Chase's Wife by Suzanne D. Williams

Author:Suzanne D. Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction, inspirational romance, 19th century, Christian fiction, clean & wholesome, romance, western, saga
Publisher: Suzanne D. Williams
Published: 2018-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

Lena dressed, brushing her hair into place, and ventured from the bedroom, nervousness tossing her empty stomach this way and that. Chase and her two brothers, Percival and Carvel, looked up from their seats at the table, and guilt built atop her other emotions. She should have risen earlier and prepared the meal, not left Chase to do it, as neither of her brothers were capable of cooking anything.

“Good morning,” she said, more cheerfully than she felt.

She’d awakened, alone, well after dawn, and been unable to rise, her brain beating with the thought she was wed to such a fine man. That alone had attributed to her slothfulness. She’d been unable to release the thought she was now his wife.

“Good morning,” Chase said. “I did not want to wake you.”

Her cheeks warmed, taking in her brothers’ studied glances. They’d have no idea what she and her new husband hadn’t done ... if they’d even realized how innocent she still was.

“You didn’t, but it is rare I sleep so late. I am faithful at the daily chores ....” She pointed behind her. “Already, I have decided to do laundry lest you run out of ...”

Thinking better of her statement, Lena hushed. In that instant, her brothers’ soiled clothing seemed to shine in her vision. If Chase wished her to dress better, then they should have new things as well.

“Is that what you wore yesterday?” she asked them.

Percival looked down at himself.

“Put on something fresh and give me those ... I hope with your learning to work you will purchase something new.”

Her stomach growled a complaint, and she mashed her fingers over it.

“Come, sit and eat,” Chase said. “The rest can wait.”

Obedient, Lena scooted out a chair and tucked her skirt beneath her. She filled her plate and scooped a portion.

“Shouldn’t she pray?” Percival asked.

Lena started. When had he been concerned with that?

“We prayed,” Chase responded, “but you may pray if you like.”

She stared at her brother all the harder. He appeared determined to follow through, and a minute passing, bowed his head and gave a blessing over the food. Chase smiled at her when it ended. Without comment, she dipped her gaze and took a bite. Her plate cleared, sometime later, she rose in haste and gathered the breakfast dishes. Chase rose as well and escorted her brothers outdoors, but a moment later, he returned alone. Her back to him, she pretended to be busy and so leapt at the touch of his fingers to her shoulder.

“My wife,” he said.

Her heart seemed to overflow at his words. He was wise to address her that way.

“Tricking your brothers into this marriage and forcing my hand took great boldness, yet speaking to God frightens you?”

He tugged her around, removing the dish from her hands.

“What do I know of God?” she asked. “My father didn’t speak of Him, except in vain. My brothers didn’t live by righteous rules. I cannot believe they’d pray at all.”

Chase shifted his hand to rest on her sleeve, his fingers closing around it, not harsh, but firm.

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