Adella joined him after the last name and waited until the screen door had closed. We have to end it, she said. I know. They stood at the porch rail instead of sitting. The mountain air had turned cold enough to show the coming season in their breath.
Adella folded her hands over the rail. It worked. Barnaby stopped speaking as if I were already packed for PBLO, and the children started listening as if we had promised them something. Yes. Wilbur looked toward the west room window where 10 slates leaned in a row.
There is another reason to stop. She waited. I like the lie too much. Adella did not move. Wilbur went on before courage failed him.
I like coming in and seeing you at the table. I like hearing your school bell. I like that you tell me when I am wrong. If we keep pretending, I will start defending what I want and calling it protection. For a moment, there was only wind against the cedar posts.
Adela's voice softened. I like being protected when I ask for it. That is why this must stop. If I stay because leaving 10 children and one good man hurts too much, I will never know whether the yes was mine. Wilbur wanted to tell her he could make staying easy.
The want itself proved her point. He kept both hands on the porch rail. "Tomorrow morning," he said, "we tell Barnaby. Together, together." The next day, Adella did not wait for Barnaby to begin.
He had barely finished breakfast when she sat down her cup. There is something you should hear from me before you leave. Barnaby looked wary. The courtship you thought you saw was my invention. I asked Wilbur to let you believe he was calling on me because I wanted 3 days without being argued onto a train.
It was not fair to you and it was not fair to the children. We have ended it. Barnaby stared at her. You made a fool of me. I misled you.
I am sorry for that. He turned on Wilbur. And you went along with it. I did, Wilbur said. That part is mine.
Barnaby's mouth tightened. Then I suppose you will tell me whether she stays here once I am gone. For several seconds, Wilbur saw more worry than anger in the man. Barnaby loved his sister. He simply understood duty better than choice.
That did not make the pressure harmless, but it kept the morning from turning into a contest Wilbur needed to win. Wilbur kept his hands flat on the table. No, she already told you who decides that. Adella's eyes flicked toward him. Mother will not understand.