For the rest of the week, Gertrude watched Jed and dozens of Nowhere residents play instruments, sing songs, and dance around the book wagon while the library sat mostly empty. Gertrude scrubbed the entire building several times over, but it was no use. No one wanted to come to the library anymore.

On Wednesday, it was Gertrude’s turn to help with the dishes. As Minnie washed the plates and cutlery, Gertrude dried them off with an old rag and complained about Jed Thorn.

“Everything about him drives me mad. He’s so…so…so carefree. That’s it. He acts like he hasn’t a care in the world. His head seems to be in the clouds. No wonder he lives in a wagon as a grown man!” Gertrude fumed as she vigorously dried a saucer.

“Easy there.” Minnie thought Gertrude was pressing so hard she might break some of the dishes.

“Even his hair, and the way he dresses! It’s all awful.” Gertrude couldn’t stop. “Not to mention no one knows where he even gets those books? The Postal Service surely wouldn’t deliver to a traveling wagon!”

Minnie was at a loss for words. She wanted to help her sister, but she truly didn’t know what to say that would comfort Gertrude. “I’m sorry you’re going through this, Gertie.”

Gertrude was barely paying attention to Minnie. “Oh, and the songs he sings? How can one person sing so much? I think he must sing almost all day, from the early morning into the evening. And that banjo of his…”

Just then, Edna Petunia wandered into the kitchen, sipping from her hip flask. She swore it was only cough syrup, but Gertrude and her sisters suspected it was a different liquid. “What’s all this nonsense about singing? That banjo man still giving you trouble, Gert?”

“He’s still there.” Gertrude set the drying towel aside for a moment. “I don’t know how to make him leave.”

Edna Petunia scratched her chin thoughtfully. “You can’t make someone do anything they don’t want to do.” She took another sip from the flask. “But just remember, don’t get your oxen in a ditch if you can help it.”

Gertrude tried not to roll her eyes. She never knew exactly what was going to come out of Edna Petunia’s mouth. She didn’t see how it was pertinent to her situation, but she appreciated that the old woman tried hard to keep all of her daughters happy.

“What does that mean?” Minnie wondered out loud, but Edna Petunia had already left the kitchen and gone off to find Cletus.

Gertrude finished drying the last dish. “I’m really not sure about that.”

* * *

On Thursday, the music from the book wagon was louder than ever. In addition to Jed’s banjo, one boy beat against a drum, and a little girl was blowing into a horn. A dozen or so others were singing, laughing, and dancing around the wagon.

Gertrude’s sole patron, a man named Harris Clark, had put his hands over his ears as he tried to read his legal texts. Like Cletus had done a few years back, he was studying for his law degree.

Gertrude was angry that Harris’s studying was being disrupted, but she was privately glad to have another person who agreed that the book wagon was not a positive presence outside the Nowhere library. It was nice to have someone who saw eye-to-eye with her on that. She felt like the rest of the town had gone crazy. Everyone was taken with Jed and the traveling book wagon. No one cared about rules and responsibilities anymore.

It still made Gertrude angry to think about it too much, so she focused on checking to make sure all the books were in their assigned places. Since it had been a slow week, she didn’t have nearly as much work to do as she normally did. She had already dusted and polished the library from top to bottom five times over, reviewed the entire card catalog, and read four books since Monday. She was running out of ideas.

When Jed and his band grew even louder late in the afternoon, Gertrude had had enough. She’d tried to co-exist in peace with Jed, but he’d finally gone too far.

She strode outside and the music stopped playing abruptly.

Jed tipped his hat. “Good afternoon, Gertrude. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Gertrude simmered with anger. “You’re being very, very loud. You’re disturbing the people in the library. People who are trying to study!”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was in the library.” Jed spoke with a bright, cheerful expression on his face.

Some of the children laughed, and Gertrude felt her face grow red. “Yes, we have people in the library studying for their law exam. Not that I’d expect you to understand anything about responsibilities and duties. You seem to do whatever you want, whenever you want.”

Jed looked taken aback, and Gertrude wondered if she’d gone too far. “We’ll quiet down, Miss Sanders.” Jed spoke softly, and a low murmur ran through the crowd.

Gertrude smiled, unsure what to do next. She looked around and gave a stern glance at all the children who used to visit her in the library. Then she walked back into the library and leaned against the wall to catch her breath. She was shaking. She knew she should be happy—she’d won, Jed was going to quiet down. But she felt miserable.

Gertrude locked up and left the library earlier than usual that day. She had only closed early twice before…once when she’d been ill, and once when Penny was in labor and she’d needed to help out at the McClain ranch. But Harris had left, and she couldn’t stand to listen to Jed’s banjo any longer. He had quieted down since their talk, but it was still distracting and upsetting.

Some of the children were still playing on and around the book wagon as Gertrude set off for her home. Jed waved goodbye to her, but she didn’t wave back. She felt a mix of emotions toward him; anger and frustration, of course, but also a little sadness…and something else, too. Her heart beat a little faster as she remembered his lips pressing against her skin. She found her mind racing to a place she didn’t feel comfortable with, thinking thoughts that were definitely not ladylike. Gertrude quickened her pace and tried to think about something else. Anything else.

When she arrived home, Theresa opened the door and told Gertrude that Cletus wanted to see her in the formal parlor. Gertrude went into the parlor right away.

Cletus was reading a thick book, and he set it down on the desk when she came in. “Have a seat, Gertrude.”

Gertrude sat down. She was worried that Cletus was going to give her bad news. What if Edna Petunia was sick, or one of her sisters? Gertrude felt a pit of nerves start to grow in her stomach.

“I was at town hall today on official business.” Cletus was the town judge, and he worked closely with the other elected officials of Nowhere. “The mayor talked a lot about the town finances today. Accounts and invoices and the like. Do you understand?”

Gertrude nodded. She didn’t understand where he was going with their discussion.

“It seems that the mayor’s wife let him know about the book wagon. He was very intrigued, and he also learned that the library’s attendance has been lower since the book wagon has been around. Is that all true?”

“Well, yes…but it’s not fair!” Gertrude blurted out.

Cletus held up a hand. “Fair’s not relevant here. The mayor’s putting it up to a vote next week. They’ll close the library if there’s not enough interest.”

Gertrude felt a lump well in her throat. “What? That can’t be.”

Cletus nodded slowly. He felt for the girl. She was an odd bird, but she loved that library and cared for it as her sisters cared for their children. Sure, she may have gotten caught up in rules and procedures more than the average person, but she had a good and pure heart. It didn’t seem right that the thing she loved the most might be taken away from her. “I’ll vote to keep the library, of course. A town can never have too many books, in my opinion. But I’m just one vote out of ten. And…”

“And what?” Gertrude couldn’t believe what was happening. Everything she’d worked so hard to build was falling apart.

“I don’t think the others will vote to keep the library. The town is tightening our purse strings. It will help us reduce our costs.” Cletus’ face was pained as he explained this to Gertrude. As a father, he hated to cause pain to any of his daughters.

Gertrude tried to remain calm. “Thank you for telling me. I think I’m going to go up to my room and read for a bit.”

“I understand. Sweetheart, let me know if you need anything, even just to talk. You know Edna Petunia and I are here for you, don’t you?” Cletus asked.

Gertrude nodded. “Yes, I do. And I appreciate it. Thank you, Cletus. Please excuse me.” Gertrude left the parlor and went upstairs into her bedroom. She selected a book from the shelf and sat down on the bed to begin reading.

When it was time for dinner, Gertrude didn’t feel ready to face her sisters or parents. She stayed in her room even as she heard everyone go to the kitchen. Katie ran upstairs and knocked on the door.

“I’m not feeling well!” Gertrude called through the door. “I’m not going to eat tonight.”

“Are you sure? I can bring you a plate,” Katie responded, concerned. It was unusual for any of the girls to miss dinner, but especially Gertrude. She was always diligent about sticking to plans and routines.

“No, thank you,” Gertrude replied softly. She heard Katie’s footsteps on the stairs as her sister went back into the kitchen with the rest of the family. Gertrude wasn’t hungry.

The next day, Gertrude didn’t want to get out of bed. She was normally an early riser and excited to start her daily routines, but she found herself wishing she didn’t have to go to the library. Since Nowhere was such a small town, however, there were no other librarians. Gertrude was the only staff member.

She considered sending word that she was ill and that the library would be closed for the day. If she did that, though, the mayor might take it as a sign that the library really should be closed for good. And she would have felt terrible, knowing she wasn’t really sick. Still, the thought of going to the library and having to see and hear Jedediah Thorn all day made her feel like crying.

Gertrude washed her face and brushed her teeth and tried to prepare for the day ahead of her. She walked to the library, desperately thinking about ways she could save the library. If only there was a way to convince the mayor that the library’s presence in the town was vital. Then he wouldn’t vote to close it. And if she had the mayor’s support in addition to Cletus’s support, the rest of the elected officials were sure to follow.

But how would she explain it to the mayor?

The day passed quickly. Gertrude had only one patron, Harris, who came in the morning to study, went back to his house for lunch, and returned in the afternoon to read more texts. If the attendance continued this way, no wonder the mayor was considering closing the library.

Gertrude watched through the window as she saw Jed speaking animatedly to many of her former library patrons. They were admiring his selection of books. That made Gertrude pause. How did Jed get all of his books? It was rather odd how he managed to have such a broad selection that fit inside a wagon.

Gertrude shook her head. She needed to focus on the library, not Jed Thorn. But naturally, she couldn’t help but stare at his broad shoulders, dark hair, and strong chin and imagine what it would feel like to be held and kissed by him.

By the late afternoon, Gertrude was no closer to saving the library. She walked toward the Sanders home dejectedly. She saw Jed grooming one of his horses. She didn’t know why, but she walked over to him.

Jed’s face was surprised, but he smiled as Gertrude approached. “Hello, Miss Sanders.”

“Hello, Mr. Thorn.” Gertrude felt suddenly shy.

“Shaping up to be a beautiful night, isn’t it?” Jed asked. Though the temperatures were cool that time of year, there was a gentle breeze and plenty of light.

Gertrude wasn’t sure what to say. “The town may close the library.”

“What?” Jed’s eyes were full of concern. He took a step closer to Gertrude. “Why is that?”

Gertrude lowered her gaze. “Because no one is coming to the library anymore. They’re coming here instead.”

Jed’s expression was a guilty one as he considered the information. “I’m so sorry, Gertrude. Please believe me when I tell you that was never my intention. I am so upset to learn that I may be responsible for causing you harm.”

“That’s not really what’s important here, is it?” Gertrude snapped.

Jed swallowed hard. He knew Gertrude would be a challenge. He liked her saucy nature, but sometimes her harsh words cut deep. “I’m very sorry. What can I do?”

“You’ve done enough.” Gertrude tried to soften her tone. She knew the conversation wasn’t going well, but she didn’t know what else to do.

“There must be something. Gertrude. I’ll do anything.” Jed’s earnest expression made Gertrude’s heart melt a little.

Gertrude thought about this for a while. “Well, I know that I’m tired of arguing with you. Can we find some agreement so we don’t fight all the time?”

Jed nodded eagerly. “Absolutely. I’ve been feeling the same way. You’re the only person in Nowhere who I care about impressing, Gertie.”

“Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. It’s either Gertrude or Miss Sanders.” Gertrude raised an eyebrow.

Jed flushed red. “Yes, you’re absolutely right, Miss Sanders. Won’t happen again.”

Gertrude turned slightly so he wouldn’t see that her face was red, too. “I think if you went to the mayor and explained why Nowhere needs both a library and a book wagon, that could save the library. But I don’t know. It still might not work.”

“Whatever it takes, Miss Sanders. I’ll do it.” Jed’s voice was resolute, and Gertrude believed him.

“Okay, then. Thank you.” She felt strange speaking to him so formally.

“You’re welcome. Please, let me walk you home.” Jed finished polishing his horse’s saddle and set down the tools he was using.

Gertrude was torn. On one hand, she wanted Jed to walk her home, talk about marriage, and kiss her again. On the other, he was the same Jed that made her furious day in and day out, the man who was interfering with all of her work. After thinking about it for several moments, she told him, “All right, fine.”

Jed walked slowly beside Gertrude for most of the walk home. When they were about halfway there, he pulled her aside.

“My favorite part about Nowhere is seeing the stars.” Jed pointed to the night sky.

Gertrude was confused. “You couldn’t see stars where you came from?”

“I was raised in the city. You don’t see stars as clearly as you can out here. Everything here is a little quieter and friendlier. I’d like to stay here for a long time.” Jed looked deep into Gertrude’s eyes as he spoke.

“But you have a traveling book wagon. What would it be if you didn’t travel to other places all the time?” Gertrude didn’t understand.

“I have a feeling my traveling days are over. I’ve found the woman I’d like to hitch my oxen to.” Jed stepped closer toward Gertrude.

“Oxen? You haven’t been talking to Edna Petunia, have you?” Gertrude tried to make a joke, but Jed didn’t laugh. His face was completely serious.

“Ever since I met you, Gertrude Sanders, I’ve known you were the one for me. Please don’t make me beg you, because I will beg you. I’m not too proud. Marry me, Gertrude. I won’t be happy until you agree.” Jed beamed from ear to ear as he stared at Gertrude.

It took everything Gertrude had not to leap into his arms and agree to his proposal. But her primary obligation was to the library and the people of Nowhere. “I can’t agree to that, Mr. Thorn. Not until I’m confident the library is not going anywhere.”

Jed sighed. “I understand. You’re a good woman, Gertrude Sanders. Sometimes I wish you weren’t quite so principled.”

Gertrude smiled. “What do you mean by that? Hopefully nothing improper?”

“Oh, I’ve had many an improper thought about you, Gertrude.” Jed’s voice alone sent tingles up and down Gertrude’s spine. He slipped his hand into hers, and she felt a jolt through her entire body.

“What are you doing?” Gertrude wanted him to keep holding and touching her, but she also knew it wasn’t appropriate.

“I’m sorry, Gertrude. I know it’s not proper, but from the moment I met you, all I have been able to think about is holding your face in my hands and kissing you.” Jed leaned in closer to Gertrude. She felt her breath catch.

“Is that right?” Gertrude whispered.

Jed lowered his lips toward hers. “Absolutely.” Jed pushed his tongue between Gertrude’s lips, and she let out a small squeal of surprise.

“Shhh!” Jed warned, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Don’t want to wake up the good citizens of Nowhere, now, do we?”

Jed put his hands around Gertrude’s waist and pressed up against her. It was all happening so fast. Gertrude pushed him back and stumbled away.

“I’m sorry. I have to leave!” Gertrude cried, out of breath. She began rushing back to the Sanders house.

“What? Please, don’t go!” Jed called. He raced after her. “At least let me finish walking you home.”

Gertrude held her hands up to him. “No, no, I’m fine. I promise. Please. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jed sadly waved goodbye and walked back in the direction of his wagon.

Gertrude tried to get her heart rate and breath back to normal. She needed time to think. Jed made her body feel things that she’d never felt before. Things that were wrong and inappropriate before marriage. She knew that marriage was an option. Jed had made that clear. But was he a suitable match for her?

Gertrude knew it was a bit snobbish, especially since she had grown up in an orphanage, but she simply couldn’t imagine living with Jed in the book wagon. For one thing, it was quite small. It was quite a feat that all of Jed’s books and living supplies could fit in the wagon, let alone Gertrude. She wasn’t vain and didn’t have trunks of clothes and shoes like other young women of her age, but she did have some belongings, and there was no way they’d fit in that wagon.

Then there was the problem of Jed’s easy, carefree nature. Gertrude had always thought that if she did marry, it would have to be to someone who was as by-the-book as she was. A good Christian man who gave thanks to God and played by the rules. She realized she didn’t even know if Jed attended church. She had never seen him at the local church where Micah presided, but she knew there were a few other churches in nearby towns. She made a note to ask Jed if he was a church-goer.

Finally, there was the library. How could the small town of Nowhere have enough space for both a traditional library and a book wagon? And the music was yet another concern. If Gertrude married Jed, would he play music every day for the rest of their lives?

Of course, there were also positives to consider when thinking about Jed. There were his strong arms and gentle hands, his broad shoulders, and his delicate lips. There was the way he made her feel and the way he made her laugh. There was the way that she felt when she was with him, like they could do anything together.

But, Gertrude reminded herself, that all meant nothing if he couldn’t support her. She was attracted to Jed, and there was no denying it…but it seemed impossible that he could support a family on his income from the book wagon. And a man that didn’t live in a home had to have a few screws loose. Just look at Cletus!

Gertrude arrived at the Sanders’ house before she knew it. She had been reviewing all of the different aspects of the situation so intently that she’d barely been aware of her surroundings. She was home, but she was more lost than ever.