Page 530 of Conveniently Wed
Franklin loved watching the two of them. His son would be well cared for by his loving mother. What more could he ask? Hewouldn’t let himself go down that road, because he knew there were many things he would want to ask of her...but couldn’t.
“I believe there’s a pot of stew and cornbread still warm from the oven. Marjorie made her famous dried apricot fried pies for dessert.” Mrs. Oleson started removing things from the box. “There’s even a pot of butter and one of honey.”
Franklin’s stomach started rumbling like a thunderstorm. He was sure everyone in the room could hear.
Lorinda laughed. “How thoughtful of the ladies, especially since everyone did so much to make our wedding special.” She glanced at him with an amused twinkle in her eye. “And we know Franklin’s ready to eat.”
“Isn’t he always?” Mrs. Oleson winked at him and laughed.
With an atmosphere in the home like this, maybe they really could feel normal again...hopefully soon.
“That was delicious.” Lorinda excused herself from the table, then carried her dishes to the dry sink. “If I keep eating like this, I’ll be as big as the barn.”
Franklin chuckled and the sound rumbled through her, almost causing her to drop her load. “I can’t imagine that ever happening. Especially not if you work as hard as you did today.”
An expression of confusion captured Mrs. Oleson’s face. “Why did she work hard? The house was clean, and she didn’t have to cook lunch.”
He stood. “Mrs. Oleson, Lorinda and I want to discuss some things with you.”
Lorinda studied their housekeeper, hoping she wouldn’t find any hint of hurt or anxiety. “Yes, let’s go into the parlor. We can wash the dishes later.”
Mrs. Oleson took a seat on the settee, and Lorinda joined her. Franklin sat in the matching wingback chair.
“What’s this all about?” The older woman’s tone of voice sounded tentative.
He smiled at both of them. “We just wanted to talk about a few changes that will take place because we’re married.”
Mrs. Oleson nodded and clasped her hands in her lap.
Lorinda patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’re very important to all three of us.” She felt some of the tension drain out of the older woman.
Franklin leaned back in the chair. He looked comfortable and satisfied.
“You know that as my wife, Lorinda will now take a greater part in the running of the household.”
“But I don’t want you to feel that we don’t need you.” Lorinda nodded toward the hallway. “There’ll be times when I have to take care of Michael...and other things. And you’re not finished teaching me how to cook. We’ll depend on you…a lot.”
A slight smile lifted Mrs. Oleson’s lips.
“And,” Franklin boomed, “you’re the only grandparent our son will ever know. That’s very important.”
The smile blossomed until it wreathed her entire face. “I’m blessed to fill that role. He is such a dear.”
Franklin’s ebony eyes sparkled, and that curl fell across his forehead. If they’d been alone in the room, Lorinda would have reached up and brushed it back. Once again, she wondered how it would feel to do that to her husband. Just the thought made her breathless.
“We rearranged the rooms we’ll share, and I’ll be the one to clean them.” She watched her husband nod in agreement. “I’ll probably take over more of the cleaning. We want you to enjoy being Michael’s grandmother.”
“Another thing I want to do...” Franklin garnered both women’s attention. “...is turn two of the rooms across the hallway from your bedroom into your own private quarters. A larger bedroom and a parlor. You can have privacy when you want it, and you can take part in our family’s life when you desire.”
His words did make the change sound loving and kind. Lorinda hoped that would be the way the older woman heard it.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Mrs. Oleson glanced from one to the other. “I knew this marriage would change some things. And I’m so glad Franklin finally found someone to love him...and someone he could love. But I never dreamed of these changes. A suite of rooms to myself. And I’ll get to keep cooking and helping with the house. It’s more than I imagined. Thank you.”
Lorinda put her arm around the older woman’s shoulders. “And my new life is more than I ever imagined it would be.”
And also much less than I really desire it to be.She felt like such a fraud in so many ways. Hiding things from this dear woman. The truth about their marriage and the real reason they rearranged things so she wouldn’t discover it. Guilt became a heavy burden for Lorinda to carry, and her spirit bent under the load.
As hoofbeats approached the house, Franklin glanced toward the window. Sounded like one rider, and he was coming fast. Who could it be so late in the evening?
