Lydia lowered her eyes.
The older woman spoke gently.
"You don't have to become the perfect wife before you're allowed to feel safe."
Lydia's throat tightened.
"Thank you."
Ruth hugged her.
Lydia froze for a moment.
Then returned the embrace.
It had been a long time since another woman had held her without pity.
When Ruth left, Lydia stood in the doorway watching the wagon disappear between the pines.
Gideon approached carrying the empty feed bucket.
"She likes you."
Lydia smiled.
"I like her."
He nodded.
"Good."
Then he added, "She'll probably come back tomorrow."
Lydia laughed.
"Is that bad?"
Gideon looked toward the trail.
"Not unless she brings Elsie. That girl will ask you forty questions before breakfast."
Lydia smiled.
"I think I'd enjoy that."
Gideon looked at her.
For a moment, his eyes softened.
"Then perhaps this place won't feel so lonely."
Lydia looked toward the cabin.
Then back at him.
"No."
She took a small breath.
"Perhaps it won't."
That evening, after supper, Gideon brought out a small wooden box.
He placed it on the table between them.
Lydia looked curious.
"What's that?"
He sat down.
"Something Elias left me."
He opened the lid.
Inside lay several small objects.
A brass compass.
A broken pocketknife.
A smooth stone painted with a faded blue star.
And a narrow silver chain.
Gideon picked up the stone.
"Elias made this when he was nine."
Lydia smiled.
"Why a star?"
"He was convinced he could use it to navigate."
"Could he?"
"Not with a rock, no."
She laughed softly.
Gideon turned the stone in his palm.
"He carried it for years."
His expression grew distant.
Lydia waited.
Then she looked toward the silver chain.
"What's that?"
Gideon picked it up.
"A watch chain. Our father's."
He hesitated.
"Elias kept it after Father died."
Lydia looked toward him.
"May I?"
He handed it over.
She examined the links.
One was damaged.
The silver had darkened.
But the workmanship was fine.
"I could repair this."
Gideon looked surprised.
"You know how?"
"A little. I worked with small clasps when sewing bridal gowns."
She smiled.
"Not everything in a dress is fabric."
He watched her turn the chain.
"Would you?"
"If you'd like."
Gideon nodded.
"I would."
Lydia carefully placed it beside her sewing box.
For a moment, the room was quiet.