A Cook for Christmas Read online

  She nibbled her lip. “I don’t own anything else. When Grandmother passed, everything went with the house. Even the blue willow tea set I so loved.” Her voice faded.

  “We can get you things you need.” Barkley offered, too quickly.

  “You don’t have to worry about providing for me, yet. Once I start working, I’ll be able to purchase whatever I need.”

  She stretched her neck so she could look down the street. “Is that the Eating House, down there?”

  “Yes. They’re expecting you to begin your duties as cook Monday. In the meantime, we can get you settled into the Boarding House. Then, if you are hungry, we can go to the Eating House. Right now, they have a Chinese man doing the cooking. The food’s a bit strange, but it’s the only place to eat.”

  “If there’s already a cook, why did the owner agree to hire me?”

  “The Chinese man is only cooking on a temporary basis. He regularly works at the laundry.”

  “I’d hate to take a job away from anyone. I know it must be hard for anyone to find a job here.”

  Barkley smiled. She was definitely kind, worrying about a total stranger losing a job and not considering her own circumstances if she didn’t take the man’s place.

  “You won’t. Believe me, since the Eating House opened a few weeks ago, the men have been filing in daily for two meals. Most of them can barely stand the food being served there, but are willing to eat it instead of cooking their own. If you’re even a semi good cook, the Eating House will become a success overnight.”

  “I hope I can please them. I’m used to cooking plain, simple fare. The boarders in Grandmother’s boardinghouse didn’t want anything fancy.”

  “Believe me, the men in this town don’t need anything fancy, either. If you can cook ham and eggs, bacon, grits, potatoes, and steak, you will be able to please them all. Even I’ll come there for my meals. I’m tired of burnt biscuits and tough bacon.”

  “Is that all you know how to cook?”

  “Aside from a can of beans, that’s it. No one in this town knows how to cook much more than that.”

  ***

  A small trill of laughter escaped Liliana’s lips. “Then, I expect I will be the most popular girl in town. You better watch out, Barkley. Once the men find out I’m doing all that plain cooking, you might have some competition for my hand in marriage. Maybe even have to fight it out with a rich miner.”

  She turned a coy smile toward him, but was taken aback by his expression. His grey eyes now looked stormy.

  She wanted to kick herself. Barkley had asked her to come here to cook and clean for him. She shouldn’t be joking with him about their marriage arrangement.

  CHAPTER 3

  Barkley ground his teeth together. So that was the way of things. What really mattered to Liliana was money. Oh, she had agreed to marry him, but from her statement, he could tell she wanted someone richer.

  Lord, you know I invited her here for all the wrong reasons but things are different now. I want someone to love me, but if she finds out about my money, I may never know the truth. He glowered at her, then allowed the anger to ebb. I guess I’m overly touchy on the subject. She was laughing when she said those words. Perhaps she was only joking.

  He glanced her way and noted her lip trembling. Then he noticed her clothing. She wasn’t dressed warmly enough for the weather in Sweet Water and it hadn’t even begun to get really cold yet.

  “Better get you to the Boarding House.” He grabbed the small valise from her hands and left her standing behind with nothing to do but follow.

  Barkley trudged toward the Boarding House

  From the corner of his eye he could see her scurrying behind him, trying to keep up with his long strides. She was holding her too thin skirt up and trying to avoid mud and horse droppings. He slowed, berating himself for his behavior. Surely, he wasn’t acting like a gentleman.

  Barkley stopped and turned around to apologize. Intent on keeping up, she failed to see him turn and plowed right into him. This time, Barkley lost his footing and wobbled. It took only a second before he landed abruptly on the ground. After the initial shock, he glanced at her. She stood rigid, her hand over her mouth in surprise.

  Barkley shook his head. “Now I’m the one falling for a woman.” He grinned.

  Her laughter trilled through the air. The sound was like a gentle breeze. It refreshed his soul.

  On his feet again, he led the way once more, and this time he walked slowly beside her. He took time to point out some of the details of the town. She asked several questions about the other businesses on the boardwalk, but most were about the Eating House.

  As owner of the Eating House, it was surprising how little he knew about it. She wanted to know about the stove, the supplies, and about the menu. All those things had been handled by the assistant manager, Jordan Peterson, so far. The man had only been in Sweet Water for a year, tried his hand at mining and had quickly given that up and turned to buying food goods from the mercantile and selling them to the miners who lived farthest away from town. He made a profit and the men didn’t need to stop work to come to town for the supplies.

  Barkley hired him through letter to supply the Eating House with everything it needed. Jordan agreed and began having things sent in. So far, it seemed Jordan had everything under control.

  “I’ve been told the assistant manager, Jordan Peterson, is in charge of that. I’m sure he can answer your questions when you start work Monday,” Barkley muttered.

  Liliana nodded in understanding.

  “Well, here's your new home.” Barkley indicated a standalone building in front of them with an arm gesture.

  ***

  Liliana stood with her mouth gaping. This could not possibly be a boarding house. There was no front porch for boarders to sit in rocking chairs on, there were no flowers, no gate, no… anything to make it look inviting or habitable.

  “Th…this is the boarding house?”

  Barkley looked down at her and frowned.

  “Yes. I know it’s not much to look at, but you’ll be safe here. Remember, this is a mining town and most men live out on their claims. Ma and Pa Baker only recently opened. They bought a building that was already here. They couldn’t afford to build a new house.

  Lilianna nodded. “I see. I guess I’m just used to my grandmother’s boarding house. I never even tried to picture anything different. As long as you say I’ll be safe.”

  “Its all there is for now.”

  Lilianna gulped and pressed out a smile. “This will be fine, Barkley. I didn’t mean to imply anything less.”

  Barkley ran a hand through his hair and stomped up to the boarding house’s door. He grasped the door handle and pushed it open.

  They stepped inside.

  ***

  Two elderly people, who were sitting in chairs by a welcoming fire, lifted their eyes. They both stood.

  “Ma, Pa… this is Lilianna Riggs.” Barkley announced rather loudly.

  The couple’s faces crinkled in to smiles and Ma moved forward.

  “Glad to have you. Glad to have you. My ain’t you a beauty. Look at her Pa, she’s sure is pretty.”

  The older man scrutinized Lilianna’s face.

  “Sure is, Ma. Almost as pretty as you.”

  The older woman waved a hand at him. “Oh, go on now with your old flattery. I’m a wrinkled up old woman, nothing to compare to this beauty.”

  The older man shook his head. “Well, she’s pretty.”

  Ma moved closer and took Lilianna’s hand. “I hope you like it here. We mostly cater to men, but I’m particular about them. I don’t allow just anyone to stay here.”

  Lilianna smiled.

  “We provide breakfast and supper. It aint fancy, but its hearty.”

  Lilianna laughed. “I’m sure I’ll love the food. You know, I grew up in my grandmother’s boarding house?”

  The woman looked impressed. “W’all, no, Barkley didn’t tell me that. Say, m
aybe you have some ideas about how to get my biscuits to rise a bit more. They’s my downfall. I’ve never been able to make em just right.”

  “Oh, I make lovely biscuits. I’d love to show you how.”

  “Let me show you to your room, you must be plum tuckered out from the long stagecoach ride. Bruised on your back side too. Everyone who comes to town on the stagecoach usually is.”

  Lilianna felt her cheeks warm at the reference to her body, but she followed the woman up the stairs. At the top, she turned back.

  “Thank-you for everything, Barkley. I think I’ll get a short rest.”

  The man nodded, but his grey eyes never left hers. “I’ll come by later to take you to the Eating House.”

  ***

  Liliana sat on the stiff bed in the small room which was to be her home for the next few months and scanned the room. Plain and bare, but clean. Nothing like the room she lived in while growing up in Maine. Not a single blue rose was painted on the wall, not a feather comforter on the bed or a soft rug. Her grandmother had been far from rich, but she always made sure all the rooms in her boardinghouse were decorated and offered warm quilts for the boarders. Her heart ached for her grandmother. Ma Baker was probably as close to a grandmother figure as she would ever have again.

  A tear threatened to slip out of her eye, but she squeezed it back. This was not the time to be reminiscing about the past. This room, this bed and the rough wool blanket would suffice. Two months was not too long to wait for a home of her own.

  Of course, that was the one thing she and Barkley had not discussed in their letters. Liliana realized she had no idea where they would live once they were married. There had been a slight mention of a shanty in one letter but a comfortable home in another.

  Lord, there are so many unanswered questions about my future.

  Since Barkley had suggested she rest for a while and indicated he would return in an hour to take her to the Sweet Water Eating House, she decided to use the time to jot down some questions. At least it would give them something to discuss. Liliana searched her valise for a pencil and a small pad of paper. Then she began to write:

  1. Where do you live?

  2. Where will we live once we are married?

  3. Will we have a big wedding or just a small private wedding?

  4. Will we have a reception, if so where?

  5. Do you want children, or was that type of marriage not what he wanted? (She blushed as she wrote that question)

  6. Will I be able to keep working after we are married?

  7. How much money do you have?

  She read over the questions. At least it was a beginning. She almost crossed out the last one. It didn’t really matter how much money he had, but she would need to know what kind of lifestyle to plan for.

  Liliana, stood and wiped the wrinkles from her dress. She placed the paper in a pocket at the side of her skirt and then moved across the room toward the door. She’d agreed to meet Barkley in front of the Boarding House.

  As she glided down the stairs, Ma Baker noticed her.

  “Where you going?”

  “Outside to meet Barkley.”

  The older woman swiped some flour off her cheek. “Hmm, best to wait inside.”

  Liliana gave a curt nod. She needed to set boundaries right away as she didn’t want Ma Baker thinking she could dictate her comings and goings.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine right outside the door.”

  Before the woman could answer, Lilianna pushed the door open and moved outside. She was only standing there a few minutes before she wished she’d taken the older woman’s advice. She could feel the chill seep in as wind whipped her skirt. She pulled her shawl closer to keep warm. Clothes, at least, warmer underclothes were going to be on her first shopping list.

  “Well, look a here. A purty little lady, all alone, just a waiting for a big, handsome feller like me.”

  Liliana whipped around at the slurred tone. As she suspected, a drunk man was speaking to her. He was leaned against the building within breathing space. She stepped back, but his hand shot out and grasped her arm roughly. She winced in pain.

  “Where you going? We ain’t even gotten ’qauinted yet.” He moved closer. She could smell his foul breath, laced with whiskey.

  “Unhand me this instant.” Her words made demands, but her voice cracked in fear. Her head twisted from side to side, looking for someone she could call to for help. The Boarding House wasn’t on the main street of town and the area was barren of people. If this man took it in his mind to drag her off, no one would know.

  Lord, please help me. I should have listened to Ma Baker.

  She twisted, trying to get away from the man’s grasp.

  “Now, hold on there. I can’t let you go ’til you give me a kiss. I’ve been hankering to get hitched up but there aren’t any women in this town who interest me. That is til I lit eyes on you.”

  Liliana glared at him; revulsion rose in her throat. He wasn’t very old, and if he were sober would be considered handsome, but his glazed eyes glared at her with evil intent. There was no way she was going to be able to talk him into letting her go.

  With all her might, she leaned forward as if to give him a kiss. When he closed his eyes, she lifted her foot and kicked his shin as hard as she could. His eyes shot open in disbelief, but he released his grip on her arm long enough for her to turn and run.

  She heard the vile man cursing while in pursuit. She lifted her skirt with both hands and ran toward the corner of town where the Eating House was. She hoped to find help there. For a split second, she turned to see if the man was close. He was within an arm’s length and in seconds he would be able to grab her again.

  Liliana yelled for help and plunged ahead. Out of fear, she didn’t look carefully ahead, and suddenly her foot hit a loose rock on top which skittered out from under her and twisted her ankle. With an agonizing groan, she fell to the ground and lay sprawled, waiting for the man’s clammy hands to capture her.

  After several long seconds, she lifted her head and looked around, surprised the man was nowhere to be seen. When she turned back, her head bumped into a pair of legs. She tilted her head up and groaned.

  ***

  Barkley could hardly believe his eyes. Once again, Liliana was on the ground, at his feet.

  “Is this going to become a daily ritual between us?” He reached out a hand and helped pull her to her feet.

  She did not smile. He could feel her shaking.

  Instantly alert, he urged, “Liliana, what’s wrong?”

  “There was a man. He was drunk…he…he…”

  Barkley stood rigid in anger at whoever had caused her distress. Tears began to flow from her eyes. He pulled her close to his chest.

  “I’m sorry, I should have been at the Boarding House on time. Did he hurt you?”

  Liliana hiccupped. “No, just my arm where he grabbed me.”

  Barkley rocked back and forth slowly, holding her close until he could feel her body relax. “Never step foot outside of the Boarding House again, or the Eating House, without me there to escort you. This town may have several new women around who are helping to civilize the town, but there are many men who don’t know what the word civilized means. I’m pretty sure the man who grabbed you is Ryker Tanner. He’s been complaining about wanting a wife lately and getting drunk over it. When he’s not drinking, he isn’t so bad. I’m sorry if he scared you.”

  Lilianna swiped at her skirt. “Can we go to the Eating House now, or should I change?”

  Barkley stepped back and swept his eyes up and down. “You look fine, mussed, but no reason to change. Had it been a rainy day, you would be covered in mud.” He placed his hand around her waist and led her toward the Eating House. He noticed she was limping slightly.

  “Is your ankle too sore to stand on?”

  “No, I’m not even sure it’s sprained.”

  “Hmm, we don’t have a doctor in town.”

  “I’m sure
I’ll be all right. I’m so hungry. Food’s all I can think of.”

  “Well, once you taste the food at the Eating House, you may wish you’d stayed hungry.”

  “It can’t be that bad.” She swallowed, hoping the food was edible.

  They had reached the door to the Sweet Water Eating House. Barkley opened the door and allowed Liliana to step in before him. As she stood inside, allowing her eyes to adjust, he leaned close and whispered, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  CHAPTER 4

  Liliana eagerly scanned the inside of the Eating House and was pleased with what she saw. Plain, but clean. Barkley led her to a table near the front window. The menu was already on the table. Liliana perused the one page and giggled.

  “What’s so amusing?”

  “Oh, nothing. It’s just this menu. If this is all that the Eating House offers, I won’t have trouble with the cooking. I hope the assistant manager will be open to me adding more items. I cooked more than this for the boarders in one day.”

  “I’m sure Jordan will be only too happy to add anything you want on to the menu. The miners and towns’ folk will appreciate it. Keep in mind, there are a lot more men here to cook for than a small group of boarders.”

  Liliana grinned in pleasure; glad her fiancé was in agreement with her. She knew the final decision as to what she could or could not cook would be with Jordan Peterson, not Barkley. She wasn’t overly worried about the amount of people she would have to cook for. One or one hundred didn’t make any difference to her.

  Just then, a young red headed woman stopped at their table. “What can I get you?” she blurted.

  Liliana was startled by the waitress’ abrupt behavior. She was even more surprised when Barkley spoke to the girl in a familiar fashion. “Ginger, this is Liliana. She’ll be the new cook here starting Monday morning.”

  The girl stared for several seconds, assessing her and then nodded. “Glad to meet ‘cha. We need a good cook. That one,” she nodded toward the kitchen, “can’t cook anything but rice and noodles.”

  Liliana smiled. “I imagine it’s his cultural dishes.”