Mail Order Victoria

by Caroline Clemmons

  Sid helped her move one nearly empty trunk to the nursery. Regina’s clothes took up less room than her diapers. Victoria had seen no point in bringing all of her daughter’s clothes because the girl was growing rapidly. The few toys and books she’d included could be shared with Hattie and Martha.

  Cindy stayed in her room reading or playing on her own. When the trunk contents were distributed, Victoria rapped on Cindy’s door.

  When there was no answer, she opened the door and peeked in.

  Cindy leaned against pillows stacked against the headboard with her new book open on her lap. She snapped, “What do you want?”

  Pretending the girl had been hospitable, Victoria strolled inside. “I want to see your room. I’ve seen the other rooms in the house.”

  The girl made a broad, sweeping gesture. “Here it is, are you satisfied?”

  “Not yet.” Victoria ambled around the room. “You have it decorated neatly. The colors coordinate well.” Though nothing clashed, if she had been truthful she found the riotous shades of pink were almost cloying.

  “My real mother let me help choose them.”

  “Of course, you needed to select them.” She walked to a shelf. “You have a lovely doll collection. Do you play with them or just admire them?”

  Cindy flicked her hair so it fell behind her shoulders. “I’m really too old to play dolls.”

  “Not if you want to. I think I played with dolls until I turned thirteen.”

  A slight flicker of interest in Cindy’s eyes encouraged Victoria. “Does your mother still have them saved for you?”

  Memories of her mother created yearning in Victoria. If only her mother were still alive to advise and love her. “I wish she had but she gave them away to the daughters of friends. I would have liked to have handed them down.”

  “You should tell her in case the friends aren’t playing with them now.”

  “If only I could I would love to talk to her, but she died two years ago. My father, too.”

  Ah, open interest this time. “So you’re an orphan?”

  “Regina is my only blood relative. I’m really happy to have your family now. Even though I had some nice friends, I admit I was lonely in Atlanta.”

  Victoria sighed. “Thank you for letting me look at your room.”

  Cindy sat up and appeared alarmed. “I heard you tell Mattie you’d do something so the babies don’t wake her at night. You… you won’t move Mattie in here, will you?”

  “No, you probably heard me tell her that wouldn’t be fair. There’re too many years between you. You’re a young lady and Mattie is a little girl. You can still do little girl things when you choose, but Mattie can’t act your age.”

  Cindy almost smiled. At least Cindy had been civil at the end of the visit. Maybe the girl could be won over.

  Victoria left to go start supper. She set the meat in the oven and collected the vegetables she’d prepare to accompany the main course. She remembered she had to do laundry no later than tomorrow.

  Retracing her steps to Cindy’s room, she knocked before she entered even though the door was partly open.

  “Cindy, would you tell me where your mother set up to do laundry?”

  “She didn’t. Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Dixon come each Wednesday to do the laundry. We always strip the beds as soon as we get up on those days.”

  What a relief. “Music to my ears. I confess I’ve never done the washing other than my stockings, gloves, and handkerchiefs. But, I thought it was customary to do the laundry on Mondays.”

  The girl shrugged. “They go to a different ranch every weekday and our turn is tomorrow. They wash the ranch hands’ clothes. too. It takes them all day to get everything laundered and dried and ironed.”

  “I’m surprised they get the clothes dry and ironed in one day.”

  “In the winter they have a hard time getting everything dried. They set up their racks in front of the fireplace and range. They’re grumpy women and I stay out of their way.”

  “I’d be grumpy, too, if I did laundry all day every day, wouldn’t you?”

  Cindy actually smiled. “I sure would. Looks hard and hot work.”

  Chapter Five

  That evening after the three ranch hands had gone to the bunkhouse and the children were in bed, Victoria and Greg sat in the parlor. She was happy they would have a little time alone each day. In spite of the fact it was early spring, the evening was cool and they had the fireplace blazing.

  She sat in an upholstered arm chair at a right angle to the fire. “Did training go well for the horses you and Miguel worked today?”

  Greg sat in a matching chair with a small table between them. “Very well. We round up and train mustangs for the Army. If cattle prices drop, we’ll have the horse sales to sustain us. At least, that’s our plan.”

  “That sounds like a good strategy. Tell me about your family. You said you have a lot of kin. Do they live nearby?”

  “Some do. My parents have moved into Austin now. My oldest brother, Daniel, runs the ranch where I grew up. He and his wife Mary have four children. My brother Rob and his wife Dorcas live about ten miles north of us and have three children. My older sister, Beth, and her husband Jim are in Austin and they have two children. Jim is in politics. A younger sister, Anne, lives with my parents. She’s engaged but they haven’t set a date for the wedding.”

  “So you have the same number of children as your parents have.”

  “Until Regina. They’ll be eager to meet you and their new granddaughter.”

  That pleased her. She had always wished she had a large family. “I’m surprised Anne didn’t come help you being as she’s single.”

  “She offered. I couldn’t ask her because I know she wanted to be where her fiancé is. He wasn’t her fiancé then, but we all thought he would be soon.”

  “Are there no women in Ordinary or New Braunfels you could have enlisted to help?”

  “There are two who have made pests of themselves.”

  He grimaced. “I didn’t mean to be so harsh. Melba Dean and Nora Adams attend church in Ordinary. Mrs. Dean is a widow and Miss Adams a spinster. They bring pies or cakes and hint they’re available permanently.”

  “I guess eligible men of your caliber are hard to find.”

  He laughed. “Whatever my caliber is I’m glad your presence will stop that line of thinking. What about you? Weren’t there any eligible men in Atlanta?”

  “I’m sure there are but Atlanta is still part of the old South with long-held traditions. If I’d stayed in Atlanta, I would have had to wear black for a year and remain at home except for church and small gatherings. The second year I could wear gray as well. Three years after my husband’s passing, I could wear lavender and could remarry and still be considered respectable.”

  She sighed and met his gaze. “Within the week I left, though, my in-laws would have found a judge they could buy and he would name them as Regina’s guardians. Later they would create some sort of false tale or arrange some situation that made me look of low morals and get me barred from seeing my daughter.”

  “What a bunch of skullduggery that would have been. I’m glad Regina is protected from them. Lucky for me you chose to come here.”

  “You’re kind to say so, Greg. I hope we’ll be happy together.” She grinned. “Even if you didn’t figure on me having a baby.”

  He affected a hang dog expression but his blue eyes twinkled. “You’re never gonna let me live that one down, are you?”

  She laughed. “Probably not.”

  He stood, banked the fire, and set the screen in front of it. “Let’s go to bed.” He reached for her hand.

  On Thursday, Victoria was preparing a large roast for the oven when she heard buggy wheels. She set the meat in the oven then rinsed her hands and dried them. She smoothed her hair from her face.

  Sid and Frankie ran inside from the porch.

  Sid ran up to her. “Here comes that Miss Adams.”

  The n
ame sounded familiar but Victoria couldn’t remember why.

  Cindy rolled her eyes. “Uh oh, she’s going to be upset.”

  Mattie jumped up from where she played with the two younger girls in a corner of the kitchen. “Maybe she brought us a cake.”

  “Mattie, Sid, wait. Remember your manners.”

  In spite of her caution, Sid slipped outside.

  Victoria went to the door to greet the visitor. She recalled now that Greg had mentioned this woman as one of those who wanted to marry him.

  A singsong feminine voice asked, “Hello, Sidney. Is your father at home?”

  “No, Ma’am.”

  Victoria opened the door. “Won’t you come in?”

  The woman’s steps faltered. She carried a covered plate in her hands. “Wh-Who are you?”

  Apparently she recovered. “I mean… I’m Nora Adams. I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “I’m Victoria. How nice of you to call.” She accepted the plate, which held a cake covered by a towel.

  She set the cake on the table. “Would you care for a cup of coffee or do you prefer tea?”

  Miss Adams’ face was a picture of confusion. “Coffee would be nice.” She took a seat. “Are you related to Mr. Hardy?”

  “Yes—”

  Before she could say more, Mattie ran up and tugged at her skirt. “Mama, can I have some cake?”

  “Not now, Mattie. Go play with your sisters, dear.”

  Miss Adams squeaked, “Mama? Why did she call you that?”

  Cindy watched with an amused expression.

  “Mr. Hardy and I were married in New Braunfels on Monday.” She poured a cup of coffee and set it in front of the visitor. “Would you care for a dish of cobbler?”

  Ignoring the offer, Miss Adams spluttered, “He… He married you? But why? I mean, how does he even know you?” She took a sip from her cup.

  Victoria didn’t want to be rude but she understood why Greg disliked having this woman drop in. “That’s not important, Miss Adams. My husband is working on the range. Would you care to stay for supper? You can talk to him then.”

  “I-I can’t be gone that long. I just came to bring that cake for your supper.” She looked around the room. “Oh, who’s the little red-headed girl?”

  “That’s Regina. She’s my daughter, well, now Greg’s and mine.”

  “Yours? Good heavens, that makes six. It’s a good thing Cindy takes care of the children or you’d be swamped.”

  Cindy smiled. “Oh, I don’t take care of them now. If you’ll excuse me, Miss Adams, I’ll go to my room and read the book they brought me from New Braunfels.” She flounced off toward the hall.

  Miss Adams’ eyes widened. “You take care of six children and the house?”

  “Of course. That’s my job. Cindy’s job is to be a twelve-year-old girl.”

  “Is Mr. Hardy going to hire someone to help you?”

  “I don’t think he has any plans to but I don’t need anyone. The older children have chores. Sid and Frankie milk the cow, Cindy gathers the eggs, and Cindy and Sid do the supper dishes. Oh, and two women come to do the laundry once a week. That’s really a lot of help, don’t you agree?”

  “Not with the size of this house and six children and three ranch hands. The meals alone are a full-time job.” Miss Adams took a sip of coffee then blotted her lips with her napkin. “Meeting you has been lovely but I really must get home. So much to do, you know. My mother depends on me.”

  “How nice for her that she has your help. I’ll tell my husband you visited. Perhaps we’ll see you when we’re able to attend church.”

  “Without a doubt because mother and I go every Sunday.”

  When she’d gone, Cindy practically danced into the kitchen. “The look on her face was worth a lot. She has always treated me like a servant.”

  At the window, Victoria watched Miss Adams driving toward town. “From what she said I believe she thought of you that way. I hope her cake is better than her manners.” She turned back to finish her meal preparations.

  Cindy shook her head. “It won’t be. She’s not a good cook even though she thinks she is. If he had to marry, I’m sure glad Papa didn’t marry that old biddy.”

  “Be respectful, Cindy. You don’t know what is going on in Miss Adams’ life that causes her to act the way she does.”

  “I don’t care as long as she doesn’t live here.” She went toward her room.

  Victoria mulled over her eldest daughter’s comment. Didn’t Cindy realize she would be in charge of the children’s care without Greg marrying? Apparently not.

  That evening when they were alone, Victoria sat mending clothes.

  Her husband held the newspaper but watched her. “Don’t you ever just relax? Read a book? Do nothing?”

  “I love to read and will when I get used to the schedule, Greg. Apparently little boys are hard on their clothes. These still fit but the shirts are missing buttons and pants have holes at the knees.”

  He leaned back in his chair. “Ahhh, sure is nice to come home to dinner and a happy household. I know Cindy is still a little standoffish, but I’m sure she’ll come around eventually. She’ll see how beneficial you are for our lives.”

  Her hands stilled. “You have no idea how good those lovely words make me feel. I-It’s been two years—that’s when my parents died—since I’ve heard anything positive. Oh, friends said nice things but those were casual remarks not something I lived with daily. The Baileys, including Paul, never said anything complimentary. Like water on a stone, they were wearing me down inside.”

  “You’re appreciated here. Put all that behind you.”

  “I’m trying, Greg. Your children are wonderful—even Cindy. I know she’ll learn I’m not in competition with her for anything. In the meantime, we’re getting along fine. I’m very pleased with them.”

  He reached over and took her hand. “What about their father? Are you pleased with me?” He leaned over to kiss her palm.

  Her breath caught in her throat. “How could I not be? You’re a good father and husband. I feel very fortunate. You could have been a drunken, wife-beating lout. I didn’t think you would be because you sent a letter from your minister. I didn’t see it but your letter to the matchmaker was nice even though it lacked a few important details.”

  His lovely blue eyes sparkled in the lamplight. “You mean five very pertinent details?”

  She smiled at him. “I wasn’t going to mention it again, but yes. Also, you were generous with the money you sent for my fare. Mrs. McCormick said many prospective grooms don’t include enough for meals or other expenses.”

  He frowned slightly. “That seems wrong. Do they think their bride will hibernate on the trip?”

  “I suspect they don’t think. You see the difference? You considered what I would need and provided enough for me. That showed me you were thoughtful and generous.”

  “Thank you. I was desperate but not totally unconscious. I’m lucky you’re the one who answered my request. Do you have concerns other than Cindy?”

  “Mattie needs her own room. The babies wake her. She said she never gets to sleep like she used to before Hattie came.”

  “Aw, she’d be afraid by herself and go right back in there with Hattie and Regina. She can stick it out for now. Soon they’ll quit crying as much. Hattie is much better now that she has Regina to amuse her.”

  “Greg, I really believe this is a mistake. She shouldn’t be waked every night by the other two.”

  “You want her in with Cindy?”

  “No, definitely not. There’re too many years difference between them.”

  “Then leave things alone for a while.”

  She leaped to her feet and faced her husband. “Greg, why did you ask me if I had concerns if you were going to brush me aside? You aren’t thinking of Mattie’s peace of mind.”

  He stood and tapped his chest. “She’s my daughter and of course I’m considering her needs. She doesn’t need her own
room.”

  “She’s our daughter and she does.” She turned and went to their bedroom.

  He followed and closed the door behind him. “Don’t walk out on me when we’re having a conversation.”

  “Conversation? I thought it was an argument at a stalemate.”

  “I told you that red hair meant a temper. Let’s talk this through.”

  She started to raise her voice then remembered the children in the adjoining room and that across the hall. “My hair color has nothing to do with facts. We have different opinions of what our little girl needs. Each of us thinks the other is wrong. It’s infuriating and disturbing but I don’t know how to change that.”

  He took her by the shoulders. “We have to remember one important thing. My parents said a couple should never go to bed angry. They hammered that into my head and I believe it’s the truth. We have to extinguish your anger now before we go to bed.”

  She pushed against his chest with her hands. “I can’t help being angry that you dismissed Mattie’s needs so easily.”

  He pulled her close again. “Not easily, Victoria, and I’m sorry if that’s how it seemed. If Mattie gets her own room, I think she’ll be too scared to sleep alone. Whether she is or not, then Sid and Frankie will want their own room. There we are with no spare bedrooms and two girls still sharing. One day they’ll want their own rooms because their brothers and sisters have them. Right now, I want to leave things as they are.”

  She laid her head on his broad chest and looped her arms around his trim waist. She had trouble holding anger against him. “All right, I see your reasoning process. I still think you’re wrong about Mattie but I’m not angry now. I guess you’re not ignoring her needs but considering the future. We simply have different opinions.”

  He pulled her tighter into his embrace. “Thank you. You know I love our children and want what’s best for them. I want what’s best for you, too.”

  The last ounce of fight left her. “What about you? What’s best for you?”

  “I suspect you are. You being here has made me happy.”