him to the church.”

  Giving the girl’s shoulder a squeeze, Esther checked her buttons and hair in a mirror before heading to the organ.

  The whole town turned out for Abraham Abel’s final journey. Following a simple service, a long line of people snaked up the hill to the graveside. While they were gone, a dozen men and women set up tables for a potluck in the shadow of the church building.

  When Zelda brought Robbie to Esther, she pointed at his basket. “If you think he’ll sleep, put him in there and move him into the shade. Someplace where no one will step on him.”

  “I’ll stay with him and be sure he’s safe.”

  “Only if your mother doesn’t need you.”

  Elda glanced up. “We’re fine here. You take care of that baby.”

  “Yes, Mama.” Zelda’s smile was radiant at being entrusted with Robbie’s care for a while longer.

  “She’ll make a wonderful mother someday.” Esther joined Elda and watched the girl go.

  “Provided she learns there’s more to it than cuddling and soothing.”

  “That’ll come in time.” Dorothea joined the conversation. “We all had to learn that lesson. Is that basket still working for him? As fast as that little one is growing, it has to be almost too small.”

  “Is that why he was pushing at the basket when he woke up this morning?” Esther looked back and forth between the women. “He needs more room?

  “Looks like Zelda’s not the only one still learning,” Dorothea teased. “I told the Reverend George could order a bed for him, but Hank Givens makes beautiful furniture. I’ll bet he could make one faster than we could get one.”

  “I’ll mention it to Reverend Hathaway.” As the crowd filtered back from the cemetery, the women hurried to set out their contributions to the meal while the men broke off into clusters and start talking.

  “I swear. Men say women never stop talking, but look at them. Can’t wait to meet up with the others and set to gabbing.” Mrs. Abel took a seat in the shade, close to Esther. “My boys and I appreciate all this. The place is mostly packed up. Tobias and I will take the wagon and head out in the morning. Edward plans to ride along. The rest will drive the stock back to the ranch. That’ll take three or four days, depending on how cantankerous the pigs want to be.” She pulled a hankie embroidered with violets from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m going to miss this place. Know of anyone wanting some chickens?”

  “Chickens?” Esther offered her a glass of lemonade.

  “Toby says he has plenty and doesn’t want to preside over the fights in the henhouse while mine git settled. They’re good layers. You should take them. The Reverend don’t have any. Now that you’re here, he ought to be getting his own henhouse in order.”

  By the sly smile on the old woman’s lips, Esther was certain she wasn’t referring to chickens. “I’ll certainly mention it, but I won’t be living here much longer.”

  “Why not? You got somewhere to go?”

  “No, but if I want to stay in King’s Ford, it’s time I find work and a place of my own to live.”

  “What’s wrong with the parsonage?” Elda approached with plates of food for them.

  “It’s Reverend Hathaway’s home, not mine. It isn’t fair that he’s put out of his home to make room for me.”

  “What about that baby?” Mrs. Abel pointed with her fork. “You still got him to consider.”

  “Robbie would stay with me, of course. And the Reverend could visit and take him whenever he’d like.”

  “You know,” Elda leaned close. “You could stay here a while longer. You’re a widow. You don’t need chaperoning like, well, like my Zelda would.”

  “Elda, I’m surprised at you. Mr. Owens was the one that insisted on this arrangement. And that the Reverend sleep in the church.”

  “Oh, I’ll admit, Orland can be a bit prudish, but don’t you worry about that. I can handle him.”

  The return of the remaining parishioners and the Abel men, had them all hurrying to the serving tables. The afternoon passed in a flurry of food and conversation, condolences and cleaning up. Esther only paused when she had to feed Robbie. By the time only a few stragglers remained, she was exhausted.

  “You take this.” Elda passed a heavy basket to Esther. “After all you did today, not to mention the baby, you don’t need to be cooking supper.”

  Esther couldn’t summon the energy to argue. “It’s appreciated, Elda.”

  “I put in extra, since I noticed neither you nor the Reverend had time to eat much. There’s corn cakes, beans, chicken, sliced beef, and peach pie. Your bread and apple crisp went with the first wave. I had Lucy wash the dish up for you.”

  “Thank you. And please thank Lucy. And Zelda. I don’t know what I would have done today without her.”

  “Gotten to sneak away for a nap.” Elda shook her head. “That girl is smitten with that baby. I’ll have my hands full keeping her from picking out an Abel boy for her own.”

  James joined them. “You might want to be about it. I think she’s got her eye on Gerald.”

  Elda searched for Zelda, finding her near the horses with a handsome young man more than twice her age. “Oh, Lord help me.” She strode toward the girl, hollering for her husband to come quick.

  James didn’t quite manage to hide his grin. “That girl will make her parents old before their time.”

  “You could have intervened,” Esther scolded, but she was smiling, too.

  “There’s nothing to worry about. Gerald already handled her, gently but firmly. And reminded her he’s much too old for a pretty young girl like you, I think he said.”

  “She’ll float on that compliment for weeks. She was a big help today. And she’s very good with Robbie.” She looked up at him through her lashes as she teased him.

  “And I’m still too old for her.”

  They shared a laugh as Hank walked up. “All done up the hill, Reverend. Do you need me to build a bed for your boy? Mizz Meier says he’s getting too big for that basket and you might want something new.”

  James glanced at Esther. “I told Dorothea I would bring it up with you over supper. Robbie was pushing and kicking at the basket when he woke up. Elda and Dorothea think it’s because he’s gotten too long for it.”

  “Then he needs a proper bed.” He turned back to Hank. “Do you have time to take on a project right now?”

  “If I get right on it, I might get it done. Harvest is about to start, but the horses ain’t started to throw shoes yet.”

  James offered his right hand. “I’ll be by to discuss details before they do.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Monday was typically a day of rest for James. And, after a service and two funerals, he felt he’d earned it. He strolled to the cabin enjoying the crisp early morning air. The heat would return with a few days of Indian summer, but for now he was grateful for the respite. He knocked on the back door and waited to hear Esther’s welcome.

  He was grateful for that, too.

  “Something smells wonderful in here.” He headed straight to the blanket where Robbie played with the cloth doll Zelda had made for him.

  “There was a surpris
e on the porch this morning.” Esther stood at the stove, moving food around in a big skillet. “Someone left you a ham and a dozen eggs. The note is on the table.”

  Reverend,

  My boys and I thank you for the kindness you showed me when my husband was ill and all of us when we buried him yesterday. I’ll be returning to the ranch with them today. Tobias will make a place for me in his home, provided I don’t commit the sin of murder first. Please accept this as a token of my regard for all you’ve done for me and mine since you came to town.

  There’s also a henhouse full of chickens. You’ll need to go get those for yourself. You’re going to need them.

  Delores Abel

  “It’s from Mrs. Abel, for the burial service yesterday. It says she’s moving back to the family ranch to live with her eldest boy, Tobias. From things she’s said, I gather she has difficulty being around him for any length of time.” He chuckled. “He’s a lot like his mother.”

  “Then why go to live with him?”

  “He expects it. At least that’s what he said at least three times while his brothers were lowering Mr. Abel into the grave.” He shook his head at the memory.

  “I didn’t have a chance to meet them yesterday. Were the boys all born here in Nebraska?”

  “All but Tobias. He was born in a moving wagon on the way here. There’s certainly no quit in Delores Abel. She’s a strong woman for a hard land.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t get to know her better. I think I would have liked her.”

  “And she would have liked you. You’re much alike, actually.”

  “Because I play the organ?”

  “Because there’s no quit in you, either, Esther Travers.” He crossed the room to pour a cup of coffee. On the sideboard sat a platter of sliced meat. “That’s a lot of ham for just us.”

  “I thought I’d take some to the Davis family.”

  “That’s a nice gesture, but they won’t eat the ham.” At her puzzled look he explained. “Those of the Jewish faith don’t eat pork.”