“Well?” Grandpa Johnson said. “Can you help us?”
Ottilie Ferguson looked at him, then to either side of him, and nodded. “All right, but … what exactly do I have to do?”
“Just make sure they’re able to come. You don’t mind sitting with the little one, do you?”
“No, but …”
“Perfect! I’ll tell them when I get home.”
Ottilie glanced around again. No one else was there, but she could have sworn when he first walked into the mercantile, he had a friend with him – and the friend was carrying a rooster under one arm. She shook her head. She must be seeing things, just like at the Christmas dance. If no one else saw Old Man Johnson’s imaginary friends, how could she? “But how do I get out there?”
“Leave that to us – we’ll arrange everything.”
She smiled nervously. She hoped her aunt didn’t think she was daft for helping the old man. But if she didn’t, lives could be ruined. She had to do her part, even if Mr. Johnson was mad. “Fine. Just let me know.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll know.” He turned and practically skipped out the door.
No sooner had he left than Arlan, Benjamin and Calvin Weaver came in. “Howdy, Ottilie,” Arlan said. “Lookin’ forward to the big dance?”
“Um, not exactly.”
“Why not – are ya sick?” Calvin asked.
“No, sir.” She went to the counter, gathered her purchases, and headed out the door.
The Weavers stared after her. “Ya don’t think Mrs. Ferguson’s makin’ her stay home, do ya?” Benjamin asked.
“Might be,” Arlan said. “She’s a pretty girl. Any man worth his salt would wanna marry her.”
“Maybe Mrs. Ferguson ain’t ready to part with her yet,” Calvin agreed.
Aunt Betsy entered the store from the back. “There you are – you made it. So who’s with you?”
“We brought Rufi, Alfonzo, Arturo and Lucia,” Calvin told her. “The others are home with Benjamin and Charity.”
“I’ll send something special home with you for them. And Olivia?”
“She’s here too,” Benjamin told her.
“I haven’t seen much of Warren or Bernice over the last couple of weeks. Plenty of Samuel, though – and his ‘friends’.”
Arlan winced. “I’m sure the Johnsons are busy. Are they comin’ to the dance?”
Betsy shrugged. “Couldn’t say.”
The brothers exchanged a look. “Maybe it’s for the best if they don’t,” Benjamin said. “Poor Olivia. Anyone can tell she’s heartbroke.”
“That awful man, leaving her like that,” Betsy commented.
“No, Aunt Betsy, it ain’t like that,” Arlan said. “It’s our fault – we should’ve said somethin’ to both of ‘em early on and we didn’t.”
“We already done ‘pologized to Olivia,” Benjamin said.
“And we wrote a letter to George, ‘pologizin’ to him,” Calvin added.
Aunt Betsy’s hands went to her hips. “Do I want to know how badly you three stuck your noses in things?”
“In?” Calvin cried. “It was keepin’ ‘em out that got poor Olivia’s heart broke!”
Betsy’s hands – and jaw – fell. “Land sakes, you really do like her.”
“’Course we do,” Arlan said. “This ain’t the same woman we knew years ago. She’s changed.”
“We just hope she stays this way,” Benjamin said. “Anyway, we’re here to see if you or Uncle Lancaster need anythin’ done while we’re here.”
“As a matter of fact, I do. George Johnson was going to build us some new shelves, but he lit out of here a day or two after they came back from your place at Christmas. I guess now I know why …”
The brothers exchanged another look. “Can’t say I blame him,” Calvin said. “Just tell us what ya need, Aunt Betsy, and we’ll get it done while we’re here.”
“Thank you, boys – you’ve made me very happy!” she gushed. She started writing them out a to-do list.
Charlotte entered the store from their living quarters. “Hello, you three. Where are your wives?”
“At the hotel,” Arlan told her. “I’m sure they’ll be along to say hello.”
“And Olivia?”
“She’s here too …”
Just then, Olivia and Rufi entered. “Just the person I want to see,” Charlotte said, making a beeline for Olivia. “Are you excited about the dance?”
Olivia sighed. “Not really.”
Charlotte glanced at Arlan and his brothers. “Oh.” She turned back to Olivia. “Bernice told me all about the dress Arlan and Samijo gave your for Christmas – I can’t wait to see it. You are wearing it, aren’t you?”
“I brought it with me …”
“Don’t mind Olivia,” Rufi said. “We’re tired from the trip, and we need hair ribbons and decided not to wait until tomorrow to get them. What do you have?”
Charlotte pointed to a corner. “The newest ones are over there. I can help you pick some if you like.”
The Weaver men watched the women head for the ribbon display, and Arlan sighed. “I’m gonna pay Spencer a visit. Maybe he ain’t gone home yet.”
“Yeah, then maybe we won’t feel so guilty,” Calvin added.
“You boys did what you thought was right at the time,” Betsy said quietly. “If you hurry, you might catch him. Otherwise it’ll have to wait until morning.”
Arlan gave his aunt a quick nod and left the mercantile. Calvin and Benjamin smiled at the women and followed.
When they reached the sheriff’s office, Spencer was speaking with Ottilie. “I think what you’re doing is a fine thing, young lady.” He glanced apprehensively at the Weavers. “Hello, boys. Just get into town?”
“Not long ago,” Arlan replied. “Can I have a word?”
“Of course.” He turned back to Ottilie. “Tomorrow, then.”
“Thank you, sheriff.” She headed down the boardwalk.
Arlan and his brothers watched her go, then faced the sheriff. “Ya know why we’re here.”
“Yes, and I just got some interesting news. Come inside the office a moment?”
* * *
The Valentine’s dance was one of the most looked forward to events of the year. There would be tables laden with food and one just for the punch. Entire families pitched in to decorate the meeting hall and prepare things. It was also the one event where love was definitely in the air.
For most, anyway. Olivia wasn’t one of them, but she wouldn’t complain. She’d agreed with Hank to start full-time on March 17. She had new friends and a chance to start a whole new life, no strings attached. The only unsettled question she cared about was how long it took to get over a broken heart. Would seeing Warren and Bernice make it worse, or could they commiserate? Well, she supposed she’d find out soon enough – Ebba had insisted she go rather than stay back with her at the hotel if she didn’t feel up to it, so her escape route had been cut off.
“You look lovely!” Rufi gushed when she saw Olivia in her Christmas dress. “I do wish you’d let me put some ribbons in your hair.”
“I don’t need them. It’s not like I’m looking for a beau.”
“Rufi is!” Lucia chortled from a nearby chair.
Rufi glared at her little sister. “Quiet, you.”
Lucia giggled. “I bet there’ll be boys interested in you.”
“I said quiet,” Rufi ordered. She put the finishing touches on Olivia’s hair and stepped back to study her handiwork. “There.”
Olivia admired herself in the mirror. Considering her age, she didn’t look bad. Now if she could manage to keep her spirits up, she might get through the evening. She did want to see Warren and Bernice. Maybe they’d heard from George …
“Are we ready?” Rufi asked as she finished with Lucia’s hair.
“I am!” Lucia hopped out of her chair and hurried for the door.
Slow down,” Olivia laughed. Well, what do you know? she thought. I can still laugh. I’m not licked yet. She took a deep breath.
“Is something the matter?” Rufi asked. “Did Arlan give you bad news today? I saw the two of you talking.”
“No, he didn’t. That is, I guess it depends on how one looks at things. It’s just that everything now is so new for me, I find it overwhelming at times.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Rufi reached for her wrap. “Let’s go.”
They left the hotel and walked arm in arm to the meeting hall. Most of the family had gathered outside to wait for them. Samijo was grinning. “Look at you three – the belles of the ball.”
Lucia laughed. “I’m here for the food. Rufi’s here for the boys.”
Rufi tried to kick her in the shin, and just missed.
“Stop it, you two,” Bella snapped, patting her hair. “Let us have a good time tonight. No wars.”
“That will be easy,” Rufi said. “Only Alfonzo and Arturo are here … hey, where are they?”
“Already inside eatin’ – where else?” Calvin said. “Let’s go.”
They entered the meeting hall to shouts of greeting. Ma and Harlan were also already inside, and speaking with Doc and Millie Brown. Olivia stopped short. Did she want to speak with the doctor as well? Perhaps later in the evening – she had enough to deal with as it was. She hoped she could laugh and enjoy herself, but was already finding it hard around so many people who’d been so kind to her at the Christmas dance. If they only knew …
“Olivia!” Bernice called.
She froze, eyes shut tight.
“Olivia,” Bernice said again as she reached her. “I was wondering when you’d show.” She gave her a big hug. “I’ve missed you.”
Olivia looked at her, unable to keep the tears at bay. “I’ve missed you too.” She glanced around. “Where’s Warren?”
“He’s getting me some punch. Would you like some?”
Olivia wiped her eyes. “No, thank you. Not yet.”
Bernice studied her. “Are you all right?”
“Oh yes.” She wiped another tear away. “Like I said, I’ve missed you too.”
Bernice gave her another hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She let go. “I’m sure you’re curious as to how George is doing.”
Olivia’s heart leaped in her chest as her throat grew thick. She would not cry! She’d done enough of that already. And Arlan had given her such good news that morning. “Um …”
“Olivia,” Bernice said with concern. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
She sighed. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be all right.”
“Don’t say that! Of course you will.”
“Oh, never mind about me.” Olivia looked around again. “Where’s the baby?”
“Oh, Ottilie offered to watch Alston for us so we could all come. I wouldn’t think of bringing him to this – he’s far too young. And with Grandpa here, I already have my hands full.”
“Grandpa? I’d love to see him.”
Bernice pointed. “He’s over there, talking with Clayton and Summer Riley.”
Olivia followed her finger and smiled. “How is he doing?”
“About the same. He still speaks with his ‘friends,’ but there doesn’t seem to be any harm in it.” She turned as the meeting hall doors opened. “Oh, who’s that? I don’t know them.”
Olivia turned, as did a lot of other folks wanting to get a look at the strangers. “Oh good Lord.”
“What?” Bernice’s eyes flicked between the newcomers and Olivia. “Do you know them?”
Olivia, eyes wide with recognition, nodded. “Better than that. The man in front – I remember him!”
“Olivia?” the man said as he slowly approached.
Olivia looked him up and down. “Jonathan,” she whispered as a flood of emotion hit her. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Jonathan!” He stepped closer, opened his arms wide and she threw herself into them. “Oh, Jonathan,” she sobbed.
“Who is he?” Bernice asked as Warren joined them. They looked at the pretty woman with dark hair and blue eyes standing to one side – the man’s wife, perhaps?
“Jonathan,” Olivia said again and stepped back. “How … “
“How’d I find you?” He smiled. “The preacher where I live, got a letter from his cousin who lives here, and she mentioned you.” He glanced at the woman with him. “Among other things.”
Olivia stared at the woman. “And who is this?”
He let her go and took the woman by the hand. “Olivia, this is my wife Maisie.”
Olivia stared at him in shock. “Your wife? Oh, congratulations!”
Arlan and Samijo approached slowly. “Olivia?”
She looked at them, tears pouring down her cheeks. “This … this is my brother Jonathan.”
They glanced at the man, then back to Olivia. “And?” Arlan prompted.
“What’s going on?” Jonathan asked. “Is something wrong?”
“Didn’t Mrs. Latsch say what happened to me?”
“No, only that you were here. I thought I should come and see how you were doing. I haven’t heard from Ma and Pa … lately.”
“Nor have I. I doubt they even know where I am.”
Arlan straightened. “Wait a minute.” He pointed at Olivia. “You recognized him?”
“Yes!” she said excitedly. “And now it’s all coming back … Pa and Ma and … and Burr … oh, and all the awful things I did – you told me, but now … oh, I was awful!”
“Well, so were Ma and Pa,” Jonathan argued. “It wasn’t like they taught you better.”
“Oh, but that’s no excuse – I was horrid. I know I’ve said it before, Arlan, but I’m so sorry. How could I … oh. I need to sit down.”
Arlan and Bernice guided her to a chair, with Jonathan and a passel of Weavers following as the music stopped. “We forgive you, Olivia,” Arlan said for the group. “We’re just glad you’re remembering now.”
Olivia knew she probably looked like a cow who’d been stunned with a hammer, but she felt she’d earned the right. “Oh my. Oh, what a life I’ve led. No wonder I forgot it – I probably wanted to!” She chuckled despite herself.
Jonathan stared at her and stepped between them. “Olivia, what’s happened to you?”
She smiled and pointed at Ma. “She happened to me.” She then pointed at Arlan and Samijo. “And they did, and them – all of them.” She waved a hand to indicate all the Weavers and Johnsons and Browns. “These people saved me, Jonathan.”
He looked around, eyes wide. “Saved you from what?”
Olivia swallowed hard. “Myself.”