Page 31 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
She removed her clothing and sank into the warm water. There was no stretching out her limbs in this tub, but she managed to wash herself all over including her hair and stepped out to dry on the towel Riley had left her. She donned her nightgown and covered herself with her ivory-colored, silk wrapper.
She dried her hair as best she could. At home, she would have sat in front of a fire and let her aunt brush it. Or Sylvia. Tears wet her cheeks and she wiped them away. Her hair was much too damp to sleep with, so she went to the kitchen and leaned over the hot stove to brush it.
Her hair hung around her face like a curtain when the door creaked open and boots thudded on the floor. She didn’t need to look up to know it was Riley. Her face warmed more than the heat from the stove warranted. She brushed her hair back but kept her attention on the nearest burner lid. Even though she was covered from head to toe, she felt awkward and shy.
He cleared his throat. “If you’re done, I’ll carry the water out.”
“Thank you.” The words grated from a throat so dry she wondered if she’d forgotten to drink the entire day.
He made two trips out with full buckets in each hand then carried the tub out. All the while, she remained at the stove, brushing her hair. He returned empty-handed and stopped inside the room. When he didn’t move further, she finally allowed herself to look at him.
His hair was wet and slicked back. He wore a red plaid shirt she’d not seen him in before and a clean pair of dark gray trousers. His gaze was on her head. It was all she could do not to duck away or at least push her hair back. She held still, wondering what was going through his mind. Did he think she acted inappropriately to remain there? Slowly he brought his attention to her eyes. She’d noticed before how dark his were but now they were bottomless. She was drowning in them. She tried to swallow but discovered she couldn’t and coughed instead.
He blinked, looked around, and seemed surprised as if he’d forgotten where he was.Nonsense. You’re only expecting he’s having the same reaction as you.
Alfred had remained on the settee, reading a book while Olivia bathed and now came to the adjoining door. “I’d say it was time for bed.”
His words jolted Olivia into motion, and she hurried in his direction. It appeared Alfred’s announcement had the same effect on Riley, and they reached the doorway at the same time. His shoulder brushed hers and they both stopped and drew back.
“Ladies first.” Riley waved her ahead.
She scurried past Alfred and into her room where she leaned against the door waiting for her heart rate to slow and her breathing to settle. What was wrong with her?
Other than knowing a young lady does not entertain gentlemen visitors in a dressing gown. A giggle escaped her mouth. She wasn’t entertaining. Come to think of it, there’d been no rules taught for her situation. She’d have to make up her own.
Feeling relieved, she went to bed. She lay awake a moment until she heard the door to Riley’s room close. With a gentle sigh, she fell asleep.
Sunday dawned warm,bright, and full of both promise and uncertainty.
Today they would go to church. Olivia put on one of her newer dresses. Stylish and pretty. In palest gray that she knew made her eyes stand out. Fitted at the waist with the right amount of flare in the skirt. She’d braided her hair last night and knew it would be too wavy to roll into any sort of style. Instead, she wound the braids around her head and pinned them into place.
She was ready, but uncertain what to do next, she waited in her bedroom. This morning, Riley had jerked away when she offered to check the gouge on his cheek. She’d enjoyed caring for him. Leaning over him and touching his skin. His rejection stung but she’d hidden her hurt. The wound looked clean, so she didn’t press the matter.
After breakfast, Riley had informed her he’d be back in an hour, and they’d depart. As Olivia waited for his return, she pressed a hand to her stomach to quell the fluttering. Today she would be on display. At least she looked her best. Riley wouldn’t be shamed by her appearance or behavior.
Boots clattered on the floor. “Olivia, are you ready?”
She opened the door and stepped into the other room. And stopped, wondering how he would assess her.
He jerked his hat from his head and stared. He swallowed noticeably. “You look nice.” He seemed to have trouble getting the words out.
She hoped that was a good sign. “Thank you and so do you.” He wasn’t in the white shirt and black evening jacket she’d imagined him in several times. Instead, he wore a black shirt with a contrasting white yoke held in place by black buttons. Around his neck, he wore a black silk neckerchief. Very much a cowboy and as attractive as anyone she’d ever seen.
Realizing she stared at him with eyes that felt too wide for her face, she forced herself to blink and look down. “I’m ready to go.” Blame nerves for the way her voice squeaked.
He crooked his arm toward her, and she curled her hand around his elbow. A strong and handsome cowboy. She couldn’t help but compare the muscles in his forearm with Gerald’s. The latter had been sadly lacking in that area. Maybe she should have realized he was weak in other ways too.
They went outdoors and joined Alfred and Mrs. Bennet. Andy came from the house.
“I didn’t realize he was back,” Olivia murmured.
“I should have mentioned it. He returned last night.”
There was no reason he should feel obligated to tell her anything, but it was nice that he thought he should.
The others waited at the barn. Matt and Gwen were in a buggy with Lindy between them on the front seat. Honor sat beside Luke on the wagon bench. Kit squatted in the back. A second bench had been added behind the first.
Riley indicated they would ride in the wagon and waved Alfred and Mrs. Bennet to the buggy. Soon they were all on board and rolling down the trail toward town. Wally and Andy rode horseback beside them.
