“Let’s get you back to the house.” David called to his nephew, “Henry, you and Marigold come with us. And shut the door behind you.”
Please shut and bolt it before I pass out and make a complete fool of myself. Daisy took in another deep breath.
Marigold stood directly in front of Daisy, stroking the mother hen. “Uncle David, can we take the chickens in the house?”
***
Three hours later, David stood in the crowded parlor of the Montgomery family home for the wedding between Memphis and Mike Montgomery. He’d been surprised at how quickly Daisy regained her composure once they left the barn. She’d not mentioned anything about his idea of building a self-sustaining farm. He should have taken his housekeeper’s advice and discussed it with her before purchasing the chicks.
David reached into his pocket and retrieved the monogrammed handkerchief she’d presented him with this morning. The gifts she gave to him and the children were undoubtedly thoughtful. His intentions were the same. Daisy seemed so concerned about their finances. He thought she would embrace the idea of growing their own food. Maybe he should have listened to the store owner’s wife and bought scented soap instead.
Notes from the violin interrupted his thoughts. Mike and his brother took their place beside the pastor. His friend stood grinning like the cat in Alice in Wonderland. He’d added a patterned vest with a coordinating tie to his Sunday suit.
David glanced at Marigold. She was clutching his hand tightly but smiling, and her eyes were bright.
Henry positioned his hand over his mouth and spoke in a hushed tone. “Aunt Daisy said Mrs. Montgomery’s going to serve cake afterward. It smells so good my stomach’s rumbling.”
David nodded his agreement and his gaze wandered around the room. The Montgomerys’ home was filled with the aromas and sounds of Christmas, enhanced by the crackling of the fire. Evergreen branches mingled with magnolia leaves hanging from velvet ribbon made an impressive display and added fresh overtones of pine throughout the room.
The violin changed pace and transitioned into the wedding march. Annie, the youngest shepherd from last night’s play, now dressed in a fancy frock, threw rose petals from her basket. Mike’s three-year-old niece and nephew scurried to pick them up, amongst muffled laughter.
His heart did a flip-flop at the sight of Daisy carrying a bouquet of dried flowers tied in an ivory ribbon. Her auburn hair was styled formally and partially down — the vibrant color a beautiful contrast with her ruffled blouse. His eyebrows narrowed. He’d seen her dressed in the same outfit at least three times.
I wonder why she didn’t wear the new gown I told her to pick out from the dress shop.
Pastor Nelson’s booming voice carried throughout the room while he performed the marriage ceremony in front of the Christmas tree. “The ring is a symbol of the love you have for each other. Its unending circle represents the eternal quality of your love. And the gold in these rings symbolizes the purity of your love. Now you may seal your promise to each other by giving and receiving the rings.”
David’s mouth twitched at the encouraging wink Daisy gave Memphis when she held her bridal bouquet.
Mike’s voice was rough as he repeated his vows. “According to God’s holy ordinance, and with this ring, I pledge you my love.”
A lump formed in David’s throat. In his hurry to ensure custody of his niece and nephew, he’d denied his wife a ceremony and a wedding ring. He glanced toward the ceiling. No wonder she seemed scared to purchase anything. She must think he was on the brink of bankruptcy.
How could I have overlooked giving her a wedding ring?
The pastor continued. “Your friends and family members assembled here have heard you seal your solemn vows of marriage by giving and receiving the rings. Now it is my joy and personal privilege to declare you husband and wife.”
Daisy broke into a wide grin amongst laughter and applause at the wedding kiss.
Pastor Nelson extended his arms. “Now, it is my pleasure to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Montgomery.”
David’s eyes darted between the happy couple and his wife. Daisy’s cheeks were pink and her face beamed. What he wouldn’t give for her to look at him in the same way. He pinched the bridge of his nose.
The parlor erupted in laughter and good wishes. Mike grinned from ear to ear as his new wife stared into his eyes.
David straightened his shoulders. I will do better and court my wife the way she deserves. Daisy glanced at him, then spun on her heel to speak with one of Mike’s sisters. She’d barely spoken to him since the barn incident this morning. Lord, help me. I haven’t a clue how to make this right.
Chapter 18
“I believe Shakespeare is both a poet and a mathematician.
Why else would he have written, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in it.’”
- Miss Daisy Leah Murphy
David positioned the three-drawer dresser Daisy found in the attic in front of his nephew's window. “Is this where you want it?”
“It’s perfect.” Daisy stepped closer and ran her hand along the smooth finish. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow onto the oak finish. “I’m pleased with the difference a little elbow grease and some wax can do.”
David’s eyes roamed from his wife’s pleased expression around the room to the bright quilt and finally to the trunk in front of the bed. He inclined his head toward the shelf, where Henry’s cherished coonskin cap hung opposite his cowboy hat. “Henry’s room is generally such a mess.”
“He just needed help with organization. Now there is a place for everything.” Daisy nodded toward the trunk and the dresser. “I know how busy you are. Thank you for moving them for me.”
David met Daisy’s gaze. His plan to spend time with his wife the last several evenings had failed. First, his bookkeeping required more time than he imagined. Last night, after convincing her to read her favorite book of sonnets, he’d fallen asleep. “I’m sorry about last night.”
One side of her mouth lifted. “You’ve been working late almost every evening. It’s completely understandable.” Daisy glanced at her feet.
David reached for her hand. “I’ll do better tonight. I borrowed a book I happen to know you want to read.”
“Really? Which one?” Daisy’s eyes sparkled.
“You’ll have to wait and see.” David waggled his eyebrows. “Now, I have another surprise.”
Daisy gulped. “You do?”
“Don’t worry. It doesn’t involve poultry.” David wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry I disappointed you at Christmas. In my defense, the chickens were in addition to the new dress I thought you were going to pick out when you purchased Marigold’s gifts.” He cleared his throat. “My thought was to make you feel at home. You seem to be constantly looking for ways to save money. I assumed you would enjoy the opportunity to have a small farm of our own.”
“I’ve been trying to come up with the words to explain my behavior.” Daisy shivered. “It’s embarrassing, but you may have already guessed. I’m terrified of chickens.”
“What?” David lifted her chin with his finger and stared into her eyes. “You’re not kidding?”
Daisy’s cheeks pinkened and she shuffled her feet. “We had a cranky rooster who was prone to attack. My mother usually took the broom with her to the henhouse while I gathered eggs. The day my mother became ill, I went to gather the eggs by myself. Needless to say, things didn’t go well. Mrs. Shelby tried to help me overcome my fears for years. Typically, I can hold it together better. I’m sorry.”
David pulled her into an embrace and spoke softly in her ear, “You’ve nothing to apologize for. I should have spoken to you about my idea before I purchased them.” His voice was rough. “Thankfully, the delivery of the milk cow was delayed.” David felt the rumbling from Daisy’s chest. He pulled back and was relieved to see her cheeks pink and her eyes crinkled in laughter.
“Although it’s not a chore I
enjoy, I believe fresh milk would be worth the effort.” She reached into her pocket for her handkerchief and wiped tears of mirth.
David was surprised by how strong his desire was to pull her back into an embrace. “How about you take some time to think about what you would like and add it to that list of yours. We’ll determine together what action, if any, to take.” He stepped closer and tucked Daisy’s hand in the crook of his arm. “Now, young lady, I’ve taken the rest of the day off to take you shopping. Let’s get your wrap.”
“Shopping?” Daisy’s eyebrows narrowed.
“Correct. Seeing how you can’t be trusted to buy yourself a new gown, your punishment will be for me to accompany you to the dress shop where you will buy not one, but two or even three.” He chuckled at her wide-eyed expression.
“Oh no, I couldn’t. Really, I don’t need a new dress.” Daisy rested her hand on his forearm.
David stroked her fingers. “I’m well able to purchase a few gowns. Besides, it will give me enjoyment to see you in pretty things.”
Daisy’s hazel eyes were dark. She glanced at his lips. “You’d better watch it, Mister. You’re liable to spoil me. I might start demanding a new dress once a week.”
David felt his stomach flip-flop. “I like the idea of spoiling you. Speaking of which, after we visit the dress shop, I’d like to take you to the diner for dinner.”
“I’d love that. But what about the children?”
“Mrs. Miller’s agreed to stay a little later today. Now, no more excuses.” David leaned forward and was thrilled when Daisy stood on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
***
David followed Daisy into the dress shop. The jingling of the bell attached to the door announced their arrival. The Texas sunshine streamed through the window, highlighting the cornflower-blue calico on the matching mother-daughter outfits. Bolts of muslin, linen, calico and satin lined the shelves.
Daisy laid her hand on her chest as she observed the beautiful colors, positioned strategically amidst the coordinating plaid fabrics. She gave David a sideways glance. “Everything is so beautiful. I don’t know how I’ll ever choose.”
“Then select two or three.” David chuckled.
Lois, the store owner, appeared and closed the door behind her to her workroom with several dresses draped over her arm. Her boots made quick taps across the floor and she wrapped Daisy in a warm embrace. “I’m happy to see you again.”
David tipped his hat. “I’ll leave you ladies for a while.” His blue eyes crinkled. “Mrs. Lawrence has been forewarned of your tendency toward self-denial. Enjoy yourself and pick something you like. I have an errand to run and will be back in about an hour.”
Lois motioned toward a marble-top bistro table and two chairs. “There is a variety of swatches laid out. Pick a few you like so I can get a feel for what your color preference is.”
In a few minutes, Lois returned with a tray containing dainty china cups filled with coffee, her skirt swishing around her. Short strands of blond curls softly framed her face while the rest was twisted skillfully in a bun.
“Thank you for the coffee. This is certainly a treat.” Daisy felt her cheeks pinken. “I’m almost afraid to ask what David said to you.”
“First, he asked to borrow a book of my husband’s by Jules Verne.” Lois’s mouth lifted. “Around the World in Eighty Days.”
Daisy gasped. “How wonderful. We were discussing Nellie Bly’s journey just the other day.”
“The second item we discussed was a budget. He enlisted me to ensure you spend every penny of it. Your husband wants you to have a few dresses and whatever else you need.” Lois patted her hand and laughed. “I’m afraid he confessed about your Christmas gift as well.”
Daisy’s face warmed. She smoothed her walking skirt. “I’m not opposed to a practical gift. As long as it doesn’t have feathers.”
Lois’s eyes twinkled over her coffee cup. “Well, other than a few of my very fashionable hats with plumes, we needn’t worry about that.”
Chapter 19
On beauty…
“Beauty is a matter of perspective. Even a mustache,
when styled with great symmetry, is something to be admired.”
- Mrs. David Taylor, formerly Miss Daisy Leah Murphy.
The month of January flew by. David’s concerns about Marigold’s reaction to Mrs. Miller’s marriage and subsequent resignation were alleviated. Marigold seemed content to stay with Daisy throughout the week.
Even though meal preparation was time-consuming, Daisy found she enjoyed experimenting with new dishes and made use of the recipes given to her by the church auxiliary group. The shoofly pie recipe Mrs. Jerome gave her was already a favorite.
Their evenings fell into a comfortable pattern. David continued to help her with the dinner dishes and afterward they would spend time reading to the children. After Marigold and Henry were in bed, she helped David with his bookkeeping. He’d been amazed at how quickly she could calculate in her head. Her help with the task gave them more time together in the evenings.
Daisy’s skirt swooshed when she spun in front of the hall mirror. She was pleased with her new two-piece ensemble, a deep plum print, highlighted with tiny pink and blue flowers. Smoothing the fitted bodice, she admired the slight flare below the nipped waist. Her cheeks were rosy with excitement. Tonight, David promised to teach her to dance in preparation for the upcoming community party in February.
“Is she asleep?” David closed his book and raised an eyebrow.
“Asleep and snoring softly.” Daisy grinned. “I’ve been looking forward to this. I hope I don’t squash your poor toes.”
“Don’t worry about my toes. I walk on them all the time.” David placed his hand on her upper back and grasped her right hand with his left, positioning it at shoulder level. He pulled her close. “Partners should stand about six inches apart.” He positioned her left hand on his shoulder and stared into her eyes.
Daisy gulped. “We’re standing too close.”
“Much too close.” His blue eyes darkened. “Now, take a step to the right and follow with the left.” David guided her with a slight pressure on her waist and a tug to her hand. “Repeat this time with your left foot leading, and follow with the right. Now take one step backward.” David leaned his body toward her.
Her heartbeat quickened. “I’m having a hard time concentrating.”
“You’re doing fine. Relax and follow the beat.” David pulled her closer. She enjoyed the warmth from his embrace and the slight rumbling in his chest from his chuckle.
“The beat?” Daisy stared into his eyes.
David laid her hand against his chest. “I thought for certain you could hear my heart.”
Daisy felt her cheeks burn and glanced away.
He lifted her chin and stared into her eyes. “Let’s try again. I’ll count this time.”
Slowly Daisy relaxed and enjoyed the fluid movement and the warmth from her husband’s embrace. “Who taught you to dance?” She laughed as he twirled her in a circle.
“My mother made me and my brother take lessons. I hated it at the time but find myself extremely grateful tonight.” He pulled her close and guided her around the room again and again. Pausing, David pulled away and offered a quick bow. His voice was rough. “Thank you for the dance, young lady.”
Daisy felt a fluttering in her stomach. “Thank you, kind sir, for the lesson.”
“As much as I enjoy holding you in my arms, there’s something I want to ask you.” David reached into his pocket and knelt on one knee. “This may seem a strange request since we are legally married.”
A tingling sensation shot up her arm when he reached for her left hand. “You make my life complete. I love you with all my heart. Will you wear this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion?”
Daisy gasped as he put the ring on her finger. “It’s lovely.”
“It’s a cluster engagement ring designed to look like a flower.” Davi
d grinned. “Will you marry me?”
Daisy licked her lips. “Marry you?”
His Adam’s apple jumped and he swallowed hard. “I promise to show up this time. We can plan it together. Big or small, I want it to be the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.”
Her hand went to her chest. “I would like to marry in the church.”
“Is that a yes?” David scrambled to his feet.
“Yes.” Daisy touched his face. “I love you too.”
He rested his hand on the back of her neck and leaned closer. Their lips met. “I don’t know what I would have done if you’d said no.” He stroked his finger along her cheek. “I’m going to do my best to make you as happy as you’ve made me.”
***
Three weeks later
“Stand still and let me secure your hat. I still say it’s scandalous of you to marry for the second time in a year.” Memphis waggled her eyebrows.
“You forget it will be the groom's first appearance at the event.” Daisy’s mouth twitched. “He’d better show up this time.” Her heart pounded and she pressed her hand to her stomach.
“He’s ready, waiting, and as jumpy as a bullfrog on a warm Spring day.” Mrs. Montgomery’s reflection appeared in the mirror. Her green eyes sparkled. “You look beautiful.”
Daisy swiveled and the skirt on her two-piece silk dress made a soft swish. She ran her hand across the navy ribbed skirt and admired the wide mandarin collar with long, fitted sleeves and the front buttons covered in matching silk. “Lois did a wonderful job. It’s so beautiful. I feel like a princess, and it’s also the perfect traveling dress.”
“Do you know where David is taking you yet?” Memphis adjusted a curl to frame Daisy’s cheek.
“All I know is that we catch the noon train.” She rested her hand on Mrs. Montgomery’s arm. “Thank you for watching the children this week.”
“I’m excited to have them.” Mrs. Montgomery’s dimples framed her smile. “Don’t you worry about a thing. They’ll be just fine. You two go and have yourself a good time.”
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