Melinda Heads West

by Robyn Corum

  The town was constantly growing and it was a common thing to see several buildings with scaffolding. Here was everything a family could want or need. A general store and a mercantile competed for the citizens’ business. A democratic newspaper, the Ford County Globe, was on the right, as well as a variety theater, the Granger State bank, and the Ford County Courthouse. On the left were a hardware store, the Dodge House Hotel, and a second variety theater. Among it all were saloons, dozens of them. It seemed that the primary entertainment of the city was drinking, and this was before passing into the “wrong” side of town where the brothels and more seedy taverns lay.

  The boys halted and swung down from their horses in front of a place known as Peacock’s Saloon. Tying their horses to the hitching post out front, they stomped into the relative darkness of a noisy oasis.

  Lee and Rich stood just inside the doors and gazed around the room. It was filled with cowboys who were flush after a long cattle drive and intent on spending their wages having a high old time. In the corner, a piano player and a bass player pounded out a cheery tune that had several of the men dancing. Their partners were women of every size and shape, all wearing heavy makeup and big smiles.

  There were no empty tables, so the boys walked over to the long, ornate bar and ordered whiskies. Without a second glance, the bartender poured each man a glass. When he would have taken the bottle, Lee made a motion. The bartender shrugged and set the bottle down. The oldest Byler laid a large bill on the polished flat surface. “Don’t let us run dry,” he told the man.

  Lee turned his back to the bar and hitched a foot on the metal pole running the length of it. “Well,” he told his younger brother as he gazed around the room, “look at all these pretty women. And they’re ours for the choosing. Which one do you think pleases you?”

  Rich smiled and glanced over each woman in turn. “I think the little redhead suits my fancy.”

  “That’s fine. I like the big girl, myself.” They both grinned and downed their drinks. After a couple more, they were feeling like they could fly.

  “Well, brother,” said Lee. “I’ve looked at your stinking face all I care to. I’m going to find me some female companionship. You look after yourself.”

  Rich nodded and watched as Lee cut in on a man dancing with a large framed woman with brown, teased hair. For a moment it looked like the man might cause trouble, but when he saw the darkness in Lee’s eyes he backed down.

  Rich ambled over to the card tables.

  Both felt like they were finally living the good life.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The next morning, bright and early, Mindy dressed for the picnic and trip to her uncle’s homestead with Lucas.

  She was still reeling from the idea that a man — any man — would seek out her company. It had been years since she’d had attention from the opposite sex and she loved every minute of it. In her heart of hearts, she occasionally wished that the object of affection might be someone other than Lucas, a dark man perhaps, but that was impossible.

  Despite the fact of his marriage, Mindy was drawn to Boone in a special way. With a sigh, she determined to put those feelings to rest and spend the day enjoying Lucas’s company. If he was seriously interested in a long-term relationship, she was willing to give it a go.

  A knock at the door startled her from her reverie. She answered it to find Boone’s wife, Becky, standing in the hall.

  “Hello,” the young woman said brightly. “I hope I’m not calling too early.”

  “No,” Mindy replied. “As a matter of fact, I was preparing for a ride in the country.”

  “Then I will only take a moment of your time.” Becky handed a note with flowery script over to Melinda.

  “What is this?”

  “It’s an invitation to lunch with me and my … Mrs. Boone. We’d love to have you join us, if you could. We thought since you’re new to town, you may not have had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of many women. One can always use the company of women, especially in a foreign place.” Becky smiled so brightly that Mindy couldn’t help but smile back.

  “That’s so kind of you!”

  “Not at all. If you can make it, we’ll have lunch tomorrow at eleven o’clock. I will come ’round to fetch you before that.”

  Mindy bubbled with excitement at the thought. The company of women! It had been so long since she’d had female conversation, she worried she might have forgotten how to do it. She said as much to Becky.

  “I can imagine, being cooped up on that stage for so long with only men! But I’m sure we’ll all get along famously. And you’ll love my … Mrs. Boone.”

  As they spoke, Lucas walked up, and Mindy had to make her goodbyes, with the promise of seeing Becky on the morrow.

  She was giddy with the idea. When Lucas took her arm and wrapped it around his, she didn’t mind in the slightest. It would be a wonderful day!

  • • •

  The ride to Walter Larby’s home wasn’t a long one, but it provided the couple time to talk and get better acquainted. Mindy learned Lucas had been a captain in the War Between the States. He had fought on the side for states’ right, and since her own relatives had also fought for the Confederacy, this news gave Mindy some relief. He told her anecdotes regarding his time in the military, and their shared laughter put Mindy more at ease. She found that she was quite comfortable in his presence.

  Upon arrival at the farm, Mindy was pleasantly surprised to find a tin-roofed, saltbox house with an “L” added. It was painted white and had a porch that wrapped around two sides. There was a slat-board fence surrounding the home and a tall oak tree stretching its arms over the whole. In the rear of the house. a second oak tree stood sentinel.

  “Oh, how quaint!” Mindy exclaimed. “The setting is picturesque!”

  “It is a lovely home,” Lucas said, pulling on the leads to the horses. He stopped the wagon, set the brake, and then helped Mindy down.

  Mindy skipped up to the front porch, where a wicker swing was hanging. She plopped down and swung her legs back and forth, gripping the ropes with her two hands.

  “Can you imagine coming home to a place like this?” she said. “The wheat growing in the field, cattle grazing, chickens running about in the yard with the children, and the heady smell of supper coming through the open windows?”

  “I can imagine it,” Lucas said with all seriousness.

  Mindy didn’t pause. “Oh, I’m so sorry that my aunt and uncle didn’t have children. It would have been wonderful to grow up here!” She looked out over the property, taking in a deep breath of fresh air. “It’s truly lovely!”

  “It is. How many acres?”

  “The deed said one hundred and forty-two. I’m not sure about the boundaries, though.”

  “That can easily be established,” Lucas replied. He sat on one of the porch rails and crossed his arms. “There’s more to see, you know.”

  “Yes. I know. It’s just that the home seems sad in a way, like it’s waiting for someone new to come along and take care of it.” Mindy sighed. “But there’s nothing we can do about that, is there? I suppose we should see the rest.” She hopped off the swing and stepped toward the front door. “Oh, it’s open.” She peeked around the door. “I hope no one has been using the house.”

  Lucas pulled Mindy back and stepped in front of her. He pulled his gun and eased his way in. Mindy followed close behind.

  “Hello?” Lucas called. “Anyone here?” A lonely house echoed back. He peeked into a couple of the rooms and then slid his pistol back into its holster. “It’s okay, probably just the wind.”

  Mindy glanced around the room. The wooden floors showed signs of wear and the furniture was a bit threadbare, but she thought it looked like heaven. She felt a peaceful sensation, like she was coming home.

  As she walked through the house, Mindy touched different pieces of furniture, picked up knickknacks that were displayed on the fireplace mantel, and admired the needlepoint w
ork in handmade frames on the walls. “This home was loved,” she said. She ran a finger across an occasional table by the wall. “Everything is covered in dust.” She smacked her hands back and forth. “But that’s easy enough to remedy.”

  “Let’s see about the kitchen arrangements,” Lucas said, turning toward that opening. They entered into the hub of the family home and found a simple handmade wooden table and chairs, and a dry sink with a pump. A cast iron stove sat in one corner.

  Suddenly, out of a pie safe against a far wall, there came a large dark shadow, moving at the speed of a locomotive. Mindy screamed and jumped up on a chair. Lucas dropped into a low stance and pulled his gun. The culprit was a raccoon! It perched itself on the dry sink and looked at each of them in turn, showing no fear.

  “Do something! Do something!” Mindy gestured wildly to Lucas.

  “It’s just a raccoon,” Lucas shouted.

  “Get it out! Get it out!”

  Mindy’s screaming upset the animal, and it paced back and forth across the counter, watching her with a steely gaze.

  Lucas snuck around the perimeter of the room and opened the back door. He snuck back and jumped toward the creature. “Yah! Yah! Get on out of here!” The raccoon sat back on its haunches and glared at him. “I said, ‘Yah!’ you evil thing! Get out! Shoo!”

  From her perch, Mindy put her hands to her mouth and began to snicker. Lucas looked up at her and then set his mouth. He ran at the creature, waving his arms and shouting. Finally, the animal jumped to the floor and waddled out the back door at a sedate pace.

  Lucas turned to Mindy, triumphant. She couldn’t help herself, but burst out laughing. A moment later, Lucas began to laugh as well. He walked over to Mindy, grabbed her around the waist, and picked her up. He turned a couple of times as they laughed, sharing a delightful moment.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  They picnicked on a blanket under the tall oak tree. Lucas had brought a basket prepared by the hotel kitchen staff that included cheese, ham, chicken, biscuits, and fruit.

  Mindy finished eating and lay back on the blanket to look at the sky. After a moment, she said, “Did you ever make pictures from clouds when you were small?”

  Lucas lay down beside her. “Of course I did. I’m still pretty good at it … see?” He pointed with one finger. “There goes a cannon.” They laughed. He reached to take her hand and Melinda let him hold it for a moment before she sat up, realizing it would be easy to give him too much encouragement when she still wasn’t sure what she wanted. “It’s been a sweet day, Lucas,” she said. “Thank you.”

  “It’s been my pleasure. I think this house has potential.” He looked deep into Mindy’s green eyes. “I’m interested in buying the farm.”

  “Really? I hadn’t considered that, but it would be perfect for you. I can see you here.”

  “I can see you here, too, Mindy.” He took her hand again. “It would be perfect for us. I hope you’ll think about it. You know my intentions.”

  Mindy pulled her hand back and looked away. “It’s awfully quick, Luke. I need time.”

  Lucas smiled. “Well, Lord willing, we have plenty of that.” He lay back and stared up at the blue sky above them. “Look, there goes a general.”

  Mindy looked down at him and smiled. He was such a kind man, and it seemed he really cared for her. She could do worse. Of course, at this point in life, there was the possibility she could do without. She noticed his well-combed blond hair and couldn’t help but think of Boone and his unruly mass of brown locks. With Boone, she wanted to run her fingers through it; with Lucas, she was satisfied to see it from a distance.

  “What are you thinking?” Lucas asked.

  “Just silly thoughts. Nothing that matters.” They were quiet for a few minutes before Mindy asked, “Why me, Luke?”

  “What?”

  “Why me? I’m sure you’ve known lots of women in your life. Why me? Why now?”

  “I don’t know, exactly. There’s just something about you that makes me smile. You warm my old, cold heart. I had stopped believing that was possible, Mindy.” He gazed at the house and field. “And I can see you as a wife. You’ve proven you can handle tough situations. You may be a little tenderhearted, but I admire that. You’re brave … you’re beautiful.”

  Mindy snickered. “I’m afraid it is love, because they say love can be quite blind.”

  “No, you are beautiful, Mindy. You’ve just never been around a person who can see it like I do.”

  “Well, I’ve been around a lot of people, Lucas, but I’ve never been accused of being beautiful. You may be too old and senile for me!”

  The rest of the afternoon passed in like fashion. When he dropped her off at her hotel room door, he asked her to supper again, but she declined.

  “Let’s take it slow, Luke,” she said, before she smiled and closed the door.

  • • •

  The next day was filled with activity as Lucas set out to have the property surveyed and Mindy prepared for her visit with the Boone ladies.

  She decided to walk to the general store to buy new gloves, and couldn’t help but notice the townsfolk decorating the streets for the upcoming Independence Day. A large banner was being raised over the dusty main street: July Fourth Celebration!

  “A lot of excitement about the holiday,” she commented to the proprietor.

  “Oh, yes,” said the gray-headed man behind the counter. “We do the Fourth up right. We have a barbeque and a dance, and games, and contests of skill. People come from miles around to join the celebration.” He smiled with obvious pride.

  “I’d love to see it, but I don’t think I’ll be here that long,” Mindy murmured.

  “It’s worth staying for,” he said with a wink.

  • • •

  Boone rose later than usual. He was disgruntled and irritable. Ever since the incident with Mindy and Lucas in the bar, he couldn’t get the two of them out of his head. It was funny how Mindy always made him want to hit something. This time, he was afraid it was Lucas. He finished his morning chores with a scowl.

  Boone had finally heard from the managers of the stage line. He had been encouraged to find a couple of cowboys to join him, and then head off in search of the money and the Byler brothers. He had plans to head into town as soon as he cleaned up after his morning meal.

  At the breakfast table, his mother was impatient. “Gary Boone! Why do you have to wear your boots into the house! I swear, you’ll be the death of me, yet.”

  Boone looked up from his eggs and ham. “What did I do this time?”

  “Those boots are filthy, and every time you wear them in the house you track mud and dirt to kingdom come.”

  Boone leaned back in his chair. “Let me get this straight. You want me to take off my boots before I come in the house?”

  “Well, it wouldn’t hurt you!”

  Boone glanced around. Something about the house seemed different. Everything sparkled and gleamed. His mother always kept a tidy home, but it looked as if she were preparing for a visit with the queen. “You having company today?”

  “I am, and your dirty ways don’t make it any easier.” Mrs. Boone was scurrying around like a beaver. She came to the table and picked up his plate.

  “I wasn’t done with that yet.”

  “Well, now you are.” She scraped the leavings off into a slop bucket and plunked the plate in a dishpan full of soapy water. “Don’t you have something to do? I don’t need you underfoot today.” She seemed nervous for some reason. Boone shook his head. Women!

  “I’m planning to head to town here in a minute. Will that suit you?”

  “That’ll be just fine! Now get up from the table, and get on with yourself. I need to get that cleaned up.” Boone slid from his chair as she began wiping the spot where he’d been eating. “Go on.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Boone shook his head again.

  As he walked toward his bedroom, she called, “And you’ll need to find somethi
ng to do in town for a while!”

  “Yes, ma’am!”

  Boone washed up and put on a fresh shirt. Once outside, he saddled his horse and climbed up. It was a beautiful day. The blue sky stretched from horizon to horizon and was full of puffy white clouds. If only his attitude was as clear and bright.

  He set off down the road toward town, trying to get a certain girl off his mind.

  • • •

  Becky picked Mindy up at ten forty-five with an excited smile. “Are you ready?”

  “Yep. Just let me get my reticule.” Mindy glanced around the room to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. “Okay, I guess I’m ready,” she said as she pulled on her new gloves. Her luggage had arrived, so she’d been able to don one of her nicest dresses. She wore an afternoon ensemble of a long blue skirt with a slight bustle, and a white blouse with a square neck and ruching.

  “Then let’s head out!”

  The two women climbed into the buckboard and began the short trip to the Boone home. As they neared the homestead, they saw a lone rider approaching at a slow gallop. As he drew closer, the girls saw that it was Boone.

  Mindy nodded, but Becky waved and smiled from ear to ear. Boone stared, openmouthed.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Becky hopped down from the wagon. “Let me take you in and introduce you to … Mrs. Boone … and then I’ll come back and see about the horses.”

  Mindy wore a faint smile. She twiddled her hands.

  Becky smiled. “Are you nervous? Don’t be! We won’t eat you.”

  Mindy ran her eyes over the traditional farmhouse. It was a white one and a half level, with a wide veranda. Several trees competed to cover the house with their leafy, green branches. Mindy sighed. So this was where Boone was raised. It looked like home.

  Mrs. Boone came out onto the front porch, waving. “Halloo!” she called. “Come on in!”

  Mindy glanced at Becky, who smiled again and nodded. “I promise. No biting.”

  As she stepped onto the porch, Mindy immediately felt at peace. Mrs. Boone was warm and welcoming, and greeted her with a familial hug. “I hope you won’t mind,” she said. “It’s just that I’ve been excited to meet you!”