Home by dark, p.10
Home by Dark, page 10
Meredith’s bright gaze seemed to indicate that Rachel was protesting too much. “Well, it would be nobody’s business if there was. It isn’t as if you’re Amish any longer.”
“No.” The casual words were true enough, but they set up a lonely echo in her heart.
“That line between Amish and Englisch can be a bigger issue than people think. You know that better than anyone, but...” Meredith let her statement trail off.
“But what?”
“I know what it’s like, as well. My dad was Amish. You knew that, didn’t you?”
Rachel could only shake her head, surprised and a little shocked. John King had been Amish? Well, the name fit. There were plenty of Amish King families in Pennsylvania. “I didn’t know. I don’t know why no one ever mentioned it.”
“Ancient history to them, I suppose.” Sorrow shadowed Meredith’s eyes. “My father gave up everything to marry my mother, just as you did for Ronnie. Sometimes I wonder if...” She didn’t finish.
But Rachel thought she knew where the sentence was going. “If it was worth it?” She drew in a breath. “I don’t know how your father felt. But I know that even if my marriage wasn’t what I had hoped, it was worth it because it gave me Mandy. I’d guess that your dad felt the same way.”
“I hope so.” Meredith’s voice was husky. “I—”
“Well, look at the two of you. Just like old times.” The voice startled Rachel. She’d been so intent on their conversation that she hadn’t noticed the woman who’d paused by the gate.
She stood, thoughts chasing through her mind. The woman seemed to know her, but her face rang no bells. Older than she and Meredith, certainly, probably near forty, with ash-blond hair grazing the shoulders of a silky blouse and a face so carefully made up she might be ready to step in front of a television camera instead of strolling through Deer Run.
“It’s nice to see you, Laura,” Meredith said, maybe guessing her dilemma. “I’m sure you remember Rachel Mason. Rachel Weaver, she used to be.”
“Of course.” Laura’s smile was gracious but oddly distracted, as if she couldn’t think why she’d started this conversation. “Nice to see you.” She turned, drifting across the street with an aimless air.
“Laura Wells?” Rachel had finally put two and two together, but it was hard to reconcile the woman she’d just seen with the lively teenage beauty who’d had half the boys in the valley in love with her.
“Laura Hammond, now. She married Victor Hammond.”
“Hammond Markets?”
Meredith nodded. “I can’t imagine why. Victor is the most boring man on the face of the earth.” She grinned. “Hammond Markets is one of my clients,” she added in explanation.
“She’s changed.” It was all Rachel could find to say. Her gaze followed the slender figure moving without direction down the sidewalk. “She looks like a...a mannequin.”
“Or a sleepwalker. Speaking of marriages not working out.” Meredith grimaced. “I shouldn’t say that. It might not even be what changed her. Aaron’s death probably did that.”
Rachel blinked, putting together the pieces. “I hadn’t thought of the two of them in years. Aaron was the handsome prince, and Laura the beautiful princess who had him in her spell.” She shook her head. “It’s a wonder to me we got away with everything we did, slipping around spying on the two of them.”
“We didn’t do any harm.” Meredith’s tone was practical. “We never told anyone about their secret meetings.”
“We thought it was romantic.” Amish and Englisch, star-crossed lovers to their young eyes. For the first time it occurred to her to wonder if that childish dream had anything to do with her falling for Ronnie.
“It wouldn’t have worked,” Meredith said. “Laura never had the guts you did.” She grinned. “Inelegant, but true.”
“Still, she must have been devastated when Aaron died that way. I don’t remember seeing much of Laura after that summer.”
“I think her parents sent her away to school,” Meredith said. “Anyway, the next thing anyone heard about her was the big splashy wedding to Victor.”
“Why Victor?” Rachel did remember him, now that she made an effort. Pudgy, awkward, pedantic, with an incipient paunch even when he was a teenager.
Meredith shrugged. “All that money, I suppose. Dennis Sitler and a couple of other guys were in the running for a time, but she picked Victor. And as far as one can tell, Victor wanted to marry her because she was the prettiest girl in the valley. Doesn’t exactly make one want to rush out and risk matrimony, does it?”
No, it didn’t. But then, she was already well-versed in the perils of that particular institution. She and Ronnie had been in love, but would he have been so eager to marry her if she hadn’t seemed so unattainable? Somehow she doubted it.
* * *
BY LATE AFTERNOON, four or five people had managed to drop by on one excuse or another, including Helen Blackwood, obviously wanting to hear why the police had been at Mason House the previous night. Rachel shuddered to think how garbled the story would be by the time it had been transmitted a few dozen times.
At least she’d gotten a little work done between interruptions. Hands on her hips, she stood in the doorway of the largest bedroom and surveyed the results of her labors. The new curtains were hung, the wide woodwork polished, the massive four-poster covered with a double-wedding-ring quilt. She’d put fresh cushions on the window seat that curved around the circular bay. This bedroom, with its attached bath, had been Mrs. Mason’s and was in the best shape, and it was actually ready for visitors. That was cause to celebrate.
Rachel headed downstairs, realizing that it had been too long since she’d checked on Mandy. Voices from the front yard had her hurrying her steps.
She reached the porch to discover there was no reason for alarm. Mandy was on her way down the oak tree, while the cause for her descent stood at the bottom, looking up, his plumy tail waving.
Duke wasn’t accompanied by Colin, though. It was his father, James McDonald. Rachel wasn’t sure whether she was relieved or disappointed.
The older man was smiling at something Mandy had said, his eyes crinkling in his lean face. He turned at the sound of Rachel’s step on the porch stair, smile faltering.
“It’s nice to see you, Mr. McDonald. I’m Rachel. Rachel Mason,” she added when she didn’t see a spark of recognition in his face.
“Oh, of course. Rachel.” He held out his hand to shake hers. “Sorry I didn’t recognize you. I guess this nice girl is your daughter, then.”
Mandy had reached the ground and thrown her arms around Duke’s neck. The dog sat, patiently bearing her embrace.
“Yes, Mandy is mine.” Rachel shook her head. “I’m afraid she’s fallen in love with Duke.”
“The feeling must be returned.” His smile warmed his slightly austere face, giving Rachel a hint of where Colin had gotten his charm. “Duke insisted on coming right in. I hope you don’t mind.”
“He’s always welcome, and you are, as well. May I get you something? Some lemonade or one of Mandy’s snickerdoodle cookies?”
“No, no, not just now.” He glanced at his watch, puzzlement in his eyes. “I guess...I think I should go home.”
He seemed suddenly uncertain, as if he’d forgotten what he meant to do.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, I don’t think...where’s Duke?” His tone was querulous.
“Right here,” Rachel said, masking her concern and trying to sound soothing. She patted her leg. “Here, Duke. Come here, boy.”
Duke trotted to her obediently, followed by Mandy, protesting.
“But Mommy, we were going to play.”
“Mr. McDonald wants him,” she said. But Colin’s father was looking down at the dog, still with that puzzled expression. It began to frighten her.
“Is something wrong, Mr. McDonald?” She touched his arm lightly. “Can I help?”
He shook his head, seeming somehow lost. “I don’t know. I think I should go home, but I don’t seem to remember.”
Alarm flickered like lightning. Should she do something? Call for help? This wasn’t normal, was it?
She shouldn’t overreact. Nobody would thank her for that. “Mandy and I are going to walk home with you. Is that all right?”
“Yes, yes. That’s nice of you, my dear. What did you say your name was?”
“Rachel. Just let me get my keys and lock the door first.” She gestured to Mandy to stay with him.
Mandy nodded, taking his hand and smiling up at him.
Rachel hurried into the house, grabbing keys and cell phone and rushed back out again. Was James ill? It seemed odd that Colin wouldn’t have mentioned it, if so.
Or maybe not so odd. Colin had been doing his best to help her, whether she wanted that help or not. In return, she hadn’t even inquired into his life. A wave of shame swept over her. Just how selfish was she?
CHAPTER SEVEN
COLIN BACKED OFF on the accelerator as he reached the outskirts of Deer Run. He’d probably broken a few speed limits on his way, but he was nearly home now. He’d better calm down before he reached Dad. And Rachel, for that matter.
Her phone call had shaken him. But then, she’d sounded a bit shaken, as well. Apparently she’d found his father in her yard, and he’d seemed confused about getting home. When he wasn’t any better after they’d reached the house, she’d called Colin.
Obviously she hadn’t heard any rumors about his father’s condition yet. It was hard to believe the town gossips hadn’t passed that on already.
Colin pulled into the driveway, parked and got out, trying not to look as if he were panicky. Rachel was waiting when he entered the front door, and her rueful smile eased the tension he felt.
“He’s much better now,” she said quickly. “I’m so sorry I brought you rushing home from work. I shouldn’t have called, but—”
“You did the right thing,” he said quickly. “Where is he?”
“On the back porch with Mandy and Duke. They’re playing checkers.” She smiled. “Well, not Duke. Your father seems fine now, really.” A shadow of embarrassment crossed her face. “Maybe I overreacted. Anyone might be a bit confused. Maybe he’d been out in the sun too long.”
Colin moved into the dining room, where he could see the porch through the wide window that overlooked the garden. Dad and Mandy sat on either side of the small table that held the checkerboard. Duke’s head was visible above the board, and his gaze moved back and forth as if he were watching a tennis match.
“It’s not that. I’m just sorry it was you who found him.” Realizing how that sounded, he shook his head, turning back to her. He really was clumsy where Rachel was concerned. “I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that most people in Deer Run know about his condition, so they wouldn’t have been as alarmed.”
Rachel looked at him steadily, blue eyes very serious. “Why haven’t you told me?”
He shrugged. There was no good answer to that question. “I don’t like people pitying him.”
Color came up in Rachel’s cheeks, and her eyes snapped. “I don’t feel pity. Just concern.”
“Trust me, there are plenty who do.” That came out with more bitterness than it should, and he shook his head. “Sorry. I suppose it’s me, not other people. It’s rough to see him so...lost.”
The momentary annoyance disappeared from her face, leaving tenderness in its wake. “I know.” Rachel’s voice was soft. “I’m sorry. Is there nothing the doctors can do to help?”
“Not much, apparently. He’s on medication. It’s Alzheimer’s.” The word was still hard to say. “The effect on his short-term memory is showing. He gets confused easily.”
A burst of laughter from the porch drew their gaze to the back window. Mandy was clapping her hands while Dad smiled indulgently.
“It hasn’t affected his ability to play checkers,” Rachel said. “That’s the first game Mandy has won, and she’s a demon checker player.”
“Funny.” He reached out, clasping the back of a dining-room chair, its smooth curve fitting his hand. “The way the mind works, I mean. He hasn’t lost any of his skill in games, and he can still figure out the percentage on mortgage loans in his head. But he can’t always remember how to get home. Although Duke would have gotten him here, if you hadn’t found him,” he added quickly.
“I’m sure he would.”
He shot her a look. “You’re thinking I should hire somebody to be with him. I would, if he’d agree. The doctor suggested a health aide, but Dad was outraged at the very idea.” He stopped, realizing that a tantalizing aroma was coming from the kitchen. “Are you cooking something?”
Again that faint flush deepened the color in Rachel’s cheeks. “Well, I saw that you had some chicken in the refrigerator, so I thought I’d just start it for your supper. I hope that’s all right.”
He didn’t know why he was surprised. Feeding people in times of trouble was a tradition in Deer Run. When Mom died, the refrigerator was so full of food they’d ended up giving most of it away.
“More than all right. I’m afraid my skill in cooking is limited to putting meat on the grill, and we’re both getting tired of that.”
“I can imagine.” She looked at him as if considering something. “I don’t want to offer unwelcome advice, but have you thought of getting one of the Amish girls to come in a few hours a day, just to clean and start supper for you? Your father wouldn’t need to know she was keeping an eye on him, as well.”
When she spoke, it seemed an obvious solution, and he didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of it himself. Maybe he’d been too busy concentrating on the problem instead of the solution.
“I don’t suppose he would, especially if it gave him a break from my cooking.” He raised an eyebrow. “Did you have a particular Amish girl in mind?”
“Well, I did think my sister Lovina might do.” Rachel’s cheeks flushed slightly, as if she thought she’d spoken out of turn in suggesting her sister. “Lovina would probably welcome some work away from the farm, if Mamm can spare her. She’s just a teenager, but I’m sure she’s responsible. And a good cook, since Mamm trained her.”
He glanced again toward the window. His father’s face was animated as he talked with Mandy across the checkerboard. What were they finding to say to each other? Obviously it would be good for Dad not to be alone all day when he was at the office.
“Will you sound out Lovina on the subject?”
“Of course.” Rachel hesitated, and he sensed that there was something else she wanted to say.
He smiled at her. “Go ahead. Come out with it, whatever it is.”
“I just...I guess I wondered if that was the reason you came home and took over the business. Because of your father’s condition.”
Now it was his turn to hesitate. He didn’t go around talking to people about it. But Rachel wasn’t just anyone.
“My mother had cancer and they didn’t tell me,” he said bluntly. “Mom didn’t want anything to distract me from my big, successful career. That Christmas...I knew they hoped I’d come for a visit, but I went on a skiing trip instead. Figured there’d be plenty of time to spend Christmases with them. There wasn’t. Mom died in the spring, and by the time I came home, it was too late to do anything but say goodbye. I didn’t want it to be too late for my father, too.”
“I’m sorry.” Rachel put her hand over his, and he saw that her blue eyes were swimming with tears.
He was exposing all his vulnerabilities to her, and that was something he didn’t care to do with anyone. Admitting to himself that he’d been wrong was bad enough. Admitting it to Rachel brought them too close, too soon. He cleared his throat, shaking his head.
“We all have to grow up and figure out what’s important sometime,” he said. “It just took me longer than most. And speaking of growing up, have you seen Benj today?”
It wasn’t the most graceful change of subject, but Rachel accepted it. She shook her head. “He hasn’t come over. I’m hoping he finally told Daad the whole story. If someone really was lurking around, watching him last night...well, Daad needs to know.”
“Yes, he does. This person, assuming he was following Benj, was on your property. That means Benj has involved you in whatever’s going on.” He thought again of the panic he’d felt when he’d heard the police were at her door. “He’s not being fair to you.”
“He’s my brother.” Rachel’s tone was soft but very firm. “If he is in trouble, then I am involved, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He looked at her, unable to put words to his exasperation. The problem was that he understood, only too well, because he felt the same way about her. If she was in trouble, then he was involved, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
* * *
STARTING SUPPER FOR Colin and his father was an effective reminder to Rachel that she really had to stop at the market. Most people in Deer Run drove to Williamsport once a week for a major grocery run, then filled in at Millers’ shop in between. She’d probably fall into that pattern, as well, but for the moment, she could pick up enough for the next few days from Anna Miller.
