Adele, p.5
Adele, page 5
Chapter 7
Beau walked into his living quarters, wiping his hands on a cloth tucked into his apron. He had been taking inventory and going over the books in the saloon, but now it was time for lunch.
He smiled as he strode down the hall, the smell of something lovely greeting him, but he froze as he stepped into the empty kitchen.
Turning slowly in the doorway, he looked for Adele. The woman was rather reserved, but he found it a comfort to have her waiting for him at mealtime each day.
A plate and bowl sat on the table, and he peered down, looking at a note propped against a mug.
I have gone to meet with my sister and Mrs. Tippert about my wardrobe. Lunch is on the stove with a sandwich in the warmer. I will eat with my family at the Hampton House.
Adele.
Beau rolled his shoulders. He was happy that his new wife, the woman who would help him build a greater sense of respectability and acclaim, had taken his desires seriously, but the house felt oddly empty.
Dropping the note back on the table, he picked up his bowl and walked to the pot on the stove. Chicken soup with loads of vegetables and thick noodles greeted his appraising glance, and he smiled.
Taking the sandwich and filling his bowl, he returned to the table, putting everything at his place and returning for coffee that sat bubbling on the hob.
Familiar silence greeted Beau as he took his seat and began to eat his meal. A tiny itch seemed to make his shoulders twitch as he tasted the soup and looked around the room.
It was silly feeling lonely in his own home. He had barely been married a week, and that not even a real marriage. Why would he feel lonely with Adele gone? Beau shook his head. Had he gotten used to the woman being there each day already? It didn’t seem possible. Still, the emptiness of the house pushed in on him. He would be glad to see Adele when she returned. Perhaps he would check in later to be sure she returned home with no problem.
“FINALLY!” OLGA SQUEALED when Adele told her she needed new clothes. “I have just the thing.”
“Slow down,” Adele said. “You will be working with Mrs. Tippert, who was commissioned for the work.” Adele felt her face flush slightly at the words. She had always done her own sewing, thankfully keeping her sister at bay. “We’ll go pick out fabric today, and then you can show me some patterns for my approval. Beau,” she managed to use her husband's Christian name, “wishes me to have something more fashionable.”
“Oh,” Olga sighed. “That’s so romantic.”
Adele’s eyes grew wide. “I believe it is practical.”
“Well, yes, you’ve needed new things for ages now, but he wants you to have pretty things. I think that’s romantic.”
Adele managed not to roll her eyes through sheer willpower, but she didn’t say anything. “Can you have lunch with us then, and we’ll discuss everything? Mrs. Tippert, Beth, will be here soon.”
“Let me just tell Olive,” Olga practically bounced, ripping the apron from her waist.
Adele couldn’t help but smile as her sister raced off. She was too old to act like this, but it was nice to see her so happy.
“Adele!” her father's voice echoed in the nearly empty room. “So, Mr. Alder finally let you out.”
“Papa,” Adele felt a real smile cross her face. “I thought you might come to visit.”
Phineas hugged her. “I didn’t want to crowd you.”
Adele dropped her eyes. She should make her father understand the arrangement that she and Mr. Alder had, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She wanted her father to believe that she at least had the chance of happy ever after.
“Are you well?”
“I am. I’m very comfortable. Our quarters off one side of the lower floor of the saloon and very nice.”
“And he’s good to you?” Mr. Fortuna’s dark eyes met hers.
“He is good to me. That is part of the reason I’m here today,” The door opened, and Beth entered wrapped in a green shawl. “Beau wants Mrs. Tippert to make me some new dresses. He has agreed to let Olga help.”
“Don’t let your sister pick the fabric, please.” Phineas groaned.
Adele laughed, enjoying the sound. “I promise I will not.”
“She’s a good girl and a wonderful seamstress but her taste.” He cut off as Olga returned.
“Papa, did you hear? The girl's dark hazel eyes sparkled. “We’re making a new wardrobe for Adele.”
“Yes, dear, I heard,” He grinned. “I know you’ll enjoy that.”
“Where’s Fanny,” Adele asked as Beth joined them with a smile.
“She’s working with Mr. Ben,” Olga said. “He’s struggling to keep up with the children, and she asked if she could help.”
Another smile washed over Adele’s face. “That’s wonderful.”
“You do seem happy, daughter.” Mr. Fortuna patted her shoulder. “I’ll leave you ladies to get to work, he added. We’ll all come for a visit soon.”
Adele opened her mouth to say something, but her father had already turned away as he headed back toward the livery stable.
“Adele,” Heidi walked into the dining area carrying a tray. “You came back.”
“I’m right here in town,” Adele said, shaking her head. “You can come to visit anytime.”
“Well, we didn’t know,” she said, her voice light. “You did marry a stranger and what if we weren’t welcome?”
“Heidi,” Adele sighed.
“Did you hear?” Heidi continued with a shrug, “We’re to have a dance next weekend.”
“No, I hadn’t heard.”
“It’s going to be terrible,” Heidi sighed.
“It is not,” Olga chided. “It will be fun. You’re just worried no one will dance with you, or maybe you’re worried they will.”
“I think the dance will be good for the whole town,” Beth interjected. “We need something fun as the harvest comes in. Everyone has been working so hard.”
“It seems like a good idea,” Adele agreed. “I’ll let you know if I can attend.”
“If?” Olga asked, horrified.
“I do have other duties now,” Adele said softly.
“I’ll ask Brandon to speak with Mr. Alder,” Beth grinned. “I’m sure he’ll want to be there.”
Adele nodded. She suddenly wanted, very badly, to go to a dance. To be a part of this town like never before. Even her old home seemed like just a place holder for her compared to this new life.
BY THE END OF THE WEEK, Adele was sick of anything to do with clothing, fittings, and fashion, but she quietly endured it as Olga fussed.
To Adele’s surprise, her younger sister and Beth Tippert were discussing starting a shop. Between them, they could keep up with the light demand and make a little extra money as well.
Though not impressed with Olga’s sense of color, Beth did find her work exceptional. The pastor’s wife had even gone so far as to speak with Mr. Marco about possibly sharing the space below his apartments where he gave music lessons.
“It would be like a dream,” Olga gushed as she pinned the dove gray dress around her sister.
Adele studied the dress in the mirror, wondering what she was doing wearing something that looked like it should be in a fancy shop in New York. The color, soft, and pale was still warm somehow and accented the hint of color on her cheeks.
“You look lovely,” Beth said, clasping her hands under her chin and walking around Adele. “It suits you.”
“I think a brighter color...” Olga began, but the other women cut her off with a firm ‘No.’
“I hope you aren’t planning on wearing this to the dance,” Olga continued a sour look on her face. “I think that red one would be better with your hair.”
“On that, we agree,” Beth said. The pastor’s wife was a deft hand at keeping Olga focused on the task by reminding her that the client's wishes came first.
“You think so?” Adele flicked her eyes to the crimson dress hanging over the door. The dress was the fanciest they had made so far and the deep red was brighter than anything she had ever owned, but it was beautiful.
“It brings out your lovely eyes,” Beth smiled. “They’re one of your best features.”
The words touched Adele’s heart, and she hoped that Beau would approve of her choices. He wanted her to look like the wife of a prosperous businessman. She had done her best to choose dresses that would accomplish that.
“If you think so,” she said, hesitating, “then I’ll wear it.”
“It’s going to be grand,” Olga twirled, making the skirt of her mustard yellow dress furl. “Some handsome cowboy will probably whisk me right off my feet.”
“Mind what you wish for,” Beth laughed. “That’s exactly what happened to Amanda, though that turned out well enough in the end.”
“This town seems to have more than enough excitement.” Adele nodded.
“Nothing interesting has happened since we’ve been here,” Olga all but pouted. “It’s dull.”
“Be glad it is,” Beth said. “I think we’ve had enough happen so far.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Olga mused.
“She is exactly right. Do you think it would be fun to be kidnapped or thrown over the side of a boat? You’ve heard the stories from Olive. Be grateful. Life is calm.”
“You’ll be glad to know this is your last fitting,” Beth quickly changed subjects. “I think we can have all of this finished by the weekend.”
“Married less than two weeks, and already you have the prettiest dresses in town.” Olga ran a hand over the red satin dress.
“I think Amanda still has her beat on that order,” Beth grinned. “Though Adele’s needs are different. Amanda’s dresses are for fancy parties. These are more,” she tapped her lip, thinking of a word. “Regal.”
Adele tipped her head, meeting Beth’s green gaze. No one had ever said anything so complimentary about her before.
“Oh, look at the time,” she said. “Beau is going to be wanting his lunch.” She smiled and let her sister help her out of the dress, feeling the prick of a pin somewhere around her shoulder. A few minutes later, she was dressed and hurrying back to the saloon. She was still surprised that Beau had asked her to be home for lunch.
Adele smiled as she walked toward her new home, still shocked at her good fortune. She felt almost pretty in those dresses. The light sparkled on the watch pinned to her dress, and she hurried. She didn’t want to be late.
Twice this week, she had left Beau’s dinner for him. He hadn’t complained but had looked at her oddly when she carried him a sandwich later that evening. Perhaps he preferred something more sustainable for lunch. It was an easy concession to make, and with the cost of the new dresses, she felt it a fair trade-off.
“There you are,” Beau said as she walked into their quarters.
“I’m sorry, have you been waiting long?”
“No, no,” Beau said, rubbing his chin. “I just didn’t want to start without you.”
Adele blinked, surprised but hurried into the kitchen and put lunch on the table before taking a seat across from Beau, who asked her about her day.
Had the man missed her? It didn’t seem possible. They only shared a few hours a day together, and then he went to work. Her routine was simple since she rose earlier than her husband. She had her coffee and then tackled the books in the quiet office until he joined her, and she made a light breakfast. After that, she wouldn’t see Mr. Alder until lunchtime each day.
BEAU SMILED AT ADELE. She seemed content with the dress situation, and he was pleased. It would be nice to show off the fine clothes at the dance on Saturday night, and against his better judgment, he decided to close the saloon for the night. On second thought, it made perfect sense. Surely most of the men would be at the dance anyway, wouldn’t’ they?
Chapter 8
Adele checked her dress in the mirror, and as she pushed the last pin into her hair. She had combed it down across her forehead at an angle, and though the change felt odd, it looked rather nice.
The deep red dress was just bright enough to seem suitable for a dance, and she smiled at the idea of joining her sisters at a party. For the first time in her life, she felt that life was under control, and she had a new stability she had never known before.
Taking her warmest shawl from the wardrobe, she stepped out the door and almost walked straight into Mr. Alder.
“Oh, excuse me,” she said as he grasped her elbow and steadied her.
“You look very nice,” Beau replied, escorting her into the living area and examining her dress. “The color suits you.”
Adele didn’t know what to say, so she smiled, looking at the man’s black suit. Complete with dark green brocade vest and shiny pocket watch. As her eyes fell on his face, she gasped, running a finger over her upper lip. “You shaved.”
Beau chuckled. “I thought it was time for a new look. I have a new wife, with lovely new clothes, and a new thought or two for the future.
“Is everything well?” Adele asked, nerves jangling in her stomach.
“Better than I imagined,” Beau said, taking the forgotten shawl from her hands and draping it around her shoulders. “Ah, and before I forget.” He fished a small box from his pocket and handed it to her. “For you.”
Adele took the small box from his hands and popped the lid gazing down at two lovely cameo earrings with gold clips to attach them.
“What? Why?” She spluttered.
“You are my wife,” Beau said, tipping his head and studying her. Had she done something different with her hair? It looked softer. “You should look like the wife of a well to do man because you are.” He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out his watch. “When you’re ready.”
Adel walked to the table and put the box down before clipping the earrings on. They pinched, but with a little adjustment, she thought them comfortable enough.
“Shall we?” Beau offered his elbow and opened the door ushering her out into the chilly, quiet night.
It was a short walk to the Hampton House and around the side to the back yard decorated with lanterns and a dance floor. Soft music played, and the sound of a mournful harmonica sent a shiver down Adele’s spine.
“Are you cold,” Beau scowled, wondering if he should have insisted on a coat.
“No, it’s just,” Adele licked her lips. “Exciting,” she admitted with a blush.
Beau raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Come, let us mingle.” His smile brightened as they made a turn around the area, meeting friends and family.
If Adele thought that the dance was going to be exciting, just wait until she heard his big announcement.
“Can you dance?” Beau asked after they had greeted her family. The dance area was ringed by cowboys, miners, and farmers, all waiting to work up the nerve to ask a girl to step out.
“Yes,” Adele felt that smile again as she ducked her head. She and her husband really did know nothing about each other.
Beau took her hand and led her onto the dance floor, twirling her around effortlessly. The cool air brushed her flushed cheeks, and a smile danced in her eyes.
The music ended, and Beau led Adele from the floor seeking refreshments as Dan Gaines, the town’s mayor, and his wife Rosa sidled up to the refreshment stand.
“Dan,” Beau greeted, handing Adele a cup of punch. “Good to see you out tonight.”
“I’m around a fair bit,” Dan said, lifting Rosa’s tiny hand and kissing it as little Christina, their daughter, toddled off toward the dancers.
“Must be hard working the ranch and being Mayor,” Beau grinned.
“I manage,” Dan said. He had never asked for the job, but it had been given to him anyway, and with his older brother as sheriff, Needful was settling into a nice peaceful town. “How’s married life?” the dark-haired rancher asked.
“It suits me,” Beau grinned. “So much that I have an announcement tonight.”
A hush in the music gave Beau the opportunity he had been waiting for, and he lifted his voice to be heard. “People of Needful,” he all but bellowed, tucking Adele’s hand into the crook of his arm. “Tonight, we celebrate this delightful town, the bounty of the harvest, and good friends.”
People nodded, and Adele studied him, a curious gleam in her eye.
“Tonight, I would like to congratulate everyone for the hard work and dedication to making Needful a prosperous town.”
Several people nodded, looking at each other, and a tall man in a smart suit slipped from the crowd, his wife, Prim, on his arm.
“That is why it is my pleasure tonight,” Beau continued, his eyes falling on Anderson, the second most successful rancher in town, “to announce that I will be running for Mayor against or revered Daniel Gaines this year. With the help of my dear wife and the backing of my business, I hope to move Needful into a new age of prosperity, industry, and wealth.”
Adele gaped at her husband. He hadn’t even given her a clue in all this time. She didn’t know what to think. Was she proud of him, worried, doubtful? Judging by the silence that greeted Mr. Alder’s announcement, others were wondering the same thing.
“Well, that’ll be a nice change,” Dan Gaines’ blue eyes sparkled as he clapped a hand on Beau’s shoulder. “I’ve never had to campaign before. It should make things a lot more interesting in this town.”
Beau grinned, his hazel eyes sparkling. “May the best man win.”
Adele turned shocked eyes on the man she had married. He hadn’t so much as hinted that he had planned on such a thing. Mayor of Needful! Her eyes flickered toward Dan Gaines as, still stunned, she watched the man offer Beau his hand.
“This should make for a lively few weeks,” Dan teased. “For now,” his blue eyes twinkled, “I’m going to enjoy the party and dance with my beautiful wife.”
Beau shook the other man’s hand with a grin puffing up his chest as he watched him move to the dance floor. “Shall we?” He tipped his head at Adele, offering his hand.
Adele took his outstretched hand as he led her to the floor, her head spinning.
