Page 46 of Her Gentle Protector
Standing on her toes, she peeked out once more. Baxter leaned back against the wagon and tipped his hat as he stared at the window with his piercing eyes. It was as if he were commanding her to appear.
“Go away!” she yelled out the window.
“I can’t do that. I’ll give you ten minutes and then I’m coming in.”
“No, you don’t.”
He stood there for a moment. Pulling out a pocket watch, he snapped open the cover and peered at the dial. “Nine minutes.”
“Fine. I’ll be right out.” Midge looked around the room. She needed to find something to wear.It would serve him right if she walked out in her nightgown.
She grabbed a chipped pitcher from the washbasin and walked to the kitchen, her bare feet cold against the floor. Stepping over to the sink, she filled the pitcher with cool water and turned around. The children were all lined up, wearing brand new coats and boots. Their eyes were wide with excitement. Even Petunia was wearing one.
“Where did those come from?” Midge demanded.
“We went to Baxter’s house,” Jenny said. “It’s really pretty.”
“Baxter’s house? Where were the babies?” She looked around for Abilene and Olive.
“Ma and Marmee took them. Said you needed your rest on account you have the cholera,” Ira piped up.
Petunia groaned. “Melancholia. Not cholera.”
Midge realized just how much she had been ignoring her family. She felt guilty for not being more present, for not noticing the new clothes, or that Ma Hartman and Marmee had taken the babies. But she pushed the guilt aside and focused on the present. “Did Baxter buy you those coats?”
“Uh-huh.” Josiah shoved his hands in his pockets and pulled out some knitted mittens. “He got a pair for you, too.”
“Why would he do that?” she mused loudly.
Peter stepped forward. “Because he loves you, Midge.”
“Loves me?”
“He loves all of us,” Peter continued. “But he did all this for you.”
“You have five minutes, Miriam Beale!” Baxter’s voice boomed from the yard.
She pinched the bridge of her nose. Baxter’s velvety voice mixing with Peter’s words. “I must have cobwebs in my head. I can’t think.”
“He bought this house so you would never have to worry about Pa or where you’d live until you were ready,” Petunia said. “But he also purchased a really pretty home by the creek that has enough room for all of us.”
“He bought a house?”
“For all of us. We won’t have to share beds no more,” Berry said. “It’s so pretty.”
Peter nodded. “He said it was easier to fix that one up instead of pouring time into this one.” Grabbing Midge’s hand, he gave it a slight squeeze. “I was wrong, Midge. Baxter and I made our peace. Now you should do the same.”
“Two minutes!”
“Oh, my goodness!” Midge exclaimed. “I can’t let him see me like this. Go distract him and I’ll get changed.”
“What do you want us to do?” Jenny asked.
“Show him the kittens or something.” She bolted back to the bedroom, her feet pounding against the wooden floor. She quickly filled the washbasin with cold water and splashed it on her face, wiping away the last remnants of sleep. With a sense of urgency, she rummaged through her closet and pulled out her best dress. It was a blue day dress with patches, but it would have to do. She ran a brush through her hair, letting it cascade in loose waves down her back. Her pins were missing and there was no time for a fancy chignon. After slipping into her dependable black boots and grabbing her wrap, she rushed out the door. She quickly wiped her sweaty hands on her skirt before steeling herself for whatever awaited her outside.
“I heard you wanted to see me.” She kept her lips tightly pressed together, but her eyes gave away the struggle to maintain a serious expression.
Baxter’s eyes widened as he took in her appearance. “You look lovely,” he said, moving closer.
