Trudy removed the bonnet. “That’s a good idea. I have a bit of the fabric left. Would that help?”
“Perfect. I can use it to trim the hat if you wish.” She looked from one woman to the other. “Wait, don’t you live in different directions from town?”
Trudy laughed and her blue eyes sparkled. “We meet in town occasionally to shop and have lunch. Otherwise we only see one another in passing on Sunday mornings.”
Darcy ran her fingers along a cabinet.
Amelia feared she compared it to Gideon Walker’s work. “I know it’s nothing like your husband would build, but we didn’t have time. At least, I didn’t want to take the time. Later, perhaps I can talk to him about crafting something nicer—although I must be careful of the Murdoch men’s feelings. They worked hard to make certain I could open today.”
Darcy appeared surprised. “I wasn’t being critical. Gideon is a gifted craftsman, but this looks very nicely done.” A broad smile lit her face. “As a happily married woman, I forget my husband isn’t the only man in Montana who can create with wood. Obviously, the Murdoch men are capable. You know, there’s also a cabinetmaker in town who has a furniture store.”
Later in the morning, Mary Norton bustled into the shop. “I just can’t wait a minute longer to have a new hat. Ever since I heard you were coming back to open this shop, I’ve been planning.”
Amelia greeted the excited minister’s wife. “What do you have in mind?”
“Well, it will have to be suitable for any time of year. I try to alternate my hats so I don’t wear the same one every Sunday. I only have two and both are rather wilted. I think a new one is called for but I can’t decide on the color.”
Amelia held out her rose-colored skirts. “As you can see, I’m no longer wearing mourning colors. If you won’t be offended, I can give you two black hats and fit them with flowers or feathers or a combination.”
“Oh, my, I won’t be offended but I want to pay for whatever I get.”
“I haven’t forgotten you provided Charity and Logan with a large picnic basket after their wedding and sent one on the stage with us. I’ve heard you do that for many, many people. You must spend a fortune on baskets and food for others. Please let me repay you in a small way.”
With a happy smile, the minister’s wife agreed, “Well, if you put it that way, then I’ll accept.”
“Sit right here and I’ll get the hats. Then you can choose the trims you want.” Amelia dashed to her bedroom and snatched two of her three black hats. She didn’t want to wear black ever again, but she’d save one hat in the event of, heaven forbid, a funeral.
“Here you go. I don’t think they look any worse for wear. I rather like the one with the two pheasant feathers dyed black. Why not try it on?”
An hour later, Mary Norton smiled and there was a spring in her step as she carried out her two hatboxes. She’d said she liked the feathers as they were on the first one. On the second, Amelia arranged flowers Mrs. Norton chose.
After numerous browsers and two more sales, Amelia closed for the day. When she turned the Open signed to Closed, Sean peered through the door. She signaled with a finger for him to wait then she grabbed her jacket and purse.
“How was your first day?”
She laid her hand on his arm. “I made several sales and remade two of my old hats for Mrs. Norton.”
“Off to a great start. Although I’ll bet remaking hats doesn’t earn you money.”
“But she was so happy and she does so much for others. Sean, isn’t this a busy time on the ranch? Have you been in town all day?”
“Rode home, changed clothes, worked hard, cleaned up, came back. Couldn’t let you dine alone on your big day.”
She sent him a coquettish glance through her lashes. “Oh, and what makes you so certain I’d be dining alone?”
He scratched the back of his neck. “I know a woman as beautiful as you could have any dinner partner she wanted. Guess I was just hoping you’d prefer dining with me to any other man.”
Amelia savored the fact Sean thought she was beautiful. “I don’t want you to get a swelled head—that is, not any more than you already have—but I would have had a snack in my rooms if you hadn’t called for me.”
He grinned at her, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Swelled head, me? Naw, that’s my brother you’re talking about.”
She couldn’t keep from laughing. What a great day this had been.
Chapter Six
Amelia entertained Charity in the rooms behind the shop. Many of her possessions were still packed in trunks, but she’d dug out the china tea set that had belonged to her mother back in Chicago. Even if she were living in small rooms at the back of her store, Amelia was thrilled to have her things with her and be able to host her friend.
Charity sipped tea then set down her cup. “Have you heard from your brother?”
Amelia closed her eyes. “No, and I worry all the time. Before I boarded the train in Salem, I whispered my destination to him. I hope eventually he’ll come to Sweetwater Springs.”
“Have you figured out what he’s involved with there?
Amelia poured Charity another cup of tea. “I know Charlie would never do anything dishonest. In spite of that, I’m sure that he’s trapped in something frightening. I told you the man who shares his house never left us alone. I think he was there to spy on Charlie and . . . and maybe control him in some way.”
Charity’s eyes widened and she leaned forward. “That does sound alarming. You perceived no inkling of what he’s doing?”
“I found an envelope under the mattress of the man who lives with Charlie. Oh, Charity, I took such foolish chances, but I needed to quiet the terror engulfing me.” She shrugged a shoulder. “All I found in the envelope were pages containing dates and codes. I copied them before I returned the envelope to its place.”
Amelia related her tale of the thread and having to wash the sheets then learning the men sent everything to a Chinese laundry.
Charity giggled. “I know it’s not funny and I should apologize for laughing, but I can picture your annoyance when you realized you had to launder all the bedding. I’m surprised you noticed the thread.”
Amelia had to smile at her friend. “Thank goodness I did. Charlie used to use a thread like that when we were young to see if Mother or I had been in his room. I was so angry with myself for not seeing the string in time to avoid touching it.”
“What a big job for nothing except to cover snagging a single thread.”
Amelia sobered, recalling when she’d spotted the string. “That thing string scared me for it means there was something to hide. Thank goodness I spotted it, even though I did so too late.”
“Do you think perhaps you missed something?”
“Quite possibly. I was afraid he had similar traps elsewhere in the room. Charity, he was so angry when he realized I’d been in his room—the only time while I was there that he wasn’t charming.”
“Thank goodness you’re safely in Sweetwater Springs now.”
Amelia traced a finger on the tablecloth. “If anyone tried to follow me here, everyone in town would know. There’s comfort in that knowledge.”
Charity set her cup on the saucer with a clunk that showed her indignation. “I should think so. The nerve of anyone following you as if you’re an international spy or something, yet the ridiculous nature of the situation presents a puzzle.”
Amelia sighed and sagged as much as her corset would allow. “I’ve worried and considered and tried to solve the mystery, but I simply don’t have enough information. I couldn’t stay there and probe and risk trouble for Charlie.”
“I’m sure your brother is capable of taking care of himself, Amelia. I know you worry, but try to put it out of your mind.”
“I have been, but there it is, staring me in the face.” She pulled her handkerchief from her pocket to dab at her eyes. “Oh, Charity, what if something bad happens to Charlie?”
&nbs
p; “Now, Amelia, worry never solved anything. Trust in God and your brother to solve the problem.”
“You’re right. I’ll try to be more optimistic and trusting. Now, tell me how you like being a rancher’s wife.”
***
Amelia was at work creating a new hat when the bell on the door dinged. She looked up to discover Mrs. Cobb from the mercantile two doors down the street. The woman wore an even grumpier expression than usual.
Even though Amelia was certain this wouldn’t be a happy visit, she stood and composed her face. “Good morning, Mrs. Cobb. May I help you?”
The other woman poked at first one hat then the other. “I’m just looking to see what you have to offer. You have a nerve setting up this shop so close to the mercantile. You know I have hats there.”
“I also know your space is limited because you have to make room for so many items that you can only show a couple of hats. On the other hand, I have room to display several and design and create whatever the customer wants.”
“Harrumph. For your information, I decorate those I sell. Mine look just as good as yours.” She stopped at another display and gasped. “You have unmentionables, too? Why, you’re trying to steal all our business.”
“Not at all. There are enough women in the area to keep us both busy. I believe they’ll be happy to have available things they’ve had to order up until now. Would you like to see some of the supplies I brought with me?”
Mrs. Cobb’s lips pursed petulantly. “I suppose.”
Amelia showed her through her work area.
Mrs. Cobb picked up a curved feather then tossed it back on the workbench. “You think you’re too fancy to order through the mercantile?”
“I bought from wholesale suppliers so I could see and touch the items before I purchased them. I have the addresses if you’re interested.”
“Where I’ve always ordered is good enough for me.”
“If you change your mind, just let me know. I love creating hats and hope the women in the area will love my designs.”
“Well, don’t expect me to shop here, nor will I send you any customers.”
“That’s your choice, Mrs. Cobb. I’d like for us to be friends since we’re both businesswomen in Sweetwater Springs among so many businessmen.”
The older woman looked her up and down. “That ain’t likely to happen.” She turned and left the shop.
Amelia plopped down on the chair at her worktable. She’d tried, but given Mrs. Cobb’s reputation, she wasn’t surprised the woman remained hostile.
***
On Sunday, Amelia walked to church with Sean accompanying her. “Thank you for walking with me. Even though I’ve met many of the church members, going into the sanctuary alone would be intimidating.”
“They’re not a fierce lot, but several of them qualify as grumps.”
“I know one who does.” She told him about having Mrs. Cobb visit the shop.
He chuckled. “She’s the worst of those who take the joy out of life. Her friend—maybe her only one—Millie Pershing is as bad. At least there’s a building between yours and the mercantile.”
“Thank goodness.” Turning solemn, Amelia decided to confide about her money from Rupert Douglas. “Sean, there’s something I should tell you.”
He laid a hand on his heart. “Don’t tell me you found a fellow in Salem or that you’ve decided to become a nun.”
She grinned. Being serious with Sean was difficult. “Nothing like that.”
“Then why don’t you save it for this afternoon and go for a picnic and buggy ride with me?”
“That does sound pleasant.” Having more time would be helpful. The short walk to church wouldn’t last long enough for all the explaining required.
“I was hoping you’d think so. I brought a picnic basket with me in case you agreed.”
She smiled at the prospect of an outing with this charming man. They joined his family on a pew near the sanctuary’s front. The seven of them—three couples and Jenny—occupied the entire bench.
Mrs. Jones played the pianoforte. In between hymns, she caught Amelia’s eye and smiled as she touched the brim of her hat.
Reverend Jones delivered an impressive sermon on refraining from gossip. From the way he directed his gaze toward the same place in the congregation, Amelia suspected there had been a problem the past week.
After the service, Sean guided Amelia to a small buggy. “The others were using the family carriage, so I hired this rig. Sorry it’s not fancier.”
“Please don’t be. You’re thoughtful to invite me today. Do you have a picnic spot in mind?”
“Sure do and it’s a place you’ve never been.”
“Sean, don’t you remember this part of the world was covered in snow when I was here the first time? I was too cold to be observant. Even when I looked around, all I saw was the inside of your wagon, the inside of your home, and the train depot.”
“Reckon that’s right. Since you’ve been in our home, I forget that’s all you could do. Winters here drive some folks away. Sure glad you’ve come back.”
“I’d made up my mind before I left that I’d return. I didn’t mention my decision because I didn’t know what I’d find in Salem or how long I’d need to remain there.
In town, he’d pointed out various homes. Now he gestured to anything he thought might interest her. With the snow mostly melted and the sun shining, she couldn’t help being optimistic.
She inhaled deeply. “You’d never find such clean, fresh air in Chicago. And the sky is so blue here and appears so much higher than in Chicago or Salem.”
Sean grinned and mischief sparkled in his eyes. “Has to be, otherwise the mountains would poke holes right through the sky. Can’t have that.”
She rolled her eyes. “You are so full of malarkey.”
He glanced at her and wiggled his eyebrows. “Hmm, is that good or bad?”
She giggled in spite of her effort to look serious. “Most of the time, it’s good. Makes for an interesting conversation.”
He guided the rig off the road onto little more than a rough trail. Soon he drew to a stop under some cottonwoods bordering a creek. He hopped down and came around to help her to the ground.
“Are we on Murdoch land?”
He reached into the rig for the picnic supplies. “Yes, but close to Darcy and Gideon Walker’s. This creek runs near their house. Gideon’s shy but he’s a real nice fellow. Dependable and a great craftsman with furniture.”
“Darcy was my first sale. She bought a hat she said was the same silvery color as Gideon’s eyes.”
“Those two are definitely smitten with one another, which is good since they’re married. Never saw eyes the color of Gideon’s until I met him.” He set the basket on the ground and spread the blanket. “Have a seat while I unpack our feast.”
Amelia sat on the blanket and tucked her skirts around her legs. Today she wore blue muslin trimmed in darker blue. The dress was one John had especially liked on her because the color deepened that of her eyes.
“Can’t I help you?” She leaned forward to peek into the basket.
“Nope. Jenny packed this and told me what to do and how. You may remember that our cook is not bashful about giving orders.”
“I do, but she’s awfully nice.”
“Says she’s decided to find a fellow and marry. Hope she finds someone who wants to work on the ranch. I’d hate to lose Jenny.” He handed Amelia a plate heaped with fried chicken, potato salad, slaw, and bread and butter pickles. Two Mason jars contained apple cider.
Amelia unscrewed the lid of her drink. “This is a feast. I hadn’t realized I was so hungry until I saw the food.”
“Jenny sent pie for dessert. I suspect Edwina made it, but Jenny’s been trying to learn to make light piecrust.”
Amelia swirled her fork in the potato salad. “Sean, I need to explain something and ask your advice.”
A frown displaced his usual smile. “Sounds serious
.”
“Nothing bad, at least I don’t think it is. The man who lives in the same house as my brother is named Tony Ward. He looks clean cut and charming but I suspect he’s a criminal of some sort.”
“I got that impression from your story when you arrived.”
“What I didn’t tell you is that he recognized my father-in-law’s name and said the man is dishonest. Tony was angry when I mentioned that my father-in-law told me that John’s savings had disappeared and that I thought he’d stolen them.”
“And I agree. He wouldn’t have planned to open his own business and buy a house without sufficient money on hand.”
“Here’s the thing. The very next day after Tony was so angry at John’s father, I received a telegram from Mr. Douglas saying he’d ‘found’ John’s savings plus had included John’s share of the company in funds he wired to the Salem bank.”
Sean raised his eyebrows. “Ah, too much for a coincidence and you think this Tony contacted Mr. Douglas with a threat of some sort?”
“Yes, I do. And I don’t know what to do about the money.”
Gesturing with a chicken leg, Sean asked, “If you don’t mind my asking, what amount are we talking about?”
“Twenty thousand dollars.”
Sean whistled quietly through his teeth. “Wow. That’s a lot of blackmail. This Tony must have something serious against Mr. Douglas.”
“And he also warned me not to let Mr. Douglas know where I settled. What should I do about the money?”
“Keep it. As John’s widow you had a right to his savings and to his share of his father’s business. Is it still in the Salem bank?”
“Yes. I withdrew a few hundred dollars before I left, much less than Mr. Douglas stole from John and me so I felt entitled to that.”
“I don’t understand your problem.”
“There are two. One, I feel less than honorable letting you and your brother and father do so much work to help me get the shop open.”
“You’re a family friend, Amelia, and almost like family. We help one another out here. You bought all the supplies, we just donated the donkey work.”
Montana Sky: Bride's Adventure (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 4) Page 5