The Rancher's Perfect Bride

by Caroline Clemmons

  Zenobia grinned and patted Brownie’s head. “See, he’s grateful for a home.”

  Callum turned and paced in a circle. The ranch hands stood watching but apparently unwilling to weigh in on the decision. Finally, Callum faced his men.

  “Anyone have anything to say here?”

  Pete’s Adam’s apple bobbled as he spoke, “He’d likely be protection for Miss Zenobia while we’re away.”

  Callum muttered, “If he didn’t eat her.”

  Max came up to Brownie and reached to pet him. “He was real loyal to Hollister even though the man wasn’t very good to his animals.” Brownie stood still while Max stroked his neck then stepped back by Callum.

  Zenobia scratched between Brownie’s ears. “There was a leather tether tied around his neck, much too tight because it cut into his neck and had bled in one place.”

  Callum looked at Brand. “You going to say your piece?”

  Brand blushed above his red beard. “You said always do what the cook wants. You know we all think a lot of Miss Zenobia and would do whatever she asked.”

  “Thank you for your kind words, gentlemen. No wonder I am so fond of you three.” She grinned. “Most times I’m even fond of your boss.”

  Callum appeared disgusted. “Okay, I see how this is going. You can keep the wolfdog but if even one of our animals is harmed by him, he’ll have to be shot.”

  She cringed.

  His tone softened, “I’m sorry, Zenobia, but that’s the way life is here. Once an animal develops a taste for the kill, there’s no way to change him.”

  “From the looks of his ribs, he isn’t very good at finding his own food.” Even though the men were watching, she hugged Callum’s neck.

  She stepped back and called, “Come on, Brownie, let’s get supper on the table.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  After supper on Friday, Zenobia sat beside Callum and hemmed the calico dress of green dotted with small flowers in pastels while Brownie lay nearby. “For tomorrow, I don’t know whether to wear this dress or one of those I brought with me.”

  He looked up from the book he was reading. “Imagine that one will be most like the others. Won’t matter, you’ll look pretty no matter what you choose.”

  Wasn’t she lucky to have such an agreeable and complimentary husband?

  Zenobia was up before dawn frying the chickens Pete had slaughtered for her yesterday. She’d cooked up several jars of the canned vegetables and reused those and other washed jars to transport food. Yesterday, she’d made two apple cakes from Mrs. Nesbitt’s recipe.

  The men took care of her chores today so she could get everything ready for their trip. As soon as breakfast was over and the kitchen clean, she loaded the food into the basket Mrs. Moore had provided. The first time she was in town, Zenobia planned to buy one of their own for occasions like this.

  When Callum had the wagon hitched, he took the food and a couple of blankets to stow.

  He returned for her. “Better take a light wrap like a shawl because we’ll be returning after dark.”

  “I don’t suppose I’ll need my revolver, will I?”

  “You never know. Better to have it and not need it than the other way. I still plan to get you a lighter weight one soon.”

  Mumbling to herself, she stuck the heavy thing in the special pocket she’d sewn into her new dress.

  She donned her bonnet and set it straight in the mirror she’d hung by the door. After tying the ribbons under her chin she picked up her purse. “I thought we were going to ride with Andrew and Marcy again.”

  “This time we’ll stop for them on our way. The ranch we’re visiting is west of us. The Murdoch family is adding on to their ranch buildings, which are already like a small town. You’ll love seeing the place.”

  She let him help her onto the seat. “I’m eager to meet other women. Are some of them mail-order wives?”

  He climbed up beside her and clicked the reins. “Not the Murdoch women but there’ll be some there.” He called to the dogs, “Stay here, boys. Guard the house.”

  The three disappointed dogs obeyed but cast sorrowful eyes their way. Brownie lay down on the porch and the other two nearby him.

  Dawn was breaking when the five people set out on what promised to be a very long but exciting day. Birdsong greeted them on a cool breeze.

  “Lovely day for the barn raising, isn’t it?” She pulled her shawl around her against the day’s slight chill.

  “If it had rained, they’d have postponed a week. Glad the weather turned off nice.”

  “Nice to have such pleasant temperatures this time of year. I fear in Atlanta the days are already too hot and humid to be comfortable out of doors unless you’re in deep shade.”

  He sent her a mischievous grin. “Enjoy it while you can. Winter is brutal I’m afraid.”

  “Most of the time this winter, I’ll be indoors making rag rugs and sewing and reading.”

  “I hope one of your trunks includes some books. We’ve memorized the ones I have—except Pete. He doesn’t enjoy reading.”

  “What does he do while the rest of you read?”

  “Plays solitaire. Sometimes we all play cards of an evening or a couple of us play checkers. We also oil and repair the tack. Once in a while, Max or I take turns reading out loud.”

  She leaned near and spoke low. “Pete doesn’t know how to read, does he?”

  “Not much. When he does it’s very slow and he’s embarrassed to be the only one of us who doesn’t read well. Pretend you don’t know.”

  “Of course. I’ll look forward to listening to you read while I make rugs or sew this winter.”

  She took careful note of the route to Marcy and Andrew’s house so she could ride over there soon. Once they’d gathered the other couple and their ranch hands, they made a joyous parade.

  By ten o’clock, they’d arrived at the Murdoch spread—and that was a good word for it. The house was as large and sprawling as a resort hotel. A crowd had already gathered but more wagons arrived as they did. Callum helped her down while Andrew helped Marcy.

  A tall, distinguished man greeted them. “So glad you could come. Ladies, I’m Kevin Murdoch, patriarch of this wild clan.”

  Callum kept his arm around her. “I’m happy to say this gorgeous woman is my wife, Zenobia.”

  Andrew said, “And this is my lovely bride, Marcy.”

  Kevin forked his thumb toward the center door. “Glad to meet you both. Go on inside and join the other women. There’s a passel of them talking up a storm. Men, set the food on that table. Oh, ladies, here’s my wife coming to fetch you.”

  A smiling middle-aged woman came down the steps. Her eyes were brown as was her hair, which was threaded with a touch of silver. “I’m Edwina Murdoch. Please come in and meet the other wives and daughters. Until time to set out the food, we’re gathered in the house.”

  She gestured to a long table where water, lemonade, and coffee were being served by two beautiful young women. What looked like biscuits and sweet rolls were also set out. “Isabel and Josefina are serving drinks and snacks to the workers but we have more inside. It’s too early for the noon food.”

  Zenobia and Marcy followed Edwina into the house. Zenobia paused inside the doorway. Marcy turned shy and hung back as if using Zenobia for a shield. The room buzzed with conversation and young children played on the floor. Two women cradled babies in their arms while two other women appeared near delivery time.

  Edwina gestured to the crowd. “Ladies, these are two new brides, Zenobia and Marcy. They’re married to the McFadden brothers but I don’t know who got which brother.”

  Zenobia gestured to Marcy. “Marcy married Andrew and I married Callum. We’re mail-order brides who were best friends in Atlanta.”

  A short woman with dark hair and eyes and a wide smile said, “I’m Sophie Lincoln and I was a mail-order bride also.” She placed her hands on the shoulders of a boy of about three. “This is Moses and we’re expecting h
is brother or sister in another two months.”

  Edwina nodded to the woman. “Wait until you taste her minestrone soup. I’m so glad she brought some today.”

  A very pregnant and lovely blonde waddled forward. “I’m Charity Murdoch, niece to Edwina and also now her daughter-in-law. We’re so happy you’re able to come to the Circle M Ranch today.”

  Zenobia looked around the room where several women were in various stages of pregnancy. “There must be something in the water here that causes fertility.”

  Everyone laughed.

  A gorgeous redhead rocked a baby. “You’d better be careful what you drink here because apparently there’s an epidemic. I’m Amanda Kincaid, another mail-order bride, and this is Trey. My daughter Iris is in the blue dress. You can spot her red hair.”

  Marcy must have lost some of her shyness. “Such beautiful children here. I’m going to drink lots of water today.”

  More laughter followed and the room echoed with chatter.

  Zenobia drifted among the women, introducing herself to each one individually. Such friendliness validated her coming here and marrying Callum. This reception without indication of wealth or station emphasized how different the social standards were here from her previous life. No, she must not think of Atlanta, for it held only threat and sorrow.

  By the time to serve lunch, Zenobia and Marcy had met the other women and had begun making friends. Setting out the food was like a giant party. From the way things were organized, Zenobia realized these women had done this many times.

  Callum took out his handkerchief and wiped his face. “You meeting the wives?” He spread a blanket on the ground.

  She handed him a plate heaped with food. “Everyone’s been so friendly. I found Mrs. Jordan. She’s going to show me how to can and put by food. Her first name is Venice. She’s coming over next week to show me other things about housekeeping.”

  He dropped to the blanket and dug into his food. “That’s real nice. I hope that helps you so you have an easier time.”

  She sat beside him, looking toward the new barn. “I’m amazed that so much has already been accomplished. Will you finish it today?”

  He gestured toward the edifice. “Sure, at least the shell. That’s where we’ll have the dance tonight.”

  A woman about her age ambled over. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your bride?”

  Callum didn’t stand. “Eliza Drummond, my lovely wife, Zenobia. Eliza and her parents live in Cottonwood Springs.”

  Zenobia leaned back with her hands braced on the blanket. “Nice to meet you, Eliza. I didn’t see you inside the house, did I?”

  Eliza brushed at a speck on her sleeve. “We just arrived. My father came early but Mother can’t be away from home very long because of her health. She does go on and on about her pains.”

  Zenobia tried to be sympathetic in spite of the woman’s caustic tone. “Caring for an ailing parent is a big responsibility. My own mother was ill for four years before she died early this spring.”

  “Hmph, we have a servant to do that. Of course, no one thinks of me. I don’t see why men write for mail-order brides when there’re single women right here. Doesn’t seem fair.” She glared at Callum.

  He showed no emotion. “Ever hear the saying you catch more flies with honey than vinegar?”

  Eliza’s face turned red and her brown eyes sparked with anger. “You have your nerve, Callum McFadden. How dare you insinuate I’m vinegarish?” She stomped her foot and strode toward other diners.

  When he met Zenobia’s gaze, he smiled. “You see why Andrew and I wrote away for wives.”

  Zenobia gaped at the departing woman. “I believe I do.”

  She stayed with him while he ate. She watched to see which men paired with which women. Children darted among the couples, playing games. “There must be two dozen or more families here.”

  “Some of them drove hours to get here. Reckon the Kincaid and McDonald families live the greatest distance away. They came last night. Everyone who can do so joins in to help one another when we’re able.”

  He grinned. “Plus, we all love a party.” He dusted off his hands and rose.

  She stood also. “You’re going back to work so I will too.” She watched a couple of men working on the roof beams. “Be careful. I’d not like to be a widow.”

  “I wouldn’t like that either.” He strode off, clapping another man on the back then walking with him to the new structure.

  Chapter Twenty

  After rejoining the women, she helped secure the food until supper.

  Marcy ambled over to stand beside her. “Isn’t this a nice group? Of course, they don’t know I was a lady’s maid in Atlanta.”

  Zenobia nudged her. “Surely you don’t think that would make a whit of difference? I assure you it wouldn’t.”

  “I think you’re right. Everyone is friendly without being prying.”

  Zenobia whispered, “Goodness, I’ve counted four expectant women and four others with young babies. Then there are toddlers and young children. This is a fertile area.”

  “Only because there are so many young women. Amanda, Gormlaith, Sophie, and Corrine are close to our age so it’s logical they’d have babies. Chastity, Amelia, Laura, and Marisol are expecting but they’re also near our age. I hope I’m soon expecting.”

  Zenobia gave her friend’s hand a squeeze. “Who knows, maybe we are and don’t know it yet. At least it’s nice to know we won’t have to stay at home while our waistlines expand.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Thank goodness. Although, I don’t suppose we go that many places anyway.”

  “We’re here, aren’t we?” Zenobia asked. “And Callum and Andrew promised to take us to church occasionally and also to town. Plus, we can invite people to our homes.”

  Sophie waddled to speak to the two. “Did you try my minestrone soup at lunch?”

  Zenobia clapped her hands together. “Delicious! I’m eager to learn the recipe.”

  Sophie presented each of them with a sealed envelope and sheet of paper. “I have written it down for you, but it’s very easy. In the envelope are tomato seeds in case neither of you has tomato plants in your garden. Derek grows rows and rows of them which I harvest and preserve to have enough for my soups and sauces.”

  Zenobia put the envelope in her purse. “You’re so generous. Are they difficult to grow?”

  “Not at all. If you plant these this week, you’ll have enough growing season to harvest them before frost. Those that don’t ripen, you put in the cellar and they will go ahead and turn ripe. Well, most will.”

  Marcy also put her seed container in her purse. “My mother sliced, battered, and fried the green ones. They’re delicious.”

  Sophie’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know that. If we have enough this fall, I will try frying them. I use so many in pasta sauce and for soup that I have never used them for anything else.”

  Corrine gestured to a large wooden box. “I brought books to loan to anyone who wishes.”

  Zenobia and Marcy hurried to look through them.

  Zenobia met Corrine’s kind gray eyes. “My husband hoped we would be able to borrow some new books. He swears he’s memorized everything we have. I brought several to trade.”

  Corrine waved away her suggestion. “Take any you wish. Nate built me a lot of bookshelves and I’ve filled them. I can’t seem to stop buying books as new ones are published.”

  Laura added a few to the crate. “Here are those I borrowed a few weeks ago.” She smiled at Zenobia and Marcy. “We depend on Corrine to be our librarian. She’s so gracious about sharing.”

  Charity sat on a hard chair. “I think if I bent I would keep toppling forward. Edwina, would you look for Logan and me some books?”

  The older woman patted Charity on the shoulder. “Of course, dear. Right now, you need to go lie down and get your feet up.”

  She directed a gaze at the other expectant mothers. “The rest of you should take adv
antage of the quiet to do the same. The guest rooms in Logan and Charity’s home are ready for those who would like to rest. Greta Hofmann, that includes you.”

  A middle-aged woman nodded. “Ja, I will do this. Which room do I use?”

  “Take your pick. Charity, go with her.”

  Greta helped Charity to her feet. “Dorie, you come with me and have your rest.”

  An adorable child with long blond curls ran to take Greta’s hand. “Can Daisy come, too?”

  “Ja, if her mother’s says she may.”

  Another cute blonde girl, this one talking a mile a minute, joined Dorie.”

  They went through to the adjoining home. Laura and Marisol followed.

  Amelia stood and braced her back. “I’ll go to my own bed for a couple of hours. You don’t have to be expecting to rest, ladies. Just pick a room and take your children for a nap too. This will be a late night for most of us.”

  Several women with small children followed Amelia as did Venice Jordan.

  Zenobia was amazed that the three homes were joined and one could walk from one to the other without going outside. During winter, that must be nice. Each house was large so the three together were like a huge hotel or resort made from logs.

  Edwina sat beside her. “I know the houses’ arrangement is strange but we like our family time and we like our private time. This way, we have both.”

  “I was thinking how nice this house plan is. You don’t have to go outside in the winter to visit one another.”

  “True. We used to have the ranch hands move in with us during the worst weather, but the men strengthened the bunk house and added more heat and better beds. Now the men can remain comfortable in their own beds without freezing.”

  “I don’t know how sturdy our bunkhouse is, but I think it must be very durable. Callum and Andrew lived there before they built their homes. You must have a huge garden to feed so many people.”

  Edwina leaned back and laughed. “Do we ever? The girls and I can and dry food and store it in the cellar until we can’t see straight. Sure is nice to have come winter, I can tell you.”

  “Mrs. Jordan canned for Callum and Andrew on the halves. She’s going to show me how. I’m totally at a loss as to how to do any of that.”