by Jaclyn Hardy
David pulled the string off the package and began unloading the poultry. “It better be, or I’ll have to have a talk with Mother Nature.”
“I wish you good luck with that.” Nathaniel laughed.
The rest of the morning was spent preparing the meat for sale and freezing what wouldn’t fit in the display. While Nathaniel finished, David pulled out the profits from the day before to give Nathaniel his share.
“If the snow quits like you say it will, you and Madeline are welcome over for dinner tonight. Mother is cooking.” David wiped his hands.
“I’ll let Madeline know. I’m sure she would love the chance to escape cooking if possible.” Nathaniel pulled his gloves on. “How are things with you and Samantha?”
David smiled. “They couldn’t be better. Although, she’s just as stubborn as I am, so that makes things interesting.”
Nathaniel chuckled. “As stubborn as you? I’m not sure I believe that.”
“Just wait. Anyway, I’d better get the store open. We usually eat around six if you can make it.”
“I’ll let you know if it won’t work. Otherwise, plan on us.” Nathaniel went through the back door so he wouldn’t run into the customers waiting outside.
David flipped the sign from Closed to Open and stepped back. Normally he would have welcomed the customers, but with the wind and snow outside, it was better to keep the door closed as much as possible.
He scanned the crowd for Samantha or Mother, but they must have been asleep still. Hopefully they’d be by before it was time to close so they’d know he invited his brother’s family. David smiled at the first customer in line.
“How can I help you?”
***
The snow had stopped by the time the shop closed. The sun was out, and puddles covered the ground as David closed the shop and shoved his hands in his pockets. Nathaniel would be to his house soon, and David had promised to help with the cleaning beforehand.
David picked up the pace, avoiding the puddles as he walked. Smoke poured from the chimney as he approached the house, promising warmth. He kicked the remaining snow off the steps before going inside.
Samantha looked up from the stove and grinned. “You’re home early. Sales must have been good today.”
“Yes, everyone came early so they could get back home in case the storm got worse. Not that they had to worry.” David leaned down and kissed her, pulling her close. “How was your day?”
She shrugged. “About the same as yesterday. Cooking, cleaning, oh, and I mended the holes in your socks.”
“Thank you. Hopefully the weather will warm up soon and then you can get out of the house.” David peeked into the pan. “Is that stew?”
“Yes. I know it’s probably not as good as your mother’s, but she isn’t feeling well and stayed in bed.” Samantha held up a spoonful of stew to David’s mouth.
He blew on it to cool it off and then took a bite. The flavors were different from Mother’s, but it still tasted wonderful. Where Mother would have used tomatoes, Samantha’s used more potatoes and carrots. The broth was different too.
“Wait, is this lamb?” He went for another spoonful, but she batted his hand away.
“It is. I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t find the other broth, so I decided to go with an Irish stew.” Samantha picked up two hot pads and bent down to pull bread out of the oven. “And since I made that, I decided to try soda bread with it.”
“If it’s half as good as your stew, we’re all in for a treat tonight.” David leaned against the counter. “Is there Irish in your family line?”
Samantha shook her head and laughed. “No, but you would think so with the dishes I’ve learned. One of our cooks was Irish and I always loved when he was the one in charge of the meals. I made him teach me a few things before he went back to Ireland.”
David opened the drawer and took out spoons and knives. “I’m glad he taught you. It’s too bad he didn’t stay to work, though.”
“It’s all right. He had family he had to get back to, and last I heard, he was trying to come back.” Samantha lifted the heavy pot off the stove and took it over to the table. “You said they’ll be here at six?”
“Yes, he said they’d be here.” David glanced at the clock. “We have a couple of minutes. I’m going to change out of these clothes and check on Mother.”
Samantha nodded and turned to the sink, humming a tune under her breath. David stood in the doorway for a moment enjoying the music, then turned and went to their room. He found some clean clothes to wear and washed his face and hands. Normally he wouldn’t have worried about looking decent in front of his brother, but Samantha insisted on looking nice for meals. Something about proper etiquette from living on the plantation.
David smoothed his hair down as he walked toward Mother’s room. Her door was partially open, and soft snores came from inside. He opened the door farther and crept in. “Mother?”
The snores ended in a gasp as Mother shot up in bed. “What? What is it?’
“I just wondered if you were up for eating with us or if you’d like us to bring you some dinner in bed.”
Mother rubbed her eyes. “I will come. Could you light the lamps in here so I can get up?”
David did as he asked. “Is there anything else you need? Samantha told me you weren’t feeling well.”
“You know how it is when it gets too cold. My knees and joints in my fingers start to ache. Standing at the stove for hours was too much for me to handle.” Mother turned and put her feet on the floor. “I’ll be better as soon as it warms up.”
“I can get some warm compresses for you if you need them. They came in the mail a couple of days ago.”
Mother shook her head. “No need for now. Although, I’d like one near my feet for bed tonight.”
“We can do that for you. Do you want help into the kitchen?”
“I told you it’s just my knees. I’m not an invalid, David. Now go so I can dress.” Mother shooed him out of the room.
David lit the last lantern and went back into the kitchen. “She’s coming out. Is there anything you need before dinner?”
Samantha shook her head. “I think we’re ready. We just need the people now.”
“I’ll slice the bread then.” David took a knife from the drawer. He was halfway through the loaf when there was a knock at the door. Samantha pulled off her apron and smoothed her hair and dress before opening the door.
“Welcome.” She stepped to the side so Nathaniel and Madeline could come inside. Samantha took Mark from Madeline and pulled off his various coats and blankets so that Madeline could take her own off. “I’m so glad you could come for dinner tonight.”
Madeline took Mark back and kissed his forehead. “We’re glad you invited us.”
David slid a chair out for Samantha and waited for her to sit, then peeked down the hall. “Mother? They’re here.”
“I’m coming.” Mother appeared at her doorway and shuffled down the hall. “My legs just won’t move any faster than this right now.”
“Maybe we should send for a physician. I haven’t seen you this bad before.” David helped her into her seat before sitting between her and Samantha.
Mother glared at him. “I’m fine. You try scrubbing floors at my age and see how you look when you’re done.”
David’s eyebrows shot up. “You scrubbed the floors? I told you to wait until the weather warmed up for that.”
“I reminded her of that, but after we tracked in so much mud and snow from doing chores, we both decided it was time. I should have just done it and let her do the cooking.” Samantha’s cheeks turned pink.
“I’m perfectly capable of doing the floors myself.” Mother took some bread off the plate. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”
That was Mother’s clear way of saying the discussion was over. After a quick blessing on the food, David served the bread and butter while Samantha dished out the stew. The gasps of delight at the stew’s unique flavo
r followed by Samantha beaming at the compliments was priceless. David dipped his bread into the stew and groaned at the burst of flavors.
“I must get this recipe from you, Samantha.” Madeline shared a bite of food with Mark, who immediately demanded more. “He usually won’t eat anything like this.”
“I’ll write it down for you after the meal.” Samantha took another bite. “Although, I must say, this turned out much better than I’ve made before. Hopefully I can remember exactly what I did.”
David found her hand under the table and squeezed. He loved how well she fit into the family, and hoped that she felt that she belonged. Her letters had been filled with a desperation to find her own place.
“Are you two attending the spring ball this weekend?” Madeline asked.
David glanced down at Samantha. Dancing was definitely not something he enjoyed, and hoped she would agree with him.
Samantha perked up. “Ball? What sort of ball?”
Madeline set her fork down and leaned forward. “We get all dressed up and go socialize. It took some getting used to when I moved here, but it’s something I look forward to now. All of the city celebrations are wonderful, actually. Just wait until the Fourth of July.”
“That sounds wonderful. Our celebrations back home were amazing with their fireworks and food vendors. And oh, the dancing.” Samantha sighed and turned to David. “Please tell me we’re going.”
David laughed. “How can I argue with that? We can go as long as I’m done with work for the day.”
So much for Samantha not enjoying dancing. David supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised. She was high society and probably had parties all the time. He just hoped she wouldn’t mind the fact that he couldn’t dance.
Mother stood to take her bowl to the sink, but David jumped to get it for her. “You sit down and rest. I can clear the table.”
“I’m not an invalid, dear. Besides, Samantha did all the cooking. It’s only fair that I do the dishes.” Mother patted David on the cheek and shuffled over to the sink.
“Are you sure you don’t need to see a physician, Mother? I can run and grab one.” Nathaniel wiped his mouth on his napkin.
Mother shook her head. “There’s nothing to cure old age. Please you two. Stop worrying about me.”
David took another bite of his stew, forcing himself to stay seated. It did no good to argue with Mother. Hopefully she would be back to her regular self tomorrow.
Madeline and Nathaniel left an hour later with a sleeping Mark, and Mother retired to her bed as soon as she was done with the dishes. David stood from the table and wrapped his arms around Samantha, who stood at the counter putting away the bread.
“That went well.” David brushed her hair off her cheek, enjoying the silkiness of her curls.
“I’m so glad you all liked the food. I was so worried that I would mess something up.” Samantha turned and slid her arms around David’s waist, then leaned her head against his chest. “I have to admit that even though I learned from the cooks, I still didn’t do much in the way of household chores. You may fire me by the end of the month.”
David chuckled. “I’ve been a bachelor my whole life, so any amount of cleaning and organizing is better than what happened at home before.”
“But your mother—”
“Couldn’t always keep up with her three messy boys.” David kissed Samantha’s forehead. “You’re doing fine, Samantha. I’m glad you’re here.”
Samantha stepped back and grinned. “I hope you still feel that way after this weekend. You really don’t like to dance, do you?”
“What makes you say that?” David tried to keep a straight face.
She reached up and touched the tip of his nose. “Because your face is an open book. The thought of going to the dance has you somewhere between fear and dread.”
David shrugged. “That sounds right. But I’d love to take you anyway. We’ve done nothing but work for the last week. It’s time for you to meet people in this town, and I could use a break. Even if it is for dancing.”
“You know just what to say to make a girl feel special.” She pulled away and finished wrapping the bread. “I need you to go try on the pants that are on the bed. I bought them when I realized you have nothing but work clothes, and now I’m glad that I did. You’ll have something to wear for the ball.”
David frowned and went to the bedroom. He’d already been in there earlier. How could he have missed the pants before? And what money was she using to buy things? They didn’t have the money to buy extra pants. Not yet anyway. It would take another several months at the butcher to pay off the building.
David picked up the package from the bed and opened it to reveal nice black pants. The material was much finer than anything he’d owned before. He shut the door and changed into them, then stood in front of the long mirror that Samantha must have bought. David had to admit he looked good in them.
He walked out to the kitchen to find Samantha at the table with a pen and paper. He cleared his throat so she’d know he was there. “What do you think?”
Samantha looked up from her paper and grinned, clapping her hands. “You look wonderful. I knew those would work for you.”
“I feel like this was unnecessary. I have nice pants already. And we could have used the money for groceries. Or to even help with the barn.” David grimaced. That had been more blunt than he’d meant it to be.
She reached up and put her hands on his cheeks and smiled. “It’s all right. Papa sent money with me for things like this. I have more where it came from, and we can use it for whatever you think we need it for. But sometimes we need to spend it on things like this so that people will take us seriously.”
David stepped away, raising his eyebrows. “Just how much are we talking?”
“Papa cashed out some of his estate. Enough to get us through the year even without your butcher shop, but not enough that Mama will notice it missing.” Samantha circled him. “We might want them brought in just a little. And you’ll need a suit coat to go with them. Maybe some dance shoes.”
“Samantha.” David put his hands on her shoulders, doing his best not to fall over. That was a lot of money. And she’d just traveled the entire country with it in her bags. He could have the barn and some animals sooner than he’d expected. “I don’t need a suit. I have a nice shirt that will work just fine.”
Samantha chuckled and untied the apron. “You could just wear that, but not with these pants. I insist. Then we’ll use the rest to get the things we need.”
“I still say I don’t need one.” He kissed her forehead. “I need to get ready for bed. We can talk about money tomorrow when I get home from the shop.”
Samantha followed him into the bedroom. “I could help there if you’d like.”
David shook his head. “There’s no need. Mother helps me, and there are things you can do here.”
“True, but I’d rather spend time with you.” Samantha dropped onto the bed. “I finally have the chance to do what I want to do instead of what my parents want me to, and I’d like to help you.”
“Very well. I’ll need to go in first thing. You can come by later.” David held back a laugh at the triumphant expression on her face. He didn’t tell her that he was glad she’d insisted because he needed help fulfilling the orders. He’d let her think she won the argument that night.
Samantha stepped back from the counter and wiped her brow as David flipped the sign to ‘Closed.’ It was no wonder David came home exhausted every day. She’d been on her feet all day trying to keep up with orders and taking payments.
This was so different from living on the plantation. There, she had her lessons and there were some chores to do, but she’d never had to do anything like this. Papa took care of the business side, and Mama ran the social side.
“Are you all right?” David handed her a cloth and used his to wipe down the display case.
“I’m exhausted. I don’t know how you do this all
day.” Samantha pushed off the counter and washed the surface. “I thought a couple of those ladies would have my head by the time I got their orders right.”
David chuckled. “They can get scary sometimes. Besides, when I’m on my own, I have the same problem. Mother is the only one who seems to have a handle on what needs to go where.”
Samantha sighed. “She’ll have to teach me how to do that.”
David glanced over at her in surprise. “You want to come back and help?”
“It’s better than sitting at home alone. Your mother has already filled me in on all the ways you can crochet a blanket, and how you should cook a roast. It was time to get out of the house.” Samantha glanced over at David, hoping she hadn’t crossed a line. “I don’t mean to speak ill of your mother. She’s quite lovely.”
“That’s one word to describe her.” David grinned. “I know she can be a handful. Especially when she has an audience.”
Samantha nodded. “She’s like Mama in that regard. But at least your mother doesn’t try to force you into things. She just wants to help.”
“Mother has the best of intentions, but she can be overbearing sometimes.” David took Samantha’s cloth from her to rinse them both out. “Is your mother really that unpleasant?”
“Papa tells me she means well, but he sees the good in everyone.” Samantha shrugged, memories from the past swirling in her mind. Events she held, people she’d taken in who had no home. “She does service for those in need, but as for her own daughter, well, I was a little too free-spirited for her taste.”
David set the cloths over hooks to dry and turned off the lights. “I suppose having you run off to Idaho didn’t help her opinion.”
Samantha’s smile dropped, her eyes filling with tears as she thought of the day she left. “No. Papa gave me his blessing, but not her.”
David pulled her in for a hug and held her tightly. “Someday she’ll see how happy you are here and she’ll back down.”
“I suppose.” But Samantha knew it would take a miracle for Mama to change her mind. “Is there anything else we need to do?”
