A Headstrong Woman(127)

Alexandria snuggled close and would have stayed there had they not heard a buggy rolling to a stop in the yard below. Alexandria sat up and Jonathon stood to offer her a hand off the bed. She accepted and after a quick check in the mirror to assure herself she was presentable, she followed her husband downstairs. She emerged to find Ali and Colton helping Kelsey and Kelvin from the buggy.

“We barely even sustained any damage at our place but thought you might could use some help,” Colton explained their presence there.

“I appreciate that, Colton; truth is I’ve barely had time to do more than make certain no one was seriously injured.

“I figured as much, come on, I’ll help as much as I can,” Colton offered before turning back to his wife. “Don’t overdo it and no heavy lifting.”

“Yes, sir,” Ali responded with amused patience.

“That goes for you too,” Jonathon added to Alexandria.

“Okay,” Alexandria assured him. Colton and Jonathon turned away and a moment later seemed to be patting each other on the back. Alexandria and Alana smiled at each other.

“I’m sure they’re real proud of themselves,” Alana commented with a shake of her head. Alexandria snorted in an attempt to hold back her laughter and failed. Jonathon and Colton glanced back at the women as they linked arms and ordered Kelsey and Kelvin to follow them inside.

“When are you due?” Alexandria asked her friend.

“Dr. Carver estimated about six or seven months at my visit yesterday. You?”

“Seven or eight,” Alexandria related.

“That’s wonderful! Our children will grow up together. When did you find out?”

“Dr. Carver confirmed it today.”

“You’ve had a big day.”

“Bigger than you know. I hate storms,” Alexandria shuddered.

“Where’s Lilly?” Kelsey asked expectantly. She was older than Lilly but seemed to welcome the opportunity for a female playmate.

“She’s napping in the parlor but you have my permission to wake her,” Alexandria offered. Kelsey happily skipped down the hallway. Kelvin sighed and hesitated.

“Go on, playing with two girls isn’t going to kill you,” Ali instructed her son. Kelvin moved toward the parlor, his shoulders sagging. Alexandria chuckled. Her brother had often lamented at playing with his three sisters and had begged for a brother. The only other boys her mother had borne had not lived past a year in age.

“My brother was the same way, there were three of us girls; my older sister lives in California. I haven’t seen her or heard from her in a while.”

“I was an only child,” Ali shared.

“Things are pretty much seen to in here; would you care for some tea?”

“That sounds wonderful. Our hired help has finally arrived and Colton hired some men and I look forward to being able share cups of teas with my new friends instead of working constantly.”

“My housekeeper is leaving,” Alexandria shared as she prepared tea and set out a plate of cookies. “We’ll invite the children after they’ve had time to play,” Alexandria suggested.

“Good idea,” Ali agreed. “If you’re looking for help I could make some recommendations.”

“Really?” Alexandria asked with interest.

“Daniel Graves, the man Colton hired to be his foreman, his wife Kari, and their two children relocated here from Kentucky. Daniel’s brother, his wife and daughter hope to follow. Daniel and his brother and their spouses were slaves as children, if that bothers you…”

“Not at all, I would be thrilled to get their addresses from you, I know Jonathon could use help too and with Lilly and now another on the way…”

“You need the help; I know. I’ve often wondered how women less fortunate than us manage.”

“I’m sure we could if we had to,” Alexandria said confidently.

Alana smiled. “I like your spunk, Alexandria.”

“Thank you, Ali.”

“How are you and Jonathon?” Alana asked as Alexandria poured their cups of tea.

“We’re doing well; I was upset with him earlier but I got over it. Tell me, Ali…how did you know you were in love with Colton?” Alexandria asked pointedly.

Alana studied Alexandria. “You’re afraid.”

Alexandria blinked against tears. She knew Ali was only a few years older than her but her eyes belied her age. Alexandria now wondered if experience and wisdom were the reason behind this.