Road to Harmony Page 8

  “Who else?”

  “Come see.”

  Before he had a chance to make introductions, a movement caught his eye. Lars’s black stallion and carriage moved at a good clip toward the house. Why was he headed their way?

  “We have company. Sorry, squirt. It may be a while longer.”

  “Come find me when you’re ready.” Sabrina let out a frustrated breath and ran off.

  Jonas squinted to see if Elena was with him. On closer inspection, there were two women in the carriage, including his sister. Why didn’t Dana’s family take Gabi home?

  The carriage came to a stop beside the house. He helped Gabi down, then Elena, her gloved hand fitting perfectly in his rough one.

  “Lars and Elena graciously offered to bring me home after church.” Gabi tilted her chin upward, defying anyone to contradict her. “I wanted to check on Ma before the luncheon.”

  Jonas watched Gabi make her way toward the house. Tear stains marked each of her cheeks. He wouldn’t push her. If she wanted to talk to him later, he’d listen. “Thank you, Lars, for bringing her home.”

  The cooing sound of a baby caught his attention. Yvette, with son in tow, stood on the front porch. Where did she come from? Jonas adjusted his hat. She did make quite a sight in her fancy purple dress.

  “Didn’t know you had company.” Elena’s voice quivered. Was she jealous?

  “Actually, neither did I.” Jonas took a step back.

  Elena sighed. “Lars, help me into the carriage, please. My parents are expecting us.” She made a show of walking around the opposite side where Lars stood and lingered over his grasp. “Jonas, are you coming for lunch?” Her words were clipped.

  “Plan to.” Jonas ambled up to the carriage. “Would your parents mind a couple of extra people? I have a new farm hand, and I know Yvette would enjoy a hot meal.”

  “The more the merrier.” Lars wore a smug expression and picked up the reins. “Right, Elena?”

  “There will be a big announcement, so don’t be late.” Elena fidgeted with her bonnet. “The whole valley is invited.”

  A big announcement?

  Jonas could think of only one public declaration Elena would make—her engagement to Lars. “We’ll be there.”

  Lars clicked his tongue, and the stallion hauled the carriage down the dirt path and out of sight.

  “Did you hire Nicolas?” Yvette called out, bouncing the baby on her hip.

  “For now.”

  “Nicolas begged me to drive him out here. Said you were his angel the other night. You were my angel, too.”

  “That’s nice of you to say.” Jonas climbed the porch steps.

  Son, promise me you’ll marry Yvette. Help me make amends. His pa’s last words filled his mind.

  “There’s one thing you should know about your new hired hand.” Yvette craned her neck toward the barn as if she were going to reveal a big secret.

  Images of a wanted poster flashed across Jonas’s mind. “Is he running from the law?”

  Yvette laughed. “Oh, no. Nothing of the sort.”

  “Then?” Jonas lifted a hand.

  Yvette heaved a sigh. “He’s my brother.”

  “Your what?”

  “I didn’t want to tell you the other night when you first brought him to the boardinghouse. I was embarrassed and afraid you’d think less of my family.” Yvette kissed her baby’s downy head and avoided his eye. “Your opinion matters to me.”

  “Well, I’ll be.” Since when had a woman valued his opinion? Yvette’s words were refreshing. Flattering. On the other hand, she might be sweet-talking him so that her brother would have a job. Jonas was used to feisty women, like Elena ... and Gabi—women who challenged him at every turn. “But why doesn’t he work at the boardinghouse? Seems to me he’d be a big help to you and your grandfather—”

  “Grandfather would like him to work at the boardinghouse, but Nicolas needs a new start away from town and the saloon. It was my brother’s idea to come here. He wants to pay off his debt.”

  Jonas understood. His time in San Francisco was what he needed, although it ended with the earthquake and the death of his uncle. Thank goodness Ma send him that letter and requested him back home.

  Baby Willie lunged toward him.

  Yvette handed over her son. “He likes you.” She set both hands on her tiny waist. “How come a handsome man like yourself doesn’t have a woman by his side?” She blushed at the question, and her eyelashes fluttered.

  “I don’t rightly know.” Jonas gave Willie back to his mama. A change of subject was necessary. “It’s almost time to eat. Would you and Nicolas like to join my family for a luncheon at the Seiferts’ place?”

  “That would be lovely. Thank you.” Yvette held her son close and smiled.

  “Let’s round up everyone. Will you see if Gabi and my mother are ready? I’ll fetch Nicolas and Sabrina from the barn.” Jonas spoke over his shoulder as he quickened his pace, needing space between himself and the brunette.

  “Sabrina?” He whipped the barn door open and called twice more.

  “I’m the only one in here.” Nicolas hoisted the wheelbarrow full of cow manure. “This is my last load.”

  “Good work.” Jonas scanned the wide expanse of the building. “After you unload, clean up. I’ve invited you and your sister to lunch.”

  Nicolas hesitated. “So, she told you.”

  “We’ll discuss that later. For now, I need to find my sister.”

  Last he’d seen Sabrina, she was standing by the barn. A gnawing feeling grabbed at his gut. Sabrina had wanted to walk down to the creek and catch crawfish. Fear swept over him.

  His younger sister was told never to go there alone.

  Last night’s conversation with Jonas echoed in Elena’s mind.

  “Are you going to marry Yvette?”

  “If she’ll have me.”

  Elena had to admit Yvette made a striking vision standing on Jonas’s front porch with her baby in her arms—as if she belonged there.

  She stole a glance at Lars driving the buggy. He was impeccably dressed, as always, and his beard was neatly trimmed. Nobody could dispute his knowledge about business and or his kind spirit. There were many things she admired about Lars. Most of all, his patience. But something about him made her hesitate in saying yes to his proposal.

  “What’s on your mind, dear? You’ve been quiet ever since we left the Bollinger place.”

  Elena’s heart beat wildly. Her mother had warned her to consider her family. With Lars’s recent request, Samuel’s future would be secure. How good to know her childlike brother would always have a home. Her face warmed. It was time.

  Elena grabbed hold of Lars’s arm. “Yes, I will marry you.”

  Lars yanked on the reins. The horse whinnied and came to an abrupt stop. “Yes?”

  She looked deep into Lars’s eyes, hoping he’d give her a sign that she’d made the right choice. “Yes.”

  He cupped her face with both hands and kissed the top of her head, like her pa would’ve done. Her shoulders lowered a notch, but she kept her gaze strong.

  Grabbing the reins once again, he flicked the leather against the horse’s flanks. He glanced her way and shouted, “You’ve made me a happy man.”

  Elena clutched her reticule tight in her lap, her heart sinking. The promise was made, and it was the right decision.

  So why was she thinking about Jonas’s touch when he helped her down from Lars’s carriage?

  Chapter Eleven

  Jonas headed toward the creek. If he discovered Sabrina there, she’d be in a heap of trouble. He couldn’t bring himself to use the switch, like Pa had done. No, he’d think of another punishment that would prevent his little sister from going to the creek alone.

  The water wasn’t deep, but one false step and she’d catch her foot in a rut in the creek bed. His steps quickened. The last time he and Sabrina went there, she wanted to remove her boots and wade barefoot among the crawdads and tadp
oles. His heart twisted at the long-ago memory.

  Rounding the hill, he had a clear vision of the water and the tall oak trees. Sabrina was nowhere in sight. Was she lying down in the grass?

  “Sabrina,” Jonas hollered.

  Now in a run, he thought he spied movement at the top of one of the sycamore trees. One wrong move could send her tumbling to the ground. Sabrina was a daydreamer and he didn’t want to startle her. Jonas approached and chose to wait until he could see her clearly before calling out her name again.

  Her pale pink dress and brown boots came into view. Sabrina’s legs dangled as she sat high on a branch. He could hear her voice among the twittering birds. Sounded as if she was talking to someone.

  “Sabrina?” Jonas shaded his eyes from the light filtering through the branches.

  “Jonas. I’d been praying you’d come. I need help getting down.” The relief in her tone softened his attitude.

  “What are you doing here by yourself? It’s dangerous.” Did he sound stern like his pa?

  “Don’t be angry with me.” Sabrina’s voice shook.

  He’d need to give her a boost of confidence if she was going to make it to the bottom in one piece. “Grab hold of that branch, and take one step down at a time. I’m here to catch you if you stumble.”

  “I’m scared.” She clung to the branch, her body rigid.

  Jonas removed his hat and tossed it on the log. “You can see my hand. I’m not far. Come down slowly.”

  Sabrina made a move toward him. With each step, she came closer.

  Her foot slipped, and her loud shriek rose into the sky, but she righted herself with careful movements. Finally she reached one of the bottom limbs.

  Extending both his arms, Jonas called, “Okay, squirt. Jump. I’ll catch you.”

  Sabrina pressed her lips together in deep concentration. She took in a big breath and lunged forward.

  Jonas bent his knees and stepped back. As he caught her around the waist, his foot snagged on an exposed root and sent them both tumbling to the ground. Sabrina landed on top of him with a thud. He moaned.

  Sabrina scrambled off and knelt beside him in the dirt. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t blame you if you grounded me ’til I was nine.”

  Grounding her for three months? Not a bad idea. He sat up and stretched his back. On close inspection, his sister’s dress was soiled and torn on the sleeve. Smudges of dirt marked both cheeks. “What are you doing here alone?”

  Sabrina lowered her head, averting her eyes. Dark ringlets framed her face. She picked up a leaf and twirled it between her thumb and forefinger. “Talking to Pa.”

  Jonas rested back on his elbows, the ache of his family’s loss weighing heavy on his mind. “I miss Pa too, but we can’t go around doing foolish things.”

  “I started climbing the tree and all of a sudden I was near the top.” She dropped the leaf. “That’s when I realized Pa couldn’t help me, but God could. I prayed you’d come. And you did.” Sabrina’s brown eyes penetrated deep in his soul.

  At eight years of age, Sabrina was wise beyond her years. God would help Jonas’s family now that their pa was gone. He’d help Jonas and take care of his ma, Gabi and Sabrina. And Yvette?

  “Come on, squirt. We have a luncheon to go to.” He hoisted himself to his feet and extended a hand.

  Sabrina grabbed hold and stood. “What’s my punishment?”

  He snatched his hat from the log and placed it on his head. “I’ll let it go this time. You’ve learned your lesson.” With an arm around his sister, they headed home.

  An urge to head back to the creek overwhelmed him. A lazy afternoon catching crawdads with his baby sister sounded peaceful. Much better than watching Elena commit her life to another man.

  The food piled high on Elena’s plate brought a few curious glances her way. She sat on the cedar bench and balanced the dish on her knees. Surely there was another way to delay the announcement. By the abundance of her meal, she wouldn’t be finished until the cows returned to the barn for their late afternoon milking.

  “Did you eat breakfast, my dear?” Lars sat down next to her.

  “I don’t know what’s gotten into me. It looks like I’m eating for two.” Her face warmed at the suggestion. She dug her fork into Mrs. Cavegn’s potato salad and brought it to her mouth.

  “We wouldn’t want your neighbors thinking such a thing.” Lars’s mortified tone hinted at his displeasure.

  “We’ve never discussed children—”

  “Nor shall we now. There’ll be plenty of time to discuss our future.” Lars bit into a drumstick.

  How odd. He’d never interrupted her before. Did she embarrass him? Elena glanced at the heaping portion of food. She’d certainly embarrassed herself. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” She stood from the bench, walked inside the house and handed her food to Samuel, who had yet to fill a plate.

  Samuel’s eyes widened as he took in the exorbitant meal. “Thank you.” He grabbed a clean fork and joined the crowd outdoors.

  The spread laid across her mother’s table was fit for royalty. Venison, chicken drumsticks, rolls, sweet corn and potato salad as well as watermelon, pinto beans, and Granny Smith apples. The neighboring farmers had been more than generous. She’d be more selective this time, only acquiring enough food to show Lars she was a reasonable woman. What had gotten into her?

  Her mother guided her outside. “Elena, Mr. Salmina wants everyone outside to hear his announcement.”

  Marius Salmina, a man in his early thirties, motioned for the farmers and their families to quiet down as they ate their meal. “What I’ve got to say will change all of our lives.”

  Hushed tones emerged as the people put down their utensils and turned their ear to listen. A couple of farmers crossed their arms defensively, while others, along with their wives, were eager to hear what the man had to say.

  “As you all know, I’m a dairyman myself—”

  “Get to the point,” Mr. Cavegn yelled.

  “Fine, fine.” Mr. Salmina waved his hands to quiet the small crowd. “My brother has graciously offered his farm site for the new cheese factory—right here in Harmony Valley. We’ll be open for business by the end of next week.”

  Cheers erupted. Farmers jumped from their seats and slapped each other on the back. Women hugged. Life on the hills might be easier for the dairymen now as long as they minded their own cows—or kept them from being stolen. Elena scanned the group. Where was Jonas? He’d be delighted with the news.

  As Papa approached, the lines that crinkled his forehead told a different story. Her father didn’t seem pleased. “Anja, I need to speak with you.” With a hand at the small of her mother’s back, he escorted her from the gathering. Whatever he needed to tell her wasn’t good.

  Lars continued to relish his meal, seemingly unaffected by his surroundings.

  Elena glanced at the house. What would cause her papa concern? The whole valley came to the luncheon—everyone except Jonas and his family. They were grieving, after all. Maybe her papa’s distress had to do with the stolen cows and the money he would lose.

  Samuel slid onto the cedar bench next to Lars. Elena took the opportunity to slip inside the house. Her parents’ door was closed. She leaned against it, her ear pressed to the wood, and strained to hear their conversation. Nothing. Feeling a bit guilty for attempting to spy, Elena returned to the kitchen and observed the gathering through the window.

  Jonas and his family arrived in their wagon. Gabi, Samantha, and a man Elena had never met before sat in the back. Brigitte was perched on Jonas’s right while Yvette, carrying her young son on her lap, took the place beside him on his left.

  Elena’s throat constricted as she tried to swallow the bite of chicken. She’d need to let go of her feelings for Jonas once and for all now that she was promised to Lars.

  “Jonas, get off my property!” Her father’s voice boomed behind her.

  Elena rushed to the door and blocked her father’s pat
h, preventing the farmers and their families from hearing his outburst. “Papa, why are you saying such things? It isn’t like you.”

  He reached for his shotgun. “Another cow has been stolen.”

  Elena’s heart sank. “And you blame Jonas?”

  “He was the only one from the valley not present until now.”

  “You defended him the other night to Mama, don’t you remember?”

  “What I remember, child, is that you were sound asleep in your room when Jonas sat at our kitchen table.”

  “No Papa. I listened by my door.”

  Her father raised a brow.

  “You can’t believe Jonas is guilty of stealing our cows. The cattle rustling started before he came home. Don’t you remember?”

  Her father set the shotgun down, paced the small room, and wedged his hands into his trouser pockets. He worked his lip.

  “Where’s Mama?”

  “She went to the barn to check Buttercup. She’s taken to the young calf.”

  “What about Jonas? His family must be going through a terrible time since their Pa passed. They could use a good meal.” Elena risked stepping away from the door.

  Her father’s shoulders visibly relaxed as he reconsidered her words. “We better join the others, but I’m keeping my eye on Jonas. Any more coincidences and I’m going to contact the authorities.” He strode across the floor, thrust open the door, and mingled among small crowd of farmers, women, and children.

  An uneasy feeling swirled around Elena’s belly. She’d have to warn Jonas to stay away from her family’s property—at least until the cow thief was caught. Elena rested a hand on the neckline of her dress, feeling for the silver locket.

  “There you are, my dear.” Lars’s voice startled her back to the party at hand. “Are you ready to tell everyone about our engagement?” He beamed.

  Elena dropped her hand to her side and approached Lars by the door. “As soon as Mama joins us. She’s with Buttercup in the barn.”

  “Look. I see your mother talking with Brigitte Bollinger.” Lars motioned. “Poor woman losing her husband and having two daughters to feed.”