Are You Hungry?
Elizabeth crawled into bed and pressed against Jack's back, "Good night…I love you."
"Hmm, good night," he remained on his side facing away from her, "I was just starting to fall asleep."
"I'm sorry, I was just getting a few things ready for tomorrow," she kissed his shoulder, "You worked so hard today, I hope you have a good sleep."
"Do you know his family?"
"Who's family?"
"Ross…I guess he's from the Hamilton area," it was weighing on Jack's mind.
"Oh, I wasn't aware he had a family, and no, I don't know the name," she brushed her cheek against his shoulder.
"Oh," he said.
She sighed, "Jack, are you worried about something?"
"Course not, I'm just tired. Good night…"
Elizabeth rolled onto her back, "Good night."
The next morning Elizabeth dressed for school while Jack made breakfast.
"Good morning Jack," she poured herself a cup of coffee.
"Good morning beautiful," he placed a plate before her and kissed her cheek.
"How's my Mountie today? Ready for another day of building?" She asked searching his face.
He smiled, "I am…want to finish that barn as quickly as possible."
Later, after Jack walked Elizabeth to school, checked on things at the jail, he went home to work with Ross, "So, did you know Elizabeth's family…from years ago?"
Ross looked up, removed the nail from between his teeth, "Have no idea."
"Maybe you don't remember," Jack quipped.
"What's her family name?"
"Thatcher."
"Oh, I know of them, but never met them."
Jack nodded and kept working.
After school, Elizabeth went to town before heading home, stopping at the store to see Miss Ardell, "Hello, I was wondering if you could help me with something."
"A dress that fits you?" Miss Ardell looked at Elizabeth's strained seams.
She nodded, "Yes, I need a little adjustment," she put her hand on the side seam.
"I have two dresses that will be just what you need," she went to the rack of garments behind her. "Here, take these home and try them. I can move the buttons a few times…for the future."
Elizabeth looked at her and the seamstress winked. "Oh, well, yes, I'll need that, I suppose."
"You'll also need a different corset," she reached into a drawer.
Elizabeth glanced down, "What kind? I can barely tolerate the one I have now."
"Like this, it expands a little," she stretched it, "and gives you support," she touched her own chest and looked at Elizabeth's visible cleavage.
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the woman's action, "Oh!"
"You're going to need that," the seamstress said, "for a little while anyway."
"I'll try that too, can you wrap them for me please?"
"I have a nice cloth bag," she put the items in the bag and handed it to Elizabeth.
"What do I owe you?"
"Let me know if everything fits then you can pay me."
"Okay, well thank you," she said.
"Oh is that man still at your place?"
Elizabeth turned, "My husband…" knowing the seamstress admired Jack, "Yes of course he is."
The seamstress smiled, "No, not the Mountie, the other one, the man with all the lumber?"
Elizabeth smiled, "Oh…yes he's helping my husband build a barn. Why?"
"I saw him in town, wondered who he was. Handsome don't you think?"
"I suppose," Elizabeth wondered.
"Maybe if he comes in here I'll just have to talk him into a new shirt," she tapped her chin.
"So you can get some measurements?" Elizabeth was on to her.
The seamstress nodded and the two women giggled. "Let me know if you accomplish that," Elizabeth said and she left the store for home.
As Elizabeth approached the house she saw Ross but not Jack. "Good afternoon," she smiled, "Is Jack inside?"
"No Ma'm, he was concerned that you weren't home and headed off to the school to check on you," Ross replied.
"Oh dear. I had an errand to run," she looked over the barn walls, "got quite a bit erected…"
Ross laughed softly, "Ahh, yeah."
Elizabeth closed her eyes realizing what she said, "Excuse me," she hurried to the house. She looked out the window to see him smiling. She then emptied the contents of the bag, wanting to try on one of the dresses. She quickly removed her dress and unbuttoned a new dress.
Ross went to the porch, "Ma'm, I'd like to get a drink if that's okay?"
Elizabeth heard him, "In a minute."
Ross opened the door. Elizabeth, thinking Jack was home, went to the hallway, holding the new dress up in front of her, "Oh!' She pressed the dress against her seeing Ross. Jack then walked in behind Ross, "Elizabeth…" he looked at Ross, hand still on the doorknob, "what's going on?"
Elizabeth gasped and hurried back into the bedroom.
Ross explained, "I was just going to get something to drink…pardon me." He turned and went back outside.
Jack thought for a moment and went to the bedroom where Elizabeth now was trying to button the new dress. "What are you doing? What's that?"
"I went to town and got a dress…that hopefully fits me," she looked up, clearly frustrated.
"Why aren't you wearing it?"
"I was putting it on…I thought you were coming in," she licked her lips, "I'm so embarrassed Jack."
"Elizabeth…"
"Jack!" She smoothed her hands over the dress, "Don't you like it?" She stretched her neck and held her head high.
Jack laughed, "Yes…nice dress," he walked to her, "your others were a little tight around the waist."
She huffed, her hands on her hips, "I seem to recall you saying that to me before!"
Jack couldn't help but grin, "Well, I notice these things…especially on you," he kissed her cheek to smother his laugh and touched her dress, "now I can tell you that your dresses are getting tight in other areas as well. And this dress, if you buttoned it properly, would be even nicer." He redid the buttons and tapped her side, "There…very pretty, just like you."
"Jack," she grabbed his shoulder, "Do you think he noticed I wasn't wearing the dress? Maybe he didn't even notice!" She shook her head in denial.
Jack pulled her close, "Ah, yeah. He's a man and you're a woman, he noticed. I believe he's also a gentleman and was probably more embarrassed than you were."
"I don't know about that, I'm pretty embarrassed," she said as she looked down.
He lifted her chin, "Kiss me," he looked at her lovingly and they shared a tender kiss, "and don't walk around the house half dressed unless I'm here with you."
Elizabeth stepped back, her shoulders rose and she brought her hand to her mouth, "Excuse me," and ran to the bathroom.
"Kissing me makes you sick?" Jack quipped.
"Of course not," she yelled.
Jack frowned and felt his own stomach turn, "I'm going outside," he turned, "before I join you."
Ross walked to Jack, "I apologize for that, I did knock and ask if I could get a drink."
Jack put his hand up, "Its fine, just next time, wait until someone comes to the door."
Ross nodded. He turned and went back to work. Jack watched him for a moment. Ross was tall, had dark hair long enough to brush against his collar. Jack was certain the ladies would say he was handsome. The suspenders crisscrossing his back covered a body that obviously had seen some hard working days. Jack assumed they were about the same age and thought as time went on he would find out more about his quiet carpenter.
Inside, Elizabeth laid down across the bed, tired from the day and her latest bout in the bathroom, hoping the stomach aches would fade away.
Jack entered the house, not finding Elizabeth in the kitchen or any food cooking, he went to the bedroom. He smiled seeing his wife asleep on the bed. He lifted the dresses from the bed to move them to her closet, another garment fell to the floor and picked it up. It was some type of corset. He ran his finger over the little pink rosette, smiled and put all the items into her closet. He inhaled, taking in her perfume that sweetened the closet air, before returning to the bed and carefully crawling next to his sleeping beauty. He was tempted to kiss her, run his hand across her belly, but he knew she was tired and decided to let her nap. Jack headed back outside to work with Ross.
"Are you hungry? Stay for supper?" Jack asked as they hoisted a bean into place.
"No, thank you, not tonight," Ross didn't want to intrude.
Jack looked toward the house, "I know she isn't the best cook, but she tries."
"Better with practice, I'm sure," Ross nodded, "and I've had worse."
Elizabeth woke from her nap and hurried to the kitchen to find Jack at the stove. "I'm sorry…" she yawned.
Jack turned, "No need to be sorry, I made us dinner," he proudly held up two plates.
Elizabeth sat and after a few minutes began to get emotional.
"What is it? It can't taste that bad," Jack said.
"I don't want to get big like Carla!" she let out a whimper as she pushed her food around the plate.
Jack sighed, "Elizabeth, even I know enough that after a woman has a baby she gets her figure back and I'm sure you will too. You need to eat."
Elizabeth nodded and took a fork of food. A clap of thunder made her jump.
Jack went to the window, "Another storm, I'm going to cover the lumber, I'll be right back."
Elizabeth went to the icebox and retrieved a raw carrot and munched on it as she looked out the window at Jack. The wind blew the door open and she ran out onto the porch as the rain began.
Jack ran to the porch, "Why are you out here?"
She smiled, "Just watching you."
"Oh," he touched her arm, "Were you thinking of rocking?" He wiggled his eyebrows.
She glanced at the rocking chair, "Maybe you should bring the chair inside, don't want it to get wet."
Jack frowned, "Okay, I'll do that." Jack carried the chair into the house, silently hoping to use it this evening.
Elizabeth followed him and they returned to the kitchen and finished their meal. Later, Elizabeth sat in the parlor while Jack lit a fire. He sat on the rocker and looked at her. She smiled sweetly and patted the cushion next to her. Jack moved to her side and she snuggled against him. "Is something bothering you?" He asked as he rubbed her shoulder.
"No," she said.
Jack looked at the rocker, "Did you want to rock?"
She sat up and faced him, "Not tonight, I think I'll go to bed." She got up and left him sitting there. Her moods were unpredictable. Jack knew it wasn't a good idea to ask more questions, so he followed and was content to hold her through the night.
The next morning, Jack was outdoors removing the wet tarps from the lumber. He went back to the house to find Elizabeth sitting in bed. "Are you okay?" Her behavior was beginning to trouble him.
She swung her leg out from under the sheet, "Come here Jack."
Jack walked to her, "What is it? Are you sick?"
"Lie here with me," she moved the sheet to reveal her body barely covered with a negligee, one strap down near her elbow.
Jack swallowed, "You ….want…" he could barely look away.
She pulled his hand and he sat on the bed, "Elizabeth…"
She unbuttoned his shirt, pulling him toward her, "Hurry Jack."
He kissed her and they fell back. She tugged at his clothes, and he helped. He was surprised by her advances, but the way she was touching him only fueled his desire. This certainly wasn't their normal morning routine, but Jack welcomed it, he rather enjoyed her eagerness and forwardness. In a matter of minutes they were breathless, he wiped the hair from her face, looking into her eyes. She stayed wrapped tightly around him until he smiled and hissed through his teeth, "I don't really understand pregnancy, but I like it." She giggled, "See what happens when I lay here thinking about you." Jack nodded, looked away, "I had that happen hundreds of times." He kissed her nose and sat up. She adjusted the negligee which was bunched around her midsection and climbed off the opposite side of the bed and went to the bathroom, crying softly. He wasn't sure what to think. Why was she so emotional? When she came out of the bathroom, she stopped in front of him. "I love you Jack."
"I love you too," he touched her cheek, "Are you okay? I'm worried about you."
"I had a dream that you didn't want me…" her eyes were wide, "I was pregnant and big!"
Jack shook his head, "You don't have to ever think that," he stood and held her, "I can promise you this, I'll always want you," he whispered in her ear. "Always…" he kissed her ear.
She went to her closet, "Is it wrong that I think about you all the time?" She dropped the negligee on the floor and touched her belly.
"No, it's not wrong," he went to the doorway, "I think about you all day too," he tapped the door frame and headed to bathroom to prepare for the day.
After school, Elizabeth headed to town to settle up with Miss Ardell. She stepped aside for a wagon to pass, surprised to see Ross driving, "Mrs. Thornton, would you like a ride?"
She smiled and accepted. "Seems you're always driving me around," she smiled.
"Couldn't have a lovelier passenger," he smiled.
They rode into town and he assisted her off the wagon. Nearby, the ladies reading group had exited the café. "Look!" One held up her hand pointing to Elizabeth and Ross. "Who is that?"
One lady stared, "Not the Mountie…who is that man?"
"I bet I know!" another exclaimed. "Must be Marco!"
Several women gasped, "Could be, he's tall, dark and handsome…and with the right person, the Mountie's wife!"
"Let's watch and see if he walks funny!"
They all laughed, but one looked back again, "Do you think it really could be Marco?"
Ross accompanied Elizabeth into the mercantile. "There's someone I'd like you to meet," Elizabeth said as she walked in past the door Ross politely held open for her.
Miss Ardell was busy with a customer so Elizabeth and Ross looked at merchandise. Ross picked up an item examining it. Elizabeth walked over, "I know that is a wood carver, I've used one before," she said proudly.
"Yes, I admired your wood carving, very well done," he smiled.
"You did?"
"Yes. What else have you done?"
"Nothing, just that one piece."
"That's a shame, you should keep going, make other things, show off another of your many talents," he spun the tool in his hand.
Elizabeth's mouth hung open.
"Mrs. Thornton, how are you today?" Miss Ardell approached.
Elizabeth shook herself from Ross' statement, "Oh, hello. I'm well, I'd like you to meet someone, this is Ross Sethridge, he's new in town, Miss Ardell, a gifted seamstress."
Ross nodded, "This town certainly has its share of beautiful and talented women," he looked at Elizabeth before acknowledging Miss Ardell, "It's a pleasure."
The seamstress was immediately smitten by the handsome man. "Welcome, so nice to meet you." She nervously showed him around the store. Elizabeth watched them, occasionally catching Ross looking at her through the shelves. She smiled when several times he raised his eyebrows at something Miss Ardell said. Elizabeth couldn't hear, but knew the feisty seamstress was rather outspoken, so she could only imagine.
"So, where's the Mountie? I could use a new drawing or two if he has the time."
Elizabeth looked at her, "Oh, I'll tell him, I'm sure he'll be glad to draw for you," she reached into her purse, "Here, I wanted to pay you for the dresses."
"Thank you," Miss Ardell said to Elizabeth but looking at Ross.
"I have to go," Elizabeth nervously pulled the strings of her purse and turned toward the door.
Ross nodded to Miss Ardell and hurried to open the door for Elizabeth.
The seamstress watched as Ross assisted Elizabeth onto the wagon, noticing the way Elizabeth moved away from Ross once he sat next to her. "Interesting…"
She sat down and began sewing a hem when the door flew open, "Hello Mountie, that was fast!"
Jack looked at her, "Fast?"
"Yes, I told your wife I wanted you to draw something for me, she said she would tell you."
"Oh you did? When was that? Was she here?"
"Oh…well, they just left," Miss Ardell was slightly disappointed.
"They?" Jack looked toward the door.
"Yes, her and that hired hand…who is very handsome."
Jack smiled, "What were they doing in here?"
"Well, your wife paid me for the dresses she purchased and he…well, he just…paid attention," she laughed at her own joke.
Jack's brow crinkled, "What's that mean?"
"He was very attentive…to your wife," she said, "maybe she can push him my way!"
"I'll mention that to her," Jack squinted, "I better head home."
She looked at him, "Wait, how are your pants holding up?"
Jack glanced down at his trousers, "What? Fine…."
"Just checking," she looked over his trousers.
"Miss Ardell, these weren't the trousers that ripped."
She gave him an innocent smile, "I know…"
Jack shook his head and left the store. As he walked out of town toward home, he wondered why Ross would have been in town with Elizabeth and wondered why his attention to Elizabeth was so obvious to Miss Ardell. Jack shook his head, not wanting to let his imagination get the better of him. His wife was such a kind and generous person, they probably were talking and the seamstress misunderstood their conversation. Jack loosened his collar and walked a little faster.
At the homestead, Elizabeth took two cups and a pitcher of lemonade out to the porch where Ross waited. He took the cups while she poured, "Refreshing on such a warm afternoon," she said, "sit for a minute, Jack should be home soon."
Ross sat on a chair opposite a small table that separated the two chairs. "Thank you, this is very nice," he looked out over the land, "great spot you have here."
"Yes, Jack picked the best spot for our home," she sighed contentedly before finishing her drink. She placed the cup on the table, but missed and it rolled off. "Oh no, it's going to roll right off the porch!"
Ross was quick to retrieve it, falling to his knee as he reached under the porch railing and turned back to return the cup to Elizabeth.
Jack rounded the corner and did a double take. He hurried to the porch.
"Jack! So glad you're home, just in time for some lemonade," Elizabeth said.
"No thanks. Hello Ross," Jack nodded.
Ross nodded and turned to Elizabeth, "Thank you for the drink Mrs. Thornton, I'll get back to work."
Jack smiled, "I heard you two were in town…"
"Yes, Mr. Sethridge gave me a ride. I paid Miss Ardell for the dresses and introduced them."
"Elizabeth…"
They both looked when Ross gave out a shout and shook his hand. He looked to the porch, "Splinter…"
"Come here, we'll take it out," Elizabeth shouted to him.
The three went inside and Elizabeth retrieved the first aid kit that the ladies in town had given her at her bridal shower. She retrieved a needle.
Ross sat down, "You have nursing skills too…"
"Well, experience with splinters actually…and at Bruce Peninsula as a matter of fact. I remember getting a splinter on one of those rickety docks and since Julie had gotten so many I knew the pain of removing them. She used to scream her way through our governess taking them out," Elizabeth talked as she used the needle to probe Ross's finger.
Ross watched but could not control his wandering eyes over Elizabeth. Being this close to her was mesmerizing, her skin was so smooth and flawless, her blue eyes captivating as her lashes fluttered, her pink lips sweet like ….then he noticed Jack watching him and moved his stare to his finger.
Elizabeth continued, "…so I didn't tell them about my splinter, until my finger got swollen and red and then I was doing the screaming as they pulled out the splinter! There, done," she sat back and looked from Ross to Jack, who were silent. "Go to the bathroom and give your hands a good washing…" she touched his hand and he yanked it away.
"Okay…thank you very much," Ross said and headed to the bathroom.
Elizabeth went to the kitchen sink, washed the needle and put the kit away. Jack remained in the kitchen until Ross walked by and he followed him before Elizabeth grabbed his arm, "Jack, are you hungry? What would you like for dinner?"
"I'm not hungry," Jack said.
The men worked for an hour or so until Ross broke the silence, "I'll be heading back to town now, my back is a little achy…"
"Rest that back," Jack said as he twirled a hammer and watched Ross. He picked up a mallet, "Oh here, I believe this is yours."
Ross put his hand up, "No, that's yours," he looked into Jack's eyes, "I don't believe in taking something that belongs to someone else."
Jack nodded, "Glad to hear it…"
Later that evening, Elizabeth and Jack shared a bath and he could tell she was tired. "Are you ready for bed?" he asked as he lovingly caressed her shoulder.
She nodded, "Yes, I'm afraid I am."
He got out and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around her as he helped her out.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He dabbed the towel on her nose, "Have I told you today that I love you."
She kissed him, "I can't hear it enough," she tucked the towel, "I love you too."
They went to bed and held each other as they drifted off to sleep.
Elizabeth moved, "Jack? Jack!"
"Hmm?" He moved his leg against hers.
"Jack, I'm hungry…"
His eyes popped open, "Hungry? Now?"
"Yes," she moved gently against him.
"Elizabeth, its about 2:30…a little early for breakfast," he pulled her closer and nuzzled his head on her shoulder, "go back to sleep, I'll make you a nice breakfast…later."
She ran her finger up and down his arm, "But Jack, I was thinking about biscuits…"
Her touch was awakening him, all of him, "Biscuits?"
"No, not biscuits," she was using her entire hand now.
"You said biscuits," he kissed her neck.
"No, scones!" she ran her foot up his leg, "Those nice blueberry ones Abigail makes…"
"Hmmm, ah ha," he kissed her shoulder and moved his leg against hers.
"Maybe with cranberries…"
"I like cranberries…sweet," he dragged his lips back to her neck and reached for a button on her nightgown.
"Yes, just sweet…enough," she licked her lips.
"Hmm…lips…I love your lips," he kissed her but she turned her head.
She turned back to him, "I love when they're warm… yummm."
"Yes, so do I," he kissed her neck again.
"Right out of the oven," she whispered.
"Hmmm," he began moving over her, "the oven…"
"And you spread butter on them," she hummed.
"Yes, butter, all over them," he slid the strap down her arm and kissed her shoulder and the top of her arm.
"Wouldn't that be wonderful about now?" She spread her hand through his hair as he pressed his lips into her neck.
"Ahhh hmmm," he tugged the hem of her nightgown up, "wonderful."
"Yes…warm and buttery, my mouth is watering just thinking about it."
"So is mine," he kissed her lips.
Elizabeth responded, wrapping her arms around him.
Jack smiled, "Isn't this better than a scone?"
"Oh yes…" she kissed him, "but I'm still hungry."
to be continued...
