Page 15 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“Suppose that’s true.”
“I’ll take her some eggs.” Honor made her way toward Riley’s house.
It was on the tip of his tongue to call her back. But then he shrugged. Let Honor help Olivia if she wanted. It wouldn’t change his opinion that she wouldn’t fit into ranch life. She’d soon enough come to that realization.
Feeling better, he hummed as he made his way to the barn.
Matt emerged carrying a bucket of milk. “Morning, big brother.”
“Morning. Have you fed the horses?”
“I need to take this milk to the house first.”
“I’ll feed them.” He took a ration of oats to each of the horses. He lingered at the pasture fence, reluctant to return home and face a disappointing breakfast. Maybe he’d stop by the big house and beg a cup of coffee from Mrs. Bennet.
Andy trotted by on his way to enjoy the bounty the older woman would have prepared. He called out a greeting. Riley put the grain scoop away and rubbed his hands on the thighs of his pants. Time to go confront whatever Olivia had produced in the way of food.
He opened the door and coughed. The kitchen smelled of smoke. He lifted the window and waved his hands. “You burning something?”
“Spilled fat on the stove.” She puffed her breath up to blow away a strand of hair drifting over her face. “Have a seat. Breakfast is ready.” She went to the door. “Alfred, time for breakfast.”
The older man strode in, made no comment about the stinging smell, and sat at the table. Olivia filled two cups from the coffee pot and set them before Riley and Alfred. To his credit, Alfred revealed no emotion. Riley stared at the dark liquid trying to decide if it was drinkable. But the aroma tempted his taste buds, and he gulped a mouthful. Hot. And almost as good as campfire coffee which wasn’t saying much. Though to be honest, it was also almost as good as anything he made. He’d gotten in the habit of dropping in on one of his brothers when he got a hankering for a good-tasting cupful.
Olivia hovered at his side. “Is it all right?”
“It’ll do. Thank you.”
She put a plate of biscuits before him. He’d seen them in the pantry…a gift from Honor or Gwen. At least they’d be edible. Olivia offered him a platter of eggs. At least he thought that’s what they were. They had raised, round centers. But the whites were edged black and the entire egg a dull gray color. He took two hoping he could choke them down. Of course, he could find food at one of the other houses, but it stuck in his craw to do so knowing he’d have to endure teasing.
Olivia sat across the corner from him.
“I’ll ask the grace.” He bowed his head. Today, more than usual he needed God’s blessing on the food. He murmured a few words followed by, “Amen.” He reached for two biscuits, buttered each, and slathered on jam. A mouthful of biscuits after each bite enabled him to get the breakfast down. The hot coffee was bitter enough to counteract the burnt flavor of the eggs.
He finished and pushed from the table. “I’ll be on my way.”
She followed him to the door. “You’ll be back at noon for dinner?”
“Will you have a meal ready?”
Her chin came up. “I certainly will.”
“Then I’ll be back.” He glanced past her to Alfred. The man rose and followed Riley.
“I’m sure I can make myself useful on the place.”
Of course, the man would be bored hanging around the house. “What did you have in mind?”
“Well, I noticed that there are chores to do—chopping wood, watering stock. I think I could be of assistance.”
“Your help will be appreciated.” Riley took one more look at the kitchen before he left the house. Olivia had her arms crossed and a stubborn look on her face. He couldn’t help but grin.
But sheer determination only went so far.
* * *
The house was suddenly soempty that Olivia could hear her thoughts echo off the walls. She scowled at the stove. Lighting a fire had seemed much easier when Sylvia showed her what to do. And cooking eggs. She’d done it under Sylvia’s supervision. It hadn’t been difficult.
But coping with a reluctant stove and managing on her own proved harder than she could have imagined.
