Hannah: Bride of Iowa (American Mail Order Bride 29) (5 page)

Chapter SIX

After the kiss it took Maddie awhile to finally fall asleep, but once she did, she slept like the dead. When her eyes opened the next morning, the sun was streaming in through the lace curtains. Smiling, she stretched like a cat, then bolted upright when she remembered where she was. She jumped up and ran to the window to see Samuel coming back to the house with a bucket of milk.

              “Oh no,” she moaned. Looking around she saw her bag inside the door. Another groan. Samuel must have seen her sleeping like some lazy dolt! She took out an older dress, trying to shake out the wrinkles, which did no good at all. On a bedside table stood a white pitcher with blue and yellow flowers painted on it and a large basin bowl of water. A small hand towel lay next to it.

              Maddie quickly washed herself as best she could, brushed her hair, tied it back with an old ribbon, donned her dress and went downstairs. There was Samuel at the stove, cooking, and Lizzy in her chair, drinking some milk. She walked over to one of the chairs and asked miserably, “Lizzy beat me up, too?”

              He walked over and kissed her on the head. “You needed the rest.”

He was wearing a pair of dark pants with a patch on one knee, held up with suspenders. His shirt was so faded; she wasn’t sure of the color. It also sported a patch on one of the elbows.

              “After breakfast I thought I could show you around and you can see what you’ve got yourself into,” he said.

              Lizzy ate grits while Samuel and Maddie had eggs and coffee. The sound of fabric ripping caught Maddie’s attention when Samuel put his elbows on the table.  Up by his shoulder was a new tear. He looked at the offending rip and then at Maddie with a sheepish grin. “I do believe this shirt is ready for the rag pile. When I lost my wife, clothes were just the last thing on my mind. She did her best, trying to fix my things but she wasn’t much of a seamstress. I ordered clothes through a catalog.” He took another sip of coffee. “Do you sew at all, Hannah?

              She tried to suppress a giggle at his hopeful gaze. “I actually do sew. I enjoy it, though it’s been a few years. I made the dress I had on yesterday. But my other two dresses that I brought, belonged to my ma. I had to take them in but they’ll do.”

              Samuel got up and went to a door under the stairs. He pulled out a good sized box and Maddie almost squealed in delight when he opened it. She fell to her knees to see all the wonderful clothes. Inside were women’s skirts and blouses, dresses, underclothes, shawls, and aprons. There were two nightgowns, a robe and several bonnets. There were even a few bolts of material at the bottom. Maddie’s enthusiasm stopped short when she realized these must have been Samuel’s wife’s.

She sat back on her heels. “I can’t take these, Samuel. They belonged to Martha, didn’t they?”

“Most did. A few things were left from Kate. Even a few things of Ma’s are in there.” His tone was easy and held no regrets. “Martha would want these to be worn and you are about the same size. Martha was probably a bit taller. I don’t know why I kept them. I reckon I knew I’d be needing them.”

Maddie got to her feet and threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Samuel,” she whispered in his ear.

He cleared his throat, seemingly both pleased and embarrassed by all the fuss. “I’ll take this box up to your room. I have a few more things to get done this morning, then we can look around.”

Maddie took the dishes to the sink and stopped short when she saw a pump. She’d heard of them, just never seen one! Reverently, she ran her hand down its neck then took hold of the handle and slowly cranked it up and down. Water rushed out. She took time to actually look at the kitchen. It was large. A wood burning stove of white metal and three different compartments stood by the corner. Attached to the sink was a long wooden counter with cupboards underneath. A curtained off room was where the canned goods, containers of flour, sugar, and other spices lived and in the corner was a broom and mop.

The kitchen itself was a much grander set up than she had at home. She only prayed there would be as much love.

A squawk came from Lizzy letting everyone know she was ready to get down from her chair.

“Now that was unlady like.” Maddie took a wet rag and washed the grits from her face, hands and even from her hair. There was hot water already on the stove, so Maddie washed the few dishes they’d used that morning. She then took a look at the living room.

The couch was well used. There were two chairs around a table with a glass lamp on it. Across from the couch was a fireplace framed in rock that stood between two windows.

“Are you about ready?”

Samuel’s voice made her jump. “You scared me to death!” Her hand came up to her chest. “I was looking at your living room and didn’t hear you come down the stairs.”

“What do you think of it so far?”

“Samuel, it’s so very nice. A home that looks comfortable and lived in and filled with love.”

He laughed, scratching his chin. “Oh, it’s been lived in alright. No need to tip-toe in this house for fear of spilling something on the furniture or floor.”

“And a pump in the kitchen, a luxury I’ve never been able to have.”

“Martha insisted, especially when she got in the family way. Let me think, how did she say it…I’m not hauling water from the well in this condition. So you can haul it, or I can pump it.” Samuel gave a lopsided smirk. “I knew better than not get it done.”

“Thank you Martha for being...insistent.” Maddie laughed feeling not one ounce of a threat from a deceased wife. “I’m ready to see the rest of it.”

Once outside, Maddie saw that there were chickens everywhere on one side of the barn. The coop was almost as long as the barn itself. They were out pecking and putting up quite a fuss.

“They are noisy.” Maddie observed.

“They’re hungry,” Samuel replied. Lizzy, who had been riding on her pa’s shoulders, was put down. “Get your job done, sugar plum!”

She ran over and muscled the barn door open then returned with a bucket full of chicken mash. She threw hands full of mash to the ground. “Here chick! Chick! Chick! Come and get it!”

Maddie couldn’t help but laugh at the picture of the chickens closing in around Lizzy. If they got too close, she’d kick out a chubby little leg to keep them back.

There was a big corral off to the other side. At the moment, there were two milk cows, a calf, and the two horses that pulled the wagon. Behind the barn was a small sturdy fence that held some hogs. An enormous white sow basked in the sun while a black and white boar rooted in some mud in the corner. “Just last month we got rid of the babies and I believe, if Joco here did his job, Petunia will be real busy again, soon.”

“This is the garden. I didn’t get anything in the ground, last year. Taking care of Lizzy and all this, I simply didn’t have time.”

“We had a small garden at our place. Ma loved to can vegetables. If you can turn this dirt, I can try my hand at it.”

“Fair enough.”

Behind the garden was a group of trees. “Those are the fruit trees?” Maddie asked, eyes hopeful.

“Sure enough. I’m right partial to fruit pie.”

“I’ll do my best.” She put her hand through his arm. “All this corn, all the three sides that border your house, is all yours?

“Yes, ma’am. And the parcel across the road.”

Maddie saw fenced acreage but it was free of crops. She did see cattle dotting the area.

“For the last few years I’ve dabbled with beef. I enjoy it and it’s something a little different,” Samuel continued.

Maddie slowly twirled around, taking in all that was to be her new home. “It’s a wonderful place, Samuel.” What could go wrong here? It was her new Garden of Eden. Samuel put an arm around her and they walked to the house.

Chapter SEVEN

The next morning Maddie was the first one up. She quietly put on a robe and went downstairs. After tying her hair back, she got busy putting wood in the kitchen stove to heat up the house. While waiting for the coffee to be ready, she whipped up starter dough for biscuits. Finally, sitting at the table, her shivers began to subside.

              The creaking of the floor overhead let her know Samuel was awake. He came into the kitchen, doing up the last button on his pants. They were pulled over a one piece, red pair of long underwear.

              “Morning, Hannah.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Would you rustle me up some coffee while I take care of some business outside?” 

              Maddie had coffee and breakfast ready when he came in. “When it warms up a bit, I want to go into West Liberty. We need a few things and you can meet sis and her husband. It’s not too far.”

* * * *

The ride into West Liberty took just a little over an hour. The sky was clear but it was chilly. Maddie bundled Lizzy up and held her on her lap, all the while the child talked non-stop.

The town consisted of several wide roads with different businesses running along each side — Favorite’s Canning Factory, Cedar Valley Creamery, Morris Stove and Tin Shop, Hise Brothers Hotel, and a poultry and egg shop.

              Samuel pulled the wagon by Swain’s Grocery Store. “The only canned foods we have were given to me by my sis because she took pity on me. We need some supplies.”

Mr. Swain was a jolly old gentleman with a smile and cigar hanging out of his mouth. He was almost as wide as he was tall. When Samuel introduced Maddie, Mr. Swain put his arm around her shoulders and said, “West Liberty always needs pretty girls. Too bad, Sam got a look at you before me!” He winked at Maddie. “I guess it’s about time old Sam here took himself a wife to look after him.”

Mr. Swain continued talking Maddie’s ear off until the flour, sugar, coffee, and other essentials were boxed and loaded into the wagon.  She was grateful when the three of them started for his sister’s place.

Samuel laughed when she rolled her eyes his way.  “Swain does tend to go on!”

              At the far end of town, there was a blacksmith and next to that was a fenced area with fire equipment in it. “In 1884 our only hotel burned to the ground on a twenty-eight-degree day. The town got together and bought that equipment and built two cisterns. Frank, my sister’s husband, is the chief of the Volunteer Fire Department.”

              “Your sister married a man of importance. I hope I know how to curtsey.”

              Samuel let out a hoot. “He would love that, but he is full of himself enough as it is.” They passed a few wagons and everybody waved as they rode by.

              A man on horseback rode up. “Hey, Doc,” Samuel said, pulling the team to a stop. “Haven’t seen you around too much.”

              “Folks around here been keeping me busier than a one-toothed man eating a cob of corn.”

              “Doc,” Samuel put his arm around Maddie, “this is Hannah, my soon-to-be-bride.”

              The doctor was a big man with thick wavy blond hair and laughing dark brown eyes. He leaned way over on his saddle and took Maddie’s hand. “All I have to say, Miss Hannah, is that it’s a good thing Sam, here, saw you first. I’d have snatched you up before anybody could blink twice!”

              Maddie burned scarlet at the doctor’s flirtation. “You are the second man to say that to me in the last thirty minutes. I hope there’s a church here where the gentlemen of this town can pray for forgiveness for outright lying.” 

              The doctor clutched his chest. “I’m wounded to the core!”

              “Hannah, I’ve known this no-good wretch for a lot of years. He’s the town doctor and I might add a confirmed bachelor, so don’t let that smooth talk of his sweep you off your feet.”

              She couldn’t help but like the man. His laughter was contagious.

              “Doctor Charles Page at your service, little lady and don’t listen to old Sam. We’ve been friends for too long for me to steal you away.” He nudged his horse into a trot and yelled over his shoulder, “But I could!”

              “That man is a God-send around here. I’ve known him since we were just sprouts. I think when Martha passed, he almost felt as bad as I did — blamed himself. It took a while for him to look me in the eye again. I never, not one time, blamed him.”

              “Is he married?”

              “Nope. Never did find the right gal.”

              Lizzy began to jump up and down. “Look, Mama! There’s where Auntie Kate lives! The house was similar to Samuel’s, but the barn was huge and instead of acres of corn, cattle dotted the land.

              A woman came running out the front door. She had on black pants and a tucked in shirt. Her long dark hair was pulled back in a long braid. She had the same Morrison beautiful blue eyes and dimples. She ignored everyone and hurried over to where Maddie had just gotten down. Her smile was genuine as she gave her a quick hug.

              She turned her attention to Maddie. “I’m Kate. I have been so anxious to meet you.” When Samuel walked over, she punched him in the arm. “I threatened Frank that if you didn’t come in today I was riding over by myself.”

              Lizzy squeezed in between them wanting her piece of attention. “And Lizzy, my favorite person!” She kneeled down and gave her niece a kiss on the cheek. I’ve been waiting to see you. Do you know what I have in the barn?”

Wide-eyed, Lizzy shook her head. “Queenie had four puppies. Didn’t I promise you one of them?”

“Yes!” She turned to Samuel. “Daddy, can I have one, please, please, Daddy!”

“I guess so. We’ll take a look at them and when they’re ready to…”

“Oh, they’re ready. They were born about seven weeks ago. That’s how long it’s been since you visited!” Her tone was accusing. “Lizzy, honey, the pups are in the barn if you want to take a peek. Uncle Frank is in there, too. Tell him to help you look at them and then you both come in for dinner, hear?” Kate hadn’t even finished her sentence before Lizzy was gone. “Let’s go in the house. I’ve made some noodles and chicken.”

Kate added wood to the stove to heat things up. By the time Frank and Lizzy returned, dinner was on the table. Maddie related the same lie she told Samuel about her life as Hannah. It was not getting easier. Her stomach was just as queasy every time she told that lie. As a matter of fact, it seemed to get worse.

“So, when’s the nuptials?” Frank asked.

“I’m hoping, maybe the week of Thanksgiving. Ma and Pa will be here. You both are here.”

Maddie noticed Kate watching her.  She dropped her eyes to her lap. “Who wants cobbler?” Kate asked, changing the subject. Several “me’s” filled the air. “Hannah, could you give me a hand?”

“Of course.” She got up and followed Kate to the kitchen. “The dishes are in that cupboard, Hannah. I’ll get the cobbler.” Kate took her time dishing it into the bowls. “When Sam told me he was sending away for a mail order bride, I thought he was crazy. Marrying a complete stranger! Who would want to do that? But then, I looked closer at his situation. Not many young ladies here in West Liberty that want a ready-made family. I know most of them and I don’t want them for sisters.” She chuckled before continuing. “I think maybe my brother has found a gold mine with you. You seem caring, you are pretty, and it’s obvious both Sam and Lizzy are smitten with you.”

Kate finished and turned to face Maddie. “I love my brother, but it’s only fair you are happy. Do you want this marriage, Hannah?”

Maddie opened her mouth but nothing came out. Even though she was Samuel’s sister, Kate seemed like a person she could talk to.
Tell her! Tell her now!
Maddie swallowed and tried again. “I do, Kate, truly I do. In just a few days, I have developed feelings towards your brother and Lizzy. But I…I…” Maddie just couldn’t say the words. “I don’t have any kind of a dress to wear. I did not have much money so I couldn’t get one made before coming, and even if I were able to get material, I might not be able to get it finished.”

A smile spread across Kate’s face and her blue eyes watered. “I’m so glad to hear that. The dress is no problem. I have many dresses that would work for a wedding. You can look at them and make a decision. I realize I’m a bit more endowed than yourself, but we can alter them.” Kate hugged her again. “Come on. Everyone’s waiting for cobbler.”

By the time their wagon pulled out of Kate and Frank’s yard, the temperature had dropped and the sun had disappeared behind looming thunder clouds. Not only was Lizzy huddled between Maddie and her father, but the newest member of the Morrison family, a black and white, pudgy little puppy, was in the back of the wagon, crying for his mother.

Samuel looked at Maddie, nodding his head toward the puppy. “This could be a long ride home.”

Maddie stuck her lower lip out. “Poor little thing wants his mama. He’ll settle down.”

They were halfway home when two riders approached. Maddie’s eyes went wide when, out of nowhere, a rifle appeared on Samuel’s lap. “Just being cautious,” he muttered.

The two men pulled their horses up short when they reached the wagon. “Morrison,” said the rider who looked oldest. His hat sat low on his head covering his eyes, giving Maddie an uneasy feeling.

“Carl.” Samuel’s voice was low. “How’s your pa?”

“Sits in his chair all day not doing a dang thing. Don’t eat much and don’t talk, which is fine with me.”

“Who’s this purty thing you got there, Morrison?” Maddie shivered at the sight of the younger rider. His hair was long and dirty and stuck to the side of his face. He spit a stream of tobacco, a bit stayed behind to make its way down his chin. When he smiled, rotten teeth filled his mouth.

Samuel stiffened, saying nothing to the man. The puppy threw his head back and began to cry and yelp. “I don’t like being not talked to, Morrison, like I’m some sort of white trash. Maybe you couldn’t hear me none cause of this here mutt.” He drew a gun from his holster. “And maybe I should take care of it so you could hear me.”

In a flash, Samuel had the rifle cocked and trained on the man’s heart.

“No!” Lizzy cried, turning to try to get into the back of the wagon. Maddie grabbed her and struggled to hold the screaming little girl on her lap while watching Samuel. She had no doubt he’d kill the man without blinking an eye if he needed to.

“Put your gun away, Chad,” the other rider growled, disgust evident in his tone. “Sometimes you ain’t got no sense at all.”

“There be two of us,” Chad argued loudly.

“I said, put it away.” Carl’s tone was dangerous and Chad did as he was told.

Carl’s horse took a few steps then stopped as he eyed Maddie from head to toe. He touched the brim of his hat. “Miss.” Glancing at Samuel, he smiled and the two rode off.

Maddie helped Lizzy back onto the bench and then turned and grabbed the puppy, putting him in the girl’s lap. “See, your puppy’s fine.”

Once Lizzy was busy with her new dog, Maddie asked Samuel who those men were.

“Carl and Chad Skinner. They live about five miles from here. Their pa leased land from Tom Garst and did okay. One day he collapsed and since then, just sits. Doc says it’s a stroke of some kind. Mrs. Skinner was already sickly and the boys did nothing to keep the farm going. Tom felt bad and let them stay in the little house, but took the land back. Mrs. Skinner died soon after that and, well, since then the boys have run wild and don’t care a lick about anything or anybody. They’re useless, lazy, and I don’t trust them one bit.”

They were almost home when the wind picked up it started raining. By the time they reached the house, it was bitter cold and the rain had turned to sleet.