"I thought my life was over after waking up in the saloon. But everything worked out so much better than I ever imagined. And now you have that chance too, Amy," Tina said as she reached across the table to touch Amy's hand.
"I realize that after I've been up here a while. People have pointed the fact out, but I've never had the chance to think on my own or do what I wanted." Amy answered as she flicked a glance toward Eli.
"Working and living at the Bar E among such good people is a good start," Tina said. "Of course, I have to say that with my sister-in-law sitting next to me."
Tina and Cora bumped shoulders and grinned at each other. How did Eli get so lucky to be included in this group, even though he was just the foreman instead of part of the family? Because they all treated their hands as family members.
"Eli, I forgot to tell you,” Dagmar said over the heads of the children sitting on his lap. His big arm easily wrapped around both Oliver and Emma as he bounced his legs to keep them giggling. “I got a telegram from the lumber yard in Ellsworth. The lumber for your home’s addition will be here on Wednesday."
"You're expanding your cabin?" Amy asked Eli with interest.
"Eli needs a bigger home because he’ll want to marry and have a family someday," Cora added, winking at him.
“Spring is a good time for the hands and neighbors to get together to build it. Eli will be in charge.” Dagmar told Amy.
“The Amish help each other with house and barn raising, so I know how to do carpentry work,” Eli answered with a shrug to hide his pride.
“When I’m not helping with the twins, I’d like to help,” Amy volunteered.
“Oh, you’ll be helping, Amy,” Cora patted her hand. “Your job will be organizing the meals for the crew, not swinging a hammer…although that might be more fun, come to think of it.”
Eli listened to Cora and Amy plan meals for the upcoming work. The addition would be simple and easy to build. Depending on how many people help, and how proficient they were with tools, it could be done in a month.
*
“This is the first day I’ve relaxed since…I’m not sure when,” Amy told Eli as they traveled back to the ranch. “It’s just a freeing feeling.”
“I know what you mean. You’ll get used to it,” Eli grinned, enjoying her animation.
“What a glorious day, and I don’t mean just the weather. If Tina hadn’t written to me, I’d still be stuck in the saloon cooking and cleaning for the women.”
“Do any of the women ever leave? Or can they?” Eli asked with concern.
“Very rarely. At least they have shelter and food even though it’s a bad situation to be in. Where would they go with no money? No one else will hire them unless it’s another brothel or saloon. Many women stay drugged to get through the night’s work.”
“I’m glad Mr. Ferguson gave you a way out,” Eli wanted to touch Amy’s hand but pulled back at the last minute. What would she think of that?
“Me too. Let’s talk about something else. What are you adding to your home?” Amy said to change the subject.
“Right now, the cabin has two rooms, a living area, and the bedroom. I going to change the downstairs to include a combination of kitchen and dining area, living room, and two bedrooms. I wanted to stop with that, but Cora’s insisted I add a second story with more bedrooms.”
“It makes sense to have more space if you, or future foremen, have a family.”
“That was Cora’s argument, and she had the final say,” Eli laughed.
“I’ve already figured that out. Cora is the boss of the couple, although Dagmar has the height and brawn,” Amy added.
“And one of the most generous couples you’ll find in the area. A person can leave the Bar E if they want to live and work elsewhere, but I’m satisfied. I might be here when I’m still old and gray, listening to Dagmar’s stories and laughter.”
“What color are you going to paint your new house? White or Falun red?” Amy teased.
“What do you suggest, Amy? I wish it could blend in with the homestead’s dark stone buildings, but I don’t want to paint the foreman’s house chestnut brown.”
“What paint color choices does the mercantile have?”
“Since I’ll special order it to be sure I have enough paint, I can choose the color.”
“A medium tan for the outside walls and white-painted trim would look nice with the other buildings,” Amy suggested.
“I like that. What color for the interior?” The Amish houses where he grew up were white, inside and out. He liked the idea of color in his new home.
“Needs to be a light color to reflect natural and lamp light. I’d love a light yellow kitchen though. Maybe a soft light tan or gray in the living room.”
“And the bedrooms?”
“You could use the same paint as the living room.”
“But what would be your first choice if you can paint any color?”
“A light blue, giving me the feeling that I’m living in the clouds,” Amy immediately answered, then hid her face behind her hands.
“It’s all right to speak freely. I value your suggestions and like your color suggestions. I would have gone with all white, but the idea of color appeals to me more.”
“What color was your home in Pennsylvania?”
“All the Amish houses were white, two stories. What about the house you grew up in?”
“A one-story, long front porch to have shade. I assume the house had been painted when it was built, but the paint had long worn off, leaving the siding a worn-looking gray.”
“Did you have barns in Texas? I assume you didn’t need massive two-story barns for winter protection of livestock and storage for winter hay like we did up north.”
“Compared to what you describe, I’d say ours was more like breezy shed then,” Amy mused. “My father spent his money on liquor instead of maintaining the ranch buildings.”
Amy went quiet, staring at the scenery, probably thinking of home. Eli remained silent too, mentally walking through the buildings of his parent’s homestead.
“My mother liked flowers, always had something blooming by the front porch, mixed in with her herbs. Did you have flowers around your house?” Eli asked, thinking of the dahlias his mother grew each year. The tuberous bulbs had to be dug up each year, so they didn’t freeze. She’d store them in the cellar over winter and plant again the next spring. In his mind’s eye, Eli would see the yellow, red and white flowers which clustered at the top of the plants. His mother wasn’t a prideful woman, but she enjoyed the beauty of her flowers.
“There was one wild yellow rose bush on the far side of the house, out of eyesight of my father. We’d water it, looking forward to its yearly cluster of blooms. It only bloomed for a short period of time, but I loved the vibrant color and scent,” Amy smiled, apparently happy with the memory.
“I don’t need a vegetable garden behind the house since we have a garden behind the big house, but I’d like flowers in front of the porch. Maybe that could be one of your tasks if you want to do it? I know Cora would approve.”
“That would be a project I’d love to dig into and maintain. Any certain flowers, besides dahlias, you’d want me to plant?”
“Not really, but I’d suggest you talk to Millie Wilerson the next time you’re in town. She has quite a flower garden around her house and yard. Women tend to pass around divided plants, don’t they? Kaitlyn Reagan has flowers around the parsonage too.”
Amy blushed, and Eli wondered what she was thinking, so he asked. “Why you blushing, Amy?” Her long lashes fluttered as looked sideways away from his gaze.
“People might think I’m going to be your wife if I ask for garden plants to put around your house,” Amy quietly answered.
Eli thought before answering, trying to guess what his answer should be, versus what he was starting to feel towards her.
Eli cleared his suddenly clogged throat. “People know you’re working for the Hamners. Cora
doesn’t have time to think about much else but the twins right now.”
Amy twisted her mouth. Was she questioning his answer, or was it not what she wanted to hear?
He wanted to get to know Amy better before thinking about courting her. Once he made the commitment, it was as sure as they’d be wed in the future.
Was she the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with? Eli was so sure Rebecca was his life mate and look at how that humiliating event ended. Also, he didn’t want to leave the Bar E Ranch either if things soured between them.
Chapter 11
Amy heard a buggy pull up to the porch steps and looked outside the kitchen window. She pulled off her apron seeing the pastor’s wife driving the horse and buggy. Amy didn’t know the young woman sitting beside Kaitlyn though.
“Cora! You have company!” Amy called up the stairs before walking back to the kitchen. Her employer had just gone upstairs to change Gunner’s diaper. Nels was lying in the basket on the kitchen table, dozing on and off, not missing his brother at this moment. Amy picked up the baby, knowing Kaitlyn would love to hold him.
Amy opened the front door, stepping out on the porch. “Hello, ladies. Cora’s upstairs but will soon be down. After you get down from the buggy, would you like to take Nels? I’ll take your horse to the barn.”
“Hello, Amy. Zach is walking this way, so I’m sure he’ll take care of our horse,” Kaitlyn said as she set the brake and climbed down the side of the buggy, then walked up the steps.
“Amy Sanders, this is Miss Gertrude Bonder, a mail-order bride from Cincinnati. She plans to marry Les White next week. He’s a homesteader south of town, and a good man, I’ve assured Gertrude.”
“Nice to meet you, Gertrude. I’ve met Mr. White in church. Welcome to the community,” Amy said while shaking the young woman’s hand. It felt strange to say that to a person, but Amy had been living at the Bar E Ranch for six weeks now.
“I mentioned to Cora last Sunday that I’d be bringing a bride-to-be out for a drive and tea. Gertrude is staying at the parsonage until her wedding,” Kaitlyn said as she cocked one eyebrow up.
“Yes, Cora mentioned it. Please come into the parlor,” Amy said as she ushered them inside. “Cora is changing Gunner’s diaper and will be here shortly. I’ll bring refreshments out in a moment.”
Amy watched Gertrude’s eyes gawk at the furnishings and smiled. She was used to the interior now, but it was fun to see a newcomer’s response.
Amy prepared a tray of tea and cookies as she half-listened to the conversation in the other room. Most of it was baby talk toward Nels until Cora entered the room.
Amy smiled to herself. How different her life had become since moving to Kansas and how grateful she was for it. The only thing still lacking was a husband and family of her own.
She looked out the side window of the kitchen where she could see Eli’s house. The additional framing of the house came together in a day with neighbors and ranch hands working together. It was a fun day of comradery, lots of food, teamwork, and only one slight accident when Robby, trying to help, hit Leif’s thumb with a hammer.
Most of the interior was left to do, but Eli and two hands were painting the house this week. Eli hadn’t mentioned the color he’d chosen, but Amy was pleased it was tan with white trim. She looked out the window every now and then to watch their progress.
Amy sighed when she turned away from the window to pick up the tray on the table. She would accept Eli’s marriage proposal in a second if he’d ask, but there was no indication he was interested in her other than for friendship.
But they’d both been busy with their jobs and hadn’t talked much except for their Sunday rides to church.
Amy walked toward the laughter in the parlor. She was pleased she’d get to know Gertrude this afternoon. It was a delight to have friends after missing that special connection in her previous life, as she called it now. Texas versus Kansas. The hideous past versus the wonderful present—and future—thinking of Eli again.
The next half hour was spent learning about Gertrude’s past and telling her about life in the Clear Creek area. Although Gertrude would be a ranch wife, she needed to make friends, so she didn’t feel isolated.
Kaitlyn finished her cup of tea and set it on the side table beside her chair. Refreshments were done, and now she’d announce the real reason for their visit.
“Gertrude, besides coming out to meet new friends, there’s another reason we took a drive out into the country,” Kaitlyn told the bride-to-be and looked at Cora to continue.
“I lived in Boston before moving to this ranch. My husband teased me about bringing five trunks of fashionable dresses to wear here, out on the frontier prairie,” Cora told Gertrude before adding “And Dagmar was right. I wear simple cotton dresses most days, except for Sunday.”
“I’d like for you to go through those trunks and pick out a dress. You could wear it for your wedding if you didn’t have a special dress for the occasion, or for Sunday. It’s yours to keep.”
“No, I don’t have a wedding dress, but I shouldn’t take one of yours,” Gertrude protested.
“You would really be helping me as I need to clean out those trunks. After having twins, I doubt I’ll be able to fit in any of them again anyway,” Cora added with ease.
Amy tried to keep from smiling. Kaitlyn’s oldest son, Angus, had ridden out to the ranch with a message from Kaitlyn about Gertrude’s hair color and approximate size when she arrived in town. And luckily Gertrude was approximately Cora’s size, so she’d accept Cora’s explanation.
Cora and Amy had picked out dresses they thought would fit the woman and had packed the trunks ahead of time.
Cora’s mother in Boston sent clothing of different sizes now and then, and there was an upstairs bedroom stuffed with her shipments.
“Let’s go upstairs and look at them. I’d love to see the dresses worn instead of staying packed in those trunks,” Cora rose, shifted Gunner on her shoulder and walked toward the stairs. The rest of them followed, Amy being last, now carrying Nels.
“Oh my, what a lovely room,” Gertrude exclaimed, and Amy felt a sense of pride since it was the room she was using.
Cora and Amy laid the babies on the bed between the two pillows, then walked around the room, opening the trunk lids with a bit of flourish. It was so fun to be part of Cora’s surprise for the bride.
“I love the rose color of this gown,” Gertrude said as she pulled the top dress from one trunk and held it to her front. Then she looked up at the next chest and spied the emerald green dress folded on top.
“Lay the dresses you like best on the foot of the bed, then you can try those on,” Cora encouraged Gertrude.
Amy would have to repack all the trunks to find her bed this evening, but it was worth the joy of the upcoming bride. It would make Gertrude’s wedding day, and the start of her married life, so much better by having a new dress, and new friends.
*
Cora and Amy stood on the porch, watching the buggy leave with their guests.
“I knew she’d finally pick the dark rose gown. It complimented her dark hair and ivory skin,” Cora said as she swayed to keep the baby happy.
“It’s so nice for you to do that for brides, Cora. I’m sure they come not expecting anything but an awkward meeting of the man they are going to marry.”
“Kaitlyn’s the mastermind behind the ‘bride’s welcome,’” Cora insisted. “She tries to get the wedding postponed a week so the bride and groom can get acquainted, along with the woman meeting other women in the community.”
“It would help with the uncomfortable situation of not knowing each other before marriage,” Amy agreed.
“Oh, let’s go see Eli’s house. Are they done painting or just the front and east side we can see?”
Amy reluctantly followed Cora down the steps. She’d avoided walking over to the house each day for fear she’d get too attached to it as if she’d be the upcoming occupant.
“What do you think of the colors?” Eli called out as they came to stand beside the ladder Eli was descending. He glanced toward Amy for a second before settling on Cora.
“I really like it. Did you come up with that color scheme yourself?” Cora asked while trying to stifle a smile. Did Cora know she and Eli had talked about paint colors?
“This combination was Amy’s suggestion,” Eli nodded toward Amy.
Cora turned around and lifted her eyebrows at Amy. “Oh, it was? Good choice then. It blends in with the other buildings on the homestead. Or were you trying to please a future wife, maybe?” Cora teased Eli. Amy gasped and turned to the side to hide her flushed face.
“Maybe. I’ve got to finish the house yet before I can offer a woman my hand in marriage though,” Eli answered. Amy quickly glanced at Eli to see his expression. He was staring at her! Could she hope he meant to court her when his house was done?
“Be sure you keep using extra help then to get the house done soon,” Cora answered with authority.
“Yes, ma’am. Who was your company today? I didn’t recognize the woman with Kaitlyn,” Eli asked, probably to change the subject.
“That was Miss Gertrude Bonder, a mail-order bride from Cincinnati. She’ll be marrying Les White next Sunday. Kaitlyn brought her to visit and to pick out her wedding dress.”
“Think it was a good match?” Zach walked up to stand beside Eli.
“The dress or the couple?” Cora teased her ranch hand.
“Leave it to a woman to think about the dress while I’m thinking about the woman instead. Will this Gertrude be a good match with White? Or will she be available if White changes his mind?” Zach asked.
“Are you looking for a wife, Zach?”
“You never know, but this new house is going to need a woman in it soon.” Zach pointed at the house beside them.
Cora laughed. “I’m pretty sure the dress and Gertrude match as well as with her groom, now knowing a little bit about the woman. She and Les White will make a fine couple.”
Amy Admires an Amish Man Page 7