by Danni Roan
Peri chuckled, following Olive toward the main living quarters. “I know that’s how it’s supposed to work,” she grinned, “but so far every time a new bride arrives and we have it all figured out with who to match her with, she ends up with someone else.”
Olive shot a knowing look back at Peri. “I’m afraid that’s true. Why I was sure your sister, Primrose, was perfect for Dan Gaines, but that didn’t go to plan at all.”
“Nor with Beth, or Ruth, either. Who would have thought that Mayor Dan carried a torch for Rosa?” Peri giggled.
“I sure didn’t see it. Have a seat,” Olive added headed for the tea kettle on the hob. “Did you come into town on your own today?”
“No, Jacks brought Mother and me.” Peri’s eyes twinkled at the mention of the two older people who seemed to have bonded over her mother’s ill health.
“How is your mother?” Olive continued getting a teapot from a shelf. “She was much improved the last time I saw her in church.”
“Mother’s doing well,” Peri admitted. “I thought she’d never get better after her stroke, but being here in Texas seems to agree with her.”
Olive scooped loose tea into the pot then poured the hot water over them, replacing the lid, as she turned to retrieve cups. “Is she still speaking?”
“It’s a struggle, but she gets her point across. She still hums a good deal, and Prim says she loves the rocking chair Bear made her. She sits, rocks, and hums.”
“I’ll go out and see her shortly,” Olive said, placing the tea things on the table. “First, let’s put our heads together about Amanda and what to do about her. She’s still rather upset about what happened.”
“Why ever for?” Peri asked. “From what I hear, Teddy was a perfect gentleman and even saved her from a fearsome beast. It’s not like she spent the night in a strange man’s bed,” she added with a blush.
“I haven’t pressed her too much,” Olive admitted pouring the tea and offering a cup to Peri. “Amanda seems a bit delicate if you ask me.”
“Delicate!” Peri’s blue eyes grew wide over the rim of her cup. “She isn’t sickly, is she?”
“I don’t think so.” Olive shook her head. “She doesn’t seem suited to life here in Texas, though. Perhaps if we could find her a quiet storekeeper, or someone with means who could coddle her a bit, she would be all right.”
Peri lowered her cup to the table, meeting Olive’s dark eyes. “You’d better send for her. I’d like to meet her, and we can do an interview. Maybe that will point us in the right direction. Besides, I don’t know of anyone in town that meets the requirements you mentioned.”
“Oh, hello, Peri,” Ellen smiled as she walked into the small, family kitchen. “I saw your mother in the dining room and thought you might be about.”
“Ellen, would you mind asking Miss Antonia to join us? Peri would like to meet her.” Olive smiled at her pretty daughter-in-law. It had been a big surprise when the rest of the Hampton family had joined them just before the first snowfall last year, but Olive was glad her boys and their families had moved to Needful.
“Of course,” Ellen grinned. “I see you two are already plotting what comes next for Amanda.” Ellen paused for a moment. “That girl sure has some pretty things,” she added with a sigh.
Peri looked at Olive, who only shrugged as Ellen left the room.
“You asked to see me,” Amanda appeared in the kitchen a few minutes later. “Oh, hello.” She turned, greeting Peri. “I’m Amanda Antonia,” she offered her lace-covered hand.
“Pleased to meet you, I’m Peri.” Peri grinned.
“Amanda, won’t you join us?” Olive indicated the tea set. “Peri is my partner in the matchmaking business, and I wanted you to get acquainted.”
Peri studied the young woman with critical eyes. She was dressed in one of the airiest dresses the girl from Tennessee had ever seen. It was very expensive and exquisitely made, fitting the small woman’s slim waist and delicate curves with precision.
“Your dress is lovely,” Peri said as Amanda took a seat. “Where are you from?”
“Virginia,” Amanda took a seat, carefully smoothing the skirt of her pale pink dress. The color complimented the young woman’s pale complexion and brown hair. “Are you from here?”
“I am now,” Peri grinned. “I came here to find out if my sister had found the love of her life and met my own.” A soft laugh tittered from Peri, making the other woman smile.
Amanda picked up the cup and saucer, lifting it carefully and sipping. “What do I do now?” she asked, placing the cup back on the table. “I’m afraid I’m rather lost after what happened. Surely no decent man will want me after that Teddy fellow took me to his home.”
Peri reached out, patting the girl’s hand. She seemed very young, though her letter had indicated she was nineteen. “Just tell us a little about yourself.”
Amanda blinked between the two other women, surprised when neither of them seemed at all concerned about her day alone with the cowhand.
“I’m from Virginia.” She stopped looking for a response and then continued when no one else spoke. “I’m the oldest of three children but the only daughter.” Amanda swallowed, lifting her cup once more. “My mother recently remarried,” she spoke over the rim. “I. I didn’t get along with my step-father.”
“So you came to Needful to be a bride,” Peri nodded with understanding, her green eyes shining with excitement. “I’m sure it’s difficult having your father replaced.”
Amanda blushed a bit but didn’t reply. There were some things she didn’t care to share with strangers. “What will happen to me now?” she blurted. “Who will be willing to marry me if they think I’m a ruined woman?”
“Ruined?” Olive gasped. “No one will think that I assure you. Why Teddy might be rash, but he would never take advantage of a woman.”
Amanda placed her cup back on the table with trembling hands. “I can’t go back home,” she sniffed, pulling a hanky from her sleeve. “I can’t abide my step-father and would be shamed if I did.”
“Don’t you worry, dear,” Olive smiled. “We’ll find you the perfect match. That’s what Peri and I do.” The older woman squirmed slightly in her chair at the half-truth. They did try to match couples appropriately, but things never seemed to go to plan.
Olive’s words seemed to have the desired effect on the girl, and she straightened with a smile. “Thank you. I’m putting myself in your hands.”
“Now, tell us what you like to do.” Peri smiled encouragingly. “Do you sew? Are you a good cook? Perhaps you can ride well.”
Amanda’s eyes grew wide with each question. She was very good with cross stitch and needlepoint but had never tried her hand at a garment. She had always had people for that. “I don’t cook. I do ride, though.”
“Well, that’s good,” Peri grinned. “I know I enjoy riding, though I’m not much good at it. You just wait and see, we’ll find you the perfect mate. Needful is brimming with men looking for a wife.”
Olive looked at Peri, a worried expression on her face. This girl didn’t seem to know how to do any of the basics a wife in Needful would require. How were they supposed to find a match from the men of the town for a delicate flower like this? At least the other girls had a bit of pluck even if they weren’t skilled in the homemaking arts, while this girl seemed shy at best.
“What did you say your family did?” Olive asked.
“I’m afraid I didn’t,” Amanda admitted. “Is it important?”
“Not necessarily, but it would help us understand who you are better.”
“Oh. My father was in trade,” Amanda finally spoke. “He made out very well during the war running supplies.”
Chapter 4
“Well, are ya goin’ in or not?” Cookie growled at Teddy. “Maybe you plan on starin’ at the door until the girl comes out.”
Teddy twisted his hat in his hand, the familiar hard billed cap offering no comfort. “What if she turns m
e away?”
“You didn’t haul your mattress to the bench of this old wagon and endure the trip to town to stand on the stoop worrin’ boy, just go in and talk at her.”
Teddy shuffled his feet but didn’t move. How could he face the pretty Amanda? He was sure she hated him after what he had done. If only he had a bit more time with her that first day, things might be different.
“Scary is she?” Cookie laughed, climbing down from the buckboard. “Well, let me see for myself.” The old man pushed open the door, swaggering into the boarding house.
Teddy felt the air leave his lungs. What would Cookie do? The old man was known for his quick tongue and attitude. Hurrying forward, Teddy followed the man into the dining area that faced the street.
“Well howdy, Miss Peri,” Cookie all but shouted across the room. “Is this the new filly in town?” The old man stomped his way to a table where Jacks Verone and Mercy Perkins were having tea as they were introduced to Amanda. “She sure is a pretty little thing,” Cookie continued.
Amanda looked up at the dusty old man with the scraggly beard and food-stained shirt. He was missing several teeth from his broad smile, and his eyes seemed foggy and dim.
“Hello Cookie,” Peri stood from where she had been bending over the table. “This is Miss Antonia, newly arrived from Virginia.”
Teddy watched in horror as Cookie took a turn around the young woman. “She’s a might skinny, ain’t she?” the old man asked. “Nice skin, though.”
Teddy hurried toward the table, his ears going bright red at the horrified look on Amanda’s face.
“I’ll tell ya what,” Cookie said, reaching out and plucking at the lace cuff on Amanda’s pale pink dress. “How’s about I take her off your hands. I never had a wife before and a nice young thing like this would keep me warm at night.”
Teddy saw all the blood drain from Amanda’s face, and he hurried to her side, afraid she might faint.
“Cookie, keep a civil tongue in your mouth around a lady.” Teddy’s tone was harsh, surprising even himself. “Miss Amanda, you look like you could use a bit of fresh air,” he continued, laying her hand on his arm. “Would you step outside?”
Amanda looked between Teddy and the old reprobate who was ogling her with his rheumy eyes. “Thank you.” She squeaked, grasping Teddy’s proffered arm. “I do feel a bit light-headed.”
“Cookie, why don’t you have a seat,” Jacks gave the old cattle cook a hard look, flicking his eyes to an empty chair as Mercy began humming Bringing in the Sheaves beside him. “I think you’ve made enough noise for the day.”
Cookie's sharp cackle filled the room as he slapped his knee. “I reckon you’re right,” he laughed. “I reckon you’re right.”
***
Teddy steered Amanda out the front door past the stony glares of several men who were having their dinner. “Would you like to have a seat?” he asked gently, nodding toward a bench on the front porch.
Amanda covered her heart with a lace gloved hand, her eyes fluttering. “No, thank you.” She managed, still trying to recover from her horror at the old man’s proposition. The scruffy old coot was old enough to be her grandfather, or maybe even her great-grandfather. “Can we walk?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Teddy’s voice was gentle. “Now, don’t you get a fright if some fella’s come whoopin’ through town,” he added. “I’m here, and I’ll look out for you.”
Amanda’s already wide blue eyes grew wider. “What kind of town is this?” she quavered. “Isn’t anyone in this town civilized?”
Teddy shoved his hat back onto his head, giving himself a moment to think. “I guess that depends on your definition of civilized.” He helped Amanda down the steps of the boardwalk as they crossed an alley. “Folks around here are still adjusting to Needful being a town.”
The young man scratched his head, trying to find the right words. “Why not so long ago it was nothing but a trading post full of wild cowboys, Indians, and a few vaqueros from down south.”
Amanda gasped, and Teddy steadied her on his arm. “We got law now, don’t you worry. Sheriff Spencer Gaines is on the job.”
“But everything is so wild, and we’re so far from, from everywhere.” Amanda felt utterly disoriented, and the old man had given her such a fright. Would she end up with someone like that? Was that the lot of a mail-order bride? Peri had said she found love in Needful.
“But we got each other,” Teddy grinned, feeling her flinch under his hand. “I mean the town,” he added with a blush. “Folks here in Needful tend to pull together when times are rough. Like when them bandits kidnapped Rosa and Ruth early this summer.”
Amanda felt herself sway, and Mr. Lewis wrapped an arm around her protectively. “Bandits?”
Teddy eased the young woman through the door of the general store, settling her in a seat by the door. “Easy there now,” he crooned. “They’re all in jail now, nothing to worry about.”
Amanda blinked at the young man. Perhaps he had carried her home with him, but he was a welcome alternative to the old man back at the boarding house.
“Teddy, what’s wrong?” a tiny dark-haired woman hurried toward him.
“Mrs. Scripts, this is Miss Antonia, I’m afraid Needful is a bit of a shock to her. Would you fetch her a cup of water?” Teddy patted Amanda’s hand tenderly as she closed her eyes, leaning against the back of the chair.
“I’m so sorry,” Amanda whispered. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Everything is so overwhelming.”
Teddy squeezed her hand. “You’ll adjust,” he assured. “Just take it slow and let folks help. We might be a bit needful here in this cow town, but that don’t mean we aren’t friendly and helpful.”
Amanda opened her eyes, meeting Teddy’s, a smile tugging at her lips at his quip. The young man was familiar, and his hand in hers seemed to fill her with strength.
“Here, drink this.” The tiny woman returned, a tin cup in her hand.
Taking the cup from Mrs. Scripts, Teddy lifted it to Amanda’s lips. “Go easy,” he whispered, helping her drink.
Amanda lifted her hand, taking the cup and sipping. The cold water seemed to go straight to her head and she sighed, feeling better.
“Thank you,” her eyes met Teddy’s and his grin zipped to her heart. Perhaps the man wasn’t as bad as she had thought. A shiver ran down her spine as she thought back to the old man and his rude comments at the boarding house.
“Feeling better?” Teddy watched as the young woman sat up a little straighter.
“Yes, I’m afraid I was unprepared for this town.”
“Well, don’t you let it worry your pretty little head,” Teddy said. “I’ll look out for ya. Now, how about a treat? Mrs. Scripts and her husband keep a right nice selection of hard candies.”
Amanda felt the smile tugging at her lips. “That would be lovely,” she agreed, looking around at the general store. The place was nothing like the fine shops she was used to back home, and suddenly she longed for home, where only a few months ago her father would have been buying her a lovely iced-cream.
“You sit right here,” Teddy pushed to his feet and headed for the counter.
Amanda lifted the cup to her lips again, drinking the last of the water and feeling somewhat refreshed as she looked around her. Finding her feet, she ambled between tables full of leather and cloth goods, barrels of meal, flour, sugar, and beans. The store seemed to have all the basics one might need, but little else.
“You’re feeling better,” the tiny woman popped up from behind the counter where she had been filling a small brown bag with treats. “Do you need anything?”
Amanda shook her head, looking at Teddy. He had been kind to her, helpful, and protective when she felt wobbly. Perhaps he wasn’t the scoundrel she had believed.
“I need a new hat,” the young man admitted with a sheepish grin. “I’m afraid I lost mine the other day.”
A quick laugh leapt to Amanda’s lips, surprising her, and she co
vered her mouth with her hand. She had seen how Mr. Lewis had lost his hat, and her eyes dropped to the seat of his pants for a split second, making her face flame.
“I thought you just got a new hat last month.” Mrs. Script queried.
“I lost it,” Teddy bit out the words as his face heated. He didn’t want to think about the embarrassing acts of only two days ago.
“If you’d like to go back to the boarding house, I can come back here later,” Teddy offered, taking the paper bag from Mrs. Script and handing her some money.
