“Here’s my copy. Mrs. Child’s The Frugal Housewife. Our mother gave each of us a copy when we married.”
Maggie said, “We knew how to cook and clean, but always with our mother to guide us. She feared we’d be lost on our own. And I would have.”
“And so would I.” Lizzie handed the book to Tabitha. “You learn what’s in here, dear. Whether Bear steps up or not, this will save your life when you’re in a home on your own.”
“But I can’t take it. Your mother gave it to you.”
Maggie tapped a finger on the book. “But we don’t have children to hand it down to, you see. Our nephews have help in their homes. Alice and Rosalyn already knew all of this, and Hope has loyal staff to help her.”
“That’s right, dear. Now you take this and it will save you. You can pass it on to your daughter.”
Tabitha clasped the book to her chest. “If I ever have one. What if I’m a spinster?”
“Now dear, there are too many men in this town who would love to have a woman like you for a wife. If Bear isn’t careful, he’ll be at the back of the line.”
Maggie nodded. “You’ll see that if you can manage an office, you can do the same with a home. What you need is confidence. That book will help.”
Still clutching the book, Tabitha smiled at each woman. “You two are both the dearest women I’ve ever known. Only my friend Priscilla’s mother or my own dear grandmother came close to being as nice as you two. I’m so lucky to have met you.”
After she left their home, Tabitha hurried to her room at the hotel so she could memorize Mrs. Child’s book. She smiled to herself. Maybe if she slept with it under her pillow, some of it would soak in overnight.
Except for an early supper, Tabitha read for the day’s remainder. Too much information whirled in her head. Being a self-sufficient wife involved more than she ever dreamed. From now on, she’d memorize a chapter at a time until she’d learned the entire book. She climbed into bed and fell asleep with the book in her hands.
Sleepy-eyed the following morning, she dressed in her blue muslin sprigged with white and trimmed in rows of white lace at the neck and sleeves. She located her yellow straw bonnet adorned with white flowers and blue ribbons and ventured down for breakfast before Tobias came to call. When he arrived, she’d just entered the lobby to wait for him. They walked down the hotel steps together.
Tobias remembered to offer his arm. He managed to look less like a broken-winged chicken today. “Left my horse at the livery and told Alvie to get the rig ready.”
“Alvie? I thought the man was named Pete Hoskins.”
“Alvie Bettinger helps out. Good kid. Quit school to help his family. Dad’s sick. His sister Sally quit too, and works for Joel Stone’s wife. Miz Stone is a dressmaker. Made Ma the fanciest dress she ever had. Ma saves it for Sundays.”
A man on horseback called a greeting as he rode past.
“You know everyone in town, don’t you?”
“Just about.”
“That must be nice. Everyone seems to like you and respect you.”
Bear appeared surprised. “Do they?” He tilted his head as if thinking over her comment. “Never had trouble with anyone. Except Dick Bounds when he’s drunk. Had to help lock him up once or twice, but he doesn’t appear to carry a grudge when he’s sober.”
They arrived at the livery stable. Tabitha tried to conceal her excitement. Her own horse and buggy. She wanted to clap her hands and dance a jig. She forced herself to appear ladylike, but inside her a little girl’s giddiness threatened to bubble up and escape.
Bear assisted her then clambered onto the seat beside her. He clicked the reins and they moved down the street.
“This ride is wonderful. Much more comfortable than your wagon, meaning no offense, and a world of difference than the stage.”
“Ought to be for what you spent.” At the edge of town, he handed her the reins. “You guide her with these. A horse startles easily, so you have to keep your eyes peeled.”
“For what?” She concentrated on the road ahead.
“Another buggy, an animal, a rut in the road. Anything different.”
Ahead she saw a wagon approaching and panicked. “What do I do?”
Bear’s large hands covered hers. “Remain calm. Horses sense your mood and react accordingly.”
She sighed her relief when the wagon had passed by them. “Will this one horse be able to pull three or four people?”
“Sure will. This is a well built wagon. I could pull it myself.”
Laughter erupted before she could suppress it. “I don’t think Bears pull wagons, do they?”
He smiled at her. “Not usually, but I could if I had to. Having the horse do the work suits me better.”
“What was I thinking? I didn’t ask the horse’s name.”
“She’s yours now. You can name her whatever you wish.”
“Won’t that confuse her? I’ll ask Mr. Hoskins what she’s used to being called.”
“He just called her ‘my bay mare.’ Don’t suppose she’s had a name as far as he knows.”
“Then I’ll call her . . . maybe Daisy. That’s a happy name and having her makes me happy.”
“Never heard of a horse named after a flower.”
“What’s your horse’s name?”
He grimaced. “That’s a touchy subject.”
“Why?”
“His name is Butch, but that’s also the sheriff’s nickname. When I’m in town, I try not to call my horse anything.”
Tabitha laughed again. “Please don’t tell me the sheriff’s wife is named Daisy.”
“Naw, he’s not married.” He glanced at her and frowned. “Seemed awful interested in you.”
Him noticing pleased her. “Did he? He was very polite and nice looking too.”
Bear gave her a solemn stare. “All the women think he’s handsome.”
“Tobias, they must think the same of you. You’re just too busy to notice.”
“Naw, I scare them because I’m so big.”
She rolled her eyes at his denseness. “Did any woman ever tell you that?”
“Didn’t have to say it out loud. I can see it in their faces.”
Before she could answer, he pointed at the pile of stones. “You’re going to turn here at my road. Careful to pull slightly more on the right ribbon than the left so Daisy knows to turn.” He emphasized the horse’s name as if he thought it ridiculous.
Soon they crested the hill and pulled up near the cabin. Erna came out and hurried to the buggy.
She looked it over. “Lands sakes, what a fancy wagon.”
Bear climbed down. “I’ll help you up, Ma. Tabitha’s learning to drive her new rig. She’s doing okay so far.”
“I won’t pass up the chance to ride in such a nice buggy, but just up the road a bit and back. I’ve got lunch almost ready.”
Bear helped Erna into the back seat and then climbed back into the front beside Tabitha. “Now, click the reins like you saw me do.”
“Okay.” She wiggled the reins.
“No, get some snap into the motion.” He placed his strong hands over hers and popped the ribbons.
Daisy set off at a trot.
Erna’s voice held awe. “Isn’t this something? I never had such a smooth ride.”
“Tomorrow, if Tobias rides into town, he can bring the buggy back so you can ride in it to church on Sunday.”
He shot her a stare but didn’t respond to her comment. “Turn around, right up here. Slow down by pulling back gently then make a wide turn.”
She tried to follow his instructions and yanked on the ribbons then used one to guide the horse into a turn. Somehow, the horse didn’t slow for her as for Bear, and the turn started too soon.
“Tabitha, watch out!”
Chapter Nine
Tabitha misjudged. She knew she had but didn’t know how to correct. The buggy leaned precariously to one side. Oh, no, her precious new rig—and her passengers.
“Whoa,” Just when she though all was lost, Bear grabbed the reins from her and righted the wagon.
“I said slow and gentle in a wide turn.” He turned them and headed back to the cabin.
Her heart beat so hard she wondered it hadn’t popped through her dress. Mortified she’d almost turned over the buggy, tears stung her eyes. Bad enough Bear witnessed her blunder, but his mother might have been injured.
“I’m so sorry. Erna, are you all right?”
“Of course I am. You did fine for a first time.”
When they’d stopped, Bear jumped to the ground and helped his mother down and then Tabitha.
Erna walked toward the front door. “Never thought I’d get to ride in such a fancy buggy. Even has a cover in case of rain or hot sun.”
Grateful Erna wasn’t angry with her, she fell in step with the older woman. “I bought it with part of the reward. I figured I’d need transportation in my new home.”
She expected Bear to chastise her for her error. Instead, he skipped her mistake entirely.
“Drove a hard bargain, Ma. Got Pete Hoskins to throw in the mare and harness for the price of the buggy.”
“Well, I declare. That was a good bargain.”
As soon as they entered the cabin, Erna set about loading the table with food. Surely they didn’t eat this much every day. But then she thought about Bear’s height and breadth and decided a man that large required a lot of fuel. His size didn’t appear to include any fat either, but solid muscles rippled when he moved.
Tabitha relaxed and enjoyed her meal of ham and sweet potatoes, pickles, relish, corn, and squash. “Tobias said you pioneered here. Living alone with Indians around must have been frightening at times. Did you have close calls?”
“Some.” Erna appeared lost in thought while she finished chewing her bite of ham. “I was scared many times, but you couldn’t let them know. They respected bravery and would have killed me for sure if they thought I feared them.”
“Ma was brave to stay here alone with Indians raiding nearby, but she seldom left. After she learned to make bearpaws, we had Indians dropping by real often. I swear they watched for Pa bringing supplies back from town so we had plenty of flour.”
Erna chuckled. “You know they did, son.” She shook her head. “A few times when raids around were bad, we went over to the fort at Black Springs. I sure hated leaving my cabin, but I enjoyed visiting with other women. We were all so worried about our homes that concern spoiled most of the pleasure. Gave us a chance to catch up, though, on who’d had babies, who’d married, and who’d died or moved on. Can’t tell you how happy I was to come back and see our cabin safe.”
Tabitha speared another bite of sweet potato. “Did the men remain with the women and children at the fort?”
“Sometimes. Others times only about half the men stayed while the rest scouted the ranches and tried to save the stock from being killed or driven off. Glad it’s more peaceful now.”
Tabitha leaned back in her chair. “So am I. I don’t know what I’d have done in your place.”
Bear didn’t look up. “You’d have punched one of the Indians in the face.”
Caught off guard, she laughed. “That wouldn’t work without you there to draw your gun.”
When he met her gaze, his sky-blue eyes sparkled with humor. “I’m not forgetting it, though. You pack a mean wallop.”
Erna smiled. “Humph. See you remember that, son. Don’t give her any reason to apply her fist to your nose.”
The idea sent Tabitha into more laughter. “I don’t think that’s likely. His face is harder to reach than Lawson’s.” She stood and began gathering plates. “Today, I insist on cleaning up. After preparing such a fine meal, you should go sit in the rocker and let me take care of the dishes.”
Erna’s expression revealed horror. “I could never sit while a guest works.”
Bear stood. “No, Ma, she’s right. I’ll help Tabitha while you sit and put your feet up.” He escorted his mother to one of the rockers.
“Well, I never thought I’d see this day, but I’m not fool enough to resist any longer.” When she sat, she sighed as if her large frame ached. She removed her apron and handed it to her son.
He took the apron and scooted a footstool near for his mother’s feet before he rejoined Tabitha.
“This is the water reservoir.” Bear showed Tabitha the large container holding water at the side of the range. “You turn this spigot for hot water, then fill the bucket and pour it into the dishpan.” He demonstrated.
“I know how to put soap in the pan.” She grabbed a bar of lye soap and shaved off enough for the lunch dishes. The water was hot, but not unbearable and she wasn’t about to complain. The harsh soap was sure to redden her hands, though.
“Here, I’ll wash while you dry and put things away.” Bear scooted her to the side. “Like as not you’re used to something besides lye soap.”
“Yes, I am, thank you.” She looked up at this strong, manly giant, puzzled by his strange behavior. “I would never have figured you knowing how to do dishes and such.”
“Ma made both us boys learn how to do every part of keeping a house and Pa taught us ranching. Ma took sick a few times so it’s a good thing I know my way around the kitchen.” He smiled at his mother. “Not that anyone alive can cook as well as she can.”
“Don’t let him fool you, Tabitha. He just says that because he doesn’t want to cook for himself. He’s handy in the kitchen when it strikes his mood.”
“I’ll learn too. Mrs. Gamble and Mrs. Fraser gave me a copy of Mrs. Child’s book, The Frugal Housewife. I’m trying to memorize it.”
Bear stared at her. “A book to teach you how to be a wife? Who’d have thought such a thing existed?”
“Now, son, you know Pa and I told you there are books on every subject in the world. I’ve heard of that one, though I haven’t seen a copy.” She stopped rocking and directed a gaze at Tabitha. “We don’t get many new books out here. You like to read?”
“I love to. I noticed a couple of books in your room when Tobias showed me around on my other visit. Perhaps we can trade.”
“I sure would love that.” She chuckled. “I’ve read the ones we have until I don’t even need to open the covers to remind me what’s inside.”
“We’re all done, Ma.” He hefted the dishpan and heaved it out the back door.
Erna beckoned to Tabitha. “Come sit a spell before you go.”
“I wouldn’t mind.” She sat in the second rocking chair and set it moving with her foot. “I love sitting like this. My earliest happy memory is of sitting in my grandmother’s lap while we rocked and she told me stories and sang funny songs.”
Bear stopped mid-step and stared at Tabitha. He put away the pan and sat in one of the straight-back chairs. The wood creaked under his weight.
He must be getting used to having Tabitha around. Having her sitting near him created nice tingles in places that ought not be tingling unless they were married. He let the women chatter and enjoyed the sight and happy sounds. Wouldn’t be bad, sharing like this, especially once Tabitha learned what needed to be done. At least she was willing to be taught. Couldn’t say that of all women. Men either.
He thought about the pleasant sound of her laughter, the way her blue eyes sparkled when she teased him. Her response to his kisses Wednesday set him thinking about her lying beside him. He’d thought about those kisses a lot, let his imagination turn to a family of girls with auburn hair and tall boys running through the house and ranch. Yes, he figured fate had sent the right woman after all.
Finally he stood. “I’d better get Tabitha back to town. People will be thinking I kidnapped her or we had an accident in her new buggy.”
Tabitha surprised him by hugging Ma before they left. From Ma’s face, she sure liked that. Maybe he ought to act more tender toward Ma. Already Tabitha had taught him more about what his mother needed from him. He’d try to be a better son in the futur
e and let Ma know how much he appreciated all she did.
Now he understood what she’d been yammering at him about the past ten or so years. A man ought to know what to say to please a woman. Danged if he wouldn’t listen more from now on.
“What are those beautiful flowers? They’re like the ones you mother had on the table and I forgot to ask.”
“Dark ones are Bluebonnets. I’m partial to ‘em myself. Don’t know the yellow ones, but the orange are Indian paintbrush. See, they look like a brush dipped in orange paint.”
“And those with reds and yellow and brown?”
“Indian blanket. They don’t look like any Indian’s blanket I’ve ever seen, but some folks must have thought so.”
“Texas is so different from Boston, but I like it. I do kind of miss the ocean, but your creek smells lots better.”
He sent her an incredulous look. “You mean the ocean doesn’t smell nice? All this time I believed books that talked about a fresh ocean breeze.”
“Along the beaches away from the wharves, that’s true. American Atlantic Shipping backs onto an old, old wharf. The offices are at the building’s street end, but the aroma of spoiled fish, rotting garbage, and the ships’ engines permeate everything.”
He smiled at her. “No tea left in the harbor I guess?”
She returned his grin. “None I know of, except in the warehouses and ships. Tea is still a big import, of course, even though there are a couple of plantations in the southeast.”
“Didn’t know the plants would grow in the United States. You’re a smart woman.”
“You’re a smart man, Tobias. I figured out you were from your letters. I liked your handwriting, too.” She swirled her hand as if writing in the air.
“Pa and Ma insisted Beau and I learn as much as we could at home. Neither of us has been to school since we left Ohio. We trade books with people when we can, collect old newspapers and such and study ‘em.”
“I have books in my crates that are arriving.” She looked at him and her eyes twinkled. “I won’t go to jail for those, so I can share with you and Erna.”
Surprised she could joke about jail, he smiled at her. “That’d be nice. This time of year, there’s a lot to be done, but winter is long without something to read and people to talk to.” He shook his head. “Don’t understand why anyone would want to go off by himself.”
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