Johanna: Bride of Michigan (American Mail-Order Bride 26) (10 page)

Paul and Johanna sat down and the beefy fragrance made her mouth water. Becky brought bread over and poured them coffee. Johanna filled it with sugar to hopefully mask the awful coffee taste, since she didn’t want to offend the woman by telling her she didn’t care for coffee.

“You have a lovely cabin here,” Johanna said as she blew on her spoonful.

“We do the best with what we’re given. Your husband has been most kind by supplying cabins for us to live in while our husbands work cutting trees or working the mill.”

“What does your husband do?”

“He’s a lumberjack, but he’s an extra hand at the mill for now. I’m so busy with the baby that it’s hard to make time to sew clothes for my husband and children.”

Johanna spoke without thinking. “I understand. Perhaps I could help you in some small way. If you give me the children's measurements, I’d be happy to sew them a few things to wear each.”

When Johanna ventured a look at Paul, he was smiling and didn’t appear cross at all, like she thought he might be. “I think that’s a great idea. My wife is good at sewing, or so she says. She’s currently sewing a more current dress for our staff.”

Becky shook her head. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t ask, I offered.” Johanna didn’t want to say ‘insist’ since she had a feeling that Becky was a proud woman.

“We’ll talk more about that after we try your stew,” Paul said.

Johanna soaked the bread and laughed when she licked her fingers with Paul looking on. He didn’t give her a scolding look, however, only laughed along with her. When they finally finished, Johanna gushed, “This beef stew was heavenly. I must have the recipe.”

“I think our cook might have a heart attack if we tell her to cook a recipe from someone else.” Paul laughed. “She might even up and quit.”

Johanna shook her head at Paul. “That sounds like an exaggeration. I’m sure she wouldn’t quit over something like that, but perhaps we shouldn’t expect her to change her recipes, even to appease me.”

“I was only kidding, sweet.”

“I must say I’m impressed that a woman with a baby is able to keep her cabin so tidy and has time to cook, too.”

“It’s what a woman is expected to do, but I’m used to staying busy. It helps to wile away the time while Ben works. Most of the other lumberjacks’ wives get together and help each other out. We have a tight bond, you might say. We’re all so thankful your husband supplies such great cabins for us to live in. Before Ben began working for Mr. Worthington, we were living in bad conditions in shacks that didn’t help keep the cold out at all during the winter. Are you from Michigan?”

“No, Massachusetts. This will be my first winter.”

“It’s lovely to see, but quite cold, and does the snow ever pile up. Ben lost two toes from frostbite at a lumbering camp a few years back.”

“Ben won’t be leaving this winter,” Paul informed her. “I’ll need help in the mill with maintenance when the river freezes.”

Tears danced in Becky’s eyes. “Does Ben know yet? I would have remembered if he had told me that.”

“I’ll tell him shortly. You might want to keep it to yourself for now.” Paul winked. “We should get going now. I have planned to take my wife on a picnic.”

“After the wonderful stew?” Johanna asked.

“I’m positive by the time we walk where we’re going, you’ll work up your appetite, or I hope you do. I’d hate to let fried chicken and lemon meringue pie go to waste.”

“I’m hungry again already.”

Becky handed Johanna a piece of paper with her children’s sizes, and then Paul led them outside. They walked back to the buggy and Johanna stated, “You’re an interesting man, Paul. I had visions that where the workers and their families lived wasn’t as good as you claimed. I’m proud to call you my husband.”

Did Paul hear her correctly? Was she actually saying she was happy to be married to him? He hoped it was true, since it was becoming impossible for him to keep his distance. She had the purest heart and it was easy to lose his own to her. It was much too soon to proclaim his love, but he intended to show her the kind of man he really was. The day was a win for him, but he didn’t want to presume anything. He took her to see Becky to gauge her reaction to the children, and he could tell she almost wanted to hold the baby as she gazed at him with adoration in her eyes.

He took Johanna’s hand and helped her aboard the buggy. Once he was sitting next to her, off they went as the horses trotted down the trail that led away from the main road. It was bumpy and Johanna had to grab his arm more than a few times to steady herself, which he didn’t mind. It was the closest he’d been able to get to her. He had to show her that he was not the lecherous fool he had acted the previous night. He could almost still feel the slap she gave him. The whiskey had played with his mind, but he couldn’t help how he felt. Johanna’s neck was too temping to resist, and he longed for the day that they weren’t man and wife in only name alone.

When they were heading along the river, Johanna asked, “Where are we going?”

“I have a secret place for our picnic, but it’s some distance away.”

“Oh. I thought you mentioned that we had to walk where we were going?”

“It’s only a short walk.”

Johanna seemed quite at ease next to him, and her face lit up as she gazed at the river. He knew she’d had a hard life, but he was prepared to make it a happy one from then on.

* * *

The further up the river they went, the less log-packed it appeared. It was quite calm and a ship was heading up the river, a cloud of smoke billowing from the huge smokestack. “Is that a steamship?”

“Yes.” Paul waved as it passed and a few men who stood on the deck returned the gesture.

“I expected logs to be jamming the entire river.”

“If it was like that, we’d never get our lumber moved.”

“Will we be where we’re going soon?”

“Be patient. I’m sure you’ll love where we’re having our picnic.”

Johanna was thankful Paul had planned a picnic, as it would help them both forget the night before. She had noticed a change in him. When they married, he was a bit stiff for her liking, and it took a little longer before he loosened up. She still was too worried to tell him about her scar, but she would have to in time. She only hoped she could really trust Sara to keep her secret until then.

Paul pulled back on the reins to slow then stop the buggy. Johanna didn’t wait for him to help her, jumping down excitedly. Paul grabbed the picnic basket and blanket, leading her through the trees since the river was hidden behind them.

When they surfaced from the woods, the riverbank was grass-covered and Paul shook the blanket out and laid it on the ground. He set the basket down and took Johanna’s hand so she could join him. Once she was sitting, she pulled her hand back as if burnt. Every nerve in her body was at attention, and she felt much warmer, even though the sun was hidden beneath the clouds.

Paul didn’t act like she had done anything out of the way and instead began to take out the fried chicken and bread. He also pulled out a bottle of wine!

“Isn’t it a little early for wine?” Johanna asked.

He popped the cork and took a sip. “I don’t think so. Give it a try.”

“You expect me to drink straight out of the bottle?”

He raised a brow. “Sure, why not? Haven’t you ever done that before?”  

“I-I haven’t had wine before the other day with you, remember? My mother always told me to never drink in the company of a man, that no good would come from it.”

“Your mother was a wise woman, but I assure you I only brought it so we could wash down our food. Give the chicken a try if you’d rather not drink the wine.”

Johanna put her hand out to take the bottle. She tipped it back and the sweet wine was quite good, even if it dribbled down her chin. She handed it back to him, wiping the excess with her hand until Paul handed her a handkerchief that he fished from his pocket. “You’re certainly not acting like you do at your home.”

“How can I with my mother watching me like a hawk?” He smiled. “I hope when she returns, she has a more pleasant attitude.”

Johanna thought so, too, but she wasn’t going to voice her opinion since it
was
his mother, after all.

“I hope I can finish the dress tonight.”

“Oh, so you’re planning to abandon me tonight, too?”

“I hardly did that last night, or I didn’t think I had.”

“If you sew a worthwhile dress and I agree a change is needed, we need to do so before my mother’s return. She’ll have a hard time complaining if the staff is already wearing the dresses.”

“I’ll have to sew all of them in a hurry then.”

“No need. I’ll have a seamstress do them. I know of one who takes on extra work, but ordinarily doesn’t sew.”

“That would be great since I’d like to get started on the clothing for Becky’s children.”

Paul handed Johanna a chicken leg. “You’re not doing that. I can find someone else to do it.”

“Oh, no, you don’t. I promised her I’d make the clothing, and that’s what I’ll do.”

“There’s no need. You’re the lady of my home and have duties to run the household, remember?”

“That won’t take all that long.”

“You’ll also be responsible for all monies and paying bills for the household, including paying the staff. I pay them weekly so they have money in their pocket to spend when they’re off.”

“When is the staff off?”

“The cook and kitchen maid are off after everything is cleaned up, and so is the barn staff. Sara isn’t off until you’re done with her help for the night.”

“I’ll simply have to tell her I don’t need her assistance tonight so I have time to finish sewing. I want to surprise her.”

“If you need any assistance, I could help you with your corset if you like,” Paul suggested with an evil grin. When she narrowed her eyes at him, he quickly added, “I was merely kidding, but it was worth it to see you get so rattled like that. Have you never really relaxed?”

Johanna bit into the chicken and was bothered by what he said. She hadn’t thought she was being like that at all; she was just too afraid to let her guard down. If Paul knew how she truly felt, he’d most certainly take advantage of it.

Really, Johanna? When has Paul done anything out of line, other than last night?

She sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think I was being like that. It’s just that—”

“You don’t know me,” he finished for her. “I do hope in time you trust me. I’m sorry about last night, and I promise it won’t happen again unless you want it to.”

She frowned. Did that mean Paul wouldn’t ever try to kiss her? She had to admit she rather liked it when he did.
Last night just wasn’t the time.
“You don’t have to apologize. I’m sorry I was so upset with you.”

Paul turned her face to him and kissed the tip of her nose. “I must admit you’re quite adorable when you frown like that.”

Johanna was taken aback. “I-I am? I don’t think I’ve ever thought of myself like that.”

“I was shocked when I met you at the train station. I had no idea a pretty woman like you would think about becoming a mail-order bride.” He took a sip of the wine. “You’ve told me the reason you decided to take a risk and come out here, but weren’t you courted back in Lawrence?”

“Actually, I was kept too busy working for the factory to think about anything like that. I hardly think a gentleman would want to court a working-class woman with little means.”

“They were all fools back in Lawrence, if you ask me.”

Johanna smiled softly, not commenting on what he said, but then continued her story. “Of course, my mother worked for a Miss Emily Keeting. She suggested I meet and possibly marry her brother, but he was in his sixties. I’d rather take a risk coming out here.”

Paul smiled. “I can’t say I blame you there. Many women can become prey to men if they have no family to protect them.”

“If that factory had never burned to the ground, I’d never have left Lawrence.”

“I can’t imagine how it was for you working at the factory. I’ve heard it’s very grueling and dangerous.”

Johanna absently rubbed her leg. It was the perfect opportunity to tell Paul about her scar from the factory days, but she just couldn’t do it. “I surely don’t miss it, I tell you that.”

Johanna gazed across the river and noticed a couple perched on a blanket there with picnic basket in hand. Paul waved and Johanna did the same. “It seems we’re not the only ones picnicking today.”

“Is there anything else to do in town?”

“We have a playhouse that just reopened after the old one burned to the ground. We lost four buildings in that fire, one of them a mill. Our production has been doubled ever since.”

“Oh my, are they rebuilding the mill, too?”

“No. The owner moved to the Upper Peninsula to begin anew there. Many people in town believe the fire was set, hoping to burn that mill down to the ground, but the playhouse caught fire first, so I’m not sure how accurate that is.”

“Is there a problem with sabotaging the mills?”

“Yes, I’m afraid, but I try to deal honestly with the men who work for me, unless they give a reason not to.”

“Like the bookkeeper?”

“Exactly, but William is full of hot air and will land on his feet somewhere. I only hope it’s not in Saginaw. If he works for anyone I know, I’ll be the first person to let it be known what he did to me.”

“If you contact the police, he could be thrown in jail and not ever be able to do that again to anyone.”

“I know that, but I’d rather let this matter go. William won’t be able to repay me, and I’d rather not have any trouble with him now that I have a wife.”

“That’s understandable. Your workers count on you for a job.”

“I’ll have a few men on the lookout at night, just in case. I won’t risk my livelihood on the whims of a thief.”

They finished eating in silence until it was time for the meringue pie. Paul pulled out the plates, giving Johanna one. She promptly gobbled it up to the point that Paul told her to slow down. “I can’t help myself,” Johanna finally said after she was finished. “I have a sweet tooth.”

“I can see that. Does Ingrid’s pie pass your taste test?”

“Oh, yes, very much so.” She patted her stuffed belly. “What now?”

“We could take a walk along the river. We’re close to the mouth of the bay.”

Paul helped Johanna up and they put the basket and blanket in the buggy. He took her hand as he led her into the woods, and they were soon on a trail that went along the river. Seagulls were flying overhead, and Johanna ducked her head slightly. “I have a phobia about birds,” she admitted.

“They certainly can be a little scary, but I think they’d much prefer to eat fish than you.”

The wind had picked up and Johanna shivered, but she didn’t complain since she enjoyed being on the river. The mouth of the river became much wider, and they went through another strip of trees before they stood at where the river met the bay, as Paul had called it. “This is the bay? Saginaw Bay, to be exact.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“And part of our livelihood. We’re fortunate to have so many rivers in the area, and all of them leading to Saginaw Bay where lumber is taken all over the country. I’m proud to say the lumber we mill winds up in places far and wide, probably right in Lawrence even. Do you know what they call the trees?”

“No?”

“Green gold. More money is made with lumber than all the gold mining in the country combined.”

Johanna was shocked. “Really? I’d have never thought that.” She shivered again.

“Are you cold?”

Her teeth chattered. “A-A little.”

Paul hugged her close, rubbing her arms until she fidgeted. “Not to worry. I was only trying to warm you up.”

And warm her up he did. She was barely able to form sentences as her body tingled in places she’d rather not think about right then. Paul was making her wish they were home and quite alone.
Stop it, Johanna. Neither of you have even expressed how you feel about one another.
Johanna rather enjoyed getting to know Paul, and she was a little nervous about it. She wasn’t hurrying to her marriage bed. Going into this, she knew it was expected, but she’s rather delay it if she could, which meant getting away from Paul.

“I’m plenty warm now,” she announced as she stepped away from him. “Perhaps we should go back.”

“I agree. The clouds look quite ominous on the horizon. We might get soaked if we don’t get a move on.”

Johanna didn’t mind that Paul held her so closely, since she didn’t want to lose her way or footing. Even with boots, she still had heels. They hadn’t walked very far when the first sprinkles were felt.

“We better hurry!” Johanna shrieked as the clouds opened up on them. The icy drops were like needles to her skin. She hadn’t been caught out in rain like this since she was a child coming home from school.