Amelia's Marriage by Agnes Alexander

Author:Agnes Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Published: 2016-03-03T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

After rearranging the furniture in the parlor the way she wanted it for the fourth time in two weeks, Amelia decided to start supper. She knew Jed and Curt would come in from the range hungry because they always did. She sliced ham, cooked some dried apples, stewed potatoes, cooked green peas and cut up tomatoes. Knowing the men would want bread, she made biscuits and put them in the oven. Since she still had time, she decided to make fritters with the stewed apples.

At six-thirty Jed came into the kitchen. “Something smells good.”

“I’m not the best cook in the West, but I think it’s edible.”

“So far, nobody has complained.”

“Good.” She took the biscuits from the oven. “It’s ready. Tell everyone to wash up.”

“Mort wanted me to ask you if you still want him to come in. I don’t think he can get used to having his meals in the house.”

“It’s hard enough to keep you and Curt full. I don’t intend to cook and start carrying plates around. Which means Mort eats with us or he doesn’t eat.”

Jed chuckled. “I’m sure he’ll choose to continue to come inside over starving.”

Mort still seemed to be a little uncomfortable at the table, but he ate well and thanked Amelia profusely, telling her it was one of the best meals he’d had in a long time which was the same thing he said every evening. After a second cup of coffee with the apple fritter, he thanked her again and hurried out the back door.

“Well, Amelia,” Curt said, “I think you’re winning over our hired hand and I certainly understand why. It was delicious.”

“Thank you.”

“If Jed hadn’t already snagged you, I’d be there fighting for your hand.”

“Sorry, my friend.” Jed laughed. “Amelia’s hands are taken.”

For six months anyway, she thought. Aloud, she said, “I appreciate the thought, Curt. Even an old married woman likes to be flattered. Now would you fellows like another fritter?”

“I would like another one.” Jed winked at her and added with a grin, “And I don’t appreciate you calling my wife old.”

Amelia blushed.

“Since you twisted my arm, I guess I’ll have one, too.” Curt gave her a sheepish grin.

She poured them more coffee and served the fritters. As they ate she began stacking the dishes.

“Have coffee with us, Amelia.” Jed took hold of her arm. “I’ll help you clean up when we finish.”

She gave him a surprised look. “Don’t tell me you wash dishes.”

“I’ve washed a good many of them in creeks throughout the West. I figure it won’t be much different in a kitchen.”

“He’s right, Amelia. I don’t expect you to wait on us. Me especially.” Curt cut into his fritter. “You’re Jed’s wife, not mine.”

“You guys are working hard rounding up those cows to brand. I don’t mind doing my share.” Amelia sat beside Jed.

He patted her knee. “I know you don’t, and don’t get me wrong. I appreciate this wonderful meal, but I don’t intend for you to become a servant to me or anyone else on this ranch.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.