Sarah bit her lip. “What kind of errands?”
Abe relaxed and smiled. “Nothing too hard, maybe running a message to one of the shop owners in town, running to Sadie’s to get me some lunch, maybe down to the bank once in awhile.”
Sarah glared at him for several minutes without saying a word. Abe began to fidget, like he was being reprimanded by his ma. “I don’t want him ever going into the saloon.”
Abe felt anger surge through his body, and he had to struggle to control his temper. “Fellow, I don’t know how people act where you come from, but around here we don’t encourage our children to frequent such places. I’d never send a child into Ben’s place.”
“Why do you even have the place in town, then?”
Abe narrowed his eyes. “Because a man has a right to a drink now and then if it doesn’t hurt anybody. Maybe you should try it. Might loosen you up a bit.”
Before Sarah could say anything, Daniel spoke up. “So, can I take the job, please?”
Sarah took a deep breath and nodded, before turning and walking toward the well. “What happens if you have a drought?”
Abe felt his anger fade away. “We do have them, from time to time. I’ve never known this well to dry up.” He pointed off to the east. “You see that rise over there?”
Sarah stared off where he pointed. “Yes.”
“Over that rise is a creek, along with a small band of trees. The creek is your property line. The other side is my place. If you run low of barrel water, just hitch up the buckboard and take the barrels out there. As long as I’ve been here, there’s been water flowing freely through there.” He pointed over to the west. “You see that depression in the ground.
Sarah walked closer until she stood in front of a pair of wooden doors on the ground with a latch across the front. “What is this?”
“It’s a storm cellar, and it’s used to store food. It stays cooler down there so you can store vegetables, potatoes, onions, even butter and milk for longer periods.” He frowned, and raked his hands through his hair. “I don’t think there’s anything left. I’m pretty sure they took all the food stores with them.”
“You say it’s a storm shelter.”
“Yes, you’ll want to bring the whole family if we have some big storms come up. We even have the occasional twister in these parts.”
Sarah nodded and then turned to her left and gasped. “Is that what I think it is?” She walked quickly toward some corn plants swaying in the breeze.
“If you think it’s a vegetable garden, then I’d say you were right.”
She walked closer and clasped her hands together. “There’s a lot of food still here.”
“Yes, Weston had to leave pretty quick, and he couldn’t harvest everything they’d planted.” He looked out over the field. “There’s not much corn left this late in the season, but there’re beans, taters, carrots, squash, beets, onions, and a few tomatoes. I imagine if you got the knowledge, you could can some of this and it’d last you into the coming winter months.”
Sarah smiled. “I’ve definitely got the knowledge. I just hope the Mercantile has the supplies I’d need.”
“They’ll have just about anything you could possibly want. Do you want me to see if they’ll set you up with a line of credit?”
Sarah flinched and quickly shook her head. “No, that won’t be necessary. I don’t plan on getting anything we can’t afford to pay for.”
The sheriff pointed to a small, dilapidated building off to the left of the garden. “That’s the privy.” He scratched his head. “Looks like it could use some shoring up.”
“Samuel, come quick.” Rachel came running across the field. The wind blew just right, taking her hat off and sending it tumbling across the grass. Blonde, curly hair tumbled down across her shoulders.
“Guess you ain’t a house full of boys after all.” Abe watched a dull, red stain creep up Sarah’s neck. “Guess it makes sense, to hide her while you’re traveling across country.” He lowered his voice. “I hope you’ll feel safe enough here to let her be herself, and any of the rest of them youngins as well. I promise this is a safe place to live.”
Rachel rushed up and moved to stand behind Sarah. “I’m sorry,” she whispered loud enough for Abe to hear.
He smiled and put his hat back on his head. “No need to be sorry, little miss. It’s a right pleasure to meet you.”
Sarah took a deep breath. “This is Rachel….Kees.”
Abe noticed the slight hesitation before she said the girl’s last name. He nodded his head. “Pleasure.”
“What had you so excited, Rachel?” Sarah asked.
“I saw a deer, a real, live deer.”
Abe chuckled. “You’ll see plenty of wildlife around here. There are deer, wolves, foxes, and the occasional bear so you all need to be careful.
Sarah took Rachel’s hand and led her toward the barn. “I’ve seen enough. I’m going to buy this place. Boys, why don’t you unload the supplies we have into the main room so we can have plenty of space to buy more in town.” She turned and smiled at Abe. “Thank you, Abe. You’ve been most neighborly. If there’s anything I can ever do to repay you, I hope you’ll let me know.”
Abe took her hand and shook it slowly, running his fingers across her callused palm. “I’m gonna take you up on that, Samuel.”
* * * *
“I’m Eliah Cotton and this is my wife, Pearl. We own the Mercantile. What can we do for you? You’re not from around here. You just passing through?”
Sarah smiled at the couple. She’d already been to the bank and paid Mr. Highly for the farm. She had a deed made out to her, well to Samuel Kees. I wonder if that’s even legal. “Hello, I’m Samuel Kees and this is my family. We just bought the Weston place.
“Oh, my.” Pearl practically gushed. “I’m surprised the sheriff would want to part with it.”
Eliah nudged his wife and smiled. “Welcome to Big Springs. It’s good to have fresh faces in town.”
Sarah paused. Why would the sheriff mind me buying the Weston place? He’s the one that told me about it. “I’m needing to stock up on everything. We’ll need large bags of flour, sugar, and salt. A large can or two of lard, some canned meat and fruit. Maybe some peaches or pears.”
Rachel walked over. “We should get a large bag of potatoes and onions if they have them.
“What about the garden?” asked Daniel.
There’s no way of knowing what the garden still has to offer.” Sarah turned back to Eliah. “Let me have some cornmeal, a jar of pickles, some coffee and tea if you got it.” She looked at Rachel. “What am I forgetting?”
Rachel thought for a moment. “Do you have any bacon or ham? Maybe some jerky.” She looked at Sarah. “We’ll also need some cooking fat, oils for lamps and—”
“Can we get some molasses for pancakes?” Jonathan stood on his toes and peeked over the counter.
Sarah ruffled the hair on his head and looked up at Eliah. “You heard the man, molasses for his pancakes.” She looked behind him to a shelf on the wall. “Throw in some of them dried apples for a pie, and some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Maybe a little black pepper.” She looked back at Rachel. Can you think of anything else?”
She shook her head. “No, can we make some bread tomorrow?” She turned to Sarah. “We’ll need some yeast, and some baking pans and a skillet or two.”
Sarah nodded. “The girl’s right, we’ll need at least two iron skillets and two stewers. You got any canning supplies?”
Pearl laughed. “Goodness, yes. We’ve got everything you could possibly need.”
“That’s good.” Sarah thought for a minute. “Give me a couple of kerosene lamps, some candles, and some sulfur matches.”
Daniel walked over. “We’re going to need a bigger coffee pot.”
Zeke pointed to the shelf. “How much for the blue speckled one?”
Sarah smiled. “Okay, that one is fine.”
Daniel moved closer. “W
e’re going to need cleaning supplies, brooms, mops, and some kind of soap to clean the house and take baths.”
Pearl leaned over the counter. “We’ll put in a case of the lye soap.” She turned to Rachel, and pulled something out from a lower shelf. “Being a young lady in with all these handsome men, you might want something a little more frilly. This here is a scented soap. It smells like roses.”
Rachel took the bar and sniffed delicately. She turned hesitant eyes toward Sarah. “Can we?”
Sarah could see how much she really wanted the sweet-smelling bar. “Yes.” She turned to Pearl. “Could you throw in a couple of hair brushes, maybe a small mirror and some hair pins?”
Pearl moved swiftly to another counter. “I’ll just pull that together.”
“I looked the barn over good. We already have shovels, pitch forks, hoes, and pretty much anything else we need.” Daniel glanced around the store.
“That’s good.” Sarah looked to see where Jonathan and Zeke were. She found them gazing at some brightly colored jars of licorice. She turned back to Eliah. “Do you have anything that would work as a washtub for clothes?”
He nodded. “Got just what you need out back. Do you need a washboard, too?”
Sarah nodded and turned to Rachel. “Help the boys pick out some more clothes. Get a couple of pairs of pants they can work in. Make sure they’re big enough. In fact, get them a little big so they have room to grow. I think all you boys will fill out nicely once you start getting regular meals.”
“What about me?” asked Rachel.
“See if there are any ready-made dresses that fit you.” She pointed to the rack against the wall. “They look pretty serviceable. If you can find two that fit, get them. Then, go pick out a couple of bolts of cloth and we’ll make you some more.”
“Can I get something to make a cover for the table?” Rachel pointed to a bright red-and-white checked piece of gingham. “That would make a right pretty tablecloth.”
“That’s a great idea.” Sarah turned to Pearl. “Could you give her whatever she picks out and throw in a collection of threads in colors to match the material, and some needles?” She looked back at Rachel. “Better pick out some for curtains for the two windows. They don’t have any coverings right now.” She leaned closer so she could whisper. “See that bolt on the bottom, the one with the little blue flowers?” Rachel nodded. “Get a dress length of that for me.” Rachel nodded again and hurried off to make her selections.
Sarah sighed, and then walked over to pick out a couple of pairs of work pants for herself, along with two shirts. “You boys get yourself a belt since you’re buying things a little large. Get some underclothing as well. Winter’s coming on.” She turned around. “Eliah, would you help them pick out some work boots that will last?”
Rachel walked over. “Make them get at least a week’s worth of socks.”
“You heard her, boys. Pick yourself out at least seven pairs of socks.”
Eliah walked over and cleared his throat. He held a paper in his hands, folding and unfolding the edge. He coughed, and shifted back and forth between his feet.
“Is something wrong, Eliah?”
“Actually, there is.”
Chapter 4
“What’s wrong?” asked Sarah.
Eliah cleared his throat again. “I hate to bring this up, but you’re running up quite a bill. Have you made some arrangements with the bank to be extended credit?”
Sarah sighed. “I…”
“I can vouch for them, Eliah.”
Sarah turned around and stared at the sheriff standing just inside the door. She hadn’t heard him come in.
“That’s good enough for me.” Eliah started to turn away.
Sarah fought down her anger and gave Eliah a big smile. “I appreciate that, but it won’t be necessary. I knew getting set up would be expensive, and I’m prepared to pay for what we get today. No worries.”
Eliah’s brows shot up into his hairline, and he glanced at the sheriff. “Okay,” he mumbled and went back to pulling items off the shelves.
Sarah’s eyes were locked on the sheriff’s frown when Daniel walked up behind her.
“Bedding,” he whispered.
Sarah grabbed his arm. “I plumb forgot.” She turned to Pearl. “Do you sell bedsteads here?”
Pearl nodded. “Of course.”
“Good. We’ll need one bedstead and mattress with some linen. Actually, we need linen for three full-size beds if you have it. Blankets, sheets, and six pillows.”
Pearl shook her head. “I’m sorry, we don’t have ready-made pillows. We do sell batting and muslin so you can make your own.”
Sarah turned to Rachel. “It won’t take us any time at all to sew up some pillows.” She turned to Eliah. “I’d like a handful of nails and a hammer to go with all that.”
“What’s that for?” Rachel asked.
“We can put some nails in the wall and have a place to hang the clean clothing out of the way.” She walked over to look at the items Eliah was boxing up. “I’m going to need a roaster pan with all that as well.”
“No problem.” He smiled, and went off to the back room.
Abe walked over and touched Sarah’s arm. “Samuel, there’s an awful lot here and I’m not sure you’re going to get all this back on that buckboard of yours.”
“I can take care of that problem because I have my wagon right outside just sitting idle.”
Sarah turned and saw Ike leaning against the door with his arms crossed over his chest. She almost groaned. There shouldn’t be this many handsome men in one place. “Fancy seeing you here, Mr. West.” She froze, her eyes shifting over to the sheriff. “Sheriff West. Any relation to this man?”
Abe smiled. “Guilty. He’s my little brother.”
Ike swore softly. “I’m not your little brother. How many times do I have to tell you I’m two years older than you?”
Abe snickered. “Yeah, but you’re a good two inches shorter.”
Sarah giggled and then clapped her hand over her mouth when both men smiled at her. She had to quit doing that. She didn’t think too many young men giggled like a silly schoolgirl.
“So, what about it, Samuel?” Ike moved closer. “Are you willing to let me carry part of your load back to the farm? It’s not out of my way, you know. Since we’re neighbors and all.”
She raised her gaze and frowned. How was she going to keep up her charade of being male with these two living just over the rise? She’d planned on being able to relax out on the farm and be herself, at least until it was time to come to town.
Rachel walked over and took her arm. She looked at the two men and then at Sarah. “It can’t hurt, can it? At least we’ll get everything back in one shot, and we might get some serious cleaning done tonight.”
Sarah relented and took a deep breath. She turned her gaze to Ike. “That’s right neighborly of you, and I accept your kind offer.” She glanced at the boys. “When we get home, I want us to concentrate on getting the place clean. Rachel and I will work in the front room, and you and the boys will be responsible for the smaller bedroom.”
Zeke walked over and tugged on Sarah’s pant leg. “What we gotta do in there, Samuel?”
She bent down so she could look directly into his eyes. “Just get rid of the dust, and clean off that window inside and out. I want it dust-free before we put clean sheets on those beds.” She looked over her shoulder. “Better put me a couple of big bottles of vinegar in there, Eliah. Those windows look like they haven’t been cleaned in a month of Sundays.”
“Yes, sir, right away.”
Ike came forward and stared long and hard at Rachel. “Weren’t you a boy last time I saw you?”
“I’m sorry, I should have introduced you. Ike, this is my…my sister, Rachel.”
“Huh, well, if you say so.” He frowned at Sarah. “You don’t have any more surprises do you, Samuel?”
Sarah turned away and tried to will herself not to blush.
“I guess that’s all I can think of, Eliah.”
“How are you set on grain for your mules?” asked Ike.
Sarah rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I can’t believe I forgot about those unruly beasts.”
“Not to worry.” Eliah nodded to Ike. “I’ll throw in a few bushels of grain and load it on your wagon.”
Abe moved toward the door. “After today you can get the grain from us. It’ll be closer. Besides, you said you wanted to look at some horses anyway.” He opened the door. “We’ve got winter wheat growing, and we’ll be supplying most everybody around these parts with winter feed for their stock.”
Sarah nodded. “That sounds fair. I’m looking forward to picking up a good horse or two. Just let me settle up with Eliah and Pearl and we can be on our way.”
“Ike and I will get everything loaded up while you settle up your bill.”
“Boys, go with them and help as much as you can.” Sarah turned to Pearl. “Would you throw in some hair ribbons to match the dress cloth Rachel picked out?” She lowered her voice. “And give me a bag of licorice and one of peppermint. I’d like it tied up so the boys don’t see.”
Eliah grinned. “No problem.” He tied the candy up in a flour sack and handed it to Sarah. Then, he started adding up her purchases on a piece of paper. After a few minutes he looked up at her cautiously and turned the paper so she could see what she had been charged.
Sarah looked over the list carefully and then turned away to reach into her pocket. She glanced around to see if anybody was watching, and then counted out the correct number of bills. She’d guessed at how much she would need and only put small amounts in different pockets. She hoped that he would think she was cleaned out if it took almost everything she had in her pocket. She smiled as she counted the money out to him. “That’s eighty dollars, Eliah. I’m sorry I can’t give you the right change.”
“That’s not a problem, Samuel. Do you want me to give you change, or would you rather I set up a credit here at the store for anything else you might need?”
Martine, Missy - Star Wishes (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 9