by Danni Roan
“She’s alright, but she seems to want to clean all the time,” Bruno said pushing his hat back and snugging his scarf tight.
“Women get that way sometimes,” Maud laughed.
“I just don’t want her working too hard,” Bruno mused. “The house is bigger and there’s more to do.”
“Bruno, she’s expecting a baby not suffering from the influenza,” Maud laughed.
“Well anyway, I think it would be nice if these folks would be interested in the house, and then Janine would have someone around if I have to go anywhere.”
“Then what are we doing standing around here for? Let’s get moving,” Harlan said slapping the reins and setting the horses on their way.
***
Agnes turned from the fire that was rapidly dying to see a fancy sleigh and a lone rider approaching.
This wasn’t the big man she’d met twice but a couple and an out rider.
“Matrice, fetch the shotgun,” she called over her shoulder shrugging her coat up on her shoulders.
“Hello the camp,” the lean young rider called.
“Hello,” a woman called from the sleigh as the older man pulled the team to a stop.
“We have permission to be here,” Agnes said, her voice defensive.
“Yes we know,” the trio said together as Matrice walked around the wagon with the shot gun over her arm.
“I’m Harlan Dixon,” the older man spoke up, “and this is my wife Maud,” he added.
“I’m Bruno, we met the other day,” Bruno said. “I gave you directions to town.”
Agnes nodded wondering if the whole town would eventually make an appearance on this little patch of nothing.
“Step down,” she offered. “We’ve got coffee,” she finished gesturing to Matrice to bring cups.
Maud climbed from the sleigh with Harlan’s help and smiled at the lovely young woman.
“We didn’t know if you’d been able to make it in to town, so we brought you a few things.”
Harlan grabbed the box of supplies and carried them toward the fire.
“We don’t need charity,” Agnes said.
“It’s not charity,” Harlan said. “Just folks being neighborly.”
Agnes looked at the box noting the small sack of sugar and pound of coffee.
“Mighty cold night last night,” Bruno mused. “You folks fair alright?”
“We was cold,” a boy called climbing out of the wagon.
“Well come over to the fire Atrum and warm yourself,” Agnes said. She was feeling crowded and didn’t like it.
Bruno grinned at the boy. “How’d you like to stay in a nice little house?” he asked.
“Is it warm?” the boy asked.
“Warmer than being out here on this plain,” Bruno said.
Agnes pulled Atrum to her as Matrice handed out cups. “We aren’t going anywhere,” she said sternly. “We don’t have no money for renting a house and besides my husband will be along at some point.”
Bruno ran a hand around the back of his neck. “Well ya see I’m really lookin’ for some help around my place,” he said turning back to the fire.
Harlan and Maud turned toward Bruno surprised by his words.
“Ya see,” Bruno said. “My wife is expecting, and I worry she’s doing too much. We built this here new house and she’s never been used to doin’ for herself. I was thinking that maybe you folks could help keep an eye on her for a while.”
Agnes stared at the young man. Was he serious?
Bruno watched as the large dark skinned woman crossed her arms and glared at him.
“Mama,” Matrice spoke up, “maybe we could take some sort of job.” The younger woman said looking between their three guests.
Bruno smiled but before he could speak Maud spoke up again. “That’d fix your troubles Bruno. Perhaps this family could stay in your old house and help Janine a bit for rent.”
Maud looked at the other woman understanding how hard it must be for her managing on her own. She’d done it for many difficult and trying years as she’d raised her three daughters after the death of her first husband.
“You’d be helping me out,” Bruno admitted. “At least think about it,” he encouraged.
Agnes looked from the young man to the older couple then at her children. Atrum looked at her imploringly but she found it hard to trust.
“What’d you need me to do?” she asked meeting Bruno’s eyes.
“Maybe some light house work, or maybe a few chores. I’ve got a few head of sheep, and a cow.” He shrugged turning to Maud Dixon for help.
“Janine is rather new to housekeeping so perhaps you could get to know her a little, keep her company when Bruno needs to be away.”
Bruno sniffed the air. “I don’t suppose you could teach her to make cornbread could you?” he asked hopefully. “She’s the love of my life and her cookin’ is getting better and all but,” he looked down at the steaming dutch-oven hopefully, “she’s not very good with baking.”
Agnes squinted at the man, “You’ll make a little paper tellin’ that I’m working to pay for the use of the house?”
“Yes ma’am,” Bruno agreed.
“Maud I think we’ll be moving this stuff on over to Bruno’s place,” Harlan said hefting the box of supplies. “Would you kids like to ride in the sleigh while your ma hooks up the mules?” he asked the two smaller children.
“Can we, please Mama?” Beatrix asked her dark eyes pleading.
Agnes took a deep breath reminding herself she was now in Wyoming, then nodded. “Keep close though,” she said.
“I’ll help you get hitched up Mrs. Ratner,” Bruno said with a grin hustling toward the mules.
Agnes watched her children climb into the sleigh with the old couple who had introduced themselves as the Dixons, then called to Matrice who stood staring into space.
“Put everything right in the wagon Matrice,” she said. “Looks like we’re moving.”
Chapter 9
“Oh neighbors!” Janine clapped her hands and jumped when Bruno told her that the Ratner family was renting their old home.
He knew the quarters would be tight for the family of four but felt better knowing that they weren’t out on the range with a storm moving in.
“Do you think they’d like a cup of coffee?” Janine asked her eyes bright.
“I think you should give them some time to settle in honey,” Bruno said with a smile. “And don’t be surprised if they want to help out around the place. They don’t have much money, so I told them they can work off the difference.”
“You were worried about them weren’t you?” Janine asked, her eyes full of love for the man who had won her heart.
“Well the weather’s turning real rough right now,” Bruno admitted. “I wouldn’t want to have to stay out there in just a wagon. If it was my family out there on the prairie, I’d hope someone would do the same for them.”
Janine wrapped her arms around Bruno’s neck rising up on her tip-toes to kiss him.
The harsh chug, chug sound of Janine’s father’s horseless carriage interrupted and had her springing to the door just as Smoke, Bruno’s little gray mustang, went to pitching and bucking in the corral.
“That confounded chunk of metal is going to get someone killed around here one day,” Bruno said shaking his head and reaching for the door. “Smoke hates it about as much as Chip does,” he finished referring to his friend Tywyn’s notorious mount.
“Daddy says it’s the next big thing,” Janine countered as Bruno grabbed his coat and stepped outside.
As Bruno walked to the corral to steady his horse, Janine stepped out onto the porch waving at her father and his friend Ruth Farrow.
“Daddy, I didn’t expect you today,” she said rubbing her arms against the cold. “Do hurry inside, it’s freezing out here.”
Mr. Williams helped Ruth out of the auto with a jaunty step. He’d admired the woman ever since he’d nearly run her down in the str
eets of Biders Clump, and she’d told him what for.
Ruth Farrow was a refined woman who knew about the better things in life. Her husband’s demise a short year and a half ago had left her in a most delicate position which resulted in her and Lucinda moving to Biders Clump. More the pity for her, but great gain for him.
“I do like Janine and Bruno’s new house,” Mrs. Farrow said as she took Jasper’s hand. “I’m glad to see that they have good taste. I don’t know why Lucinda insists that her farm house is fine. Willem is making good money now with the railroad, so she could have better.”
“Didn’t she say something about it being the children’s home and that they didn’t need any more disruption in their lives?” Jasper asked helping Ruth up the stairs and kissing his daughter’s cheek as they entered the house.
“Oh, yes. I guess she did,” Mrs. Farrow said, pulling her gloves from her hands. “Hello Janine,” she greeted with a smile as the door closed.
“Whose lives are disrupted?” Janine asked curiously as she led them both to the warm kitchen.
“Toby and Sasha,” Mrs. Farrow said. “I thought perhaps Lucinda would move into town now that Willem has a job with the railroad building bridges and such.”
“But they own a farm,” Janine looked between her father and his friend.
“Yes, but they don’t have to,” Mrs. Farrow stated. “They could move into town and live a more civilized lifestyle.”
Janine smiled. “I can’t see Toby liking that. He loves being on the farm and I know he’s been a huge help to his uncle.”
“Tobias, helpful?” Mr. Williams’ eyebrows rose. “I’ve only ever known him to get into trouble.”
Janine shook her head ushering her guests into the warm modern kitchen. “He used to come into the store and buy things with the money he made selling apples and such to the Grist Mill. He said he had to keep the onion patch going.”
Jasper looked at his daughter convinced that she had misunderstood.
“Lucinda said she was buying him a book on plants and things because he was so interested in bonnets, or botulism or something.”
“I think you mean Botany,” Bruno offered stepping through the door, his blue eyes falling on Janine’s father disapprovingly.
“Yes, that was it!” Janine offered excitedly. “Toby knows all sorts of wild plants and things and wants to learn more. Now you all sit down, and I’ll get you a cup of tea and the cookies I made this week.”
“Mr. Williams, I know you love that horseless carriage of yours, and I appreciate that it was expensive and that it is modern, but can you please try not to send the stock into fits every time you come for a visit?” Bruno’s tone was weary as he took his place at the table.
“Yes, yes, of course,” Mr. Williams’ agreed. “I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted to get out here to see you,” the older man said. “ By the way who’s that moving in to your old place down the road?” he finished.
“The Ratners, a family who has been staying out on the range waiting for Mr. Ratner to arrive. Mrs. Ratner agreed to take the house for a few weeks while they wait.” Bruno said.
“Bruno said they’ll help out around the place a bit as well to make things easier for everyone,” Janine added pouring hot water into the tea pot and setting it on the table. “I’m looking forward to having neighbors if even for just a little while.”
“Isn’t that nice Jasper?” Ruth asked. “Neighbors.”
Janine placed a plate of slightly over baked cookies on the table then sat down to pour the tea. “So what made you decide to come for a visit?” she asked pouring and handing a cup to her guests.
Jasper William’s smiled brightly taking Ruth’s hand in his. “I’ve come to discuss something with you,” he said his dark eyes on the woman who smiled sweetly back at him.
“As you know,” Mr. Williams continued, “Ruth and I have become quite fond of each other. With our girls both married and starting a family of their own, we find we’re rather at loose ends.” He looked up noting Bruno’s shrewd glance and Janine’s interested gaze.
“We’ve decided that we’d like to be married,” he finished looking at his daughter.
Janine looked at Bruno who offered her his hand and nodded.
“Oh, that’s lovely,” Janine cried. “Daddy you won’t be alone anymore and Mrs. Farrow, Ruth,” she added with a grin, “can live in town like she wants.”
“I just want you to know dear that I’m very fond of your father, and that I’m ever so grateful that we met when we did. My life had been turned all upside down and then Lucinda went off and left me to marry Willem,” she sniffed delicately. “Your father has been the world to me.”
“Lucinda didn’t leave you,” Janine said her eyes on the older woman. “You’ve been living with them ever since they wed.”
“Well yes,” Mrs. Farrow said “and I do love spending time with the children, but I’m an old woman and tire so easily. It will be nice to have a place to call my own once more and to be with Jasper all the time. He just understands me so, that my heart was his almost from the minute we met.”
Bruno hid his smile behind his cup. For a woman who tired easily she certainly seemed to spend a great deal of time racing about in his father’s-in-law automobile.
“I guess congratulations are in order then,” Bruno announced raising his cup of tea. “To the happy couple,” he offered in a mock toast.
Mrs. Farrow looked across at Jasper, her eyes bright. He had been just what she needed, and she thought that perhaps she even loved him. Her first marriage had been agreeable; a match arranged by her father to a wealthy man in Pittsburg, but this, this was different.
“I’m so glad you both approve,” Mr. Williams said. “I wanted to be sure you didn’t mind my dear,” he said directing his comment to Janine. “I know it’s been hard growing up without a mother and even with Nanny you’ve missed so much. Now you’ll have someone to call mother as well.” He smiled his face alight with cheer.
A knock fell on the door and Bruno rose to answer it. “I’ll be right back,” he said exiting.
“I’m delighted for the both of you,” Janine said. Although her father had never seemed to believe in her and had indulged her far more than was good for her over the years, she loved him and was pleased that he would have someone in his life to love him the way Bruno loved her.
“Mrs. Ratner, I’d like you to meet Mr. Williams and Mrs. Farrow,” Bruno introduced as he led Agnes into the neat kitchen.
“Pleased to meet you,” the woman said. “I didn’t mean to intrude, but I wanted to be sure that I could put my mules up in the corral.” She looked up at Bruno expectantly, feeling the eyes of the older woman on her.
“Why you’re colored,” Mrs. Farrow blurted. “I didn’t know we had any colored folks in Biders Clump.”
Bruno shot Mrs. Farrow a harsh look. “I don’t see what difference it makes,” he said.
“Well no, I guess it doesn’t,” Mrs. Farrow hurried. “It was just a surprise is all.”
“I’m sure it’s fine to put your mules in the corral,” Janine spoke up. “Can I get you a cup of tea?” she finished.
“No. No thank you,” Agnes said. “I’ll just put the mules up and get back to my children.”
Janine hurried to her feet and retrieved the tin she’d stored her cookies in. “Here, take these. I’m sure the children will be happy to have something sweet.”
Agnes smiled at the young woman before her. She was a real beauty with her bright red locks and green eyes, yet there was a softness about her that was surprising. She spoke well, carried herself well, but seemed not to notice the differences she saw in Agnes.
“Thank you, that’ll be appreciated, and don’t you hesitate to call on us if you need anything,” she finished taking the tin and turning for the door.
“I’ll come and help,” Bruno offered.
“No Mr. Bruno, you go on and visit with your family. Me and Matrice will put the mules up, we’re u
sed to it.”
Bruno walked the woman to the door and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I’m sure glad you’re gonna be about for a bit,” he said. “It puts my mind at ease.”
Agnes looked up into sincere blue eyes and nodded as the door swung shut.
“Well now isn’t that something,” Mrs. Farrow said. “You have new neighbors.”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Ratner couldn’t stay,” Janine said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know her and her family. Now tell me about the wedding plans,” she added with a smile.
Chapter 10
Rock made his way along the familiar trails checking stock and pushing his mount to move a little faster as he approached the camp.
“Whoa,” he called pulling on the reins as he looked about him in surprise and disappointment. He knew the Ratner family wouldn’t be staying long but he hadn’t expected them to be gone so soon, especially in this weather.
Turning his horse he saw the glide tracks of the sleigh and smiled. Perhaps Mrs. Maud had invited the family to shelter near them or even invited them to stay.
He turned studying the tracks and noting how they came from the Dixon homestead but traveled along toward the quarry instead of back home.
Easing his horse along the trail and picking up where the wagon had moved slowly along the same track, he spotted the unmistakable hoof prints of Bruno’s quiet pony Smoke.
“Well I’ll be,” Rock grinned. “Looks like Bruno found someone to stay in his old place after all.”
The big cowhand scanned the surroundings, watching as a small herd of cattle made their way out of the hills and toward the lowlands.
Foul weather was coming he was sure and the stock new it too. Watching the animals trot toward better grazing he turned his head toward the Sparak’s place.
It wouldn’t hurt to check and see that everyone had gotten there safely.
Pushing his horse into a ground eating lope, Rock headed down the path marked out by the wagon.
Every day he’d woke to the thought of the small family and his heart warmed to a woman who could have made the long trek to Wyoming practically on her own.