His Passionate Pioneer by Maggie Ryan

He will teach you what it is he wants. Just know that he loves you very much. God intends for you to submit to your husband in all things. Just promise me that you will be a good wife and obey." A longer pause had Anna turning to her mother. Martha reached out and laid her palm against her daughter's cheek. "I've seen the way you two look at each other. It reminds me of your Pa and me. You'll be fine. In fact, Anna, I'd be willing to predict that you will be far more than fine." It was another few moments before she spoke again, "Oh, sweetheart, I wish you weren't going so far away." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she bent to hug her eldest child.
    Anna hugged her mother, pressing her cheek to Martha's. "Oh, Ma, don't cry. It will be okay, and you can visit when we get settled. I'll miss you all so much but am glad to be Richard's wife. It will be such fun to travel and build our new home together. Olivia said that I should pray to get with child as quickly as possible. Just think, I might soon be a mother as well. You've taught me so much and I don't want you to be sad. Please don't cry."
    Martha wiped her cheeks and smiled. "I know you'll be fine. You are a strong girl, and aren't afraid of hard work. I've watched you grow, and have seen your joy at exploring and learning new things. My prayer is that you enjoy every moment and remember to be careful. This is an adventure that no one can truly explain, but I trust Richard to keep you safe. I wish we had more time together, but Richard assures me that there will be other, more experienced women traveling with you. Make friends, Anna. Don't be afraid to admit it when you don't know something. I'm sure the others will be glad to teach you since I'm not there to do so." She paused and bent down to hug her daughter. "You are a good woman, Annabelle. I just pray that your husband realizes that he has wed a wonderful girl."
    Anna giggled, remembering that this was the same woman who had constantly warned her that no man would find her agreeable to wed. "I will make sure he does, Ma." She was pleased to see her mother smile.
    "I'm sure you will, Missy. Now, the chores won't do themselves."
    The women stood and Martha helped Anna into the dress she'd also wear for tomorrow's departure, as the rest of her clothing had been packed. After braiding her daughter's hair into a long plait, Martha expertly twisted and wound the braid into a pretty bun. Anna stood quietly as she realized that just the simple change of hairstyle was yet another symbol of her new wedded state.
    Martha pushed the final pin into the red tresses and then gave her daughter another hug. "I'm sure you'll both be fine. Now, let's get you ready for your wedding supper. Don't worry about tonight; Margaret will sleep in our room so you and Richard will, um, not be disturbed."
    Anna laughed and bent forward to kiss her Ma's cheek, wishing to spare her mother more embarrassment. "Thanks for helping me. Remember, we can write letters. I will ask for help, but I hope you know that you've taught me so much." It seemed to be the right thing to say, as her Ma smiled, hugging her yet again.
    The women were in the kitchen together, cooking the meal they would all share, when Richard came in and stood watching as his new wife worked happily alongside her mother and sister. When Anna caught him looking, she blushed as he smiled at her. Her stomach seemed a bit uneasy as the discussion upstairs returned to her thoughts. What exactly had her Ma been attempting to tell her? It sounded like a warning; one that Olivia had given her as well, but she'd also got the impression her Ma wasn't as averse as her cousin when it came to whatever happened in a marriage bed. Though she was nervous about the coming night, Anna had prepared herself to endure Richard's rutting, even knowing it would hurt and be embarrassing. Olivia had said it was her duty and that, if she were lucky, it would be over quickly—and once she became pregnant, her