The Trouble with Patience

by Maggie Brendan

  Patience took a seat, glancing out the window as she waited. Her heart lurched. Jedediah was across the street chatting with a pretty, dark-haired lady rather flamboyantly dressed for daytime. She wore a large black hat with a tall black feather and a cream bustled dress with black stripes—very stylish but a bit much for Patience’s taste. She didn’t remember seeing her around before, but then she didn’t know everyone in town.

  “Here we are.” Hannah carried two beautiful rose teacups with steaming coffee over and took a seat opposite her. “Cream and sugar right here if you use it—I like mine black.” Hannah followed her gaze beyond the window. “Ah, Jedediah with Millie. She’s a widow. I believe her husband left her with a king’s ransom, and she lives extravagantly for the likes of Nevada City.”

  “Mmm” was all Patience said. She added cream and sugar to her coffee, then took a bite of her cinnamon roll. “Delicious, Hannah.”

  “I’m glad you like it. Jed’s favorite, you know.”

  “No—I didn’t know.”

  “Well, maybe you should get to know him better. He’s softer than he comes across.”

  “I’ll believe that when I see it.” Although he did rescue me from making a fool of myself on the sidewalk.

  Hannah laughed. “He needs a woman’s gentle touch on his heart, I wager. Maybe he’ll ask you to the Hargroves’ dance.”

  “Humph,” Patience responded. “I rather doubt that.” She wanted to change the subject. “Hannah, did you know my grandmother?”

  Hannah put her cup down. “Yes . . . yes I did, and we were good friends. She never had an unkind word to say about anybody. You’re a lot like her. Even resemble her.”

  “I could only hope to be as wonderful as she was. I . . . oh, never mind.”

  “What, dear?”

  “My grandmother was much more like a mother to me than my own.” Patience stared down at her coffee.

  “How well I know. Your grandmother wondered what she did wrong that your mother turned out to be so self-centered. Oh, I shouldn’t have said that.” Hannah pursed her lips.

  “It’s true, so don’t worry. You haven’t offended me. I do miss my grandmother and wish I could’ve spent more time with her.”

  Hannah paused and looked directly at Patience. “A young woman like you should be out there enjoying life, surrounded by friends and suitors!”

  “I don’t think that’ll happen. I’m already twenty-five, and no suitors have come calling.”

  “I’ve seen you with Cody. Don’t you enjoy his company?”

  “We’re friends, that’s all.” She glanced outside again and saw Jedediah parting from Millie.

  “Are you sure you’re not interested in Jed? I’ve seen how you look at him.” Hannah lifted a brow.

  Patience’s heart fluttered. “Even if I was, he doesn’t seem interested in me.”

  “Oh, no, dear—that’s just Jed’s way. I’ve told him by the time he makes his mind up to do something, it’s always too late. I think his self-confidence suffers. You’re younger and attractive, and he thinks you wouldn’t like him that way.”

  “Attractive? Me?” Patience was flabbergasted. No one had ever told her—that she could recall—not her mother, or even Russell. “Uh, well . . . thank you.”

  “Of course! Don’t you ever look in the mirror?”

  “I don’t like what I see. I think I carry more weight than I should for my height. I mean—well, look at Emily.” Patience frowned.

  “Humph! Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s what’s on the inside—in your heart—that matters. None of us are perfect. We are only made complete when we rest in the Good Lord. If Jedediah asks you to the dance, why not give him a chance?”

  “Where is the dance?”

  “The Hargroves’ place. They throw one every year, and—”

  “Maybe, but I should be going,” Patience said, standing to her feet. “I have to get supper started. I have a number of boarders now, and it’s keeping me pretty busy.”

  Hannah stood with her. “What do you do in your spare time, Patience?”

  “I read or sew . . . and I’m writing a collection of devotional readings.”

  “You don’t say? That’s wonderful, and I’m sure the Lord appreciates it. But don’t neglect to have a little fun in life. It’s all over too soon.” Her eyes misted and she walked Patience to the door. “Think about what I said.”

  “I will.” She leaned over, giving Hannah a quick hug, then handed her coins for the roll and coffee. “I hope to see you again soon.”

  Patience hurried back to the boardinghouse, contemplating what Hannah said. If Hannah thought she was attractive, could Jedediah think so too?

  10

  Nodding at a few customers, Jedediah strode inside the general store looking for Benny Foster, the store owner. The man smiled when he saw him. “Be with you in a few minutes, Marshal,” he called with a little wave, turning back to the customer he was serving.

  Jedediah folded his arms and leaned against a big barrel by the front door. From where he stood he could see Patience hurrying up the walk, her head held high and her homespun bonnet shading most of her face. Quite a contrast from Millie’s fancy do and hat, he mused. He wondered if Patience had ever owned anything as . . . well, as nice. Probably not. He admired how determined she’d been the last few weeks—running the boardinghouse and sprucing it up, trying her best to make a go of it.

  His heart couldn’t help but soften as he thought about her. Where was her family? I’ll ask her to the dance, first chance I get. ’Course, Millie would be an easier one to ask, but he’d never felt his heart go all mushy over that one.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting, Marshal,” Benny said at his side.

  “No problem,” he said, pitching his voice low. “I want to ask you if you know anything about that new fella around town, Cody.”

  “Can’t say that I do. Seen him a couple o’ times, and noticed him painting Miss Patience’s boardinghouse. He’s friendly enough, but mostly keeps to himself, far as I can tell.” Benny rubbed his bearded jaw.

  “That’s what the blacksmith told me. This Cody keeps his horse stabled there. No one seems to know where he came from.”

  “He in some trouble?”

  “Not that I know of. Well, I best get out of your way so both of us can get back to work.” The two men grinned at each other, and Benny walked him to the door.

  “I’ll let you know if I hear anything,” Benny said as he held the door.

  Jedediah nodded. “Appreciate it.” He left, his mind toying with why Cody stayed in Nevada City. The man didn’t have a job, and no one seemed to know where he came from. Jed gave his head a shake. He’d just have to keep his eyes peeled for any signs of trouble in the making. He’d developed what he figured was sort of a sixth sense about people through years of law work, and something definitely rubbed him wrong about Cody . . . besides his flirting with Patience.

  While supper simmered on the stove, Patience slipped out to the front porch to her rocker, hoping for a cooling breeze. The kitchen was always warm, even with all the windows open. She unfastened the button at her throat and loosened her collar, glancing over at Cody finishing up the last of the painting on the front railing.

  Soon she might have to hire someone else to help her with the workload, she concluded as she fanned her face with a discarded Montana Post. She now had eight residents, give or take one or more on any given week. There was room for only four more. Hmm. An idea for the help she needed popped into her mind. Cody isn’t going to want to change beds and do laundry, but maybe there is someone else . . .

  She fanned harder as she watched him work. “Cody, why don’t you take off that big neckerchief and loosen your shirt?” she suggested. “I don’t know how you stand the awful heat today.”

  “I’m used to it,” he told her. “The neckerchief catches the sweat. Besides, I’d feel funny without it.”

  Patience shook her head. “Whatever you say. I do like t
he fresh white paint on the railing. Everything looks so clean now. Thank you for all you’ve done. I do appreciate it.”

  “I have an idea for how you can thank me, Miss Patience,” he said, lifting a foot to the edge of the porch. “I’d like to take you to the dance Saturday night. What do you say? Would you care to go with me?”

  Patience stopped rocking. When he grinned at her like that, the man was most charming. She recalled Hannah’s words—yes, she needed to get out and have a little fun. “All right, Cody, I’d love to go. I think it will be . . . will be rather enjoyable,” she finished primly, her cheeks feeling even warmer than the sun was making them.

  He grinned and went back to his painting. “Good, that’s settled then, ’cause tonight is my last night. I got a job today as a ranch hand.”

  “Congratulations, Cody!” she said with genuine admiration. “I know you’re tired of these little odd jobs of mine.” But she did briefly wonder once more how she’d get everything done that needed doing. And did this mean he’d no longer be boarding with her?

  “Not a problem, Patience. Your assignments gave me something to do until a job came my way. Glad I got the painting done.” He was brushing the last rungs of the railing.

  “Well, I am grateful, all the same.” She rose from the rocker. “It’s about time for supper. You’d better clean the paintbrushes,” she said over her shoulder, a twinkle in her eye, as she reached the door. “That is—if you’re planning on eating here tonight.”

  “I think I’ll do both—clean the brushes and eat here—since it’s my last night. Be there in a few minutes.”

  So I guess he will be staying out at the ranch, she concluded as she went back to the kitchen, fastening once again the top button of her shirtwaist collar. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

  Some evenings the residents enjoyed a game of checkers or a chat with other boarders in the parlor. Patience liked the lively conversation. It was good to have laughter and more people in the house. It all kept her from feeling so alone. However, she wasn’t able to sit there at her desk with so many of them in the room tonight, so she excused herself to go to her room with her Bible and notebook before it got very late. Emily was close behind, acknowledging how tired she was.

  As she and Emily walked upstairs, Patience dropped her notebook. Emily hurried to pick it up for her, but held it open, staring at the page. “‘Seeking to Forgive Others,’” she read out loud. “What are you writing, my friend? A book?”

  Patience smiled and gave a little shrug. “Something like that. I’m working on a collection of my thoughts that I call Devotional Readings for Every Day.” She watched as Emily continued to read silently.

  “This is really good, Patience. I’m impressed.” Emily handed her the notebook.

  “Thank you. I try to write one every few days, when I can. I don’t know what I’ll do with them, though,” she said as they continued down the hallway.

  Emily paused in front of Patience’s door. “Well, I have an idea. My uncle works for a publishing house in New York. I’ll help you get them to him.”

  Patience laughed. “I don’t think he’d be interested in publishing devotionals by someone he’s never heard of—and a woman at that. But I have to admit, Emily, I hope to get them published someday.”

  “Then you will. Let me know when you’ve written as much as you intend for the collection, and we’ll mail it off.”

  “You really think he’d take a look at them?” Patience swallowed, butterflies spreading in the pit of her stomach.

  Emily smiled. “With a little bit of persuasion from me, I think so. I’m his favorite niece.”

  “Do you have a few minutes, before you retire? I’d like to talk to you about something that’s been on my mind.”

  “Of course. I’d probably only lie in the bed counting sheep anyway. The main thing I really wanted was to get off my feet.”

  “That’s good. Come with me then.” Patience unlocked her bedroom door and motioned Emily inside.

  “Please, sit here.” Patience pointed to the overstuffed chair, then turned her desk chair around to face her friend. “As you know, I’m continuing to get more boarders, and I’m almost full to capacity—a lot to handle on my own. I’ve been thinking . . . well, I’ve seen how hard you work and your long hours at the Longhorn, and I’m wondering if you’d like to come to work for me. I haven’t thought through all the details yet, but we could split the chores—”

  “Are you sure?” Emily’s face lit up with a smile. “I thought you wouldn’t be able to hire anyone right now. I don’t want to put any further strain on—”

  “No strain at all,” she quickly assured her friend. “With more boarders, and the little extra I get paid for doing the marshal’s boxed lunches, I’m doing pretty well presently.”

  Emily reached over to grab her hands. “Then I accept gratefully!”

  “If it all works out, maybe I can make you an equal partner, if you’re interested.”

  Emily clapped her hands. “Oh my, Patience! I hope we can. I think we’d enjoy working together.”

  “I think so too.” Patience smiled back. “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but you mentioned an uncle. Wasn’t he in a position to give you a job or at least let you live with him and his family?” Emily visibly stiffened and Patience rushed on to say, “I’m sorry. It’s really none of my business.”

  “It’s a long story. Perhaps sometime I’ll share it with you.” Emily stood. “But it’s getting late, and I need to get to bed. I’ll give the restaurant my notice tomorrow, but I’ll work there the full day. They won’t have any trouble finding a replacement. Every day we have someone coming in, looking for a waitress position. Mostly miners’ wives. If they don’t yet have little ones, they hope to make a bit of extra until their husbands strike it rich.” Both women chuckled, and Patience walked her to the door.

  “I’m so glad you accepted, Emily. I think we can put our heads together soon and work out an arrangement of the daily schedule that suits both of us. And I think we’ll both have a little more free time. For now, I’ll match the wage you’re earning at Longhorn’s. Then later, I hope to be able to increase it—as soon as I can.”

  Emily suddenly was sniffling tears away, and she wrapped her arms around her new employer. “Thank you. You won’t be disappointed,” she whispered.

  Patience hugged her back. “I’m sure I won’t. Now run along and get your beauty rest. Not that you need any,” she added with a laugh.

  While Patience changed into her nightgown, she wondered if Emily would tell her more about her background . . . maybe about the uncle too. Patience wanted to be sure the publisher was reputable and would appreciate her writing.

  Jedediah saddled Charlie and headed out to John Hargrove’s ranch, the Cross Bar, glad to leave behind the overcrowded town on this warm summer day. It was always refreshing to quietly ride alone, though his eyes automatically scanned the surrounding woods for any sign of movement. Somebody had stolen Hargrove’s cattle, he had found out just this morning. But he was sure whoever it was wouldn’t have hung around—either driving the herd on to the nearest town and railroad or hiding them in a coulee. But where?

  Today he’d try to gather some clues about it. He wanted to discover the rustler before he—or he and his cohorts—hit other ranches.

  The Cross Bar was one of the larger ranches by comparison to others in the area. John Hargrove was one of the first in the territory and had a decent head of cattle and ranch hands to help run it. He and his wife, Judith, had invited him over to supper once—as much to get on my good side as anything else, Jedediah thought with a wry grin. Like now—John was expecting immediate capture of the rustlers and retribution. Well, so much for wishful thinking.

  Jedediah knew all there was to know about road agents—enough pilfering of homesteaders and rustling to last him a lifetime. And he also knew it was unlikely that anything would be settled anytime soon . . . if ever.

  Cow dogs, ba
rking loud enough to raise the dead, ran to meet him after he secured Charlie and sauntered up the lane to the ranch house. He saw John’s wife walk out onto the porch steps, shading her eyes with her hand.

  “How do, Miz Judith. John around?”

  Jedediah knew John had done himself a favor by marrying Judith. Not only was she a pretty woman, he found her to be just as sweet as she was pretty. And now that she was with child, he could’ve sworn she was even prettier. Will I ever be lucky enough to have a wife that looks like that? All he knew was that he wanted someone in his life with whom he could share the day’s events, accomplish things together, and if he was fortunate, appreciate a lot of cuddling. He’d never had much of that in his life growing up. He figured that’s why he had a harder edge to him. Human touch matters a lot . . . a whole lot. Which he of course wouldn’t say aloud.

  “Hello, Jedediah. Why don’t you come up here in the shade? That sun is powerful hot today,” Judith told him as he approached the porch.

  “Thanks, but I wanted to speak with John if I could. Do you know when he’ll be back?” Jedediah was hoping he’d be close by. Although he’d enjoyed the ride alone, he would hate to have made a trip all the way out here for nothing.

  “He didn’t say, but I don’t think he’s too far down the property. Probably toward the south,” she said, pointing. “He and a couple of ranch hands are out checking for any breaks in the fence line. Has anyone else had trouble with the cattle thieves?” she asked, stepping back under the protection of the porch’s roof.

  “No, ma’am. Not that I know of yet. I’ll mosey on in that direction, but if I don’t catch up with him, will you let him know I stopped by?”

  She nodded with a sweet smile. “I surely will. Come back and have supper again soon now. Particularly if you have news on the rustlers.” She laughed, and Jedediah turned away with a smile and a wave.