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"Of course I do. Now. But when we first married I wasn't as sure. I had a lot of beaus. But there was something about your father, I'm just not sure what that was. And I've sadly neglected teaching you more about being a woman. Twenty is old to be marrying. You should know that! You and Martina both are old enough for marriage. And as far as love is concerned, well honey, you'll get to know him. Besides, I seen you starin' at him from the swing. You're already attracted to him. That's half of it right there."
"I look at a man, because he's nice looking and you automatically think I want to marry him, Mama?" She cried.
"I guess I'm next, huh?" Martina approached her mother with dismay. "Boy if you are a girl around here you better watch out."
Seeing the rebellion in Martina's eyes, her mother shrugged. "Women are supposed to marry and have children. I've taught you both about well…you know…and you are ready to take a husband. Your Pa and I both think it will be good for you. It's time you grew up, Beth. You do your chores, your responsible, but you haven't grown up in a lot of ways. Now you will have to." Her mother glanced at Martina. "And yes, you'll be next."
Martina rolled her eyes effectively.
"Mama, I know we have very little, but…I thought you meant when I find a boy…or man…I like and want to get married. Not the first person who looks at me." Beth cried and flopped on the bed's edge.
"Don't you want to help your father get out of this debt?" Her mother nearly screamed.
It was obvious to both girls their mother was sick with worry.
"Of course I do…but, it's a gambling debt." Beth went through her one drawer and pulled out her gown to sleep in. "He knows better than to gamble. Besides, the best boy I know is Oliver I just hadn't considered marrying him is all."
"Oliver is marrying his third cousin. It's been decided years ago."
"His cousin. Isn't that sinful?" Martina gasped.
"Probably, but his family insists they are only third cousins, once removed. He's known her all her life. He likes her."
"Does he know?"
"Yes, he does. He's known for some time."
"But he never…. mentioned it…" Beth's eyes widened. There were so many things she didn't know about boys and men and getting married.
"He's never mentioned her to me." Martina gasped.
"Well, maybe because he thought you two might get married. I don't know. But this is an arranged marriage, just like yours will be. And yes dear, it is gambling. But the man agreed to give us credit at the General Store and absolve the entire debt." Her mother told her. "It's for the best, Beth, you'll see. In years to come you will thank me."
"But why me? Martina is much prettier with her dark hair."
Her mother looked around the room, then at Martina. "Because he asked for your hand. I guess he was taken with you."
"He asked father for my hand in marriage?" Beth screwed up her face. "He actually asked?"
"That's right. He did." Her mother nodded. "He likes you."
"Just like that, he likes me, so I'm his?" Beth's eyebrows knotted in the middle. "How can he like me; he doesn't even know me."
"I don't know dear, but he does. He's been making his own way for some years now and for some reason you caught his eye. Love's funny like that."
"Love? He doesn't love me Mama." Beth cried.
"Well, he's taken with you, then." She cajoled.
"How long do I have here?" Beth asked looking at Martina.
"A week. You'll be married in a week."
"A week. Oh Mama…" Beth cried out.
"It's not as bad as your making it to be. Besides, this is the only way that debt can be paid."
"But I'm a good hand around the farm, I do a lot of work around here. I'd think Pa would want me to stay. Won't Pa miss that?" Beth pleaded, peeling her dress off and putting the gown over her head. The gown like all the others had been made out of an old tow sack. But many washings had made it soft and pliable against her skin. She found comfort in it.
