The Proper Wife
Cora Beth looked from one to the other of them, then smiled. “Very well. I think I’ll see what Uncle Grover’s been up to today.”
As soon as she’d left, Penny looked up at Sadie. “Are you really going to teach me secrets?”
Sadie tapped the little girl on the nose. “Actually, my biggest secret is that I’m not very good in the kitchen. But if you’d like to help, maybe between the two of us we can pull off something acceptable. What do you say?”
Penny’s buckskin-colored pigtails danced as she nodded.
“Good. Now, let’s find you an apron.” Sadie hummed as she bustled around the kitchen, glad of the girl’s company. She’d taken a real liking to the quiet nine-year-old this past week. And it really warmed her heart to see that the feeling was returned. With Penny she never felt judged or that she had to prove herself. The little girl just seemed to enjoy being with her.
Once she’d tied the oversized apron on Penny, Sadie put a finger to her chin. “Now, let’s see. The stew is doing fine and the bread is already done.” She’d even managed not to overcook or undercook it this time. “I guess we’re ready to work on dessert.”
Penny smiled, luring forth the rare appearance of her dimple. “I like dessert.”
“So do I. Cora Beth helped me with a pound cake this morning, but I thought we might try to make a sauce to pour over it. Inez, the cook over at our ranch, makes a really scrumptious honey sauce that I think I can duplicate.” At least she hoped she could. “Why don’t you get the honey from the pantry while I get the butter and the cream?”
Penny nodded and headed off to do just that.
Sadie placed the butter and cream on the table then paused when she spied a neatly folded copy of this week’s Gazette on the counter. At least one thing had gone right since her trip here. Mr. Chalmers had agreed to run her story and it had met with gratifying success. She might not be a good cook, but it seemed she could spin a fine yarn. The thought of accomplishing something like this entirely on her own boosted her spirits again.
“Here’s the honey.”
Sadie glanced at the crock in the girl’s hands and gave her an apologetic smile. “Sorry, princess, that’s the wrong container.” Cora Beth had taken pains to explain to her that that particular jar contained a special honey that she used exclusively for her fruitcakes. Apparently it took on a special flavor because of the flowers that grew near the hard-to-find hive. “There’s a blue crock on the same shelf where you found that one—it has the store-bought honey.”
Penny nodded and turned back. But before she’d taken more than a step, she dropped the crock.
Sadie gazed down in horrified fascination at the sticky shards of crockery and gooey splatters. Cora Beth was not going to be happy.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
Penny’s cracked-voice apology snapped Sadie out of her thoughts and she gave the girl a bright smile. “That’s okay, princess, it was an accident. Don’t you worry any more about it. Goodness knows I’ve had more than my fair share the past few days.”
“Is Mrs. Collins going to be very upset?”
Sadie flipped her hand dismissively. “Oh, not at all. I’ll just get her some fresh honey and she’ll be happy as a hog in a wallow.”
Penny wrinkled her nose as she smiled. “You say the funniest things.”
“That I do.” She gave the girl’s shoulder a pat. “Now, you fetch the mop while I get a pail of water to clean this up. And watch your step.”
Worried that the little girl might cut herself on the shards, Sadie fetched the other crock of honey and placed it on the table with the butter and cream. “Do you mind working on the honey sauce while I clean the floor? It would really be a big help.”
Penny’s shoulders drew back and her chest puffed out a bit, obviously proud of being given such a ‘big girl’ responsibility. “I can do that.”
Hiding a smile, Sadie got her started, pouring the ingredients into a large bowl in what looked to be the correct proportions. “Now you just stir that up until it’s all mixed together and the lumps are gone.” She gave the girl a challenging look. “It may take a while to get it just right. Think you’re up to it?”
“Oh yes. You can count on me.”
Sadie gave her a big smile. “I know I can. You and I make a pretty good team.”
Rolling up her sleeves, Sadie stepped over to the splatter and got down on her knees. At least this chore was one she was confident she could accomplish well.
A few minutes later she dropped the last of the larger shards into the trash pail and wiped the back of her hand across her forehead. “How’s it coming?” she asked Penny.
“There’s still a few lumps, but I’m getting close.”
“Good. Guess I’d better check on the stew before I finish up here.” She certainly didn’t want to scorch supper the way she had last night. Who knew a roast could go from pink to charred so fast?
She put her hands on her thighs, prepared to stand. But her shoe caught on the hem of her skirt and she came down hard, landing on her backside with a jarring thud.
“Oh!” Penny’s exclamation rang with anxiety.
But before Sadie could tell her she was okay, the door pushed open and Eli Reynolds stepped through. Sadie groaned inwardly. Of all times for her biggest critic to show up.
“Have you seen—” Penny’s brother halted midsentence, his expression turning to a mix of surprise and something else she couldn’t quite identify from this distance.
Then he crossed the room, bearing down on her with long, quick strides that took her aback.
“Sadie fell,” Penny proclaimed worriedly. “I don’t know if she’s hurt.”
“I’m fine.” Even if she hadn’t been, Sadie would never have hinted otherwise. She ignored the urge to rub her now-tender backside. If only he would just go away and leave her to recover her wounded dignity in private.
She stared up from her less-than-dignified position as he knelt beside her, waiting for the inevitable censure. Instead, he met her gaze with a concern that took her completely by surprise. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
She blinked, not quite certain how to react to this softer side of the man. “Yes, I mean, there’s no need—”
Why in the world was she stammering? She took a deep breath then offered a self-mocking smile. “The only thing smarting at the moment is my pride.”
He studied her a moment longer, then offered a hand. “In that case, here, let me help you up.”
She allowed him to take her elbow, liking the feel of his strong, protective grip. When he placed his other hand at her back to steady her, she decided, that yes, she liked this very much indeed.
“You’re bleeding!”
Penny, her complexion ashen, was pointing to Sadie’s hand.
Sadie stared at the thin ribbon of blood running from her palm as if it belonged to someone else. Then she turned back to Penny. “It’s all right, princess. I must have put my hand on a bit of crockery when I fell. But it doesn’t hurt. Truly.”
Mr. Reynolds intervened. “Just to be certain, let’s clean it up and have a look.”
“Oh, that’s not necess—”
He caught her gaze and tilted his head ever so slightly toward Penny. “I think everyone will feel better if I do.”
Penny nodded. “You don’t have to worry, Aunt Sadie. Eli’s real good at making boo-boos feel better.”
She saw his brow go up at Penny’s use of ‘Aunt Sadie’ but he let it pass without comment. Warmed by the thought that he took time to address his sister’s ‘boo-boos’, she allowed him to steer her towards the sink.
Even as she followed docilely along, though, Sadie again tried to make light of her injury. “Truly, it’s just a little cut.”
“Best to be safe.” He carefully extended her hand over the sink, filled a dipper with water, then looked up. “Ready?”
Seeing reassurance instead of disapproval in those cool gray eyes of his was a new experience for Sadie, one she found she rather enjoyed. Then she realized he was waiting for her response. “Ready,” she answered.
He gave her an approving smile, then slowly poured the water over the cut. It was strange to feel him holding her hand like this. His own hand was smoother than those of the ranch hands she was used to, but not soft in a namby-pamby way. She sensed strength there and an unexpected protectiveness.
“Looks like there’s a sliver embedded in your palm.” He glanced up and met her gaze again. “This might hurt a bit. I’ll make it quick.”
She nodded. Staring at his bent head, she noticed the way his hair tended to curl around his ear, how his brow wrinkled slightly when he was concentrating. His expression shifted and she saw the flicker of concern as he caught hold of the offending sliver, then the small spurt of triumph mixed with relief as he pulled it free.
“Sorry.”
She blinked and it took her moment to realize he was apologizing for any discomfort his actions had caused her. “I hardly felt a thing.” Which was the absolute truth as far as the cut was concerned.
Penny held out a bit of cloth. Sadie had been so riveted by Eli that she hadn’t noticed Penny had crossed the room. “You can use this for a bandage,” she said to her brother.
“Of course.” He took the cloth from her and again his touch was gentle and sure as he wrapped her palm in the makeshift bandage.
“Thank you.” Was that soft voice hers?
He cradled her hand a moment longer as his gaze caught on hers.
And held.
For several long, breath-stealing moments.
Chapter Three
“Wild wiggly worms, what happened in here?”
At the sound of Danny’s horrified question, Eli abruptly released Miss Lassiter’s hand and they both spun around.
He straightened his cuffs, trying to regain his composure. Surely Cora Beth’s brother didn’t think—
A heartbeat later he realized Danny was staring, not at the two of them, but at the mess on the floor.
“Just a little accident with the honey crock,” Miss Lassiter explained. “Nothing to get all excited about.”
“Who—”
“It doesn’t really matter who dropped it. What’s done is done.”
Eli raised a brow at her hasty interruption. Did she have trouble admitting when she’d made a mistake?
Danny didn’t seem inclined to let the matter drop. “But that was the last of Cora Beth’s fruitcake honey.”
Fruitcake honey? What was that?
Miss Lassiter, however, seemed to have no trouble understanding the significance. “I know, and that’s unfortunate. But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to her.”
Eli took himself in hand while Danny and Miss Lassiter babbled on about the honey. No doubt his uncomfortable, off balance feeling of a moment ago was caused by sympathy for Miss Lassiter’s injury, nothing more. After all, it was quite natural for a gentleman to feel some concern for a lady in distress. Especially a petite little thing like Miss Lassiter.
It was time he set his mind to more important matters. Like pressing his suit with Mrs. Collins. He’d set a few pieces in motion this evening and then lay his case before her tomorrow.
No doubt she would think his proposal sudden, but Mrs. Collins struck him as a sensible woman, one not given to fanciful notions. And since his offer of marriage would afford her an opportunity to finally shed the onerous workload she bore as proprietress of this boardinghouse, he was confident she would view his suit most favorably.
He spared a glance for Miss Lassiter. She’d moved back to the table with Penny and the two of them were stirring something in a large bowl. They looked so comfortable together, as if they were old friends. How did she manage to coax that sweet smile from his sister so often?
He shook his head to clear it from those stray thoughts. This waffling was unlike him—he preferred an orderly, calculated approach to decision making. Cora Beth Collins was the logical choice and she would make a wonderful mother figure for Penny.
And after tomorrow it would be settled.
The evening meal passed pleasantly enough. The food, while not up to Mrs. Collins’s standards, was passable. And Miss Lassiter made a point of giving credit to Penny for making the dessert sauce. While his sister reddened under the attention, she also seemed pleased by it, as well. He would have to remember to thank Miss Lassiter for her consideration.
He was also pleased with the progress he’d made with Mrs. Collins. Earlier he’d sought her out and asked for her help with the selection of a cook-housekeeper for his new home. He’d solicited her opinion on what qualities he should look for, then asked for suggestions on which local women might be suitable. He’d been impressed with her thought processes—another signal that he’d selected the right woman. In the end, he’d convinced her to allow each of the three women she’d recommended to take a day and cook the meals here at the boardinghouse so she could help him evaluate their performances.
He’d dropped a few hints about how dearly he valued her opinion and how he hoped to find a woman ‘just like her’ to preside in his home. He’d been subtle, as propriety dictated, but he was confident she would not be completely surprised when he proposed tomorrow.
Once the meal ended, Eli stood, ready to make his exit with the other boarders so the family would have the freedom to clear the dining room, but Mrs. Collins detained him with a comment. “I understand the work is almost complete on your new home,” she stated.
Eli nodded, taking it as a positive sign that she had singled him out. “Yes. Unfortunately that means we’ll soon have to say good-bye to the wonderful hospitality we’ve enjoyed here at your fine establishment.” Of course, if things worked according to plan, she would soon be enjoying the relative ease that came with presiding over his household.
“As pleased as we’ve been to have you and Penny with us,” she replied, “I’m certain you’ll be happy to be settled into your own home.”
Eli found himself momentarily distracted by the sound of Miss Lassiter’s laughter. It was a sound he’d heard quite a bit during the past week, though rarely when he was in her immediate presence. Not a polite titter or girlish giggle, hers tended to be a robust laugh, full of merriment and outright enjoyment. Hard to believe all of that exuberance could be contained in such a petite frame. A second later he had to school his expression as he realized he’d smiled in response.
“At any rate,” Mrs. Collins continued, “it’s good to see the old Thompson place all spruced up. It was so sad the way it got so run down after Mrs. Thompson passed away last winter.”
Audrey approached them with Viola and Penny in tow. “Momma, is it true we have to wait until next week to find out what happens to Annabel Adams?”
“Afraid so, girls.”
Audrey’s lower lip poked out. “But that’s such a long time.”
“Which means you’ll have an opportunity to practice patience. Now back to clearing the table.”
Audrey didn’t seem at all happy with that answer, but she nodded and moved toward the table.
Eli, however, was more focused on his sister. “Penny, am I to understand you’ve actually read this nonsense?”
She responded with a guilty smile. “Aunt Sadie read it to us this afternoon.” Her expression turned earnest. “And it’s not nonsense, Eli. Annabel Adams is so brave and good-hearted.”
Miss Lassiter, was it? He should have known. He’d have a word with her on the subject, but he wasn’t such an oaf that he’d dress her down in front of her friends.
As Penny moved away, Mrs. Collins offered him a smile. “It really is quite harmless and entertaining, you know. Everyone’s been talking about The Amazing Adventures of Annabel Adams ever since it appeared in the Gazette this week. Printing it was certainly a smart move on Fred Chalmers’ part. I reckon there’ll be a whole lot more folks than usual lined up for his paper next week.”
Eli supposed from a business perspective it did make sense. But that didn’t mean he approved of his sister reading such drivel. “Any idea who this Temperance Trulove really is?”
“No and Fred Chalmers isn’t talking.”
Why should he? Keeping the author’s identity a secret only piqued the subscribers’ interest all the more.
Time to change the subject. “I’m in the market for a carriage and a horse. Do you know where I might find something of quality?”
“Danny would be more able to help you with that than me.” They moved toward the boy, who was gathering up an armload of dirty dishes.
Once Eli explained what he needed, Danny nodded. “There’s a couple of rigs whose owners would likely part with them for the right price. What kind are you looking for?”
Eli was surprised at how grown up the eleven-year-old suddenly appeared. Apparently he was all business when it came to the livery stable. “Something suitable for getting around town and for short excursions. With enough room to seat three or four comfortably.”
“Mr. Anderson’s buggy is your best bet then. It’s extra roomy and still in fine shape, but now that his kids are moved on he wants to replace it with something that has less seating and more room to haul goods. As for horses—”
“My brother runs Kestrel Stables,” Miss Lassiter interjected. “He raises the finest horses in these parts. He and Josie are away right now, but I’d be glad to show you his stock.”
That’s right, Miss Lassiter’s brother was married to Mrs. Collins’s sister—that’s how the two came to know each other. He’d met Ryland and Josie Lassiter once when they’d visited Mrs. Collins. Ryland seemed like a fine man, much more levelheaded and grounded than his sister.
“She’s right,” Danny offered. “Ry and Josie raise some mighty fine mounts. It’s where I’d go if I was looking to make a purchase.”
Eli met Miss Lassiter’s gaze. “And can you make deals on his behalf?”
She lifted her chin as if taking offense. “Of course. Ry was the one who taught me most of what I know about horses, so he trusts me. And Henry, Ry’s foreman, will know which animals are for sale and which are not.”
Something flashed in her expression, there and gone so quickly he didn’t quite make it out. “In fact, since Cora Beth mentioned that we’ll have someone else in to do the cooking tomorrow, I was thinking I might take a trip out to the ranch. You’re welcome to accompany me to look over the stock if you like.”
Eli hesitated. Something about her smile made him a trifle uneasy. On the other hand, a horse was an important purchase and he wasn’t inclined to wait the month or so until her brother returned from his trip.
Besides, if she was up to something, he was certain he could handle it. “Thank you for your kind offer. Just let me know what time you wish to depart.”
Sadie placed the hamper next to the sack Mr. Reynolds had already loaded in the back of the buggy for her. As she stepped back she noticed him eyeing her suspiciously.
“Are you making deliveries to the ranch?”
She allowed him to take her hand and help her up. “You could say that. Kestrel is Viola’s home, remember? She wanted to send gifts to her friends there and Cora Beth let her raid the pantry. There are a couple of pears to feed to her pony, a few jars of preserves for the cook, a jug of apple cider for Henry—that sort of thing.” No point mentioning the items she herself had packed just yet.
She cast around for a change of subject as he climbed up beside her and decided the weather was as good a topic as any. She waved a hand to draw his attention to the clouds scattered against the dark blue field of sky. “Looks like we’re in luck weather-wise. If we are in for more rain today, it’s several hours out.”
He nodded as he picked up the reins. “I agree. We should be back in town well before any foul weather sets in.”
After that the conversation lagged. Sadie tried not to fidget as she wondered when and how she should broach her plans for her little side trip with him.
Dear Father above, help me find the right words. This all felt like the right thing to do last night when I planned it, but I’m just not certain he’s going to see it that way.
After about five minutes, Mr. Reynolds finally broke the silence. “There is something I wish to speak to you about.”
“Oh?” From his tone, this did not sound like a conversation she was likely to enjoy.
“In case it has escaped your notice, my sister is young and very impressionable. As are the other children in Mrs. Collins’s household. I think it would be best if you refrain from reading that weekly serial to them in the future.”
His words took her completely by surprise. “Why ever not? The children enjoy it and it seems harmless enough.”
He raised a brow at that. “Do you truly think it appropriate reading material for children?”
“I wouldn’t have read it to them if I didn’t.” Did he think her so irresponsible? And what would he think if he knew she was the author? “The heroine exhibits high morals, healthy curiosity and steadfast courage. Have you even read the story?”
He brushed her question aside. “I didn’t need to. I’ve seen its ilk before. It’s a frivolous piece of work, one that is liable to put notions in innocent young minds that are at best nonsensical, and at worse dangerous.”
How dare he! She shifted in her seat to face him more fully. Did the man realize how pompous he sounded? “Dangerous? That’s a bit melodramatic, don’t you think? I suppose you’d prefer that I read to them from school books or perhaps morality plays.”
He didn’t seem at all ruffled by her sarcasm. “If you must read to them at all I will be happy to furnish you with copies of suitable material.” He glanced her way with a stern look. “Penny is my sister, and I must insist that you accede to my wishes in this matter.”
Sadie took a deep breath. As much as his criticisms stung, and as much as she disagreed with his perspective, he was Penny’s brother and guardian. It was not her place to argue with him about her upbringing.
I’ll trust in You to look out for the girl, Father. Goodness knows she’ll need some sort of intervention if she’s to be allowed any fun at all in her brother’s household.
“Very well.” Sadie was proud of the calm tone she managed. “I won’t read to her about Annabel Adams’s adventures without your permission.” Besides, it wasn’t as if she’d have much opportunity anyway. The installments came out once a week and he’d be moved into his new home soon. And she’d be headed back to Hawk’s Creek before long, putting even more distance between them.
Hoping to lighten the mood, she changed the subject. “So tell me about where you and Penny come from. That’s definitely not a Texas accent you speak with.”
“We come from Almega, New York, a city about thirty miles southeast of Albany. It’s much bigger than Knotty Pine with a nice variety of theaters, museums, fine restaurants, and even a hospital. All of the latest modern conveniences are available there and you can find more shops on one street than there are houses in Knotty Pine.”
She supposed she should be impressed, but it all sounded terribly crowded to her. “So what made you leave such a fine place to come out here?”
A muscle in his jaw twitched. She was probably being too nosy again.
“I thought the change would be good for Penny,” he finally said. “And the bank here was a good investment opportunity.”
He’d done all this for his sister? He must care a great deal for her. “Penny sure is a sweet girl and bright as all get-out. I know Cora Beth’s kids and Viola are all quite taken with her. She seems a mite shy, though.”
He stiffened. “She’s just naturally quiet.”
Sadie heard the note of defensiveness in his voice. “Of course. I didn’t mean to imply I thought there was anything wrong with her.” She smiled. “Any more than there’s anything wrong with Audrey for her natural chattiness.”
He seemed to relax at that, and his lips twitched in a smile. “True—no one would ever accuse Audrey of being a wallflower.”
Oh my, he really should smile more often. Then she caught site of an oak with a double trunk and a twisted branch. “You need to turn on that road off to the left up ahead.”