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“I understand,” Jessica said softly. “Do you think you’ll ever want a real wife?”
He shrugged. “Three days ago, I would have said no. Now, I’m not so sure. The children all seem to have taken to you. Even Nancy, whom I was sure would never speak to you.”
“Well, I hope someday our marriage is a bit more than the mockery it is now.” Suddenly waves of anger washed over her. She had come to Wisconsin in good faith, expecting to be a wife and mother. Instead, she felt like an indentured servant. She didn’t mind the work as long as it came with praise and love. So far, it came with nothing.
Instead of saying more, she walked from the room and went upstairs to bed. Someday the man would figure out what he was missing. Hopefully soon.
Chapter Six
By Friday morning, there were berries in baskets all over the kitchen, and Jessica planned to get the sugar she needed to make jam. Lots and lots of jam. The kids always seemed to want to take jam sandwiches for their lunches, and she wanted to experiment with raspberry apple butter.
As soon as the older children left for school, George hitched the wagon for their trip into town. Jessica held the baby, and Joe sat in the back of the wagon, happy to be going along for the ride.
When they reached town, George helped her from the wagon, which was truly the first time he’d shown her real manners. He took the baby, told Joe to stay where he was, and walked into the store with her.
Mr. Gunderson was behind the counter, and George quickly introduced Jessica. “Gunderson, this is my new wife, Jessica. I want her to be able to charge whatever she needs.”
Mr. Gunderson smiled and nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Fleming.”
“It’s good to meet you as well.”
Before she knew what was happening, George had left the store, and she was left to peruse and ask for what she needed. “I need twenty pounds of sugar, fifty pounds of flour, and butter to start with.” They’d just run out of butter, and though there was a churn, she felt her time was better used in other ways.
“Yes, of course. I’ll mark those on your tab and carry the supplies to the wagon. Let me know what else you need.”
In a cold case, she found chicken, beef, and pork. She chose sausage and bacon as well as chicken and beef for meals coming up. Then she turned to the yard goods, choosing a pretty yellow fabric for Nancy’s church dress. She chose buttons and thread to go with it and stopped momentarily when she saw a sewing machine. Her mother had one, and she loved it, but she felt George wouldn’t be pleased if she made such a large purchase.
When Mr. Gunderson returned to the store, he saw her stroking the machine. “You should get it,” he said. “George has quite a credit with us; that machine would make your life so much easier.”
Jessica bit her lip. She wanted it, but she didn’t feel right spending so much. “I’ll go and talk to George about it,” she finally said.
As soon as she stepped outside, George frowned at her. “Are you finished?”
“No, I wanted to ask you something.”
“Oh?”
“There’s a sewing machine in the store. I used one back east, and it made sewing so much less of a chore. I could finish a dress in a day with the machine, and there’s no way I could do that without.” She took a deep breath, prepared for his wrath. “Could I possibly buy the machine? I know they’re expensive but…”
“How expensive?” he asked. He didn’t seem angry to Jessica, so she continued.
“This one is forty-five dollars. Mr. Gunderson told me to just get it, but I couldn’t without talking to you first.”
George was still as he thought for a moment. “I think that would be all right. We have plenty of credit there.” He was standing beside the wagon, holding the baby and talking to little Joe.
Without thinking, Jessica flung her arms around her husband. “Oh, thank you!”
George looked stunned when he pulled back, and Jessica was terribly embarrassed. “I’m so sorry!” she mumbled, hurrying back into the store.
Once inside, she smiled at Mr. Gunderson, trying to block out the way she’d felt pressed up against George. “I’ll buy the sewing machine, and everything else on the counter, please.”
“You’re making a good choice, Mrs. Fleming. That machine will save you countless hours.”
“Yes, it will.” She pursed her lips. “Canning jars? I’ll be making jam and applesauce this coming week.”
“Oh, yes, ma’am.” Mr. Gunderson walked to the back room and produced three jars. “Which size?”
“I would like some of each if that’s all right.”
