Bernard didn’t like me or my suggestions, I could see that. I don’t even know why I said what I did. I suppose it was an act of sheer impulse. I had quite a temper back then. In any case, I had to do something to try and keep my job. I had nowhere else to go. And, even if I had somewhere else to go, I didn’t have the money to get there. I had to do something to try and keep my job at that little schoolhouse. Little did I suspect what would happen on my third day of teaching.

***

Rebekah folded her hand on her lap. The picture of a princess in a dress of crimson as she sat in the model t. “Why do you look so angry?”

Bernard grimaced as worked the crank in the front of the car. “Oh. I’ve just been thinking about that new schoolteacher.”

“I hope you’ve finally made the right decision about that woman.”

“I know what you want me to do Rebekah.” Bernard threw all his strength into the stubborn crank. Hoping it would start through sheer force of will. “But I need a bit more time to process everything before I recommend a course of action to the board.” He stood back and smiled with satisfaction as the engine sputtered to life.

“Well, don’t leave it too long. You don’t want her to put down roots here.”

“I know, I know.” Bernard slid into the driver’s seat and took hold of the steering wheel. “You’ll be happy to know that I have called a board meeting to discuss the matter.”

“Good! It is high time for you to give Miss Auclair the boot she so richly deserves!”

“Rebekah, may I remind you that we haven’t made any decision yet.”

“Well, at least you’re discussing it. That is progress.”

This pleasant conversation continued as the automobile sputtered and rocked along the prairie trail toward the town. However, no resolution was reached. No matter how Rebekah tried, Bernard would not budge in his position.

To see this sense of fair play in a man was a very frustrating situation for a woman accustomed to getting her own way. Even after Bernard dropped her off at her home, she continued fretting about it. If he would dare to resist her on this matter, what else would he come up with?

No, this wouldn’t do…it wouldn’t do at all. How could this man be brought to heel? How could Bernard be forced to take action?

Later on in the day, as the town settled into the quiet of early evening, Rebekah set out to achieve her mission. The sound of her high heels clicking against the wooden boardwalk echoed through the evening shadows as she walked. So intent was she on her purpose that she didn’t notice the elderly gentleman step into her path.

“Rebekah! Just the person I’ve been wanting to talk to!”

Rebekah halted, surprised at the interruption. “Oh. Why?”

“I could use some help down at the schoolhouse tonight. You see, we’re decorating for the upcoming recital and…”

“I’m sorry John, with all the things on my mind today, I don’t think I can do that.”

“What’s wrong?” His voice was deep and rich, his blue eyes radiated kindness. It was hard to push a man like this aside.

“Oh, you know how Gladstone is…” Rebekah sputtered as she looked for an escape.

The minister ran a finger along his full gray mustache. “Hm. Let me guess, Bernard B Stauffer still doesn’t want to court you.”

Rebekah flinched as if she had been punched in the belly. “I don’t know what his problem is! I’ve given him every hint in the book!”

John smiled. “Rebekah, if God has closed the door, you need to stop banging on it.”

“Oh. I don’t know. She twirled a wayward curl with her long thin finger. “There must be a crack in that door somewhere. I just need to find it!”

“Frankly, I think you’d be better off looking for an open door somewhere else.”

“Where? Plumas? No!” Rebekah slammed her foot on the wooden boardwalk. “I’ve made up my mind! Bernard is going to be the next mayor, so I need to be there at his side.” Her face took on an air of craftiness. “Guiding his every step…”

John chuckled. “Oh, so you’re doing all this for the benefit of Gladstone are you?”

“Of course.” Rebekah’s voice returned to its familiar tone of haughtiness. “Things need to change around here and who better to change things, than me?”

“I think if you really want the town to change, you need to be willing to change first.”

“But I’m not the problem, everybody else is! Can’t you see that?”

“Listen. Why don’t you let Bernard rest for a while and help me decorate the schoolhouse? We can continue this discussion afterward.”

“I’m sorry John, I can’t do that! I have a few more things I need to explain to Bernard about that new schoolteacher and her unconventional ways.”

“Maybe if you spoke a little quieter Bernard would listen better!”

“THAT IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I’VE EVER HEARD!” Rebekah took a breath. Visibly attempting to calm herself. “Bernard is mine! Not hers! That teacher needs to leave town! And, believe me, I’m going to see to it that she does!” With that, her well-manicured hand shoved the obstacle in her way to the side.

John watched the firebrand in a crimson dress stomping away from him. “Well, if you change your mind, I’ll be down at the schoolhouse.”

There was no reply so he carried on his way. The picture of a distinguished man of the cloth on a mission for the greater good of the community.

As he walked, John breathed out a silent prayer for Bernard B Stauffer. If Rebekah managed to find that poor man, he would need all the help he could get.