Page 62 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
“Good to know.” But she couldn’t help wondering if Mr. Hartman saw that as a threat.
Mrs. Bennet pushed from the table. “Almost time to leave.” A flurry of activity followed her announcement. She and Della hurriedly cleaned the kitchen while Andy ducked into his room re-emerging in black trousers and a tan colored shirt with a lace-up yoke. Della’s gaze lingered on the leather laces at his throat. They reminded her of something, but she couldn’t pinpoint the memory and blinked herself into action.
Wheels rumbled up to the door. Andy crooked his arm and she put her hand around his elbow. Outside a wagon, a buggy, and a horse were lined up for the trip to town. A second bench had been put in the wagon and she and Andy sat there. Riley and Olivia sat in the front. Luke sat in the back while Honor crowded in beside Della, forcing her to sit tight against Andy. The other couples rode in the buggy, the children squeezed in with their parents, and Wally rode horseback.
“How far to town?” she asked.
“Takes close to an hour.” Andy shifted as if trying to allow Della more room.
She gave him a grateful smile, her gaze again going to the ties on the yoke of his shirt. Why did they tug at her thoughts?
He noticed her attention and fingered the bow. “Is it crooked?”
“It’s fine.” She clearly remembered fingers on the tie. She stared straight ahead without seeing anything as she tried to bring the memory into focus. Fingers that made her feel safe and cherished. Knitted fabric. On a doll. Yes, that was it. The little sweater for her doll kept falling off so Pa found a bit of leather string to draw the front closed. He’d patiently taught her to tie a bow.
She sagged against the back and eased out her pent-up breath. Perhaps not as quietly as she thought for both Andy and Honor looked at her.
“Something bothering you?” Honor asked.
Della felt Andy’s concern in the way his eyes checked her over. “It’s just a silly memory.” She couldn’t take her gaze from Andy. At the way he nodded and smiled, she continued. “Ever since I saw the ties on your shirt, I’ve been trying to think what they remind me of. And I just remembered.” She told them about her pa and the way he helped her with the doll.
“How blessed you were to have a father who loved you.” Honor’s words were part blessing, part regret.
Della had heard enough of Honor’s story to know she’d lost her parents and been taken in by her aunt, but after her aunt’s passing her uncle was cruel and neglectful. She squeezed Honor’s hands.
“I know I am.”
“You must miss him something awful.”
“I do.” She managed around the tightness in her throat. Even worse than the missing was knowing she hadn’t been able to keep her promises to him.
Her jaw tightened. She meant to correct that as soon as she could return to Ma’s side. The knot in her cheek had not relaxed when they arrived in town. The railway tracks lay to their right as they turned aside to travel down the street that ran parallel. They hadn’t heard that the trestle had been repaired but perhaps there would be news today.
They parked in front of a white church. People were climbing the steps. By the time the Shannon crew reached the interior, there were only scattered spots to sit. Della and Andy chose a place in the back corner. She sank down, hoping no one would notice her presence but several people turned to wave. Andy waved back. Her cheeks burned. She ducked her head and tried to be invisible. How was she going to get out of this place without everyone learning she was a temporary bride?
“Welcome to each of you.” The preacher’s voice drew her attention and she settled into the familiar rituals of the service. They sang hymns that she knew. She listened as the preacher read a scripture passage—the entire 139thPsalm. The words washed over her soul.Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
In view of God’s promises, her fears evaporated. God would surely protect her from Mr. Hartman and guide her safely home. Back to her mother. He would provide an answer to her need to see Ma in a safe and secure place so Della could fulfill both her promises to Pa.
The sermon provided further encouragement and then the service was over. She rose at Andy’s side, wishing they could escape before he had to explain who she was. But people flocked around them, offering her a warm welcome and leaving Andy no option but to introduce her.
She shot him a warning look hoping he could read her plea to not say she was his wife—his temporary wife.
His eyelids flicked. She took that to mean he understood and agreed.
“Miss Epps, these are our neighbors.” He named people who pressed forward.
Her legs wobbled beneath her with relief at him using her name rather than his. Yes, she was legally his wife, but they both knew it was only a formality. Others might not like the decision she and Andy had made.
Finally, they made their way down the aisle where she was introduced to Preacher Ingram.
“I appreciated what you had to say,” she said and then they made their way to the wagon.
They were out of town, under the warm sun before she sank back.
“It wasn’t so bad, was it?” Andy asked.
“I’m uncomfortable with being untruthful.”
