Page 29 of Scarlett

Chapter Nine

“This isthe most entertainment I’ve had in a long time,” Gemina told Scarlett as they watched two drunken men attempt to help each other cross the street. So far they’d fallen twice and much to Gemina’s enjoyment, it had been quite a scene as once they’d fallen with one atop the other.

Scarlett shook her head. “I don’t understand why they drink so much, they can’t even walk straight.”

“I believe it happens without them knowing,” Gemina said between chuckles. “Let’s make some tea. Here comes Isabel.”

The pretty schoolteacher, Isabel Ward, was the pastor’s daughter and Scarlett was enjoying getting to know her. The trio, sometimes including Fern, had begun a tradition of spending an hour or so drinking tea while mending or doing a mundane task. They found it was much better to be with friends while doing so than alone.

“I have a huge favor to ask,” Isabel announced walking into the mercantile. “Would you ladies be interested in helping me make a few dresses?”

Both Scarlett and Gemina quickly agreed after Isabel explained about a new family with six children and not enough money to dress their school aged girls properly.

The afternoon went by quickly as they chose fabrics and each picked a different child to make a dress for. Too excited to wait until the next day, Scarlett decided she’d begin sewing that very night. She picked two different fabrics and planned to make at least three dresses.

It would fill her evenings when she fought to find what to do to avoid the stark emptiness of her marriage. This way she’d be busy and not have to think too much on it.

Although Emmett continued to be demonstrative and attentive when in bed, the rest of the time, it was as if she barely existed. He thanked her for the meals and often commented on how well she did something around the house, but other than that, he had very little to say.

She was cuttingfabric when he appeared earlier than normal from the clinic that day. “I’m going out with Josiah to Elias’ house. I won’t be home tonight.” He opened a cabinet and took out a gun belt and hat. “Ensure to bar the doors when I leave.”

Unsure of how to bid him farewell, she remained standing by the table. “Be safe.”

He nodded and neared and surprised Scarlett by kissing her on the lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Her husband was the strangest man she’d ever been in contact with. It was apparent he didn’t care for her, nor did it seem he was inclined to allow her to feel anything for him as well. If asked, Scarlett would have to admit she didn’t care for him. As a matter of fact, Scarlett was pretty certain she didn’t like him either.

It was certainly a strange situation. To live with someone, have intimacy, which she enjoyed, but not care for the person.

She let out a long sigh. Not much could be done about it. If anything, she was lucky in having a beautiful home, freedom to do as she wished during the day and if nothing else, she would be taken care of if ever she got sick.

At the last thought she giggled. Obviously, she’d not go at the clinic when ill since for some reason Emmett didn’t like her to go there.

It wasearly evening when a wagon pulled up and Scarlett rushed to the door. Immediately she began smiling and waving as Aurora and Evan had arrived. Evan climbed down and assisted his wife and son.

“Evan has to go see some patients that prefer he attend to them, so I asked to come along,” Aurora announced. “I hope it’s not a bother.”

“Of course not. I am excited that you came. I was not looking forward to an evening alone.” Scarlett was tickled at the idea of spending the evening with her visitors.

After seeing his family into the house, Evan excused himself and left.

“Who is he treating?” Scarlett asked Aurora who set about getting her toddler settled onto a blanket with some wooden toys.

Aurora’s eyes danced. “The women at the brothel. Emmett prefers not to and they asked that Evan continue to do monthly visits.”

The dynamic between Aurora and her husband amazed Scarlett, as she wasn’t sure she’d be comfortable with Emmett treating prostitutes. “It doesn’t bother you that he goes there?”

Her friend shrugged. “No, not really. Everyone should have medical treatment and the townsfolk are not very understanding of the working girls coming to the clinic.”

Aurora’s son Elijah was beautiful with bright blue eyes and curly dark brown hair. Scarlett and Aurora sat on the floor and played with him.

* * *

Emmett returnedthe next day to find his brother and family visiting. He was glad to see Evan. After witnessing the death of Josiah’s brother, he was grateful to spend time with Elias and now Evan.

When he entered the house, Evan greeted him at the door and Emmett hugged him. It was comical to see Evan’s expression. “Something wrong with you?”

“Can’t a man be happy to see his brother?”