Herd to Handle Read online

  Surely not!

  Sure enough, the woman who’d worked her to the bone all day long came around the corner holding a tired, wriggling child in her arms. A child that she recognized… because it was the same one that threw his chewing block at her the other day. That meant her match was the handsome man she’d met who had pressed the handkerchief in her hand. The man that said he was making a change to his life.

  Her.

  Chapter 5

  Alice collapsed into bed exhausted beyond belief and skipped dinner at the table with the other girls. Mr. McGruder had always tried to make the girls welcome with his easy, sweet demeanor, but the thought of being questioned about her day didn’t sit well. Hearing the door open, Alice didn’t move.

  “Alice? Are you alright?” Abigail’s soft voice whispered in the dim light. “It’s unusual for you to turn in so early.”

  “I’m just exhausted.”

  “Did you meet Mr. Farmer? What was he like?”

  “He’s nice,” Alice lied and pinched her eyes shut painfully. She’d barely met the man and hated lying to her sister. She just didn’t want Abigail to worry or give her the impression that she regretted coming.

  “Did the men come out here today? Did you meet a suitor of your own?”

  “Yes. There is a Mr. Stillwell that seemed very kind. He needs help with his business and Mr. Redburn seems to think that we would get along well.”

  “What do you think?”

  “I’m grateful that I am not Violet, truthfully. I suspect that she’s got feelings for someone already. I would hate to think of a love unrequited or to be second-fiddle to someone. Life is hard enough as it is and I believe Mr. Stillwell and I could be a good fit based off initial impressions, though I’m not keen on the idea of being around a bar all the time, or having our income manifest from such a place. I do like his smile though- at least when he gives me one,” Abigail said softly. Alice felt her sister smooth her hair back from her forehead and swallowed painfully, thinking of the day’s events.

  “You are quiet. What are you thinking, sister?”

  “Nothing. I am just really tired.”

  Abigail got up from the edge of the bed where she had been sitting and Alice felt a pang of loss in her heart. They didn’t have these moments very often where there was a connection between them, but she couldn’t let her sister see how much she was struggling with her own match. She didn’t want to let on to anyone that she was concerned and the girls meant well, but truthfully- her day was quite wretched and laborious. Not something she wanted to rehash verbally for the most part. Instead, she lay there in the darkness thinking about the day’s events.

  Jacob was a challenge for her. Prudence made taking care of the child look easy, sitting him on her hip and bouncing him around until he laughed. For Alice, she simply didn’t have that same gift. Jacob bit her twice and she found herself handing him the teether repeatedly. It wasn’t that he didn’t have teeth – he did- and it was quite painful when he used them.

  Instead, while Prudence prepared a simple meal for dinner, Alice found a way to entertain the young boy and clean him at the same time. She had him splashing in the soapy laundry water outside that they’d used earlier in the day. The women hadn’t dumped it simply because they didn’t know if they would need it again. It was so tedious to heat the water and now that it was cooled, it felt wonderful on their warm skin.

  Alice found herself rolling up her sleeves and wiping down her neck while Jacob splashed and splashed happily, pointing out the bubbles proudly. Alice took that moment to wipe the toddler down, making him smile, revealing two bright rows of teeth. Once they’d spent some time playing together, he didn’t bite her again and that was when she realized that the young boy was lonely… just like her.

  She missed her mother and the relationship she’d once had with her sister, Abigail. Her mother was gone and Abigail… well, they simply weren’t as close as they once were. The two girls looked alike to others, leading to them being mistaken for one and another, but were different as night and day. Someday they would have to breech that gulf between them – Abigail was the only family she had left until Alice began one of her own- with this sweet, mischievous young boy and his father.

  Potentially!

  Changing Jacob into a clean set of dry clothing was like trying to bathe a wet cat. His little arms were flying everywhere and his body was twisting all over the floor he’d collapsed on angrily. Alice ended up pinning him in order to yank his shirt over his head, but that only resulted in her being head-butted by mistake – making both of them cry in surprise and pain.

  Prudence stepped in and pulled the boy up, dressing him quickly. Once Jacob was dressed, he sat quietly to eat – eyeing Alice suspiciously as if she’d head-butted him on purpose! He rubbed the goose egg above his brow and she was positive that she had one to match- another reason Alice had skipped dinner with the girls back at Chance Redburn’s home. Instead, she thought about Colton Farmer with a wistful sigh of longing.

  Once Jacob had been tucked into bed after dinner, Alice and Prudence were cleaning up the mess from their dinner. A single lone plate sat on the table awaiting Colton’s arrival. The sound of water broke the silence, giving Alice goosebumps as she realized that he must have emptied the laundry water. A hollow thud told her that he’d upturned the wooden tub so it could dry. His boots echoed on the porch before he stepped in the doorway.

  Colton Farmer must have had the same thoughts as Alice had earlier, seeing that he’d washed his face before entering the house. His blond hair was finger-combed and a bit wet about the edges. He’d washed up in the leftover water and instantly she felt a pang of guilt that this hardworking man didn’t have someone caring for him. He should have had a warm bath to ease his muscles, or at the very least a better dinner than what they’d prepared.

  A slice of fresh bread, some of the butter, a ration of cheese and a bit of salted ham lay on the plate. He smiled gratefully at the plate and she saw his hungry look as he stared at it like it was manna from heaven.

  “Mr. Farmer, this is Alice Bowen. Alice, this is Colton Farmer,” Prudence introduced in the awkward silence as the three of them stood there. Mr. Farmer extended his hand politely and Alice looked between the two people nervously. Was she supposed to shake his hand or curtsy? She had never been matched before to anyone and back home, when she met a stranger – she had always curtsied. Only the men shook hands with each other.

  “Please eat,” Alice blurted out bluntly at his extended hand and dropped politely as was habit. His face flushed under the tan as he pulled back his hand, taking a look around the small home.

  “It wouldn’t be polite to eat in front of you both.”

  “Then we’ll go and leave you to it,” Alice said quickly, looking at Prudence before realizing what she’d said. Without thought, she turned away from him and put her face in her hands with embarrassment. A moment later, she heard the wooden bench being pulled away from the table as he took a seat.

  “Why don’t we have a spot of tea while Mr. Farmer eats his dinner?” Prudence offered, laying a hand on Alice’s arm. “It might be enjoyable to have company.” Alice dropped her hands and looked at the older woman, unsure what to do. She was out of her element and nervous about meeting Mr. Farmer.

  “Have a seat, Alice and trust God,” Prudence whispered encouragingly.

  Looking at the table, she saw Colton was sitting there chewing slowly and looking at her. Watching. Her stomach clenched nervously, full of anxiety and exhaustion. She walked over and took a seat opposite of him.

  “It’s nice to officially meet you, Miss Bowen. How is your bottom?” he asked straight-faced. Alice felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment as she heard Prudence gasp nearby at the impropriety of his words.

  “I appreciate you helping me up when I fell the other day, Mr. Farmer. My bottom, as you put it, is quite well. Thank you.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  Three mismatched teacups
were set on the table as Prudence poured hot tea in each one. They’d made it earlier in lieu of coffee, as Prudence preferred it. The trio was silent for a bit as Prudence sat down beside Alice.

  “Did you finish getting the west field plowed?” Prudence asked simply.

  “I did,” he said in-between bites. “Thank you for watching Jacob, Pru.”

  “Of course,” she said amicably. “That is what family does, Alice. Colton is my second cousin by marriage. His father was cousin to my Reginald. I cannot maintain two homes at once, but try to help out where I can.”

  “Really?” Alice blurted out, surprised. Looking between the two of them, she saw absolutely no resemblance, though now it explained why her intended was so familiar with the other woman. Colton smiled the moment Alice’s eyes met contact with his and immediately looked away.

  “We didn’t finish the list you left, Colton, as it was getting late.”

  “What’s left?” he asked heavily.

  Alice swallowed hard, feeling like she’d let him down. She was flabbergasted that she could feel that way when earlier she’d felt like she’d been used all day long by the man as free labor. Would he not want her if she couldn’t complete the tasks he’d set out? What man did that anyways as an introduction?

  “Splitting the wood and hauling up the water. Alice’s hands are sore and it’s been some time since I myself have I’ve had to split logs.”

  Alice nearly spat her tea out as she took a sip, instead choking it downwards. She’d forgotten that they were supposed to bring in a few split rails for the hearth to be used in the morning.

  “Let me see your hands,” Colton instructed. Alice felt like he was talking at her, not to her.

  “That’s not necessary,” Alice argued, wrapping her hands around the teacup protectively. Truthfully, the heat made her palms feel like they were on fire.

  “Alice.”

  “It’s Miss Bowen.”

  “It’s Alice and please call me Colton,” he said politely with a firmness to it. “Now, let me see your hands please.”

  Alice put down her cup and held out her hands, palm down. They ached terribly and there was no ignoring it. She didn’t think she could stretch her palms out flat right now due to how tight and inflamed the skin was. Colton took hold of her hand, making her gasp at the contact. His own hands were warm and callused against her skin. She noticed that her hands were so tiny compared to his. Turning over her hands, he dropped them. He frowned and got up immediately leaving the room.

  “Prudence?” Alice whispered, confused at the dark expression on his face, looking at the other woman for help. Was he turning her away too? The overwhelming sense of abandonment was beating at her… but then something wonderful happened. This was the scene she played over and over again in her mind as she lay her head down on her pillow that night.

  The one high point of her day!

  Colton returned to the table with a small jar in his hand. He dug out a scoop of salve and took her hand in his, rubbing it on her palms with a light touch. He was infinitely tender with her, his fingers tickling almost. Her blisters stung terribly but she couldn’t look away from how he touched her. He took a moment to stretch each finger, making sure they were coated with the smelly liniment.

  “Do you have a set of gloves you can wear to bed or put socks over your hands?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Keep this on your skin and try to keep the blisters clean. Pru, next time both of you please wear gloves. Are your hands torn up too?”

  “No. My hands were callused long ago.”

  “But Alice’s are not,” he said tersely and for a moment Alice thought he might be chastising the two of them. “I thank you both for your help today, but it does me no good if the woman I am to take to wife cannot possibly handle the chores here. Alice, you should rest a few days and take care of your hands.”

  “I can do this,” Alice stressed, looking up from their entwined fingers that was so innocent, yet so fascinating.

  “Maybe someday you can.”

  “I know I can.”

  “We’ll see,” he said politely, releasing Alice’s hands and rubbing the excess liniment on his pants. She could see the skepticism in his eyes and it cut her to the bone. Prudence got to her feet and announced they would be walking back to town before it got too dark out.

  “Ladies, if you’ll excuse me. I am exhausted and need to get the wood cut. Maybe I will see you both at church on Sunday?”

  Chapter 6

  Sunday came and went with little sighting of Colton or Jacob. Her widowed chaperone, Prudence, was stuck to her side like glue in case Colton Farmer made an appearance at church. Abigail sat beside her with her own chaperone, sandwiching the girls on the pew. It made Alice almost feel trapped to be surrounded by the older women. It was like they were hovering and waiting for them to make a mistake – or at least this is how she imagined them. She normally felt right at home and welcomed in the church but their watchful eyes made her feel like the two of them, Abigail and Alice, were not to be left alone.

  Alice’s hands were healing nicely and Beans had found some more liniment for her to use on her hands the next day. She’d managed to keep the blisters and calluses hidden from the other girls. They were all so proper and delicate, she didn’t want them to see just how hard she’d worked on the farm. They’d had enough fun with her beau’s name.

  “Colton Farmer… a farmer? Did I get that right? Is that what Alice said?” Myrakle had said in surprise, looking at the other girls for confirmation. Several high-pitched giggles made her realize how silly it sounded aloud. Even Beans coughed to smother his laughter. Being the center of the joke was almost as annoying as being called Abigail instead of Alice. To her, she and her sister did not resemble each other that much, yet people always got them confused.

  “So, will it be Alice Farmer- the Farmer- when you marry?” one of the girls asked, a slight mischievous smile to her face.

  “Be kind,” Abigail said firmly beside Alice. “We don’t get to select our names and should be happy for my sister who’s got a decent match.”

  “It’s alright,” Alice murmured, trying to stay calm and not give anyone another reason to consider her rude or insolent.

  “It’s funny because her Mr. Farmer is a farmer. That’s like Beans cooking beans or Esperanza speaking English? Better yet- it would be like Myrakle hearing what I said- isn’t that right, Myrakle? You have to find comedy where you can, right ladies?”

  The awkward silence that fell was terrible. Not one person in the room could claim to be perfect and Alice certainly knew it wasn’t her! She didn’t want to be a part of such a horrid discussion any further. It was rude and uncalled for, and she realized now she was glad she was learning how to keep her mouth shut. Several other women must have also been disgusted with the other girl’s comments, because they got to their feet to leave the room. Violet and Abigail chastised the other girl about manners. Alice excused herself from the table, tired of the whole mess.

  She already felt insecure sitting among the lovely, graceful women. She felt like she stood out, like an outsider. Moving to the front parlor and taking a seat on the divan, Alice picked up her stitching. She’d picked up the hobby when she was about fifteen and found that it soothed her nerves… even the grated upon ones!

  “Mrs. English, how are ya’ doing today?”

  “I’m well, Mr. Redburn. Is Alice in?”

  “’Course she is. No one’s seen hide nor hair of Colton Farmer lately. You hear he’s skipped the service on Sunday. He’s been doing that a lot lately.”

  “I’m certain it’s not due to a lack of faith, Mr. Redburn. Rather, he’s got a lot testing his faith as of late,” Prudence said smoothly, looking around the Matchmaker directly at Alice with a smile.

  “I thought perhaps we could have a picnic if you are up to it? I’ve some fresh fried chicken. Alice, maybe if you could gather up something sweet from Mr. McGruder? I hear his cookies are
delightful.”

  Leaping to her feet, Alice tossed down her stitching, simply eager to be out of the house. She could smell the aromatic chicken that rested within the basket on Prudence’s hip. Clarity Winslow was walking down the hallway with Violet and did a double-take, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. The poor woman’s eyes were always watering something fierce and she obviously wanted a helping of the meal.

  “Oh Prudence, you have got to give me your recipe for your fried chicken. It’s simply delightful and so crispy. Violet, that is how you win a man’s heart – through his stomach!” Clarity announced, patting her own padded midsection. Violet and Alice simply looked at each other and smiled.

  “Clarity, you know it’s a secret family recipe. My great-great grandmother would roll over in her grave if I gave it to anyone outside of the family, but…” Prudence drawled out kindly. “There might be an extra piece or two inside for you, honey. I know how much you like my chicken.”

  “God love you, child…” the older woman said breathlessly with excitement. Alice covered her mouth to muffle the smile as Prudence held open the basket for Clarity to pilfer a piece. Prudence looked at Alice and silently mouthed ‘get the cookies- hurry’. Alice wasted no time in gathering up two handfuls and stuffing them in a bandana to put in the picnic basket.

  “Prudence, we should go. We don’t want to be late,” Alice announced sagely as she reentered the room and saw that Clarity was still digging around in the basket. One piece of chicken was already in her hand, but she was on the hunt for another.

  “Duty calls, my friend,” Prudence said softly, closing the lid of the basket. “Enjoy.”

  “Oh, I will!”

  The walk out to Colton’s farm was much easier for some reason today. Her heart was lighter as she anticipated seeing him again. Alice was grateful that she hadn’t needed to carry the basket. Her hands were finally healing well. The idea of taking on the role of a parent was daunting, but Jacob seemed to be something she could deal with.