by Danni Roan
Ruth blinked into the darkness around her wondering how anyone could be so cruel. Darwin was hardworking, sensible, mostly, and handsome to boot. Why wouldn’t anyone have wanted him? “I’m sorry,” she whispered lamely.
“Don’t be,” Darwin turned toward her wrapping his arm around her shoulders and sliding her closer as a coyote yelped out on the prairie. “I’m a better man for it. I learned to do for myself. I can cook if I have to, wrangle cows, and herd sheep. I can do just about anything I want to, and I’m not afraid to get dirty.” His soft chuckle made Ruth look up from where she had rested her head on his shoulder.
“What’s so funny?” she asked feeling that the story was anything but humorous.
“It’s Saturday night,” he chuckled again. “Time we had a good hot bath.”
Ruth sat up straight her eyes going wide even as she dreamed of climbing into a tub full of hot water and bubbles like she had back home. It would feel glorious to wash away the sweat and cooking smells of the week. Her hair would be fresh for the Sunday services in the morning as well, and she shivered with delight at the thought.
“Can we really?” she asked trying to see his eyes in the darkness as she hoped he wasn’t teasing.
“I’ll fetch the tub,” he chuckled. “I’ll have a bath ready in no time.”
***
Ruth ran a brush through her long hair working it dry with each stroke. It wasn’t easy moving the brush down the length of hair that flowed to her knees but she painstakingly continued.
Behind her, she could hear Darwin splashing in the tin washtub he’d carried in for her a short while ago, and she couldn’t resist the urge to peek at his bare shoulders as he rubbed the soap up his arms. No one back home would ever have believed she would catch a man as attractive as the black-hair hostler.
She shifted on the bed draping her hair over her other shoulder, feeling the dampness of it on her thin nightgown as she began brushing once more. She was clean, but never in her life had she imagined taking a bath would be so much work.
Darwin had carried the galvanized tub in, moving her small trunk and setting it before the fire place where he quickly started a fire to ward off the evening chill. He had then carried bucket after bucket of hot water from the Hampton house to fill the undersized tub until he thought it was just right. Then to her wonder he had nodded, tipped his hat and stepped outside. Apparently, he thought that she should have some privacy in the bath, and her heart swelled with delight at his thoughtfulness.
“You look beautiful,” Darwin called from the tub as he lifted one foot scrubbing it with a heavy brush before reaching for the next.
Ruth shook her head. She knew she wasn’t beautiful and sitting there in her simple nightgown with her hair hanging like a wet rag, the statement was next to ridiculous. “You’re just saying that.”
“No I’m not,” Darwin barked as she looked up to see him rising from the water. Ruth yelped and turned her back. It was one thing to snuggle tight with the man in the darkness of their little house, but to see him in the light of the fire; her face burned as brightly as the dying flames.
Darwin’s warm chuckle made her stiffen sure he was laughing at her. “What’s so funny?”
“You,” Darwin said. “I like that after a week of married life, you’re still shy.”
Ruth bit her lip repressing a smile. She had been so unprepared for marriage, and now after their conversation tonight, she realized that Darwin didn’t even need her. He was more than capable of looking after himself and had a good position, which included meals and according to Olive laundry services as well. Why had he agreed to marry her? He didn’t even know her.
Behind her she could hear Darwin slipping into fresh clothes and she turned to see him dragging the tub slowly toward the door. “If we had flowers I’d toss this on them,” he teased. “Flowers like soapy water.”
Ruth looked up meeting his gray gaze and sighed. His hair was still wet and he’d slicked the glossy black locks back from his face affording her a good look at his chiseled features. What was a man that looked like that doing with a girl like her? Had she done him a disservice by choosing him?
Darwin reentered the house walking to the trunk and blowing out the light before hanging his clothes on a peg and climbing into bed.
Ruth finished brushing out her hair, plaiting it into a long braid and slipping beneath the covers where he reached for her. God, her heart called into the darkness of the night, I don’t know what I did to end up here with this man but thank you. Please let him learn to love me even if I can’t cook or clean or do wash.
Darwin wrapped his arm around Ruth feeling the tension in her shoulders and spine. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Ruth’s reply was a mere peep.
“It doesn’t feel like nothing.” Darwin dropped a kiss on her head breathing in the smell of her hair. She had used some fancy soap to wash out her tresses and the smell tickled his nose in the most delightful way.
“I,” Ruth didn’t know what to say. She could confess everything. She probably should confess everything. “I’ve never been in the same room with a man who was taking a bath,” she giggled feeling his matching chuckle rumble through her shoulders.
“Well there are many things you have probably never done before, but you’ll get used to them.” Darwin pulled her close wrapping her in his arms. The nights were cooler now, and he didn’t want her to catch a chill. He couldn’t imagine how empty his life and his home would be without the pert little woman in his arms. He yawned feeling warm, wanted, and relaxed. “Go to sleep darlin’,” he drawled. “We’ll go to church tomorrow.”
Ruth let her head fall onto Darwin’s chest listening to the steady beat of his heart, and vowed she would learn everything she could to be the best wife he could ever have. Once she had the skills she would need, she would tell him about her father, and the fact that sooner or later he would find her and try to take her home.
Chapter 16
Ruth’s foot was still tapping after the service that morning. The little church had been filled with men, women, and children who seemed to want to sing praises to heaven at the top of their lungs.
The preacher’s somewhat lively piano playing seemed to encourage them, and only the line of rough looking cowboys holding their heads on the front pew and squinting at the sunlight pouring through the windows seemed not to enjoy the robust praise.
“What was all that about?” Ruth asked walking proudly on Darwin’s arm as they headed back toward the Hampton House.
Darwin chuckled ducking his head as he replied. “The preacher made a deal with the saloon owner that he’d play piano on Saturday night for him if he’d come to services on Sunday.”
Ruth turned trying to spot the man who owned the saloon but didn’t know what he looked like. “You’re kidding me?”
“I’m not. Those cowboys you saw in the front pew, they were probably at the saloon late last night drinking a bit more than was good for them. I’d say based on their behavior they had some mighty fine headaches today.”
Ruth gasped at his chuckle. “Have you ever had a headache like that?”
Darwin stopped and Ruth spun back to face him as his grip on her hand pulled her to a stop.
“I’m afraid so,” he admitted his gray eyes troubled. “That’s all behind me now though.” Darwin’s eyes implored her to believe him, but Ruth couldn't speak. “I made a bit of a fool of myself the last time a bride arrived in Needful. The preacher gathered me up and took me home, making sure I slept it off and having a good talk with me about the way my life was going. I saw sense.”
Ruth studied her husband’s face as friends and neighbors streamed by them smiling and waving as they passed. “You don’t drink anymore?”
“No, no I don’t and I don’t intend to start again. I’ve seen the error of my ways and let God into my heart. I believe that Jesus has paid for my sins, and I’m starting on the right path.
A bright smile spread across
Ruth’s face, and she swung back to Darwin, wrapping her arm around his waist as they started toward the Hampton House and lunch. She was glad he had told her about how he had been changed by God’s grace. Her parents had never seemed to really believe that God’s love could change a person’s heart. It was the one thing that had kept her hope alive as she planned her escape. God could use even a worthless, wealthy woman like her.
Chapter 17
Ruth sat on the side porch snapping green beans and watching Darwin harness the stage horses. The hostler had brought the heavy team of dark horses into the corral from the back pasture tying them at the rail and carefully fitting the harness and traces onto their shining backs.
He was so careful of his work, checking and double checking every link and connection. It made Ruth’s heart swell with pride to know how hard her husband worked.
Over the past few weeks, she had learned so much, and today, she was thrilled that Olive and Rosa had asked her to snap beans, trusting her to do it right all alone.
After nearly three weeks of life in Needful, Ruth was starting to feel like she fit in. She was still careful not to give away too many details about her family, but she shared about life in the big city, the tea parties, and social gatherings, to the delight of the other women at the Hampton House.
Darwin had seemed concerned when she had told him about the two homes she had grown up in, but she didn’t really know why. He couldn’t know who her parents were. Perhaps her father was wealthy and used to luxury of every kind, but his name wouldn’t have been known here in this tiny town.
She had taken two more trips to the general store over the last weeks, always being careful to tell Darwin she was going, and she had purchased a few more small items to make their house more a home.
Although the shock of moving into such a small house after her wedding had been great, Ruth had adjusted to the cozy living, enjoying the closeness that the small space afforded her and her husband. No, she would far rather be here in Needful in a one room house than living in her father’s grand manor where you only ever saw one another at dinner.
Her father and brothers would be out and about town most of the day while she and her mother spent their days with the charity society or visiting friends. It had all grown more and more wearisome as the years passed, and her acquaintances married leaving her the sole spinster of her age group.
“You look sad,” Darwin startled her, placing a booted foot on the stoop and leaning an elbow on his knee before placing a finger under her chin.
Ruth grinned, showing that she was fine then giggled when he stole a quick kiss. “I was admiring my husband doing his job,” Ruth grasped his hand as he leaned back, enjoying the warmth and coarseness of his grip.
“What were you thinking about?” Darwin asked turning and gazing around him. “You were completely lost in thought.”
Ruth shook her head. “I was just thinking about my life before I came to Needful.” Ruth gazed out across the dusty yard and further into the wide pasture where several horses grazed.
“You must be homesick,” Darwin dropped his head feeling keenly his lack of ability to give his wife a big house and fancy things. She had gone to the store again that week, buying a few extra items for their home.
“No.” Ruth’s word hung there for several seconds. “No, I’m not.” She tugged on Darwin’s hand making him turn to look at her. “I was all but useless in my old home. I spent my days drinking tea, chatting with old biddies, or sewing for some charity event. I was useless and very much alone.”
“But you family,”
Ruth stopped him, squeezing his fingers in her own. “I barely saw my family unless we had some social event. My father and brothers were always busy somewhere in town only returning for dinner each night. If I was lucky, we were all together once a day, but most of the time I spent my days rattling around that big house with no purpose and no friends.”
Darwin raised a dark brow surprised at her words. Ruth had told him a little about life in a big city, but had seldom spoken of her family.
“Here I feel useful,” Ruth’s smile lit her face and flashed on him making him smile. “Here I get to try new things. Learn new things, and I have you.” Her cheeks heated on her final words and Darwin chuckled.
“I’m glad you’re here.” Darwin’s words caught in his throat at the measure of emotion that filled his chest. He barely knew the pretty, plump woman he had married, but already he knew he was losing his heart to her. For so long he had wanted someone of his very own, someone who wanted him for who he was and Ruth seemed to accept him with no questions asked. It was one of the reasons he didn’t press her for details about her own life.
Over time he had come to understand that Ruth had lived a life where she had never been free to be herself. She had lived up to the expectations of her family and her station in life, whatever that was, but she had never been allowed to choose her own path.
“Ruth?” Darwin squatted before his lovely bride looking up into her face. “What aren’t you telling me?”
The silence between them seemed to stretch into infinity, and Darwin was sure she wouldn’t answer, but finally the words came.
“I chose this life,” Ruth’s words were a mere whisper. “I just stepped out and chose it and you.”
Darwin scowled trying to read between the lines of what Ruth was saying, but the meaning slowly dawned in his mind and heart. Ruth had left her family and home to find her own place, and she had decided that her place was with him.
Darwin gazed into Ruth’s eyes feeling his heart fill with a deep gratitude and love. “I’m surely grateful you did,” he grinned leaning in and kissing her lips gently. “You’ve made me a very happy man.”
Ruth’s heart pattered in her breast at Darwin’s words, but before she could say anything else the sound of the stage arriving had the lean dark hostler hopping from the little porch and rushing to fetch the horses that were already champing at the bit and tossing their heads.
Ruth watched Darwin pick up the reins of the team driving them toward the main street concentrating on holding the four horses in check as he disappeared around the corner of the Hampton House.
Chapter 18
Something had changed between Ruth and Darwin, and she could feel it deep inside. Ever since that day when she had been snapping beans she felt closer to the man she had married and wondered if she was falling in love with him.
Ruth, liked Darwin, even cared for him, but what did it feel like to be in love? She smiled as she dusted her home, a new skill that Shi had taught her, and hummed a happy tune.
A warm breeze flitted through the windows ruffling the curtains and filling the place with a cheery glow. The longer she lived in the small home the more she loved it. It was so different than anything she had ever known, yet it met every need and more.
Placing her hand on a hip, Ruth lifted the feather duster and gazed around her. The trunk had been shifted a little away from the fireplace and the tub now hung on a peg on one side of the stone hearth. She was thinking about asking Darwin about that chair again and perhaps even a wardrobe or chest of drawers if they could be had. The one thing she really wanted though was the tiny cook stove for sale at the general store. It was the cutest thing all black but for the white porcelain on the doors and warming shelf. Every time she looked at the stove she thought it was perfect, and exactly the right height. Still she hesitated to ask for anything. She wasn’t comfortable discussing money issues with Darwin as each time she purchased something with her own money he shook his head.
Were they so poor they couldn’t have more furnishings in the house? Now that everything had been arranged they had plenty of room to make their living space more comfortable.
Perhaps if she told him more about her own life and situation, Darwin would understand. She was sure he was fond of her, and his words from a few days ago still touched her heart. Even if she had been impulsive choosing the handsome hostler the moment she arrived in
Needful, she was beginning to believe that he was exactly who God had for her.
“Now if I could be sure my father wouldn’t find me and try to drag me back home,” she mused giving her head a shake and casting the dark thoughts away.
***
It was laundry day and Ruth put on her oldest day dress, laced up her sturdiest walking boots and gathered the clothing that she needed to wash on this breezy morning.
“Oh Rosa!” Ruth chirped walking toward the large tripod sitting over a small fire, the heavy iron pot suspended from a thick chain already beginning to boil. “I didn’t expect to see you today. You’re usually in the kitchen.”
“Today I am to wash.” Rosa turned her dark eyes on Ruth but no emotion seemed to touch them. “Shililiah is making a special stew today. Something from where her family came from.”
“Irish stew!” Ruth enthused, her mouth already watering. “I’m sure it will be delicious, and what a wonderful change of pace for you.”
Rosa shrugged her shoulders pulling the white linen from a basket and beginning to add it to the boiling pot.
“Where is Christina today?” Ruth asked sorting out her own wash carefully the way the Hampton girls had taught her.
“She is with Daliah today. Daliah is watching Bethie for Mrs. Smith as well and Christina will have much fun.”
Ruth nodded pleased that little Christina would be with a friend. Although the two little girls were so young that didn’t mean they didn’t enjoy being together. “Daliah is very kind. She is always so helpful, and when Olive had that terrible blister on her toe, Daliah was amazing.”
“She is as good as any doctor I have met,” Rosa agreed flatly. “When first she came to Needful, she saved Christina’s life.”
“Ruth?” Darwin’s voice across the yard made her turn offering her husband a bright smile. “I thought I’d ride over to see Bear today and see about those chairs.” He nodded toward Rosa politely.
