The Voyage

Chapter 2 -- Steering Course

by Abigail of Dreamers

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

A small group of boys were sitting near the general store and the entrance to the alleyway. Huddled together, they sat exchanging information.

“Did you see her?” one boy questioned.

“Yep,” answered one. “She’s tiny, and real pretty, too. Don’t reckon she’d be much trouble.”

“Yeah; pro’ly just let us go an’ do what we please.”

“Ya think?” popped up a small voice.

“Hell, yeah. Them womenfolk don’t expect menfolk to do what they says. There’s woman’s work and there’s man’s work and a woman cain’t do man’s an’ man won’t do woman’s. See?”

“I getcha.”

“So do I,” came a feminine voice, “but you’ll find that not doing what I say is a lot harder than learning your lessons. And I am not afraid to punish any little men for not doing their work.”

All but one boy ran off. He was the youngest in the group, a younger brother who got caught up in the conversation by following his older brother.

“You the new teacher, miss?”

“That would be me. And who are you?”

“Bobby-- Bob Fletcher.” Hope extended her hand which the little boy took.

“Pleasure to meet you. You may call me Miss Dougherty. Now, you don’t believe what those older boys were saying, do you?” He looked up with complete trust into her face and his eyes reflected a change in heart.

“No, no miss. They’s just being silly.”

“They are just being silly.”

“Yes’m,” he answered, missing the lesson.

“How old are you, Bobby?”

“Seven.”

“Well, you’ll be in school Monday, won’t you, then?”

“Yes’m.”

“I’ll be looking forward to seeing you. Now, you’d better run along; don’t want to get too far behind the bigger boys.”

“Naw, m’brother don’t want me followin’ them.”

“Don’t believe it. I have an older brother, too, and he didn’t say so, but he liked it when I followed him. I bet your brother does, too.”

“He sure has a funny way to show it,” he said, rubbing his sore bottom with one hand. Hope couldn’t withhold a chuckle.

“Did he do that? Well, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. Now, run along, Bobby.”

*************

Hope looked out the window again at her students playing. She hated to bring the children in, but starting class late on the first day would never do. Sighing, she picked up her bell, stepped onto the outside stairs, and rang it. Jump ropes dropped, boys stopped playing ball, and all the children came running to the door.

“Alright, go in nicely, children. No need to rush; you have plenty of time. In you go.”

Hope followed the last student in and proceeded to the front of the classroom. She leaned against the front of her desk.

“Welcome to the first day of school. I am Miss Dougherty, your new teacher.” She wrote her name on the board. “There it is for those of you who can read, and for those who can’t, you will soon, so don’t worry.

“Well, here’s your only chance to ask questions about me, so if you have a question, stand one at a time, and if I can answer it, I will.” After a moment, a boy in one of the middle seats stood. “Yes? Tell me your name and ask your question.”

“Jim Williams. Where are you from?”

“I’m from Boston. Who knows where that is?” A little girl stood. “Yes?”

“In Massatusetts.” Hope smiled at the pronunciation.

“And what’s your name?”

“May Robins.”

“Very good, May. Yes, Boston is in Massachusetts. Next question?”

“How tall are you?” asked a boy who looked to be an ever-growing twelve-year-old.

“Not very.” The class giggled. “Yes?”

“Why’d ya come here?”

“I’ve wanted to come west for a long time, and I want to teach. Mrs. Barkley put an advertisement in the newspaper back home, asking for a teacher, I wrote back, and she chose me, and here I am.”

“What’s it like in Boston?”

“It’s very pretty. Boston is a city, you know––”

“Like San Francisco?”

“Yes, but older. Boston was founded in the 17th century. It’s right near the Atlantic Ocean.”

“Do ya like the ocean?”

“I love it. It’s beautiful. Do you know, I used to live in a lighthouse right on the ocean?”

“Whatsa, a lighthouse?” came a small voice from the front bench.

“A lighthouse is a tower attached to a house that stays near the ocean to warn the ships of rocks and to help them get home. This is the one I used to live in.” She took chalk and drew her old home.

“You’re a good draw-er,” said a little girl.

“Thank you very much,” Hope said with a pleasant smile. “Anything else?”

“Do you give homework?” The class laughed again, this time at the antics of an older boy.

“Now, what kind of teacher would I be if I didn’t? We had special classes on that in college: teachers must always give homework. But they didn’t say anything about giving less homework when the class is well behaved. Anymore questions?” A few heads shook, and the class remained silent. “Alright, then. Open your readers. You new children, go to page one. Everyone else, I’ll go around and assign pages separately for each grade.”

**********

Audra stood outside the schoolhouse at around quarter to three. She was a bit early, but she had planned to drop by and see if Hope would come to the orphanage with her. Remembering her mother’s reminder that the younger girl couldn’t ride, she had brought the carriage. From inside she heard a sudden clattering, followed by swarms of children leaving the building in a hurry. Smiling, after the last had left she climbed the few stairs to the door and stepped in to see Hope with her hand covering her eyes and a grin crossing her face.

“Have a good day at school?” Audra asked.

“That sounds like what parents will be asking my pupils tonight at dinner. In answer to your question, today was quite good. I had a lovely time, though I think I have a few mischievous ones, and maybe a few schoolyard brawls I’ll have to break up sometime in the future.”

“My brother Nick always was into fights. I remember being in school my first year, and he being several years older was right at that age where boys start into each other. At his best, Nick is not a diplomat and, well, he took on someone who was a great deal bigger. Eli knocked him up quite a bit, but all through Father’s scoldings, he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face that he’d licked him. Took a sprained wrist and two black eyes, but I was so proud to point to him and say that he was my brother.”

“Ah, yes. Sean’s three years older than me, and Liam two younger, and I saw quite a few fights. I knew they’d get in trouble, though, and be late for work, so I tried to break them up.

“Somehow, though, I don’t think you’re here to talk about youthful exuberance, shall we call it?”

“You are correct. I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me to the orphanage today. My brother’s there, but he’s doing some repairs and I know the children would love to meet you.”

“What a marvelous idea. If you don’t mind waiting a bit, I’ll pack up my things here, leave them in my room, and then I’ll be ready.”

“Not at all. I left the surrey by Mrs. Murphy’s.”

“Thank you.” Hope gathered her things quickly and they walked over to the boarding house. Hope opened the door and turned to Audra. “Would you like to come in for a moment?”

“Certainly.” They walked down the short corridor and into the room.

“This is very nice,” Audra complimented.

“I am so lucky Mrs. Murphy has good taste. I’ve got my things away. Do you think it would be alright if I brought my little kit? It has my tape measure, sketchbook, and some material I bought for the children. If I may, I’d like to get some things down so I can start on the clothes you mentioned.”

“That would be wonderful. Hope, you’ve been here less than a week, and already you’re thinking about the children.”

“It’s nothing. I like the work, and you know, they always say, ‘Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.’”

“I think there’s more to it than that, but we should be on our way.”

Hope appreciated that Audra wasn’t going to push her. She’s really a sweet girl, Hope thought. It’s a wonder she isn’t married. Audra was having similar thoughts, though hers involved Jarrod and a curiosity as to Hope’s thought on the matter. They walked to the carriage and got in.

“Would you like to take the reins? Jarrod said he showed you how.”

“He did? I wonder at that; he wasn’t keen on my taking them after dinner. No, if you don’t mind, I’ll just enjoy the scenery for now.”

Audra started the horses and Hope did admire the scenery as they drove out of town.

“Jarrod mentions you often, you know,” Audra said when they were out of town.

“He does?” Her tone was somewhat forlorn.

“Yes. He seems quite taken with you, if you ask me.”

“Oh.” Audra was puzzled; Jarrod and Hope had seemed to truly enjoy each other’s company, but Hope seemed genuinely distraught that he was interested in her.

“You do like him, don’t you?”

“Yes, he’s a lot of fun and I enjoy spending time with him.”

“Then what’s the matter?”

“He’s going too fast. We met Saturday evening, and had lunch Monday.”

“You had lunch?”

“He claimed it was his way of losing the bet that I could get him worked up. It seemed, too, that last Friday was his day to ‘run into’ me. I’m sure to him it’s just his way of getting to know me and profess an interest, but, may I be frank?”

“Go ahead; I know what you mean.”

“Do you really? It frightens me. It frightens me to go as quickly as he is.”

“I do know what you mean. I’ve been caught up by it a couple times, but, and I hate to say it, it was lucky that nothing came of them. You know, more than one girl fallen for Jarrod––”

“I can understand why.”

“–– but he doesn’t fall for them. I could tell him to slow down, if you want.”

“Could you find a round-about way to do it? I don’t want to hurt him, but I don’t know what else to do.”

“Don’t worry; Mother and I will come up with something.”

“Thank you. I consider Jarrod a friend, and I don’t see anything else. I just don’t want to make any decisions right now.”

“I think that’s for the best. I haven’t known you long, but Hope Dougherty, I really like you, enough that I think being sisters would be wonderful.”

“You are very generous, Audra, and I think we will be good friends.”

“You have to meet Nick and his wife when they get back. We three girls will have lots of fun.”

“I’m sure we will. All my sisters are younger than I, but we still managed to gray Da’s hair.”

“How many sisters do you have?”

“Four.” Audra sighed.

“Sounds like fun. My brothers are perfect, but I always wanted a sister.”

“Well, now you have one, haven’t you?”

“Yes, but she’s on her honeymoon, and here I am, an old maid.”

“I’d hardly call you an old maid, and I’m sure she’ll be back soon enough. Don’t worry; sometimes people get married early, sometimes they get married a bit older, but it doesn’t matter half as much as why they’re getting married in the first place.”

“I suppose I knew that, but it was nice to hear it anyway.”

“Well, feel free to return the favor any time. I can always use some common sense.”

“Can’t we all.

“If you look to the left, you can see the orphanage from here.”

“And the children are out playing, how sweet.”

“You’ll love them, Hope.”

“I’m sure I will. What’s that on the roof?”

“That’s my brother, Heath.”

“The one who had an emergency Saturday night. Do you think he’ll have the time to talk about carving with the boys?”

“Surely he will. He may not admit it, but he’s wonderful with children and enjoys every minute of it.”

“Sounds like Sean, but he isn’t going to have any children.”

“Oh? Did, did he catch measles?” Audra asked, curious but striving not to be nosey. Hope laughed.

“You are a dear. No, he’s in seminary.” Audra was still a bit puzzled. “He’s becoming a priest.”

“I see,” said Audra cheerily. “Looks like curiosity killed the cat after all. Ah, here we are.” She stopped the horses and put the brake on. The women got out of the carriage and approached the children. “Boys and girls!”

“Miss Audra!” came the shouts as piles of children descended on her.

“Alright, calm down. I brought a dear friend with me; children, this is Miss Hope. She’s going to visit you as well.” Miniature people rushed up to meet their new curiosity.

“How are all of you?” Hope asked cheerily. Several replies of “Good” and “Alright” came in return.

“Glad to hear that, children. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d like to have some fun. What do you say we go have some fun?”

Shouts and cheers swelled in the air and many hands reached forward to pull Hope forward.

“Looks like I’m on my way,” Hope said, angling her head towards Audra as she was led away from the building.

Heath turned back to the roof and finished hammering the last nail in a shingle. He wiped the sweat from his face with his neckerchief and, tilting his head downward, climbed down the ladder. He made his way alongside Audra.

“That the new teacher?” he asked, pointing with a shrug of the shoulder as he rolled down his cuffs.

“Yes, that’s Hope.”

“Kids took to ‘er real fast. Course, she’s practically one of ‘em––”

“Heath!” Audra backhanded his upper arm. “She’s more grown up than some people I know.”

“Well, look at her. First off, she’s tiny; can’t be more’n five two, probably less. Second, you’re not gonna tell me she’s twenty which, by all rights, I still don’t think is grown up. And three, you find me a grown woman that gallivants about with kids.”

“She’s right there. I think I like her. And you have to admit, she is pretty.”

“I don’t have to, but I will. Don’t matter none since she’s a kid. I don’t care; don’t plan on robbing any cradles anytime soon.”

“Better not tell Jarrod that.” Heath draped his arm around the back of his neck and started rubbing.

“He got his sights set on her?”

“I think so.”

“What about her?”

“Thought you didn’t care, old man.”

“Didn’t say I didn’t care, just that I don’t plan on cradle-robbin’. She seems nice enough.”

“She’s very sweet.”

“Not a boring school marm after all, eh, sis?”

“Oh, you! No, she’s got a lot of spirit.”

“You didn’t answer about what she thinks of Jarrod.”

“She’s a bit frightened. Says he’s going too fast.”

“Didn’t know he’d seen her more than last Saturday’s dinner.”

“She said he kept bumping into her ‘accidentally’ on Friday.”

“Oo, he’s on the chase.”

“That’s not all; did you know they had lunch Monday?”

“He told me that was a client.”

“He told her it was a way to make good on a bet.”

“I sure did miss a lot Saturday night.”

“Yes, but we all missed a lot on that carriage ride to and from town. It was the funniest thing the way she took Jarrod down a few pegs at dinner.”

“Well, then, maybe she deserves a second look.”

“Thought you weren’t planning on ‘cradle-robbin’,’ Heath.”

“Hold on, that was before. Far as I’m concerned, any gal who can put Jarrod in his place has to have somethin’ to her.”

“Jarrod’ll be seeing red if he finds out you’re courtin’.”

“No, I think that’d be green in his eyes and, no, don’t worry. As long as Jarrod’s chasin’ someone like that, I’m headin’ the other direction.”

“I’m a bit worried about her, Heath. She seemed genuinely frightened at him paying her so much attention, almost terrified.”

“Hmm.” Heath put his handkerchief down. “Jarrod’d better slow down, then.”

“She asked me to tell him to, but discreetly; she didn’t want to hurt him. Will you help?”

“Don’t know what I’ll do, but I can try. Anything else before I get back up on that ladder?”

“Oh, Hope will probably want to talk to you about carving for school. She’ll be doing the sewing with the girls, of course, and wants to arrange times until the Harvest Festival.”

“That’s fine. Been busy, but I think I’m finally on top of things and I can spare the time.”

“That’s wonderful. You do such beautiful work, and the children love your visits.”

“Do they now? Well, it’s nothin’ special, just an excuse to get off real work.” With that, he climbed back up the ladder.

“As if what you do isn’t real.” He began hammering again. “Heath Barkley, you stop it. Oh, you are incorrigible.”

***********

Heath and Audra made sure they were at breakfast a little early the next morning so they could catch Jarrod before their mother came in. Sure enough, Victoria was not yet down when Jarrod appeared.

“Good morning,” he greeted. “You two are in here early.”

“Well,” Audra began, “we wanted to talk to you about something.”

“What about?”

“Hope,” Audra replied.

“What about her?”

“Well, you see, I don’t really know how to say this––”

“You don’t think I should see her, is that it?”

“No.” Heath could see Audra just wasn’t communicating very well. “You can make your own decisions as far as we’re concerned. The thing is, perhaps you should slow down a bit.”

“Slow down? I wasn’t aware I was going quickly.”

“Well, maybe you aren’t.” Heath hoped he was succeeding at tact. “But she thinks so, Hope does, I mean. See, Audra talked to her yesterday, and, well, she feels a little scared about it. A bit shaky, ya see?”

“Why would she feel shaky, as you put it? She’s a lovely girl, I can’t believe no one’s ever been interested in her before.”

“Well, the way I heard it, seems to me like somethin’ bad mighta happened when someone showed interest.”

“Doesn’t she know I wouldn’t care about that?”

“Well,” Audra found her voice, “you might not care, and that’s good, but she might. She might be bothered by it still, and maybe getting too much attention too fast reminds her of it.”

“How could I have missed it. Well, I’m glad you told me, then. Didn’t even think of it. What else did she say?”

“Well, she asked me to tell you, but she didn’t want to hurt you. I wasn’t sure how, so I told Heath. She’s just not sure right now. Give her some time.”

“I will. Thank you, thank you both. Who knows how I might have hurt her if you hadn’t told me.

“Well, then, Heath, Audra, Mother will be down in a minute. I don’t think she’d mind if we started breakfast.”

*************

The autumn was beginning. Leaves turned new and brighter colors, then floated slowly to the ground. She sighed as she gazed out the window of the schoolhouse.

“I’m sorry for keepin’ ya, Miss Dougherty,” came a small voice from a little girl bent over her needlework.

“I wasn’t sighing about that; I’m glad to help you. I just love the fall season.”

Little Maddie Benson pricked her finger. “Ouch!” Hope walked swiftly to the girl.

“What’s the matter?”

“I pricked my finger,” she replied as tears welled up in her eyes.

“That’s alright. Here, set that down and I’ll take care of it.”

“Miss Dougherty, I got blood on it!” The girl began to cry.

“Now, don’t you worry; if you let me take that for tonight, I’ll get it out and hang it out to dry. Then tomorrow I’ll give it back.” Maddie sniffed and rubbed her cheek with a chubby little hand.

“Really?”

“Really. Now, dry those tears. What do you say we sit on the front steps to work on this some more?”

“Okay.” The girl sniffed again.

“Do you mind if I bring my own embroidery along? I’d like to catch up a bit, but it’s alright if you say ‘No.’”

“That’s fine. Kin I see it?”

“Sure, once we get outside.”

Hope picked up her bag and took Maddie’s hand. Together, they walked to the door and opened it to continue on the front stoop.

“I didn’t realize you were still here,” Hope said to Heath and Bobbie. “Do you boys mind some company? We wanted to come outside to finish up for today.”

“I don’t mind. Do you, Bobbie?”

“No, miss. Mr. Heath’s just helping me get this here right.” The girls sat down and Maddie began on her stitchery again.

“Looks good, Bobbie. Now, Maddie, I want you to slow down a bit and make that stitch smaller. That’s right. Just keep that up, but stay away from the spot I’m going to clean. I’ll try to keep an eye on how you’re doing but if you need help, just ask. I’ll be right here working.” Hope opened her bag and pulled out a folded piece of thick cloth. After she retrieved her needle and several bright colors of thread, she unfolded the cloth. It was an embroidery of a Madonna and Child, with deep, rich, and still startling colors and a gold rim around each figure. Christ looked majestic but childlike, and the image was breathtaking.

“Miss Dougherty, that’s beautiful!” Maddie cried. “Wish I was that good.”

“I’ve had a lot of practice, Maddie. If you work hard, you’ll do better than this someday.” Hope fixed the embroidery circle on one section of it.

“I don’t know. Are you gonna enter it in the festival?”

“I hadn’t thought to.”

“Hope, I think you should,” Heath added, looking at it over her shoulder.

“I can’t enter this; it’s for the church.”

“I’m sure God won’t mind gettin’ a altar cloth with a blue ribbon on it.” Hope burst out laughing at Heath’s remark.

“He mayn’t at that, but it’ll be done by the end of the week and I promised Padre Sanchez to have it to him. Seems the last one met a beautiful demise but all the same a demise.”

“You should enter something,” advised Maddie in a very old, grown-up tone.

“She’s right, Hope.”

“It’s not important.”

“Maybe not, but I’m going to tell Audra, and if you don’t she’ll be on your tail faster’n a mosquito on a hot summer night.”

“Alright, I’ll think about it. No promises.

“Bobby, how is your horse coming there?”

“’S alright.”

“Come now, Bob, it’s comin’ great, ain’t it?” Heath prodded.

“Certainly looks like it to me,” Hope said with an awe-filled tone.

“And Miss Maddie,” Heath said in his most gentlemanly drawl, “looks to me like you’re doin’ real fine.”

“You think so?” the little girl asked hopefully.

“Of course he does, or he wouldn’t say it, and I think you’re doing wonderfully, Maddie,” Hope replied.

“Wonder what he’s doin’ here,” Heath said with a directional shake of his head. Jarrod’s carriage pulled up to the school and he got out and walked to the foursome sitting on the front steps.

“Hello, everyone. School’s running a little late today, I see.”

“We’re just working a bit extra for our festival projects,” Hope explained.

“Ah, I see.”

“Is there something I can do for you?” Hope asked.

“Well, I was just looking for you to see if you’d like to accompany me to the dance at the end of the festival.”

“I’d love to, but I promised your sister to help with the refreshments. I will certainly save you a dance, but that’s all I can do.”

“I understand completely. Audra enlists everyone she can in everything. I believe Heath’s setting up the entire festival again.”

“Yep. Don’t know how she does it, but Audra can get me to do anything.”

“Our sister is very sweet, but she is also quite skilled at getting what she wants from whom she wants.”

“Every girl has to know how, or she’d never get anything in this man’s world,” Hope finished with a smirk. Jarrod sighed.

“Ah, I believe I shall do what men have had to do in this woman’s world and keep mum.” Hope laughed. “Well, I have an appointment soon, so I bid you all farewell.” With that he got back in his carriage and drove away.

“Miss Dougherty?”

“Yes, Bobbie?”

“Are ya gonna marry Mr. Barkley?”

“What sort of a question is that?”

“A loaded one,” Heath muttered. The teacher smiled.

“A question question. Are ya?” Hope sighed.

“I don’t think so, and certainly not now.”

“What about Mr. Heath?” Maddie piped up.

Eyeing Heath with mischievous glare, Hope replied, “Well, he hasn’t asked me.”

“You gonna ask her, Mr. Heath?”

“Well, no, Maddie, not before she promises me a dance at the festival.” Two hopeful heads turned to look at Hope, who angled hers down at Bobbie’s and Maddie’s.

“I’ll think about it. Now, you two, it’s nearing four o’clock. I wrote out a note for each of you explaining that you aren’t in trouble, just working on your project. I’ll take care of yours, Maddie, and Bobbie, you can take yours home. Here are your notes. Bobbie, make sure you thank Mr. Heath for staying after.”

“Thanks, sir.” Heath ruffled the little boy’s hair.

“It was nothin’, Bobbie. Glad to stay.”

“Thank you, Miss Dougherty.”

“You’re welcome, Maddie. Now, scoot before your parents worry about you.”

The two children scampered off in different directions.

“They’re sweet, aren’t they?” Hope asked.

“Yep, sure are. You like kids quite a bit.”

“Well, if you’re the second oldest of ten, you’d better.”

“Wish I’d had that many brothers and sisters growin’ up.”

“Well, some is better than none.” Heath sighed.

“I didn’t grow up here. I didn’t have any brothers and sisters growing up.”

“But... oh. Then I guess your only option is to be grateful you do now.”

“Am I ever.” Heath had decided to test her reaction on a whim, and he was glad with her response. “You never answered my question.”

“What question?”

“About the dance.”

“Of course I’ll save one for you. Just don’t tell Jarrod he’s not the only Barkley brother with a dance.”

“Nick may offer one out of courtesy, but don’t be surprised if he gets caught up with his wife.”

“That’s as it should be. He can be as discourteous as he pleases on that account.

“Oh, dear, I think I’ve kept you too long.”

“It’s alright. With round-up over, I don’t have too much to do. Actually, I have nothin’ planned for this afternoon. Worked extra all week to get this afternoon off.”

“Well, then, would you mind if I took a little more of your time?”

“Not at all. What can I do for you?”

“Well, this is an unusual request, I know, but, well, I was wondering... could you tell me a good place to fish?”

“Well, yes, I’d say that’s a bit unusual from a girl.”

“I love fishing. You can’t not enjoy it when you leave on the ocean.”

“Fishin’s a lot of fun. Sure, I can tell you where. You know, fishin’ sounds like a good way to spend a Friday afternoon. I can take you there, do a little fishin’ myself, if you don’t mind, of course.”

“Not at all. You’ll have to show me where the best spots are and the sort of bait you use. I didn’t bring a pole, but I can make one there. Just have to get some strong thread.”

“Don’t worry about that. I always keep some line in my saddle bags.”

“I have a few old needles we could bend into hooks.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Alright, then; let’s go.”

*****

Heath looked over at his fishing companion. She was leaned up against a tree in a dress that used to be a medium shade gray and was now covered with dirt and bits of leaves and wet up to her knee. Yet she hadn’t complained or been afraid to get dirty, and was proving a good partner with her catch of five. Hope noticed him looking at her.

“What are you looking at?”

“You. You’re one of a kind, you know that?”

“Yes... How?”

“Well, look at yourself.”

“I am a mess.”

“Yep, but you don’t care, and look at all the fish you brought in.”

“Not that many, but I see what you mean. I just think it’s fun, relaxing.”

“It is at that. You’re missing supper at Mrs. Murphy’s.”

“I’d say you were missing it, too, but your family eats so late.”

“Not always; only on special occasions, like a guest.”

“Well, tell them never to delay supper on my account again. That first dinner was delicious, but I was famished.” Heath laughed.

“I know what you mean. I grew up eating earlier than that.”

“Well, I can miss supper for a night.”

“Why don’t we grill up the fish?”

“You can, if you like, but I hate fish.”

“You love fishing, you lived on the ocean your whole life, and you don’t like fish?”

“Nope. Ate it my whole life hating every minute of it. I can even cook it well, but I don’t like eating it.” Heath chuckled.

“Well, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to sneak into the kitchen and steal from Mrs. Murphy’s bread box,” Hope declared with finality.

“Well, I can save ya from that. I have some jerky that’ll break your teeth.”

“Sounds wonderful. Always wanted to try it, but Ma wouldn’t let me.”

“Why not?”

“Said it would break my teeth.”

“Want to find out?”

“Gladly. We’ll barter; I’ll cook your supper, and you provide mine.”

“Sounds fair to me.”

Somehow, they both assumed separate tasks and worked together to get their unplanned dinner on the way. While Hope released the fish who wouldn’t be dinner, Heath got a fire going; as she prepared the fish to be cooked, he set up sticks in rotisserie style. In a few minutes, dinner was well on it’s way to being finished. Heath took out two tin cups, his pot, and some well-used coffee grinds out of his saddle bags, which he had taken from Charger’s back before letting the bay graze, though still loosely tethered.

“I’ll make some coffee.”

“These fish should be done in a few minutes.”

“I have the jerky ready and waiting. I have some beans, too, but my brother always says I make ‘em terrible.”

“Let me see what I can do; after all, it’s still light out.

“Do you always carry two mess kits?”

“Most nearly all the time. Guess I decided to ‘cause it ain’t no fun for a hungry man, or lady, miss, to go hungry right near some good grub.”

“Sounds like a good idea.”

“What are you plannin’ to do with those beans?” Heath asked, a hint of skepticism tinting his voice.

“Cooking.” He chuckled at her response.

“No, really.”

“Well, come and see,” she invited.

With that, she took a small empty pouch out from her bag and walked a few feet to the edge of the nearby woods.

“It’s still light out, thank the heavens for summer sun.”

She hobbled about, halting at odd places and plucking things from the earth. She brought them all quickly to her nose and breathed their scent; some she cast back to the dirt, and others she gathered into handfuls and stuffed them into her pouch. She stood straight, smelled her collection, and turned back to the wood, snatching a forlorn bit of peeling bark, then she scampered back to the fire. Hope grabbed a tin and poured some water in, then added bits of her assortment and lay it to rest near the fire. She removed the stick skewering the fish and held it out to Heath.

“All ready.”

“Thank you. And the beans?”

“Oh, they’ll be set in a minute. Do you mind opening the cans?”

“Nope.” He took his pocket knife from his vest and carefully cut the tops of two cans, then handed them back to her. “Coffee’s ready.” He offered her a cup and after placing the beans on the ground, she accepted it, and took a sip.

“That’s pretty hot,” she commented as she set it down and picked up the beans again.

“It’ll cool off. When do you want the jerky?”

“Just a minute. Just go on and eat.” He didn’t, politely declining her offer with a set jaw that plainly said, “That’s not gentlemanly.”

Hope had noted it and chose to pay no heed. She was already occupied by the beans, having oddly strained her heated mixture and begun to mix small amounts into the beans. Heath couldn’t stop from making a face that was slightly disgusted, somewhat curious, and mostly puzzled. She looked up and laughed.

“It won’t kill you. I had to take cooking and housekeeping lessons in college.”

“Cookin’ in college? Always thought ladies learned that from their mothers; ain’t college for book learnin’?”

“Yes, for men. Now, just try it, and if you don’t like it, you aren’t compelled to eat it.” She handed him a can and he stirred it gingerly with a spoon. He then bravely put it in his mouth.

“Better ‘n I thought it’d be. Good. You must’ve been at the top of your cookin’ class.”

“Thank you. No, I was at the bottom.”

“How?”

“For that very thing you mentioned earlier. College isn’t supposed to be about cooking and cleaning. I went to get a good education. So on matter of principle, I learned everything, but deliberately lowered my grade.”

“What’s wrong with cookin’ lessons?”

“HELLO THE CAMP.”

“Nick, that you?” Heath called.

“Yep,” Nick answered as he walked into view leading his horse. “Now, isn’t this cozy.”

“Actually, it’s a bit damp for my tastes,” Hope said with an undertone of challenge, standing up. “I take it you are Nick Barkley.” Heath stood as she did.

“Yes, that’s me,” he grunted suspiciously.

“Congratulations. I understand you are recently married.”

He gave an indiscriminate grunt in return.

“Heath, where have you been? You didn’t show up all afternoon and you missed dinner.”

“Went fishin’.” Nick wasn’t expecting so simple an answer, and, as Heath had hoped, it took him several seconds to think of a response.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Heath stayed after school to help little Bobby with his project for the festival. I asked him if he knew a good fishing spot and, as he had already completed his work, he joined me.”

“So you’re the schoolteacher.”

“Yes; Hope Dougherty. Pleased to meet you.” She stood and offered her hand, which Nick promptly ignored. “Would you care for some fish or beans?”

“Had supper. And if you’re wise, you’ll avoid Heath’s beans.”

“I made them tonight.”

“They’re really good, Nick. I just might ask her for the recipe.”

“Good, eh?” Nick grunted. “Maybe I’ll try ‘em.” Heath offered his can and a spoon, which Nick did taste. “Not bad. Course, it don’t take much to beat Heath’s beans. Those things are poison in a can.”

“Well, I’m going to sit down, if you gentlemen don’t mind.” Heath sat down as well and reclaimed his beans.

“We’re just finishin’ supper.”

“You’re welcome to join us.” Nick sat down grudgingly.

The meal went quickly after that. Though Heath and Hope conversed freely, trying to include Nick in the conversation made it strange and tense. Heath was puzzled by his brother’s behavior; everyone else had liked Hope almost immediately. Why was Nick so cold?

********

Nick and Heath rode in silence after seeing Hope to her door. Nick hadn’t changed his demeanor at all, except in that he wasn’t saying much. Heath broke the silence just out of town.

“What’s wrong?”

“What makes you think there’s somethin’ wrong?”

“Nothin’, just the way you’re treatin’ Hope back there.”

“How I treat what’s-her-name is none of your business.”

“Her name’s Hope, and I’d think manners’s everybody’s business.”

“Well, now, you sound awful keen on Jarrod’s girl, that is, if she is Jarrod’s.”

“Nick, come out and say it.”

“She’s a two-timin’ tramp, and you’re goin’ along with it.” Heath stopped his horse immediately and Nick followed suit.

“You take that back right now. I ain’t ‘keen on Jarrod’s girl,’ and she ain’t anybody’s girl, just her own.”

“Anybody tell Jarrod that?”

“She’s been here a month and made friends with everyone she’s met until you, and even you have to give her credit for the effort she made. She didn’t do anything to get Jarrod’s attention, and she’s been nothin’ but kindness.”

“I don’t like her kind of kindness.”

“Nick, you stop that right now or I swear I’ll sock ya.”

“And you say you don’t care for her.”

“I believe what I’m doin’ is called bein’ a gentleman, somethin’ I hope Laura teaches you soon. Now, I’ve heard enough; I’m goin’ home.” With that he spurred his horse onward at a pace that took the dark into account and still managed to be noticeably brisker.

Nick snorted before making a clucking noise to start his horse. Come on, Coco, he thought. Heath’s fallen into her trap, but I don’t buy it. And I’m gonna do somethin’ about it, too.

************

Jarrod stood finishing his cigar by his bedroom window. They were open and the fading smoke drifted out, clouding his view of the dark horizon. His thoughts floated to the scene he’d come upon at the school.

Hope was sitting there, with the children and his brother, and she was smiling, laughing, and encouraging the children. He had never seen her so beautiful as that, in a plain dress, sitting on stairs with some cross stitch and some company. It just seemed so perfect, so lovely, that he had almost felt like an intruder upon the picture. He’d known her for nearly a month, and it seemed that they were wonderful friends, even though he didn’t really know that much about her. He knew a considerable amount of her personal history, but it wasn’t enough for what he wanted them to be. And it didn’t bother him at all.

*********

Nick walked up to the open door of the schoolhouse just minutes after school let out. Over the weekend he’d spent time thinking up exactly what he’d say to her. Seeing her there, he wasn’t so sure anymore. She looked almost like a child, small, with long, dark hair pulled back and flowing down her back. The ribbons didn’t help, either. He wouldn’t back out, though, not from saving both his brothers from her clutches, and he couldn’t back out now, either, because Hope had looked up from her desk. He hadn’t known she wore glasses, but she squinted and took them off before he could think on it.

“Oh, Nick, it’s you. Is there something I can help you with?”

Nick walked boldly near the small woman who was coming to her feet.

“Damn right there is.” His voice was loud and angry.

“I didn’t know you swore in polite company.” Hope’s thoughts hung perched, waiting for his move.

“I don’t see any, do you?”

“I don’t see the need for such a comment,” she said, her own tone rising. “Spit it out.”

“EXACTLY what I intend to do. I come here in warning. You get your claws outta my brothers.” He was on the threshold of a shout.

“So THAT’S what you think?!”

“You bet your bottom I do! You just keep CLEAR of my brothers, ya hear?!!”

“I consider BOTH your brothers to be friends, and I HAD HOPED to call YOU one as well! I don’t know what gave you the idea that I’m TOYING with anyone, but it is SLANDER and ABSOLUTELY untrue!”

“Go ahead and deny it! I DON’T GIVE A DAMN! We BOTH know WHAT you ARE. You just steer clear, Missie.”

Nick pivoted on his heel, satisfied that his job was complete. He didn’t expect Hope to scamper in front of him and block his path between the rows of desks. She stood there, a good foot shorter than he, and put her hands on her hips, determined to stand her ground.

“Don’t you dare,” she threatened, her voice full of cold anger and gaining a slight brogue. “Don’t you DARE just come in, say your slanderous bit and leave. You come to me with something you can say what you want but don’t you ever just leave and not hear me out.” Nick was too taken aback to say much.

“Now you listen, Nick Barkley, and you listen well. I don’t play those games. There are a lot of things you don’t know––”

“Yeah, like what?” he sneered down at her. She was really angered now.

“I have tea with dear old Mr. Jenkins at the telegraph office every Thursday. Am I toying with him? I stayed after last Wednesday to help Billy Matthews with his geography lesson. Am I toying with him? I spend Sunday afternoons helping Padre Sanchez; am I toying with him?

“If you haven’t learned by now in your thirty-some years on this earth not to judge hastily you haven’t learned much! As far as I’m concerned, you can think whatever you like, but don’t you ever, ever, ever come in here and treat me like that again! I don’t deserve it and I won’t take it. And if you’ll pardon me, I hear that we’re not the only ones arguing.”

Hope stormed out the door. After a moment, Nick followed. She was not in sight. He followed his ear around the corner of the little schoolhouse and found the young lady engaged in breaking up a fight between two adolescents. The boys towered over her and the small group of student spectators were lending little help.

“Stop this nonsense right now!” Hope screeched at a painfully high pitch that by its nature was guaranteed to halt many things. Nick winced. The boys stopped. Hope kept a firm hold on both boys’ shirts. She calmed herself with a deep breath and proceeded to speak in a tone that was quiet and steeled with force. “This is the third time I’ve had to break up a fight. Fighting is not allowed, and you all know it. There’s no reason for a fight, especially at your ages. I stopped you now, and this wasn’t a very big fight, but what happens next? Someday it won’t be a little fight, and someone’s going to get hurt. And shaking hands at the end doesn’t make it better.

“I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I want every single one of you back in that schoolhouse right this instant. Those who watched the fight and didn’t stop it will be getting a note to your parents. Joe, Andy, you two will be painting the schoolhouse come Saturday. I’m sorry you’ll have to miss out on some of the fun of the festival, but you will be doing it, together.

“Into the schoolhouse, everyone. And don’t think you can sneak away, because I know everyone who was here. Now, scoot. I’ll be in in a minute.” The children trudged away solemnly. “Is there anything else you wanted to discuss, Nick?”

“No, uh.. not a thing.”

********