Mrs Baker suddenly appeared and handed them each a menu. “Here are the menus,” Mrs Baker said, smiling across at her. “We have a good range. You should find something you like.” In a flash she was gone.
“Don’t be too slow making a decision. If I know Mrs Baker, she’ll be back before we know it.” She glanced up at him, and he was grinning. “The old girl gets a tad impatient,” he said.
It seemed like only moments later when she was back again.
Millie’s eyes scanned the menu. “Beef and vegetable soup and warm bread please, Mrs Baker,” she said when asked.
Daniel scowled. “That’s not enough, surely.”
“It’s been a long day, Daniel. I don’t feel like eating much.”
He nodded. “Plus you’ve likely been tossed about most of that time, I’m certain.” He turned to the older woman. “Sirloin for me please, Mrs Baker.”
“For something different,” she said, then laughed. “He always orders sirloin,” she told Millie conspiratorially then left them alone.
The meal was lovely – the best Millie had consumed for ages, and she told their hostess. “You can bring her again, Daniel,” Mrs Baker said, patting the younger woman’s hand.
They had apple pie and clotted cream for dessert and they each had coffee.
She wasn’t sure if it was the food, the heat from the fire, or exhaustion from the long trip she’d recently endured, but Millie had a hard time staying awake.
She felt Daniel’s eyes on her, and was consumed with embarrassment. “I’m really sorry,” she told him quietly.
He stood, scraping his chair along the floor. “Don’t apologize,” he said. “I’ve been selfish. I should have realized you needed to sleep.”
She was too tired to argue, and welcomed his help getting to her feet.
He paid the bill, which Mrs Baker insisted was on the house, but he wouldn’t accept, then helped Millie into his jacket.
At the back of his mind was that perhaps she didn’t have a warm coat, and made a mental note to organise one for her.
“I had a wonderful time,” she said as they farewelled Mrs Baker.
“We’ll see you next time,” Daniel said. “When Millie is not so tired.”
The cold air hit her in the face as they stepped outside, and helped to wake her up somewhat, but not enough. She still needed sleep.
A soft mattress, a comfortable pillow, and warm coverings, that’s what she needed. And that’s exactly what Daniel told her she would have.
Daniel made himself scare while Millie prepared for bed. They’d not broached the subject of where they would each sleep – they were man and wife, and so he would assert his right to sleep with his wife.
He wouldn’t pressure her into having relations with him. They were complete strangers. He wanted to get to know her first, and he was certain she would want to do that too.
He pushed the embers around the wood stove and threw more wood in it. Then he filled the kettle. It was a routine he’d followed all his years of living alone, and was something he’d watched his mother do when he was a child.
Then he went to the sitting room and did something similar. Keeping the house warm overnight had become a ritual as well.
He much preferred the warmer weather, and wasn’t at all keen on the cold and especially the snow when it came.
He sat down on one of the padded chairs and reached for his bible. He read a passage every night, and it never failed to comfort him.
They hadn’t discussed it, but he hoped Millie was a Christian woman. He felt certain she would be.
When he finished reading, he closed his bible. It had been his grandfather’s and was rather tattered around the edges, but Daniel treasured it, and wouldn’t be replacing it any time soon.
He never would, if he had his way. It was something he’d want to pass onto his own children one day.
That made him pause. One day he and Millie would have a family of their own. At least he hoped they would.
He stared out the window at the dark sky and the stars. What an extraordinary day he’d had. When he awoke this morning, he was a bachelor, and now he was a married man.
And to a beautiful woman no less.
He padded down to the bathroom and had a quick wash, then went to the bedroom. He’d expected to find Millie wide awake. Over tiredness can do that to you, he knew, but she was sound asleep.
He quietly changed into his nightgown and neatly folded his clothes, placing them on the chair. He then climbed into bed.
She didn’t so much as flinch.
He knew this day would come, the day he married, but he hadn’t expected it quite so soon.
He stared into her face – she was a stunner. He’d have to keep an eye on some of those young bucks in town. They’d try to steal her in a flash.
He was certain Millie wouldn’t be willing. At least he hoped she wouldn’t. She had a stable life with him, and he was glad to have her in it.
As he lay in the bed next to her, Daniel watched her breathe, her chest rose and fell gently, and he was tempted to touch her. He reached out his hand to stroke her cheek, but quickly pulled it back.
There was plenty of time for that. First he needed to get to know her, and she needed to get to know him.
He lay there staring, and was soon fast asleep.
Chapter Four
Millie awoke a little after dawn. She’d been doing it for so long, she couldn’t get out of the habit.
As she slid out of bed, she noticed Daniel sound asleep on the other side. She’d assumed they would sleep in separate beds until they got to know each other. It was too late now.
She’d needed that sleep to replenish her energy. She’d been fine until dessert arrived, and then exhaustion had hit her.
At least Daniel wasn’t angry with her. He seemed to take it in his stride.
She stood watching him peacefully sleeping for a few minutes, then headed to the kitchen to prepare her husband’s breakfast.
She checked the pantry and found some thick cut bacon, bread, eggs, butter, and milk. There were also some canned beans.
She sliced the bacon thinly and threw it into to the frying pan with some lard. She mixed the eggs and milk to make scrambled eggs and added them to a pot. Lastly she toasted some of the bread in the wood stove.
By the time he had arisen and come to the kitchen, Daniel’s breakfast was ready.
He stood in the doorway and breathed deeply. “That smells amazing,” he said, then strolled over to Millie and kissed her cheek – as though it was the most natural thing in the world to do. He moved closer and put his arms around her, pulling her closer.
She enjoyed the hug, she truly did, but reluctantly shrugged out of his grip. “Your breakfast will be ruined,” she said, indicating for him to sit at the table.
He’d not long sat when his meal was placed in front of him. Millie poured them both a mug of coffee.
Once she sat, he reached for her hands and bowed his head in prayer. “Thank you, Lord, for this meal, and for sending Millie to me. Amen.”
He tucked in. “Thank you for a delicious breakfast, Millie,” he said between mouthfuls. “I haven’t eaten breakfast for months.”
She stared at him. “My goodness,” she said. “That changes now.”
He grinned at her, and it set her heart on fire.
Daniel finished his food and placed his plates in the sink. “I have to go,” he said, pulling on his jacket. “Go to the Mercantile and get yourself a coat, and anything else you need, and put it on my account.”
She shook her head. “I don’t need anything.” She had only just arrived. She had no intention of costing her husband money this early in the game.
He stared at her. “Where is your warm coat, Millie?” he said firmly. She bit at her lip. Her only coat was far from warm. “I thought so. I’ll let them know you’re coming. You’ll probably need to buy food too.”
She followed him to the front door where he glanced at the coat rank. “I e
xpect to see your coat here when I return.”
He gently lifted her chin and moved in close. She stared up at him. Was he going to kiss her?
She swallowed.
Daniel’s lips caressed hers. His kiss was a soft as a kitten’s fur, and her lips tingled from where they’d connected. She felt like a swooning teenager.
“I’ll see you at lunch,” he whispered, and then he was gone.
The moment the door closed, she swung into action – she had a long list of things to do today.
First she dressed, then washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Then she checked the pantry.
It really was in a sorry state. Millie made a list of the staple items she needed, then worked out her meal plan for the next couple of days. That way she could pick up all the necessary items at the Mercantile today.
She really dreaded going there, knowing it was going to cost Daniel a lot of money. And all because of her.
Her list complete, including a warm coat, Millie went to make the bed. She leaned over and pulled the sheets into place, then straightened the covers.
As she stood up, her head spun, forcing her to sit on the side of the bed. It was obvious she was still suffering from exhaustion. She felt sure her sleep last night would have cured her of that.
She wouldn’t tell Daniel – he might worry.
As soon as the room settled around her, she checked the wood stove and fire were fully fueled, then looked about for a basket. There was none to be found, likely as there had been no women in the house. At least she assumed that to be the case.
It wasn’t long before she was able to wander over to the Mercantile. She passed Daniel’s building on her way, and glanced across at the office, but couldn’t see him. Not that she’d expected to.
The Mercantile was large. She’d never seen one that big before, but Grand Falls was a city, so she guessed that was the reason. It would surely be busy.
And it was. There were more than a dozen customers inside, all perusing the goods displayed on the shelves.
“Hello, Millie.”
It was a familiar voice, and she spun around to see Mrs Baker standing next to her. “Oh, hello, Mrs Baker. I’ve come to do some shopping.” She pulled out her list. “Daniel has little in his pantry,” she whispered conspiratorially.
Mrs Baker laughed. “Why am I not surprised.” She wandered off to do her own shopping.
Millie found a rack of warm coats and flicked through them. She checked the price tag of each and decided they were far too expensive, and began to walk away.
She heard the front door open and spun around to see her husband strolling toward her. “Good,” he said. “Which one are you getting?” He pulled an expensive looking coat off the rack.
“I... how did you know I was here?” She felt annoyed. Didn’t he trust her to get a coat? Then she heated. She’d already rejected them before he arrived.
“I saw you walk by my office.” He lifted the coat and held it against her. “What do you think, Mrs Baker?” he called from across the shop. The older woman came rambling across.
She shook her head. “This one is far prettier.”
The coat she held was made of beige wool and had panels that made it look more feminine. It had deep pockets either side, where Millie could put her kerchief and other items she might want to conceal.
At the shoulders, the sleeves ruffled, and the back was gathered below the shoulders.
Daniel stared at the coat in question. “It certainly is pretty. Will it be warm enough?”
Mrs Baker shoved the garment toward him. “Just feel the quality. It is very thick, and should last for many years.”
“Oh, but it’s so expensive!” Millie blanched at the price tag, and backed away.
“We’ll take this one, Jacob,” he called to the Mercantile owner. “But my wife will be wearing it home.” The decision had been taken out of her hands.
The store owner nodded, and took the price tag Daniel handed over to him. “Add this and anything else Millie needs to my account, won’t you?”
He’d effectively introduced her to the Mercantile owner, and authorized her to put whatever she wanted on his account. It made Millie feel slightly better.
Her husband helped her into the new wool coat he’d just paid a fortune for. She felt more than a little guilty at wasting his hard earned money, but it was certainly warm and comfortable.
“Perhaps Mrs Baker might help you select some new gowns and, er, unmentionables, and anything else you need.” He had the decency to blush, then leaned in and kissed her cheek as though he’d done it a hundred times before. “I must return to work now. I’ll see you at lunch.”
“But Daniel...” Too late, he was gone.
Mrs Baker took her by the arm. “Come on, we have instructions to spend your husband’s money.” The older woman was grinning. “Oh, lighten up, Millie,” she said when Millie stood there stony-faced. “It’s not often you get to splash out on clothes.”
She looked Millie up and down and moved in close. “How many gowns do you own?” Her voice was low in an obvious attempt not to embarrass her.
“Three, including this one.” It was difficult to admit such a thing, and it was apparent as Daniel’s wife she would not be allowed to parade around town in such threadbare garments.
She grabbed Millie’s arm and took her to a corner in the back of the store. “Pick out three gowns for everyday wear, some nightgowns, and a robe. We’ll visit the dressmaker for your other gowns.”
Millie’s mouth opened in disbelief. “I can’t do that. Daniel would have conniptions!”
“Three gowns – go on.” She stared Millie down, daring her to refuse. When she didn’t choose for herself, Mrs Baker chose for her.
Millie clutched onto her shopping list, her stress levels getting higher by the moment.
“Daniel is not a stingy man, Millie,” she said quietly. “Nor is he poor – far from it. He wants to look after you, and that includes outfitting you in a fashion that is indicative of being his wife.”
They took the gowns and other items required, including several sets of unmentionables, and they were added to Daniel’s account.
Mrs Baker walked with her out onto the side-walk. “I have to organize luncheon at the diner, but I can pick you up at two-thirty if you’re free?”
Millie stared at her. Two-thirty? What was that about? “I...”
“We’ll visit the dressmaker and have you properly outfitted.”
She leaned in and hugged Millie. “I like you, my girl,” she said convincingly. “We’re going to be good friends, I can just feel it.” Still a little shell-shocked at everything that had happened the last couple of days, Millie stared after her as she headed toward the diner.
Warm and snug in her new coat, she stared down at the huge package in her arms. What on earth was Daniel going to say?
Daniel stood in the doorway and breathed in the enticing aroma coming from the kitchen.
His house had become a home within only one day of Millie arriving. What would it be like when she’d been here a week, or a month? Or even a year?
He cleared his throat, not wanting to scare her, since she obviously hadn’t heard him come in.
She spun around to stare at him, her hands to her chest. “I didn’t know you were home,” she said breathlessly.
“From now on, you lock the front door,” he said gently. “You don’t know who might wander in.”
She laughed. “Such as the likes of you?”
She looked more rested today, but was still a little pale. He hoped she took the time to rest today.
“Lunch is almost ready. Sit down and I’ll serve it shortly.” She placed a mug of coffee in front of him, and set the cutlery and napkins on the table. “Have you had a good day so far,” she asked.
Was she genuinely interested, or playing the part of the good wife? “It’s been busy but good. How did your shopping go?”
She turned to stare at him. “Mrs
Baker insisted I get three gowns. That is far too much.”
Only three? “It’s nowhere near enough. You need to go back for more.”
Millie put her hands on her hips and stared at him. “She says she’s taking me to the dressmaker this afternoon. Daniel, I...”
“Good. You need clothes, and I need you to dress appropriately.” He frowned. “Have you never attended balls or galas? As my wife you will attend many functions over time.”
She stared down at the floor. “I’ve never been to any of those things.” She looked deflated, like she’d let him down.
Daniel shoved his chair back to stand in front of her. He gently lifted her chin with his fingers. “It’s perfectly fine,” he said, brushing her lips with his. “It will be fun. You’ll see.”
He leaned over to look into the pan. “Fried potatoes?”
“With pancakes, onion, and bacon,” she said, opening the oven door.
He could certainly get used to this.
Millie was finishing up preparing supper when Mrs Baker arrived.
She pulled off her apron and hung it on the door.
“Come in,” she said, opening the door wider. She was still quite concerned about spending all this money, despite what Daniel had told her.
“What did that handsome husband of yours say about your new clothes?” Mrs Baker had a twinkle in her eye as though something untoward had occurred.
Millie stared at her. “Not a lot. But he did agree with you about the dressmaker.” She sighed, still not convinced. “He said I would have to attend functions and balls and such.”
“Of course.” The other woman’s face lit up. “I wish my dear Harold had been interested in such things. Now that he’s gone, I’ve no one to take me. Besides,” she said, tugging at her scarf. “I don’t have the time these days. I have a business to run.”
Millie wasn’t sure how to respond, so nodded.
“Right then my girl, grab your coat and off we go.”
She helped Millie into her coat, and they headed toward the dressmaker’s shop. It was on the main street, but much further along than the diner. Millie was agog at the variety of stores Grand Falls had. They even had a shoe shop and a millinery.
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