Delilah and Ethan Read online

  Delilah smiled and nodded. “I will.”

  She pulled the stems and leaves from the berries and then rinsed them. She was pleased to see she likely had enough berries for two pies. In truth, they might need two for the crowd they expected for supper tonight. She felt the nervousness creep up her spine again at the thought of cooking for the Jessup’s supper gathering. Taking a deep breath, she looked up with relief as Susannah drifted back into the room.

  “So are we ready to start on the dough?” Susannah smiled as she came to Delilah’s side.

  “Yes, we are. I got the flour and lard. What else do we need?” Delilah remembered watching her mother make pies, but she’d been too young for any of what she’d seen help her now.

  Susannah giggled. “I have a secret I’m going to only share with you. I use half lard and half butter.” She put one hand on her hip and waved the other in the air in front of her. “Now I know I’d be taken to task over wasting butter like that, but I think it makes a much more delicious crust. You wait and see.”

  “It sounds good to me, Mrs. Jessup. Anything that tastes wonderful is all right by me.” Delilah began to cut the lard and butter into the flour with a fork as Susannah stood beside her nodding her approval.

  Once the crust was rolled and settled into the pans, she added the raspberries and sugar she’d mixed together. Adding another layer of dough on top, she cut slits in it to allow the steam to escape.

  Susannah clapped her hands lightly. “Now that looks perfect. Beautiful and delicious! I can’t wait for dessert tonight.”

  Delilah blushed lightly, then remembered she had the rest of the supper to finish. “I’ve decided on cured ham and roasted vegetables. Does that sound acceptable?” She looked at Susannah hopefully and prayed she wouldn’t have to find something else to cook.

  “It sounds perfect, my dear. I know everyone will enjoy it.” Susannah gave her an indulgent and encouraging smile. “Now, I need to go finish tending to the laundry. Yell if you need anything.”

  Delilah watched for a moment as Susannah turned and left the kitchen. Then with a sigh, she turned to the rinsed vegetables. Peeling and chopping them, she placed them in a pot and into the hot oven as she pulled the pies out to cool on the counter. After slicing the ham that would be warmed later, she looked around and nodded. This meal would be a success. She was certain of that.

  By that point, Susannah had returned and set the table. The women worked together to clean up the kitchen and then Delilah went to her room to freshen up. She changed into her nicer dress and washed her face. Looking in her small mirror, she took a deep breath and pulled her comb through her long blonde curls.

  She was on the thin side, and sometimes she worried that her hair was too long. It never looked as smooth as Susannah’s. She sighed and bit her lip. They were going to have guests, and she wanted to look her best. After one more look over herself, Delilah decided that was the best she could do. Straightening her sleeves, she returned to the main house with a vow to push her nervousness aside.

  Chapter Seven

  Delilah followed the sound of humming to the sitting room. The Jessup couple was sitting together, their voices low in harmony.

  “No, no,” Susannah interrupted their song as Delilah stood in the corner, not wanting to intrude. “It goes like this.” And she hummed it a little differently.

  Her husband was wrapping a bandage around his knuckles. The man had been injured, Delilah realized, and she paled. Something drastic must have happened. One of his lips and one of his eyes were puffy. How did Susannah remain so calm? Her heart pounded at the thought of it. Yet he was grinning as though nothing in the world could be wrong.

  “What? No, I’m certain it goes like this.” And he hummed the same line, but much more dramatically and dipped it to a much lower note than any song would responsibly go.

  For a minute, Susannah just frowned but when she looked over at him, Delilah saw a reluctant smile reach her lips. He was teasing her, then, that was it. The woman elbowed her husband with a chuckle. “You’re just being a trouble maker.”

  “Yes, but I’m your trouble maker.” The twinkle in his eye said he was holding back laughter, but the low tone of his voice made her almost feel like she was intruding.

  Delilah couldn’t stop watching the scene she’d walked in on. Mrs. Jessup had told her they’d been married for years, Delilah would have nearly believed they were newlyweds. Her parents had been wonderfully in love, but nothing like this. Never in her life had she watched a couple argue in such a loving way. They were complete at peace, in spite of a difference of opinion. She couldn’t help but watch them in shy fascination.

  The spell was broken, however, when someone knocked on the door. She couldn’t help jumping, her hands flying to her chest. That must have been movement enough because Susannah looked over her way. Delilah blushed, but the woman didn’t appear upset that she’d been watching.

  “There you are,” Mrs. Jessup announced grandly. “You’re just in time. Would you mind bringing our guests through?” She gestured towards the big front door.

  Delilah hesitated but realized she didn’t have an option. The woman had already turned back to her husband and was helping him clean his injured hands. Hurriedly, Delilah darted towards the front door and carefully brushed her hair back over her shoulders. But then she paused and moved some of it to fall over her shoulders. And then back again. She couldn’t decide which way looked best. Her hands were shaking but she didn’t know why. They’d had guests before, hadn’t they?

  With a deep breath, she reminded herself of her previous vow. Pulling in a long breath, she swung the door open and put on her cheeriest smile. Susannah had mentioned a judge and his family, but only then did she make the connection that the handsome young man from the veterinarian must have been the judge’s son. Ethan, wasn’t it?

  Her cheeks turned bright red as they locked eyes. How had she not realized it? She hardly noticed the man and woman in front of Ethan and they started to offer their greetings and introductions. Yet the young man was still watching her. Delilah strained with difficulty to turn her attention to the other adults, still wearing her smile. Swallowing, she tried to catch her breath.

  “Welcome, welcome. Yes, I’m Miss Delilah Waterford. It’s a pleasure to meet you, all of you. Please, come in. May I take your hats? It’s wonderful to have you here.” She stumbled over her words, trying to sort out her thoughts.

  She took a hat, a bonnet, and two cloaks. It was everything she could hold in her two arms but Ethan Townsend still had his things. When she turned to him, ready to take them, they stared at her covered hands and Delilah wasn’t sure she could turn any more red.

  “Will you allow me to assist you?” He didn’t wait for her answer. There was the coat rack right beside her where he put his hat and coat. Ethan moved so quickly she didn’t have time to respond as he carefully took everything from her arms and hung them up beside his.

  Delilah hid her hands immediately and tried to smile again. “Thank you,” she managed. “Um… the Jessups are in the kitchen. It’s just through there.” She led the way into the kitchen where Susannah and Lucas warmly greeted their friends.

  She hung back, watching the party intermingle. It was a better opportunity to see everyone and observe how they were together. But just as she had found a spot in the corner, there was a knock at the door again. She glanced over at Susannah and realized she was the only one who’d heard it. Moving to the door, she fixed another smile on her face pushing back the nerves that were still threatening.

  When she pulled the door open, she met Mary Jones’ gaze and she felt her anxiety ease a little. The older redhead had arrived shortly after she had in Rocky Ridge. She’d turned out to be a kind woman and Delilah had enjoyed being here with her. She’d had a hard life, from what Delilah understood, but she’d found a fresh start with Mr. Cade Jones. The owner of the mercantile was a widower and Mrs. Jessup had believed the two would be a perfect match. Now Mar
y was a wife and step-mother to four rowdy children.

  All of the four children were with them for the evening. “Miss Waterford,” Cade Jones offered cheerfully with a tip of his hat, “it’s good to see you again.” He held little Caleb in his arms though the boy was already squirming to get loose. At almost a year old, he was into as much as he could crawl to reach.

  “Come in,” Delilah opened the door widely and stepped back. The youngest girl, Savannah, had her hands wrapped around Mary’s so they came inside together. Then their other children, Hannah and Cole, entered before Cade and the baby did. She helped them with their coats and by that point, Caleb was on the floor seeing what there was to see.

  Cole groaned and went after him. She worried only a second before Mary winked at her and followed the boys as the others headed towards the kitchen. Delilah hesitantly trailed behind them, since the whole family appeared more comfortable here than she did.

  She knew she should do better as a hostess. After all, she had several siblings of her own. But that felt different since she’d grown up with them. These children were new to her, even as dear as they might be. Delilah hesitantly smiled at Susannah who caught her eye and nodded as everyone greeted one another.

  Eventually everyone was seated around the table and Lucas offered grace over their meal. “I’m quite certain supper shall be delicious,” Susannah beamed. “Our very own Miss Waterford graciously prepared every bite and I do hope you all enjoy it.” She offered a wink but Delilah only blushed harder under the praise as everyone glanced her way.

  “It’s good to see you,” Mary murmured, nudging her as they sat side by side. They’d brought over a small chair for Savannah to sit beside her father, and now Mary held little Caleb in her arms and fed him from her plate. He was messy as he wanted to show everyone every bite of his food, but no one minded.

  The evening was filled with light conversation and plenty of laughter. Since Mary had arrived and married Cade Jones, not many folks knew her well and the newly married couple were able to share their story again with the judge, his wife, and son. Delilah tried very hard not to look over at the young Ethan Townsend too often, but she couldn’t help herself. He was so handsome, she had to make sure she’d remember everything about him when he was gone.

  “Well they’ve clearly taken well to you,” Susannah beamed when the story of how Mary and Cade met was finished and glanced at Delilah. “Don’t you think? Why, it’s just marvelous. She has quite the magical touch with children, I’d say.”

  Mary shook her head. “Hardly, Susannah. You’re too kind, especially after all of your support.” The two women argued lightly before their husbands pretended to halt the disagreement. Again, there was laughter but Delilah could see the truth of it. Indeed, Mary had taken to her four adopted children as though they had always been hers.

  After supper, they enjoyed the raspberry pie she’d made that afternoon from the berries she’d picked on the hillside. Everyone complimented her again and she tried not to blush. As the table was cleared, the party intermingled. It was at that point Delilah realized she had missed several opportunities to join the conversation and the long day of work in the kitchen had worn her out. Once she had placed a few cups in the sink, she excused herself out onto the porch to catch her breath.

  She loved Mary and she loved Susannah, but how was it that they were so confident and strong—especially considering her own meekness? Did it simply come with time? Marveling over the women she knew, Delilah wondered if she would ever be as wonderful as they were.

  Wrapping her arms around herself, Delilah stared out into the sky. The sun was beginning to set with streaks of color in the skies. Back home in Philadelphia, she had always looked forward to the rising of the sun but not until now had she considered the brilliance of it telling it good night.

  Chapter Eight

  “Here,” he immediately offered before his father had the chance. “I’ll take care of that for you.” Ethan intercepted his mother’s plate and utensils before turning away back to the kitchen. They were already deep in conversation and he was not. The items were set on the counter with several other plates and he glanced back at the party.

  His parents were speaking with Mr. Jessup about a recent case. Cole Jones was standing with them and he seemed to be taking the story in. Both Jones parents were cleaning up the two youngest children, while the other young girl and Mrs. Jessup were lighting a few candles to brighten the rooms. Ethan stood there for a moment, leaning against the counter as he studied everyone. From what he could tell, they were all good people. Wonderful, in fact. No one had any complaints because everything had gone so well.

  If It was such a success, then why was it that he felt so exhausted? No one had that much energy. Ethan rubbed his face and decided he needed fresh air. Perhaps he was only tired, that’s all. There was the back door beside him and after glancing around to make sure he wouldn’t be missed, he slipped outside. He left a hand on the handle as he went out, making sure the door wouldn’t bang. It touched his shoulders as it closed quietly and then he looked around.

  It was a nice porch, a large one that wrapped around the entire house and had enough room for a few benches and some nice chairs. Only then as he glanced about did he realize that he wasn’t alone. With his hands still pressed against the door behind him, Ethan glanced at Delilah sitting on the nearby bench who appeared to be gazing into the distance. The sun was setting, after all, and streams of soft colors were stretched across the horizon.

  Delilah Waterford. Neither of them had talked very much during supper, allowing their friends and family to continue most of the conversation. She had spoken a little about being raised in Philadelphia, but little else so he knew nothing about her. He bit his tongue and thought back, still trying to decide if his suspicions were correct. Although he had only been in town for two weeks, he had heard about what Mrs. Jessup did here at her boarding house and the Jones story had confirmed that.

  That meant if Delilah was staying here, then she was most here in Rocky Ridge to find a suitor. And yet, he wavered. The young woman was beautiful, after all, so was she already promised to someone? Surely someone had already claimed her, or perhaps she was only visiting. Ethan couldn’t decide which was most likely to be the truth.

  Just as he was considering the idea of returning inside, the door creaked as he leaned against it and he watched Miss Waterford jump. The young woman whirled around, a hand over her heart. Her eyes widened at the sight of him, but she didn’t shrink away. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she offered immediately. “I didn’t realize you were there.”

  “Please,” he shook his head and cleared his throat as he stepped away from the door. “I’m the one who startled you. I assure you, I had no intention of upsetting you.”

  She offered a small smile. “I’m not upset, Mr. Townsend.” And after a moment’s hesitation, she glanced around and cautiously moved to the far side of the bench. “Do you want to sit down? You’re more than welcome to join me.”

  A slight blush rose to his cheeks, but Ethan found himself accepting the other half of the bench. He tugged at his collar and glanced around as he sat, making sure they weren’t touching. There was a good foot of space between them, of course, but suddenly it felt like nothing. He could nearly touch her. Ethan told himself he was being silly, after all. After Elizabeth, he had sworn that he would never be hurt again. For all he knew, Delilah truly did have someone that they hadn’t mentioned, or she couldn’t be trusted.

  “You’re a wonderful veterinarian,” she ventured after a moment.

  “What? Oh. Oh, thank you. I enjoy my work.” Ethan nodded and inadvertently began to bounce his left leg up and down. It was a nervous habit, but he couldn’t stop it. “Animals are good,” he continued in the following silence. “They, uh… they’re not like people. You can trust them. Not that you can’t trust people, that is, but… they’re very good at listening.”

  He watched her nod from the corner of his eye. “Yes,” s
he whispered faintly. “Yes, they are very good at that. Animals are quite clever. It’s part of what I love about Colorado so far. There are animals everywhere. We don’t get so many in Philadelphia. Just horses, of course, and a few dogs and some cats. I’d never seen a snake until I came out here.” Delilah cleared her throat. “Not that I care for them, but they are unique.”

  He couldn’t help a chuckle from escaping his lips. “They are, aren’t they? In New Orleans there were all sorts. Many times people brought animals with them that weren’t a typical pet. It’s a big seaport, after all, with people coming and going from everywhere. Sometimes, when I was tired of my studies, I would go down and just watch everyone with their strange creatures. I’ve seen monkeys, little ones, on leashes like pets. They’re very small, smaller than chickens and they can climb on people’s shoulders.”

  Delilah’s eyes were on him as he talked, listening attentively. “That’s fascinating,” she sighed. “I’ve only read about them in stories. Were they brown or were they black?”

  With a shake of his head, Ethan found himself turning to face her in the dim light. Most folks were in awe of the monkeys, but few thought to ask much about them. Trying not to show too much excitement, the young man shrugged. “Most of them are light brown with some black on them. Some have markings in white. Usually around their neck, like so.” He gestured for her and she nodded attentively.

  The two of them were discussing a tiger’s stripes when the door opened and his father stepped out. “There you two are,” he exclaimed in his booming voice. “It’s getting late, so I’m afraid I’m going to need to cut this short. Ethan, it’s best we don’t keep our hosts any longer.” And just like that, they were gone. There were farewells and Ethan drove home with his parents quietly.