FARM GIRL
by Kathy Murphy
Eleanor Jones lived on a small farm in the hills of upstate New York. Until a few months ago she planned to leave for college but then her Dad had the accident that eventually claimed his life. Her mother was never very strong and took to her bed the day she lost her husband. Oh, she’d get up and wander around the house some, but she never left it. Getting her out on the porch was almost impossible. Mary Jones had depended on Henry for everything and he spoiled her as if she were a little girl. Now she was a helpless, lost soul and Ellie had to step up and take over for her father.
On this beautiful September morning when she should have been meeting her professors and attending her first classes, she was in the barnyard caring for the animals. Looking out over the fields of potatoes, corn and soybeans she was thankful she had already men hired to help with the harvest. Soon she’d have baskets of apples from the orchard to sell at the roadside stand as well as ears of corn and sacks of potatoes. It was overwhelming at times but she’d managed to get the crops planted and keep everything going since her father’s death in April. She dropped out of high school with only three months until graduation, having been on track to be the class valedictorian. Now she was just another dropout with a limited future.
Ellie could see the road that passed the farm and wished she could just get in the truck and go far away. “Impossible, stop it, Eleanor.” She chided herself, wiping her hands on her overalls she walked back to the house to prepare breakfast.
“Please Mother, just eat something.” She pushed the hair back off her mother’s face.
Mary’s shaky hand lifted a piece of toast to her mouth and she bit off a small piece. Tears fell down her cheeks. “I’m sorry Eleanor, I just can’t.” and she fell back onto her pillows and closed her eyes. She had lost at least thirty pounds in the last few months and Eleanor knew she was just waiting to die so she could be with Henry again. There were times when Ellie couldn’t help wishing she’d hurry up and do it so she could sell this place and move on with her life. These moments were always followed by overpowering feelings of guilt and shame and Ellie’s renewed efforts to keep her mother going.
After her mother was asleep again, Ellie took a shower and dressed to go to town. This was the best day of the week. She would run errands all morning and finish up with a visit to the library where she’d hopefully find some new books to read. Being a small town, they didn’t get new books very often and she was pretty sure she’d read almost all the books on the shelves by now. Still, she had no problem reading some books over and over again.
“Mother, I’m going to town, is there anything I can get for you?”
“No, I’m going to sleep. I don’t want anything.” She muttered as she turned away, pulling the covers up over her until just the top of her suddenly gray hair showed.
“I’ll be home in a couple of hours,” Ellie said softly and closed the door to her mother’s bedroom.
Once in the truck, heading down the road, Ellie’s mood brightened. She decided to have lunch at the five and ten once she’d finished with the errands and before she went to the library. Smiling for the first time in days, Ellie looked forward to a few hours of freedom.
Sitting at the lunch counter, Ellie looked over the menu. The waitress was there within a couple of minutes. “Hi honey, what can I get you?”
Ellie grinned at her. “Hey Millie, how are you?”
“I’m good Ellie, you?”
“I’m fine too. I think I’d like the tuna salad on toast and a coke. Thanks.”
“Sure thing, be right back.”
Ellie watched as she walked back to the far end of the counter. Millie had been in her class until junior year when she dropped out. There were rumors that she left school because she was pregnant but she never did have a baby. Still, the rumors persisted. Ellie thought it more likely that Millie had left school because of her father’s stroke. She’d gotten this job within a couple of weeks and she’d been working here ever since. Millie’s mother worked overnight at the factory so one of them was home to take care of him while the other worked. Ellie smiled as Millie returned with her sandwich and drink.
“Thank you, Millie. How’s your Dad?”
“He’s better, thanks. He’s getting stronger every day, but I have to keep after him about eating.”
Ellie nodded “I’m dealing with that with my Mom. I think she’s just given up since my father died.”
Millie patted her hand. “Well hang in there, hon. I better get these orders; my boss is giving me the eye. We should get together sometime and talk.”
“I’d like that.” Ellie grinned surprised to find she really would.
Just then a male voice startled her “Excuse me, could you pass me the ketchup?”
Ellie turned to the man “Sorry?” Oh, my he was handsome, dark hair, soft brown eyes and that smile.
He chuckled softly and pointed “The ketchup please, for my burger.”
Ellie felt herself blush “Of course.” She handed the ketchup to him and stared down at her plate wishing Millie would come back and talk to her again.
“Thanks.” The man handed the ketchup back to her. “I’m Sam Johnson. I’m staying in town for a few weeks and you are?”
Ellie was a bit shocked at his manner. She stammered “Eleanor Jones.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Eleanor Jones.” He looked amused and Ellie was embarrassed even more. She felt like a country bumpkin and he was obviously a city slicker! He went back to eating his lunch and Ellie looked up in the mirror behind the counter. He was wearing a suit, almost nobody in town wore a suit unless they were going to church or a funeral. Sam looked up and caught her eye in the mirror. He grinned and she blushed again.
Ellie was no longer hungry, and she needed to get out of there. Feeling completely unnerved she put her money down on the counter and stood up.
Sam wanted to say something, but he was aware that he’d upset her somehow and decided to just let it go. Maybe he’d see her around somewhere.
Ellie rushed out of the five and ten, hurrying down the street to the library. She felt like a complete fool. Well, it was done now. She always had trouble talking to boys, she’d never been on a date in her life. Partly because she believed herself to be plain and unattractive. She would have been surprised to know how many people thought she was pretty. Her sandy blonde hair fell to her shoulders in soft natural curls and she had big blue eyes. The green dress she wore displayed a good figure and the white gloves hid her calloused hands. But Ellie had grown up in a home where she was barely noticed and never complimented.
As soon as she entered the library she relaxed and all thoughts about the man at the lunch counter left her. She approached the desk. “Hello, Mrs. Woods.” She smiled warmly at the librarian.
“Oh, Eleanor, I’ve been waiting for you. I just got the new bestseller The Last Hurrah, I’ve been holding onto it for you.” She leaned forward and whispered “I also brought my copy of Peyton Place to lend you. I just finished it yesterday, I think you’re going to love it!”
Ellie grinned “Thank you! I’ll bring it back to you next week. I’m going to look around for a little while.”
“The books will be here when you’re ready, dear.” The librarian was genuinely fond of little Eleanor Jones. The child had been coming in for books since she was five years old. Her father would drop her off while he took care of things in town and the little girl was never ready to leave when he returned. She always left with a stack of books and a huge smile on her face. Even now, at nineteen years of age, she still left that way. Barbara Woods often lent the girl books that the library wouldn’t stock, and they were always returned a week later.
More than thirty minutes later, Ellie was in the nonfiction section when a male voice startled her for the second time that day.
“Miss Jones, we meet again.” Sam smiled warmly and reached for a book on the shelf in front of him.
“Oh, hello,” she responded softly.
“I wonder if you might be able to help me. I’m researching a murder that happened here a few years ago. The victim was a gentleman and his wife is now in prison for the crime. Do you remember it?”
“Yes, of course. Mr. Windham. Why are you researching that?”
“I’m an author, and I’m thinking of writing a fictional account based on that case.”
Ellie was stunned. She’d never met an author before. “What have you written? I wonder if I’ve read anything you wrote.”
Sam chuckled. “You didn’t. This is my first novel. I’m going to be staying here in town for several weeks. Maybe we could get together for dinner one evening and you can tell me about the town and the incident.”
“Oh, well...”
“I understand your reticence but I assure you I will be a perfect gentleman.” He looked so sincere that Ellie burst out laughing, getting quickly shushed by Mrs. Woods.
“I’m sorry, I just thought that I can’t imagine a man saying anything else. I mean would somebody say ‘Please have dinner with me, I’m an ax murderer and after a delicious entrée, I’m going to chop you up into little pieces.”
Sam laughed too. “I see your point. How about this. I’ll meet you at the restaurant in the hotel so you’ll be free to leave if you feel uncomfortable. Please say yes. I don’t know anyone here and frankly, I’m feeling at loose ends.”
It had been months since Ellie had been anywhere. “Okay. When would you like to meet?”
“Tonight, but if that’s too soon just tell me when.” He was so serious and so handsome.
“Okay. Is seven good for you?” the butterflies in her stomach were going crazy.
“Perfect. I’ll have a table reserved in my name. Sam Johnson. I’ll see you at seven.” He took the book he’d chosen and headed to a table that was covered with books and notebooks.
Ellie checked out her books and hurried back to the truck. Once inside she let out a long breath and shook her head. What was I thinking? Why did I say yes?” She started the truck and pulled away, no matter how nervous she was, she was also excited. She had a date. Nineteen years old and she was going on her very first date.
To say Sam was charming was an understatement and true to his word he was a perfect gentleman. After an amazing dinner, he walked her to her truck. “You know, Ellie, I enjoyed this but I just realized I never got around to asking you about the murder.”
Ellie grinned. “I forgot all about that.”
“I guess we’ll have to try again. Maybe Friday?”
“Friday sounds good. I’ll meet you here at seven. Is that okay?”
He nodded. “Do you think I could have your phone number? Just in case I mean.”
She frowned, “Just in case of what?” she asked thinking he was trying to get out of it and wondering why he’d asked if he didn’t want to do it.
Sam grinned “In case I want to talk to you before then.” He took a small memo pad from his pocket, handed it to her with a pen and she wrote down her phone number.
“My mother isn’t well, so please don’t call late in the evening.” She was about to open the door to the truck when he reached past her and pulled it open.
“I won’t. Good night Ellie.” He murmured, his voice husky.
Those butterflies were going crazy again. “Good night Sam,” she whispered and sat behind the wheel. He closed her door and stood there watching her drive away. He was still there when she turned the corner and headed out of town.
On Thursday morning as Ellie was working in the hen house, she heard a car drive up the road and stop at the house. She looked out the door to see a very good looking man get out and climb the steps to the porch. Just as he was about to knock Ellie called out “Can I help you?” The last thing she needed was for some salesman to wake her mother. The woman had been on a crying jag all night, falling asleep just before dawn.
“I’m looking for Henry Jones.” the young man came back down the steps and headed across the yard to the hen house.
“What for?” Ellie was annoyed, she had no time for this nonsense. The hen house was only half done and she had to clean the stalls while the cows were in the pasture and then slop the nasty hogs. This guy was not on her schedule.
“My name is Bobby King. I’m an agriculture major and Mr. Jones was going to let me help with the harvest in exchange for room and board. “
Ellie pulled off her work gloves and pushed her hair out of her eyes. “I’m Ellie Jones. I don’t know anything about this. When did my father make these arrangements with you?”
“Last spring, I guess it was early April. He wanted me to come help with the planting, but I was still in classes then. I took an internship to come for the harvest. Is your father home?”
Ellie sighed “My father died in April. He never mentioned anything about this and I’m afraid we won’t be able to accommodate you, Mr. King.”
“Oh, gosh. I am so sorry Miss Jones. I um I would like to go ahead with the arrangement if that’s possible, I have the letter from him right here.” He handed her an envelope and she looked over the letter. “I’m sure you’ll still need help with the harvest. You see, I gave up my dorm room and I have no classes. This is all I’ve got for the semester. If I don’t do this, my GPA will plummet, and I’ll lose my scholarship. I’m sorry. I know this isn’t your problem and you just lost your Dad but...”
“Okay, look, we can give it a try. I’m not very educated about farming. I’ve lived here my whole life and done chores and all, but it was never of any interest to me. I never intended to run the place. So yeah, I can use your help. It’s just me and my mother and you’re a stranger so you should know I have guns and I know how to use them. Just want to be clear there will be no funny business.”
“I understand,” Bobby answered somberly.
“You’ll be staying in the house with us, that’s where the spare room is. That’s why I want to be sure you understand. My mother isn’t well, and you’ll need to be quiet.” She stopped talking and her eyes filled with tears which she blinked away. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually so... well, never mind. Let me show you to your room.”
Ellie took him into the house and showed him where his room was. “Are you willing to get started today? I could use some help out there.”
Bobby grinned, “Sure, let me get changed and I’ll be right out.”
Ellie heaved a sigh “Thanks, I’ll be in the hen house.”
At noon they went back inside and Ellie prepared lunch. She took a tray to her mother, who refused it. Ellie told her about Bobby and all her mother said was “Whatever you think best, Eleanor. I want to go back to sleep.”
Ellie went back to the kitchen and ate lunch with Bobby. She noticed how sparkly his blue eyes were and how his whole face lit up when he smiled. His light brown hair was a bit longer than she liked but on him, it looked good. Over lunch, he told her that he’d always wanted to live on a farm, that when he was sixteen, he went to work for a neighbor who taught him a lot about farming. He’d been in 4H since he was eight and he’d gotten scholarships to get him through college.
Ellie had never seen anyone so enthusiastic about farming. She had spent her entire life on the farm and all she ever thought about was getting away. Her dream was to live in New York City and have a career, someday she’d get married and have children but first, she was going to have fun. Now she was trapped here with her sick mother and she knew she’d never get away from here. She’d be an old maid, slopping pigs and planting corn for the rest of her miserable life.
Sighing, Ellie picked up the dishes and put them into the sink. She retrieved the untouched tray from her mother’s room and was surprised to find Bobby already washing the dishes when she returned. Picking up the dish towel she began drying them and putting them into the cabinet.
The afternoon was spent making repairs to the fence and other odd jobs that Ellie never had time to do. Bobby told her all about his ideas for making the farm more profitable. He told her about rotating crops and how he would check the market to see what might bring the best prices at harvest. He told her about new techniques for planting and by the time they headed back to the house for supper Ellie’s head was spinning with the new information. She had never done much reading about agriculture and she never joined future farmers or 4H but now she wished she had. She decided the next trip to the library would include books about agriculture, she should have done her research before this, it just never occurred to her.
Supper was almost ready when Mary shuffled into the kitchen. Her hair was smoothed out, and she’d gotten dressed, she even put on some lipstick. “I thought it was time I met our houseguest,” she said, her voice hoarse and crackly.
Bobby crossed the room quickly to pull out a chair for her, then introduced himself.
“My late husband mentioned that he had acquired a university student to help him. He was excited about your ideas. I hope you’ll implement some of them. Henry felt sure you could turn this place around for him.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Poor Henry. He tried so hard but he was never a farmer. This was my family’s farm. Henry wanted to travel and have adventures but instead, he fell in love with me and became a farmer. He used to tell me that I was the only adventure he needed. Silly man. He never got off the farm and now look. The same thing is happening to Eleanor.” She dragged in a deep breath. “Mr. King if you can help us make this farm a profitable investment, I can sell it and send Eleanor to school. She wants to be a writer; she thinks I don’t know that. I want her to have the life she deserves. Do you think you can do that?”
Bobby reached for Mary’s hand. “I’ll do my best, Mrs. Jones.”
Mary smiled. “Good. Thank you. Well, I’m feeling very tired. I think I’ll go lie down for a bit. Eleanor, please bring me some tea and toast in a little while. I believe I’m going to try and eat something.”
Bobby helped Mary up and Eleanor took her arm and walked with her back to her room.
“Mother, I know you don’t want to sell the farm...”
“Shh, it’s long past time. I should have told your father to do it and let him be the man he wanted to be. I won’t make that mistake with you. I know you think I don’t know anything about you, but I love you, child. I see your father in you so strongly. You have the same fire, and this farm is holding you back.” She got back into bed and Ellie pulled the covers up over her. “I’m exhausted. I haven’t talked this much in months.” she laughed softly “Go see about dinner, I’ll sleep a while then have that tea.” Ellie quietly left the room, completely confused by her mother’s turnaround.
After supper was done, and the dishes were washed and dried, Bobby went out on the porch to watch the sunset over the mountains. Ellie took the tea and toast to her mother and was pleased to see her eat most of it. They didn’t talk much, each lost in their own thoughts. Just as she was about to leave her mother’s room, Ellie heard Bobby go into his room and close the door. It was strange having a man she hardly knew sleeping under the same roof and she smiled when she found herself thinking naughty thoughts about him.
Over the next few days, Ellie and Bobby worked hard to make all the repairs that had been overlooked since Henry died. After Ellie expressed an interest in reading about some of the things Bobby told her, he gave her a couple of magazines and one of his textbooks to read. She found the information very interesting and began asking him questions about the things he mentioned.
It was late Friday afternoon when Ellie heard the phone ringing and ran to the kitchen to answer it. “Hello?”
“Hello there, this is Sam. Just making sure we’re still on for this evening.”
“Oh, my, yes, of course,” she answered quickly ashamed that she had completely forgotten their date.
“Do you still want to meet me at the restaurant, or can I pick you up?” He asked softly.
“I’ll meet you there and I might be a bit late, things got away from me today.”
“That’s okay, I’ll change our reservation to 7:30. I’ll see you soon, Ellie.” his voice was low and husky.
“Okay,” she responded shakily and hung up the phone just as Bobby came in from the barn. “Bobby, I forgot I have an appointment in town this evening. Will you be okay with soup and a sandwich for supper?’’
“Sure, in fact, I can fix it myself. You just go do what you need to do.”
She shook her head. “No thanks. I still have to make Mother’s dinner.”
He chuckled “I can heat up enough soup for both of us and I’ll have no trouble making another sandwich.”
Ellie let out a long breath “If you’re sure.”
“I am. Go on. Your mother and I will be fine.” He began looking through the cabinets for the soup.
Ellie stopped in her mother’s room to let her know about the plans. She couldn’t believe how much better her mother was doing.
“You go on Eleanor. I’m sure Bobby and I will manage. Have a good time.”
Eleanor arrived at the restaurant to find Sam waiting outside. “I’m sorry I’m late.” she shrugged “Farm life can get busy.”
“I understand.” he smiled although he had no clue what life on a farm was like.
Once they were settled at the table, Sam ordered a bottle of wine. Ellie watched as the waiter opened the bottle, poured a little into a glass, and swirled it around before handing it to Sam. He sniffed it, swirled it again then tasted it. “Wonderful, thank you,” he told the waiter, who then poured more into Sam’s glass and filled hers.
Sam grinned “To new-found friends.” he raised his glass. Eleanor had seen this kind of thing in movies, but she never expected to see it in real life. A fancy restaurant with a young man in a three-piece suit who knows about fine wines and how could she not have noticed he looked like he was upper crust. Not just a city slicker, but one that seemed almost aristocratic. She didn’t belong here. Suddenly uncomfortable she reminded herself that it wasn’t really a date. He wanted local information for his book.
Looking over the menu, Ellie decided on some kind of pasta dish. Sam ordered steak and then smiled at her over the rim of his wineglass.
Ellie cleared her throat. “Well, what do you want to know about poor Mr. Windham?”
“Who?” Sam was confused. “Oh, the murder. Well, let’s wait until after we’ve eaten to discuss that. It’s rather unsavory, don’t you think?”
“I thought that was the point of this meeting,” she said flatly.
“Well, it was my way of getting you to agree to see me. I am working on the book but mostly I just wanted to see you. You are a very pretty girl.”
Ellie was taken aback. “So you don’t need my help?”
“Yes, I do but mostly, right now I just want to have dinner with you and enjoy getting to know you.”
Ellie was flattered but something felt off and she decided she’d leave as soon as she could.
Sam saw her expression change and knew right away he’d made a mistake. She wasn’t like the girls he usually dated; he’d have to play this a little differently.
“I’m sorry, Ellie. I just wanted to enjoy our dinner before getting to work but why don’t you go ahead and tell me about the murder.”
The food arrived and smelled delicious. “Let’s eat first. You were right, it isn’t a good dinner conversation.”
As they ate and talked Ellie felt herself relaxing and enjoying his company again. Although she was aware that he was much more sophisticated than she was, he was also sweet and considerate. Over coffee and dessert, he finally asked her the questions about the Windham murder. All she could tell him was public knowledge and he already knew most of it.
“I’m sorry, I’m not very helpful.”
“Well, in all honesty, I didn’t ask you out for that. I just wanted to see you. I want to get to know you. So, would you consider a real date? Maybe we could go to a movie or something?”
Ellie felt her cheeks flush. “I’d like that,” she answered softly.
“Well, if it’s a real date, then can I pick you up at home this time? Maybe tomorrow night?”
“Okay.” she smiled then looked down at her dessert.
“Eleanor Jones, You are probably the prettiest girl I’ve ever met.” he reached for her hand. His hands were soft and warm, and she could see his surprise when he felt hers were calloused and rough.
“Work hands. Farm work is rough on the hands even with gloves,” she whispered, pulling her hand away.
“You work the farm yourself? Don’t you have people?” he raised an eyebrow.
“During the planting and the harvest, we hire folks but the rest of the time there’s no money for that. My father died last spring; I’ve taken over running the farm by myself. It’s hard.” she felt a tear slide down her cheek and brushed it away.
“I’m sorry.” he took her hand in his and held it. “I had no idea. I know nothing about rural life, that’s something you can teach me.”
She looked into his soft brown eyes and felt a strange tingling in the pit of her stomach. She looked at his perfect smile and his carefully groomed hair and felt herself falling for him. I am way out of my league. She thought willing herself to back off but instead, she agreed to the date and that he would pick her up at seven the next evening. She gave him directions to the farm and when he walked her to the truck, he held her hand. As she was about to climb in, he leaned over and lightly kissed her lips. Smiling he said “I’ll call you tomorrow, just to talk. Good night Eleanor.” Once again, he stood there watching as she drove away.
When she got home, she was surprised to see the lights on in the living room and even more shocked when she saw her mother sitting on the sofa watching TV with Bobby.
“Eleanor! Come join us! We’re watching Person to Person.”
“Mother, you look wonderful. Did you eat?”
“Oh yes, Bobby made me a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup then talked me into coming out here for a while. We sat on the porch and watched the sun go down.” She sounded so bubbly; Ellie couldn’t help but feel jealous. She’d tried for months to get her mother to come out and here this stranger, who’d been here less than a week managed to do it.
Ellie sat in her father’s easy chair, she caught Bobby’s eye and thanked him silently. He grinned at her, then turned his attention back to her mother.
When the show ended, Mary asked Ellie to help her back to bed. Once in the room with the door closed behind her, Mary looked at Ellie and smiled sadly. “I miss your father. I wanted to die when he did. I know that must have felt like I didn’t love you, but I do, so very much. I felt as if everything inside me died with him and I’m so sorry that I left you to handle everything. I relied on your strength when I should have been the one you depended on.” She sat on the bed and patted the spot beside her. “Sit with me a minute.”
Ellie sat, staring at her mother in stunned silence.
Mary continued “You are so much like your father. You immediately took over all the things that needed to be done. You stepped right in and started taking care of me and I appreciate it so much. Both you and your father acted as if I was so fragile that I believed it too. Eleanor, I’m not going to wither away, I’m not going to let myself shirk my responsibilities anymore. I’m sorry you missed your first semester at university, but we’ll find a way to get you there in the spring. I am selling the farm. It’s too much for us. It’s too much for you.” Mary took Ellie’s hand. “The reason I’m up tonight is that Bobby made me an offer for the farm. He wants to buy it. It’s a decent offer and I’m going to accept it unless you tell me you want to keep it and work it.”
Eleanor’s jaw dropped. “I don’t know Mother, it’s so hard to let it go but I just can’t do it alone. Do we have to decide tonight? Is there time to think about it?”
Mary nodded. “Yes, let’s think about it. I told him I would let him know after the harvest. I’m going to pull myself together and help as much as I can.”
“Mom, what happened? Why the sudden change, for months you’ve been…”
“I dreamt about your father this afternoon. He wouldn’t want me to give up and die. Anyway, I know I need to stop wallowing in grief. I’m still going to cry, Ellie. I’m still going to have very bad days but I’m going to try.”
Ellie hugged her mother for the first time in a long time. “I’ll be right here Mom.”
Mary hugged her back. “Now tell me about this young man you’ve been seeing.”
“I’ve only had dinner with him twice, I don’t know if that constitutes seeing him.”
Mary laughed “It does if you’re planning to see him again. Are you?”
“Yes. Tomorrow night. He’s coming to pick me up so you can meet him.”
“Good.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek and smiled wearily. “I think I’ll get some sleep. I plan to be up for breakfast in the morning. Be patient with me, Sweetheart. It’s going to take a little time before I’m back to my old self. No, not my old self. I’m going to be better than that.”
Sam arrived on time to pick Ellie up the next evening. His first encounter was with Bobby, whose existence he knew nothing about. Bobby was sitting on the porch swing, reading when Sam came up the steps.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for Eleanor Jones. Have I found the right house?”
“Yeah,” Bobby answered sizing him up. “I’m Bobby King.” He stood up. “I’ll get her.”
He left Sam waiting on the porch and went inside. He knocked on Ellie’s door “Your date is here.”
Ellie pulled the door open and rushed past him “Thanks, Bobby.”
When she reached the living room, she turned back to Bobby, “Where is he?”
Bobby smiled innocently “On the porch. I didn’t know if I should invite him in.”
“Of course, you should.” She answered with exasperation evident and opened the front door. Bobby grinned “Oh, well next time.”
“Sam, I’m sorry. Come in please.” She stepped aside to let him in just as her mother entered the room. Mary saw the disdain cross his face as he took in the room, with its old, shabby-looking furniture and the worn spots on the rug. His expression changed as she welcomed him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sam. Please sit, would you like something to drink?”
Sam had to restrain himself from brushing off a spot on the couch. It wasn’t that it looked dirty, but it was so old and who knew how many people had sat on it before him.
Bobby sat in the large easy chair and stretched his legs out in front of him, looking as if he owned the place.
Mary sat in her rocking chair and Ellie took the spot next to Sam. She thought he was nervous about meeting her mother. She had no idea he just wanted to get out of there finding her home distasteful.
Bobby cleared his throat. “So, Ellie’s told us about your book. How’s that going?”
“Okay, I guess. I haven’t been able to get any new information though so it’s holding me back a bit.”
Nodding, Bobby pushed “I understood it was to be a fictional take on the murder, do you really need any new information? I mean you could just make it up, couldn’t you?”
Sam shifted in his seat. “Yeah, I just haven’t had much time for writing lately.”
“Oh? Sorry. I thought that was what you were doing here.”
Mary stifled a giggle. The poor little rich boy looked very uncomfortable. “So, where are you two going this evening?”
The fact that Ellie looked to Sam to answer the question left her feeling concerned. Her usually bubbly, chatty girl had said virtually nothing since the man entered the house.
“Well, I think we’re going to go to a movie and then have dinner. In fact, we should get going.”
Ellie was hoping to have dinner first, she was used to early dinners and she was already hungry. Not eating dinner until ten o’clock was just crazy but she said nothing just followed him out the door.
“I’ll see you later, Mother.” She said softly.
Mary looked at Bobby and saw her feelings about Sam reflected on his face. Neither of them liked him very much.
Over the next few weeks, Mary grew stronger and took over the household duties she had always done before. Ellie and Bobby worked the fields and brought in the harvest. Mary worked the roadside stand and enjoyed talking to the strangers who stopped to buy fresh vegetables. Ellie and Sam dated steadily and she felt herself falling in love for the first time in her life. Bobby watched as Eleanor made subtle changes in herself to please Sam. He thought she was already perfect but apparently, Sam believed she needed to become more socially acceptable.
Sam wanted his parents to meet Ellie and plans were made to go to New York for a day. Ellie was terrified. She knew that not only was Sam from a wealthy family but his mother was a socialite. Sam taught her about things like table settings and how to behave. He told her not to worry that his parents would love her as much as he did. He talked about getting married and Ellie was confused. Sam didn’t talk about his book, and she suspected he wasn’t working on it anymore. She’d never known anyone who didn’t have to work but Sam apparently didn’t. When she asked him what he wanted to do with his life he told her he was still trying to find himself.
The day they drove into the city, Sam was unusually quiet. He smiled at her and told her he loved her as they rode the elevator to the penthouse where he lived with his parents.
“Mother, Dad I’d like you to meet Miss Eleanor Jones.”
Sam’s mother looked her over in silence, Ellie was sure she saw disapproval in her eyes before the cold smile formed on her face. “Eleanor. Welcome. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Please come into the parlor, we’ll get to know one another.”
The room was perfect, not a thing out of place. It looked as if nobody lived there. Ellie wished she could leave, she had never been so self-conscious and uncomfortable in her life.
The next hour felt like it was ten days long. Sam’s parents asked her all kinds of personal questions and she felt like she was being interviewed for a job. Finally, she’d had enough and asked to use the restroom. She stayed in there as long as she could, but she knew she had to go back sometime. Checking her appearance in the mirror, she touched up her lipstick and quietly unlocked the door.
Ellie could hear Sam’s mother’s angry voice coming from the parlor. She stopped just out of sight, trying to decide whether or not to intrude when she realized the woman was talking about her.
“She’s not the kind of girl you need to be dating and you know it, Samuel. And marriage? Don’t make me laugh. I’m so tired of you bringing home these girls just to upset me. You certainly can’t expect me to include her in our dinner invitation this evening. I will not introduce that little ragamuffin to my friends. Look at the way she’s dressed, she’s hardly presentable.”
Ellie looked down at the simple blue dress she had been so proud of when she put it on this morning.
Sam said nothing as his mother continued her rant about Ellie’s unsuitability. “She looks exactly like what she is, poor white trash. You need to stop this foolishness and get serious. You will not be going back to that hick town. We’ll send for your things. It’s time you went to work for your father. We’ll have John drive her home. You’ll tell her I am not feeling well and send her home, do you understand me?”
Grateful she had taken her purse with her, she quietly opened the hall closet where they had hung her coat and she slipped out the door, closing it softly behind her. The elevator arrived and she quickly stepped in without looking at the operator. “Lobby Miss?” he asked gently.
Ellie nodded and when the door opened she practically ran out of the building. She hailed a taxi and headed to the bus terminal. After paying for the taxi, she had enough money left for the bus ticket and lunch but she wasn’t hungry. She went to the restroom and once inside a stall she leaned against the door and let the tears flow. Her heart hurt. She’d never felt ashamed of her appearance or who she was until now. When she finally regained control of herself, she went to the sink and washed her face. She reapplied her makeup and fixed her hair. Straightening her shoulders, she left the restroom and found a payphone. Dialing the number she hoped Bobby would answer, she wasn’t ready to talk to her mother yet.
Bobby’s cheerful voice came on the line. “Hello?”
“Bobby, It's Ellie. I’m taking the bus home, I should get there around four. Can you pick me up?”
He didn’t ask any questions and she was grateful. “Where?” he asked simply.
She told him how to get to the bus terminal. “It will take you about forty-five minutes to get there. Thank you.” Her voice cracked and his heart broke for her.
“No problem. I’ll just tell your mother that I’ll be gone for a couple of hours.”
Ellie sighed “Thanks, I’ve got to go.” She hung up and Bobby stood there holding the phone in his hand. He was afraid this would happen. Sam was a spoiled rich kid who’d never had a job or finished anything he’d started. Bobby knew it the moment he met that jerk weeks ago. They shook hands and Sam’s hands were soft and his nails neatly manicured. The car he drove was the latest model and would undoubtedly be traded in as soon as the next year’s models became available. The book he was supposedly writing would undoubtedly never be completed. Sam would find something new to occupy his time when he tired of it and this small-town life and Ellie would be left behind with a broken heart. He’d seen rich guys like him at school and he’d seen the damage they left in their wake.
Bobby tried to warn her, but she wouldn’t hear it. So he just watched as she fell hopelessly in love with him. When they drove off this morning, Ellie was so happy, when she called just now she was struggling not to cry. Bobby walked up to the roadside stand and opened it for a couple of hours. He’d brought a few of his books so he could study between customers. The new sign he’d put up a half-mile down the road was bringing more people in and it was a busy afternoon. He closed up at three o’clock and walked back to the house to find Mary in the kitchen making soup.
She was dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt and her face had color in it again. She had gained a little of the weight back and she no longer spent her days in bed.
“Hungry?” she grinned at him.
“Yes, always.” He laughed. “I have to go out for a while this evening.”
Mary turned to face him “Are you going to get Eleanor?” she asked softly.
He wouldn’t lie. “Yes, she’s on her way home on the bus.”
She frowned. “I was afraid something would happen. I was hoping I was wrong but that boy…”
Bobby nodded “Yeah. I know. She didn’t say much, just asked me to meet the bus.”
“I’m glad you’re here. You’ve been such a blessing to us. I’m not sure where we’d be if you hadn’t come when you did.”
Bobby went to the sink and began washing his hands while Mary ladled the soup into the bowls. She placed them on the table and he sat across from her. Tasting the soup, he smiled “This is delicious Mary, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I think I’ll go to my room before she gets home. She may not want to talk about it but if she does, tell her I said I wanted to read. I’ll leave my light on, so she’ll know I’m awake.”
He nodded; his jaw tightened but he said nothing.
Mary was aware of his feelings for Ellie. She’d seen the way he looked at her, but Eleanor was oblivious to him. All she thought about was Sam who was very sweet and attentive, but Mary knew it was just a passing fancy for him. When it was time to settle down, Sam would undoubtedly marry a girl in his class, not a sweet little farm girl.
Bobby was waiting when Ellie got off the bus. As soon as she saw him, her eyes filled with tears and before he knew it she was in his arms, her face buried against his chest as she sobbed. He held her tightly, not sure what he could say or do to help. Finally, she stopped crying, took a deep breath and looked up at him. “I’m sorry, Bob. I…”
He shook his head. “Stop apologizing, come on let’s go home.” His arm around her, he led her to the truck. They drove in silence but when they were just a few miles from home, Ellie finally spoke.
“His mother said ugly things about me when I was out of the room. They didn’t know I’d come back and I was outside the door. I heard her say… He never said a word, Bobby. He never stood up for me. She said I wasn’t good enough, that he just brought girls like me home to upset her. That she couldn’t take me to their dinner party and introduce me to her friends because I was a ragamuffin. I just left. I never said anything. I’ve been kicking myself for that all the way home. As upset as I was because Sam didn’t stand up for me, I’m more upset because I slunk away ashamed of who and what I am. I’ve never felt like that before and I don’t deserve it. I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud to be a farmer and that I work hard. I should have said so….”
Bobby reached for her hand and for a brief moment she was aware of the callouses but his hands were calloused too. He drew in a breath and glancing at her he began.
“Ellie, from the day we met you have amazed me. Your defiance, your spirit, your refusal to accept defeat. Your father died and you stepped right up and took the reins, running the farm, keeping it from going under. That was all you. Plus you took care of your mother and brought her back to life when she was ready to give up. That was all you. If anyone doesn’t see that and appreciate you for who you are they don’t deserve a place in your life. I’ve never known anyone like you. I’m proud to be your friend and I’m grateful for everything you’ve taught me.”
Ellie sat there in stunned silence then softly said “Thank you, Bobby.”
Letting go of her hand, he drove the rest of the way thinking he’d just made a fool of himself. He’d practically told her that he was in love with her even though he’d sworn never to let her see how he felt about her. It was obvious to him that she would never look at him that way and he was determined not to wreck their friendship.
As they pulled up the road, they both saw Sam’s car sitting in front of the house and Sam sitting on the porch with her mother. “Oh God” she groaned.
“Do you want me to tell him to get lost?” Bobby asked hopefully.
“No.” she looked at him and he was relieved to see the fire in her eyes. “I have a few things to say to him. Will you take my mother inside please?”
“Sure but just so you know, I’ll be right inside the door if you need me.”
She smiled “Well you might want to hold your hands over your ears, this won’t be pretty.”
They got out of the truck and Bobby hurried up the steps, signaling Mary to come with him. Sam stood there, unsure what to do now that Ellie was right in front of him. He’d been thinking about what to say all afternoon but now it all slipped away leaving him speechless.
Eleanor just looked at him, waiting for him to speak. Finally, she asked “What are you doing here? Don’t you have a dinner party to attend? What are you doing back here?”
“I’m sorry you heard all that Ellie, I…”
She took a couple of steps toward him. “You know what I didn’t hear? I didn’t hear you say anything. I didn’t hear you tell your mother that I didn’t deserve her scorn. Your silence spoke volumes and now, there is nothing you can say. Go home, Sam. Go back to New York and find the little socialite your mother will approve of. You’re weak and a coward and I’m way too good for you.”
Sam swallowed hard. “Ellie, I just wanted to tell you that I love you.”
She laughed harshly. “No, you don’t. I know that now. We don’t belong together. I belong here. I know that now too. I don’t want to live in the city. I don’t want to get away from this farm. I thought I did and maybe I was using you.” She shrugged “But I’ve worked hard keeping this farm going and it’s part of me. It’s a big part of who I am and I’m never leaving it. Funny, three months ago I would have laughed at anyone who tried to tell me that. I guess I’ve grown up. I hope you do too. But it won’t be with me. Goodbye Sam.” She walked past him and went into the house.
Bobby stepped out onto the porch when Sam didn’t move. “Bye-bye now.” He said softly, his voice dripping sarcasm. Sam slowly walked to his car. “Tell her I’m sorry.”
Bobby nodded “She knows.” He went back into the house and closed the door. Ellie and her mother were sitting on the sofa together. “So, I guess this means you’re not selling me the farm?”
Ellie laughed for the first time that day. “No, but would you stay on with us for a while? We’re going to need a lot of help.”
“Sure, I’ll stay as long as you need me to.”
“Thank you. I know you’ll have to go back to school in January, but if you can teach me how to keep the books, the way you have and all those business things that I had no idea we needed to know I’ll be able to continue the success you brought us.”
“No problem. I’ll do whatever I can.” He smiled warmly. “I’ve got a paper to finish, so I’ll be going to my room. See you both in the morning.”
Ellie looked at him, “Thank you for coming to get me, Bobby. Good night.”
Over the next few weeks, Bobby and Ellie grew closer. Finally, one night he asked her if she’d go out with him.
“You mean like on a date?” she asked playfully.
He stammered “Well, yeah.”
Grinning, she put her hands on her hips. “Well, it’s about time, Bobby King. I thought you’d never get around to asking me!” she laughed, her eyes twinkling.
He took a step toward her “Oh yeah, well what would you do if I kissed you, right now.”
Ellie looked up into his eyes and answered, “I’d kiss you back.”
Bobby pulled her into his arms and his mouth covered hers. Her hands slid up his chest and circled his neck. When he finally let her go, she was breathless. “Oh my! Do that again.” She said simply. And he did.
On this beautiful September morning when she should have been meeting her professors and attending her first classes, she was in the barnyard caring for the animals. Looking out over the fields of potatoes, corn and soybeans she was thankful she had already men hired to help with the harvest. Soon she’d have baskets of apples from the orchard to sell at the roadside stand as well as ears of corn and sacks of potatoes. It was overwhelming at times but she’d managed to get the crops planted and keep everything going since her father’s death in April. She dropped out of high school with only three months until graduation, having been on track to be the class valedictorian. Now she was just another dropout with a limited future.
Ellie could see the road that passed the farm and wished she could just get in the truck and go far away. “Impossible, stop it, Eleanor.” She chided herself, wiping her hands on her overalls she walked back to the house to prepare breakfast.
“Please Mother, just eat something.” She pushed the hair back off her mother’s face.
Mary’s shaky hand lifted a piece of toast to her mouth and she bit off a small piece. Tears fell down her cheeks. “I’m sorry Eleanor, I just can’t.” and she fell back onto her pillows and closed her eyes. She had lost at least thirty pounds in the last few months and Eleanor knew she was just waiting to die so she could be with Henry again. There were times when Ellie couldn’t help wishing she’d hurry up and do it so she could sell this place and move on with her life. These moments were always followed by overpowering feelings of guilt and shame and Ellie’s renewed efforts to keep her mother going.
After her mother was asleep again, Ellie took a shower and dressed to go to town. This was the best day of the week. She would run errands all morning and finish up with a visit to the library where she’d hopefully find some new books to read. Being a small town, they didn’t get new books very often and she was pretty sure she’d read almost all the books on the shelves by now. Still, she had no problem reading some books over and over again.
“Mother, I’m going to town, is there anything I can get for you?”
“No, I’m going to sleep. I don’t want anything.” She muttered as she turned away, pulling the covers up over her until just the top of her suddenly gray hair showed.
“I’ll be home in a couple of hours,” Ellie said softly and closed the door to her mother’s bedroom.
Once in the truck, heading down the road, Ellie’s mood brightened. She decided to have lunch at the five and ten once she’d finished with the errands and before she went to the library. Smiling for the first time in days, Ellie looked forward to a few hours of freedom.
Sitting at the lunch counter, Ellie looked over the menu. The waitress was there within a couple of minutes. “Hi honey, what can I get you?”
Ellie grinned at her. “Hey Millie, how are you?”
“I’m good Ellie, you?”
“I’m fine too. I think I’d like the tuna salad on toast and a coke. Thanks.”
“Sure thing, be right back.”
Ellie watched as she walked back to the far end of the counter. Millie had been in her class until junior year when she dropped out. There were rumors that she left school because she was pregnant but she never did have a baby. Still, the rumors persisted. Ellie thought it more likely that Millie had left school because of her father’s stroke. She’d gotten this job within a couple of weeks and she’d been working here ever since. Millie’s mother worked overnight at the factory so one of them was home to take care of him while the other worked. Ellie smiled as Millie returned with her sandwich and drink.
“Thank you, Millie. How’s your Dad?”
“He’s better, thanks. He’s getting stronger every day, but I have to keep after him about eating.”
Ellie nodded “I’m dealing with that with my Mom. I think she’s just given up since my father died.”
Millie patted her hand. “Well hang in there, hon. I better get these orders; my boss is giving me the eye. We should get together sometime and talk.”
“I’d like that.” Ellie grinned surprised to find she really would.
Just then a male voice startled her “Excuse me, could you pass me the ketchup?”
Ellie turned to the man “Sorry?” Oh, my he was handsome, dark hair, soft brown eyes and that smile.
He chuckled softly and pointed “The ketchup please, for my burger.”
Ellie felt herself blush “Of course.” She handed the ketchup to him and stared down at her plate wishing Millie would come back and talk to her again.
“Thanks.” The man handed the ketchup back to her. “I’m Sam Johnson. I’m staying in town for a few weeks and you are?”
Ellie was a bit shocked at his manner. She stammered “Eleanor Jones.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Eleanor Jones.” He looked amused and Ellie was embarrassed even more. She felt like a country bumpkin and he was obviously a city slicker! He went back to eating his lunch and Ellie looked up in the mirror behind the counter. He was wearing a suit, almost nobody in town wore a suit unless they were going to church or a funeral. Sam looked up and caught her eye in the mirror. He grinned and she blushed again.
Ellie was no longer hungry, and she needed to get out of there. Feeling completely unnerved she put her money down on the counter and stood up.
Sam wanted to say something, but he was aware that he’d upset her somehow and decided to just let it go. Maybe he’d see her around somewhere.
Ellie rushed out of the five and ten, hurrying down the street to the library. She felt like a complete fool. Well, it was done now. She always had trouble talking to boys, she’d never been on a date in her life. Partly because she believed herself to be plain and unattractive. She would have been surprised to know how many people thought she was pretty. Her sandy blonde hair fell to her shoulders in soft natural curls and she had big blue eyes. The green dress she wore displayed a good figure and the white gloves hid her calloused hands. But Ellie had grown up in a home where she was barely noticed and never complimented.
As soon as she entered the library she relaxed and all thoughts about the man at the lunch counter left her. She approached the desk. “Hello, Mrs. Woods.” She smiled warmly at the librarian.
“Oh, Eleanor, I’ve been waiting for you. I just got the new bestseller The Last Hurrah, I’ve been holding onto it for you.” She leaned forward and whispered “I also brought my copy of Peyton Place to lend you. I just finished it yesterday, I think you’re going to love it!”
Ellie grinned “Thank you! I’ll bring it back to you next week. I’m going to look around for a little while.”
“The books will be here when you’re ready, dear.” The librarian was genuinely fond of little Eleanor Jones. The child had been coming in for books since she was five years old. Her father would drop her off while he took care of things in town and the little girl was never ready to leave when he returned. She always left with a stack of books and a huge smile on her face. Even now, at nineteen years of age, she still left that way. Barbara Woods often lent the girl books that the library wouldn’t stock, and they were always returned a week later.
More than thirty minutes later, Ellie was in the nonfiction section when a male voice startled her for the second time that day.
“Miss Jones, we meet again.” Sam smiled warmly and reached for a book on the shelf in front of him.
“Oh, hello,” she responded softly.
“I wonder if you might be able to help me. I’m researching a murder that happened here a few years ago. The victim was a gentleman and his wife is now in prison for the crime. Do you remember it?”
“Yes, of course. Mr. Windham. Why are you researching that?”
“I’m an author, and I’m thinking of writing a fictional account based on that case.”
Ellie was stunned. She’d never met an author before. “What have you written? I wonder if I’ve read anything you wrote.”
Sam chuckled. “You didn’t. This is my first novel. I’m going to be staying here in town for several weeks. Maybe we could get together for dinner one evening and you can tell me about the town and the incident.”
“Oh, well...”
“I understand your reticence but I assure you I will be a perfect gentleman.” He looked so sincere that Ellie burst out laughing, getting quickly shushed by Mrs. Woods.
“I’m sorry, I just thought that I can’t imagine a man saying anything else. I mean would somebody say ‘Please have dinner with me, I’m an ax murderer and after a delicious entrée, I’m going to chop you up into little pieces.”
Sam laughed too. “I see your point. How about this. I’ll meet you at the restaurant in the hotel so you’ll be free to leave if you feel uncomfortable. Please say yes. I don’t know anyone here and frankly, I’m feeling at loose ends.”
It had been months since Ellie had been anywhere. “Okay. When would you like to meet?”
“Tonight, but if that’s too soon just tell me when.” He was so serious and so handsome.
“Okay. Is seven good for you?” the butterflies in her stomach were going crazy.
“Perfect. I’ll have a table reserved in my name. Sam Johnson. I’ll see you at seven.” He took the book he’d chosen and headed to a table that was covered with books and notebooks.
Ellie checked out her books and hurried back to the truck. Once inside she let out a long breath and shook her head. What was I thinking? Why did I say yes?” She started the truck and pulled away, no matter how nervous she was, she was also excited. She had a date. Nineteen years old and she was going on her very first date.
To say Sam was charming was an understatement and true to his word he was a perfect gentleman. After an amazing dinner, he walked her to her truck. “You know, Ellie, I enjoyed this but I just realized I never got around to asking you about the murder.”
Ellie grinned. “I forgot all about that.”
“I guess we’ll have to try again. Maybe Friday?”
“Friday sounds good. I’ll meet you here at seven. Is that okay?”
He nodded. “Do you think I could have your phone number? Just in case I mean.”
She frowned, “Just in case of what?” she asked thinking he was trying to get out of it and wondering why he’d asked if he didn’t want to do it.
Sam grinned “In case I want to talk to you before then.” He took a small memo pad from his pocket, handed it to her with a pen and she wrote down her phone number.
“My mother isn’t well, so please don’t call late in the evening.” She was about to open the door to the truck when he reached past her and pulled it open.
“I won’t. Good night Ellie.” He murmured, his voice husky.
Those butterflies were going crazy again. “Good night Sam,” she whispered and sat behind the wheel. He closed her door and stood there watching her drive away. He was still there when she turned the corner and headed out of town.
On Thursday morning as Ellie was working in the hen house, she heard a car drive up the road and stop at the house. She looked out the door to see a very good looking man get out and climb the steps to the porch. Just as he was about to knock Ellie called out “Can I help you?” The last thing she needed was for some salesman to wake her mother. The woman had been on a crying jag all night, falling asleep just before dawn.
“I’m looking for Henry Jones.” the young man came back down the steps and headed across the yard to the hen house.
“What for?” Ellie was annoyed, she had no time for this nonsense. The hen house was only half done and she had to clean the stalls while the cows were in the pasture and then slop the nasty hogs. This guy was not on her schedule.
“My name is Bobby King. I’m an agriculture major and Mr. Jones was going to let me help with the harvest in exchange for room and board. “
Ellie pulled off her work gloves and pushed her hair out of her eyes. “I’m Ellie Jones. I don’t know anything about this. When did my father make these arrangements with you?”
“Last spring, I guess it was early April. He wanted me to come help with the planting, but I was still in classes then. I took an internship to come for the harvest. Is your father home?”
Ellie sighed “My father died in April. He never mentioned anything about this and I’m afraid we won’t be able to accommodate you, Mr. King.”
“Oh, gosh. I am so sorry Miss Jones. I um I would like to go ahead with the arrangement if that’s possible, I have the letter from him right here.” He handed her an envelope and she looked over the letter. “I’m sure you’ll still need help with the harvest. You see, I gave up my dorm room and I have no classes. This is all I’ve got for the semester. If I don’t do this, my GPA will plummet, and I’ll lose my scholarship. I’m sorry. I know this isn’t your problem and you just lost your Dad but...”
“Okay, look, we can give it a try. I’m not very educated about farming. I’ve lived here my whole life and done chores and all, but it was never of any interest to me. I never intended to run the place. So yeah, I can use your help. It’s just me and my mother and you’re a stranger so you should know I have guns and I know how to use them. Just want to be clear there will be no funny business.”
“I understand,” Bobby answered somberly.
“You’ll be staying in the house with us, that’s where the spare room is. That’s why I want to be sure you understand. My mother isn’t well, and you’ll need to be quiet.” She stopped talking and her eyes filled with tears which she blinked away. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually so... well, never mind. Let me show you to your room.”
Ellie took him into the house and showed him where his room was. “Are you willing to get started today? I could use some help out there.”
Bobby grinned, “Sure, let me get changed and I’ll be right out.”
Ellie heaved a sigh “Thanks, I’ll be in the hen house.”
At noon they went back inside and Ellie prepared lunch. She took a tray to her mother, who refused it. Ellie told her about Bobby and all her mother said was “Whatever you think best, Eleanor. I want to go back to sleep.”
Ellie went back to the kitchen and ate lunch with Bobby. She noticed how sparkly his blue eyes were and how his whole face lit up when he smiled. His light brown hair was a bit longer than she liked but on him, it looked good. Over lunch, he told her that he’d always wanted to live on a farm, that when he was sixteen, he went to work for a neighbor who taught him a lot about farming. He’d been in 4H since he was eight and he’d gotten scholarships to get him through college.
Ellie had never seen anyone so enthusiastic about farming. She had spent her entire life on the farm and all she ever thought about was getting away. Her dream was to live in New York City and have a career, someday she’d get married and have children but first, she was going to have fun. Now she was trapped here with her sick mother and she knew she’d never get away from here. She’d be an old maid, slopping pigs and planting corn for the rest of her miserable life.
Sighing, Ellie picked up the dishes and put them into the sink. She retrieved the untouched tray from her mother’s room and was surprised to find Bobby already washing the dishes when she returned. Picking up the dish towel she began drying them and putting them into the cabinet.
The afternoon was spent making repairs to the fence and other odd jobs that Ellie never had time to do. Bobby told her all about his ideas for making the farm more profitable. He told her about rotating crops and how he would check the market to see what might bring the best prices at harvest. He told her about new techniques for planting and by the time they headed back to the house for supper Ellie’s head was spinning with the new information. She had never done much reading about agriculture and she never joined future farmers or 4H but now she wished she had. She decided the next trip to the library would include books about agriculture, she should have done her research before this, it just never occurred to her.
Supper was almost ready when Mary shuffled into the kitchen. Her hair was smoothed out, and she’d gotten dressed, she even put on some lipstick. “I thought it was time I met our houseguest,” she said, her voice hoarse and crackly.
Bobby crossed the room quickly to pull out a chair for her, then introduced himself.
“My late husband mentioned that he had acquired a university student to help him. He was excited about your ideas. I hope you’ll implement some of them. Henry felt sure you could turn this place around for him.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Poor Henry. He tried so hard but he was never a farmer. This was my family’s farm. Henry wanted to travel and have adventures but instead, he fell in love with me and became a farmer. He used to tell me that I was the only adventure he needed. Silly man. He never got off the farm and now look. The same thing is happening to Eleanor.” She dragged in a deep breath. “Mr. King if you can help us make this farm a profitable investment, I can sell it and send Eleanor to school. She wants to be a writer; she thinks I don’t know that. I want her to have the life she deserves. Do you think you can do that?”
Bobby reached for Mary’s hand. “I’ll do my best, Mrs. Jones.”
Mary smiled. “Good. Thank you. Well, I’m feeling very tired. I think I’ll go lie down for a bit. Eleanor, please bring me some tea and toast in a little while. I believe I’m going to try and eat something.”
Bobby helped Mary up and Eleanor took her arm and walked with her back to her room.
“Mother, I know you don’t want to sell the farm...”
“Shh, it’s long past time. I should have told your father to do it and let him be the man he wanted to be. I won’t make that mistake with you. I know you think I don’t know anything about you, but I love you, child. I see your father in you so strongly. You have the same fire, and this farm is holding you back.” She got back into bed and Ellie pulled the covers up over her. “I’m exhausted. I haven’t talked this much in months.” she laughed softly “Go see about dinner, I’ll sleep a while then have that tea.” Ellie quietly left the room, completely confused by her mother’s turnaround.
After supper was done, and the dishes were washed and dried, Bobby went out on the porch to watch the sunset over the mountains. Ellie took the tea and toast to her mother and was pleased to see her eat most of it. They didn’t talk much, each lost in their own thoughts. Just as she was about to leave her mother’s room, Ellie heard Bobby go into his room and close the door. It was strange having a man she hardly knew sleeping under the same roof and she smiled when she found herself thinking naughty thoughts about him.
Over the next few days, Ellie and Bobby worked hard to make all the repairs that had been overlooked since Henry died. After Ellie expressed an interest in reading about some of the things Bobby told her, he gave her a couple of magazines and one of his textbooks to read. She found the information very interesting and began asking him questions about the things he mentioned.
It was late Friday afternoon when Ellie heard the phone ringing and ran to the kitchen to answer it. “Hello?”
“Hello there, this is Sam. Just making sure we’re still on for this evening.”
“Oh, my, yes, of course,” she answered quickly ashamed that she had completely forgotten their date.
“Do you still want to meet me at the restaurant, or can I pick you up?” He asked softly.
“I’ll meet you there and I might be a bit late, things got away from me today.”
“That’s okay, I’ll change our reservation to 7:30. I’ll see you soon, Ellie.” his voice was low and husky.
“Okay,” she responded shakily and hung up the phone just as Bobby came in from the barn. “Bobby, I forgot I have an appointment in town this evening. Will you be okay with soup and a sandwich for supper?’’
“Sure, in fact, I can fix it myself. You just go do what you need to do.”
She shook her head. “No thanks. I still have to make Mother’s dinner.”
He chuckled “I can heat up enough soup for both of us and I’ll have no trouble making another sandwich.”
Ellie let out a long breath “If you’re sure.”
“I am. Go on. Your mother and I will be fine.” He began looking through the cabinets for the soup.
Ellie stopped in her mother’s room to let her know about the plans. She couldn’t believe how much better her mother was doing.
“You go on Eleanor. I’m sure Bobby and I will manage. Have a good time.”
Eleanor arrived at the restaurant to find Sam waiting outside. “I’m sorry I’m late.” she shrugged “Farm life can get busy.”
“I understand.” he smiled although he had no clue what life on a farm was like.
Once they were settled at the table, Sam ordered a bottle of wine. Ellie watched as the waiter opened the bottle, poured a little into a glass, and swirled it around before handing it to Sam. He sniffed it, swirled it again then tasted it. “Wonderful, thank you,” he told the waiter, who then poured more into Sam’s glass and filled hers.
Sam grinned “To new-found friends.” he raised his glass. Eleanor had seen this kind of thing in movies, but she never expected to see it in real life. A fancy restaurant with a young man in a three-piece suit who knows about fine wines and how could she not have noticed he looked like he was upper crust. Not just a city slicker, but one that seemed almost aristocratic. She didn’t belong here. Suddenly uncomfortable she reminded herself that it wasn’t really a date. He wanted local information for his book.
Looking over the menu, Ellie decided on some kind of pasta dish. Sam ordered steak and then smiled at her over the rim of his wineglass.
Ellie cleared her throat. “Well, what do you want to know about poor Mr. Windham?”
“Who?” Sam was confused. “Oh, the murder. Well, let’s wait until after we’ve eaten to discuss that. It’s rather unsavory, don’t you think?”
“I thought that was the point of this meeting,” she said flatly.
“Well, it was my way of getting you to agree to see me. I am working on the book but mostly I just wanted to see you. You are a very pretty girl.”
Ellie was taken aback. “So you don’t need my help?”
“Yes, I do but mostly, right now I just want to have dinner with you and enjoy getting to know you.”
Ellie was flattered but something felt off and she decided she’d leave as soon as she could.
Sam saw her expression change and knew right away he’d made a mistake. She wasn’t like the girls he usually dated; he’d have to play this a little differently.
“I’m sorry, Ellie. I just wanted to enjoy our dinner before getting to work but why don’t you go ahead and tell me about the murder.”
The food arrived and smelled delicious. “Let’s eat first. You were right, it isn’t a good dinner conversation.”
As they ate and talked Ellie felt herself relaxing and enjoying his company again. Although she was aware that he was much more sophisticated than she was, he was also sweet and considerate. Over coffee and dessert, he finally asked her the questions about the Windham murder. All she could tell him was public knowledge and he already knew most of it.
“I’m sorry, I’m not very helpful.”
“Well, in all honesty, I didn’t ask you out for that. I just wanted to see you. I want to get to know you. So, would you consider a real date? Maybe we could go to a movie or something?”
Ellie felt her cheeks flush. “I’d like that,” she answered softly.
“Well, if it’s a real date, then can I pick you up at home this time? Maybe tomorrow night?”
“Okay.” she smiled then looked down at her dessert.
“Eleanor Jones, You are probably the prettiest girl I’ve ever met.” he reached for her hand. His hands were soft and warm, and she could see his surprise when he felt hers were calloused and rough.
“Work hands. Farm work is rough on the hands even with gloves,” she whispered, pulling her hand away.
“You work the farm yourself? Don’t you have people?” he raised an eyebrow.
“During the planting and the harvest, we hire folks but the rest of the time there’s no money for that. My father died last spring; I’ve taken over running the farm by myself. It’s hard.” she felt a tear slide down her cheek and brushed it away.
“I’m sorry.” he took her hand in his and held it. “I had no idea. I know nothing about rural life, that’s something you can teach me.”
She looked into his soft brown eyes and felt a strange tingling in the pit of her stomach. She looked at his perfect smile and his carefully groomed hair and felt herself falling for him. I am way out of my league. She thought willing herself to back off but instead, she agreed to the date and that he would pick her up at seven the next evening. She gave him directions to the farm and when he walked her to the truck, he held her hand. As she was about to climb in, he leaned over and lightly kissed her lips. Smiling he said “I’ll call you tomorrow, just to talk. Good night Eleanor.” Once again, he stood there watching as she drove away.
When she got home, she was surprised to see the lights on in the living room and even more shocked when she saw her mother sitting on the sofa watching TV with Bobby.
“Eleanor! Come join us! We’re watching Person to Person.”
“Mother, you look wonderful. Did you eat?”
“Oh yes, Bobby made me a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup then talked me into coming out here for a while. We sat on the porch and watched the sun go down.” She sounded so bubbly; Ellie couldn’t help but feel jealous. She’d tried for months to get her mother to come out and here this stranger, who’d been here less than a week managed to do it.
Ellie sat in her father’s easy chair, she caught Bobby’s eye and thanked him silently. He grinned at her, then turned his attention back to her mother.
When the show ended, Mary asked Ellie to help her back to bed. Once in the room with the door closed behind her, Mary looked at Ellie and smiled sadly. “I miss your father. I wanted to die when he did. I know that must have felt like I didn’t love you, but I do, so very much. I felt as if everything inside me died with him and I’m so sorry that I left you to handle everything. I relied on your strength when I should have been the one you depended on.” She sat on the bed and patted the spot beside her. “Sit with me a minute.”
Ellie sat, staring at her mother in stunned silence.
Mary continued “You are so much like your father. You immediately took over all the things that needed to be done. You stepped right in and started taking care of me and I appreciate it so much. Both you and your father acted as if I was so fragile that I believed it too. Eleanor, I’m not going to wither away, I’m not going to let myself shirk my responsibilities anymore. I’m sorry you missed your first semester at university, but we’ll find a way to get you there in the spring. I am selling the farm. It’s too much for us. It’s too much for you.” Mary took Ellie’s hand. “The reason I’m up tonight is that Bobby made me an offer for the farm. He wants to buy it. It’s a decent offer and I’m going to accept it unless you tell me you want to keep it and work it.”
Eleanor’s jaw dropped. “I don’t know Mother, it’s so hard to let it go but I just can’t do it alone. Do we have to decide tonight? Is there time to think about it?”
Mary nodded. “Yes, let’s think about it. I told him I would let him know after the harvest. I’m going to pull myself together and help as much as I can.”
“Mom, what happened? Why the sudden change, for months you’ve been…”
“I dreamt about your father this afternoon. He wouldn’t want me to give up and die. Anyway, I know I need to stop wallowing in grief. I’m still going to cry, Ellie. I’m still going to have very bad days but I’m going to try.”
Ellie hugged her mother for the first time in a long time. “I’ll be right here Mom.”
Mary hugged her back. “Now tell me about this young man you’ve been seeing.”
“I’ve only had dinner with him twice, I don’t know if that constitutes seeing him.”
Mary laughed “It does if you’re planning to see him again. Are you?”
“Yes. Tomorrow night. He’s coming to pick me up so you can meet him.”
“Good.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek and smiled wearily. “I think I’ll get some sleep. I plan to be up for breakfast in the morning. Be patient with me, Sweetheart. It’s going to take a little time before I’m back to my old self. No, not my old self. I’m going to be better than that.”
Sam arrived on time to pick Ellie up the next evening. His first encounter was with Bobby, whose existence he knew nothing about. Bobby was sitting on the porch swing, reading when Sam came up the steps.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for Eleanor Jones. Have I found the right house?”
“Yeah,” Bobby answered sizing him up. “I’m Bobby King.” He stood up. “I’ll get her.”
He left Sam waiting on the porch and went inside. He knocked on Ellie’s door “Your date is here.”
Ellie pulled the door open and rushed past him “Thanks, Bobby.”
When she reached the living room, she turned back to Bobby, “Where is he?”
Bobby smiled innocently “On the porch. I didn’t know if I should invite him in.”
“Of course, you should.” She answered with exasperation evident and opened the front door. Bobby grinned “Oh, well next time.”
“Sam, I’m sorry. Come in please.” She stepped aside to let him in just as her mother entered the room. Mary saw the disdain cross his face as he took in the room, with its old, shabby-looking furniture and the worn spots on the rug. His expression changed as she welcomed him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sam. Please sit, would you like something to drink?”
Sam had to restrain himself from brushing off a spot on the couch. It wasn’t that it looked dirty, but it was so old and who knew how many people had sat on it before him.
Bobby sat in the large easy chair and stretched his legs out in front of him, looking as if he owned the place.
Mary sat in her rocking chair and Ellie took the spot next to Sam. She thought he was nervous about meeting her mother. She had no idea he just wanted to get out of there finding her home distasteful.
Bobby cleared his throat. “So, Ellie’s told us about your book. How’s that going?”
“Okay, I guess. I haven’t been able to get any new information though so it’s holding me back a bit.”
Nodding, Bobby pushed “I understood it was to be a fictional take on the murder, do you really need any new information? I mean you could just make it up, couldn’t you?”
Sam shifted in his seat. “Yeah, I just haven’t had much time for writing lately.”
“Oh? Sorry. I thought that was what you were doing here.”
Mary stifled a giggle. The poor little rich boy looked very uncomfortable. “So, where are you two going this evening?”
The fact that Ellie looked to Sam to answer the question left her feeling concerned. Her usually bubbly, chatty girl had said virtually nothing since the man entered the house.
“Well, I think we’re going to go to a movie and then have dinner. In fact, we should get going.”
Ellie was hoping to have dinner first, she was used to early dinners and she was already hungry. Not eating dinner until ten o’clock was just crazy but she said nothing just followed him out the door.
“I’ll see you later, Mother.” She said softly.
Mary looked at Bobby and saw her feelings about Sam reflected on his face. Neither of them liked him very much.
Over the next few weeks, Mary grew stronger and took over the household duties she had always done before. Ellie and Bobby worked the fields and brought in the harvest. Mary worked the roadside stand and enjoyed talking to the strangers who stopped to buy fresh vegetables. Ellie and Sam dated steadily and she felt herself falling in love for the first time in her life. Bobby watched as Eleanor made subtle changes in herself to please Sam. He thought she was already perfect but apparently, Sam believed she needed to become more socially acceptable.
Sam wanted his parents to meet Ellie and plans were made to go to New York for a day. Ellie was terrified. She knew that not only was Sam from a wealthy family but his mother was a socialite. Sam taught her about things like table settings and how to behave. He told her not to worry that his parents would love her as much as he did. He talked about getting married and Ellie was confused. Sam didn’t talk about his book, and she suspected he wasn’t working on it anymore. She’d never known anyone who didn’t have to work but Sam apparently didn’t. When she asked him what he wanted to do with his life he told her he was still trying to find himself.
The day they drove into the city, Sam was unusually quiet. He smiled at her and told her he loved her as they rode the elevator to the penthouse where he lived with his parents.
“Mother, Dad I’d like you to meet Miss Eleanor Jones.”
Sam’s mother looked her over in silence, Ellie was sure she saw disapproval in her eyes before the cold smile formed on her face. “Eleanor. Welcome. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Please come into the parlor, we’ll get to know one another.”
The room was perfect, not a thing out of place. It looked as if nobody lived there. Ellie wished she could leave, she had never been so self-conscious and uncomfortable in her life.
The next hour felt like it was ten days long. Sam’s parents asked her all kinds of personal questions and she felt like she was being interviewed for a job. Finally, she’d had enough and asked to use the restroom. She stayed in there as long as she could, but she knew she had to go back sometime. Checking her appearance in the mirror, she touched up her lipstick and quietly unlocked the door.
Ellie could hear Sam’s mother’s angry voice coming from the parlor. She stopped just out of sight, trying to decide whether or not to intrude when she realized the woman was talking about her.
“She’s not the kind of girl you need to be dating and you know it, Samuel. And marriage? Don’t make me laugh. I’m so tired of you bringing home these girls just to upset me. You certainly can’t expect me to include her in our dinner invitation this evening. I will not introduce that little ragamuffin to my friends. Look at the way she’s dressed, she’s hardly presentable.”
Ellie looked down at the simple blue dress she had been so proud of when she put it on this morning.
Sam said nothing as his mother continued her rant about Ellie’s unsuitability. “She looks exactly like what she is, poor white trash. You need to stop this foolishness and get serious. You will not be going back to that hick town. We’ll send for your things. It’s time you went to work for your father. We’ll have John drive her home. You’ll tell her I am not feeling well and send her home, do you understand me?”
Grateful she had taken her purse with her, she quietly opened the hall closet where they had hung her coat and she slipped out the door, closing it softly behind her. The elevator arrived and she quickly stepped in without looking at the operator. “Lobby Miss?” he asked gently.
Ellie nodded and when the door opened she practically ran out of the building. She hailed a taxi and headed to the bus terminal. After paying for the taxi, she had enough money left for the bus ticket and lunch but she wasn’t hungry. She went to the restroom and once inside a stall she leaned against the door and let the tears flow. Her heart hurt. She’d never felt ashamed of her appearance or who she was until now. When she finally regained control of herself, she went to the sink and washed her face. She reapplied her makeup and fixed her hair. Straightening her shoulders, she left the restroom and found a payphone. Dialing the number she hoped Bobby would answer, she wasn’t ready to talk to her mother yet.
Bobby’s cheerful voice came on the line. “Hello?”
“Bobby, It's Ellie. I’m taking the bus home, I should get there around four. Can you pick me up?”
He didn’t ask any questions and she was grateful. “Where?” he asked simply.
She told him how to get to the bus terminal. “It will take you about forty-five minutes to get there. Thank you.” Her voice cracked and his heart broke for her.
“No problem. I’ll just tell your mother that I’ll be gone for a couple of hours.”
Ellie sighed “Thanks, I’ve got to go.” She hung up and Bobby stood there holding the phone in his hand. He was afraid this would happen. Sam was a spoiled rich kid who’d never had a job or finished anything he’d started. Bobby knew it the moment he met that jerk weeks ago. They shook hands and Sam’s hands were soft and his nails neatly manicured. The car he drove was the latest model and would undoubtedly be traded in as soon as the next year’s models became available. The book he was supposedly writing would undoubtedly never be completed. Sam would find something new to occupy his time when he tired of it and this small-town life and Ellie would be left behind with a broken heart. He’d seen rich guys like him at school and he’d seen the damage they left in their wake.
Bobby tried to warn her, but she wouldn’t hear it. So he just watched as she fell hopelessly in love with him. When they drove off this morning, Ellie was so happy, when she called just now she was struggling not to cry. Bobby walked up to the roadside stand and opened it for a couple of hours. He’d brought a few of his books so he could study between customers. The new sign he’d put up a half-mile down the road was bringing more people in and it was a busy afternoon. He closed up at three o’clock and walked back to the house to find Mary in the kitchen making soup.
She was dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt and her face had color in it again. She had gained a little of the weight back and she no longer spent her days in bed.
“Hungry?” she grinned at him.
“Yes, always.” He laughed. “I have to go out for a while this evening.”
Mary turned to face him “Are you going to get Eleanor?” she asked softly.
He wouldn’t lie. “Yes, she’s on her way home on the bus.”
She frowned. “I was afraid something would happen. I was hoping I was wrong but that boy…”
Bobby nodded “Yeah. I know. She didn’t say much, just asked me to meet the bus.”
“I’m glad you’re here. You’ve been such a blessing to us. I’m not sure where we’d be if you hadn’t come when you did.”
Bobby went to the sink and began washing his hands while Mary ladled the soup into the bowls. She placed them on the table and he sat across from her. Tasting the soup, he smiled “This is delicious Mary, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I think I’ll go to my room before she gets home. She may not want to talk about it but if she does, tell her I said I wanted to read. I’ll leave my light on, so she’ll know I’m awake.”
He nodded; his jaw tightened but he said nothing.
Mary was aware of his feelings for Ellie. She’d seen the way he looked at her, but Eleanor was oblivious to him. All she thought about was Sam who was very sweet and attentive, but Mary knew it was just a passing fancy for him. When it was time to settle down, Sam would undoubtedly marry a girl in his class, not a sweet little farm girl.
Bobby was waiting when Ellie got off the bus. As soon as she saw him, her eyes filled with tears and before he knew it she was in his arms, her face buried against his chest as she sobbed. He held her tightly, not sure what he could say or do to help. Finally, she stopped crying, took a deep breath and looked up at him. “I’m sorry, Bob. I…”
He shook his head. “Stop apologizing, come on let’s go home.” His arm around her, he led her to the truck. They drove in silence but when they were just a few miles from home, Ellie finally spoke.
“His mother said ugly things about me when I was out of the room. They didn’t know I’d come back and I was outside the door. I heard her say… He never said a word, Bobby. He never stood up for me. She said I wasn’t good enough, that he just brought girls like me home to upset her. That she couldn’t take me to their dinner party and introduce me to her friends because I was a ragamuffin. I just left. I never said anything. I’ve been kicking myself for that all the way home. As upset as I was because Sam didn’t stand up for me, I’m more upset because I slunk away ashamed of who and what I am. I’ve never felt like that before and I don’t deserve it. I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud to be a farmer and that I work hard. I should have said so….”
Bobby reached for her hand and for a brief moment she was aware of the callouses but his hands were calloused too. He drew in a breath and glancing at her he began.
“Ellie, from the day we met you have amazed me. Your defiance, your spirit, your refusal to accept defeat. Your father died and you stepped right up and took the reins, running the farm, keeping it from going under. That was all you. Plus you took care of your mother and brought her back to life when she was ready to give up. That was all you. If anyone doesn’t see that and appreciate you for who you are they don’t deserve a place in your life. I’ve never known anyone like you. I’m proud to be your friend and I’m grateful for everything you’ve taught me.”
Ellie sat there in stunned silence then softly said “Thank you, Bobby.”
Letting go of her hand, he drove the rest of the way thinking he’d just made a fool of himself. He’d practically told her that he was in love with her even though he’d sworn never to let her see how he felt about her. It was obvious to him that she would never look at him that way and he was determined not to wreck their friendship.
As they pulled up the road, they both saw Sam’s car sitting in front of the house and Sam sitting on the porch with her mother. “Oh God” she groaned.
“Do you want me to tell him to get lost?” Bobby asked hopefully.
“No.” she looked at him and he was relieved to see the fire in her eyes. “I have a few things to say to him. Will you take my mother inside please?”
“Sure but just so you know, I’ll be right inside the door if you need me.”
She smiled “Well you might want to hold your hands over your ears, this won’t be pretty.”
They got out of the truck and Bobby hurried up the steps, signaling Mary to come with him. Sam stood there, unsure what to do now that Ellie was right in front of him. He’d been thinking about what to say all afternoon but now it all slipped away leaving him speechless.
Eleanor just looked at him, waiting for him to speak. Finally, she asked “What are you doing here? Don’t you have a dinner party to attend? What are you doing back here?”
“I’m sorry you heard all that Ellie, I…”
She took a couple of steps toward him. “You know what I didn’t hear? I didn’t hear you say anything. I didn’t hear you tell your mother that I didn’t deserve her scorn. Your silence spoke volumes and now, there is nothing you can say. Go home, Sam. Go back to New York and find the little socialite your mother will approve of. You’re weak and a coward and I’m way too good for you.”
Sam swallowed hard. “Ellie, I just wanted to tell you that I love you.”
She laughed harshly. “No, you don’t. I know that now. We don’t belong together. I belong here. I know that now too. I don’t want to live in the city. I don’t want to get away from this farm. I thought I did and maybe I was using you.” She shrugged “But I’ve worked hard keeping this farm going and it’s part of me. It’s a big part of who I am and I’m never leaving it. Funny, three months ago I would have laughed at anyone who tried to tell me that. I guess I’ve grown up. I hope you do too. But it won’t be with me. Goodbye Sam.” She walked past him and went into the house.
Bobby stepped out onto the porch when Sam didn’t move. “Bye-bye now.” He said softly, his voice dripping sarcasm. Sam slowly walked to his car. “Tell her I’m sorry.”
Bobby nodded “She knows.” He went back into the house and closed the door. Ellie and her mother were sitting on the sofa together. “So, I guess this means you’re not selling me the farm?”
Ellie laughed for the first time that day. “No, but would you stay on with us for a while? We’re going to need a lot of help.”
“Sure, I’ll stay as long as you need me to.”
“Thank you. I know you’ll have to go back to school in January, but if you can teach me how to keep the books, the way you have and all those business things that I had no idea we needed to know I’ll be able to continue the success you brought us.”
“No problem. I’ll do whatever I can.” He smiled warmly. “I’ve got a paper to finish, so I’ll be going to my room. See you both in the morning.”
Ellie looked at him, “Thank you for coming to get me, Bobby. Good night.”
Over the next few weeks, Bobby and Ellie grew closer. Finally, one night he asked her if she’d go out with him.
“You mean like on a date?” she asked playfully.
He stammered “Well, yeah.”
Grinning, she put her hands on her hips. “Well, it’s about time, Bobby King. I thought you’d never get around to asking me!” she laughed, her eyes twinkling.
He took a step toward her “Oh yeah, well what would you do if I kissed you, right now.”
Ellie looked up into his eyes and answered, “I’d kiss you back.”
Bobby pulled her into his arms and his mouth covered hers. Her hands slid up his chest and circled his neck. When he finally let her go, she was breathless. “Oh my! Do that again.” She said simply. And he did.