Page 43 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“I’m Joe Dahl,” the man called. “I contacted you about buying horses.” The man was older, with a firm handshake and a steady look. His weathered face told of days riding in the sun.
Riley liked the man immediately. “And they’re ready for you. But first, can we offer you coffee and something to eat?”
“Don’t mind wettin’ my whistle.”
They went to the big house where Mrs. Bennet quickly put coffee before them and cut large servings of cake for each.
Both Matt and Luke had looked out the window before they sat down and guessed they were wishing their wives and children would join them.
Riley had walked by the window without turning his head in that direction. Besides, he’d seen the three ladies going to the garden so no point in looking toward his house.
“Big brother is grinning to himself,” Matt murmured.
“Happy to be moving some horseflesh.”
“Sure. Of course, you are.” Matt and Luke looked at each other and grinned.
Mr. Dahl had insisted they address him as Joe and looked from one to the other. The way his eyes twinkled, Riley guessed he knew Riley was being teased and winked at him. “Know what yer goin’ through. Got me a couple of brothers.”
Matt and Luke looked embarrassed while Andy grinned.
Joe pushed aside his empty cup and cleaned plate. “You gonna show me those horses?”
They left the house and made their way to the little pasture beside the barn. Luke brought out the tack and put each horse through its paces to show them off. Joe said he liked what he saw and would take four of them. He went into the pasture and rode his choice of the horses.
Riley noticed the women leaving the garden while the men were at the pasture.
It was late in the afternoon when business was concluded. Riley should offer the man supper. When Ma was alive, she would have known to go ahead and prepare a meal. After her death, Merry, Lindy’s mother, would have. But Merry and her husband Roscoe had perished in a wagon accident.
Gwen had married Matt to provide a mother for Lindy. Would she think to plan for a guest? Or perhaps Mrs. Bennet would. Or Honor. He didn’t expect Olivia to. She could barely prepare a presentable meal for the two of them. Yet as the oldest brother, shouldn’t he be the one to offer hospitality?
Alfred joined them to watch the horse buyer choose horses and solved Riley’s quandary. “Mrs. B said Joe is invited for supper.”
“And to spend the night,” Andy added.
They parted ways a brief time later, each going to their own house. Riley stepped into the kitchen and saw the table was set for three. He raised his eyebrows in silent question.
“I didn’t know what was expected so prepared in case you invited your guest to share our meal.” She fluttered her hands toward the table. “I realize I’m not the best cook, but I think I’ve managed a decent supper.”
He sniffed appreciatively. “Smells good.”
Her chin jutted out. “I’m learning.”
He couldn’t deny it. “You sure are.” He was hungry and sat at the table.
Olivia served slices of roast venison in rich brown gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, and carrots from the garden.
He looked at the offering. “A meal fit for a king.”
Her smile thanked him even more than her words. “Thank you. I’m grateful to Gwen and Honor for teaching me.”
Riley said grace and helped himself. “It’s very good.” The gravy didn’t have a single lump in it and was so flavorful he put a slice of bread on his plate and poured gravy over it.
“I told you I could learn. I can be the wife you want.”
Before he could respond, she rose and brought an apple crisp to the table.
“This is good,” he said after his first bite.
