Over by the stove, Anna turned. "There you are. How are you feeling, this morning?"
Gretchen touched a hand to her chest. "A little better. I think the fever has gone. For the moment, at least."
"That's a good sign," Anna exclaimed. "Are you hungry? Because I just finished making breakfast." Anna smiled at her two children. "As you can see. I've got two waiting to be served." Anna gestured to the table. "Go on. Take a seat."
Gretchen sat down next to Jane. "I'm pleased you're feeling better, ma'am."
"No need to be so formal, Jane," Anna instructed in a good-natured tone of voice from over by the stove. Talking over her shoulder as she stirred something in the pot, she said, "Her name is Gretchen. And she's a friend of our family."
Jane rolled her eyes, as if she was used to the gentle correction she'd just received from her mother. "Gretchen," Jane said softly. "I hope you get better soon."
Gretchen laid a hand gently on Jane's shoulder. "Why, thank you, Jane."
"Did you sleep well in my bed?" Nathaniel asked.
Gretchen was momentarily taken aback by the obviousness of the question. Of course it had been the little boy's bed. "I slept perfectly," Gretchen told him. "And may I say thank you for letting me sleep there."
Nathaniel bowed his head in quiet acknowledgment of Gretchen's expression of gratitude.
Anna came over carrying two plates filled with eggs and biscuits. Gretchen was silently thankful she didn't have to eat any more beans. Anna gave the first two plates to her children. Then she went back to the kitchen alcove and returned with two more plates. One for her and one for Gretchen.
Gretchen heard her stomach rumble as she looked down at the plate of food. Resting a hand across her stomach, and flushing pink with embarrassment, Gretchen smiled at the children. The children tried their best not to giggle, but she could see it was proving hard not to laugh out loud.
Gretchen looked across at Anna. "Aren't Noah and Tate joining us?"
Anna shook her head as she dug her fork into the pile of scrambled eggs. "They ate earlier. Tate offered to help Noah around the homestead. Noah accepted. We're always grateful for any help the Lord brings our way."
Gretchen realized she must have been sleeping more deeply than she'd thought. She hadn't even heard any of that while the men had been getting ready for a days work. As she lifted the eggs to her mouth, she considered the possibility that Tate might already have decided to stay at the homestead until she was fully recovered. Even if it meant more than a day or two.
Gretchen wasn't sure whether she liked that idea or not. She was still eager to get to Inspiration as quickly as she could. But they'd been so fortunate finding Anna and Noah's homestead at just the right time, that she figured a short delay wouldn't do any harm. Apart from anything else, it might give her a chance to find out more about Tate's past. She was still convinced he was keeping things from her.
For the next half hour she ate the breakfast and shared pleasant conversation with Anna and the children. Finally, breakfast was over. Gretchen insisted on helping with the clearing up. The children went outside. Through one of the cabin windows, Gretchen saw that it was a sunny day.
"Looks like the worst of the weather has passed," she observed as Anna handed Gretchen a dish to dry.
"We needed the rain, "Anna observed.
Gretchen looked at Anna. Now that she was standing so close to Anna, with the light shining on the woman's even features, Gretchen could see faint signs of tiredness on Anna's face. She guessed Anna wasn't much older than Tate. Possibly in her early thirties. But Anna seemed older. Her skin was covered in freckles from all the time spent working outdoors. Her hair looked dry. Wrinkles spread at the corners of her eyes. When Anna handed Gretchen the next plate to dry she saw the rough skin on Anna's fingers.
The woman who'd shown her so much kindness had clearly had a hard life. However, that hadn't stopped Anna from maintaining a life dedicated to God. As she'd listened to Anna reading from the Bible during the night, Gretchen had heard the love in the woman's voice. Anna was someone who loved God with an obvious devotion.
"How do you do it?" Gretchen asked Anna. The words had come out of Gretchen's mouth before she'd even considered them.
"Do what?" Anna asked looking at Gretchen.
"All of this. The homestead. The children. Your marriage. How do you keep all of this going and remain so full of joy at the same time?"
Anna's gaze softened slightly. "We chose this life. Noah and I. We came here from back East before the children were born. It was just Noah and I." Anna smiled. "And the other homesteaders who live nearby. We couldn't have done any of this without their help."
"Nathaniel and Jane were born in this cabin?" Gretchen asked, trying hard to imagine what childbirth in a place as simple as this would have been like.
Anna smiled and nodded. "This is all they have ever known. The homestead is their world. And, if the Lord sees fit, that will always be the case."
Gretchen thought about that for a long moment. What must it have been like for the children to have only known this place? For a brief moment she felt envious of them. She recalled how happy she'd been visiting her uncle's farm back in Pennsylvania. But she'd only had a taste of that life. No wonder Nathaniel and Jane seemed so happy, Gretchen told herself. As far as Gretchen was concerned, this was the perfect place to grow up.
"You must be very proud of them," Gretchen said.
Anna nodded. "Noah and I have been blessed. The Lord has given us so much. And we could not be any happier."
After a long silence, during which they finished their tasks in the kitchen alcove, Anna led Gretchen back to the table. The women sat opposite one another.
"Where do you go for all your supplies? And what about church? What do you do for friends?" Gretchen asked, eager to know the details of their life. Her mind was suddenly filled with a hundred questions.
"For supplies, Noah goes with some of the other homesteader men into Refuge every month," Anna explained.
"Refuge?" Gretchen said sharply.
Anna lifted a brow. "You know it?"
Gretchen sighed and leaned her elbows on the table. Gazing across at Anna she told her about how she'd been left behind by the train and how Refuge had become her temporary home. Gretchen chose her words carefully when it came to describing how Tate had persuaded her to make the journey to Inspiration. She left out the part about having all her money stolen and how Tate had retrieved it. Then she told her about her final destination. Inspiration.
At the mention of the town, Anna's brows lifted and she smiled. She gasped with delight. "Inspiration. Now there's a good place to grow up. Noah and I go there a few times a year, whenever the weather permits. And when we can get one of the other homesteaders to look after our place." Anna's mouth twisted. "Just to make sure no wandering sinner gets the idea to go stealing what we've spent all these years building up."
"What's it like?" Gretchen asked.
Anna smiled warmly and lifted her head, gazing up at the low ceiling, as if she was remembering her last visit to the town. "The people are fine godly folks. And the church there is one of the most beautiful places in this territory. Pastor Joseph is a wonderful man. So helpful to us, too." Anna sighed contentedly. "I've told him he's always welcome to pay us a visit. But it is too far. At least two days, if you ride fast and know where you're going. Maybe one of these days he'll pay us and the other homesteaders a visit. If he did, there'd be a real celebration that day, I can tell you."
Gretchen saw the delight in Anna's eyes as she talked about Inspiration and its pastor.
Anna peered at Gretchen. "You said you got left behind when you were on your way to Inspiration."
Gretchen nodded and knew what Anna was about to ask next. Gretchen felt a stirring of nerves as she waited for Anna to continue.
"Do you have friends there?" Anna asked.
Gretchen nodded. "I do." She thought a moment and then added. "Well, they are friends, I guess
." Anna's brows furrowed and she waited for Gretchen to continue. Gretchen sighed. "The truth is, I'm going to Inspiration to get married."
Anna's brows shot up in a line. "To Tate?" she asked abruptly.
Gretchen's mouth dropped open and, for a long moment, she just stared across at Anna. Gretchen was lost for words. Lowering her head, she fought to control the heat flushing her cheeks. She was sure Anna had noticed her reaction.
Gretchen forced a smile. "Not Tate. No."
Anna looked puzzled. "But you and he seem so well-matched."
Now Gretchen completely lost control of her features. She gasped and, once again, schooled her features as best she could. "Tate is just helping me get there. That's all. It was either that or waiting a week in Refuge. And I didn't want to do that. Tate didn't think it would be a good idea."
Anna nodded thoughtfully and was silent for a long moment. Finally, she peered into Gretchen's eyes. Anna clasped her hands on the table and lifted her chin. "And you have a prospective husband waiting for you in Inspiration?"
Gretchen tilted her head. "Not exactly." Seeing Anna's confused expression, she continued. "I'm a kind of mail order bride. The wife of Inspiration's sheriff brings prospective brides to the town and matches them up."
Anna nodded. "A matchmaker?"
"That's it."
"And you're happy with that arrangement?" Anna asked softly.
Familiar feelings of doubt and unease awakened in Gretchen as she considered how she should respond to Anna's query. The truth was, Gretchen had been harboring doubts ever since she'd left Philadelphia. All during the train ride she'd asked herself repeatedly if she was making a mistake. But, she'd calmed her fears by telling her that her Lord was guiding her to Montana. However things would turn out, Gretchen was sure God would help her find a suitable husband.
Gretchen nodded. "I have every faith in God that I will find a good husband," she said to Anna.
Just at that moment, the cabin door opened. Tate strode through the open door. He halted abruptly when he saw Gretchen seated at the table. When Tate smiled, Gretchen felt her spirits lift instantly.
"Morning," Tate said brightly. Gretchen could see the flush of healthy outdoor activity on his face. "How are you feeling?"
"Slightly better," Gretchen told him.
"That's good news," Tate declared. His gaze met Gretchen's and, for a moment he seemed about to say something else. But then he smiled at Anna. "I came in to get a drink of water. And one for Noah." Even Gretchen thought his explanation for coming to the cabin sounded unconvincing.
Anna lifted a skeptical brow and then glanced at Gretchen. "I'm sure you did. I'll get you some." Anna stood and went to the kitchen alcove. As Anna fetched the cup of water for Tate, he came to the table. Gazing down at Gretchen, Tate seemed pleased that she was feeling better. The worried expression she'd seen yesterday was gone.
"I'm glad you're feeling better."
Anna came to the table carrying the two cups. "Don't get the idea you'll be leaving today." She examined Gretchen for a moment. "This girl has a way to go before she's ready to go riding all the way to Inspiration."
Tate lifted his brows. For a moment, he seemed about to object. But one look at Anna's stern features made him think twice. "Okay," he agreed.
Tate took the cups and smiled at Anna. "Thanks." Then he looked at Gretchen and gave her a warm smile.
As she watched him leaving the cabin, Gretchen asked herself if Tate was truly pleased with the prospect of staying longer at the homestead. Or whether he had other reasons for wanting to leave in a hurry.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
In the middle of the morning, Noah's son, Nathaniel came over to Tate while he was standing on the porch taking a breather from some ploughing out in the fields.
Tate smiled at the young man as he watched Nathaniel make his way tentatively toward him. "How are you doing, Nate?"
Nathaniel's brows furrowed. Earlier, Noah had told Tate that Nathaniel liked to be called by the shorter version of his name. "Fine," Nathaniel replied.
Tate took another sip of the coffee Anna had given him five minutes before. Tate had gone into the cabin hoping to speak with Gretchen, but she'd been in her room resting. And Anna had made it absolutely clear that Gretchen should be left alone, at least until it was time for everyone to have lunch together.
Tate lifted a brow at Nathaniel. "Where's your sister?"
Nathaniel pointed toward the rear of the cabin. "She's busy with the chickens."
"You don't want to help her?" Tate asked.
Nathaniel kicked his heels on the yard's loose earth. Tate could see the boy had something on his mind. "You want to ask me something?"
Nathaniel peered at Tate and tilted his head. "Pa was telling me you work on ranches."
"I do. Have done for years. My family used to own a ranch, too."
Nathaniel's eyes widened. "So you know how to rope a steer?"
Tate was taken aback by the sudden change of subject. He walked toward Nathaniel and rested a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Sure I do. Its all part of the job."
Tate could see the sudden excitement on the boy's face. "Is it difficult to do?"
Tate turned his mouth downwards and thought a moment. "Once you learn how to do it, there's nothing to it, really. It depends on the steer. Sometimes you get an ornery one. No matter how hard you work, they always find a way to fight back."
Nathaniel looked up at Tate. "Could you show me how to it?"
Tate felt his mouth open in surprise. "You want me to show you how to rope a steer?"
Nathaniel nodded vigorously. "I've heard some of the other homesteaders talking about it. Sure sounds exciting."
"Well, it can be. Provided you know what you're doing." Tate quirked a brow at Nathaniel. "You have to promise me you won't be going anywhere near the cows you've got here. They wouldn't like it if you go trying your new skills on them."
"I promise," Nathaniel said with genuine sincerity.
Tate was already sure Nathaniel was a good kid. He'd been brought up right, and he wouldn't do anything foolish. Tate thought a moment and then peered down at Nathaniel. "Do you know how to tie a rope and and make a loop?"
Nathaniel shook his head. "No."
Tate asked himself if Noah and Anna would be happy if he taught Nathaniel some basics about ropes. Figuring it wouldn't do any harm, he nodded. "Okay." Tate glanced across at the corral. The horses were still in the stable. The corner post of the corral's wooden fence seemed like a good place to start. "Let's start over there."
As he led Nathaniel across to the corral, Tate saw Noah making his way toward them from out in the fields. Tate decided to check that Noah wouldn't object to him showing Nathaniel some rope skills. "You wait here. I need to speak to your pa."
"I'll go get the ropes," Nathaniel exclaimed excitedly. "They're in the stable."
Tate laughed. "Sure. You do that."
Tate met Noah as the other man stepped out onto the yard. Noah was covered in dust and was wiping his hands clean as he advanced toward Tate. Noah watched Nathaniel running off to the stable and lifted a querying brow at Tate.
"He asked me to show him some rope skills. Figures he'd like to learn how to rope a steer."
Noah laughed. "If we had any, that would come in handy. He's been listening to some of the other homesteaders talking about ranching. I think he's got the idea its more exciting than farming."
Tate shook his head. "It ain't. I've worked some ranches, and I can vouch for the fact that it's plain hard work."
"I can believe that."
"You don't mind me showing Nathaniel some roping techniques, do you?"
Noah shook his head. "You go right on and do that. Those skills might come in handy some day. I've taught him all I know."
Over toward the stable, Nathaniel came running out carrying a coil of rope. Tate waved at the boy. "I'll be right over," he called out.
Nathaniel raced across to the corral and hurled a loose line
of rope at the corner post. Tate smiled when he saw the rope tumble to the ground.
"How is Gretchen?" Noah asked.
Tate turned to face the man. "She's resting until lunch. But I think she's getting better."
"I guess she's just not used to being outdoors," Noah suggested.
Tate shook his head. "City living doesn't prepare anyone for sleeping out in the wild, I guess." Tate sighed. "She was well wrapped up. I made sure of that." He frowned. "But I just didn't realize how delicate she is."
Noah laughed quietly. "She might not be used to the outdoors. Gretchen may even need to toughen up for living out in Montana. But I think she'd got plenty of inner strength. I've seen plenty of evidence of that. And that'll come in useful. Especially if she's going to get married and live out here."
The mention of marriage made Tate draw in a sharp breath. He'd been trying to keep that subject out of his mind ever since he and Gretchen had left Refuge.
Noah glanced at Tate. "Anna told me. She was talking to Gretchen this morning." Noah took Tate by the elbow and started to lead him slowly across the yard. "About that, Tate. I know it isn't any of my business but I've seen how Gretchen looks at you."
"How do you mean?" Tate asked, although he could already guess where Noah was taking the conversation.
Noah smiled at Tate. "She likes you, Tate."
Tate felt his cheeks burning with heat, and it had nothing to do with the bright late-morning sunshine. He swallowed and dragged his gaze over in the direction of the corral. Nathaniel was still trying to throw a loosely coiled length of rope over the corral's corner post.
Tate halted and Noah stood facing him. Noah possessed a quiet strength. A strong sense of integrity. Tate had seen plenty of that as he'd worked with Noah this morning out in the fields. Making the homestead into a going concern had fashioned Noah into a good man. A decent man who only wanted the best for his family. And now he was taking the time to share his personal views with Tate.
"I like her, too," Tate said quietly. Then he laughed softly and nodded. "A whole lot."
The Lawman’s Frontier Bride Page 10