She reached a trembling hand to his cheek and touched the rough texture of a day’s growth of beard. His green eyes were familiar, his handsome face dear.
“Are you all right?” His eyes were filled with compassion. “Would you like some tea?”
There it was, the kindness for which she hungered. The concern and devotion she’d missed throughout her marriage and the years they’d been apart. Humiliation and embarrassment kept her from allowing herself to divulge her feelings, from sharing the whole truth.
“I’m all right,” she replied.
“I’ll bring a pot of tea,” he said and hurried away.
Leah adjusted her clothing and tidied her hair before he returned. He came back and set a tray on a low table, then poured her a cup and handed it to her.
“How did your meeting go?” she asked.
“Well.”
“Anything new?”
He shared the news about the Murdoch gang and the plans for the next bride train. “Will and I devised another plan, as well. Will is contacting the liaison in Chicago and sending for a bride for Noah.”
“Without his knowledge?”
“He would never agree.”
She blew on her tea. “I understand your concern, but don’t see that going well.”
“I hope you’re wrong.”
“So do I.”
“Look how well it turned out for us,” he pointed out. “I didn’t imagine I had a bride arriving on the first train. And here we are.”
The baby must be creating havoc with her mind and her body, because she wanted to cry when he purposefully held her gaze. Sometimes when he stared at her in that sweet and tender way, when his hand touched hers or his breath grazed her temple, she closed her eyes and wished...regretted...wanted. But there were no dreams left. Her losses were so great she couldn’t give up anything more. She couldn’t allow herself to imagine a great love between them. She must keep possession of herself. Daniel was strength and goodness and home—and she deserved none of those things. She’d done nothing to earn his steadfast devotion, his respect or his trust.
But he deserved her devotion. He deserved respect and trust. She could give that much. Admittedly she already had, though she still felt selfish. What could she offer this man? He’d taken her in just as she was, no expectations, no demands. He’d made the utmost commitment in marrying her and promising to be a good father to her child.
Leah was afraid. Afraid of feeling more. Afraid of wanting more. Afraid of expecting anything good or perfect. Mostly she feared loss.
“Thank you for the tea. I’d better go up to bed.”
“I’ll bring water. It’s warm.”
“I’ll get it.” She stood and folded the throw. “Good night, Daniel.”
“Good night. I’ll be close by if you need me.”
She paused, then left the room.
Chapter Sixteen
For the next couple of days, the talk about town centered on the Webster County Fair. The hotel filled to capacity, and neighbors brought wagons and tents and camped outside Cowboy Creek. Workers mowed a flat grassy area and constructed booths. Vendors set up tents and canopies, carpenters built a bandstand along with a wooden dance floor. Everyone became involved in one way or another.
Leah called on Opal, finding her rested and feeling stronger. “I’m looking forward to the fair,” she told Leah. “I’m baking pies.”
“The festivities may be just what we need,” Leah agreed. “You know the rules, though. Rest when you feel tired.”
“I will.” She held up a hand. “Don’t go just yet. I have something for you.” She disappeared into the other room and returned with a small white folded bundle. “I made this for your baby.”
Surprised, Leah accepted the soft blanket and unfolded it to admire the gift. “You made this?”
“Knitted it. I have a lot of time on my hands, as you know. I already have blankets and clothes ready for our baby.”
“It’s so generous of you. This is the very first thing I have for the baby.” Leah ran her fingers over the yarn. “It’s beautiful, and such a thoughtful gift.”
“You’re more than a midwife to me, Leah. We’re friends.”
Her entire life had changed from her past experiences. She felt strong and well. She had a supportive and caring husband. She had friends. Opal’s words brought tears to her eyes, and she blinked them away. “Thank you. I’m thankful to have such a thoughtful friend.”
Opal gave her a hug, the girth of her bulging abdomen between them.
“I’m going to go see how Hannah is doing. The poor girl hasn’t been well since we arrived in Cowboy Creek.”
“What does the doctor think is wrong?”
“I have no idea. She’s not forthcoming when I ask her.”
“Well, here, I’ll send a couple of my cinnamon rolls along for her. Tell her I’m thinking of her.” She proceeded to wrap rolls and then handed them to Leah.
As Leah crossed to the boardinghouse on the other side of Eden Street, the sound of hammers and men calling out reached her from the east. “Mornin’, Mrs. Gardner,” Abram Booker called from where he swept the boardwalk in front of his store. She turned to wave, again surprised by her new name. The sound of clanking horseshoes echoed from the lot behind his store, making it apparent Gus and Old Horace were already busy this morning.
“Sounds like there are contenders out back,” she called.
Abram nodded and she moved on. Aunt Mae answered the door in an apron and welcomed her. “Don’t you look lovely! Marriage and a baby on the way agree with you, dear.”
“You’re too kind, Aunt Mae. I’m here to visit Hannah. How does she seem to you?”
“She came down for breakfast this morning and she appeared to have more strength. Pippa is a bundle of energy on the other hand, planning her theater troupe, scheduling lunches and suppers and picnics. Why, her social calendar is bursting while dear Hannah has only gone out with her father that I know of.” She crinkled her forehead. “I’m hoping her situation doesn’t become problematic. She is a prospective bride, after all. I’m beginning to hear a few grumbles.”
“Let’s assure the grumblers that the poor girl can’t help not feeling well,” Leah told her. “Opal sent her cinnamon rolls.”
“Go on up. I have apples to peel and supplies to sort and pack. The fellas are setting up my booth for the fair right now.”
Leah climbed the stairs and knocked on Hannah’s door. “It’s Leah,” she called.
The key turned and the door opened. Hannah drew her shawl around herself and ushered her inside. “Come in.”
“I’ve brought cinnamon rolls from Opal. She sends her regards.”
“How is she feeling?”
“She is stronger.” Leah opened the bag she carried. “Look what she gave me. It’s the first thing I have for my baby. Isn’t it lovely?”
Her expression thoughtful, Hannah ran her fingers over the soft white yarn. “It’s beautiful. Your baby will be blessed to have such a beautiful blanket.” She glanced up. “I have a little something for you, too. I was waiting, but since you’re preparing, this is a good time...”
She went to the open trunk and found what she was looking for.
Leah took the small tissue-wrapped package and peeled away the paper. Inside lay a tiny gown made of pale yellow calico. The sight of the infant garment brought a myriad of emotions to the surface. She held it with the new confidence that she would soon be dressing her baby, changing diapers, feeding him or her. Unfolding the gown, she marveled over how small it was, how perfectly the seams were stitched and how intricately the smocking was sewn in white thread across the front. “Hannah, this is a treasure. What a generous gift of your time.”
“I’ve had plenty of time,” Hannah said
with a hesitant smile.
Leah reached for Hannah’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s lovely. I couldn’t ask for a more thoughtful gift. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You’re a good friend to me, checking on me and bringing me little things to cheer me up. I can’t tell you how much it’s helped.”
Leah folded the gown, tucked it inside the white blanket and put them aside. “How are you doing? Aunt Mae said you went down for breakfast.”
“Yes. I believe I’m finally feeling better.”
Leah perched on a trunk. “That’s good to hear.”
“I’m still adjusting to this new place.”
“I thought perhaps you’d have moved to the parsonage with your father.”
Hannah sat on a chair and hugged her shawl around her shoulders. “I didn’t want to be a burden until I felt well enough to help him.”
“I doubt you’d be a burden. But as long as you’re comfortable here, it’s good you stayed. I know Aunt Mae checks on you.”
“She’s very kind.”
“I hope you’ll be able to enjoy some of the events at the fair this weekend. It’s all anyone is talking about.”
“Oh, I’m quite aware,” Hannah replied. “Apparently there’s a horseshoe competition. Gus and Old Horace have been practicing most every day.”
“I heard them on my way here.”
“Is it true the Murdoch gang has moved on?”
Leah nodded. “Sheriff Davis has gotten reports that they’ve been causing trouble farther north.”
“I’m sorry they’re still causing trouble, but I’m so thankful they’re gone. And news has spread that Will Canfield’s engagement is off, so he’s eligible.”
“Why, Hannah, are you thinking Will Canfield might be a good catch?”
Hannah blushed and batted a hand in the air. “Pshaw, I wasn’t thinking of myself.” She got up and moved to an open trunk where she pulled out a partial garment. “I have a bodice I’d like you to try on. I want to make sure I have adequate room for expansion in the side pleats.”
Leah laughed and moved to insert her arms through the openings as Hannah held the piece. “Will is a good man. I trust the right woman will come along. The council is sending for another bride train.”
“That’s hopeful news. Let me pin a couple of places here.” She reached for her pin cushion.
“I’ll need a few dresses to get me through the next few months,” Leah said. “Already I’m having trouble fitting into my clothing.”
“Let’s measure one more time to be certain my notes are correct. This looks just about right. Do you like the fabric?”
“I do. And Daniel gave me a brooch that will be perfect.”
“I see he replaced your ring as well.”
Leah glanced at her hand and smiled softly. “Yes.”
“You’re welcome to look through my trunks for fabrics and notions. We might also look through catalogs.”
“How about next week? I’ll see if Remmy Hagermann would allow me to borrow one or two for a few hours. He has quite a selection. You can show me the fabrics you brought along then.”
“That would be perfect. I have a couple of colors in mind for you.”
Leah let Hannah remove the bodice. “I’m excited to see everything you choose for me. I trust your choices. You did such a fine job with my wedding dress.” She touched the other young woman’s wrist. “I’d better be moving along now. I’m glad you’re doing well and I hope you’re able to attend the fair. I’ll look for you there.”
Hannah nodded and walked to the door with her. Leah didn’t let Hannah’s standoffish posture keep her from giving the other young woman a hug, but Hannah made the gesture awkward by holding herself back. She bid Hannah goodbye and the door closed behind her. People were never quite what they seemed, and Hannah’s evasiveness was at odds with what Leah knew about her, about her upbringing in the public eye. But she respected her privacy. The gift showed her Hannah appreciated her friendship.
Once downstairs, she found Aunt Mae with a heap of apple peels at her elbows. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Aunt Mae glanced at the nearby mounds of dough and the remaining bucket of apples. “That’s nice of you, dear. I would appreciate your help if you can spare the time. You must sit however.”
Leah found a place in the dining room to store her parcels and returned to wash her hands and ask for an apron. Within minutes she was settled on a chair, peeling apples while Aunt Mae rolled crusts and demonstrated the technique at the same time.
“These pies are to sell, I’ve figured out, but will you enter one of the contests as well?”
Aunt Mae wiped her floured hands together and pointed to a row of prize ribbons pinned to the kitchen curtain. “Most of those are from fairs in Illinois, but a couple are from our past fairs.”
“All for pies?” Leah asked.
“Pies, jellies, bread. One of them is for fried chicken.”
“I’ve had your fried chicken. I’d have awarded you the blue ribbon, as well.”
“I hear Miss Valentine Ewing is a good cook, too,” Aunt Mae said.
“That she is.”
“Will she give me a run for the pie ribbon this year?”
“She hasn’t mentioned entering.”
“I won’t ask you to spy,” the older woman said with a wink.
“Thank goodness.”
They grinned at each other.
It was nice having friends.
* * *
Saturday morning Leah asked Daniel for help with her green-and-blue-plaid silk dress. The sleeveless dress laced up the back over a white blouse. It was difficult to lace without help, but it was one of the few dresses she could lace loosely and still wear.
“How do women do this by themselves?” he grumbled good-naturedly.
“The style is in fashion,” she replied. “One does need help, however.”
On the days he worked at the stockyards, Daniel wore cotton shirts and loose brown trousers with suspenders, but today he had donned a crisp pale blue shirt and a black tie.
Leah unpacked her wide-brimmed hat with ribbon and silk flowers that matched the plaid dress and settled it upon her head.
“Our portrait appointment is at ten,” he informed her. “I’ll come back for your dress and change into my suit.”
She gestured to the two-piece ivory dress she’d hung on the open door of the armoire. “It’s there.”
He glanced at it. “I’m looking forward to seeing you in it again.”
She made a playful grimace.
He chuckled. “You will look beautiful. No one will be the wiser if a few buttons are undone.”
Cowboy Creek bustled with activity when they reached Eden Street, and excitement crackled in the air. The storefront windows previously shot out had been replaced and all of them bore new lettering and sparkled. Shop owners had swept the boardwalks and set out buckets of flowers and samples of their wares. Folding chairs and benches provided a spot in the shade wherever there were wooden awnings. The Cattleman Hotel’s roof had been draped with red-and-white bunting.
“So this is the third county fair?” Leah asked.
“It’s not really an official county fair because we’re not the county seat,” Daniel explained. “We just call it that for now and invite the surrounding towns to participate. We’re basically trying it out and getting good attention directed to our town. A real county fair should be held at the end of summer when there are crops to show, vegetables and fruit to enter in competitions.”
He greeted passersby and introduced them to Leah before continuing. “For now the agricultural portion of the fair is mostly informational, which is what we need anyway. We will have a few representatives and mill owners on han
d to talk with farmers. The farmers want to learn about the best seed and equipment available.”
“That makes sense.”
“It’s important for us to extend our reach and show we can handle something like this. Eventually we hope for Cowboy Creek to become the county seat. And yes, this is the third time we’ve done this. I hope we draw a crowd.”
“A good crowd,” she added meaningfully.
He made a face. “Yes! Lord, keep any and all troublemakers away from Cowboy Creek in Jesus’s name.”
“Amen,” Leah punctuated.
He took her hand as they strolled east along Third Street. She appreciated the warmth and strength of his fingers entwined with hers. She’d seen the progress of Will’s house from the rear because the church sat on the next street, but she hadn’t been down this way to see the front. Dora must be sorely disappointed she wouldn’t be living in this house. It was an impressive structure with four giant columns reaching to roof level and supporting a catwalk.
“Mark my words,” Daniel said. “That will be the governor’s mansion one day.”
“Will would make an excellent leader,” Leah agreed. “What about you? Any political aspirations?”
“I’ve got all I can handle here. And as you know, I love the horses, so when Cowboy Creek is established and flourishing, if I want to expand my focus, I’ll do some breeding and training.”
A band was warming up as they got closer to the fairground locale. Down the center of the area booths had been constructed on both sides of what served as a midway path. A handful of the structures had protruding stovepipes with smoke puffing out the tops. Branching out in both directions from there were tents and roped-off areas, and farther out plots of land. “What happens out there?”
Daniel looked where she’d pointed. “Games, mostly. There are several competitions throughout today and tomorrow. The largest section at the outside edge is a plowing contest.”
She grinned up at him, remembering their days planting the gardens. “Will you compete?”
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