Life, Love, and Second Chances

by Anderson, Amanda

  She started shaking it out as if to insist that Adele wear the simple hand me down, but Adele shook her head and refused. She knew better than to let this woman have the upper hand here. It would be impossible to undo later.

  “I do not wish to wear that dress. It brings back sad memories that I would rather not think on today. I want to look nice for Peter and I will dress as I choose so please help me into the blue.” Adele did not know where her assertiveness came from, but she saw the effects immediately in the way Mrs. McCrery narrowed her light blue eyes and frowned.

  “Fine by me.” She didn’t say another word as she helped Adele dress. When she was finished she just turned and left the room.

  Adele sat heavily on the stood before her mirror. She did not need another enemy, but she would not take orders from the help either. She was the lady of the house and while she did not plan to assert herself in other ways, she would decide how she dressed. She brushed out her long midnight hair and tried to calm herself. She hoped she would be meeting some of the people who lived and worked on the ranch and she wanted to look her best. With that decided and her calmness found, she pulled her hair into a neat knot atop her head and made her way down stairs.

  8

  Adele stepped out of her door and paused to listen to the house. She heard Mrs. McCrery ranting and knew it was probably about her behavior earlier and she wanted to close herself inside her room and hide, but she forced her feet to move and when she reached the bottom of the stairs she heard masculine laughter.

  “I think she has a right to choose her own damned dress. Leave her be.” Peter spoke with mirth tingeing his voice and Adele felt her heart lighten.

  “She will make a spectacle of herself! The women on this ranch haven’t ever even seen dresses like that. She will make them feel inferior and I think that is wrong!”

  “Well, Aggy, the truth is they are inferior and they will have to deal with that fact. Adele is the lady of the house and of one of the most prosperous ranches in Texas, it is only right that she should wear fine dresses.”

  “How will she wash and clean the house wearing such a thing? I know that I do most everything around here, but what woman would not want to at least have a hand in the running of her own house?”

  “Wealthy young ladies do not help with the everyday things. You know better than that Aggy. Adele is to be left to do as she pleases and you will not question her or you will find yourself out of a job.”

  “Well, I had hoped that any woman you would pick would be less likely to turn her nose up to good people and honest work. I can see now that I was wrong. I am not sure I can work with her. I’ll not be talked down to by the likes of a citified miss. You may well look for someone to fill my place.”

  “You have been here for fifteen years. You would give it up so easily?” Peter said and his voice was truly concerned.

  Adele was mortified. She was tearing this family apart and she had only been here one night. Tears streamed down her face and she turned to make her way back to her rooms, but she froze when she noticed Bradley standing only a few paces behind her staring at her with those oddly colored eyes. He studied her for a moment. His scowl was absent and he looked almost puzzled by her reaction to the maid’s ranting.

  “Good morning Mrs. Davidson. I trust you slept well.” He said in a voice that was meant to be overheard.

  Adele choked back a sob when she heard footsteps and then a gasp from behind her. She felt Peter’s careful grasp on her arm turning her to face him. Mrs. McCrery blanched when she saw the misery on her mistress’ face.

  “I didn’t mean for you to hear that ma’am. I just…” She said lamely.

  Adele tried to swallow the lump in her throat and spoke. “You have a right to your opinion. I did not realize that I would offend anyone so grievously with my dress. I only wanted to wear it because I bought it with the money Peter sent to me and I wanted to look nice for him this morning. In truth I haven’t had anything new in so long I can hardly remember. I just wanted to make a good impression.” Her eyes never left Peter’s as she spoke and she seemed to draw strength from his gaze. He pulled her in for a gentle hug and dried her eyes with his handkerchief.

  “It is a lovely dress, my dear, and I am glad to see you in it. As I told Mrs. McCrery, it is your duty to look lovely if only so I may enjoy appreciate your beauty.” He gently kissed her forehead. “Now, will you do me the honor of accompanying me to the breakfast table?”

  Adele felt a small smile curl her lips as she rested her head against his broad chest. He truly was a kind man. She allowed her husband to lead her to the table. She felt Bradley’s presence follow behind them and she wanted nothing more than for him to go away. Why had he done such a thing? He had deliberately embarrassed her and made her look childish in front of Peter.

  Peter pulled out the chair beside him instead of at the far end of the long table and she was grateful. Bradley sat across from her though and made her appetite take wing. She stared down at her plate and knew she wouldn’t be able to eat a bite with him staring at her with those oddly colored eyes.

  Peter patted her hand where it lay beside her plate. “My dear, are you alright? I had hoped some food might brighten your morning, but you seem to have little interest in your plate.”

  Adele saw real concern in his eyes and she tried again for a smile. She knew it was weak, but she accomplished a small curl of her lips that she hoped would please him. “I find that my appetite has suffered this morning.”

  “Well, you must eat a little. I insist and as my wife you must obey my wishes.” He said and the twinkle in his eye told her he was trying to lighten her spirits. It worked.

  Adel looked down at her plate and stabbed a stewed apple that was swimming in a sweet sauce. She lifted it to her lips and saw the approval in her husband’s nod before he went back to his own food. She smiled sweetly at him and savored the sweet and tart flavor of the apple. Her eyes were pulled back to Bradley and as her eyes met his stormy gaze the apple turned to ash in her mouth.

  He did not say a single word to her, but she dropped her gaze to stare at her plate again, but she felt his eyes boring holes through her. She ate a few more bites to please Peter, but she didn’t taste another them.

  When Peter was finished he looked her over again. “I am concerned that your appetite is so slight.”

  “I’m just nervous I guess. I’m sure it will be better by dinner this evening.” She rushed to reassure him.

  “Well, I have some things I must see to today so I will be out most of the day. If you need anything at all you can ask Mrs. McCrery. She is not a vindictive woman and I think she will be more reticent in her behavior toward you from now on.”

  Bradley snorted in disbelief.

  Peter frowned. “Or Dan will be near the barn if you have need of something he can see to.” Peter spoke quietly before he left the dining room.

  Adele didn’t look up as he left and she intended to sit there until Bradley left the room as well, but he spoke and she looked up in her shock.

  “You look like a lost lamb who has found her way into the wolf’s den. We may be plain spoken, but no one will harm you here and no one would be happy if you starved so you might as well eat up.”

  “I will eat when I am hungry. I don’t expect anyone to worry over me.”

  “Then you’d be the first.” Bradley snorted and stood before making his way out of the room.

  Adele didn’t know what to make of him and she honestly didn’t have the strength to care right now. She lifted her head when the dining room door opened only to close her eyes when it was Mrs. McCrery.

  “I am sorry Mrs. Davidson. I didn’t mean to insult you. I did not understand what was going on and it wasn’t my place to question you. It won’t happen again.”

  “I don’t want to make an enemy of you. I would actually like to be your friend, since we will be together most days. I do intend to help with the house. I can make apple torts and I can cook some other
things too. I have been washing linens and changing beds in a hotel for the last six month so I can handle some of the laundry…”

  Adele broke off when she saw the look of horror cross Mrs. McCrery’s face. She didn’t know if it was because the woman had misjudged her or because she had worked in the hotel. “Never mind.” She stood and rushed from the room before Mrs. McCrery could say another word.

  She made her way to her room and fell across her bed. She had wanted to find happiness here in this wild open space, but she had been here less than a day and it seemed the only person who was pleased by her presence was Peter.

  She sat up and decided that Peter was the only one who mattered. She would not allow herself to be miserable. She would amuse herself and stay away from the others unless Peter was with her. She would be happy by sheer force of her will and she would not let on to Peter of her discomfort. If he was as ill as the doctor had hinted then he didn’t need the worry of her wellbeing.

  With her mind made up she pulled the bundle of material from her trunk and laid it out on her bed. She would start working on a new night dress as soon as all of her things were put away. That should take up most of her day.

  9

  Adele escaped her room only twice down the back stairs to use the outhouse, she was not using a chamber pot after she had emptied so many out while living at the hotel. When she came back to her room after her first escape she found a tray with a thick slice of ham and a hank of crusty bread along with another serving of those sweet apples. She smiled as she sat down at the small table in her sitting room to enjoy her meal. Perhaps things were looking up after all. After her second trip she found the tray removed and a pot of tea waiting for her. She smiled at the thought of someone wanting to please her in this way, even if it was unnecessary. It was the kindness behind the gesture that made her feel welcomed.

  She worked steadily on her sewing and had one nightdress finished and the pieces cut for another before dinner. She had decided to adorn them with embroidery. It seemed foolish since no one would be seeing them except Mrs. McCrery, when she washed them, but it would fill the hours and make her feel pretty when she wore them. She only had a few colors of embroidery floss and would have to remember to request more.

  Adele put aside her sewing and went to the door when she heard a knock. She opened it expecting to see Mrs. McCrery or maybe Peter, but she was shocked to find Bradley standing on the other side. He was dressed well and his hair was still damp from a recent wash.

  Adele’s cheeks heated. She knew she looked terrible after sewing all day she had little strings stuck all over her clothes and probably in her hair. She didn’t know what to say so she just stood and stared up at him as he towered over her. He was terribly tall. The top of her head didn’t even reach his shoulder. She felt small and insignificant at that moment, until he spoke.

  “I came to escort you to dinner.” He cleared his throat. “Are you ready?” He asked with raised eyebrows.

  Her eyes flew to the clock above her mantle and she gasped when she noticed it was eight o’clock. “Um…” She really needed to make sure she was presentable. “Could you give me just a moment? I was sewing and lost track of the time.”

  A slight frown of confusion marred his rugged face. “Sure…” He looked uncomfortable standing in her door way.

  “I can find my way down. It will only be a minute…”

  “Well, I could just wait.”

  “Well, um…come in and I will be right back.” She stepped back and allowed him to enter her sitting room. He looked out of place among her dainty furniture, but he plopped down on her sofa and made himself comfortable.

  Adele flew from the room and groaned as she took in her appearance. She did look terrible. She franticly pulled the pins from her hair and brushed it out before she pinned it up again. She brushed little strings from her dress and tried to shake out the wrinkles as best she could. It would have to do. She was already late. She rushed back into her sitting room only to find Bradley standing near the table looking down at her sewing.

  “Oh! You mustn’t!” She rushed to the table and gathered her new nightdress and the pieces for the other one. “It isn’t decent for you to…” She gasped when her sewing needle stuck into her finger.

  “Damn it, let me see.” Bradley demanded and wrenched her hand up so he could see her finger.

  She tugged on her hand, but he wouldn’t release her. “It is only a little prick. I assure you I have suffered from them many times before.” She rolled her eyes at his concern.

  Adele was shocked when he looked up and burst out laughing. She did not understand what was funny about her statement, but she did enjoy the sight of his face wreathed in laughter. She found herself smiling back at him.

  He cleared his throat, but his smile remained. He held her hand and caressed her finger as he spoke. “I find that I have the urge to alter your…”

  He was interrupted by the door being pushed open. They both turned, still wearing their smiles until Mrs. McCrery’s fierce scowl made them fall from their faces like leaves in a brisk autumn wind.

  “I thought it would take longer.” She hissed. “The least you could do is not make it so obvious. He is sitting at the table waiting for dinner and you two are…”

  “That is enough!” Bradley roared. “I do not understand why you have decided to be so careless with your words today, but I will not tolerate what you are insinuating. There is nothing going on here. She is my father’s wife!”

  Bradley had dropped Adele’s hand and stalked toward the housekeeper. Adele stood frozen in place for a moment, but then she found the courage she needed to defend herself.

  “I thought we understood each other Mrs. McCrery. I explained that Bradley and I share nothing but a strained tolerance of one another. I will ask that you refrain from commenting on things you do not understand from this point on and you will knock on my door before you enter it or I will see that you are replaced!”

  “You do not have the authority to make such threats, Ma’am. I think Mr. Davidson would find this interesting don’t you?” The woman attempted to threaten.

  “I do and I will speak to him as soon as we are finished with our dinner. I have done nothing and Peter is wise enough to know that. I will say this once, I will not keep secrets from my husband nor will I dishonor him. You can count on that.”

  Adele felt her eyes stinging so she closed them briefly. When she opened them again she found Mrs. McCrery gone and Bradley staring at her with what might be admiration. He quickly blanked his expression and offered his arm to lead her to dinner.

  10

  Adele had been on the ranch for a week. It was now nearing mid-September and the nights were getting cool. She would need a fire in her rooms soon and the thought terrified her more than she wanted to admit. She hadn’t been able to be near a fire since the one that took her parents away. She had stayed away from the stoves in the hotel, preparing her pastries on a low work table and leaving the baking to the other ladies. She decided that she would find a way to make a ladder so she could safely escape her room from one of her windows. She would ask Dan for enough rope to make her a narrow rope ladder. Perhaps knowing she could escape would ease her worries.

  Dan was puzzled by her request, but she explained her reasons and he nodded with a grim smile of understanding. He told her to come to the barn the next morning after breakfast and he would help her fashion her ladder and show her how to cut the rope and tie it so it would not come lose.

  Adele was excited when she stepped into the barn the next morning only to blanch when she heard Bradley’s furious voice.

  “No! I won’t have you spending your morning tending to my father’s wife! I need you to head to town for more feed and supplies. This project can wait! I don’t pay you to babysit.”

  Adele couldn’t hear Dan’s reply, but she did see him stomp down the aisle a moment later.

  “I’m sorry Mrs. Davidson, your ladder will have to wait until I ge
t back. Mr. Davidson needs me to go to town for supplies. Is there anything I can get for you while I am there?”

  Adele thought of the embroidery floss, but only shook her head. She had gotten him in enough trouble. “No. I am so sorry, Dan. I didn’t think anyone would mind your helping me. I will just take everything to my room and do it on my own. I’m sure I can figure it out.”

  Dan looked unsure. “If you want, but I think you should just work on it here so you don’t have to haul it to the house and make a mess in your rooms.” He sighed. “I will insist that you let me check your knots before you try it out. I won’t have you hurting yourself if I can prevent it.”

  “Thank you Dan.”

  He nodded and turned to get the horses hitched to make his way into town.

  Adele ran from the barn before Bradley saw her. She watched from the porch until he rode out and then she made her way to the barn to start her project. She had worn and old navy skirt and a cotton shirt, not wanting to ruin any of her good clothes. She sat on an old wooden stool and tried to figure out how to make a ladder from rope that would get her safely to the ground in case of a fire.

  Adele slipped away from the house every day to work on her ladder. She had started and made progress the first day, but when she went back the following day it had been all taken apart and restarted in a different way. Adele assumed this was Dan’s way of helping her without being caught so she said nothing about the new technique. She struggled with the knots, but soon finished. It had taken her almost a week to complete and her hands showed evidence of the rough use, but she couldn’t tie the knots while wearing the heavy leather gloves Dan had left for her. She looked down at her raw hands and was glad that she would not have to work on the ladder anymore. She made her way out of the barn and into the house she was cold and in need of something to warm her.