Waiting For Lily Bloom (6 page)

“When are you coming back?” Ned pinned Henry with the same penetrating stare that had chilled James only hours before.

“As soon as I can. If I don't go, they'll starve to death. I can't stay home with ‘em.” A tortured look crossed his face. “That was their ma's job.”

Sympathy clawed its way up James's throat. What would he do, if the situation were reversed? “What about extended family?”

“Our folks passed years ago. All our relations are back East. I've been over this a hundred times, Bloom. It's the only way.”

The tallest child was a girl. Was she the oldest? The rest were stair steps. Three boys and four girls. The oldest girl, who looked about twelve, was out of luck. Anyone interested would snatch the boys as laborers. The younger girls had a shot. Couples who couldn't have kids wouldn't mind raising little ones, but no one wanted older girls.

“When will, uh, the children be…?” Uncle Ned swallowed and cleared his throat.

“The preacher said he'd try this afternoon, after the prayer service.”

 

****

 

Lily shifted on the wooden church pew, her back throbbing. Was it the shock of being married that made her so tired and grouchy, or the rising temperature inside the church? Dirty bodies and dusty clothes mingled, making her empty stomach roll. She'd never encountered such a dry heat before. It dried out her nose and made her feel as though she'd swallowed a cat. No one around her seemed to notice. How nice it would be to curl up in James's comfortable rocking chair.

Fiddlesticks! Her fingernails dug into her palms. That blasted rocker. In her mind, she hacked it into kindling, and then set it ablaze. That chair had been the final nail in her coffin. Her cheeks warmed. What an awful thing to think, what with Henry's wife and all.

What was wrong with her? She now stood beside her new husband as he encouraged people who'd lost everything. People who were now her neighbors. Her thoughts were cruel.

During the prayer meeting, people had cried out to God and asked for His help and deliverance.

She'd used the time to thank Him for His protection in the storm. Only moments later, she'd complained in her heart. Shameful.

The service concluded, yet desperation still permeated the air. The people stood and lingered, discussing what to do. Most troublesome was the feeling of excommunication. There were no more goods at the store. No corn meal, no shovels, and neither was there any indication of future delivery. Even if there were items available, no one had money to pay for them. Thankfully, most had a pantry stocked with at least a few canned items. Water was also a major concern. Dead livestock and poultry brought fear of disease. These topics, along with dust pneumonia, fueled the after-service conversation.

“Friends, may I have your attention? If you are staying to hear from Mr. Hammond, please join me at the front.” Reverend Cox announced the start of the meeting concerning Henry's children.

A few families departed. Others stayed.

James touched her elbow. His calloused fingers contrasted with the gentleness of his touch as he escorted her back to the pew.

Aunt Charity and Uncle Ned sat in front of them.

A hush descended as Reverend Cox spoke. “First, Henry, we extend our deepest condolences to you.”

“Amen,” the congregation whispered.

“Please come and share with us what's on your heart.”

Henry walked to the front of the church and faced the people. He crumpled his hat and took a deep breath. “Thank you for staying.” He cleared his throat. “I appreciate your kind words and prayers. I'm sure you've heard by now that I aim to go to California. I don't really see no other choice.” He choked on the last word, and then recovered. “I'm entrusting my children to you until I can find work.

“When I do, I'll send money back to provide for them. When I make enough to rebuild, I'll come back for my children. You can be sure of that.” He glanced at the pew where his tearful children sat. “I'm leaving out after the funeral tomorrow, so the children will need to go to their new homes tonight. You'll understand if I don't stay for this.” Henry's chin wavered. “Thank you.” He nodded at Reverend Cox and walked down the aisle and out the door.

How tragic. Lily folded her hands in her lap and refused to cry.

Aunt Charity wiped her eyes and bowed her head.

Reverend Cox stood. “Let's ask God to comfort this family, and to grant safety to Henry in his travels.”

Uncle Ned blew his nose.

She would not cry.

James reached over and took her hand in his.

The minister finished his prayer and addressed the congregation.

“Friends, these children are hurting. I know it's asking a lot, but if there is any way to keep at least two siblings together, that would make their transition a little easier.”

A man across the aisle stood and grimaced. “Reverend, I can only take one. It's hard enough feeding mine. I'd like the oldest boy, please.”

James's grip on her hand tightened.

“And I'd like the next-oldest son.” A lanky farmer nodded, humming to himself.

“We'll take the last one.” The store owner stood, motioning toward the youngest boy with his hat.

“The missus and I…” a man spoke from behind her, “We…we've asked the Lord for children. I know their Pa is comin' back for ‘em, but…we'll take the youngest two girls.”

The minister's chest rose and fell. “Thank you, Bert. God bless you.”

Silence filled the church. The minister looked left and right.

“We've still two girls left.”

Pews squeaked as people shifted.

The minister looked down and pursed his lips. After a time, he raised his head. He looked at the oldest girl. “How old are you, Ava?”

A soft voice responded. “Tw-twelve.”

“And your sister?”

“T-ten.”

“Thank you, Ava.”

Lily sat up straighter. She cocked her head to the right, hoping to see around Aunt Charity's bun to the girl. Was the child nervous, or did she stutter?

“Reverend, if you don't mind…” A woman's voice sounded behind her. “Well, excuse me for asking, but…what do the girls' chores entail?”

The minister's neck reddened up to his ears.

Lily resisted the urge to turn around. Who would ask such a question? Those girls weren't servants. They were children grieving the loss of their mother.

“These children are just like yours, Mrs. Slade, only older.”

“Yes, sir.” The woman's voice trembled. “I meant no harm. It's just that I'd like to know if they're able to keep Ma company when I help Jarvis with the cleanin' up. You know how Ma is ailing in her mind. Maybe if the oldest could sit with her, read the Scriptures to her? It seems to calm her.”

The minister looked to the girl.

“Ava, is that something you'd like to do?”

“Y-y-yes, S-sir.”

Reverend Cox's eyes softened. “That's so kind of you, Ava.”

“Th-that's s-something I w-would like to d-do, b-b-but,” the child stopped for breath, “I c-can't r-r-read.”

The church fell silent.

Lily's heart tripped. Couldn't read? The child was twelve!

“Oh. Well.” Mrs. Slade stammered. “I'm sorry. I'd hoped….” She trailed off, murmuring about her weak mother.

“Mrs. Slade, these are well-mannered children. If you'd reconsider—”

“I'm sorry, Reverend. I truly am.”

Aunt Charity shifted, her pew creaking.

Lily leaned around her to see the frail girl, who sank a little lower in the pew and looked down.

“Mr. and Mrs. Crandall?” The minister questioned. The couple shook their heads.

“Julia? Do you need some help on the farm?”

“What I need done requires a man's back,” the woman answered.

Would no one help those girls? Lily squeezed James's hand.

He looked at her.

She squeezed his hand again and nodded toward Ava.

His eyes widened. “Truly?” Surprise and pride intermingled in his gaze.

He wanted to help those girls! Why didn't he
say something
? She elbowed him.

“You really want them?” James's eyes crinkled at the corners.

Lily jumped from her seat and gripped the pew in front of her.

James looked up, his mouth open.

“Miss Driggers?” The reverend's eyebrows rose.

“Mrs. Bloom.” James corrected, standing beside her. “And I believe my wife and I will take the remaining sisters.”

The minister closed his eyes and exhaled, the corners of his mouth lifting. “God bless you both.”

Lily swallowed. Was she mad? She'd become a wife and mother on the same day.

 

 

 

 

5

 

James lit the bedside lamp. Warm, muted light bathed the tiny space, illuminating the room he avoided. Yesterday, the room was empty, a memorial dedicated to his beloved parents. Eight hours ago, it would've been Lily's. After the evening prayer service, it became Ava's and Elsa's.

A layer of dust covered the chenille bedspread. He took it outside, shook it, and returned it to the bed. The dresser needed wiping, but so did everything else.

He went to the kitchen and worked the pump. Rust-colored water spat out, but cleared. Lily stood beside the table, looking every bit as uncomfortable as their new charges.

He'd talked to the girls on the walk home, but they were silent, more interested in the red powder that buried their town than in conversation.

How could it be? Three females in his care, and not a peep out of one.

“Is there anything I can get you girls before bed? A cup of milk?”

“Yes, s-sir.” Ava looked at her sister, who nodded. “Elsa would like some, t-too. She's just shy.”

“Is she now?” James ladled three cups of milk. “That's OK. So's my wife.”

Lily's mouth flew open like a trout out of water.

“She is?” Ava turned to Lily. “Y-you are?”

Lily closed her mouth, placed her hands on her hips, and glared at him.

“I'm teasin'.” He winked at Lily, and then turned to the girls. “Lily is far from shy. The reason she hasn't welcomed you to our family is because she can't speak.”

“R-really?” Ava's eyebrows disappeared into her bangs.

Lily's cheeks pinkened. She pursed her lips and nodded.

Elsa left her sister's side, grabbed Lily's hand, and smiled.

Lily blinked. She placed her free hand on Elsa's head and smiled back at her.

Well, I'll be
. Little Elsa had a tender heart. She'd accomplished in ten seconds what he'd tried to do all day.

Ava giggled. “Y-you've done it now. Elsa d-doesn't usually take to a person so fast, but when she d-does, y-you've got a friend for life. Ma says…” She froze.

Elsa's smile disappeared. Her lower lip trembled just before her chin fell to her chest.

“I'm s-sorry, Els.” Ava walked to her sister and hugged her.

Lily knelt down and wrapped her arms around both of them.

James went to the trio and placed his hand on Lily's shoulder. “We're sorry about your mother, girls. She was a wonderful person.”

Lily raised her eyes to his, their golden depths shimmering with unshed tears.

A sniffle rang out from the huddle.

His chest tightened, and he squeezed Lily's hand. Tomorrow would be difficult. “Let's show the girls to their room.”

 

****

 

Lily rose, ignoring the milk that curdled in her stomach. Whatever the night held, she'd endure it. The girls had a home now. That's all that mattered.

Ava and Elsa went to the outhouse, then readied for bed. James led them to their room and lit the lamp while Lily pulled down the top cover. The sisters took off their shoes and climbed into bed. Lily leaned down and kissed them both on their heads. When she stepped back, James placed his arm around her shoulder. The warmth and weight of his arm settled on her upper back. Her heart galloped.

“We're glad you're here, girls. Let me pray for us.”

Two heads bobbed.

Lily closed her eyes.

“Father, thank You for Your love and protection. Watch over us as we rest. Give us courage and strength. We need You, Lord. We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

His voice thickened. “Be with Ava, Elsa, and the other children tonight. Comfort Henry, and provide work for him. Thank You for protecting us in the storm. Should You grant another day, cause us to rise with thankful hearts. We especially thank You for Jesus. In Him we pray, Amen.”

Lily opened her eyes.

Ava breathed deeply, her chest rising and falling.

Elsa's lips turned up a bit at the corners.

How sweet that he should soothe the girls with his words. The rich timbre of his voice gave her goose bumps. “Do you need anything else?” James questioned.

“N-no, sir. We'll be fine.”

“All right. You know where the outhouse is.” He reached for the lamp as the sisters nodded. A click plunged the room into darkness. James interlaced Lily's fingers with his. “Sleep well.”

“Th-thank you.”

James guided her steps into the hallway. Her leaden feet dragged. Sweat gathered between her shoulder blades.

“Would you like to get ready for bed?”

She tripped over her feet.

His grip tightened on her damp hand. “Whoa there. Careful.”

She looked up at him. A hint of a beard trailed his jaw. His dark eyes, though tired, twinkled. Heaven help her. She swallowed and pulled her hand from his. Turning away, she wrung her hands. What could she do?

“Lily.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, and she jumped. He gently turned her to face him, shook his head, and kissed her forehead, the same as she'd kissed the girls. He took her hand once more and led her down the hall.