Amanda nodded, unsure what to say. It would be different spending most of the two days with her husband, without him working and her trying to be of some use around the ranch.
Chapter 12
Amanda spent a lovely couple of hours visiting with Olive and the other Hampton girls when business slacked off. It felt lovely to sit and sip tea with friends, and Amanda felt more at home than she had since her arrival.
Teddy returned around lunchtime as Rosa and Christina were leaving, and seemed delighted at the idea of having a quiet lunch with his wife.
Around them, several men glared, but no one interrupted as the newest couple of Needful enjoyed the excellent food provided by the Hampton House.
“Orville took our bags to one of the rooms,” Amanda explained as she tasted the excellent soup. “It was very nice having a chance to visit with Ellen and her family,” she added with a smile. She wanted Theo to know how much she appreciated this time and the break from the rigors of a life she knew nothing about.
“How about after lunch we take a walk and head to the general store?” Teddy asked. “I don’t want you fussing about money either. If you need anything, you tell me. If it’s too much, I’ll put it on layaway for later.”
Amanda sat up straighter, amazed at Theo’s words. It had always been distasteful to discuss finances in her home. She knew her father had accrued a good deal of wealth over the years, but they seldom discussed it. Her mother simply purchased whatever she wanted. Any whim would do as an excuse for a shopping expedition.
“Thank you,” Amanda said, not sure what else she could say. With her new life, there were a few things she wanted, but she didn’t want to take too much when she seemed able to give so little
The sun was warm as they left the boarding house dining room and started down the boardwalk. Amanda took Theo’s arm, and they strolled slowly along the dusty street as he pointed out more details of the town.
“So, Dan Gaines started the town?” Amanda asked. She had heard so many things about Needful from so many people it was all muddled in her head.
“You could say that. Dan picked this place to build a ranch, and it happened to be close to a trading post. Over the way, there’s a mine for Mikolite, and once we settled here, the trader started doing more business, which drew men from there. Then other men came who wanted some land and the town started to grow.”
“But it wasn’t named until the wagon train with Dan’s brother, Spencer, arrived and the Hamptons built their boarding house?”
“That’s right,” Teddy smiled. “Now it’s Needful, Texas, a town to be proud of.”
Amanda looked down the dusty street at the few false fronted businesses as the tinkle of a player piano spilled out of the saloon. It didn’t seem like much of a town to her, but now it was home. She only hoped it would all turn out well for her. It was apparent from the first moment that they had met that Theodore Lewis wanted her to be his. Amanda hoped that would be enough to overcome their differences.
Teddy ushered Amanda into the store, smiling as they entered, for the first time as husband and wife.
“Hello there, Teddy,” William Scripts grinned. “I take it this is the new Mrs.”
“William, this is Amanda.”
“Mrs. Lewis, it’s nice to meet you. What can I do for you today?”
Amanda glanced at Theo, then met the other man’s dark eyes. “I was hoping you might have some readymade dresses,” she said. “I’m afraid my wardrobe is not well suited to my new responsibilities.”
Teddy’s eyes grew wide. He appreciated the pretty things his wife wore, but on closer inspection, they were not the best thing for helping Rosa at the ranch house.
“I’m afraid we don’t have readymade dresses,” Mr. Scripts said, scratching his head of dark hair. “I could ask Alice, and maybe she knows someone who can make you something.”
Teddy studied Amanda’s disappointed face then took her hand. “Why don’t you look at the fabrics you might like while William checks with Mrs. Scripts, that way, you’ll have an idea of what’s available.”
Amanda nodded. “That sounds like a good idea.” A moment later, she was perusing the calico and gingham on display, wondering what would best suit her everyday needs.
“Amanda, it’s so nice to see you again,” Alice Scripts hustled into the store’s main room with a smile. “William said you needed some dresses.” She looked down at Amanda’s fashionable, yet impractical garb. “I take it you don’t sew.”
Amanda looked up, spotting Theo chatting with Mr. Scripts and shook her head. “I’ve never needed to,” she admitted.
“Well, don’t you worry, I’ll think of someone who might have the time to do something up nice for you.”
The door behind them opened, and a blonde woman in a bright green dress walked into the store.
“Hello, Beth,” Mrs. Scripts greeted. “Have you met Amanda?”
“Only in passing,” the pretty woman smiled, her green eyes bright. “At the wedding as a matter of fact,” she added. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Amanda nodded in acknowledgment.
“Amanda is looking for someone to do some sewing for her,” Alice continued. “Do you know of anyone who might want to pick up a little ready cash for the work?”
Beth’s eyes widened. “As a matter of fact, I’d be willing to do it,” she said, looking at Amanda hopefully. “I’ve always made my dresses.” She furled her skirt lightly, highlighting the workmanship.
“That does look comfortable,” Amanda said, looking at the simple lines and lack of bustle on the practical dress.
“It’s also cool in this heat,” Beth grinned.
***
“You’re a lucky man,” William said, leaning on the counter and watching the women examining fabric. “She’s a pretty thing and interested in fitting in here in Needful.”
“Thanks,” Teddy grinned. “She is kind of special. I think she
