Battered Soul: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Three Read online

  “I’m sorry your dress is torn.” Georgie stood and grabbed her sewing basket. She quickly pinned the bodice together. “This dress is stunning. I haven’t seen that color in a while, and I miss it,” Georgie told her.

  Iris’ face heated. “Thank you. I don’t even know what is in style anymore. I wear what I have.”

  Georgie chuckled. “I was in rags when I came here. I’m a mail-order bride too.”

  Iris tilted her head. “It worked out for you. I see the baby things.” She couldn’t help the longing in her voice.

  “Yes, we have a son named Douglas. He’s almost ten months old. He loves to get into everything.” Georgie’s voice was full of pride and happiness. Iris envied her.

  Sondra came in carrying a tray which she set down on the big table in front of the sofa. She handed out two cups and left sugar and milk on the tray. She then grabbed her cup and sat down. “I’m almost engaged to Walter Green.” She cocked her brow and stared at Iris as if warning her to stay away from this man, Walter.

  Iris shifted, so she Sondra wasn’t in her direct line of sight.

  “Do you have any family, Iris?” Georgie asked.

  “I lost everyone in the war; my sister and my mother and father. I’m the only survivor.”

  Georgie put her hand over her mouth. “Oh my, I’m so sorry, Iris. Most of us lost family members, but you lost so many. I’m glad you’re here.”

  A lump seemed to lodge itself in Iris’ throat. She swallowed hard. “Thank you. I’m glad I’m here too. It’s been a difficult few years. We’d all survived till the end, but Soldiers came after the war was over and decided they needed to stay in our house as they kept peace in the area.” She sipped from her mug. “The coffee tastes good, thank you.”

  They wanted to know more. Everyone always did, but she wasn’t up to it. “I know Lex brought me here without asking if it would be all right. If there isn’t a job open, I can go back to town…” Her voice drifted off at the end.

  “Mercy me, you will not be going back to Spring Water. You’re much safer here. You can double up with Sondra and help her with her work.” Georgie sounded so enthusiastic.

  Iris glanced at Sondra and saw her frown. It would not be easy, but nothing ever was. At least she was in a place where she could breathe fresh air and for that she was grateful. “Thank you so much. Is there a church nearby?”

  Sondra narrowed her eyes. “It’s the school, and on Sundays it serves as the church.”

  It didn’t matter so much. Iris prayed wherever she was, but sitting in the house of the Lord would have been a great comfort.

  “Reverend Shaw is living on the ranch now. We built him a house. He’d enjoy a visit from you I bet. Right now I’d say a hot bath will make you feel better followed by some rest. Sondra will help you.” At the baby’s cry, Georgie stood and walked to the stairs. “We’ll talk more, Iris. Just know you have a home here.”

  Iris’ heart warmed until she glanced at Sondra, who scowled at her.

  “Is there a reason you’ve taken an instant dislike to me?”

  Sondra shrugged her shoulders. “I can choose who I want to like. We know nothing about you, yet you’ll be sharing my room with me. Just remember I got here first and I’m practically family. That’s why I sit and have coffee with visitors. You haven’t earned that right yet. I’m in charge, and you’d better not give me any trouble. The tub is in the kitchen and the warm water is in the reservoir at the back of the cookstove. There is a bar of lye soap and a towel in the pantry. Be quick about it.” She sat back and sipped her coffee.

  If Sondra thought she was being mean, she was mistaken. Iris didn’t care. She’d enjoy the bath any way she got it. It was a blessing Lex had come to her rescue. Things could have gone badly. Sondra didn’t seem to know just how lucky she was to have such a job. There was no way she’d allow Sondra to make her miserable. Iris knew miserable, and it wasn’t even close to being here.

  Chapter Two

  Willis couldn’t help the way he kept glancing at Iris throughout supper. She wore a green dress that looked big but lovely on her. Her red hair hung in one braid down her back. She sure was pretty. Her skin seemed pale, and her hair had lost its shine, but who knew what she’d been eating lately. In some states food was scarce.

  There was something going on with her and Sondra. Sondra had cut Iris off every time she tried to speak. And he didn’t like the way Sondra looked at Iris as though she was a bug she’d like to squash. Iris was on the shy and quiet, so why would Sondra be so out of sorts this soon?

  Iris smiled despite Sondra.

  “This roast and potatoes taste delicious. Sondra, you did something different didn’t you?” asked Parker Eastman the ranch owner.

  Sondra smiled and shared it with Walter Green. “I’m so delighted you like it!” Her eyes sparkled as she glanced at everyone around the table.

  Iris stared at her plate and continued to eat without speaking. Willis picked up on the reason straight off. She’d cooked the meal, but Sondra was taking full credit.

  “I don’t remember your rolls being so light and delightful. It’s almost as if someone else was cooking today.” Willis didn’t bother looking Sondra’s way. She’d know the barb was for her. He figured Iris wasn’t the type to speak up, but she didn’t even give Sondra a glance.

  It disgusted Willis. Sometimes Sondra showed kindness, and other times she was plain selfish.

  As soon as supper was over, Sondra hopped up. She grabbed Walter’s hand. “We’re going for a walk.”

  “What about the dishes?” Georgie asked.

  “I cooked, Iris can clean. Bye!” Sondra dashed out of the house with Walter.

  Anger filled Willis, but Iris didn’t say a word. She didn’t even react except to stand and gather the dishes. She took a stack into the kitchen, and he followed her.

  “Iris, I know you cooked supper. It was too good to be Sondra’s cooking. Why didn’t you say anything?”

  Iris turned to him and shook her head. “Lex, I have a clean, dry roof over my head. I have fresh air to breathe, and I don’t have to hide. Best of all I’m not in constant terror. If it takes doing more work, I don’t mind. Sondra used to do this all herself. If she could handle it, I can too.” She reached out with hesitation and touched his arm. “Please Lex, let it be.”

  He placed his hand over hers and patted it. “I’ll do as you ask. I can help if you like.”

  “It would be fun, but Lex, I’m too tired to make conversation. I’d rather clean up and go to bed. But if the offer is still good tomorrow…?”

  “The offer is always good. You have yourself a good night.”

  The sweet curve of her lips was mesmerizing, and he wished he could give her a kiss but he hardly knew her. He walked out the kitchen door into the moonlit night. Since when did he notice kissable lips? He frowned. Even if it meant Parker would have a house built for him, he didn’t want a wife. He treasured his freedom. Who needed someone always waiting for him at home? Not he. It was too bad most of his fellow Confederate brothers had fallen under the spell of their wives. He shook his head. No, it would never happen to him.

  * * *

  Iris woke up sweating and upset, it was another nightmare. Good, Sondra was still asleep. The nightmare hadn’t made Iris scream. Sometimes they did and sometimes they didn’t; she had no control over them. The only constant was they came every night.

  It was strange that the realistic dreams started after she had escaped. She would have been killed if they had found her out. Running her hands over the blanket, feeling the comfort of being in a real bed, she sighed. With so many people around, she was calm.

  It was almost dawn. She might as well get up and make breakfast. She really didn’t mind the work. It would build her strength and energy. She was much too thin, but hard work and the right food would fix her.

  After rummaging through her bag she found a serviceable dress to wear. It was nice to have a choice of clothes after what she’d been thr
ough. Was she still wanted? She should have changed her name. Drawing a deep breath, she let it out slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. Things would work out for the best. She still had faith.

  When she was ready, she slipped down the stairs and lit the stove. Next she got the coffee ready to boil putting in just the right amount of salt to keep it from being bitter like the coffee Sondra had served the previous day.

  After checking the supplies, she became excited. There were ingredients to make cinnamon rolls. Rolling up her sleeves, she grabbed an apron and got busy.

  Parker came down first, sniffing the air with a wide smile on his face. “That smells wonderful! Any coffee ready yet?”

  She nodded and poured him a cup. He was such a big, well-muscled man, and she felt on edge.

  “Thanks. I always get up early and hope for some coffee, but most of the time I end up stopping in at the bunkhouse to grab some.” Parker tipped his hat to her and went out the back door carrying his cup.

  He seemed nice, but he’d take getting used to because of how strong he looked.

  Next she fried bacon and poured herself some coffee. She watched as Sondra flew down the stairs. She didn’t look happy.

  “Why are you trying to make me look bad?” she snapped.

  “I was up early so I made breakfast. It’s part of our job, isn’t it?” Iris took the perfectly cooked rolls out of the oven. “I’ll see how many eggs I can get from the chickens. It’s been a while since I had to go into a chicken coop.” She drank more of her coffee before she left. There was no pleasing Sondra.

  Inside the coop, she introduced herself to the hens. She talked to them as she felt for eggs. She ended up with ten eggs, all without getting pecked once. The sun was rising as she walked back to the house, and it filled the sky with orange, pink, and yellow bursts of color. It was glorious.

  Once she was inside, she carefully placed the eggs in a bowl then looked up to greet Georgie, who sat with a delightful young child on her lap. “Good morning, Georgie. Oh my, the wee one must be your Douglas. He’s adorable.”

  “Good morning to you too, Iris. I hope you slept well?”

  “Yes, I did. The bed is most comfortable. Can I get you more coffee?”

  “Please, and I’d love one of the rolls Sondra baked this morning. Having both of you is working to my advantage. Sondra has more time to spend on cooking.” She chuckled. “The coffee is the best I’ve had in a while too. Did you—were you—did you get over your fear of chickens? Sondra mentioned how hard she had to shoo you out the door. You’ll get used to them.”

  Iris pretended it didn’t matter that Sondra was fibbing and taking all the credit. At least she didn’t want it to matter, but it did. It hurt to know everyone was raving about Sondra and her sudden change in cooking. Iris turned and glared at Sondra. Then she served Georgie a roll and poured her more coffee.

  “The sunrise is incredible this morning. You have a fine ranch, Georgie.”

  “Thank you, Iris. It is beautiful. You should have Willis show you around later.”

  Sondra stepped between the other two women. “I think we’ll be busy today. Since there are two of us I thought we could move furniture and clean behind it.”

  “That is an excellent idea, Sondra.” Georgie appeared rather pleased.

  Iris turned away. “Can I make you eggs this morning, Georgie?”

  “Thank you, but I’m full. I need to get ready to go to Veronica’s place. Her time is near, and she’s nervous about being alone. Glory and I have been taking turns. You’ll meet them soon enough, I bet.”

  Iris watched Georgie carry her baby up the stairs. If things had been different, maybe… It did no good to bemoan about what could have been. She grabbed the dirty dishes off the table. Then she watched while Sondra inhaled a roll.

  “I suppose these taste all right. I think more cinnamon is necessary next time.”

  Clamping her lips pressed together was the only way Iris had to keep from saying something mean to Sondra. There was so much more to life than Sondra’s lies. Iris was glad when Parker walked in followed by Willis. She gave them both a grand smile.

  “I hope you have some breakfast left,” Parker commented as he filled his cup with coffee. He then grabbed another cup and poured a cup for Lex. “Have a seat.”

  Her face heated at the once over Lex gave her. Why he smiled, she didn’t know. Didn’t he find her lacking?

  Sondra put rolls and bacon in a front of the men. “I gathered the eggs after I made the rolls and cooked the bacon. Would you like me to fry you up a few?”

  Parker’s gaze met Iris’ and he cocked his left brow. Iris shrugged one shoulder.

  “I suppose since you cooked I have to clean?” Iris asked Sondra.

  Sondra opened her mouth but Lex interrupted.

  “I’m giving her a tour of the ranch today,” Lex said. “You understand.”

  Sondra glanced at Parker. “Yes. Take your time.” Her smile was plastered on her face. She was easy to read.

  “Are you ready?” Lex asked Iris.

  “Let me grab my hat.”

  “You won’t find your hat,” Sondra told her as her eyes filled with spite. “I burned it. It was a rag.”

  Iris swallowed her retort and nodded. “Then I’m ready.”

  Both Parker and Lex stood. Parker went to the wall by the door and plucked a hat off a peg. “Wear this. It’s Georgie’s. She wears it when she rides.”

  Iris took it and smiled. “I appreciate it.” She saw Lex give Parker a slight nod before he ushered her to the door and then outside.

  “I’m sorry Sondra thought she had the right to burn anything of yours. Georgie’s hat looks good. It’s the type most of us wear around here. Do you ride?”

  “It seems so long ago but I do. My sister and I… I like horses.” Thinking about her sister hurt her heart. Lex must have noticed. He asked no questions.

  “Will we be able to see the whole ranch?”

  Lex grinned. “It takes a couple days to get to the borders of the property to the north. We have well-stocked line shacks for when the cowboys are out there.”

  “Line shacks?”

  “A small shack with food and a tiny fireplace; it has one bunk and a lean-to for the horses. It’s usually used in bad weather. Most of the men I know like to sleep under the stars. But the weather can be brutal at times.”

  She followed him into the barn. She hadn’t seen so many horses in ages.

  “Iris, this is Sandler, and that is Max. We served together in the war under Parker.”

  Max tipped his hat to her. “It’s nice to meet you. My wife Veronica can’t wait to make your acquaintance.”

  “That goes double for my wife Glory,” Sandler said.

  “I’d be delighted to meet them and it’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

  Both men grinned.

  “We’ll ride out and tour the ranch,” Lex told them.

  The other two men exchanged glances, but she didn’t know what it was about.

  “We’ll saddle your horses for you. Why don’t you show her the new filly, Willis?” Sandler was still grinning.

  Iris followed Lex to a stall at the other end of the barn. He opened the stall door and there stood the most beautiful bay she’d ever seen. She had a beautiful white diamond shaped blaze on her forehead.

  “Oh, look at her! She’s exquisite! What’s her name?” Iris walked into the stall and stroked the filly’s face.

  “Diamond,” he replied with a chuckle. “We don’t have enough imagination when it comes to names.”

  She met his twinkling gaze and held it. “No. it’s perfect.”

  * * *

  Willis couldn’t take his eyes off of Iris, and her happiness drew him to her. “I suppose we should get going.”

  He held the stall gate open for her and then he followed her. They walked to the other end of the barn and found the two saddled horses. Sandler and Max weren’t around.

  “I love paints! What are
their names?”

  “Salt and Pepper.”

  Her brow furrowed. “You must explain why.”

  “It’s easy. Salt has more white and Pepper has more black.”

  She laughed and the light, melodious sound of it wrapped around him.

  He didn’t even ask if she needed help, just immediately lifted her into the saddle. Her waist was much smaller than it looked. He studied her for a moment and realized she hadn’t been getting enough to eat for some time now.

  After mounting Pepper he led them southwest. He forgot to ask if she knew how to ride astride. Many Southern ladies were used to a sidesaddle. But he watched her, and she sat the horse well. Many smiles were exchanged as they rode.

  Finally he turned into the woods. “Be careful of low branches.”

  “I will. It’s beautiful. The trees are so tall.”

  Her smile warmed him in a way he’d never felt before. He rode ahead of her and when he got to the waterfall; he stopped and jumped down. As soon as Iris stopped, he lifted her down, still marveling how she weighed almost nothing. His hands lingered on her tiny waist until she turned and darted a glance at their surroundings.

  “Oh, it’s lovely, Lex.” Her gaze settled on the bubbling pool beneath the cascading water. “There were times traveling through Texas I thought there wasn’t a drop of water around. Do you come here often?”

  “Only when I get a chance to be alone. You’re the only one I’ve brought here. I didn’t want this spot spoiled by others.”

  A smile flickered across her delicate face. “I’m honored you chose me to bring here. You don’t suppose I could wade in the water, do you?”

  “I’ll join you,” Willis told her.

  They both sat on the grass and took off their shoes, and then he watched as she walked right in, holding her hem up above the water.

  “It’s perfect. Not cold and not hot. It’s refreshing.” She jumped from rock to rock, and her enthusiasm was contagious. He quickly joined her, but he disagreed about her assessment of the temperature. He wanted to jump back out; the water was so chilling his toes went numb.