Through Time & Seasons recap, part II
Dramatis Personae
(Characters from the movie)
Charles Lattimer
Laura Brown
William Brown-Laura’s deceased husband
Mary Brown-Laura’s daughter
Mrs. Clark-Laura’s mother
Walt-Laura’s childhood friend and hired hand
Fred-Employee at the Gazette
Kristen-Charles’ wife in the 20th (and early 21st) century
Al Glasser-Charles’ best friend in the 20th (and early 21st) century
The conductor
(Original characters)
Bartholomew Larson-Owner of the Somerville Monitor, business competitor to Laura
Sally Stevens-Laura’s best friend
Jim Stevens-Sally’s husband, owner of the general store
Norman Abrams-Founder of the repair shop N.M. Abrams Co
John McFarland-Charles' employer at Enterprise Livery Stable
Jeffrey and Margaret Davis-The couple who welcomed Charles into their home. They have a son named Paul.
Robert Patterson-Mayor of Somerville
Mrs. Branch-Minor character, woman who is involved in various committees
Mrs. Brennan-Minor character, long-time friend of Mrs. Clark
Mr. Finnell-Minor character, man who works at the telegraph office
And so it continues...
Chapter 8 ~ Winding Paths
As the sun rises, Laura contemplates the meaning of marriage. With a new perspective on what happened between her and Charles, she finally accepts the notion that they can be together.
Realizing that he might be leaving town, she decides to hurry, only to be told that he has taken the train already.
Devastated, Laura then makes her way to the river, where she is ultimately reunited with Charles.
Excerpts, chapter 8:
Laura sat unmoving, her profile illuminated by an oil lamp as the sun had yet to rise. Dawn was fast approaching though, its impending arrival announced by the subtle purplish tinge in the sky outside.
Her mind still reeling from the night before, Laura had given up on sleep, had risen and headed for her armoire. The wooden box she hid in the back had beckoned her, had prompted her to seek it out and bring it over to her vanity-which is where she now sat.
The box rested, lid open, before her. Inside were her most precious mementos-a few photographs as well as some of Will’s belongings.
...
Looking at her husband’s image, Laura thought about the meaning of marriage.
Before today, it had meant a lifelong commitment to be broken only by death.
Charles’ story was forcing a reassessment of that belief.
Birth and death were the bookends of life.
If the bonds of marriage only applied to two living spouses, how did it apply to a person that has yet to be born?
It doesn’t.
Will was no longer part of this life. Charles’ wife had yet to be and wouldn’t-her birth only set to occur in a year most likely beyond their lifetimes.
The end result was the same. Neither she nor Charles would ever see their spouses again.
While this concept was mind boggling, it slowly started to sink in, making Laura see their relationship in a new light.
Perhaps theirs was not the forbidden love she had believed it to be.
...
As Laura slowly reopened the door to her heart, her body came alive, the flutter of a thousand butterflies filling her insides. She felt anxious, hopeful, scared, and giddy all at the same time-an overwhelming sensation to be truthful.
“I have to go see him.” As soon as she whispered those words, a sinking feeling descended in the pit of her stomach.
A hand over her mouth, Laura sat there, wide eyed as Charles’ words came back to her.
…
“Let me explain and if you can’t handle what I have to say then I’ll leave… I’ll leave Somerville and let you move on.”
…
“Goodbye, Laura.”
…
“No.” Closing her eyes momentarily, she fought to keep from panicking.
Charles was going to leave.
I have to stop him.
...
Laura found Mr. Abrams outside. He was writing on his blackboard, hunched over as he usually was.
When he saw her, he stopped writing and smiled. “Morning, Mrs. Brown.”
“Good morning.” As she neared, Laura returned his warm expression, hoping she did not look as nervous as she felt.
“How’s that press of yours holdin’ up?”
“It’s running perfectly, thank you. Tell me,” Hoping to sound calm and collected, she continued, “Would Charles be in today?”
At her question, the older man’s expression became more sombre, almost apologetic. “I’m sorry, Ma’am. He boarded the eight fifteen this mornin’. Went back to St. Louis.”
...
He’s gone…
“He’s truly gone,” she whispered.
Laura sat on the dry bark of a tree that had fallen on the edge of the river. It rested, partly un-rooted, with a section of its trunk hanging over the rippling surface. Her shawl, gloves, and boots discarded nearby, Laura stared ahead vacantly, her bare feet skimming the shallow water that flowed lazily below.
Though her tears had dried, Laura was just as devastated as she had been earlier, perhaps even more.
Reality had set in. She would never see Charles again. To go after him was impossible. Not only did she have responsibilities here, but she would never find him even if she tried.
It’s over.
...
Wanting to forget, Laura went outside her heart and mind, kept focusing on those things around her. This eventually led to a desire to open her eyes once more.
When she did, a powerful feeling descended upon her-a heightened sense of awareness or intuition. Instinctively drawn to something in her peripheral vision, she slowly looked to her right.
What she saw, or rather who she saw, nearly caused her heart to burst out of her chest.
“Charles?”
...
“I thought you left.” Laura finally said.
Her voice served to ground him, made him blink a few times. Without tearing his eyes from hers, Charles set his suitcase on the ground and replied. “Train didn’t show.”
One second passed by then another.
The silence was broken by what she said next-a revelation that nearly toppled him. “I’m glad.”
...
How they had gotten to this moment did not matter, not really. The important thing was this, them, and what would follow.
Spellbound, Charles stood unmoving, his eyes lost to hers. In them, he sought to divine her thoughts, the endeavour halted only by her next move.
A tear trickling down her cheek, Laura closed the distance between them. She snaked her arms around him, wound her fingers in his hair and buried her face in the crook of his neck.
It took a second or so for reality to sink in, but when it did, Charles felt peace and contentment unlike ever before. Closing his eyes, he enfolded her in his arms, held her tightly and revelled in the feel of her against him.
...
She leaned forward, got up on her tiptoes, stopping just short of pressing her lips to his and looked in his eyes. This pause was not a hesitation but rather Laura’s way of conveying the certainty she felt.
Closing her eyes, she went the rest of the way, covered his mouth with hers in a kiss so profound and meaningful it nearly shattered them both.
Unlike their first kiss, this one was free of conflict. In simple terms, it felt right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 9 ~ Gentle Slopes
Reunited, Charles and Laura leave the river hollows hand in hand. They are hopeful for the future but know they will have to break the news gently to Mrs. Clark. Parting ways before they reach the homestead, they promise to meet the next day for a family picnic after church, both of them hoping that it will ease his transition into the picture.
Excerpts, chapter 9:
Water slowly winding down the river, a breeze rustling the leaves of the sheltered grove-such was the essence of the river hollows.
While this sanctuary had greeted two heartbroken individuals that day, it saw them leave with anything but heartache.
Sidelong glances, shy smiles, and the occasional brushing of hand against hand-a far cry from earlier that morning.
Being there, as they were, it was amazing, surreal almost.
...
“Don’t you wish real life could wait sometimes?” Laura asked, her eyes closed amid a luminous expression.
Charles chuckled. “Yeah.” He touched her face then, the back of his fingers grazing her cheek.
“There’s so much we need to talk about.”
“I know.” Pulling back, he continued. “But we have time.”
...
The chirping of crickets broke through the stillness of night, echoing across moonlight fields and open windows.
…
Laura had been unable to sleep. She had pulled her vanity chair by the window where she now sat, wrapped in a throw, legs curled beneath her. She stared out into the night, not really seeing the peaceful landscape of slumbering farmlands. Instead her mind was swimming in reverie, drifting in gentle happiness.
She recalled the stirrings of joyful butterflies when she had seen Charles by the river that day. She remembered her joy, so full and heartfelt.
He had stayed, he would stay, and they would explore this new plateau in their relationship.
...
It was silly in a way, a grown woman feeling like a lovesick schoolgirl. But she could not help it.
Thoughts shifting to the following day, Laura wondered how it would all play out.
She was eager to see Charles but knew they would have to be careful around her mother.
A picnic after church would be the perfect way of easing him into their lives, at least that’s what she hoped.
Just a few more hours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 10 ~ Watchful Steps
It’s Sunday and Charles has been invited to share a picnic with Laura’s family. When Laura is whisked away by her friend Sally, he finds himself alone with the older woman and she makes it clear that she isn’t dense and will be watching him.
Later that night, Laura comes out with it and finally tells her mother about her courtship. After being met with silence, she decides it’s time to tell Mary too. And so, as she brushes the little girl’s hair before bedtime, she does.
Mary couldn’t be happier.
Excerpts, chapter 10:
Eager to see Laura’s face again, Charles scanned the churchyard, looking for either yellow or dark blue, the color of her two Sunday dresses.
Only once he started up the steps did he catch glimpse of her. She was approaching from his left, dressed in the dark blue skirt and jacket she had worn that day at the rally.
...
Slowing, Charles removed his hat and watched as she ushered Mary up the steps.
When their eyes met, the two shared a knowing smile, discrete and guarded.
...
“Good morning, Mrs. Brown.” After the intimacy of the day before, it felt strange calling her by her last name. But they had discussed this on their way back from the river hollows, had decided to tread carefully.
“Good morning, Mr. Lattimer.” Laura’s voice floated on the breeze, as enchanting as always.
...
“Service is about to start.” interjected Mrs. Clark as she made her way up the steps, her tone crusty as usual.
While Laura’s demeanour reflected her displeasure toward her mother’s rude interruption, Charles took it in stride by going along with the older woman. “We better go inside then.”
...
Exiting the church, Charles donned his hat. “Is your mother expecting me? Or are we about to catch her off guard?”
“I told her I was going to ask you to join us when service ended.”
Charles winced inwardly for he could easily imagine the look her mother must have worn-definitely not a happy expression.
...
Doing his best to ignore the fact that he felt like a fattened pig ready for slaughter, Charles plastered a smile on his face, tipped his hat and said, “Good morning, Mrs. Clark.”
“Mr. Lattimer.” Whilst she had acknowledged his presence, the older woman’s tone was curt and devoid of welcome.
Normally, Charles would have taken this as a bad sign; but since he had expected nothing more than a grunt and a cold shoulder, he chose to see it as a good omen. Well… as good as could be expected in this scenario.
...
“Well if it isn’t our town hero.” Sally handed the basket of cookies over to Laura, a hint of playful curiosity in her eyes. No doubt she was wondering why he was hanging around. “Just have to say, I love the cartoons you drew for Laura’s paper.”
Charles smiled modestly. “Thank you.”
“Well they’re a hit. Everybody loves ‘em.” Turning to Laura, Sally asked, “Sorry to
ask this out of the blue, but do you think you could help out at the bake sale next Saturday?”
Blinking a few times, Laura answered, “Um… yes, of course. If nothing comes up at the paper, certainly.”
“Great.” As Sally’s beaming expression morphed into a small wince, she continued, “Now I hate to interrupt this little gathering of yours, but we’re having a little meetin’ over yonder, deciding who’ll make what. It’ll only take a few minutes. Would you mind?”
Charles couldn’t help but notice the indecisiveness in Laura, how her eyes flickered back and forth between himself and Mrs. Stevens. Knowing her, she probably wasn’t too keen on the idea of leaving him alone with her mother.
As a way to reassure her, he smiled. “Go on. It’s fine.”
...
“I may not know exactly what happened between the two of you, but I know this… You did or said something that hurt her, very much. Now while things seem all fine for now…” Mrs. Clark met his eyes once more, a clear warning in her expression. “You better not break my daughter’s heart again. You understand me?”
...
Swallowing, he pondered what to say, knew that denying her assumptions would not only be unwise but disrespectful.
“You’re right,” he started, his voice repentant. “I did hurt Laura, deeply, and I regret it more than you can even imagine.”
The moment hung there, the mood on the wooden bench in stark contrast to the joyful atmosphere all around.
...
“I want to do right by your daughter, Mrs. Clark. She means the world to me.”
Without looking at him, the older woman nodded, her voice devoid of warmth when she said, “In any case, I’ll be keeping my eye on you.”
...
With bedtime fast approaching, Laura sat in the parlour with her mother, the minutes ticking away with scantly a word spoken between them.
Fingers tapping an erratic rhythm on her lap, she glanced at the clock. It was now or never.
“We need to talk.”
Mrs. Clark’s reply was curt, her fingers unrelenting in her needlework. “I was wondering when you’d get around to it.”
...
There was no easy way to put this and Laura had learned long ago that a direct approach was the best method where her mother was concerned.
...
“We’re courting.”
There, she had said it.
Feeling as if a weight had been lifted, Laura exhaled, her fingers entwined on her lap. It was liberating in a way, yet terrifying in another.
“I’d gathered as much.” The older woman steadied herself on the armrests before rising with effort. Then, with weariness in her steps, she made her way to the kitchen, her silence speaking volumes.
...
With a gentle hand, Laura passed a brush through Mary’s hair, careful not to yank too hard.
The two sat on the bed, Mary facing away from her mother.
...
“How would you feel if Mr. Lattimer started spending more time with us?”
“You mean like picnics every Sunday?”
Mary’s answer was so endearing that Laura could not keep a smile from showing. “Something like that.”
“That’d be nice.”
“Good.” Feeling relief and joy, Laura leaned forward and deposited a kiss on her daughter’s forehead. “That’s real good.”
“What’s going on, Mama?”
Faced with the question in Mary’s eyes, Laura searched for the words. “Well, you see, Mr. Lattimer and I…” To say it was a struggle. “We’re courting, sweetie.”
The expression on Mary’s face was a wondrous one. She was practically beaming. “You are?”
“Uh huh.”
...
Even as she settled somewhat, Mary was clearly overjoyed by the news.
“So you’re okay with this?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Such a Mary thing to say.
A thin veil of tears in her eyes, Laura reached out and grazed her daughter’s cheek with the side of her hand. “You’re such a sweet, lovely girl.”
Mary’s reply came by way of a hug. It felt wonderful. Laura revelled in it, held on tightly as she said, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Mama.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 11 ~ In This Refuge
Out of a need to connect and establish the foundations of their relationship, Charles and Laura meet by the river. There, they discuss many things, including the family and friends he has left behind. The conversation stirs a lot of emotions and ultimately leads to a fervent declaration-three little words they had yet to say.
Excerpts, chapter 11:
The river was whispering, revealing its secrets in a soft trickle of water. Charles sat on a blanket, knees bent, arms loosely draped over. On a breath, he gazed at the languid ripples before him and saw trout swimming below the surface. They lingered in spots spared from direct sunlight, their bodies swaying in the current in a way that made it seem as though they were suspended in time.
...
Charles heard a sound, faint and steady in its cadence. Hooves, he realized-a slow plod against earth and grass that made him turn to look over his shoulder.
At first, he saw nothing but the landscape, a carpet of green and a few trees framing a window of clear, blue sky. Then, in a slow reveal, Laura came into sight-cresting over the slight rise in terrain, her body swaying gently with her horse’s measured steps.
Her eyes finding and connecting with his, she smiled a beautiful smile and literally took his breath away.
...
“What are you thinking about?”
Charles’ query, spoken soft and low, floated on nature’s lullaby. It reached Laura as would a feather-light caress, making her smile as she kept her gaze downward, fingertips tracing random patterns on the blanket upon which she sat.
“Many things.” This admission was followed by a breath, her gaze flickering back to his in a soothing meld of green and blue.
Indeed her thoughts were filled to the brim, awhirl with unspoken questions and possibilities for the future.
“Such as?” The warmth in Charles’ features was remarkable, his touch incredibly gentle as he grazed her jaw with his thumb.
On a sigh, Laura brought her hand to his, turned his palm so it cupped her cheek and held it there. Leaning into his touch, she sighed, answered, “About this, us… And how wonderful I feel when I’m with you.”
This netted a self-effacing expression, the one she loved so. A small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, Laura watched as Charles chuckled and looked down. There was a balance about him, in the way he could be both unassuming and confident.
When their eyes met once more, she decided to be open and say what was on her mind. “I’m also thinking that you know more about me than I know about you.”
“You’re right.” Charles nodded.
What he said next was exactly what she longed to hear.
“We’re going to have to fix that, aren’t we?”
...
“Tell me about her.” As these murmured words fell from her lips, they held not an ounce of hesitation. “Tell me about your wife.”
Rather straightforward, but this was not the time to sidestep and cower. The door had been opened and-secure in the love between them-Laura had chosen to step through the threshold.
...
“We ended on good terms. Both of us acknowledged that our relationship had run its course.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah,” he agreed, hand lightly stroking her arm before he continued. “I’ll always remember our last conversation. She said, ‘we had a good run, Charlie’. And we did.”
Laura could discern the peace in his voice, the closure in his words. It was comforting to know that he was truly okay with how things had ended between he and his wife.
“And now, I’m here… with you.” There was a pause as Charles met her eyes, his gaze filled with incredible depth of emotion. “And I couldn’t be happier.”
Whilst these words were profound, what he said next was even more so.
“I love you, Laura.”
...
To say it back was more difficult than she had foreseen. Her voice had fled. But Laura mouthed the words anyway and managed a whisper she hoped conveyed everything. “I love you too.”
What he gave her in response made her feel even more wonderful-an easy smile accompanied by a caress slowly winding from her cheek to the side of her neck. Then, he was nuzzling her, whispering things she longed to hear.
What followed was a beautiful expression of affection, a kiss so meaningful as to shatter them both.
...
To draw the line and pull back was not easy.
In the end, Charles was the one to ease away, his eyes delving into hers as his thumb rose to brush her lower lip. “We should…”
Laura noted the regret in his features, felt the same.
Neither of them wanted to leave but they had to.
“Yes,” she finally answered, eyelids falling shut for a few moments.
...
As Charles helped her to her feet, Laura felt happy and relaxed.
The peaceful feeling lingered as they gathered the blanket and made their way to where Turnip grazed.
It followed as they walked in a leisurely stride through the meadow, hand in hand with the horse beside them.
When they parted ways, that peace morphed into a longing that followed her right into the night.
In sleep, she dreamed of him, the images in her mind a quasi mirror to what they had shared that evening-the two of them, alone and in love, with only the river as their witness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 12 ~ Side by Side
Unable to make due with his dwindling hours at Abrams’ repair shop, Charles is forced to seek employment elsewhere. After a fruitless search, he is finally given a chance over at the livery stable. Clearly lacking in his horse-keeping skills, he fears being fired however. Luckily for him, Laura offers to help and invites him to spend the following day over at her homestead to learn the basics of caring for horses.
Excerpts, chapter 12:
Charles had a big day ahead of him, his second searching for a new job.
With his hours at Abrams’ cut to the point where he couldn’t make due, he had been forced to look elsewhere.
Now that he was here to stay, he had to stop living like someone who was just passing through. He needed to get on his feet and be the kind of man Laura deserved. Charles also wanted her mother’s approval and, without a steady job, there was no way he would ever get it.
...
He searched.
Everywhere he went, he was given the same regretful lines. “I’m sorry, Mr. Lattimer. We’re stretched thin as it is.” or, “Wish we could help you out, but times are tough.”
It was discouraging, frustrating even. And after a while, he felt like calling it a day-a very fruitless day.
As he stood on the wooden sidewalk, unsure of where to go next, Charles realized he was running out of places to look.
There had to be a job out there somewhere.
And so he walked, scanning the various buildings in the hope of spotting a business he had not previously thought of.
Within less than five minutes, Charles caught sight of just such a place, a nervous feeling settling in the pit of his stomach just as soon. To say that he would be out of his comfort zone was putting it mildly, but when times were tough, beggers couldn’t be choosers.
His pulse quickening in slight anxiety, Charles looked at the white letters contrasting against the building’s dark brown exterior. “Oh boy…”
Enterprise Livery Stable
...
Off to the side was a stable worker, a man with round-rimmed spectacles and a chestnut handle-bar moustache. “Afternoon, what can I do ya for?” he asked, dusting off his hands.
Charles removed his hat, a humble smile on his lips as he made his way over and extended his hand. “Hello, my name’s Charles Lattimer.”
“I remember you,” the man said, his face brightening up as a small chuckle rose in his throat. “You’re from the big city, came to rent a horse a while back.”
“Yes.” While he tried not to look uncomfortable, Charles cringed inwardly.
He had looked flat-out stupid that day, the supposedly simple task of mounting the horse an embarrassing, clumsy endeavour.
“You need a horse?” the stable worker asked as he started for a nearby stall.
“Actually, I came to see if you were hiring.”
At this, the man stopped mid-step, then turned to look at him with a puzzled expression.
“You… want to work in a stable?”
...
“Well Mr. Lattimer, thing is this.” With a gesture toward the other stalls, the stable worker continued, “We got a lot of horses here and they need to be looked after by people who know what they’re doin’.”
And there it was, the first line toward rejection.
“Now having said this,” he started again, “We could use another beast of burden around here.”
Charles’ hopes, which had been dashed until now, started to rise slightly.
“I’m not saying I’m gonna hire you, though,” the man warned. “Come back on Monday morning. I’ll put you to work for the day and we’ll see from there.”
...
“So, how’d it go?” Laura asked.
Her eyes were filled with expectant curiosity, but also with a tiny hint of concern.
“It went well,” he said. “I think I found something.”
“You did?” The relief on her features was unmistakable and immediate, her smile widening as she threw her arms around his neck. “That’s wonderful.”
“Just don’t get too excited, though,” he cautioned.
When she pulled back with a questioning gaze, he explained. “It might not pan out.”
“What do you mean?”
His hands brushing up and down her arms, Charles answered. “It’s a tryout of sorts. Mr. McFarland said to come in on Monday and if I can handle it, he’ll keep me on.”
...
“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked.
“Not quite sure yet, why?”
“I was just thinking that maybe…” Laura tilted her head to the side, her gaze infinitely soft. “You could come over to the homestead for the day?”
“I’m sure your mother would be thrilled at the idea.”
“I can’t see that she’d complain, seeing as I would put you to work and all.”
Unable to contain his mirth, Charles chuckled. “You’d put me to work?”
“You want to learn how to keep a stable or not?”
The challenge in her eyes was adorable.
“When you put it that way…” He allowed the statement to trail, his smile inching closer to hers. “I’d love to spend the day with you.”
“And my horses,” she added on a laugh.
“And your horses,” he said before he pressed his lips against hers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 13 ~ Tandem
Charles spends the day over at Laura's homestead where she teaches him the basics of horse-keeping. As the day winds down, they celebrate a job well done over a cup of tea on the back porch. There, Laura shares her concerns over the paper and asks him if he would mind helping her plan a sports page.
Excerpts, chapter 13:
The barn was spacious, the high ceiling interwoven with support beams at intervals.
Standing in the doorway, the sun at his back, Charles couldn’t help but smile. He loved simple architecture like this. Barns hadn’t been part of the scenery in 21st century St. Louis-in the country yes, but definitely not in the big city.
When his gaze landed in the upper corner, he noticed the barn’s resident owl. Its eyes were shut in repose, its pale features hauntingly beautiful.
“I would charge him room and board, but he’s rather useful ,” Laura teased in that smoky voice he loved so before walking past him and into the shade.
A second or so later, she looked over her shoulder, a gentle smile on her lips. “You comin’?”
“Yeah,” he answered then followed.
...
With silent footfalls, Laura headed toward the second stall and opened the gate.
Inside was a beautiful horse of similar colour to Turnip’s. He or she was lighter though, and somewhat smaller too.
“Now here... is Daisy-May.” Standing to the side, Laura brought her hand to gently pat the animal’s back. When she spoke next, her voice was low, nurturing. “She’s Turnip’s mama.”
“She’s very pretty,” Charles observed from his station just outside the stall.
“That she is, and a sweetheart too.” Laura was smiling, a warm veil of affection on her features.
Clearly, this horse was very special to her.
...
“Thanks for helping me.”
At this, Laura’s smile widened and her eyelids fell shut on an extended blink. “No need to thank me... In fact, I’m being selfish.”
Charles highly doubted that but indulged her nonetheless. “How so?”
Shoulders rising and falling on a shrug, she tilted her head and covered his hand at her cheek. “We’ve both been busy and I guess I’ve been missing you.”
Her words touched him beyond reason and made him lower his gaze.
Finally, he met her eyes.
“I’ve been missing you too. ”
...
“Like this?” Charles adjusted the saddle pad on Turnip’s back and looked to Laura.
They were standing in the pasture, the breeze ruffling their clothes as it carried the distant resonance of a blue robin’s song.
“You got it,” she replied on a nod, her hand rising to sweep a wayward strand of hair from her face.
Reaching for the saddle, he tried to remember her instructions and flung it atop the horse so that it rested comfortably on its withers. Then, with as much self-assuredness as he could muster, Charles went about securing the saddle in place, tightening the strap once the horse had blown out.
“See, it’s not that difficult.” Laura took a step closer and checked the knot he had tied.
“So this is okay?”
“You did it.” She straightened, her eyes alight with approval.
...
It was after dinner and the two found themselves on the back porch, steaming cups of tea beside them as they sat next to one another.
Laura loved it out here, loved sitting as she was, arms draped over her knees as her feet rested on the ground by the porch.
They had been silent for a while now, each listening to the soothing sound of the river nearby.
“It sure is nice out here,” he interrupted softly.
“Isn’t it?” Setting her teacup back on the porch, she allowed a slow breath to leave her lungs, contentment seeping through her entire body. “When I can, I love to sit out here after dinner and just... look out.”
It was an indulgence-one of the few she had-and sharing it with him felt wonderful.
“Are you feeling confident about Monday?” Laura finally asked, hoping that he was.
“I’m more confident than I was this morning, let’s put it that way.”
Bringing a hand to his arm, she gave it a gentle squeeze, her words laced with conviction when she said, “You’ll do fine. I know it.”
...
Though Charles was right beside her, she slipped into a pattern long entrenched in her now-one so common to mothers and providers alike. Unconsciously, she retreated into her thoughts, her worries coming to the fore in spite of the beauty before them.
“I know that look,” he suddenly murmured, gently ushering her to the here and now.
“What look?” Laura asked, even though she knew the answer.
“Silent worrying.”
Charles was very intuitive when it came to her, habitually knew when something was wrong.
“I’m just thinking about the Gazette,” she answered as her gaze fell for a moment or two. Then, on a breath, she met his eyes once more. “About Larson and what he’s going to say or do next.”
“The man’s a jerk,” Charles chimed in, his colourful choice of words drawing a soft chuckle from her.
“He’s cut-throat,” she continued, her smile fading on a subtle shake of her head. “He’s been raised to be. His father was a successful businessman here in town.”
“So he wants to live up to his family name.”
“Something like that.” Laura took a cleansing breath. “His ego knows no bounds-probably why he wants to shut me down so badly. It drives him crazy that I’ve managed to stay in business for so long.”
“You’re good at what you do.”
“I try my best... Just sometimes, I wonder if it’s enough.”
The paper was doing alright, yes. But the future was uncertain. Larson was set to equal the playing field by introducing his own cartoon page. And once that was done, many would probably favour the Monitor over the Gazette. After all, most men in town agreed with him regarding the proposed law change.
The entire situation was daunting in many ways, forcing Laura into survival mode.
“Can I ask you something?” she asked after several long moments of silence.
“Sure, what is it?”
Shifting to angle her body slightly toward him, she continued, “Remember the day we met, you convinced me to start a cartoon page.”
Charles nodded that he did.
“You mentioned sports.” Lifting a hand, palm toward him, she went on to clarify, “Now I know you’re busy and I would completely understand if you didn’t have time, but do you think you could help me with that? Setting up a sports page I mean.”
Having been on her own for so long, it felt strange to ask for help. But this was Charles. Unlike most men, he would not belittle her for this, would not make her feel incompetent for asking.
“I’d be happy to,” he answered, his voice as kind as the smile on his face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 14 ~ Yearning
A familiar tension mounts as Charles and Laura work under lamplight to print the Gazette’s new sports page. Once their task is complete and the lamps are extinguished, they share a brief but intense moment of passion. In the dark, they kiss, each of them wishing they could stay. Alas, they can’t. And when they finally part ways, both are well aware that-like so many other nights before-it would be a long and lonely one.
Excerpts, chapter 14:
Charles climbed the steps in leaps and bounds, his footfalls surprisingly silent against the wooden boards. When he reached for the doorknob however, he found himself pausing, unable to knock just yet as he indulged in the sight beyond the glass.
Laura was sitting at her typewriter, delicate wisps of her hair framing her face as she worked in quiet focus.
Finally, with anticipation knotting his insides, his hand rose to knock on the door-three raps, soft and barely audible, that made her look towards him.
As soon as their eyes met, her entire face seemed to light up-sea green eyes sparkling in welcome as a full smile spread across her mouth. In the face of this, Charles felt his heart speed up, his own smile broadening in answer to hers.
He opened the door just as she rose. “Hi,” he said. “Hope I’m not too late.”
“Not at all.”
…
Just then, his eyes fell to a folded newspaper by the oil lamp, a publication he would recognize anywhere… and he knew. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Sally brought it over this afternoon,” she answered, then sat down.
Suppressing the urge to simply toss it, Charles picked it up and flipped the pages. It was the Monitor’s latest edition. And sure enough, it contained a new cartoon page.
Similar to Laura’s in both style and humour, he figured the townsfolk would enjoy it, but the Gazette still had an edge in his opinion.
“Don’t worry about it,” he finally said before tossing the newspaper in the trash can. “You’re setting the trend here, Laura. Not Larson.”
She seemed truly reassured by his words, distinct hope coming to light her features. “Speaking of which…” Gingerly, Laura reached for a downturned page on the desk and handed it over.
He read it while she waited and a smile soon spread across his mouth.
It was her sports page, or at least the first printed sample of it.
“What do you think?” she asked, her voice nervous yet hopeful at the same time.
“This is really good.” He meant it.
…
While Laura carefully fed the pages into the rollers, Charles retrieved the prints and hung them up to dry, ten or so at a time, on a line that hung above the California job cases-the cabinets used to store letters of various font types and sizes.
They had a good pace going too, and before the clock struck nine, all the pages were printed.
…
“I know I’ve said this before.” she said. “But thank you.”
Charles gave a smile and shrugged. Before he could speak, however, Laura continued, “I mean it. You work all day at the livery, and still you come over every night. It means a lot.”
“It’s not a chore to me,” he replied, his heart swelling at what he wanted to say. It took a few seconds for the words to form, but when they did, they rolled off his tongue as though it was the easiest thing in the world. “I miss you like crazy when you’re not around.”
At this, she blushed and her breath seemed to catch in her throat.
“I really do,” he continued and watched as her eyelids fell shut for a moment. When she looked at him once more, her eyes were bright with a thin veil of moisture, her lips curved into a smile of genuine happiness.
Truly, it made his life to see her like that.
…
Later, once all the newspapers had been assembled, they stood by the wash bowl in the corner of the room.
“Sure does a number on your fingers, doesn’t it?” Charles chuckled as he scrubbed his hands.
“And on your face too.” Laura’s reply came as she finished drying her fingers, her gaze sparkling with amusement, gentleness, and something else. When she touched him, slowly and with care, the back of her hand brushing his cheek in an attempt at wiping the ink from his skin, Charles’ mirth receded and he found he had to steady himself.
If the contact was simple, it was no less rousing, causing his heart to beat a changing rhythm. This woman, he decided, could make his head spin without even trying.
It was a familiar tension, one that was becoming increasingly insistent every time they were alone together.
And it wasn’t just him. He could tell.
While Laura had always lived in these morally structured times, she was but a human being, a woman with needs and wants like any other. It was written in her eyes, in the delicate way her knuckles grazed his cheek.
Alas…
“We should go,” she finally whispered, making his heart clench at the reality between them.
…
He went from lamp to lamp, extinguishing them with a gentle turn of a knob, until only one remained. Turning to look at Laura, he saw that she had removed her sleeve coverings and was now fetching their things from the hooks on the wall.
When she started towards him and nodded once, he took it as permission to douse the lone source of illumination in the room, the small lamp beside her typewriter.
With a final twist of a knob, obscurity fell and for a brief moment, there was silence. As his eyes struggled to adjust to the darkness, Charles heard the tell-tale sound of items being deposited on the desk-his things and hers, the ones she had been holding.
And then he saw her.
Laura was standing in shadow, her motionless silhouette jet black against the faint illumination from across the street. While he couldn’t see her eyes, he felt her gaze nonetheless, and it was as if she could see right through him.
Swallowing, he stood there as she took a step forward, then another… and another. When he felt the gentle press of her hand on his rapidly beating heart, Charles noted that she was trembling-or maybe that was him. It was hard to say.
They were truly alone now, obscured from view for however long they would dare linger. It was a maddening realization, and the ability to breathe eluded him because of it.
…
And then, she was kissing him, fully, deeply, as her body all but melted into his.
The moment proved intense, heated in quiet urgency. And he understood just then that she had been hoping and waiting for this.
This realization drove him to near madness and his mind struggled to catch up to what was taking place between them.
Laura might have filled many roles during the span of a day, but right now…
Right now, she was everything he dreamed of at night-an expressive, pliant, and passionate woman, someone who returned his love with equal measure… a woman who wanted him as much as he wanted her.
God, help me…
…
“I wish we could stay,” she whispered breathlessly, mirroring his desire as her brow came to rest against his.
“Me too…”
Save for the sound of their breathing, the room was completely quiet. The air was quite balmy as well.
“You want to know something?” Laura asked quietly after a time. “When I’m alone at night… I miss you like crazy too.”
And with that, she eased away, her gaze flickering downward as a tiny smile came to paint her mouth.
…
As was his wont, he helped her to hitch Turnip, then watched as she climbed on the wagon and sat down.
He always hated this part.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Definitely,” she answered.
The seconds trickled by and he simply gazed at her, loving how she looked before a twinkling canvas of stars.
Finally, to his chagrin, she had to leave and he watched her go, unable to tear his eyes from the road even long after he had lost sight of her wagon.
This courtship, while the most wonderful thing to ever happen to him, was difficult in some ways.
The nights were incredibly long, almost unbearable at times.
And with her words still fresh in his mind…
When I’m alone at night… I miss you like crazy too.
Tonight would be no different.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 15 ~ Making Time
The Gazette’s new sports page is a success, and Laura couldn’t be happier. As the day winds down, Sally drops by the paper with a list of events for the town’s upcoming festival. Later on, as she’s locking up, Laura sees Charles coming down Main Street on a feed laden wagon. He stops by and they talk, ultimately admitting that they had been missing each other. The confession sparks an idea. Deciding they have to make time for courtship, Laura asks Charles if he would like to go to an upcoming social with her. He says yes.
Excerpts, chapter 15:
Their business day started like it always did, the Gazette’s regular customers swinging by to purchase their papers one at a time. As talk of the sports page got around however, more and more people started to come by, wanting to see for themselves.
Some of them were new customers, while others were former ones, people who had switched to the Monitor after Will had died. The memory stung somewhat but it was good to have their business again. Furthermore, the response to the sports page was overwhelmingly good.
“What a wonderful idea!” some would exclaim.
And the positive feedback just kept on coming.
…
Sinking in the chair, the worn leather creaking beneath her, Laura opened the drawer to her right and retrieved a metal tray lined with coins. With sunlight filtering through the window and heating the side of her face, she grabbed a handful of pennies and started counting.
When she was about halfway through, the muffled thud of footfalls caught her attention.
Someone was climbing the front steps.
Craning her neck to see who it was, Laura heard the front door opening and closing, then saw a friendly face peering in the doorway.
“Why, you are just full of surprises this year.” It was Sally, her blue eyes sparkling as she held a copy of the day’s paper. “Congratulations, madam editor.”
Answering her friend’s smile with one of her own, Laura shrugged on a blush. “Just doing what I have to.”
“Well it’s brilliant. Folks are just tickled over this sports page.” Taking a seat in the opposing chair, her friend removed the white and blue hat covering her strawberry blond locks. “The mayor was in the store today, and I even heard him say that you’re putting Somerville on the map when it comes to innovative ideas like this.”
“I don’t know about that.” Before she could go on to credit Charles, Sally waved her hand, casually dismissing her.
“Pshaw. You’re good at what you do, the best newspaper editor this town has ever seen. And folks are takin’ notice.”
…
Sally donned her hat, making ready to leave. “So,” she started, smiling as an inquisitive glimmer filled her gaze. “How are things between you and Mr. Wonderful?”
The query caused Laura’s smile to widen. It wasn’t often that she had the chance to gush or talk about Charles.
Her heart surging with warmth, she nodded once. “Good. Better than good.” A sigh and then, “It’s great.”
“It’s good to see you this happy, Laura.”
“I am happy. Truly.” Indicating the office and the production room beyond with a small, sweeping motion, she continued, “Even with everything that’s been going on… Larson and his tireless efforts to ruin me… I feel wonderful.” Blushing, she chuckled softly. “It’s actually silly how much.”
“I don’t think it’s silly.” Sally regarded her with sincerity, her voice low when she said, “You’re in love.”
She was. She really was. “Yes.”
…
Afterward-with Sally gone and her previous task of counting coins finished-Laura looked toward the window and sighed.
Like countless times before, her thoughts had funneled toward the man who had captured her heart and she found herself missing him.
Mayhap Charles would stop by before she left for home, but chances were he wouldn’t. After all, she was almost finished here and he was supposed to be working late tonight.
Of course, she was glad that the livery provided enough hours for him to earn adequate pay, but a part of her was disappointed-not at him or the job itself but at the realities which kept them apart at night.
If only Charles could come home to her after a hard day’s work.
Alas, he could not-not yet anyway-and she supposed that was the heart of the matter.
While propriety was well and fine, the constraints of respectable courtship could chaff at a person’s heart when this one longed for more.
And Laura did yearn for more-more time alone with him, more opportunities to relax and laugh together, to enjoy and savour the simple pleasures of being courted. Though certainly, not all pleasures were simple. Some of them were complicated and powerful, such as the fleeting indulgence of the night before… The two of them kissing urgently in the dark. Rapid breathing. Clutching fingers. Fervent whispers.
Just thinking about it was enough to make her weak at the knees.
…
Bidding Fred a good evening, Laura locked the door, then started down the front steps. As soon as her foot met the boardwalk however, her disappointment gave way to surprise, which, in turn, bloomed into unbridled delight.
Charles was coming down Main Street, driving a feed laden wagon belonging to the livery. He wore a white shirt with rolled up sleeves as well as a working man’s hat, the brim of which was shielding his eyes from the sun’s slanting rays.
Her heart beating frantically beneath her breast, Laura watched as he caught sight of her, slowed to a stop and lifted his hat to wipe his brow. Goodness, the man was handsome. “Evening, Ma’am,” he said in that charming way of his. “I hear the paper was all the rage today.”
She tried not to smirk, echoing his playful formality when she said, “Good evening to you too.”
…
Paying scant attention to the goings on around them, they fell silent for a time and shared a look.
Finally, “I missed you today.” Although these were the words she had wanted to say, Charles had uttered them first.
“Same here.”
…
“It’s not so easy, is it?” she said, then sighed. “Finding time for courtship, I mean.”
“No, it’s not.” The moment hung there. “But I guess that means we’ll have to make the time.”
Her face breaking into a smile, she laughed quietly. “You’re right,” she agreed. “We’ll have to make the time.”
It’s a funny thing how the human mind works, how-with something as simple as a sentence-an idea can suddenly take root, burgeoning from nothing in the span of a heartbeat.
At that very moment, she was thinking of a piece of paper, the list of events Sally had dropped off earlier.
Her insides awhirl, Laura bit her lower lip, pondering her next words. In the end, she just blurted them out. “Do you dance?”
For an instant, Charles seemed surprised by her query. “Well…” He cleared his throat. “I do, but I’m not really familiar with… you know…”
While a passerby would have no idea what he was referring to, she understood what he was trying to say. Like many other things, dance would most likely evolve, changing greatly over the next century.
“Not really familiar with the two-step?” she finished for him, her eyebrows rising as her mirth increased.
“That’s it.” He was laughing now.
“It’s not that difficult, provided you have the right partner of course.”
Though he seemed to be following, Charles said nothing. Instead, he smiled and waited for her to continue.
She did. “What I’m trying to say is…” Now it was her turn to clear her throat. “There’s a social coming up and well… I was thinking that perhaps we could go. Together, I mean.”
There. She had said it-in a somewhat clumsy manner, sure-but she had said it nonetheless.
“Are you asking me out on a date, Mrs. Brown?”
Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, Laura captured his eyes. “Why yes, I suppose I am.”
Instead of answering right away, Charles looked down for a second or so. He was smiling.
“In that case…” He met her gaze once more and she thought her heart would stop. “I accept.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Continue to part III of the recap
(Characters from the movie)
Charles Lattimer
Laura Brown
William Brown-Laura’s deceased husband
Mary Brown-Laura’s daughter
Mrs. Clark-Laura’s mother
Walt-Laura’s childhood friend and hired hand
Fred-Employee at the Gazette
Kristen-Charles’ wife in the 20th (and early 21st) century
Al Glasser-Charles’ best friend in the 20th (and early 21st) century
The conductor
(Original characters)
Bartholomew Larson-Owner of the Somerville Monitor, business competitor to Laura
Sally Stevens-Laura’s best friend
Jim Stevens-Sally’s husband, owner of the general store
Norman Abrams-Founder of the repair shop N.M. Abrams Co
John McFarland-Charles' employer at Enterprise Livery Stable
Jeffrey and Margaret Davis-The couple who welcomed Charles into their home. They have a son named Paul.
Robert Patterson-Mayor of Somerville
Mrs. Branch-Minor character, woman who is involved in various committees
Mrs. Brennan-Minor character, long-time friend of Mrs. Clark
Mr. Finnell-Minor character, man who works at the telegraph office
And so it continues...
Chapter 8 ~ Winding Paths
As the sun rises, Laura contemplates the meaning of marriage. With a new perspective on what happened between her and Charles, she finally accepts the notion that they can be together.
Realizing that he might be leaving town, she decides to hurry, only to be told that he has taken the train already.
Devastated, Laura then makes her way to the river, where she is ultimately reunited with Charles.
Excerpts, chapter 8:
Laura sat unmoving, her profile illuminated by an oil lamp as the sun had yet to rise. Dawn was fast approaching though, its impending arrival announced by the subtle purplish tinge in the sky outside.
Her mind still reeling from the night before, Laura had given up on sleep, had risen and headed for her armoire. The wooden box she hid in the back had beckoned her, had prompted her to seek it out and bring it over to her vanity-which is where she now sat.
The box rested, lid open, before her. Inside were her most precious mementos-a few photographs as well as some of Will’s belongings.
...
Looking at her husband’s image, Laura thought about the meaning of marriage.
Before today, it had meant a lifelong commitment to be broken only by death.
Charles’ story was forcing a reassessment of that belief.
Birth and death were the bookends of life.
If the bonds of marriage only applied to two living spouses, how did it apply to a person that has yet to be born?
It doesn’t.
Will was no longer part of this life. Charles’ wife had yet to be and wouldn’t-her birth only set to occur in a year most likely beyond their lifetimes.
The end result was the same. Neither she nor Charles would ever see their spouses again.
While this concept was mind boggling, it slowly started to sink in, making Laura see their relationship in a new light.
Perhaps theirs was not the forbidden love she had believed it to be.
...
As Laura slowly reopened the door to her heart, her body came alive, the flutter of a thousand butterflies filling her insides. She felt anxious, hopeful, scared, and giddy all at the same time-an overwhelming sensation to be truthful.
“I have to go see him.” As soon as she whispered those words, a sinking feeling descended in the pit of her stomach.
A hand over her mouth, Laura sat there, wide eyed as Charles’ words came back to her.
…
“Let me explain and if you can’t handle what I have to say then I’ll leave… I’ll leave Somerville and let you move on.”
…
“Goodbye, Laura.”
…
“No.” Closing her eyes momentarily, she fought to keep from panicking.
Charles was going to leave.
I have to stop him.
...
Laura found Mr. Abrams outside. He was writing on his blackboard, hunched over as he usually was.
When he saw her, he stopped writing and smiled. “Morning, Mrs. Brown.”
“Good morning.” As she neared, Laura returned his warm expression, hoping she did not look as nervous as she felt.
“How’s that press of yours holdin’ up?”
“It’s running perfectly, thank you. Tell me,” Hoping to sound calm and collected, she continued, “Would Charles be in today?”
At her question, the older man’s expression became more sombre, almost apologetic. “I’m sorry, Ma’am. He boarded the eight fifteen this mornin’. Went back to St. Louis.”
...
He’s gone…
“He’s truly gone,” she whispered.
Laura sat on the dry bark of a tree that had fallen on the edge of the river. It rested, partly un-rooted, with a section of its trunk hanging over the rippling surface. Her shawl, gloves, and boots discarded nearby, Laura stared ahead vacantly, her bare feet skimming the shallow water that flowed lazily below.
Though her tears had dried, Laura was just as devastated as she had been earlier, perhaps even more.
Reality had set in. She would never see Charles again. To go after him was impossible. Not only did she have responsibilities here, but she would never find him even if she tried.
It’s over.
...
Wanting to forget, Laura went outside her heart and mind, kept focusing on those things around her. This eventually led to a desire to open her eyes once more.
When she did, a powerful feeling descended upon her-a heightened sense of awareness or intuition. Instinctively drawn to something in her peripheral vision, she slowly looked to her right.
What she saw, or rather who she saw, nearly caused her heart to burst out of her chest.
“Charles?”
...
“I thought you left.” Laura finally said.
Her voice served to ground him, made him blink a few times. Without tearing his eyes from hers, Charles set his suitcase on the ground and replied. “Train didn’t show.”
One second passed by then another.
The silence was broken by what she said next-a revelation that nearly toppled him. “I’m glad.”
...
How they had gotten to this moment did not matter, not really. The important thing was this, them, and what would follow.
Spellbound, Charles stood unmoving, his eyes lost to hers. In them, he sought to divine her thoughts, the endeavour halted only by her next move.
A tear trickling down her cheek, Laura closed the distance between them. She snaked her arms around him, wound her fingers in his hair and buried her face in the crook of his neck.
It took a second or so for reality to sink in, but when it did, Charles felt peace and contentment unlike ever before. Closing his eyes, he enfolded her in his arms, held her tightly and revelled in the feel of her against him.
...
She leaned forward, got up on her tiptoes, stopping just short of pressing her lips to his and looked in his eyes. This pause was not a hesitation but rather Laura’s way of conveying the certainty she felt.
Closing her eyes, she went the rest of the way, covered his mouth with hers in a kiss so profound and meaningful it nearly shattered them both.
Unlike their first kiss, this one was free of conflict. In simple terms, it felt right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 9 ~ Gentle Slopes
Reunited, Charles and Laura leave the river hollows hand in hand. They are hopeful for the future but know they will have to break the news gently to Mrs. Clark. Parting ways before they reach the homestead, they promise to meet the next day for a family picnic after church, both of them hoping that it will ease his transition into the picture.
Excerpts, chapter 9:
Water slowly winding down the river, a breeze rustling the leaves of the sheltered grove-such was the essence of the river hollows.
While this sanctuary had greeted two heartbroken individuals that day, it saw them leave with anything but heartache.
Sidelong glances, shy smiles, and the occasional brushing of hand against hand-a far cry from earlier that morning.
Being there, as they were, it was amazing, surreal almost.
...
“Don’t you wish real life could wait sometimes?” Laura asked, her eyes closed amid a luminous expression.
Charles chuckled. “Yeah.” He touched her face then, the back of his fingers grazing her cheek.
“There’s so much we need to talk about.”
“I know.” Pulling back, he continued. “But we have time.”
...
The chirping of crickets broke through the stillness of night, echoing across moonlight fields and open windows.
…
Laura had been unable to sleep. She had pulled her vanity chair by the window where she now sat, wrapped in a throw, legs curled beneath her. She stared out into the night, not really seeing the peaceful landscape of slumbering farmlands. Instead her mind was swimming in reverie, drifting in gentle happiness.
She recalled the stirrings of joyful butterflies when she had seen Charles by the river that day. She remembered her joy, so full and heartfelt.
He had stayed, he would stay, and they would explore this new plateau in their relationship.
...
It was silly in a way, a grown woman feeling like a lovesick schoolgirl. But she could not help it.
Thoughts shifting to the following day, Laura wondered how it would all play out.
She was eager to see Charles but knew they would have to be careful around her mother.
A picnic after church would be the perfect way of easing him into their lives, at least that’s what she hoped.
Just a few more hours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 10 ~ Watchful Steps
It’s Sunday and Charles has been invited to share a picnic with Laura’s family. When Laura is whisked away by her friend Sally, he finds himself alone with the older woman and she makes it clear that she isn’t dense and will be watching him.
Later that night, Laura comes out with it and finally tells her mother about her courtship. After being met with silence, she decides it’s time to tell Mary too. And so, as she brushes the little girl’s hair before bedtime, she does.
Mary couldn’t be happier.
Excerpts, chapter 10:
Eager to see Laura’s face again, Charles scanned the churchyard, looking for either yellow or dark blue, the color of her two Sunday dresses.
Only once he started up the steps did he catch glimpse of her. She was approaching from his left, dressed in the dark blue skirt and jacket she had worn that day at the rally.
...
Slowing, Charles removed his hat and watched as she ushered Mary up the steps.
When their eyes met, the two shared a knowing smile, discrete and guarded.
...
“Good morning, Mrs. Brown.” After the intimacy of the day before, it felt strange calling her by her last name. But they had discussed this on their way back from the river hollows, had decided to tread carefully.
“Good morning, Mr. Lattimer.” Laura’s voice floated on the breeze, as enchanting as always.
...
“Service is about to start.” interjected Mrs. Clark as she made her way up the steps, her tone crusty as usual.
While Laura’s demeanour reflected her displeasure toward her mother’s rude interruption, Charles took it in stride by going along with the older woman. “We better go inside then.”
...
Exiting the church, Charles donned his hat. “Is your mother expecting me? Or are we about to catch her off guard?”
“I told her I was going to ask you to join us when service ended.”
Charles winced inwardly for he could easily imagine the look her mother must have worn-definitely not a happy expression.
...
Doing his best to ignore the fact that he felt like a fattened pig ready for slaughter, Charles plastered a smile on his face, tipped his hat and said, “Good morning, Mrs. Clark.”
“Mr. Lattimer.” Whilst she had acknowledged his presence, the older woman’s tone was curt and devoid of welcome.
Normally, Charles would have taken this as a bad sign; but since he had expected nothing more than a grunt and a cold shoulder, he chose to see it as a good omen. Well… as good as could be expected in this scenario.
...
“Well if it isn’t our town hero.” Sally handed the basket of cookies over to Laura, a hint of playful curiosity in her eyes. No doubt she was wondering why he was hanging around. “Just have to say, I love the cartoons you drew for Laura’s paper.”
Charles smiled modestly. “Thank you.”
“Well they’re a hit. Everybody loves ‘em.” Turning to Laura, Sally asked, “Sorry to
ask this out of the blue, but do you think you could help out at the bake sale next Saturday?”
Blinking a few times, Laura answered, “Um… yes, of course. If nothing comes up at the paper, certainly.”
“Great.” As Sally’s beaming expression morphed into a small wince, she continued, “Now I hate to interrupt this little gathering of yours, but we’re having a little meetin’ over yonder, deciding who’ll make what. It’ll only take a few minutes. Would you mind?”
Charles couldn’t help but notice the indecisiveness in Laura, how her eyes flickered back and forth between himself and Mrs. Stevens. Knowing her, she probably wasn’t too keen on the idea of leaving him alone with her mother.
As a way to reassure her, he smiled. “Go on. It’s fine.”
...
“I may not know exactly what happened between the two of you, but I know this… You did or said something that hurt her, very much. Now while things seem all fine for now…” Mrs. Clark met his eyes once more, a clear warning in her expression. “You better not break my daughter’s heart again. You understand me?”
...
Swallowing, he pondered what to say, knew that denying her assumptions would not only be unwise but disrespectful.
“You’re right,” he started, his voice repentant. “I did hurt Laura, deeply, and I regret it more than you can even imagine.”
The moment hung there, the mood on the wooden bench in stark contrast to the joyful atmosphere all around.
...
“I want to do right by your daughter, Mrs. Clark. She means the world to me.”
Without looking at him, the older woman nodded, her voice devoid of warmth when she said, “In any case, I’ll be keeping my eye on you.”
...
With bedtime fast approaching, Laura sat in the parlour with her mother, the minutes ticking away with scantly a word spoken between them.
Fingers tapping an erratic rhythm on her lap, she glanced at the clock. It was now or never.
“We need to talk.”
Mrs. Clark’s reply was curt, her fingers unrelenting in her needlework. “I was wondering when you’d get around to it.”
...
There was no easy way to put this and Laura had learned long ago that a direct approach was the best method where her mother was concerned.
...
“We’re courting.”
There, she had said it.
Feeling as if a weight had been lifted, Laura exhaled, her fingers entwined on her lap. It was liberating in a way, yet terrifying in another.
“I’d gathered as much.” The older woman steadied herself on the armrests before rising with effort. Then, with weariness in her steps, she made her way to the kitchen, her silence speaking volumes.
...
With a gentle hand, Laura passed a brush through Mary’s hair, careful not to yank too hard.
The two sat on the bed, Mary facing away from her mother.
...
“How would you feel if Mr. Lattimer started spending more time with us?”
“You mean like picnics every Sunday?”
Mary’s answer was so endearing that Laura could not keep a smile from showing. “Something like that.”
“That’d be nice.”
“Good.” Feeling relief and joy, Laura leaned forward and deposited a kiss on her daughter’s forehead. “That’s real good.”
“What’s going on, Mama?”
Faced with the question in Mary’s eyes, Laura searched for the words. “Well, you see, Mr. Lattimer and I…” To say it was a struggle. “We’re courting, sweetie.”
The expression on Mary’s face was a wondrous one. She was practically beaming. “You are?”
“Uh huh.”
...
Even as she settled somewhat, Mary was clearly overjoyed by the news.
“So you’re okay with this?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Such a Mary thing to say.
A thin veil of tears in her eyes, Laura reached out and grazed her daughter’s cheek with the side of her hand. “You’re such a sweet, lovely girl.”
Mary’s reply came by way of a hug. It felt wonderful. Laura revelled in it, held on tightly as she said, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Mama.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 11 ~ In This Refuge
Out of a need to connect and establish the foundations of their relationship, Charles and Laura meet by the river. There, they discuss many things, including the family and friends he has left behind. The conversation stirs a lot of emotions and ultimately leads to a fervent declaration-three little words they had yet to say.
Excerpts, chapter 11:
The river was whispering, revealing its secrets in a soft trickle of water. Charles sat on a blanket, knees bent, arms loosely draped over. On a breath, he gazed at the languid ripples before him and saw trout swimming below the surface. They lingered in spots spared from direct sunlight, their bodies swaying in the current in a way that made it seem as though they were suspended in time.
...
Charles heard a sound, faint and steady in its cadence. Hooves, he realized-a slow plod against earth and grass that made him turn to look over his shoulder.
At first, he saw nothing but the landscape, a carpet of green and a few trees framing a window of clear, blue sky. Then, in a slow reveal, Laura came into sight-cresting over the slight rise in terrain, her body swaying gently with her horse’s measured steps.
Her eyes finding and connecting with his, she smiled a beautiful smile and literally took his breath away.
...
“What are you thinking about?”
Charles’ query, spoken soft and low, floated on nature’s lullaby. It reached Laura as would a feather-light caress, making her smile as she kept her gaze downward, fingertips tracing random patterns on the blanket upon which she sat.
“Many things.” This admission was followed by a breath, her gaze flickering back to his in a soothing meld of green and blue.
Indeed her thoughts were filled to the brim, awhirl with unspoken questions and possibilities for the future.
“Such as?” The warmth in Charles’ features was remarkable, his touch incredibly gentle as he grazed her jaw with his thumb.
On a sigh, Laura brought her hand to his, turned his palm so it cupped her cheek and held it there. Leaning into his touch, she sighed, answered, “About this, us… And how wonderful I feel when I’m with you.”
This netted a self-effacing expression, the one she loved so. A small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, Laura watched as Charles chuckled and looked down. There was a balance about him, in the way he could be both unassuming and confident.
When their eyes met once more, she decided to be open and say what was on her mind. “I’m also thinking that you know more about me than I know about you.”
“You’re right.” Charles nodded.
What he said next was exactly what she longed to hear.
“We’re going to have to fix that, aren’t we?”
...
“Tell me about her.” As these murmured words fell from her lips, they held not an ounce of hesitation. “Tell me about your wife.”
Rather straightforward, but this was not the time to sidestep and cower. The door had been opened and-secure in the love between them-Laura had chosen to step through the threshold.
...
“We ended on good terms. Both of us acknowledged that our relationship had run its course.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah,” he agreed, hand lightly stroking her arm before he continued. “I’ll always remember our last conversation. She said, ‘we had a good run, Charlie’. And we did.”
Laura could discern the peace in his voice, the closure in his words. It was comforting to know that he was truly okay with how things had ended between he and his wife.
“And now, I’m here… with you.” There was a pause as Charles met her eyes, his gaze filled with incredible depth of emotion. “And I couldn’t be happier.”
Whilst these words were profound, what he said next was even more so.
“I love you, Laura.”
...
To say it back was more difficult than she had foreseen. Her voice had fled. But Laura mouthed the words anyway and managed a whisper she hoped conveyed everything. “I love you too.”
What he gave her in response made her feel even more wonderful-an easy smile accompanied by a caress slowly winding from her cheek to the side of her neck. Then, he was nuzzling her, whispering things she longed to hear.
What followed was a beautiful expression of affection, a kiss so meaningful as to shatter them both.
...
To draw the line and pull back was not easy.
In the end, Charles was the one to ease away, his eyes delving into hers as his thumb rose to brush her lower lip. “We should…”
Laura noted the regret in his features, felt the same.
Neither of them wanted to leave but they had to.
“Yes,” she finally answered, eyelids falling shut for a few moments.
...
As Charles helped her to her feet, Laura felt happy and relaxed.
The peaceful feeling lingered as they gathered the blanket and made their way to where Turnip grazed.
It followed as they walked in a leisurely stride through the meadow, hand in hand with the horse beside them.
When they parted ways, that peace morphed into a longing that followed her right into the night.
In sleep, she dreamed of him, the images in her mind a quasi mirror to what they had shared that evening-the two of them, alone and in love, with only the river as their witness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 12 ~ Side by Side
Unable to make due with his dwindling hours at Abrams’ repair shop, Charles is forced to seek employment elsewhere. After a fruitless search, he is finally given a chance over at the livery stable. Clearly lacking in his horse-keeping skills, he fears being fired however. Luckily for him, Laura offers to help and invites him to spend the following day over at her homestead to learn the basics of caring for horses.
Excerpts, chapter 12:
Charles had a big day ahead of him, his second searching for a new job.
With his hours at Abrams’ cut to the point where he couldn’t make due, he had been forced to look elsewhere.
Now that he was here to stay, he had to stop living like someone who was just passing through. He needed to get on his feet and be the kind of man Laura deserved. Charles also wanted her mother’s approval and, without a steady job, there was no way he would ever get it.
...
He searched.
Everywhere he went, he was given the same regretful lines. “I’m sorry, Mr. Lattimer. We’re stretched thin as it is.” or, “Wish we could help you out, but times are tough.”
It was discouraging, frustrating even. And after a while, he felt like calling it a day-a very fruitless day.
As he stood on the wooden sidewalk, unsure of where to go next, Charles realized he was running out of places to look.
There had to be a job out there somewhere.
And so he walked, scanning the various buildings in the hope of spotting a business he had not previously thought of.
Within less than five minutes, Charles caught sight of just such a place, a nervous feeling settling in the pit of his stomach just as soon. To say that he would be out of his comfort zone was putting it mildly, but when times were tough, beggers couldn’t be choosers.
His pulse quickening in slight anxiety, Charles looked at the white letters contrasting against the building’s dark brown exterior. “Oh boy…”
Enterprise Livery Stable
...
Off to the side was a stable worker, a man with round-rimmed spectacles and a chestnut handle-bar moustache. “Afternoon, what can I do ya for?” he asked, dusting off his hands.
Charles removed his hat, a humble smile on his lips as he made his way over and extended his hand. “Hello, my name’s Charles Lattimer.”
“I remember you,” the man said, his face brightening up as a small chuckle rose in his throat. “You’re from the big city, came to rent a horse a while back.”
“Yes.” While he tried not to look uncomfortable, Charles cringed inwardly.
He had looked flat-out stupid that day, the supposedly simple task of mounting the horse an embarrassing, clumsy endeavour.
“You need a horse?” the stable worker asked as he started for a nearby stall.
“Actually, I came to see if you were hiring.”
At this, the man stopped mid-step, then turned to look at him with a puzzled expression.
“You… want to work in a stable?”
...
“Well Mr. Lattimer, thing is this.” With a gesture toward the other stalls, the stable worker continued, “We got a lot of horses here and they need to be looked after by people who know what they’re doin’.”
And there it was, the first line toward rejection.
“Now having said this,” he started again, “We could use another beast of burden around here.”
Charles’ hopes, which had been dashed until now, started to rise slightly.
“I’m not saying I’m gonna hire you, though,” the man warned. “Come back on Monday morning. I’ll put you to work for the day and we’ll see from there.”
...
“So, how’d it go?” Laura asked.
Her eyes were filled with expectant curiosity, but also with a tiny hint of concern.
“It went well,” he said. “I think I found something.”
“You did?” The relief on her features was unmistakable and immediate, her smile widening as she threw her arms around his neck. “That’s wonderful.”
“Just don’t get too excited, though,” he cautioned.
When she pulled back with a questioning gaze, he explained. “It might not pan out.”
“What do you mean?”
His hands brushing up and down her arms, Charles answered. “It’s a tryout of sorts. Mr. McFarland said to come in on Monday and if I can handle it, he’ll keep me on.”
...
“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked.
“Not quite sure yet, why?”
“I was just thinking that maybe…” Laura tilted her head to the side, her gaze infinitely soft. “You could come over to the homestead for the day?”
“I’m sure your mother would be thrilled at the idea.”
“I can’t see that she’d complain, seeing as I would put you to work and all.”
Unable to contain his mirth, Charles chuckled. “You’d put me to work?”
“You want to learn how to keep a stable or not?”
The challenge in her eyes was adorable.
“When you put it that way…” He allowed the statement to trail, his smile inching closer to hers. “I’d love to spend the day with you.”
“And my horses,” she added on a laugh.
“And your horses,” he said before he pressed his lips against hers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 13 ~ Tandem
Charles spends the day over at Laura's homestead where she teaches him the basics of horse-keeping. As the day winds down, they celebrate a job well done over a cup of tea on the back porch. There, Laura shares her concerns over the paper and asks him if he would mind helping her plan a sports page.
Excerpts, chapter 13:
The barn was spacious, the high ceiling interwoven with support beams at intervals.
Standing in the doorway, the sun at his back, Charles couldn’t help but smile. He loved simple architecture like this. Barns hadn’t been part of the scenery in 21st century St. Louis-in the country yes, but definitely not in the big city.
When his gaze landed in the upper corner, he noticed the barn’s resident owl. Its eyes were shut in repose, its pale features hauntingly beautiful.
“I would charge him room and board, but he’s rather useful ,” Laura teased in that smoky voice he loved so before walking past him and into the shade.
A second or so later, she looked over her shoulder, a gentle smile on her lips. “You comin’?”
“Yeah,” he answered then followed.
...
With silent footfalls, Laura headed toward the second stall and opened the gate.
Inside was a beautiful horse of similar colour to Turnip’s. He or she was lighter though, and somewhat smaller too.
“Now here... is Daisy-May.” Standing to the side, Laura brought her hand to gently pat the animal’s back. When she spoke next, her voice was low, nurturing. “She’s Turnip’s mama.”
“She’s very pretty,” Charles observed from his station just outside the stall.
“That she is, and a sweetheart too.” Laura was smiling, a warm veil of affection on her features.
Clearly, this horse was very special to her.
...
“Thanks for helping me.”
At this, Laura’s smile widened and her eyelids fell shut on an extended blink. “No need to thank me... In fact, I’m being selfish.”
Charles highly doubted that but indulged her nonetheless. “How so?”
Shoulders rising and falling on a shrug, she tilted her head and covered his hand at her cheek. “We’ve both been busy and I guess I’ve been missing you.”
Her words touched him beyond reason and made him lower his gaze.
Finally, he met her eyes.
“I’ve been missing you too. ”
...
“Like this?” Charles adjusted the saddle pad on Turnip’s back and looked to Laura.
They were standing in the pasture, the breeze ruffling their clothes as it carried the distant resonance of a blue robin’s song.
“You got it,” she replied on a nod, her hand rising to sweep a wayward strand of hair from her face.
Reaching for the saddle, he tried to remember her instructions and flung it atop the horse so that it rested comfortably on its withers. Then, with as much self-assuredness as he could muster, Charles went about securing the saddle in place, tightening the strap once the horse had blown out.
“See, it’s not that difficult.” Laura took a step closer and checked the knot he had tied.
“So this is okay?”
“You did it.” She straightened, her eyes alight with approval.
...
It was after dinner and the two found themselves on the back porch, steaming cups of tea beside them as they sat next to one another.
Laura loved it out here, loved sitting as she was, arms draped over her knees as her feet rested on the ground by the porch.
They had been silent for a while now, each listening to the soothing sound of the river nearby.
“It sure is nice out here,” he interrupted softly.
“Isn’t it?” Setting her teacup back on the porch, she allowed a slow breath to leave her lungs, contentment seeping through her entire body. “When I can, I love to sit out here after dinner and just... look out.”
It was an indulgence-one of the few she had-and sharing it with him felt wonderful.
“Are you feeling confident about Monday?” Laura finally asked, hoping that he was.
“I’m more confident than I was this morning, let’s put it that way.”
Bringing a hand to his arm, she gave it a gentle squeeze, her words laced with conviction when she said, “You’ll do fine. I know it.”
...
Though Charles was right beside her, she slipped into a pattern long entrenched in her now-one so common to mothers and providers alike. Unconsciously, she retreated into her thoughts, her worries coming to the fore in spite of the beauty before them.
“I know that look,” he suddenly murmured, gently ushering her to the here and now.
“What look?” Laura asked, even though she knew the answer.
“Silent worrying.”
Charles was very intuitive when it came to her, habitually knew when something was wrong.
“I’m just thinking about the Gazette,” she answered as her gaze fell for a moment or two. Then, on a breath, she met his eyes once more. “About Larson and what he’s going to say or do next.”
“The man’s a jerk,” Charles chimed in, his colourful choice of words drawing a soft chuckle from her.
“He’s cut-throat,” she continued, her smile fading on a subtle shake of her head. “He’s been raised to be. His father was a successful businessman here in town.”
“So he wants to live up to his family name.”
“Something like that.” Laura took a cleansing breath. “His ego knows no bounds-probably why he wants to shut me down so badly. It drives him crazy that I’ve managed to stay in business for so long.”
“You’re good at what you do.”
“I try my best... Just sometimes, I wonder if it’s enough.”
The paper was doing alright, yes. But the future was uncertain. Larson was set to equal the playing field by introducing his own cartoon page. And once that was done, many would probably favour the Monitor over the Gazette. After all, most men in town agreed with him regarding the proposed law change.
The entire situation was daunting in many ways, forcing Laura into survival mode.
“Can I ask you something?” she asked after several long moments of silence.
“Sure, what is it?”
Shifting to angle her body slightly toward him, she continued, “Remember the day we met, you convinced me to start a cartoon page.”
Charles nodded that he did.
“You mentioned sports.” Lifting a hand, palm toward him, she went on to clarify, “Now I know you’re busy and I would completely understand if you didn’t have time, but do you think you could help me with that? Setting up a sports page I mean.”
Having been on her own for so long, it felt strange to ask for help. But this was Charles. Unlike most men, he would not belittle her for this, would not make her feel incompetent for asking.
“I’d be happy to,” he answered, his voice as kind as the smile on his face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 14 ~ Yearning
A familiar tension mounts as Charles and Laura work under lamplight to print the Gazette’s new sports page. Once their task is complete and the lamps are extinguished, they share a brief but intense moment of passion. In the dark, they kiss, each of them wishing they could stay. Alas, they can’t. And when they finally part ways, both are well aware that-like so many other nights before-it would be a long and lonely one.
Excerpts, chapter 14:
Charles climbed the steps in leaps and bounds, his footfalls surprisingly silent against the wooden boards. When he reached for the doorknob however, he found himself pausing, unable to knock just yet as he indulged in the sight beyond the glass.
Laura was sitting at her typewriter, delicate wisps of her hair framing her face as she worked in quiet focus.
Finally, with anticipation knotting his insides, his hand rose to knock on the door-three raps, soft and barely audible, that made her look towards him.
As soon as their eyes met, her entire face seemed to light up-sea green eyes sparkling in welcome as a full smile spread across her mouth. In the face of this, Charles felt his heart speed up, his own smile broadening in answer to hers.
He opened the door just as she rose. “Hi,” he said. “Hope I’m not too late.”
“Not at all.”
…
Just then, his eyes fell to a folded newspaper by the oil lamp, a publication he would recognize anywhere… and he knew. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Sally brought it over this afternoon,” she answered, then sat down.
Suppressing the urge to simply toss it, Charles picked it up and flipped the pages. It was the Monitor’s latest edition. And sure enough, it contained a new cartoon page.
Similar to Laura’s in both style and humour, he figured the townsfolk would enjoy it, but the Gazette still had an edge in his opinion.
“Don’t worry about it,” he finally said before tossing the newspaper in the trash can. “You’re setting the trend here, Laura. Not Larson.”
She seemed truly reassured by his words, distinct hope coming to light her features. “Speaking of which…” Gingerly, Laura reached for a downturned page on the desk and handed it over.
He read it while she waited and a smile soon spread across his mouth.
It was her sports page, or at least the first printed sample of it.
“What do you think?” she asked, her voice nervous yet hopeful at the same time.
“This is really good.” He meant it.
…
While Laura carefully fed the pages into the rollers, Charles retrieved the prints and hung them up to dry, ten or so at a time, on a line that hung above the California job cases-the cabinets used to store letters of various font types and sizes.
They had a good pace going too, and before the clock struck nine, all the pages were printed.
…
“I know I’ve said this before.” she said. “But thank you.”
Charles gave a smile and shrugged. Before he could speak, however, Laura continued, “I mean it. You work all day at the livery, and still you come over every night. It means a lot.”
“It’s not a chore to me,” he replied, his heart swelling at what he wanted to say. It took a few seconds for the words to form, but when they did, they rolled off his tongue as though it was the easiest thing in the world. “I miss you like crazy when you’re not around.”
At this, she blushed and her breath seemed to catch in her throat.
“I really do,” he continued and watched as her eyelids fell shut for a moment. When she looked at him once more, her eyes were bright with a thin veil of moisture, her lips curved into a smile of genuine happiness.
Truly, it made his life to see her like that.
…
Later, once all the newspapers had been assembled, they stood by the wash bowl in the corner of the room.
“Sure does a number on your fingers, doesn’t it?” Charles chuckled as he scrubbed his hands.
“And on your face too.” Laura’s reply came as she finished drying her fingers, her gaze sparkling with amusement, gentleness, and something else. When she touched him, slowly and with care, the back of her hand brushing his cheek in an attempt at wiping the ink from his skin, Charles’ mirth receded and he found he had to steady himself.
If the contact was simple, it was no less rousing, causing his heart to beat a changing rhythm. This woman, he decided, could make his head spin without even trying.
It was a familiar tension, one that was becoming increasingly insistent every time they were alone together.
And it wasn’t just him. He could tell.
While Laura had always lived in these morally structured times, she was but a human being, a woman with needs and wants like any other. It was written in her eyes, in the delicate way her knuckles grazed his cheek.
Alas…
“We should go,” she finally whispered, making his heart clench at the reality between them.
…
He went from lamp to lamp, extinguishing them with a gentle turn of a knob, until only one remained. Turning to look at Laura, he saw that she had removed her sleeve coverings and was now fetching their things from the hooks on the wall.
When she started towards him and nodded once, he took it as permission to douse the lone source of illumination in the room, the small lamp beside her typewriter.
With a final twist of a knob, obscurity fell and for a brief moment, there was silence. As his eyes struggled to adjust to the darkness, Charles heard the tell-tale sound of items being deposited on the desk-his things and hers, the ones she had been holding.
And then he saw her.
Laura was standing in shadow, her motionless silhouette jet black against the faint illumination from across the street. While he couldn’t see her eyes, he felt her gaze nonetheless, and it was as if she could see right through him.
Swallowing, he stood there as she took a step forward, then another… and another. When he felt the gentle press of her hand on his rapidly beating heart, Charles noted that she was trembling-or maybe that was him. It was hard to say.
They were truly alone now, obscured from view for however long they would dare linger. It was a maddening realization, and the ability to breathe eluded him because of it.
…
And then, she was kissing him, fully, deeply, as her body all but melted into his.
The moment proved intense, heated in quiet urgency. And he understood just then that she had been hoping and waiting for this.
This realization drove him to near madness and his mind struggled to catch up to what was taking place between them.
Laura might have filled many roles during the span of a day, but right now…
Right now, she was everything he dreamed of at night-an expressive, pliant, and passionate woman, someone who returned his love with equal measure… a woman who wanted him as much as he wanted her.
God, help me…
…
“I wish we could stay,” she whispered breathlessly, mirroring his desire as her brow came to rest against his.
“Me too…”
Save for the sound of their breathing, the room was completely quiet. The air was quite balmy as well.
“You want to know something?” Laura asked quietly after a time. “When I’m alone at night… I miss you like crazy too.”
And with that, she eased away, her gaze flickering downward as a tiny smile came to paint her mouth.
…
As was his wont, he helped her to hitch Turnip, then watched as she climbed on the wagon and sat down.
He always hated this part.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Definitely,” she answered.
The seconds trickled by and he simply gazed at her, loving how she looked before a twinkling canvas of stars.
Finally, to his chagrin, she had to leave and he watched her go, unable to tear his eyes from the road even long after he had lost sight of her wagon.
This courtship, while the most wonderful thing to ever happen to him, was difficult in some ways.
The nights were incredibly long, almost unbearable at times.
And with her words still fresh in his mind…
When I’m alone at night… I miss you like crazy too.
Tonight would be no different.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 15 ~ Making Time
The Gazette’s new sports page is a success, and Laura couldn’t be happier. As the day winds down, Sally drops by the paper with a list of events for the town’s upcoming festival. Later on, as she’s locking up, Laura sees Charles coming down Main Street on a feed laden wagon. He stops by and they talk, ultimately admitting that they had been missing each other. The confession sparks an idea. Deciding they have to make time for courtship, Laura asks Charles if he would like to go to an upcoming social with her. He says yes.
Excerpts, chapter 15:
Their business day started like it always did, the Gazette’s regular customers swinging by to purchase their papers one at a time. As talk of the sports page got around however, more and more people started to come by, wanting to see for themselves.
Some of them were new customers, while others were former ones, people who had switched to the Monitor after Will had died. The memory stung somewhat but it was good to have their business again. Furthermore, the response to the sports page was overwhelmingly good.
“What a wonderful idea!” some would exclaim.
And the positive feedback just kept on coming.
…
Sinking in the chair, the worn leather creaking beneath her, Laura opened the drawer to her right and retrieved a metal tray lined with coins. With sunlight filtering through the window and heating the side of her face, she grabbed a handful of pennies and started counting.
When she was about halfway through, the muffled thud of footfalls caught her attention.
Someone was climbing the front steps.
Craning her neck to see who it was, Laura heard the front door opening and closing, then saw a friendly face peering in the doorway.
“Why, you are just full of surprises this year.” It was Sally, her blue eyes sparkling as she held a copy of the day’s paper. “Congratulations, madam editor.”
Answering her friend’s smile with one of her own, Laura shrugged on a blush. “Just doing what I have to.”
“Well it’s brilliant. Folks are just tickled over this sports page.” Taking a seat in the opposing chair, her friend removed the white and blue hat covering her strawberry blond locks. “The mayor was in the store today, and I even heard him say that you’re putting Somerville on the map when it comes to innovative ideas like this.”
“I don’t know about that.” Before she could go on to credit Charles, Sally waved her hand, casually dismissing her.
“Pshaw. You’re good at what you do, the best newspaper editor this town has ever seen. And folks are takin’ notice.”
…
Sally donned her hat, making ready to leave. “So,” she started, smiling as an inquisitive glimmer filled her gaze. “How are things between you and Mr. Wonderful?”
The query caused Laura’s smile to widen. It wasn’t often that she had the chance to gush or talk about Charles.
Her heart surging with warmth, she nodded once. “Good. Better than good.” A sigh and then, “It’s great.”
“It’s good to see you this happy, Laura.”
“I am happy. Truly.” Indicating the office and the production room beyond with a small, sweeping motion, she continued, “Even with everything that’s been going on… Larson and his tireless efforts to ruin me… I feel wonderful.” Blushing, she chuckled softly. “It’s actually silly how much.”
“I don’t think it’s silly.” Sally regarded her with sincerity, her voice low when she said, “You’re in love.”
She was. She really was. “Yes.”
…
Afterward-with Sally gone and her previous task of counting coins finished-Laura looked toward the window and sighed.
Like countless times before, her thoughts had funneled toward the man who had captured her heart and she found herself missing him.
Mayhap Charles would stop by before she left for home, but chances were he wouldn’t. After all, she was almost finished here and he was supposed to be working late tonight.
Of course, she was glad that the livery provided enough hours for him to earn adequate pay, but a part of her was disappointed-not at him or the job itself but at the realities which kept them apart at night.
If only Charles could come home to her after a hard day’s work.
Alas, he could not-not yet anyway-and she supposed that was the heart of the matter.
While propriety was well and fine, the constraints of respectable courtship could chaff at a person’s heart when this one longed for more.
And Laura did yearn for more-more time alone with him, more opportunities to relax and laugh together, to enjoy and savour the simple pleasures of being courted. Though certainly, not all pleasures were simple. Some of them were complicated and powerful, such as the fleeting indulgence of the night before… The two of them kissing urgently in the dark. Rapid breathing. Clutching fingers. Fervent whispers.
Just thinking about it was enough to make her weak at the knees.
…
Bidding Fred a good evening, Laura locked the door, then started down the front steps. As soon as her foot met the boardwalk however, her disappointment gave way to surprise, which, in turn, bloomed into unbridled delight.
Charles was coming down Main Street, driving a feed laden wagon belonging to the livery. He wore a white shirt with rolled up sleeves as well as a working man’s hat, the brim of which was shielding his eyes from the sun’s slanting rays.
Her heart beating frantically beneath her breast, Laura watched as he caught sight of her, slowed to a stop and lifted his hat to wipe his brow. Goodness, the man was handsome. “Evening, Ma’am,” he said in that charming way of his. “I hear the paper was all the rage today.”
She tried not to smirk, echoing his playful formality when she said, “Good evening to you too.”
…
Paying scant attention to the goings on around them, they fell silent for a time and shared a look.
Finally, “I missed you today.” Although these were the words she had wanted to say, Charles had uttered them first.
“Same here.”
…
“It’s not so easy, is it?” she said, then sighed. “Finding time for courtship, I mean.”
“No, it’s not.” The moment hung there. “But I guess that means we’ll have to make the time.”
Her face breaking into a smile, she laughed quietly. “You’re right,” she agreed. “We’ll have to make the time.”
It’s a funny thing how the human mind works, how-with something as simple as a sentence-an idea can suddenly take root, burgeoning from nothing in the span of a heartbeat.
At that very moment, she was thinking of a piece of paper, the list of events Sally had dropped off earlier.
Her insides awhirl, Laura bit her lower lip, pondering her next words. In the end, she just blurted them out. “Do you dance?”
For an instant, Charles seemed surprised by her query. “Well…” He cleared his throat. “I do, but I’m not really familiar with… you know…”
While a passerby would have no idea what he was referring to, she understood what he was trying to say. Like many other things, dance would most likely evolve, changing greatly over the next century.
“Not really familiar with the two-step?” she finished for him, her eyebrows rising as her mirth increased.
“That’s it.” He was laughing now.
“It’s not that difficult, provided you have the right partner of course.”
Though he seemed to be following, Charles said nothing. Instead, he smiled and waited for her to continue.
She did. “What I’m trying to say is…” Now it was her turn to clear her throat. “There’s a social coming up and well… I was thinking that perhaps we could go. Together, I mean.”
There. She had said it-in a somewhat clumsy manner, sure-but she had said it nonetheless.
“Are you asking me out on a date, Mrs. Brown?”
Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, Laura captured his eyes. “Why yes, I suppose I am.”
Instead of answering right away, Charles looked down for a second or so. He was smiling.
“In that case…” He met her gaze once more and she thought her heart would stop. “I accept.”
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Continue to part III of the recap