“I wasn’t worried.” She smiled up at him, a teasing expression on her face. He’d apologized about not telling her. The tightness that surrounded her heart eased a little. “I wasn’t worried. I knew you’d come home sometime. You wouldn’t want to miss supper.”
“Egads madame, you speak sacrilege. Miss a meal, never.” He placed a hand on his chest as if insulted, that eyebrow high on his forehead.
Tilde batted him playfully. “You get washed and let me finish dressing. I changed into an old dress for working with the pine boughs. We made so many decorations and they are beautiful. Mrs. Edmondson stayed the afternoon and helped.” She went on chattering as she dressed, allowing Joel to work the buttons up the back. She’d decided she wasn’t going to hold back herself anymore. If she wanted him to share with her she needed to do the same with him.
Tilde turned to face him as soon as he finished with the buttons. They stared into each other’s eyes. Joel drew her close. “Let’s come up after supper. There’s something I want to speak with you about.”
“Okay. I’d like that.” She received a quick kiss on her nose then a soft swat on her bottom.
“Head yourself downstairs. You don’t want to be late for supper.”
~~~~~
They excused themselves and went to their room shortly after supper. Mabel gave them a smile and waved them away. After changing into their night clothes, Tilde and Joel sat on the settee in the curve of the turret.
“Joel.”
“Tilde.”
They said the names simultaneously and chuckled.
“Ladies first,” Joel said.
Tilde’s stomach was suddenly in her throat. Now that the time was here to confess her shortcomings in dealing with her frustration. Her father had once told her never to point out the other person’s faults or actions when in a disagreement. This was sort of a disagreement so she was going to keep this all about her actions and reactions. At least she hoped she could.
“Joel, I’ve been very unfair to you,” she began.
“What? No.”
She held up her hand to stop him. “Ladies first. I have been unfair. I’ve let something bother me and started acting in a way that shut you out. I’m sorry. I won’t do so any more. At least I’ll try.
“I hate how I’ve pulled away rather than open up with my frustration. I’ve kept silent instead of talking to you about it.”
“What has frustrated you, Tilde?” Joel had her hands in his. The earnest concern on his face eased her fears of anger from him.
“I’ve felt pushed out of the bank’s decisions. Felt left out of all the plans for dealing with the mortgages, the improvements, the ideas you have for the town. Like I’m just a woman working for you, not with you.
“I ran the bank alone for over five months. I did what I could to help people keep their homes and businesses and keep the bank going. Now, I feel set aside, like what I did doesn’t count to keep me involved other than as a teller and secretary. It’s not that your ideas and methods weren’t good and right. I just wanted to be involved in your making those decisions. I don’t want to find out about them from someone who comes into the bank and tells me.
“That led me to closing you out. Not sharing or relating to you. Not, I don’t know, just being unhappy and a little resentful. Maybe a lot resentful.
“Anyway, I’m sorry. You’ve been doing a wonderful job in the bank and the community. I’m proud to call you my husband. I won’t shut you out anymore.”
~~~~~
“Oh, Tilde, you don’t need to apologize to me. I need to do so to you. I haven’t been the husband you need and want. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize until today that I’ve neglected you. Not here at home but in the bank.
“You’re right, I should have included you in my thinking. In working out the different changes I made in the bank. You did a wonderful job those months in keeping the bank open. I know it was a struggle for you. That’s why I’m here after all.
“I never meant to shut you out, to make you feel insignificant. I value your input and ideas. Not that you could tell since I was clueless as to how you were feeling.
“I won’t make excuses for it. I was neglectful, and you have every right to feel frustrated and resentful. I’ve been enjoying the challenge of the bank and helping the town. I may have held the planning and actions close to my vest because I am enjoying that challenge. It’s the first time I’ve had this amount of respect and responsibility. It’s a heady experience. Pride is dangerous. It causes division and I certainly don’t want that to be the case in our marriage.”
Joel touched her face. Her beautiful wide green eyes mesmerizing him. “Tilde, I will keep you included in my thinking and planning. I’ll listen to your ideas and objections. I won’t take your contributions for granted. I don’t want division and resentment between us. You mean too much to me to do that.”
Joel leaned down and kissed her gently. “Tilde, you do mean everything to me. I never thought I could marry a stranger and end up feeling the way I do. I love you, Tilde. More than I can say.”
His lips met hers. He wanted her to feel the love he had for her. Even if she never returned it to him, he would do all he could to show her his love. Disappointment flooded when she pulled back.
“Joel.” Tilde laid her hand on the one that cupped her cheek. “You spoke just what I feel. I never thought I would have the love I have for you when you stepped off that train. I love you, too, so very much.”
Disappointment fled, being replaced with joy. His hand left her cheek, circling around to hold the back of her head. She allowed him to pull her against him as his lips captured hers. The love he’d tried to express to her before came back to him tenfold.
When they broke the kiss, they sat with their foreheads together simply staring into each other’s eyes.
Joel stood and held out his hand. “Come. Let’s celebrate what we’ve found.”
Tilde stood, allowing him to lead them to their bed.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Tilde wasn’t sure why, but she kept the news of her condition to herself. She’d stick to her plan of revealing it on Christmas. She had a feeling that Dara knew or suspected. The housekeeper knew how to keep her counsel so Tilde wasn’t afraid she would let the cat out of the bag.
With one more glance in the mirror, Tilde took in her new gown for the Christmas party starting shortly. Her dress was scarlet velvet and white lace. The wide flared skirt was edged at the hem by ten inches of lace. The bodice was lace over a white satin lining on a yoke of lace covered velvet. It was finished with a high collar, flaring to frame her face. In her hair were white ostrich plumes in a velvet bow.
Joel came to the base of the stairs as she descended, his gaze met hers. She looked stunning. Tilde took his hand as she reached the bottom step.
“You look lovely, my dear. Red becomes you.” As he leaned down to kiss her, they were interrupted.
“Come, none of that now. We must be acting with decorum. Our guests will be arriving soon.” Her mother’s stricture came from the parlor doorway.
Joel winked at Tilde. “Is Jackson here yet?” Jackson Hershall was a young teenage orphan who did odd jobs around town. He was going to act as a butler, opening the door for guests.
“He’s in the kitchen finishing his meal. I had him wrap a dish towel around his neck to protect that new white shirt I got for him.” Mabel stood tall and elegant in her gown of deep blue velvet with wool appliqué covering the skirt and sides of the bodice. Sequins sparkled down the front from the high neck to the waist.
Tilde smiled as Joel took her mother’s hand and softly kissed its back. “You, Mother, look marvelous. Like mother, like daughter.” Pretty color came to her cheeks. Tilde realized that most likely no one had complimented her since her father died.
Extending an arm to each of the ladies, Joel said, “Let us set up our receiving line.” They went into the parlor arranging themselves near the door. Tilde would be greeting the g
uests first, Joel next to her, then Mabel. All the doors between the parlor, sitting room, and dining room were open allowing easy passage and conversation for those attending the open house. It would be from one o’clock until five. Anyone in town or the surrounding ranches could come. The dining table was laden with small sandwiches, deviled eggs, all sorts of hors d'oeuvres, cakes, cookies, candies, tarts, along with punch and eggnog. Dara was ready to refill all the trays and bowls as soon as they were depleted.
Just as the first ring of the doorbell sounded, Jackson came running to take his place at the front door. Soon the house was filled with neighbors, friends, and new residents of Silverpines. As people came through the receiving line there were some tears as the absence of loved ones was remembered.
The Misses Ethel and Edith Howard and the orphan girls whom they were raising came with wide eyes at the elegant home and the table laden with treats.
“This is a good thing you are doing for the town, Mabel,” Miss Edith said, pressing a handkerchief to her cheeks to catch a few stray tears. “So very generous to invite everyone.”
“Thank you.” Mabel hugged both the spinsters and sent them and the children on to the dining room.
The three Bunyan brothers came in their best flannel shirts and canvas pants. They were working at the reopened mill and logging. Big and burly, they looked in awe at the house as they were greeted.
“We ain’t never been in a house this grand afore,” Paul said looking around.
“I have.” Peter knocked a hand into Paul’s arm. “‘Member that toff I was sent to with a message early on once we left Ma? His house was grander than this one. I told y’all about it.”
“Oh, yeah.” Paul shook Mabel’s hand roughly. “Mighty fine house ya got here, ma’am. Thanks for invitin’ us.”
Peter echoed his brother’s sentiments. James followed along not saying anything, simply gazing around, his mouth dropped a little open.
Joel checked on Mabel to be sure she was all right. She smiled up at him. “They are a colorful set of men, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are.”
“Properly appreciative though.”
Tilde grinned at her mother’s comment. Always so genteel, her mother. It was so good to see her mother enjoying herself. Each person who came through was greeted warmly. Several times Mabel had drawn back from the receiving line giving whoever she was speaking to a hug and a few softly spoken words. Tears as well as smiles were shared. Tilde had Jackson run and ask Dara for a stack of handkerchiefs and received a smile of gratitude from her mother.
Max and Laura Winters came from their horse ranch. They didn’t stay long as they wanted to get back before night fell.
The people of the town kept coming, expressing their joy at having a social event in town. There hadn’t been many in recent months. The crowd thinned as five o’clock approached. Mabel was looking tired, and Tilde hoped she could have a few moments to sit before the supper guests arrived.
As soon as the door shut as the last family left, Dara and Jackson began removing empty trays and plates. The punch bowls were carried to the kitchen by Joel. Tilde tied an apron around her waist and began washing dishes.
“You go sit for a bit, Mother. We’ll take care of this,” Tilde instructed.
“I’m fine. If we all do the work it will get done faster. Then we can sit.”
Transforming the dining room from a buffet to a sit-down dinner was Joel and Jackson’s job. They, under strict orders not to damage the lace, removed the tablecloth and the one under the lace. Then they covered the table with clean ones.
“Why are there two tablecloths? Isn’t one enough?” whispered Jackson.
“I think it’s because there are holes in the lace one,” Joel whispered back.
“Oh.”
With the help of Mabel, the teenager and Joel arranged the centerpiece and candlesticks and set the table. Jackson scrunched his nose at all the forks and spoons set beside each plate. There was even a spoon and fork crosswise above the plate along with two stemmed glasses.
White linen napkins, folded in the shape of a swan were in a basket. Jackson, warned not to mess them up, was tasked with placing one on each plate. Well, on the plate on top of another plate.
“That’s a lot of dishes to wash, ain’t it?” He studied the table taking in every plate, piece of silverware, glass, and salt cellar with a jaundiced eye. “It’s gonna take me a year to get them all done.”
Joel ruffled his hair with a sympathetic smile. It would be late when he and Dara finished cleaning up from the supper.
With the open house dishes all washed, dried, and put away, Dara shooed all but Jackson from the kitchen. She had a supper to prepare for eighteen people and didn’t need anyone getting in her way.
Tilde, Joel, and Mabel left the housekeeper/cook to her domain and took the opportunity to rest a bit before the guests arrived.
~~~~~
Joel looked down the table from the head, seeing his wife at the foot. Seven young couples as well as Mrs. Edmondson, who sat beside Mabel, lined both sides. He stood.
“I know we welcomed you all as you arrived, but I’d like to offer another welcome to our home. It’s a pleasure having you celebrate the holiday season with us. Thank you for coming and please enjoy yourselves and our repast. Pastor James, would you please say grace?” Joel sat as the pastor stood and offered thanks for the hospitality, the food, and fellowship.
Dara had outdone herself. Prime rib, baked trout, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, peas, creamed succotash were passed and filled plates. Mother Lee’s rolls along with sweet butter and several flavors of jams were placed on the bread plates with appreciative comments.
Conversation was lively and joyous. Joel took the opportunity to compliment Millie and Clay Cutler about their children. All nine had come to the open house, from thirteen-year-old Ryder down to two-year-old Abe.
“The little girls looked so pretty in their matching dresses, and Fern will be a lovely young lady soon. She managed the children so well, even the older boys. When they were told they could each have a peppermint candy cane from the Christmas tree, she called them back saying they’d all get one just as they were leaving so they didn’t get sticky handprints all over the place.”
“Yes,” said Mabel. “She was darling helping each child get a plate of food. They sat around the table in the sitting room and ate so nicely. So very polite too. They thanked us prettily as they were leaving. You are doing a wonderful job raising such proper, well-behaved children.”
Joel saw Clay turn his head away from Mabel and roll his eyes. Joel smiled. He’d heard Clay talk about some of the antics the boys got into.
Though the desserts were the same as those served earlier in the day, they were arranged together on trays Jackson and Dara held, allowing each guest to make their choices.
Tilde stood when all were finished, indicating the ladies would retire to the parlor, as was customary, leaving the men in the dining room. Joel stood as well. “We men will join you now rather than take our coffee in here. We will be lighting the candles on the Christmas tree.”
Soon everyone was settled in the parlor. The tree stood in front of the windows decorated with blown glass balls, stars, ribbons, and bows. Candles were clipped to many branches. Joel and several other men took long matches, lighting all the candles. Dara and Jackson stood in the doorway to see the sight.
Joel stepped in front of the tree. “I have several things to say. When I came to Silverpines I hoped to find happiness within the marriage to a stranger. I hoped to help the town recover from the events of last April. I think I’ve accomplished both. Well, both are ongoing and I’m hoping the future continues in the same way.
“As many of you know, the town council voted to begin rebuilding and expanding the town. With the coming of the new century, Silverpines will be installing water lines and sewers, electricity is already being installed. Telephones will soon be available. The streets
will be cobbled. The ruined, abandoned buildings will be taken down. Others will either be moved to those lots or new ones built. The plan is to expand the downtown to allow for more growth. We are looking to hire a city planner to make all this possible in an organized way.
“All this takes funds. More funds than the city coffers have. I wrote to Nathan Ryder, with the council’s approval, asking for a loan to make these improvements possible. His reply was negative.”
A groan came from those on the council and Mayor Garrison.
“Instead, Nathan has given us more than we asked for in the loan. It is a gift to the survivors of Silverpines to rebuild our town, making it better than it was before.”
Cheers rang out from the men who had groaned before, as well as all the others in the room.
When the excited chatter died down, Joel began speaking again. “With the future of Silverpines settled, I ask that Tilde come up.” He held out his hand which she took as she came near. “Just like many of you men, I came as a mail-order-groom. I had only known Tilde for a few hours when we married. It wasn’t the wedding she or her mother had dreamed about. Mabel wasn’t even there. I’d like to rectify that.”
Tilde gasped as Joel kneeled.
“Tilde, will you do me the honor of marrying me again in a full wedding, your mother walking you down the aisle in the dress she had made for you, on New Year’s Eve? My parents are coming to town on the 28th if it doesn’t snow too badly.”
Joel was facing Tilde and her mother was sitting off to the side behind her. He could see that Mabel had her hands to her mouth, her eyes brimming with joy.
Tilde was looking down at him, shock and something else lit her face. Was that amusement?
“Joel, even though we are legally wed, you better marry me. I’m expecting and want to be doubly wed before I can’t wear that wedding dress.”
Wanted: Bookkeeper (Silverpines Series Book 14) Page 11