Angeline (Bride Brigade Book 2)

by Caroline Clemmons

  Grady lifted his son and held him with one arm. The other, he placed around her. She leaned over to kiss Matthew.

  The judge announced, “May I present Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre. And Matthew.”

  Chuckles again resounded in the congregation. Grady led her from the church to his buggy. Behind them, she heard Lydia invite everyone to her home for a reception.

  “We’ll have to hurry to arrive before the others.” Grady set his son on the seat then lifted her up. He hurried around to the other side and hopped onto the seat.

  She held on to Matthew so he wouldn’t fall and Grady flicked the reins to set the buggy skimming along the road.

  “I still can’t believe we had this lovely wedding and we’re being given a reception. I’m overjoyed, Grady. I can’t ever remember being this happy.”

  He grinned. “I’m in high spirits myself. We’re going to share a wonderful life here.” He parked in front of Lydia’s, set the brake, and hopped to the ground. Once he’d lifted her down, he carried Matthew and they made their way to the house.

  Mrs. Greenberg opened the door. “I’m sorry I had to miss your ceremony, dear, but someone had to be here to see to last minute details. Moira missed the other wedding so this was my turn to hold things together.”

  Angeline asked, “Are we to go upstairs to the ballroom or wait here?”

  The kindly maid pointed upward. “You folks go right on up and stand where the Buchanans did. You’ll see everything’s ready but the crowd and they’ll be here soon enough.”

  They hurried because they heard the chatter of voices approaching. When they were inside the ballroom, they took their places near the doorway ready to greet everyone who entered.

  Matthew stared at the table laden with a large cake, several small ones, and plates of cookies. A large punchbowl sat at one end.

  Her son pointed and tried to get down from his father’s arms. “Let’s go eat.”

  Angeline raced to the table and grabbed a couple of cookies. She returned to stand by Grady as the first people came to greet them. Silently handing her new son a cookie, she was left wondering what to do with the extra one. Quickly, she slid the other into Grady’s pocket in case Matthew needed a refill before they were free of the line.

  She was shocked to see people place gifts on a table near the refreshments. Of course she knew they were because her husband was the minister, but she was thrilled.

  Ophelia and Cassandra tried to coax Matthew away from Grady and her.

  The little the boy scrunched up his face to cry. “Want Angel and Daddy.”

  She smiled at her friends. “Thank you, but we’ll keep him with us.”

  Between greeting people, Angeline leaned toward Grady. “Most people have come for the reception.”

  He whispered, “Even the Jackson and McGinnis couples are here. They’re even more cheerful than normal.”

  “Maybe they’re softening toward you.”

  He shook his head. “Not likely but that’s a nice thought.”

  Mrs. Ramirez reached for Matthew. “Perhaps this fine boy will let me entertain him for a while. Doreen will be so upset she’s missed your wedding.” She led Matthew over to a chair and helped him sit beside her. The child watched Grady and her but he seemed content to sit beside the woman who had helped care for him for a large part of his life.

  Grady led her to the refreshment table. “I had to wake him from his nap. Keep your fingers crossed.”

  Lydia greeted them. “We saved the main cake for you to cut. After another thirty minutes, give Lola Ramirez a signal and she’ll meet you at the stairs with Matthew. Forgive me when you see your buggy, but Adam and Riley just couldn’t resist decorating it.”

  Grady chuckled. “I’d have felt slighted if they had.”

  They cut the cake and then served themselves and accepted punch from Lorraine, who served the drink to those who wanted some. Prudence attended a large coffee urn. Other girls appeared to be occupied making trips back and forth to the kitchen for refills of both beverages and to carry used plates and cups.

  Angeline accepted refreshment from Lorraine. “I wonder how many of those punch cups Lydia has?”

  Lorraine raised her eyebrows. “I asked before the ball. She has three hundred. We used them all, People kept setting theirs down and then getting a fresh one. I remember you were helping wash them like mad.”

  Lydia approached Angeline and Grady. “Because some people don’t approve of dancing on Sunday, we won’t have dancing.” She looked toward Harlie Jackson. “I didn’t want to create a problem for you.”

  Grady’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “To my mind, we shouldn’t do anything on any other day we’d be ashamed to do on Sunday, but I appreciate your tact. This is the Lord’s day.”

  Finally, they’d stayed long enough to please everyone. They waved goodbye and went downstairs. Many people followed, laughing and calling to them. Outside, the buggy was bedecked with bows and a sign on back that said “Just married”. Another proclaimed “Leg Shackled” and a third said “Grady’s new ball and chain”

  As they drove away, Grady said, “At least they don’t give shivarees. Well, they haven’t since I’ve lived here. I certainly hope they don’t start with us”

  “I don’t know what that is.”

  He shrugged and looked ahead. “For instance, if they were going to give us one, men would parade around the house all night banging on pans to make noise and keep us awake, hoping to interfere with our wedding night. In some places, they even kidnap the bride and toss the groom in jail. Or toss them both in the horse tank. Or they might have snuck into the house to do things like tie cowbells to the bed springs, stupid things like that.”

  Angeline clasped Matthew to her. “I can’t believe something like what would be allowed in this day and time. That sounds uncivilized and horrible,”

  Grady shrugged. “To some, it’s fun. I suspect never to the bride and groom. Not the sort of thing I consider humorous.”

  She shivered at the thought. “I’d think to a less forgiving person, a gun might be involved to halt that type of so-called fun. Oh, I guess I shouldn’t think like that since I’m now a minister’s wife.”

  He sent her a serious look. “Ministers are just people, Angeline. We have the same needs and desires others do.”

  “I wasn’t deifying you, Grady. But you do set an example for the community. In spite of my condition, I want to do the same.”

  “You already do, my dear.” He set the brake and climbed down. “Fabian promised to take the horse and buggy back to the livery for us.”

  “Everyone has been so kind today.” She handed him their sleepy boy. “He’s had a busy day. By the way, there’s a cookie still in your pocket.”

  He laughed. “Now I remember. When you didn’t know what to do with the second cookie, you stashed the thing in my jacket.”

  Inside the house, she lit a lamp against falling dusk. This cozy house was her home. Her heart swelled with gratitude. Her baby would be welcomed to a safe place with a loving father.

  “Let me make Matthew and you supper. I hope cookies didn’t spoil his appetite.” She pulled an apron over her head and tied the strings behind her.

  “No, surely there’s something we can snack on so there’s no need to cook.” He opened the ice box.

  With a triumphant smile, he removed the wax paper from a plate of last night’s fried chicken. “Here’s the perfect thing.”

  He’d had to visit someone out in the county on Saturday, so she’d cooked his favorite dinner again. “You’ve had fried chicken twice this week. I don’t think we need it again.”

  His grin reminded her of his son’s mischievous face. “Too late.” He set the plate on the table and helped Matthew into his high chair.

  The little boy’s face brightened and he reached for the dish, which Grady had cleverly placed out of the child’s reach. “Chicken goes cluck cluck. Let’s eat.”

  “All right. You men win.” She fel
t inside of the ice box to judge the temperature. Jo Jo had delivered ice only yesterday, so the food was nice and cool.

  She picked up the milk container. “I’ll pour us milk and we can fill in with last night’s potato salad and deviled eggs. We’ll have an indoor picnic.”

  Angeline set the table but her mind was consumed by worry. Would Grady remember his promise to let her have a private bedroom? Only minutes ago, he’d mentioned that he was a man. She saw the passion in his eyes and knew he wanted to consummate their marriage.

  Memories of the painful and humiliating experience which ended her in this predicament haunted her. The animalistic behavior of the man who’d promised to love her forever. Pain of his assault. Horace’s disregard for her discomfort and embarrassment. She forced herself not to shudder at her recollection.

  Knowing Grady would never act in such a hurtful way didn’t reassure her as much as she’d hoped. He was a man worthy of her trust. She had to stop these disturbing thoughts before they showed in her face and movement. Otherwise, she was likely to hurt her kind husband’s feelings.

  She forced a smile for her groom. “You’re very thoughtful to settle for a cold meal of leftovers.”

  “You know I love your cooking, but a bride shouldn’t have to prepare her wedding supper. I’m surprised Mrs. Murphy didn’t bring us something.”

  “She and Lydia wanted to, but I selfishly declined so there would be just our family, with no intrusion of any kind after the reception. I hope that’s all right. I should have asked you.”

  His gaze captured hers. “Angeline, hearing you say ‘our family’ in that way pleases me more than you could know. I’m grateful you think of us that way, for so do I.”

  Together, they tidied the kitchen and put Matthew to bed. Her nervousness increased.

  At what would be her door, Grady placed his hands at her waist. “I haven’t forgotten you asked for your own room, my dear. I’ll sleep on the bed near Matthew. Promise me that when you’re ready to accept me as your husband in every way, you’ll tell me.”

  “But I’m…surely we couldn’t…have relations now. Doing so would cause me to lose the baby.”

  His kindly hazel eyes appeared to memorize her features. “You’re wrong on that score, my dear.” He caressed her face. “Don’t look alarmed. I’m not going back on my word.”

  Her heartbeat accelerated. She was grateful for this man as her husband. “I never thought you would. I’ll think about us, Grady. I don’t want you to be sorry we’re wed.”

  “I’m glad you’re my wife, Angeline, and I hope soon to hold you in my arms while we sleep. In the meantime, I believe a husband is allowed to kiss his wife goodnight.”

  She titled her face to meet his mouth. The sweet sensation his lips created spiraled through her and settled in her core. His kiss deepened and he pulled her close. As she settled against him, a startling movement in her stomach made her gasp.

  She pulled away and clutched her abdomen. “What was that? I thought my stomach moved. Did you feel anything?”

  He tilted her chin to meet his gaze. “That was the baby kicking. Is this the first time you’ve felt him or her moving?”

  “Ohhh, you mean she’s moving inside me? I never knew I’d feel her. This is a miracle. And on our wedding day.”

  “From now on until birth, you’ll feel the movements grow stronger.”

  “Grady, I’m so ignorant of what to expect. Girls aren’t told what will happen as their bodies change. I’m lucky you know what’s supposed to happen and when.”

  “Have you been to see Riley? That’s Dr. Gaston.”

  “No. I-I didn’t want anyone to know about the baby until someone proposed. Except for a month of morning nausea, I’ve felt fine.” Only if she didn’t count the endless panic and worry.

  “Tomorrow, see Riley to be certain everything is as it should be. He’ll be able to explain things to you if you have questions.”

  “If you insist, but I’d really prefer to wait.”

  “Angeline, if I guessed, others must have, especially a doctor.”

  Her shoulders slumped. Why had she been so naïve as to think she could hide her condition? “You’re right. I’ll go tomorrow.”

  He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her hair. “Don’t worry, my dear. We’re together and that’s the most important thing.”

  “Thank you, Grady, for all you’ve done for me. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, my dear.”

  In her room, she held her hand up to gaze at her wedding band again. A sign of infinite love and devotion as she hoped their marriage would become. And Grady had chosen one with a beautiful decorative vine circling. The design sparkled like tiny diamonds. Once again she gave thanks for her wonderful husband and son.

  Chapter Ten

  Angeline loved her new life. Frequently, Grady took her and Matthew with him on morning calls to visit the elderly. Today, Matthew was not his usual cheerful self, but no one appeared to mind. They were on a call to Mrs. Eppes when the room darkened.

  Their hostess asked, “Did a cloud come up? ’Pears to me things got darker.”

  Grady looked out the window. “Looks as if we’re in for a rainstorm. If you’ll excuse us, Mrs. Eppes, I think I’d better get my wife and son home.”

  “There was nothing in the almanac about this. Hurry on, but come again soon.” She struggled to stand.

  Angeline leaned down and hugged her. “Don’t get up, Mrs. Eppes. We’ll see ourselves out. I’ve put things away in the kitchen, but if you wish I’ll make you a bite to eat while we’re here.”

  “No, you get that fine boy home. Mrs. Querado comes at noon.”

  Grady carried Matthew and they hurried the four blocks toward the parsonage. By the time they were a few houses away from Mrs. Eppes’, the wind swirled dust devils down the street. Sand stung her skin and she tried to shield Matthew with her parasol. At the corner, fat raindrops splattered them.

  Grady put Matthew on the ground while he took off his jacket and wrapped it around the little boy then scooped him into his arms again. He placed a hand at her elbow. “Walk as fast as you can without falling, my dear. We can’t have you catching cold.”

  “Oh, I hope the downpour doesn’t ruin our flowers.”

  Thunder rumbled and the heavens opened. Her flimsy parasol was useless against the wind and rain blowing horizontally at them. She struggled against the gusts until they turned onto the drive to the church. They were drenched by the time they reached the parsonage.

  Inside, she removed her sodden hat and pushed her hair from her face. “Guess we should have waited at Mrs. Eppes’.” She picked up a towel and handed it to Grady and set to work drying a sobbing Matthew with another.

  “It may rain all day. Poor, Matthew, the jacket didn’t help much, did it?”

  “At least some.” She knelt in front of the boy. “There, now, Matthew. No need to cry, good boy. Give Angeline a smile. Daddy got us home just fine. Now we’ll be dry and warm.”

  Grady carried his son toward the bedroom. “I’ll get us both into dry clothes and you do the same for yourself.”

  She changed clothes quickly and hurried into the kitchen to get a mid-day meal on the table. When her men rejoined her, Matthew no longer cried but he rubbed his eyes.

  She buttered a piece of bread and handed it to the boy. “How about a snack?”

  Matthew pulled at the bread but ate only a few bites.

  She poured three glasses of milk and set them on the table.

  Grady helped his sleepy son with a drink then checked his pocket watch. “He’s not usually so sleepy yet.”

  “You’d think that rain would have woke him more. He might be still cold from the downpour. I’ll heat the stew from yesterday so he can get something warm into his tummy.”

  They quickly consumed their hearty soup with her feeding Matthew between her own spoons full.

  She cajoled her son into a smile. “There’s my happy boy.”

 
After standing, she refilled Grady’s bowl. “You eat while I put our boy down for his nap.” She lifted Matthew and carried him. After making sure he’d used his potty, she put him into his crib. Though it was summer, she covered him with a light blanket to ward off a chill from the change in weather.

  “He dropped right off to sleep.” She rejoined him at the table and found a full bowl at her place.

  Grady smiled at her. “I served you more of the stew. Then I think you should have a nap too. I might even have one. I don’t think we’ll have callers in this weather.”

  “I hope not, for that would indicate an emergency.”

  Later that afternoon, Angeline noticed that Matthew’s nose was runny and touched his forehead. “Grady, he feels feverish. I think he caught cold in the rain, although maybe he was already feeling bad. Remember how sleepy he was?”

  “You have a point. If he was coming down with something, getting wet would make it worse.” Grady knelt beside Matthew’s high chair. “Do you feel bad, son? Does something hurt?”

  “Drink, Daddy.”

  “Of course. Let me get you some cool water.” He rose and pumped a pitcher of water then poured some into a small glass for his son. “I’ve heard giving milk to feverish patients is a bad idea.”

  Matthew drank all of the water. “Hurts here.” He held his throat.

  “Poor baby. Should you go get the doctor?”

  “There’s nothing Riley can do for a cold. Chicken soup is good for fever and cold. My mom used to make it for us with a little garlic, a few slices of carrots, spices, and a tiny bit of onion.”

  She reached for his slicker which hung on a peg by the kitchen door. “I’ll go to Mr. Horowitz’s and get a couple of fryers—one for soup and one to fry for you.”

  He caught her hand to stop her. “You will not, my dear. All we need is for you to hurry and slip on the wet ground. I’ll go since I believe he needs the soup.”

  “I’m going to learn to can so I can keep things like that on hand.” The thought gave her an idea. “Wait, let me check the larder and see if one of the congregation might have brought you some in the past.” She opened the pantry and checked jars the ladies of the town had brought.