Kindness & Cakes
It was almost a week later, since their talk, and Kirsten was going out to the Morton ranch. Her father had an account at the livery stable, for a horse and buggy they used for deliveries. Kirsten took advantage of that fact, to get a driver to take her out to the ranch, with the excuse of some pastries for Mrs. Morton.
She had found out, at church on Sunday that Emily wouldn't be coming into town for a while. No one directly referenced the pregnancy, but it was understood that was the reason why. Kirsten had enjoyed the church service, and the companionship afterwards of Catherine Barkley and Susannah Kelling. She picked up that these women were good friends of Emily's, from their conversation.
Kirsten didn't know it, but Emily had in fact talked to both women about the newcomer, and JR's interest in her. JR had told her that Kirsten had declined to go riding with him, because of his past behavior. He didn't get into details, but did say that he'd presented his side of the story, and would leave it up to her. Emily admired his actions, and how he was handling the situation. JR seemed to have turned over a new leaf in his behavior. She also gave Kirsten bonus points for calling him out on his past actions.
The Larson's were Lutheran, and had been concerned that there wasn't a Lutheran church in town. However, both Reverend Thompson and Kelling had visited the family, and let them know that they welcomed all branches of the protestant faith. Kirsten knew her father was pleased that young Reverent Kelling had studied Lutheran theology for a year in Germany. That fact, along with a visit from Hans Werner, another Lutheran, had convinced Olav that the church was fine to attend.
After service JR came up to greet her, and introduced her, along with her family, to his father, who was head of the church board of advisors. Her first thought was that Rufus looked very stern, but then he smiled and Kirsten revised her opinion of the man. Rufus was very cordial to them, and invited her father to a men's prayer breakfast the following week.
JR explained that his brother Zack had stayed home with Emily, but didn't go into any details. Neither did he reference their conversation, but he was pleasant and charming with her. Kirsten also noticed his good relationship with both pastors, as well as Susannah, the young pastor's wife. She was aware too that he was greeted warmly by the menfolk, but very warmly by several young ladies.
The young women were all dressed up, with elaborately decorated hats. Kirsten had been feeling good in her white dress with the blue polka dots, trimmed with blue grosgrain ribbon in the same color. Her hat though was straw, decorated with a few blue flowers and ribbon; certainly very plain compared to the heavy ornamentation of the other girls. She tried to think about what JR had said about those other girls, as compared to her.
She didn't know it, but more than one young man, besides JR, was looking at her with interest. Kirsten looked like a summer meadow, and the blue and white ensemble offset her porcelain doll coloring perfectly. JR tried not to think about what it would be like to take the hat off and get her hair down, but wasn't having much success. His feelings towards her were giving him new insight on Zack's behavior with Emily, and the way they were always carrying on with each other. He would have no problem behaving that way with Kirsten, if she would let him.
The feelings were all new for him, and JR was struggling to make sense of it. He made it a point to be on his best behavior, and he hoped that his standing with the pastors would help Kirsten see the good side of him. JR was also getting concerned about how the other single men were looking at her, and was working to control the hot jealousy that was overcoming him.
In fact JR's behavior impressed Kirsten, as well as the fact that he wasn't trying to press his case with her. She wished that the butterflies in her stomach, which had started fluttering when he came up to her, would subside. When JR smiled at her, it was even worse, because he knees felt weak and she hoped she wouldn't faint. The affect he had on her startled her, and while her brain said no, her heart was saying yes.
Kirsten's resolve took a hit mid-week, when her father came home singing JR's praises. Olav had been making the rounds of the saloons and bars, with samples of his salted rye bread. He hoped to get some of the establishments to carry the bread, as an item on their menu. There was already a bakery in town that supplied bread and rolls, but they were just plain wheat. Olav didn't want to cut his competitor out, but didn't see the problem with some variety.
At the main saloon where the ranchers tended to gather, JR had recognized Olav when he'd come into the establishment. JR was there with his brother, their foreman, and several ranch hands; he introduced Olav as a man who knew how to brew a pot of coffee. Since all the men lived on coffee, Olav was well received, and JR insisted on buying him a drink, as well as putting in a good word with the bartender. He ended up having a nice visit, and getting an order for several loaves of the salted rye bread.
It was her father's comments about JR that had finally made Kirsten decide to go visit Emily. She had been thinking about doing it, ever since church. Kristen had hoped to have a private conversation with JR's sister-in-law after services. She remembered how solicitous he'd been with Emily at the café. By now she also knew the story of Zack and Emily's elopement, as well as the changes that had come over Rufus Morton. Kirsten still thought about how kind Emily had been, that day at the café, in asking her to sit and visit.
When she arrived at the ranch house, she knocked on the door and an older Latino man answered and showed her into an expansive hallway. Kirsten admired the gleaming white wainscoting, and mahogany staircase and floor. The walls were a cornflower blue with white trim; leading up the stairs was a papered design of trees and a river scene.
There was a circular table, and small settee and side chairs in the hall were all cherry wood with curved legs that ended in claw and ball feet. The upholstery was blue and cream, while the floral arrangement on the table was done in reds and pinks, offering a dazzling contrast to the coolness of the rest of the room. Kirsten didn't know it, but Emily considered the entrance hall her best decorating effort in the house.
She took her mind off the décor as she inquired of the houseman – or butler, she wasn't sure what he was; if Mrs. Morton was receiving. Kirsten explained that she was a friend and had brought some pastries. The man beamed with pleasure as her, and led her into a beautifully decorated front parlor.
The room was done in greens, cream, and gold, with fine wood furniture. The centerpiece was a beautifully painted cabinet, against the long wall, that looked to be French and very old. She would later find out that the piece was in fact French, from the late 1770's and had belonged to Emily's mother's family. The room though looked very warm and welcoming, which was helping to calm her a bit.
Kirsten by now was feeling rather unsure of herself, after seeing the outside of the grand house, and now the inside too. There had certainly been grand houses in Wisconsin, as well as fine furniture from Europe. No, what was bothering Kirsten was that this house was where JR lived. He had told her that the women had all been interested in him for his family's money, but she had not really comprehended what that meant until now. Any woman who married him would never want for anything, and she understood why all those girls had pursued him like they had.
She was starting to wonder what she was doing here, and could only imagine what Emily Morton was going to think. Kirsten didn't want look like all those other girls, who had chased after JR. She now wished that she hadn't come at all, and decided that when Emily came she would just say she was bringing pastries with her family's best wishes. Just as she made up her mind, Emily came into the room.
"Kirsten, how sweet of you to come see!" Emily came into the room and hugged Kirsten, who was careful not to press too close. She privately thought that her hostess looked larger this week, than last, and had no problems seeing why the woman was staying home.
"I didn't see you at church, so I thought I would bring some pastries out to you." Kirsten wished the woman had not greeted her so warmly, because it had thrown her previous thoughts out the window.
"Well I'm not going to be going anywhere for a while, but the barn." Emily observed with a giggle, as she added. "Considering I'm as big as the brood mares we all relate to each other! One nice thing about being married to Zack; he's a rancher – they think highly of brood mares!" The giggle changed to peals of laughter, as she sat down on the sofa, and indicated for Kirsten to take the chair next to it.
"Emily, you look great!" Kirsten replied, after joining in the laughter about Emily's condition. She liked how JR's sister-in-law had a light hearted approach to being with child. Kirsten couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be married and enceintes – she loved children and wanted lots of them. Emily's comments about ranchers stuck in her brain, and she found herself wondering if JR felt the same as his brother did.
"Juan, thank you so much!" Emily stopped her laughter as the houseman brought in a tray that had a ceramic pitcher on it, glasses, and a plate of cookies. "This is Miss Larson, and she has brought some wonderful pastries for us." Juan smiled at the pretty fair haired girl, as he set the tray down, while Emily added. "Let's have them with tea! What kind are they?"
"Oh, it is called 'Black Forest' – it is chocolate cake." Kirsten didn't get any further, before Emily interrupted her, as her eyes went wide.
"Really? Black Forest with the cherries soaked in kirsch? And whipping cream?" Emily had not had the cake for several years, the last time visiting her grandmutter in Vienna; she smiled happily at the memory. Kirsten looked at her with curiosity and Emily answered her unasked question.
"The last time I had Black Forest cake was when I visited my grandmutter – my mother's mother – in Vienna. It is one of my very favorites, so thank you for bringing them to me." Emily explained, adding "The men will enjoy the cakes too; they always come in from working so hungry, right Juan?" The houseman nodded his head in agreement, relieved that his mistress was happy. Mr. Rufus had given the staff strict instructions that Miss Emily was to be coddled no matter what.
"The recipe is very popular in Denmark, but my mother figured out how to do miniature versions, which seem to be popular at the café. Interesting that you know about kirsch." Kirsten replied, glad that she'd chosen the cakes that she had. Juan poured cold lemonade into sparkling crystal glasses, before he left, taking the box of cakes with him. The next several minutes were spent drinking lemonade and talking about desserts.
"Kirsten, I have to ask you – as another woman – about Patsy Hamilton's hat; did it really have a bird on top of it?" Emily had heard Rufus comment about the headgear; it had not been a kind comment either. Kirsten had to think for a moment, before she remembered the lady in question and the bird with all the feathers on her head. She confirmed the fact for Emily, adding the comment that her father had said that looking at the hat made him very hungry.
"Do you mind if I ask you something personal, Kirsten? I feel like we are very good friends already, even though we've just met?" Emily remembered JR telling her that Kirsten had refused to go riding with him, because of his past behavior. She thought it interesting that the young woman was out here now, under the guise of bringing cakes.
"Actually, I feel like you are my first friend in Stockton, Emily! Until you showed up at the café, I was feeling very lonely and homesick!" Kirsten felt comfortable confessing the fact, and was relieved when Emily reached over and hugged her.
"Trust me, I know all about homesickness, and having your world turned upside down!" Emily went on to explain about how she'd ended up in California. "But everything worked out for the best - it is wonderful here. I think too that God knew this was where I needed to be, and you need to trust that he is looking out for you too." Emily patted her back, as Kirsten burst into tears, feeling glad that someone understood what she was experiencing.
When she stopped crying, Emily had her drink some cold lemonade, and eat a cookie, which made her feel better. She suddenly didn't feel so homesick anymore, as Emily told her about life in the valley. It was with that thought that Kirsten suddenly felt comfortable talking about what she needed to.
"Emily, I don't know if you are aware, but I didn't go riding with JR." Kirsten put it out there, thinking about the scene on the small porch of the house. He had been so vital, and masculine; she had wanted to go with him, even as another part of her was still reeling from what she'd learned about him.
"Kirsten, yes I know you didn't go riding with him; JR is something of a talker, and he is like a brother to me." Emily went on to explain about the death of Diana and Melissa. "JR said you were put off by his reputation with the ladies in town; he did say that he had presented his side of the story, but was leaving it up to you." She left it at that, wanting Kirsten to understand that JR had not discussed his private feelings with her; in reality he didn't need to because he was very easy to read, but Kirsten needed to figure that out on her own.
"You probably weren't happy that I turned him away, I imagine." Kirsten was sure that Emily thought she was out of her mind, for turning down her brother-in-law. She knew that everyone else in town would think so, if they knew about it.
"Actually your action impressed me a great deal; you are obviously a young lady with high moral standards." Emily replied, and as Kirsten's face took on a surprised expression, "JR has behaved badly, and has been able to get away with it, because none of those other girls have had the strength of character that you have."
Kirsten thought about that for a moment, before she came clean. "Emily, I had been so excited about going riding with him. I really liked him a lot, but when I heard all the talk, well I was appalled. JR had been so kind with you, but a different person with those girls. When he came to pick me up, he looked so handsome." Sighing, she went on "My heart said to go; it still says to give him a chance, but my head doesn't agree. I am starting to wonder though, because my father likes him a lot, and he is a good judge of character."
Everything came into focus for Emily, as she listened to what Kirsten was saying. The girl was very attracted to JR, but wasn't sure if he was trustworthy or not. Emily knew that JR was very attracted to Kirsten, and she was sure that the fair haired girl was a big part of the change in his behavior.
"I believe there is some saying about 'a leap of faith', right?" Emily asked, and Kirsten nodded her head. "Since JR met you, even before you wouldn't go riding with him, there was a change in him, for the better. When you turned him away he didn't revert back to his old ways, Kirsten. I think he cares for you greatly. He is making a big effort, and I think that is worth a great deal. JR is one of the most loyal people I know, and really sweet under it all." Emily saw that the girl wouldn't be pushed into anything, which was just the type of woman JR needed. She said a silent prayer to the Lord that everything would work out.
Before Kirsten could say anything though, she heard male voices coming from the back of the house, and she realized that she had stayed longer than she meant to. "Emily, thank you for what you said, and I'll give it a lot of thought. I should be going though." Kirsten could only imagine what JR would think if he found her here, talking to his sister-in-law. Even as that thought was going through her brain, the man himself, along with his father and brother came into the room.
Zack only had eyes for Emily as he came into the room, and he made a beeline for the sofa, where he sat down right next to her. Putting his arms around her, he kissed her passionately, to which she responded wholeheartedly. Emily had not seen him since lunch, but it seemed like ages and he felt so good as he held her tight.
Kirsten was too distracted by watching the couple, noticing that Emily was happily embracing the man back, not caring about his dusty boots on the rug. She was sure though, that if JR was kissing her like that, she wouldn't be concerned about the rug either. It was the thought of JR that caused her to look to where he was standing, observing the couple with an amused smile, before he saw her.
JR was hot, tired, and sore, having been thrown earlier that afternoon. He followed his brother and pa into the room, to say hello to Emily, before going upstairs for a bath. The dirt from the fall felt like it was still on him, in spite of having washed his face, neck, and hands before coming in. Watching Zack and Emily made him smile though, and he wondered if Kirsten would ever greet him like that. JR was very taken aback when he saw her sitting in the chair.
He took in her pretty pink blouse with the ruffled collar and bow, which complimented the skirt which was of a pink fabric with tiny white flowers scattered all over it. Kirsten's pale blonde hair was neatly put up, with a pink ribbon woven through the waves. JR had wanted to see her in pink, and it was as becoming to her as he'd thought it would be. Her milk white skin, with the faint rose flush to the cheeks glowed against the pink, while her blue eyes stood out.
Looking at her sitting there in her pink and white finery, all clean and pretty, JR suddenly felt even grimerier than he'd before. He could only imagine what she was thinking as she looked at him, and JR couldn't believe how bad his luck was. If he'd known she was here, he would not have come into the front room at all.
"Miss Larson, it is a pleasure to see you! I hope you are joining us for tea?" Rufus took the lead in greeting the pretty girl, remembering how JR had introduced them after church last Sunday. He had been very aware of the change in JR, and even before meeting Kirsten had been sure a woman was involved. Rufus had been very pleased to find out that he'd been right, and that the young lady came from a religious family. His son needed all the help he could get, was the man's private opinion.
Zack broke off from kissing Emily, and when he saw Kirsten he stood up and greeted her. Trying to be discrete, he looked her over and thought that his brother was showing good taste. It concerned him though, if a woman like Kirsten would be willing to take JR on, even as he hoped that his brother wouldn't muck it up.
"Yes, Pa she is! And she brought some delicious cakes for us too!" Emily remembered her manners as a hostess, and giving Zack a smile, she turned to greet the others. Kirsten could tell that JR wasn't happy about something, and once again wished that she hadn't come out to the house. Now she had to stay for at least a cup of tea, or it would look rude.
"Kirsten was telling me about the happenings in town." Emily reached over and patted Kirsten's arm, as Rufus beamed with approval. He was glad that the women were friends already, and trusted Emily's judgment of the girl. "JR are you going to stand there? Sit down and have some tea – you look like you could use it, or even something stronger!" Emily regarded her brother-in-law with puzzlement.
"Hello Kirsten, it's good to see you." JR managed to get the words out, wishing she didn't make him feel as tongue tied as she did. He turned to his sister-in-law "Emily, I don't think I'm presentable enough for company. Would you excuse me?" All he wanted to do was get out of the room while Kirsten might still think he was a gentleman. Emily for her part figured out what was bothering him, and tossed her head with a laugh.
"JR you are quite presentable enough! This isn't some fancy party, just tea and you've been working hard. I know that you are hungry, and here is Juan with sandwiches, along with the cakes Kirsten brought." Emily pointed towards the chair next to Kirsten, adding "I'm sure Kirsten understands, right?"
"I grew up on a farm JR." Kirsten replied, thinking about how her father and brother would come in from the barn. They were always hungry, and her mother always had a snack for them. She found it interesting that the Morton's, despite their money, all worked as hard as they seemed to. JR had said that he loved his land, and never wanted to live anywhere else, she remembered. Kirsten gave him an encouraging smile, and was rewarded with one in return.
"Well, I am hungry and I do like cakes!" JR sat down, feeling relieved that Kirsten didn't seem bothered by the condition he was in. Her comment about growing up on a farm cheered him, and he was sure that she wouldn't be like Clarissa, who didn't want to smell animals. The next half hour was spent visiting, and JR was pleased with how the visit with his family was going.
"I would like to say thank you all very much, but I should be heading back into town." Kirsten stood up, not wanting to overstay her welcome. The cakes had been well received, and everyone had been very charming to her. JR had certainly cheered up once he'd sat down, which had made her happy.
"Before you go Kirsten, would you have a couple of minutes for JR to show you the barn? I would have taken you out there, but didn't feel up to walking that far." Emily inquired, trying to sound as innocent as possible. She really thought that JR and Kirsten should talk sooner, rather than later, and in private.
"Kirsten, I would like that." JR replied very quickly, giving her an eager look. He couldn't believe how well things had turned out, and wanted to ask her about riding again. His plan was to go very slowly with her, to earn her trust.
"Well, if it wouldn't be any trouble, JR. I'm sure you're tired after being outside all day." Kirsten wasn't sure if she should be happy that Emily had arranged this or not. The thought of being alone with JR was thrilling and scary at the same time. However, with all eyes on her she couldn't back out of the barn tour. She nodded her head, and after saying goodbye to everyone else, followed JR out to the barn.
Once there he showed her around, and introduced her to some of the horses, as he explained Zack's breeding program. JR then escorted outside, and down to the edge of the field, where some cows were grazing. He told her something about beef cattle, and ranching, liking the questions she asked. JR then took her hand, and led her to a small grove of trees that was next to the field. A simple wooden bench was there, and he invited her to sit down with him.
"It was very sweet of you to come visit Emily; I know she enjoyed the company." JR started with something simple, trying not to think about how good she smelled, almost like lilies he thought. He was sure that she was tired of hearing him babble about horses and cows, but she made it hard for him to think straight.
"I enjoyed it too – she is wonderful!" Kirsten offered, thinking about how everyone in the house, even the servants, doted on her. Emily's husband treated her like a queen, and she had seen how Rufus Morton catered to his daughter-in-law too. The man had pointed out the redecorating Emily had done, and talked about how much nicer the house was now. His lavish praise of Emily had made her wonder how the woman his other son married would fare in comparison.
"Emily has made such a difference in our lives; really marrying her is the best thing Zack ever did." JR enthused, "Did you know I was best man when they eloped?" His voice was full of pride, and Kirsten was touched by the warmth in his voice.
"JR, the real reason I came out to see Emily, was to talk about you." Kirsten told him upfront, not wanting to lie to him. She hated dishonesty, and wasn't going to play games with him. "I had been thinking about what you told me last week, about yourself." JR's face took on a hopeful expression, as he reached over and took her hand.
"Kirsten, could we try again? May I take you riding?" JR interlaced their fingers together, and when he saw her smile, went for broke. "Actually, I would like to court you, if you would allow me to. I have not been in a good place for quite a while, until I met you." He was afraid to say too much more right now, not wanting to scare her off.
"Well I would like that, and I know my father would to; but." Kirsten stopped, to gather her thoughts. "Your father was welcoming to me, but do you think he would approve of you courting me? I'm not from an important family, or have fancy connections." She didn't say 'like Emily' but JR figured out what she was really asking.
"Pa already likes you, and will adore you when he figures out that you are the reason I've reformed like I have." JR threw caution to the wind and put his arms around Kirsten, who returned the embrace before she even realized it. "Kirsten, what matters to our family is character, not money, or connections. Trust me; if Emily had not been the sweet person she is, well pa would have not had any of it. If pa doesn't like something, you know it right away. He likes you a lot, as do I."
Her face was close to JR's and before he could stop himself his lips were on hers, and they were kissing. Kirsten had never felt anything like what JR was making her feel, as his arms pulled her tighter against him. He felt like the earth had turned upside down, as she kissed him back; the thought of going slow had been long forgotten in his mind.
"I think that is enough!" Kirsten pulled back some, regretfully breaking off the kiss. It had felt so amazing, and she decided she would have to be very careful with him. "I will go riding with you, and yes you may court me. Be warned though, JR Morton, I expect you to be a gentleman – is that clear?" She had stood up and was straitening her blouse, while he was giving her a bemused look.
"Yes, Kirsten, I understand. Let's go get your hat and gloves, and talk about when I can take you riding." JR agreed ruefully, wondering how long of a courtship she thought was proper. Another thought came to him though "When I take you riding, can I kiss you again?" He gave her his best charming smile, and she couldn't help but giggle.
"I hope you do, JR, I hope you do!" Kirsten replied, as she realized that Emily had been right; California was a great place.
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