The manager bustled into his office, closing the door behind himself. “Here we are. I’ve fetched the ledger sheets with the sums recorded. The monies have earned a bit of interest over the years, of course.”
Daniel, Sawyer and Adam stood and moved toward the door.
“This matter doesn’t concern us,” Daniel said. “We’ll just wait out—”
“No, please stay,” Leonard interrupted. “My sister and I requested your assistance and the financial business, whether ranch related or personal, is part of what we’re dealing with.”
Willow nodded. “I completely agree.”
The three men returned to their seats.
Mr. Webber handed a sheet of paper to Leonard and another to Willow. “Here’s the amount of funds in each of your accounts. This money is available to both of you immediately.”
Willow glanced at the paper and almost fainted. Her heartbeat raced as she stared at the paper. “This is my money?” she blurted. $21,408.03 was the last figure on the column of numbers.
“Yes, your father thought you would marry, but if you wanted to start a small business, he provided funds for you to do so,” the manager explained.
Willow glanced at Leonard, noticing his face had paled considerably. “Are you all right?” He passed her his sheet of paper and she glanced at the number at the bottom of his sheet.
Mr. Webber continued, “Your father told me that Leonard would be assuming ownership of the Circle H, and to do so, he would require more funds than Willow needed to live on.”
Willow nodded as she stared at the figure on the paper. $62,401.78 was recorded at the bottom. A fortune in her opinion. “Flying flapjacks, Leonard. Father has saved us and the ranch.”
Leonard leaned forward in his chair. “I feared I would pass out when I looked at that paper. Now, I… I don’t know what to do.” He shook his head, appearing bewildered.
Adam glanced over Willow’s shoulder and peeked at the amount on the paper. “Flying flapjacks,” he muttered.
Willow burst into laughter hearing him use her favorite expression. “Indeed,” she added and then met eyes with the banker. “Mr. Webber, you must leave these funds in our two accounts. Do not move the money into the ranch accounts on anyone’s say so. Even if Clarence Pearson learns of this. We need this money desperately for the ranch.”
“Leonard, Willow… I’ve been waiting for your return to Cactus Plains. I’ve heard stories the Circle H was deteriorating rapidly under Pearson’s management, and I’d hoped you two would return in time to save it.” Mr. Webber stood and extended his hand to Leonard. “Young man, use this money to right the wrongs done to your family’s ranch by that man.”
“And I’ll help also,” Willow shook the banker’s hand. “You couldn’t have given us better news today. Bless Father for such a generous gesture.”
“There wasn’t a better man than Hartley Harrison and I deeply respected him. Hartley knew ranching inside and out. Learned from his daddy, Mitchel Harrison. I would have lent either man any sum they’d asked for. Both fellows always managed money wisely and saved for a rainy day.” Mr. Webber chuckled. “I believe there’s been a downpour out at the ranch until today, but I trust you will save the Circle H and honor your father’s legacy with your funds.”
“Thank you, sir.” Leonard beamed as he shook his hand again. “That’s exactly what I intend to do.”
“If there is anything I can do to help, let me know.”
Daniel cleared his throat. “Mr. Webber, if it proves necessary, would you be willing to testify before a judge that Mr. Harrison intended for his son to inherit the ranch?”
“Absolutely.” Mr. Webber smiled. “I have notes here that I made during conversations with Hartley, describing in detail his intentions for the ranch. And that included his son taking ownership one day.”
Willow forgot all propriety and threw her arms around the bank manager’s middle, hugging him tightly. “Thank you so much. We can never repay you for this.”
Mr. Webber’s face reddened but he chuckled at her exuberance. “You’re very welcome, young lady. But I’m just doing my job and looking out for my customers’ best interests.”
“It’s a pleasure dealing with an honest man,” Daniel commented. “Not always the case I’m afraid.”
“Clarence Pearson comes to mind.” Mr. Webber shook his head. “I’m not certain how he managed it, but that man inheriting the Circle H reeks of foul play and dishonesty.”
“And we intend to prove it,” Daniel added.
The five of them shook hands with the manager and exchanged goodbyes before gathering on the sidewalk outside the bank.
Leonard patted his vest pocket. “I withdrew plenty enough money to pay the ranch hands and Mrs. Griffith. I’m heading over to the hotel and the saloons and see if I can round up some more hands for the Circle H.”
“I’m visiting Sheila’s Dress Shop to inquire about help for Mrs. Griffith. More gossip is exchanged in that shop than anywhere in town. If any young ladies are looking for domestic work, I’ll learn about them there.” Willow patted her reticule. “And I might purchase a new dress or two as well.”
“Here, sis.” Leonard handed her a few bills. “Promise the ladies a small advance on wages to ensure they’re willing to start immediately. And I’ll do the same with the ranch hands.”
“And don’t let me forget to pick up Mrs. Griffith from the general store. I paid our bill in full and put a hundred dollars onto the account. When I left, Mrs. Griffith was seated down to tea with Mrs. Platt while her husband filled the order for the ranch,” Leonard reported.
Daniel chuckled. “I thought Mr. Platt would faint when you paid him in full, Leonard. Mr. Webber mentioned your father’s wise use of money, and seeing your penchant for saving wages, I believe you’re following in his footsteps.”
“Thanks, Daniel.” Leonard shrugged. “Not much to spend money on when you’re working and on the run. Never knew from hour to hour whether we’d be staying or forced to move on. And some of those ranches were so remote there wasn’t a single thing to purchase within miles.”
“And my brother isn’t a gambler, so that helped also.” Willow smiled at her brother. She trusted him with her life, never mind her earnings.
“Well, you’re home now. And once we settle this matter of ranch ownership, your future couldn’t look more promising,” Sawyer said.
Willow’s eyes filled with tears. How had she and Leonard managed to find such good friends? People who believed in them. People who volunteered to help them without a single thought of remuneration for time and money spent.
“I’m off to the telegraph office to see if Pa replied to my telegraph about a fair-minded judge around these parts.” Adam touched Willow’s arm and winked at her. “Have fun at the dress shop.”
“I’m looking for ranch help. This is not a pleasure trip,” she argued, and then smiled. “Maybe a bit of shopping,” she conceded.
Ten minutes later, Willow opened the door to Sheila’s Dress Shop and stepped inside. She recognized the familiar scent of lavender when she entered, same as whenever she’d patronized the store in the past. She smiled, realizing some things in life never changed. Several racks of dresses and other clothing monopolized the center of the room. And a variety of different-sized shelves lined one wall, overflowing with gloves and hats and other ladies’ accessories.
“I’ll be right with—” The proprietress paused mid-sentence when she spotted Willow standing there.
“Hello, Sheila. How are you today?” Willow greeted her with a smile. The owner’s expression puzzled Willow. Shock? Surprise? Concern? All three?
Sheila hurried over and reached for Willow’s hand. “Come with me,” she ordered in a whisper and almost dragged Willow to the back of the store. She stuffed her behind a screen used by customers trying on dresses and the like. “Don’t move,” she whispered.
Chapter 23
Willow settled onto the spindly-legged chair and hea
ved a sigh. This reception was the last thing she’d expected. And then she heard a familiar voice and understood immediately why Sheila had taken the action she had.
Several minutes later, Willow heard the soft tinkling of the bell above the door followed by the click of bootsteps on the plank floor. Sheila poked her head around the corner of the screen. “Avoided that bit of trouble now, haven’t we,” she muttered, smiling at Willow.
“I recognized the voice,” Willow offered.
“Elizabeth Greeley is the worst gossip in town. If she’d caught sight of you, you’d have received an inquisition the likes of which we’ve never heard.” Sheila chuckled, taking Willow’s hand and pulling her back into the store area. “But it is so good to see you, Willow. Come have a cup of tea and tell me where on earth you’ve been.”
Sheila guided her to the small table in back and Willow barely caught her breath before a cup of steaming tea appeared in her hand. “I’ve closed the shop and stuck a sign in the window that I’d be returning in thirty minutes. You have twenty-eight minutes to tell me everything.”
Willow chuckled. “Where do I start?” For the next several minutes, Willow shared an abbreviated version of her adventures while on the run, concluding with Mrs. Sheridan’s discovery of her true identity on the Double M.
“What I wouldn’t give to have seen the look on your boss’s face,” Sheila hooted with laughter.
“The poor man thought he was seeing things.” Willow finished her tea. “But we’re back in Cactus Plains to clear our names and for Leonard to take control of our family ranch. The despicable fellow who claims he inherited the Circle H must have pulled a fast one. There is no logical reason why Father would have left him the ranch.”
“I barely know the difference between horses and hollyhocks, so I have no idea what the concern is. But you’re back in town and that’s all that matters.” Sheila smiled. “We’ve always been such good friends despite the age difference. And I cannot tell you how much I still miss your mother.”
Sheila had been one of her mother’s best friends and their feelings toward each other had been mutual. Willow’s mother loved spending time with Sheila, often helping out in the store during the Christmas season or working together on a church project for the less fortunate.
“I miss Mama so much, and Papa, too. But it’s the deplorable condition of the ranch and the horses that worries me. You wouldn’t believe what that horrible man has done to Father’s legacy. Leonard’s taking over, whether Clarence Pearson likes it or not.” Willow’s fists had clenched without her realizing it, and she took a deep breath to calm herself. “I need your help, Sheila. Do you know of any ladies looking for domestic work? Mrs. Griffith has been running the house alone and she’s near to dropping from exhaustion. I need to hire at least two more young ladies to help out.”
“I know of two girls right off the top of my head. Both of them seventeen and looking for work. And just yesterday Betsey Garner mentioned she desperately needed a job. She’s eighteen and recently finished her schooling, but her family can’t afford to send her to a college or even a Normal School.”
“I’ll hire all three. Please contact them for me and have them come to the ranch as soon as possible.”
“Drop by the Garner home and Betsey will probably accompany you back to the ranch tonight,” Sheila suggested.
“Oh, that would be perfect!” Willow glanced toward the business area. “I require a couple of dresses. I’m not certain if my clothes are still at the ranch or if they’ve been destroyed.”
“I doubt Mrs. Griffith would allow anything to happen to them. But I’ve got several dresses on the rack that would fit you.” Sheila headed to the front of the store and Willow followed.
A half hour later, Willow strode down the sidewalk on the way to the general store, her wrapped package containing two new dresses under one arm. She’d tossed her old shoes in a waste bin and wore the new pair she’d splurged on. Although brand new, they fit her so well she doubted it would be long before they were worn in.
“Flying flapjacks! I should have bought a new pair for Mrs. Griffith,” she lamented aloud, recalling the poor condition of the housekeeper’s shoes. Of course, she’d only be guessing at the proper size. She’d insist the men drop by the store before everyone returned to the ranch, so Mrs. Griffith could pick out a suitable pair.
Willow had learned of three women to help out at the ranch, and she’d replenished her meager wardrobe with new dresses and a pair of shoes. A very successful day.
“I wonder if the men had similar luck?” Willow was eager to learn what had transpired while she’d been in the dress shop. She shifted the package in her arms and hurried toward the general store.
“Willow!” a familiar voice called.
She gazed across the street and caught sight of Adam waving his arm. “Stay there.” He worked his way toward her, dodging a wagon and team moving down the middle of the street.
“How are you?” she greeted him with a smile.
“Not doing that well. Pa replied to my telegraph that he didn’t know any judges in Texas, and he suggested Daniel contact someone at the Pinkerton Agency for help.” Adam shook his head. “How did you fare at the dress shop?”
She recalled ducking out of sight with Sheila’s help and avoiding the town gossip, but she concentrated on what was most important. “Sheila knew of three women looking for work. One of them might accompany us back to the ranch tonight,” Willow reported. “I purchased two dresses and a pair of shoes. At least, I’ll look presentable around town and when we face a circuit judge or whoever Daniel decides will help us with evicting Clarence Pearson from our lives.”
“You look beautiful always.” Adam leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I hope we can return to the ranch before long. Those ranch hands require a good supper, and I hope Leonard will find at least a couple men to immediately start work at the Circle H.”
Willow gazed heavenward praying he was right. They approached the general store, and Willow noticed the Circle H supply wagon was pulled up to the sidewalk. Before departing the ranch, Leonard must have instructed Red or one of the ranch hands to pick up Mrs. Griffith’s order. A man she didn’t recognize was loading a large bag of flour into the back. Adam opened the door and almost crashed into Red who was carrying a large wooden box.
“Hi, Willow, Adam. We’re almost finished loading these supplies, then making a quick stop at the saloon to purchase a bottle.”
“What?” Willow exclaimed.
Red shrugged. “We ran into Leonard coming out of the hotel. He’d hired three men sitting in the hotel dining room and looking for work. Leonard suggested a little celebration tonight with the ranch hands. We’ll soon be heading back to the Circle H.”
“That’s excellent news, Red.” Willow clasped her hands, figuring the men wouldn’t be too rowdy if only one bottle was opened for their celebration. Besides, Leonard wouldn’t allow the festivities to get out of hand.
Mrs. Griffith stepped onto the sidewalk. “Willow, I cannot tell you when I enjoyed an afternoon more. Mrs. Platt and I talked about so many things and exchanged a recipe. How did you and those young men fare?”
“I’ll tell you all about it on the way back to the ranch.” Willow reached for her hand. “First, we’re going to Sheila’s Dress Shop. I forgot something while I was there.”
Mrs. Griffith nodded. “All right. Red talked to Leonard and he mentioned you were there. He’ll find us together.”
“I’ll head to the telegraph office in case Pa sent another telegraph. Perhaps he thought of something he didn’t mention earlier.” Adam touched Willow’s arm. “Stay at the dress shop and we’ll come fetch you.”
“All right. We’ll be waiting.” Willow smiled and took Mrs. Griffith’s hand. The woman hobbled alongside her as they set out for the shop. Willow wasn’t taking no for an answer when she informed the housekeeper that she was purchasing new shoes for her. She just wished every problem was as easily solved.<
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Willow couldn’t wait to hear what Daniel and Sawyer had worked on this afternoon. They’d promised to investigate Clarence Pearson and his inheritance which everyone considered ridiculous. She prayed they’d found something that could discredit his claim on the Circle H. Otherwise, all of their efforts today would be completely useless if he forced them off his property.
“You’re back!” Sheila exclaimed.
“Yes. Mrs. Griffith requires a new pair of shoes,” Willow announced, reaching for a pair she hoped would fit. “Sit down here and try these on, please.”
Mrs. Griffith stared at her. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try them on.” She settled onto the straight-backed wooden chair and slipped out of her old shoes.
“If these don’t feel comfortable, we’ll try another size.” Willow stood watching the woman lace up the shoes. “Wiggle your toes and tell me what you think.”
“They’re a bit snug. Of course, I’ve worn that old pair so long I’ve probably forgotten what a new pair feels like.” Mrs. Griffith laughed. She stood and walked down the center aisle of the dress shop before retracing her steps. “I really should have purchased new shoes ages ago, but time got away on me.”
“Well, if you feel they’re the pair for you, then I’m purchasing them.” Willow held up her hand. “And don’t question my decision.”
“Now, young lady, don’t be spending your money on me.” Mrs. Griffith seated herself and began untying the laces.
“Don’t you dare remove those shoes,” Willow warned. She grabbed the housekeeper’s old pair and tossed them into the same trash bin where she’d deposited her own pair an hour ago. “I will not have you cooking and cleaning on your feet all day while wearing anything other than those new shoes on your feet.”
“Then I’ll pay you back when I’m able to.” Mrs. Griffith agreed to the purchase of new shoes. Willow noticed she limped less just walking around the dress store.
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