“I know. It’s just, I never planned for it.”
Joel leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “A little shortsighted, huh?”
A shudder ran through her. “Yes. Let me put this in the safe and lock it.” She stepped away from him and rounded the desk with the drawer in her hands.
Joel followed her to the safe and watched her as she locked it. He’d need to learn the combination, but that could wait. The banking wasn’t the priority. Tilde and he getting married was.
Tilde turned around and studied him. “What would you think about living at my house with my mother? It might help her get to know you and not feel so abandoned.”
Joel wasn’t sure about how that would work. “I’m willing to give it a try. But I want us to spend the night at the inn. We may not do anything, but I don’t think we want your mother listening in the hall.”
“Oh my, no. Besides, she’s going to need some cool down time. We may need to spend several nights at the inn. I’ll pay for it.”
“No, I’m the groom. This honeymoon is on me.”
~~~~~
Tilde’s hands shook as she held on to Joel’s. They were in the parlor of the parsonage with Mrs. Fannie Pearl Edmondson standing beside her and Abby James next to Joel. They were reciting their vows before Pastor James.
Tilde was nervous for more than one reason. She was marrying a virtual stranger. Pastor James had given them advice on making a marriage of convenience a success which sounded like a lot of work. And the most nerve wrecking of all, she was now very late getting home from work. Her mother would be upset about that without even considering Tilde was bringing home a husband. Well, maybe her nerves about their spending the night together at the inn rivaled that of telling her mother.
Pastor James blessing a ring brought Tilde back into the service. In his hand lay a gold band. She bit her lip. She hadn’t thought she’d have a wedding ring. Some women didn’t. Joel seemed to be a very thoughtful man. Their discussions at the bank showed that, and now this. She smiled at him as he placed the ring on her finger. The surprise in his eyes that it fit matched hers.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Pastor James closed his Bible.
“No kiss?” Joel raised his eyebrow.
“If you want, you certainly may, but with these marriages of strangers it can be uncomfortable.”
Once again, Tilde felt the flush of her cheeks. How many times had she blushed today? She couldn’t remember, but it was definitely the most she’d ever done in one day. As she thought of the rest of what would happen today she knew there would be many more. Her blush heightened when Joel leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
“Best wishes, my dear.” Mrs. Edmondson drew Tilde into a hug. “If you ever need me, you know where I live.” Whispering in Tilde’s ear, she said, “He seems to be a very good man. I’ll be praying for you both. Especially in how your mother will handle it. I’ll come visit her tomorrow. She can rant and rave at me all she wants. It will help her get over her shock.”
“Thank you. I know we’ll appreciate it.”
“No problem, my dear.”
“Best wishes, Tilde.” Abby pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you. I know you wanted this before, but I think God had you wait so you would get this handsome man.” She turned to Joel and lifted a finger, shaking it at him. “You be good to her or you’ll answer to me, you hear?”
Pastor James pulled his wife back against his chest. “Abby, I know you feel protective, but let the threats wait until they are needed. I don’t think they will be.” He smiled at Tilde and Joel who stood just behind Tilde’s right shoulder.
“Don’t you worry, Mrs. James. I know how to treat a lady and my wife is definitely a lady.”
Mrs. Edmondson clapped her gloved hands together. “You two had better get on your way. You are way late getting home, Tilde. Your mother will be mad about that on top of you getting married.”
“Oh my, yes,” Tilde said. “I should have been home at least an hour ago. Supper should nearly be ready.” Giving each woman a final hug, and a heartfelt thank-you to Pastor James, Tilde grabbed Joel by the hand and pulled him out the front door.
~~~~~
The parsonage was just a block and a half from the Lasek House. Joel tried to take in the large ornate home. It rivaled any of the most magnificent homes built in Cottonwood recently.
Set in the center of an entire block the two and a half story house had clay colored siding trimmed in a dark gray. Yellow fish scale decoration banded between the floors of the bay gracing the side of the house. A round turret with large curved windows also had trim of fish scales. A porch wrapped from the bay around and across the front with steps on both sides. Bronze eagles with wings spread decorated each side of the stair borders. Bushes lined the porch.
Tilde pulled him along, across the lawn, and up the side steps onto the porch. Though there was a door just to their left, she rounded the turret heading for the front door. Joel tried to look in the windows as they passed but only caught glimpses of the rooms. Tilde stopped short, right in front of the double doors. There were stained glass panels in each one.
“Okay, I can do this. She can’t kill me, and we can always just leave.” Tilde looked at him and let out a big breath. “Right? We can just go to the hotel and have supper there if she pitches too much of a fit?”
“Yes, of course.” Joel didn’t know what to think. This woman sounded worse than Beulah Taylor ever was. What had he gotten himself into?
Tilde straightened her shoulders and took another deep breath. “Okay, I’m ready to beard the dragon.” She placed her hand on the door handle.
Joel waited for her to press the latch. And waited. “Tilde?”
“Yes?”
“Are we going in or not?”
“Um, yes?”
“Today?”
“Could we do it tomorrow?” She peeked at him through the veil of her hat.
Joel fought the grin pulling at his lips. She definitely was afraid of her mother. Stepping closer, he lifted the hand he held and kissed the back of her gloved fingers. “I’ll be right beside you. If it gets too bad, I’ll step in and announce we are leaving and will see her in a few days. I can be pretty formidable when I want to be. My father is the sheriff of Cottonwood so I know how to talk real fierce.” He took a stance he’d seen his pa use many times with a commanding expression. It got the response he wanted. She giggled.
“I’m ready now. I think.” Tilde pressed the latch and pushed the door open. “Welcome to Lasek House, my home.”
The entry was paneled entirely in carved wood, both walls and ceiling. There was a small nook just to the right with a leaded glass window and a hall tree. Next to it was a wide staircase that went up several steps to a landing then turned, proceeding up along the exterior wall, turned again causing a slanted ceiling in the entry. A marble topped table sat below the slant. Tilde was unpinning her hat. Her gloves now lay on the table.
“Tilde, is that you? Why are you so late? Dara nearly has supper ready. It was very ill-mannered of you not to let us know you would be late.” A woman, who must be Tilde’s mother approached from the back of the house.
“I’m sorry, Mother.” Tilde set her hat down and took hold of Joel’s hand. “Mother, I’d like you to meet Mr. Joel Richards, my husband.” The last two words were nearly whispered.
“What?” The shriek hurt Joel’s ears. “Tilde Adelaide Lasek, what do you mean your husband?” Mrs. Lasek began fanning herself with her hand.
“Let’s move to the parlor. We can sit and tell you everything.” Tilde looked at Joel, her eyes pleading.
He nodded, but not knowing where the parlor was he had to wait for one of the ladies to show him the way. It wasn’t a long wait. Mrs. Lasek turned on her heel, pushed a set of doors open, and marched into the room.
It was the room with the bay of three windows with stained glass headers and a door to the porch. The wood ceiling was simpler w
ith small beams running one direction and larger ones the other. Cream walls with wood wainscoting that held paintings were highlighted by a black marble fireplace. Several seating groups of furniture made cozy conversation spots, upholstered in cream and blue stripes. He and Tilde settled on the settee with Mrs. Lasek on a wing backed chair.
“So, what’s this about you being my daughter’s husband and why didn’t I know about this?” Mrs. Lasek first stabbed Joel with a fierce look, then Tilde.
“Mother, you know I wanted to advertise for a husband back in May when the other ladies were writing. You didn’t want me to, so I honored your desire. It’s been very difficult for me to run the bank. I don’t know everything needed to be in compliance with the laws. There are procedures I don’t have a clue about.
“When the attempted robbery happened, I decided that there was no way I could continue being there by myself and successfully run the bank. If the bank was to continue, I needed help. That’s when I wrote my advertisement and sent it off.”
“So you advertised for a banker?” Mrs. Lasek was aghast.
“No, Mother, I’m not that foolish. I advertised for a bookkeeper. I never mentioned the bank, just that it was a successful business. I had several responses that I considered. Joel worked at a bank where he’s from so he knows much more than I do about the workings. Not only that, but his priorities fit my needs for a husband.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were contemplating this?” Joel didn’t like the imperious tone Mrs. Lasek was using.
“Would you have approved of my plan this time, Mother?”
“Of course not.”
“That’s why I didn’t. It’s also why Joel and I were married today at the parsonage. I never thought I’d be married without any of my family with me, but your disapproval made it necessary.” Tilde swiped at her face letting Joel know tears were slipping down her face.
“Mrs. Lasek, I know this is a shock,” Joel began.
“A shock is putting it mildly, Mr. Richards. I’m flabbergasted, distressed, upset, disappointed to name only a few of the feelings and thoughts running through my mind at the moment. That my daughter would marry a stranger rather than discuss her difficulties with me. I simply don’t know what to say.”
“Mother, I did discuss it with you in May. You disapproved of the idea and didn’t want to hear another thing about it. You also told me that in no way would you help me by working in the bank. I made the choice to do what needed to be done, with or without your support.
“Now, you have a choice to make. You can hold onto your disapproval or you can embrace my new life and my husband.” Tilde rose so Joel stood too. “We are going upstairs to pack a bag for me. We will be staying in the inn tonight and maybe a few more days.”
She led the way out of the room leaving Mrs. Lasek sitting alone in the parlor.
~~~~~
Tilde stood looking out her bedroom window, her hands covering the sides of her face. Silverpines lay before her. The house was up the slope that started near the river and rose to the mountains. There was evidence of repairs to some homes and businesses. Others had been abandoned. That was a headache she’d worry about another day.
Hands slipped up her arms to rest on her shoulders.
“Are you all right?”
“I knew it would be hard and that she wouldn’t approve, but her vitriol was difficult to take.”
Joel turned her to face him. She wiped the tears from her cheeks. Without any protest from her, he pulled Tilde against him and hugged her. His tender care burst the dam holding back her sobs. As she cried, Joel rubbed her back and murmured softly in her ear.
When she was all cried out, Joel released her but held her hand. He led her to the settee in the turret. The windows were open and a breeze cooled the room.
“I lost my father and brother in the earthquake and now I’m losing my mother.” She pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve. Why she hadn’t before Tilde had no idea. It was one of those ladylike things her mother was always coaching her about.
“She’s upset for several reasons right now. I’m sure she’ll accept this sooner or later. We will just have to be patient. This is a shock to her. Remember, she lost her husband and son.”
“Yes, I know.” Tilde blew her nose. “I just wish she was more supportive. I know she loves me and I love her. That’s why it’s so hard.”
A knock sounded on the door which immediately opened. Dara Conway, the housekeeper, cook, and former nanny for Tilde and her brother came swiftly into the room.
“Auch, I be hearin’ that ya done gone and gotten yourself married t’day. Your mother’s that upset, she is. I’m a thinkin’ it be a good thing for ya, I am.” She rushed over to the settee and pulled Tilde up into a tight hug. “I know herself is upset but that’ll pass. You just start your new life and be happy.”
As Tilde was held tightly in Dara’s arms, she said, “Thank you. I truly appreciate your support. You know Mother. She is a force to be reckoned with.”
“That she is. That she is.” Dara released Tilde and turned to look at Joel. “So t’is himself, is it? You certainly picked a handsome one.” She squinted one eye at him. “I’m Dara Conway. I helped raise the lass you wed today. You’ll be takin’ good care of her or you’ll be answerin’ to me.”
Joel stood. “Joel Richards, ma’am, at your service. I most certainly will do my best to be a good husband to Tilde.” He winked at Dara. “And if I have any difficulties I’ll be coming to you for advice.”
“Hey, now.” Tilde fisted her hands on her hips and grinned. “It’s not fair for you to gang up on me with Dara. Who will I go to if I have difficulties with you?”
“Auch, Sweeting, you can always be a countin’ on me when you’re in need.” Dara kissed Tilde’s cheek. “Now, we’d best be packin’ what you want to be takin’ with you. Whether you want my advice or not, I’m goin’ to be givin’ it to you.
“Just pack enough for tonight and tomorrow. Then you both can come after work to get what you need for the next day. That’ll give you and herself the chance to speak and I’ll make sure she asks you to stay for supper. We can do that for a few days and I’ll be tryin’ my best to get her to ask you to start your living together here at the House.
“I be a thinkin’ that herself is fearful of losin’ her only child. That be why she t’were so against you writin’ that advertisement. She’s fearful of bein’ alone.”
Tilde looked at Joel. He lifted an eyebrow. She remembered his similar words before Dara arrived. “What do you think, Joel?”
“I think it’s mighty fine advice and suggest we take it. I know you don’t want to be estranged from your mother and I don’t want that either. We can use these next few days to ease her into accepting our marriage.”
Tilde kissed Dara on the cheek. “Will you help me decide what to take and help me pack?”
“Of course, Sweeting.” Dara shot Joel a cocky smile. “You just be a sittin’ there lookin’ out at the town. We’ll be gatherin’ the things for your wedding night.”
Heat rose up Tilde’s neck and spread across her face. She knew she was blushing for about the millionth time today. And it wasn’t over yet.
CHAPTER FIVE
Following Tilde up the staircase in the inn, Joel watched the gentle sway of her hips. Her skirts hugged her shape and he swallowed down the desires that filled him. She was definitely all woman. He’d never thought his wedding night would continue his celibacy. Not only did he know she was nervous, but they’d only just met. He was now married to a stranger. Tonight was going to lead to blushes by both of them, most likely.
When they left Lasek house, Tilde’s mother looked at them from the window of the parlor. She looked so forlorn Joel nearly told Tilde to go back inside. She must have had an inkling as to his thoughts, or maybe even fought within herself to do the same, as she grabbed his hand, hurrying them down the steps.
They had eaten supper at the inn dining room. When Mrs. Kar
son, whom Tilde called Ella Grace, found out they had been married that day she brought out two large pieces of angel food cake covered in blueberry compote and whipped cream.
“Everyone should have cake on their wedding day,” Ella Grace had said. Then she leaned close to Tilde’s ear and whispered, “How’s your mother taking this?” Joel could hear since her whisper wasn’t very soft.
“Not very well. Please pray she comes to accept this.” Tilde accepted the squeeze of her friend’s hand.
“I most certainly will.”
Tilde stopped at the top of the stairs. “Um, ah, which room is ours?”
“Here.” Joel unlocked the door. Should he pick her up and carry her across the threshold? He decided that was more intimate than he wanted, knowing it would make her even more nervous. Pushing the door wide, Joel bowed slightly, sweeping his arm indicating she should proceed him in. The bellboy had brought her bag up and it set in the middle of the floor.
“Um, ah, where’s the bed?”
Joel watched the color stain Tilde’s face. He wished he’d started counting how many times she’d blushed that day. He decided to start now since he was sure this wouldn’t be the last one.
“This is a two-room suite. I think it’s called the Governor’s Suite. I thought we might like the extra space and, um, privacy.”
Tilde looked at him quizzically. “Privacy?”
“To change. We can each have a room to change in.” Joel felt his own cheeks heat. Now he was blushing. Being alone with a woman he’d met only hours ago seemed to be affecting him also. It struck him as funny. He grinned, then chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’ve been blushing all day. I don’t know how many times. Now I’m doing it too. I’ve never been alone in a hotel room with a woman before. Let alone one I only met today.” He grabbed her bag and smiled at her.
Tilde smiled back. Then she laughed. “I know what you mean. I think it’s something that has happened in town a lot in the past few months. There have been a lot of couples marrying without knowing each other much, if at all. That could lead to lots of blushing, at least for a while.”
Wanted: Bookkeeper (Silverpines Series Book 14) Page 3