Page 15 of Wagon Train Promises
“We are crowded together in wagons. Sometimes, it’s impossible to find something you need among the many boxes. I don’t suppose you would consider this clean and orderly.” She waved to indicate the wagon and widened the circle to include the pots and pans around the fire.
“Well.” He dried another bowl. “At least it’s clean.”
She laughed again. “In other words, you’re making the best of the situation?”
“I try.” Not only here but also wherever he was.
She studied him, interest in her eyes. “Might I be correct in thinking you always do?”
“Do what?” He had to know exactly what she meant before he answered.
“Always try and make the best of a situation?”
“Guess I do.” More than that, he also tried to help others do the same, but she didn’t know that. Nor likely care. Though, come to think of it, they were alike in that sense. She cared for people’s health. He cared for their happiness.
“I’d like to lie down again.”
Hazel’s request interrupted his thoughts. And might have prevented him from saying something silly. Like look how we work together in balance.
“Do you mind watching Petey for me?”
“Of course not,” Louise answered before Cecil could.
“I’ll help you.” He tossed the drying towel over his shoulder and hurried to Hazel’s side.
Louise stepped back. Why wasn’t she rushing forward to help as he expected? But Hazel stood before him, or rather wobbled, and he held her steady as he guided her back to the wagon.
When he helped her lie down, she sighed deeply. “I’ll be fine as soon as I rest.”
How much rest did it take to make her feel herself? Would Louise know? He waited to make sure Hazel settled. Then he returned to where Louise stood holding Petey and voiced his question.
“You said yourself, she’s improving.” Her words were firm, reassuring, but her eyes held doubt and worry. Did she see something about Hazel that he didn’t?
Even though shewanted to take care of her friend, Louise let Cecil help Hazel to the wagon. They needed time together. She’d had Cecil to herself, apart from the baby, all morning. It had been pleasant.
She shouldn’t be enjoying herself with the man she thought her friend would marry.
But what were they to do when Hazel couldn’t stay awake for more than half an hour?
“I’ll bake biscuits. Petey should have a nap.”
Cecil looked toward the wagon. “No doubt Hazel will rest better if he isn’t beside her. Maybe he’ll settle behind the seat.” He picked up the baby and trotted to the wagon, climbing aboard at the front. Louise nodded her approval as he took a quilt from the stack, spread it on the floor, and then settled Petey on it. When the baby fussed, he patted his back and sang softly.
Louise clasped her hands at her waist as she watched and listened. He was a good man. Good with the baby. Good with Hazel. All around good.
She spun away. Biscuits. That’s where her attention should be. She measured out ingredients, kneaded the dough, and shaped the biscuits, and as the portable oven they usually used was with the others, she put them to bake in the Dutch oven. She set the cast-iron pot over the bed of coals and surrounded it with more coals. By rights, she should have baked these before their noon meal to accompany the soup, but they’d enjoy them with supper. Or maybe a midafternoon snack with tea.
Now, there was a good idea. She chuckled as she recalled mentioning that Cecil had a good idea.
“I hear you laughing.”
She hadn’t noticed him cross the soft grass. Didn’t realize he stood behind her until he spoke.
“Care to share what amuses you?”
She straightened and came round to face him. Something in his dark eyes compelled her to tell him. “Biscuits and tea would make a nice afternoon break.” Though break from what? But it was too late to pull the words back and find some more fitting ones.
“That’s a good idea.”
