“I’m going to have a pony,” Jonas declared. “And I’m going to ride everywhere all the time.”
Bruno smiled. “That sounds fine.” He let the children reach up and stroke Smoke’s soft muzzle, then dropped the reins letting the horse graze along with the goats. “Now come meet Sally, Suzy, and Snow.”
Cecil watched as the man introduced the children to each goat, all of which had kids at their sides.
“They’re so soft,” Bev sighed running her hand over one of the kids who raced off, dashing around its mother, then leaping into the air.
“They’re funny,” Jonas grinned.
“My wife fusses with them,” Bruno shrugged. “Janine loves babies. You’d think with our own little girl growing fast it would be enough to keep her busy, but she makes a trip to the barn whenever she can.”
“Really?” Bev’s eyes were wide.
“Really,” Bruno’s smile was kind as he chatted with the children. “Do you know how to milk a goat?”
“No,” Bev looked back at her uncle who nodded. “I used to milk our cow back home, but it has been a while.”
“If you want some goat’s milk, you’re welcome to it.” Bruno stood letting the children pet the placid goats. “Of course they all have kids, so you don’t have to worry about them either way.”
“I’m obliged,” Cecil walked out into the yard, offering his hand. “Will you come in for coffee?”
“I’d better not,” Bruno looked up at the big house. “I’d like to stake the goats out, so you don’t have to worry about them wandering off. Perhaps, this strapping young man can help.” Bruno turned to Jonas who puffed up with pride.
“What do we do?”
Chapter 18
The second day of residence in the old Rally house was much like the first, only this time the cleaning actually made a dent in the years of neglect and disuse of the house. Becky Gatlin came out and helped Mrs. August in the kitchen, sorting, cleaning, and organizing the cupboards, as well as letting the housekeeper know what other things she might find at the general store.
Ellery also came out with a saw and toolbox, helping Cecil cut away the overgrowth crowding in on the house. By the time the family sat down to dinner you could see the house beyond the weeds.
“I would like new ticking for the mattresses,” Mrs. August grumbled over her meal. They unrolled the heavily wrapped bedding, that morning. “But it will have to do for now. I only hope that…” she hesitated and Hester grinned knowing that the housekeeper was worried about bugs and other critters that may have infested the beds.
“I’ve given each of them a good beating,” Hyke spoke up as he lifted his coffee, “they should be fine.” His dark eyes flashed and he glowered at the woman. He had been up and down the stairs with the mattresses, pillows, and other bedding at least a dozen times and had beat each item until dust no longer flew.
“When the weather is fine we will start washing the feathers.” Mrs. August stood and began collecting the plates putting an end to the conversation.
Hester couldn’t stop the smile, as much as uncle Hyke and Mrs. August sniped at each other, she believed it was good for him to have a rival in the house.
“Children, you need to wash up before bed,” Hester urged the children toward a basin by the stone sink, pouring hot water from the stove into it and handing them each a dry cloth.
“What about the goats,” Beverly asked. “Won’t they be scared out there in the dark all night?”
“The goats will be fine,” Hester smiled. “They live outside all the time.”
“What if a wolf or a mountain lion comes to eat them?” Jonas’s voice was full of excitement.
“I don’t think it will be a problem,” Cecil said. “Now do as you’re told. Tomorrow we have more work to do.”
“Yes, uncle,” both children replied dropping their heads and trudging toward the stairs. As excited as they were about this adventure, they were too tired to argue.
“This will be your first night in your new home,” Hester encouraged. “I’m sure you will both sleep very well.”
“Can’t I bring the cat?” Beverly asked. “She’ll be lonely down here all night.”
“She’ll be hunting,” Hester insisted placing a hand on each child’s shoulder. “And looking after her kittens. We all have to begin to adjust to this new house and home. Now hurry along so we can say our prayers.”
Hester was exhausted. She had swept, scrubbed, dusted, and sorted throughout the day. Cecil and Hyke had not only helped with some of the heavier cleaning and shifting, but had begun to repair any obvious damage to the house. The place was in desperate need of paint and Hester didn’t even want to think about the condition of the roof, or the things living in the spring house and other buildings. Tonight she was too tired to worry about it.
Hyke and Mr. Payton had pulled all the boards off the windows after inspecting them from the inside, and though filthy they were all intact. “Thank heavens for small blessings,” she sighed as the children entered their rooms.
“What does that mean?” Bev asked as she began to dress for bed.
“It means, we need to be thankful for a roof over our head, food in our bellies, and a chance to make something new of ourselves. There are many opportunities to be had if we are only willing to look for them.”
By the time the children were in bed, Hester could barely keep her eyes open, but she trudged back down the stairs to help with the dishes. If she was tired, Mrs. August must be exhausted.
“Last one,” Hyke’s voice rumbled out of the kitchen and Hester hurried inside, surprised when she saw her uncle drying dishes as fast as the housekeeper could wash them.
“You’re fairly handy in the kitchen for an old man,” Mrs. August let the comment drop.
“I’ve been a bachelor my whole life,” Hyke replied. “Who
