Part One
Chapter One
Emma shut the door behind her quietly and breathed deeply of the late afternoon air. The countryside stretched out before her in every direction, faintly green with the newness of spring, dotted with clumps of trees, all somewhat diminished under the astounding blue sky that appeared to cling to the setting sun to keep it from disappearing in the west.
She had fed her father his usual bowl of chicken soup, and now he was settled down in his huge upholstered chair that just fit in the bay window area at the front of the house.
There was an identical bay window arrangement in the parlor and another one in the kitchen, but Emmas father favored this one because it looked out over the front yard and onto the dirt road allowing him to see all of the passersby. Not that there were many passersby here deep in the corn country of the Midwest, but there was enough activity for him to enjoy as the farmers passed by on their tractors or trucks or flatbed wagons or combines, always waving at him.
Emmas father had had two severe heart attacks which had driven him from the fields to this armchair, but this in no way dimmed the neighborly love and respect which everyone felt for him.
Emma had often overheard the farmers remarking about her father and his weakened condition. Too bad, they would say, that old Jim had not been blessed with a son to take over the work of the farm. Not that little Emma isnt a big helper, but you knowa boy would have
Fortunately, Billy, the third son of the neighboring Brown family, was the answer to this problem Billy had always wanted to be a farmer, independent of his father and brothers old-fashioned farming methods, so he immediately presented himself to Jim to help out, and ended up with the job as foreman.
Billy Brown was a strapping eighteen-year-old, well liked and respected in the farm country. The hands were agreeable to Billy being the boss, but they continued to consult with Jim. Privately, they agreed that Jims lack of business sense and his overly generous gifts to passersby had left them financially suspect, a condition they agreed to correct.
Emma turned and smiled at her father through the curtained windows, and then hopped lightly down the steps of the broad and welcoming porch. Skipping to the gate she flung it open, laughed as her two dogs bounded out ahead of her, and looked intently down the dirt road. Mama should be coming home any minute now. Yep! I can hear the old pickup getting ready to turn up here!
Emma picked up her long skirt and directed her tiny booted feet back up the steps, into the house, out to the kitchen, and shoved another small log into the wood stove. Now, let me see, the coffee is finished, the bread is warming, the stew has been stirred. Shes coming, pa!
*
Jonie was weary, but the sight of her husband, daughter and home gave her new energy. She hugged Emma, kissed Jims stubby cheek, and dropped her purse and laundry on the table.
Well, Jonie. I see you brought home more work. Cant that fancy Mrs. Cumberland do a thing for herself? Or what about that spoiled daughter of hers?
Hush, Jim. You know Mrs. Cumberland is very particular about her fine linens. Seems no one can do them to her satisfaction, cept me!
Well, I still thinks she takes advantage of you.
Jim, Im doing it because I like it and anyway, she pays me well. Now, come along. Little Emma has things all ready for us.
I know Jim feels bad that he can no longer work the farm, but Billy is doing a wonderful job, and I know that he is turning it around financially. And my dear Jim hates it that I have to earn money for us. Poor Jim. I do feel sorry for him, butoh bother! If only I could love him as he loves me, then
|