Page 25 of Scarlett

A young boy followed her home helping carry the parcels and upon arriving at her house, she gave him a couple coins. He left whistling and it made her smile.

“Goodness, what to do now?” The house was silent and spotless. The women had seen to everything the day before.

She took her time putting the purchases away, made a cup of tea and sat in a chair on the porch. After an hour of mindless sitting, Scarlett sighed. Surely, there was something she was missing. Most people seemed to have days filled with things to do. Why did she suddenly feel as if she was missing out?

Emmett camehome that evening and Scarlett was excited at the prospect of having someone to talk to. She chatted to him about going to the mercantile and listed each item she purchased, while he drank coffee and listened.

When she asked about his day, his reply was a noncommittal. “Busy, nothing unusual.”

They ate and she attempted to start a conversation once again, using what she’d learned from Lady Price.

“As the town grows, will there be a need for another doctor?”

He glanced up. “I have considered that. It’s a possibility.”

“You may need to grow the clinic. If so, I’d be willing to assist.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

She gave up on conversing after his short replies but ensured to keep a pleasant expression.

He pushed his plate away and placed his elbows on the table, fingers laced. “Thank you for the meal.”

Scarlett nodded and smiled. “You’re welcome. I hope my cooking gets better as I practice more.”

He waved away her concerns. “It was delicious.” As if for emphasis, he looked to his empty plate. “Scarlett, I do have something to ask you.”

The statement made her mouth dry for some reason. She straightened. “Yes of course.”

“What do you expect from this marriage? In a husband?”

The questions took Scarlett by surprise. She’d not thought much past getting married and what to do to keep busy.

“I suppose a companion. I expect to be cared for and provided for. I would like a husband who abides by his vows and is a hard worker.”

He nodded at her words. Of course she needed to ask the same in return. “And you? What do you expect from me?”

Emmett studied her for a moment, as if gauging how his reply would affect her.

“Take care of my home and my needs. I anticipate you will ensure everything is in running order and of course that you maintain a good social life as not to expect it from me. I prefer not to attend social functions, but will have no qualms with you doing so. There is no question that I expect respect of our marriage vows as well.”

He hesitated and cleared his throat. When his eyes met hers, Scarlett held her breath. “Scarlett, don’t expect more than friendship from me. The most I can offer is this.” With his hand, Emmett motioned between them. “I am not much of a companion, nor do I wish you to have any illusions of romance between us. I want to make that clear from the beginning. I am not like my brothers.”

“Do you prefer I don’t speak to you over meals?”

He turned to her as if not quite understanding. “Of course we can have conversations over supper like we just did.”

Although she wanted to inform him it had been mostly a one-sided conversation, Scarlett didn’t wish to argue with her husband just a day after the wedding.

At a loss for words, Scarlett remained transfixed as he stood from the table and went to sit at a chair in front of the fireplace. What was she supposed to do when around him?

Any appetite completely gone, she stood, not wishing to eat the rest of her meal alone. Had he not noticed she’d not finished?

Letting out a sigh, she picked up the plates and began cleaning up. The entire time the silence of the house was almost deafening.

When she went to bed, Emmett was once again at the clinic. He claimed to have to check on some things, but she suspected he wanted to be away from her.

Upon his return, Scarlett was instantly wide-awake. She watched as he undressed once again coming to bed completely nude. He slid into the bed and turned to her.