by Danni Roan
“I need my riding clothes, of course.” Amanda smiled again as if the answer was obvious.
“Oh,” Teddy stuttered, seeing the gulf between him and his wife widen. He surely wasn’t the man to be married to a lady like Amanda.
“I’ll ask Ellen to help and be right down,” Amanda said, touching his arm as they reached the boarding house. “I’ll be out as quickly as possible.”
“I’ll be ready,” Theo growled, stomping off toward the corner of the Hampton House and the big livery barn behind.
Ellen was as excited as Amanda about the new dresses and they chatted as she helped her friend into a dark green riding habit. “You’ll feel more at home in one of the new dresses,” she said. “I wish I had been there to see what you chose. Alice keeps some pretty fabrics on hand. You never know when a new bride will arrive and want a dress.”
Amanda laughed, looking down at her outfit. It did seem rather much for the tiny town of Needful, but she had been raised in such a way that she couldn’t imagine wearing anything else when riding.
“Do you think I’m silly changing into my riding garb?” she asked, meeting Ellen’s eyes.
“No, if that’s what you’re comfortable in, I think it’s best. You don’t want to feel awkward sitting on a horse that isn’t used to a side saddle.”
“Do you ride?” Amanda asked. “Perhaps you’d come out with me one day.”
“No, I’m too busy here at the Hampton House, not to mention with the children. It’s not too bad when they’re at school with Mr. Ben, but then there’s homework and such to be done.”
Amanda squeezed, Ellen’s hand, thankful for such a friend. “Perhaps one day, I’ll have a child, and you can help me learn how to be a mother.”
Ellen’s sharp bark of laughter filled the room, startling Amanda. “Honey, it doesn’t matter what training you have in being a mother, every child is different. I can teach you to make diapers, though,” she added with a wink.
Chapter 13
Amanda settled herself into the familiar arms of her new saddle and took the reins from Theo with a smile. It felt nice to be sitting a horse again. She thought of her own fine gelding back home in Virginia and for a moment, homesickness swept over her.
“Is everything all right?” Teddy looked up with worried eyes.
“I’m fine,” Amanda assured. “It’s just been a while since I’ve ridden, and it feels nice to sit a horse again.”
Teddy’s grin was bright. “How about you take it nice and slow around the yard and see how Pal does. She’s a quiet little thing, and I don’t imagine you’ll have any trouble.
Amanda nodded, gathering the reins and tapping the horse with her heel. Pal stepped to the side a few paces and then stopped.
“That’s not right,” Amanda said. “How do you make her go forward?”
“With my heels or a click of my tongue,” Teddy replied.
Amanda adjusted her seat again, pressing her heel into the horse’s side and clicking. This time the palomino moved forward, but her hips swung to the side.
“She’s used to being guided with heels,” Teddy said, scratching his head. “We need her to understand what forward means.” Reaching out, he took the bridle and set the horse straight again. “Do it again, and this time I’ll pull her forward a bit.”
Amanda did as he said, and this time Pal stepped out following him quickly, even as her side quivered under Amanda’s heel.
“She’ll get the hang of it.”
After several false starts, the little mare did indeed figure out what was being asked, and once Amanda adjusted to neck reining instead of driving the horse, they settled into a leisurely amble about the yard.
“You look right pretty sitting up there,” Teddy offered. Amanda seemed confident on a horse, and he realized that this, at least, was something they both had in common.
He watched, proud of Amanda’s calm demeanor and easy patience as the horse learned new cues, and smiled when she rode toward him with a grin.
“Can we go for a short ride?” Amanda asked, her blue eyes bright with hope.
“Sure,” Teddy agreed. “I’ll get Pepper while you ride around a bit more and get the feel of how Pal moves.”
In no time, he had his black and white pinto saddled and moved into step with Amanda steering them toward the main street of the town.
“You seem comfortable on horseback,” Teddy commented as they moved along the street toward the other side of town.
“I’ve been riding since I was just a little girl,” Amanda replied. “I love horses. Back home, we used to do fox hunting on occasion, though father usually let the fox go unless it had been raiding the hen house. We had long rides in the spring and fall, with lavish picnics, or fun outings.”
Teddy nodded, trying to imagine the life Amanda had left behind. Did she miss it? Would she come to resent his simple living and simpler ways?
Several passers-by paused to smile and wave at Teddy and Amanda as they rode by, and his heart swelled with pride for his wife. Perhaps she wasn’t a good homemaker, but she had her own skills, education, and ways.
“Mighty fine lookin’ woman you got there, Teddy.” Mr. Alder drawled as he stepped out of his saloon, drying his hand on a heavy white apron tied around his stout middle. “A fine lady,” he added, bowing slightly.
“Mr. Alder,” Teddy replied tersely. “My wife and I are out for a ride.”
“I can see that,” the man laughed. “Seems a lady like that should be sitting a better horse than the one you gave her.”
“Ma’am, if you ever get tired of this country bumpkin, you come on over and see me,” the man’s grin was wolfish. “I have plenty of money to spend on a girl like you.”
Amanda clicked to Pal, turning her nose up at the man and trotting off as Theo’s horse fell into step, and they left the rowdy town behind.
Teddy was seething as they rode out onto the open prairie. He would dearly like to poke Alder in the nose for his comments, but the truth was there. Amanda was a lady, raised to a life of wealth and ease he couldn’t begin to compete with. He was nothing but a lowly cowpoke. He couldn’t offer Amanda pretty things, a fancy house, and servants to do her bidding, but he could offer her love.
“Are there people living out this way?” Amanda’s voice pulled him back from his thoughts.
“Yes, Prim and Anderson have a big ranch on this side of town. Peri and Bear live out this way too.”
“So Needful is a little bigger than it appears.” Amanda smiled brightly, enjoying the comfortable ride. The sun was warm, but they weren’t pressing the horses or hurrying, allowing her to see the land around her with fresh eyes.
Teddy pulled Pepper to a stop as they topped a rise, leaning on his saddle horn and looking over the land. “Down that way a few days’ ride, you’ll come to Mexico,” he said. “Dan does a bit of trade down that way, but no one has done much since Raul’s passing.”
“That was Rosa’s first husband, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s a shame about what happened to him. He was a good man and a good friend. Dan was pretty broken up about it all. It’s why he wanted to help Rosa and Christina, but she wouldn’t take it.”
“They seem to have put that behind them now,” Amanda grinned. “He’s a good man.”
“He is,” Teddy agreed. “I wouldn’t have followed him out here if he wasn’t the kind to look after his own.”
“You fought in the war together.”
“Dan was my captain. He had this idea of moving away from all the places we had already been, and we came with him. It was a good move.”
“And you have no family left anywhere?” Amanda’s blue eyes were soft and Teddy pushed Pepper closer.
“None to speak of.”
“I think I’m going to like riding here,” Amanda said, turning and smiling as Teddy leaned in for a kiss. “It’s a beautiful land.”
“Just wait until you see it in the springtime,” Teddy enthused. “The fields are blu
e with bluebells and wildflowers you ain’t never seen before cover the earth like a patchwork quilt.”
Amanda reached over, taking her husband’s hand as he waxed poetic. Perhaps he was a simple cowhand, but he obviously had the heart of a romantic. He had been kind to her, despite the rough start of their relationship, and had been making up for his mistake at her arrival.
“What more do you want in life, Theodore?”
Teddy studied Amanda’s profile as she gazed out over the plains.
“All I want is a peaceful life, a few head of cattle, maybe a couple of kids, and a woman to love,” he replied.
Amanda felt her heart do a little leap in her breast at Theo’s words. She knew she wasn’t the kind of wife a man like Theodore needed, but he was willing to give her a chance at love. That was enough for her, and she redoubled her commitment to learn to be a good wife.
Rosa could teach her to cook, Beth could teach her to sew, and in time, she knew she would fit in as a bride of Needful. “That sounds like a beautiful dream,” she said, still gazing at the grasslands below.
“Sometimes, if we wish hard enough,” Teddy said, his words soft as a baby’s breath, “dreams come true.”
Amanda squeezed the rough hand that held hers and then turned her mount back toward town.
Chapter 14
Teddy woke to an empty bed, startled by Amanda’s absence. Quickly donning his clothes for the day, he headed downstairs to see if she might have gone for an early breakfast or to visit Olive.
“She’s not here,” Shililiah said with a smile. “She asked Olive if there was somewhere she could get a bath.”
Teddy looked down at his slightly wrinkled Sunday best and grimaced. He had washed well in the basin upstairs, but he was probably due for a good scrubbing himself.
“Thanks, Shi,” he offered with a grin. “Could I get some coffee?”
The boarding house only served breakfast on Sunday and kept a big pot of stew simmering for men who needed supper. The men would bring lunch pails that were filled for a nickel. Otherwise, they had to fend for themselves.
“Have a seat,” Shi smiled. “I’ll bring your breakfast.”
“Just coffee,” Teddy corrected. “I’ll wait for Amanda for breakfast.”
“She had toast with tea already,” Shi smiled again, her eyes twinkling with delight. “You might as well eat before we close the kitchen. It’s Sunday, and we all have plenty to do.” The young woman leaned over, giving him a wink. “Olive made up a big picnic for the family and packed one special for you and Amanda as well.”
“That was very kind.” Teddy was surprised by all the fuss, but perhaps she wanted to make sure that Amanda felt welcome here. “I’ll thank her when I see her.”
***
Amanda was loathe to get out of the oversized soaking tub that Olive and the other women of the Hampton household used. She really should have asked for a bath last night, but she was tired after her ride and was enjoying Theodore’s company so much.
“You’re going to turn into a prune if you stay in there much longer,” Olive teased. “I have your dress all ready for you.”
“Olive, you didn’t need to do that.” Amanda rose from the water, wrapping herself in a towel. “It would have been fine.”
“Nonsense,” Olive insisted. “It’s a beautiful dress, and you shouldn’t have to go to church all wrinkled like that.”
Amanda looked up, her eyes full of appreciation. “Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome. Now you’d best get dressed and ready. I’ll be back in a minute to help you with the things.”
Amanda dried herself then shimmied into her undergarments, slipping the corset over her silk chamise She would feel proud walking to church on her husband’s arm.
“Here, now duck your head and I’ll slip this lovely piece of work over your head.” Olive walked in, carrying the dark rose-colored dress. “I even got the lace to settle at your throat.”
In no time, Amanda was properly dressed, and Olive helped her pile her hair up in a simple knot. “Teddy’s going to be tickled to see you.”
Amanda grinned, checking her appearance in the mirror and heading to the dining room where Shi had informed her Teddy was having his breakfast.
Teddy stood to his feet as Amanda entered the room. She looked like a painted picture, and he hurried to offer her a chair.
“That color suits you,” Teddy grinned. “Why I’ll be escorting the prettiest girl in town to church this morning.”
Amanda felt her cheeks heat but smiled with delight. It wasn’t the first time a man had complimented her, but for some reason, Theo’s words meant more than all the compliments she had received before.
“Do you want some breakfast?” Teddy took his seat, indicating the plate of bacon, eggs, and pancakes.
“No, I’ll just have tea.”
Teddy turned to summon one of the Hampton women, but Ellen was already delivering a fresh cup.
“I’ll see you in church,” she grinned, walking to the door and turning the closed sign around.
“I guess we have the place to ourselves,” Teddy grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the place so empty.”
“It’s rather romantic,” Amanda looked up, meeting his eyes. “We have the place all to ourselves.”
Teddy half stood leaning across the table and kissing her on the lips, laughing at the soft blush that graced her cheeks.
“We might as well take advantage of the opportunity,” he said with a wink.
Amanda laughed, feeling relaxed and content. She was with someone she liked and felt that in time she might even love. The bath had refreshed her, and she felt pretty in her neatly pressed gown.
Teddy finished his breakfast and then stood, offering Amanda his arm. “I’ll just go brush my teeth, and then we can head over to the church. Pastor plays some fine music before the service starts.”
Amanda dabbed her lips on a napkin, placing it next to her plate as she rose and took Theodore’s arm. She was suddenly looking forward to the service and seeing her new neighbors. After a good night’s sleep, a hot bath, a good meal, and the encouragement of her friends, she felt like she could handle life in this cow town in Texas.
Even here in Needful, the women would be wearing their nicest dresses and Shi had said Olive planned a picnic for them all. It looked like a bright and beautiful day lay before them.
“What about the dishes?” Amanda asked, turning to look over her shoulder.
“I’ll get them,” young Felicity, Ellen and Joe’s daughter, said slipping from the kitchen. “Mother asked me to check on you while she gets ready for church." The dark-haired girl smiled, admiring Amanda’s dress.
“You look very lovely,” Amanda smiled. “Thank you for your help.”
Felicity looked down at her simple blue dress and pinafore but smiled at the compliment. One day she hoped she would have pretty dresses to wear once she was old enough to pin her hair up. Then the boys in school wouldn’t pull her pigtails and call her skinny.
Teddy beamed as he escorted Amanda out of the dining room and toward their room. He was the luckiest man in Needful and would escort the most beautiful woman in town to church. Maybe, she wasn’t used to simple living or ranch life, but he liked the way she smiled at him today.
***
“What are they doing?” Amanda asked, stopping on the boardwalk to stare as several burly men carried a battered piano into the church.
“The preacher made a deal with the saloon keeper, that he’ll play tunes every Saturday night at the saloon if he can have the piano on Sunday, and the bar is closed until after services.” Teddy chuckled at the expression on his wife’s face. Amada wasn’t the first to be shocked by the unorthodox plan.
“You’re kidding?”
“Nope,” Teddy patted her hand, moving them toward the church where the first plinking notes of a tune began to rise.
Together the young couple greeted new neighbors and old acquai
ntances before taking a seat on one of the hard benches lining each side of the church.
Amanda grinned, her toe tapping to the raucous notes of a hymn played in a bold new way.
“I told ya,” Teddy chuckled.
Soon, the music turned to singing and then the congregation settled in to silence for the reading of the word. The pastor’s message was clear, concise, and to the point, which seemed to make a few of the men who had hauled the piano inside squirm on their hard seat.
The pastor had such conviction and spoke with such authority, that Amanda was entirely unprepared for the final words of the message and hesitated a moment before rising to sing a last song.
