The Marriage Bargain

“Not to your taste?”

“Is it to yours?” She looked up at him.

“Not really. But it’s the best I’ve been able to do.”

She sat up straight and set the cup on the table. “Did you bake the cookies?” A wary eye told him she was being cautious when it came to his efforts at cooking.

“No. The preacher’s wife brought them for Ellen. They’re quite good.”

“Do you think Ellen will be upset with you for sharing them with me?”

He grinned. She’d only been in town a couple of days, but she’d already figured out Ellen’s personality. “Probably. So consider it her wedding gift to you.”

She took a cookie and nibbled at it. Then she took another bite and picked up a second cookie.

“Have you eaten today, Lily?”

“I don’t remember. Everything has happened so fast.” She stared into the fire again. “I think I had some lunch.”

“Eat another cookie, then, and we’ll get some things figured out before we go get your trunks from the shop. I’ve got to take care of the wagon, too.”

She put the half-eaten cookie down and stood. “I’m sorry. I forgot about the wagon.”

“Relax.” She was like a frightened colt, jumping at every noise. “We need to wait a bit before we go outside again. If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to talk for a few minutes.”

She paced to the fireplace and back to the chair. “What are we doing?”

Edward stood and set his coffee on the table. “We’re making life better. For you. And for Ellen.”

Blue eyes looked up then. “We are, aren’t we?” She seemed to calm a bit.

“Yes.” He’d have to guard against those eyes. They were the kind of blue that could pull a man in against his will. Like a gorgeous sky that demanded attention. He took a step back. “Would you like to look around? Ellen’s room is through that door.” He gestured to the door closest to the fireplace. “I’ve cleared some space for you in my room.” He pointed to the other door on the back wall of the room.

Lily stiffened. He didn’t see it, but as soon as he said the words he knew it happened.

“Your room?”

“What I meant to say is, you’ll have the other room.” He nodded toward the fire. “I’ll be sleeping out here.”

“But I couldn’t take your room.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep my clothes and such in there, but I brought out my shaving things and stripped the bed. I thought you might have fresh linens you’d like to put on it.”

“Really, we can bring the settee from my rooms at the shop. I can sleep there.” She wrung her hands. “You’d never fit on it.” She lifted one hand to indicate his height. “You’re much too tall.” She pointed to the center of the room. “We could move the chairs back and...”

She was talking so fast he had to break in. “That won’t be necessary.” He pointed to the floor. “This is where I slept when I came here as an apprentice. The former owner took me in.”

“But now you’re the owner, and a man ought to sleep in his own bed.” Her voice became higher, and she was wringing her hands again.

He reached out and caught her hands in his. “Lily. Stop.” He kept his tone calm. If she maintained this pace, she’d work herself into a frenzy. “It’s going to be fine. I’ll sleep out here. Ellen goes to bed early. She’ll never know. You will take my bed. It’s the best I could do with the time I had.”

She withdrew her hands and put them to her cheeks. “It is all happening rather quickly, isn’t it?” She lowered her hands and met his eye. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually the sort of person to panic.”

“Anyone would be unsettled under the circumstances.”

“You don’t seem to be.” She tilted her head to one side and drew her brows together. “Why is that?”

“I told you. I’ve been considering marriage for the sake of Ellen.” He smiled at her. “Granted, I had thought to have more time for making the decision, but I was pondering it.” He moved to the bedroom door and opened it. “If you’d like to take a look around, I’ll see what I have that we could eat for supper.”

“Thank you.” She walked by him, and he went to see how much bread was left.

He had planned on making pancakes for Ellen and himself. It hardly seemed a fitting wedding supper. Even if they weren’t in the throes of young love, they were married today. His bride deserved a fine meal.

Something banged on the floor in his bedroom.

Lily called out. “Sorry. I tripped on the broom.”

He walked over and stood in the doorway of the room. “I shouldn’t have left it there. It’s usually on the back porch.” He’d never hesitated about going into his own room before. But it wasn’t just his anymore.

“Thank you for doing such a nice job of preparing for me.” She stood in the center of his room with her hands clasped in front of her. “It’s very nice.”

“I’m sure it’s not what you’re accustomed to.” He backed away from the door.

“Really, it’s fine.” She stepped into the front room again. “Let’s go get my things. I’d like to close up the shop. There’s a lot to do this evening.” She had walked to the front door while she talked. “Did you find anything to eat?”

Edward grabbed his hat from its peg. “Nothing fit for a wedding supper.” He opened the door. “I think we’ve earned a treat. Let’s get your things and go to the hotel for supper.”

* * *

Lily laid her hairbrush between the comb and mirror in the satin-lined box her father had given her for her last birthday and closed the lid. She ran her hand across the wooden box and marveled at its uniqueness. The beauty of the ornate dresser set made her smile every time she used it. It reminded her of her father’s love.

Every woman deserved to feel special. She’d come to Pine Haven to bring beautiful things to the ladies in town. It was one thing she could do well. She knew what ladies liked and how the smallest treasure could brighten even the most menial life.

Now, three days into her new adventure and she was preparing for bed in a home she shared with a husband she just met.

Dinner had been delicious. The thick slices of ham served with the fluffiest potatoes were as fine as any she’d eaten. They’d dined at the hotel her father was buying and would run with her sister Jasmine, when he arrived in a few weeks’ time. If it hadn’t been her wedding supper, she knew she’d have been able to enjoy it more. Never had she dreamed her wedding would be a hasty affair orchestrated to prevent the demise of her good name in a town of strangers.

Lord, I don’t know why all this happened. Help me to handle it in a way that pleases You. Please bless and protect Edward and Ellen.

She lowered the wick, and the lamp went out. Lying in bed and staring at the moonlight that shone around the shutters brought no calm to her rattled soul.

A rap at the door startled her. “Lily? Are you awake?”

Lily sat up in bed and pulled her mother’s quilt under her chin. “Yes.” Her voice was so low she wasn’t sure Edward could hear her.

“I hate to disturb you, but I left my Bible by the bed.”

“Just a minute.” She climbed out of the bed and slid into her dressing gown. This time she cinched it securely. A loose robe would never happen to her again. Of course, the only time it mattered had already passed.