“We’ll need to visit there too,” Mrs Baker said gently. “You will be expected to dress to the nines for some of the functions. They’re high fashion, you know.”
No, Millie did not know, and she was disliking the idea more and more. But there was an expectation of her accompanying her husband to these distasteful functions, so go she must.
She cringed inwardly.
“Ah, here we are.”
Upon noticing the two women entering the store, Joseph Harkley sprinted toward them. “Good afternoon Mrs Baker. And who is this delectable creature you have with you?”
He was charming, she would give him that. “I am Mrs Daniel Carson. Millie,” she said firmly. It sounded strange, after finally becoming used to being Mrs Cody Watson.
“Millie here needs clothes for the functions she will attend.”
He raised an eyebrow, then rubbed his hands together. Millie was sure he was clicking the dollar signs over in his mind.
“Joe will look after you, Millie,” Mrs Baker said, then sat down and waited.
He reached for his tape measure. “I need a few measurements, then we’ll get started.” He led her out to a back room away from prying eyes. He measured everything that could be measured, and even places Millie would never have thought of. “Right, that’s done. Follow me out to the main store again.”
She’d been so nervous before, Millie hadn’t noticed anything. But as she glanced around now she saw the dozens of rolls of materials, all different colors and fabrics. She’d never stepped foot in such a place before today.
It was as nerve wracking as it was exciting.
“So what are we doing for young Millie then?” Joe asked, looking directly at the older woman. She was quite happy about that arrangement as she had no clue.
“She needs at least two ball gowns, and a suit. She’ll eventually need something suitable for the Christmas Gala, but we can worry about that later.” His smile took up most of his face. “There’s a ball next Saturday. Can you have one gown ready by then?”
Saturday? There was a ball next Saturday? Millie’s heart fluttered with panic.
“My dear lady,” Joe said to Mrs Baker, fully animated, “Anything for Daniel and this sweet lady.” It was all Millie could do to stop herself from laughing at his antics.
They walked around the store choosing fabrics, with Joe being given full reign. “For you dear lady, I will make the most beautiful of ball gowns.” He reached for a notebook and added a few details. “I can fit you in Thursday at two o’clock for a fitting.” He raised his eyebrows at if it was a question. “We can’t have you going to the ball in an ill-fitting gown. That would never do.” This time he smiled.
“Thursday two o’clock. That will be fine. Thank you.” Millie reached out her hand and he took it.
He was still grinning as they left the store.
Chapter Five
“How was your day,” Daniel asked as they sat eating supper.
He had a grin on his face, and Millie was sure he already knew. “It was...different. All we did was spend money all day.” Her heart sank. She didn’t want to be a burden on her new husband, but that’s exactly what it felt like.
“Don’t look so sad,” he said, glancing across at her. “I knew exactly what I was getting into when I sent for a wife.” He reached for another biscuit. “These are good,” he said, plying it with butter then filling his mouth.
She nodded at the compliment. “I never knew shopping could be so exhausting,” she said, buttering her own biscuit.
He laughed, but she couldn’t see what was so funny. “At least tomorrow you can rest. Mrs Baker told me you’re all set up for the ball – gown, shoes, and matching hat.”
She’d never been so spoiled or fussed over in her entire life. Millie wasn’t sure she liked it.
“You need to get used to it, Mrs Carson,” he said, flippantly, as though he read her mind. “We will attend a lot of functions, and socialize with a lot of important people.”
She almost choked on her food.
He frowned at her. “Are you alright?”
She reached for her coffee and took a sip. “Yes. You just caught me off-guard.”
“If we’d had time to communicate, you would have known all this.” He waved a hand across in front of him. “Never mind. We’ll work it out.” He reached for another biscuit. “These are really good. You’re a wonderful cook, Millie.”
Warmth flooded her. At least it was one thing she knew she could do well. “Thank you,” she said graciously.
When they’d finished their main meal, she dished out dessert – Cherry Cobbler. It was such a simple dessert to make, but came across as complicated.
As she placed a large portion in front of Daniel, he grabbed her wrist. “You’re amazing, Millie,” he said, pulling her into his lap. “I never expected any of this, especially after you’ve had such an exhausting day.”
He put his arms around her, and it felt nice. Comforting. She leaned into him, twisting around so she could rest her head on his shoulder.
A feeling of peacefulness came over her. It was as though she’d always been meant to be this man’s wife.
The moment the thought entered her mind, guilt consumed her. When Cody was alive, she was deliriously happy. How could she even think that way about her new husband?
Tears welled in her eyes, but she forced them back before Daniel could notice.
“This is nice,” he said, totally unaware of her inner turmoil.
She began to pull away, not willing to have these thoughts any longer, but his grip tightened around her waist. “Is everything alright?” He sounded worried, but she dare not face him.
“Perfectly,” she said, her face averted. “Eat your dessert while it’s still warm. I’ll get the clotted cream.”
He loosened his grip, and although she felt relieved, she was disappointed at the same time. It had been nice, and she felt comforted – something she hadn’t felt since Cody’s death.
She didn’t know this man, not really, so she put it down to her need for just being held.
They ate the rest of their meal in silence, and Daniel retired to the sitting room while Millie did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.
He was quietly reading his bible when she entered the room. The warmth from the fire hit her as she entered, and a peacefulness came over her once more.
This was a new feeling for Millie – she couldn’t recall having felt this way before. She looked about. There was nothing particularly special about this room that would give her that feeling.
She stared at the beautifully made thickly padded chairs that sat reasonably close to the fire, a small well-made coffee table between them.
The fire was burning, and had a functional screen around it, presumably to protect any children who might visit. Or live there.
The mahogany mantle that sat above it was adorned with two beautifully made candles, with a carved clock sitting between them. At one end was a rather grotesque looking statue, and the other end held two photographs. Who was in those photographs, she had no idea. Perhaps one day she would find out.
Daniel had a bible on his lap, and was reading quietly.
He glanced up, perhaps sensing her presence. “Come in, sit down,” he said cheerfully, then went back to his bible.
“Would you mind reading it aloud?”
He glanced up at her, his lips formed a smile. “Most certainly,” he said, then began to read.
As the night grew older, and he continued to read, Millie felt a bond building between them. Perhaps they could do this each evening? She would enjoy that, and felt Daniel would too.
He added a bookmark to his well-worn bible, then gently closed it. “It belonged to my grandfather,” he said softly. “It’s rather worn, but it would have to fall to pieces before I disposed of it.”
She could hear the emotion in his voice, and it touched her. One of the few things she had of her parents was their bible. She kept it wrapped in
a package of brown paper, and protected by a layer of wool. She hadn’t opened it for some years.
Millie fought back the emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. She understood exactly what he was thinking.
“Millie?”
His voice broke through her private thoughts, and she glanced up at him. They were so alike in many ways, and yet so very far apart in others.
“I have my parents bible safely tucked away,” she said quietly.
He stared at her momentarily, then spoke gently. “Perhaps one day you’ll show it to me?”
She nodded and was more than a little pleased when he didn’t pressure her for more information.
He abruptly stood, startling her, then stretched and yawned. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. Time for bed.”
Daniel reached out for her hands and helped Millie to her feet, then pulled her close, slipping his arms around her. She rested her head on his shoulder.
They stood quietly for long moments, and she breathed in his essence, absorbing the tranquility that always seemed to surround him.
“I really like you, Millie,” he said suddenly, and she glanced up at him.
“I like you, too.”
His arms dropped to his sides, and he began to guide her toward the bedroom. She’d never felt so nervous as right now, heading toward their marital bed.
As though sensing her apprehension, he suddenly stopped. “I suggest we get to know each other better before we have relations,” he said gently, and Millie felt relieved.
Getting married was one thing, but consummating a marriage after such a short time was entirely another. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
He left the room while she dressed, for which Millie was grateful. Undressing in front of a complete stranger, albeit her husband, was not appealing.
She was already in bed when he returned.
He undressed while she had her back to him and quietly slipped in beside her. The bed moved slightly and she sensed he’d moved closer. His arms crept around her waist, but she didn’t flinch. It was somehow comforting.
“Do you mind?” he asked, not at all forcefully.
“Not at all.” She liked it, and soon drifted off to sleep.
The night of the ball finally arrived, and Millie was beyond anxious. Daniel could see it in her every action.
He’d finished work at noon, and they’d enjoyed luncheon together.
Her ball gown had arrived Friday afternoon as Joe had promised, and it was beyond beautiful. Millie was a natural beauty, but this gown, it would bring out more of her magnificence. He knew it without even seeing it on her.
When she emerged from the bedroom in her new outfit, he swallowed hard. It was beyond all expectations. Joe had certainly outdone himself this time. The man was well-known for his amazing creations, and transforming women, young and old, into amazing works of art.
“You look...gorgeous,” he said, emotion evident in his voice. She stepped toward him, and he wanted to hold her and never let go, but they had to leave. Their carriage was outside waiting.
He helped Millie into her coat, and they were on their way.
He’d attended many of these functions, and found them beyond boring, but they were a necessary evil. Business owners from far and wide attended, and he made contacts he would otherwise miss out on.
He watched as Millie stepped out of the carriage and into the ballroom. Her naivety surrounded her, and her eyes opened wide at the sight before her.
He put his hand to her back, and a thrill went down his spine. He regretted having to remove it to check their coats in at the door.
The band were warming up, and he couldn’t wait to get out on the dance floor and show off his beautiful wife.
They took their seats, and it wasn’t long before the first course was served. Millie had been quiet, not joining many of the conversations. She was probably overwhelmed.
His biggest client had thankfully been seated on their table, and Mrs Davis, his wife, had taken Millie under her wing. The pair chatted quietly while the men talked business.
The moment Daniel had waited for arrived – the band began to play. They moved onto the dance floor, and all eyes turned to his beautiful wife.
They began with quite the gap between them, but as the music continued, she moved closer. So close in fact, he swore he could feel her heartbeat against his chest. Until finally, her head rested against him, her eyes gently closed.
It felt...intimate. In fact he could honestly say it was the most intimate they’d been since their marriage, and he couldn’t say he regretted one moment of it.
The music stopped and she stayed right where she was. He didn’t want to move, and apparently, neither did she.
His fingers lifted her chin and she stared up at him. Her eyes glistened and he wondered what was going through her mind. Without thinking, he leaned in and kissed her lips, giving no thought to anyone else or their surroundings.
Daniel didn’t want this night to end, and would make the most of each and every dance.
The music began again, and they stayed out on the dance floor. “I’m falling in love with you,” he said softly, so only Millie could hear.
She glanced up at him, studying his face. “I feel the same,” she told him, and he was shocked but delighted.
He pulled her closer, if that was at all possible.
Tonight was the best night of his life – it could only get better if they consummated their marriage.
Chapter Six
It had been a little over two weeks since the ball, and Millie was deliriously happy.
Daniel was all she could wish for in a husband. He was loving, caring, and gave her all the attention she needed. He was now her husband in every sense of the word.
She set out the mugs for coffee while she waited for the kettle to boil. The bacon was sizzling in the frying pan, and she was about to add the eggs.
Her stomach suddenly twisted and she gagged. Millie stood in the middle of the kitchen in disbelief.
Running toward the bathroom she almost knocked Daniel over in her haste. She was about to lose everything in her stomach, and she hadn’t eaten yet!
As her stomach emptied, she couldn’t think what could have caused this sudden turn of events. She rinsed her mouth of the foul taste, and splashed her face with water.
Millie stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked pale, and no wonder. She slapped at her cheeks to put more color into them, then strolled back into the kitchen as though nothing had happened.
“Are you alright?” Daniel looked quite concerned for her welfare. Bless him, he’d finished cooking the breakfast and dished it out. “A little stomach upset. I’m alright now.”
He frowned, then nodded and finally ate his breakfast.
As she sat in front of her food, the smell overwhelmed her again, and Millie found herself running to the bathroom once more. Whatever must Daniel be thinking?
“You look awful,” he said as she entered the kitchen again. If she still had anything in her stomach, she’d surely be running again, as the odors made her feel completely ill. “A visit to the doctor might be in order,” he said, but she refused.
“Perhaps a rest, and I’m certain I’ll be fine.”
He straightened his tie and put on his jacket. “If you’re certain, I’ll be off. If it gets any worse, get straight to the doctor.” He looked down at her, a worried look on his face.
Millie stood and walked him to the front door. He put on his coat, then pulled her close. She hated that he went to work each day as she missed him so, but loved this time of day where he held her.
She looked up at him and he caressed her lips, ran his hands over her back. “Be well, my love,” he said. These last weeks had proven his affection for her, and she’d felt more loved than she’d ever been in her life.
He’d no sooner closed the door than she was running again. It was so draining. Surely she had little left in her stomach to lose?
After emptying her stomach once more, Millie lay down on the bed, more than ready for sleep. She closed her eyes and let her mind rest, and soon she was in a deep slumber.
She was awoken when Daniel sat on the bed next to her. “My poor Millie,” he said gently. “I’ll call the doctor.”
It was the last thing she wanted. “My stomach has settled. It must be some sort of tummy upset.” It was then she realized why he was home. “Oh my goodness – you’re home for lunch and I’ve been asleep.” She tried to rush to her feet, but he wouldn’t let her, holding her back.
“Stay here. I’m more than capable of making a sandwich. What do you think I did before you arrived?” He stroked her cheek lovingly, then headed toward the kitchen.
Despite his words, Millie decided to follow. As she stood, her head spun and she sat down again. What on earth was going on?
She sat for a few minutes longer then gingerly stood. This time she was fine. This morning she’d been so unwell, which would likely be the reason behind her dizziness. She decided not to mention it to Daniel, in case he worried.
She strolled into the kitchen as though nothing untoward had happened. He’d found the left-over roast and had made himself a sandwich. The kettle was boiling, so she made him a coffee.
“There are left-over biscuits too if you’d like some,” she said, placing a mug in front of him.
He glanced up at her. “That would be lovely.” He put his arm around her waist, a worried look on her face. “Are you certain you’re alright? I could get the doctor to call in and see you.”
She insisted he didn’t. It was a one-off thing and she’d be fine by tonight, she was certain of it.
She’d lost too much time sleeping today, and admonished herself. Now supper would have to be some thrown together creation, and she wasn’t sure Daniel would like it. He’d had a substantial hot meal every night since she’d arrived. She didn’t want to deviate now.
The moment he left she began to chop vegetables for a hearty soup. There was still plenty of time for it to cook. She would cook fried potatoes to accompany the soup, and would make pancakes as well. He surely couldn’t complain about that?
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