by Danni Roan
“Anderson,” the white haired man replied. “What you got there?” he continued smiling up at Prim.
“This is Miss Perkins,” Anderson replied. “I found her out in the prairie confronting a range steer.”
“Oh dear,” the old man said running his hands through his thick white hair. “I’m afraid one of my horses picked up a stone on the drive out and delayed me,” he said nodding at the set of bay horses hitched to the wagon. “I’m mighty sorry Miss Perkins. I was coming to get you from the stage.”
Anderson swung down from his horse then reached up to help the young lady to the ground, holding her by the waist for a second to make sure she was steady.
Prim straightened her dress trying to push her hair out of her face. She must look a mess, but she could see that the old man was distressed. “It isn’t your fault,” she said kindly as Mr. Bowlings untied her bag from his saddle, “and there is no real damage done after all,” Prim added with a smile as she cast a glimpse back to her savior.
Orville looked over at the young lady in her dusty dress and battered hat then smiled. “You’ve got pluck,” he said, “just the kind of thing we needed in this here town. I guess I’ll take it from here Anderson,” he finished steadying his team.
“Miss Perkins,” Anderson said nodding his head slightly as he took her hand and helped her into the wagon seat. “I think I’ll ride on into town with you,” he added tossing her bag in to the wagon.
“Suit yourself,” Mr. Hampton said clicking to his team and starting them in a wide circle while Anderson stepped back into the saddle of his lean gray horse.
Chapter 4
Anderson rode along next to the wagon, stealing glimpses at the young woman sitting still and upright on the hard seat. She was an attractive woman, though dressed simply and somewhat of a mess from her recent adventure. His lips twitched again as he remembered her very unladylike plunge to the earth as she thumped the heavy bag over her head.
Miss Perkins was nothing like the type of women he had spent much of his life ferrying to fancy parties, or dancing with at elegant balls. Growing up in Edinburg England among the toffs of society had done little to prepare him for the people he had since met here in America’s furthest reaches.
Most of the women Anderson had known in his sordid past were cloying, overly ambitious women, looking for an acceptable match. Or a conniving mother’s determined to secure a count or a duke for their daughter at any cost, even entrapment. None of those women would have been assuring old Orville that his tardy arrival was no real issue, an d that she was sorry for the inconvenience of getting off track, as Miss Perkins was. Add to this the fact that Primrose was promised to his number one competition in the cattle business around Needful, and it made Miss Perkins even more intriguing.
It had taken Anderson months of arguing to convince his father that a cattle ranch in Texas would pay for itself if only he would give him part of his inheritance to begin the endeavor. When Anderson had found himself the target of one of those conniving mothers himself, his father had finally agreed, giving him an escape not only from the fake scandal but also Mrs. Bowlings' none too subtle plans to marry Anderson off to the most suitable catch possible.
After less than a year the English Rancher had a good herd of cattle grazing on the open range, and in another year, he should be able to send most of them up the Chisholm to feed the rest of this young nation as a healthy profit to boot.
“That’s our place up there,” Orville’s voice drifted back catching Anderson’s attention and he focused once more on the young woman who looked nervous and lovely all at once. “We got the Hampton House built up right quick, and it is doing' good business. Most often the single men are coming in to get a meal at the end of a long day, or breakfast before a shift at one of the mines.”
Prim turned to look at the rough hewn building, its two-story face of heavy square cut logs only beginning to weather, against stark white chinking.
“It looks very nice,” she said admiring the front porch and thick hand railings that ran along the open road as her eyes took in the window openings covered by thinly stretched hide that was nearly opaque.
“You may be stayin’ here with me and my wife Olive for a spell,” Orville said. “I know you’ll like it, and we could use a bit of help in the meantime what with so many mouths to feed.”
“Oh?” Prim questioned. “You need servers?”
“We sure do. The girl that traveled from Smithfield with us got herself hitched and gained a son in the mix, so she’s a mite busy anymore. She’s also the closest thing we have to a doctor in Needful, so she can’t work for us.” Orville said with a grin. “Rosa still helps but she’s only one person and this place is growing.”
Prim looked around the town trying to file away the names, though she had no reference for either, as while taking in the mixture of tents and wooden structures. It didn’t look like much of a town yet, even little Rockington had more to offer back home, but she could see the potential in half built structures, and windowless buildings.
“We got a jail now,” Orville continued pointing to a stout building with a small house at the back. “Of course the saloon is down the street,” he said pointing in that direction as a stream of cowboys poured out of the double doors mounted up and came racing toward them.
Orville Hampton gathered the reins moving his horses as far over on the street as he could as the cowboys whooped and hollered along the single lane toward them.
Prim cringed as the rowdy men reached the wagon dragging their mounts to a stop in a cloud of dust as they surrounded them.
“What you got there old man?” a drunken rider asked leaning over to look into Prim’s face. “She’s kinda’ pretty,” the man said as the smell of whisky made Prim shrink back.
“Looks like someone dumped her in the dirt,” another man called crowding in even closer to the wagon and pointing at the smudge on her cheek, making the already nervous team dance.
“I would suggest that you men clear off,” Anderson spoke easing his horse up behind the wagon and giving each man a hard look from the back of his leggy mount. “If you men want to keep your jobs, I believe it is time for you to move along,” he added noting the Double B brand on their horse’s left hip.
One of the cowboys turned toward Bowlings an angry snarl on his face as he opened his mouth to reply until he recognized the man who ran the second largest ranch in the area and his boss.
“Reckon it’s time to head home,” the wrangler drawled, wheeling his horse and charging off in the other direction his companions racing after him in a flurry of loud shouts and random shots.
“Thank you,” Prim said dropping her gaze as she realized just what a mess she was. It was embarrassing. She knew she was no beauty, but the fact that she was a poor moonshiner’s daughter with little more than the faded dress she sat in, was even worse.
“Hooligans,” Mr. Hampton grumbled shaking his head. “This town is still just a tad too wild for decent folks,” he continued giving Anderson a hard look. “Now let’s get you inside to Olive, she’ll know what to do,” he finished setting the brake and climbing down from his seat.
“Miss Perkins,” Anderson said tipping his hat politely, and making Prim blush. “I hope that we might meet again,” he finished turning his horse and ambling down the street at a sedate pace.
Prim watched the man who had helped her quietly ride away, and she couldn’t help but wish he would join them in the Hampton House. As the first person she had met in this barren land, she felt a connection to and gratitude toward him. As she watched Mr. Bowlings slowly ride away, Primrose felt more alone than she had since she first started out.
“You’re back,” an older woman came rushing from the building. “Oh, dear,” she said coming to a quick stop as she saw Prim. “What happened?”
“Olive, this is Miss Perkins,” Orville said climbing down from the wagon and offering the girl his hand. “I’m afraid I was late getting her, and wel
l she had a run in with a cow.”
“Oh my dear, come right inside,” Olive said wrapping an arm around Prim as she ushered her inside. “We’ll get you cleaned up and settled.”
“Thank you,” Prim said looking over her shoulder one more time and trying to catch a last glimpse of Mr. Bowlings along the street.
Chapter 5
“I thought I was meeting Mr. Gaines,” Prim said feeling overwhelmed and confused as she was hustled through a large eating area and into a small cozy living space.
“Never you mind about Mr. Gaines now,” Mrs. Hampton said. “You’re staying here with us for a spell until we see how things are. We can use a girl like you at the Hampton House.”
Prim felt her heart flutter with fear as she shuffled across the bare wooden floor “But I received his letter,” Prim protested. “I’m to marry him.”
Mrs. Hampton closed the door to a small bedroom behind them then looked up at Prim who had stopped pinning the older woman to the spot with her blue eyes. She didn’t know what was going on, but it was obvious the young woman was feeling frightened and defensive.
“Now about that,” Mrs. Hampton said. “You see, Dan doesn’t actually know about you yet.” She waved her hands indicating that Prim shouldn’t say anything as the younger woman gaped. “Far as anyone else is concerned you’re here to work at the Hampton House. I’ll introduce you to Dan in short order and try to get that all fixed up in no time.”
“But,” Prim started. “I didn’t. Oh my!” she finally said flopping down on to a double bed that squeaked loudly in protest.
“I’ll fetch you some hot water,” Mrs. Hampton said her insides squirming with guilt. “When I come back, we can talk a spell, and you can get washed up then changed.”
Prim nodded dumbly as the older woman left the room. She wasn’t here as a mail-order bride after all. Her head spun with the realization, but as the new reality began to sink in, she suddenly saw a bright side. Instead of marrying a stranger, she could work and establish herself in this town, saving money until she could bring her mother and sister to Needful. If the place was as busy as Mr. Hampton had said she was sure they could arrive before winter.
“You feelin’ better?” Mrs. Hampton asked a short time later when she walked into the room with a bucket of steaming water. “I brung a wash rag and soap, so you can freshen up.”
“Mrs. Hampton, I believe I deserve an explanation,” Prim said, walking to the small table where her host had set the bucket.
“It’s this town you see,” Mrs. Hampton said sitting on the bed while Prim unbuttoned her dirty dress. “It’s a needful kind of place, and what I think; what some folks think, is that it needs more good women to sort of calm it down.”
Prim shimmied out of her traveling dress hanging it over a peg and cringing at the stains on the skirt as she began washing away days of trail dust from her face and neck.
She would have loved nothing better than to find a deep pool or cold stream to bathe in, but for now, this would do, and wrinkled from days in the bottom of her bag or not, a clean dress was a must.
“I hope you aren’t mad at us,” Mrs. Hampton was saying. “We figured if a woman was looking for a new start, one or the other would do.”
Prim rinsed her face with the warm water smiling at the added whisper from her elderly hostess who mumbled something about Dan not being where she wanted him and love at first sight.
“I’m not upset,” Prim said, making her way to her bag and pulling out her other dress. “I’m just surprised. As a matter of fact, this might work out better in the long run. You see my mother and sister are still back home in Tennessee, and I’d love to send for them. Perhaps after working here for a while, I’ll be able to afford that.”
Mrs. Hampton smiled at the young woman her dark eyes bright at the girl’s positive outlook. “You seem like a good sensible girl,” she said. “I’m sure we can manage to get your sister and mother to Needful when the time is right.”
Prim pulled the clean dress over her head and began buttoning it at the back. It smelled of home and the last hand washing it had received, and for a moment, a wave of homesickness struck her so hard she gasped.
Mrs. Hampton placed a hand on Prim’s arm. “Don’t you worry none,” she said. “It will all work out. Now you turn around and let me help you with your hair before you meet everyone else.”
Prim turned around, smoothing her dress as Mrs. Hampton unpinned he hair and brushed it out. For years, she and Peri had helped each other fix their hair while they dreamed of life, love, and a home of their own and the smooth swish of the brush was calming.
“There now don’t you look nice?” Mrs. Hampton said pushing the last strands into place. “You come on out, and we’ll get you something to eat. We won’t expect any work from you today, tomorrow will be soon enough to get started. In the mean time, you’ll have a chance to meet the other Gaines family.”
“Thank you Mrs. Hampton,” Prim said, stepping wearily as she prayed the older woman was right and that everything would come together.
“Now, none of that Mrs. Hampton nonsense,” the older woman said waving at Prim. “You call me Olive. And what do they call you back home?”
“My given name is Primrose,” the young woman said, “but everyone calls me Prim.”
“Then Prim it is,” Olive said, squeezing her hand. “I’m sure we’ll all get along fine. When you’re ready, come on out to the kitchen, and I’ll introduce you to Rosa and Christina.”
“I’m ready now,” Prim said looking at her dirty dress with chagrin. “I’d like to meet them very much.”
Olive grasped the girl’s hand in hers and headed for the door. “No time like the present,” she said, “and we’ll find you a good meal while we’re at it.”
Prim smiled surprised at her peace when faced with this unexpected development. She had put her faith in God by replying to the mail-order bride ad, and no matter what came next, she would continue to believe. The Word promised that His children would not go begging bread, and she had landed in a place where she could live and work to earn enough to bring her family back together.
Perhaps, the circumstances bringing her to this place were not exactly what she had expected, but for now, they were enough. Tomorrow had enough cares in it not to start worrying for it today.
***
The dining room was filling with men from around the town as Rosa carried bowls of hot beef stew mixed with onions, beans, and hot chilis to various customers in dusty boots and dirty work clothes.
“There you are,” Mrs. Hampton said walking into the room with Prim. “Rosa I’d like you to meet Primrose,” the older woman called pulling Prim up to the petite black-haired woman. “Now you’ve met Rosa and my Orville. Daliah and Spencer will be here soon with their boy, Chad, and you can meet them too,” Olive finished.
“Hola,” Rosa smiled. “It is very busy tonight,” she said wiping her hands on her apron.
“Can I help with serving?” Prim asked as she watched another half dozen cowboys walk into the large room and look at her.
“Well, if you aren’t too tired, I think we could use the help.” Mrs. Hampton agreed. “Seems like we’re gettin’ busy early tonight,” Olive commented as she watched another five men attempt to brush a week’s worth of dust from their pants.
Prim hurried back to the kitchen with Rosa, her skin pricking as she felt the eyes of so many strange men following her. “Will you please carry out the food” Rosa asked as they walked into the other room where she moved to the stove and began browning more meat, looking harried as she rushed to start another pot of stew. In the corner, in a sort of wooden pen, a tiny black-haired little girl held a soft doll.
“I’ve come to help,” Prim said, smiling at the Mexican woman.
“Gracias,” Rosa said shaking her head as she stirred the mixture. “Will you serve what is ready?” she asked nodding toward the large pot of simmering food. “I will make more and then bring biscuits.”
Prim grabbed an apron hanging from a peg and slipped it over her head. She was tired and still a little unsteady from the jostling of the stage, but she was determined to help. The Hampton House could be the answer to her family’s prayers. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip between her fingers.
It didn’t seem possible, but as she walked back out to the dining room, more men had gathered at the tables while Mrs. Hampton hurried to bring them all coffee.
“Is it always like this?” Prim asked her mentor as she hurried to fill tin bowls. “No usually it ain’t this busy,” Olive said. “My guess is they heard a new woman had arrived in Needful, and they wanted to get a good look.”
Prim opened her mouth to protest then gazed around the room to see each man gazing back at her. Were women so scarce here that men flocked to any establishment where a new woman might be found?
“You go on and serve up that food, I’ll bring more coffee,” Olive said stepping around Primrose and back into the kitchen.
Approaching the nearest table Prim was shocked when four men stood with the clomp of heavy boots and scrape of rough-hewn chairs.
“Ma’am,” several men said at once as Prim served the spicy concoction into waiting bowls.
“Hello,” Prim said shyly, feeling surrounded and hemmed in as she tried to serve everyone in the room, but found her way blocked.
Chapter 6
Anderson was half way home, feeling the tension grow between his shoulders with every step. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t get the pretty Miss Perkins out of his mind, and a nagging worry seemed to dog his every step.
She had been so sensible and not at all panicked when threatened by the angry bull. The more he thought of Miss Perkins, the more Anderson thought of Dan Gaines. The man was a decent sort, but there was a feeling among some, that Gaines had rights to more of the land than others in the area since he had been the first to start his ranch. Gaines had staked his claim fair and square, but Anderson couldn’t help feeling his competitive nature stirred by the other rancher.