Page 19 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
A chuckle rumbled from his throat. “I suppose that’s true. Let’s hope it doesn’t get any more exciting.” He sobered. “I’m sorry that this will mean a delay in getting you to the train.”
“People are more important than plans."
“Well said.”
Warmth filled her insides triggered by the memory of the words she spoke. “It’s something my pa would say.”
“He sounds like a good man.”
“He was.”
He pulled the trunk toward him. “Let’s get this inside then I’ll be on my way. And hopefully back with Bart before noon.”
They carried the chest indoors and set it outside Trudy’s bedroom door. Andy stopped before he exited. “Trudy, I’m taking his riding horse.”
“Of course. The mine is to the north. Follow the trail when it veers to the west.”
“Goodbye then.” His gaze came to Della. “Goodbye for now, Della.” And he turned and rode away. Hearing her name on his tongue made her smile.
Trudy stayed in the doorway. It seemed she meant to stay there until her husband returned. Della cleaned the kitchen and then wandered around the room, wondering what to do with herself. Accustomed to helping in a dozen or more kitchens, she decided to make herself useful. Exploration of the cupboards and pantry gave her an idea. She’d make something for the noon meal that would welcome the men home.
And if they didn’t arrive by then?
She’d hold it for supper.
She hummed as she mixed the ingredients for a cake. As it baked, she prepared vegetables for a hearty soup. Fresh biscuits would round out the meal and she set them to bake.
Trudy still hovered at the door. Her face wreathed in worry lines, her shoulders hunched.
Della took a chair to her and insisted she sit. As soon as Trudy settled, Della brought her coffee and a piece of cake.
Trudy thanked her, but her gaze barely left off watching the road. Her tension gripped Della and she stared down the dusty trail. What if neither of the men returned? What a foolish thought and she shook her head to drive it away. Her father would have prayed.
“Trudy, let’s pray for your husband to be safe and return soon.”
The other woman blinked and turned to her. “Would you pray aloud?”
“Of course.” She asked God to protect the men and bring them home safely. “Amen.”
“Thank you.” Trudy looked directly at Della, searching for—comfort? Encouragement? A smile warmed her eyes. “I’m glad Andy came along when he did. And you, of course.” She nodded. “Maybe God was answering my prayer by bringing you.”
“Andy says you’ve known each other a long time.”
“Since we were children. My parents wanted to move west but didn’t want to travel alone. When Pa heard about Mr. Shannon and his family heading to Montana driving his herd of cattle, we asked if we could join them. Mr. Shannon said we were welcome.” Her gaze went to the road for a moment then with a resigned sigh, she returned to her story.
“Andy and I were just children and although we had to do our share, we had lots of freedom and would play games and explore groves of trees we passed.” Warmth came from her eyes then she sobered. “Andy’s ma got really ill. Mr. Shannon came to my mother and asked for her help. Ma took care of Mrs. Shannon for days, giving her herbals and feeding her broth. Mr. Shannon was so grateful when she recovered. He said Ma had saved her life.”
Trudy stopped speaking. Della looked out the door, but saw nothing but the wind-bent grass. She was about to return to the kitchen when Trudy drew in a deep sigh and began to talk again.
“We settled at what is now Gunders Corner. The Shannons moved further west. Out of gratefulness for what Ma had done, Mr. Shannon would deliver a load of wood to us every fall. And then Andy took over.”
It wasn’t any of her business, but Della wondered if Trudy had been aware of Andy’s feelings. “I don’t think Andy acted only out of gratitude.” She shifted so she could watch Trudy without appearing to.
Trudy chuckled. “He might have thought we were in love but all I felt for him was friendship. We’d practically been brother and sister.”
Della’s brows headed for her hair line. “I’ve never had a brother or even a sister but seems the way you two hugged last night had more than family warmth.” Her brows rose higher when Trudy laughed.
“You’ve nothing to worry about. We both recognize our affection for each other is not the same as love.”
