Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell

Author:Miralee Ferrell [Ferrell, Miralee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mothers, Oregon, Romance, Western, Daughters, widow
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: 2013-05-31T21:00:00+00:00

Katherine blew out a loud sigh as she exited the parlor on Mama’s heels, not caring if Mama heard or not. She’d come very close to speaking her mind but had held back, knowing the words and tone would come out disrespectful. But more than anything, she’d wanted to light into Mama and make her understand how cruel her actions had been. If Mrs. Roberts’s revelation about their lack of finances hadn’t been given in confidence, Katherine would have made sure Mama recognized the inappropriateness of her comments.

Not that it would’ve made much difference. Her mother wrote her own rules. Saying something about Mama’s health probably hadn’t helped, and she wished she’d kept quiet, but she’d assumed everyone in the house was aware of Mama’s affliction. After all, she’d stayed in her room more than once while others gathered in the parlor to talk, and she’d missed meals due to headaches or aching feet. Katherine exhaled. When things calmed down a bit, she’d make sure to apologize for that slip, but right now she’d better see if she could repair the damage. Of course, Mrs. Roberts probably wouldn’t storm out and take her business elsewhere, but the last thing Katherine wanted were ill feelings or strife coloring the atmosphere in her home. That would not do at all.

She walked past Micah’s door. The poor man had looked like a trapped animal when Mrs. Roberts and Beth accosted him in the parlor, and he hadn’t ventured there since. Maybe she’d check on him after this errand was finished. She trooped up the stairs to the second floor and tapped on Mrs. Roberts’s door.

Nothing. No rustle of skirts or footsteps. Maybe the woman was visiting Beth in her room. She moved to the next door and knocked.

“Yes?” Beth’s timid voice barely penetrated the wood panels. She opened the door a crack, peeked out, then smiled and swung it wide. “Mrs. Galloway. I was worried it might be Mrs. Cooper come looking for Aunt Wilma.”

The young woman’s smile was contagious, and Katherine gave one in return. That was the most words she’d heard Beth string together since she’d arrived. “Is your aunt at home, dear?”

Beth shook her head. “She went for a walk to clear her head. I’m afraid she was a little upset when she left. She slipped down the back stairway so she wouldn’t meet your mother in the parlor.”

“I see.” Katherine hesitated, not wanting to pry but still concerned about the elder Roberts’s state of mind.

“Forgive me for my poor manners.” Beth took a step back. “Won’t you come in? I don’t think she’ll be gone long, and you’re welcome to wait.”

“I’d love to visit, but I’m not sure how long I can stay. I have supper preparations to start in the kitchen, and I imagine I’ll hear your aunt when she returns.”

“Oh. I see. Well, I don’t want to keep you.” A crestfallen expression blanketed Beth’s features.

Katherine stepped forward and touched the girl’s arm. “I’d be happy to chat for a few minutes.

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