[Canadian West 01] - When Calls the Heart Page 5

  "Later!" thundered Higgins. "I never spoil a good dinner by discussing mundane things like work before I eat."

  He laughed loudly at what he considered his wit and turned to ask my impression of the West. I could tell by his voice that he felt there was nothing, anywhere, that could in any way come near to equalling his West. I replied that I had been in the West such a very short time that I really hadn't had a proper chance for evaluation. I wasn't sure that he accepted my statement. I sensed that he felt one shouldn't need time to clearly see the West's superiority. But instead of contradicting me, he said something about "showing me around." Jonathan again rescued me by steering the conversation to other subjects, and it wasn't long until Mary announced that dinner was served.

  The roast beef was delicious. I would have loved the opportunity to enjoy it, but Mr. Higgins spoiled it for me. His open stare followed my every move, and I felt so nervous that I could scarcely direct my fork properly. I had never met such a man before, and I mentally conceded that I had finally met my first bore. So puffed up was he with importance and his own opinions that he monopolized and manipulated the entire conversation. My first impression had been correct: I did not care for Mr. Higgins, School Superintendent. Hopefully, all of the men in the West were not like this man.

  We never did discuss the school system, though it seemed like hours and hours before he finally had sense enough to excuse himself and go home. As he prepared to leave, he asked if he could call again.

  "Well," I said, hoping that he would catch my meaning in the tone of my voice, "we do need to talk about the school that I am to teach, and I need to find out what I will require. We haven't found time for that yet."

  He guffawed as if I was delightful and squeezed my hand as he shook it. I pulled away.

  "I'll see you Wednesday," he said, and he winked. I was shocked at his brazen manner and a little gasp of surprise escaped me. He didn't notice it, and bawled a merry "goodnight" that I was afraid might awaken the sleeping children, then went whistling down the walk.

  "Someone should marry that man and polish him up a bit," Mary said softly.

  I shook my head and said, "It will take more than polish. I would not impose such a task on any woman."

  On Tuesday Jon decided that I should be introduced to Calgary's shops, so he drove me downtown and left me while he went to his office. Mary had planned to accompany us, but William had an earache so she staved with him.

  The shops were certainly different from what I had been used to. I didn't see any that would compare with Madame Tanier's, but I did find them all most interesting. How I wished that Julie were with me. What fun we could have had!

  Jon had promised to meet me for lunch at a nearby hotel, and as twelve o'clock approached I felt hungry. I decided to make my way to the dining room he had pointed out earlier. As I moved down the sidewalk, I was aware of many stares that followed me. I felt a small nervous twisting in my stomach. Perhaps it was unacceptable for a lady to walk alone in Calgary. I would have to ask Jonathan. I hurried my steps.

  The Calgary streets were alive with variety. Besides the dark-suited businessmen, there were ranchers, farmers, Indians, and just plain loafers. I caught my breath and hurried past a rough-cut foursome who slouched against a hardware store. I could hear remarks and laughs, but I did not try to untangle any of the comments. I had no desire to know if they concerned me.

  When I reached the hotel dining room, Jon was already there, ten minutes ahead of the appointed time.

  "I didn't want you to arrive before me and have to stand around alone and wait," he said. I deeply appreciated his thoughtfulness.

  We were led to a table, and as we moved through the room Jon greeted many acquaintances. For some parties he stopped and introduced me, to others he only nodded his greeting and called them by name. I began to see the pattern. When Jon stopped and made an introduction, it was always to a couple or to a married man. Jon would then make reference to Mr. -, who with his wife and family lived on such-and-such a street, or operated such-and-such a business. The gentlemen that he by-passed were obviously single. Jon was keeping his word and making no effort to pair me off. I smiled to myself at his obvious attempt to comply with my wishes.

  As I sat down I could see and feel stares following me. I laid aside my gloves and purse and smiled at my brother. I hoped that pretending to be at ease would make me feel less edgy. It worked at least in part. Jon took over and soon I felt quite relaxed, even in my new surroundings. I was becoming quite attached to my brother. It was no wonder Mother idolized him. I wished that she could see him here, in this town with his lovely wife and well-behaved children, with his prestigious position in the community. She would be so proud. I also felt proud as I sat opposite him, and momentarily I was able to forget the stares.

  "By the way," he said cautiously, "your clothes are lovely. Mary thinks so too. But Mary-well--even though she envies you, she-well-she has suggested that I hint, tactfully, that you should maybe have a few things a bit more practical for school teaching. Our classrooms are not all that fancy, and, well-, I'm not good at hinting so ..."

  I laughed. Jon looked relieved.

  "Whew," he said, "I'm glad that you took it that way. I wasn't sure whether you'd be annoyed or hurt. I'm just no good at beating round-the-bush. But Mary is right; your highfashion clothing looks marvelous, but it's not too practical for our way of living."

  Jon's sincerity and sweetness took all sting out of his words. I realized that he and Mary were right; it was love that prompted them to suggest the change in wardrobe.

  "I'll see what I can find," I promised, as our food arrived.

  "By the way," I ventured, "is it improper for a lady to venture out without an escort on Calgary streets?"

  "Why? Didn't you meet any ladies this morning?"

  "Yes-yes, I did, come to think of it. Several. But-"

  Jon frowned.

  "Well, I just felt out-of-place. Wherever I went, people stared."

  Jon grinned.

  "People-or men?"

  I flushed. There was no need to continue the conversation.

  Jonathan suggested some shops where I might find the type of clothing suitable for a western schoolmarm, and promised that he would meet me at three o'clock to drive me home. At first I thought there would be no pleasure in shopping for things that I considered drab and unstylish, but the more I looked the more I liked what I found, and the more fun it became. Again I wished for Julie's company. She would have turned the shopping trip into a hilarious occasion.

  I found some simple cotton gowns that would be easy to wash and iron, and some undergarments without much lace. I even purchased heavier stockings; though, I must admit, I didn't care much for the looks of them. I had the clerk bundle up my purchases and checked the time. It was already past three o'clock. I hurried from the store, concerned that Jon might be waiting.

  He was there, just a few steps down the street, his broad back turned to me. I hurried toward him and then noticed that he was in conversation with another man. I hesitated. Should I make my presence known in case Jon was in a hurry to get home, or should I wait until he had finished his conversation?

  They shifted their position somewhat. I now could see the gentleman to whom Jon was talking. He was a bit taller than Jon, which made him tall indeed. A broad-brimmed hat shaded his eyes, but I noticed a strong, though not stubborn, jaw, and a well-shaped nose. He had a clear, clean-cut look, though one would certainly never consider him a "parlor-gentleman." There was a certain masculine ruggedness about him that suggested confidence and capability. He smiled good-naturedly as he spoke with Jon, and I imagined an easy friendliness and an appreciation for a good joke.

  My slight movement must have caught his eye, for his head lifted. This caused Jon to look around.

  "Be right with you, Beth," he said, and they shook hands heartily. "Greet Phillip for us," Jon said as he placed a hand on the man's shoulder. In return Jon received a friendly slap on the ba
ck; then the man turned to me. He nodded slightly, raising his hat as he did so, allowing me a full look into his eyes. They were deep blue-and determined; but they gave a glint of humor now, even though his lips did not move. I found myself wishing to see him smile, truly smile, but before I could offer one to encourage him, he turned and strode away.

  I could not understand the strange stirring within me. I suddenly wished that Jon had broken his rule and introduced us. Never before had I seen a man who interested me so much. I stood staring after him like a schoolgirl.

  "A-a friend?" I stammered, and then blushed at my foolishness. Surely Jon would think me silly; it would have been apparent to anyone that they were friends.

  "Yes.

  That was all my brother said. No offering of the man's name or where he was from-nothing. I determined not to pursue the matter.

  The next day Mr. Higgins showed up a bit after two o'clock. I was hoping that he was ready to get down to business, but he wanted to take me for a drive instead. I went, reluctantly. The whole thing was annoying, and I was very glad that I had a dinner engagement that evening and could insist that I must be home in plenty of time to prepare for it.

  I pressed him about the school where I would be teaching, but he said that he was still undecided. I reminded him that I should know soon so that I could make adequate preparations. He continued to be evasive. I noted that there was only a week until classes would commence. He replied heartily that a lot could happen in a week, then exploded an uproarious laugh. I dropped the subject.

  He left me at the door and remarked how quickly the afternoon had passed. He asked if he could see me on Friday. Helplessly, I replied that since it was imperative that I know my future plans, he could. He boldly put a hand on my arm as he shook my hand. "Oh, I do have plans, my dear," he said. "I do have plans for you."

  The nerve of him, I thought. as I climbed the stairs to my room. Never had I met such an obnoxious man. And to think that I was in a position where he would he my employer! I did hope that our respective duties would rarely bring us into contact with one another.

  Suddenly the face of Jon's friend came to mind. What a shame that he didn't turn out to be Mr. Higgins, I thought, but immediately scolded myself'. How foolish to even think such ridiculous thoughts' But I was amazed at the intensity of my feelings. I had seen the man only once for just a moment. Why should he affect me so? I didn't know, but those blue smiling eyes stayed with me, to haunt me as I opened the door to my room. With a great deal of determination I pushed the image of the face from my mind and concentrated on choosing a gown for the evening ahead.

  Chapter Seven

  Mr. Higgins' Plan

  Mr. Higgins arrived at eleven o'clock on Friday. I was reading to Sarah and Kathleen and was totally unprepared for such an early call. He rudely barged his way through the house and declared that we were going on a picnic. He carried a picnic basket as evidence that everything was prepared. I tried to stammer a refusal, but he cut me short with a laugh.

  "You needn't bother your pretty little head about a thing. I know that I've surprised you-but folks will tell you that I'm full of surprises."

  He seemed to consider people's comments regarding his surprises as great compliments.

  He grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet, not even letting me finish the final half of the last page.

  "Come-come," he said. "Picnics don't like to be kept waiting."

  "I like picnics," Kathleen announced hopefully.

  "And someday your aunt and I will take you with us-but not today. Today is a picnic for just tuwo." He turned to me with a wink. "Now run along, my dear, and put on something more suitable for a picnic." He glanced at my stylish slippers. "Especially on your feet," he added. "Those flimsy little things are hardly suitable for a walk in the country, and we must have peace and quiet to discuss your future."

  I hurried upstairs and changed. muttering threats the whole time. I chose the plainest of the dresses that I had purchased in Calgary; but I wished with all of my heart that I had something made out of floursacking to wear instead. I searched through the closet for the walking shoes I had used for the classroom and put them on. They're awfully plainalmost ugly, I thought, but I was glad of it as I descended the stairs.

  Mr. Higgins, I thought, today you will tell me where I am to teach-or so help you ...

  I stepped onto the front porch where my caller was waiting, gathered a light shawl from the porch swing, fastened my least becoming hat in place, and reluctantly turned to the impatient Mr. Higgins who sighed loudly with relief.

  His gaze then swept over me, both complimenting and criticizing me.

  "You won't need the hat. The sun will feel good-"

  "A lady does not leave the house without her hat," I retorted.

  "Here in the West-"

  "I am of the East."

  He howled as though I had made a hilarious joke. But he quickly forgot about the hat as his eyes fell to my shoes.

  "Those shoes-" he said next, "how will you ever walk in them" They are much too-"

  "Mr. Higgins," I cut in, "I am beginning to have doubts about accompanying you. If these shoes will not do, then I must question where you are about to take me."

  He dropped the matter of my attire and offered me his arm. I pretended not to notice and proceeded down the walk on my own to a rather nice-looking buggy and horse.

  Mr. Higgins made a great affair of pointing out to me the fall colors, and I would have enjoyed them had I been with any other company. I did miss the deep reds of the oak and maple I had known at home, but my spirit drank in the gold of the shivering poplar mixed with the green shades of pine and spruce in the river valley. It truly was breathtaking.

  Mr. Higgins drove west out of the city. A hill rose directly ahead of us, and I knew that if we topped it, we'd see those glorious mountains. But I did not want to see the mountains with Mr. Higgins. I was deeply relieved when he stopped just short of the brow of the hill.

  He leaped from the buggy and came around the horse to me, reaching a hand up to help me down. I could not refuse it without being dreadfully rude, but I pulled away from him as quickly as I was settled on the ground. He found a spot that suited him and spread out a rug and then the picnic things. Happily, the food was good. We talked about this and that; but remembering his comment about withholding business discussion until after one had eaten, 1 did not trv to steer the conversation toward in,,, teaching position. But I was determined that as soon as the meal was cleared away, I would broach the subject, if Mr. Higgins didn't bring it up himself.

  As soon as he had finished eating, he stood up.

  "Come, my dear," he said, holding out his hand.

  I wished that he wouldn't use such a familiar term in addressing me. It unnerved me.

  "Come," he said again. "I want to show you something."

  I waved my hand toward the scattered remains of our lunch. "But the-"

  "That'll keep. We'll pack it up when we come back," he said, unconcerned.

  "By then the ants and flies-"

  "Mv, my, you are a fussy thing. aren't you?" He sounded near exasperation, so I turned my back on the rug and its contents. After all, it was his basket, and if he didn't mind taking home a colony of ants, why should I?

  We walked up the side of the grassy hill. I could see now why he had been concerned about my shoes. There was no path up the steep slope, and the walking was difficult. He offered his hand whenever I slowed a bit, so I hurried on ahead of him. By the time he called a halt, I was out of breath and glad to stop.

  He reached out and turned me slowly so that I could look back upon the autumn-painted valley. The river and the town stretched out before us. From our vantage point the buildings of Calgary looked sheltered and protected. I tried to pick out Jon and Mary's house but couldn't find it.

  "I've got something to say." There was excitement and a note of confidence in Mr. Higgins' voice.

  "My school-you've decided... ?"


  He laughed that hearty, grating laugh of his. I turned to look at him, uncharitably noticing the wrinkles in his suit.

  "This property-right where we're standing-it's mine. I just bought it."

  I blinked, unable to comprehend any connection between what Mr. Higgins had just said and any possible interest of mine. Then, remembering my manners, I offered, "Why, that's very nice. I'm happy for you. You certainly have picked a nice view. What do you plan-?"

  "I'm going to build my house-right here-with a full, clear look at the valley."

  I looked back down the valley. "Very nice," I commented rather absentmindedly.

  "Do you really like it?"

  "Why, yes. Yes, of course. It's lovely." I hoped that I hadn't tried to overdo it. It was lovely, but I really didn't feel that much enthusiasm.

  "I knew that you would." The confidence was in his voice again. "We'll put the house right here," he said, waving his arm.

  Noticing the "we," a sympathy for whoever the other member was swept through me, along with a slight thankfulness that even a man like Mr. Higgins could find someone with whom to share life.

  "We'll face this way-the front entry, the living room ..." he said, making grand gestures with his arm. "What do you think?"

  I couldn't imagine why he was asking me, but I mumbled that I supposed that would be just fine.

  "I think that we'll build of brick rather than lumber, though lumber is easier to get. Four or five bedrooms, do you think?"

  "Mr. Higgins, I-"

  "You don't need to call me Mr. Higgins, my dear Beth," he said ingratiatingly. I was shocked at his liberty in using my first name. "It's Thomas-Tom, if you like-" his eyes were filled with feeling as he looked at me, "or anything else you'd care to call me."

  "Mr. Higgins," I stubbornly repeated his formal name. "I'm afraid that I don't understand. We came here to discuss my school, and instead-"

  "Ah, my dear. I see that I haven't made myself clear. You won't need to take a teaching position. We can be married soon and I-"