Jake sat opposite her with Juliet perched on the arm of his chair. “You might as well learn right now, Selena considers her job sacred. Unless she gives permission, you won’t be workin’ in her kitchen any time soon.”
“I assume Cookie has permission.”
“As far as the kitchen goes, yes. But there’s not another chore in this house he’s allowed to help with.” Jake chuckled as he gave Juliet’s braid a playful tug.
The two shared an embrace before Jake signaled for Juliet to occupy a different chair. Evangeline’s heart warmed to the sweet way they interacted. Juliet’s trust in and affection toward this man surprised her. Her own uncle had not been as trustworthy. Evangeline forced the comparison from her mind.
“Selena seems determined to impress me. As you know, cooking is not among my finest accomplishments. I’m more than happy to relinquish the job. To be frank, I have no idea how to run a house. Looks like Selena does a wonderful job.” Evangeline looked around at the spotless, albeit sparse, home.
“I thought all women were born knowin’ how to keep house.”
“I was the youngest girl and spoiled by my father and grandfather. I spent hours reading and playing with Charley while my sisters did the chores.” She searched her fatigued mind for some domestic skill. “I did learn to sew and do fancy work.” She hoped those skills gave her an appearance of usefulness.
“Yes, the letters mentioned you liked to sew. “You know you can change anythin’ in the house you want to—like the curtains.”
Selena approached, a towel over her arm. “Señora Marcum, your bath is ready.”
“Thank you, Selena. And please, call me Evangeline.”
“I am your housekeeper. It would not be proper.” Selena crossed her arms and lifted her chin. “Come, let me help you.” She opened the bathing room door.
“I would actually prefer to do it myself. Thank you for offering, but you have done more than enough for me today.” Evangeline slipped the towel from Selena’s arm before she closed the door.
The long soak in the fresh, clean water was like heaven. Evangeline was surprised to find clean clothes on the chair beside her. It appeared Selena had also emptied one of her trunks. She hoped Selena would soon get to the place where she no longer felt the need to wait on her hand and foot. As the warm water washed away the grime, she felt safe from the stares of strangers.
The ranch was not what she had imagined. The home was far more spacious, with lots of potential. Cookie’s eyes reminded her of her father’s, so kind and welcoming. Precocious Juliet’s eagerness brought a smile to her face as she rubbed the coarse soap into the washcloth. The lye soap served its purpose but left her skin feeling rough. She was grateful for the dozen bars of lavender soap tucked away in her things. Maybe Juliet would enjoy using one. Perhaps she could woo friendship from Selena if she offered her some of the scented treasure.
As she began washing her hair, she almost regretted turning down Selena’s offer. Her long hair was hard to rinse in the confines of the small tub. She wondered if Jake bathed in this same tub. The thought brought a fearful flutter in her heart and the desire to dress with haste.
***
Juliet paced outside the bathing room door while Jake resisted the urge to do the same thing.
“She will be out soon enough.” Selena guided her away. “You need not tell her everything you know in one day.”
Juliet sat in a chair but kept her eyes fastened on the door.
Jake stood and reached for his hat. “I’ll be close by. Got to go check on things.”
“I’ll tell her, Uncle Jake. Can I show her my pony?”
“If she wants to see it, honey, but don’t be pushy. Your aunt is very tired. Don’t keep buzzin’ around her.” Jake’s curt tone brought a nod of consent from Juliet.
“I will keep Juliet from talking the Señora’s ears off,” Selena offered.
Juliet glowered. “I don’t talk that much. I’m excited is all. A lady from Missouri is my new aunt. I intend to learn all I can from her and copy her ways exactly.” She sat up straight and proper, obviously trying her best to imitate Evangeline.
Selena and Jake both turned away to stifle their laughter.
CHAPTER 10
Evangeline woke to the rooster’s crow more refreshed than she had been in days. All the details of Juliet’s grand tour still danced in her head. She had been introduced to everyone on the ranch but had yet to sort them all out, except for Bart. Him she would remember. All the others had greeted her with a polite tip of the hat, except for Pete who just grinned, then ducked his head. Bart walked away, seeming uncomfortable in her presence, almost angry.
Jake was still asleep on the floor pallet. She sent a thank you heavenward for his determination to keep his promise. She sensed the sleeping arrangements were a matter of male ego. He didn’t want his men to know they weren’t sharing a bed.
Evangeline studied his easy breathing as she thought about the gift he had presented to her. Pride had reflected in his eyes as he stroked the gentle mare he’d chosen. Sage, her soft gray coat lustrous from brushing, had tried to nuzzle Evangeline when Juliet insisted she step closer. Jake’s assurances gave no comfort. Her screech at the horse’s nearness brought laughter from her new family.
Jake moved his arm as he slept, causing her stomach to lurch. I wonder how long you will be patient, my husband.
As if Jake heard her thoughts, he rolled over and smiled.
“Good morning, pretty lady. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you.” Her voice was a whisper, and her chest tightened with a wave of panic. Leaning back on the bed and focusing on the ceiling offered little relief. Being in his bed with him so near caused every muscle in her body to react. The smell of lye soap met her nostrils as she covered her shoulders with the sheet. An unsteady response found its way through her lips. “I slept better than I thought I would. I imagine it will take me a few days to get rested.”
“No doubt. I’ll go see if Selena has some coffee on.”
Evangeline stayed focused on the ceiling. She could hear Jake moving about, pulling on clothes, picking up his boots, and padding out of the room, leaving her to dress in private. She let her breath out in a slow, steady movement, allowing her body to relax. Again, Fiona’s favorite verse passed through her mind.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Yes, she told herself … I can do this.
Never one to care about appearance, she couldn’t explain her need to take extra time. The more she fidgeted with her hair, the more nervous she became. She closed her eyes and waited until a peace settled over her. She redid her hair, and this time her fingers cooperated. Oh, how she wished she would have paid more attention when Katie explained how she did all those hairdos. Gazing at herself in the mirror, she shrugged and managed a half- smile.
This will have to do.
By the time Evangeline came to the table, Selena already had food laid out. The housekeeper’s face was unreadable as she brought in the coffee pot. Jake, seated at the head of the table, smiled warmly at her. Once again, her muscles tightened.
Juliet was already at the table. After her initial greeting, the girl remained quiet. Evangeline suspected her new niece had been strongly encouraged to be still. The silence that shrouded the table at that moment could have used some childish chatter.
Breakfast consisted of biscuits, eggs, and a very large steak. “If I keep eating so much of your delicious cooking, I shall become as big as the barn, Selena.” Evangeline focused on being cheerful, fighting the nausea her stomach insisted on producing.
“Señora Marcum, you are too skinny. You need more meat on your bones. You finish your food. I will pour your coffee.”
“Could I trouble you for some tea instead?”
“I have no tea, Señora.”
Evangeline picked up the cup and waved off the request. “I’ll take coffee for now. I brought five pounds of tea with me. After breakfast
I will unpack.”
“I would be happy to help you unpack the boxes.” Selena’s stilted smile was not at all encouraging.
“Can I help too?” Juliet asked, her mouth full of biscuit.
“Do not be rude, mija. Close your mouth when you are eating.” Selena handed a napkin to Juliet, who wiped her mouth and swallowed her food before speaking again.
Evangeline observed how well Selena mothered this child. What is my role here? Juliet has Selena. What was Jake thinking? Panic tried to raise its ugly head.
“Please, can I help you unpack your boxes?”
“Of course you may.” Evangeline’s smile turned genuine at Juliet’s wiggles of joy, which abruptly stopped under Selena’s disapproving gaze. Evangeline felt a kinship with the child. Her own childhood memories brought an overwhelming need in her heart to protect Juliet.
“Sounds like you got your mornin’ occupied. Think I’ll get back to work.” Jake rose from the table. “Good breakfast, Selena.”
“Thank you, Señor.”
“When will you be back?” Evangeline surprised herself with the question.
“The ranch is busy this time of year. We got the cattle drive comin’ up. I’ll try not to be gone longer than necessary.”
“I’ll see you later then.” She tried to sound nonchalant while heat found its way into her cheeks. How she hated her inability to keep her face from turning various shades of pink at his words. Her sisters had pestered her about that for years. Evangeline chose to ignore Selena and Juliet smiling at one another as she tried to enjoy her not-too-satisfying coffee.
***
The morning sped by. Juliet’s joyous squeals announced every new item removed from the boxes. Under Katie’s direction, Evangeline had brought material, ribbons, notions, yarn, thread, and pattern books. As the parlor floor filled with these and more household items, she wondered if she’d overdone it. Wrapped in the material, Katie had carefully packed her silver tea set as well as what she called the everyday teapot. It had a blue floral pattern with matching creamer and sugar bowl. To Evangeline’s surprise and Juliet’s delight, there were more dishes to match.
“Sweet Katie. No wonder this box was so heavy. My sisters have given me all of Grandmother O’Malley’s fine china.” Evangeline’s fingers traced the large platter’s design. “I remember when it arrived from Ireland. Momma cried as she removed each piece. It took hours to unpack because she would tell stories from her childhood with each plate and serving bowl.”
The memory made her sad. Another part of her past she could never reclaim. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind. Smile when you don’t want to, and your face will have to obey. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and continued unpacking. When she removed the last of the china, she had a genuine smile for the girl.
“Juliet, my sister Kathryn helped me pick out this dress for you.” She held up a pink jumper, trimmed in pink bows with puffy sleeves. “If it doesn’t fit, I can alter it.”
Juliet stared at the dress for a long time before her hand reached to draw it close.
Evangeline enjoyed her expression of surprise. “Here are some hair ribbons to match. Do you like them?”
“Oh, my … yes.” Juliet’s eyes widened, and her hug took Evangeline’s breath away. “No one has ever given me anything so beautiful. Thank you. Thank you so very much. Can I go try it on right now?”
“Wait until we put things away. Besides, I want you to see what I have brought for Selena.”
“Me? Señora, no, it is not right.”
“I will accept no complaining from you. You must take my gift, or you will offend me.”
Selena remained silent.
Evangeline pulled out a beautiful red satin dress with lace trim and a velvet bodice. Katie had insisted she take the dress even though the color was all wrong. Now she knew what God had planned for it. The moment she saw Selena, she knew her coal black hair and bronzed complexion would draw out the beauty of the dress. She placed it in the housekeeper’s hands.
Selena’s eyes filled with tears. “You should keep this dress for yourself. You are the lady of the house.”
“That’s right, Selena, I am the lady of the house, and I insist.”
“But it is too beautiful to wear. Muchas gracias, Señora Marcum. No one has been so kind to me.” Her voice caught.
“I’m quite sure you will find an occasion to wear this dress.”
“No matter, I will enjoy knowing I have such a beautiful garment.”
Juliet gave the dress a feather-light touch. “Selena, let’s have a party today. We can both wear our new dresses.”
“This dress is much too fine to serve dinner in. As the Señora says, some day. But you may wear your dress to show your uncle tonight.”
Juliet’s attention turned back to the unpacking. “Is this box empty? Can we start on the other one? Is there anything in the other box for me?”
“Mija, too many questions.” Selena hid a smile beneath her scowl.
“Let’s get started, and we will see,” Evangeline said. The last box contained books, framed pictures, other personal items, and the bars of lavender soap. Juliet caressed a bar, breathing in its lavender scent.
“Can I use this here soap?”
“You may have a bar of this soap,” Evangeline corrected.
“The Señora, she likes to smell sweet.” Selena breathed in the sweet fragrance.
“You may have a bar too, if you like. It’s my favorite, and I know it cannot be purchased out here. There is a store back home where the proprietress makes it.”
“Thank you, Señora, this is very special.”
“It reminds me of my mother.” Odd how so many things in this new place reminded her of home. Evangeline emptied the box.
“What are these?” Juliet held a couple of journals in her hand.
Evangeline snatched them from her. “These, child, are not for you to read without permission. These journals contain my personal family history. I started writing my thoughts and descriptions of things when I was about your age.”
Evangeline caressed the covers of each one, arranging them chronologically. There were three new ones. Thank you, Katie. “I see she still managed to send along a copy of her favorite cookbook.” She handed the last of the books to Juliet—David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, and a world history book. “Your uncle said in his letter you had finished the third level in McGuffey. You should be ready for these.” Reaching into the box again, she produced an advanced mathematics book and a grammar book. There were tablets of paper, a drawing pad, and colored pencils. “These are all for you.”
Juliet frowned slightly but managed a polite thank you. Evangeline wasn’t surprised this little tomboy found schoolwork less than exciting.
“Your uncle expressed concern you might be behind when school starts up again. We can work through these books a little each day. I promise not to make it too painful.”
“When the new term starts, I won’t be goin’ to school much. Town’s too far. Uncle Jake says I’m too young to board at school.” Juliet’s face showed her obvious pleasure at the fact.
“How far is Charleton from here?”
“About a one-hour ride. Little longer by wagon in good weather. But the boardin’ school is in Hardyville.”
“Well then, the next thing I have for you will come in handy.”
“What?” Juliet’s face brightened.
“I want you to have one of these new journals.”
“Why?”
“So you can write your history in it.”
“What history?” The girl’s frown deepened. “‘Sides, I don’t like writin’ much.”
“But you like talking about history. You showed me all over the ranch and told me about everything. If you never write it down, it will be lost to future generations. Writing your family history leaves something for your descendants.” Evangeline saw comprehension dawn on her face.
“You mean instead of talkin’ ’bout stuff
I know, I could write it in this book?”
“Precisely. Your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren could read about what life was like on this ranch.”
“Hmm … could be interestin’. You say you write every day?” Juliet crinkled her nose while flipping through the blank pages.
“No, but I try to fill at least one journal every year.”
“Can I read your journals someday?” Juliet closed the book. “It might help me know what to write.”
“How about I read some of my entries to you once in a while?” Evangeline offered.
“How ’bout today?” Juliet pleaded.
“Not today, but on a bad-weather day when we are forced to stay inside, I will read to you about my childhood.” She hoped her answer would satisfy.
“Can I try on my dress now?” Juliet stood, dancing with the dress.
“You may. I want to see how you look. Both of you. I will finish putting things away.”
“Señora, let me do that.” Selena picked up some plates.
Evangeline removed them from her hands. “Try on your dress first. Afterward, we will decide together what to do with this china.”
Evangeline looked around the room, deciding where to place her things. The fine china’s delicate beauty drew a stark contrast to the furniture. The chairs needed new covers. The table had no cloth. The sideboard seemed bare. The windows could use new curtains as well. Scanning the large room, her eyes lit on the upright piano in the corner. She wondered who played.
There was a nail in the wall above the piano where something had once hung. The family portrait her father had commissioned would be perfect. Her mother had been so pleased with it. The artist had pre-painted the bodies on the canvas. Only their faces were later added. Her six-year-old face placed over a red dress looked less than flattering. Now, however, she loved the portrait.
Next, she placed the framed photograph Katie had insisted they have made last Christmas, on the piano. Maggie, now a married woman, looked so young. She remembered the frame Jake bought her in Hardyville and decided to place it on the sideboard once the wedding photo arrived. She arranged the silver tea service, leaving room for the picture. Evangeline knew she had enough tatting thread to make a sizeable doily to dress up the sideboard.
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