Cooking Up Christmas (Christmas Mail-Order Angels)

by Teresa Ives Lilly

  Benjamin trudged toward the mill which had been converted as a place for the mail order brides to stay. A house of angels, as some of the men were calling it. Well, Henrietta was a real beauty, but if she were truly only a money grabber, then she was not an angel. Still, she had agreed to come to Angel Vale and marry him. He had never given a hint as to how much money he had, only indicated he could provide a comfortable life. She must not have been expecting too much.

  I guess I’m overly touchy on the subject. She was laughing when she said those words. Perhaps she was only joking.

  From the corner of his eye he could see her scurrying behind him, trying to keep up with his long strides. She was holding her too thin skirt up and trying to avoid mud and horse droppings. He slowed, berating himself for his behavior. She might not be an angel, but he surely wasn’t acting like a gentleman.

  Benjamin stopped and turned around to apologize. Intent on keeping up, she failed to see him turn and plowed right into him. This time, Benjamin lost his footing and wobbled. It took only a second before he landed abruptly on the ground. After the initial shock, he glanced at her. She stood rigid, her hand over her mouth in surprise.

  Benjamin shook his head. “Now I’m the one falling for a woman.” He grinned. Her laughter trilled through the air again. The sound was like a gentle breeze. It refreshed his soul.

  On his feet again, he led the way once more, and this time he walked slowly beside her. He took time to point out some of the details of the town. She asked several questions about the other businesses on the boardwalk, but most were about the eatery.

  As owner of the eatery, it was surprising how little he knew about it. She wanted to know about the stove, the supplies, and about the menu. All those things had been handled by the assistant manager, Rorey Peterson, so far. The man had only been in Angel Vale for a year, tried his hand at mining and had quickly given that up and turned to buying food goods from the mercantile and selling them to the miners who lived farthest away from town. He made a profit and the men didn’t need to stop work to come to town for the supplies.

  Benjamin hired him through letter to supply the eatery with everything it needed. Rorey agreed and began having things sent in. So far, it seemed Rorey had everything under control.

  “I’ve been told the assistant manager, Rorey Peterson, is in charge of that. I’m sure he can answer your questions when you start work Monday,” Benjamin muttered.

  Henrietta nodded in understanding.

  “Well, here is your new home.” Benjamin indicated the large building in front of them with an arm gesture. He grasped the door and pushed it open. They both stepped inside.

  *****

  Henrietta sat on the cot, which was her assigned bed for the next few months and scanned the room. Plain and bare, but clean. Nothing like the room she lived in while growing up in Melville, Maine. Not a single blue rose was painted on the wall, not a feather comforter on the bed or a soft rug. Her grandmother had been far from rich, but she always made sure all the room in her boardinghouse were decorated and offered warm quilts for the boarders. Benjamin had introduced her to the matron who was staying at the mill to oversee the women. Mrs. Agnes Philips was about as close to a grandmother figure as she could hope for.

  A tear threatened to slip out of her eye, but she squeezed it back. This was not the time to be reminiscing about the past. This room, this cot and the rough wool blanket would suffice. Two months was not too long to wait for a home of her own.

  Of course, that was the one thing she and Benjamin had not discussed in their letters. Henrietta realized she had no idea where they would live once they were married.. There had been a slight mention of a shanty by his mine.

  Lord, I feel like I’ve jumped into a hot skillet here. There are so many unanswered questions about my future, and after the way Benjamin treated me today, I’m not even sure he wants to marry me.

  Since Benjamin had suggested she rest for a while and indicated he would return in an hour to take her to the Angel Vale Eatery, she decided to use the time to jot down some questions. At least it would give them something to discuss. Henrietta searched her valise for a pencil and a small pad of paper. Then she began to write:

  1. Where do you live?

  2. Where will we live once we are married?

  3. Will we have a big wedding or just a small private wedding?

  4. Will we have a reception, if so where?

  5. Do you want children right away? (She blushed as she wrote that question)

  6. Will I be able to keep working after we are married?

  7. How much money do you have?

  She read over the questions. At least it was a beginning. She almost crossed out the last one. It didn’t really matter how much money he had, but she would need to know what kind of lifestyle to plan for. His letter had mentioned a comfortable home, but she wondered what that meant.

  Henrietta, stood and wiped the wrinkles from her dress. She placed the paper in a pocket at the side of her skirt and then moved across the room toward the door. She had agreed to meet Benjamin near the mill.

  Once outside, she thought about her need for warmer clothing. She could feel the chill seep in as the wind whipped her skirt. She pulled her shawl closer to keep warm.

  “Well, look a here. A purty little lady, all alone, just a waiting for a big, handsome feller like me.”

  Henrietta whipped around at the slurred tone. As she suspected, a drunk man leaned against the building within breathing space. She stepped back, but his hand shot out and grasped her arm. She winced in pain.

  “Where you going? We ain’t even gotten ’qauinted yet.” He stepped closer. She could smell his foul breath, laced with whiskey.

  “Unhand me this instant.” Her words made demands, but her voice cracked in fear. The mill was set a ways from the busy main street of town. If this man took it in his mind to drag her off, no one would know.

  Lord, please help me.

  “Now, hold on there. I can’t let you go ’til you give me a kiss. I’ve been watching all the Angel Brides since they arrived in town today, and I’m just a hankering to get me one to get hitched up with. Jake wouldn’t let me order one for myself and now he told me they’s all taken, but I figure, if I catch one ’fore she gets married up to some other feller, then she’s mine.”

  Henrietta glared at him, revulsion rose in her throat. He wasn’t very old, and if sober would be considered handsome, but his glazed eyes glared at her with evil intent. There was no way to talk him into letting her go. With all her might, she leaned forward as if to give him a kiss. When he closed his eyes, she lifted her foot and kicked his shin as hard as she could. His eyes shot open in disbelief, but he released his grip on her arm long enough for her to turn and run.

  She heard the vile man cursing while in pursuit. She lifted her skirt with both hands and ran toward the corner of town where the eatery was. She hoped to find help there.

  For a split second, she turned to see if the man was close. He was within an arm’s length and in seconds he would be able to grab her again.

  Henrietta yelled for help and plunged ahead. Out of fear, she did not look carefully ahead, and suddenly her foot hit a loose rock that skittered out from under her and twisted her ankle. With an agonizing groan, she fell to the ground and lay sprawled, waiting for the man’s clammy hands to capture her.

  After several long seconds, she lifted her head and looked around, surprised the man was nowhere to be seen. When she turned back, her head bumped into a pair of legs. She tilted her head up and groaned.

  *****

  Benjamin could hardly believe his eyes. Once again, Henrietta was on the ground, at his feet.

  “Is this going to become a daily ritual between us?” He reached out a hand and helped pull her to her feet.

  She did not smile. He could feel her shaking.

  Instantly alert, he urged, “Henrietta, what’s wrong?”

  “There was a man. He was drunk…he…he…”<
br />
  Benjamin stood rigid in anger at whoever had caused her distress. Tears began to flow from her eyes. He pulled her close to his chest.

  “I’m sorry, I should have been at the mill when I said I would. Did he hurt you?”

  Henrietta hiccupped. “No, just my arm where he grabbed me.”

  Benjamin rocked back and forth slowly, holding her close until he could feel her body relax. “Never step foot outside of the mill again, or the eatery, without me there to escort you. This town may have brought brides here to civilize the town, but there are many who don’t know what the word means. I’m pretty sure the man who grabbed you is Mabry Tanner. He wanted a mail order bride, but Jake would not let him sign up for one.”

  “Can we go to the eatery now, or should I change my dress?”

  Benjamin stepped back and swept his eyes up and down. “You look fine, a bit mussed, but no reason to change. Had it been a rainy day, you would be covered in mud.”

  He placed his hand around her waist and led her toward the eatery. She limped slightly.

  “Is your ankle too sore to stand on?”

  “No, I‘m not even sure it’s sprained.”

  “Hmm, we don’t have a doctor in town.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be all right. I’m so hungry. Food’s all I can think of.”

  “Well, once you taste the food at the eatery, you may wish you had stayed hungry.”

  “It can’t be that bad.”

  They had reached the door to the Angel Vale Eatery. Benjamin opened the door and allowed Henrietta to step in before him. As she stood inside, allowing her eyes to adjust, he leaned close and whispered, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Chapter 4

  Henrietta eagerly scanned the inside of the eatery and was pleased with what she saw. Plain, but clean. Benjamin led her to a table near the front window. The menu was already on the table. Henrietta perused the one page and giggled.

  “What’s so amusing?”

  “Oh, nothing. It’s just this menu. If this is all that the eatery offers, I won’t have a bit of trouble with the cooking. I hope the assistant manager will be open to me adding more items. I cooked more than this for the boarders in one day.”

  “I’m sure Rorey will be only too happy to add anything you want on to the menu. The miners and towns’ folk will appreciate it. But, there are a lot more men here to cook for than a small group of boarders.”

  Henrietta grinned in pleasure, glad her fiancé was in agreement with her. She knew the final decision as to what she could or could not cook would be with Rorey Peterson, not Benjamin Capell. She wasn’t overly worried about the amount of people she would have to cook for. One or one hundred didn’t make any difference to her.

  Just then, a young red headed woman stopped at their table. “What can I get you?” she blurted.

  Henrietta was startled by the waitress’ abrupt behavior. She was even more surprised when Benjamin spoke to the girl in a familiar fashion. “Brenda, this is Henrietta. She will be the new cook here starting Monday morning.”

  The girl stared for several seconds, assessing her and then nodded. “Glad to meet you. We need a good cook. That one,” she nodded toward the kitchen, “can’t cook anything but rice and noodles.”

  Henrietta smiled. “I imagine it’s his cultural dishes.”

  “I don’t know what that means, but it’s all he knows how to cook. The men around here want bacon and eggs, grits, potatoes and a good beef steak. You know how to mix up a batch of biscuits?”

  “Yes. Biscuits are one of my specialties.”

  Brenda slapped the front of her thighs. “I’m sure glad to hear that. I’ll spread the word that we’re gonna have a real cook. The miners will line up for that kind of food.”

  Henrietta and Benjamin ordered a bowl of fried rice and while they waited Henrietta wondered if the kitchen would have everything on hand she needed to cook breakfast on Monday. She mentioned it to Benjamin.

  “I wouldn’t worry. I can have a quick word with Rorey before we leave. I’m sure he will be only too happy to get the supplies you need.”

  “Benjamin, I’m glad you’re interested in my new job, but I’m not sure you should be the one to talk to him about it. He might be offended by my fiancé trying to tell him what to do. Perhaps I should slip back to the kitchen and introduce myself. I can mention the supplies then.”

  Benjamin nodded and Henrietta stood. She made her way toward the kitchen. As she pushed open the door, Brenda stood nearby.

  “I thought I would introduce myself to Mr. Peterson and see if there are enough supplies. I’d like to begin cooking at the start of the week.”

  Brenda laughed and motioned for Henrietta to follow her.

  Henrietta walked behind the woman, her head turning from side to side, trying to see everything the kitchen had to offer. As far as she could tell, everything was brand new. She could hardly wait to get started cooking.

  Brenda led her to a large pantry, completely stocked with flour, sugar, baking powder, pots, pans and more.

  “We have our own hen house, so there are plenty of eggs. We can get beef steaks ordered from the local ranchers.”

  “This is all so wonderful. I want to start right now.”

  Brenda cocked her head sideways. “Hmm, if I had me a handsome man like that out front, the last place I’d be is in the kitchen, especially one who obviously adores you.”

  Henrietta focused on Brenda. “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve known Benjamin a long time. He has never even given me a second glance. But he can’t seem to keep his eyes off of you.”

  Heat flushed Henrietta’s cheeks. “Do you know about the mail order brides?”

  Brenda nodded with a frown. “Yes. Sort of stole some of the best available men right out from under my feet. Not that any of them showed much interest in me. Benjamin has always been polite.

  “Benjamin just met me a few hours ago. We have corresponded, but he barely knows me.”

  “Ever heard of love at first sight? If I know anything at all, I know that man is already in love with you.”

  Henrietta reached over and took Brenda’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I hope you’re right.”

  “What about you? Do you love him?”

  “I’m very attracted to him and he’s already been very kind. But I’m not sure about love.”

  “It’ll come. When a man really loves a woman, it won’t take long for her to fall head over heels.”

  Henrietta chuckled. “Oh, I’ve already done that.”

  *****

  Benjamin stood and pulled out the chair for Henrietta. “Did you meet Rorey?”

  “No, but Brenda showed me around. There are plenty of supplies for me to use Monday. I can discuss a new menu with Mr. Peterson in the next few days.”

  Benjamin wanted to assure her that whatever she wanted would be fine, but he didn’t want her to have an inkling that he had anything to do with the eatery. He did plan to sit down in the evening and write a long letter to Mr. Rorey Peterson and explain to him how Miss Henrietta Myrick was to have his full cooperation in all aspects.

  Brenda brought out two bowls of rice. Henrietta could barely eat it. After a few nibbles, she pushed the bowl away.

  “Benjamin. I realize we have only corresponded a few times. There are several things I feel I need to know about you.”

  Benjamin gratefully set down his spoon. He, too, could hardly wait for Henrietta to start doing the cooking here. “Feel free to ask anything you like. I’ll do my best to answer.”

  Henrietta slipped the folded note from her pocket and pressed it onto the table in front of him. Benjamin leaned forward and read. The first few questions made sense, but when he reached number seven, his heart froze. How much money do you have? Here it was again. The true indication that she was more interested in money than him.

  “Why do you need to know how much money I have? I’m sure I mentioned in my letters that I could provide for you. Are yo
u questioning this?” His voice level rose.

  Henrietta eyed him in surprise. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “No, Benjamin. But as your wife, I need to know.”

  “Why?”

  “There are things women need. I wouldn’t want to make any purchases that might cause you financial difficulties.”

  “Is your desire for material things so great? I assumed you would be content with a plain, simplistic life. If you wanted the finery of Boston, you should have stayed in the east.”

  Chapter 5

  Benjamin’s tone made her cringe. Her brow rose in astonishment.

  “I’m sorry, Benjamin. I don’t see why my question is such a problem. I believe a woman needs to know what she is getting into financially. And if you remember, I’m from Maine, not Boston. I lived in a small fishing town.”

  “And if I tell you I’m as poor as a church mouse, will you run back to the rich men of Maine?”

  Henrietta watched Benjamin’s fist pound the table. She wondered if the table had not been available, would he have struck her? When his second fist pounded down, she stood. The chair beneath her tumbled. She tried to step back, but toppled over the chair’s legs and found herself laying over the chair with legs askew.

  From the ground she could only moan. I cannot believe I am once more sprawled on the floor in front of this man. When her eyes met his, she hoped to see his filled with merriment, but instead they were as cold as ice.

  He could at least ask if I’m hurt of not.

  She rolled over, reached her hand up and placed it flat on the table to pull herself into a standing position. Benjamin did not offer any assistance.

  Henrietta rearranged her skirt, pushed an errant strand of hair off her face and stood with arms akimbo, glaring at him.

  “Mr. Capell, I came to Angel Vale with every intention of marrying you and being a good wife regardless of your financial standings. If you were poor, I was willing to accept that. If you were rich, then so be it. But I refuse to live with a man I am afraid of. For now, I will consider our engagement ended.” She turned abruptly, glad there was nothing more to stumble over, and stomped toward the front entrance.