“Quite the contrary. I’m lucky to be the one who showed up to marry you. Iris is fortunate to have you for her daddy.”
“Excuse me if I’m prying too deeply, but I get the feeling you and your first husband weren’t well-suited.”
“You’re correct. Caleb was chosen for me by my father and I was pressured to marry him. I admit I regretted that many times. Mama and I were merely possessions to be used to further my father’s business goals. He never cared for either of us.”
“Did he not love your mother when they married?”
“No, he loved her father’s money, same as Caleb loved mine. Marrying wealth is a good step for an ambitious man.”
“Never understood that. Of course, some think writing off for a mail-order wife is crazy.”
Amanda laughed. “It is, but not as crazy as becoming the mail-order bride. But in Atlanta, there are so many more women than marriageable men. After news of my financial situation circulated, I was a pariah among my former friends.”
He considered the type of persons who would turn their back on a friend because she’d lost her home and money. He’d known plenty like that but, fortunately, had never considered them friends. Perhaps those were the only people Amanda had known.
He recalled she’d been living with her former cook. How sad not to have a friend who offered her a haven. Darned if he wasn’t glad he lived on a ranch with hands who’d proven their loyalty.
He remembered something Prudence had said as they left the store and sent his wife a glance. “What did Prudence Morgan mean about remembering Friday?”
Taking a deep breath, Amanda said, “She suggested she and her husband come to our house Friday morning and we all travel together to Sweetwater Springs to attend church. I know we can’t go often, but you did promise the Nortons we’d come once a month or so when the weather allowed. The Morgans have an extra tent we can use to spend the nights in at Sweetwater Springs.”
“She has a lot of nerve arranging our lives.” He calmed himself. A lot of things about marriage caught him off guard. Being wed was a lot harder than he’d imagined.
He said, “You’re right, I did tell Reverend and Mrs. Norton we’d attend church occasionally when the weather was good. I guess Friday is as good a time as any.”
“Thank you, Preston. I realize you don’t really want to take the time now, but I’m eager to meet the other three mail-order brides and say hello to Mrs. Norton. She was so kind and I should return her basket.”
“Might put something in it for her. That apple cake travels well.”
She hugged his arm to her. “You’re a wonderful husband. I’m so fortunate.”
Right now he was feeling pretty lucky himself. They turned onto the ranch road. Preston loved this drive approaching the house with the far mountains above the distant trees. He exhaled in peace. He had a family and a good home. What more could any man ask?
Chapter Eleven
The following day, Amanda debated between two costumes, one heliotrope and the other gray. She chose the latter as more fitting with a mix of ladies from all stations. The China crepe bodice featured gold embroidery and cutwork with a band of the same at the wrists. A band of the embellishment formed a collar.
On each side of the plain gray skirt, bows gathered the fabric near the hem. A front drape descended from the pointed waist. She’d unpacked gloves to match and a red felt hat trimmed with a red feather and gray ribbon.
Although there were many gowns for her, only a few were included for Iris. Amanda chose the blue dress Iris had worn to the wedding. With the white bow in her hair, she looked adorable.
On the way to the Morgan home, Amanda grew more and more nervous. She had none of the social skills that people would expect of her. Surely the other women from tiny Morgan’s Crossing wouldn’t realize the difference but Mrs. Morgan would know.
They stopped in front of the two-story gray Queen Anne house. The burgundy trim and wide white porch made a lovely picture. Amanda wondered that there were no chairs on the porch to sit in of an evening.
Ben set the brake and hopped down and rushed to help her alight from the wagon. The sixteen-year-old was shy, but he was courteous to her. “I’ll hang around town until you’re finished, Mrs. Kincaid.”
She smoothed her skirt while he helped Iris to the ground. “I expect I’ll be about an hour and a half, Ben. Will you be all right for that long?”
“Yes, ma’am. I have a little money that’s burning a hole in my pocket so I’ll go by the store. Your husband warned me not to go to the saloon. I’ll be waiting here in plenty of time and won’t mind a bit sitting in the wagon.”
She took Iris’ hand and did her best to glide to the home.
Prudence opened the door. “Do come in. A couple of the ladies are already here”
She walked through double doors with real glass in the top. The spacious entry included a straight staircase that flared the last few steps with the banister curving into a spiral.
Prudence opened a second set of doors with glass. “We’ll go on into the parlor and I’ll make introductions. My, that is a lovely gown.”
Amanda recognized the envious appraisal in her hostess’ eyes and thought she had chosen well. She followed Prudence into the parlor.
Seated near the fireplace, an older woman came to her feet. Her hair was snowy-white and her plump face held a welcoming smile. Standing near her was a blonde woman with blue eyes and a pretty, heart-shaped face. A Mexican woman stood near another door and looked as if she wanted to escape.
On the floor, a young girl of nine or ten who must belong to the Mexican woman played with a red-headed toddler, a red-haired boy about six or seven, and a brown-haired boy of about eight or nine.
Iris tugged on her hand. “Mommy, may I play with the others?”
“Yes, but remember to be quiet and careful of the furniture.”
Prudence gestured to the other women. “May I introduce Mrs. Amanda Kincaid? Amanda, I’ll let you get acquainted while I set out tea. A couple of the other ladies may arrive soon.”
The snowy-haired woman extended her hand. “I’m May Tisdale.” She gestured to one of the boys. “That’s my grandson, Bobby, who’s nine. I help deliver babies and cook for Mrs. Morgan. Welcome to Morgan’s Crossing.”
The blonde stepped forward. “I’m Cecilla Garr,” she said in a drawl even deeper than Amanda’s. “The two flaming red-heads are mine. Bobby is seven. How old is your daughter?”
“She’ll be four next week. Her name is Iris.” Amanda looked at the Mexican woman.
The other woman took a deep breath and stepped forward. “I am Rosa Rivera and my daughter’s name is Juanita. Welcome to our community.”
“Thank you. I’m so happy to meet other women and find I have neighbors only half an hour away. Especially, I’m happy for Iris to meet other children.”
The women chatted amiably. Soon, two more ladies arrived, Ava Tuccio and Verna Copelin.
Ava said, “Julia can’t make it because the baby is croupy. I don’t know about Portia.”
Mrs. Tisdale helped serve the tea with milk for the children. There were small cakes, custard tarts, and cookies to go with the drinks. Amanda’s enjoyment of the event was hindered because of her terror she’d spill something or make a social blunder. How did genuine Southern belles learn these graces?
Cecilla reached for another cake. “I recognize a fellow Southerner in your speech. Where are y’all from?”
“Atlanta. I’m glad I’m not the only Southerner up here.” She nodded to where the children played. “Your husband must have red hair.” She took a sip of her tea.
“Not as dark as yours but, yes, he’s a red-headed giant of a man. I expect our boys will be tall also. Each of the women here offers something to the community. I make soap, including various fragrances for women. Prudence sells it for me at the store.”
“Thank goodness. I haven’t made soap and I’d worried about obtaining more when I run out.”
/>
Cecilla continued, “May helps Prudence with cooking. Rosa helps clean and do laundry, Verna keeps chickens so we all have eggs, and Ava owns a cow and sells milk.”
Prudence smiled at Cecilla then spoke to Amanda, “We’re a friendly community.”
“I’m fortunate you welcomed me so graciously, Prudence, and that I’ve been able to meet you other ladies.” Relaxed now, she could enjoy the occasion with these women.
Before she realized the time, women began to leave. She called to Iris that they needed to go. Sure enough, Ben waited outside on the wagon.
Prudence thrust a towel-wrapped bundle into her hand. “Take these to your husband and his father. I believe he felt I’d shanghaied you yesterday and these will be my peace offering.”
“Oh, thank you. You’ve been so kind to me. I’ll return the towels next time we’re in town. I know I’ll see your Friday, but I hope you’ll come for a visit one day.”
“I will, but no need to return the towels. They’re a welcome present. Whenever you’re in town and I’m not in the store, stop by the house for a visit. No need to arrange it beforehand.”
With a last wave, she and Iris walked toward the wagon. On the way to the ranch, Amanda gave Ben a couple of the treats. He gulped each in one bite.
Later, Amanda greeted her husband and his father when they came in for supper.
Preston asked, “Well, how was your tea?”
“It was lovely. Prudence is a gracious hostess and the other ladies were nice. I especially liked Cecilla Garr. She’s also a Southerner and she has two boys, both with flaming red hair.”
Iris said, “And I got to play with the other children. None of them are four like I’m going to be, but a boy was five. And there was a nice girl who had beautiful hair the color of night.”
Preston’s face was inscrutable. “Do you have plans to go back soon?”
Did he think she was frivolous? “I had a lovely time today but I have too much to do to be flitting to town very often. Still, it’s nice to know there are other women I can visit from time to time.”
He appeared relieved and she realized he was worried she’d want to go again soon. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Perhaps one of them can visit here occasionally.”
“I’d like that, but I’m sure they have busy days as well. Each of them seems to do something to help her husband. One makes soap for the store, one keeps a cow, one sells eggs, one does laundry and cleans houses, one cooks and delivers babies, and Prudence manages the store.”
After dinner, they sat in the parlor because the evening had turned chilly. She had sorted through the most suitable of her dresses to find those easily laundered and found five candidates for housedresses. She had taken her scissors and cropped the hem on each so the skirts no longer dragged the ground. Now she was hemming them for everyday dresses. She’d also removed the odious bustles for working at home.
Iris had brought her cradle into the parlor and played on the floor.
“I did ask the ladies if they had made rag rugs. Most of them had and told me what I needed. This fall, I’ll make rugs for the floor in front of the fire and for beside each bed. That will help keep the house warmer for us.”
Papa looked up from his old copy of the Billings Gazette and smiled at her. “Ellie always kept a rug on the floor of every room except the kitchen. As you said, the extra layer between your toes and the floor is good.”
Preston looked at Iris. “You’d better make one for Iris’ room and the parlor first so she won’t be sitting on a cold floor.”
Warmth shot through her at his thoughtfulness for their daughter. “Thank you for being so considerate. I’ve saved the cloth I cut from these dresses and from Iris’ new play frocks. What do you do with your old clothes?”
Papa crackled his newspaper and laughed. “Wear them.”
Preston smiled at his father. “We have a barrel in the barn where everyone tosses things too worn to wear any longer. You might find something useful there. I think there’re some pretty good things Ben outgrew.”
She finished the hem of one dress and moved it aside and picked up another. “Sturdy denim will make long-lasting rugs. I’ll save that for in here. I asked, but no one knew how to make cheese.”
Papa looked up from his newspaper. “Was the Rossmore woman there? Portia’s her name.”
“No, no one knew why but she didn’t attend. A woman named Julia had a sick baby and couldn’t come.”
Papa’s eyes narrowed and he grimaced. “That Rossmore probably beat her up again. Makes me mad enough to spit nails. I’d sure like for someone to teach that lout a lesson.”
Preston raised a hand in a staying motion. “We have to stay out of it, Papa. Portia is his wife and none of our business no matter how much we’d like to intervene.”
“I know, but that don’t make me like it. I can’t abide a man who mistreats a woman.”
Amanda was distressed to learn that a woman so near was abused. “That’s sad. I wonder if no one can help her.”
Papa chuckled. “Prudence Morgan tried. She broke a parasol whipping on the husband when the baby was born. Durned if I didn’t laugh when I heard that. The sorry cuss wasn’t going to let the women in to help his wife with birthing. Prudence showed him.”
Preston explained, “Turns out he was going to kill the baby if Portia had a girl, which she did. If the women hadn’t come to help her, he probably would have.”
“What a horrid man he must be.” Like her father. Years of pain surfaced and she wanted to bawl.
Preston touched her arm. “Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She forced a smile for him. “I was just thinking about poor Portia and what a horrible life she must live.” She took a breath. “You know, my father wanted a boy, too. At least he didn’t try to kill me.” But, his abandonment had the same as killed Mama.
She wanted to change the subject. “How often do you go into Sweetwater Springs?”
Her husband said, “Not often. Reckon starting this weekend we can go to church about once a month until winter. Then we have to stay close.”
“I only ask because Prudence mentioned the other mail-order brides. She said we’d meet them when we attended church there. They sound like nice people.”
“I don’t know them well, except for Walker. His wife is real nice. I’ve met the Barretts. They have a boy about a year younger than Iris. Don’t think I know the Flanigans except by sight.” His brow furrowed in a frown. “You getting lonely here?”
“I’m really content, Preston. The only reason I asked is because Lina Barrett is supposed to be a wonderful cook and I thought I might get her recipes for a change in your meals. Mrs. Walker has a lot of books and maybe we might borrow some to read this winter.”
Relief spread across his handsome face. “A good idea. I expect we’ll be wishing for something to read. Papa ought to have memorized that paper by now.”
“Durn right I have, but I have to read something. Sometimes I’m too tired to work on harness and stuff of an evening and I just want to sit by the fire and read.”
“If I meet Darcy Walker, I’ll be sure and ask her to loan us something you might enjoy reading. I also like to read but my father didn’t hold with women reading. He thought it gave them fanciful ideas.”
Papa chuckled and snapped his newspaper closed. “Probably does, which is why they should read.”
Preston stretched. “Once a month, Father Frederick comes to Morgan’s Crossing to conduct mass. We’ve gone even though we’re not Catholic. He’s a good man and we enjoy the service.”
He looked down at the dress Amanda hemmed. “How many of those are you altering?”
“Five. Later I’ll sew some practical housedresses. I have too many that are totally unsuitable for ranch life. I wonder if I can sell them in Sweetwater Springs.”
“I doubt Mrs. Cobb would give you what they’re worth but you’re welcome to try if you’re sure you don’t want them.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “Not unless there’s a lavish ball every Saturday night.”
He grinned at her. “You never know, Mrs. Kincaid. The hens and cows might give a party. I don’t think they’d invite the pigs, but I’m sure the horses will be included.”
“Thanks, but I believe I’ll try to sell the gowns since you have no objection. Even if she just gives me store credit, that would be a plus for us.” She tied a knot and cut her thread. “Iris Grace, time for bed, Dear.”
Amanda folded the sewing and hung the dresses in the armoire in Iris’ room. She turned to find Preston holding Iris’ doll bed complete with doll.
“Aren’t you a little old for those toys?” she asked as he set the cradle on the floor.
“Yes, I can think of better ways to occupy my time.” He gently held her shoulders. “I want to tell you goodnight.”
She knew he intended to kiss her and she leaned toward him. Her eyes fluttered closed as he pressed his mouth against hers. She wound her arms around his neck, holding on because her bones melted.
As he deepened the kiss, she sensed his need. Guilt overwhelmed her for denying her husband his rights. When he broke the kiss she rested her head against his chest. His strong heartbeat echoed hers.
He kissed her hair and pulled away. “Sweet dreams, Mrs. Kincaid.”
“And the same to you, Mr. Kincaid.”
Her dreams were certain to be of her husband and his sweet kiss. She looked forward to dreams of being in his arms as she had been for their nap. More, she anticipated the time when they’d be sleeping as husband and wife.
Chapter Twelve
On Friday morning, Amanda was excited and nervous at the same time. She’d packed their good clothes and wore what she considered a suitable traveling dress. She’d also packed the dresses to show to Mrs. Cobb. Iris was almost as excited as she was. Preston and Papa pulled the wagon in front of the house and loaded on food, bedding, and the case containing their clothing.
Montana Sky: Amanda's Rancher (Kindle Worlds) (Loving A Rancher Book 1) Page 10
