Sarah, A Festive Bride
Page 6
“Ain’t you sweet?” The woman clearly cared for Amelia by the warmth in her face. “Now to find you a good husband and git you into a home of your own.”
The normally pleasant Amelia immediately stiffened and a bright pink colored her cheeks. “I don’t think I’m meant for marriage, Mrs. Wilkes.”
“Why would you say that?” Sarah asked, finally putting her fork down. “You’re bright, very pretty and a caring person.”
“I lost my parents and sister. I lost the man I loved. I’m terrified to lose someone else. I’m not sure I could handle it.” There was heartbreak in her friend’s expression and Sarah could understand why Amelia would feel scared to allow anyone close. “I’m so sorry, Amelia.”
Mrs. Wilkes interrupted. “God has a plan for you, Amelia. You just gotta listen. He will bring you the perfect husband. ‘Cause nothin’ he does is a mistake.”
Amelia brightened. “Thank you, Mrs. Wilkes. I’ll keep my eyes wide open just in case.”
They laughed and, for the first time since arriving, Sarah felt as if she belonged somewhere. The two women who sat at the table were going to be close friends, people she could count on. Along with Lilah and Olive Withers, they were all good people and Sarah knew she was blessed with them for friends.
The day was sunny and warm with only a few clouds in the sky. A warm breeze blew so Sarah and Amelia rushed around the house, opening windows to allow the space to air.
While Amelia fussed over where to put things, as they didn’t have shelves yet, Sarah found her journal and made quick drawings of the windows, calculating sizes for making curtains. Without a sewing machine, it would be a task to finish them all, but it was the first task for her new home and she looked forward to it.
Male voices sounded and she was surprised when butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the sound of Robert’s deep voice. She went to the door. She found Robert and a very handsome, light-haired man moved around the wagon, untying rope.
Her husband smiled in her direction. “Sarah, this is Barrett Patterson. He is making our furniture.”
She nodded in the man’s direction, a bit tongue-tied at his striking features. Hoping Robert didn’t notice, she slid a look in her husband’s direction. He smiled and shook his head. “He’s got a pretty face. Most women can’t help a second look.” Robert laughed when Barrett glared at him.
Relieved her husband was self-assured, Sarah smiled up at him. When he winked in return, she knew her cheeks reddened.
Barrett had finished two tables, four chairs, a cabinet and a dresser. The workmanship was beyond reproach. It wasn’t until they carried the heavy dresser into the house that Sarah noticed the man limped quite noticeably.
“He lost his leg in the war. Moved here from the east awhile back,” Amelia informed her upon noticing Sarah’s curious expression. “He was taken in by Mrs. Wilkes upon arriving and considers her like a mother. You’ll see him there often, if you go there for cooking lessons.”
Amelia pointed to a wall. “This would be the perfect place for Robert’s books. This parlor can be a library and sewing room. What do you think?”
The wall was, indeed, the perfect place. She and Robert could sit on either side of the small fireplace and enjoy reading and such. “I agree.”
Sarah smiled at Amelia. “I’m so happy to be making so many friends. I hope you don’t mind that I count you as one.” Sarah gripped Amelia’s hand. “Thank you for everything.”
Amelia’s eyes sparkled. “I feel the same way about you.” The women let out a collective sigh and both giggled.
“Now, we have to see about finding a way to get a mattress so you’ll have a place to sleep tonight.”
By the time both Amelia and Barrett left, Sarah was astonished at the transformation. She’d finished unpacking the few dishes and pots she’d purchased, along with a teakettle and a coffeepot. In the bedroom, they had a makeshift bed of thick quilts, some sent over by Mrs. Withers who’d obviously gotten the news of their move from Pearl Sullivan.
The woman had shown up with not only bundles of linens, but also two beautifully embroidered pillows.
When a knocked sounded, Sarah and Robert exchanged looks. She shrugged when he looked toward the door.
“Who could it be now?” He went to the door with Sarah on his heels. The day was turning out to be enjoyable.
On the porch stood the man she recognized from the hotel and a woman.
Robert looked to Sarah. “Charles and Cornelia Bloom own the hotel.” Her husband made a sweeping motion to the couple. “Please come in.”
Sarah noticed the woman immediately took inventory of the space, the gleam in her gaze calculating. “We’re not quite ready for company as you can see. The furniture is not all complete.”
“Of course, and I didn’t think you would be. I heard news that you and Robert had moved in and insisted Charles and I come and formally welcome you to Ranchester.” The woman held out a flat, wrapped parcel. “This is for you.”
They went to the kitchen because it was the only room with enough chairs and Sarah placed the parcel carefully on the table. She opened it to reveal a beautiful, floral platter. “Oh my goodness. This is most beautiful.”
Astounded as it must have cost a lot of money, Sarah wasn’t sure what to think. Then she noticed the woman looking toward the other room. “I saw Olive heading over with used linens. Thought you could use something nice and brand new for your home.”
Sarah immediately didn’t care for the woman’s remark. “It was very nice of her to think of it. We don’t have a bed yet.”
“Yes, of course,” Cornelia remarked waving it off. “I’m sure she’ll bring a more suitable gift another day.”
While drinking tea, the conversation was stilted. It was quite obvious that Robert and Charles were not exactly friends. And all Cornelia did was try to find out what she could about Sarah’s pedigree.
When the Blooms finally left, Sarah hunched forward and shook her head. “I am exhausted.”
Robert massaged her shoulders and she sighed at the wonderful feel of it. It was nice they’d become so comfortable around each other so soon. “I thought they’d never leave.”
So she’d not been wrong in assuming he didn’t care for them. Interestingly, the Blooms seemed more than content to remain for tea and chat as if they didn’t have a care in the world.
“They are a bit different,” Sarah measured her word. “I am not sure Mrs. Bloom cares for Mrs. Withers.”
“There are very few that would lose sleep over what Cornelia Bloom cares about. She is not well regarded and I will ask that you strive to keep your distance.”
He didn’t expand and Sarah was fine to let it go as she’d not particularly liked the woman.
“I’m going to prepare for bed just as soon as I rinse these dishes. Are you working tomorrow?” Sarah stood and picked up two cups and saucers. When Robert came up beside her and began washing up the other pair of dishes, she was thankful as she could barely stand straight.
“No, I will not.”
Once the last of the cups was washed and dried, her husband took her by the shoulders. “Go get ready for bed. I’ll blow out the lanterns and lock the door.”
The request did not have to be repeated. Sarah hurried to the bedroom and once she rinsed her face, she dipped the cloth in the cool water and washed her body before donning a fresh nightgown. She felt like a little girl, sitting cross-legged on the blankets while brushing out her hair.
When Robert walked in, she was braiding it. “I’ll see about getting a mattress made tomorrow.”
“Honestly, this is fine. Please don’t fret. It’s quite comfortable. Besides, one day we can tell our children about our first nights here.”
Her face heated at the innuendo. Robert’s wide smile told he knew what she was thinking.
After undressing, he lowered to the blankets. “It is comfortable.” He rolled from side to side. “Mrs. Withers knows how to make a nice bed.”
When it became obvious they would be intimate, Sarah let out a long breath, allowing every single wonderful sensation to invade her being.
Chapter 11
The festival committee consisted of only five women. They met at Olive Withers’ home. It surprised Sarah that so few would be included until realizing her mother-in-law annoyed everyone by monopolizing the conversations. Although it was formally run by Olive Withers, Camilla constantly interrupted, suggesting things be done a certain way.
Already seated, Camilla had greeted Sarah, with barely a nod, when she’d arrived with Mrs. Wilkes. Sarah knew it was only because of the others she’d done so.
“Sarah, why don’t you give us some ideas? Having recently come from the east, I bet there are certain things we can do to improve.” Olive gave her a knowing look.
Anxious to share the many ideas she’d been jotting down, Sarah didn’t hesitate to speak.
“Why don’t we sprinkle an activity in between the stalls? We should consider perhaps spacing those selling wares along the main road across from each other. Since we have four food booths, we can set them together in front of the mercantile. The store has the largest overhang, so benches and tables can be set up underneath. People can sit and eat in the shade if they wish.”
“What a fabulous idea!” Pearl exclaimed.
Olive clapped. “I love it.”
“If I may. Let me show you how things were set up at the last festivity I attended.” Sarah placed a piece of paper on the table and began to draw. “We can have a water trough here for people to wash up before eating...” She continued for a while, sketching items on the paper as the women tossed ideas around. When she glanced up, she was shocked to see Camilla seemed as intrigued as the other women at what the festivals consisted of in Pennsylvania.
When his mother entered the bank, Robert was surprised. It was only on rare occasions that she would come to his workplace. With pursed lips and a lift to her right eyebrow, she glanced in his direction and then turned to look toward the counter where his father dealt with a customer.
Robert stood and went to her. “This is a pleasant surprise.”
“Is it?” She blinked and shook her head. “I haven’t seen you in two weeks. I expected you’d stop by and see about me.”
The tactic to make him feel bad shouldn’t have worked, but it did. “I ask father about your well-being every day.” He patted her shoulder, unsure if she’d accept more in the show of caring. “Why don’t we go for a meal at Mrs. Wilkes?”
“I don’t care for the heaviness of her food.”
“The hotel. It’s Wednesday. They will have fried chicken,” Robert tried again.
Camilla sighed. “Harriett’s is so much better. But I suppose it would be nice to spend time with my son.”
“We can come for supper tonight.” He wasn’t sure why he spurted out the suggestion without considering that Sarah would have cooked a meal. Since they’d moved into the house, she’d become adept at cooking and had made many a delicious meal, with only minor mishaps.
“That would be lovely,” Camilla replied quickly. “I will inform Harriett at once.”
She hurried out the door before he could come up with a different solution. Robert raced to the doorway. “Mother.”
Camilla was crossing the street and a wagon rolled by so she did not hear his call. Looking up the street toward where he lived, he wondered how Sarah would receive the news.
She’d not said anything about visiting his family with him, but Sarah encouraged him daily to go see his mother.
The freshness of a pretty wife and a home of his own were too appealing and once he arrived home, Robert did not wish to leave again. Now, he wished he would have heeded her suggestion and visited.
“We just got all these fresh vegetables from the Johnston’s farm. They grow the best ones,” Pearl Sullivan informed Sarah.
Sarah bit her lip studying the carrots. “I am not sure what to make for dinner. Is there a staple people eat here? I mean something you make regularly?”
After making every item in her limited repertoire, Sarah had run out of ideas. As much as she enjoyed learning from Mrs. Wilkes and Harriett, there wasn’t always time to get more recipes.
“Stew is always safe,” Pearl said with a firm nod. “Meat, carrots and a few potatoes.”
“I’ll take some of these then,” Sarah said as she chose carrots and placed them in her basket.
“Good afternoon, Pearl.” Camilla’s voice brought a sliver of apprehension down Sarah’s spine.
Sarah ensured a neutral expression and soft smile before turning to meet her mother-in-law.
“Good afternoon, Camilla.” Pearl smiled warmly at her mother in law. “It’s a surprise to see you today. Did bible study not meet?”
Camilla looked to Sarah. “Yes, they met. But I had to go see my son. I’m forced to go to the bank since he’s not visited me in two weeks.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Sarah caught Pearl’s uncomfortable shift. “Is there anything I can get for you?”
Her mother-in-law ignored Pearl. “Sarah, Robert informed me he plans to join us for supper tonight. I insisted you come as well. He was reluctant. Gave the impression you’ve been against his coming to see me.”
Horrified at the conversation being held in public, Sarah knew her eyes grew as wide as saucers. “Of course not. I have insisted quite the opposite. I’m sure dinner will be lovely...” she finished weakly as her flat tone told otherwise.
“Indeed.” Camilla peered into her basket and then to Pearl. “I’ll take some carrots. Harriett makes the best stewed carrots.”
“What time should we be there?” Sarah wasn’t sure what else to say to make the situation better.
“Robert knows the time.” Camilla narrowed her eyes and leaned closer. “My son and I have always been close. He is my only son and, as such, I am fortunate in that he’s always been loyal. Don’t think for a minute that because he is infatuated with you at the moment, you will ever come between us.”
Sarah remained frozen to the spot where she stood unable to process what the implications of what Camilla had said meant. Did the woman plan to destroy her marriage?
Shaken, she was barely able to pay for the few items in her basket. Tears threatening, she only shook her head when Pearl attempted to reassure her. This was not the time for reassurances. No, she needed to think, to accept the fact her life was not going to be easy if Camilla continued to do what she could against her.
By the time she reached the corner of the street, tears slid down her cheeks. She swiped at her face and jumped when Mrs. Wilkes appeared beside her. “Child, what troubles you?” The woman took her elbow and guided her to sit at a nearby bench.
Once settled, Sarah pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her face. “I am not sure what to do. My mother-in-law hates me.”
The older woman pressed her hand on Sarah’s knee. “I like to come out for fresh air. Walk around the block at least twice a day.” She chuckled. “Also gives me a chance to catch up with people. Can’t stay inside all day.”
Mrs. Wilkes thought for a moment. “The town is preparin’ for the festival in two weeks. I hear you’re helpin’ a great deal.” The woman continued talking, telling Sarah about past events and upcoming things the town celebrated.
“Will you look at that? Children do know how to enjoy life.”
Sarah blew her nose and followed Mrs. Wilkes’ gaze to where children were running in circles around a fence post. A boy yanked the little girl’s braid and she kicked at him.
“They don’t know any better, bein’ children. When grown-up folk act mean, it’s a different story,” Eudora said and tsked under her breath. “That Camilla Fields can be a difficult one.”
“What should I do? She could turn Robert against me, ca
use him to think I’m not a good person.”
“What did she say today to you?”
“That Robert said I was keeping him away. That no matter what I did, I would not take him away from her.” Sarah looked into the older woman’s eyes. “I promise, I would never do any such thing. I encourage him to visit.”
“From now on, go once a week. Take a little somethin’, like those cakes I taught you to make. You sit there and be pleasant. Don’t argue with her. If she says the sky is green, you admire the shade.”
In spite of the situation, Sarah giggled. “Mrs. Wilkes, you have such a way with words.”
“Robert is a smart young man. He knows his mother and isn’t fooled by her. Talk to him ‘bout everythin’, so you can be united in this...you hear me?”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Sarah let out a long sigh, feeling better. “Thank you.”
Sarah decided, she was not going to mope about and needed distraction. Not having seen Lilah in a while, Sarah walked to the schoolhouse. It was just a ten-minute walk from her house.
The schoolmarm’s face brightened at seeing her. “I was about to call on you. Need more company than just children.”
They walked out to the small cottage where Lilah lived. It was three rooms, but quite spacious for one person. With a combination kitchen and living space, a privy and a bedroom, Sarah had to admit the place was cute.
“You haven’t done very much yet,” Sarah observed. “Do you need help?”
Lilah shrugged and looked around. “I am not sure what to do, honestly. I’m not much for decorating and although I’ve considered making curtains, I haven’t done it. It’s so quiet in the evenings, I mostly sit and read after preparing lessons for the next day.”
“We can’t have that. Grab that there. We’ll need a sharp knife and scissors.” She pointed to a larger basket as she picked up a smaller one. “We’re going for a walk.”
Lilah laughed. “Are we going to decorate or hunt for small foul?”