the others murmured in unison.
Nancy handed her bowl to Seth. “If you pass your bowls around the table, I think it will be easier than trying to pass the stew. As you can see, I used my very largest tureen. Seth can fill each bowl and pass them on. Meanwhile, we can pass around the bread and butter and peas and potatoes.”
It wasn’t long before everyone was amply served. Nancy couldn’t help but sigh. She loved managing the boardinghouse. It gave her a sense of satisfaction that she couldn’t explain. Everyone dug into the meal with gusto and complimented her as they ate. She knew she was a good cook but appreciated hearing it from her guests. Seeing that everyone was content, she picked up her spoon and began to eat.
“How’s everyone back home?” Seth asked.
“Doing good.” Gabe picked up a knife and buttered his bread. “They’re doing a lot of fence repair before winter sets in fully. Pa wanted everything done well before Christmas so that Mama would relax. But you know her.”
Seth nodded. “Well enough. I don’t think any of the women in your family sit still for long.”
“Except for Meg. She would sit and read all day long if she could.”
Nancy smiled at this. Their little sister was always borrowing books from the library, even though the selection was limited. She didn’t care if it was a novel or a studious text.
“Are you all planning to come home for Christmas?” Gabe asked before stuffing a good portion of the bread in his mouth.
Seth shook his head. “I’m not sure. It’s hard to get away from work. A lot of folks want to straighten out legal matters at the end of the year, and this year has been no exception. Nevertheless, we hope to be there.”
“Well, I know they’d love to see you. Clementine and I are both planning to go back.” Gabe turned and grinned at the redheaded woman beside him. “Especially now.”
Nancy looked up. “Why especially now?”
Clementine’s cheeks flushed as she turned to Gabe and grinned. “Because we’re engaged.”
“You are?” Seth looked at Nancy. “Did you know about this?”
She shook her head. “Not at all.”
“I stopped by your folks’ place before coming to Portland. I asked your father’s permission to marry Clementine, and he eagerly agreed. He was so quick about it,” Gabe said, giving his bride-to-be an endearing glance, “that I feared perhaps something was wrong with her that I hadn’t yet learned.”
Seth shook his head, smiling. “No, I’m sure it was their desire to have another Armistead in the family. No one has a better name in the community than your family. Your folks’ reputation alone would be enough reason to want her to marry you.”
Gabe’s brows came together. “Hey, I was kind of hoping it was because they wanted me as a son-in-law.”
Seth laughed. “I’m sure it was. I know I’m delighted. Brother and sister married to brother and sister. That will simplify things. Our children will be double cousins.”
Nancy sipped her soup and listened to them go on about the future. She was thrilled by the news and could clearly see how happy Gabe was about the situation.
“Where will you live?” Seth asked.
“I talked to the family about that. Pa wants me to take charge of the sawmill here in Portland, so I guess we’ll be living here.”
Nancy was delighted at this prospect. Over the last few months, she and Clementine had renewed their childhood friendship, and Nancy hated the idea of losing her so soon. “How wonderful! I’m so happy to hear that. I will enjoy having you close by. Perhaps we can attend events together.”
“When will this wedding take place?” Seth’s question caused all gazes to turn toward the happy couple.
“We neither one feel the need for a long engagement,” Gabe replied, looking to Clementine for her confirmation.
She nodded. “We thought maybe in the spring. Perhaps May. We just figured a small collection of family in Oregon City would suffice.”
“Once all of our family gathers in one place, it won’t be small by any means,” Gabe teased.
“That sounds wonderful.” Nancy calculated quickly. “That should give us plenty of time to create a beautiful wedding dress and veil.”
Clementine seemed surprised. “Are you offering to help do that?”
“I am.” Nancy smiled and passed the platter of bread around again. “It’s the least I can do for my dear friend. We’ll start planning out what you want immediately. I’m sure Mrs. Weaver would be happy to help as well. She’s quite talented with