by Danni Roan
“That would be lovely,” Amanda agreed, surprising herself. She hadn’t stepped outside the Hampton house since she had seen him last.
“Let me take those,” Ellen hurried to Amanda taking the bundle of wildflowers. “I’ll put these in a vase for your room.”
Teddy offered Amanda his arm, leading her toward the front door.
“Theodore Lewis, what are you doing here?” Olive bustled into the dining room, looking between Teddy and Amanda. “Don’t you think you’ve done enough harm?”
“It’s all right, Mrs. Hampton,” Amanda smiled. “Mr. Lewis offered to take me for a walk.”
Olive flicked her dark eyes to the young man. “Well, no shenanigans,” she grumbled, wagging a finger in Teddy’s direction.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Teddy agreed, picking up the pace before Olive could interfere. “I’ll be the perfect gentleman. I just thought Miss Amanda, I mean Miss Antonia might like to see the rest of the town.”
Olive placed her hands on her hips and scowled, but Amanda seemed content to go with the young man. “Be back for supper,” she ordered. “I don’t suppose anything major can happen, walking through Needful.”
Amanda stepped out into the bright sun of the day and sighed as the fresh hot air wafted around her, like satin caressing her skin.
“It’s very warm,” she commented.
“It’s finally starting to cool off a bit,” Teddy corrected. “Not that it ain’t warm.”
“It gets very warm in Virginia as well,” Amanda’s words were polite. “What do people do around here for fun?”
Teddy paused, looking up and down the dusty street. A couple of cowboys ambled out of town, their horses moving at a sedate pace, an old miner trudged toward the general store, a broken pickaxe in his hand, and a skinny dog slunk down a dark alley.
“I don’t rightly know,” Teddy admitted. “There’s them that goes to the saloon, and on Sunday the town all turns out to church. We’ve even had a few picnics and socials after weddings.” Teddy ducked his head, feeling his ears flush as he thought of possibly marrying the pretty woman on his arm.
“What about dances or tea parties?” Amanda asked as Teddy stepped out once more. “Wouldn’t the men like a good dance?”
“I reckon they would, but who would they dance with? I reckon men outnumber women here three to one. Why you ladies would be danced plumb off your feet.”
“I see your point.” Amanda worried the lace kerchief in her hand as they continued down the boardwalk. “It’s a shame, though. I always enjoyed the parties my family had. They were lively, with good music, dancing, and fancy food.”
Teddy stopped, this time turning to look into Amanda’s face. “Why’d you come to Needful if you had all that back home?”
Amanda dropped her eyes again. “I don’t like to speak ill of people,” she hedged.
“You can tell me,” Teddy urged, placing his finger under her chin and lifting her eyes to his. “I’m your friend.”
Amanda tried to smile as all the events of the past few months came rushing back.
“My father died about eight months ago,” she said, tears pooling behind her eyes. “He was a hard man, but honest and fair in his dealings. He had a good business in shipping before the unpleasantness between the states, but during that time, his earnings shot straight up.” Amanda didn’t like talking about the vulgarities of money, but she needed Teddy to understand why she had come to Needful.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Teddy said, his voice full of compassion. “Both my folks was lost in the war.”
Amanda reached out, squeezing Teddy’s hand in sympathy. “Mother, well, Mother didn’t seem to know what to do when father passed. She became quite odd, and soon an old friend of my father was sitting at supper with us nearly every night. They, they married two months ago.” Amanda’s face burned with horror at the social faux pas. “It was rather scandalous.”
“Why?” Teddy asked. “Don’t your mother deserve some happiness? I’m afraid too many unwed and widowed women are still without a man about the house in some states. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.”
“I’m sorry,” again, Amanda dropped her eyes. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Teddy studied the young woman a moment longer taking in the stiff spine, and hunched shoulders. “Was that the whole of it?” he asked, his voice gentle.
Amanda looked up her blue eyes wide as she stared at Teddy. “I saw him in town with another woman.”
Teddy felt the blood roar to his head at Amanda’s words and he pulled her to his side protectively. “That ain’t right,” he drawled. “Not right at all. Why if I’d been there,” he shook his fist, indicating what he would have done. “Did you tell your mother?”
Amanda shook her head. “I tried to say something, but Mother was smitten and then there were the boys to worry about. Mother had married the man and legally, he had a claim to all we owned. I decided it would be better to leave.”
Teddy held one of Amanda’s gloved hands in his, wrapping the other arm around her back. “You’re safe with me,” he whispered. “Don’t you never fear.”
Amanda didn’t know why, but Teddy’s words seemed to sink into her soul, giving her confidence she had never known. She had grown up with society’s staid boundaries, but now that they had all been stripped away, she felt utterly adrift in this new world.
“Thank you,” she looked up, meeting his gaze as a strange comfort seemed to envelop her. Despite the young man’s rash behavior upon her arrival, he was proving that he was indeed a friend and protector.
“I’m glad you called, Mr. Lewis,” she smiled. “I believe that we are coming to an understanding of one another.”
Teddy beamed, hoping that those words would lead them down the center aisle of the little white church on the edge of town before anyone else could interfere.
Teddy walked Amanda to the end of town, then crossed the street and began the walk back. The young woman hung on his arm, and he felt like the luckiest man in town with such a lovely thing to escort.
Teddy had no allusions about his good looks, special talents, or wealth. He was a simple cowhand who knew how to work hard. He had learned the trade after arriving here with Cap’n Dan. Over the past few years, he had built a cabin, set aside a few dollars for emergencies, and settled into a simple life among friends.
“Miss Antonia,” he said as they approached the Hampton House, stopping to gaze across the street at the two-story building made of hand-hewn logs. “I know I ain’t much, but I’m a hard worker. I’ve been on my own a long while now, and I’m tired of it. I want a home, a family, a woman to call my own. Someone who can be a friend and comfort. I know I’m not rich or handsome, but I am loyal. You can ask anyone, and they’ll tell you I stand by those I care for. I know it’s early yet, but I’d like you to consider my suit for your hand. I don’t see no reason to beat about the bush. I asked Olive to get me a bride, and from what you say, you need someone who will stand by you. You don’t need to decide on nothin’ now, but I hope that perhaps you’ll consider me as a possible match.”
Amanda felt her cheeks heat again, but she didn’t cringe away from the man. There was a deep honesty in his words, and if truth be told, she found his appearance rather appealing.
“I’ll consider it,” Amanda agreed. “I can’t live at the Hampton House forever.”
Teddy nodded, feeling her words in his chest. He understood that if Amanda accepted him, it wouldn’t be out of love, but necessity. She needed a protector, a home, security, all things he could offer. Perhaps she was used to fine things and fancy parties, but he was sure if he worked hard enough, he could make the young woman happy in his simple home.
“I think Olive is looking for us,” Amanda smiled, nodding toward the window at the front of the boarding house. “She’ll expect us to supper.”
“We’d best not keep her waiting then,” Teddy grinned, taking her arm and stepping into the street. “We wouldn’t want to
upset Mrs. Hampton. Not with that brood of men she’s got about.”
Amanda’s quick laugh lifted Teddy’s heart, and he sent a prayer to heaven that she could be his. He felt that he understood her need for a new home and a new start and was willing to give her everything he had, including his heart.
“Did you have a nice walk?” Olive asked, studying the pair as they stepped through the door. “It seems a bit warm to be out traipsing about the streets.”
“It was delightful,” Amanda replied. “Thank you.”
Teddy grinned. The girl certainly had nice manners. If they were to wed, would she teach his children such things?
“Why don’t you two sit down,” Olive asked, indicating a group of tables that had been put together for her family. “We might as well enjoy the food while it’s hot.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Teddy agreed, hurrying toward Orville and his sons who sat with their families. Other men had gathered at various tables, enjoying the food as well.
Teddy pulled a chair out for Amanda, helping her take a seat as he hung his hat on a peg near the door. “It’s a rare treat to sit with the family,” Teddy whispered in her ear. “The food is good too. Not so spicy as Rosa’s but good.”
“I thought Cookie made the food at the ranch,” Amanda scowled.
“Rosa used to work here at the Hampton House before she married Mayor Dan,” Teddy grinned. “It’s quite the tale, and one day, maybe she’ll share it with you.”
“Shall we pray?” Orville asked, reaching for the hands on either side of him as the family linked palms in preparation for the prayer.
Amanda placed her delicate hand in Teddy’s rough one, and he felt a swoosh of energy run through him as he bowed his head in prayer.
***
“Ellen, would you mind helping me with my dress?” Amanda asked as the dinner dishes were cleared away.
Teddy had left shortly after dessert had been served, and Amanda couldn’t’ stop thinking about him or the conversation they had shared. Theodore Lewis, though not wealthy, seemed a good man.
“I’d be glad to help,” Ellen smiled, leaning over to whisper in her husband’s ear and giving a hard look to her two children. “Joe can see that the children finish their schoolwork and their chores.”
Joseph Hampton grinned, offering his wife a wink. “I’ll see to it, my dear,” he said, leaning in and placing a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
Ellen blushed, but her face was passive as she watched her small family walk away. “Come on, then.”
Amanda was thankful for the help as Ellen unbuttoned each tiny pearl down her spine. “I had to button all but the top few and shimmy into it this morning,” she sighed as the dress came off. “I’m sorry to be such trouble.”
“You’re no trouble,” Ellen grinned. “You had a need, and I was able to help.”
Amanda turned, meeting Ellen’s eyes. “Ellen, what do you think of Mr. Lewis?”
“He’s a fine man,” Ellen said without hesitation. “I know Mayor Dan trusts him, and he’s a hard worker.”
“Do you think he would make a good husband?” Amanda’s face flamed, and she turned back to the bureau, pulling out her nightdress.
“Yes, I do.” Ellen’s straight forward answer caught Amanda by surprise. “But Olive and Peri think I need a man with a comfortable home and means to provide for me.”
“Is that what you think?”
“I don’t know,” Amanda slipped the nightdress over her head and then reached behind her to undo her corset. “I think I like him, though.”
Ellen grinned. “I can’t say I felt the same the first time I met Joe,” she laughed.
“Really?” Amanda’s eyes grew wide,
“No. Here stand up and let me help you with that.” The other woman indicated the undergarment. “The first time I met Joe, there was just something about him that rubbed me the wrong way.”
“What?”
“I don’t know. The man bothered me. He was persistent, though, and soon I came to love the man I learned to know.”
Amanda grinned, wondering if she could learn to love Theodore Lewis. “He is a good man, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” Ellen answered without hesitation. Joe was a wonderful husband and father.
“Ellen?” Amanda stepped out of the corset, letting her soft linen nightgown slip over her slight form. “If I were to marry Mr. Lewis, do you think I could come to love him?”
“I don’t see why not,” Ellen grinned. “It seems to me that love is not only a feeling but a decision. Each day we wake up, we have to decide to love that person we chose, or who chose us. Not every day is sunshine and roses, but if you choose to love each day, you’ll muddle through.”
“Is that how it is for you?” Amanda looked at her new friend with concern.
“Some days.” Ellen met Amanda’s eyes. “Some days, you don’t feel like loving, or even very lovable, but that doesn’t change the fact that you made a commitment and need to make it last. Today, Joe knew I wanted to help you, so he took the children. Another day he might want to go fishing with his brothers, and I’ll see to things at home. There’s a give and take to the rhythm of life.”
“But, you’re happy?”
“Oh, yes, I’m happy. I have moments when I’m not happy. I left my home and family to come here with Joe, but this is my place, and I know he loves me. Joe looks out for me, provides, and helps. I do the same for him. Sometimes he has to help me more and sometimes I have to help him. That builds strength and devotion.”
“It doesn’t sound very romantic.”
“Sometimes it isn’t,” Ellen admitted. “Other times,” she blushed brightly and grinned. “Other times it’s romantic in a way that sweeps you off of your feet. Usually when you least expect it.”
Amanda grinned, trying to imagine what it would be like to have a man romance her. “Mr. Lewis did bring pretty flowers,” she said, walking to the old crock that held the colorful offering on her nightstand. “That was rather thoughtful.”
“I think, given half the chance, Teddy would be just that. Thoughtful.” Ellen squeezed Amanda’s arm. “Take your time and pray about it all,” she said. “God will direct you in the path that you should go.”
“Thank you,” Amanda grabbed Ellen, hugging the other woman on impulse. “I can’t tell you how helpful you’ve been. I’ll take my time and think on all of this until the next time Mr. Lewis calls.”
Ellen hugged the girl back. She seemed so small, frail, and unprepared for a place like Needful, but she had come here with her own needs, and Ellen wouldn’t pry.
“We’ll keep you in our prayers as well,” Ellen smiled. “You’re here now, and we’ll believe this is just where God wants you.”
Amanda blinked at Ellen for several seconds. She hadn’t thought about God’s will in this matter. When she had answered the ad and booked her passage, she had only one thought in mind, escape.
“I hope you’re right,” she spoke, her words soft as Ellen slipped through the door.
Amanda sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the flowers on the stand. They were simple, unlike the flowers she had seen almost daily in her mother’s home, but they seemed more precious than all the hothouse roses money could buy.
Chapter 6
Teddy pulled the old harmonica from his breast pocket and blew through it, settling back in the saddle as Pepper made his way home. As his lips once more became familiar with the instrument, a soft tune lilted into the night.
It had been a long time since Teddy had played the mouth organ. He had played often on those long nights when he and Dan’s crew had first arrived on this patch of soil that would eventually become Needful.
Long days and lonely nights had pulled sad songs and old ballads from Teddy’s war-weary soul, and he had often taken requests from his friends and fellow soldiers, but tonight a sweet tune of promise issued from the battered, tin and reed, noisemaker; A song of love and romance.
Teddy’s he
art lifted on the tune, willing it to carry the miles back to town and flutter into Amanda’s heart. Today, he had spoken his mind, and the young woman hadn’t run or even laughed at him. He felt that perhaps if she would agree to marry him, they could be friends, companions, and eventually lovers.
It had been many years since Teddy had known the love of a real family, and though Dan and his crew were as close to family as Teddy had, he knew that in his heart, he had a great deal of love to share with that perfect someone.
A smile broke his concentration, and Teddy changed the tune to a familiar dance song from his younger days. He remembered his mother kicking up her heels on the dance floor with his father, their bright eyes and happy smiles filling his young heart with joy. Teddy had never doubted his parents’ affection for him or each other, but they had succumbed to the ravages of war and the illness that followed famine before he could return home.
