Glory’s Groom: The Alphabet Mail Order Brides Book 7

by Ball, Kathleen

  There was a knock on the door and Glory was surprised to see Sondra.

  “Hello Sondra, would you care to come in?”

  “No thank you. Georgie sent me. She’s having Veronica and Bridey over for tea and would like you and Teddy to join her.” Sondra looked everywhere except at Glory.

  “I’d be delighted. Thank you for coming to invite me.” Glory smiled trying to convey that bygones were bygones but Sondra didn’t seem to want to. In fact she turned and left without another word.

  It was Sondra’s problem now. Glory would just act as if nothing was wrong. She went to the bedroom and brushed her hair. She bemoaned the fact that there was so much material waiting to be sewn into dresses for her. She’d figure something out.

  She changed Teddy and then walked across the yard to Georgie’s house with him in her arm. Glory was delighted in the big hug she got from both Georgie and Veronica. Sondra looked to be absent.

  Both Douglas and Bridey were standing at the table near the couch, holding on. As soon as Teddy was put down he crawled to the table and did the same thing.

  “Isn’t that cute?” Georgie asked. “Come sit down I feel as though we haven’t had much time to talk with everything going on around here.” She led the way and motioned for her two guests to sit on the sofa while she sat in a chair across from them. By then the children had crawled over to the toys and began to play.

  “How’s your shoulder, Glory” Veronica asked.

  “Unfortunately Kent had to restitch me. I pulled them out trying to shoot a rifle.”

  “Oh that must have hurt. Did he do a good job?” Georgie asked.

  “Actually I was surprised how small and neat his stiches are. He made me willow bark tea. As soon as I’m healed up he’s going to teach me how to shoot.”

  Georgie sighed. “I wish it hadn’t become a necessity. I just want people to mind their own business. Some people don’t seem to understand the war has been over a while now.”

  “Too bad they can’t find these men,” Veronica said.

  Sondra came in with the tea pot and cups. She placed the tray on the table. “Too many people and no jobs. That’s the problem. Parker created jobs for the freedmen but now there’s been grumbling that those jobs should have gone to white people. I say if you don’t like it move along. There is no reason to be shooting at people or putting red ants where the children sit.” She sat down in one of the chairs.

  Georgie poured the tea and handed the cups around. “I forgot to ask. Glory how did you fair with the ant problem?”

  Glory’s face heated. “They climbed up my legs before I knew what happened. I’ve never seen ants like that before. Nasty insects for sure.”

  “We boiled tons of clothes. I’m afraid your dress didn’t come out very well,” Veronica added.

  Glory nodded. “Between blood and ants I’m almost out of dresses. I have the material. I’ll just have to wait until I’m able to sew. I did cut out the pattern already.”

  Georgie took a sip of her tea. “Send Kent over with the pieces and I’ll sew it for you,” Georgie offered.

  “No you have enough to do.”

  “I’d be happy to. If you don’t send Kent here, I’ll send Parker there.”

  Glory laughed. “I’ll send him, thank you.”

  “So, who is the spy? Max is bent in finding out. He’s so used to being in the army where men watch each other’s back that he’s fit to be tied. He immediately ruled out anyone who was in the army.” Veronica said.

  “There are some new men that I’m not familiar with. I knew just about everyone at one time,” Georgie told them.

  “Could be a woman,” Sondra commented.

  “The school and my teaching seems to spark it off. I almost decided it wasn’t worth it but that is what they want. It’s made me more determined to teach.”

  Georgie nodded. “It’ll be just a few more days before everyone helps to build the school. All the wives are bringing a dish to pass.”

  “I’m making a few pies,” Veronica said before she drank some tea.

  “I won’t be able to bring anything unless Kent makes it.” Glory’s stomach clenched. She wanted to do her part.

  The three women laughed. “It’s fine, Glory no one expects you to bring anything.”

  Just then the children started fighting. They all wanted a certain block that Bridey had.

  “I’d best get Teddy home for a nap. Those blocks look the same to me.”

  “To me too,” Veronica agreed.

  “They are the same. It’s definitely naptime,” Georgie chuckled.

  They gathered the children and said their good byes.

  Glory was surprised to see the ranch hand, Monty sitting on chair on her porch. He always had a scraggly unwashed look about him though he didn’t smell bad. He stood as they approached.

  “Kent sent me to watch the house, Mrs. Sandler.” He hurried down the steps and took Teddy. “You shouldn’t be lifting. That’s what Kent said. I’ll be right outside and if you hear someone walking around the house that would be me. Kent said if anything happened…” He turned red. “You’ll be safe with me Ma’am.”

  “Thank you, Monty and please call me Glory. I’ll need you to carry Teddy into the house for me.” She went inside first while Monty followed her.

  “Two windows have been ordered for your house, Glory.” Monty put Teddy down near his blocks.

  “Oh thank you for letting me know, Monty.”

  He smiled broadly. “I’ll be right outside if needed. Don’t forget to lock the door behind me.”

  She walked him to the door and locked it behind him. Though needed it was indeed a strange thing to have a guard. She was thankful that she hadn’t been in Texas during the Civil War. Many things had been rationed up North but down here they’d probably suffered a great deal.

  Teddy sat there and examined each block until he found one he liked. It looked the same to her but according to the little ones they were all different.

  “I’ll get you some milk, Teddy.”

  He barely looked up from his block. When he took his nap she was going to examine all the blocks.

  She went into the kitchen and easily poured the milk into a tin cup. Then she carried it to Teddy and held it to his lips as he drank it. She wanted to laugh, his eyes were beginning to droop.

  “How about a nice nap?”

  “No nap.” Teddy said as he yawned.

  “Let’s just lay on the bed then. Come on.” She walked into the bedroom hoping he’d follow her and he did. Her shoulder was sore as she lifted him onto the bed.

  “Mama, too.” His bright blue eyes pulled her in and she napped right beside him.

  * * *

  Kent looked at the letter one of the cowboys had given him. The cowboy was given it in town the night before and it had Glory’s name on it. No postage had been stamped on it. It must be from someone in town.

  He nodded to Monty and knocked on the door. A short time later Glory opened it. Her hair practically stood on end. Kent walked in, his lips twitching. It wouldn’t be right to laugh at her. He looked at her again and quickly glanced away. He was going to laugh. He couldn’t help but stare at her and the rumbling began in his chest and resulted into a long laugh. He tried to stop a few times and failed. Finally the anger on her face settled him.

  “A letter came for you.” He bit his bottom lip to keep all laughter at bay. He handed the letter to her and watched as she examined the envelope.

  “Who do you think it’s from?”

  “The only way to find out is to open it.” He grinned and it earned him the evil eye glare.

  Glory sat on the sofa, opened it and read it. She smiled. “Manor has been found but no one seems to remember seeing James. Lucy was right they did go by the last name Roebuck. Manor is now with Adelle and waiting for someone to come get him.”

  “That’s great news! It was worth asking about the boys. We’ll have to arrange a way to get him out here. The wagon would jus
t be a target if we don’t hide him. Did you want to go and tell Lucy?”

  “Yes, Teddy is sleeping. We went to tea at Georgie’s today. It was nice to talk to women again.” Glory stood smoothed down her dress. “I’m going to see Lucy now.”

  “Are you sure you want to go now?” He tried to keep a straight face.

  “Out with it. What’s so funny?”

  “Your hair is sticking on end and it has a piece of peppermint candy in it.”

  Her hand flew to her hair and her eyes grew wide. “How did Teddy get a piece of candy?”

  “I gave him a piece last night. He must have left it on the bed somehow.”

  “I made the bed this morning and I didn’t see it. My hair is sticky. I’ll attract bees!”

  Kent laughed. “We’ll just put some water on that part of your hair. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Here let me help you.”

  They both walked into the kitchen where Kent took some of the hot water out of the stove reserve and gently got the piece of candy out of her hair. Then he washed the area that was sticky. Her closeness had a definite effect on him and he longed to take her to bed. Patience was torture.

  She smiled at him and her eyes were full of pleasure. It amazed him that she had no idea just how beautiful she was. Her dark hair had a pretty shine to it and her blue eyes made him think of the sky on a snowy day.

  As soon as he was done he stepped away from her. It wouldn’t do to act like a randy schoolboy. “We’ll have to wait until Teddy wakes up. You can’t go alone.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “I know it’s not your fault but all this violence and security is disheartening. I used to wake up in the dormitory, get ready and have breakfast with all the other girls. Then the school day began. I never really went beyond the walls of the school or orphanage very much. I always felt safe there.”

  “I’m trying my best.”

  She turned and went to him, putting her good arm around his middle and her head on his chest. “I’m not blaming you. I’m just frustrated. I should be thankful for all I have instead of complaining.” She pulled back and tilted back her head until her gaze met his. “Forgive me?”

  He wanted nothing more than to nibble on her delectable mouth but he wouldn’t be able to stop and her first time deserved to more than taking her on the sofa. “There’s nothing to forgive. Granted it’s been a hard time lately but it’ll change eventually. We must show our strength so no one will dare to tangle with anyone on this ranch. So far they’ve caught us unaware but now we’re waiting.”

  “Can Monty escort me to Lucy’s? I’m dying to tell her the news.”

  He smiled and kissed her forehead. “That’s an excellent idea.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Monty wasn’t much of a talker. He walked with Glory with nary a word said. Glory was too excited to care. This time when she walked into Joy no one went inside their house. It was a nice feeling. She went directly to Lucy’s house and smiled when she found the woman sitting on the front porch snapping beans.

  “Well, howdy Glory. When is school going to start again?” Lucy smiled at her. She gestured for her to sit in the other chair on the porch.

  Glory sat down. “I have some news for you. Good news. Manor has been found.”

  “Oh, Lord, thank you! Where is he? Is he all right? Is James with him? How far away are they?”

  “Manor is in town and is being taken care of by Adelle. There is no word on James though. I asked Adelle to ask around using the last name Roebuck. The letter was brief and didn’t say much more than she had Manor but not James.”

  Lucy put her hand to her chest and smiled with tears in her eyes. “I never thought I’d lay eyes on either of them ever again. It nearly broke me when they took them away. It happened often on the plantation. Being with child was a scary time. You still had to work as hard and you didn’t know if you’d be raising the child or not. But having children was encouraged. I guess so they could sell the children for more than cotton.”

  Glory gasped. She’d never thought of it that way. “Your life has been so hard and I’m sorry.”

  Lucy reached out and took Glory’s hand. “You’re one of the angels. Never forget that. When do I get my Manor? Anthony will want to go get his son right away.”

  “Kent and Parker will work out the details. They want to sneak him here. There’s too much trouble on the roads for all those who aren’t white.”

  Lucy nodded. “It don’t surprise me. Adelle is a good woman and Liberty Town is safe for Manor. How’s your shoulder? Did you put something on your ant bites?”

  “I’m healing just fine. If I hear anything else I’ll tell you. Don’t tell anyone else. Someone has been giving information to the Pale Faces. They knew everything we were going to do before we did it.” She gave Lucy’s hand a quick squeeze before she stood.

  “Saturday we’re going to build the school house right where the first one was. I hope to see you there,” Glory said loud enough for her neighbors to hear.

  “I understand. We’ll be there to help. Thank you for stopping by.”

  “My pleasure,” Glory said before she walked away. Monty was right behind her. There was silence again. “Monty do you have family near here?”

  His eyes widened. It seemed as though he didn’t expect her to speak. “No Ma’am.”

  “Have you lived in Texas long?”

  “I’m the last of my family and we’ve been here since before the Alamo. We had a nice piece of land but the government took it from me. Generations of my family fought and died for that land and just like that it’s not mine anymore.”

  “Why did they take it?”

  He shrugged. “Once all the slaves were freed, I was hard put to get a crop in. I tried all the tricks. I told them they weren’t free here in Texas. Then I told them they had to work for me in exchange for a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. Then I made them all apprentices. The government just kept interferin’. Finally I couldn’t pay my taxes so here I am.”

  He gave her a slight smile but she saw the bitterness in his eyes. Had any other men who worked on the ranch ex-slave holders? Monty just might be the spy.

  They arrived at the house and she thanked Monty and went inside. She smiled when she saw Kent examining each block.

  “Let me guess. Teddy has a favorite block and you can’t figure out why that one and not another.”

  “It’s terribly puzzling. They are all the same.”

  “Same thing happened at Georgie. The kids all fought over one of the blocks and we couldn’t figure it out either.” She laughed.

  Teddy stood holding on the table. He was smiling at her and he took a step. He looked delighted with himself until he fell.

  She raced to his side and hugged him. “What a big boy you are. I’m so proud of you!”

  The expression of pride on Kent’s face warmed her heart.

  “He’s making such strides. Teddy, you are the best boy!”

  Teddy smiled. “Eat,” he said with a smile.

  “I’ll put some grub on. I can’t wait until you’re healed, honey. I’m tired of my own cooking.” He got up and walked to the kitchen.

  Her stomach dropped. She needed to do something about her lack of cooking skills and fast. Maybe Veronica could help her.

  “Oh Lucy is excited and she wanted to know when she could have her son.”

  Kent turned from the table where he was chopping vegetables. “Tonight,” he whispered. It was just loud enough for her to hear him.

  She instantly felt worried. “Why go to town tonight? Won’t it be dangerous?”

  With a jerk of his head he indicated that she should go to him. She went to the kitchen and sat at the table.

  “I’m going to pretend that we’re having a fight and I’m going to the saloon and Willis will go too.”

  “I don’t like that idea,” she said frowning.

  “Why not?” he whispered.

  “It’ll shame me to have people think you’d rathe
r be with one of those women and not me,” she whispered.

  “Aw honey, I’m going to go for a drink is all. No one will think the other.”

  She doubted he was right but she wanted Manor home as much as she did.

  “It’s the only way I could think of to smuggle Manor onto the ranch. You know those hooded men would rather string him up. Willis already told Letty to spread the word that everyone has to act natural and when they do see Manor, to act as though he’s always been here. It’ll be safer all around.”

  She nodded. “Letty will make sure Lucy and Anthony sit tight. You have enough on your mind without me objecting. I’m sorry.”

  Before she knew it she was in Kent’s arms and he was kissing her deeply. Her shoulder hurt a bit but it was worth it. It was a tender yet yearning kiss and she wished they could explore each other a bit more. The kiss ended too soon and Kent lifted Teddy up so he could give her a kiss too.

  She’d been selfish thinking about herself. Poor Lucy has been without her child for too long. “Is something burning?” she teased.

  “Seeing as I haven’t started cooking yet I don’t see how anything could be burning.” He grinned at her and put Teddy down. He then continued to chop the vegetables.

  “How is your shoulder today?”

  “I haven’t pulled the stitches out, so I’d say good.”

  He shook his head. “Just the same, I’ll take a look at it later.”

  He really did care about her, she could tell. She’d heard the expression of having a song in your heart. She finally knew what it meant.

  “Could you help me down to the floor so I can play with Teddy?”

  Kent wiped his hands on a towel. “Sure thing. Careful playing block. You might try to play with the one that’s the favorite.”

  She chuckled at Kent’s teasing. He was gentle as he set her on the floor. “Thank you.”

  “You are very welcome my sweet.”

  Teddy toddled over to her. “Sweet.”

  “That’s right, Teddy. Your mother is sweet.”