AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I will do that.” She hated that she was going to be cooking food that was grown by other people, but they were his family, and she would need to swallow her pride.
Perhaps making biscuits in the morning to go with the eggs, ham, and potatoes would round out the meal, but she knew he wouldn’t make his opinion on the subject known, so she didn’t bother to ask. “What can you tell me about the children?” she asked, praying he would be forthcoming with information about his offspring.
He shrugged. “Two girls and two boys. Baby drinks goats’ milk. Bertie and Joe share a room. And with you here, I’ll have Nancy and Sally share a room.”
She bit her lip. “I told Nancy she could keep her own room. I’ll be the one waking up with Sally anyway.”
“Whatever you decide.” He stood up and stretched. “I’ve had a long day, and I’m heading to bed. Have to get up early for milking.”
“Wait. Do the children have a bedtime?” she asked.
“When you put them to bed is their bedtime,” he said, striding from the room, obviously not much caring what she did.
“I guess that means we’re all going to bed,” Jessica said, standing. “Joe and Bertie, I want you two to change into your nightclothes. I’ll be up to put you to bed in a few minutes.”
The boys ran off, going to do as they were told, which she took as a good sign. Nancy was sitting on the sofa, reading a book. “As soon as the boys are done in the bathroom, I want you to get changed as well.”
Nancy glared at her. “You’re not my mother.”
Jessica nodded. “I know I’m not. I’m very sorry your mother died, but you can’t blame me for it, because I was in Massachusetts when it happened.”
“Well, you can’t tell me what to do!”
“I’m afraid I can. Your father wanted me to take care of you children, so I’ll be telling you what to do, so you know what’s expected of you. Tomorrow I’ll be doing laundry and baking all day. I want you to come straight home from school to help me get the clothes in off the line.”
“That’s your job!” Nancy said.
“It’s our job. We’re the women of the house now, and it’s our job to ensure everyone is comfortable and wearing clean clothes. I’m not asking you to help me wash the clothes or hang them out, but I will need some help bringing them inside, and that’s not too much for you.” Jessica wasn’t going to be mean, but she had to establish who was in charge. Nancy reminded her a great deal of her sister Maisie, not thinking she should have to do chores.
“How do you know what’s too much for me?”
“Because I have younger siblings, and I know what I could do at your age. So you’ll do everything that I could do. Very simple, isn’t it?”
“I guess it is,” Nancy said, looking down. “I used to do chores with my Ma.”
“Did you like working with her?”
Nancy nodded. “I remember how to do most things. I just…it will be hard without her.”
“I’m used to doing everything with my ma too,” Jessica said. “I left her back east, and I have to do everything on my own now too.”
Nancy’s eyes met Jessica’s for the first time. “It’ll be better for both of us to work together.”
“Yes, it will. I’m really looking forward to having you with me.”
“I’m going to get ready for bed.” Nancy ran from the room and went upstairs.
Carefully turning down all the lights on her way to the bedroom she was sharing with Sally, Jessica thought about what seemed like a breakthrough with Nancy. She was certain the child would cause her more trouble, but maybe it would help that she knew Jessica was missing her mother as well.
Up in the baby’s room, Jessica saw her trunk had been placed in one corner, and she was thankful. She had planned to bring everything up a little at a time the following day, but she knew she couldn’t carry the trunk up on her own. Thankfully, George had understood that, and he’d done it for her. Perhaps he wasn’t as indifferent to her as she thought.
She quickly changed into her nightgown and climbed into the small bed that was off to one side of the room. She was sharing a room with an infant, and her step-daughter was down the hall on her own. She didn’t know how long she could continue to be kind when her new family did everything they could to avoid speaking to her. She would have to do her best.
She prayed for her entire new family, hoping they would get used to her quickly. She would happily work hard for them, but she deserved at least a modicum of respect for all she would do, didn’t she? She didn’t even know anymore. Maybe moving to Wisconsin to marry a dairy farmer was not something she should have done, though her mother had cheered her on. She would write to her mother as soon as she found some time and let her know that she was all right. Not happy exactly, but not hurting either.
It didn’t take long for her to drift off to sleep. Instead of dreaming of a man who loved her, she dreamed of one who tossed all her belongings out into the snow. Instead of dreaming of children and grandchildren, she saw herself growing old alone. Sure, she would probably still be married to George, but she’d still be alone.
Chapter Four
