Patience: Bride of Washington (American Mail Order Bride 42) (7 page)

Stone glared at his father. “She’s removing splinters from an inferior crate side panel. The workmen are complaining about the poor quality and they’re right.”

Andrew actually blushed. “I meant to speak to you about that before you ordered this year’s supplies. I was cheated on those. Old Halliwell charged me twenty percent less than we’d been paying, but he switched the quality.”

Stone said, “I’m ordering proper wood from our old supplier.”

As if suddenly remembering the woman with him, Andrew gestured to her. “Mrs. Marianne Hauser, may I introduce Miss Patience Eaton, soon to be Kincaid?” He returned his attention to Patience. “Marianne has enthusiastically agreed to take you shopping. She wasn’t as easily persuaded to accompany us to Tacoma, but has consented.”

With Stone’s hand still in hers, Patience said, “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Hauser. I’ll appreciate your help for I’m not sure what’s needed.”

“Now, now, call me Marianne. I’m practically family, dear. If you’ve finished poking Stone, shall we go?”

Patience probed the last sliver. “There, I think that’s all of them.” She looked at Andrew. “I’m working on the time sheets for Friday’s payday. Shouldn’t I remain and finish?”

Andrew waved away her concern. “You’re very efficient. I’m sure you’ll have time before Friday. Go with Marianne to the dressmaker so there’ll be time for her to make your gowns.”

Patience carefully stacked the time sheets and closed her account ledger. She stood and, with an apologetic glance at Stone, carried her purse to the coat rack and retrieved her simple straw hat. “I’m ready.”

Marianne’s smile grew as they approached Andrew’s buggy. “Can you drive a team?”

“No, before coming here I walked or took a trolley. Andrew’s been calling for me and driving me back to the boarding house each day. It’s an imposition on him, but I really wouldn’t want to walk this far twice a day.”

“Certainly not.” She climbed onto the seat and grasped the ribbons. “I’ll teach you to drive, which is really quite simple as long as you don’t race or the road is in bad shape. If you were staying in town long term, you could rent a rig at the livery.” She laughed and her eyes twinkled. “And let the stable man take care of the horse for you.”

Sitting beside her, Patience observed carefully what the other woman did. “I’d have to for I’ve no idea how to care for a horse or connect one to a buggy.”

“You have no reason to learn, dear. Fortunately, Andrew has Schmidt for such duties. Now, watch where the brake is located? You must always remember to set that when you arrive and release it before you go.” Marianne pushed the lever and then snapped the ribbons.

“Hold on.” She drove faster than Andrew, but not dangerously so, and they sped toward town.

Patience marveled that Marianne appeared helpless yet was so capable and acted as if she did this every day. “Do you have a rig and horses?”

“Oh, yes, but since Andrew called on me to ask my help, we saw no reason to use mine. Of course, he’ll have to take me back home after we’ve finished our errands.”

Patience clapped a hand onto her hat. “Do you drive often?”

“Not so much since Alice died. She and I were best friends. While she was ill, I came to see her every day to help Emily. Alice was such a sweet soul.”

“From what Andrew and Stone have said, I see that she was very kind and made their home inviting.”

“Yes, her passing left a void in all our lives. I hope you and I can be good friends, too, Patience. I’m so pleased you’ve come. Andrew and Stone need a woman in their home. How nice that you’re willing to help in the office, too.”

“I’m not used to being idle…not that doing so is a bad thing.” She hoped she hadn’t offended Marianne. “Since I’m not acquainted with many people and have no resources, I would likely go mad without my helping with the accounts.”

“Quite right, I helped my late husband a great deal early on, but out of necessity. Back then we didn’t have the funds to hire many people. I pruned trees, picked fruit, paid workers, did a little of everything.”

“You appear so elegant and regal. I have trouble seeing you working in the orchard.”

She sent Patience a wide grin. “Regal? Thank you, but you wouldn’t have recognized me back then. I sometimes wore men’s clothes, including heavy gloves and a sunbonnet to protect my face from browning. I’m sure I resembled a scarecrow set out to frighten away birds.”

Patience laughed. “What a picture your words paint. You do understand what I mean about keeping busy, don’t you?”

“Yes, dear, but you’ll soon know everyone. Destiny is in general a friendly place—except for the way poor Stone’s been treated the past two years. Honestly, I get so angry at times.”

Patience still held onto her hat against the breeze. She wondered how Marianne’s elaborate chapeau remained on her head. “He told me about that woman. What a terrible thing she did. I wonder if he’ll ever be able to clear his name.”

“I don’t know how he can. Perhaps once he marries the rumors will die. People have long memories for bad things but other scandals appear and take precedence.”

Patience gazed at the businesses as they drove through town. “For his sake, I hope the townspeople forget. If he were guilty, that would be bad, but he’s innocent.”

“So true.” She pulled in front of a shop bearing the sign
Mme. Céline Delacroix, Dressmaker
and turned into the side yard. “You see, I’ve set the brake.”

A liveried young man hurried to help them.

Eager to learn what she’d find inside, Patience climbed from the buggy. She waited while the young man helped Marianne alight.

When the other woman had joined her, Patience asked, “I should have waited for him to help me, shouldn’t I? I don’t want to embarrass you or Andrew.”

“You’ll know next time to wait for Henri. Don’t worry about any little faux pas today. Soon you’ll be used to all the benefits of being the wife of a successful man.”

Chapter Seven

Patience’s head spun when they entered the dressmaker’s shop. The center was set like a parlor with sofa and chairs. On one wall stood roll after roll of beautiful fabrics. A counter in front of another wall held an assortment of luxurious undergarments. On the third were trims and shoes. Every nook held wondrous creations.

A well-dressed woman with graying hair hurried to greet them. Her lavender gown was exquisite. “Madame Hauser, welcome. How may I assist you and your companion?”

“Céline, this is Patience Eaton, soon to be Kincaid. She and I will be traveling to Tacoma where we’ll be attending a gala and several receptions. I think clothing from the inside out is required. You’d better include some extra day dresses for after she’s wed.”

Céline stood assessing Patience. She walked around her as if she could see through her outer clothing to her body underneath. “
Certainement
. We will take care of everything. Please follow me to the fitting room, ladies.”

Totally out of her element, Patience gave herself over to the ministrations of the shopkeeper and her assistants. The fitting room was another salon with a sofa and two chairs plus a low platform where Patience was instructed to stand. Marianne sat enjoying a glass of champagne and sampling cheese and strawberries from a tray. Soon, Patience was stripped to her underwear and stood while two women measured her.

She fought to pretend Mama and Mercy were at work fitting her, but the illusion disappeared and her cheeks heated. Fortunately, the women acted as if she were a mannequin and not a live woman. Their being impersonal helped lessen her embarrassment.

Marianne presented a piece of paper to Céline. “I’ve made a list of her requirements. Please let me know if you think of something I’ve omitted.”

The shop owner read the paper Marianne had handed her. “
Oui
, Madame Hauser. She will need shoes,
n’est-ce pas
?”

“Oh, did I forget those? Yes, she’ll require several pairs.” Marianne selected another strawberry. “I trust you’ll take care of the details, Céline.”

“And can we show you something for yourself, Madame?”

“Well, not that I need it, but I saw that lovely yellow silk as we came through the showroom.” She took a sip of her champagne. “You have my measurements.”

Céline clasped her hands at her waist. “
Oui
, Madame Hauser. I will create for you the most beautiful dress ever.”

Marianne smiled at Patience. “See you create the second most beautiful dress ever for Miss Eaton. She will need to impress.”

The shop owner clapped her hands at her helpers. “
Vite, vite.
The rose silk I believe. The new lavender, the pale turquoise, perhaps a pink. Don’t bring yellow, for that is Madame’s favorite color.”

By the time she and Marianne left the shop, Patience’s head whirled and she’d lost track of the order. “Marianne, that must have cost a fortune. I’m embarrassed to accept such generosity from a man who’s not my husband.”

“Soon you will be Patience Kincaid and you must dress in such a way that your husband’s reputation will not be harmed. Keep that in mind, dear. Now, let’s get something to eat. I believe I’ve had too much champagne.”

Marianne led her to a tea room half a block away. “We can leave the buggy at Céline’s carriage house until we’re ready to go back to the office.”

Patience’ stomach rumbled and she hoped Marianne hadn’t heard. “I confess I’m starving. And I don’t suppose a few strawberries and bites of cheese counted as a meal for you.”

Inside the tea room, Marianne and she were quickly shown to a table near the window.

Patience read the menu and selected chicken pie. “Everyone appears to know and respect you. How long have you lived in Destiny?”

“Twenty-five years.”

After the waitress left with their order, Marianne leaned forward. “I came here as a mail-order bride after the War. There simply were no young men left where I lived in eastern Tennessee.”

Patience smiled. “What an odd coincidence. There were no suitable men in Lawrence, which is a factory town of mostly women workers.” Through their meal she explained about the fire and her and Mercy’s series of jobs.

Marianne laughed until she had to dab at her eyes with a handkerchief. “My dear, you’ve entertained me more than you can imagine. I’m so glad we’ve met.”

Patience shared that sentiment. “I’m relieved you’re going to Tacoma and can tell me what to wear and when. I confess I’m quite nervous about the trip.”

Marianne reached across the table to pat Patience’s hand. “You’ll be fine. Trust me to guide you through everything.”

When they returned to the buggy, the back seat was filled with packages. Henri hurried to assist them into the conveyance. This time, Patience waited for his aid.

Patience touched one large package tied with pink ribbon. “Surely these aren’t my dresses.”

“Those will be your unmentionables, nightgowns, shoes, and slips. Shall we stop by the boarding house so you can carry them to your room?”

“Please, seeing them might embarrass Andrew.”

Marianne gave her an odd smile. “You’ll be surprised at what does and does not affect Andrew.”

She was lost in reverie on the way to Mrs. Shaw’s. After carrying the packages to her room and making a quick stop in the bathing room, Patience followed Marianne to the buggy and they headed back to the orchard office.

When they arrived, Andrew opened the door for them. “Well, am I bankrupt yet?”

Patience gave him a weary smile. “Probably. Madame Céline Delacroix went wild. You’ve been very generous and I hope you’re not angry when you get her bill. I was been poked and turned and measured until I was dizzy.”

Marianne laughed. “After I gave Céline my list and explained what Patience needed, I had to persuade her to let the dressmaker be the judge of meeting her requirements. Céline promised the dresses by next Tuesday in case there was a need for alterations.”

Andrew rubbed his hands together. “Great. I can always count on you, Marianne. Now I’ll take you home. You must need a rest.”

She sent him a smile. “I confess I’d very much like to lie down. Goodbye, Patience. So long, Stone.”

After they’d gone, Patience hung her hat on the rack and sat at her desk. She resumed tallying the time sheets. At times, the workers’ poor penmanship was difficult to read, reminding her that many of them were unschooled.

Stone strolled out of his office. “So you managed to spend Dad’s money?”

“A great deal of it, I imagine. Marianne kept insisting on this or that and so did Madame Delacroix. There were no price tags so I have no idea of the cost of anything. I confess my embarrassment both at accepting such grandeur and not realizing prosperous women are expected to wear so many fripperies.”

His face wore a grimace of displeasure. “Come on, Patience. You know you planned on this sort of thing before you arrived here. You knew Dad was wealthy when you agreed to come.”

Hurt and anger mingled to tinge her words. “Stone Kincaid, you’ve misunderstood my situation. I didn’t make the arrangements, my father did. I didn’t want to go to the dressmaker, Andrew insisted and Marianne carried out his request. Although the fabrics were wonderful and I’m sure the gowns will be gorgeous, I don’t
need
fancy dresses.”

Hands in his pockets, he strode toward the desk. “Oh? What is it you need?”

“The same as any other woman. I want to know that I have a safe home, enough in savings that I don’t worry about rent or food, that I have a decent job, and I need security for myself and any children I may have. I enjoy pretty clothes, but I don’t need more than the basics.”

He leaned a hip on her desk. “Like the dress that hurt my eyes? Sorry, I can’t believe you aren’t relieved to have found a wealthy man to marry.”

His statement shot straight to her heart. She couldn’t explain her dilemma, her reluctance, or her confusion to him. “Get off my desk. Go back to whatever it is you do while you brood in your office.” She made a shooing motion with her hands.

“You forget, this is half my desk. I’m leaning on my half. Matter of fact, your right arm is on my half.”

She stood and glared at him. “If you don’t remove yourself from this area, I will not be responsible for my actions.”

“What do you think you can do about me being here? I’m co-owner, or have you forgotten?”

“How could I forget?” She shook her finger at him. “But I’m warning you, Stone Kincaid. Get. Off. My. Desk. Now.”

He laughed at her.

Anger triumphed over her judgment. She picked up the ledger, snapped it shut, and hit him on the side of the head.”

“Ow.” He straightened and touched his head. “Why the devil did you do that?”

Horrified, she plopped onto her chair and laid her head on her arms. “I can’t believe I actually hit you. Oh, when will I learn to control my temper?”

“Soon, I hope. You pack quite a wallop. You don’t happen to have any headache powder with you, do you?” Chuckling, he went into his office.

He was laughing? She raised her head. Mortification flushed her cheeks. Snapping her gaze to his open office door, she could see him still smiling. He raised his glance and rubbed his head with a grin.

“I-I’m going to the privy.” She dashed out, her face so heated she knew she was red as a ripe Delicious apple. Stone Kincaid had deliberately set out to infuriate her.

When she arrived back at the boarding house that evening, Mrs. Shaw informed her she’d collected a letter for Patience when she called for her own post. The envelope carried her parents’ return address.

Patience hurried to her room and sat on the bed to open the envelope. Inside, a second envelope fell out. Cousin Jessie had written her at her parents’ and there was also a letter from her mother.

Dear Patience,

I can’t tell you how much we miss you and Mercy already. I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. We are much as you left us. Jason won an award at school for his knowledge of history. We’re very proud of him. David is feeling a bit miffed because he didn’t receive anything so we’re trying to think of some way he can earn praise.

Have you heard from Mercy? We had a letter this morning that she arrived safely. Mr. Fairchild sent for her to marry his grandnephew, who doesn’t want to wed. Of all things, she said she’s going on a cattle roundup. I can’t imagine that, can you?

I’m eager to know how you’re doing. We’re so pleased that your prospective groom has the means to provide you with such a luxurious home and fine business. I’m sure he realizes what an asset you are to both. You know how badly your father and I wanted you girls to be secure. Knowing that’s possible has eased our concern.

Please write again soon.

Love,

Mom

P. S. Papa sends his love and says to tell you he’s feeling fine. Jason and David say they miss you.

She smiled thinking her brothers said no such thing. Mama wanted to assure her she was loved. At least Papa was no worse. Mama’s letter reminded Patience she’d had only one note from Mercy.

By now her sister would have received hers. Perhaps she really did go on a cattle roundup and couldn’t send mail. She tried to imagine her sister, who had only occasionally ridden a rented horse in the park, helping the cowboys. Maybe she rode on a wagon.

Patience was so used to ensuring Mercy came to no harm, that she couldn’t stop worrying about her sister. She sighed. Mercy was a grown woman and able to take care of herself, at least Patience hoped that was true. With her optimistic nature, her sister was sure to be enjoying her new life even if that meant cows and horses.

She tore open the other envelope, the one from her younger cousin Jessie Wilcox.

Dear Patience,

Forgive me for not writing to you sooner! I have so much to tell you.

1. I did not go to Montana… I gave my ticket to my friend Anna.

2. I married Joel!

3. When my father found out... the news killed him. Literally.

4. My friend Anna used to re-write my letters for me and well... now that she's not nearby, this is my best attempt.

All my love,

Cousin Jessie (Mrs. Joel Cunningham)

Patience laughed at her cousin’s lack of letter writing skills. She supposed Jessie and her husband would remain in South Carolina. Patience longed to learn all the missing details Jessie had omitted from the story. Although Patience should mourn her Uncle Lionel, she couldn’t.

She’d only seen him twice when he brought his family from South Carolina for a visit and hadn’t liked him at all. After his parents in Lawrence died, he never again brought Aunt Martha to visit Mama. Poor Aunt Martha and Jessie had endured his high-handed, constant verbal abuse and penny-pinching but Jessie was allowed to visit several times in summer. Patience was glad Jessie was away from him and happy. With a sigh, she tucked the letters into her valise.

The letters had caused her to forget her packages. Now she untied them one by one. In addition to lace-trimmed unmentionables, she found gloves, fine linen handkerchiefs, stockings, fans, and shoes. A new corset caused her to grimace, but it was so lovely she couldn’t refuse to wear the thing.