Marian waved to theWendler children as they left to walk to the edge of town, where their mother would meet them with a wagon. She was glad they’d begun coming to school, especially since they lived so far from town. It was an effort on their parents’ part to make that happen, and it warmed Marian’s heart when it did.
“I’m here! I’m sorry if I’m late, but the ladies at Vivian’s had so much to say about the church social next Saturday. I finally had to excuse myself.” Jessilyn said all this in a breathy voice, and Marian wondered if her sister had run from Vivian’s Tea Room to the schoolhouse.
“You’re just on time,” she said, opening the door. Three children still sat inside—one older boy and two younger girls. Marian gestured at the two little girls. “Rachel and Bonnie need help with their letters. Would you work with them while I help Tommy?” Tommy Landry was already reading through a new book Marian had found at the library for him, this one all about machinery and inventions. He’d shown a great interest in learning since Marian had connected what she was teaching with the work he’d done every day with his parents, and she hoped to foster that. When she’d suggested he remain after class a couple of days each week to learn more about mathematics and science, he’d readily agreed.
Jessilyn swept inside and greeted the two girls with sweet enthusiasm. Marian smiled as she watched Bonnie and Rachel take instantly to her sister. Jessilyn hadn’t ever expressed a desire to teach, but when Marian mentioned wishing she had someone to help after school on occasion, she’d volunteered herself. Marian couldn’t have been more surprised, and when she agreed, Jessilyn had asked her a hundred questions about the children and about teaching.
With the girls huddled around her sister, Marian began to close the door to begin her work with Tommy.
“Marian!” A voice she was all too familiar with sounded from behind her as the door caught. Joy flooded her from head to toe as she turned to see Cole standing there, his hand on the door.
“Hello.” He was breathing quickly, almost as if he’d also run here. Everyone must have been in a hurry today.
“Hello,” she said in return. Noticing his empty hands, she smiled and added, “Is our gift today your presence?”
He glanced down at his hands, looking almost sheepish. “I didn’t bring anything.”
“Cole, it’s quite all right.” He looked so downtrodden that Marian rested a hand on his arm. “You needn’t bring me—us—gifts.”
His gaze was on her hand, and Marian grew self-conscious. It had been a natural reaction, one meant to comfort, and she hadn’t second-guessed it until now. She pulled her hand away and buried it in the folds of her skirt.
Cole’s eyes moved to her face, and Marian waited for his reply. But a moment passed, and he said nothing. He watched her curiously, as if he were thinking hard about something.
She swallowed as the awkward seconds ticked on, and finally, he ran a hand over his face and gestured toward the street.
“I met the Thomas girls’ father.”
Marian couldn’t have been more surprised at his words. Here she thought he was building the courage to say something important . . . which wasn’t something she should want to hear from him, anyway.
She swallowed her disappointment, and replied, “Oh?”
“Yes. He seems to be a congenial sort.”
“They’re a good family,” Marian replied, trying not to cringe with how formal and uncomfortable this conversation had become. It was as if she and Cole had only just met.
“I should return to work.” He ducked his head and touched his hat before turning and heading down the road.
Marian watched him go through squinted eyes. What had just happened? Not five minutes ago, she might’ve entertained wild thoughts about abandoning all she’d worked toward to be with Cole Robertson. And now . . .
She didn’t know. But a vague disappointment made her limbs feel heavy, and she wished she could go home to bed instead of returning to the schoolhouse to work with Tommy Landry.
“There you are,” Jessilyn said brightly when Marian shut the door behind her. Her friendly smile dipped when she saw the look on Marian’s face.
This wouldn’t do. Teaching was what she loved. And it needed her attention now. She sat down across from Tommy and trained her mind on the book he’d been reading. Thirty minutes passed easily, and before she knew it, Jessilyn was saying goodbye to the two girls.
“I think I was able to help Rachel and Bonnie,” Jessilyn said after the girls and Tommy had left.
“I’m certain you did.” Marian smiled at her sister as she began to move the desks and chairs they’d used back into place.
“If you need me again, I’m happy to help them or any of the other students.” Jessilyn’s voice was hopeful as she pushed a chair back into position.
“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” Marian truly was thankful. Her school had blossomed quickly, but so many of the children, not having been to school in so long, needed more help than she could give during the day.
Jessilyn beamed at her words. She waited by the door while Marian gathered her things. A knock sounded just as Marian had finished buttoning up her coat.
“Who could that be?” she wondered aloud, all while not daring to hope the person behind the knock was who she hoped it might be.
Jessilyn opened the door and stepped back. “Please come in, Deputy. It’s good to see you again.” She flashed a grin at Marian as Cole entered the room. “I must go to help Mama with supper. I’ll see you at home.”
