“Oh? That’s too bad, but she has a good start. We’ll make a strong Frenchwoman of her yet.” He opened the door to find his wife on the other side. “Dear! Adelard is here!”
“I see that!” Mrs. Du Boise looked the family up and down. “Why are they still standing at our door?” She motioned to the Winslows. “Come in, come in. All of you.” When they were inside and Mr. Du Boise shut the door, she continued, “Oh, you poor children. Adelard, you didn’t tell me they were in such sad condition. I need to feed, wash, and put to bed every one of them.” She went over to Ellen. “Such a beautiful girl. No wonder you fell in love at first sight.”
Ellen’s eyes narrowed. “Que est coup de fonder?”
“Oh!” Mrs. Du Boise covered her mouth with a hand. “She speaks French so horribly!” She turned to Del. “You taught her nothing? For shame! The poor thing understands nothing?”
“Del?” Ellen ventured. “Is, um, is this your mother? I assume so.”
Her question took him aback. Could Ellen not tell this was his mother? Her native appearance, even in white’s clothes, shouted maman to him. “I’ve been negligent, ma coeur.” Del saw his father’s eyebrows rise. He’d understood enough English to know what his son had said. “This is my father, Jean-Baptiste Du Boise and my mother Mimiteh Du Boise.”
“Non, je suis Mimi.”
He smiled. “She wants you to call her Mimi.” Del turned to the older and paler version of himself. “Papa, maman, c’est mon familie, Ellen, Skeeter, et Buster.” The two older Winslows chuckled while Buster laughed outright at their names said in French. “I know they are a surprise, but their father drowned in the Deschutes. They need us.”
“But of course they do! I can smell them from here and they look hungry.” She took her husband by the arm. “Jean, you can help me heat water for them while I cook.” Mimi smiled at the little group. “They seem terrified. Adelard, explain to them about bathing and eating. Then unpack them into your room. No, you’ll be sleeping in the barn until you’re married.”
“Maman, we are married, remember?”
“Oui, but halfway. She needs her people to know she’s married.”
He sighed, not happy with his mother’s decision. Del looked to his father who shrugged. Jean-Baptiste was of no help to him and he scowled. “Fine. We’ll marry first thing tomorrow.”
“Mon Dieu, you are impossible!” She waved him on. “Go and get them settled. We’ll argue later.”
Leaning over, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Merci, maman.” Del smiled as she went to the kitchen and he continued in English, “Ellen, boys, I’m to show you where you’ll sleep tonight. I’ll bring your things inside and then help my parents fill the bath and cook dinner.”
“My goodness, Del, that’s a lot. I can help too.”
“Allons, which means come on or let’s go, and I’ll tell you why you can’t.” He led them upstairs, grinning when the boys ran their hands reverently over the banister. They’d have to learn how to slide down like he had as a child. “You’ve worked hard enough and long enough. Maman, my mother, insists you’re our guests and that you rest.” He opened the door to his bedroom, the bed looking a little small for the three of them. “She wants you to stay here for the night and maybe beyond.”
“Where will you sleep?” asked Skeeter.
They all looked at him, Ellen biting her lip as if afraid for Del to say anything. “I’ll be in the barn with the farmhands.”
“In the barn?” protested Ellen. “That’s hardly fair for us to put you out.”
Del chuckled at her concern. “You’ve not seen our barn. I’ll be fine.”
“If you’re sure….”
“I am. Excuse me while I bring in your trunk.” He left and went to get their belongings. Now in his home, the Winslows’ things looked beat up and shabby. So did they, if he was honest. He set down the trunk by the staircase and went to the kitchen. “Maman, would it be acceptable to you if I let the boys have my clothes?”
She stirred the stew, preoccupied. “Don’t you think they’re a little small for your clothes?”
Imagining the small boys in his bigger shirts made him laugh. “Silly maman, you know I mean my old clothes.”
“D’accord, mon cher. Go.” She waved a spatula at him. “Let the boys pick whatever they’d like of yours and let me finish here.”
His father dumped another bucket of water in the tub at the far end of the room. “We can take them into town later and let them pick out what they like.”
“Oui.” He left to resume hauling the trunk up to Ellen and the boys. When he walked into the open room, they were all seated on the side of the bed. The three of them looked up at Del and he grinned. “Here, I’ll set this here for when you need it.” He placed the trunk against the wall and went to his armoire. “My parents want you all to go through these and pick out what you like.” He opened the cedar drawer at the bottom. All of his childhood clothes were there and filled the space. They walked over and peered in. The boys sank to their knees and began rifling through everything as if it were Christmas morning. He stepped back, already enjoying their enthusiasm over new shirts and pants.
Ellen peered over the boys’ shoulders. “I don’t suppose you ever wore dresses?”
He laughed. “No, I’m sorry. Not since my christening gown.”
“Really? I’ll wager you were a beautiful baby.”
“Maman would say I was.”
“I’m sure.” She went to their trunk and opened it. “My other dress is clean. I can wear it for dinner.” Ellen took it out, shaking off the dust.
When he saw how worn the material was, his heart broke for how much difficulty she had endured. “Tomorrow morning, would you like to visit the town with me? We can all go and make a day of it.”
She paused, holding the dress up, and looked at him. “I’d like to see a real city, but I don’t know. It won’t be too much trouble?”
“Not at all. We’d planned on this since before I retrieved you.” He resisted the urge to cross his fingers behind him at the lie. “With everyone going, we will be sure to get everything we need.”
“All right, it sounds wonderful.” She smiled. “I hate to be rude, but when will we eat? Whatever is cooking smells so good.”
“Soon I hope.” His stomach growled as if to agree. “See? Come downstairs and we’ll know for sure.” The Winslow boys had all the clothes scattered around in piles on the floor. “Have you two picked out what you’ll wear after your bath?”
“Yeah,” said Skeeter and held up a shirt and pants. Buster saw and mimicked his older brother.
“Good job, both of you.” Del motioned for them to follow him. “Let’s see how close dinner is to being ready.”
The heavenly smell of beef stew grew stronger as they approached. He glanced behind him as he entered the kitchen. The Winslows hung back behind him as if Del protected them. He almost laughed at the idea of anyone needing such a thing from his mother. “How soon until dinner?”
She turned and smiled at their guests. “Tell them soon. First a bath, then food. Your father has the boys’ bathtub in the back yard. There’s a sunny spot just for them.” Mimi went to the hutch. “Your woman will have a bath in here before dinner, if she doesn’t mind.”
Jean-Baptiste walked in with another pail of water. “Allo. The tub out back is ready. The one in here? Another heated bucket and couple of fresh, it’ll be done.”
“D’accord,” said Del. He grinned at everyone else. “The boys will get to swim out back. There’s a tub just for them. Ellen, you’ll be in here when papa is done.”
“How will your mother cook if I’m in here? I don’t want to disturb anyone.”
She was right. They needed a divider. “I could always keep guard.”
Ellen laughed. “And do you have coyotes guard your chickens too?”
“Good point. Very well, I’ll have maman tell us what to do.” He went over to the stove. “Mam, should Ellen wait until after d
inner?”
“Non! Voici,” she replied and moved the stew over to a cooler area. “This can wait until she’s done.” Mimi drew the curtains closed for both the window and the inside door. “Now, go keep an eye on the boys. Tell your father this is the last pail. Allons!”
He did as she ordered, leaving as she shooed him out. Seeing his father, he said, “Papa, it’s the last, mother’s orders.”
“Merci!”
Del turned back to the boys. Both were naked and using the tub like a mini swimming pond. He should have thought to bring soap. Maybe a good soaking would be enough. Taking a seat, he glanced at the house. The boys would be fine here. He’d rather be helping Ellen bathe. But then, what man wouldn’t? After a little while, he said to the children, “Try to scrub all the bugs from your hair.” Their hollers and then groans amused him, with Skeeter having a queasy expression on his face and Buster a determined one.
His mother came over and sat beside him. “Papa is feeding the animals. I’ve noticed Ellen needs new clothes.”
“I know. I’ve made the excuse for us to go into town tomorrow. I’d like to get her material for several dresses and one to get married in.”
“Good. She’s lovely, Adelard. Her brothers seem well mannered too. We’ll see if they still are in a week’s time.”
Del laughed. “You don’t think they’re perfect angels?”
She gave him a wry glance. “Non, no boy is, nor should he be.”
He heard the door open and looked behind him. Ellen stepped down, wearing her older dress.
His mother nudged him. “See? She needs new clothes, the poor dear. I’d give her mine, but your wife deserves new things.”
Del nodded as Ellen sat beside him. “She deserves everything.”
Mimi chuckled and ruffled his hair as she stood. “You’re such a fool, just like your father. Come in when the boys are dressed. I’ll have dinner ready.”
Ellen leaned over to him when his mother was in the house. “Did I hear something about dinner?”
“Yes, that it’ll be ready when the boys are dressed.”
Both children stopped splashing and Skeeter said, “We can eat now? C’mon, Bust, let’s go.” They scrambled out and threw on the clean clothes. Skeeter was ready first and took Del’s hand. Ellen helped Buster with his buttons and picked him up to carry inside.
Everyone settled in to eat. Mimi had dished up the meal with a freshly baked batch of rolls. Del pulled one apart, the steam rising. He was glad she’d fixed father’s favorites tonight. Later, he’d like his new family to try his mother’s favorites. Dinner was quiet, everyone eating or letting guests eat. Before anyone could ask for seconds, Mrs. Du Boise served another helping. He grinned at Skeeter. The boy would be either taller than him or rounder than Randal down at the dry goods store.
Ellen sat back for a moment and then began gathering her family’s dishes. Mimi took them from her in a hurry. “Non, non, non. Guests don’t do dishes!”
When Ellen shrunk back, Del leaned over to her. “You are our guest tonight. Maman wants to spoil you all.” He grinned at her dubious expression. “Don’t worry, she’ll put you to work soon enough.”
“In that case, if you don’t mind, I’m rather tired. I think we’re turning in early tonight.”
“I understand,” he replied before telling his mother and father of the Winslows’ plans.
“Good night,” came the reply, said in English from first his father, then his mother. Del grinned. They’d learn the language in spite of themselves, he was sure of it.
He followed the Winslows upstairs and into their room. “I wanted to say goodnight as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for something if you need it. My parents want to make sure you’re happy. He leaned in and gave Ellen a kiss on the cheek. Skeeter ran up to him and hugged him. He returned the hug, and when Del bent down, Buster kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Buster.”
Skeeter hurried into the bed, pulling the blankets up to his chin. “Sis?”
“Yes, Skeeter?” Ellen slipped off her shoes and got in beside him, helping Buster up as well.
“This must be what heaven is like for ma and pa,” her younger brother said in a reverent tone.
She looked at Del before replying, “I think you’re right, sweetheart.”
Instead of kissing her properly in front of her brothers, he left, pulling the door shut behind him. The boys would need their own room soon. He loved them but wanted a real honeymoon too.
Ellen opened her eyes to find herself in a bedroom. The sheets felt too soft to be true, and the pillow cradled her like cotton. The only thing marring her enjoyment was the sound of someone going potty. She glanced over to see Skeeter whispering instructions to Buster. They’d been quiet, but the chamber pot hadn’t.
Sausage. Dear God in heaven, she smelled sausage. She could tell when the aroma hit the boys’ noses. They turned like prairie dogs hearing a noise. She threw back the covers. “Breakfast! Let’s go.”
The three hurried out the door and downstairs to find Del and his parents in the kitchen. When he saw them, Del laughed. “I told them you’d be here as soon as food started frying.”
Ellen went to the stove and breathed in deep. After months of bacon, the spicy sausage was perfect. A little basket of eggs sat on the shelf and she nodded at them. Mrs. Du Boise nodded with a grin. Ellen turned to her brothers. “Sausage and eggs.”
Both children cheered, making all the adults laugh. Everyone except Mimi and Ellen sat down and waited for the meal. When Mrs. Du Boise noticed the young woman hovering, she hollered to her son. He did as requested, grabbing last night’s cookpot and saying, “Allons,” to his love.
She smiled, knowing what he’d said and followed. The boys’ tub had been emptied and overturned for drying against a tree. Guilt filled her at someone else doing her work while she’d slept. They stopped at a water pump. Del emptied the pot of its soaking water and put in some fresh for scrubbing.
“Your parents, do they like me?”
“Que? I mean, what? Of course they do.” He emptied the pot and refilled for rinsing. “You don’t understand anything, do you, my dearest?” Del set down the pan and took her hands. “They don’t have to tell me in any language. I can see it in their faces that they approve of you and adore your brothers. Who could not? I told them everything about you and your family before retrieving you, and then last night about your father’s tragedy.”
Her heart beat double time. She didn’t want to ask for risk the truth would hurt, but she had to know. “So if you marry me, no one will mind if the boys live with us?”
He paused for a long time. At last he said, “I can see I’ve been lacking in my duties to you.” Del picked up the dish and took her hand, leading her back to the kitchen. Once inside, he said, “Maman, papa, Buster, and Skeeter, attention?”
Everyone paused and his mother moved eggs from the frying pan to a plate. Ellen fidgeted. “I don’t know if this is the best thing right now.”
Del ignored her, pulling Ellen into the middle of the room and getting down on one knee. He grinned when his mother cheered, and then he glanced over to see his father’s wide smile. He looked up at Ellen. “Miss Winslow, I have loved you from the moment we met. My life is nothing without you. I want you and your brothers to be a part of my family. Please ease my heartache and marry me.”
Her mind struggled to think amid the love she felt for him. “Yes, I will marry you.” The words bubbled out like water over a river’s rapids. She couldn’t take them back when everyone in the room began cheering.
Mimi spoke first and when she finished Del said, “Breakfast is ready. Maman says congratulations and let’s eat before it gets cold.”
The boys and Mr. Du Boise were first seated with the rest following. Mrs. Du Boise served everyone before sitting down to eat. Ellen tried to eat slowly and savor every bite. She couldn’t remember the last egg she’d had and now sausage too? The biscuits also tasted better than any she’d ever cooked. Was
it good cooking or love? She glanced over at Del and smiled. Maybe a healthy dose of both. He returned her smile and Ellen’s face grew warm.
Skeeter pushed his plate forward and sat back. “When you get married, sis, will Del be our brother and let us live with you?”
Ellen assumed the children would know they’d always be with her. “Yes on all counts. I’m not sure where we’ll live, but it will always be together.”
Mimi, Jean-Baptiste, and Del all began talking in rapid fire French. Ellen heard familiar words, but nothing concrete. Their voices raised as if in argument before they fell silent. At last, Del said, “We’ll live here, at my parents’ insistence. They want us to have a solid footing before we find a place of our own or for us to even stay here until they pass away.”
The idea of Del losing his parents alarmed her. “They’re not ill, are they? Tell me they’re fine!”
He laughed before repeating in French what she’d said. His father laughed while his mother frowned and gave him a sharp retort. He sobered up in a hurry. “She said I’m not to tease or worry you. They’re fine and they just want you to know you have a home with them.”
Tears of relief filled her eyes. The Du Boise family was not only healthy, but accepting of the Winslows. Del had proposed with their blessing. This heavenly place really was to be their new home. A sob escaped her and Del pulled her into his arms. She heard him murmur something in French as he patted her back and kissed the top of her head.
“Maman will help the boys change clothes for town while papa saddles the horses. We’ll sit here until everyone is ready. All right, sweetheart?”
She nodded against him, feeling bad that Mrs. Du Boise was doing her tasks. A good future daughter in law would push Del away and go help. Ellen kept her eyes closed, knowing she was already off to a horrible start. For now, she just soaked up the warmth of being held by him.
“What is your favorite color, my coeur?”
Ellen smiled, pulling away to wipe her tears, and looked up at him. “My favorite? I’m not sure.”
“We’ll find something you love.”
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