Page 46 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
Mrs. Bennet chuckled. “’Tis true that the west is a grand adventure. Now all of you go on home. I’m sure Andy and Della are tired. She’ll be goin’ nowhere for a few days from what we’ve heard so there’s plenty of time to discuss things.”
A special warmth was extended to Della as the others bid good night and departed leaving Andy and Della to face the older couple.
“Come along now.” Mrs. Bennet went to the door from the kitchen. “I’ll show you to your room.” She looked around. “Do ya not have luggage?”
“Only what I’m wearing, and this soiled dress.” She held up a small bundle she’d carried from Trudy’s home.
“Tsk. We’ll fix that up right away.” She filled a china pitcher with warm water. “Come then.”
Della hesitated. “Andy, where will you be?”
He caught the tiny tremor of uncertainty in her voice. If not for the others in the room and the need to keep his feelings under control, he would have pulled her to his chest and promised he’d be close. If she wanted anything she only had to call his name.
“My room is the first on the right. Mrs. B has the one across the hall. She’ll put you up in one of the others.”
Della nodded and obediently followed the older woman, glancing over her shoulder twice before she disappeared down the hall.
“Me thinks the good Lord had His hand in this business.” Alfred’s voice was low, almost reverent.
Andy wasn’t sure what the older gent meant but he nodded. “I shudder to think what would have become of her if it hadn’t been my wagon she’d hidden in.”
A feeling that was part protectiveness and part horror at what might have befallen her clawed across his neck.
Mrs. B hurried down the hall. “I’ll run next door and see what Olivia can spare for the poor girl. Can you imagine having lost everything? Tsk. The good Lord had His hand on her to bring her here.” She squinted at Andy. “Sometimes God sends opportunities our way disguised as mistakes.” She was out the door before Andy could respond.
Alfred watched after her, a fond smile on his face. “That woman is very wise.” He brought his attention back to Andy. “Wouldn’t hurt to give her words heed.”
Andy nodded, not knowing what else to do. But if he understood the man correctly, he and many of the others were suggesting the marriage should be honored. The idea has some appeal, but he’d promised. Besides, he had his own plans, and they didn’t include being tied down. A yawn filled his eyes with tears, but he would wait for Mrs. B to return before he retired to his bedroom.
He moseyed around the kitchen, adjusting the chairs, running his fingertip along the edge of the table, pausing to look at the three framed pictures of mountain scenes that hung on the wall next to the table. His gaze sought the evidence of a wildlife trail—even if it was only in his imagination. The mountains called to him, called to be explored, and conquered.
The door opened and a beaming Mrs. B entered, her arms full of clothing.
“Olivia was most generous.” She hurried down the hall.
“Guess I might as well go to bed.” Andy hadn’t planned to sound morose and was grateful Alfred’s only response was a soft chuckle. Thankfully, the older man hadn’t pointed out that Andy might be missing Della’s company. Never mind that they’d been together day and night for the past—
He wasn’t even going to think of how much he’d enjoyed sharing the trip with her and strode out of the kitchen, passed the dark sitting room, and turned into his bedroom. He lit the lamp on the table next to his bed and sat on the edge of the mattress. Marriage to Della had been the best choice at the time. He didn’t regret it. Especially if it kept her out of Mr. Hartman’s clutches. So why were his thoughts in such a muddle?
His brothers were to blame. Suggesting Ma and Pa would disapprove of what he’d done. And their wives saying that Della might like the ranch well enough to stay.
Was it possible she would?
He punched his pillow. What was wrong with him? This was a pretend marriage. Neither of them wanted it otherwise.
The pillow received three more punches which he described as fluffing the feathers.
Mrs. B’s footsteps echoed down the hall. A few minutes later the outer door opened and closed, signaling Alfred’s departure. He’d taken to sharing Wally’s quarters after Riley and Olivia married. He’d come as Olivia’s escort and servant but said he didn’t care to intrude on the newlyweds. Mrs. B’s feet trod down the hall to her door. She shut it almost silently and then quiet descended upon the house.
His boots came off and he stood them at the end of the bed. He dropped his trousers to the floor and hung his shirt on the back of the chair.
But quiet did not descend over his thoughts.
He paced across the floor, grimacing when the boards creaked under his feet. Everyone would know he was restless. Dropping to the edge of the bed again, he hung his hands over his knees. What would Ma and Pa say about what he’d done?
His head came up. He knew what Ma would say.Son, pray about it. Remember that God will direct your steps if you ask.
He bowed his head.Lord, God, I know it’s wrong to vow something before You and not mean it. I stood before the preacher back there and promised to marry until death parted us even though I didn’t mean it. Forgive me if that has offended You. Help me guard my heart so that I might fulfill my promise to Della. Keep her safe from Mr. Hartman. Guide her safely home. Thank you.
