Pearl

by Hildie McQueen

  She motioned to the back room. “You’re taking a bath in a few moments. Will you still be glad?”

  “Yes Ma’am,” Charley said with assuredness. “I like taking baths.”

  “I didn’t know that,” Luke said to the boy whose eyes grew wide.

  He looked to Pearl. “Uncle Luke doesn’t warm up the water right.”

  For a quick moment she looked to him, her expression flat. “I’ll make sure it’s nice and hot for you. Come on, help me bring in water.”

  When his wife and nephew walked away, he was left to eat his breakfast alone. Luke had purposely stayed home that morning hoping to speak to Pearl. On the other side of the window, white blurs crossed sideways. The snow was falling heavily, and he had too much to do to remain inside.

  Pearl and Charley returned to the back room and they poured water into a pot to heat it up over the fire in the hearth.

  “Charley, go find clean clothes,” Luke instructed.

  When the boy scrambled up the stairs, he stood and walked to Pearl who’d walked into the front room and now stood in front of the fire warming her hands.

  “I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me. It’s almost Christmas and it would be nice to celebrate it as a family.”

  She sighed and nodded. “I have a lot of thinking to do. I would like to visit my friend Melva before it becomes impossible to travel.”

  That she’d not asked to leave, was something he drew hope from. At this point he’d do what he could to salvage things. “Yes, of course. We can go tomorrow.”

  At first, he wasn’t aware what she did, but then it was apparent that she was crying. Her face to the fire, tears trickled down her face and her shoulder shook. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered.

  Luke didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around Pearl, and she turned to him, pushing her face to his chest. When she clutched his shirt and sniffed loudly, Luke pressed his face to the top of her head. “I’m so sorry Pearl. Please don’t leave. I promise to be a good husband to you.”

  A sense of wanting to protect her from hurt filled Luke and he tightened his hold on her. “Don’t cry.”

  Charley stood at the top of the stairs, his eyes wide. When he pointed back toward his room, Luke nodded, and the astute boy turned and fled.

  “Tell me what to do to make things better. I can never apologize enough for deceiving you, but I did it with good intentions.”

  She was quiet, but thankfully didn’t push away. He wondered how long it had been since someone held her close. Her parents having passed away, she’d been alone for months.

  When she did move away, it was slowly, almost reluctantly.

  “Is our marriage even valid?” Lifting her apron, she wiped her reddened face with the hem. “What about your brother when he returns. I don’t know how to feel, what to think.”

  Luke hated not being able to touch her in that moment. “If Owen returns, he will be angry. I’ll have to deal with him about this. I am at fault, so he will have every right to be mad.”

  As if recalling Charley, she looked up to the stairs.

  “Our marriage is valid.” Luke left out the part that because they’d not consummated the marriage, it could easily be annulled. He wondered if Pearl was aware.

  “Charley,” she called. “Time for your bath.”

  Effectively their talk was over, she needed space and he understood. “Best get out there and help Butch,” Luke said not wanting to walk out without saying something to her. “You can send Charley for eggs or whatever you need.”

  She didn’t turn, so he walked out.

  When Luke walked out to the snowy day, he wondered how they’d celebrate Christmas. One thing was for sure, he’d better make things right or he’d lose his wife.

  Chapter 7

  Somehow Pearl was able to have an enjoyable day. Despite the situation, she washed and hung some of her clothes. With Charley’s help, they collected eggs and even managed to find some carrots and a cabbage that survived the cold weather. Once their chores were finished, she sat the boy down at the kitchen table for his lessons.

  According to the boy, he attended school in the spring and summer, but spent fall and winter at the farm. He complained about boredom, but then sprinkled in stories of going exploring with Jack, the dog.

  The boy was smart, but very behind in his study of mathematics and English. So, she gave him some exercises, to practice at the kitchen table, and went upstairs to make beds and sweep.

  Pearl hesitated before entering the room where Luke had been sleeping the last two nights, the bed was made, and a pair of boots placed just beneath. There was a folded shirt atop a trunk and a second one along with a pair of pants, placed on the bed. Those were dirty. He was a neat man. There was only light housework to be done around the house as everything was kept in its place. She took the dirty clothing as well as some cloths that had been hung on a peg to wash.

  Charley’s room was not as neat, but like his uncle, the boy had made his bed. There were a few wooden toys on the floor, which she picked up and placed on the windowsill. She opened all the windows to allow for fresh air and swept the room. Once all three rooms were swept, she went through the house and closed the windows.

  Just as she looked out of her window, she caught sight of Luke on horseback. He was pulling hay out for the cows and sat well in the saddle. For a long moment she watched as he worked. Taking the hay into the corral and then spreading it for the animals. Luke Reynolds was a hardworking man. From the way he’d treated her so far, seemed to be kind and respectful.

  That he’d not demanded his rights as a husband was a testimony to both his honor and the perhaps equal measures guilt.

  Without thinking Pearl turned to look at the bed. What would she do? Stay married and hoped he would not lie again? Was it possible to trust someone who’d began their marriage by deceit?

  If she asked her father, he would tell her that a man who lied once, would lie again and again. Pearl turned away. It would be helpful to speak with Melva. Even if her friend didn’t have an answer, she would guide her in the right direction.

  The next day the snow had stopped falling and thankfully the sun peeked out behind the clouds. It was still quite chilly, but it didn't deter Pearl from expecting to go visit Melva. She along with Charley and Jack piled into the back of the wagon where she’d placed warmed up bricks wrapped in blankets. Under thick furs, Charley nestled next to her, the dog on his other side as they made their way to where Melva worked as a governess.

  The one-hour ride turned out to be quite enjoyable. Luke ensured she would remember the way, telling her of the surroundings, not seeming to be too bothered by the cold.

  She’d placed a hot brick next to him on the bench to help, but she knew it wasn’t to keep him warm for the entire trip. At least in the back she and Charley were protected from the cold air.

  When they arrived at the large ranch, Melva was sent for by an austere ranch hand. Moments later her friend appeared and raced to her and immediately wrapped Pearl in a firm hug. “You kept your promise,” she said wiping away tears. “I am so glad you came. It’s so hard not to see and speak to you daily.”

  Melva ushered them to a small sitting room just inside the door and eyed Luke. When she looked to Pearl, it was obvious she had many questions.

  After introductions, Melva informed her that Mister Young was gone to town for business and the lady of the house had allowed her to entertain them.

  Melva peered out the window, “Is your dog fine there?”

  “He’s fine, he’ll stay in the wagon,” Luke replied.

  “We’ll send him a sausage in a bit. She motioned to a pair of chairs.

  “Charley and I can go outside and give you ladies time to talk,” Luke offered.

  Melva shook her head. “I have better idea. Why don’t you remain here? Pearl and I can go to the kitchen to get you something to eat.”

  Her cousin knew her well and probably suspected something was am
iss. However, by the way Melva’s face softened when speaking to Luke, it was obvious her friend found him pleasing. Not that she could blame her.

  By the time they’d served Charley and Luke something and returned to the kitchen, Pearl was more than ready to eat. At the same time, she had so much to tell Melva.

  “Start at the beginning,” Melva said in a low tone. “What did he do? Is he a bad man?”

  Pearl shook her head. “He seems to be a good man. Respectful, kind and very caring to his nephew.”

  “I thought it was his son,” Melva said with a perplexed expression.

  “That’s the problem,” Pearl said. “He is not the man I came here to marry.”

  “What?” Melva’s eyes bulged from her face. “Who is he then?”

  “The brother. He took his brother’s place because Owen, the man I was to marry, left after they got into a fight over his treatment of Charley.”

  Her cousin digested the information. “So you were to marry a man who beats his child? Looks to me like Luke saved you from a lot of heartache.”

  “I am not arguing that. What I do question is marrying a man who lied to me about who he really was. Right in front of the minister too.”

  “An absolutely enthralling situation,” a woman, who by her dress was wealthy, waltzed into the room. “Darling, I must know if I can help in any way.”

  “This is Mrs. Florence Young,” Melva said by way of introduction. “My employer.”

  The woman waved Melva’s introduction away and settled into a chair. “Call me Florence. And you must be speaking of Luke Reynolds, the handsome devil in my sitting room.”

  “Do you know him?” Pearl asked.

  “Why yes, since he and I were very young. I called myself enamored with him when I was fifteen or so. He must have been... Oh I don’t quite recall.”

  It was obvious the woman was at least five or six years older than she and Melva, which would make her about Luke’s age if not a bit older.

  “How old is Luke?” Melva asked the woman who frowned.

  “Thirty, my best guess. But never mind that, tell me what happened?” Florence leaned forward, her chin resting on her hands.

  Unsure what to say, Pearl looked to Melva.

  “Pearl came here as a mail order bride. She was to marry Owen Reynolds,” Melva spoke slowly as if the woman were a child. “Luke showed up and married her instead.”

  Pearl continued where Melva left off. “He told me his name, but I was overwhelmed and confused. I thought that perhaps he wished to be called by Luke and was informing me. I found out yesterday that he married me knowing I thought him to be Owen.”

  “Oh dear, how intriguing.” Florence didn’t seem at all taken aback by what Luke did.

  When Melva took her left hand, Pearl blinked back tears. “What are you doing to do?”

  “I don’t know. That’s why I came here. What should I do? He seems a good man, but what if he is a dishonest man.”

  “Oh no,” Florence interrupted. “That man out there is as honorable as they come.”

  “Why would you say that Mrs. Young?” Melva asked, for which Pearl was grateful.

  Florence tapped her chin and then counted out on one finger, and then the next. “He takes care of that boy each and every time Owen disappears. He has for years. When his parents moved away from Angel Creek, he took over the land, built it up alone. Then he built that beautiful ranch house while working with cattle and taking care of his nephew. Many a day, you’d see Luke ride into town and walk about with the young boy in tow, to buy food and such.”

  They were silent for a moment and Florence continued to plead her case. “If anyone deserves a good wife, someone to care for him, it’s Luke Reynolds.”

  Florence stood and fetched the kettle. She poured hot tea into three cups and Melva helped her set them on the table.

  Despite the strange situation of the woman interrupting her time with Melva, Pearl was glad for it. Through the woman, she’d get to know more about her new husband.

  “You must come here for Christmas. We will have a wonderful meal. Perhaps come the day before and stay for a few days,” Florence said.

  Pearl wasn’t sure if she’d still be married to Luke. Her mind went back and forth, making her dizzy.

  “I will consider it. You are kind to invite us.”

  “Well, we’re practically neighbors,” the woman said with a chuckle.

  When they reentered the sitting room, they were greeted by a picture Pearl would not forget. Luke sat on a chair, head lolled to the side, face slack in slumber.

  On the floor in front of the hearth, Charley was on his stomach, arm around Jack, both also asleep.

  Pearl was embarrassed that the boy had allowed the dog in without permission and was about to apologize, but Florence smiled at the scene before them.

  “Can’t leave the male species alone for long,” Florence quipped with a soft chuckle.

  At the words, Luke roused first and straightened in the chair.

  Moments later, they escorted a still sleepy Charley out to the wagon, who along with Jack, climbed up into the wagon.

  Thankfully they were given more warmed bricks since the day had become just a bit colder.

  Melva hugged Pearl tightly. “Whatever you decide, I will be here for you. I hope you decide to stay though.” She slid a look toward Luke. “He seems like a good man.”

  Instead of climbing into the back, she asked Luke to help her to sit on the bench beside him.

  Chapter 8

  As anxious as he was to ask his wife her decision, Luke couldn’t form the words. She was warmer to him, sliding looks in his direction a soft play on the sides of her mouth, which he took as a good sign.

  “It will be Christmas in a few days. If there’s anything you require, I can go to town and fetch it.”

  She pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. “I would like to make something special. I have money. I do wish for sugar, honey and molasses.”

  “That is a lot of sweet,” he replied.

  “Very necessary for baking,” she replied with a sigh. “Especially at Christmastime.”

  He nodded. “I agree.”

  “The Youngs have invited us to come for Christmas. What do you think?” She asked.

  He considered the ride there and back if the weather persisted on staying cold. If they decided to spend Christmas with the Youngs, it would be necessary to stay the night. It would leave Butch alone to care for the livestock back at the ranch.

  When he hesitated, she quickly added. “We don’t have to.”

  “It’s not that I don’t want to. I’m just considering the work that has to be done. I am not sure if Butch will be around, although he’s not said anything about plans for that day.”

  “I suppose you wish to know what I’ve decided,” Pearl said broaching the subject, he’d been wanting to ask about.

  He nodded. “I hope you decide to stay, but I’ll accept your decision either way and do my best to help you with whatever you need.”

  “No! You can’t leave,” Charley yelled and before they could react, he jumped from the back of the wagon and ran off. Thankfully Jack followed behind the boy.

  “Stay here, I’ll get him.” Luke pulled the horses to a stop and handed Pearl the reins. She took them, her wide eyes moving from him to the direction that Charley went.

  Luke raced in the direction Charley had gone.

  Slowing at seeing tracks, he followed the footsteps until finding the boy crouched next to a trees crying softly, his arms around Jack.

  “Charley, this is no way to act. Come on son, let’s go back to the wagon. It’ll be fine.”

  The boy shook his head. “It’s me isn’t it? She didn’t expect to find you with a boy.”

  Luke lowered down to look into Charley’s gaze. “This has nothing to do with you. It’s me she’s confused about. I promise you, whether it’s just the two of us or three, you will always have me.”

  Once again
Charley lowered his face, hiding it in Jack’s fur. “She’s gonna leave us.” He sniffed loudly breaking Luke’s heart. The boy had been through so much instability that he didn’t expect much from people.

  “Come on son. It will be fine. You’ll see.”

  He pulled the boy to stand, he wrapped an arm around his thin shoulders and lead a sulking child back to the wagon.

  Pearl climbed down as soon as she saw them and after grabbing a blanket wrapped it around the shivering boy and climbed to the back of the wagon with him. “You’re going to get sick, and then what will I do?” She asked Charley who didn’t look up.

  “Come here, let’s keep warm together.” When she opened her arms, Charley did not hesitate to move closer allowing the embrace. She looked to Luke. “We’ll be just fine back here.”

  The entire trip back, Pearl talked to Charley. She told him about the bakery she and her parents lived in, about her precocious cat, who’d died of old age. When she explained her awkwardness at a dance recital when ten and being asked to leave, Charley actually chuckled.

  Just as they neared the ranch, both fell silent.

  Luke looked over his shoulder to find that Charley had fallen asleep. “Thank you,” he said to Pearl. She nodded in response and kissed the slumbering boy’s hair.

  There was a large cloud of smoke in the direction of the ranch and Luke sat up straighter. Whatever it was, seemed bad. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled in fear. There was a huge fire, in the direction of the ranch.

  “Something’s on fire,” he said to Pearl and urged the horses to a quicker cantor. The closer they got the more his heart sank. Flames lapped up to the sky and although he was much too far to see well, it seemed the main house was the one burning. He prayed that the corrals and stable were far enough to not be affected.

  “Is it the house?” Pearl called back. “Oh, my goodness.” She hung over the side of the wagon looking toward the fire. “I think it is.”