Patience: Bride of Washington (American Mail Order Bride 42) (5 page)

He descended the stairs. “Ah, so pleased to join you there. The most comfortable furniture in the house is in that room. Nothing better than curling up in my wing chair with a good book, is there?”

She followed him into the library. Since he’d mentioned them, she noted the two wing chairs positioned near the fireplace. A sofa and a library table also were in the room.

“I always enjoy reading. I’d begun a fascinating book but of course it’s at the boarding house. I’m reading
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court
.”

“Mark Twain always entertains, doesn’t he? I suppose you’ve read his other works?”

“Yes.” She strolled along the shelves noting books she’d longed to read and hadn’t been able to afford. “Oh, you have such a nice selection of books. Is there a bookshop in Destiny?”

“No, Stone orders them. A shop in Tacoma sends him a list of new titles and their descriptions. I suppose books are his vice.”

She laughed. “I hope you don’t consider them a bad thing, Andrew. If you do then you won’t approve of me.”

“No, nothing of the sort. I’ve always encouraged his reading and as a result Stone’s smart as a whip. I won’t worry when he’s in charge of things after I finally retire.”

She hadn’t considered him as retired and home all day. “As vigorous a man as you are won’t retire for years, will you?”

He smiled at her description and puffed out his chest. “Oh, I’m not ready to give it all up yet. Stone still needs help smoothing the way with our customers. Some expect coddling and he’s not one to pamper or cosset. In spite of the way he treated you today, he’s not usually rude. He knows all the facts but simply doesn’t have the talent for fussing over clients as they expect.”

“Which is why you’re both going to this meeting you mentioned?”

“Correct. Getting Lortz to go with us is imperative. Not that we can’t manage without his custom, but life will be much easier with him aligned with us.”

“Then I do hope you’re successful, Andrew.”

Later in her room at the boarding house, she gave in to her fatigue. Mrs. Shaw rapped at her door. “Miss Eaton, will you be dining with us tomorrow?”

“I simply can’t say what my plans will be. I’ll have breakfast here and then go work in the Kincaid Orchards office each day. I’m sorry I can’t be more specific.” Would she be expected to dine with Andrew each evening? Possibly, but he must go out to see friends occasionally. She hoped she’d come to feel more relaxed in his company.

Mrs. Shaw said, “That’s all right. We’ll manage to fit around your plans. Goodnight.”

Patience questioned about her generosity since there were rules posted everywhere about failure to let her know this or that about her boarders’ schedule. Unwilling to worry about her landlady, Patience fell into bed too tired to write Mercy or her parents about the grand Kincaid home and her job at the office. Never mind, she’d have more to tell them in a few days.

The next morning, Patience dressed with care after standing in line for the bathing room. No wonder her room came with a chamber pot. Today instead of her best dress, she wore a blue skirt and jacket and her white shirtwaist.

Pulling her hair back, she tied it with a black ribbon that matched the trim on her jacket. She wished her hair had more red like Mercy’s instead of more brown like Papa’s. As she set her plain straw hat with the simple blue ribbon in place, she wondered if any woman was happy with her hair’s natural color.

Book in hand in case she had time to read at noon and her purse on her arm, she descended the stairs. After breakfast, she awaited Andrew on the front porch. Careful not to snag her skirt on the wicker as she sat in one of the chairs provided, she wanted to enjoy the clear morning sunshine.

Calling for her must inconvenience Andrew. While the office was too far to walk, he might have his stableman ferry her back and forth. Presently she saw him driving the buggy at a clip. She walked to the gate to wait for him.

“Ah, punctual again, my dear Patience. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.” He climbed down to assist her.

She settled onto the seat. “Not at all, I enjoy your weather here. And Mrs. Shaw’s flowers are lovely, aren’t they?”

He sprang onto the seat and picked up the ribbons. “Are you nervous or eager about your day?” he asked as they drove toward his property.

She smiled at him and opted for honesty. “A little of both. I’m eager to learn all I can about your business and help in any way possible. I’m nervous about working with Stone. I hope I can win his respect if not his friendship.”

“I’m sure he’ll come around. How could he not, my dear, with as lovely a person as yourself? I’m sure you’ll become fast friends before long.”

She wasn’t so sure. “You know him well, but I wonder. He appeared so set against your marrying me.”

“Truth be told, he doesn’t want me to marry anyone. He says I should choose someone from the women in town, but then he finds something wrong with each of them. You see, somehow he feels I’m being unfaithful to his mother’s memory by taking another wife.”

“Oh, but that’s not fair.” She gasped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to criticize. I’m sure many sons and daughters have trouble when their parent wants to remarry after losing a loved one.”

A sad expression came over him and his blue eyes no longer twinkled. His posture sagged slightly. “Perhaps, but he’s old enough to realize that I have enough love to give without detracting from that I have for his mother. The heart doesn’t hold a finite amount of love. I’ll never forget or cease loving her but she’s gone and I’m still here. When she was dying, she asked me to find someone else.”

“What a loving woman she must have been.”

He nodded and appeared to push away his sadness. “She was and that’s a fact. I’ve waited long enough, though, in my opinion. Stone will have to come to terms with that fact. If he makes you uncomfortable, just tell me.”

Never would she do that for she had no wish to cause a rift between father and son. She’d simply have to handle the situation better than she did those jobs in Lawrence that she botched so badly. She’d learned better how to deal with people by now—especially since Stone wouldn’t be making lecherous passes at her.

“Generally, I get along with everyone. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but my sister and I always had lots of friends o-of all a-ages.” She should have worded that differently. Did he think she was prevaricating to include him?

Patience took a deep breath. “I’m sure I can manage to work in your office without upsetting Stone.” She prayed she told the truth, but she had doubts.

He stopped the buggy at the office and sent one of the workmen to deliver the rig to the carriage house.

Patience put away her purse, gloves, and book and sat at the desk. “What day did you say Mrs. Belvedere cleans?”

“Mondays. Well, I’ll let you get settled while I go into my office. If you need anything, let Stone or me know.” Humming under his breath, Andrew went into his office and shut the door.

Flummoxed, Patience went to the cleaning closet and dug out an unused can of furniture polish and a cleaning rag. Mrs. Belvedere either used up the former polish or hadn’t bothered to even open the one provided. Looking around, Patience thought the latter was correct.

She’d just cleared off the desk and was bent over dusting the sides when Stone came out of his office. “Is this how you plan to learn the business, from the bottom up?”

Straightening, she felt the heat of a blush stain her face. “Apparently, the lady who’s paid to tidy hasn’t bothered much. I didn’t want to soil my clothes or the records.”

He scooted a chair near hers. “If you’ve finished your housemaid duties, Miss Eaton, perhaps you’d like to learn about the records we keep.”

She took her seat and adjusted her skirts. “I’m quite ready to get to work. First, remember I asked you to call me Patience.”

“In the bottom drawer on your right, there’s a pair of sleeve protectors Miss Youngblood left. Now, let’s get to work.” He set about explaining the system they used.

His close proximity unnerved her more. Each time his arm brushed hers, she lost track of his train of instruction. She simply had to get herself under control and concentrate on what he said.

He raised an eyebrow and gazed at her. “Are you listening, Miss Eaton?”

Drat the man. He knew she wanted to be called by her given name. She would fix him. “Yes, Sonny, I’m listening.”

He stared at her agape a few second and then snapped, “What did you just call me?”

“I believe you heard me, Sonny. If you insist on calling me Miss Eaton, I’ll have to remind you I prefer to be called Patience by calling you Sonny. Or would you prefer Stoney?”

His ears reddened and his jaw clenched. Without answering her question, he lowered his gaze to the ledgers. “Back to your job.”

She suppressed a smile as he continued his tutoring. He was assigning her easy duties and she believed she could accomplish them with no problems. She’d still have to ask the occasional question, of course. And this man was anything but one of the eight-armed octopuses she’d encountered working as a housemaid.

But then, he disliked her intensely. At least he was considerate enough to leave the door open when he went back into his office. She worked steadily until almost noon.

Andrew came out of his office looking suspiciously as if he’d been napping. “Time for dinner. Stone, I hope you’ll join us for the noon meal. Emily’s expecting you.”

Brushing his hair off his forehead, Stone looked up from his work. “Dad, I need to finish this schedule.”

“All work and no play will age you far ahead of your years. Come with us to humor me.”

With a weary exhale, Stone stood up and joined them.

As they walked toward the house, Patience looked up at the sky. “I can’t get over how lovely your weather is.”

Andrew said, “It’s your weather, too, my dear.”

Walking with his hands in his pants pockets, Stone glanced at her. “Wait until August. You’ll hate it then.”

“Not with all these trees around me. I had no idea how dismal a factory town was until I had this for comparison. Such clean, fresh air and your view must be glorious all year long.”

Andrew patted her hand where it rested on his arm. “I agree, Patience. I love this orchard and the life we have here. I hope you’ll come to love it as much.”

“Since you had to build up your livelihood, you have the sense of ownership a newcomer never can, but I’ll try.”

Under his breath, Stone muttered something about “little Mary Sunshine” but she couldn’t understand more of what he’d said. She was almost certain he hadn’t intended her to hear.

Lunch was a congenial event with Andrew talking about his business interests. She tried to be cheerful and attentive. Stone was silent unless his father asked a question—except when he spoke to Emily. Then he smiled genuinely and his tone was kind and respectfully teasing.

Two people resided in Stone Kincaid and she was determined to make friends with both of them. Maybe not today or even this week, but she would if it killed her. Or, as she inwardly smiled, if it killed him

Chapter Five

After dinner, Stone Kincaid walked back to the office beside the attractive woman who was scheduled to become his stepmother, heaven forbid. How was he going to keep that wedding from happening? He’d made no headway trying to talk sense into his father’s head. And no matter what he said or did, Miss Patience Eaton just plowed ahead.

Yesterday she’d obviously dressed to impress his father. He’d wanted to rip from her hands that ridiculous parasol with all that lace and ribbon dangling and break it over his knee and stomp the pieces. A woman actually using the thing would be blinded and bump into walls or, if she tried to cross the street, walk in front of a moving carriage.

Today, even in her plain work clothes, her beauty shone through. He expected she’d only play at working, but she’d learned everything he’d asked of her. Her beautiful penmanship and quickly-totaled, neat columns assured him she knew what she was doing.

He couldn’t help questioning why she’d become a mail-order bride. All this time, he’d been under the impression that all those women must be dimwits and plain as the side of a barn or downright ugly, He figured they couldn’t get a man any other way and were desperate. That definitely wasn’t the case with Patience.

Why would an attractive woman her age agree to marry a man Dad’s age if not for money? Once again, he admitted women baffled him. And Dad was too old to start a new family. The idea of a brother or sister so much younger than him unnerved Stone.

He had to grin at her calling him “Sonny”, even though she did so to annoy him and he’d been angry at the time. But then, that’s the reason he’d continued to call her “Miss Eaton” instead of Patience. Obviously, she was not a shrinking violet who cowered at confrontation.

He hadn’t spoken much during lunch or needed to do so. Dad had kept a lively dialogue going and Stone had simply half tuned out the stories he’d heard so many times he could quote them verbatim. Patience commented sensibly at intervals. At least she didn’t chatter all the time or have a silly giggle. That would have been intolerable.

Back at work, Dad said, “I almost forgot to mention the Apple Blossom Festival is Saturday. I hope you’ll accompany me, Patience.”

She hung her hat on the coat tree. “I’d love to. What does the festival involve?”

“It’s like a small fair. There’ll be carnival rides, booths where locals sell apple products, pie contests, cotton candy, crowning the Apple Blossom Queen, all the usual sorts of events you’d imagine at a county fair.” Dad turned toward him. “I hope you’ll go with us, son. You don’t get out enough.”

Halting on the way to his office, Stone stuffed his hands in his pockets. “No thanks, I’m not the third-wheel type.”

“Nonsense.” His dad laid a hand on his shoulder. “You’re well aware I’m always one of the judges. I can’t abandon Patience while I sort through the baked and canned goods. You can escort her around the rides and booths so she isn’t bored half to death. I don’t do well on the rides anyway.”

He caught Patience’s gaze. Was she hopeful? Before he could consider his response, he said, “All right, I’ll go with you.”

What was he thinking? Since Lottie Ames had ruined his good name, he’d avoided events where he was open to confrontation and gossip. He must be losing his mind. As if working with Patience wasn’t enough to upset his equilibrium, he’d agreed to escort her part of the day. Why not just bang his head against the wall?

He hurried into his office and immersed himself in his tasks.

***

Saturday brought sun and a sense of excitement as Patience dressed for the festival. The other boarders had assured her that women wore church-type clothes so she was wearing her second best dress. Everyone at home complimented her on how flattering the dress was for her coloring and figure.

She was proud of having sewn this garment of thin brown, green, gray, and bronze stripes over a bronze skirt with a wide ruffle at the hem. She had matched the stripes carefully to form a V design in front and back of the bodice that flattered her figure. On the side panels, the stripes were horizontal.

In back, the V of stripes continued in soft folds to cascade halfway to the hem. In front, bronze buttons ended at the pointed waist. The sleeves were only the tiniest bit puffy at the shoulder and the stripes straight to her wrist.

On her head, she set a brown hat trimmed in flowers she’d created from leftover fabric. Her cream gloves and a cream parasol made her feel well-dressed in spite of the ensemble’s age.

As she went into the parlor, Agnes exclaimed, “That is the most striking dress I’ve ever seen.”

Harriett walked over to her. “Don’t you wonder how the dressmaker managed to match the stripes so well?”

Patience said, “I’m the dressmaker and I had difficulty on the back flounces.” She turned so the other women could see the entire garment. “I’ll admit I had to buy extra fabric to make the effect possible.”

Harriett grasped the material between her fingers. “What lovely twill and the skirt harmonizes perfectly. I’m so envious of your ability. I have to stay with simple patterns.”

“You’re kind to say so. I enjoy a bit of a challenge when I sew.” Patience noted that Jenny hadn’t mentioned her clothing.

Instead, Jenny said, “I suppose you’re going with Andrew Kincaid?”

“Actually, both Andrew and Stone are escorting me. Andrew will be judging the food.”

Jenny sniffed. “He always has to lord over the festival. You’d think he invented apples.”

Agnes appeared horrified. “Jenny, don’t be petty. You know Kincaid Orchards are one of the largest orchards around Destiny and probably in this part of the state.”

“Ha, you’d be less lenient if you’d had to give up your room for his fiancée.”

Patience walked over to Jenny. “What do you mean, give up your room for me?”

Harriett rushed over. “It’s nothing, Patience. Don’t be upset, but Jenny had your room. When we learned you’d be staying here, Jenny moved into my room to share for a month.”

Patience plopped onto a chair. “I had no idea. I do apologize for your inconvenience.”

Agnes patted Patience’s hand. “Don’t concern yourself. Mr. Kincaid owns the boarding house, you see. Mrs. Shaw wanted to please him so she asked Jenny to switch for the month until your wedding.”

“Andrew owns this boarding house? I thought Mrs. Shaw was the owner.”

Agnes shook her head. “She’d like everyone to think that, but she only leases the building. Her lease is up in two months and she feared that turning you away would prevent his renewing her lease. I don’t think so from what I’ve seen of his business dealings, but a woman in business has so little power.” 

“I’m horrified you’ve been uprooted on my account, Jenny. Please accept my apology. And poor Mrs. Shaw believes herself in a difficult position. What a terrible situation.”

Jenny appeared mollified. “I see I was wrong about you. I thought you knew and approved. I don’t suppose Mr. Kincaid is aware I was moved out of my home.”

“I’ll make other arrangements today.”

Jenny shook her head. “No, there are no places for you to stay. The other boarding house is mostly men and not at all suitable for a lady. Besides, it’s only for three more weeks.”

Patience’s distress increased. Only three weeks until her wedding to a man she barely knew. Right now she wanted to hurry to the rail station and board the next train that would take her to Mercy.

Agnes stood. “Come on, we should get going. Mrs. Shaw has already left to enter her apple cake in the contest.”

The other two joined Agnes and they called “Goodbye” before leaving.

“Goodbye,” Patience responded, but she hardly registered their departure. Andrew owned this house. No surprise then that Mrs. Shaw was so agreeable about her violating a couple of rules. The poor woman was terrified.

When she heard a buggy stop out front, she rose and walked outside. Stone had started up the walk to call for her. She closed the door behind her and walked to meet him.

“You look as if you’re in a daze. Feeling all right?”

“What? Oh, yes, I just had a bit of a shock. Did you know your father owns this house?”

“Of course. I thought you knew we own several buildings in Destiny. We can’t have all our eggs in one basket. Or, should that be all our apples in one crate?” He helped her into the buggy then climbed in beside her.

Andrew smiled at her. “You’re looking lovely today, my dear.”

“Thank you. Andrew, why didn’t you tell me you own the boarding house?”

Looking puzzled, he said, “I had no idea you’d care. Mrs. Shaw prefers everyone to think she owns the place. She pays her rent on time so I see no reason not to humor her.”

“Perhaps you weren’t aware that she didn’t have a room available for me so she asked one of her permanent boarders to move out of the best room so I could stay there. The woman is temporarily sharing a room with another in the boarding house, a coworker.”

“I’m shocked. Surely she doesn’t think I’d cancel her lease if she had to turn you away? I have friends with whom you could have stayed for a month. As far as that goes, there’s plenty of room at my house and I could have asked a respected lady to move in as chaperone.”

“I’m relieved you didn’t know the situation. When I found out this morning, I was astonished.”

“Then I’m glad you asked and we cleared up the matter.” He clicked the reins to urge the horse into a trot.

They parked near a crow of other buggies and buckboards. Horses were contained in a roped off paddock.

Andrew called to a boy of about fifteen. “Howard, will you water my horse and watch after him and the buggy?”

The boy’s face split into a wide grin. “Yes, sir, Mr. Kincaid.”

He passed the boy two quarters. “You’ll still have time to spend this when we return.”

They reached the edge of the festival grounds. The tread of so many people stirred dust from the grounds. Patience covered her mouth and blinked several times. Others laughed and talked as they hurried toward the attractions.

Patience took in the other people and her excitement grew. “It is like a fair. I’m trying to be sedate but I feel as if I were ten.”

Stone muttered, “You’re not much over that, are you?”

She leaned toward him. “That would make you fifteen, Mr. Curmudgeon.”

“I’m insulted you’d call me names.” He pretended to be offended at her name-calling, but the twinkle in his blue eyes gave him away.

Andrew said, “I see the tables just inside the food tent and need to get over there. I hope Mrs. Gates hasn’t entered this year. Her pie crust is tough as leather and gives me indigestion. You two have fun while I get on with my duties.” He hurried toward a group that must be the other judges.

Stone offered his arm. “Don’t let him fool you. He loves being a judge and would be heartbroken if he weren’t asked.”

They strolled in the direction of the displays. “I thought he appeared eager. Is he a judge every year?”

“He’s one of the organizers and, yes, he’s always a judge. Anything special you’d like to see?”

“Hmm, Mrs. Shaw entered a cake. I’d love to see it and offer my good wishes. Are there contests besides food?”

“Quilts, paintings, that sort of thing.” He exhaled. “You going to make me take you to see those? Wouldn’t you rather go to the greased pig race?”

She refused to let his lack of enthusiasm diminish hers. “I want the full tour.”

“Then let’s go this way.” Stone indicated the direction with a wave of his hand.

Several young boys raced through the crowd, nearly knocking her down. 

Stone grabbed her arm to prevent her fall then cupped her elbow and ushered her away from the food judging area. “That large tent over there is where the exhibits are displayed.”

Inside, Patience was swept away by the beautiful quilts. “Destiny has some women that are skilled with needle and thread. I love that one with appliquéd apple blossoms. Look at the tiny stitches and how even they are.”

He stood with his hands in his pockets and tilted his head to stare where she’d indicated. “Are tiny stitches good?”

In her high spirits she’d forgotten a man like him would neither know nor care about sewing. “Of course they are. I wish I could look at the back to see how elaborate the pattern is on the plain side.”

Hands in his pockets, he frowned at her. “If it’s the plain side, how can it have an elaborate pattern?”

“A skilled quilter will place the stitches so that as they bind the back and front together, they form a pattern.” She leaned closer to the display. “I’d guess this one has a series of large apple blossom on the reverse side. Sort of an optical illusion.”

“Like your dress?” His brows knit in a frown.

She smoothed her hand down her bodice.. “You don’t like what I’m wearing?”

“Those crossing and sloping stripes make see double and my eyes hurt.” As if to prove his point, he crossed his eyes at her and then rubbed at them.

“Phffft. I doubt that. But you should have seen mine when I was constructing this dress. I was practically crying when I was matching the stripes. But I’m very proud of the end result. I’ve received a lot of compliments on the design.”