by Kit Morgan
She felt Chase tighten his hold on her and noted the warm smile on his face. She took a moment to study him out the corner of her eye as Imogene began to read. The woman had a calm, soothing voice that seemed to affect everyone in the room. She felt the muscles in Chase’s arm relax, and when she looked at Cutty, his eyes were now closed. Before she knew it, Lena leaned her head against Chase’s shoulder, and sighed.
The man stopped breathing as if afraid to move. Imogene, immersed in her reading, didn’t notice. Lena prayed that if they stayed still and kept quiet, she’d not see how close they were to each other until her reading was done.
* * *
The next day, Jefferson drove Edith and Lena out to Chase’s place. It was a couple of miles out of town, and out of curiosity, Lena timed how long it took to drive from Clear Creek to their destination. She tried to imagine herself driving to town on her own to go to the mercantile, or perhaps the ladies sewing circle that she'd heard so much about. Thankfully, her future home was closer to town than the Triple C was, and took just a little over a half an hour to get to.
“Here we are,” Jefferson announced as he reigned in the horses. He set the brake, and carefully climbed down, (he was still recovering from his own injuries at the hands of the outlaws), and then helped the women out. Edith went around to the back of the wagon and gathered the supplies she'd brought: two buckets, a scrub brush, a broom, and some clothespins. Lena had the soap. Together they turned from the wagon and took in the sight of the house Chase Adams built.
“Well, it ain't as small as Ryder’s, but it ain't as big as August’s,” commented Jefferson.
“I've not seen either home,” said Edith. She turned to Lena. “So I'm afraid I have nothing to compare it to, my dear.”
Lena stared at the humble dwelling. It was a cabin of modest size, the outside well kept and orderly. A porch ran the length of the structure, which had a center door with a window on each side. There were two stories, and Lena assumed the bedrooms would be upstairs. But how many were there? Was it one large room or two smaller ones?
“Let's not waste time,” said Jefferson. “You ladies get started on the inside and I'm gonna go check out the barn.”
“Don't trip over anything, dear,” Edith warned.
“I ain't gonna trip over nothing,” he barked over his shoulder as he walked off toward the barn.
“Is your husband always so cross?” asked Lena.
“Oh you've seen him in all his moods,” said Edith. “Sometimes he barks, but other times he purrs like a kitten.”
Lena laughed. “I'm afraid I cannot picture Jefferson Cooke purring.”
“Some men purr, some bark. But I like one that does both,” Edith told her. They laughed, and then headed into the house. What greeted them inside was not the same pristine order that surrounded it outside. Clothes were strewn here and there as if Chase took them off, tossed them, and left them wherever they landed. Dirty dishes filled a tub in the dry sink, but the women did notice one thing to be grateful for, an indoor water pump. Not even the Triple C had such a luxury.
Lena continued to look around. There was no rhyme or reason to anything. She was glad the cabin’s first story was one huge room divided by an open staircase. The kitchen and dining area were on one side, the living area on the other. Curious, she ventured behind the staircase and discovered some bookshelves and a small desk. “Oh dear,” said Lena, dismayed. “This looks like it's going to take forever to clean up.”
Edith began to roll up your sleeves. “Bachelors!” she huffed. “Well, don’t let it scare you. I've cleaned up far worse messes than this.”
“Worse than this?”
“Didn't you know my sisters and I used to run a boarding house in Oregon City?”
Lena shook her head. “No, I didn't.”
“Well we did, and let me tell you, some of the men that stayed there were mighty messy! On top of that, they had no manners at all. Why, you'd think they were born in a barn!”
“If you ask me,” Lena began, her voice week. “This doesn't look far from it; a barn I mean.”
“Now don't get discouraged,” Edith consoled. “I'm sure that once we get this place cleaned up, Mr. Adams will help you keep it that way.”
“Belle told me that out here, it was the woman's job to keep the house clean.”
“That may be true,” said Edith. “I guess a better way to look at it is, once you clean it up, you can keep it that way. You'll just have to train Chase to help you.” Edith caught Lena’s half-hearted look and waved it off with a dismissive hand. “Menfolk are easy to train. All it takes is their favorite pie, a little lovin’, and they're all yours.”
Lena could only stare at her. “Their favorite pie and loving?”
Edith looked at her as if she were daft. “Of course.”
“Surely you jest.”
“Now you can't be that innocent,” said Edith. “You know about makin’ babies don't you?”
“Heavens! Must we have this conversation?” gasped Lena.
“Well,” began Edith. “You'll find out for yourself once you're married, but trust me, give a man pie and a little lovin’, and they're all yours.”
Lena took one of the buckets to the water pump. “Is that how you won Jefferson?”
“My pies won Jefferson. My love and understanding pushed him over the edge.”
“What do you mean?”
“Once I started to get to know him, I began to understand he was a tortured soul and just needed to be forgiven,” Edith explained.
“Forgiven for what?”
“It's a long story, dear. One day I'll tell you, but right now we need to get this place cleaned up. Then I’ll teach you how to make one of those pies.”
Lena also rolled up her sleeves, and began to pump water into a bucket she found near the sink. “At least there's this one luxury,” she pointed out.
Edith nodded her head as she picked up the broom she’d brought and began to sweep the floor. “Yes, that is a luxury. We still have to go outside to get our water.”
“However did he manage it?”
“My guess is he built his house over his well. Be glad he did,” said Edith.
After Lena filled the bucket, she set it aside, then began to gather the clothing strewn about the cabin. Once she had it all together, she put them in a basket she found near the kitchen table. Each piece of clothing was dirty and needed to be washed. “I hardly know what to do first,” she told Edith.
“Best take that out back and get the laundry done, then hang it up to dry.” Edith told her.
“What are you going to do?”
“I'll clean up in here while you work on that. It'll save us a lot of time with both of us working, and then we can get some pies started.”
Lena nodded and took the basket outside. She then came back in and hauled out the water she would need. This was going to take a while.
Twelve
After three hours, Lena’s back and arms were killing her. Edith had hauled some hot water out for her to use, and at first the warm soapy water felt good. But over time the water had cooled, and her fingers felt raw from scrubbing Chase’s clothing. To make matters worse, she had nothing to sit on while she scrubbed, at least not for the first two hours of her labors. When she could take it no longer, she found a piece of wood to sit on so her back wouldn't suffer so. When Edith came out to check on her, she felt as though she might faint from exhaustion.
“What are you doing?” called Edith as she crossed the yard.
“Laundry,” Lena breathed then wiped her brow.
“Tarnation girl! Why didn't you think to use a table?”
“What table?” Lena gasped.
“The one on the other side of the house,” Edith informed her.
Lena's face fell. There was a table? On the other side of the house! A mere twenty feet away no less?! Lena groaned. “Now you tell me,” she said and tried to keep the whining sound out of her voice.
Edith shook her head, and then
looked to the sky. “Dear Lord,” she prayed. “Give this woman strength.”
“Thank you,” said Lena. “I'm going to need it.”
“I can fetch the table,” said Edith. “Although it looks like you're done with the washing. I suppose now we’d best hang it up to dry.”
Lena nodded as she gingerly stood. She stretched, put her hands to her lower back, and groaned in pain. “How often does one have do the washing for two people?”
“I guess it depends on how fast they get their clothes dirty. Edith answered. “That and how many clothes they have.” She looked at the pile of clean, wet clothes Lena had placed in not one, but two baskets. “Come to think of it, I've never known a simple blacksmith to have so many. Where'd he get all of these?”
Lena gaped at her, too tired to speak, and glanced at the baskets. She shrugged her answer, took a step, and almost stumbled.
“I think you need a break,” said Edith. “Let's go inside and I’ll fix us some coffee.”
Grateful, Lena followed her into the house, took one look around, and let out a tired moan. It was immaculate. In the three hours Lena had labored over the laundry, Edith had cleaned the house spotless. How could she have possibly accomplished such a task in so little time? From the looks of the place when they'd first entered, Lena thought it would take days to clean up. But no, Edith had done it all in a few short hours. The floors were scrubbed, the windows cleaned, the dishes done, she'd even started on some mending as one of Chase’s shirts lay on the kitchen table, a needle and thread attached to it. “I'll never be able to do this,” she whispered to herself.
“Sure you will,” Edith once again consoled. “It just takes time to learn, and then get your routine down.”
Lena walked to the kitchen table and fingered the shirt. From the looks of it, Edith had been sewing on a few buttons. “I'm going to be a horrible wife.”
“Stop your fussing,” scolded Edith.
Lena looked at her. “I'm not whining, if that’s what you’re thinking. I'm speaking the truth.”
“How do you know if you're going to be a terrible wife unless you try it? You can't say such things when you haven't tried it yet.”
“Yes, but once I do, then I'm stuck with it. I feel like a failure before I even get started.”
Edith went to her and gave Lena a fierce hug. “You'll be fine. You're too hard on yourself. You have to learn to give yourself a chance.”
Edith released her as Lena fought against tears. “At least I did the laundry all right,” she said. “I suppose it's harder to mess that up than baking pies.”
Edith laughed, patted her on the back, and led her to a chair. “Sit down and I'll get us some coffee.”
Lena sat, and for the first time, noticed the coffee pot on the stove and its rich aroma along with something else. “Are you baking?”
Edith grabbed the pot and poured them each a cup. “I just put some cookies in. I thought the three of us could use a break and coffee and cookies always do the trick for Jefferson. I was surprised I found all the supplies to make them. I thought Chase would only have a few things.”
“Lots of clothes and lots of supplies. At least his house is well-stocked,” commented Lena.
“It appears so. He even has a sewing basket.”
Lena took the coffee cup from Edith and for the first time, noticed the small sewing basket in the chair next to hers. Edith took the basket, put it on the table, and sat. Lena felt her eyes droop, shook herself, and sipped her coffee. “I could use a cookie right now.”
Edith laughed. “Don't worry, they'll be done in a few minutes. Jefferson will be in by then as well. I'm sure he's finished out in the barn.”
“What has he been doing out there all this time?” Lena asked.
“Straightening up, putting things in order. He may have also gone hunting.”
“Hunting?”
“Of course,” said Edith. “You have to have something to cook for supper.”
“What?!”
“Now stop that, Jefferson will show you how to skin a rabbit, that is, if he catches any. He’s moving slower right now, so might not have any luck.”
Lena's stomach lurched. “Oh, dear,” she choked. “I almost hope he doesn’t. I think I might be sick.”
Edith shook her head again. “My dear, sweet girl, you have got to get a hold of yourself or you’re never going to learn these things.”
Lena pointed at her. “Exactly! That's what I mean when I say I’ll never be able to do this!”
Edith sighed again, this time in exasperation. “Let me put it another way. There's a first time for everything, and after you do it once, the second time is easier, understand?”
Lena put her face in her hands. “It will take a hundred times.”
“Would you believe me if I told you I was as squeamish as you at one time?”
Lena brought her face out of her hands and gaped at Edith.
“It's true,” said Edith. “The first time I plucked and cleaned a chicken I got sick. I was so used to my mother doing it, that when she asked me to do it for the first time, I was horrified.”
“What lady wouldn't be?”
“With your fancy upbringing, and a house full of servants, for you I can understand. I'm not saying that I'm not a lady, but what I am saying is that out here, there are things you have to do to survive. Eating is one of them, and when you're hungry enough, plucking a chicken or cleaning a rabbit means nothing.”
Lena closed her eyes. Everything hurt, and her stomach growled. She sat and tried to imagine what it would be like to go without food for several days, and what her hunger might drive her to do. But her imagination would not allow her to think of such a terrible thing, so she opened her eyes and nodded at Edith in understanding. “I shall endeavor to remember where I am. It seems I have a strong tendency to forget.”
Edith reached across the table and took one of Lena’s hands. “We've all done it. A lapse is normal, but just make sure you don't have them too often. Out here it could cost you your life.”
Lena stared at her, and swallowed hard. “I… I understand. I'll try not to let my guard down too often.”
“See that you don't,” said Edith. She then smiled. “Now, let's check if those cookies are done, shall we?
* * *
As it turned out, Jefferson didn’t return for cookies and coffee as Edith predicted, so the ladies took a few moments to explore the house. Upstairs they discovered two good-sized bedrooms, and Edith informed Lena of the necessity of having at least two. “You'll be able to fit four youngins’ in that second bedroom,” she said.
“Four?” Lena gasped. “I have a hard enough time thinking of one!”
“Nonsense,” said Edith. “Mothering is as easy as rolling off a log.”
Lena stifled a groan as she studied the room. There wasn't a stitch of furniture in it, and she tried to imagine four little beds lined up against one wall. “What happens if we have both boys and girls? I'm sure this will be fine for a while but…”
“Worry about that when you come to it,” suggested Edith. “Right now you need to worry about what you're going to fix Chase for supper.”
“Oh dear, must I?”
“Yes, you must. You're going to be cooking that man's breakfast and supper and sending him off to work with something for lunch. He can't expect you bring it into town.”
“I should hope not,” said Lena as she turned and left the room. She stood on the landing and gazed out the window that looked over the barnyard. The barn itself was behind the house and set slightly off to one side. This way it could be seen when one was inside, or approaching the house when outside. It was then she noticed there were no curtains in any of the windows. How could she have not noticed it before? She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Probably because when she first arrived, she was terrified. Terrified of botching things up so badly, that Chase would send her back to England. But no, she had to stop this line of thinking. It would get her nowhe
re and only discourage her further. She stood a little straighter, squared her shoulders, and marched into the other bedroom. This one had a bed. But of course it would, except …
“Well land sakes,” breathed Edith. “Will you look at that?”
Lena and Edith stared at the beautiful canopy bed. Its dark wood glistened from the sunlight streaming through the window and brightened the colorful quilt that graced its surface. It looked very out of place in a rustic cabin, and would have fit much better in a townhouse in London. “Where did this bed come from?” asked Lena.
“Don't rightly know,” answered Edith. “But I'm sure Chase will tell you if you ask him.”
“That I will,” said Lena as she admired the beautiful piece of furniture.
“Anybody home?” a male voice called up the stairs.
“Jefferson,” said Edith. “He'll be wanting his cookies now.”
She turned and left the bedroom, leaving Lena where she stood. “Well, Mr. Adams. I know what we’ll be discussing over dinner tonight.” She turned to follow Edith. “That is, if I'm able to cook you any.”
Downstairs Jefferson sat at the kitchen table as Edith poured him a cup of coffee. Two dead rabbits lay in the dry sink, and Lena had to force herself to look at them. “Oh, my, it appears you've caught dinner.”
“Took a while, but I got us some,” said Jefferson as he reached for a cookie. “You can help me skin em’.”
Lena began to sink to the floor, but grabbed a chair to stay upright. “Gladly,” she squeaked.
“Ain’t nothin’ to it,” said Jefferson. “I’ll skin one and you can skin the other.”
Lena had to sit. She gripped the table for support and closed her eyes. Good grief! Why was she dizzy?
“Chase got anything around here to make rabbits stew?” Jefferson asked Edith.
“As a matter of fact he does,” she informed him. “I found a few vegetables and potatoes in his root cellar. Lena will be able to make a fine meal for the man.”
“Glad to hear it, can't wait to get started.” cheered Jefferson. “How about you, missy? Bet you can't wait to start cookin’ for that man of yours!”