by Danni Roan
Ellery’s soft chuckle was a shock, but soon Ernie was smiling as well. “I don’t want to do it on my own,” the man said. “I want to do this with you. My life is not what I expected, but I’ve been blessed, and now that I can see that again, I have hope. God brought you to me Ernie, and I want you here.” He hesitated again for a moment. “I want to ask you something,” he finally continued.
“Go on.”
“I know that this arrangement was for convenience and for the children, but I like you Ernestine. I feel comfortable with you, and I’d like to know if there could be more between us?”
Ernie’s breath caught in her throat as she strained to see Ellery’s face. Did he mean it? Did he want a real marriage?
“I don’t mean I want to rush into a regular marriage, but would you be willing to see if there could be more?”
“Yes,” Ernie struggled to keep the excitement out of her voice, but her heart leapt with joy. This was a chance she was sure she would never have. Not only could she have a family of her very own, she could have someone who would love her as a woman and a wife.
***
“Can I help with breakfast?” Ellery stepped up behind Ernie as she turned the bacon, his presence seeming to fill the room.
“Thank you, but I think we have it,” Ernie grinned as Alyssa joined them. She felt shy and awkward around Ellery, but excited at the same time. She had no idea how to explore her relationship with the man she was married to, but hoped that they might find some time to be alone and talk.
“I’ll get the coffee,” Ellery moved to the sideboard collecting cups as the children began to file into the kitchen.
“Are we all ready for school?” Ernie asked watching Georgie yawn and slump into a seat.
“Where’s Sophie?” the little boy asked as Alyssa poured him a glass of milk.
“She’s still sleeping, but I’ll fetch her before we head to school.”
“I’ll take them,” Ellery set two cups of coffee on the table sitting down at one end while Ernie placed the food before the family. “That way you don’t have to go out, and Sophie can sleep.”
Ernie’s bright smile at the man’s thoughtfulness was returned by his own just as the little girl began to babble from her crib down the hall.
“Why can’t both of you take us to school?” Georgie asked. “We could go as a family. You can stay for lessons if you want,” he added making everyone laugh.
“I like that idea,” Ellery said when Ernie returned putting Sophie in her highchair.
“What idea is that?”
“Georgie wants us all to go to school together.”
“I think that would be lovely,” Ernie agreed smiling at first Ellery then the boy.
“He also wants you to stay and take lessons with him,” Mark spoke up shaking his head at his little brother’s suggestions.
“It might be nice to sit with you sometime,” Ernie said giving Mark a hard look as she spoke to Georgie. “Today your father and I have a great deal of work to get through though. Remember he’s going to build you a new house with a room all your own.”
By the time breakfast was finished and the whole family stepped out into the street, the sun was half way over the horizon and a golden glow engulfed the small town.
In Ernie’s heart, it felt that something wonderful had happened as they moved together toward the schoolhouse. They were whole, one unit pulling together even if Alyssa hadn’t completely forgiven her yet.
“Have a good day,” Mark offered as they reached the schoolhouse, turning to give Ernie and then his father a hug.
Georgie, seeing his brother’s actions did the same then raced off to join his friends.
“Good day,” Alyssa said politely looking between her father and Ernie, an odd expression on her face. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”
Ellery stuck out his elbow as Ernie adjusted Sophie on her hip nodding approvingly as the woman took his arm. “What would you say to dinner tonight?” he asked as they retraced their steps home.
“I was going to make soup,” Ernie said. “I’m making bread for the week and it always goes well with soup.
“No,” Ellery chuckled, “I meant just the two of us. I’d like to take you out to the Grist Mill. The children can join Ma and Pa at the Boarding House.”
Ernie wasn’t sure what to say, but found herself nodding. Was this what was known as a date? Did she need to dress for the outing? In all the time she had been in Biders Clump she had never even been to the town eatery, but remembered the delightful treats that Mr. Rutherford had brought to the boarding house a few weeks ago. “It won’t be too expensive will it?” she asked surprised at her boldness.
Ellery’s chuckle making Ernie look at him in surprise. He had a nice laugh and she had seldom heard it, but was he laughing at her.
“Ernie, the Grist Mill isn’t expensive, but we have some money saved from selling my home and business back in Virginia.” He scowled growing serious again. “Have you been worried?”
Ernie chewed her lip thinking about his question. First, he had said ‘we’ what did that mean, and secondly, she hadn’t really known what her husband’s financial situation was. “I wasn’t really worrying,” her amber eyes met his, “but I didn’t know. I’ve had to be very careful with money my whole life and never even considered your situation.”
Ellery placed a hand over hers where it rested on his arm. “We’re not broke,” he said kindly. “I guess this is something else I’ll need to go over with you. I never thought about it when I gave you money to buy food or necessities. I just assumed you used what I gave you.”
Ernie blushed slightly as Sophie pointed at a cat walking a fence line. “Ki’ty.” The baby’s word making both adults smile.
“I have a confession,” Ernie said as they opened the door to the house they shared after making a fuss over Sophia. “I’ve been saving what was left over each week for a rainy day.”
This time Ellery Olson tipped back his head and laughed ushering her through dark blue door with a hand on her waist. “I guess we should have had this conversation earlier.” His voice filled the entry. “I’m pleased to hear this though. It’s a comfort to know that I married a woman who is frugal and forward thinking.”
Ernie looked up a grin spreading across her face. “I’m glad you approve. I don’t know any other way to be, and I’m relieved you aren’t annoyed with me.”
“Alice was the same way,” Ellery admitted, his smile wavering for a moment. “I think she would be glad I have a sensible woman in my life.”
Ernie set Sophia on her feet helping her balance before letting her toddle down the hall. “I think I would have liked her,” she confessed, holding to Ellery’s arms and willing him not to slip into sorrow.
“She would have liked you too,” Ellery said realizing that it was true and finding an odd comfort in that simple truth.
Chapter 28
Ernie was a bundle of nerves as she dressed to go to dinner. It was ridiculous to be nervous about dinner out with a man she had been living with for months. Still her stomach quivered as she slipped into the beautiful blue dress she had brought with her on a whim.
Turning so she could see herself better in the long mirror, she smoothed the blue satin fabric at the back. The bustle was out in this new century, and she liked the way the heavy skirts hung over her slim hips. Facing the mirror once more she fluffed the ruff of lace that cascaded from the high collar to her bosom, then tugged the mutton sleeves to her wrists. It had been a long time since Ernie had any occasion to dress up, and she felt like a child wearing her mother’s cloths.
It seemed so strange going out with Ellery. They had wed out of convenience, but the thought of spending time alone with him in public, other than church, seemed strange, and she wanted to look nice.
“Silly woman,” she chided the image in the mirror. “You’re well past thirty, not some school girl hoping for her first kiss.”
Ernie knew she was a plain
woman, her mouse brown hair, straight figure, and sallow complexion had never encouraged affection from men. She was no looker, but over the years, she had grown comfortable with who she was and how God had made her. There was no point wishing for something that couldn’t be, or in comparing herself to others who were more beautiful than she. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she studied herself in the mirror, liking the way the dress fit and how the color enhanced the gold and brown of her eyes. Her eyes had always been her best feature, and most people called them amber though they were really just a light brown with gold flecks.
“Ernie, are you ready?” Ellery asked as he knocked on the outer door.
“Yes,” Ernie replied promptly. Ellery had agreed to walk the children to the Boarding House for the evening then return for her giving her time to dress and prepare in peace.
“Here goes nothing,” the woman whispered to her reflection reaching for a lace shawl and turning for the door. She had no idea what to expect of the night, but she was excited to go out with Ellery.
Ernie stepped out of her room looking to find Ellery still waiting in the hall. He was wearing a dark suit that fit him well, though the jacket seemed a tad loose around the middle. His white shirt was crisp with a fresh collar wrapped in a black string tie.
“Ma helped me,” Ellery grinned, as he looked her up and down. “You look lovely,” he said his voice almost surprised. “That’s a beautiful dress. Shall we?”
Ernie took Ellery’s arm heading for the front door. “My most recent posting as a governess required that I present the children at dinner on occasion. I needed to be suitably attired.”
Ellery opened the front door guiding Ernie out into the street, his fingers brushing the soft fabric at her back. “I’d say you look very suitable,” he teased.
Ernie took his arm once more turning her head to look up at the man. Was he making a joke? He seemed so relaxed, at ease, while she felt like she was walking on eggshells.
“You look nice,” Ellery said seeing the question in her eyes. “Now, let’s go have a nice dinner at the Mill. It’s about time you got out for more than walking the children to school.”
The fluttering in Ernie’s stomach eased as they walked along the street. Several town’s folk nodded or offered greeting, but none stopped them as they made their way to the restaurant where delectable smells were wafting into the street.
“Something smells good,” Ernie smiled. “Who runs this establishment?”
“As far as I know,” Ellery opened the door letting Ernie precede him, “Tate still owns the place, and I believe his sister works here. Prissy Adams, no,” he shook his head, “Prissy Rutherford helps out as well, and of course her husband Rupert is a baker who sells goods here.”
“Did you grow up with Prissy and her sisters?” Ernie asked as a young woman in her late teens hurried to seat them.
“Quil’s closest in age to me, but all of them were a good deal younger than me. I remember them from school of course or what passed as school when I was a kid. I think I like this new teacher better than I ever liked mine.”
Ernie smiled, “You didn’t like school?”
“I was better suited to working with my hands. I did like Math though, just like Alyssa.”
“She’s her father’s child,” Ernie agreed as she slipped into a chair silently chiding herself for her comment. Would what she said remind him of Alice?
“She has some of those traits.” Ellery finished pushing her chair in then took his seat. “Sometimes I wonder how many things are determined by which order children are born. Do you think the oldest child of any family always has specific traits?”
Ernie blinked at Ellery for a moment thinking through his question. While she was getting ready, she was worried about what they might talk on over dinner. Would it be a silent awkward occasion or one where they got to know each other? “I don’t really believe that is true,” Ernie turned nodding her thanks to the server who placed fresh rolls on their table. “Perhaps responsibilities and expectations influence a child’s development though. Like the eldest child, they always get accused of being bossy, but in reality, they usually have to be responsible for younger siblings which requires them to be a bit bossy.”
Ellery picked up a roll breaking it open and slathering it with butter. “I see what you mean,” he said nodding to the old woman who stepped to the table a coffee pot in hand. “Ida is that you?”
“Yes Ellery Olson, it’s me, and I’m still kickin’” the old woman grinned, her hollow cheeks dimpling but her eyes bright. “I’m still working here and happy to do it. Now who wants coffee?”
“Thank you,” the couple said as one.
“Ida have you met Ernestine?” Ellery looked between the two women. “Ernie, Ida has been here as long as I can remember.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Ida said with a curt nod. “I’d shake hands, but I don’t want to spill this coffee,” she added with a grin. “I’ve been around Biders Clump a spell for sure, and I’m glad you came to look out for Ellery and the Olsons. They’re mighty dear to all of us.” Ida turned on her heel stepping away from the table without another glance.
Ernie giggled making Ellery stare. “She’s rather terse.”
“Ida’s a plain speaker,” Ellery chuckled. “You’ll always know where you stand with that one, but I think she approves of you.”
Ernie’s eyes followed the old woman as she moved from table to table offering coffee and her heart warmed to the woman named Ida. “I feel special then, as she seems to approve of me.”
Ellery reached across the table taking Ernie’s hand in his. As they’d grown closer over the past few weeks, he had wanted more contact with her and though his nerves jumped he boldly took her hand. “You are special Ernestine.”
Ernie looked into the dark hazel eyes of the man across from her and tried to suppress a shiver. Why was he holding her hand? It felt so strange, warm and tingly in her own. “Thank you.” Her words were soft, awkward, and hopeful.
“Oh hello,” a woman’s voice interrupted and Ellery released Ernie’s hand. “I’m Mary and I’ll take your order,” the girl who had seated them smiled pulling a small tablet from her pocket.
“You can’t be Mary Bishop,” Ellery gawked. “Why you were no more than a babe in arms, the last time I saw you.”
Mary shrugged. “That’s me, but the world has a way of moving on even when you’re not looking,” she grinned. “Now our specials today are roast chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, and mixed vegetables, or beef stew.”
They ordered their meals then turned back to each other and Ernie didn’t know what to say. She felt out of place, yet excited about being out with Ellery. Something inside her wanted to be loved by the man she had agreed to marry for the sake of his children, but fear and doubt warred with that hope.
“Ernie,” Ellery leaned across the table drawing her attention. “I know that we married for the sake of the children, but I believe you were brought here for more. At the time we wed, I believed I could live a life separate from the woman I had taken to wife, but I’m finding that I can’t.”
Ernie searched Ellery’s eyes trying to discern his meaning.
“I wanted to shut the world out, walking through it like a sleepwalker and never feeling anything again. Your love and dedication to the children has been amazing, and no matter how I fight it, your tender care of my battered soul draws me to you.”
Ernie placed a hand over her mouth shocked by his words.
“I know it hasn’t been that long, but somewhere between the waking up to you each morning and sitting down to dinner each night, I’ve started to feel something. I don’t know how to describe it, but I’m growing very fond of you.”
“I’m fond of you as well,” Ernie’s heart was pounding. She didn’t know what romantic love was, she didn’t understand what made a man and a woman fall in love, but she knew she loved Ellery. It had started as compassion, but now there was something more, an
d she wondered if this was what it was like for those women who had once come west as mail-order brides. Did they meet a man and learn to love them? Was it possible to meet a stranger, but let love bloom in its own season?
“One chicken dinner and one beef stew.” Mary Bishop arrived bearing two plates and a bright smile. “I hope you enjoy it,” she grinned as she left the two alone once more.
Ellery looked down at his meal seeing the abundance of potatoes, onions, and carrots, and his stomach rumbled making Ernie laugh as the tension between them snapped like a taught rope.
The meals were delicious and the conversation turned to the mundane as they talked about the children, the weather, and the daily routine.
Ellery shared a few funny stories about bringing people to the Boarding House making Ernie laugh, and she told him about a few of Georgie’s antics. “That boy is so smart,” she finished as the plates were whisked away and Ellery asked about dessert.
“I suspect he is well named,” Ellery agreed finishing his order of peach cobbler for two. “I think Pa was a trouble maker in his youth.”
“Georgie is not a trouble maker,” Ernie grinned. “He simply has a keen mind and a curious nature.”
Ernie and Ellery sat talking over coffee and cobbler for the next half an hour, and Ernie felt that she was seeing the real Ellery for the first time. He was more relaxed, confident, and at ease than she had ever seen him. It was as if he had made a choice, and now that the decision was made, he was moving forward with his life. Laughing, chatting, and sharing with him, she let go of her reservations and determined if he was ready to develop a different relationship, she would give it her all.
“I guess we’d better fetch the children,” Ellery mused as the stepped out onto the street full of good food and good feelings. “I hope mother hasn’t fed them too many treats.”
Ernie grinned. “I doubt Alyssa would allow that.”
Ellery reached down taking her hand in his as they started toward the boarding house. “Thank you for a nice evening. It’s nice to get to know you in a different setting.”
