Marriage of Necessity

~3~ Figurin' Things Out

Supper is on and smelling heavenly. The chicken I grabbed pecked me, so I was more than anxious to turn her into our meal.

Once I got her feathers plucked and her innards taken out, I used my mama's famous fried chicken recipe. It's been known to melt even the iciest of hearts.

I made some new potatoes that I found in the root cellar, and put the bread to baking in the wood-burning stove. Remi must work her tail off...She already had the bread rising before I got here.

Once supper was on the table, Remi rang the bell and the boys came in after a few minutes.

To my absolute horror, nobody washes their hands.
Their dirty, grimy fingers are not helping my poor stomach. I fear I will never know what it feels like to have a settled stomach again.

I think about using my womanly power to request they wash before we eat, but I instantly admonish the thought. I have no power...Not a lick.

Matthew sits at the head of the table and puts his hat on the back of his chair. My lands this man is ruggedly handsome. They don't make men like this in Rhode Island. Maybe Virginia is where the good stock is bred.

I focus on my meal, and not the man made of brawn across from me. I suddenly wish he was not sleeping in the lean-to tonight.

Sophie Brennan, you're turning into a regular hussy! Shame on you and your impure thoughts. The devil himself must be behind you and your jezebel ways.

Before I can stop myself, I shake my head angrily again.

Matthew sees me, and again, acts like he doesn't. Now I'm SURE he thinks he married a ninny.

He eats a bite and nods his head approvingly. "Right tasty, ma'am."

"Thank you"

"Which chicken is this?" He asks Remi

"Dunno Pa"

"You weren't with her?"

Remi just shakes her head.

"What color was the chicken?" He asks, looking back at his plate.

"Black" I say as I take another bite. I sure outdid myself with this. My mama would be so pleased with me.

Matthew closes his eyes and sucks in a deep breath, while the children gasp in horror.

"What's wrong?" I ask, feeling my blasted stomach churning once again.

"She was our best layin' hen," Matthew says, his eyes still closed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know there were certain chickens off limits."

Matthew opens his eyes and glares at Remi.

"Thought I told you to help her get used to things today."

"I was. I had to go to the outhouse when she was gonna get'a chicken."

Matthew shakes his head. "That ain't true and you know it. You knew I wanted to keep some of those chickens for a while. You did it to be spiteful. Didn't ya?"

Remi pushes some new potatoes around on her plate.

"You best answer me"

"Yes'um"

Matthew slams his fork down and pinches the bridge of his nose.

"Yur supper is done. Get to the woodshed. I'll join ya after I finish eatin' Wanda."

She quickly scrambles out of the house and shuts the door.

"I really am sorry"

Matthew shakes his head, not even looking at me. "T'wasnt yur fault"