Sarah, A Festive Bride

by Hildie McQueen

Seeming to read her thoughts the woman’s sharp gaze met with hers. “I wish to have a discussion with you first thing in the morning, Sarah,” Camilla said, her voice flat. “There is much we need to discuss.”

  “Such as?” Robert asked meeting his mother’s gaze with a lifted brow. “My wife will need time to rest and recover from her travels.”

  “Of course,” Camilla replied, not at all convincing. “However, one cannot dawdle about for days.”

  Sarah agreed with her mother-in-law, but remained quiet.

  The conversation was steered toward an upcoming festival in town. It seemed the town of Ranchester held an annual celebration that the townspeople and nearby ranchers participated in.

  Sarah, who’d always loved parties and celebrations, was grateful for the distraction of what awaited her later that evening. Not sleepy at all after having napped for a couple hours, she’d be wide awake for her first night with a new husband.

  Once supper ended, she helped Amelia wash dishes and tidy up the dining room. She joined Robert, Amelia and Bernard in the front room where the men played chess while Amelia told Sarah about the people who lived in town.

  Finally, the time to retire for the evening came and the food in her stomach formed a solid ball. Nervous at what awaited, she searched her mind for any information she’d overheard from women’s conversations regarding marital relations.

  From what she remembered, most seemed to view it as a chore, something that had to be done, but not particularly pleasant. One woman who’d winked at her, hinted the opposite, stating with pride that she and her husband enjoyed their private time quite a bit.

  Once in the bedroom, she stood by the bed unsure what to do first. Robert, who’d remained quiet, cleared his throat. “I’ll give you a moment of privacy to prepare for bed.”

  He dashed from the room, leaving her to spin in a full circle, unsure what to do first. She folded down the bedding then, with an eye on the door, quickly undressed and pulled on a nightgown. That complete, she climbed into the bed.

  A moment later, she realized her hair remained up but she wasn’t about to get out of bed. So she removed the pins, put them on the bedside table and ran her fingers through the tresses, removing any tangles.

  When Robert returned, she was in the process of braiding it.

  “I have never undressed in front of a woman before,” he informed her while removing his coat and placing it carefully over the back of a chair. He then pulled his shirt off.

  Sarah was torn between looking away and watching. She’d never seen a man undress and certainly not a total stranger. “Do you find it odd at all?”

  His blue gaze shot to her face. “Of course.”

  “I mean us being total strangers...and well...married. Quite peculiar.”

  Robert nodded and pulled his pants down. A slight reddening of his cheeks told her that he was, indeed, as uncertain as she was. Sarah felt better about her own nerves.

  Fully nude, he walked to the bed and she couldn’t help but take him in.

  Having lived as a servant, people always acted as if she were invisible. As a result, she seen partial nudity on more than one occasion.

  But seeing Robert’s body was different. So very different.

  When he slid between the blankets, he immediately pulled her close. Sarah bit her lip, but a gasp escaped.

  Chapter 7

  Sarah faced the next morning with trepidation. Listening to her husband’s soft breathing, she pretended to remain asleep. She continued to feign slumber when Robert got up as she didn’t feel prepared to face him yet.

  The night before had been more awkward than anything else. Such intimacy with someone she barely knew did not make for a romantic interlude in the least.

  His kisses had been nice. His touches were somewhat enjoyable. But from the point where he became impassioned, it became uncomfortable. Not just physically, but emotionally.

  On one level, Sarah understood, more than anything, she had to grow closer to him, get to know him better, not hide behind the guise of slumber. Sarah opened her eyes and let out a long sigh.

  Robert turned to her, a shy smile on his face. “I hope last night wasn’t too horrible.” Vulnerability was evident when his lips formed a tight line and he frowned.

  It was good to know they faced uncharted territory together. As a couple, they would manage many other new things. Sarah nudged him with her shoulder. “I wouldn’t call it horrible. I did enjoy kissing.”

  He smiled. “Me, too.” He closed the distance and pressed his lips against hers.

  Sarah closed her eyes, enjoying the soft kiss that ended too quickly. He straightened. “You don’t have to do anything Mother dictates. Make your own decisions. I have to go to work today, as I know father needs my help. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to come to the bank.” He looked out the window and pointed. “The bank is just up the street on the right.”

  He continued talking while choosing clothing and she enjoyed seeing him devoid of clothing. Her husband was well built, his body slender, but toned. “Ensure to get rest. I will collect you this afternoon and take you to see the house.”

  “How long before the furniture is completed?”

  He shrugged. “We can ride out to see Barrett Patterson. He is making most of the pieces.”

  Excited at the prospect of seeing more of the area, Sarah slid from the bed and immediately realized she was completely nude.

  “Oh my.” She reached for her nightgown only to be stopped when Robert came to her and pulled her against him. His hands slid down her back and he pressed a kiss to her shoulder.

  “Never be ashamed in front of me. You are beautiful. I enjoy very much seeing your body.”

  Sarah smiled up at him while grabbing for her nightgown, prepared to it hold up in front of her once he released her.

  Robert chuckled and kissed her lips once again. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  Although Sarah was apprehensive, she refused to allow anyone to intimidate her. As daunting as it was to walk into the dining room to face the family, she held her head up and managed a calm façade.

  “Good morning,” her father-in-law said upon seeing her. She already liked the man and was glad he broke the ice by insisting she sit next to him. “Let’s have a talk about dogs.”

  “I will join you in a moment,” Sarah responded, meeting Robert’s warm gaze. “Once I fix some breakfast for Robert and myself.”

  “No need,” Camilla said in a flat tone. “You lingered, so Amelia is getting Robert’s meal made.”

  No matter what the woman tried, Sarah was more than prepared. If nothing else, spending years as a companion for Lady Worthington had taught her how to deal with difficult people.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Fields. That is so sweet of her. I will assure her not to do that in the future. Robert and I just woke only moments ago.” Sarah went to the kitchen.

  Once in the kitchen, she stopped at seeing Amelia drinking tea, while another woman flipped eggs and placed bacon on two plates. Obviously by preparing, Mrs. Fields had meant fetching, as they employed a cook.

  Amelia smiled. “Good morning, Cousin. How did you sleep?”

  “Well.” Sarah poured herself tea and spoke to both women. “May I ask which meals I’m expected to cook?”

  The cook bustled to her with a plate in each hand. “None, dear. I prepare every meal.” She smiled brightly. “I’m Harriett.” She pushed the plates at Sarah who, in turn, put her teacup down. “Go on now before the food gets cold.”

  “I’ll bring the tea,” Amelia said with a giggle and looked at the plates. “I’ve already eaten, but feel as if I may want another piece of toast please, Harriett.”

  Once settled next to her father-in-law, Sarah listed to her husband and father-in-law as they discussed an upcoming business venture.

  It was hard to speak to her mother-in-law since the woman kept interjecting comments to the men’s conversation.

  Finally, Sarah gave up and spoke to
Amelia. “What plans do you have today? Is there anything I can help you with? I’m free until this afternoon.”

  “We can go to the mercantile,” Amelia offered. “You can purchase and order items for your new house.”

  “That should be discussed with your husband. I am sure you are not aware of the finances yet. Unless you discussed it first thing upon meeting.” Her mother-in-law studied her with lifted brows.

  Sarah ensured a pleasant expression, working hard not to roll her eyes. “I have some money. I can purchase items for my home myself.”

  “Indeed.” Camilla lifted a cup to her lips. “I am hard pressed to believe that.”

  “Mother.” Robert’s nostrils flared and Sarah wondered how often his mother tried his patience. “The conversation was between Sarah and Amelia.”

  Robert met Sarah’s gaze. “Please put all purchases on my account. Don’t pay for anything. I can well afford any items you feel are needed for our house.”

  “Yes, he can,” Bernard interjected. “My son has been saving since he was very young. A good banker’s son.” He laughed and winked at her. “Do you like dogs?”

  Sarah giggled. “Yes, I do. I’d like to get one soon.”

  Bernard beamed. “I can assist you in finding the perfect one.”

  Camilla remained stone-faced throughout the rest of the meal until the men left. She went to stand by the window and looked out. “We will have several ladies for tea today. Please ensure everything is prepared and set perfectly.”

  Unsure if she spoke to her or Amelia, Sarah didn’t reply. Instead, she sat in a chair at the table. With pencil and paper, she began writing a list of items to purchase for her new home.

  “I’d say probably five. Six, if Cornelia decides to join us this time.”

  Amelia huffed. “I doubt she will. Cornelia has not spoken to Mrs. Wilkes since they had words. What about Eunice Johnson?”

  “I suppose we should invite her. She heads the pie competition every year.”

  Sarah straightened. If they were discussing the town festival, she was immediately interested. There was little she loved more than planning parties. “What part are you planning? I’d love to be part of it.”

  Camilla gave her an incredulous look. “Of course you’ll be part of it. Our family is the biggest sponsor of the Ranchester Festival every year.”

  When Amelia and Camilla left to invite women for tea, Sarah looked around the room wondering how she was expected to prepare the room for company. It was evident her mother-in-law attempted to unsettle her by asking her to prepare for a tea. The woman had not taken the time to ask about her upbringing or training.

  Sarah smiled and decided to go to the mercantile to purchase items necessary for a proper tea.

  Accompanied by a rather exuberant Harriett, who talked the entire time, Sarah walked down the boardwalk toward the mercantile. The day was just as warm as the one before, but everything seemed different.

  She was a married woman, the shiny gold band on her left hand pronounced her Sarah Fields. Everything felt different. Her spine straighter and a slight curve to her lips, Sarah felt like a new creation.

  They stepped inside the neat interior of the mercantile, waiting for their eyes to become adjusted to the room’s dim lighting. Along every wall, long shelves were filled with different items. There were tables piled with many things, from fabrics to animal pelts.

  Sarah spotted jars of spices and made her way to the display.

  “Hello, Harriett.” A woman, who Sarah remembered from the day before, neared. The lady, who appeared to be in her early forties by the strands of gray hair, looked to her. “Hello, Sarah. I’m Pearl Sullivan. My husband, Otis, and I own the store.”

  Sarah smiled. “Thank you for reminding me of your name. I appreciate you being there yesterday.”

  “I imagine the entire thing was quite a whirlwind,” Pearl said. “I can’t imagine you remembering much.”

  Harriett laughed. “We’ve been instructed to prepare for a tea this afternoon.” The cook shook her head. “It could’ve waited a few days in my opinion.”

  The women exchanged a look of understanding. Pearl pointed to several large jars on the counter. “We’ve just received molasses. It will make wonderful cakes.”

  Sugar-dusted cakes were baked from a recipe Sarah had brought with her. Next, she sliced bread into small squares, spread freshly-churned butter onto the squares before adding thinly sliced beef atop each. After the tray was replete, she covered it with a cloth. She was disappointed not to have found sweet meats, so she mixed nuts, dried figs and molasses and then dropped teaspoons of the mixture into small pie tarts she’d baked. Once that was complete, she set out two teapots she had purchased.

  Not having had time to embroider proper napkins, she asked Harriett for some. After searching drawers, they found a beautiful set of napkins.

  From the garden, they brought in flowers. Sarah cut thin branches from a tree to make a beautiful centerpiece.

  In the center of the dining table, she set a large plate, placed a wine glass upside down and set a smaller plate atop. She and Harriett neatly set about placing the tarts and bread bites on the plates. On either side of the trays, they set plates piled with sweet cakes drizzled with a vanilla-flavored syrup.

  Lastly, a teacup, plate and small, silver-plated spoon completed each place setting. At each setting, Sarah placed a small ornament made with small twigs wrapped with a strip of yellow fabric she’d purchased at the mercantile.

  Once flowers were set on the side table, Sarah stepped back.

  “The room looks beautiful,” Harriett said with a tone of reverence. “How you accomplished so much in just a couple of hours is baffling.”

  “It’s simple for my taste. But like you said, there wasn’t much time at all.” Sarah scanned the area, somewhat satisfied.

  Harriett rushed to the front room window. “And just in time. Here comes Camilla Fields and four other women.”

  It was satisfying to see the look of complete shock as her mother-in-law took in the dining room. The group of women rushed past Camilla to take in the décor and gush over how beautiful everything was.

  Sarah was greeted with hugs and requests she join them for the next planning session.

  Everyone seemed impressed except her mother-in-law who looked disapprovingly at the flowers. “Are they from my garden?”

  “You grow the most beautiful flowers,” Sarah replied. “You must share your secret with me, as I plan to start one of my own.”

  Her mother-in-law was no match for her, at least Sarah prayed it be so. After ten years of fending off attempts to hurt and humiliate her in high society, Camilla Fields should be easy to handle. However, none of the others had been her husband’s mother. That made the situation harder to deal with.

  Her mother-in-law smiled weakly when Olive Withers, the mayor’s wife, congratulated her on gaining such a “gem of a daughter in law”. “Yes...of course...Robert’s choice...thank you.”

  Sarah wanted to laugh. She leaned to Amelia. “What time does my husband arrive home from work?”

  Chapter 8

  Robert leaned back in his chair. Time seemed to slow to a crawl the more he thought about going home and spending time getting to know Sarah. Unlike most days when he enjoyed the time at work, today reviewing ledgers was a monumental chore.

  “I didn’t expect to see you at work today.” Otis Sullivan, the mercantile owner, strolled in. In his usual outfit of shirtsleeves and suspenders, the thin man always looked the part of a salesman, no matter where he happened to be.

  Otis often came to the bank during his afternoon walk to discuss the events of the day with whoever was present.

  Today, Robert was glad to have the distraction from how slow the clock moved. “I plan to be away from here for a few days once we move into the new house,” he replied.

  “May as well,” Otis said, settling into a chair on the other side of Robert’s desk. “New wives are often indispo
sed for a day or two after the wedding night.”

  Robert considered if he should have checked to ensure Sarah was ill. She seemed mobile and not in any pain that morning. “Indisposed?”

  “You know.” Otis waved a hand in the air. “Unable to perform wifely duties.”

  Not quite sure what the man meant specifically, Robert decided it was important enough to inquire despite the reddening of his face. “Should I have ensured she remained abed?”

  “No, nothing like that. I mean...” Otis leaned closer. “Unable to have relations so soon after... the first time.”

  “Oh, yes, of course.” Deflated, Robert sat back. He’d planned to spend more time with Sarah that night. Strange he’d not considered that she’d be uncomfortable after the first time. They’d not quite had what he considered an enjoyable time. Awkward and fumbling would be a better description of their first time as husband and wife.

  Finally, after fidgeting for the last hour, he stood and informed his father he was leaving early. Bernard waved him off.

  He wasn’t sure what to expect upon arriving at home. If his mother proved too difficult, it was possible he’d find Sarah either packing or locked in the bedroom in tears over something his mother had said or done.

  At the thought of what could await him at home, he bypassed the mercantile, where he’d planned to buy Sarah another small gift. Instead, he hurried home.

  The house was quiet when he entered. There was no one in the parlor or dining room. The only sounds came from the kitchen. After glancing at the stairs, he decided to go to see who was about.

  Harriett greeted him with a grin. “You’re home early. Your wife and Amelia should be back soon. They went with Olive Withers to gather some sprigs of mint.”

  “Mother?”

  “She’s in her bedroom.” Harriett’s smile left. “Has a headache.”

  Just as he sat down with a cup of coffee moments later, Sarah and Amelia entered through the kitchen door.