The drive to town was just as somber, with barely a word exchanged between them. He'd hurt her feelings the night before by turning his back. And although he'd attempted to rectify it, it had been too late. The moment after giving herself to him, he'd left her alone, for all intents and purposes.
"We can stop by Sunshine's bakery, so you can talk to her," he offered just as town came into view. "We can pick up some pastries to take back home."
Viola nodded. "I would like that." She studied the line of buildings. "Where is her shop?"
"Right next door to the mercantile. It's hard to miss with the huge shingle the judge had made for her."
There were a few people milling about Main Street, every one of them greeted him. He knew it was out of curiosity because they wanted to get a glimpse of his new wife. The fact didn't bother him a bit. She was attractive and he was proud of her when she acknowledged the people with a friendly smile.
When they pulled up to the mercantile, a group of women had already gathered in front, anxious to meet Viola who looked to him in question. "Is there something I should do? What do I say to them?"
He eyed the four women, the pastor's wife and her three friends. "I doubt they'll give you any time to speak."
Viola's lips curved and he was glad to have been the cause of her smile. "Well I suppose I should face them and fulfill their curiosity about me."
"Ladies," Joshua greeted them and tipped his hat as he rounded the wagon to assist Viola. "This is my wife, Viola."
The women neared her and began to pepper her with questions. He remained close, not only to lead her away in a few moments, also out of curiosity to learn more about her.
"I baked cakes for a very rich family... Yes I did attend church with my sister and her family... My parents are both passed away....I would love to attend a tea...No I have never quilted..." she answered their questions in a soft voice, never seeming to lose her patience nor take affront at the women being so nosy.
Finally Joshua stepped in. "If you will excuse us ladies, we have much to do before heading back. I promise to bring her back for church service one Sunday and whenever your tea is." It seemed to satisfy the women who beamed at him and each hugged Viola in welcome before making their way across the street to the hotel. It was time to gossip and discuss what they thought of her.
She was careful and watched him for reactions while shopping for sundries. When she hesitated by the bulks of fabric, he neared. "Get whatever you want. I have plenty of money, haven't spent much in the last few years, except for feed for the animals."
"I was thinking of making new curtains if it is all right?" She touched a blue fabric. "And making you some shirts. Yours are threadbare."
She picked up a bolt of white fabric. "You could use some new pillow covers and such too."
"We could use," he corrected her. "Get what you want."
By the time they exited the mercantile, the wagon was fully loaded with sundries, cooking utensils, fabric, washbasin and pitchers, threads, needles, and other such notions. They'd ordered a new stove and fabric Viola picked from a catalog for dressmaking.
Joshua stood next to the wagon and watched as Grace nosed through the purchases. "I'll have to come back for more feed, can only fit a couple bags now."
They entered Sunshine's bakery and the small woman rounded her counter and rushed to them hugging Viola first and then him. She gave him a disapproving look. "When are you going to shave that monstrosity?"
Viola's cough in an attempt to stifle a chuckle was ineffective.
"I bought a new razor just now," he grumbled. In truth, he had grown tired of it, with one hand he'd been left to only basic tasks. Once home, he hoped to get Viola to help him.
"Go to the barber now. You need more than a razor and a haircut would be good, too. Viola and I will visit while you're gone." She shoved him out the door and he headed to the barbershop with Grace tagging along.
The excursion to town had seemed to lift Viola's spirits and he was glad for it. Yet as he walked into the barbershop and greeted the burly man who waved him over, he hesitated. No it would not do. He was not going to change anything. They'd head back to the ranch and he'd go on about things and stick to the agreement they'd made. Viola was his wife and as he'd vowed he would provide for her, ensure she was protected, and that was it.
He turned around and left, not giving the barber an explanation.
Just as he crossed the road a woman rushed to him. Joshua prepared himself for what she'd say. Emily Meadows had been Gretchen's closest friend, although he never understood why. The woman rarely spoke a kind word and kept a dour expression at all times. Gretchen had insisted Emily was just lonely and needed someone with the patience to listen to her complaints. Truthfully he'd never cared for the woman. After Gretchen spent time with her, she'd been more rigid and strict about how things should be and their relationship often suffered because of it.
Emily neared, her shrewd gaze scanning over him as if she expected to find some clue to whatever it was she searched for. "Hello, Joshua. I've seen you look better."
He tipped his hat wishing he'd not been so haste in his decision to leave from the barbershop. "Mrs. Emily, nice to see you." When he took a step away, she grabbed his arm.
"How could you remarry? Gretchen is probably turning in her grave seeing you bringing another woman into her house." She blinked as if staving tears. "Why when I heard, I could not believe it. I am not sure how men can move forward so quickly. I am barely over her passing and there you are parading this...this person about town."
Words escaped him and he could only look at the woman. The awareness he'd felt the same thing did not make her words any easier to accept. How she spoke directly to his guilt, tearing at his insides, made him want to run from her. "It's been almost three years. I don't mean disrespect. It's none of your business."
"Of course it is. Gretchen was my dearest friend. The kindest person in this entire town." She glanced about with displeasure. "I had to tell you what I think. There is nothing that can be done about it now I suppose. The damage is done."
He stood in place unable to move when Emily Meadows stalked off, her rigid shoulders a show of her displeasure at him. He considered going to the bakery, and decided he couldn't face Viola or Sunshine at the moment. Instead he went to the wagon and climbed on to the bench where he'd wait until she was ready to head home.
Chapter Ten
The ride home from town was torture. Joshua didn't speak a word to her and turned down her offer of food. He glowered the entire way, his body language insulting, as his shoulder closest to her was turned away almost as if he did all he could to distance himself.
"If your arm is bothering you, I could take the reins the last few miles."
He didn't reply, just urged the horses to go faster.
Viola wished to be anywhere away from him. She picked up the puppy and plopped it on her lap. The next few minutes, she spent brushing the dog's fur with a comb she'd purchased at the mercantile, just for Grace. Once done, and the dog had fallen to a content slumber across her legs, she was at a loss. The passing landscape although beautiful failed to inspire her. A flock of birds landed on a tree, their cheerful chirps almost made her cry.
From inside the bakery, she'd spied a woman speaking to him. Whatever the woman had said to Joshua must have upset him. She wanted so badly to ask what had occurred, yet didn't feel to know him well enough to do so. And with the way he acted, she doubted he'd even reply. So instead, she continued to watch the passing countryside and prayed they arrived soon so she could move away from him and become busy with the chores of the house.
*****
The days passed and soon it was two weeks since she'd arrived in Colter Valley. The weather was becoming warmer yet the air between she and Joshua remained frigid. He remained distant, barely speaking past a word of gratitude at dinnertime. While saying grace over their meal, she'd open her eyes and look at him. The long hair and beard remained, both untrim
med.
Not once had he explained what had occurred in town, nor did he comment on the changes she'd made to the house.
On each window there were cheerful red calico curtains. She'd rearranged the furniture in the living room and added a rag rug in the entryway. One time she'd asked if he minded if she move things around in the bedroom and he'd replied with "Do what you want, it doesn't matter to me."
Now as the afternoon sun was high in the sky, she worked in the garden, tilling gently around the vegetables all the while trying to ignore how sad and lonely she felt.
If only circumstances had proved different. She could have remained in Virginia, working at the Harrison's house. Yet for whatever reason, her fate was here in Colter Valley. A beautiful albeit lonely life had been cut out for her.
Grace rushed by barking. In the distance a wagon headed toward the ranch. Viola shaded her eyes from the sun to see who it was while the puppy rushed back and forth, barking at the horses.
It was Joshua's sister and her husband, David. The woman waved with a wide smile and Viola waved back. Instantly her mind was on the interior of the house and what Abigail's reactions would be to what she'd done. Thankfully there was stew cooking, which would be more than enough if they decided to stay for a meal.
Finally the wagon came to a stop. Across the way at the stable entryway, Joshua stood watching, not moving to come to greet them. Abigail looked toward her brother and motioned for him to come over. His approach was slow, as if they'd interrupted something he did.
Viola ground her teeth together at his actions. Why did he have to be so rude? Whatever was wrong with the damn man? She accepted Abigail's hug while little Libby's arms wrapped around her sister-in-law's legs.
Joshua finally reached them. He shook hands with David and nodded in acknowledgement to Abigail. "What brings you out here in the middle of the day?"
"What kind of a welcome is that?" Abigail placed one hand on her hip and glowered at her brother. "I heard you were in town. I thought you'd stop by on your way back."
David attempted to diffuse any argument between the siblings. "I'm sure they were plenty tired and ready to get home." He pushed his hat back and smiled at her. Viola liked the quiet man. She wished Joshua would be kinder and more like Abigail's husband.
"Got a new foal, cleaning up the stables. Wanna come?" Joshua turned making his way back to where he'd come. David followed, not speaking.
"Well what's gotten into him?" Abigail stared at the men's backs. "I mean not that he's been overly friendly these last few years. I have to admit today he's been just downright inhospitable." She shook her head. "He ran me off last time I was here. Right before you came. I wanted to clean up a bit."
Unsure of what to say Viola went to a rain barrel and dipped water out with a large pan they'd tied to it. "I've only known him to be very quiet and distant." She took her time rinsing her hands ensuring to remove all the dirt from under her nails. All the while, Abigail frowned and looked from her to the stables.
"Are you saying he's not being kind?"
"Oh no, I wouldn't say he's unkind. Just doesn't speak much."
Abigail's expression was hard to decipher, so Viola turned her attention to the little girl who continued to cling to her mother. "I like your dress. It's very pretty."
Libby's shy smile showcased a missing front tooth. "Thank you."
They went into the house and Abigail gasped. "My goodness Viola, you sure have been busy. Look at all you've done." She picked up a pillow from the couch. "This is absolutely gorgeous work."
Little Libby settled in front of the fireplace with a small doll content to ignore the adults while Abigail continued to walk around. She went to the window and touched the curtains. "Not only did you make them, you also lined them with a different fabric. What a grand idea."
It was nice to receive accolades for her trouble as Joshua had acted as if he'd not noticed any of her hard labor. "I've had nothing but time on my hands. Other than the henhouse and the garden, my chores are few."
"Nonsense. You also have to cook, mend, clean, and feed the pigs. All of it takes the majority of your day I bet." Abigail accepted a cup of coffee with a grim look. "How are things between you and Joshua? A newlywed should not have idle time."
Whether or not to explain their arrangement was not an option. As husband and wife whatever happened between them was private. Yet Viola could not keep the sting of tears. "I don't know what to say. Other than he is a very hard working man and spends most of his time out there." She motioned to the front door. "Abigail, our match is not a love match. As much as we'd like to believe in fairy tales, most times it doesn't happen."
"The idea of my brother not making you happy...it just makes me sad." Her sister-in-law plopped down on a kitchen chair and let out a huff. "If he would just try. Shave the darn beard and cut his hair. I don't understand whatever has gotten into him."
"I believe he is still in love with his late wife and doesn't feel ready to move on." Viola smiled at Abigail. "Please stay for supper. It's so nice to have someone to talk to."
"Of course we will. I am not leaving until I've spent some time getting to know you." Abigail let out a content sigh. "It's only a few miles’ ride to our house, you should come visit. Just get Joshua to hitch up the horse for you."
Viola looked out the window for a moment to gain courage. "What was Gretchen like?"
Abigail pressed her lips together in thought. "You would think a saint by the way Joshua worshipped her. In actuality, she was quite harsh and rigid. Devoted to her ways and a bit judgmental. I never understood why they came together. Joshua was always easy going and quick with a smile or chuckle. The longer they were married the more he seemed to become like her."
"It doesn't sound like someone who would accept him remarrying after her death. Could condemnation be it? Do you think he feels guilty about marrying me?"
"You know you're probably right. I bet so. I'm so sorry Viola. I am not sure what can be done about it."
Viola stood to check on her stew. She peeked at the bread dough, which had risen nicely. "He is allowed his feelings and as I said although distant, he is a good provider and husband. For whatever reason, God brought us together. We'll just have to make the best of it."
The men entered and Joshua met her gaze for a beat. She was surprised when his lips curved into a rare smile. "I hope it's alright, I invited David to remain for supper?"
Viola smiled in return. "Of course. I did the same. We have plenty of stew and the bread will be baking soon."
"It smells delicious," Abigail said. "I'll pour you both a cup of coffee."
The men settled in the living room, both looking towards the kitchen, not hiding their impatience at dinner being served.
Abigail went over and sat next to Joshua. "I cannot believe the changes Viola has made. The house is beautiful."
Viola peeked over her shoulder to see his reaction. His scan of the room was slow, as if he'd not noticed what she'd done. "She's worked hard."
"Yes she has," Abigail added with a bit too much brightness. "I am amazed at the change. The detail of work is great. Not sure how she has time for all of it, with you two being newlyweds and all."
Although she didn't turn to him, the tension was palpable. Abigail continued unabated. "And with her being so pretty, I can only speculate. Isn't your wife a good looking woman Joshua?"
If only the floor could open up and devour her. Viola slapped the bread dough one last time and shoved the pan into the oven just as Joshua's deep voice sounded. "She is very beautiful."
Chapter Eleven
After dinner Joshua stepped out into the porch with David, who settled into one of the two chairs. The quiet man picked up a stick and began to whittle. It was usually a comfortable silence with David. Tonight however, it seemed as if he had something to say.
"I'm going to take some horses to Billings next month if you want to come along. You can bring some of yours. They're paying good."
&nb
sp; David didn't lift his eyes from his project. "Maybe."
Several horses grazed in the large corral in front of the house and he spent the next few minutes mentally deciding which ones he'd sell.
"A woman comes into our lives and changes things. Usually for the best." David's words jarred him back from his musings. "You should treat your wife as such."
He swallowed. "Things are fine." He didn't meet the man's eyes because David would see the lie in his.
"Nope, they are not." The man who rarely spoke cleared his throat and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees.
"They are well enough. Shouldn't have done it. Remarried."
"Are those your wishes or your departed wife's?" David went back to whittling, not seeming to require a reply.
Joshua stood and leaned against a column and looked into the darkening sky. It was a good question. Gretchen had been adamant in requesting he keep her memory with him always and not remarry. She'd insisted he love only her always. Her last words when she was dying assured him she'd never forgive him if he stopped loving her.
"Abigail is my second wife," David told him. "The first one died just a year after we were married."
Joshua didn't turn to his brother-in-law, although his attention was fully on his words. "I didn't know."
"Her name was Nancy. She always insisted if something happened to her, I remarry immediately. Said she loved me too much and could not bear the thought of me alone. I tell you what. Those first couple years I couldn't see how I could do it. When I met Abigail, it felt as if Nancy was smiling down on me. I knew it was right."
Joshua let out a sigh. "Gretchen demanded I never do."
Instead of a reply, David just shook his head and went back to whittling for a few moments. "Big difference between our departed wives."
After their visitors left, Viola went back inside and began cleaning up. Joshua pondered on David's words. It was easy for the man to say what he did. He didn't have to carry the guilt of his wife's dying wish for him to remain devoted.
Where the River Flows Page 6