“Twenty-five. You?”
“Twenty.” Marybeth shook her head. “I never would have thought you were older than me. I guess I’m feeling old, what with my responsibilities.”
“Being married with a child naturally ages a woman,” Melody replied with a shrug. “And movin’ here won’t help one bit. Be careful of the sun and wind. Always wear a wide-brimmed bonnet or hat. And tie it down good. The wind can be fierce. Sun or wind, either one can burn you and leave your skin feeling raw.”
“You’ve managed to stay youthful. What’s your secret ... besides the wide brim?”
Melody laughed. “I guess I just keep telling myself I’m on a grand adventure. But I will say I’m wearyin’ of the travel. I’d like to consider settling down to one spot. Granny Taylor says a woman only has so much movin’ around the country in her.”
“Granny Taylor?”
Melody nodded. “I’ll introduce you to her sometime. She goes to our church—that’s how we met. Granny’s in Texas right now, but she’ll be back soon enough. Do you have a church?”
“No, not yet.” Marybeth didn’t mention the bad time she had with the pastor of her last church. It left her feeling rather shy of returning to a congregation and a pastor’s authority.
“We have a wonderful gathering. It’s our start at making a Methodist church, and Dr. Scott oversees us. He’s a physician and a lay preacher. I’ll make sure and give you all the information before Sunday. For now, I need to get home and check on the stew I’m makin’. Still have to get the biscuits in the oven.”
Stew and biscuits sounded so good to Marybeth. She hadn’t had hot food in what seemed like forever. She could only hope that Edward would have some solution to their situation when he returned. Perhaps he would think to pick up some groceries.
“It was very nice to meet you, Melody, and thank you for the cookies. I hope we’ll be good friends.”
“You needn’t hope because we already are.” She grinned in her girlish fashion. “I’ll bring Da by to meet you and your husband later this evening.” She made her way out of the tent without further ado.
Marybeth stared at the flap of the tent for a moment before going back to check the water again. It was boiling. Only then did she realize she didn’t have any tea.
By the time Edward returned to the tent, it was getting dark. Fred had given him a lantern to use. For the life of him, he couldn’t remember if Marybeth brought any oil lamps or candles. It was funny that he hadn’t even thought of such things when he packed what meager provisions he had.
Along with the lantern, Mrs. Henderson had sent a large, lidded crock with hot roast beef and potatoes, as well as a small flour sack with homemade biscuits.
“Marybeth?” he spoke as he entered the tent.
Inside he found a couple of candles burning and Carrie playing in one of the crates. By the stove, Marybeth seemed to be sorting through her dishware.
“I’ve brought supper. Mrs. Henderson made a big roast of beef and sent us a hunk along with potatoes and the broth. There are biscuits too.”
“Oh, I could cry,” Marybeth said, shaking her head. “We have nothing but some of the bread and cheese left over from this morning and a few cookies from a woman I met earlier today. I was starting to wonder how in the world I could be a decent wife and feed my husband, much less myself. And look, you brought a lantern.”
“Another gift on loan from the Hendersons.” He turned up the light and placed it on the makeshift table by one of the lit candles. He put the food down beside the lantern. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”
“Let’s eat, and I can tell you all about it. At least it does seem to stay fairly warm in here.” She pointed to Carrie’s chair. “Can you put her in there while I dish up the food?”
“Sure.” Edward went to where Carrie was now standing, ready for attention. “How are you, little miss?” He picked her up and nuzzled her neck with kisses as he had done before. She squealed with delight at the attention. “Were you a good girl?”
“Yes, I good girl.” She nodded, then sobered considerably. “I eat, pease.”
“Indeed, you shall.” Edward took her to her chair and raised the tray.
Carrie wriggled into place and raised her arms up so that he could pull the tray down around her. With that complete, Edward sat down on one of the crates and waited for Marybeth to bring the food.
“This looks so wonderful,” she said, handing him a bowl with a big chunk of meat and several pieces of potato. She dished up smaller pieces of meat for Carrie and mashed some potato and mixed it with broth. She searched the crate that was positioned as her chair and drew out silverware, then replaced the lid and took a seat. “Here you are.” She handed Edward a knife and spoon and gave Carrie a child’s spoon.
Marybeth dished up her own bowl of food, then looked to Edward. “Would you offer a blessing?”
“Of course.” He drew a deep breath and bowed his head. “Father, we thank You for this good food and for the chance to rest and reflect on the day. We ask for Your protection and provisions. Guide us by Your hand. In Jesus’s name, amen.”
“Amen,” Marybeth said, glancing up with a smile.
“Amen!” Carrie exclaimed.
