The Brides of Golden Valley Box Set 1

by Jaclyn Hardy

  “Did you get the ladle?” Maggie took the pot from her.

  Charlotte gasped for air after carrying the water back and forth. She gave Maggie a thumbs-up and went inside to get the ladle. Resting could wait until after the men had their water to drink. She staggered outside and scooped up a small amount for herself first before handing it to Joshua. That was probably inappropriate or bad manners, but she couldn’t help it. When she was sure everything was under control outside, she went back in and collapsed on the couch.

  That was it. If she was going to keep up with everyone else, she would need to do more heavy lifting. She closed her eyes to rest for just a moment. The door opened, but she didn’t open her eyes. Maggie knew more about what was going on in the kitchen than Charlotte did anyway.

  A gentle hand touched Charlotte’s face. Her eyes flew up to see Joshua kneeling next to her, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you ill?”

  She shook her head. “Just tired. I carried one too many pots of water it seems.”

  “You should have let me do that.” Joshua took her hand and kissed it.

  “Why are you in here? Is everyone done for the day?” Charlotte held tightly to his hand, content to lie there.

  Joshua stroked her hair. “I could tell something was wrong when you came outside. Your face is flushed, and you weren’t steady on your feet. Are you sure you’re well?”

  “I’m sure.” Charlotte’s legs and arms screamed at her, telling her that no, she was not okay. “You go back out there. I’m just going to sleep here.”

  Joshua stood and took a blanket from the closet to drape over here. “I will be back. I just need to tell them where I am.”

  Charlotte yawned and closed her eyes. “It’s fine if you stay out there. Really. I just need sleep.”

  “We’re almost out of wood anyway. I’ll be back as soon as we’re finished. Maggie will watch over you until I get back.”

  “Maggie doesn’t need—”

  “Charlotte Hale.” Joshua’s voice had a sharpness to it that Charlotte hadn’t heard before. “I will send Maggie in to care for you until I can.”

  She finally nodded. “Fine.”

  The door slammed a moment later. Finally. She stretched out her legs, hoping they would stop screaming at her. She was just drifting off when the door opened again. Charlotte opened one eye to see Maggie walk into the kitchen. Moments later, something wet and cool rested on Charlotte’s forehead.

  “You should have told me the heat was getting to you.” Maggie’s voice was quiet, but firm. “You’re not used to this kind of work.”

  Charlotte wanted to laugh, but it took too much effort. If one more person told her that she wasn’t used to the work . . .

  The sounds of Maggie cleaning and moving around the house were enough to make her think of home. Mother humming while she worked on her sewing, Naomi sweeping or scrubbing the floors, Father laughing in the study with friends. It made her homesick, but also brought a peace that allowed her to finally drift off.

  ***

  Night had fallen by the time Charlotte opened her eyes. Joshua sat nearby whittling. She stretched and tried to sit up, but the room spun around her.

  Joshua set down his knife and the wood and knelt down by Charlotte. His face was grim as he felt her forehead. “You’re burning up. Let me get you some water.”

  Charlotte didn’t have the energy to argue, and besides, water sounded really good right then. She took small sips from the cup he held, and it felt cool running down her parched throat. When she had enough, she laid her head back.

  “I promise I’m not usually this bad with heat.”

  Joshua chuckled. “I know. I’ve worked with you in the garden, remember? Maggie told me you filled the pot several different times. With that, the heat, and everything you’ve been doing, it would wear anyone out pretty fast.”

  “Still. I don’t like that I’m this weak.” Charlotte sighed.

  “That just means it’s my turn to take care of you.” Joshua went into the kitchen and came back with a bowl. “Maggie made you this before she left. You need to eat so you can start feeling better.”

  Charlotte sat up the best she could. “What is it?”

  “Soup. She wouldn’t take any for her and Gregory, so we’ll be having soup for a while.” Joshua brought a spoon up to her mouth.

  “I can feed myself, you know.” Charlotte took the bite and was immediately homesick. The chicken soup was packed with vegetables—her favorite from back home. The flavor of the broth was even the same. “Wow.”

  Joshua gave her another bite. “It’s very good.”

  Charlotte leaned her head back against the couch. “How much did you get done outside?”

  “The walls are almost up. They promised to come back as soon as our lumber arrives to help finish the rest. Anything that’s left over will be split among those who helped me today.” Joshua set the bowl on the small table next to the couch. “Would you like to see it?”

  Charlotte nodded and slowly pushed herself up to stand. Joshua wrapped an arm around her so she wouldn’t fall. Instead of walking outside like she thought they would, Joshua led her into the bedroom and opened the curtains. Charlotte’s breath caught. The barn was bigger than she thought it would be. The frame was up, and some of the walls had been added as well.

  “I’m still surprised we got that much done today.” Joshua kissed her forehead. “I’m hoping this means we’ll be able to get some more animals soon. That way we can gather our own eggs instead of having to rely on neighbors all the time.”

  “That would be nice.” Charlotte could feel her energy draining from her. “I need to lie down again.”

  Joshua scooped her up in his arms and moved toward their bed, but Charlotte shook her head. “I’d like to go out into the living room where you’re working if that’s all right. I slept for hours already.”

  “I could work in here if that’s easier.”

  “Then we’ll get wood shavings in here. I’d like to go into the living room.” Charlotte cleared her throat. “Can you put me down? I’d like to change into something lighter. This dress is too hot.”

  Joshua nodded and set her down. “Do you need help?”

  Charlotte turned her back to him. “Only with the ribbons. I can do the rest. If you could start the teapot, I wouldn’t mind some tea.”

  “I’ll go do that right now.” He finished with the ribbons and left the room.

  Charlotte changed quickly into one of the nightgowns from her bags. She felt much better already. When she moved back into the living room, Joshua brought a mug of steaming water over to the table.

  “I went ahead and made some for both of us. I hope I got the mixture right.”

  “I’m sure it’s perfect.” Charlotte stirred the tea and took a sip from the spoon. “You added honey. This is very good.”

  Joshua smiled. “Honey makes anything taste better.”

  Charlotte nodded and leaned back against the couch. As much as she liked working out in the garden or helping around the house, this was her favorite part of the day. When she and Joshua could sit quietly and enjoy each other’s company. Nothing back home made her feel this content—a feeling that both surprised and pleased her.

  Joshua set the bucket of grain down in the barn and patted Betsy’s back. His animals were much happier in the newly finished barn. When he could build a smaller house behind the barn, he’d add chickens. But that would be in a few days. For now, it was time to get ready for the celebration, and Charlotte would be waiting inside for him. He stopped by the pump to rinse himself off before going inside to change.

  Charlotte beamed at him from the kitchen as she finished one of the plates of cookies they would be selling. “How is everything?”

  “Animals are happy, your garden is coming along nicely, and I got the last fence post up next to the barn.”

  “And I have everything ready in here.” She reached up and kissed him before turning back to the plates. “We
have brownies, cookies, pies, and then I also packed your figurines. I think we’re ready to go.”

  Joshua took the first load of items out to the cart and slid them in. They were kept busy for the last couple of weeks with Charlotte recovering and then having to get everything ready. This would be the first time they left the farm since the night of the fight outside their house.

  Charlotte brought out another load. “Will you grab my trunk? It’s a little heavy for me.”

  “Of course.” Joshua went inside and picked up the trunk. She must have put rocks in it or something with how heavy it was.

  A few more loads of food and they were ready to go. Joshua and Charlotte had been invited to stay with Eleanor and Edmond for the weekend. While Charlotte was excited for it, Joshua bowed out because of the animals at home. He would already have to spend time with them at the party and that was bad enough. And if he found out Edmond insulted Charlotte at all . . .

  Charlotte shut the door and hurried out to the cart. “Let’s go or we’ll miss the parade.”

  “Are you sure you’re up for being out in the sun that long?” Joshua helped her up onto the cart and handed her the bonnet he bought for her.

  “I’ll be fine. I told you I haven’t had any problems for a while now.” Charlotte put on the bonnet and tied it under her chin.

  Joshua shook his head and urged Minnie and Louie forward. “You’re sure you’re going to be all right with Eleanor? Maybe it’s better if you come back with me.”

  Charlotte took his hand. “We’ve talked about this several times, remember? It’s better for me to stay in town than travel back and forth. Besides, it will be nice to spend time with Eleanor for a couple of days.”

  “Maybe I should stay there, then. Gregory or Maggie would take care of milking if I asked them.” Joshua had grown to depend on having Charlotte around, and the idea of not having her in the house made him lonelier than before she’d arrived.

  “Joshua Hale. We’ve talked about this. We’ll both be fine. I promise. The celebration is only three days and then we’ll use the money we get to buy chickens and pigs, and whatever else we can get. You will be fine.”

  Joshua glanced over at her and laughed at her glare. He loved when she showed her feisty side. “All right. But if I hear of anything—”

  “I’ll be fine too. I promise.”

  Joshua still wasn’t sure about leaving her, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. Betsy needed to be milked, and it was better for her to stay in town. He urged the horses to go faster. The food in the back needed to be put in the shade soon or it would start to go bad.

  The town was filled with visitors from other towns. The celebration had been advertised to all of the stagecoach and train passengers as they passed through, and it was evident that they were curious to see what the celebration would bring.

  Joshua found a place to park his cart near where they would be selling their items, and they began to unload. Other vendors were there to sell their wares. Charlotte was caught up in the clothing and food, while Joshua made mental notes of which vendors sold things for the homestead. Once they were settled, he would have to go see what they would be willing to trade.

  Charlotte arranged and rearranged the items on the table until she was satisfied with how it looked.

  “It looks nice this way. Although I’d move the pies over. The sun will be overhead soon.” Joshua moved things around. “There. Now they will be protected.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Charlotte glanced up at the sky. “It’s hot today, isn’t it?”

  Joshua nodded. “I saw a table with parasols down farther. Would you like me to see how much they are?”

  Charlotte brightened. “Yes, please. Here, take some of the cookies. Maybe they’ll trade. While you do that, I’ll try to find a place to sit for the parade.”

  “Try somewhere with trees so you can get some shade. I’ll come and find you.” Joshua took the cookies from her and went down the line until he came to the parasols. There were several different colors and styles, and he wasn’t sure what he was even looking for. He probably should have sent Charlotte instead.

  “Can I help you sir?” A woman smiled at him from behind the table.

  “Yes, I need a parasol for my wife. I’m just trying to decide what she would like.” He’d learned over the last few days that red wasn’t her favorite, so those were out. A few matched the blue dress she’d be wearing for the party, but they seemed too extravagant for the sun and wind they’d be in here. “May I see the white one with the lace?”

  The woman smiled and took it from the display. “This is quite popular. It keeps out the sun better than some of the others and matches any gown.”

  Joshua examined the parasol’s material to make sure it was good quality. “I have these pastries I can trade for it, if you’re willing.”

  “I would prefer cash.” She eyed the pastries. “What do you have?”

  “These are snickerdoodles, which are cookies covered in cinnamon and sugar. There are also sugar cookies, and this one has small chunks of nuts and raisins.” Joshua pretended not to notice the way she licked her lips. “If you’d prefer cash, I suppose I can find some somewhere.”

  The woman held out a hand. “Wait. I can give that to you for that plate of pastries and two dollars?”

  Joshua set the plate on her table and found two dollars in his coin purse. It was a little pricey, but it was worth it. “My wife will love this. Thank you.”

  The woman handed him the parasol and he went to find Charlotte. It was hard to miss her bright blue dress among the darker reds and greens of the other ladies. He handed her the parasol. “The parade should be starting soon.”

  Charlotte opened her parasol and gasped. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen one with lace like this before.”

  “I’m glad you like it. I wasn’t sure which one to choose.” Joshua looked down the road to see if the parade had started. “I’ll be back with chairs for us.”

  “We don’t need chairs. Eleanor offered a blanket for us to sit on.” Charlotte gestured to the blanket that was already set out. She did her best to sit down gracefully, but she finally gave up and sank to the ground, her dress billowing out around her.

  Joshua sat next to her and noticed that most of the other people were on blankets as well. The parade started several minutes later. Horses carrying the flag came through and everyone stood for it. Next came businesses who were advertising their wares, and others who just wanted to be part of the parade.

  Once the last group passed, Charlotte and Joshua went back to their tables. Since Charlotte was the one taking the money, Joshua held the parasol for her and replenished the supplies when needed.

  By lunchtime, things were running smooth enough that Joshua felt he could leave the table to get them some lunch. He went to a few of the food vendors before picking something out, and then went back to find their table surrounded by women and children.

  Joshua set their food down on the table and took the parasol back from Charlotte. “How are sales?”

  “I can’t keep up. I may be out by the end of the day. If I even make it that long.” Charlotte took some coins from a woman and set them in the coin box. “Thank you.”

  The woman smiled. “No, thank you. This is perfect for my family tonight.”

  Charlotte nodded and moved on to the next customer. Joshua helped where he could, but she was quick at coming up with answers and firing back offers for trades. Joshua stood and restocked the inventory as things ran out, and he was opening another crate when he heard Charlotte mention his name.

  He looked over to see a man holding a figurine of a mountain lion. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes, I’d like to know more about this piece. You carved it?” The man continued to examine the figurine.

  “I did. It’s made from cedar.” Joshua was used to trading his figurines at the grocery store, but having a man talk directly to him about buying one made him more nervous.
/>
  The man nodded. “All of them are cedar?”

  Joshua pointed to a horse. “That is actually juniper. I was experimenting with it to see which type of wood I liked working with. I have a couple of others out of juniper, but they’re not out on the table.”

  “I’ll take everything on this table. Plus, any of your other juniper carvings.” The man set down a hundred-dollar bill.

  “Sir, that’s way too much.” Joshua gripped his chair. Those around the table watched the two men in wide-eyed silence. That money was more than most made in a year.

  Charlotte put a hand over Joshua’s and looked up at him. “If that’s what he wants to pay, let him. He obviously sees value in what you have done.”

  The man chuckled. “You have a sharp wife there. And she is correct. I have a museum that I’m putting together, and these pieces will work wonderfully for it. You have captured the wild beauty of the west in a way no one else can.”

  Charlotte squeezed Joshua’s hand and he knew better than to argue. He turned away and picked up the crate that held his other figurines. It took him a moment to find the other juniper carvings—an eagle and a man with his dog—and then another moment to find a crate that he could fit the man’s purchase in. Thankfully, Charlotte had sold enough pastries that he was able to use one of those.

  The man took the crate from Joshua and held out his hand. “I do hope you will continue to create. I’ll be back next year to see what else you’ve done.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Joshua picked up the hundred-dollar bill with shaking hands and placed it in his coin box. He would be able to purchase the animals and feed they needed, along with other supplies for the house—and still have some left over.

  Charlotte nudged Joshua. “Well done. I guess if I do sell out today, we’re still in good shape.”

  “We’re in much better shape than I was expecting.” Joshua laughed. “I’m still trying to figure out what happened.”

  Charlotte took the change from a customer and handed her a plate of cookies. “You were praised for your accomplishments. There’s nothing wrong with that.”