Minding Benji (Sweethearts of Jubilee Springs Book 5)

by Sandra E Sinclair

  “I want our marriage to work, Pru,” he whispered against her lips.

  “You’ve never called me that before,” she said, pulling away from him.

  “Called you what?” He became worried. What had he called her?

  “Pru. You haven’t called me that before. My mother, my family, and close friends call me it, but mostly everyone else calls me by my given name.”

  “Oh, I hadn’t realized, do you want me to stop calling you that?”

  “No, I like it.”

  “I’m glad. Prudence is a bit of a mouthful.”

  The smile she gave him liquefied his heart. He began to stutter, “I…I…promised you an explanation for my actions the other day. I’m sorry for making you feel you weren’t good enough. You’re perfect, Benji’s perfect. I was shaken for a while at the prospect of being someone’s pappy. I haven’t had much dealing with children and from what I can remember of my own pappy, doesn’t warrant sharing or emulating.”

  “You won’t be Benji’s pappy, he has one. He’s not my—”

  “I’m not getting into this with you. You’re going to be my wife, which in turn will make any child of yours my son too.” He placed a finger to her lips again to silence her when she tried to speak. He cupped her cheek caressing it with his thumb. “We’ll be all right. Look, I must be going if I’m to return early enough to help Jeffrey. Let’s take you back to the house.”

  “But I have to tell you something before we’re married.”

  “Then tell me tomorrow after church. I should get some sleep. Good night, Pru.” He bent forward resting his forehead on hers as he drew her into him and sniffed her hair, then brushed his lips against hers. Tearing himself away, he strode off without looking back, his heart hammering.

  Chapter 17

  Prudence couldn’t tear her eyes away from the view outside. Austin was out back, his shirt lay dishevelled on the ground where he’d let it fall as he cleaned up to get ready for church. The lean, hard muscles in his back rippled as he doused his flesh with the lukewarm water from the wooden barrel. The shadow on his chin, a desired feature she had come to know and love.

  She hadn’t slept well, still reeling from the kiss they shared, quivering in his arms like a jellyfish, praying he wouldn’t notice her nervousness as he held her close to his masculine frame. He had an earthy scent to him, like fresh cut grass in springtime, river water, and soap. He hadn’t been wearing that cologne she recognized on him before, with its undertone of cherries.

  She continued to stare admiringly. Prudence would be married tomorrow and she had no idea what to expect from their union. Tears welled in her eyes as she studied the water droplets sliding down his skin, sparkling like jewels in the sunlight. She missed her mother. If ever there were a time she needed her ma, it was now.

  How could she ever hope to hold the interest of a man like Austin? His had a raw animal magnetism that made her weak at the knees, and unsettled her stomach. The long, wet hair which crowned his head in shimmering black waves, hung limply just past his shoulders, pulling her gaze.

  To win his love would be nigh on impossible for a naive girl like her. Her cheeks warmed as she contemplated asking Minna’s advice. Jeffrey was his brother after all, they were sure to have similarities.

  She couldn’t ask Winnie; Winnie had made the divide in their status clear. As far as Winnie was concerned, Prudence was her mistress even though she didn’t pay her or ask her to do anything for her. Winnie still addressed her as if she were under Prudence’s service.

  Maybe she could ask Mrs. Millard. Prudence dismissed that idea just as soon as she thought it.

  Austin must have sensed someone watching him because suddenly they were eye to eye. He gazed up at her through the glass, not stopping his ablution. He smiled and winked, before reaching for the belt of his pants. She gasped and turned her back on him, a hand flying to her thudding chest, trying to soothe the rumblings of her heart. Her other hand fingered the collar of her blouse, her corset felt tighter than usual.

  The faint sound of his laughter could be heard though the windowpane.

  She wanted to check if he was still watching. She struggled with the desire to look again. But was saved from turning to sate her curiosity by Minna coming toward her.

  “Prudence, there you are. Jeffrey wanted to know if you would sing the hymn you’re always singing and humming when you think no one is around, to end the service?” Prudence felt the warmth leave her cheek as all the blood she possessed sank into her shoes.

  Minna moved closer. “You won’t be alone. I’ll be accompanying you on the piano,” she said, mistaking Prudence nervousness for fear of having to sing in church.

  How could she refuse after all they had done for her? She was lyrically trained and had done many recitals. They weren’t asking her to shovel in the mines or to become the town’s next sheriff. They were asking her to do something she loved to do.

  The blood returned to her cheeks just as fast as it left them. She stepped closer to Minna, for fear Minna might get close enough to the window to see what she’d been looking at.

  “Which hymn would that be? I’ve sung a few.”

  “Just As I Am.” Jeffrey said it’s best suited for the occasion. Would you like to practice it?”

  “No, I think I’ll be all right, that hymn is one of my favorites.” Austin’s bare chest was momentarily forgotten as Prudence followed Minna back down the hall and stairs to the dining room. Minna told Prudence her husband plans for the day ahead, involving her voice and violin.

  She didn’t see Austin again until they were loading the buggies to transport them, and the picnic things to the church.

  “Where did you get the extra transport, when Johnny B has to be really busy this weekend?” Minna asked, eyeing the four-seater with interest.

  “I know, that’s why I stole it.”

  Everyone gasped.

  Austin laughed. “Relax, I’m joking. I called in a favor to help Johnny out.” He shifted closer to Prudence, and said close to her ear, “You and Benji are traveling with me.”

  Before he could say more, Winnie chimed in. “I’ll go with Mr. Austin, I can hold Benji at the back, and Mr. Dunne you can head on over with the baby carriage.”

  She climbed into the buggy and held her arms out for her husband to pass Benji to her who squealed with delight, and blew bubbles as he grabbed at Winnie’s lips with his tiny fingers. She giggled and blew raspberries into his palm every time he tried.

  Austin raised a brow and chuckled, then he said into Prudence’s ear. “Do you think she will ask before moving in with us?”

  Prudence smiled at him. “She has no reason to ask, she made it plan where Benji goes, so does she. I hope you have her room ready.”

  “I’ll get right on it.” He chuckled some more, as he held Prudence’s hand and helped her into her seat. “Have I told you how lovely you look,” he said, climbing on next to her, leaning in, his nose brushed against her cheek. “After the service, we’ll skip the picnic at the park. I want to show you Highbourne. I’ve packed a separate basket for us.”

  “That sounds like a grand idea, Mr. Austin. I think the crowd and noise will be too much for Benji. I’m sure Mr. Dunne will find a way to attach the baby carriage to this one. Have I told you how good he is with his hands?”

  Austin glanced over his shoulder and laughed. “No, Mrs. Dunne. I don’t recall you ever telling me that.”

  “Well, he is. He can fix anything.”

  “Well, then, I’m sure he will find a way. He can show you what he’s done so far on building your new home. It a cabin not far from the main house, and quite away from the bunkhouse. He’s making great progress on it. Next weekend the men are sure to help him finish it off.”

  “That sounds mighty fine, Mr. Austin, mighty fine.”

  “If we have everything, we’d better get going,” Jeffrey said, and climbed onto his rig.

  Prudence studied the scene around her, there was laughter,
and togetherness. They looked like a family. It reminded her of how things used to be, before her parents met their fate. She and Benjamin were always laughing together. Things had been good then and looking around her she could see they would be again. This was her family now.

  Austin was in good spirits, she knew his plans hadn’t included Winnie but not once had he corrected the other woman. Instead, he made her feel included, as if she was a part of things from the beginning.

  She loved him more for that. He’d continued to describe to Winnie what her husband had said his plans were for their home being built on Highbourne soil, and she soaked up his every word with a broad smile and lots of ooh's and ahh’s. Her once sad eyes, sparkled with promise and hope.

  Prudence couldn’t help reaching for the other woman’s hand. Today was going to be a good day, she could feel it. Sitting next to Austin as they made their way to church was where she wanted to be now and always. Before she could stop herself, her head was on his shoulder. He brushed his cheek against her hair.

  “Hold that thought. We’re here. But don’t worry, the road to Highbourne is a lot longer. You can go to sleep on my shoulder if you like. So long as you don’t snore.” His brows arched. “You don’t snore, do you? Because that would be a real cause for reconsideration of our relationship.” He helped her down and then reached for Benji, giving him to Prudence. Like a genie from a bottle, Mr. Dunne was beside him, to help his wife down.

  “My brother used to say when I slept, I sounded like a fog horn warning,” Prudence said, feeling all mushy inside as she teased him.

  “You won’t get out of marrying me that easy, Miss. I’ll grow to love it, it will be like music to my ears, and if that doesn't work, I’ll make cotton plugs.”

  Prudence giggled as he took her arm and threaded it through his, seeing as Winnie had taken Benji back, put him in his baby buggy and strode ahead of them.

  They were early, so only a few people who couldn’t wait to be saved, sat scattered among the pews. Minna told Prudence to help put out the spare Bibles and hymn sheets. Slowly the church began to fill with everyone wearing their Sunday best. The women had head coverings, and the men removed theirs. The array of colors and dresses made Prudence dizzy. The air was muggy, and the heat of the day stifling. Fans and cards came out as people fanned their overly warm faces.

  Benji fussed for a little while, but Winne soon had him settled again as she sat with him on her lap with the family in the front row. Before the service began, Pastor Jeffrey called Prudence to stand beside him.

  “This is Prudence Fairchild, soon to be Prudence Alwin, my little brother has done well.”

  Prudence saw Austin roll his eyes but he was still smiling. She looked for Kelly but he wasn’t there, and she sighed in relief. He was probably Catholic.

  “Prudence brought her violin, so she will be accompanying my dear wife on the piano. We’ll be having a little something different, ending in a solo hymn song by Miss Fairchild. So this day will be a day for new beginnings for a few of you folks. Am I right?” As the crowd nodded, and mumbled their acquiescence, Jeffrey asked Prudence to take her seat. “Now for the order of service.”

  Jeffrey was an inspiring preacher, the service was joyous and uplifting, and the hymns perfectly suited for the day. It ended with everyone on their feet applauding, after Minna and Prudence finished their duo and the words “Just as I am without one plea…” reached the rafters.

  Chapter 18

  Her singing voice washed over him like April showers, he was lost in the sound as she sung only for him or so it felt as her eyes were on him the whole time. His heart swelled with pride, love, and something else. He’d been to many of his brother’s services, practically all of them, but this one was different. He felt alive and full of the holy spirit. Jeffrey’s words carried meaning he’d never experienced before.

  Suddenly he felt ashamed of his past life and sinful dealings.

  He was going to be a husband, a father, and a better man for recognizing the other two. He could smell it in the air, taste it on his tongue. It caressed his skin. For once, Jeffrey was wrong. The soon-to-be Mrs. Alwin was more precious than gold—to him she was priceless.

  Tomorrow couldn’t come quick enough as he wished away the day. He’d seen some of the women who had come to marry the miners. Each one beautiful in her own way, but none could compare to his beauty, whose grace was a lovely as her voice.

  Winnie placed Benji in his arms. “You hold him, Mr. Austin. I must put his carrier outside while we get the inside set up right for the weddings this afternoon and tomorrow. We’re moving things over to the park for the picnic. Miss Fairchild will be going over there with Mrs. Alwin to help organize things. Jacob has gone there too. I don’t see you as man for pushing a baby buggy, so if you take Benji for a bit, I’ll be along real soon to take him back.”

  Austin couldn’t speak. This was the longest Winnie had ever spoken to him, and although she said it politely, he felt as if he’d just been given his marching orders. He hoisted Benji up to his chest and smiled down at him. “All right then, little man, it’s just you and me, no monkey business now, you hear. I don’t do crying and I don’t do chambering. So, we’re good, right?”

  Austin followed behind Winnie, who left the baby carrier outside as he stood to the side by the doorway.

  Benji smiled up at him and his little fist smacked against the side of Austin’s jaw. He chuckled. “So, it’s like that, huh? You want a throw down.”

  “Never had you down for a bully, Austin Alwin.” Johnny B laughed. “Threatening the little one like that, it’s a wonder he isn’t hollering.”

  “He started it. He hit first. A man has a right to defend himself against such attacks.” Austin laughed and rubbed his nose to Benji’s.

  “Well I’ll be… Never thought I’d see the day when Austin Alwin would become the family man. I take it this little fellow is the one you were telling me about. Which one’s his ma?”

  “Weren’t you here at the start of the service?”

  “Shush, I was, then I wasn’t. Then I was again. Why, what did I miss?”

  Austin eyes traveled over his friend’s face. “Well that makes no sense, one way or the other.”

  “It will someday, trust me. Now, which one is she?”

  Austin turned to look back into the church where the women had gathered round. “Over there in the yellow dress with orange and pink flowers.”

  Benji tapped at Austin’s face, gurgling with the occasional chuckle as he dipped his head back and forth. “I can see why Mrs. Dunne never wants to put you down. You’re a real charmer.” He stared into Benji’s eyes and noticed they were the same unusual color as Pru’s. Mrs. Millard had described them as hazel but he thought they were greener than that, not bright, muddier, like river moss drying in the sun.

  “You sure she’s that boy’s mother? She doesn’t look like a woman who’s had a child.”

  “I thought the same. But look what we have here.” His held Benji at arm’s length. Benji blew a few bubbles and kicked his legs in the air, his lips shifting up into a smile then down with a quiver as if he was about to cry, then a smile again. Austin pulled him back against his chest, and Benji grabbed Austin’s bottom lip. Pulling himself free, he said, “This little guy says different.”

  He walked into the church to see how the women were doing.

  “Are you almost done? We’ll be running out of daylight at this rate,” Austin said, sneaking up behind Prudence.

  She jumped and turned to face him, then glanced over at Minna, who nodded. He’d given the baby back to Winnie who stood watching as Jacob fitted the baby carriage to the back of the buggy with rope.

  They rode along Schoolhouse Road. Mr. and Mrs. Dunne sat in the back; a cloth draped across them as she feed Benji.

  Austin pointed out the names of roads and streets to Pru as well as what she would find on each one and promised to take her on a tour of the town after they were married. He veered off t
o the left, behind the school and along the Arkansas River, past the saloon on the outskirts of town, and along the track leading to his homestead.

  “Are you sorry for missing the social?”

  “No, I want to see where you live.”

  “We won’t have time to see much before night falls, but I’ll remedy that too after tomorrow.”

  “It’s fine, we have a whole life ahead of us to see what we need to see.”

  “Yes, that we do.” They fell quiet as each took in the scenery of the vast, open land leading to Highbourne. Virgin land stretched for miles on one side, filled with grass, trees, and bushes. The river, mountains, and more trees on the other.

  He never tired of seeing his home. They rolled up to the large spacious house he once shared with his uncle, and great-aunt, God rest their souls. Jeffrey lived with them on and off for a few years before their father because a drifter and had to move in with them full-time. It was divided into three sections. The two-story middle was the main part of the house with the single story east and west wings jutting out either side.

  Seeing the startled look on Pru’s face made him happy—she liked it. He’d impressed her. He doubted she’d expected such splendour, from just looking at him. Most people were surprised to see how he lived, although he only used the lower portion of the house.

  All the wood used in and outside the property was obtained from the land he owned. The ranch was self-sufficient. He mainly raised and traded horses because that’s where his passion lay. But he owned a considerable head of cattle, with a few acres for farming land too. There were several small clusters of fruit groves a few hundred feet away from the side and back of the house, close to where he told Jacob he could build his home.

  Austin took the women on a tour of the house, while Jacob strode toward the fruit trees with the picnic basket and blankets. He wanted Pru to be as much in love with his home as he was. Her expressions as they moved from room to room didn’t disappoint. Although Winnie’s exclamations were a more audible appreciation of her surroundings.