Free Wild Kat by K.S. Martin Page B

would like my share of it.”
    “What
share?  If I make it after Thomas grows the corn, what share is yours?”
    “It
is our father’s business.  I think I should be entitled to some of it.”
    “I
am surprised you have not cleaned his account out.”  Kat snapped at her.
    “I
was going to mention it next.  I would like to make a trip to the bank for my
half.”
    “We
will go Monday.”  Kat conceded.
    “The
business?”  Julie pushed again.
    “If
you can get it out of the cellar you are welcome to it.”  Kat offered.
    “That
is hardly fair Kathleen.”  Julie got louder.  Emily whimpered at her mother’s
raised voice.
    “I
think it is plenty fair.”  She threw her wash water out the window.  “Why
should I do all of that work?  I have enough money to live on the rest of my
life.”
    “It
is always nice to have more.”  She smoothed Emily’s hair.
    “Just
how much of a share do you want Julie?”  Kat’s stomach turned while she argued
with her sister, it always had.
    “I
think at least a quarter of what you make, would be fair.”  Julie made faces at
the baby suckling her breast.
    “Fine. 
If I decide to start the business again, I will send the money.”
    “Have
you told Thomas about it?”  She goaded her sister.
    “He
knows.  He does not know where it is, or where the recipe is hidden and I hope
you will keep it to yourself.”
    “Why? 
Are you afraid he will not marry you if he has his own money?”  ‘You dirty little
heathen.’ Kat’s mind finished.
    “No,
he says he loves me and he needs me.”
    “They
all say that you silly girl.”  Kat sighed heavily and slammed the porch door on
her way out.
     
    Kat
found Thomas was gathering eggs in the hen house.  “I just gave Julie Papa’s
business and his bankbook.  She will be leaving soon.  She said they have
fallen on hard times.
    “I
wish you had not done that.”  He glanced at her, his eyes soft.
    “Why?” 
Tears stung her eyes.  He reached under a chicken for an egg.
    “She
is lying to you.  Doug says he is very successful and half of it was certainly
yours.  You were just as much his daughter as Julie.”
    “So
you do not wish to marry me now?”  She held a sob back.
    “I
did not say that Kathleen.  I still love you and I still need you.  Money cannot
change my feelings.  The vows say for richer or poorer.”  He turned to hand her
his basket.  “What’s wrong?” He saw she was about to cry. “Was she mean to
you?”
    “Always.” 
Thomas hugged Kat tightly. His lips brushed her forehead.
    “She
and Doug will be leaving shortly and things will return to normal.”
     
    Sunday
morning dawned bright and warm.  Kat was in a good mood.  Julie left with Doug
to visit his parents and she and Thomas were alone again.  If the preacher had
time, they would be married today.  She put a new dress on to wear to church. 
Thomas was coming down the stairs just as she started up to wake him.  
    “Are
you ready to go already?”
    “I
have been up for hours.  The chores are done and breakfast is on the table.”
    “Let’s
go.  I will eat on the way.”  Thomas put his eggs and a tomato slice on a
biscuit and followed her out to the wagon she had tied to the porch.  “You look
nice.  Is that a new dress?”  She nodded and smiled brightly at him.  “It was
hard to draw a deep breath with the tight corset around her mid-section.  She
would never understand why ladies bothered with such nonsense.  She adjusted
her hat and smoothed her hands down the bodice of the dress.
    Thomas’
knee bounced nervously throughout the service.  He was barely able to sit still. 
Kat chewed her thumbnail.  Julie watched them across the aisle.  She wondered
what was going on.  She sat with her in-laws and babies.  Doug stayed at home.
He claimed he did not feel well.  Julie had not been able to get him in a
church since their wedding day.
    Kat
worried over getting married.  Would she be a good wife