Of Needles and Haystacks by Ann Fryer (the beginning after the end novel read TXT) 📕

field, or did you come in when we talked about your remarkable looks?” His grin spread from ear to ear.

I grew absolutely angry. I daresay I sputtered. Crossed my arms too. Even if he had known I was there, why mention it? Pretending it never happened would be so much easier. I was certainly willing.

“Come now. It isn’t all that bad, is it? Being wanted?”

“I didn’t hear anything about being wanted.” We were at the back of the house, far in the wide blossoming courtyard or I would have bolted inside.

“You did, remember? Mother tires of us unruly boys.” He mocked a lady-voice. “I simply must have a daughter.” His lips twitched with humor.

“I fail to see...”

“What you fail to see is what you did not hear. I was having a lark with you. The corner of your gown poked in clear as day right at the edge of the door.”

I wanted to be back in my room, burrowed under the down comforter. I wasn’t sure what he meant to say. His mother’s supposed jest about my land still rankled. Mr. Bleu’s involvement, a fact that consumed my every thought.

Chess must have seen my apprehension. “We don’t need the land.” He gestured to the horizon.

I looked at him in the eyes, hoping for clarification. His silly manners fell away, leaving behind the real Chess, the one who smiled lightly and held me in gentle, genuine esteem. Had anyone ever looked at me like this? Besides Mr. Bleu?

“It would be an honor to court you, Dorothy.”

I gasped without meaning to. Helen. Did I dare?

“Though you are decent enough.”

I swatted his arm. “I’m afraid...I...” I didn’t know what to say. I’d come along on this walk out of vain curiosity. To hear Chess joke about and try to placate his mother’s grand idea of courtship without really doing so. But here he was actually offering. And seeming as though he truly cared.

“I wouldn’t let my brother have a chance with you.”

“Unfair of you.”

“What? You prefer him to me? Scandalous.”

I shook my head vigorously.

“I hope you will consider me? I’ll be doomed if you don’t.” He looked to the sky as if begging heaven to cure him.

“I can’t make promises.” Certainly not then. Not yet, likely not ever. Such news might do Uncle in. And then what would become of my family? Mr. Bleu could only help so much. If the thought of my marriage to Bleu set him off...

I knew that I could never accept Chess.

“Girls like you need to settle down.” He gave me another genuine smile.

And then, he did a very rash thing. He swooped closer and tried to kiss me. I should have been prepared—should never have gone on a walk alone with him. I shoved him away and ran like the wind— thankful he didn’t follow.

Here is everything I’d been missing. A family that desires to have me around, in beautiful surroundings, no less. I’d be able to look forward to children of my own one day. Still, there is no strong pull for me to stay. No spark of love to glue me in place.

Chapter 24

MAY 26, 1880

I visited both Uncle and Aunt today. Whatever our past, or lack thereof, I wanted to start fresh, make a new history. One with our whole loving family back around the hearth, telling stories and singing. Like I remember. Our time together had only begun. How I missed the little ones, constantly gathering around me, treating me like the May queen. Little Ruby dancing around the house and fetching eggs from the hen house. Tom and Henry impressing me with their monotone school recitations. Helen and Kirsten’s wistful dreams—young and romantic as my own.

I had hoped to run into Mr. Bleu, to ask simmering questions for which I had no real words. Would he understand my boiling babble? Perhaps best I did not see him.

Aunt had a ready smile, she must feel hopeful. Uncle is still abed, but when I saw him, he was dressed and propped up on several pillows. With an air of diplomacy, he took my hand as if I were a privileged stranger. Months ago, at the train station, his eyes had glimmered with tears perhaps, overcome by emotion. Now they had a dull shine.

“I see the MacDonald’s are treating you well enough.” What a tone he took.

He might only guess how spoiled I’ve been. “Too well, I’m afraid. Wish we were back on the farm together.”

“Do you now?” he nodded. “I do too. Can’t stand this sitting.”

“When does the doctor think you can be up?”

“I’m going to ride out to the farm tomorrow, with or without his approval.”

Spoken like a true farmer. “Is that wise?”

“Well, it’s foolish to not keep an eye on things. Got to take care of my family. And that includes you.” He cleared his throat. “Get tobacco in before it’s too late.”

“You’ve done a wonderful job.” I hoped this were true. “I’ve been to visit Ernest. He and Mr. Bleu are—"

“Don’t speak of him.” Uncle spat.

I gripped the iron bedstead, fearing he’d suffer another setback. I kept my mouth closed.

“He right made a shameful embarrassment between us, Dorothy.”

“I’m so sorry.” Sorry that anger opened the door to sickness and that sickness kept him from being the man he could be.

“David had no right to do that to us. Wheedled his way and tried to steal your heart to steal my land.”

My land. I gulped back the truth. It seared my lips like Isaiah’s hot coal. Except I could not offer it like the seraphim to Uncle, and atone for him. It wasn’t my gift to give! Or was it?

“Anyone wanting to court you is gonna have to come through me.” He firmly nodded, jaw set. “Your parents would have wanted this for you. I’m your protector. You’re like one of my own daughters now.”

I suddenly felt like a possession rather than a beloved child. As if in possessing me, he possessed the land. My thoughts grew cloudy and confused.