by Faye Sonja
“Please, call me Ada. Come around for tea one time and we can go through all my fashion plates. I sew all my own clothing, you know.”
Mary looked surprised. “Even your wedding gown?”
“Yes. I think it turned out well, and I can wear both the dress under and the top dress separately, so it’s also economical.”
“I’d love to come for morning tea.” Mary gave her a lovely smile.
“We’ll make an arrangement. Be sure to bring some friends. I have a lot to get to know about this interesting city.”
“I definitely will bring friends, Ada.”
* * *
5
Newlyweds
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“ I have to give her a chance… This is
her new life now. We all have a past."
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“What a wonderful day, Ada. Truly. I never imagined on Friday morning that I’d be married by Sunday evening when I came home.” Bobby let himself out of the carriage. “I’ll come around and assist you, my dear.”
They’d been in the carriage for about an hour, so Bobby didn’t live in a tiny one-roomer above the courthouse or similar, as she’d imagined him in. Not that she’d have cared much; having her very own home to share with her husband would’ve been a thrill anywhere. It was quite dark now and the driver waited for Bobby to light the lantern on the front porch before he left.
Ada eyes went wide as a large timber home loomed before her. This was unexpected. Very unexpected indeed. “Is this where you live, Bobby?”
“This is my…our…place, yes. Twenty acres, not big enough for farming for a living, but enough for me to get the feel of the wide open spaces I grew up with.”
“I thought you didn’t like the farm?”
“I didn’t like the work. I did it quite well enough but I wasn’t cut out to follow in father’s footsteps. I was more academic.” He held her hand to assist her up the twelve steps leading onto the verandah. Then he walked over and opened the door and waved her to go in before him. “After you, Ada.”
She remembered that awful comment about the threshold and pushed it out of her mind. She stepped in. There it was done.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Grant. Please wait while I light the place up a little.”
“Thank you, Mr. Grant. I’m honored to be here.” Ada waited for Bobby to get the first lamp inside lit. The soft glow became brighter as he turned the adjustment. Then he set about lighting three more. Ada stood and stared around the home.
Not a thing was out of place and the furnishings looked perfect and pristine. Artworks adorned the wall and a number of collectable pieces sat on the sideboard and in cabinets. “Bobby, it’s beautiful. I can’t believe it. I really can’t. You’re very good at decorating.”
“The things I like all go together nicely. That’s all. I hope you’ll add some touches and cheer it all up some.”
“I’m looking forward to exploring the home and land. But right now, my feet are so tired and I must get into my slippers and a lighter outfit.”
“I’ll be sorry to see that wedding dress off you. It’s spectacular. The ladies were all amazed. Apparently the likes of it have never been seen here before. Not even in San Diego or San Francisco.”
“I read a lot of fashion magazines and draw up my own patterns. I follow the trends. Something I have a knack for, it seems.” Ada didn’t think what she did was anything special, really.
“This city is growing fast due to the railroads coming through soon and the new tourmaline mines are close. You should consider selling your gowns, perhaps.” Bobby smiled and placed his hat on a table.
“It’s a lot of work. I’ll consider it.”
“Perhaps you could sell your designs.”
“Perhaps I could.” Ada was sure no one else would want to buy them from her. The best designers came from Paris, and how could she get her designs to there?
“Let me show you to the master bedroom. There’s a powder room and should you need the toilet, a flushing one out back. But there’s a shower also in the bathroom down the hall.” Bobby looked very pleased to be telling her all this.
“I must confess, I’ve never had a shower, always a bath.”
“I wouldn’t be without one now. But let’s get you more comfortable.” Bobby had reddened in the face a little, and Ada suddenly thought of just what would be happening tonight. They were married. Would they be sharing the master bedroom? With all the things on her mind, she’d never given this night a second thought. Perhaps she’d see if Bobby mentioned it first.
“Let’s just get comfortable, have some hot cocoa, and worry about the rest as it comes.” Bobby must’ve understood what her sudden silence was about.
“Yes. I’ll get my nightdress and housecoat on and come have cocoa. Thank you, Bobby.”
“Make yourself at home. I have Mrs. Jenkins in each morning to keep the place running. I’ll keep that going for another two weeks. She’s three children and her husband passed on with the fever last year.”
“Oh dear. How sad. I’m happy for her to stay on, if we can afford it. We can split the duties easily enough. I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
“I’ll be heading into Brookstown in the morning to work from my office. So if I’m gone, Mrs. Jenkins will be here.”
Ada followed him into the bedroom and he lit a lamp. He sounded like he wouldn’t see her in the morning. Her things were in her case on a wonderful four-poster bed and the materials covering the bed were sumptuous and rich. “You have an excellent eye for quality, Bobby.”
“Hence my new bride, Mrs. Grant.” Bobby went a deep red then and rushed out of the room.
Ada let out her boisterous laugh at his sweet attempt to flirt with her. “What a delightful thing to hear.” What a very busy, emotional day. Ada yawned and proceeded to relieve herself of all her finery. The corset was the best thing to go. What a relief.
Ada dressed in her undergarments and a stiffer cotton chemise. She wore stockings and a long cotton nightdress that buttoned up to the neck and had long sleeves that buttoned at the wrists. She slid her feet into her slippers and popped on a simple bonnet. Her wedding outfit she placed over an armchair in the corner. She’d pop it away tomorrow.
Now to go and discuss the sleeping arrangements, and for her to begin to tell him some more of her life. She yawned again. She hoped to stay awake long enough to have a conversation. She hoped Bobby would consider sharing the bed with her tonight.
The companionship would be nice and they had to begin to trust each other. As soon as possible she’d discuss the matter of pushing that awful man over. Just another week of learning to live together and she’d do it.
* * *
The next morning Ada awoke alone in the large bed she’d convinced her husband to share with her last night. They were both so tired and she wanted this marriage off on the right footing. They’d chatted on opposite sides of the bed until someone must’ve gone to sleep first.
Ada walked out to the kitchen area. A light-haired woman about ten years her senior was peeling vegetables at the sink. She turned to her and smiled. “Ah, Mrs. Grant. Forgive me for taking over in your kitchen.”
“I do believe it’s your kitchen more than mine at the moment, Mrs. Jenkins.”
“Please call me Sarah.” She dried her hands on the towel. “Mr. Grant left strict instructions for you to have breakfast and take a look around the house and gardens.”
“Garden?”
“Yes. Mr. Grant keeps a wonderful garden. He has some young men come in to help. You’ll enjoy a cup of coffee down by the fountain later.”
“Sounds divine. I’ll go use the bathroom and get dressed.”
“Right you are. Mr. Grant said he’ll be home at lunch time and then he’ll show you around the place. I’ll make you some breakfast. You’ll be dining out in the rose garden under the arbor. If I’m not a
round, that’s where I’ll be. Make yourself comfortable, Mrs. Grant.”
“Please call me Ada. I much prefer that to formalities.”
“As you wish, Ada.”
Bobby seemed quite well-off. Something she’d never expected, or even thought about. She just thought they’d both work hard and have enough to get by on. Like she did in Salt Lake City. Enough to put some savings away for special things for her and her sisters.
She wondered if she could speak freely about money matters and where they stood. She certainly wasn’t here for that but if things didn’t work out there would need to be something in place to protect them both.
She thought about his family, his father, and the farm. Was it around here or had Bobby come out as a pioneer for this area alone?
So many things to learn, and so much she had to tell him about herself. Would he accept her? Would he believe her story of the way things happened or would he turn her in because of his duty to the law? He was a prosecutor so he dealt with this exact type of scenario all the time. Ada’s stomach churned and she knew she had to tell him of her circumstances.
What if that man was dead? What if she’d actually killed him and left him for dead? It didn’t bear thinking about. It’d be at least a two weeks before she heard anything from Miss Kitty back home. What a dilemma. Perhaps she should go back and see for herself. She felt more confused than ever. But she’d made her vows yesterday and she should be telling her husband.
She shouldn’t have ran away in the first place. Perhaps telling the truth would’ve been fine and they’d see she was only protecting herself. She and Emma had been the one reason there was any income for clothing and their personal needs.
It had also kept Anna with her studies, as she dearly wanted to be a teacher. What Ada dearly wanted was to be at peace and to enjoy her new life. She came back out and Sarah had left toast and coffee on the table for her and the vegetables were simmering on the stovetop. Something cooked in the oven and she peeked in to see a large leg of lamb with rosemary sprigs all over it.
A home-cooked meal. She should like to learn how to do all this. Their meals had been simple and cheap. A lot of old, leftover bakery foods they couldn’t sell. The cakes and cookies may not have helped as far as her dress size went.
But they did get her through a lot of tears and feeling hopeless about her life, so she had them to thank for that. Just peace and quiet to do what she loved and to contribute to the world in a positive manner.
Could she ruin the wonderful lunch by telling him her dilemma? She’d just have to wait for the right time. Bobby was trying so hard. Perhaps on their exploration of the land, she’d be able to begin the conversation. She nibbled on the edge of her toast and butter. Lovely.
She took a bigger bite and chewed. Everything tasted better here.
No, she absolutely must tell him as soon as possible. This couldn’t go on. After finishing her toast, Ada decided to explore the very large home a little. It definitely came up more beautifully than she’d imagined in the daylight.
Down a longer hallway was another wing were three more bedrooms. A large formal dining room and a sitting room was also down there. She wandered through looking at the beautiful artworks. Paintings, sculptures, pottery; it was wonderful. Right at the end of the hallway she pushed a large wooden door. It opened.
Inside Ada couldn’t believe what she saw. There must have been a thousand books stored on shelving from the floors to the ceilings. A formal desk and some comfortable chairs were there also, inviting you to sit and read.
Ada had longed for a library of her own. She hoped to begin her own book collection someday soon. This was perfect. Choosing a book from the shelf, she settled down on the sofa to look through it and read. Just a few minutes and she’d go out and see if Sarah needed a hand.
She heard a quiet meow and felt a nudge on her leg. Looking down she saw the most beautiful, fluffy brown cat with bright yellow eyes. Not a kitten, but only young. Ada’s heart melted. The cat jumped up and settled beside her. She’d always wanted a cat. Could her life get any more perfect?
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6
A Lovely Life
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“ I have to give her a chance… This is
her new life now. We all have a past."
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“Here you are, my dear. Lunch is ready to be served. Do you approve of the library?”
Ada looked up in shock. “Oh, goodness me. I’m afraid I’ve lost all track of time reading Mary Elizabeth Braddon. Never have I been able to freely enjoy such a collection.”
“Never mind the time. I’m so glad you enjoy books. They’re a passion of mine.”
Ada thought that Bobby didn’t look as small or as nervous today. Her imagination, no doubt. She was sure one word out of place and he’d be struggling with embarrassment again. She’d be careful not to give him a reason. His warm, brown eyes shone behind his round glasses.
“I must find myself something to keep me busy. I can’t fritter away all my time reading in the library.”
“Well, you’re doing a very good job of keeping Cinnamon warm.”
“Cinnamon. That’s a perfect name. When did you get her?”
“About a month ago. She’s been keeping me company. I’m glad you arrived when you did; I may’ve had quite a few cats otherwise.” He smiled and held his hand out to help Ada up.
She took his hand and stood, and Cinnamon jumped down and wandered off to sit in the sunlight on the windowsill, artfully dodging the rich-red velvet drapes.
“I can smell the delicious roast all the way down here.”
“Normally the main meal will be for supper, but as we missed Mrs. Jenkins’ Sunday roast, we’re having it today. It’s criminal to miss one of her roasts.”
The word criminal made Ada inwardly wince. She must tell him.
“I felt like a new person this morning. Everything seemed quite perfect. The morning ran smoothly. I’m glad because I wanted our first full day as husband and wife to be joyful.”
“I agree. I don’t mean to be crude, but, Bobby, you aren’t poor, are you?”
He chuckled in his quiet manner. “What I lack in stature I more than make up for in astute investment decisions. No, my dear, we are certainly not poor.”
“It wasn’t mentioned in your detail with Miss Kitty, so I hadn’t really thought about that side of things. I’ve always worked to support myself and my sisters, so I was quite prepared to continue working.”
“You may, if you wish. But if there’s any burning desire you’ve wanted to try, then go ahead. Neither of us needs to work, really.”
“You continue on as a prosecutor because you enjoy it?”
“Partly, and partly because justice must be served. I can’t seem to walk away from seeing wrongdoings righted in the eyes of the law, or for innocent people to be vindicated.” He pulled her seat out in the formal dining room. The table seated ten and Ada looked forward to having it full of friends and hopefully family one day.
Ada swallowed. “It’s very important to you, isn’t it?”
“It’s been the most important thing to me up until now. It was the one thing I felt really good at and am respected for. I may not be able to throw a punch in a fight, but I can slice through lies and deceit with my words in the courtroom.”
Ada opened her mouth to speak. She must tell him. If she didn’t it may ruin the trust that was building between them. “Bobby, I…”
A yell came from the kitchen and something crashed to the floor. Bobby stared at her and then rushed off. Ada got up and followed him. What’d happened to Sarah?
All in the kitchen now, Sarah had her hand on her heart. “I’m so sorry, Bobby. There was a spider in the saucepan I just pulled out of the cupboard and it gave me quite a fright.”
“I’ll dispose of it. Are you okay now?” Bobby picked up the pot f
rom the floor.
Sarah nodded and patted her apron down. “I’ll have you served in a jiffy, Ada.”
Bobby took the saucepan outside.
“Don’t worry, Sarah. I can help. I should like to learn about cooking meals such as these. Perhaps I can start with helping to serve.”
“You’ll do no such thing. This is special dinner for your husband and you. Go sit back down. We’ve plenty of time for you to learn to cook.”
“Of course, your services will still be required even when Ada is a competent cook, Mrs. Jenkins.” Bobby had come back into the kitchen with the saucepan and handed it to Sarah.
“Of course. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise. Perhaps in return for you showing me, I can sew some small things for you.” Ada didn’t want Sarah to think she was trying to do her out of her job.
Sarah smiled. “That would be lovely. Now, go sit. Your meals will be along shortly. Leave room for dessert. Golden syrup dumplings and fresh cream.”
Ada’s belly gave a loud growl. “Beg my pardon.”
Bobby and Sarah gave a small laugh each.
“Hop along now. We can’t have anyone going hungry.” Sarah shooed them back out.
Ada followed Bobby down the hallway back to their beautifully set table and they both sat down. She’d just been about to tell Bobby of her plight in Salt Lake City.
“How old are your sisters?”
“Anna is one year younger than me at twenty-four, and Emma is nineteen. Emma is also not a blood sister like Anna, but a foster sister. She came along as a newborn, so we’ve all grown up together and we love each other as if we were all blood.”
“Indeed. Are they still in Salt Lake City?”
“Yes. But Emma has been writing a beau for a few months, apparently, and Anna is also planning on being a mail order bride now. I think the city life has made us yearn for adventure.”
“I wish them all the best. There’s room for guests here. You must write them and get them to come and visit once they’re settled.”
