by Ava Frost
With a shake of the head I went into my room, pulling my nightgown over my head. Clara had left me a pitcher of water so I filled the sink, rubbing myself down with the small slab of soap that I had. Refreshed I slipped into a light flowery dress before joining the others in the kitchen.
Chapter 7
Over the next few days I noted how John seemed more eager to spend time with his sons. He began returning to the classroom, keen to know what the boys were learning. Asking me at the end of each day how I thought they were doing in their lessons. Clearly proud of all that they were achieving.
So with this in mind I stole into the kitchen early one afternoon. Clara was busily preparing boiled ham with potatoes and green vegetables for dinner. She briefly lifted her head from the steaming pans on the stove to give me a warm greeting, immediately noticing the hamper that I carried on my arm.
“I’m sorry to ask Clara, but I was thinking of taking the boys on a picnic in a short while,” I began shyly.
“So I am guessing that you want some bread, cold meats and cheese from the cold store again,” Clara answered with a laugh.
“Please, but enough for four this time. I am going to invite John to join us.”
Clara immediately stopped stirring the stock that she was making, turning to face me with her mouth agape. She wiped her hands on the apron that she wore, frowning as she spoke.
“Are you sure that is such a good idea darling?” she asked.
“Why not? The three of them have been getting on so well lately, and I don’t want that to end,” I reasoned.
“But John can be so difficult sometimes and I don’t want you to be left feeling disappointed.”
“I’m sure it will be fine Clara,” I answered before kissing her cheek lightly.
John was already saddling his horse ready to head out to check on the herd so I quickened my pace as soon as I spotted him. I raised my arm to grab his attention, undeterred by his look of confusion.
“Good afternoon John. I am taking the boys on a picnic this afternoon and I think that it would be nice if you could join us,” I smiled.
“There are jobs which need to be done on the ranch,” John replied as he tightened the saddles girth.
“And this is even more important,” I urged.
Giving a brief look toward the ranch hands that were waiting they set off alone, clearly understanding his silent signal that he wouldn’t be joining them. With a sigh of relief I politely asked Seth to ready the horses for the boys while I went to find them.
Paul and Andrew were busy collecting berries from the bushes behind the main house, but were quick to drop their baskets when I suggested a horse ride and picnic. Both of them overjoyed when they saw their father waiting outside the stables.
A mixture of emotion overwhelmed me though, as Seth brought Chestnut outside, handing me the reins. My eyes met John’s with a confused look wondering how to react, but with his assuring nod I mounted the steed without question.
Once we were all ready we galloped off toward the creek, John clutching the hamper I had brought as he held the reins with one hand. I felt exhilarated as the breeze caught my hair, blowing through my long blonde curls. The air was fresh on my face as I kept pace with John and the boys as we raced along.
The horses were thirsty to drink when we reached the creek, lowering their heads into the cool water. John passed me the hamper and I began to lay out the food that Carla had prepared. Paul and Andrew had already removed their socks and shoes before rolling up their trouser leg so they could wade.
I poured some lemonade from the canteen, passing a mug to John as he sat down beside me. His scent caught in my nostrils causing my heart to begin to race. John’s eyes appeared sad as he watched the boys play together and I wondered how long it had been since they last spent some quality time as a family.
“Jane, can I ask you something?” John suddenly asked.
Confused I answered with a nod, glad that Paul and Andrew were pre-occupied. Tensing I waited for him to continue.
“Why did you apply to be my sons’ Nanny? Why are you not at home with your own family?”
“Because I have no family left now,” I answered meekly.
The touch of John’s hand upon mine sent a bolt of electricity through my body. He cupped my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.
“Tell me what happened. I can see your pain,” John whispered.
“Mama died several years ago of pneumonia and my brothers and I helped Papa through his grief. But then they went on a cattle drive together to help a neighbor. I’m not sure what happened exactly, but there was a stampede. None of them came home that day,” I answered with a sob.
“I am so sorry,” John sympathized. “It must have been so hard for you coping with all that alone. But you have us as your family now.”
“You do have a reputation in Jackson Ridge for accepting your employees as family and I am glad that I have been welcomed.”
“Jane, you have no idea the impact that you have had on our lives.” John answered.
As his lips gently met mine a surge of emotion enveloped me. For the first time since losing my family I felt complete held in John’s arms.
THE END
The Deputy’s Bride
Chapter 1
For the first time in half a year she felt a glimmer of hope. A tiny inkling that her prayers were soon to be answered and everything would be good once again. The only thing Louise Parker wanted now, more than anything else, was to be free of the grief she’d been living under. And to be able to leave her father’s home once more—permanently this time. No, she wasn’t unhappy living with her parents, but she didn’t hold a fondness for the circumstances that had brought her back to their home.
Walking several paces behind the older couple on the way home from Sunday services, she held onto her five-year-old son’s hand. In her free hand was what she believed to be the answer she’d been seeking. She hadn’t intended to become pensive, however she couldn’t help thinking how things had been good for most of her life. At the tender age of seventeen she’d married her childhood sweetheart, followed by the birth of Dylan soon after she’d become eighteen. Allen had been a good husband and father, but an influenza epidemic the past winter had been ruthless in weakening his health, and now he was in Heaven with the Lord.
“What has you so preoccupied, dear?” Her mother’s soft voice pierced through the thick veil of her thoughts. “I do hope you’re not still fretting about Allen. He’s living in eternal peace now.”
Louise lifted her gaze and noted they’d stopped outside the door of their home, then peered into her mother’s eyes. Yes, the woman seemed truly concerned.
“I’m fine, Mother. I promise.” She did her best to plaster a happy smile on her face, but somehow it felt awkward. “After brunch, I’d like to discuss something with you.”
Mother’s hazel eyes brightened as though lit from within by the sun itself. “Certainly, dear. If there is anything I can do to help, I’m more than willing to do it.” The smile on her face confirmed the fact.
She couldn’t stop herself from matching the grin. “Thank you. I don’t intend to be presumptuous, but I do depend on the kind charity you and Father have shown me.”
“Nonsense, dear.” The older woman gave a dismissive wave with her hand. “You are our child, Dylan is our grandchild, and we’re happy you’re both here. We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I agree with your mother.” Did Father’s voice sound a bit thick with emotion? It certainly seemed so. “Now, let us get inside to our meal before we melt out here in this infernal heat.” He turned and stepped through the doorway. It was his way of saying there would be no further discussion on the matter.
Entering the house after her parents, Louise let Dylan’s hand slip from hers, then laid the folded papers on the side table near the door. In less than a second, the boy trotted with excitement to his grandmother’s side. With a gentle tug on her dress, he asked the question he seemed unab
le to hold any longer.
“Grandma, when we’re finished eating, may I go out in the back yard and play with Speckles?”
Mother leaned down a bit toward him. “Of course you may, dear. But you must change into your everyday clothes first.”
The boy jumped once with apparent glee. “I will. I promise.” Then he ran to take his seat at the dining table.
Louise found it difficult to stifle the giggle that insisted on bubbling forth, and as soon as she had it under control, she followed her parents into the dining room.
*******
The moment their meal was completed, Dylan rushed from the table. Louise could hear him scurry to his room to prepare himself for an afternoon of running and tumbling with the family dog. Dabbing the corners of her mouth with the napkin, she felt a tiny grin form at the delight of her son. A moment later, though, the smile disappeared. The conversation she would soon be having with Mother weighed on her mind as if it were a mountain of solid rock. Yes, she’d planned out every detail she intended to say, but she couldn’t always be certain of the older woman’s reactions—especially when it may be something her mother will not support.
Rising from her chair, she made her way out of the room, picked up the papers she’d previously set on the small table, and proceeded into the parlor. Mother followed close behind, obviously eager to know what was on her mind.
Louise waited a moment until her mother was seated in her plump chair, as usual. Seating herself on the settee across from her, she didn’t waste time getting to the point.
She fixed her eyes on the other woman’s. “I’m sure you know I’ve been praying for the Lord to let me know what it is He desires for me.” Mother nodded with what seemed to be expectation. “In church this morning, I found something in the bulletin that I believe is my answer.” She reached across the space between them and handed the papers over. “Look on the left side to the fourth advertisement from the top.”
Mother’s face showed confusion, along with a fair measure of curiosity, but she did as she’d been instructed. Soon, the wonderment gave way to shock and surprise. Louise couldn’t be sure, though it seemed there was also a note of horror in her mother’s expression. A moment later, the papers fell from her hands, fluttering aimlessly to the floor.
“How can you be sure this is what our Lord wants you to do?” The dreadful look hadn’t yet left her face.
“I’m sorry this is so shocking to you, Mother.” It was true. She regretted having upset the dear lady, but hadn’t expected this reaction from her. “I thought you would be more interested in what I feel is best for me.”
The older woman’s face softened. “Of course I want to know that, dear. I simply never thought you would even consider doing this.”
Now it was her turn to be confused. “Are you saying you think there is something wrong with it? I don’t feel that way. To be honest, I feel peaceful and very much at ease about doing this.”
Mother let out a heavy sigh. “I suppose what bothers me most is that you’ll be so far away. Texas isn’t at all close to Raleigh, North Carolina.”
“Yes, I know, but we can still write to each other.” She paused, gazing into the woman’s eyes, and now caught a momentary glimpse of sorrow. “Maybe we can even come to visit from time to time.”
“Come visit? Are you going somewhere, Princess?” Father seemed to appear in the doorway as if by magic. The use of his nickname for her as a child brought an honest giggle bubbling forth, but she didn’t have time to control herself and give an answer before Mother told him what they’d been talking about.
“Our daughter wants to be a mail order bride and move to Texas.” Mother didn’t sound pleased.
“I think that’s a grand idea!” His voice boomed throughout the room. In only a moment, he’d come in and sat next to his daughter. “What brought you to this decision?”
Louise retrieved the papers from the floor, handed them to her father, and directed his attention to the advertisement. Allowing him a minute to read, she glanced at Mother. The woman was staring at the low table between them, but her shoulders were hunched forward and her eyes held a faraway look. She’d seen this several times over the course of her twenty-three years. It meant that Mother was deep in thought—possibly praying, as well—and trying to reconcile what she’d just heard with all that she believed and hoped for her daughter.
“I still say it’s a fine plan.” Father had lowered his volume, and this time she was certain he was close to choking with mixed feelings. “I cannot say that I won’t miss you and Dylan with every fiber of my being, but I also will not stand in your way if you truly believe this is what you should do.” Did she see tears forming in the corners of his eyes before he blinked several times? Yes, she was sure of it.
“Oh, Father!” She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “We shall miss you and Mother every bit as much.” He draped his arm around her, and she reciprocated the action. “I’ve prayed about this from the moment I first noticed the advertisement. The more I pray, the more peaceful I become. Does that not mean this is the proper thing for me to do?”
He let out a sigh. “Of course it does, Princess. And I must say I’m relieved to see you feeling better about everything. I have no doubt this is the Lord’s plan for you.”
*******
It wasn’t often when Mother’s trance-like state would continue for more than a few minutes to half an hour at most. But this wasn’t one of those times, and two hours had already passed. Louise couldn’t remember when she’d seen the woman sit and stare like this for so long. She’d learned long ago from experience not to try disturbing her while she was like this. It accomplished nothing. Mother simply remained silent and seemingly dazed.
She couldn’t sit there any longer worrying and wondering. Today was the June Day Picnic in the city park, and she’d been planning to attend. Rising from the settee, she left the room and made her way up the stairs to her bedroom. After a few minutes, she had changed into a dress more appropriate for the afternoon’s festivities. A nice pale green outfit adorned with white ribbons and rosettes. It was perfect for a fun picnic.
Seated at her dressing table, she removed a couple pins that had been well placed earlier. Several ringlets of her dark auburn hair were released and came to rest behind her shoulders. Satisfied her hair was now suitable for the day’s celebration, she reached for the white beribboned sunbonnet that went well with the dress. Using the pins she’d removed a moment earlier, she began to secure the bonnet to prevent it from being blown away by a wayward breeze.
A light knock came upon her door, and Mother stepped in a moment later.
“Louise, dear, I apologize for my reaction earlier.” Her volume was low, and there was a tiny note of regret present. “Your news was a bit of a shock, I admit, but I could have been more supportive.” She came across the room and sat on the edge of the bed in an unsteady manner that brought to mind a frightened bird resting for only a moment before it would again take flight.
Louise turned to face her. “I understand, Mother. You and Father were raised in a different time, and this sort of thing hadn’t yet been imagined.” She rose, went to the bed, and sat next to the older woman. “I shall miss you and Father terribly, but I’ve been praying about this, and I feel it is the right thing for me at this time. If the Lord didn’t want this for me, I wouldn’t feel this way.”
“Of course, you wouldn’t. I wanted to tell you I’ve come to realize I shouldn’t stand in the way of what the Lord desires for you.” She paused for a quick breath. “I shall miss you and my grandson, but if this is what will bring you peace and happiness, I’m willing to let you go.” The glimmer of tears filled Mother’s eyes. “I know that a mother must do everything she can to make a good life for her child—and herself, if possible—no matter how hard the choices are.”
Giving her mother a gentle embrace, she couldn’t stop the tiny chuckle from bubbling forth. “We’re not even certain I’ll be going anywhere. I have
yet to write to him, and he may have already chosen his bride.” Mother glanced at her, a confused look in her eyes. “Even if he hasn’t, I can’t be sure I’ll be the kind of woman he desires.”
Now it was Mother’s turn to giggle. “Oh, stop that nonsense!” A small grin appeared on her face. “Go on and write to him. The Lord knows what He’s doing and I trust in Him. I’m sure I was worrying for no reason.”
Louise pulled her closer and held her for several moments before releasing her. “I shall write to him this evening after dinner. Right now I must find Dylan and make him presentable for the town picnic.”
Chapter 2
Daniel Barstow tilted his chair back to the wall and crossed his feet on the desk in front of him. As the only Deputy in this little town, he had more than enough time to catch a quick nap. Lonely Souls, Texas, was one of several small watering holes for folks traveling from Dallas to El Paso. In fact, with a population of less than one hundred, it was probably the tiniest of them all, and that was acceptable for him. He enjoyed the peace and calmness here as much as every other citizen.
Aside from the secret he could never divulge, the only problem he faced at present was trying to be patient. The anxiety in waiting for a reply to arrive from the advertisement he’d placed in several church bulletins back East was getting almost unbearable. Sure, he was lonely and felt the need for a good wife, but he wasn’t bold enough to expect the ‘perfect woman’ to respond. As long as he got a response from a good one who was willing to agree to the terms, he’d be content. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be praying for the best possible outcome.
Dear Lord, You have been good to me all my life. You know my wants and needs, and I trust in You and Your Will for me. Help me to be patient, and to know when the right letter comes to me. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
The silent prayer flew from his mind, and he felt a small measure of relief in letting go of the worry that had been invading his life for the previous six weeks. Now he could look forward with excitement and anticipation to the day he would receive the first response.
