Mail Order Emma by Linda Baten Johnson

Author:Linda Baten Johnson [Johnson, Linda Baten]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Joseph took his time with the chores. He needed to work the cotton fields today, but Emma York’s appearance turned his plans upside down. He’d wanted the benefits of marriage, the company, the help, and for the opportunity to start a family. After last night, he thought about marriage from Emma’s side, from his own Mama’s viewpoint.

Pouring feed into troughs for the animals, he recollected his childhood. He wrestled, trapped, fought, and hunted with his brothers. His papa used a strap, demanding strict obedience from his five sons. When his oldest brother left in the middle of the night, Joe went, too. Even as a scared fifteen-year-old, leaving Kentucky for Texas was the best decision Joe ever made.

His brother established his homestead a couple of counties to the east, and Joe worked there until he was old enough to qualify for land on his own. He’d headed further west and never looked back. He loved this place, every inch of it.

But why couldn't he remember his mama? She existed in his memory as a shadowy figure. He pictured her on the porch skinning rabbits, filleting fish, or in the kitchen cooking and cleaning dishes. He saw her outside scrubbing clothes in a wash pot and sitting in the evening making shirts and mending overalls. He couldn't remember his parents talking or laughing.

He slapped his forehead. That’s what I want. I want a home filled with laughter and happiness. I found contentment here, but I fear a woman without a sense of humor might succumb to despair in this harsh place.

He scraped his boots before going inside to wash. Emma’s walking stick leaned against the chair where she bounced a giggling and cooing Amos on her knee.

“He looks like an old man without any teeth. I think he’s smiling.” Joseph admired the happy glow on Emma’s face.

“Annie’s kids didn’t get teeth until they were over six months old. One of her girls bit everything, including the hands trying to feed, swaddle, or bathe her. I hope Amos isn’t a biter.”

Joe nodded to the trunks, still unopened in the parlor. “Emma, I’ve come up with a different plan.”

Emma sighed and set her lips. “What’s the proposal now?”

“To become better acquainted, I believe we should spend a lot of time together. I think we should both stay here.”

“Absolutely not, Joseph Walker.”

“Hear me out. I’d get Eli to come out. He and I could stay in the loft over the barn. You and Amos could have the house. Eli’s the preacher’s son. He works with me in the blacksmith’s shop. The two of us can split the time working in the blacksmith shop or here on the farm.”

“Tongues will still wag. We’ll be alone on the farm during the daylight hours. And I hoped to find some employment, so I could save for my return fare to Missouri.” Emma marched her fingers up the baby’s body then grabbed and wiggled his nose.

Amos gurgled his pleasure and watched her fingers, hoping for a repetition.

Joseph wiped the back of his neck with the towel.

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