Page 8 of Hank and Elsie
Although, Mrs. Norton’s smile was innocent, her eyes twinkled. “Oh, that’s right, the sheriff must live in town. That wouldn’t do at all for you, would it?”
Hank began to suspect Mrs. Norton might have quite a sense of humor, something he never associated with ministers’ wives. Or if they possessed one, any hint of levity would soon be stomped out by the seriousness of their role. Or by those whotook those roles seriously and placed judgmental fetters on the wives of clergy.
Not that Reverend Norton, for all his austere appearance, would ever impose such restrictions on his wife.Even the most thickheaded man—and Hank fancied he wasn’tthatbad—could see the quiet but deep love abiding between the two and their joint commitment to the needs of their congregation.
“Now, Mrs. Buckland, whom I was talking to while you waited, is a widow.” Mrs. Norton pursed her lips. “Would you be willing to take on five children?”
Never having dreamed of a woman with children, he sputtered on an answer, feeling guilty his first response wasno!“Can’t rightly say. Maybe I could wrap my mind and heart around one…two. Maybe. Guess, that would depend on how much I wanted their mama.” He thought back to the lady who looked run-down from the five she had. Birthing more babies might be the death of her. He shook his head. “Think I’ll pass on Mrs. Buckland, ma’am.”
She nodded briskly. “Perhaps it’s just as well. Mrs. Buckland is living with her brother, who is a widower with two daughters. They need each other.”
Hank let out a sigh, relieved to be off the hook of guilt.
Mrs. Norton waved toward the large grassy area between the schoolhouse and the church, shaded by an enormous oak, where people liked to mingle and eat after the church service. “I’d think we’d best join those picnicking and see if I can single out any ladies for your attentions. There’s usually food to spare for our bachelors.”
Suddenly, Hank’s energy drained, and the idea of scrounging a meal and eating among a bunch of strangers didn’t appeal. “Think I’d best be off, ma’am. I need to stop at the mercantile before it closes. But I’ll be back next week.”
Her eyes showed understanding. “Until Sunday, then, Mr. Canfield.”
He tried not to show his deflated spirits.I hope I have better luck then.
CHAPTER 4
After the service, Elsie slowly walked down the aisle amid the line of people. She was ahead of her family and behind two women she didn’t know, listening as they chattered about a dress shop that had recently opened. One had bought two yards of lace, and the other a length of fabric to make a new shirtwaist. Both mentioned intending to pop in again today.
Longing filled Elsie’s chest. To have the luxury of browsing in a dress shop, much less buying something, seemed like the fulfillment of a dream.
Outside, Reverend Joshua and Delia Norton stood on one side of the steps and the elder Nortons on the other. Since they’d already spoken to the newlyweds, Elsie moved into the line in front of Reverend Norton and his wife Mary.
Mrs. Norton gave Elsie a sweet smile and pressed her hand. “So lovely to see you here today, Elsie.”
“I wish we could get here more often,” Elsie said wistfully.
The woman’s soft blue eyes showed understanding. “We must make the best of the times when you can worship with us.”
Elsie nodded and moved to clasp the hand of Reverend Norton, who looked like a stern Old-Testament prophet. But really, he was as kind as his wife.
He smiled, his eyes softening. “Elsie…. Why, I believe you’re old enough for me to call youMiss Bailey. My, how time flies. I remember your baptism.”
Elsie grinned, delighted by being addressed asMiss Bailey. Only after she’d moved on did she remember her parents thought her old enough to marry. Her smile faded, and she dutifully glanced around for a potential husband.
A posse of bow-legged cowboys gave her shy nods as they walked by. None of them appealed to her as a possibility. She didn’t particularly want to be stuck out on a ranch. If she had to choose, she’d want a man who lived in town. Or, at least, nearby to one.
Maybe a clerk.But a glance around didn’t reveal any such bachelor. Relieved she’d done her duty to no avail, she sidled closer to her family.
Once everyone had greeted the minister and his wife, Elsie touched her mother’s arm. “Ma, can I go look at the new dressmaker’s shop?”
“For land sakes, Elsie.” Ma harrumphed. “Might as well wish for the moon as for one of those dresses.”
“Please, Ma? Just to look.” She pleaded with her eyes.
Her mother sighed and glanced up the street to where the rest of the family headed. “Only fifteen minutes, mind. Then meet us at the mercantile.”
Elsie clasped her hands together. “Oh, thank you!”
Ma held up a finger. “And not a word about wantinganythingyou see in there.”
“No, Ma,” she said, keeping her tone obedient.I can want in my heart without opening my mouth.After all, she had plenty of practice in holding her dreams close to her heart.
