Amalie, having enough of Aunt Hortense’s rude behavior, couldn’t help herself and added, “It’s probably stew made from whatever animal the cook found on his way to work this morning.”
Constance paled, Faith giggled, and Aunt Hortense shot Amalie a scathing look.
When the waiter returned with plates of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans, Aunt Hortense asked what type of meat he was serving them.
“Beef, Ma’am. The best that can be found,” he answered and hurried off.
Amalie couldn’t contain her laughter. Even Eliza giggled, knowing Blake’s aunt would be angry with Blake for allowing his wife to act in an unseemly way. She was used to women like Aunt Hortense. She had seen enough of them working for the Richards.
While Constance and Aunt Hortense picked at their meal, moving food from one spot to another on their plates as if the cook had hidden something under the mashed potatoes, Blake and the other ladies enjoyed the tender roast beef.
The fresh apple pie was enjoyed by all, and when they were nearly finished, Ray approached the table.
“Afternoon, Blake. I brought the wagon to pick up the ladies’ luggage.”
“Afternoon, Ray. Ask the desk clerk. Someone from the hotel will bring the luggage down, and before you head home, stop at the dressmaker’s and pick up Eliza’s packages,” Blake instructed.
“Yes, sir,” Ray answered and tipped his hat to the ladies and hurried off.
“We can head for the ranch anytime everyone is ready,” Blake said. “I’ll pay the bill for our lunches, and we’ll leave.”
Blake helped Eliza rise from her chair, and Aunt Hortense, Amalie, and Faith slowly walked to the dining room doors while Constance sat waiting for Blake to also help her. He mumbled under his breath that this was going to be a long visit as he helped Constance from her chair.
“Thank you, Blake,” Constance said, batting her long eyelashes at him.
“You’re welcome,” Blake answered and held his arm out for Eliza, leaving an unhappy Constance to walk alone.
As they left the hotel heading for the carriage, Blake waved at Ray, heading home with a wagon full of trunks and carpet bags. He hoped Eliza’s packages took up quite a bit of space, too. She deserved as much, if not more, than whatever Constance had drug across the country.
Once settled in the carriage, Aunt Hortense asked about the living arrangements and if Blake’s home was large enough to accommodate all of them.
“I have a guest room for you, Aunt Hortense, and there is a smaller bedroom upstairs for Constance,” Blake said.
“We’re guests. Surely Constance should have a large room. Perhaps you should give her your room.”
“No,” Blake answered. “Eliza is settled in my room. It’s her room. The upstairs room will do nicely for Constance.”
Eliza laid her hand on Blake’s arm, sending that warm feeling into his chest that he felt earlier, and said, “I don’t mind, Blake.”
“See,” Aunt Hortense said. “It’s settled. Constance will have your room, and Eliza will have the small room.”
“Absolutely not,” Blake insisted. “Eliza is my wife, and she shares my room with me. That is my final word.”
Aunt Hortense was silent the rest of the ride to the ranch. Blake turned to look at Eliza and winked. She smiled back and blushed.
Chapter 9
Blake rode back, slowly stopping occasionally to point out landmarks and where his ranch began. Aunt Hortense didn’t seem the least bit interested, and Constance kept sneezing into her lace handkerchief
Sarah met them on the porch greeting the ladies, telling them that Ray had dropped off their luggage, and she told him to put it in their rooms. “I hope I got it correct because your names are on your luggage, and I had Miss Constance’s luggage taken to the upstairs room.”
Sarah looked at Eliza, “I put all your packages on your bed. If you need help with them, just ask me.”
Sarah hurried off to the kitchen to prepare tea, and Aunt Hortense looked at Blake and said, “Tell your servant to come back here right now. She can help Constance and I unpack.”
Blake turned his head and said, “I know what you’re used to Aunt Hortense, but I don’t have servants. Sarah is my foreman’s wife. She graciously comes here and cooks meals to keep me from starving and cleans the house to keep me from living in a pigsty. I expect you to treat her with respect as a family member and certainly not a servant.”
Eliza hurried into the house behind Sarah, not wishing to listen to any more of Aunt Hortense’s rant. Eliza apologized to Sarah and said, “I know she’s Blake’s aunt, but she is the rudest woman I have ever met. I think her visit will be taxing on both of us. I know she wants Blake to marry Constance and divorce me or annul the marriage. I understand now why Blake was in such a hurry to acquire a proxy bride.”
Sarah shook her head. “I plan to ignore the woman. I know both you and Blake explained to me last night that she was difficult, but I had no idea she would refer to me as a servant. I suppose I could get angry, but it’s easier to ignore her.”
“You’re a kind woman, Sarah, and I’m glad you’re my friend. I know I’m going to need one before Aunt Hortense leaves.”
“I think we both will,” Sarah agreed.
Blake hurried into the kitchen and took Eliza’s hand. “Come with me before Aunt Hortense and Constance realize we’re gone. You wanted to meet Barney, and now’s your chance.”
“Oh, but what about Sarah. She’ll end up listening to your aunt’s anger,” Eliza said.
“Not me,” Sarah said. “I think it’s time for my afternoon stroll. I’m going to walk home and have a cup of tea in solitude before coming back to prepare supper.”
“I’ll help you with supper,” Eliza offered, and the three made a hasty retreat out the back door.
“Barney will most likely be in the barn or behind the barn sleeping in the shade. He
