The other two nodded, easy communication among men who knew each other so well. What would it be like to be a part of a family like this? To belong as one of them?
The forbidden thought crept in before she could stop it. If she accepted Enoch’s proposal, this could be her family. These men, this land, could be her home.
She pushed the idea away. England would be her home. Enoch said he would have to go there. Besides, this decision was too big to be swayed by emotion.
Better to focus on something she could look forward to…Bea would return by tonight.
The prospect of having the older woman’s steady presence and wisdom back in the house eased some of the tension in Mandie’s shoulders. And her cooking skills. Mandie would pay far better attention to Bea’s recipes from here on out.
She’d never realized how hard it was to cook a full breakfast and dinner, as well as have cold food set out at midday. Had preparing food been easier in Savannah, where breads and meats could be bought freshly baked? Maybe, but their cooks had also made much fancier meals than she or even Bea had turned out here, where every detail had to be accomplished from scratch.
As the meal concluded, the men rose to begin their work. Each thanked her for the meal, though it was only fried ham, leftover biscuits, and eggs. Barely hearty enough for all the work they’d be doing.
Enoch paused as she stood to collect the dishes. “I can bring in more water for you before we head out, if you need it for cleaning up.”
She sent him a small smile. “That would be much appreciated, thank you.”
He nodded, his gaze lingering on her face a moment longer before he turned and strode out the door.
Mandie busied herself clearing the table, doing her best not to dwell on the way her pulse quickened at his nearness, at the gentle timbre of his voice when he spoke to her.
It was only natural to feel drawn to his strength and steadiness in the midst of her own upheaval. But she couldn’t let herself depend on him too much, couldn’t let gratitude blur into something more dangerous.
By the time he returned with the pail of water, she had the dishes neatly stacked in the kitchen and the table wiped down. He set the bucket in the sink, then hesitated. “If you need anything, just call out. I’ll be working close by today.”
“I’ll be fine. Truly.” She looked up at him, willing confidence into her voice. “I may be a bit slower at the chores than Bea, but I’m capable.”
That ghost of a smile touched his lips, there and gone. “I don’t doubt that.” His eyes held hers a second longer. Then he gave a short nod and turned for the door. “That mare will likely foal today or tomorrow, so I’ll be within shouting distance if you need me.”
A mare due to foal… Wasn’t that the one Enoch nearly died saving in the fire?
Thought of the fire spurred something else she’d forgotten.
Enoch was nearly out of the kitchen when she called out. “Wait, Enoch. Your burns. I can see that your head and neck are healing, but the rest…I haven’t checked them since that first night.”
He paused and half-turned back. “It’s all right. I’ve been putting the salve on. James says they look to be healing well.”
Disappointment pricked through her. Of course his brothers would be tending to him. He didn’t need her help. “That’s good. I’m glad they’re improving.”
With that, he ducked out the door, leaving her alone with the morning sunlight and a counter stacked with dirty dishes.
She let out a slow breath and set to work, plunging her hands into the warm, soapy water. At least she had work to distract her from all the questions churning inside.
CHAPTER 17
The sun had just begun to sink behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the ranch, as Robert rode in alone. Enoch’s chest tightened as he watched from the barn doorway where he, James, and Thomas were still working.
No Mrs. Wang.
He studied his brother’s face as he reined in his horse in front of Enoch. “She wasn’t ready to come yet?” Maybe the birth had taken longer than usual, and Mrs. Wang felt the need to stay another day until the mother was up on her feet.
Robert shook his head, then dismounted. “There was trouble in the birthing. Mary’s not able to get up much, and the babe’s small, not eating well yet.” He turned to face Enoch, and the weariness lining his eyes spoke of the journey. “Mrs. Wang said she’ll likely need to stay with them another week at least.”
A week.
Enoch exhaled slowly, measuring his response. Another week without Mrs. Wang’s steady presence meant another week with Mandie handling the household alone. She was more than capable. He had no doubt about that. But she needed rest.
And he had a feeling she’d appreciate having another woman to talk through her condition with. Especially someone experienced in helping with births like Mrs. Wang. For some reason, God had never seen fit to give the Wangs their own children, but she’d assisted with at least a dozen birthings through the years, including Robert’s and Thomas’s deliveries, if he remembered right.
