by Annie Boone
Giving her skirts an extra swish, Mary walked by and casually dropped the pencils. They clattered to the floor and she gasped loudly, putting a hand over her mouth. The man had been focused on a box of nails, obviously trying not to stare, and hurriedly turned to her. He had brown eyes that widened when they looked at her.
“Oh my,” she murmured. “What a clumsy fool I am.” Fanning herself lightly, she made as though to bend down and pick them up, but by then he was already bending on one knee to collect them.
“Here, let me,” he said in a rough accent. She couldn’t place it, but she liked it.
She beamed as he straightened up and placed them in her hands. “Well, aren’t you a gentleman! Thank you, sir, very much. I must say, you don’t look like anyone else in town. I’m Mary Pershing, the mayor’s daughter.” And she curtsied prettily.
That made him bluster, grabbing for his hat and trying to provide a bow. She smirked slightly as he straightened up. “Oh, I’m just a trader, we’re passing through town. The name’s Charlie, Charlie Mullins. From Texas. Here with my cousins.” He gestured back to the other men who had gathered to watch.
“Cousins? Are you all from Texas?” she asked, glancing around discreetly for them. “Why, how lovely. But surely you will join us here in town for a while longer? We’re a quaint little place, and there’s still snow in the mountains blocking the passes. Don’t you have a month to spare?”
She was curious for information, and he nodded, able to provide it. “We thought it would be a little clearer, but I’m afraid you’re right and there’s still snow. If it’s all like this, we’ll need to hunker down for a while. We’ve already got some rooms at the hotel here. The Silver Dollar Inn, is it?”
As they talked, she fluttered her eyelashes and allowed him to lead them towards the front of the store.
They found his first cousin, the one who had first met her eye, lingering near the candy jars. He hadn’t been doing a single thing, she had noticed, only peeking over his shoulder from time to time. And she saw that sparkle in his eye when she came over. Straightening her shoulders, she grinned merrily at the men, asking questions to keep them talking.
Owen, the youngest one by the candy jars, told a joke about a coyote and a mouse. She didn’t understand it, but she laughed loudly and leaned against Charlie as she wiped away a pretend tear. Giggling, she fanned herself and looked around. Pastor Lastch, she suddenly realized, was nearby and paying for an order.
Trying to ignore him, but also not wanting to catch his attention, she cleared her throat and lowered her voice. “Now, I’m quite certain I’ve convinced you boys to stay here a little longer, haven’t I? At least until the spring social?” They started to protest and she fluttered her eyelashes. “If I said please, would that make a difference?”
Every one of them grinned and started fiddling with their hats, and she giggled. Her heart thumped loudly in her ears for she knew she had them just where she wanted them. Cheerfully, she touched each one of them on the arm, telling them which one would dance with her during particular songs. Things were going her way, indeed.
Until the pastor came over. He tapped her on the back and mentioned that perhaps the gentlemen had other errands to run. “I suppose,” she shrugged and looked to the four men. “Is there any chance I could receive an escort? A girl never knows what kind of troubles she’ll face out in the street, after all.” And they all asked to take her arm.
“I was thinking,” the pastor interrupted, “that perhaps I should escort you, Miss Pershing. Your mother will be wondering where you are. She’d prefer that your escort is someone she personally knows.”
She pushed his hand away with a frown. What was he doing? Brushing a strand of hair from her face, Mary shook her head. “That’s all right, Pastor. I have four fine gentlemen who can walk me home. You don’t need to watch me like I’m a baby.”
The man gave her a stern look, and it reminded her of her father to such a degree that she wrinkled her nose. “Now look here,” he said, “I don’t want you getting into any trouble that could easily be avoided if—”
“But I’m not in trouble!” She couldn’t help but cry out impatiently, wondering why the man wouldn’t just disappear. Stamping her foot, she crossed her arms at him. “Everything is just fine. Or it was, until you came over here.”
“Miss Pershing,” the pastor said more loudly. He was attracting the attention of the others in the store, and Mary gritted her teeth. “It’s time for supper, and I insist I escort you back to your home. I’d be more than glad to help.” The last part was clearly thrown in to soften his tone since his stern approach hadn’t worked.
Oh, he’d be glad, wouldn’t he? She threw the pencils down hard, making everyone jump. “I didn’t ask for your aid!” Mary snapped at the man, feeling the heat rush to her face. The man was acting as though she were a child in need of a good spanking, and it was embarrassing. What was the pastor trying to do, ruin her social life? She couldn’t take it anymore and walked out of the building alone.
To her disappointment, no one came after her and she was forced to trudge all the way back home alone, wondering what went wrong. Usually the pastor was nice, but that was just plain rude. How was she ever going to find herself a husband, let alone an escort to the spring dance, if she couldn’t have the time to convince anyone to fall in love with her?
This was all June’s fault. And that terrible Zeke Miller. It was his fault, too.
Chapter 25
“It’s time for supper. Where is Mary? She should be home by now,” their mother called out from the kitchen just as the front door opened and Mary came in. She slammed the door behind her. Peeking up from her book, June watched her sister take off her shoes and put away her wrap and her scarf.
“Where were you?” June asked.
The older girl turned to give her a sour look. “Oh, would you stop talking for a minute? Honestly, June, it’s like you never shut up. You’re such a pain, I don’t know what Zeke even sees in you.” Then she stomped off towards the kitchen.
June felt like doing the same but frowned. What did her sister mean by that? But then she shook her head, reminding herself she had bigger concerns. Convincing her mother that Zeke Miller was worth it, after all, was at the top of her list.
He had a college education and was even holding a paying job. That was something and more than nothing. Since there weren’t many more promising available men in their small town, June well knew how limited her options were. And besides, Zeke had dreamy eyes and was sweet to her. And he seemed to be trying to understand her. Nobody in her family did that.
Joining her family in the kitchen, she started looking for the right words to tell to her family to make them change their minds. She wanted to give it another go.
But just as June was gathering the courage to say something, Mary flipped her hair back and spoke. “I heard Zeke Miller is already married. They were talking about it at the general store, Mother. He left his wife back there in Boston or Chicago, wherever he was. Can you imagine? Didn’t I dodge a big mess by getting out of that?”
Her heart dropped and June stared at her sister. But the girl wouldn’t look at her, which made her wonder. After all, a victorious Mary always wanted bragging rights, but she could never look someone in the eye while she lied. Unable to prove it otherwise, June bit her lip and dropped her gaze, allowing her family to talk around her for the evening. Her parents wanted her to turn him down for the dance, but she only said she would think about it.
***
The following morning, Mary appeared determined to keep up her antics so, in an attempt to escape, June fixed up a lunch and piled it into a basket. She hurried out the door, telling her mother she’d be at the law office if anyone needed her.
During her walk, her thoughts wandered back to Zeke again and she found herself peeking inside the haberdashery for him. She wondered about Mary’s accusation that he already had a wife. June didn’t think it could be true, but there wa
s always that chance. The gossip Mary brought home, was usually nothing but idle chatter. She hoped with all her heart that the same would be true with this latest story. Biting her lip, June was about to leave when she saw him walk to the middle of the store.
He was straightening the shelves and looked up when he realized someone was looking in the window. She was frozen in place. He came to the door and stuck his head out.
“June?” Even from that distance, she saw something light up in his eyes. Blushing, she stepped forward and went inside. She offered a partial wave as the door closed behind her. Part of her had had a lingering doubt about her sister’s words, but now they were completely out of mind. Zeke wouldn’t do that to her, not to anyone.
“I brought some food,” she found herself saying, showing the basket. “Well, it’s for my grandfather and uncle. But I brought something extra, in case you were around. I thought you would be too busy to get anything for yourself.”
He beamed. “That was very thoughtful of you. Things are busier around here for me than before the accident.”
Zeke watched her set a few things out for him on the back counter. She smiled at him but remained silent while she worked quickly.
Finally, she fixed him a plate. “So, how is Mr. Prater doing?”
“He has two bruised ribs but is breathing much easier now. His leg was broken in two places, but he’s already trying to test his weight with some crutches. I think he’s doing well, considering. Enough about that. Have you been reading your book?”
A smile instantly lit her face. “A little bit. It’s very good. I’ve realized that it’s possible to specialize in a particular field of study with law. Did you know that? So, I’ve been trying to decide what I would be interested in. I actually brought this up to my father, and he didn’t mind I’d been reading it. I’m studying the part about land and territory battles. It’s most intriguing.”
He raised an eyebrow and she blushed. “I’m afraid that is beyond my comprehension,” he teased her with a light wink before taking another bite of his food.
“Well, there were the Indians here before us, weren’t they?” She pointed out. “But who’s to say that just because we’re here now, that we own pieces of land? We buy it and sell it, but honestly, it’s not like something you can just steal in the dead of night. Ancient Roman law had to deal with similar legal complexities due to the nature of their expanding empire. It’s complicated, but I am interested in learning more.”
Zeke grinned. “Then that’s the important part. That you care.” She cocked her head and he leaned forward on the counter. Suddenly he was so close, their noses were nearly touching and she felt a hot blush creep up her neck. “I think that’s wonderful. And I understand what you mean. In the city, it’s complicated, too. People own pieces of a building, for example, not the entire thing. As more people come to Montana, there will be more of a need for experts on land claims. You’ll be an invaluable asset as a land lawyer.”
That made her blush harder, chuckling as she looked away. “You’re too kind.”
Something warm covered her hand and looking down, June saw his hand over hers. Curiously she looked up and saw a kind and welcoming face. “You’re smart, June. Who wouldn’t want to encourage you to follow your dreams?”
Chapter 26
Zeke’s words echoed against the pounding of her heart as she stared dumbly at her uncle. He’d walked in when she’d found herself telling her grandfather just what she’d told Zeke. About her interest in land and property law.
But a client had come in, stealing away their grandfather and leaving her with her uncle. “Women can’t practice law,” Uncle Calvin replied dismissively. Waving a hand about, he turned his back on her. “What were you thinking? Has everyone been entertaining you with an idea you could do this? I’m sure my brother won’t hear of this nonsense.”
June wasn’t sure how to argue her point with him when he was so certain of his opinion. She wasn’t sure it was him she needed to win over, anyway.
He huffed and shook his head. “You’re being foolish. Women aren’t capable of this! You belong in the home, with your husband and your children. That’s what women are here for! You don’t get to practice law or waste time in college. You can’t do research; you can’t do any of this!”
“But I’m smart, Uncle Calvin. I’m not conceited to say so, either. It’s just the truth.” She meant to say this in defense, but it came out as a whimper. Her cheeks heated up, but it wasn’t like how they had with Zeke just a short while before. She thought back to his kind face and wondered how two men could think so differently.
Her uncle slammed his hand against the table, making her jump. “Women don’t have the means to be intelligent! You’re made to be quiet mothers. Quiet ones! Why, I can’t believe you’ve been having such thoughts like these. Have you told your parents? Your father should knock the sense right back into you!”
She had no idea where his ire was coming from. He’d never spoken to her like this before, and every word hurt more than the one before it. Wrapping her arms around her middle, June took a step back and lowered her gaze as a door creaked open and her grandfather poked his head in.
“I don’t understand,” she tried again. “I can read and write. I could go to college, like anyone else. I’m good at listening and I work hard, too—I can do that. I like to study, I always liked school. And there are colleges for women.”
“What’s going on?” Her grandfather stepped in with a glance behind him toward his client. But neither she nor her uncle answered.
The Uncle Calvin scoffed. “As though you would go to college. Your father would never permit it. And that’s just the kind of talk that can get you put into an institution or something. Do you hear me, June? Do you? Now cast these blasted thoughts from your mind. Stop this nonsense immediately. You’ll never get married if you think like this. It’s time you grow up and focus on learning how to manage a home!”
With her throat tight, she glanced between the two men, her grandfather with a strange expression on his face and her uncle, huffing and red. There was nothing else she could do. June flung herself out the door, barely able to see through the hot tears spilling down her face but not caring a single straw for her looks anymore.
As she tightened her hands into fists and focused on putting one step ahead of the other, she trudged on through town. Her uncle’s words echoed in her mind over and over, and the doubts invaded her heart.
She’d felt hopeful and encouraged. Inspired, even. But now, June believed she would never think about law again.
Chapter 27
It was a good day so far, Zeke Miller decided. The sun was shining, he was full from the wonderful meal June had unexpectedly provided, and things were going well in the store. They’d finalized the plans for the top floor and were beginning to purchase the materials. Additionally, the first wagon load had managed to cross the pass and had supplied them with new hats, ties, gloves, leather, and trouser material.
Prater’s haberdashery was stuffed to the brim, and now it was even clean. Zeke fiddled with his rolled-up sleeves, glancing around to see if he’d missed anything. The day had been fairly quiet apart from June’s arrival, and he had little else to look forward to.
Although, he reminded himself, the young lady had said she would consider stopping by on her way home. Leaning on the counter, Zeke’s eyes roamed as he searched for something else to occupy his time with. Somehow, he had forgotten that the hard thing about finishing his chores and duties was that eventually there was nothing else for him to accomplish—at least until John let him manage the books.
Just as he was about to bemoan his situation, he saw a flash of red by the door. Zeke straightened, wondering if he was seeing things right. Walking over, he pressed a hand against the glass before peeking outside. Sure enough, the familiar red cape and pile of blonde curls were visible as June hurried off. Something about her gait caught his attention and without a thought, he hurried after her.
“June? June!” He managed to catch up with her and tugged lightly on her arm.
It surprised her and as she turned, the girl began to slip and he found himself once again wrapping his arms around her to keep her on her feet. She yelped something unintelligible and he was about to make a remark with the hopes of inciting June’s laughter. But then he realized that her eyes were wet and her nose was red.
Frowning, he gripped her firmly and stepped back to get a better look at her. “June? What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Setting her safely on her feet, he watched her sniffle and look away, trying to clear up her face. But he could see it in her eyes, something was wrong.
“It’s nothing,” she started to murmur and then sighed. “Oh, I’m just a fool. That’s all, Zeke. That’s all.”
With a shake of his head, he tugged on her hand and led her back into the shop. “Don’t say such a thing. Why, you’re the smartest woman I’ve ever met. Now come inside before you fall over again.”
“If you don’t recall, it’s usually you who’s making me fall over.”
Zeke backtracked and realized she might be right. But he grinned and shook his head. “No, I’m fairly certain I’m the one who saves you from falling. But perhaps you hit your head at some point?”
For a moment, her eyes brightened and she smiled. Then June looked away, taking a deep breath. Zeke watched her pale cheeks and wondered again what had happened. “Are you quite certain everything is fine?”
He stood on the other side of the counter that she leaned against, but she couldn’t seem to look at him. Staring at the boards, June frowned and gnawed on her lip. “Do you really think I’m smart?” she asked quietly.
“I do,” Zeke nodded. “Why? Did someone say something? Question your intelligence?”
He meant it as a joke but when she didn’t say anything else, the smile slipped away as it felt like someone had punched him in the stomach and he realized there was nothing going on that needed a joke. Swallowing, Zeke glanced around and finally found his handkerchief, offering it to her.