Alice Read online

  Alice had to look away to keep from laughing. She felt bad for Mark. He knew that Edna Petunia was a little eccentric, but he had no idea just how wacky she could be.

  Edna Petunia couldn’t interpret Mark’s expression. She pulled a peppermint stick from her bosom. “Would you like one?”

  “No, thank you,” Mark managed to say.

  Lewis came over from the front of the store, where he had been assisting a customer. “Those are lovely flowers. Did you bring them, Mark?”

  “Yes, I did,” Mark replied.

  “I don’t want them,” Edna Petunia said. “I’ll keep the peppermint sticks. But this doesn’t mean I trust you. Do you understand?”

  Mark sighed. He had thought his and Lewis’s plan was foolproof, but it clearly hadn’t had its intended effect on Edna Petunia. “I understand.” He took the flowers and chocolates and walked back to his wagon.

  Alice watched Mark leave sadly. She wished her parents weren’t being so harsh on him. She still didn’t understand what they had against him.

  Edna Petunia whipped out a peppermint stick and began munching on it. “Mm.”

  Lewis and Alice exchanged a look. Edna Petunia would probably never change. She was set in her ways, and everyone was mostly used to them by now. But did that mean that Mark Brooks would never have a chance to properly ask for Alice’s hand?

  Lewis felt sorry for the man, and he felt guilty that he had probably caused much of Edna Petunia’s and Cletus’s suspicion about Mark. At the time, he had been trying to protect Alice, but now he could see that Mark truly cared for his sister-in-law. Over the past few months, Lewis had grown to truly enjoy Mark’s company. He hoped that Mark would decide to stay in Nowhere. Lewis knew it was a long shot, but he would be honored to have Mark as a brother-in-law one day. He just didn’t know how they were going to get around the problem of Edna Petunia.

  One day after work, Alice was upstairs helping Ruby and the children, and Edna Petunia was tidying the shelves.

  “Edna Petunia, may I ask you a question?” Lewis helped her by picking up cans from the shelves as she dusted underneath them.

  “Anything, son.” Edna Petunia ran her duster along the length of the shelf.

  “What is it you have against Mark Brooks?” Lewis asked. “He’s more than proven his honesty, and his products speak for themselves. We haven’t had another problem since the first disaster of a shipment.”

  Edna Petunia thought long and hard about her words. “I suppose I have a bad feeling about him.”

  “What do you mean by that?” Now Lewis was genuinely confused.

  “He’s a traveling salesman. He makes his living by meeting people, befriending them, and making them trust him. I don’t think that necessarily makes him a bad person, but it makes me suspicious of him and his character. Sure, he says he likes our Alice, but how do we know that he doesn’t have a girl in the next town over as well?” Edna Petunia stopped dusting and put her hands on her hips.

  Lewis had never thought about it that way. He knew Mark wouldn’t do something like that, but he also could understand Edna Petunia’s point of view. “Is there anything that Mark could do to prove to you he wasn’t like that?”

  Edna Petunia thought about this for a moment. “I suppose if he moved to Nowhere and stopped traveling so much, then Cletus and I would feel more comfortable about him courting our Alice. If Alice wanted to, that is.”

  Lewis was encouraged. Although it would take some convincing to get Mark off the road, maybe that would be possible one day. Lewis still felt like he owed Mark some help since Lewis had caused the problems with Edna Petunia and Cletus in the first place. He couldn’t wait until the next time Mark came to the mercantile so he could tell him about Edna Petunia’s explanation.

  Upstairs, Ruby noticed that Alice seemed a bit down. “What’s going on, Alice? You’re not your usual smiling self.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing important.” Alice waved a hand.

  “Alice, you can tell me if something is bothering you. I know I can’t do much right now, but I can listen!” Ruby pointed out.

  Alice hesitated. She didn’t want to burden Ruby with her problems with her parents.

  “Honestly, I’ve been so bored with so little to do. You’d be doing me a favor,” Ruby encouraged.

  “Edna Petunia and Cletus hate the only man I’ve ever had feelings for!” Alice finally cried. She burst into tears.

  “I’m sorry I’ve upset you,” Ruby said. She gave Alice a hug.

  “It’s not your fault. I’ve been holding it all inside for weeks,” Alice explained.

  “Why don’t you start from the beginning?” Ruby suggested.

  “Mark Brooks is one of the merchants that makes deliveries to Lewis.” Alice took a deep breath. “We’ve gotten to know each other, and once he even asked me to supper.”

  Ruby opened her mouth in surprise. She always thought of Alice as one of the youngest sisters, and it was strange to picture her being romantic with a man. But all of the girls were growing up, and this was a natural step for a young woman.

  “I said no because I didn’t know him well enough. There was some trouble with the first shipment from Mark’s warehouse, and Lewis wasn’t sure if he could trust him or not,” Alice continued.

  “Yes, I remember that. Lewis was upset,” Ruby recalled.

  “Word got around town that Mark might not be an honest businessman, and people are unfairly judging him. Including Edna Petunia and Cletus.” Alice sighed. “But he’s a good man, Ruby. He’s kind, hard-working, and smart. He and I were talking one day, and I helped him figure something out with his books. Then, suddenly . . . we were kissing.” Alice blushed. She didn’t want to tell her sister this part, but she had to so Ruby would understand the situation.

  “Oh, my goodness!” Ruby couldn’t hide her surprise. Alice was usually so responsible and serious. She couldn’t imagine Alice letting go and kissing a man.

  “Lewis saw us, and he told Edna Petunia and Cletus about what happened. Do you know how Edna Petunia has been helping out at the mercantile and around your home for the past few weeks?” Alice asked.

  “Yes.” Ruby wasn’t sure where her sister was leading with this.

  “The real reason is so she can keep an eye on Mark. And on me. I haven’t been able to truly speak to him in weeks. Edna Petunia and Cletus have forbidden me from going out to supper with him. Now, we’ll never be together!” Alice finished sadly.

  Ruby had never seen Alice express her feelings about a man before. She was excited for Alice, but she also understood Alice’s fears and concerns. If Edna Petunia and Cletus didn’t approve of a suitor, his chances were very low in courting one of their daughters. “Why do you think they don’t want you to be alone with Mark?”

  Alice shook her head. “They still don’t trust him. But Lewis does!”

  “Hm. Let me think.” Ruby tried to figure out a way she could help her sister, but nothing immediately came to mind. “I think if Mark can manage to convince Edna Petunia he’s trustworthy, she’d be able to win Cletus over.”

  “That’s easier said than done!” Alice exclaimed. “Trust me, Mark is trying his hardest. He brings her little gifts, but she says she doesn’t want them. Well, except for the peppermint sticks.”

  “Well, when Edna Petunia gets it in her head that someone is mistreating one of her bastards, it’s hard to change her mind. Maybe she just needs a little time to see that he’s only treating you well,” Ruby said.

  “I hope you’re right,” Alice replied. “Because seeing him without being able to really talk to him is breaking my heart.”

  Ruby felt a wave of sadness for her younger sister. She knew Alice as a reserved and cautious woman. Ruby knew what it was like to wrestle with feelings for a man. “I think I understand a little bit of what you are going through.”

  Ruby had gone through a difficult time of her own when her former fiancé had broken things off before their wedding. She had met Lewis, who
fell in love with her and could offer her a wonderful family life. But soon after, David had changed his mind and wanted her back. Ruby had known her duty was to stay with her husband and sons, but she’d hated crushing David’s feelings. Ruby tried to soothe her sister. “I’m praying for you, Alice. I hope it will all work out for you. I’m sure it will.”

  Chapter 8

  One month later, Mark peered at his reflection in the window of the mercantile. He straightened his tie. After several weeks of trying to soften Edna Petunia to his position, today was the day. If his final attempt to win her over didn’t work, he was going to move on to another town.

  Over the past few weeks, Mark had tried to get closer with Alice, but each time, Edna Petunia interfered or figured out a way to prevent them from speaking to each other. Mark had grown more and more frustrated. At the same time, his business was growing. It had taken a while, but he finally felt that he was in control of his business. He knew what he was doing and how to direct the team of men who worked for him.

  Mark was mostly content, but something was missing. He had no one to share his life with. He longed to come home from a long day’s work and be greeted by a woman who loved him and wanted to talk about all the things that had happened since the last time they’d seen each other. A hearty, delicious meal would be cooking on the stove when he got home, and they’d eat together as they relaxed. Mark sighed as he looked at his reflection. He knew what he wanted, but it seemed like his situation was hopeless.

  Mark took a deep breath and opened the door to the mercantile. Alice was helping a few clients, and he could see Lewis in the back doing paperwork. Edna Petunia stood at the counter, a stern look on her face.

  Mark pulled out a small tin of peppermint sticks from his briefcase and approached Edna Petunia. He forced a big smile. “Good morning, Edna Petunia. I brought you something.”

  Edna Petunia accepted the peppermint sticks. “Thank you, Mark. You’ve already brought me several of these tins,” Edna Petunia grumbled.

  Mark tried to put a positive spin on Edna Petunia’s comment. “I’ve heard that they’re your favorite, and you can never have enough of your favorite thing.”

  “Spoken like a man who has never known what it’s like to struggle.” Edna Petunia sounded disapproving.

  Mark fought the urge to sigh or throw down his briefcase and storm out of the room. It seemed like nothing he did would ever be good enough for Edna Petunia! He was so frustrated he wanted to leave, but instead, he went to his usual table and waited patiently for Lewis to meet with him.

  After a few minutes, Lewis walked over to Mark and greeted him. Lewis sat down at the table, and the men began discussing business. Mark showed Lewis a piece of paper from his briefcase detailing all of the transactions since Mark had taken over his uncle’s company. “I appreciate all of your business, Lewis. You’ve been true to your word and gave me a second chance. Without you, there’s no way I would have been successful in taking over my uncle’s business.”

  Lewis frowned. “You’ve proven yourself to be trustworthy and reliable. I don’t feel I’ve done much. But you sound as if you’re saying goodbye. What aren’t you telling me?”

  Mark glanced over at Alice, who was now waving goodbye to the customers she’d helped as they left the store with their purchases. He looked back at Lewis. “None of my efforts have worked with Edna Petunia. I’m afraid that my desire to pursue Alice is just that—a desire. I don’t want to waste more time in my life chasing after a dream that could never happen.” As Mark said the words, he got sadder and sadder thinking about the fact that Alice wouldn’t be in his life.

  Lewis looked down at his hands. “I can understand that, Mark. You’re a good and honest man, and my in-laws aren’t budging. I’ve even put in a good word about you with them, but it’s changed nothing.”

  “I’ve decided it’s time to move on. After today, I’m going to look for a permanent place to live in one of the other towns I have business in. I’ll still stop in from time to time, but not once per week like I have been,” Mark admitted. He would miss seeing Lewis regularly. Over the past several months, Lewis had gone from a client to a friend.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, but I respect your decision,” Lewis told him.

  Mark felt relieved that Lewis understood. He had been concerned that Lewis might want to take his business elsewhere once he stopped getting such attentive service, but Lewis was a businessman, too. He realized the situation Mark was in and that Mark was doing what he needed to do. “Thank you, Lewis. Thank you for everything.”

  Lewis stood up. “Sounds like we’re done here, for now. Please know that you’re welcome here in my mercantile any time.”

  Mark stood up, too, and shook Lewis’s hand. “That means a lot.”

  Alice saw Mark and Lewis shaking hands and felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. Something about the gesture felt final, and that scared her.

  Mark walked up to Alice, hoping he’d get a chance to speak with her. As soon as he drew near, Edna Petunia raced toward them and stepped directly in between Mark and Alice.

  Alice stared down at the floor.

  “Hi, Alice,” Mark said softly. He tried to look into her eyes, but Edna Petunia was in the way.

  “Hello, Mark,” Alice replied.

  “How have you been?” Mark asked nervously. This was his last chance. He hoped Edna Petunia would step aside and let them have a normal conversation. Then he could ask Alice out to supper again, and hopefully, she’d agree.

  Edna Petunia spoke up before Alice could respond. “She’s been fine, Mark. You know our family is busy with another little grandbaby on the way! If only it was a grandbastard . . .”

  Mark looked befuddled, and Alice almost laughed but bit her lip instead. “What exactly does that mean?” Mark asked.

  “You don’t want to know.” Alice smiled.

  “Practically everyone that I love is one of my bastards!” Edna Petunia explained proudly.

  Mark knew that Alice and her sisters loved Edna Petunia, but she could be so strange sometimes! He knew he could put up with anything, though, if it meant he could be with Alice. “I see,” Mark said even though he didn’t understand at all. “Edna Petunia, I was wondering if I could have a word with Alice privately.”

  Edna Petunia frowned. This was exactly the sort of thing she was there to prevent. “Anything you have to say to my daughter, you can say in front of me.”

  Alice’s eyes filled with tears. They had been doing that a lot recently. Edna Petunia’s attention was fixed on Mark.

  Mark sighed. “Alice, I have business in other towns I need to attend to. I’m going to look for a place to live where I can settle down. One day, I hope to start a family. I had hoped Nowhere would be the place that I did that. But now, it seems like that’s not a good idea. I told Lewis that means I’m not going to be able to stop here each week.”

  Alice nodded. “I’m sorry to hear that. We’ll miss seeing you around here.” Inside, Alice felt like she was going to be ill. The thought of never seeing Mark again made her want to run out of the room screaming. She fought to keep her composure in front of Mark, Edna Petunia, and Lewis.

  Just then, a couple walked into the mercantile. “Alice, why don’t you go and help them?” Edna Petunia suggested.

  Alice wiped a tear from her eye carefully, so no one would notice she was crying. “Yes, Edna Petunia.” Alice hurried toward the customers so she could assist them.

  Edna Petunia turned to face Mark. “Son, please understand something. I did not have daughters until I was already at an advanced age. That means there is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect them. Do you understand?”

  Again, Mark didn’t completely understand, but he found himself wanting to get out of the mercantile as quickly as possible. There was no use in staying here. No matter what he did, Edna Petunia and Cletus would never accept him. The future he imagined with Alice would never come true. His uncle had always told him to be realistic and not g
et stuck in pointless dreams that could never be. He realized that he had been wasting his time and energy trying to get through to Alice’s family. Mark nodded sadly, turned, and walked toward the exit.

  Alice was over at one of the shelves, helping the customers pick out a set of tea cups. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mark waving goodbye to her as he prepared to exit the mercantile. Alice considered running over to him, but she knew Edna Petunia would throw a fit if she did. She also didn’t want to be rude to the customers, who were friendly and asking for her advice. All she could do was wave her hand slowly. She was still shocked by what Mark had told her.

  Even though Edna Petunia interrupted every time she and Mark tried to talk, she still enjoyed seeing him when he came in. It made her feel safe, knowing that he was around. Now, she would probably never see him again. He’d probably meet a pretty girl from the town he settled in, marry her, and immediately begin having beautiful children. And Alice would stay in Nowhere and grow old all alone. Alice wasn’t interested in any of the other men in Nowhere. They didn’t have a good head on their shoulders like Mark did.

  Alice tried to focus on what the customers were saying.

  “I like the pattern on this one. Do you have any more like it?” one of the women asked, holding up a tea cup with a pretty blue pattern.

  Alice looked at it closely. “Let me check. We received a shipment earlier today, and we might have a few more.” She went to the back of the mercantile and wiped a few more tears from her face. She couldn’t believe how emotional she was being. Alice liked things that made sense. This situation didn’t make any sense at all.

  Alice found two boxes that hadn’t been unpacked and carefully opened them. She found two more teacups in the pattern the customer liked and dusted them off. She brought them back out to the woman.