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Once the other sisters-in-law started to arrive, it felt as if the air thinned out a bit, and Constance wasn’t strangling on the words she wanted to say to her mother-in-law.
One of the other women took a knife out and helped Constance with the potatoes. “I’ve forgotten your name,” Constance said. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m Judy. Charles is my husband.”
“Thank you for making it clear how you fit into the family,” Constance said. “It’s hard to keep track of everyone.”
“Oh, I know. It’s a big family.”
“What about your family?” Constance asked. “Is it as large?”
Judy shook her head. “No, I was an only child. My ma wanted a handful, but she died when I was three, and Pa never remarried. So it was just me and my pa. He’s remarried now, which I think is good, but we spent a lot of years with just the two of us. I think he was relieved when Charles asked for my hand. It made it easier for him to move on with his life. He has three more children now.”
“I think that’s lovely. He must have really cared about you to remain alone for so long after your mother died.”
Judy smiled. “He’s a good father.”
“I’m glad! So does he have children around the same age as yours?” Constance asked, thinking about how odd that would be.
“He does. My eldest is older than any of his three with his new wife. I have the youngest out of us though. My little girl is just eighteen months. Though his wife is with child again. It’s amazing to me to see his happiness with Margaret.”
“That’s very sweet. I’m glad you have him in your life.”
Judy nodded. “As am I. I have the Berrys of course, but it’s not the same as having a family of my own.”
Constance nodded. “I’m sure it’s not. I miss my family something fierce.”
Constance didn’t notice Leonard behind her or his reaction to her words.
Chapter Seven
During the meal, Constance got to know her father-in-law a bit, finding him a jovial man. He seemed to be the exact antithesis of his wife, who seemed broody and negative. They were an odd pair, but they were happy with each other, both deferring to the other at different times.
Constance was quiet, listening to the chatter around her. The sisters were all planning to do different things and seeing who needed help. “I would love to have everyone over tomorrow afternoon,” Judy said. “I think it would be nice if we all welcomed Constance with an afternoon tea.”
The sisters all nodded enthusiastically. “I suppose I’m not invited,” Mrs. Berry said, and Constance froze. She hoped the woman wouldn’t want to join them, as she seemed to dislike everyone so much.
“Of course, you’re invited, Ma Berry. Would you like to bring one of your cakes for our dessert?”
“I think it would be better if we all learned what Constance’s cooking is like. Constance, you bring the cake.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Constance said, not wanting to cause any tension. “I enjoy baking.”
Mrs. Berry let her eyes rest on her newest—and youngest—daughter-in-law. “Well, then you may bake for all of us.”
“I’ll have to bring my two little ones,” Caroline said. “They’re not in school yet.” She gave Constance a sympathetic glance.
“Where are the children?” Constance asked, only then realizing the children weren’t seated with them.
“The men make them a huge table out of two sawhorses and some sheets of wood. They can be messy while they eat, and there’s no mess to clean up. Old Rebel cleans it up for them,” Betty said. “It’s a good arrangement.”
Mrs. Berry snorted. “Anything that keeps food off my floors is a good arrangement.” She looked at Constance. “If you drop any food, know that you will be sweeping it up yourself.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Constance said. What other words were there? She couldn’t believe Leonard couldn’t see how his mother was treating her—and apparently all of her other daughters-in-law as well.
Everyone pretended that nothing untoward was said, but it obviously made the other sisters as uncomfortable as it made Constance. The men must be so used to the way Mrs. Berry said things that no one took offense.
After the meal, Constance volunteered to sweep. She hadn’t dropped any food, but she was willing to do her part in keeping the old woman happy. Surely she would be happier once her house was clean again.
