Antoinette smiled awkwardly. “It's not perfect...they all turn out different.” She glanced down at the pie crust she'd created, thinking it had turned out rather perfect though not daring to admit it given the mood Antonia was presently in.
“Antonia...” said Diana soothingly, resting a floury hand on her friend's shoulder. “It takes practice.”
“Dee – I've been practising!”
Diana glanced down at the mess of dough and flour she'd made on the counter.
“It's hopeless! I'm just grateful I don't have to cook for Isaac's mother – Lord what a failure I'd be.”
“Antonia...you're being too hard on yourself.”
Antonia shook her head. “Annie...I'm not the world's greatest cook – in case you haven't noticed. I mean...look at Dee's...hers is perfect too.” All eyes turned to look at Diana's pie crust, pressed expertly into the pan, awaiting its filling. “Now why can't I do that?” Antonia moaned.
“Look,” said Diana, pushing Antonia out of the way, “I'm going to show you how to do it. We're going to start from the top and just follow my lead. Now here, first fetch that ball of dough...”
HENRI
Thursday afternoon. Outside Irving's Supply.
“Hey, Henri.”
“Afternoon, Mr. Irving.”
“Just about time for seeding, eh?”
Henri nodded. “I'll be doing that next week.”
“Glad to hear it. Have you got your seed? Isaac was by earlier today to get his.”
“That's why I'm here. Word around town is that you've got the best deal on wheat this year. I've got some stored away – but not nearly enough to plant a full crop. Thought I'd buy a few bags.”
The old man smiled. “I'm happy to oblige. What do you want? I've got Garnet...Marquis...Red Fife...”
“I've got some Garnet stored up from last year already...so I'd better go with that...as much as I like the Red Fife.”
“I know a few farmers who plant both,” said Mr. Irving hopefully.
Henri shook his head. “I don't want my crops mixing...did you hear about how the Helgason's used to do that? Until the Pool got wise and stopped buying from them.”
Mr. Irving nodded. “I did hear about that...I suppose it's not a very good idea...so how many bags of Garnet you want?”
Henri looked past Mr. Irving at the piles of bags, all filled with seed and waiting to be purchased by farmers. “How about ten for now...I might need a few more. I'll know better next week...once I start seeding.”
“Fine by me. Do you want me to add that to your tab or...?”
Henri shook his head. He had money. “I'll pay.”
Mr. Irving smiled. There weren't many who could afford to pay before seeding. “Well, that's just dandy. Here, I'll give you a hand loading that truck of yours. Gosh, that must make it easy hauling loads around.”
Henri beamed, as happy as ever with his sturdy Model T. “It sure does.”
* * *
Thursday evening. Supper at Isaac and Antonia's. Henri and Diana, Isaac and Antonia, Godfrey and Antoinette, and Leopold are present.
“Well, see, I already have that Garnet seed saved from last year,” said Henri, ripping off half of a dinner roll and allowing it to soak up the butter on his plate. “That's why I didn't get any Red Fife.”
Isaac nodded as he took another forkful of potatoes. “Makes sense...but you've really got to get on that Red Fife. You won't find a hardier crop.”
Leo grunted as he took a swig from his wine glass. “It doesn't matter. You need to pick the cheapest one and that's it. The difference in price – between what Red Fife fetches and Marquis and Garnet – it doesn't matter – it's close enough.”
“Not really, Leo,” said Henri somewhat impatiently – did Leo have to disagree with everything? - “last year Red Fife fetched almost ten cents more a bushel.”
“Ten cents, no cents, don't make no difference,” said Leo, spooning potatoes into his mouth without pausing, “get the crop in and get it out. Crop in, crop out. So long as you plant, don't matter what kind you choose.” He chased the potatoes with a spoonful of tourtière. “The markets always want wheat.”
Henri looked to Godfrey and Isaac for help, but they avoided his eyes, neither wanting to get involved into a protracted argument with their quarrelsome brother.
“Okay boys!” Antonia interjected, smiling sweetly, “I think we've talked enough about wheat tonight...Lord knows you all spend enough time discussing that kind of thing anyways...how about something else?”
Isaac looked at his wife. “Like what?”
Antonia gave a sly smile. “Like...Antoinette and Godfrey...” She cast a flirtatious eye toward her two friends.
“Oh, come now Antonia,” said Isaac with a shake of his head, “Henri doesn't want to talk about his sister's love life. And frankly, I don't want to hear about my brother's either. So let's just leave it at that, shall we?”
Antonia seemed hurt by her husband's remarks, but nonetheless mustered a smile. “Well you choose a topic then – but no more wheat talk!”
Diana and Antoinette hid their smiles as they all resumed eating.
“How about that Ryerson fellow,” suggested Henri. “Word around town is he's recruiting women to take back to Toronto with him so he can get them into the picture business.”
Diana choked on her water.
“Are you alright, Dee?” asked Antonia with obvious concern.
“Yes, yes I'm fine,” said Diana quickly, not liking that everyone was suddenly looking at her.
Antonia watched her closely. “Are you sure?”
Diana smiled to be assuring. “Yes. I'm sure.”
Antonia looked relieved. “Good...because I sure don't want my star tourtière maker to choke at my supper table!”
Diana laughed as she dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. “I'll try not to.”
“It's strange how Eddie's such a...I don't know what to call him,” Henri laughed, taking a sip from his wine glass. “But his dad's a good man and he turned out...well...not quite the same...I tell you what, he'd better stay the hell away from you three,” he finished, pointing with his fork toward the three women at the table.
“He already tried to get sweet with our Annie,” said Antonia, her eyes fixed on Antoinette. “And she didn't seem to mind either,” she added with a teasing smile. “You'd better watch this one, Godfrey.”
“How can you say that?” Diana demanded angrily. “Annie would never associate with the likes of Eddie Ryerson. He may have money, but he's a womanizing drunk!”
Antoinette cleared her throat uncomfortably as she picked at the salad on her plate.
Leo, meanwhile, listened to the conversation with only mild interest, offering no commentary and instead helping himself to another plate of food.
“You see, that's why us girls have to be careful out there,” said Antonia. “It's a man's world – and thank goodness we've got you,” she looked her husband and the other three young men seated beside him, “or else Lord knows what might happen.”
Godfrey nodded as though he agreed whole-heartedly and looked at Antoinette. “Has he talked to you again, Annie?”
Diana coughed and took another drink of water.
Antoinette shook her head. She hated lying, but the truth would make things so much worse. “No...haven't even seen him since the dance.””
“Well that's a relief.” Godfrey looked at Diana. “You'll tell me if he tries to get sweet with her, right? And you too,” he said, turning to Antonia. “Guys like Eddie Ryerson...they see a nice girl like Antoinette and...well, let's just say I don't like the kinds of ideas they get.”
Isaac needled him with his elbow, a broad grin etched on his face. “And you're so different?”
Godfrey's head whipped around. “You're damn right I am.”
“Godfrey!” said Antonia hotly. “And Isaac – you should know better than to egg him on like that.”
Leo seemed to find the exchange hu
morous and he chuckled as he dug into his tourtière and potatoes.
“There's nothing funny about this, Leo.”
He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Don't mind me.”
“How does everyone like the tourtière?” asked Diana in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
“Mmm. It's excellent.”
“Very good.”
“Best I've had.”
“Diana made them,” Antonia blurted. “Lord knows I couldn't...”
“Hey! That's not true, Antonia,” said Diana, placing a hand on her friend's arm. “You practically did these yourself...I just...fixed them...was all.”
“Ha! Is that what you call making the entire thing for me!”
Diana looked almost offended. “I did not make the entire thing for you – I only helped you.”
“Of course, yes,” said Antonia, waving a hand in her direction as she buried her face in her wine glass. “Thank you. You and Annie were great helpers.” She cast a smile towards Antoinette. “Thanks, dear.”
“It was no trouble.”
Antonia switched her attention to Godfrey. “You be good to this one, Godfrey. She's a damn fine cook and I'll bet she can keep a good home too.”
Godfrey smiled and placed his hand over Antoinette's. “I'll do my best.”
GODFREY
Friday. Tenth Street Cafe. Godfrey and Leo are getting lunch.
“Oh, don't even start with me on that boy, Eldon,” Hector growled as he poured the old man a cup of coffee. “As though it wasn't bad enough – what with his money talk all the time and how I should invest in this mining company and that – now he won't shut up about this ladies' talent agency he's scheming to hatch. I've had more angry parents through here this week than I have since I opened the place! Mothers and fathers stormin' in and yellin' at me because Eddie propositioned their daughter or did this, that, and the other thing...gosh darn it, I tell ya...Godfrey.”
Godfrey tipped his hat as he and Leo entered the cafe and slid into one of the booths.
“Coffee for you boys?” Hector held up the coffee pot.
“One for me,” Leo answered gruffly. “I don't know what he's having.” He motioned to Godfrey.
“I'll have a coffee too, thanks.”
Hector nodded and returned behind the counter. “Yep,” he sighed, “kids these days, Eldon.”
“Oh, you don't have to tell me,” the old man began. “ Why our John used to be a saint and then he moved to Edmonton and got in with a tough crowd and now they've been up to all sorts...”
Hector nodded and came back around the counter with a fresh pot of coffee in hand. “Guess we're in the same boat then.” He reached Leo and Godfrey's booth and started to pour their coffee. “Not sure how to fix it.” He looked at the two Leduc brothers. “You two turned out alright – what'd your parents do?”
Leo's face hardened while Godfrey cracked a smile.
Hector raised his arms. “What?”
“They didn't do anything special...” said Godfrey.
“Well you twos turned out alright – and I mean that.”
“Tell them that,” said Godfrey with a laugh.
The door tinkled in that moment and Eddie Ryerson entered the cafe. Godfrey's head jerked up and his eyes followed the young man, dressed handsomely as always, as he made his way toward the counter.
“You've got a lot of nerve comin' in here boy,” Hector snarled, turning and heading for the counter.
“Don't worry, pops, I'll only be here a minute. Forgot my jacket.”
They all watched as Eddie made his way around the counter and headed into the little room at the back.
“Well, hurry up and get out. You're not welcome here.”
Godfrey looked at Leo to see what he thought of the situation unfolding, but as usual, the elder Leduc brother couldn't have been less interested, instead focusing on his cup of coffee.
“Mom's sorry to see me leaving so soon,” said Eddie, emerging from the room, a jacket draped over one arm. “She said it's not right that me and you are having this disagreement.”
“Leave your mother out of this!” Hector growled, slamming a fist against the counter top so hard that several coffee mugs rattled in their saucers.
“Good bye, father. I'll be catching the train this evening to Edmonton. I won't be back until at least next year.”
Hector waved a hand and turned away, leaning against the counter. The four patrons seated at the counter – Eldon, Edna and two others, buried their noses in their newspapers, not resurfacing until Eddie had gone and the door had shut behind him.
“Well that was a scene,” Godfrey whispered.
Leo nodded and scratched the stubble on his face with the back of his hand. “Seems like an arrogant little sot. Just another tete-carre who got too big for his breeches.”
“I'm sorry everyone,” said Hector, glancing around the coffee shop, “...sorry you had to watch that.”
Edna waved a hand. “Oh, don't apologize for that boy, Hec. It's him should be apologizin'.”
“Here, here,” said Eldon.
Hector sighed. “Sure but I don't like to bring my home into my coffee shop...I don't like that one but...thank goodness he's leavin'.”
Godfrey couldn't disagree.
* * *
Friday. A short time later. Downtown Wainwright. Tenth Street. Diana and Antoinette have come to meet Godfrey and Leo.
“We wouldn't be late, Annie, if you'd not spent so much time on your hair!” Diana scolded. “Honestly, the time you spend in front of the mirror these days...”
Antoinette blushed. “Dee, I just want to look my best...for Godfrey.”
Diana rounded on her. “Godfrey adores you. He worships the ground you walk on, Annie! He doesn't care if you've got makeup on or your hair's all done up!”
Antoinette didn't answer.
“He loves you, Annie. Seriously. You should just be grateful you've got a fella like that who isn't all hung up on how you look. I mean, you're pretty...and so I just don't understand why all of a sudden - ”
“Dee, let's just leave it there, eh? I don't want to get into an argument...I'll spend less time in front of the mirror...”
Diana nodded. She knew her sister-in-law well enough now to know that this was one time when you didn't press a matter. As accommodating and gentle as she was, Antoinette could argue with the best of them when she wanted to. “Fair enough.”
The two young women walked side by side along the boardwalk, their shoes padding softly along and taking on the copper coloured dust churned up from the road.
“Well, now, if it isn't Antoinette. The pride of Wainwright and the girl who should already be well established in show business.”
They stopped and turned to see Eddie leaning against the General Store, a cigarette in one hand and a suitcase in the other.
“Don't talk to him,” Antoinette hissed in Diana's ear. She'd sworn to herself she'd be more firm with him – especially after his forwardness at Hattie's - well, now was her chance. She'd just ignore him.
“Hey, hey, now. Antoinette.” Eddie set down his suitcase and exhaled a cloud of smoke as he stepped towards them. “That's no way to treat your future agent. I was the first to notice you...”
“Godfrey was the first to notice me, actually,” said Antoinette flatly, “and that's why we're together.”
For once Diana stayed silent and let Antoinette do the talking.
Thank goodness she's in one of her moods...
“So you can just leave us alone.”
Eddie smirked and shook his head as though he was having trouble believing what he was hearing. “Godfrey this and Godfrey that – he's like a...like a god! And what did he do? Did he win the war for us? Did he discover electricity? Why in the hell is Godfrey the best thing since the telegraph!?”
“Because he has a good heart,” said Antoinette quietly.
Eddie laughed. “He has a good heart? That's a lark, babe! I'll tell you what
, dear Antoinette.” He flicked his cigarette to the boardwalk and got right in her face - so close so that she could smell the stink of tobacco on his breath. “Godfrey's a fella like any other and I reckon he's seen in you...” he paused to let his eyes wander over her figure, “what I have.”
“You pig!”
Eddie let out another laugh. “Here's what I think. You want to know what I think? Godfrey and I will have a go at it. Just like in the wild – since we're all just a bunch of animals anyways. Me versus him. Man to man...” he spat. “And then we'll see who's worthy of all the damned affection!”
Antoinette recoiled. Eddie was suddenly a frothing, fierce beast. A caged animal who'd gotten loose and was suddenly ready to destroy. And Godfrey was his target.
“Well, I'm sorry,” she said quickly, “but he's not in town today.” It was a bold faced lie – and she knew ever as she said it that he probably wouldn't believe her.
The young man gave a sly smile. “Five bucks says you're lying, sweetheart.”
“She's not,” said Diana, thrusting her face towards his. She wasn't afraid of him. “He went to Vegreville to see about a horse.”
Eddie chuckled softly and ran a hand through his hair. “He went to Vegreville to see about a horse...” he repeated with disdain. “Well, we'll see about that, hey babe?” He rolled up his sleeves and without another word, took off up the boardwalk, headed for the cafe.
“Where's he going?” Antoinette was panicking now.
Diana gave her a worried look. “To find Godfrey.”
“Hurry then! We have to warn him!”
The two girls sped up the boardwalk in hot pursuit of Eddie Ryerson who had already gained a considerable advantage.
“HE'S NOT HERE!” cried Antoinette, hoping Eddie would stop and turn around. Give up and go home.
But Eddie didn't answer, and instead broke into a trot, pushing people aside as he hurried up the boardwalk.
“Oh, Dee!” cried Antoinette.
“Don't worry – it'll be alright.”
“But what if it isn't!? What if Godfrey gets hurt!?”
Up ahead they saw Eddie skid to a stop in front of the cafe and without even a glance back at them, he pulled open the door and disappeared inside...
* * *
Inside the Tenth Street Cafe.
“I'll drain that slough tomorrow,” Godfrey insisted.