Chapter Five
After the deer wascut into meal-sized pieces and Belle had a stew on the stove, Maggie went home to bathe and wait for James to let him know they were eating with the Thompsons.
When James came in, he frowned at the stove.“You’re not cooking?”He’d expected her to have supper on the table for him.
“Belle and I spent the day foraging and hunting.We’re using potatoes that I found and the deer she shot, and we’re having a venison stew for supper.Belle cooked and invited us over.”
He sighed.“I do want some time alone with my bride from time to time.”
Maggie bit her lip.“I thought you’d want to go.I can make something for us.”
“No, you’ve already agreed.But I want us to have time together this evening after supper.So as soon as the dishes are done, we’ll head back here.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t do what you wanted.”
“I should have told you.We’ll get used to each other’s likes and dislikes.We’re home now, and it’s very different from traveling.We’ll have to settle into a routine that will make us both happy.”
Maggie nodded.“I met Mrs.Johnson today.I was surprised at how pushy the men were about what they want Belle to make next.I’m looking forward to contributing to our income by doing some baking of my own.”She told him what she and Belle had discussed about taking stew to the men during the day.
“Absolutely not.I don’t want the men ogling my wife.”James sighed.“When Everett scolded Belle in public, the men all fought over who would marry her when she divorced him.It was crazy.I don’t think we need to go through that.”
“I had no idea!”
“You should ask her about it.I’m sure she would tell you.”He washed his hands and face.“Well, I suppose we should go to supper.”
Maggie put on her coat and the mittens he’d given her.“I love these mittens.Where did you get them?”
“I traded for them with one of the Eskimos at Lake Bennett.They are always willing to make a trade.”
“What did you trade for them?”she asked.
“I took some pelts with me.I try to always take something if I know I’m going to be in the vicinity.”
“That sounds smart.”She wondered if he’d hunted for the pelts.“The little building Everett built for keeping food cold during the winter...Do you think you could build one?”
He shook his head.“There’s not enough room on the property.”
She sighed.“Belle said we could share hers if you said that.But it makes it a little harder.”
“It’ll be fine,” he said.“I have a feeling you and Belle will be spending a great deal of time together anyway.”
“Yes, we probably will.We did at the hotel as well.We tried to work the same parties so there would be a smiling face that we knew.”
“How long did the two of you work together?”he asked.
“Four years.The work was hard, and the days were long.I do have a little money saved up though.I’ll make sure to give it to you when we get home.”
“No, that’s your money.I’ll provide for us.”
The man was stubborn.“I’d like to contribute.”
“No, thank you.”
“So, if I earn money baking or sewing, you won’t let me use it for us?”Maggie wondered what was wrong with him.
“If you earn money, it will be yours to do with as you please.”James wanted to tell her that a man provided for his family, and the woman stayed home with the children, but he wasn’t sure how she’d react.That was all right, though.She’d come around to his way of thinking soon enough.
They’d reached the Thompsons’ cabin, and he rapped on the door.Everett opened it immediately.“Welcome!”
