The Journey Home: Stryker Legacy, #4

CHAPTER ONE

May 1899

Cedar Falls, Iowa

No one could accuse Anesa Stryker of being a Goody Two-shoes like her half sister, Inga, but she prayed she hadn’t pushed the boundaries too far this time. Anesa scowled at the textbook lying open on the library table. Why on earth do I have to study ancient history? The people were long dead and gone. All the events were over and done with. Knowing about them brought nothing useful to her life.

She swept her gaze over the room. Most of the chairs were occupied by men and women studying diligently for the upcoming end-of-term exams.

Her stomach growled. If only she’d slipped away to the confectionary after her last class instead of coming directly to the library. Her frown deepened. She would probably have gone for sweets had she not been reprimanded a few weeks back for breaking the Normal School’s regulation requiring students to remain in the library for study during free afternoon hours.

Stupid rule. Rubbing her forehead with her fingertips, she forced her attention back to the chapter.

Miss Stryker, the runner from President Seerley’s office whispered over her shoulder. Come with me.

Anesa’s body felt as if it had solidified into dead weight. She looked up at the prim, bespectacled young woman. A smirk added a touch of malice to the runner’s normally pinched face.

Slowly, Anesa closed the textbook and gathered her possessions in her arms. Steadying herself against the heavy oak table, she rose. She struggled to keep hold of her handbag, textbooks, and papers as she trudged behind her executioner, past the stares of the other students.

The president’s office was in the same building as the library, and they soon reached the anteroom. Anesa’s stepmother, Anna Hansen, stepped forward as they entered. Her blond hair, with a few noticeable gray streaks, was pulled into a knot at the nape of her neck. A new conservative blue hat was perched atop her head. The signs of an early tan on her face indicated she was working regularly in her gardens.

Moder! What are you doing here? Anesa straightened to her full five and a half feet.

Her stepmother raised an eyebrow. I received a telegram from President Seerley asking me to meet with you and him.

Moments later, they were ushered into the office. Two straight wooden chairs had been positioned in front of the desk. The window behind President Seerley was open slightly, but the room still smelled stale. The president got to his feet, a stern expression on his face. He must have found out about Saturday. Anesa’s dread grew with every step.

Good afternoon, Moder said with cool politeness.

Thank you for coming, Mrs. Hansen. Miss Stryker. He gestured toward the chairs facing him. Please have a seat.

Thank you, sir. Moder seated herself.

Although her knees felt weak, Anesa willed herself to sink slowly onto the chair.

Mrs. Hansen, I must remind you that Miss Stryker received a reprimand earlier this term for not being in the library for study time when she should have been. The president sat down and shuffled the papers before him.

Anesa’s heart raced. After that infraction, Moder had stopped at the boarding house and begged her not to get into any more trouble before the end of the term.

He set a typed page on top of the stack. Then, last Thursday, I notified Miss Stryker about a report that she had received a gentleman caller at her boarding house on Sunday afternoon, a week ago.

Lips pursed, Moder turned her attention to Anesa, who straightened her spine and summoned the conviction to earnestly repeat her previous lie. I told you. It was my half brother Torsten.

I did not believe you then, and I still don’t. The president narrowed his eyes. As you know, that is a violation of the Normal School’s regulation against the mixing of the sexes.

Anesa froze. Someone must have reported Saturday night to him too. Swallowing the bile rising in her throat, she focused her concentration on the president.

"Now I have a report that you and your brother were taken to the police station this past Saturday for suspicious behavior after hours. He sounded triumphant. Therefore, as of today, you are expelled from the Normal School, and we will not be recommending you for any future teaching positions."

Anesa’s stomach roiled. She feared she would vomit right there in President Seerley’s office.

I must ask you to collect your things and leave the campus. He stroked his beard, scrutinizing Anesa.

Moder clasped her hands tightly together in her lap. If I take her home and drive her to and from classes each day, could she at least finish the term?

I’m afraid not. This is her third offense. His tone was dismissive. I’m sorry it had to come to this.

I’m sorry too. Moder stood, her expression stony. Come, Anesa.

Anesa rose and, legs shaking, followed her stepmother out of the relatively new Central Hall. She glanced toward old North Hall, which had once housed soldiers’ orphans from the Civil War. She had associated that building with the Normal School since her childhood. As Moder led her past the South Hall, Anesa looked at the three large brick-and-stone buildings that had become as familiar as her home. She would miss them.

They arrived at the delivery wagon and climbed onto the seat. Moder settled her gaze on Anesa. How could you? I told you that you’d always regret it if you ruined your reputation.

Anesa countered with a glower. Like you did when you became pregnant out of wedlock?

Her stepmother drew back as if Anesa had slapped her. Moder’s eyes shimmered in the sunlight. Yes, like I did. My parents disowned me, and I never saw them again.

What had initially felt like a satisfying dig suddenly seemed unnecessarily mean. A lump of pain rose from Anesa’s chest and lodged in her throat. After my parents died, I never saw them again either.

I’m sorry that happened. Moder gently laid a hand on Anesa’s arm. I know it was very hard for you.

Anesa’s fingers flew to her locket, which contained her only photographs of her mother and father. Blinking away tears, she wished she could have grown up with her real parents. Instead, she could barely remember them.

Moder drove to the boarding house, and they loaded Anesa’s things into the wagon. After settling the final rent payment, they headed for home.

I don’t understand why you couldn’t follow the rules for the few weeks until the term ended. Moder’s voice was quiet, but her words hit Anesa like a punch.

I’m tired of studying. Anesa’s volume rose with each word. And I don’t care that I got kicked out.

Her stepmother’s jaw dropped. Shifting on the seat, Moder stopped the horses. Then why did you tell Halvor and me that you wanted to go to the Normal School?

Because everyone expected me to do it! Anesa snapped. But I’m not like Inga. I don’t make top marks. I don’t want to teach.

It was a lie. She loved helping young children learn, especially to read. Now she would never have a chance to pursue a teaching career.

They sat in silence for many long, tense minutes until the raucous call of a blue jay broke the stillness. Her stepmother shook the reins, and the horses began walking again. The farm wagon rattled over the bumpy road.

The previous day’s rain had settled the dust and washed off the countryside. Bright-blue and yellow wildflowers danced in the ditches. The scent of damp spring soil floated on the air. Anesa appreciated the sun’s warmth. If only it would thaw Moder’s anger… although Moder was not angry as much as disappointed, which was worse.

Moder turned the wagon into the lane and then to the hitching post at the side of the house. Her husband, Halvor, closed the gate to the corral next to the large barn and headed toward them. Anesa climbed down to the ground and stepped to the back of the wagon box, where she unhooked the latches and dropped the panel.

She pulled her satchel and the crate with her most cherished possessions from the wagon and headed for the house before Halvor could engage her in conversation. Passing through the door into the kitchen, she was greeted by the aroma of roasting chicken. Her mouth watered, but she dreaded dinner with her family.

Hello, Anesa. Mrs. Jensen’s measured voice startled her. The plump housekeeper with fading blond hair lurked in the doorway to the pantry.

Anesa forced a smile. It smells good in here.

She turned away and toted her things up the back stairs to her bedroom. The mossy-green geometric wallpaper she’d chosen a few years before welcomed her. A breeze through the open window fluttered white curtains trimmed with eyelet lace.

After setting the satchel on the floor and the crate on her bed, she straightened the dresser scarf. Carefully, she lifted her mirrored tray from the crate and removed the pillowcase she’d wrapped around it. She positioned the tray in its customary spot on the dresser.

Muffled footfalls sounded on the carpeted steps. Anesa didn’t feel like talking to anyone. She unpacked her silver-plated brush and comb and pulled a few strands of dark-brown hair from the bristles. She placed the brush and comb on the tray. Engraved with her initials, the set had been a gift from her stepmother the previous Christmas. Although Anesa was angry with Moder, she still appreciated this gift, which symbolized that she was grown-up. Except she had not been acting much like an adult in the past month or so.

There was a tap at her door.

I have your trunk, Halvor said, his voice carrying through the wood.

Reluctantly, Anesa crossed the room to let him in. He lugged the trunk inside and set it under the window. Straightening, he combed his fingers through his blond hair.

You didn’t even say hello to me when you got home. He sounded hurt.

Anesa dropped her chin. I was upset.

At Anna? He cocked his head.

She nodded, realizing she’d taken her anger out on Moder but she was really angry with herself. And now she’d been rude to Halvor. She said since I was no longer in school, she was discontinuing my allowance.

Anna had nothing to do with you being expelled. His gentle tone made Anesa feel foolish. And now that you’re not in school, you need to begin supporting yourself.

It wasn’t fair. What will I do for money until I can find a job? Tears burned Anesa’s eyes.

The rest of your things are in the parlor. You can bring them up later. He took a few steps toward the door then turned back. You’ll need to decide what you want to do with your future. He frowned. "I have to finish the chores. I’ll see you at aftensmad."

Before she could reply, he left. She resumed unpacking. A few minutes later, she heard light, quick footsteps on the stairs. Her sister Ella burst into the bedroom. The fifteen-year-old’s long blond braid flopped against her shoulder.

What are you doing home? Ella gulped in a breath.

I was expelled. Anesa kept her focus on her crate.

Really? Ella ran around the end of the bed and stood directly across from her. What did you do?

Anesa locked gazes with her sister. You have to promise not to tell anyone. Ever.

Ella raised her right hand. I promise.

On Saturday night, I snuck out of the boarding house after everyone else was asleep and met Gordon Shultz, Anesa whispered. We went for a moonlight stroll along the river.

Were you holding hands? Ella’s blue eyes sparkled.

Yes. Anesa wondered why she was whispering. Ella wasn’t.

Ella giggled. Did he kiss you?

Yes.

Ella’s hand flew to her mouth. Are you going to marry him?

Anesa frowned. No, but he’s always been a good friend when I needed one, and he’ll be leaving soon to join the navy.

Ella plopped onto the bed. But the war in Cuba is over.

There’s still the Philippines, and he thinks the military will give him a secure lifelong career. Similarly, Anesa had believed that teaching would be her own lifelong career, at least until she married.

Did your landlady snitch on you? Ella ran her hand along the side of the crate.

No. The night watchman at Burr’s Hotel saw us as we were heading to the boarding house. Her hands fisted. She willed her fingers to open. He marched us to the police station and told them we’d been acting suspicious, which we weren’t.

Ella’s mouth dropped open. Anesa lifted her satchel onto the bed and whipped it open so hard that her sister nearly slipped off as she jerked away.

Did they arrest you? Ella righted herself.

No. But an officer escorted me to the boarding house, and someone tattled to the Normal School. Anesa wrinkled her nose.

What are you going to do now? Ella’s gaze nailed Anesa’s.

Anesa shrugged. Maybe I’ll apply to work as a secretary or tutor children.

No one will hire you now that you’ve ruined your reputation. Ella shook her head. Not after what you’ve done.

Anesa stepped backward. Moder and Halvor won’t tell anyone.

But people in town know. Ella got to her feet. Word will get around. You know how gossip is.

Anesa’s stomach clenched again. That might leave her only one option—marriage.

You probably won’t be able to get a job in Cedar Falls. Ella glanced toward the door. So, what are you going to do?

It was a good question. Anesa only wished she had an answer.

CHAPTER TWO

Anesa sat at the breakfast table, staring at the leafy willow-branch pattern of the wallpaper above the oak wainscoting. Although Moder and Halvor had been polite over the past week, their disappointment in her was palpable.

Halvor ambled into the dining room and sat at the end of the table. He smelled of the lye soap he’d used to scrub the dirt of morning chores from his hands. Good morning.

Good morning. Anesa tried to match his cheerfulness.

Morning. Ella stretched as she wandered to a chair across from Anesa. I’m so glad school’s out.

Mrs. Jensen set the coffeepot and a bowl of scrambled eggs on the table then went back to the kitchen. Moder brought a pitcher of milk and a platter with sausage links and fried potatoes. She set it in front of Halvor and poured milk into the girls’ glasses before she seated herself opposite her husband.

After saying the morning blessing, Moder passed the food around. I’m going to take produce to town today and bring Karoline and Greg home from Uncle Peder’s. Do you girls want to come with me?

Can we have lunch at a restaurant? Ella grinned.

Yes, after we finish our deliveries and pick up your sister and brother.

Half brother. Even though Moder had legally adopted Anesa and her sisters, Anesa hated it when her family blurred the distinctions between the blood relationships.

I want to go, Ella said.

What about you, Anesa? Moder asked.

She stiffened. Burr’s Hotel was one of her stepmother’s customers. She wasn’t ready to risk coming across people who might know of her being expelled, and she really didn’t want to chance seeing the night watchman who had turned her in.

I’ll stay home. Home. Anesa lived in Moder and Halvor’s house, but she’d never really belonged there. Would you pay me to help with the produce business like you did last summer?

Moder and Halvor exchanged a glance. Moder nodded. I suppose we could do that.

I’ll be weeding the gardens today. Halvor spread butter on his toast. You can start with that if you like.

And you can take charge while we’re visiting Erik this summer. Moder’s tone was matter-of-fact.

Anesa was surprised that Moder would trust her with that much responsibility, but she liked the idea. Okay.

After breakfast, she changed into denim chore trousers and joined Halvor in the gardens.

You can start with the tomatoes. He handed her a hoe. A gust of wind caught his hair as he strode to the bed of peas.

Anesa scraped the hoe along the dirt paths between the rows of tender green plants, raising the smell of fresh spring earth. From time to time, she bent down and pulled a small weed close enough to a plant that she might accidentally slice a tomato stem if she used the hoe. The sun was shining, and the day was comfortably warm. An occasional breeze carried the sweet fragrance of the peonies blooming along the west side of the plot. By lunch, she’d finished with the tomatoes and peppers. Although that morning had been pleasant, she knew the repetitive tasks would become boring and the heat and humidity of the approaching summer would make the work miserable.

Behind the counter in the bunkhouse dining room, Mr. Kibby set out bowls and platters of food. A surprising amount of gray colored his sideburns. He had been the cook and bunkhouse manager for as long as Anesa could remember, but when he married, he’d moved to the cabin on the other side of the barnyard.

Mrs. Jensen said you’d be joining us since Miss Ella went with your mother to make deliveries. He grinned, revealing crooked teeth, as she and Halvor picked up plates. Nice to see you again, Miss Anesa. If he knew she’d been expelled, he wasn’t showing it.

She smiled. And you, too, Mr. Kibby.

Enjoy your meal. He turned back to the kitchen.

She filled her plate with green peas, mashed potatoes, and meatballs then carried it to the table closest to the window. Halvor took the place across from her. As a child, Anesa had always enjoyed eating in the bunkhouse on days her stepmother delivered produce in town. The men had been good to her, with their gentle teasing and compliments.

Would you pay me to cook for the men here in the bunkhouse? Anesa asked. It would be a good way to get to know the bachelor farmhands and see if any were marriage material.

Halvor raised a brow and glanced in Mr. Kibby’s direction. That position is already filled.

She sighed and sipped her coffee.

Farmhands filed in a few at a time. An unfamiliar man stopped at their table. He was tall and brawny, with light-brown hair and green eyes.

Sorry to bother you, Mr. Hansen. He nodded toward Anesa. On my way in from the pasture, I ran across a Hereford cow leaning against one of the big sycamores along the creek. I think she might be getting ready to calve.

He spoke in Danish. Anesa rarely heard the language anymore.

When we finish lunch, I’ll go out with you, and we’ll check on her, Halvor replied, also in Danish. He gestured toward her. Anesa Stryker, this is Oluf Moller.

She flashed him a smile. Hearing Danish again felt good. Nice to meet you.

Mr. Moller nodded again. Miss… uh, Stryker.

She glanced at his ring finger. It was bare, but that didn’t mean much with farmhands.

Go ahead and eat, Halvor said, still looking at Mr. Moller. He turned to Anesa. You can weed the strawberry patch this afternoon. While you’re there, check to see if any of the fruit is setting.

Anesa topped her meal off with peaches she’d probably helped to can the previous summer. Aches from the morning’s work had already started to settle into her arm and back muscles. Halvor always said the way to ease the stiffness was to keep working. She trudged out to the strawberry patch, wondering if Mr. Moller had a wife.

A week later, the family gathered around the dinner table. Anesa sat between her sisters, with her half brother Greg across from them and the adults in their usual places.

We received a letter from Torsten today, Moder began. Loose sheets of paper lay on the table. He has taken a summer job, clerking for a law firm in Iowa City. Her voice carried a note of pride.

Anesa suppressed a joyful yelp. Without Torsten here, she would be in charge.

Halvor cleared his throat. As you know, your mother and I will be leaving a week from today to visit Erik.

Anesa gritted her teeth. Stepmother.

Greg, you’ll take us and our trunks to the depot in the wagon. Halvor shifted his position. You girls are welcome to ride with us, or you can bring the carriage if the weather is rainy.

While we’re gone, Mr. Kibby will be in charge of all things outside, and Mrs. Jensen will be in charge of everything inside, Moder said.

Anesa’s breath left her in a rush as if she’d been punched in the chest. Mrs. Jensen. The old biddy didn’t like her and could make her life a torture.

Staring at Moder, Anesa forced air into her lungs. But you said I’d be in charge.

Moder’s brows knit together. You will be in charge of the produce business. I thought we talked about that.

Anesa sank against the back of her chair and folded her arms across her chest.

Mr. Kibby will help you if you need anything, Halvor offered cheerfully.

Oh, great. He’ll probably want to run the business too. She swallowed a cuss word guaranteed to get her into trouble. Are Greg, Karoline, and Ella going to be working with me?

Yes. We’ll leave you some advance money and pay you more when we get home, based on your productivity and sales. Moder paused. Greg, you can help with the farmwork when you’re not helping with deliveries, and girls, you can help Mrs. Jensen thoroughly clean the house.

So much for Anesa’s plans to run the household. At least her responsibility for the produce business would allow her to stay in the gardens, away from the housekeeper. That was one consolation.

A few days later, Anesa was working in the gardens with her sisters and stepmother. Hoofbeats drew her attention to two men riding up the lane. Too far away to get a view of their faces, Anesa resumed weeding the row of beans.

Oh my Lord! Moder dropped her bucket and dashed toward the visitors. Anesa’s sisters followed.

Brushing a wayward strand of hair off her forehead with the back of one hand, Anesa dropped the hoe from the other. She couldn’t see any reason to hurry. With a slow, steady gait, she ambled to the end of the bean row and headed toward the house. Moder was hugging one of the men. Anesa was too far away to see who it was.

Paul’s home from Cuba, Karoline squealed.

Warm relief rushed through Anesa. Her half brother had made it through the war safely.

Why didn’t you write to tell us you were coming? Moder said, choking the words out between sobs.

I wasn’t sure when we’d get here. Paul finished tying his horse to the post, took a few steps backward, and gestured to the stranger. This is my friend Jack Steele. He was in my outfit in Havana.

The man’s skin was tanned bronze, just like Paul’s. Gold flecks danced in Mr. Steele’s dark eyes, and the tip of his nose sloped downward. He secured his reins and broke into a wide white-toothed smile.

Welcome, Mr. Steele, Moder said brightly. I’m Anna Hansen, and these are my daughters, Ella, Karoline, and Anesa Stryker.

Mr. Steele nodded to each one but blinked when she said their last name.

They’re my half sisters, Paul said in an even voice.

Anesa could have hugged him.

Why don’t you take care of your horses, Moder said. Then take your things to your room and wash up for lunch.

We shipped our trunks ahead. I’d like to borrow a wagon this afternoon so we can go to town and pick them up, Paul said, glancing at Mr. Steele.

Halvor can show you which wagon and team to take. Moder brushed at a patch of dirt on her skirt. I’ll tell Mrs. Jensen to set two more places at the table. She ambled into the house. Karoline and Ella followed.

Anesa regarded her half brother, wondering if Moder would put him in charge of the gardens. How long are you planning to stay?

Paul shrugged. Until I’m ready to leave.

Same old Paul. Anesa’s jaw tightened. What kind of answer is that?

The only one I have. He turned, untied his mare from the hitching post, and led her away.

Mr. Steele undid the knot, releasing his reins. He winked at Anesa then followed Paul toward the corral. For several minutes, she watched his narrow-hipped walk. She smiled, wondering if he would be possible husband material.

CHAPTER THREE

Jack Steele didn’t hurry to catch up with his friend. Stryker had talked about his three half sisters but had failed to mention that they were all beautiful. The two younger ones were blond and fair. The eldest had rich brown hair.

Ahead, an older blond man swung open the wide gate to a corral. He looked as if he could be the father of the younger girls, but they shared Stryker’s last name. Jack shook his head. He led his horse to the men, who chatted amiably.

Jack Steele, this is my stepfather, Halvor Hansen, Stryker said.

Mr. Hansen smiled and extended his hand. Glad to meet you.

Jack shook it. I must say, I don’t get the relationships in your family.

Glancing at his stepfather, Stryker laughed. We’re a confusing bunch. Erik, Torston, and Greg are my brothers. Inga is my sister. A note of affection rang in his voice. We have the same father as my half sisters—Anesa, Karoline, and Ella. Their mother died shortly after our father did, so my mother took them in. Later, she married Halvor.

Jack’s brows knit together. You told me you have two younger brothers. Are they half brothers?

Stryker frowned. No.

But how can that—

It’s a long story. His voice had become hard. He worked the cinch on his saddle loose. One I don’t want to go into.

Jack began removing the saddle from his own horse. Maybe that afternoon, after Stryker had a few whiskeys in town, he would tell the rest of the story. But for the moment, Jack would settle in at Stryker’s house until he decided where to go next.

Anesa trudged toward the shed, a hoe in one hand and a bucket full of radishes and peas in the other. Now that the weather was warming, this would likely be the final crop of radishes for sale. The following day, Moder would make her last deliveries before leaving for the Klondike. After that, Anesa would be responsible for the business… that was, if Moder didn’t put Paul in charge. At least she hadn’t done that in front of Mr. Steele. He and Paul had left for town right after lunch, and they weren’t home yet. Anesa would have time to clean up and change into a nice dress. She wanted to look pretty for Paul’s friend.

Inside the shed, she propped the door open to get some light and fresh air into the dark, stuffy space. Anesa cleaned the dirt from the hoe and rubbed a light coating of oil onto the blade, wrinkling her nose at the pungent smell. She hung the tools, picked up the bucket, and strode to the kitchen then handed the pail to Mrs. Jensen and started toward the back steps.

Aren’t you going to help prepare this for sale? Moder called from the sink.

Anesa stopped. I’m dirty and sweaty. She blew out an exaggerated breath. I’ll go clean up first.

If anyone replied, she didn’t hear them as she bolted up the stairs and into the washroom, where she eyed her reflection in the mirror. Stray strands of hair wove a tangled web around her face. A smear of dirt marked her sunburned cheek. At least Mr. Steele hadn’t seen her like this.

In college, she’d been able to avoid dirty work that left her looking like a farmhand. As a teacher or secretary or salesclerk, she could have lived in a state of relative cleanliness. But that wasn’t to be. At least not with her current life in Cedar Falls. Her only recourse was to marry a man who didn’t care that she’d ruined her reputation. Sighing, she began the task of making herself presentable.

Later, the evening meal came and went with no sign of Paul or his friend.

Karoline moved the plate she’d just washed from the dishpan to the rinse water. I wonder if Paul and that other soldier absconded with the farm wagon.

Moder would be real mad. Ella picked up the wet plate and dried it. She’s planning to deliver produce tomorrow. She handed it to Anesa, who placed it on top of the stack.

Since they were mustered out of the army, they’re probably used to doing as they please. Although Anesa’s tone was nonchalant, she was aggravated that Mr. Steele hadn’t shown up for dinner after she’d worked so hard on her appearance.

Ella crossed her arms. I hope they didn’t get in trouble.

They probably didn’t. Anesa carried the clean plates to the cupboard and put them away. They’re adults.

A mischievous blue gleam flashed in Ella’s eyes. You’re an adult, and you got in trouble.

Anesa slammed a handful of clean forks into the silverware chest. Her youngest sister’s delight in reminding her of the offense was becoming tiresome. Knock it off, Ella.

Her sister shot her an offended glare. They worked in tense silence for several minutes.

Any ideas about what you want to do with your future? Karoline finally asked Anesa in a gentle voice.

For the summer, I’ll be supervising the produce business. That’ll give me time to make a plan.

When the dishes were finished, the girls joined the rest of the family on the side porch. The setting sun was approaching the horizon, and wisps of orange streaked the western sky. Halvor and Greg played chess on a metal table. Moder sat in her rocker, embroidering a pillowcase.

Checkmate! Greg jumped to his feet. Want to play again?

I’ll pass. Halvor leaned back in his chair. Anna, do you want me to take a horse and search for the boys?

Moder pressed her lips together. Not tonight. But if they’re not home by morning, then yes.

As the daylight faded, everyone came inside and busied themselves with books and needlework. One by one, her sisters, Greg, and Moder bid good night and retired to bed.

When Halvor and Anesa were alone, she set her finger on the paragraph she’d been reading and leaned toward him. What did you think of Mr. Steele?

I didn’t see enough of him to know what to think. He swiped a wayward lock of hair from his forehead. What did you think of him?

About the same as you. Except that he was quite handsome in a rugged sort of way. And he’d winked at her.

Halvor stood. Are you ready to turn in?

Anesa shook her head. She wanted to wait up for a while in case Paul and Mr. Steele came home. No. I think I’ll finish this chapter, maybe read one more.

Good night, then. He left the room, and she soon heard his muffled footfalls on the stairs.

She finished reading. Yawning, she rose to stretch her muscles. A pile of Chronicle magazines featuring her half sister’s articles lay on the lower shelf of the table next to Moder’s chair, taunting Anesa.

Inga didn’t dirty her hands anymore. She taught college students, and she wrote stories. She supported herself. She was the good girl.

Anesa circled away from the magazines before she allowed herself to destroy those silent tormentors. She turned up the wick on the lamp before sitting down to start reading again.

Only a few paragraphs in, she heard a thump at the back door. She set down her book and surveyed the space for a small lamp or candle to take to the kitchen. After much shuffling and crashing, Mr. Steele appeared in the doorway, his arm draped over Paul’s shoulder.

Where have you been? Anesa asked, trying not to sound like Moder.

Her half brother dragged his friend to the nearest chair and dropped him into it. The smell of whiskey accompanied them into the room. Mr. Steele tipped his head back and closed his eyes. They were lucky that Moder and Halvor had already gone to bed.

After we retrieved our trunks, we ran into some of my friends from high school. We went with them to get something to eat. Paul ran a hand through his hair. Later, we moved on to Uncle Peder’s saloon.

Where are your trunks now?

Her half brother’s eyes were blurry as he sank into Moder’s chair. Still in the wagon. We’ll get them in the morning.

Did you unhitch the team? She dreaded having to go out in the dark to help him if he hadn’t.

Yeah, he grumbled. Some hand I didn’t know came from the bunkhouse to help.

Mr. Steele belched loudly, expelling the reek of sour alcohol. Anesa leaned away from the repulsive odor.

The bastard din’t ’ven talk En’lish, Mr. Steele slurred. He opened his watery eyes and stared in Anesa’s direction.

Probably Mr. Moller. She didn’t appreciate his implied insult of the greenhorn’s Danish. He’s new.

Hi, butiful. Mr. Steele waved a hand. How ’bout a kiss?

Anesa’s gaze flew to Paul.

He glared at her. What did you do to get expelled?

Her breath left her. Who told you?

All of the guys know about it. Paul narrowed his eyes.

Anesa hung her head. I sneaked out at night and went for a walk with Gordon Schultz.

Did you kiss him?

Yes, she whispered.

Mr. Steele leered at her, a smirk on his face. So, how ’bout a kiss fo’ me?

Shut up, Steele, Paul snapped. He turned to Anesa. Did you have intercourse with him?

No. Heat rushed to her face. Of course not.

All my friends think you did. He spat out the words. They’re all calling you a slut.

The word hit like a punch to the stomach. Well, I’m not. She gritted her teeth. And I expect you to set the record straight with your friends.

Anesa stood before her mirror, braiding her hair. She glanced back at her bed. She could pretend to be sick. Actually, she wouldn’t have to pretend all that much. Her stomach had been roiling all night.

If she stayed in bed, she wouldn’t have to face Mr. Steele, who now knew what she’d done. But then again, she’d seen him stinking drunk. Not an appealing sight.

Staying home sick would get her out of delivering produce. But since Anesa was being left in charge of the business, Moder would expect to take her along. Cedar Falls was the last place she wanted to be—she didn’t want to chance a meeting with any of Paul’s friends. But as much as she loved this room, she couldn’t hide forever.

She smoothed the skirt of her calico dress. With its high-necked