Page 61 of A Late-Blooming Rose
“Dear Lordy, yes. When the posse billeted here, I had men sleeping all over the place, including the barn, although we made sure Sheriff Granger had a bed.”
“I’m delighted to be here,” Rose told her hostess. “But I’m worried about getting back—” she almost saidfor the wedding supper, then remembered in time that the Flanigans probably hadn’t been invited “—for the wedding.”
“We’re going into town for the wedding.” Trudy frowned. “But with the children coming along there won’t be room in the wagon.”
Rose could see what she meant. Three could squeeze onto the wagon bench, but one of the adults would have an uncomfortable ride in the back with the children. She knew who’d gallantly insist on being the one.Oh, what a pickle we’re in.
Andre fetched the basket from the wagon. He didn’t seem to feel the same concerns, for he kept the jovial expression on his face. “I wonder, Seth, if you don’t mind uninvited guests staying in your home while you’re away…. Once Beau has a chance to heal, we’ll take your generous offer of the books back with us.”
Seth’s eyes twinkled. “If you milk the cow, feed the chickens and pigs, then our hired man Jasper can come along to the wedding.Hewon’t mind riding in the wagon bed with the children.”
Andre held up his hands “These have never done any such chores. But we have Sam, who, if need-be, will come to our rescue. That is, if your Jasper really wants to attend the wedding, which I very much doubt.”
Trudy laughed. “He’d be horrified by the suggestion. And all our books will never fit in your vehicle.”
Seth nodded. “When you need them, we’ll start bringing crates on our trips to town.”
Trudy gestured toward the doorway.
Rose stepped into the house and stopped, greeted by the scent of something sweet and spicy, which gave her an immediate feeling of warmth and coziness. “What smells so delicious?”
Trudy moved to her side. “This is apple picking season for us. We’re so excited the orchard we planted when we were newly married has come to fruition. We’ve had some apples the last few years, but this season, we have such abundance—” she briefly clasped her hands together, and her eyes glowed with obvious pride “—why I believe we could rival the Garden of Eden.”
Rose wondered what that must feel like—to plant and toil, to see the long-term results of hard work and dreams coming true.
“Seth, Jasper, and the two older children pick the apples. I’ll help with the first few bushels. But after that, I usually stay in the house with baby Cliffie and make applesauce and apple butter and apple cider. Then there’s apple pie and apple dumplings and apple strudel and apple cobbler….”
Rose looked at her in amazement. “You’re making all those today?”
Trudy laughed. “Oh, no. I just have a pot of apple cider simmering on the stove and apple dumplings in the oven. Would you like some cider?”
“That sounds wonderful!”
Andre hefted the basket. “We didn’t come empty-handed, and we’ll be glad to contribute to the meal.”
“A gift is always welcome.” Trudy’s smile held appreciation. “I’ve more than enough for supper, but we’ll make good use of your food. You can wash up in the kitchen, and then I’ll serve the meal.”
Seth moved toward the wagon. “I’ll go take care of the horses and bring in the lap desk.” He grabbed Min and swung the child onto his shoulders. “Come on, you two, and help me.”
“I’ll go along.” Andre set down the basket on a bench near the door and followed Seth.
The older children skipped toward the wagon.
Rose followed Trudy, their footsteps echoing on the polished oak floor of a wide hallway. Straight ahead was the staircase to the second floor.
Through an arch to the right, Rose saw a comfortable-looking parlor, which had a piano and several bookcases filled with volumes. She could imagine the family gathering in front of the fireplace in the evening, while Trudy played the piano or read a book out loud and Seth handled the popcorn maker.
Trudy waved a hand to the stairway. “Cliffie’s taking a nap. Hopefully, he’ll sleep until we’ve finished supper.”
Photographs lined one wall of the hall. Her attention caught by what looked like a framed newspaper clipping, yellowed with age, Rose stopped and read the words.
MAIL-ORDER BRIDES OF THE WEST AGENCY
SEEKS BACHELORS OF GOOD REPUTATION
FOR QUALITY BRIDES PROFICIENT IN
COOKING AND HOUSEKEEPING
