“How awful.” Miram snuffled into her handkerchief. “I really don't like this wilderness living.”
“Where did you live before?” Celeste asked.
“We had a dairy farm in Minnesota, but we lived close to town. We never had problems with wild animals, except maybe a fox or opossum getting at the chickens. But here …” She raised her eyebrows dramatically. “Why just the other day we had to stop for a big moose that was standing in the middle of the road. He wouldn't budge.” Sounding indignant, Miram continued, “We had to wait for him. Imagine that.”
Robert laughed. “I'm out scouring the woods for a moose, can't find one, and you nearly run one over.” Shaking his head, he stabbed a piece of meat and put it in his mouth. “Life just isn't fair.” He smiled. “I love the taste of moose.” He took another bite, then stood. “In fact, I think I'll get me a little more before it's gone.” Plate in hand, he walked away from the table.
Almost immediately, Adam took Robert's place. He had a cup of coffee in his hands. “Evening, ladies. I hope you're having a good time.”
Miram blushed and nodded.
Celeste smiled. “Hi, Adam. We're having a great time. But I'm itchin' for some music. I love to dance. We don't get much opportunity around here.”
Adam smiled. “Save me a dance.”
“I will.”
Laurel leaned away from Adam. He was sitting too close.
“What do you do for fun around here?” he asked. “Mostly all I've seen is work.”
“Sometimes we go to the movies. They show films in Palmer. We don't get the new movies though. It takes a while for them to make their way up here.” Pushing her plate aside, Celeste leaned on the table. “Did you see Cleopatra?”
Robert rejoined the group. “I saw Cleopatra. It was good,” he said.
“I thought it was so exciting. And Claudette Colbert was wonderful!”
“Sounds like I missed a good movie,” Adam said, taking a sip of coffee. “What else do you do for fun here?”
“Sometimes we go swimming, and of course, fishing. During the winter people skate, sled, and ski. And we have dog sled races. They're fun, but just for the men. Women aren't allowed.” Celeste scowled. “I always thought that was unfair, but the men say dog sledding is too dangerous for women; plus it's too hard for us to handle the dogs. I think it's hogwash. I've done some mushing. It's not so hard. Someday I'll race.”
The lilt of a fiddle carried across the room. A man with a heavy beard and knit cap stood in front. His fingers flew up and down the instrument's neck, while his bow whisked across the strings. “How wonderful!” Miram said. “I love the fiddle!”
Plates were quickly cleared away and stacked. People gathered around the musician. His bow hummed one tune after another. Onlookers clapped, and those who knew the words, sang. Wearing a smile, the man kept playing—songs such as “Ain't She Sweet,” “Happy Days Are Here Again,” and “I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover.” The clapping and singing grew more exuberant. Some people danced.
The fiddler took a short break, guzzled a glass of cider, then returned to playing. This time the bow hummed a slow, soft melody. Two men joined the fiddler. One had a bass and the other a saxophone. People quieted, some swayed to the music “With a Song in My Heart.”
Several couples moved to the middle of the room where they could dance. “I guess we ought to get out of the way,” Celeste said, walking to the wall. Laurel and Miram followed. The three stood and watched the dancers. Celeste glanced at Robert, who now stood off a way. “I wish he would ask me to dance,” she whispered to Laurel.
Ed Ketchum stepped up to Miram. Laurel barely recognized him. His unruly hair had been slicked down, and instead of ragged clothing, he wore a suit. He was clean and smelled of aftershave. Beads of sweat glistened on his upper lip. “Would you like to dance?”
Miram's face lit up, and she held out a gloved hand. “Why, I'd love to.” She cast a coy smile at Celeste and Laurel, then walked with Ed to the dance floor.
“Isn't that something?” Celeste said. “I'd never guess—those two.”
Adam joined Celeste and Laurel. “Looks like Ed cleaned up for the festivities,” he said with a grin.
Laurel nodded. “He looks better than I thought he could, almost like a gentleman.”
“Laurel,” Robert said from behind her. She turned and faced him. “Would you like to dance?”
Laurel couldn't refuse without embarrassing him. Besides, she liked dancing. “Of course. I'd love to.”
He smiled, took her elbow, and guided her onto the dance floor. The music stirred something inside Laurel, and she found herself enjoying the feeling of being escorted by Robert. Tall and handsome, he was a better-than-average partner. She could do worse. He held her close, but not too close, and Laurel was surprised at his confidence and skill.
They didn't speak, and Laurel wondered if they ought to be chatting. Other couples were. Oddly, she couldn't think of anything to say. She caught sight of Celeste and Adam dancing on the other side of the room. Celeste was smiling and talking. Adam laughed. Laurel felt a pang of jealousy.
The song ended, and Robert escorted her back to where she'd been standing. “Thank you,” he said politely.
“Thank you. You're a very good dancer.”
“Would you like something to drink?”
“Yes. That sounds good.”
“There's punch on the table. I'll get us some.” Robert walked away.
“I'm in the Mood for Love” resonated from the musical trio. Laurel leaned against the wall, swaying slightly.
Adam joined her. “That's a nice piece of music.”
Laurel nodded.
“Would you like to dance?”
She didn't know how to answer. For some reason the idea of being in Adam's arms frightened her. He held out his hand. Without a word, Laurel placed hers in his. He led her to the dance floor, placed his arm around her waist, and pulled her close.
“You're tense,” he said. “Relax.”
