by Mercy Levy
“I’m sure that I can learn to cook in a kitchen like this,” Lexi said with little confidence.
“I hope you can cook because John expends a lot of energy and having three substantial meals is important to him. You can cook – right Lexi?”
“In all honestly Jane, I haven’t done much but I watched our cook back in Boston and I’m sure that it’s something I can pick up,”
Jane laughed. “You have no idea what you’re doing but as you said – you’ll figure it out.”
They both laughed and Jane started to show Lexi around the large country kitchen, which was much different than the one the cook used back home. It was quickly apparent to Jane that Lexi had no idea what she was doing. Jane said it was fine because there was room left for improvement and she told Lexi that John would eat anything.
“With stew on the stove and biscuits in the oven, I feel confident that I can return home,” Jane chirped.
“I wish you were staying a few more days but it’s good to know you live nearby. Do you have children Jane?” Lexi asked.
Jane was silent but the ends of her mouth curled up. “I’m bursting with news, Lexi and I have to tell someone. I’m with child.” Jane threw open her arms and welcomed Lexi for a hug.
“Fabulous news. I assume you’ve told your husband and John.”
“No Lexi, I was waiting until I returned back to the ranch to tell Jeb and I haven’t told John because I thought it would remind him of his lost child who he only heard cry for a moment.”
“I hardly know your brother but I’m sure he would be thrilled for you and Jeb,” Lexi insisted. “I thought his son was born still?”
“No, he lived for a moment. John was not in the room but he heard JJ’s faint cry before Dr. Remsen came out with the sad news.”
“Well, enough sadness. I think you should hurry home to Jeb and share the news. John should be back from the barn soon and it’s time I get to know my husband.
****
Lexi was so tired from her journey that she fell asleep on the front porch. The biscuits were left warming in the over and the stew was simmering on the stove. She was alerted when she heard John clomping quickly up the stairs.
“Fire, Lexi, run away from the house,” John screamed as Lexi wiped the drool from her mouth. A nasty side effect from an afternoon nap.
Lexi ran and the next thing she knew, John was tossing a pan of flaming biscuits from the porch. It was a good thing he was still wearing the gloves. It took Lexi a moment until she realized that her first dinner in Texas was a disaster. Flames weren’t obvious and she hoped there was no major damage to the house.
“Well, you sure know how to make an entrance,” Johns said jokingly. His smile was a hint towards his good nature.
“So sorry, I hope the stew is salvageable. I had Jane’s help with that before she left for home.”
“We’ll manage Lexi. No one was hurt and I’m not that hungry anyway.” John laughed and he sat down on the dusty path next to Lexi. “Jane showed you around the house so you know where things are. I imagine it’ll take some time before this place feels like home and feel free to arrange things as you see fit. I set you up in the room with me but if that seems too much too soon than you can let me know.”
“I saw that we have our own beds that are feet apart which is appropriate, since we only just met. We aren’t officially man and wife yet and after that’s done we can discuss the sleeping arrangements again,” Lexi said between coughs.
Dust was swirling as the warm breeze blew. The smell of sage was dry and a nice change from Boston, where the salt air was tinged by exhaust. Buildings or hillsides didn’t obscure her view as golden and in some places, green fields went on for as far as the eye could see. The house that was lopsided when Lexi laid eyes on it, was looking more beautiful with each passing glance.
“About that. We’ll head into Garvey and get things legalized tomorrow and make you my legitimate wife. While we’re in town, you can stop by Doc Remsen’s clinic and see if we can get you something for that scratchy throat.”
“It’s not necessary John. A little cold is not a big deal and it will pass in a few days.”
John was relentless. “You can understand why even the slightest illness causes me to worry. I lost something precious when my wife and son died and I’m not going to let anything happen to a woman as beautiful and kind as you.”
Lexi blushed. John Stark hadn’t known her for a day and already he was giving her compliments. A few words from John seemed more than anything muttered by Barnabas Flynn in Boston. John wasn’t fancy but he was genuine.
“For you, I’ll see the doctor but I’m sure it’s just the changing climate. Let’s head indoors to see if the smoke has cleared and if the stew survived. I should tell you John, that I’m intimidated in the kitchen. I didn’t misrepresent myself to Mr. Burgess and told him that my skills were rudimentary but I was keen on learning.”
“Perhaps Jane can come back and give you lessons,” John suggested.
“No,” Lexi was quick to say.
“Why not? Did you not get along my sister? I find that odd because she’s the easiest person in the world to get along with. Every one likes Jane.”
“I like Jane very much but she deserves to be with Jeb and I’ll have fun experimenting.”
“Okay; we’ll do it your way but I know that Jane would be thrilled to help.”
Lexi did not like keeping secrets from her new husband but Jane told her in confidence that she was with child. It was her news to deliver and she wasn’t sure how John would react because of the recent loos of his own son. Lexi wanted to find out more about Grace and the child but she didn’t want to pick at an open wound. Lexi and John ate stew together at the kitchen table after opening all the windows to help the smoke escape. There weren’t any awkward silences in their conversations, in which they exchanged funny stories and told each other about their backgrounds. It was more than pleasant and Lexi looked forward to the next day when they legally became husband and wife.
Chapter Five
Thank goodness Mr. Burgess warned Lexi about the warm weather in Texas. Lexi brought her favorite summer dress with blue flowers. It wasn’t high collared and she didn’t bother curling her hair, which made her feel free. Her cheeks were free of rouge but they were naturally rosy as a result of the sun and physical activity. Lexi tied a blue satin ribbon in her hair and out to the porch.
“I hope that I haven’t kept you waiting long?” Lexi found John in the rocker wearing pressed trousers and a blue shirt. He was clean shaven and Lexi felt a rumble in her belly.
“No, I’m just enjoying the cool morning air and counting the head of cattle grazing in the distance. Aren’t you a sight? I had better make you my wife before someone else does.”
“Thank you for the compliment. I’m sure you’ll think differently when I’m sweaty from work in the barn or covered in flour.”
“I can’t imagine I’ll think differently. Jane knows of our plans and she has agreed to be our witness along with Jeb. I hope she remembers because she’s been scattered these past few weeks,” John said and once again Lexi was tempted to tell him about the baby but she bit her lip.
“It’ll work out.” John helped Lexi up onto the wagon and his touch electrified Lexi. She felt safe with his hands on her and Lexi was sure that coming to Texas was the right choice. As they started towards town, Lexi felt safe asking John a favor. “Is there a possibility that someday we can take vows before God. I feel silly asking you because I hardly know you but my faith matters a great deal.” Lexi tensed before he answered as she doubted he felt the same way.
“I would rather stand in front of a minister than a judge but I heard that’s how mail order brides prefer things. I didn’t want to assume that you were a woman of strong faith like myself. It would be great to get this done before God someday.”
Lexi breathed a sigh of relief. “Then we have something to look forward to.”
John reach
ed over and clenched Lexi’s hand, and they shared a single glance that seemed more powerful than any decree a judge could give them. It was as if a blessing from God was happening at that very moment. They walked up the stairs to the courthouse hand in hand, unlike most other couples who had only just met. When they walked into the room Jane and Jeb were waiting with enormous smiles on their faces. It was apparent that Jane had shared the news that she was pregnant with her husband and it wouldn’t be long until everyone shared in the news.
“I’m excited you’re here Jane. I just finished telling Lexi that you seemed distracted but you must have just been missing Jeb and home.” John gave his sister a warm embrace.
“It was more John but soon it will be hard to keep the secret that I’m expecting a child.” Jane squealed.
Lexi kept from commenting until she saw how John reacted. She didn’t know him that well and there was a chance that his grieving would come storming back.
“Well, this is the second best new of the day.”
Jeb replied. “What’s the first best?”
“The first best is that I’m marrying the woman next to me. Who would’ve thought I’d be so lucky? The second best is that we’re inviting a new member into the family.” Everyone looked at John with excitement because he seemed ready to move on.
John and Lexi said their vows with Jane and Jeb as their witnesses. It was a swift ceremony, if it could even be called a ceremony. John said some words and signed a ledger before Lexi did the same.
“Congratulations Mrs. Stark. Welcome to the family,” Jane said. “John told me that you’re heading to the doctor today and I’m heading that way also so we can go together.”
“I had hoped that John had forgotten about that but I guess not, so I’ll be happy to go with you.”
John said goodbye to his new wife Lexi and she promised to have dinner ready for him after his day in the fields. She promised not to burn the biscuits and they both laughed as they recalled the burnt biscuits from the night before.
****
“Dr. Remsen; it’s a pleasure and I came as promised to make sure that my baby is growing according to plan,” Jane said as both ladies showed up in his office.
“Great to see you Jane and from your rosy cheeks and smile I can tell that you’re progressing nicely. Are you going to introduce me to your friend?” Dr. Remsen asked.
“I’m Lexi Stark, that’s the first time I have introduced myself as such. I just got married to John Stark, whom I believe you know.”
“Right, yes. I know John and his late wife. It’s a shame that she was taken but I see he found a beautiful replacement.”
Lexi didn’t like to be considered a replacement. “I’m here from Boston and I seem to have developed a cough. John insisted I see you but I’m it’s nothing.”
A baby was crying in the next room, which caused Jane to comment. “That can’t be your baby, Doctor Remsen. I didn’t know your wife was expecting?”
“She carried the baby in a way that few noticed and we decided to keep the news private. I’ll check your throat, Mrs. Stark and give you some lozenges because as long as you have no fever, you’ll be fine.” Doctor Remsen was flustered and seemed in a hurry to send Lexi and Jane on their way.
Jane couldn’t let the opportunity pass to see a newborn. “Can I meet the child that seems rather fussy. I’m sure Mrs. Remsen would be more than thrilled to show her off.”
“An extra set of hands is welcome with a crying baby. Don’t you agree Doctor?” Lexi asked.
Before Doctor Remsen could protest further his wife came out from the back with a 6-month old boy. Mrs. Remsen seemed as frantic as the baby and Lexi noticed that she appeared well beyond child bearing years.
“I heard your patients requesting our presence and the timing couldn’t be better because Ezekiel is having a fitful time,” Mrs. Remsen said as she emerged.
Lexi was stunned as Jane took the child in her arms. Ezekiel was clearly not their biological child and if he were from a relative that would be fine. It was the fact that they lied that seemed absurd.
“You have the magic touch Jane. He has calmed down immediately, which is a good thing since you will be a mother soon yourself,” Lexi looked into the baby’s green eyes and she smiled.
Mrs. Remsen tugged at Lexi’s arm. “How is John Stark after the loss of his wife; not a day goes by that I don’t think about him.”
“My husband is fine and together we’ll move on from his loss. It sounds like you were nearby when Grace and the baby died. It must have been tragic to hear the infant wail; how long did little JJ live until he expired.”
“I had no idea that he was named,” Mrs. Remsen seemed to have a tear in her eye.
“He was John Junior.”
“Please send my regards to John and I hope the two of you have a happy marriage.” Mrs. Remsen took the baby and returned to the back room. Lexi felt a knot in her stomach and Doctor Remsen noticed that she knew something wasn’t right. Lexi picked up her throat drops and hurried home so she could start dinner for her husband.
Chapter Six
Lexi walked in to the house and noticed a sweet smell so she wandered into the kitchen where she found John sitting at the table. It was set for two with a bunch of wildflowers sitting in the center.
“Don’t tell me you cooked, John Stark.”
“I had help but it’s chicken and dumplings. It’s a celebration because like it or not we’re married.” John smiled.
“So far, I like it, John and this dinner is the nicest surprise ever. Are you going to tell me who helped with this glorious feast?”
“It was Maxine Kendall who truly cares that her matches end well. I stopped by her place on the way home to give her some money that I owed her.” John said as he pulled out the chair for Lexi. It was as if they were in a fancy restaurant. “She thought we would need it. Many of her mail order bride situations don’t work out.”
“Is that what you think about us?” Lexi asked, aghast.
“No but I wasn’t about to turn down a meal, after the biscuit fiasco,” John laughed and Lexi joined him as they dug into their feast. Between bites, John asked about her trip to see Dr. Remsen. “Did he give you anything for your scratchy throat?”
“He said it was probably nothing but he gave me some lozenges. With no fever, I was sent on my way but not before meeting Ezekiel Remsen.”
“Who the heck is he?”
“He’s Dr. and Mrs. Remsen’s baby,” Lexi said and John reacted with downcast eyes. “Now I feel like an idiot for even mentioning it. I should have known the mention of a 6-month old would remind you of your own son.”
“More chicken Lexi?” John asked, as he completely avoided any discussion of the baby.
“Yes please. The excitement of the day caused me to work up quite an appetite.”
For an hour they talked about polite topics and avoided anything remotely about babies. Dinner was over and they cleaned the kitchen before going to bed after a long day. They were legally married but John was a gentleman and didn’t pressure Lexi to push the beds together. They lay on beds only a couple of feet apart and knew it was only a matter of time until they lay together as husband and wife.
“Lexi.”
“Yes John.”
“Mrs. Remsen didn’t seem like she was pregnant and I didn’t think women of a certain age could bear children.”
“Doc Remsen said she carried the child, which I found odd because of her age. She’s closer to my Mother’s age than my own. Perhaps he’s adopted and they would rather keep that private. He wouldn’t stop crying until Jane held him and he calmed down immediately. She must have the magic touch, which is a good thing because she’ll have one of her own someday.”
“John junior would have been six months old. It sounded as if he had a good set on lungs too but then he went silent. I’ll never forget his cry and I wish I was able to hold him dead or alive.”
“You never laid eyes on your son?”
Chapter Seven
Lexi woke up before the rooster crowed and she was excited about the day that lay ahead. She bound out of her bed and before making it she moved it a few inches closer to John’s. It made her giggle when she realized what she was doing. Lexi fumbled through the dresses she had brought from home and nothing was appropriate for the weather or hard work she would be doing on the ranch. She spotted a pair of denim overalls hanging on a hook, which looked to be her size. She had never worn pants in her life and figured it was time to give them a try. A pink blouse underneath would allow her to add a personal touch and a bit of feminity. She snuck off to the wash room and changed into pants, which felt funny because it was a new experience. It was nothing she would wear in Boston but she was in Texas and new experiences were always fun for Lexi.
She got right to making breakfast which would be flapjacks because Jane left batter in a jar that would be easy enough. She grabbed a cast iron skillet and threw in some wood to get the fire going. Lexi was humming a tune when John came into the kitchen.
“What are you doing in Grace’s overalls?” John asked flatly.
“I saw them and I didn’t think it through that they belonged to Grace. It was spontaneous and I can see by the look on your face that it was the wrong decision.” Lexi dropped the jar holding the pancake mix, causing it to shatter on the wood floor. Tears filled her blue eyes and she ran out to the meadow behind the house. She sat in the long grass, chastising herself for not thinking first before wearing Grace Stark’s clothes. Lexi felt a gentle touch on her shoulder that made her quiver.