His Secondhand Wife

“She knows. Asked what happened and I told her.”

“You might have spared her.”

“Spared you, you mean.”

“You’re a dreadful man.”

Shocked, Kate spoke up. “I made Noah tell me. I wanted the truth. He’s been nothing but kind and considerate of my feelings and my well-being. You have no call to be angry with him, I assure you.”

“You poor girl,” Estelle said, moving to drape her arm around Kate’s shoulders. “What a burden you’ve been given. First Levi’s untimely death and then exposure to this heathen. You’ll come home with me after the funeral tomorrow. I have room for you, and you won’t have to stay here another minute longer than necessary.”

“That’s very kind of you. But I think this arrangement is going to work out just fine. I’d rather not live in town. Noah has my best interests at heart, I’m convinced.”

“Don’t be foolish, dear. You’re understandably upset and you’re not thinking clearly. You’ll be better off with me—another woman. You’ll be closer to the doctor and the stores and there are many social activities to help pass your days. I know firsthand what a dreadful bore it is being out here on this godforsaken ranch day after day.”

Kate experienced a twinge of anger at the woman for supposing to know what she wanted and deciding what was best for her without bothering to ask. She didn’t want to offend Levi’s mother, but neither did she want to have her choices made for her.

Her resistance seemed laughable, really, if she thought about it, because Noah had insisted she come with him, as well. But she’d wanted to accompany him. She did not want to leave with Estelle. “I’ll remember your kind invitation if I should ever change my mind.”

Estelle turned to glare at Noah. “That’s my son’s baby. You won’t keep him from me.”

Noah had turned to leave, but paused in the doorway. “No, that’s Katherine’s baby. The choices are hers.”

He left and the two women exchanged a glance. Kate felt a surge of satisfaction because Noah had stood up to the woman on her account.

The sound of a horse and buggy prevented any further discussion as the first guests of the day arrived to pay their respects. Levi had been the son of a town founder, part owner of the Rockin’ C, and townsfolk and neighboring ranchers trailed through for hours. As dusk settled, the string of visitors finally ended.

“Wasn’t it odd that Noah didn’t attend all day?” Kate asked Estelle. She had met dozens of curious strangers, some she sensed were only there to look around, but Noah had kept his distance.

“The man’s not fit for society and he knows his place,” she replied.

“What do you mean?”

“Even his own father couldn’t bear the sight of him.”

“You make it sound as though Noah is some kind of monster.”

“Indeed.”

“I’ve noticed his speech is odd. What I can see of his mouth looks somewhat…different.”

“Hideous, you mean. As is his entire face.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“An accident scarred him. Don’t make me talk about him—it’s too unpleasant. We’ve plenty of dishes to choose from for our supper. It’s so kind of the ladies to bring gifts of sympathy. Let’s set the kitchen table and dine now, shall we?” She opened a cupboard. “Not a decent piece of china in the entire house.” After looking over the items to choose from, Estelle selected two chipped plates and arranged place settings.

“What about Noah? You’ve only set places for two.”

“He won’t join us. He eats alone.”

“He ate with me last night.”

Estelle gave her a surprised glance.

Noah entered the house at that moment, his hat low over his forehead.

“Will you be sharing our meal?” Kate asked hopefully.

He glanced at Estelle, then at the two plates on the table. “No.”

“Please?”

Kate’s soft plea stopped him in his tracks. He turned to eye her.

“Please join us,” she said again.

Ignoring Estelle’s scowl, he took off the hat and hung it beside the door, then turned back and seated himself at the far end of the table.

Quickly, Kate got another plate and more silverware and set it in front of him. Moving close to do so, she noted the back of his right hand, dark from the sun, but ridged with a jagged pale scar. What kind of accident had scarred his hands and his face? A fall from a horse? They weren’t burns.

“Mrs. Krenshaw brought buttermilk,” she said cheerfully. “Do you like buttermilk?”

He nodded without looking at her, and she poured a Mason jar full to set in front of him.

After taking the warmed casseroles and dishes from the oven, she served Noah and then she and Estelle seated themselves.

“Katherine will need appropriate clothing,” Estelle said brusquely. “Black for mourning and material adequate for the coming months. I will take her to Annie Carpenter’s place. Annie still sews for a select few women, and she’s the best seamstress in a hundred miles.” To Kate, she added, “Comes from a fine family, Annie does. The Sweetwaters have a lovely home. Annie married the blacksmith. Her parents weren’t too happy about that at first, but he provides well for her.”

“I don’t want to be a burden. I can work to pay for my own clothing.” Kate looked to Noah. “I can take in laundry if you don’t mind me using your tubs. I see there’s a fine room in which to do the chore. I could have more clothesline strung.”

“Certainly not,” Estelle answered immediately. “Cutter women do not take in laundry. You’re Levi’s wife and as the mother of his child, you’re entitled to privileges. This ranch provides more than enough to meet your needs.”

“I wouldn’t mind, really.” Estelle made it sound as though there was shame in the task.

Noah finished a bite. “Don’t recall ever agreein’ before, but Estelle’s right. You don’t need to take in laundry.”

Estelle bobbed her head as though punctuating his speech. “You see? I’m right.”

Kate stared at her plate, wishing she knew a way to earn her keep that would be acceptable to these two. As much as they seemed to detest each other, they both wanted her with them and wanted her taken care of. “I’m fortunate that you both care so much about my well-being and that of my child. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, dear,” Estelle replied.

Noah finished his meal without another word. When he was done, he rose and shut himself in his little room.

“Boorish man,” Estelle said, picking up plates.

“I’ll get these,” Kate told her. She had already seen Tipper carry a valise up the stairs and had surmised that Estelle was staying the night. “You go up and rest. Tomorrow is another full day, and you want to be fresh.”