Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“…blind like the servant of the Lord…”

Isaiah 42:19

Agatha Tabitha Freegrace set three metal plates on the sturdy oak table. The smell of roasted chicken filled the Freegrace home and Agatha took the Dutch oven filled with creamy Mashed Potatoes off the hearth, scooping a pile onto each of the plates. She was surprised to find herself humming as she continued preparing the evening meal for her father and Clay. Things had settled into a pattern at the Freegrace home since Clay had arrived. Agatha looked out the window, watching as Clay supported her father as they walked around the farm. It was Papa’s first day out of bed, and he wanted an update on all that had been happening on his property since he’d been laid up with the fever.

Things had been looking up since Agatha hired this mysterious out of towner. Not only had he taken over all of the farm work that Agatha had been struggling through, but he’d also put up a new barn and even had helped nurse Isaac back to health with some remedies that he’d learned on the range. It had been too late for Isaac’s eyesight, but he was gaining strength daily and acting more and more like himself again. Agatha looked over at the small cot Clay had been sleeping on in the kitchen. She went over and straightened the blankets on it, taking a small flower from the bouquet on the center of the table and placing it on his pillow. She was surprised to find herself blushing and smiling like a schoolgirl as she did this. She had grown quite fond of Clay, he’d brought joy back into their home, and she couldn’t imagine the past month without his aid and encouragement. He seemed to know her so well, always knowing what she needed; it was as if they’d been friends since childhood and had been reunited through a serendipitous meeting. Agatha finished setting up the meal, and then stationed herself at the window again, watching the two men. She soon got lost in watching them, sighing as she used to and feeling the familiar tension headache in her eyes from staring for prolonged periods.

Agatha was startled out of her reverie as she heard the front door swing open and the two men coming in for their supper. Her heart rate increased at least 20 beats per minute higher than her resting heart rate. She quickly examined herself in the mirror, conveniently placed right by the window, and straightened her apron and dress preparing for their entrance.

“Well we’re ready for the best homecooking in Abundance County!” Agatha blushed under Clay’s gaze as he praised her handiwork. The three of them sat down to the table and Isaac Freegrace said a prayer over their meal. Agatha sat uncomfortably through her father’s words. “And thank you that you’re always with us, even in our darkest hours, as you always have been with this family since, my father, A.T. Freegrace came west to bring your good news to the settlers. Amen.” Agatha didn’t think that Clay had much of a faith either. He seemed as uncomfortable as she did during her father’s prayers. She still hadn’t forgotten the strife God had put them through, and now, he’d even taken away Papa’s ability to see the world he enjoyed so much. Through it all, her father stayed faithful to God—it made no sense! She knew he’d want to go back to church soon, and he’d want her to go with. No thank you! Agatha knew that she was running from something in her heart, but for now, it felt much better to keep running than to get caught by the merciful heavenly father pursuing her.

“I can’t see it, but I’m sure Clay has built us a right strong barn. All the animals seem real happy and healthy from what I can tell.” Isaac’s voice was filled with gratitude for the work Clay had done for their family.

“It’s my job sir, and I’m happy to do it.” Clay answered catching Agatha’s eye for a second and giving her a small smile that brought a twinkle to his dark eyes and a swarm of winged butterflies to Agatha’s stomach.

“And Agatha, this meal is really hitting the spot. I think you inherited your mother’s cooking talents!” There was no end to Isaac’s joy today. “Could someone pass me some more potatoes?”

Agatha and Clark…er Clay, both reached for the mashed potatoes, their hands meeting on the plate. They looked up at each other, color rising in both of their faces, silence filling the air, as both remained frozen with their hands touching.

“Well where are my mashed potatoes and why is everyone so quiet?” Isaac asked after a minute or so. Agatha and Clark were startled out of their extended dramatic moment and scrambled to get Isaac some more potatoes.

“Oh, sorry Papa. I just spaced out for a minute.” She looked up at Clay who winked at her as he started to giggle, which made Agatha giggle, till they were both roaring with laughter.

“Well what in tarnation is everyone laughing about? You two sure are acting strange tonight. I think you ought to take a walk outside together and get some fresh air.”

“Well, I think that’s a wonderful idea, don’t you… Aggie?” Clark looked at Agatha, his eyes soft and inviting.

“What did you call me?” Agatha had been taken off guard. Only her father, and Clark had ever called her by this affectionate nickname. Hearing Clay’s voice say it had seemed oddly natural, but surprising all the same, as it couldn’t be….no it couldn’t be him. This was Clay Rangerguide, a new friend. A new friend that made her heart race, stomach quiver, and cheeks blush every minute or so.

“I called you Aggie, just a new nickname I thought of.” Clark was surprised at the slip he’d made, using her childhood nickname! When he’d said it, a look of recognition had flashed over Agatha’s face, only for a second, and then it had been replaced by her normal expression of happiness and oblivion.

“That would be nice Clay, we’ll go after we finish this supper I spent all afternoon preparing!”

“It’s a deal, Aggie,” Clark said.

“Yes, Aggie,” she said, melting in her chair. If she’d still believed in God, she would have thanked him in italics for bringing Clay Rangerguide into her life.