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two.”  He shrugged.  “If he shows an interest, teach him his letters or numbers.  Otherwise, let him play.”
    “That’s what I’ll do then.”  She looked at the four children and new husband she’d be taking care of.  “Is there anything in particular you want me to cook for supper tomorrow?”
    He shook his head.  “I’ll butcher a chicken in the morning, and you can do something with that if you would.  I’m going to butcher one of the steer on Saturday so you can make some plans for beef for next week.  Got some salt pork in the cellar, but never had any idea how to fix it.  My Sally was good at those things, but I have no idea what I’m supposed to do when I get in a kitchen.”
    “That’s why I’m here.  I’ll handle the meals.”  She looked over at Gertie.  “Do you want me to start teaching Gertie how to cook and keep house right away?  Or give her another year or two?”  Some men thought girls should be able to just play with dolls until they were teenagers, and she didn’t want to do anything that would offend him.
    “My wife had already started her on those things, so more training will be good for her.  Just teach her whatever you’re working with Natalie on.  They both need to learn to be good wives.”
    Clara looked at Gertie’s dress, which was much too short.  “I’ll start making her dresses as well, if you’d like.”
    He gave a nod.  “She needs new clothes.” 
    When he didn’t say anything else, she stood.  “Clarence, I want you to wash up and head to bed.  If you’re going to be doing a man’s work tomorrow, you’ll need to get a good night’s sleep.”  The boys were going to be sharing a room, so she looked down at little Robert as well.  “You need to get ready for bed as well, Robert.”
    Robert stood and followed along meekly.  “Call me when you’re ready, and I’ll come in and listen to your prayers,” she told the boys.  “I’m going to go upstairs and wash up as well.  When you girls are finished with the dishes, come on up.  We’ll get ready for bed then.”
    She looked at Albert still sitting at the table and gave a quick nod.  “Good night, Albert.  I’ll have breakfast ready first thing in the morning.” 
    Albert sat at the table watching her walk away.  She was a pretty woman and very pleasing on the eyes.  He had done well choosing a new bride.  He sighed and bowed his head.  He didn’t want to notice that she was pretty.  It was his job to remain true to Sally.  He loved her, and she’d given him two beautiful children.  No, Clara was only there to cook, clean, and take care of the children.  His needs came last.
    Clara changed into her nightgown and climbed between the sheets of the bed she was going to share with Natalie.  She bowed her head and whispered, “Please God, help me to do the right thing for this family.  Albert is hurting.  Gertie seems so sad.  They all need a good woman to take care of them.  Help me to be that good woman.  I can’t fail at this.  I need strength.”
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Clara woke early the following morning, as was her habit.  She hurried down to the kitchen to start breakfast, knowing that Albert wanted to make an early start of things.  It had been a long time since she’d been able to stay inside all day and only do women’s chores.  She was glad she had this chance, and she was going to prove to everyone that this is what she was meant to do.
    She went to the cellar through the hatch in the floor and brought back up some eggs, milk, and bacon.  She’d toast the day old bread he’d gotten at the bakery, and they’d have scrambled eggs with bacon and toast for breakfast.  While she was down in the cellar, she had seen some cream.  They had a tiny bit of butter made up, and she’d see if she could get some butter churned today as well.  The churn was sitting in the corner.  It had cobwebs on it, but she could clean it up and use it for