“Are Veronica and the baby all right?” Georgie asked.
He ran his hand over his face and then shook his head. “I don’t know. I mean they’re fine but something is going on. I’ve never spent much time in the company of women, but she seems so nervous.”
“It’s probably natural,” Parker advised.
“I was nervous coming to Texas, and my clothes were in the same condition if you remember.” Georgie stood. “I’ll get us some punch, and I’ll fill a basket of food for your dinner.”
Max stopped pacing. “That would be a big help, thank you.” He watched as Georgie and Parker exchanged worried glances.
“Is it the baby? Did she say who the father is?”
“Not a word, and I’m sure I’ll get used to the girl. I just wasn’t expecting a child. I don’t think Veronica likes me. She flinches when I get near her. I’ve tried being kind and helpful, but I’m at a loss as to how to act around her.” He sighed and sagged into a chair.
“She flinched when I congratulated her, so I don’t think it’s you. I would have thought the country would have settled by now but in some parts of the south there is still a lot of violence. Maybe something happened. You’re right to be put off by her omission of Bridey. I guess she was desperate. I’m sure she’ll tell you. She’s probably worried about the wedding night. You two really don’t know each other.”
“She did mention that her pa used to hit her. Maybe that’s why she cringes when I get too close. She did want to know if I was a hitting type of man.” He drew his brows together, considering what he could do for a moment then sighed. “I guess I’ll let her alone until we know each other. I don’t want her to be afraid. I mean she was married and all.”
Parker put both hands on his knees. “I think the answer lies with how she got with child. Sometimes you have to wait until a woman decides she wants to tell you.”
Max shook his head. He didn’t know much more than when he’d walked over. He stood and Georgie magically appeared. He gave her a knowing look, and she blushed.
“Parker is right. She seems really nice, Max. Patience is the key.” She handed him the basket and herded him out the door before he could thank her. He never did get any punch.
Did he have enough patience? He always liked to act on something rather than wait. But he’d been patient when he had to be.
He walked into the house and put the basket on the table. Then he peered into the bedroom and quickly turned around. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think, I guess I’m not used to having a wife yet.”
“Max this is your home. You have no reason to be sorry. Since I seem to have to feed her a lot, I’d say you’ll get used to it rather quickly. When I’m done you can teach me how to work that stove.”
He turned back toward her but didn’t look at her. “Georgie sent me home with a big basket of food. I doubt we’ll need to cook tonight.”
“You could show me how to make coffee?”
He chuckled. “You’re anxious to learn. Most people would avoid it if they could.”
“If I don’t learn the basics tonight, there will be no breakfast tomorrow,” she said softly.
He gazed at her. She was more beautiful than he’d imagined. “Coffee tonight and I’ll help you tomorrow.”
“My initial impression of you was right. You’re a sweet man. Not many men would help a woman. I appreciate it.” Her smile was as close to being angelic as a smile could get. He thought he felt a longing for her, but that was impossible. He hardly knew her.
“She fell asleep.”
“Your suggestion of tickling her feet works the best.”
He watched as Veronica lightly stroked the baby’s feet. Bridey woke with a little smile and allowed her mother to switch her to the other breast. His face heated, and he stopped staring. “I’ll set out the food.”
She certainly was a puzzle. He would have thought she’d hate for him to see her feeding Bridey, but she was fine with it. He’d ride into town tomorrow and get her and the baby some clothes.
Now, how to approach the question of the wedding night?
* * *
“Bridey I think we’ll have a good life here. Max seems nice, and the ranch is so pretty. Maybe I’ll learn to ride a horse.” Bridey gurgled at her.
Veronica watched Max pour the coffee. One of her greatest fears had been getting a husband that was cruel.
“What’s that smile for?” Max said in a teasing voice.
“It’s for you. I never expected someone kind, and I certainly didn’t expect a new house. No more leaking roof and the door actually closes. I just hope I don’t wake up and find it all to be a dream.”
He pulled out a chair for her to sit on. “She sure is a bonnie baby.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Would you like anything in your coffee?”
“I don’t think anyone ever asked me before, but no, I drink it black. I’m just glad you have coffee. We ran out and… well, we ran out.” She’d gotten slapped good for running out too.
He watched her, and she grew uncomfortably warm. She sipped her coffee pretending she didn’t notice his regard, but grew more and more nervous as the sun began to go down.
“I’ve thought about our wedding night,” he suddenly announced, “and I hope you agree that we should wait until you feel more comfortable here with me.” He reached across the table and gave her hand a pat before he pulled his hand back.
“If you keep being so gentlemanly you’ll make me cry. It’s been a long hard road ever since the war started, and even though it’s been over, many act as though it’s still going on. Thank you, I would like to get to know you better. I’ve been so nervous about tonight. I can make a pallet in the other bedroom.”
“I think that bed is plenty big enough for us to share without us noticing the other is even there. We’ll have Bridey in the room as well. I’m a man of my word.” He was staring again.
There was nothing to do but accept his offer. “You’re right, I’ve never seen such a big bed, and we’ll make a nice soft spot for Bridey in an empty drawer. I’d hate to have someone roll over on her.”
His lips twitched. “I can see you’re assuming that someone would be me.”
She widened her eyes hoping she hadn’t offended him, but then he chuckled and she calmed.
“I don’t know if you’re a roller or not. I do have to warn ya though. I have nightmares once in a while.” She stared at her coffee.
“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Most of us have nightmares now and then. I think many of us saw or experienced things no one should have. It’s fine, and if you need me I’ll be right there.”
They ate with very little conversation, and then she stood. “I’ll put Bridey down and then clean up the kitchen. I’ll be right back.”
Once in the bedroom, she fixed a drawer for Bridey, who was happy to lie in it. Looking at the bed, it suddenly seemed smaller than before. Perhaps it was the idea of sharing it that made it more likely that they’d end up touching at some point. What if she shot out of bed and ended up running outside? She’d be sure to stiffen if he even brushed against her.
He’d have many questions she’d have to answer sooner than later, and it made her stomach churn. He’d have her on the next stagecoach back home. Taking a breath, she turned and left the room. It wasn’t fair to saddle him with her problems, not that she had anywhere to go. She’d expected anything but kindness and she thanked God for her good fortune.
She should have known. The kitchen was already clean.
“Ready to learn about the stove?” His smile was infectious and she smiled right back at him.
* * *
He stood outside the bedroom door wondering if he should knock on it. He figured he’d given Veronica long enough to get changed and into bed. It would be much easier if he wasn’t so attracted to her. The alternating pain and happiness in her blue eyes could be felt in his heart. Her walnut brown hair might be unbound. He liked the way it had s
wirled down her back at the wedding.
Sighing, he bowed his head. He needed a clear mind. He’d think of anything but her. War maneuvers might be the thing to keep his mind occupied. He lightly knocked and opened the door. She was sitting up in bed with the sheet up around her neck. She looked as though she was going to the gallows.
“I’m going to get undressed if you wanted to turn your head.” He undressed while she turned away. He left his drawers on. “No peeking now,” he teased. Before she could react he slid under the sheet being careful not to touch her.
Her hair was braided, and it hung down the side of her head to the front of her. It was as thick as his wrist and long. He practically gulped. He reached to the little table on his side of the bed and lowered the lamp.
“You’ll need to see to feed Bridey?”
“Yes, thank you. Good night.”
“Good night.” War maneuvers, war maneuvers, a soldier should always…Who was he fooling? He was a healthy man and wondering what she looked like under her nightgown—which he had yet to see—was perfectly normal. Wasn’t it?
It wasn’t the most restful night. She fed Bridey and it took a long while to get her back to sleep. Then, after all was quiet she cried out and sat straight up. He turned over and saw the terror in her eyes.
“It was just a dream. You’re safe here with me.” Should he try to comfort her? He decided not to chance it but it was hard not to. She looked lost and so very young.
“Can I get you a glass of water?”
She slid back down into the bed and turned so her back faced him. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”
From the way her voice wavered there was no way she was fine, but he’d let her be. It was hard to sleep as she tossed and turned, but he didn’t make a sound. So, this was marriage.
Chapter Four
“Do you need anything from town?” Max asked. He took another bite of the eggs they’d made together. If it wasn’t sad, he would have thought it comical, the way she tried to be near enough to learn but far enough away to keep her distance. Her face hadn’t turned back to the lovely rosy color it had become when she woke up with her head on his chest.
“No, I have everything I need.” Her reply sounded matter of fact, but he knew better.
“What about the baby? Surely she could use something?”
Her eyes gleamed for a moment then she shook her head. “We’re fine.”
“I’ll be getting along now. Spring Water is the closest town. I’ll be back later this afternoon. I have to go to the blacksmith’s smithy to see if he has shovels and hoes for gardening. I have no idea how Parker’s mother got her vegetables planted, but we need some. I’ll stop over and get Georgie’s list too.” He finished the last of his coffee and stood. He put his hat on. “Why don’t you try to relax today?” He hesitated. Normally a husband would give his wife a kiss before leaving, wouldn’t he?
“Be safe,” she said rather stiffly.
“I will.” He left the house and went to see Georgie. She’d know what a baby needed. He had a good idea what to buy Veronica since he’d done the same for Georgie when she first arrived.
Sondra opened the door when he knocked. She smiled brightly at him. “I hope ya enjoyed your wedding night.” She stepped aside so he could enter.
“Max!” Georgie greeted. “Well, how did it go?”
His gaze went from one woman to the other as his face heated. “I think it’s a private matter between me and my wife.”
He wanted to laugh when both women frowned. “I’m going to town—”
“Oh good, I’ll grab the list,” Sondra said as she hurried to the kitchen.
“Georgie, I know what to get for a woman but not for a baby.”
“You’ve come to the right place. Buy the softest white fabric you can find and lots of it. Get enough for underthings for Veronica and baby gowns. Ask Anson at the general store about material for diapers, sewing items and maybe a ragdoll. I know she’s too young but I think Veronica would take it as a sign that you like Bridey. Some pretty material for dresses and then go to the dress shop. Nancy Mathers has ready-made dresses. Get a couple of those and a soft nightgown. Oh dear, I didn’t look at her shoes.”
“I did. I made a tracing of the boots she wore. I’ll see if they have any in her size. Now what about a few ribbons? I know women like them.”
“I think she’ll like anything you get for her.” A sad smile appeared on Georgie’s face. “I don’t think she’s had anything nice in her whole life. It’s time for you to change that for her. I’ll stop by in a while to visit with her.”
Sondra hurried back and handed him a list. “You might want to get some food for your house. There’s some we put there before you moved in, but you’ll need more.”
Max took the list and watched Sondra hurry back to the kitchen. He bent and kissed Georgie on the cheek. “You’ve been a big help. Thank you.”
As he went down the porch steps, he heard Parker ask Georgie about the kiss. Hopefully his marriage would be as happy as theirs.
The Union Officers continued to make sure no one brought a gun into town. They liked to be sure that everyone knew they were still the law in these parts. Max ignored them mostly. He drove the wagon to the checkpoint. Sergeant Hollanda was there, and Max wanted to groan. There was bad blood between his men and Parker’s men.
“Maxwell. Kill anyone today?” Hollanda asked sarcastically.
He forced himself to keep a blank face. “Not yet.”
Hollanda nodded. “Keep it that way. Let him by.”
Max drove the wagon to the general store and reined the horses to a stop. He put on the brake and then hopped down.
He walked into the store and was surprised to see it busy. He greeted those he walked by to get to the back counter. “Morning Anson. When you get time could you double the order that’s on the list? I also need to buy fabric and some other things. Why is it so busy in here?”
“People are buying supplies and ammo. There was an incident with those white hoods last night. One of the women was killed and not in a very nice way. They have everyone upended waiting to see who is next.”
“Bad business, and a shame. Did the Union Army do anything about it?”
Anson frowned and shrugged one shoulder. “They don’t think it’s a problem. Now tell me if I’m wrong but I thought they fought us confederates so the slaves could be free. Now that they are free they have no interest in protecting them.” He lowered his voice. “I really shouldn’t be talking about it. You never know who is behind those hoods.”
“You’re right about that. I’m supposed to ask about material for diapers.”
Anson smiled. “Oh, for the little one. I have it marked with a sign. It’s one of the most asked questions.”
“I have a few places to stop by before I come back, so no hurry.” He turned around and noticed that people were eyeing him and whispering. What the devil? He scowled at them and kept walking right out to the wooden walkway.
His spurs jangled against the wood as he walked to the dress shop. Parker had financed the shop so carpetbaggers wouldn’t get ahold of it as they had with a lot of the other businesses.
He went inside and was glad he was the only customer. “Miss Mathers,” he greeted as he tipped his hat.
She smiled brightly. “I had a feeling you’d be here. I gathered a few things together I think should fit your new wife. You’re a lucky man, Maxwell.”
“That I am.” He admired her cheerful disposition, and she had the prettiest blond hair. He would have asked her to marry him, but her heart still belonged to her beau who had been killed in the war.
“Let me show you what I have and you can pick a few if you like.” She went into the back and returned with several garments. “I picked mostly practical dresses for a ranch plus one for church or any other special occasion. I’m adding a nightgown as my wedding gift.”
She showed them to him one by one, and he picked all but the brown and charcoal colored
dresses. Four new practical dresses, one frilly dusty rose colored one and a nightgown. That should hold her until she had time sew more. How many dresses did a woman need? “Do you have a shawl for church?”
“Of course I do. I’ll wrap them all up. Where is your wagon?”
“At the general store.” He paused and glanced around. “Do you know why people were whispering about me?”
She looked away for a moment. “It’s the baby. When she accepted your proposal you told everyone her husband had died a few years ago. It’ll die down.”
He paid the bill and left. He’d been able to rein his temper in until he was out of the store. Who did these people think they were? He went to the smithy and got his garden tools and heard more about the men with hoods. Then he walked back to the general store.
Thankfully, most of the other customers had gone. He’d calmed himself as much as he could while he looked at fabric. Constance McPherson, one of the belles, sidled up next to him.
She opened her mouth and drew a breath.
He gave her the nastiest look he could muster. “Don’t say a word.”
Her eyes widened, and she stepped away from him and then hurried from the store.
Anson came and helped him pick out material for Veronica and Bridey. He even showed Max where the dolls were. “I probably cost you a sale.”
“Not at all. I was glad to see her leave. Anything else?”
“Yes, I’d like some ribbon and some lace for the dresses. Oh, and some of those pretty buttons.”
Anson got Max’s order filled and helped him put it all into his wagon. “Just you remember you’re the one who has someone to love. Judgment and gossip is not right, especially in hard times like these. I think you’re one lucky man.” He shook Max’s hand.
“Thank you.”
“Oh, here comes Nancy. Now if only I could be that blessed.” Anson sighed.
Max thanked them both as he finished loading up. Driving away, he caught sight of them talking together and smiled. Thankfully, the sergeant wasn’t at the checkpoint, so he was waved right on.
Shattered Trust: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Two Page 3
