“Six-fifty.” Clarence’s jaw tightened.
“Seven dollars.” Michael returned.
Silence reigned for a moment, then as Clarence opened his mouth, Mr. Lester’s voice rang out. “Ten dollars.” He turned to Michael and Clarence, glaring at each other. “You two can both
share the meal with my daughter.”
Applause broke out as Mr. Lester accepted his win from the auctioneer. The man turned to the crowd, waving the ten dollar bill. “This money will certainly help our missionary efforts.”
The box with the bright blue star sat ominously in the middle of the table as the auction continued. Michael leaned forward, and whispered in Heidi’s ear. “Are you all right?”
She nodded briefly, and kept her face turned away from both men.
Why did he even place himself in the middle? Heidi claimed to not want Clarence as a husband, but either she’d never informed him, or the man was dim-witted. Or clever and manipulative. In any case, he needn’t involve himself. Nothing had changed since he’d sworn years ago to never involve himself with a woman again. Even if that woman was sweet, soft, beautiful, and spent every day close enough for him to savor her lavender scent.
Mr. Lester later paid three dollars for his wife’s box, which sat next to Heidi’s on the table. After several more bids, the auctioneer handed the last box to a gentleman who beamed brightly, and took the hand of a small red-haired woman, who gazed at him adoringly.
“That ends our auction.” The auctioneer wiped his forehead with a handkerchief, and nodded to the crowd. “Gentlemen, you may now join your lady to share her delicious supper. In a little while, the dancing will begin.”
Conversation broke out as gentlemen joined ladies at their tables, and opened boxes. Soon the aroma of many different meals filled the room.
Clarence pulled Heidi’s box toward him and opened it. “Looks wonderful, my dear.” He regarded her with narrowed eyes. “I’m sure you know I love ham.”
“Excuse me.” Heidi stood and quickly left the table. Mrs. Lester followed, her eyes concerned, and tucked her arm into her daughter’s, their heads bent close together.
Clarence stood and tugged the sleeves of his jacket. He turned to Michael. “Henderson. I’d like a word with you. Outside.”
“Gladly.” Michael pushed away from the table, as Mr. Lester looked from one to the other.
Chapter Fifteen
“I have a problem.” Heidi wrung her hands and turned to face her mother after they entered the ladies’ restroom.
“I’ll say you do, dear.” Mother smiled. “You seem to have two men fighting for your attentions.”
“It’s not funny, Mother.” She walked in a circle. “I told Clarence this afternoon I no longer wished to marry him.”
Mrs. Lester dropped to a padded wire framed chair in front of the small mirror against the wall. “You did what?” She spoke in a breathless voice.
“I don’t want to marry Clarence. What I don’t understand is why he wants to marry me.”
“What do you mean, dear? Why wouldn’t he want to marry you? You’re pretty, and well-mannered. Any man would be proud to have you as his wife.”
Heidi sat in the chair next to her mother, and clasped her hands. “Do you really think so? You and Papa always made me feel like Clarence was the only man who would have me because of my asthma.”
Her mother patted her hand. “We certainly took that into consideration. Even though you seem to think Michael has found some magic cure for your illness, the fact of the matter is, you are not a strong woman. But Clarence is very fond of you.”
Heidi stood and crossed her arms. “I don’t think so. In fact, he actually scared me today.”
“What are you talking about?” Her mother’s brows furrowed.
Heidi took a deep breath and sat once again. “He came to see me today at Mrs. Wilson’s house. I…I told him I no longer wanted to marry him.”
Her mother shook her head. “Oh, Heidi, you should have spoken to Papa and me before you said anything to Clarence.”
Heidi jumped up again. “Why? Clarence seemed to be of the opinion I had no say in my own marriage, because he made arrangements with you and Papa.” She turned to her mother, her hands out in supplication. “Why wouldn’t I have a say in who I marry?”
Her mother sighed. “It’s not that you don’t have a say, but Clarence and your papa worked out some things to your benefit. Things to ease your life a bit.”