“Not sure what I’m supposed to do now. You’d think she’d be happy I offered to cook.”
Filbert chuckled. “I think she’s more embarrassed than upset. That she can’t provide a good meal for you.”
Unable to put it off any longer, Elias trudged to the house. He found Esther shoving wood into the stove as if it had offended her in some way.
“That’s too much wood, you’ll burn the house down,” he said and immediately realized it was the wrong thing to have done. Esther swerved a small log in her hand and glared at him with reddened eyes. The cuteness of her pink nose did not distract from the fact that she was very angry with him at the moment.
“I don’t know what I’m doing. And, yes, I’m inept in the kitchen, but you don’t have to be mean.”
So now what did he do? Elias looked to the sideboard. “How many eggs do you want?”
“I’m cooking. Sit down,” Esther ordered and pointed to the table. “You worked hard all day and expect a hot dinner waiting. Rightfully so.” She pointed at him with a wooden spoon for emphasis. “I will make dinner.”
Amusement simmered and Elias struggled to hide it. He looked toward the coffee pot wishing for hot coffee and decided not to move from his seat.
Instead, he sat back in his chair, enjoying the view of his beautiful wife as she cracked eggs into a pan. Realizing she’d forgotten to add lard first, she dug into the lard and plopped a huge spoonful of it into the sizzling pan.
Despite the overcooked bacon and cold eggs, Elias cleaned his plate and asked for seconds. Esther seemed to have calmed and asked him about the visitors earlier. They discussed plans for the next day as well as how to deal with the ill boy.
Although she insisted on checking on him during the day, Esther finally gave in and agreed not to after he assured her Filbert would do so.
He helped carrying the plates to the washbowl, but then stepped away when she nudged his arm. “Have some coffee over by the fireplace. I will join you shortly.”
As he walked to sit down, Elias wondered how it came to be his wife had taken over the household, ordering him to do things and not allowing for protest.
He settled into the chair and the dogs joined him, lowering to lie at his feet. In that moment, all was well. The fact that Esther had taken over the household did not bother him one bit.
* * *
An hour later, neither of them could keep the conversation going between yawns. He undressed and washed up while Esther sat perched on the bed, her knees up to her chest, watching him. “I apologize for today. So many things happened. I didn’t mean to order you about.”
His lips curved, but he assumed a serious look upon turning to face her. “You were emotional. I can certainly understand why.”
Elias went to the bed and slid between the blankets. “Come here.” He tugged at her arm until she settled against him and let out a sigh. The feel of her softness against him was something he’d quickly grown accustomed to. Elias kissed her temple. “This is your home, your domain. Although I don’t expect to be ordered about, a wife is in charge in the kitchen, in the home, really. If I don’t agree, I will let you know.”
Her head moved up and down, but she remained quiet. He tipped her face up to his. “I rather enjoyed being bossed around today,” he said, placing a kiss on her parted lips. “Maybe you can boss me about a little more here.”
“Elias... I...” she gasped but her eyes sparkled with mirth. “You shouldn’t say such things.”
Both hands sliding down her back, he pressed another kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Why not?”
“Well, because...”
He nuzzled her neck. “Tell me wife, what would you like me to do now?”
After a soft giggle, his wife proceeded to instruct him well.
Chapter 13
The rooster’s crowing made Esther roll over to find Elias had already risen. The smell of coffee roused her from the bed and she hurried through her morning routine in order to prepare breakfast for her husband.
She’d thought them too tired to make love the night before, but it seemed both garnered much energy and she’d thoroughly enjoyed Elias’ playful tone throughout.
Blushing at her thoughts, Esther pinned her hair up only for it to flop sideways. She’d never mastered the art of wearing her hair up and, although it was quite unfashionable, rarely did. Now she tried again, this time braiding her long curls and wrapping it tightly before pinning it. It seemed to work.
Elias stood by the open front door, the crisp air flowing past him. For a moment, she stopped and admired his broad back that tapered to a slim waist and on to long well-muscled legs that came from hours on horseback. Her husband was quite handsome and, for that, she was grateful. Although his looks did not make him a better person, she had to admit to feeling an immediate attraction upon first meeting him.
With light blonde hair and clear, blue eyes, he was striking in a subtle way. She wondered why someone like him had not met and married before her. There were several questions she’d still not been brave enough to ask. They had time to get to know one another and before long, she’d not only know the answer to her questions, but more about his mannerisms and such.
“Good morning,” Esther finally said. At his reply, she went directly to the kitchen.
Elias walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “If you need anything today, I’ll be around the stables and over by the paddock.”
Barely able to speak when shyness overtook her, she nodded in agreement.
* * *
The day went fairly well. Esther made the bed and aired out the house. She set beans to boiling after finding Filbert and asking him how to make chili. The rest of her ingredients and meat were prepared. She waited for the beans to soften before mixing them together. Without much to do, she decided to walk about for a bit and find out when they could go to town. Even to her untrained eye, it was obvious they needed more food items for the house.
The stables were dim, but clean. Although most of the horses were out in the corrals, a couple heads peered out upon her entering.
She followed the sound of male voices to the other end, but stopped short at hearing her name.
Elias spoke in an even tone. “I’ll give it a bit of time. We’re still getting to know each other. But it’s burning me up from inside not to ask.”
“It’s a legitimate question,” Filbert replied. “I’d want to know if my wife was barren.”
Esther’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth with one hand while lifting her skirts in preparation to flee. But she had to hear Elias’ response, so she waited.
“Not sure what I’d do. I’ve always wanted children.” They seemed to break apart as footsteps sounded and she hurried to hide in an open stall.
Filbert whistled. “Can’t help you there. If she can’t have children, it’s not like you can send her back.”
“I know,” Elias replied, his tone resigned. “I’ll have to deal with it.”
“She’s a pretty one.”
“That she is.”
It was all she could do not to announce her presence by running back to the house. But she managed to remain hidden until they left, leading horses out to the corrals.
The house seemed dimmer upon her entry. Esther walked to a chair, collapsing into it in thought.
Elias thought her barren. What if she was?
Admittedly, she and first husband’s marriage had been quite different. They’d only been intimate a handful of times before he pronounced it was best not to share a bed.
For the rest of the marriage, they maintained separate bedrooms with him visiting her monthly at first. After a year, he rarely came to her bed, then not at all. She’d hoped for children and, each month that passed, she’d grown more convinced she’d never have a child. Not because she was barren, but because of her husband’s lack of attention.
Outside the window, birds sang as the sun sunk behind the horizon. It was late afternoon.
Elias would return from working soon and, somehow she’d have to find a way to not allow her emotions free rein again.
He’d voiced the fear of no children, the same fear she’d had for a long time. Yet it never occurred to her that, upon marrying again, it would be an issue. Goodness, she was still young, but being a widow, she’d not considered children when agreeing to becoming a mail order bride.
Of course, it made sense that Elias would want a family, children to raise and help out when they grew too old to care for the land. At twenty-three, she had plenty of time and, if Elias wanted children, then she’d ensure they’d make love nightly until it happened.
Her mind made up, Esther felt much better. Surely, she was not barren. Every woman in her family had birthed healthy babes and she wasn’t about to be the only one without children.
The smell of the beans got her attention. “Oh Lord!” She ran to the kitchen to find the beans had run dry. Thankfully, they’d not burned.
* * *
Elias came home. His face freshly washed, he came directly to kiss her upon entering. “It smells good.”
“I tasted the chili and am quite proud to say it’s edible.” She grinned at him. “We need to go to town to get more sundries.”
He nodded and looked to the coffee pot. Obviously, the first thing he did upon returning home for the day was to drink a cup of coffee. Esther made a mental note to ensure to have a pot ready.
“I’ll pour you a cup. Sit down.” Finding that she was bossing him again, she quickly added. “If you want to.”
“The boy is feeling better. Filbert checked on him and he was sitting up.”
Thankful for the news, her heart lightened. “I’m happy to hear it.”
Once she served their meal, Esther decided to broach the subject of what he expected of her.
“I need to know what most wives do. Besides cooking and straightening up, I mean.”
Elias scratched his jaw. “Some garden, grow vegetables. I know Eleanor, Marcus’ sister, does all the cooking and cleaning. She has a woman come and help with the wash and such.”
She’d not considered the washing. “I’ve never done that. I suppose it can’t be that difficult.” There wasn’t anything she’d seen that could be used for washing clothes. Other than a deep washstand and counter space, she’d not seen a large tub for clothes or bathing for that matter. “How do you bathe?”
“I forgot to show you. In the winter, I drag in the washtub from out back. That’s the one for washing clothes. An Indian woman from across the pond comes to do my wash twice a month. She’s nice, you’ll like her. Anyway, when it’s warm enough I bathe out back at the water pump over behind the stables.”
Esther was relieved to know he planned to continue using the woman to do the wash. Her hands were already alarmingly reddened from washing dishes and sweeping.
As soon as Elias finished eating, she hurriedly washed the dishes and put away the pots, hanging everything up neatly. She found Elias dozing by the fireplace, with the dogs at his feet.
“Elias, it’s time for bed.”
As soon as he slipped between the covers, she reached for him and ensured he understood exactly what she had in mind.
* * *
The week that followed, Esther did not allow Elias a night without making love to her. If she was completely honest, it wasn’t just the want to have children driving her to have his attentions nightly. She looked forward to his touches and the amazing way they were attuned to one another.
The following week after that, Esther was not as enthusiastic. Although Elias didn’t seem to mind her demands of his attention, he, too, seemed more and more inclined to rush to complete the deed. Afterwards, he’d go to sleep promptly, not giving Esther an opportunity to get a second chance to make love in one night.
Esther woke up with cramping one morning. As she went on to do her chores for the day, melancholy filled her.
She wasn’t expecting. No child yet.
Her day grew worse when Elias announced he’d be going to deliver cattle and would be gone for over two weeks. They agreed she’d remain there with Filbert and Wyatt, who now helped around the ranch. The boy was constantly like a shadow behind the older man most days.
When she didn’t reach for him that night, he seemed to understand she was indisposed and held her while sleeping. It was hard to keep the tears at bay as fear took hold and settled into her heart.
Chapter 14
Aurora and Evan arrived one morning. Her cousin rushed to her with a wide smile and shiny eyes. “I’m so sorry we didn’t come sooner. But there was a train wreck and many injured so Evan and I have been tied up at the clinic.”
It was perfect timing. Esther wanted to take advantage of their visit and ask Aurora questions. Not only that, but after weeks of only Elias and Filbert to talk to, she feared going mad.
“Come inside, please. I’ll make tea.” Esther hurried to the stove with Aurora close behind. “I have so many things to ask you. Did you know I don’t know the first thing about cooking or much about housekeeping, either, for that matter?” she began explaining only to stop when Aurora laughed and took her hand.
“Slow down. We’re staying for a couple days. I begged Evan to bring me and to stay here for at least three days. Thankfully, Emmett is in town and taking over duties at the clinic.”
Esther clapped with happiness. “That is such good news. I miss having someone to talk to. Although not much in the way of company, I will admit to missing the meetings back in Philadelphia to discuss helping the unfortunate.”
“That’s all it was mostly, discussion.” Aurora shook her head. “Honestly, Esther, I don’t know why you kept going.”
“There were a few who did actually go out and do the things discussed. I did.”
The teakettle whistled and they went about pouring tea. Aurora pulled back an embroidered napkin in a basket to show she’d brought small teacakes and biscuits.
Evan and Elias walked in at that precise moment and Elias made a beeline for the basket. He grabbed a handful of pastries and smiled at Aurora. “Always look forward to your visits. My brother never brings me anything to eat.”
“That’s not true,” Evan interjected. “Aurora sent a basket with me last time I came.”
Esther liked seeing the playful side of Elias when he bantered with his brother. “You’d eaten half by the time you got here.”
“Evan!” Aurora gasped. “You didn’t?”
The doctor looked properly chastised. “I got hungry. It’s a long trip.”
“Two hours isn’t so long,” Elias countered. With that, he turned away to head back outdoors. His brother rushed to catch up lest he get an earful from Aurora.
At least there were plenty left for them to have after dinner. So Esther didn’t worry about what she’d serve with the simple meal of pork and beans she’s planned.
“I cook beans a lot. At least I’ve gotten the hang of that. Can you show me how to cook chicken while you’re here?”
“Honestly Esther, you should have asked to come and spend a few days with me to learn. Lucille and I learned many things together. Although I knew the basics, life here is so much harder than in the city. Gladys, the lady who helps out at the clinic, taught us quite a bit, too.”
“At times, I feel so inadequate,” Esther admitted. “How did Wilhelmina manage out here all alone?”
Her cousin stirred her tea and then blew over it before sipping. “She had Eleanor. Eleanor’s taught her much more than I will even know.”
For the next few hours, they chatted and caught up. Esther was hungry for the conversation and for news about people in town. Both spoke of letters they’d received from Philadelphia and made plans for future days. The day became late and soon it was time to begin cooking the evening meal.
“I have something I wish to discuss with you before our husbands return.” Esther’s face heated and she was sure her cheeks turned a mortifying shade of red.
“Oh no.”
Aurora’s eyes widened. “Is something wrong?”
How to begin, to admit to her cousin how she hoped to get with child? She’d already planned on insisting she and Elias make love daily, once again.
“No there’s nothing wrong. I am not sure how to start.” Esther slouched in the chair. “What if I can’t have children? What if Elias decides to find a wife who can?”
“Goodness, Esther. You’ve only been married a few weeks. Give it time.” Aurora chuckled. “I can’t believe you’re so bothered by that already.”
Esther took her arm. “Don’t you see? I was married for seven years. Elias knows this. I never became with child.”
“There were extenuating circumstances. You didn’t share a bed. You do realize you have to share a bed in order for...”
“Yes, of course,” Esther interrupted, her mind going to what happened between she and Elias. “We have... no, I have been trying to ensure it happens.”
Aurora’s brow creased. “What do you mean?”
Before she could answer, the door opened and the brothers, along with Filbert and Wyatt, entered.
* * *
The conversation over dinner was animated as Filbert filled Evan and Aurora in on Wyatt’s latest endeavors. The older man had taken quite a liking to the younger one and considered him like an apprentice of sorts. The boy, in turn, hung on every word the older man uttered, his eyes rounded as if Filbert held the answer to the meaning of life.
“How wonderful for you to be so witty and quick to learn,” Aurora said to Wyatt. He blushed brightly at the compliment.
“Thank you, ma’am,” he uttered, eyes downcast. “I’m gonna pay Mr. Filbert and Mr. Jones back for their kindness. Mrs. Jones, too. Gonna work hard for ‘em.”
Elias nodded. “You’ll start earning something, too. A man needs his own money to make it in the world. Filbert will teach you to save and what to buy and such.”
Esther, An Easter Bride (Brides for all Seasons Book 4) Page 6