Mr. Jenkins attempted a smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. “It’s our first. I just hope…” He didn’t finish, but the twisting in his expression showed the progression of worries likely parading through his thoughts.
Mandie stepped forward. “We’ll be praying for them both. For you all.”
Mr. Jenkins glanced at her, seeming to notice her presence for the first time. He gave a short nod, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. “Thank you, Miss...?”
“Beaumont. Mrs. Mandie Beaumont.” She curtsied out of habit. “I’m a guest of the Balfours.”
A flicker of curiosity flashed in his eyes, but Bea returned then, pulling his attention. Enoch took the carpetbag from her hands, and Bea turned to Mandie. “I shouldn’t leave you here alone, not while you’re still recovering.”
“I’ll be fine.” Mandie gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m feeling much stronger. Please, go help Mrs. Jenkins. She needs you more than I do right now.”
Bea searched her face, then nodded. “Very well. But promise to rest and not overexert yourself.”
“I promise.” Mandie gave a solid nod. “We’ll be praying for a safe delivery.”
“I’ll make sure she rests.” Enoch spoke with a firm tone. “You focus on Mary and the babe. We’ll manage here.”
Bea’s eyes softened as she looked between them. “I know you will.”
She turned to Mr. Jenkins. “Let’s be off then.”
As she strode through the open front door, Mr. Jenkins locked gazes with Enoch. “I’ll bring her back safe and sound, soon as the baby’s here and Mary’s on the mend.”
Enoch nodded. “We’ll pray all goes well.”
They followed Mr. Jenkins outside, where James was already helping Bea up into the saddle of a sturdy brown mare. Enoch tied on the carpetbag, then the pair rode off.
As the hoofbeats faded, a charged silence settled over their group.
Enoch’s jaw worked beneath his beard, his gaze distant as if his thoughts had followed Bea and Mr. Jenkins down the trail. After a long moment, he seemed to shake himself, his focus snapping back to the present. “I suppose we’d best get to work.”
Robert nodded and turned to the house. “I’ll clean up from breakfast.”
Thomas hesitated, his gaze flickering to Mandie. “Will you be all right on your own, Mrs. Beaumont? I could stay behind, keep you company.”
Mandie offered a faint smile. “I’ll be fine, thank you. I’m sure I can find ways to occupy myself.”
Enoch eyed his remaining younger brothers. “You two go check on the broodmare, then let’s get started on the saddle horses.”
As they ambled toward the barn, Enoch turned to her and spoke in a gentler tone. “You should rest now. I can have one of the men take your message to town later. It’s been an eventful morning.”
Mandie lifted her chin. “I’m not an invalid, Mr. Balfour. A bit of excitement won’t send me to my sickbed.”
A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “No, I don’t suppose it would.” He stepped closer, his gaze searching her face. “But youarestill recovering. Please, take it easy today. For Mrs. Wang’s peace of mind, if not for mine.”
His nearness sent a flutter through her middle, but she tamped it down. “Very well. But I need to write the telegram first.”
He studied her a moment, as if weighing her resolve. Then he nodded. “There’s paper and ink in the study.”
“Thank you.” She meant it, truly. For his understanding, his care. It relieved her even as uncertainty still churned in her middle.
As she turned to head into the house, his deep voice stopped her. “Mrs. Beaumont...”
She glanced back and found him watching her with an intensity that made her breath catch.
“I know I asked a lot of you yesterday. And I understand your hesitation. But please know, you’ll be safe here, cared for, no matter what you decide.”
Emotion welled in her throat, threatening her composure. She managed a nod. “I do know that. And I’m grateful, truly.”
