Mary Beth sipped the tea and to her surprise it relaxed her.
“We’ll be back to check on her in a bit. Don’t bother to put her clothes back on. We’ll treat her cuts again,” Glory said.
The three women left as Mary Beth put her head on Ross’ shoulder.
“I’m waiting.”
“I know but I’m not well versed in sweet nothings. I should have stood right behind you when you shot the rifle. I didn’t give the gun’s kick a thought, and I’m sorry. I’ve taught men before but never a fine lady like you. If I could take your pain away I would. I wanted to be sure you would be safe, and here I’m the one who hurt you.”
“It would have been nice to have you behind me, but it’s not your fault. Did you see how quickly they came to help? Veronica wasn’t here though.”
“She was watching the children. They care about you.” He took the tea cup out of her hand and put it on the bedside table. Then he carefully slid them both into a prone position, keeping her on her side. She laid her head on his chest and he reached down. She stiffened but relaxed when he cradled the baby in his big hands. She didn’t need sweet words after all. His actions touched her heart, and her love for him grew.
“You make me feel special. I felt having a husband was something I needed but not wanted. I’m so lucky to have found you, Ross.”
He startled when the baby moved. “I’m glad too, honey. The way the baby moves we’d best be prepared to be on our toes. She’s so active.”
“She?”
“Or he. It makes no difference to me as long you are well. Willis will return the favor and help me build a cradle.”
Tears trailed down her face, making his shirt wet.
“Hey, is the pain still bad?”
She shook her head. “You mentioned helping Willis before, but you never said a word about our baby. I thought maybe deep down you didn’t want it.”
“I wish I could wrap you up in my arms and hold you. Iris is farther along than you, is all.”
“We never had a wedding night, and here I am with your hands protecting the baby. I do want to give you a wedding night, but whenever I think about it…”
“Shh. Close your eyes and rest. I’ll be right here.”
“That was definitely a sweet nothing,” she whispered.
* * *
“It’s not funny,” Carter growled, anger bubbling up inside him.
“What happened to you, Carter? You used to be able to take a joke,” Fletcher taunted as he smiled.
“It’s not a joke when your wife is hurt.” Carter took a step toward Fletcher.
Joe Kelly stepped in front of Carter. “He’s not worth it.” He turned, facing Fletcher. “You need to keep your mouth shut. Mary Beth fell and it was bad enough the wives got out those salves and teas of theirs.”
Sandler laughed. “Glory swears by those concoctions she makes. I find it interesting that Glory is from the north, Georgie from Tennessee and Letty, who was a slave, all know the same concoctions. They work.”
Sandler squeezed Carter’s shoulder. “I heard what happened. How is Mary Beth doing this morning?”
“She is the most stubborn woman I know. She insisted having cooking lessons from Letty and then she plans to learn to sew from Georgie. Why won’t she just rest?” Carter let out a heavy breath. It relieved him when Fletcher left the barn. How he’d spent so many years with that man he couldn’t fathom. He used to laugh along with Fletcher. He was a good man to have in a fight.
Glory stepped into the barn, her hair all mussed. “Kent Sandler, you said you’d watch the boys for a few hours this morning. I can’t teach with them both there. Kenny was crying and the next thing I knew I was laid out on the floor having tripped over a toy. Then Teddy jumped on top of me and pinned me down.”
Sandler’s lips twitched. “A three-year-old pinned you?”
“He learned it from you. You are always pinning me down for a kiss.” Her face turned fiery red.
Carter turned away for a moment to keep from laughing.
“Do you think you can come home for a few minutes? Kenny needs to be fed, and I need to change my dress.”
“And fix your hair.”
Glory glared at Sandler. “Sometimes I wonder if you realize what you say or if you want me to kill you.”
Sandler laughed, lunged forward, and swept Glory into his arms. “I’ll see you gentlemen later.” Glory had a smile on her lips as they left.
“I’d best go check on my wife.” Carter hurried out of the barn before anyone had a chance to say a thing.
He met Letty in the courtyard. “How’s Mary Beth feeling?”
“You’d best get her to rest. Maybe learning to sew is a good idea. At least she’d be sitting. I already told her all that. Maybe you’ll have better luck.”
“Thanks, Letty, you sure have been a blessing.” He hurried off to his house.
The door was open, and Mary Beth stood inside smiling. “I made a pie!”
Before Letty started teaching her to cook, those words would have struck him with terror. “Sounds good.” He walked into the house and kissed her without touching her with anything but his lips. “Now you need to rest.”
She had a dazed look in her eyes. “Don’t you want to see it?”
“Sure honey, why don’t you show me and then rest?”
There were dark circles under her eyes yet she seemed full of energy. He followed her the short distance to the kitchen. Whatever was cooking on the stove smelled good.
“See? I actually made a pie! Guess what kind.”
“Apple?”
“Did Letty tell you? Yes it’s apple. Do you think it wrong to have pie for the noon meal? It’s all I want to eat. I don’t know why but I have a hunger for apple pie.”
Carter laughed. “I’ll bring you a piece if you get into bed.”
“Eat in bed? I’ve never eaten in bed before. My father used to say if you’re healthy enough to eat then you’re healthy enough to come to the table.”
“He has a point, I guess. Get in bed, and I’ll bring enough pie for the two of us.”
She walked to the bedroom, and he cut the pie. He thought all rich people had breakfast in bed at least once in a while. The way she walked didn’t show an ounce of pain. He shook his head as he carried the plates into the bedroom.
He stared at her and smiled. She looked like an angel when she slept. She had both hands together and one cheek on top. He really was blessed. It didn’t sit well with him how he had gone about getting married. All he’d thought about was his need to own a house. He really didn’t care much what Mary Beth thought. He was lucky she didn’t hate him.
He took the two plates; put one on the table and the other on the counter. He tasted the pie after he sat down and closed his eyes. It was the best pie he’d ever had. He made quick work of it and then checked on Mary Beth before he went back outside.
Veronica was talking to the flowers in front of her house. She didn’t look pleased with them, and he couldn’t blame her. They were all withered.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked.
“If you know how to make these flowers bloom, I’d be forever grateful. Is Mary Beth good with plants?”
“I don’t rightly know. Could you keep an eye out? She’s sleeping at the moment, but she might decide she needs to do something other than rest when she wakes.”
Veronica smiled. “I remember feeling that way all the time when I was carrying Charlie. There were other times I was just exhausted. I heard she fell.”
“I was teaching her to shoot a rifle and forgot how much kick my rifle has. She went flying flat on her back. She’s pretty cut up.”
Veronica frowned. “Oh and with her carrying. I see the need for rest. I’ll keep watch. Tell her that I asked about her. I get the feeling she doesn’t like me.”
“There must have been a misunderstanding at some point. She has it in her mind you don’t like her. I’m sure you’ll get it figured out. Y
ou’re both females.”
Veronica laughed. “That can cause many problems. Go on with you. She’ll be just fine.”
He tipped his hat to her and then left. Max was a lucky man. In fact they all were.
Chapter Eight
Mary Beth tried to sew small stitches, but hers were big and not at all straight. This was her third sewing lesson with Georgie. “I’m hopeless.”
Georgie took the cloth from her and examined the stitches. “No, this is how Glory sewed when she first got here. It didn’t take long before she got the hang of it.”
“How long did it take?”
Georgie smiled and handed the cloth back to Mary Beth. “We shouldn’t compare. Glory had used a needle before and not for needlepoint. It’ll be fine.”
“Not if my baby has to wear crooked clothes.” Mary Beth was on the verge of tears.
The door opened and a man and woman rushed in. Georgie’s eyes opened in surprise. “Sondra? Walter?” She jumped up and hurried to hug them. “It’s been too long.”
“I’m so sorry—” Sondra started.
“It’s all forgotten, Sondra. I didn’t realize how much Walter’s absence distressed you. I’m glad to see you both. Come sit with us. Mary Beth Carter this is Walter and Sondra. Sondra worked for me and Walter served with your husband.”
“Ross Carter is here?” A big grin spread across Walter’s face.
“Walter go on out to the barn. You have more friends out there.”
“Nice to meet you, Mary Beth, and Georgie, seeing you is like coming home.” He dashed out the door.
Sondra crossed her arms in front of her. “That man is impossible. He could have said good bye.” She sighed and sat down.
“Was Walter able to sell the farm in Alabama?” Georgie asked.
“He didn’t have to. His sister got remarried to a man who actually knows how to grow things. Walter thought I’d be just fine staying here waiting, not knowing what he was doing. I will never understand how men think.” She furrowed her brow. “Mary Beth, are you the one who is keeping that nice man named Leon at arm’s length? He swears he’s the father of your baby. But you’re married to someone else? It was all very confusing, and I felt bad for him. He also mentioned something about Iris being a traitor? Her family was Union spies or something? I know that couldn’t be true. You’d have run her out of town if it were.”
“I’ve never met the man, but from what Lex, Iris, and Mary Beth say, he’s not the most trustworthy of men,” Georgie stated in a chilly voice.
Sondra seemed to dismiss what Georgie had to say. “Did Lex and Iris get married?”
“Yes, they are so happy and they are expecting. I’ll make us all some tea, if you’ll excuse me.”
“How far along are you?”
Mary Beth had to bite her tongue. “About five months.” She tried to sound as calm as she could.
“You and Ross were married when?”
“On a Saturday right before the noon meal. Everyone was working on our house and Ross surprised me with a wedding he put together. It’ll be a wedding that will be remembered by all. I’m sorry I’m not up for more questions. I fell yesterday and cut up my back. I’m supposed to rest for the sake of the baby. I’m sure you understand.”
“The tea is ready, and I have cake to go with it. Just like we used to do, Sondra.” Georgie set the tray down. “Mary Beth, you looked flushed. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I guess it’s the questions about Leon and the baby. I find it a bit upsetting.”
Georgie smiled as she poured the tea. “We’ll stay away from that subject. We have plenty of other things to do rather than gossip.”
Sondra clasped and unclasped her hands on her lap. “Georgie, I was wondering if I could have my old job back? I know I was impossible before I left. I was jealous that Iris was getting a house and it looked like I never would have a home of my own. I tried so hard to put my feelings aside. I prayed and prayed, but at the time it didn’t seem to help. It put me on the path to Walter, but I know I was impossible to live with, and I’m so sorry. Walter thought we had an understanding, but how could I understand anything when he’d left and never wrote to me? It ate at me. You all were happy with your children, and I was positive I’d never be a wife or a mother. I took my unhappiness out on you.”
“Sondra, I love you and we sent you away out of love. I didn’t know how it would end up, but I knew you couldn’t sit and wait to hear from Walter,” Georgie said kindly. She offered a tender smile. “But an apology to Iris would also go a long way. Of course you can have your job back. I’ve missed you.”
Sondra gave her a watery smile. “Thank you.”
Mary Beth studied Sondra. If she was so sincere, then why all the questions about Leon and who the baby’s father was? She’d probably tell Iris she was sorry, but Mary Beth had a feeling she was the next target. Then again she called Iris a traitor.
Ross walked into the house. “You must be Sondra, I’m Ross Carter.”
He took the tea cup out of Mary Beth’s hand and set it down on the table. “Ready to go?” Before she could answer, he turned toward Georgie. “Is there some sewing she can do at home while she’s supposed to be resting?
“Certainly.” Georgie stood and gathered pieces of a pattern along with everything she’d need. “I cut the thicker material for diapers but they need to be hemmed. Mary Beth, you might want to practice stitching on the diapers.”
Mary Beth stood and kissed Georgie’s cheek. “You are such a good friend. I guess I will go rest.” She took Ross’ hand and squeezed it hard. He stared at her with his mouth open. “Let’s go, dear.”
They walked out of the house and she let go of his hand.
“What was that for?” he asked.
“I was resting in case you missed it.”
He put his arm around her waist. “I can’t help but worry a bit. After all you’re my best girl.”
She stepped away quickly and he almost stumbled. “I’d better be your only girl, Ross Carter!”
“When would I have time for another?”
“That’s not a proper answer.” She continued to their house.
“What I meant to say was you are the light of my life, Mary Beth and I wouldn’t want to even look at another woman.”
They walked inside their house. “That’s much better.” She gave him an impish smile. But then she stilled. “Someone’s been in here.”
Ross put his finger to his lips and then slowly drew his gun. He walked silently to their bedroom and quickly jerked the door open. He walked in and came right out. He did the same to the other two rooms. Blowing out a breath, he holstered his gun.
“Someone was here, and they have torn apart our bedroom.” He held her in place. “I’ll have someone clean it for you. You rest. Veronica was just outside her house. I’ll see if she can come.”
“You can’t leave me here alone.”
He sighed. “Come with me, then.”
They came across Iris first, who was more than glad to make an offer of help. She followed them back into their house.
He wasn’t telling her everything. Mary Beth glanced at both Iris and Ross. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Iris, will you sit with her? I’ll be right back.”
As soon as he left, Mary Beth hurried into the bedroom. All of her things were strewn about. Puzzled, she picked up one of her dresses. The bodice had been ripped. Feeling dizzy she sat on the bed. Leon had been here, she knew it. She got up and hurried out the back door and was promptly sick.
Iris followed, took one look, and said, “Mary Beth, I’ll get you a wet cloth.” She hurried inside and was quickly back. She handed Mary Beth a cloth and a cup of water.
“Th-thank you.” She washed her mouth out with the water and wiped her face with the wet cloth. “I thought the ranch was guarded.”
“It is,” Ross said from the doorway. “Iris, I got this.”
Iris nodded and went back inside.
“Are you all right?” The concern in his voice touched her deep.
“I will be. I went into the bedroom. Leon was here. I just know it.”
Ross nodded. “I came to the same conclusion. We’ll keep the doors locked from now on. I’ll look into how he could have gotten onto the ranch.” He gave her a soft smile. “At least you know how to shoot.”
She reached up and wrapped her arms around him. “Hold me, Ross.”
He hesitated.
“I won’t be scared. I need your arms around me.” As soon as he wrapped her in his embrace, she began to calm, and his strong brawny arms infused her with a sense of safety. If only they could just stay that way.
“We’d best get inside. Iris should go home. I don’t want her getting upset.”
Mary Beth nodded and stepped away from her husband when he removed his arms from around her. It felt cold standing alone, but then again, according to the preacher’s sermons and Ross, she was never alone. She had God with her.
* * *
Carter’s heart hurt for his wife. Every gown she owned was ripped. She sat on the settee pretending to be fine but he knew it upset her. Parker and Sandler were in the bedroom with him stacking up dresses and sweeping up the pieces of a clock and two hurricane lamps.
“Georgie and the gals will be able to fix the gowns.” Parker rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll question the men. Someone must have seen something. If Leon could get onto the ranch, then others could too. No more harm will come to the people living here. It isn’t acceptable.”
“It sounds to me that this Leon character is used to slinking through the shadows. I had wondered what had happened to Mary Beth before she got here. It wasn’t any of my business so I didn’t ask. Now I don’t have to ask, it’s obvious. I could sense her fear at times and knew she’d been mistreated,” Sandler said. “Max and I can go into town tonight. I bet he’ll be at the saloon, and he doesn’t know us.”
Faltered Beginnings: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Five Page 8