Of Hearts and Home by Ann Elizabeth Fryer

Author:Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ann Fryer
Published: 2021-11-25T00:00:00+00:00

HUGO BREATHED A SIGH of relief when he stepped into Mr. Lewis’ home, safe and sound. No more wild dogs bounding to greet him, or worse, the coyotes Miss Waters mentioned. Should he buy a pistol? Learn to shoot? Did every man in Crab Orchard, Kentucky own a gun?

Mr. Lewis’ own rifle hung above the door.

Hmm. Maybe he wouldn’t be here long enough to need such a contraption. Any day now, responses to his letters were expected. His dream job was within reach. He’d never been so close to attaining this coveted position. Mr. Gordon promised recommendations if he would take on Crab Orchard school for the season.

Seemed too good to be true, but true it was. Mr. Gordon and the others reasserted such at the previous board meeting. So many happenings to be thankful for. Time would tell and he’d have every pleasure waiting for the best.

He reached for a book, but Miss Water’s face came before him along with her fine figure and intelligent eyes. He’d heard someone call her a spinster behind her back the other day. At school, no less.

How was it that so sweet a woman had been left by the wayside? Even if she did once have a beau, so many years ago according to Mr. Lewis, how on earth did the good young men of Crab Orchard not notice?

The lady was a delight.

He forced himself to his novel, but kept thinking of improvements for the school. Dash it! He tossed his book to a nearby chair and took up his notebook and pencil. He grinned. This new plan seemed perfect. But how did Miss Waters fit? He groaned and prayed, and groaned some more. He needed to take over the school’s entire program. Teach a mixed class each day, with Miss Waters assisting. Then move on to building another portion to the school. They’d hire another teacher and assistant.

Would she accept a temporary step down? But to do this would be a step up for the school. Sometimes hard choices had to be made. The older children weren’t getting enough education to prepare them for college. How could Miss Waters know? She’d never been. Besides, she hadn’t enough time in the day. She’d be perfect teaching the younger grades and that’s where he’d place her. He hated to see her hurt.

Mr. Gordon warned him that a factory would soon be built on some farm land nearby. He’d be bringing a group of trained immigrants to start the process. Already, he was plotting a place for them to live. The school numbers could double within a few months. But he’d been sworn to secrecy. No one in the town suspected a thing. Or understood that the quiet life they always knew would progress with industry and an influx of foreigners.

Could they handle it?

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