Sarah, A Festive Bride

by Hildie McQueen

  Upon spotting him, Sarah blushed prettily. “I’d hoped to be here when you arrived.” She looked to Amelia.

  His cousin gave a one-shouldered hug. “He’s home earlier than usual.”

  Unsure of what to do, and with the three women watching him as if he were supposed to do something, Robert stood and went to Sarah. He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

  “What do you have there?” He pointed to a small pot in her hands.

  “It’s spearmint. Quite rare here from what Mrs. Withers told me.”

  Amelia lifted a basket filled with plant cuttings. “We’re going to plant these in pots so that Sarah can start a garden at your new home.”

  He looked to Sarah who seemed uncomfortable under his gaze. “We can go see the house once you’ve had a chance to rest.”

  “I don’t need to rest,” she replied quickly. “Finish your coffee. I will put these plants away.”

  “No need,” Amelia said, waving her away. “Sit and enjoy a cup of tea with Robert. I will see about putting these in water. We can plant them tomorrow.”

  Both Amelia and Harriett left with excuses about seeing to the plants.

  Sarah poured tea and joined him. “How was your day?”

  Her new home was a two-story house with a large front window and a small porch. Sarah was immediately overcome with excitement at the thought of decorating her own home. It was like a dream come true.

  Robert laughed when she urged him to open the front door. His eyes met hers for a moment before pushing it open and allowing her inside first. The entryway was wide with a door to the right, which led to a small parlor. Once she inspected the empty room, they followed the hallway past a staircase so she could see the kitchen, which was a nice size. Perfect for a small family.

  A formal dining room and living room completed the first floor. On the second floor, there were three rooms, two bedrooms and one small room that could be a sewing room or whatever they decided.

  She went to the window and looked out. “Who lives there?” She pointed to a house across the way.

  Robert joined her and peered out. “Gerard Cullen. He owns the stables and the feed store next to it. Pretty much keeps to himself.”

  It was strange to her that a man would own such a nice home alone, but she was new to life in the west. “Does he have a wife?”

  “No, Gerard was married very briefly. His wife died at childbirth.”

  “Oh no,” Sarah replied genuinely sad. “How terrible.”

  “Yes it is. I’m sure you’ll get to meet all the neighbors.” Robert brought her against his side and kissed her temple. “We should talk.”

  Unsure of what they’d discuss, she looked up at him with alarm. “Is something wrong?”

  He shook his head. “No. I just want to make sure you are well. We will ride out to see about the furniture first thing tomorrow morning, so we can move here within a couple weeks.”

  Sarah nodded, wondering if her husband was worried about her relationship with his mother. Although the tea had gone better than expected, Camilla acted less than impressed with her attempts.

  It seemed no matter what she did, she’d never live up to the expectations the woman had for his son’s wife. Hopefully over time, Camilla would accept her. But for the time being, it was going to be a bit hard.

  As able as Sarah was to defend herself to her mother-in-law, it didn’t stop the fact her feelings were hurt. Sarah wasn’t sure she was prepared for the fact that Camilla’s acceptance might never happen.

  “From what I overheard today, your mother had plans for you to marry someone of a higher class than myself.”

  He stiffened. “Yes. I won’t ever lie to you. Mother had mentioned someone back east. I wouldn’t necessarily say higher class. In my opinion, class has little to do with social stature or money.”

  “Unfortunately, that is not how most people see it.” Sarah moved away from him so they could look at each other. It was a necessary conversation, but not an easy one for her. “For the last ten years, I was a companion to a very wealthy woman. For all intents and purposes, a servant. Although I learned a great deal about society’s ways, I come from poverty, a family that is in service to others.”

  His eyes darkened. “As am I. Father and I work every day, because that is how my father and his before him earned a living. Mother’s background is more...you can say elevated. However, she needs to learn that things are rapidly changing, especially out here.”

  “I just want to gain her approval one day.” Sarah reached for his hand. “It would be nice to have a good family relationship being that mine is so far away.”

  He let out a long sigh. “Unfortunately, I can’t promise that will happen. It would take a great deal for my mother to change.”

  Sarah couldn’t understand how everyone in the family could just accept Camilla’s ways. It seemed to her they’d talk to the woman and try to help her see the error of her attitudes.

  In Sarah’s opinion, if Camilla continued being so rigid, one day she’d be a very lonely, bitter woman.

  The afternoon tea had given Sarah a glimpse into the relationship between the women in town. The ladies attended out of curiosity to meet Sarah and because Camilla was the banker’s wife. As such, Camilla commanded a sort of alliance. There was no way of knowing how much influence she had over Bernard and his business dealings.

  There was a noticeable difference between the way everyone treated her mother-in-law and Olive Withers, the mayor’s wife. Everyone, Sarah included, genuinely liked Olive. She was likeable, personable and quite pleasant.

  Unlike the mayor’s wife, who discussed upcoming events and inquired to everyone’s children and such, Camilla seemed to take more pleasure from putting others down.

  “I will try to befriend your mother, but know this. If she continues to be unpleasant, I will not subject myself to being treated badly.” Sarah shook with anxiety. She’d not planned to speak so boldly to her new husband.

  By the look on his face, he was taken aback by her declaration. “I understand and will ensure to step in where I can.”

  “It’s best you don’t,” Sarah said, lifting a shaky hand to push an errant hair from her face. “I don’t want you to have to do so. I will defend myself and hope you will support me when I do. I promise not to disrespect her.”

  He seemed to ponder her words, his eyes downcast. Finally, he lifted his gaze to her. “As long as you do not, I will do my best to stay out of it. Just don’t offend my mother.”

  Sarah wanted to groan, but refrained. Would he allow his mother to offend her? Time would tell. At least she’d stated her thoughts out loud.

  Little did she expect the first test to come so soon.

  The pot roast Harriett cooked was tender and each morsel was flavorful. At the supper table, once again on her father-in-law’s left side, Sarah felt her mother-in-law studying her.

  “Do you know how to cook Sarah?” Camilla drank from her water glass, watching her over the rim. “Was that one of your duties?”

  A chill ran down Sarah’s spine as everyone’s gaze fell to her. “I do a bit, yes. It was not one of my duties, however.”

  “How will you manage? Robert is quite used to Harriett’s good cooking.”

  Unsure of the proper reply, she looked to her husband whose gaze was locked on his mother.

  “I will learn what I can from Harriett while I'm here.” Sarah glanced from under her lashes to her father-in-law. “I hope you will all come and join us for dinner very soon.”

  With a bitter chuckle, Camilla shook her head. “I will wait until you learn or, perhaps, hire someone. Although I will have to tell you there aren’t many available cooks to hire.”

  “I did not plan to hire anyone,” Sarah replied and began eating. The food was no longer as flavorful now.

  Robert cleared his throat. “It would be nice if Harriett could come and help Sarah a couple days a week.”

  “Oh.” Camilla jerked toward her son. “I don’t s
ee how she’d have time for that. I won’t have us eating mediocre meals because your wife cannot cook.”

  With a slam, Robert put his fork down on the tabletop. “And what about that woman, Elena? Is she a good cook? Would you have been more agreeable to Harriett helping if I would have married her?”

  Sarah wanted to stop what was happening. If an argument ensued, her mother-in-law would blame her for being the reason.

  “I don’t need Harriett to come help. I can come here and watch what she does or ask her any questions. I wouldn’t want to take her from her duties here.”

  Neither Camilla nor Robert paid Sarah any mind.

  Her mother-in-law huffed. “Of course I wouldn’t have minded. It’s different. Elena is not expected to know how to cook. She is trained in more refined tasks.”

  When Robert leaned forward with both hands on the table, Amelia and Sarah did the opposite and moved backward. His jaw tensed and his nostrils flared as he gripped the polished wood. “And what good those refined tasks do here in the west? Let’s not mince words, Mother. It is because I didn’t marry a woman you chose that you’re finding fault with Sarah. I won’t have it.”

  “Enough, the both of you,” Bernard, her father-in-law, finally interceded. “Can we finish the meal in peace? You are upsetting both Sarah and Amelia.”

  When her mother-in-law looked to her with obvious distaste, Sarah’s chest tightened. The woman hated her, not because of anything she did or didn’t do, but because Camilla considered her too common for her son.

  Things wouldn’t change. Her mother-in-law would never accept her.

  Chapter 9

  Robert woke the next morning unsure of what the day would bring. He’d told his father the night before he’d not be at work, but would take the day off to move into the new house. It didn’t matter that they didn’t have any furniture. Somehow, they’d make do with whatever he could purchase ready-made at the mercantile and the items Barrett had already made.

  First, he’d take Sarah to spend the day with either Olive Withers or to visit with Eudora Wilkes, a woman who owned a wonderful, small eatery in town. The way his mother had reacted the night before by leaving the table and refusing to listen to reason meant she’d not be civil to Sarah this day.

  He felt bad for his wife. Robert realized he should have thought things through and ensured the house was completed sooner. Although he’d expected his mother to be difficult, the reality was worse than his wildest imaginations.

  Now Sarah, who’d been quiet and refused to speak once they went to the bedroom, was hurt and none of it was her fault.

  She’d risen early. He’d heard her rise, rinse her face and leave the bedroom while it was still dark outside. Holding his breath, he’d waited to hear if she’d pack her belongings, but she did not. Instead, she’d tiptoed out of the room and gone downstairs. Once he assured himself she’d not gone outside, he remained in bed to give her privacy for whatever it was she was doing.

  Soon, the aroma of baking filled the house and his heart broke at her attempts to ingratiate herself with his mother. It wouldn’t happen, no matter what Sarah cooked or what she did. He knew his mother and she’d, no doubt, go to the grave before admitting she was wrong.

  He entered the kitchen to find Sarah, Amelia and Harriett drinking tea and eating freshly-baked biscuits. Behind Robert Bernard cleared his throat.

  When Bernard went to the table and settled with the women, he didn’t hesitate to reach for a biscuit. “It’s been a long time since I had breakfast in the kitchen. It’s nice.” He looked around as if seeing the room for the first time.

  Sarah nodded. “This is a beautiful kitchen.”

  It was. Spacious, with large windows that allowed sunlight in, the room was awash with it that morning. Beside the door on a rug, one of his father’s dogs slept while the other sat on its haunches next to one of the chairs.

  “Good morning,” Robert greeted the group and lowered into a chair across from his wife. She met his gaze with warmth, but in the beautiful, whiskey-colored depths, there was raw pain. Her lips curved, but the smile did not reach her eyes. When she neared and poured his coffee, he noticed dark circles under her eyes. She’d not slept at all.

  “We’re moving to the house today,” Robert announced. “Amelia, would you please help Sarah pack our belongings? I’m going to see Barrett to check on the furniture and collect what has been finished.”

  Everyone looked to Sarah. She kept her gaze downcast.

  Amelia patted Sarah’s hand. “Once we pack, I’ll get Danny Sullivan to come and help us move things with the mercantile wagon. I’m sure Pearl and Otis won’t mind.”

  “We’ll ensure all is done. Don’t worry,” his father added, giving Robert an understanding look.

  They ate. The entire time, Harriett and Amelia made a verbal list of things they’d need to purchase at the mercantile. Robert simply sat at the table, eating the flaky biscuits and listening.

  Robert looked to Sarah once he finished. “Can I have a word with you?”

  They returned to the bedroom and he pulled her against him, pressing a kiss to her head. “I’m sorry for all of this.”

  It was a moment before he realized she was crying. Holding her in a tight embrace, he could not think of what to say. “Sarah. None of this is your fault. If anything, I’m to blame. I should have made sure that the house was ready for us to move into directly.”

  With his fingers under her chin, he lifted her face. The woman was achingly breathtaking. He couldn’t help the smile as he looked into her eyes. “You’re perfect. More than I could have ever wished for. Know that no matter what, Mother would have found fault.”

  She sniffed and nodded. “I didn’t mean to cry.”

  “Your feelings are hurt and it’s quite understandable.” Unable to keep from it, he pressed a kiss to her lips. Sarah responded, her arms circling his waist as she clung to him. Her slender body trembled with a long shuddering breath and, in that moment, Robert vowed that never again would he subject Sarah to his mother’s ill treatment.

  Possessiveness like none he’d ever felt came over him. When the kiss deepened, he didn’t want it to end. Finally, Sarah broke the kiss and pressed her forehead to his chest. “Thank you for planning our move sooner. I was so afraid of what awaited me today, I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Everything will be fine. No one will hurt you again, I promise.” Robert meant it. He would keep his wife safe and allow no one to hurt her. Yes, it was a dumb promise. But as far as he was concerned, it was his duty to her.

  When she smiled up at him, this time it lit up her face. “You can’t keep that promise. But thank you for it.”

  Assured his cousin and father would ensure Sarah would be fine, Robert headed to the stables to retrieve his horse and wagon.

  Gerard Cullen emerged from one of the stalls and greeted Robert. The man was muscular from constant heavy work. With overlong hair and a bearded face, Gerard didn’t seem to bother with haircuts or shaving.

  “Your horse will be glad for the exercise today.” Gerard followed Robert to a stall, slowing down to lift a saddle from a short wall.

  “I’ll need a wagon, not a saddle. I’m off to see Barrett about furniture. Hopefully, he’ll have some pieces done.”

  The horse was, indeed, animated as he guided it out of the stable. Robert looked to Gerard. “I got married. Moving in today.”

  The widower frowned. “Is that so? Congratulations.” The words were flat and Robert wondered if Gerard would ever marry again.

  Chapter 10

  “Now look here, young lady!” Eudora Wilkes wagged a finger at Sarah. “Don’t let nobody talk down to you, you hear?”

  Sarah immediately loved her. The woman’s coffee-colored face was almost devoid of any signs of aging. But her complexion certainly did not distract from the wisdom in her gaze. Amelia had insisted they take a break after packing up the bedroom and all of Robert’s books.

  Bernard and Danny had assured
them the items would be moved to the new house while they went to the mercantile and such.

  Sarah looked forward to a hot meal away from the cloud of disapproval lingering at her in-laws’ home.

  The small eatery was neat as a pin, with only four small tables for customers. The walls were devoid of decoration, but the bright, flower print curtains flanking two windows made up for it.

  There were several people seated. Although two men looked up earlier when she and Amelia walked in, their attention soon returned to the heaping plates of food.

  The aromas immediately made Sarah’s stomach grumble since she’d barely eaten the night before. And although the biscuits were good, she only picked at one.

  Upon Amelia introducing her to the proprietor, the woman had hurried them into the kitchen. In the kitchen, another younger woman of mixed ethnicity, who was introduced as Laddie, smiled warmly and continued cooking.

  “That auntie of yours needs to calm her nerves. She needs some good tea.” Mrs. Wilkes chuckled when Amelia suppressed a giggle. “You know I’m right.”

  Once seated at a small table in the corner of the kitchen, Mrs. Wilkes placed a plate of food in front of them. “My chicken an dumplin’s will make it all better,” she said to Sarah. “Too skinny, you need to gain weight before winter comes.”

  The woman walked back to peer into the main dining room. “Looks like the travelers are done.” She looked to Sarah. “Let me see ‘bout them, then we can talk.”

  The food was delicious and, although her stomach protested, Sarah ate every bit. “I will have to come and get cooking lessons from you and Laddie,” she told Mrs. Wilkes, who smiled proudly.

  “Of course, chile. Come over any time. You livin’ just up the street.”

  “I can help out,” Sarah suggested. “It would give me something to do...pass the time.”

  Amelia looked to Mrs. Wilkes. “Mrs. Wilkes always has an open door. She has the biggest heart.”