Page 76 of The Formation of Us

“I’d like to speak with Mrs. Wilkins,” the doctor said, but Aster blocked his way to the counter where Faith was showing Cora how to use a mortar and pestle to crush peppermint leaves.

“My niece is planning her wedding to the sheriff, and I won’t let you rain on her happiness.”

Iris and Tansy were a row away clipping herbs for two customers. All four women turned their attention to Aster and the doctor.

His face flushed. “I have no intention of raining on anything, Miss Wilde. I’m seeking a turn in this bath I’ve been hearing about.”

Aster arched a white eyebrow. “Are you referring to the herbal bath we’re using as a means to ‘swindle money from the innocent ladies in town’? Isn’t that what you accused us of?”

“I’m willing to try the bath myself and change my opinion.”

Aster shook her head. “Sorry. Doctor, but the bath isn’t available to men.”

“Sheriff Grayson comes here for treatment, does he not?”

“The sheriff is using our services to assure you kind citizens we’re running a respectable business.”

“Those of us in the healing profession would like that same assurance.”

“Rubbish, Doctor. You’re here because your own medicine won’t relieve your pain, and you’re desperate enough to try our bath. I should boot your arrogant carcass right out the door— but proving you wrong is going to be much more satisfying.” She ignored the gasps and titters from Iris and the ladies, and headed toward the bathhouse. “Come along, Doctor. You have the pleasure of being my patient for the morning.”

The doctor limped along behind Aster, looking a bit bewildered and browbeaten, which Faith found immensely satisfying. Her aunts gave her constant lessons in handling men. She just wished they could help her silence her conscience. It was killing her to let Duke walk into their marriage blind.

Three days had passed since she’d accepted his proposal, and she could barely think of anything but their upcoming marriage. Their commitment to each other had eased her anxiety about the future and allowed her to return his warmth and affection. Each night after stretching his arm and shoulder, they kissed passionately. She trusted Duke to keep them from going too far because his honor was solid, and because she had no willpower when his hands were on her. But she felt deceitful and undeserving of him, and that wouldn’t change as long as her black secrets were between them.

“Is this squished enough?” Cora asked, peering into the mortar bowl at the greenish paste.

“Yes, sweetie. We’ll add some lavender after lunch.” She kissed the top of Cora’s head and reminded herself that marrying Duke was the right thing to do.

Faith fed Cora then put her down for a nap in the pasture, as Cora now referred to their pretty bedchamber. Tansy’s talent was impressive, and Faith felt a sense of peace and wonder as she gazed at the pony and the expansive view Tansy had painted on her wall.

She found Tansy whisking her brush across the parlor wall, creating a green and cranberry paisley pattern. “I’ll finish the rest tomorrow,” the woman said, her eyes lit with excitement.

“It’s going to look gorgeous,” Faith said. “We’ll be the envy of every woman in town.”

“Wouldn’t that be ironic?”

Faith laughed. “It surely would be.” She helped Tansy carry the pails and paint brushes to the greenhouse where they found Aster, Dahlia, and Iris at the counter howling with laughter.

“Dr. Milton shucked his arrogance right along with his clothes,” Aster was saying.

“What are you old hens cackling about?” Tansy asked, plunking her pail and brushes on the counter. Faith followed and set her bucket beside Tansy’s.

‘Aster’s telling us about Doc Milton’s visit,” Dahlia said, her bosoms bouncing from her chuckles.

Faith scanned the greenhouse and was relieved to see it empty.

“Well, you should have seen that man,” Aster said, her cheeks more flushed than Faith had ever seen them. “When I dug my fingers into his sore left buttock, he squeaked like a frightened mouse. He says, ‘Miss Wilde! What are you doing down there?’” She cackled and pressed her hand to her stomach. “I said, ‘Surely, Doctor, you’re intelligent enough to realize I’m massaging your ass.’”

“Oh!” Tansy squealed with laughter. “I wish I could have witnessed that.”

“Doc says, ‘Woman, you do have a foul mouth on you, but I could surely get used to those hands of yours?” Aster slapped the counter and laughed until she coughed. “You know, I actually liked the man.”

Faith’s laughter mingled with their howls. She loved these bawdy women and their honest revelations.

“Did you ladies scare away our customers?” she asked. Two women had come earlier for a mix of chamomile and bee balm to make a tea to ease their monthly discomfort. One woman stopped for rosemary and mint oil to help her sleep better. But Faith’s busy greenhouse was empty of customers for the first time all week.

“It’s been quiet all day” Dahlia leaned her elbows on the counter, resting her ample bosoms on the surface. “I may as well go help Anna and her houseguest Millie with a quilt they’re working on.”