Gertrude Read online

  “I try to be as honest as possible with you girls, but this is hard for me, Gertie,” Cletus finally said.

  “What is it? Please, just tell me,” Gertrude said, her face flushing. She started to worry that Cletus was going to ask about her romantic feelings toward Jedediah Thorn. She didn’t want to speak to anyone about them, much less her adoptive father!

  “It seems…” Cletus began. “Well, it seems that the mayor’s already made up his mind about the library. The vote is tomorrow, but I’ve heard that I’m the only one expected to vote in favor of keeping the library.”

  Gertrude put a hand to her temple. She had been so distracted by Jed Thorn and his crazy proposals of marriage that she had nearly forgotten about the vote to save the library. She couldn’t believe what Cletus was saying.

  “How could they? It’s a vital town service!” Gertrude cried.

  Cletus put up a hand. “I agree, Gertie. I intend to continue to vote for keeping a library. But it seems I’ll be outnumbered. Now, I don’t want you to get all sad and miserable on me, you hear? This mayor can’t possibly be elected to another term, so the next mayor we get, we can get the library back.”

  Gertrude knew Cletus was trying to cheer her up, but it only made her feel more miserable. The mayor was at the beginning of a four-year term. Three more years seemed far too long to wait. “The library is what I’ve poured my heart into practically since I moved to Nowhere. What will I do if it closes?”

  Cletus shook his head. “I don’t know, sweetheart. I truly don’t know.”

  For the first time since she had come to live with Cletus and Edna Petunia, Gertrude began to sob. She put her head in her hands and wept, and Cletus got up from his chair and patted her back.

  “There, there, sweetheart. Don’t worry. It will be all right.” Cletus tried to reassure her.

  Gertrude appreciated that Cletus was trying to comfort her, but she thought he had it all wrong. Everything was getting so complicated. She thought maybe she should just accept Jed’s proposal. As a wife, she wouldn’t work outside of the home, even if the home was nothing more than a book wagon.

  Chapter 8

  The meeting at town hall was scheduled for six o’clock in the evening, and the day dragged on. Gertrude had stacked and restacked nearly every shelf in the library. There were still very few visitors coming to the library each day, but she was desperate to do something that could help her cause.

  In the afternoon, Gertrude went outside to the cluster of people surrounding the book wagon. A hush settled over the crowd as she walked to the center of the crowd.

  Gertrude cleared her throat. “I have an announcement.”

  Jedediah popped his head out of the carriage. “What’s that?”

  “From now on, you may use both the library and the book wagon. If you really feel it’s necessary.”

  A few of the children rushed up to Gertrude to hug her. She patted them stiffly on the back. She wasn’t a natural with children the way Penny and a few of her other sisters were. Still, she had briefly wondered what type of children she and Jed might have…Gertrude tried to push thoughts of Jed out of her mind. She had to concentrate on saving the library.

  Jed clapped his hands. “I’m glad you see that Nowhere’s big enough for both a book wagon and a library, Gertrude!”

  He walked over closer to Gertrude and lowered his voice. “Have you given any thought to my proposal?”

  Gertrude’s face flushed as Jed’s arm grazed hers. “I have. But I don’t have my final decision yet. That will take time.”

  “I understand. I’ll wait for you, Gertrude.” Jed nodded.

  “Thank you for understanding. This is all new to me,” Gertrude confided. She felt like she could tell Jed anything. “I’m actually quite worried about the library. The town mayor is putting it to a vote this evening, and Cletus thinks they’ll vote to close it.”

  “What?” Jed’s face was a mixture of shock and anger. “How could they do that?”

  “The town financials are in poor shape, from what I’ve learned.” Gertrude looked at her hands. “I don’t know that there’s much else I can do at this point. Cletus thinks it’s already been decided, and tonight’s vote is just a formality.”

  Jed took Gertrude’s hands and looked deeply into her eyes. “Gertrude, I know how important that library is to you. I’m going to do everything I can to keep it open.”

  Gertrude slipped her hands out of Jed’s, glancing around nervously at the children. “Please, not until I’ve given you my answer. I don’t want the children to get improper ideas.”

  “I’ll respect your wishes, Gertrude. Please let me know the minute you decide. I don’t want to waste any more time without you.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.” Gertrude tried to ignore the temptation to stand on her toes and kiss Jed at that very moment, even in front of the crowd of people and children. “Now, I should be getting back to the library.”

  A few of the children followed Gertrude back to the library. She allowed them to take the erasers outside and clap them together, which was their favorite job. She helped a few of them find books using the card catalog, then borrow them. Still, her mind was on the meeting that evening. She felt distracted and unable to concentrate.

  When it was time to close up, Gertrude closed and locked the library’s doors. She set off for town hall, feeling nervous and unsure of what the evening might bring.

  When Gertrude arrived at town hall, the ten voting members of the council, including Cletus, were already seated in their chairs at the front of the room. A few others were scattered throughout the space. Cletus waved hello to Gertrude, and she waved back. Gertrude made her way toward a seat in the middle. She wanted to be able to hear the discussion, but didn’t want to call unnecessary attention to herself.

  The town meeting began with topics regarding overall town financials and a few local disputes. There were wandering cattle, unpaid bank debts, and a missing weather vane. Gertrude was entertained, but she hoped they would finally get to the vote. She waited anxiously for the library vote to be introduced.

  Finally, the mayor announced that the next vote would be on the matter of the town library. “All those in favor of closing the Nowhere Public Library, say—”

  Gertrude heard a loud thud as the door to the room slammed open. “Stop the vote! Stop the vote!”

  With his wavy hair and brown eyes, Jedediah Thorn stood with his hands on his hips—her knight in shining armor. Gertrude saw that there was a small crowd behind him. She watched as they walked into the meeting room in a calm, single-file line.

  “Excuse me?” The mayor wrinkled his nose. A buzz rippled through the courtroom. “We are about to take a vote on the matter of the Nowhere Library. A building, I might add, that is rarely used by the Nowhere taxpayers and therefore is a waste of our town’s resources.”

  “I demand you stop the vote and reconsider, sir. The town of Nowhere has a wonderful library, and it would be a big mistake to close it.” Jedediah Thorn was, true to his word, fighting to save her library.

  “But—I thought—aren’t you the young man with the book wagon?” one of the other council members asked.

  “Yes, that’s me.” Jed smiled and looked around the room. Gertrude could see the female members of the crowd warming up to him. “Mr. Mayor, respectfully, I do ask you, what is a town without a library? Yes, my book wagon may be a fun stop for some people in the town, but it’s not meant to replace a library. A library can carry far more books than my humble cart can. Furthermore, a library is a quiet place of respite. My book wagon is often loud and unruly. It’s no place for someone to study or read.”

  The mayor seemed unimpressed by Jed’s speech, but Gertrude was beaming with gratitude. She couldn’t believe that Jed was actually defending the library. And all this time, she had thought that his wagon was in direct competition with the library. Maybe this did mean that he truly loved her as much as he said he did. It wasn’t that she didn�
�t believe him, it was just that the idea of love was still a new and foreign concept to her.

  “All right. We’ve heard your speech. Now we’ll put it to a vote.” The mayor sneered at Jed, and Jed took a seat, winking in Gertrude’s direction. Gertrude looked away quickly, her face blazing.

  The mayor frowned. A few of the other council members had begun talking to each other, and no one paid attention to the mayor’s call for a vote. “Hmph!”

  “I, for one, see the benefit in having a book wagon and a library. The book wagon can assist with commerce, and the library can assist with education.” Cletus put forth his opinion.

  “I like what the young man said. A library is a place of respite.” Another council member chimed in.

  “I have many fond memories of going to the Nowhere Library as a child.” A third spoke up. Gertrude could see the mayor’s face starting to turn red.

  “Let’s vote! All those in favor of closing the library, say ‘Aye’!” The mayor cried out. “Aye!” He looked around at his other council members in disbelief. Only one had voted with him. “All those opposed?”

  “Nay!” Cletus and the seven remaining council men shouted.

  The mayor looked shocked. “The nays have it. The library will remain open.”

  Gertrude felt a wave of relief wash over her body. She was so happy that the library would remain open. It was a wonderful place with an important role in keeping the townspeople educated and informed. The mayor concluded the meeting, and everyone trickled outside and began to congratulate Jedediah.

  Cletus was among the first to shake his hand. “Well done, son. That was an impressive speech you gave.”

  “Not half as impressive as your daughter, sir.” Jed looked at Gertrude, who was standing toward the back of the crowd. “I only hope she’ll agree to what I’ve asked her.”

  Cletus felt a little panic at Jed’s words. “What do you mean by that?”

  A woman who had been at the meeting pushed Cletus aside and shook Jed’s hand. “Very nice speech, sir. Thank you.” Cletus was shoved to the back of the crowd as Gertrude made her way to the front.

  Oh well, Cletus thought to himself. Gertie’s not going to do anything crazy. She’ll find her way home. He set off for home, tipping his hat to the group as he removed himself from them.

  Gertrude waited until the last of Jed’s new admirers had congratulated him and disappeared. Finally, it was only the two of them standing outside the town hall.

  “That was some speech. Thank you.” Gertrude hoped Jed could see how sincerely she felt. He had done something for her that no one ever had. He had fought for the thing that was most important to her and he had never given up.

  “It was the least I could do.” Jed took Gertrude’s hand, and she didn’t shy or pull away. “Tell me, have you given any thought to what I asked you the other day?”

  “I have given it a lot of thought,” Gertrude admitted. “In fact, I can’t stop thinking about it.”

  “I’ll take that as a good sign.” Jed flashed Gertrude a grin, but she could tell he was a little nervous. They stood there for a few minutes, just holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes.

  This is nice, Gertrude thought. I could get used to this.

  “Would you like to come into my wagon for a little?” Jed asked.

  Gertrude shook her head. “That wouldn’t be right. I fear if I did that, I’d be tempted to do things that aren’t appropriate between an unmarried couple.”

  “Does that mean we are a couple, then?” Jed bent down and touched his forehead to Gertrude’s. A shiver went through her body. She didn’t know how to respond.

  “I understand that you want to be cautious, Gertrude. I respect that. It demonstrates to me the quality of woman you are.” Jed pressed his lips against Gertrude’s quickly. “I have to tell you though, it’s driving me crazy that I can’t fully express how I feel about you. I will wait until you’re ready, however long that takes.”

  Gertrude tried to steady her breathing. It was hard to stay in control whenever Jed was around. He had a major effect on her. Her heart beat faster, her breathing grew harder, and her body felt as if it were on fire. “I really should get back home. My parents will wonder where I am.”

  “At least let me give you a ride.” Jed offered.

  “No, I can walk.” Gertrude was worried that the longer she stayed with Jed, the less she would be able to resist temptation.

  “Gertrude, I insist.” Jed hitched his horses to the wagon and helped Gertrude climb inside. He jumped on after that and they set off for the Sanders’ house.

  It’s only an innocent ride home, Gertrude thought to herself. I can’t get in trouble for that.

  Chapter 9

  Jed was quiet on the ride, so Gertrude tried to make conversation.

  “You know, for all the time I’ve known you, I still haven’t found out your favorite type of book.” Gertrude stared out at the landscape flying by. She found herself wishing the ride were a little longer.

  “Oh, I like almost anything. The more adventurous, the better. Robinson Crusoe is one of my favorites.” Jed smiled at her. “What about you?”

  “I read almost anything, too. But I have a special place in my heart for books that have a love story in them.” Gertrude felt she was being too presumptuous, but she couldn’t help it. It was undeniable. She had strong feelings for Jed, and she wasn’t sure what to do about them.

  “Would you like to go on an adventure, Gertrude?” Jed held the reins for a moment, pausing the wagon mid-journey.

  “What do you mean by that?” Gertrude felt nervous.

  “What if instead of taking you home tonight, we go out for a ride somewhere? We can go anywhere you want. We could go to Bagley, if you’d like. Heck, we could even go to Austin. We could drive all the way back to New York, if you really wanted!” Jed was on a roll.

  Gertrude laughed. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re raving mad?”

  “Not as much as you may think,” Jed replied cheekily.

  “We can’t go to New York in your book wagon. And I do need to get home. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to keep me out at this late hour,” Gertrude reasoned.

  “It’s so hard to be apart from you. You’re the only thing I can think of night and day,” Jed confessed.

  Gertrude sighed. It sounded like Jed felt the same way she did. “You’re all I can think about, too,” Gertrude admitted.

  Jed turned to Gertrude and gave her a dazzling smile. “That makes me almost the happiest man alive.”

  “Let me guess. The only thing preventing you from being the happiest man alive is me marrying you. Is that right?” Gertrude asked.

  “You’ve got me. I love how clever and quick your wit is, Gertrude Sanders. I know I’ve said it before, but I’m fully convinced you’re the one for me.”

  Gertrude thought long and hard about what she said next. On one hand was her entire life before this moment—growing up in the orphanage, being adopted by Edna Petunia and Cletus, living with her sisters, running the library, and being the strict, uptight, rule-follower she was. On the other hand, was Jed…mad, curious, adventurous, glorious Jed and his offer of marriage. Her life with Jed would be anything but steady and secure, but she found that the very thought of spending the rest of her life with him was far too exhilarating to pass up.

  “Yes,” Gertrude whispered.

  Jed threw the reins into the air and leaned over. He gave her a long, searching kiss. “Oh, Gertrude. You’ve truly made me the happiest of all men. I can’t wait until the day I can call you my wife!”

  Jed ran his hands along the sides of Gertrude’s body until they came to a rest on her hips. He pressed his lips into hers again and began to explore with his tongue.

  Gertrude pushed him back gently. “Jed, remember, we’re not married yet! Oh, no!” Gertrude yelled so suddenly that Jed thought she was ill.

  “Are you all right? What’s wrong?” Jed asked, panicked.


  “I just realized I promised Edna Petunia that we would be engaged for a year!” Her face grew pale as she considered twelve long months without being able to fully express their love for one another.

  “Oh, no.” Jed sighed. “I made the same promise to her! And Cletus!”

  “You did?” Gertrude asked, puzzled. “When?”

  “The first time I met them. You see, I’ve known from the moment I first laid eyes on you that you were the woman I was meant to be with. It just took you a little while to catch up.” Jed smiled, his eyes dancing with delight.

  Gertrude marveled. She couldn’t believe that her parents had known about Jed’s intentions ever since the day they met him and hadn’t said a word to her about it. She also couldn’t believe that Jed had known so early on in their relationship that they were meant to be together.

  “What are we going to do? Edna Petunia is going to go crazy planning this wedding, just like she did for Penny and Tom’s,” Gertrude complained. “We are in for an entire year of worrying about church ribbons and candles and top hats and gowns.” Gertrude groaned as she thought about it.

  “I’ll admit, no part of that sounds like fun.” Jed flicked the reins again to start moving, but they turned around, moving farther away from the Sanders house.

  “Where are you going?” Gertrude asked curiously.

  “Just driving around for a little, so we can figure out what we want to do about this long engagement.”

  “What if…what if we get married in secret, but didn’t tell people that we’d done it?” Gertrude thought out loud.

  “I don’t know about that. If we were secretly married, you’d still have to live with your parents. I wouldn’t want my wife sleeping under the roof in another man’s house. It wouldn’t feel right.” Jed felt strongly about the subject.

  “That’s a good point. Oh, Jed, what are we going to do?” Gertrude thought maybe it was a sign that she and Jed weren’t meant to be together after all. Or maybe they simply needed to slow down. Only now that she had found the love of her life, she didn’t want to slow down. She wanted to be with him all the time. But she understood that there was a process, and she and Jed would have to go through the process just like everyone else.