“Yesterday, when Katie gave me cash because my credit at the store was getting so high, I put the money into the drawer where James keeps it.I was hoping he wouldn’t notice and would use whatever was there for what he needed.When he realized how much more money was there this morning, he shouted at me.We argued, and he finally dropped the money in the middle of the table and told me to put it away before he saw it again.I’m not touching it.”
Belle shook her head.“So put it away.Save it for the children.Save it for a rainy day.Why does he have to take it?”
“Because he has to understand that I can contribute!We could have a nicer house.We could do many things with the money I make.I don’t know why he can’t see that!”
“And I don’t know why you can’t understand that his pride won’t let him take money from his wife.I understand that you want to earn money.Really, I do.But why does he need to take that money and use it when you can save it?”
Maggie folded her arms over her chest stubbornly.“Why won’t he?”
“You’re not going to win this argument, Mags.He is too prideful to take it.Put it away.It’s that simple.If you won’t put it away, I will take it and set it aside for you.”
“That might be best,” Maggie said.“Put it somewhere, and when we need money, I’ll come to you.Then we won’t fight about it.”
*****
JAMES STOMPED THROUGHthe snow as he and Everett moved toward the clearing they had found was best for hunting in the winter.
“Why are you and Maggie fighting?”Everett asked.
“Who says we are?”James responded, kicking at a snow drift.
“It’s obvious to anyone who knows you.”
“Ever since she got here, she’s been baking for the men in town.I’ve told her we don’t need the money.I’ve told her that I want to support her.I’ve told her not to even think about giving me the money.”James shook his head.“She sneaked it into the drawer where I keep my money.She didn’t think I’d notice.I’m not stupid.Of course I noticed.Why can’t she do this one little thing I ask?”
Everett frowned.“You know Maggie was raised in an orphanage and expected to leave when she turned sixteen, right?”
“Yes, she’s told me all about it.What does that have to do with anything?”
“Did it ever occur to you that she’s frightened of what will happen to her if she doesn’t have any money?She’s already been in that position.You have to understand her point of view.”
“But she’s not in that position now.So, she can stop trying to earn money and be content as my wife with the money I earn.”
Everett shook his head.“You’re being a stubborn fool.If she works until you start having children, you’ll be better off.Why not accept that and be grateful she’s so willing to work?It doesn’t bother me at all that Belle works.I’ve heard both her and Maggie say that they don’t feel like they work because they have freedom to do what they want.”
“She should be willing to obey me as her husband.”
Everett laughed.“I’ve never known a woman who truly obeyed her husband.Women have thoughts.They should be able to express them and do what they think is best.”
James sighed.“You don’t understand at all.”
*****
MAGGIE TOOK THE MONEYoff the table and wrapped a piece of paper around it, noting the amount on the paper.“Here.Just take it.Save it for me when I decide to leave the pig-headed—”
“Maggie!You need to respect your husband.”
“I’m trying!”
Maggie made a pot of tea and served the thumbprint cookies she’d made the night before with them.“I like them with the lingonberry jam.They are usually made with raspberry jam, but I truly don’t think it matters.” Her words were forced.She was trying not to let her bad mood and fight with James affect her friendship with Belle.
“They’re delicious.I need—”
Maggie got up and took a piece of paper off the counter, giving it to her friend.“The receipt?”
“Exactly!How did you guess?”Belle read over the paper and nodded.“They’re not difficult at all.”
“No, they’re not.But I think the men will enjoy them.And even if they don’t, I’m glad I made them because I was hungry for them.”
