“I’m willing to help in any way I can.”Myrtle worried she would be a burden on the others, but she didn’t know how to contribute more than she already would be.
“Just bake me a loaf of bread every day and maybe a dessert every day or two, and I’ll be thrilled.I know the others feel the same.”
“What if I were to cook a huge pot of stew every day for all the couples?Would that help?”
Belle frowned, thinking about it.“It would help, but it’s a lot to take on.Are you sure you want to do that?”
Myrtle nodded emphatically.“It would mean you’d have more hours to hunt.And those foraging would have more time.You need to spend all your daylight hours being productive, and I can help you do that.”
Belle smiled.“Thank you.I like that idea.I’ll ask the others.Maggie may prefer to make her own meals because she’ll be home anyway, but with two babies...she may jump at the opportunity.”
“It’s a way I can help a little more.How many loaves of bread should I bake for the store every day?”Myrtle was happy to have some one-on-one time with Belle to ask her questions.It was easier than in a group setting.
“I baked five every day, and so did Maggie.There was never enough.I think you could bake fifteen or more loaves just for the store, and there would still be men who don’t get any.”
“All right.I’ll start with fifteen, and if Katie feels like she could sell more, I’ll add to what I’m doing.”Myrtle rubbed her shoulder.“I’m already feeling sore from all the kneading I’ll be doing.”
Belle laughed.“You’ll get used to it.Just like you got used to being on your feet all day at the hotel.”
Myrtle smiled.“I’m sure I will.And honestly?I can’t wait to get started.This is a dream come true for me.”
“How did it work out for Aaron to agree to bring you all back with him?We hadn’t heard a word about it!”Belle said.
“Well...we all decided at the last minute it would be easier if only one of our future husbands had to travel to bring us back.I didn’t have time to write to Aaron.Let’s just say it was a surprise, but for him, not a good one.”
“I see.”Belle made a face.“Make sure the two of you work that out!”
“We will.He told me he forgave me, and I’m trying to take his feelings into account better.It never occurred to me it would be a hardship for him.We brought extra food...”
Belle clapped Myrtle on the shoulder.“I understand completely.But men seem to prefer to be the ones to make all the final decisions.Having that taken from him was probably very frustrating.”
Myrtle nodded.“We needed an extra mule as well.I never considered that.Now I plan to work extra hard to pay him back for the extra expense I caused.”
Belle smiled.“I’m sure it will all be fine in the end.Just talk about it and make sure he isn’t still harboring any resentment about it before you move on.You don’t want your marriage to be over before it starts.”
Long after Belle left, Myrtle was still thinking over her friend’s words.Was Belle right?Did Aaron secretly resent her for taking the decision away from him?
She baked a cake for supper, hoping to sweeten Aaron’s attitude because she planned to talk to him that night.She knew he was thinking about the two of them consummating their marriage, and she felt it would be best if all their troubles were talked out before that happened.
As she worked, she prayed that things would work out between them.She wanted nothing more than to be a good wife and please her husband.
She had the kitchen cleaned and most of the dishes washed before Aaron returned home from work.He looked exhausted.
“Supper’s ready,” Myrtle said.“Do you want water or coffee to drink?”
“If coffee’s made, I’ll have that.If not, water is fine.”Aaron took a deep sniff.“What are you making?Something smells delicious.”
“Belle brought venison roast and potatoes for our supper.We all spent a long time talking about where each of the new ladies will fit into the organization Belle has going.I think we’re going to fit in just fine.”She set his plate on the table in front of him, full of meat, potatoes, carrots, and fresh bread.“Don’t fill yourself too full.I baked a cake as well.”
He sighed contentedly.This was why he’d sent for a wife.He would eat like a king.
