Chapter 4

4

A undy released a deep sigh as she sat at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea and staring out the window.

A week ago, she smiled graciously, accepting condolences from Erik's neighbors and friends as they laid him to rest. Nora or Garrett, along with Dent, checked on her daily to make sure she was fine and Doc had been by once to look at her arm. Pastor Whitting had also been out to check on her a few times.

She rose from the table and wandered through the house, stopping to admire the gleaming china in the cupboard in the dining room. Nora told her it belonged to Erik's mother. She loved the dainty blue flowers on the creamy porcelain background and wondered if she'd ever feel like it was truly hers to use.

In the front room, she looked around at the comfortable furnishings, purchased new by Erik when she agreed to marry him. Nora said he hired someone in town to make the curtains and throw pillows that finished the room.

All the effort Erik went to on her behalf, all the money he spent to make sure she felt comfortable and welcome, was almost more than she could comprehend. He had been a generous and caring man.

Aundy glanced at the closed door of what had been his room. She couldn't bring herself to venture inside. Not when losing him was still so fresh. Quickly turning back toward the kitchen, she walked down the hall to her bedroom.

From the information Nora shared with her, Erik and Garrett finished the room just a few weeks before her arrival. Erik wanted to make things as nice as possible for his bride, and added a large bedroom next to the newly constructed bathroom. Although he hadn't moved his belongings into the room, it was clear he intended it to be the bedroom they shared.

Aundy studied the big bed with a soft mattress, the rich, cherry wood furniture, and a large closet designed for two.

A padded rocking chair sat by the window and Aundy noticed sunlight streaming through the lace curtains covering the glass. A small table next to the chair held an oil lamp and a stack of books, making it a cozy place to sit and read.

With Nora's help, her trunks had been unpacked, her belongings put away, and Garrett hauled the empty trunks out to the attic of a storage shed near the barn.

Thoughts of Garrett made Aundy's stomach flutter with a nervous feeling that left her unsettled, so she pushed them aside.

She left the big bedroom, and wandered into the third bedroom that had obviously belonged to Erik's parents. A photo of a handsome couple sat on the dresser and their clothes still hung in the closet.

Wishing she knew more about Erik's family, Aundy returned to the kitchen where additional evidence of her husband's thoughtfulness and care was evident in the shiny new cook stove, a refrigerator, and the silverware he purchased just for her. Out on the back porch she'd found a new washing machine that would be a huge help for doing laundry once she could use both hands.

After rinsing out her teacup, Aundy wiped the already clean counter. Tired of sitting around the house, wondering what to do, she was ready to move forward as the owner of Erik's farm. It had taken her a week to get used to the idea of owning it and the fact that Erik was truly gone.

Grief still weighed heavy on her heart. Although she didn't know Erik intimately, she knew enough about him to realize she had lost a friend. Someone who would have cherished her, cared for her, and supported her even if love never filled either of their hearts.

It was no secret people wondered what she planned to do with the farm. Returning to Chicago was out of the question. What she really wanted was to stay and pick up where Erik left off. She might even succeed, because she was just stubborn enough to try and determined enough not to quit.

Aundy did not intend to sell Erik's farm. As soon as she figured out what she was doing, she planned to send for Ilsa.

Between the two of them, Aundy knew they could make a go of things. At least they would when she got the cast off her arm and regained full use of both hands. Limited as she was, she could barely comb her hair and dress herself each day.

Nora asked her to stay with them until her arm healed, but Aundy felt like she'd already taken so much from the Nash family. Erik said they were good people and he'd been correct in that statement.

Aundy didn't know what she would have done without Garrett and Nora's support and guidance since she arrived in Pendleton. J.B. had been a comfort as well, although he was unable to do much more than offer encouragement and words of wisdom.

In the past few days, Aundy read all the documents Erik's attorney gave her multiple times. Erik had truly left her everything he owned.

Relieved the farm was doing well and there was money in the bank, Aundy knew that even if she never made another penny in income, she'd survive.

Erik had worked so hard to make his farm prosperous. Aundy wasn't content to sit by and do nothing. She wanted to finish what Erik and his parents started, as a way of honoring him, thanking him, for offering her hope and a future.

Tears stung her eyes at thoughts of Erik, she hastily wiped them away when a knock sounded at the kitchen door. She pulled it open and smiled at Dent. He stood on the back step, hat in his hand.

"Morning, Missy." He started calling her Missy somewhere between the first day they met and Erik's funeral service. Since he was old enough to be her grandfather and had been nothing but kind, Aundy didn't mind.

"Good morning, Dent. How are you today?"

"Fair to middlin', but I can't complain." He stepped inside when Aundy motioned for him to come in.

"May I make you a cup of coffee?" Aundy asked, knowing Dent preferred it to the tea she liked to drink.

"No, thank you. I… um…" Dent hesitated, waiting for Aundy to sit at the kitchen table before taking a seat. "The fellas are wondering what your plans are for the place."

"Plans? For the farm?" Aundy wanted to make sure she understood what Dent was asking.

"Yes, ma'am. They want to know if you're gonna sell it or keep it. We're all a little curious as to what exactly you're gonna do. It's almost calving time and Erik usually hired on more help as we headed into spring. We're shorthanded without him as it is and we really need to hire some help if you're of a mind to keep the farm going."

Dent worked for Erik's parents for years, then for Erik when his folks passed away. He could run the farm with his eyes closed, but there were some young bucks on the payroll who didn't like the notion of a woman being in charge.

After getting to know Erik's bride, Dent thought the girl had spirit and sense, a combination he greatly admired.

"I see," Aundy said. She took a breath and looked Dent in the eye. There was no time like the present to put her thoughts into action. "I have no intention of selling the farm, Dent. My plans are to continue where Erik left off. Obviously, I have a wealth of information to learn, but I'm willing and able. At least I will be as soon as my arm heals. I was hoping you could teach me what I need to know about the livestock, crops, and such."

"That's a lot to learn in a short time, Missy." Dent studied Aundy. He was glad she was staying, even if it was going to annoy some of the men in the area to have a woman running the place. "I'm happy to help you, but I've also got to be out there supervising the rest of the men. Maybe Garrett and J.B. could be of assistance with some of that learning. Between the three of us, we can teach you what you need to know."

"Oh, well, I don't want to be a bother to anyone." Aundy had already monopolized enough of Garrett's time. Besides, she found it hard to concentrate when he was near. Her thoughts tangled in his silvery gaze, engaging smile, and dark hair.

"It won't be a bother." Dent got to his feet and walked to the door. "Come out to the barn after lunch and you can have a lesson in getting to know the horses."

"Okay. I will." Aundy smiled at the foreman who was quickly becoming a friend. Dent was hardworking and loyal, and right now that was more than she dared hope to have.

"Use that telephone thing and call Mrs. Nash. She'll let you know if Garrett has time to help with your lessons or not. And tell her you need to learn to shoot while you're at it. There are plenty of varmints, both two and four-legged, you need to learn to take out if they pose any danger."

Aundy looked at him with wide blue eyes as he tipped his head, slapped on his hat, and hurried out the door.

She'd never before held a gun in her hand, but she supposed if she wanted to become a true Westerner, she'd have to put aside her fears and embrace her new lifestyle.

At the desk in the front room, Aundy wrote a long letter to her sister. She described what had transpired in the last week and asked Ilsa to come to Pendleton as soon as possible. With spring balls and parties keeping her aunt's creations in high demand, she assumed Ilsa probably wouldn't be able to get away anytime in the near future.

When she finished the letter, Aundy picked up a book on animal husbandry she began reading days ago. The information in the book made her take stock of how much she really needed to learn. Absorbing one chapter at a time, she felt a little more confident in her abilities to be a help on the farm.

Aundy made herself a simple lunch of bread and jam with a slice of cheese. She tried to eat slowly, taking time to savor another cup of tea.

With her thoughts on visiting the barn, she washed her plate and cup and wiped the table. A quick glance at the clock let her know it was time to head out the door but the telephone jangled.

The sound still startled her even though she should be used to it by now. It seemed at least one person called every day, whether it was Nora, the doctor, one of the women she'd met at church, or Pastor Whitting.

"Hello?" Aundy spoke into the phone on the kitchen wall.

"Aundy, dear, how are you today?" Nora asked in her usual cheery voice.

"I'm fine, Nora. How are things at the ranch?"

"Wonderful. Our first two calves dropped last night. You should come over and see them." Nora quickly realized Aundy probably wouldn't know what she meant. "That means two of our cows had their babies."

"Thank you for clarifying." The smile on her face was evident in her voice. "I didn't think you'd really drop the calves."

Nora giggled and chatted a few minutes, then invited Aundy to come for supper.

"I've more than worn out my welcome with you all." Aundy was reluctant to impose further on the Nash family. "You've done so much for me already."

"Oh, that's a bunch of flapdoodle," Nora said, exasperated by the girl's independent nature. "I'm going to have someone bring you over for supper and you can spend the evening before we take you back home. You know you're welcome to spend the night."

"No, Nora. I just couldn't." Aundy glanced out the kitchen window and noticed Dent walking toward the house. "Thank you for the invitation, though."

"You just be ready about four this afternoon and I'll send one of the boys to get you. Bye, honey."

"Bye." Aundy hung up the phone and opened the kitchen door before Dent had a chance to knock.

"Ready for your lesson, Missy?" Dent touched the brim of his hat as she walked outside and down the back porch steps.

"Yes, sir." Aundy hoped he wouldn't notice how afraid she was of the big animals. As she followed the foreman to the barn, she listened as he discussed the different types of horses used on the farm and the purpose each served. He showed her the draft horses, Hans and Henry, that ran away with the wagon, as well as another big team he called Nut and Bolt.

"Nut is a little on the wild side, so be sure you give him plenty of room," Dent cautioned, watching as Aundy stepped further away from the horse when he snorted her direction. He pointed out several of the stock horses in the pasture behind the barn. Dent explained Erik kept the horses for his men to ride. When she asked questions about the different breeds and coloring, Dent was impressed with her ability to understand the information he shared.

When they stood at the stall of a pretty mare, Dent dug a piece of dried apple from his pocket and held it out to the horse. She took it from his hand and looked at him with big, sad eyes.

"This is Bell. She belonged to Erik's mother. Although she's getting on in years, Bell is a good, solid mustang who'll take you where you need to go." Dent scratched the horse on her neck and behind her ears. "When you get that cast off your arm, I'll teach you how to ride her."

"I will do my best to look forward to that experience." Aundy held a cautious hand out to the horse. Bell turned liquid eyes to Aundy and offered a soft whicker.

"I think she likes you." Dent motioned for Aundy to touch the horse. "Go on and pet her, she won't bite you." He refrained from mentioning that she not only bit but also refused to let any of the men ride her, preferring females.

Aundy rubbed Bell on her nose and patted her neck. The horse moved forward in her stall and leaned her head against her before releasing a sigh.

"Well, I'll be. It looks like she decided you're friends," Dent said, breaking into a broad grin. "She hasn't taken to any of the fellas. Guess she just missed having a woman around."

"As soon as I'm able, we'll have to rectify that situation." Aundy scratched Bell's neck before she and Dent moved through the rest of the barn.

By the time Dent finished giving her a grand tour of the barnyard, Aundy discovered she owned milk cows, several pigs, and a coop full of chickens.

"Thank you for that introduction to the livestock, Dent. I very much appreciate it," Aundy said as they walked toward the house. "I think I could gather the eggs from now on. I feel like I've been such a burden since I arrived instead of a help."

"You haven't been a burden to anyone, Missy. If you're sure you want to gather the eggs, just go in there each morning, toss out their feed, then snatch the eggs before the chickens are any the wiser. Watch out for the rooster. If he gives you any trouble, let me know. He's got a big attitude for such a little chicken."

Aundy laughed, making Dent smile. "I'll keep my eye on him. I'm going over to the Nash's for dinner, so don't worry if you don't see me around for an hour or two this evening."

"Yes, ma'am." Dent tipped his hat and returned to the barn.

Aundy hurried up the back porch steps and inside the house, deciding she smelled like the barn. Quickly filling the bathtub, she took a bath and washed her hair, finding it a challenge to accomplish with only one arm.

When she finished, she climbed out of the tub, towel-dried her hair and shook it with her good hand, trying to get out most of the water before working her way into her clothes. Everything took twice as long with only one usable arm.

Unable to put up her hair, she had become adept at pulling it back in combs and letting it hang loose. It always seemed to be in her way, but she didn't know what else to do. Incapable of braiding it one handed or pinning it up, she managed the best she could. She was adjusting the second comb in her hair when she heard a knock on the front door. She rushed from her bedroom, grabbed her coat from a peg by the kitchen door, and hastened to the front room.

Surprise filled her features as she opened the door and stared at Garrett, standing on the porch with his hat in his hand.

"Mrs. Erickson." He smiled, flashing white teeth against his tan face, as he took in Aundy's fresh scent and glowing cheeks. Despite being highly improper to think it, he wanted to pull the combs out of her hair and bury his hands in the waving golden mass. Although he shouldn't have been, he was glad the cast on her arm kept her from putting up all that glorious hair.

He gazed at her and felt drawn into the depths of her sky-blue eyes.

Desperate to divert his attention away from her face and hair, he looked down and admired the fancy stitching on her skirt.

Astounded by the beautiful clothes she wore, he wouldn't have expected someone who worked in a factory and traveled out west as a mail-order bride to be so well dressed. His mother mentioned something about Aundy's sister being a talented seamstress. Maybe she'd added the elaborate embellishments to the woman's wardrobe.

"Ma said you were coming for dinner and asked me to fetch you."

"I'm fairly certain you have better things to do than escort me, Mr. Nash," Aundy said, aware that Garrett spent a lot of time helping her since Erik's accident. She knew he had his own ranch to run.

Garrett's silvery gaze met hers with a playful grin. "I reckon I might, but when Ma barks an order, we all jump to carry it out."

He refused to admit he would have volunteered for the job if his mother had asked someone else to fetch Aundy.

For reasons he didn't want to examine, he looked forward to time spent with the plucky widow. Garrett could listen to her soft voice for hours on end and never grow tired of the sound, although she wasn't one given to idle chatter.

"So it would seem." Her neighbor's lighthearted comment made her lips turn up in a smile.

"You ready to go?" Garrett took Aundy's coat from her hand and held it for her.

"I believe so." Aundy slipped on her coat then stepped outside while Garrett pulled the front door closed. Not seeing a wagon or buggy waiting, just Garrett's saddle horse, she looked around, wondering how he planned to take her to the ranch.

Garrett tried not to grin at Aundy's confused look. "Before you get too excited, I thought I'd show you how to hitch a horse to the buggy and take it to the ranch then I'll bring you home after supper and reclaim Jester."

She followed Garrett as he took Jester's reins and led the animal to the barn.

Aundy watched, taking mental notes, as Garrett described each step in the process of hitching the horse to the buggy. The animal stood quietly during the entire procedure.

"Erik's horses are well trained. You always need to be watchful of any animal, but Erik's won't intentionally try to harm you. Even ol' Nut will behave as long as Bolt is close by."

"I appreciate that information," Aundy said, standing so close to Garrett, she could smell his unique, manly scent. Combined with the warmth radiating from him and the way he kept looking at her with those silvery eyes, she found it impossible to pay attention to his detailed instruction. She took a sudden step back, and would have tripped over a feed bucket if Garrett hadn't grabbed her good arm and pulled her forward against his chest.

Overwhelmed with strange emotions and sensations, Aundy kept her gaze down when he dropped his hand and stepped away.

"Thank you," she said, embarrassed and flustered. "I wasn't paying attention."

"It's quite all right." Garrett attempted to gather his thoughts. They'd scattered every direction the moment he touched Aundy. Sparks worked their way from his fingers all the way up his arm. "Shall we head over to Nash's Folly?"

"Nash's Folly?" She gave him a quizzical look as he assisted her onto the buggy seat.

"That's the official name of our ranch." Garrett guided the horse out of the barnyard and down the lane toward the road. "You mean Ma hasn't told you that story?"

"No, she hasn't." Garrett's statement piqued her curiosity. "Why don't you tell me?"

"When Ma and Pops arrived in Pendleton, they came out here and saw this land. Ma was humming the hymn My Jesus, I love Thee . Do you know it?"

When Aundy shook her head, Garrett began singing the hymn in a deep baritone. She blinked in surprise as his rich voice filled the afternoon air with perfectly pitched notes.

My Jesus, I love Thee

I know Thou art mine;

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign…

"She and Pops thought God's grace led them here to Pendleton and they wanted to make the best of it. They declared they were ‘resigning their follies' and starting a new life. Pops named the ranch Nash's Folly so none of us would forget their promise. We're still human and make mistakes, but that story helps keep us on the straight and narrow." Garrett turned to look at Aundy with a devilish grin. "That, and the threat of Ma taking a switch to us."

"I can't imagine Nora taking a switch to anyone." Aundy smiled at him. "But I do like that story and the name Nash's Folly."

They rode along in silence for a few minutes before Aundy gave Garrett a thoughtful look. "Did Erik have a name for his farm?"

"No. Everyone round these parts refers to it as the Erickson Farm. His folks settled there a long time ago. Guess no one felt the need to give it any other name." Garrett wondered what Aundy was thinking. Her eyes had narrowed and she pressed her lips together. He noticed she did that anytime she was in pain or contemplating something.

When she continued to appear lost in her thoughts, Garrett talked about some of the neighboring ranches, who owned them, and if any of them had names. He cautioned her to stay away from Marvin Tooley, much in the same way as Erik.

"Why does everyone tell me to stay away from Mr. Tooley? Is he really that mean?" Aundy asked as Garrett stopped the buggy at the end of the front walk and waved at Nora when she stepped out onto the porch.

"Even more so," Garrett said solemnly, although she detected the slightest hint of a grin working at the corners of his mouth.

"Hello!" Nora called, hurrying down the walk, barely waiting for Garrett to help Aundy out of the buggy before pulling her into a welcoming hug. "Don't you look pretty today? My goodness, but you have some beautiful clothes. And your hair is so thick and long and lovely."

"I…" Aundy spluttered, not accustomed to being paid compliments. She knew she wasn't beautiful like her younger sister and had long ago resigned herself to just being who she was — sturdy, strong, and hardworking.

"Doesn't she Garrett?" Nora prodded, staring at her son. "Isn't she one of the most striking girls you've ever seen?"

At Nora's hasty nod and glare, Garrett was quick to agree. "Yes, Ma," he said, tipping his hat to the women before hurrying toward the barn with the horse and buggy. He glanced over his shoulder and watched Nora herd Aundy up the steps and inside the house. Her fancy-stitched skirt swished around her long legs while her golden hair rippled down her back.

He wasn't just paying lip service because his mother wanted him to. Erik's widow had turned more than a few heads since her arrival in Pendleton.

She wasn't beautiful by society's stilted standards, but she was very attractive. His mother summed it up well when she said the girl was striking. With that golden hair, blue eyes, creamy skin, and tall height, she was hard to miss.

Since her arrival on their doorstep covered in mud, he discovered she was a caring and gentle, yet determined person. Although Garrett thought inner beauty was much more important than outward, it was hard not to admire how she carried herself, or the way her city clothes accented her becoming curves.

Irritated by his wayward thoughts, Garrett unhooked the horse and gave him a portion of feed before starting on the evening chores. An hour later, he walked inside the house, after reminding himself a dozen times it was inappropriate to think about Erik's widow. Even if the marriage had been in name only and Erik spent nearly all of the few days he and Aundy were together unconscious, Garrett's thoughts were still out of line.

Sincerely missing his friend, Garrett let grief and guilt chase away any lingering interest he had in the girl as he washed up for supper.

Waiting until she and his mother took their seats at the dining table, he pulled out the chair across from Aundy and sat down, bowing his head. His father asked the blessing on the meal then his mother started a lively discussion about upcoming events at church and things happening in town.

After dinner, Aundy helped with the dishes then Nora insisted everyone gather in the parlor for a while before Garrett took Aundy home.

"Have you decided what you want to do with the farm yet?" J.B. asked. He knew Aundy had been weighing all of her options.

"I've decided to stay and make it a success as a way of honoring Erik." Aundy sipped the tea Nora served as the two of them sat together on the sofa.

"That's wonderful, honey." Nora patted her leg, offering an encouraging smile. "What are your plans?"

"I want to learn all I can about managing a farm. I need to learn about animals, crops, everything. Dent said he'd help, but suggested Garrett might be able to provide assistance with some of my lessons, like shooting."

Garrett, who'd been drinking a cup of coffee, choked in his efforts not to spew the drink all over his mother's prized set of furniture. J.B. reached over and slapped his back a few times.

"Sounds like a grand idea to me." J.B. winked at Nora as Aundy watched Garrett with concern.

"I don't want to be any more of a burden to anyone. I'm sure I can figure things out." Aundy glanced down at the teacup she held in her hand.

"Nonsense." J.B. settled back in his chair, pinning his gaze on his son. "Garrett would be happy to teach you how to shoot and whatever other lessons you need help with. I might not be much use outdoors yet, but I can teach you about cattle and crops if you're of a mind to come here for a little schooling. We've got a few books that might be a help to you."

"Thank you, Mr. Nash." Aundy offered him a shy smile. "I've been reading a book I found on Erik's desk, but I still have some questions about what I've read. I hate to bother Dent because he's so busy and he informed me today we need to hire more hands."

"Well, you probably could use a few more. Erik always hired some seasonal help once the farm work began." J.B. continued to wait for Garrett to recover from his choking fit and join the conversation. "Do the men know you're planning to keep the farm and run it yourself?"

"Dent said he'd tell them after supper tonight." Aundy watched out of the corner of her eye as Garrett took a cautious sip of his coffee. "I realize I've got a lot to learn, but I'm willing to work hard."

"We know you are, honey," Nora said, patting Aundy's leg again. "Don't you worry about a thing. We'll help you learn about farm life. You can count on us. All of us." Nora gave Garrett a pointed look and he numbly nodded his head, trying not to look at Aundy.

The firelight in the room made her hair glimmer and shine while the look on her face, filled with animation and excitement as she talked about learning to farm, made him want to promise to do everything in his power to help her succeed.

After visiting for another hour, Garrett finally went to hitch the horse to the buggy while J.B. and Aundy worked out a schedule for her to learn what he could teach her from the kitchen table about crops, livestock, and rural life.

Nora gave her another hug as she walked out the door and waved enthusiastically as Garrett helped her in the buggy and started down the lane back toward the road.

"Thank you," Aundy said quietly, taking in the beautiful colors filling the sky as the sun set. She would never tire of the smell of clean air and the wide-open spaces she'd found in Pendleton. Unlike anything she'd ever experienced, she felt such peace here in the country.

"For what?" Garrett kept his gaze fastened on the horse instead of his companion.

"For being so kind and encouraging," Aundy said, releasing a sigh. "Most people would have told me to sell the farm, get on a train, and return to the city life I know. Your family hasn't offered any opinions on what I should do and have been supportive of my decisions. Not everyone would encourage a woman from Chicago to stick it out and learn about farming."

"We're not everyone," Garrett said with a smile that made her stomach flutter. "Everyone should have the opportunity to learn and grow regardless of their age, color, or gender. If you want to learn about farming, who are we to tell you no? You should know, though, that learning from Pops means you'll be learning from one of the best."

"I assumed as much." Aundy watched Garrett as he stopped the buggy and hurried around to offer her his hand. "It's easy to see you've got a prosperous well-run ranch and that doesn't happen by chance. I do know enough to realize that only happens because of skill and hard work."

Garrett grinned, pleased at Aundy's compliment. He walked her up the steps to the front door and tipped his hat. "After you finish your lesson with Pops, I can give you a shooting lesson. You should be able to get in some practice one-handed with a revolver until that arm of yours heals."

"Thank you." Aundy opened the door and stepped inside before turning to smile at Garrett. His silvery gaze collided with hers and he offered her another broad grin.

Garrett backed up and almost fell off the porch step with his attention centered on the intriguing golden-haired woman instead of where he was going.

He thought he heard her giggle, but when he looked up, all he saw was a closing door.