Perhaps her money wouldn’t last as long as she had anticipated. Especially since she’d spent so much of her cash on the steamboat fare. It would be more important than ever to find work soon when she arrived in Montana.
Or maybe Abel would be the man of her dreams, and they would marry right away. For a moment, Leah allowed herself to dream. She’d read the advertisement over and over until the words drifted through her mind even while she slept. She could picture a strong, lean rancher with curly red hair and laughing green eyes that sparkled like a jade ocean. Did he have a good sense of humor? Did he like children? Did he want children? That last thought made her stomach drop to her toes. Maybe she was moving into this way too fast.
~
Two days later, Leah stood at the rail as the De Smet floated into the dock at Fort Benton. From watching at the other ports, she knew it would be a few minutes before passengers were allowed to disembark, allowing her time to step back into the cabin to make sure her trunks were locked securely.
Satisfied with the trunks, she glanced around the room a final time to make sure she’d not forgotten something. Her gloves and reticule lay on the corner of the bed, ready to go when she was.
There was just enough time to slip out onto the deck and say a final goodbye to the gentle noise of water lapping against the sides of the boat. The sound was loudest when the paddle wheels were moving, but even now she could hear the quiet splashes. It was balm to her soul, and Leah reveled in the peacefulness.
Voices from the other side of the boat drifted into Leah’s revelry, signaling it was time to go. She pulled her wrap more tightly around her shoulders against the chilly mountain air, then stepped back into the cabin to gather her gloves and reticule. Leah stopped to stare at the bed in confusion, letting her eyes adjust to the dimmer light. There, on the corner, lay her white gloves, but not the reticule. She began a frantic search underneath the bed and around the sparse room, but found nothing else. Her trunks had already been taken off the ship, apparently. Had the same porter taken her reticule along with the trunks? That would be strange, but maybe not impossible.
With a knot wound tight in her stomach, Leah picked up her gloves and hurried toward the docks. Men were everywhere, hiking up and down the gangplank loaded down with crates and bundles. Craning her neck, Leah finally spotted a small pile of trunks off to one side. She hurried over to a man standing near the pile, holding a paper and lead pencil in hand.
“Is this luggage from the De Smet?” As she said the words, Leah spotted one of her trunks and breathed a small sigh of relief. She needed her reticule, though. All the money she had left was folded and clipped in a small wad in that little black purse.
“Yep, just let me know which ’r yers an’ I’ll pull ’em out.” He spoke slowly, dragging his words, then turned his head and spit a long stream of brown juice. It was amazing any of the mess made it through the thick curly layers of the man’s beard.
She pointed as she spoke. “That one is mine with the pink ribbon, and also the one beneath it. And there should be a small reticule with them, as well. Do you remember seeing that?”
“Well…” The man stopped to think, tapping his jaw as if that would help him remember. “I don’t reckon’ I remember seein’ anythin’ but trunks.”
Trying to maintain a grasp on the edge of her patience, Leah increased the strength of her southern charm. “Could you please help me search, sir? I really need to find it.”
It worked. The old coot softened like butter. “I reckon’ I could help.” And with that he dove in and started un-stacking trunks and kicking them out of the way until they had a scattered mess. But no reticule…
“Sorry, miss.” He wiped his brow, then looked around at the jumble. “Hate we couldn’t find it.”
Leah forced a smile through her gritted teeth. “Thank you. I’ll send someone for those two trunks shortly.”
She spun around to study the army of men still working hard to un-pack and re-pack the ship. She wasn’t sure who to ask next, but she had to find that bag. She prayed it was misplaced and not actually stolen.
Just then, Leah spotted Captain La Barge across the shipyard speaking with two men who wore leather clothing. Squaring her shoulders, she marched toward the group.
The Captain had his back to her approach, but his two companions saw her. They stopped speaking and gawked as she strode up. The Captain turned and offered a slight bow.
“Miss Townsend, I trust you’ve enjoyed your trip. Have you found lodgings yet? I can arrange for an escort to one of the local hotels, if you’d like.”
Leah took a breath to steady herself. “Captain La Barge, may I please have a word with you?”
Without skipping a beat, the Captain turned to his associates. “Gentleman, if you’ll excuse me for now, I’ll meet you down at Mill’s Cafe for dinner.”
The taller man nodded, then elbowed his partner and they strode away, Leah’s eyes following them as they walked. Both wore long leather cloaks and leather pants, and the smaller man wore a fur cap over his long, loose hair. The effect made him look positively wild.
“Now, what can I help you with?” The Captain’s words jerked Leah from her distraction.
“Captain, I’m missing my reticule from my room. I believe your porter may have taken it when he removed my trunks.”
Leah watched his reaction, expecting to see either frustration or anger darken his eyes. Instead, his brows knit together in deep concern as he stroked his beard. He studied Leah for a moment, his eyes not revealing the direction of his thoughts.
“I’m assuming you’ve checked the area where your trunks were placed?”
Leah threw a quick glance toward the trunks then quirked a brow at the Captain. “Yes, we examined the area around the luggage.”
A sadness flowed into his eyes to join the concern there. Finally, he sighed. “Miss Townsend, of course I will check with all of my staff, but I’m afraid you have been robbed. That particular porter was new to my ship. He only signed on to work while he traveled to Montana. He collected his pay before we docked and left immediately after the trunks were removed. I don’t expect to see him again.”
The icy fingers around her stomach reached up to squeeze her lungs, as well. “So my money is gone? You’re not going to find him and make him give it back?” She wanted to stamp her foot but knew that was out of the question for a lady.
He sighed again. “Miss Townsend, I’m very sorry about this. That young man is likely long gone, but the best thing for you to do would be to see the sheriff about it. He can handle the search and make an arrest if he finds the man. The sheriff’s office is right down this street, about a block on the left.”
Leah’s heart sank. Lord, please help me not to cry. “That’s the best thing I can do?” She knew her voice sounded weak, but she felt like her bones had been jerked from her legs, leaving only a mass of skin and jelly.
Captain La Barge nodded, the skin around his eyes pinched. “Yes. While you speak with him, I’ll take a look around the ship and talk with my men. If I find anything, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
Her shoulders slumped, and Leah turned around to trudge down the street. For once, she didn’t care that she’d lost her all-important poise.
Chapter Seven
The jail was a single-story wood building, rustic by St. Louis or Richmond standards, but not unlike the buildings that surrounded it. Leah almost knocked on the door, but finally decided to step in. This was a place of business, after all.
She paused for a moment inside the threshold, for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. Her nose was assaulted by the odor of unwashed bodies and alcohol. The room held two desks—one tucked into either back corner—with a man sitting behind each. A door in the wall between them must lead to the jail.
“Can I help you, miss?” The voice came from the man on the right, so Leah moved forward in his direction. His features were compact, with bushy black brows and a mustache that didn’t leave mu
ch room between them for eyes and nose.
“Yes, sir. I’d like to report a robbery, please. Are you the sheriff?”
“I’m Sheriff John Healy.” This deeper voice came from the man on the opposite side of the room, as he rose and came to join his partner. He was a tall man, with close-cropped hair, rounded features, and a long goatee.
Just then, a muffled groan came from the direction of the back door. Both men ignored it, so Leah attempted to do the same.
She shifted to address them both. “I’ve come to report a robbery, please. My reticule was stolen from my cabin on the ship when we landed. Captain La Barge feels that it may have been the porter who unloaded my trunks. It seems he’s been released from duty, however, and no one knows where to find him.”
The sheriff stroked his goatee. “Was there any money in this reticule?”
Leah swallowed, her mouth felt sticky. “Yes, sir. All of my funds were in that bag.”
He eyed her quietly for a moment, then finally spoke. “And did the Captain have any idea whether this man was planning to stay in Fort Benton or move on?”
Leah hesitated. “I… don’t think he knows for sure. He said the porter was not a long-standing employee of the ship, but had been hired in St. Louis to work while he traveled to the Montana Territory. Do you have an idea where a newcomer would typically lodge in this town?”
A look passed between the two men, and Leah’s insides balled tighter at the wariness in their eyes.
Finally, the sheriff spoke again. “Yes, Miss…”
“Townsend. Miss Leah Townsend.”
“…Miss Townsend. We’ll check both hotels in town. I’ll speak with Captain La Barge for a name and description of the man.” His weary eyes reached up to meet Leah’s. “I have to say that a freighter left town about an hour ago with a couple o’ newcomers in tow. If this man has committed a robbery, there’s a good chance he’s on board with them.” He added as an afterthought, “I’ll check around, though.”
Leah worked hard to keep her shoulders squared and her chin from drooping. “And do you know where the freighter was going?”
“Down the Mullan Road. Prob’ly toward Helena, then who knows where else.”
“And can you tell me where the stage office is? Perhaps I can intercept them in Helena.”
She had no idea how she’d pay for the stage ride. Would they give her credit with the promise to pay as soon as she reacquired her reticule? Or perhaps she could trade for something in her trunks. She scanned the contents in her mind. Dresses, undergarments, a few toiletry items, and her books. Maybe a dressmaker would be interested in purchasing some of her gowns? After all, they were the latest in New York fashion, with fitted bodice, high bustle, and slight train.
“No stage in these parts, I’m afraid.” This from the man with the scrunchy face still seated at the desk. He gave a humorless chuckle. “We don’t quite have all the luxuries ya’ll do back East.”
A stage hardly seemed a luxury, but Leah kept that thought to herself.
The sheriff spoke up. “The best way to get to Helena is to ride along with a wagon already headed that way, or else buy a horse yerself.”
How was she supposed to do that with no money? Maybe it was time to go to plan B. Abel Bryant would just have to come and get her. After all, if she was willing to take a three month boat ride to Montana, the least he could do is come and meet her at the dock.
Feeling better with her new plan of action, Leah asked, “Then can you please tell me where the telegraph office is located? I’ll need to send a wire to Butte City for my friends to come collect me.”
The sheriff stroked his goatee again as he spoke. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to do that either, ma’am. The telegraph line to Helena ‘n Butte has been down for a couple weeks now. Had a bad storm in the mountains that took her down. We just haven’t had a chance to put it back up yet. You could send a letter if ya like with the next freighter. Usually takes about a week to get there and the same to get a response back. Assumin’ they can find yer friend to deliver the letter, that is.”
Leah fought back tears of frustration. Why was this happening? She had really felt God was leading her to Montana, yet from the moment the boat pulled into the dock here, nothing had gone right. Now she was stuck with no money to pay for food or lodging or transportation to Butte City.
She forced her mind to focus on what she should do next. Somehow she needed to get some money. Whether she were to sell her dresses or work for the money, a dress shop would probably be the place to start.
Leah straightened her shoulders and forced a polite smile. “All right, then. I do thank you both for your time and assistance. Before I go, though, could you please give me directions to the local dress shop?”
The men exchanged another glance. She’d had about enough of their secret looks. The sheriff spoke again. “Fort Benton don’t exactly have a dress shop like you’re probably thinkin’, ma’am. What women are here usually buy their fabric and such at the mercantile. It’s down this street a ways further on the left.”
She took a deep breath and smiled sweetly through her gritted teeth. “Thank you, sheriff. I’ll make my way to the mercantile then. Good day to you both.”
And with that, Leah spun on her heel and made her escape.
As she had come to expect in this rustic town, the mercantile was also constructed of wood. A sign above the door painted in bold black letters read “T. C. Power and Co. Mercantile”.
The door jingled when Leah opened it, and she paused for a moment inside to get her bearings. Rows of merchandise extended to her right, flashing a wide variety of items—from sharp metal objects to barrels of food and bolts of wool. To her left, a circle of old men relaxed in ladder-back chairs. In the middle of the group stood a table which held a scattering of dominos.
Leah focused her attention on the counter straight ahead, and made her way toward it. The first thing she noticed about the man who stood behind the counter writing in a book, was that he had very little hair on top of his head and a great deal of hair across his face. He wasn’t that old—not as old as Papa had been, anyway—but was almost completely bald. He must have been trying to make up for that, however, by his great wooly beard. He was not tall for a man, about the same as Leah’s own medium stature. When the man looked up, though, he had a pleasant enough expression on his face.
“Well, bonnie lass, with what can I be helpin’ ya today?” His accent was unmistakable and charming, and gave a softness to his manner.
“Good day, sir.” Leah dipped a polite curtsey. She took the opportunity while her head was lowered to fortify herself with a deep breath, then raised up to her most competent, shoulders-back expression. “I’ve come to inquire whether you’re hiring in your store. Perhaps you have need of a sales clerk or someone to stock the shelves?” She paused, trying to gauge his expression, and found it to be curious.
“You’re the lass lookin’ for work, ye say? If ya don’t mind me sayin’ so, ye look to be a proper upper-class lady. Not exactly the workin’ kind.” His words were spoken in kindness, but heat flooded her face.
“I… I’m afraid my reticule that contained my funds was stolen when our ship docked in your fair town.” She tried not to taint the last words with the sarcasm she felt. “I’ll need to find work for food and lodging until I can get word to my friends in Butte that I’ve arrived.”
He cleared his throat rather loudly. “Well, lassie. I’ve no need for another clerk just now, I’m all set for the summer boom. Go and check with Mill’s Café and the hotel, to see if they’ll hire ye on. If they send ye back, well… That be God tellin’ me to hire ye on for a couple o’ weeks.”
Leah could feel the heat all the way to the tips of her ears as she curtseyed again and thanked the man. This asking for a job was not a fun thing to do.
The jingle faded as Leah closed the door behind her. Her shoulders sagged and a bench beside the door beckoned. She sank into it, thankful for the chan
ce to gather her thoughts. There must be something she was missing here. Hadn’t God brought her this far through His direction? Leah closed her eyes tightly in an effort to shut out this crazy dream she was living.
Lord, I know you have a plan in all this. You are who You are, no matter where I am. Proverbs chapter three says trusting means that I cannot lean on my own understanding. So God, I’m going to sit in this place and wait for Your direction.
The peace that wafted through Leah was like a gentle aroma.
Just then, the bell on the door beside her clanged and Leah opened her eyes to see one of the old men that had been seated around the domino table. He wore long shirt-sleeves with no jacket, showing the leather suspenders that attached to his black wool pants. His scruffy grey beard covered much of his face, but Leah could see the skin around his eyes and forehead was a wrinkled leathery brown.
He didn’t seem to notice Leah sitting on the bench, but removed his floppy leather hat from his oily grey hair and proceeded to sit down beside her. She was more than a bit surprised at his curious behavior, but as the smell of sweat and body odor wafted in her direction, Leah forced herself not to scoot away from him.
“See here, missy. My name’s Ol’ Mose. Leastways that’s what people’ve been callin’ me long enough I forgot what the rest of it was. Anyways, I heared what you was sayin’ to ol’ Johnny in there about how you was robbed and tryin’ to git to yer friends in Butte City.” He stuck a thumb through a suspender. “Well I got me a freight wagon I run back n’ forth ‘tween here and there. You’d be right welcome to ride along if’n ya like.”
Leah was a bit dazed by the rush of completely unexpected information from the old chap. Was he offering her a ride to Butte? Did he really run a freight wagon? Why the old chap wasn’t much bigger than Leah, and looked to be a few years past his prime.
Mountain Dreams Series: Books 1 - 3: Mountain Dreams Box Set 1 Page 5