HCTB Chapter 22 Bazaar

Joshua got the brides, including Peggy, home from the orchard on Saturday. He was strictly business after his moment of weakness. He was in no means angry at Peggy, or any of the women for that matter. They hadn't done anything wrong. He was annoyed with himself for letting down his guard.

Peggy wondered if she did something to cause the change in him, but couldn't think of anything. Still, in that brief moment, standing so close to him, she saw a crack in the armor he'd put up. It gave her the tiniest bit of hope, but she decided to take the hint and not push him.

The week was busy. Jason had volunteered to build Lottie a booth for the bazaar on Saturday. Somehow that grew to include booths for the Brides dorm and the Church.

"You volunteered Jason, I didn't," Joshua griped. "We still have a business to run."

"Look here Joshua, this is for the whole community," he boasted, his hands going up in one of his grand gestures. "We have an obligation as one of the founding businesses."

"Well then, you build the booths, and I'll run the business," Joshua stated.

Jeremy just held his hands on his hips and shook his head. "What's gotten in to you Josh?" he asked.

"You complain about doing anything that involves the town."

"Look. I just know that we have three full crews and a limited time left this season. We only have three, maybe four weeks left before we have to break for the winter, and you," he pointed to Jason," want us to waste time on some silly booths."

"Alright, alright,' Jason said throwing up his hands. "You run the crews if it makes you happy." He walked over to Jeremy and put his arm around his shoulders. "Jeremy and I…and maybe…Corky, we'll work on the booths this week," Jason said with a grin.

"No, I'll need Corky to run the second crew," Josh said.

Jeremy shook his head. "Okay Josh, I'll ask Davy to help," Jeremy said.

"Fine," Josh snapped.

"Fine," Jeremy snapped back.

"Fine," Jason grinned.

Joshua began packing things for the week at camp. Jason walked outside with Jeremy. "Whats gotten into him?" Jeremy asked. "He used to enjoy things like this."

"Well Jeremy, I think it's just taking him a little longer to get over everything last spring. We have to be patient, and give him that time." He said.

Joshua left for the logging camp, along with Jeremy. He wanted to ask Davy if he would help in town this week.

"Davy," Jeremy greeted his friend. "How'd you like to help us this week in town?"

"Help in town? How…what's going on?" Davy asked.

Jeremy explained everything and Davy seemed more than happy to help.

While the crews left for the logging site, Davy and Jeremy stayed behind. "You think it's going to take the whole week to build three booths?" Davy asked.

Jeremy just laughed. "No, of course not, but you haven't spent a lot of time around Jason."

Jason sat with Lottie over a cup of coffee while he waited on Jeremy and Davy.

"He insisted on working," he was saying, "and he had a point, the season is almost over, but…still he's changed." Jason said.

"Oh give him time Jason," Lottie said.

"Yea, that's exactly what I told Jeremy, but to tell you the truth Lottie, I wonder if he'll ever be the same. I never see him smile. He just seems angry most of the time."

"Oh Jason, he just needs to meet the right girl, and when he does, we'll get our old Joshua back. You mark my words," she said.

"He won't meet the right one if he avoids town," Jason said.

"Do you think he'll come Saturday?" she asked.

"If I have anything to say about it," Jason said.

Lottie sat quiet for a moment. Finally she took a breath and they got down to business planning the bazaars booth.

"We need to let Aaron know what lumber we're going to need," Jason said. "Joshua was always better at this," he mumbled.

Jeremy and Davy walked into Lottie's. They all went over the details of what was needed, and Jason walked to Aarons to order the lumber.

"I'll have the lumber delivered in the morning," Aaron promised.

Jeremy and Davy met with Candy, Peggy and Biddie for lunch at the dorm. "Do you think you can convince Josh to come to the bazaar," Peggy asked Jeremy.

"Jason said he'll make sure he comes even if he has to drag him there." Jeremy said.

"I hope so. I'm hoping he'll bid on my lunch basket." She said.

"Now Peggy, I hope you're not getting your hopes up," Candy said. "Joshua might not even come."

"Well if your lunch basket is anywhere near as good as the lunch you've prepared today, he would be a fool to pass it up," Davy said.

"Thank you," Peggy smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

"I remember Joshua saying you were a good cook," Jeremy added.

"He said that?" Peggy smiled.

"Well he was right," Biddie said. "Peggy is one of our best cooks. Although I have to admit that my apple pie is his favorite. You know he ate a whole pie last Saturday."

Jeremy looked at Peggy and they both tried to hold back smiles. "A-a-annd Biddie you're one hundred percent correct," Jeremy added. "You make the best apple pie."

Candy's eyes were wide as she looked between Peggy and Jeremy. She knew something was up. She smirked and vowed to hear the story from Jeremy. She knew he would tell her when they were alone.

"Is that why you have all these apples?" Davy asked. "Are you making pies for the bazaar?"

"We're making pies, apple fritters, and, cider, apple butter," Biddie said. "Anything we can think of, if it has apples in it."

"Well I'll be first in line for one of your pies," Jeremy said.

Biddie just nodded.

"Jeremy, will you be sure to tell Joshua that my lunch will be tied with a baby blue ribbon?" Peggy asked.

I'll make sure he knows Peggy," Jeremy smiled.

"Lottie said you're making booths for the Church too?" Candy asked as she stood to help clear away the lunch plates.

"Yes, Lottie's, the church and you," Jeremy said. "We'll start tomorrow as soon as Aaron delivers the lumber."

"Well I need to get back," Peggy said. "We're trying to finish the quilt were making for the church raffle."

"You cook and sew?" Davy asked.

"Oh Peggy has many talents," Biddie boasted.

"Oh Biddie," Peggy blushed. "A bunch of the Brides are working on quilts for the church raffle. It's not just me."

"Well Mr. Webber, how do you like it here in Seattle?" Biddie asked.

"I've spent most of my time at the logging camp, but I really like Seattle. The people are really nice." He said.

"You've not spent a winter in Seattle yet," Peggy said.

"No, but I spent a few years around Puget Sound," he laughed "That's why I like it here. I'm used to the cold."

"Oh well I guess you're used to the weather then," she smiled.

"Well we'd better get going," Jeremy said as he stood up. "We need to get back with Jason and see what else he has us volunteered to do."

Davy stood. "Thank you again for the lunch. It was really nice," he said to the ladies, "And it was nice to meet you too Miss Peggy."

"Oh you can just call me Peggy," she smiled.

"Peggy," he said.

Jeremy and Davy left. Walking across the street, he asked Jeremy, "Peggy's nice. I think she must like your brother."

"What makes you say that?" Jeremy asked.

"Oh come on Jeremy, she wants you to tell Joshua that her lunch was going to be wrapped in a blue ribbon," he said "Obviously she wants him to bid on her lunch." He laughed.

"Yea, I guess but I'm not even sure Jason can get him to come, let alone actually bid on a lunch. I'm afraid she may be disappointed," Jeremy said.

"Well, Peggy's a real pretty girl and if he can't see that then he's a fool," Davy said.

Jeremy agreed.

The week passed quickly for the people working on the bazaar. There was so much to do and so little time. For Joshua and the loggers, the grueling week seemed to drag on. His mind was someplace else.

Friday night Joshua returned from the weeks work. It felt good to be home in his bed, rather than a cot set up in the tent. He missed his brothers. He put his horse in the corral and gave him a good brushing down and feed. Little Bess begged for attention and he gave it to her as well.

He knew better than to go to the bazaar. He had been careful staying out of big crowds. The bazaar would be different, most of Seattle would be there. Jason almost forced him to, claiming the proceeds were to benefit the school house the town was building, and that would affect Christopher and Molly. Jason always knew what strings to pull to get his way, and that bugged Joshua more than actually going. It was a power play between them and Jason usually won, but Josh decided to give in, if only for a little while.

Joshua stopped at the totem pole and hesitated.

The street was crowded with the whole of Seattle enjoying the day. Children were running around.

The Brides dorm was to his right. He glanced that way and saw a large group gathered there looking at the Brides baked goods.

Across the street was Bens General store. Joshua shoved his hands in his pockets and quickly strode towards it, his head staring at the road in front of him.

"Hello Joshua, how are you today?" Ben greeted him.

"Good, and you?" Joshua politely asked.

"It's good. Are you here for the bazaar?" Ben asked.

"Actually, I need a couple pencils," Joshua said.

Ben grabbed two pencils and passed them over. "Is there anything else?" Ben asked.

"Can I get a couple penny bags of gumdrops?" he asked.

"Two penny bags of gumdrops," Ben repeated. "Okay that will be four cents," Ben said.

Josh passed over the four pennies, and took his pencils and candy.

"Hope you have a good day," Ben said.

"You too Ben," Joshua said as he walked out.

He crossed the street towards the Brides booth.

"Well hello Joshua," Biddie said smiling at him.

"Hi Biddie," he answered quietly a slight smile. "Do you know where Molly and Christopher are?" he asked.

"No, but I'm sure Candy does," she said, "She just walked inside with Jeremy."

"Thank you," he smiled.

"You can go on inside," Biddie said.

"No that's okay, I'll wait," he said.

"Hi Joshua," Peggy said when she saw him talking to Biddie.

"Peggy," he smiled. "I was hoping to find Molly and Christopher. I got them some gumdrops," he said holding up the bags.

"I saw them run off out back with some of the other kids," Peggy said. "I'll walk there with you," she said.

"No, I don't want to take you away from this," he said.

"Oh you two go on," Biddie said. "I got this."

Peggy stepped from behind the booth and walked with Joshua around the building towards the back yard where several bigger boys were huddled together near Molly and Christopher.

Suddenly there was a loud bang and Joshua collapsed. Peggy fell to his side.

The bigger boys took off running. Molly and Christopher looked from the big boys to Joshua and Peggy.

He scooted next to the building, shaking and covered his ears.

"Joshua, it was just firecrackers," Peggy said. "Hey, you're okay," she said in a soothing tone.

Molly and Christopher ran over.

Peggy looked at Christopher, "Get Jason, hurry," she told him and he ran off.

Christopher raced into town and looked for Jason. He was at Lottie's booth and Christopher ran up to him. "Mr. Joshua is hurt," he said.

Jason immediately followed him and found Peggy with Joshua huddled behind the Brides dorm. He knelt down. Joshua was shaking, hands over his ears and his eyes were closed.

Jason looked at him and then to Peggy who shook her head. "It was just firecrackers," she said.

Joshua was clearly shaken up. Jason looked at him and at Molly and Christopher. "Peggy, take the kids to Candy, explain things," he said quietly worried the kids may be frightened. "I'll take him home," he said.

"Is Mr. Josh alright?" Molly asked.

"Joshua is just fine," Jason said with a forced smile.

Peggy stood quickly and grabbed the kid's hands. "Come on let's find Candy," she said as she led them away.

Jason looked at his brother. "Josh," he said softly pulling his hands away from his ears. "Look at me. You're fine," he said.

Joshua looked at him. He glanced around and saw they were alone, realizing where he was. He closed his eyes in relief. And Jason helped him to his feet. He was still shaky. Jason wrapped his arms around him. "You're okay little brother." He said. "Come on, let's go home." He said. He picked up the bags of candy and two pencils.

Peggy found Candy and Jeremy in the kitchen of the Brides dorm. Molly and Christopher were confused and asking questions. "Was Joshua hurt?" they were asking.

Peggy was upset. She wasn't sure what had taken place and she was worried.

"I think he just got a bad headache," Peggy told Christopher. "Jason's taking him home to rest," she said. She gave them a nickel and sent them across the street for lemonade.

When the kids left, Jeremy looked at her. "What's going on?" he asked.

Peggy explained what had happened, and that Jason was taking Joshua home.

"Do you think it had something to do with the shooting last spring?" Candy asked.

"That was over 6 months ago," Jeremy said.

"I don't know, but he was really scared," Peggy said her chin quivering while she tried not to cry.

Jeremy looked at Candy. "Candy…" he started.

"You go," she said.

Jeremy rushed out and raced home.

Joshua stopped halfway home. "Jason, I'm fine," he said "Really I am."

"Joshua you didn't look fine earlier," he said.

"Can we just forget about it?" he asked. "Please."

Jason stopped. "Talk to me Josh. What's going on?"

"I don't know Jason, but I'm fine. Peggy…" he started to say. "I don't want her to think there's something wrong. I need to go back." he said as he started to pull away.

"Okay," Jason said. "You're sure you're okay?"

"No, Jason…but this will ruin ruin everything," he admitted. "Don't you see ? I never should have come, now Peggy..." He said and looked away, his hands on his hips in frustration.

Jason put his hand on Joshua's shoulder. "We need to talk about this, but for now…you go on," he nodded towards town.

Joshua hurried back towards town. He just glanced up when he saw Jeremy racing his way.

"Josh, I thought…are you okay?' he asked.

"I'm fine," he reassured Jeremy before continuing on.

Jeremy stood confused. Jason walked up. Jeremy turned to him. "Peggy said Joshua had some sort of episode," he said.

Jason watched Joshua turn the corner towards town. He turned to Jeremy with a concerned look on his face. "Yes. There was something wrong, but he seems fine now. I need to talk to Allyn. Maybe she can spread some light on it," he said. He put his arm on Jeremy's shoulder and led him back towards town.

"I think we should keep an eye on our golden headed brother though," he said

Joshua walked back to town. He was determined not to let Peggy think there was something wrong with him.

He got to the Brides dorm and knocked on the door. Behind him at the Brides bazaar booth, Biddie saw him knocking. "Joshua, you can go on in," she said, unaware that anything had happened.

Candy and Peggy were sitting at the table trying to figure out what had happened to Joshua earlier, when he opened the door and walked into the room.

Candy stood up. "Joshua? Are you okay?" she asked stepping towards him.

Peggy looked up at him.

Joshua knew they were talking about him. He looked at Candy. "I'm fine." He said.

She met his eyes, and put her hand on his arm.

"Joshua, you know you can always talk to me," she said.

Joshua smiled and put his hand over hers and nodded.

Candy looked from him to Peggy. "Alright, I need to get back out there and help Biddie," she said.

Josh watched her leave before turning towards Peggy.

"I'm sorry," he said with a slight frown. "I hope I didn't frighten you earlier. I just…"

Peggy stood up and stepped towards him. She put her hand against his chest. "You did frighten me," she said honestly. "But it's just because I care about you Joshua." She said. "I always have."

He took her hand in his. She was so close and his heartbeat quickened. She stepped forward and leaned into him as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Don't be," she said softly as the warmth in his arms enveloped her body.

"What am I doing?" he asked himself, knowing he was giving in. He swore he wouldn't let himself fall again, it was too high a risk, but he couldn't help it. "I think we need to talk," he said.