“I believe you’ll find the food here far better than anything available in most railroad towns. I hope your trip wasn’t too unpleasant.” David raised one eyebrow.
“Not at all. The only time I became a bit nervous was when I made connections. The personnel on the trains were extremely kind and I met some nice people along the way.” Daisy glanced at the checkered cloth covering the table.
“Did I tell you how happy I am you're here?” David reached for her hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “Thank you for your willingness to come quickly.”
Daisy shivered. “I admit I would like to have had more time to correspond, but I’m happy I’m here.”
“Is there something wrong?” David’s eyebrows narrowed.
Daisy glanced at his slightly parted lips, then at his mustache. “We have a lot to find out about each other and I admit to feeling anxious. I don’t know where to look or what to say.”
“I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes off of you and am probably making you nervous.” His mouth twitched. “Let’s take our time and get to know one another. I want you to know I will do whatever it takes to make you happy. I’m hoping you’ll get used to me and my… our family. If there’s anything you want or need, please tell me.”
The waitress arrived to take their orders and pour coffee. Daisy agreed to David’s suggestion of french toast, then added cream and a spoonful of sugar to her cup. “At first I didn’t enjoy coffee. While I was traveling, I found the availability of cream and sugar added greatly to the taste.”
He chuckled when she added another dollop of cream. “We’ll have to make sure we always have plenty of cream and sugar to go with your brew.”
Daisy giggled and stirred her concoction. “I also need to learn how to make it.” She studied him over her cup. “Tell me about Marigold. In your letters, you mentioned she didn’t transition to new situations easily.”
“You wouldn’t know it based on her actions this morning, but she has come a long way.” David fiddled with his napkin. “My brother and sister-in-law were away on a business trip when they became ill. Marigold hadn’t turned three yet, and it was hard to know what she understood. My cousin came and stayed for a while until I could hire a housekeeper. After she left, Marigold became clingy and prone to tantrums. My housekeeper is wonderful and Marigold is slowly starting to improve.”
“We saw it over and again at the orphanage, I’m afraid. Even though each child is different, eventually, they recognize they’re safe and loved. Afterward, the children are better able to settle into a routine.” Daisy stirred her coffee absently.
“It may have been the combination of the deviation of our schedule and not being able to pick up Mrs. Miller, which made her feel uneasy. She surprised me going with Mike and Henry so readily.” David rubbed his chin.
“Not to mention the problem with your wagon and a trip to the train station to pick up a stranger.” Daisy rested her hand over her heart. “It makes me feel apprehensive for her.”
“Honestly, I’ve been pulled in so many directions with the business and making sure the children’s needs are met, I’m not sure my presence is a calming one.”
Daisy grinned. “The fact you wear a four-year-old wrapped around your neck like a scarf may prevent you from having enough breath to do much else.”
“True.” David reached for her hand. “Enough about the children for now. I’ve taken the morning off, especially to spend time with you and show you around town. But perhaps you’d like a chance to freshen up first?”
Daisy was disappointed when his dimple disappeared so quickly. She glanced down at her wrinkled dress. “I must look a mess.”
“Not at all. If you’re not too tired and if you don't mind walking, I’ll give you a tour and then we’ll go back to the house.” The rough pad of his thumb stroked her fingers, shooting tingling sensations up her arm.
“After sitting on a train for days, I would appreciate the opportunity to stretch my legs. I’m excited to see your home. Memphis wrote to me and said it’s an Octagon house.”
“I see your interest in math is triggered.” He chuckled. “I can tell already you will keep me on my toes. I was prepared to give you the rundown on the square footage, the number of fireplaces and bedrooms, even the type of cookstove. And your first question is about the shape.”
Daisy caught a twinkle in his blue eyes and felt her mouth lift in response to his teasing. “We have access to a wonderful library at the children’s home, and I was pleased to find an architecture book which mentioned Thomas Jefferson’s home of the same design.”
“An octagon shape is cheaper to build. It maximizes living space, receives more natural light, is easier to heat, and remains cool during the summer months.” David drew an imaginary shape on the table with his finger. “A circle is the most efficient shape but difficult to build, thus the octagon.”
“It sounds unique and innovative.” Daisy cast a glance at his mustache. Wonder if he’d shave it off.
“One of my favorite parts of the design is the flat roof, which has cisterns built in to collect and distribute water.” David squared his shoulders. “Even with all its quirky corners, I think you’ll like the design. But I hope you won't be too disappointed about the lack of furnishings in the house.”
***
Daisy paused in front of the wrought-iron fence and stared at the antebellum-style octagon house with a flat roof and cupola. “It’s lovely and the front porch is wonderful. Does it wrap all the way around?”
“Yes.” David pushed the gate open and motioned with his hand. “The design of the house creates a way to move in a complete circle both inside and out.”
Daisy glanced over her shoulder at the barn behind the house. “I didn’t realize you have so much property.”
“The twenty acres we own makes it feel as though we live in the country. Yet we’re within easy walking distance to town.” David paused in front of the front door.
Would he carry her across the threshold? Her breath hitched.
“This is one of the quirky corners I told you about. The front and back doors open into a small wedge-shaped foyer.”
Daisy stared at his back while he pushed open the front door. Quick taps of small boots signaled the arrival of four-year-old Marigold. She immediately wrapped her arms around her uncle’s leg.
“Look who’s here to welcome us home.” He patted the young girl's dark curls.
A thin, middle-aged woman appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. She knelt beside the young girl. “Marigold, remember what we talked about?”
The young girl scrunched her nose. “I’m supposed to say hello and welcome.”
David’s eyes were wide. Mrs. Miller nodded. “Go on then.”
Marigold pulled on her lip and met Daisy’s gaze. “Morning, ma’am.”
“Good morning.” Daisy smiled at the child. It was clear who ruled the roost. She shuddered. Did I just compare this child to a chicken?
“Why don’t you come with me and we’ll put cookies on a tray and make some tea? Let your uncle show your new aunt the house.” Mrs. Miller took Marigold by the hand.
David stared at the pair until they disappeared down the hallway. “It’s unusual for her to speak.” He shook his head, then closed the door.
Silly of me to expect romance. David was open about why he needed to marry me. Daisy glanced around the wedge-shaped foyer to the hallway, which led to a center staircase, stained in rich mahogany to match the wooden floors. The walls were blank and painted white.
David set his hat on a bench. “Let me take your cloak and then I’ll show you the parlor.” He offered an apologetic smile. “There’s little furniture in the house. But I’m fortunate to have friends in town who are talented furniture makers. They enjoy working for me on occasion and prefer lumber for payment. Anything you need, make a list and we’ll prioritize.”
Daisy glanced at the tips of her new boots as they made quick taps on the wooden flo
or. Bringing me out here and buying my new boots must have been a financial strain on his budget.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Taylor.” David extended his arm toward the bright room.
Light poured through two large full-length windows onto a sofa bench and matching chairs with deep green cushions. Other than a scuffed side table, the room was bare. Her gaze wandered from the plain white walls to the intricate detail in the moldings.
David motioned with his thumb toward the hearth on the center wall. “The fireplace is open to the parlor and the dining room and extends from the basement to the second floor. We have a table and chairs in there. Most of the time, we eat in the kitchen.”
Daisy followed him into the dining area. “It’s a perfect mirror image of the parlor. I’m surprised the rooms are rectangular.”
“There are small pie-shaped rooms which separate the larger rooms. Some are closets. This one’s a pantry and leads into the kitchen.” He motioned with his thumb. “There’s a recently installed water closet in another. Let me show you upstairs.”
Daisy lifted her skirts and hesitantly followed David to the upper floor.
“There are four bedrooms, and the water closet is at the end of the hall.” He nodded toward the ceiling. “The dome is like the spoke in the wheel of the structure of the home. When the windows are open, it creates a natural draft from the basement through all the rooms of the house.”
“It’s certainly grand and adds so much light into the room.” Daisy stared at the ceiling and caught a glimpse of the blue sky peering through the small windows of the cupola. The morning sun cast light on the curved staircase back to the foyer below.
David opened the first door into a rectangular room with two large windows with an unmade four-poster bed positioned against the wall. “This will be your room. It has the largest closet. I thought you might like that.” His face flushed. “I’ll sleep down the hall for now.”
Chapter 10
On a Bible study from the book of Ezekiel…
“I don’t understand the passage about the dry bones. Although I love the idea of God’s forgiveness and restoration, I hope never to dream of bones rattling
or seeing skeletons coming together. How repulsive.”
- Miss Daisy Leah Murphy.
Daisy felt refreshed after the unaccustomed luxury of a warm bath. After unpacking, she made use of the gifts the ladies auxiliary class gave her. Tired from days of travel, the combination of the feather bed and the fresh linens combined for a restful night. The morning sun peeked over the horizon casting light from the bare windows. She ran her hand along the Star of Bethlehem quilt. The varying shades of red, gold and green fabrics brought welcome color to an otherwise stark room.
There’s no point sitting here. I’ll start breakfast. Daisy brushed and braided her auburn hair and quickly secured it with pins into a tidy bun. She glanced at her reflection in the full-length mirror and smoothed her dark walking skirt. The russet hue from the familiar turkey-calico-patterned blouse complimented her pink cheeks. Her hazel eyes sparkled at the inspection of the trimmed locks of hair surrounding her face. Inspired by a fashion magazine, Magnolia had cut a few strands of her waist-length hair to wear the new style.
Her skirts rustled and her boots made soft taps on the stairs. She tiptoed her way into the kitchen. The new cast-iron stove Mrs. Miller raved about took up most of the back wall and stood cold and dark. Daisy tied her new apron around her waist and pivoted to inspect the room. Rays from the rising sun streamed through a double window above lower cabinets, which housed a shiny sink. A dark walnut worktable doubled as a dining space and separated the stove from doors leading to the pantry and back door.
After banking the stove, Daisy made her way to the pantry, which led to the basement and root cellar and retrieved bacon and eggs. She made quick work of placing biscuits in the oven.
“You’re up early.”
Daisy jumped at the unexpected sound of David’s voice. Her hand flew to her chest. “Goodness, you gave me a fright.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll try to remember to make more noise the next time.” He reached for a gray speckled kettle. “How about if I make the coffee?”
“That would be wonderful since I have no idea how to begin.” Daisy reached for an iron skillet. “I’ll start the bacon.”
“I usually grab toast or an apple for breakfast. For the kids, I make oatmeal.” David glanced at a bowl of uncooked grits and patted his stomach. “You’re going to spoil us.”
“That’s the plan.” Daisy wagged her eyebrows, and a deep chuckle from David rewarded her.
“I want to take you to town and let you pick up any supplies you might need. It will probably be tomorrow before Mike gets my wagon repaired.” David rubbed the back of his neck. “I also need to get some ideas for the children’s Christmas stockings.”
“How fun.” Daisy blinked rapidly. “I have a vague recollection of my brother and me hanging our stockings on Christmas Eve when I was small. What types of traditions do you have as a family?”
“Last year, Mike’s mother saved my hide and invited the kids and me over for Christmas dinner.” David pulled on his ear. “If it hadn’t been for her prompting, I probably would have overlooked the whole thing.”
Daisy bit her lip. “I’ve missed being part of a family. Would you be open to starting some new traditions?”
David put a hand on Daisy’s waist and turned her toward him. His eyes crinkled in a smile. “I’m open. But we only have a little over a week until Christmas. What do you have in mind?”
“I can do some baking.” Daisy clasped her hands together. “Could we have a tree in the parlor?”
“When you smile, your whole face lights up.” David wrapped his finger around an escaping lock of hair and stared into her eyes. “I believe it’s going to be near to impossible for me to say no to you about anything.”
Daisy’s gaze wandered to his lips and then to the perfectly sculpted mustache. What would it be like to kiss him? Loud tapping from boots interrupted her thoughts. Henry pushed open the swinging door to the kitchen. “Wow, do I smell biscuits?”
***
The rattling of a wagon drew Daisy’s attention toward the backdoor. She patted Marigold’s shoulder. “I’m going out on the porch for a moment. It looks as though Mr. Mike picked up Mrs. Miller and my friend, Memphis.”
Marigold tilted her head. “My friend, Betsy, says she’s a princess, like Rapunzel.”
Daisy straightened, surprised at the child’s verbal response. “She does look a bit like Rapunzel. I’ll be right back. Finish your breakfast.” She grabbed her shawl and hurried her steps onto the porch. A beaming Mrs. Miller stood next to Mike Montgomery. He reached for Memphis and swung her from the wagon.
Memphis’s blue eyes were bright and her cheeks were pink from the chill in the morning air. She tossed her a wide grin. “I couldn’t stay away another minute and made Mike promise to bring me by this morning.”
“Good Morning, Daisy. Tell your husband I should have his wagon repaired and back this afternoon.” Mike tipped his hat. “See you ladies this evening.”
Memphis wrapped her arm through Daisy’s. “I’m excited to see you. How is everyone back at the children’s home? How was your trip?”
“You girls take time and visit. I’ll go on into the kitchen.” Mrs. Miller's thin cheeks rose with her smile.
“Marigold is at the table, picking at her breakfast. Apparently, she’s not partial to grits. She’s eating her egg and bacon without complaint.” Daisy strolled with Memphis around the circular front porch.
Tumbleweeds rolled across the vast low-rolling terrain behind the house. “I love the view.” Memphis nodded toward the red barn in the back pasture.
Daisy followed her friend's gaze. “He has more property than I imagined.”
“I’m excited to see the inside of the house.” Memphis made a motion with her hand. “Are the rooms circular?”
“Despite the eight-sided
exterior, there are no octagonal corners visible inside the home. They’re tucked away behind what David calls ‘quirky' corners.’”
“What do you think of David?” Memphis raised one eyebrow.
“He’s nice. I enjoyed the time we spent together yesterday. Once we arrived at the house, things got a bit hectic with Marigold. And then Henry came home from school. We spent a few minutes alone at breakfast this morning. It’s been awkward.” Daisy wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “I certainly don’t feel married.”
Memphis stared into the distance. “Because of the amount of correspondence swapped back and forth between us, it’s as though I knew Mike well before we actually met. You and David don’t have the same advantage. It’s going to take time.”
“You’re always my voice of reason. Even though I know we’re marrying as a matter of convenience, I still desire a bit of romance.” Daisy grinned. “In fact, I insist on it.”
“You should.” Memphis nodded. “David mentioned his plans to Mike to make time to court you.”
“I do hope so.” Daisy inclined her head toward the front door. “You’ll probably think I’m silly, but he lost an opportunity yesterday when he didn’t carry me over the threshold.”
Memphis's forehead furrowed. “Even so, he has a lovely home with the most interesting angles. Really, Daisy, I didn’t know houses like this even existed. It’s perfect for my geometry-loving friend.”
“True. He seems to be everything you said he’d be. Kind, devoted to his family, and generous.” Daisy lifted her new boots. “He paid for my train ticket and sent enough money for me to buy new shoes.”
“Which you certainly needed.” Memphis paused outside the front door. “What’s really bothering you?”
“Other than the awkwardness, I’m concerned the expense of sending for me may have put a strain on his budget. He seemed worried when he mentioned Christmas presents for the children.” Daisy glanced at her third finger. Not to mention, I don’t have a wedding ring.
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