by Karen Cogan
He tipped his hat. “I am enjoying myself. And you?”
“I’ve had a very nice time. Nancy and Tom are very good company.”
“And your own companion, Mr. Long? Isn’t he good company?” He raised his eyebrows.
“He was the only man kind enough to ask me to come.”
“I take your point. Martin was the only smart man in the whole town. I have to admire him for that.”
“I get the feeling that he’s eager to find himself a wife,” she said, and felt her face warm under Collin’s scrutiny.
They strolled towards a stand of pine trees.
Collin jammed his hands into his pockets. “Are you eager to find a husband?”
“No. Not at all. I would have to know a man very well before I made that decision. My parents had a wonderful marriage. I would never settle for less. What do you think of the pastor?” she asked, changing the subject.
He picked a blade of grass and chewed at the sweet stalk. “I’ve never had use for most pastors. But I like this reverend. He speaks plainly in a way that I understand. And he makes sense.”
“Then you plan to come back to church?”
“Next Sunday. Could I walk you there or have I asked too late?”
“You’re the first to ask.” She grinned. Kathleen panted for breath as they reached the tree line. She stared up at the unyielding hardness of the mountain. “I love walking here. The sky is so blue that it looks as if it goes on forever. It’s like looking up at the ocean. And I can see for miles in every direction. But I’m not used to this thin air.”
“Let’s stop to rest here then. If you want to walk to a pretty spot someday I know of a waterfall back in the cleft of the mountains.” He pointed across the valley to the other side of Silverton. “I’ve done a lot of walking since I came here. It helps me clear my head.”
“I’d love to see a waterfall. From what Nancy tells me winter comes early here. Would you show me soon?”
“Would you like to go next Sunday afternoon? We could pack another picnic.”
“Oh, yes. I’ll pack the picnic. It will be my surprise.” She smiled at him.
“About one o’clock?”
“I’ll be ready.”
The clink of horseshoes and good-natured shouts drifted from the meadow below.
“I suppose we should start back,” Collin said. His face spoke his reluctance.
“Yes.” Kathleen agreed.
What was it about Collin that made her follow him around like a moonstruck schoolgirl? Was it the air of mystery that surrounded him, as though he was holding something back, daring her to discover his secrets? She had never been able to resist a challenge. She would discover the man who hid behind those guarded green eyes.
When they reached the church crowd Collin told her good-bye and headed back to town.
Kathleen joined the ladies who had gone on talking without seeming to miss her.
Martin, however, had missed nothing. His jaws were clenched as he watched Collin stride away.
Well, he would just have to manage his jealousy because she intended to choose her own friends. And though he might be the most eligible bachelor in town he had no claim on her. A shiver went up her spine at the displeasure he carefully erased from his face as he started towards her.
4
Martin’s stiff smile belied the annoyance that glinted in his dark eyes as he offered Kathleen his arm. “Would you like to sit and rest awhile? You must be tired after such a long stroll.”
Kathleen stiffened not liking the patronizing tone of his voice. However, she did not want to seem a shrew by refusing. She accepted his arm. “Thank you. That would be nice.”
He led her towards the blanket where they settled together. Kathleen tore off a side of her discarded lunch box to serve as a fan. “It’s gotten warm this afternoon.”
“It can do that in the high country.” He drew his brows together in a warning look. “It can go cold just as quickly when a storm bears down from the mountains. When the clouds move in it’s best to play it safe and stay indoors. You don’t want to be caught in a blizzard.”
“No. Of course not.”
Was he talking about more than the weather?
She ignored any implications and changed the subject. “That was a lovely lunch and a nice break from the food we’ve eaten these first few days. We’ve had lots of beans and biscuits. But I expect I’ll be able to cook decent meals from now on.”
An affable smile erased all traces of ill temper from his face. “Do you enjoy cooking?”
“Sometimes. I’m not the best cook in the world, but since it’s necessary, I do my best.”
“Perhaps your talents could be better used with something that you enjoy. You should marry well and have a cook and housekeeper. Then you could turn your mind to charity or whatever else takes your interest.”
Kathleen laughed. “I’m afraid I didn’t grow up being quite so spoiled. I can’t imagine not doing my own cooking and cleaning.”
Martin frowned. “There are plenty of men in this town who would give all their silver to have a woman like you. But most of them couldn’t give you a decent life. You should find someone who can give you what you deserve.” He raised an eyebrow. “Some think they’re better than they are. And they’ll never have anything to show for it. Take Collin McAllister, for example.” He pointed towards a stark gray peak. “McAllister used to board out there with the other miners. But I guess he saw himself as too good for that and moved himself to a boarding house here in town, even though it costs him more. If he had any business sense, he’d be saving his money to make something of his life. I can’t respect a man with no business sense. How could he ever take care of a family?”
Collin didn’t seem the type to be frivolous with his funds.
“Maybe he doesn’t spend all of his money on the diversions that keep other men paupers. Perhaps that’s why he can afford a place in town.”
“Or maybe he’s in debt because he lives above his means.”
Nancy and Tom strolled over, hand in hand to join them.
In the ensuing silence, Nancy shot Kathleen an inquiring raised eyebrow.
“There’s nothing better than a day of good food and winning at horseshoes,” Tom said. He wrapped an arm around Nancy’s shoulders. “That picnic was fit for a king. This here woman is the best cook in the west.”
Nancy’s freckled cheeks colored a pretty pink as she blossomed under her husband’s praise. She squeezed his arm. “You know how to keep those apple pies coming.”
“I hate to be the first to leave, but it’s after four o’clock and I have a sewing project waiting for me.” Kathleen told the group. “I have to stitch covers and stuff two straw mattresses.”
“I’ll help you. It’s still awhile before I have to start supper for Tom,” Nancy offered.
“Would you?” Kathleen brightened. It would be fun to have company for this tedious task.
“You don’t mind, do you, Tom?” Nancy turned to her husband.
“Nope. I’ll spend a little longer at the horseshoes.”
“I’ll walk the ladies back,” Martin said. “I want to stop at my office anyway.”
Their plans settled, the threesome ambled across the meadow and down to the dusty streets of the town.
Nancy cast Martin an admiring look. “I’m glad you could join us,” she said.
“I’m glad, too. Sometimes the stamp mill keeps me too busy, and I forget how nice it is to relax in the company of beautiful and charming young women.”
Kathleen smiled at the compliment. “What did you do before you came to Silverton?”
“I put stamp mills in a couple of other mining towns. I sold out when I came here to build this one. I’m not afraid of hard work, and I don’t mind saying I’ve done well for myself.”
Martin’s industrious nature was admirable. Many men who came from the privileged background he’d described would be spoiled by a life of ease. Gambling and carousing was a
way of life for some men in these rough towns. Apparently, Martin was using his resources to increase his wealth, instead.
She nodded her approval. “It sounds like you have a sound head for business.”
“I lay the credit to my upbringing. My mother taught me that a gentleman always makes his own way and uses his abundance to help others.”
“That is beautiful. She must be a lovely person.” Nancy wiped at her eyes.
“She was, bless her soul. She passed away a few years ago. That’s when I left St. Louis. It seemed empty there without her.”
Kathleen’s heart warmed towards Martin. To lose a beloved mother was difficult. And how the memories could haunt and twist until one’s old home seemed too empty to bear, as she well knew. Kathleen talked about her own mother as they walked to the mercantile. The sympathy of her friends was like a tonic lifting her spirits by the time they reached the store. Through the large paned window, she could see her father busy with a customer. Vic was nowhere in sight. “I’d better go in and see if I can help.”
Martin tipped his hat and bid them good afternoon.
Nancy followed her into the store.
Her father greeted the women with a smile as he finished his sale. “Did you have a good picnic?”
“Yes, it was fun.” She smiled at her Papa. “Did you find good, clean straw? And have you been here all alone today?”
“Vic’s spent most of the day upstairs sleeping off his whiskey. I brought him some strong coffee a little while ago and sent him out to get the straw for our mattresses. He should be on his way to the house with it by now.”
“Did you eat lunch?” Kathleen asked.
“She treats me as if I’m still wet behind the ears,” he told Nancy, before turning back to his daughter. “I had some sardines and crackers. I’m good for a while.”
“All right, then. Nancy offered to help me sew the mattress covers. So, we’d better get a start. How long until you close the store? I want to have supper waiting for you.”
“I’ll close by six. You go on ahead. I can handle it by myself. There’s hardly anybody coming in now.”
Along with the striped material for mattress covers, Kathleen collected some dried beef for their dinner stew. Then she gave her papa a peck on the cheek. “Promise you won’t be late.”
“I’ll be right on time.”
Kathleen took Nancy’s arm as they walked to her home.
Vic was turning on Blair Street. If he’d delivered the straw, he should be heading in the opposite direction back to the store. He paused at the corner and struck up a conversation with a familiar looking young woman. It was the woman who had fallen outside the store, the woman whom Collin had helped home.
Kathleen called to Vic.
He glanced in her direction, and then ignored her.
The woman began to walk away.
Vic started to follow.
“Vic!” Kathleen called again.
Vic put his head down and kept walking.
Kathleen crossed the street, Nancy in tow. “I know you can hear me, Vic. Where do you think you’re going?”
He stopped as she caught up with him.
“Well it’s mighty hot out, Miss, and I just carted over several bundles of straw. I thought I’d have me a touch of something to cool off, just a touch.”
“You’ll do nothing of the sort. There’s plenty of water and tea at the store. Those will cool you off just fine. If you’re to be any use to my father you have to stay sober.”
Vic shoved his hands into his pockets and scuffled his feet. “All right. But it’s mighty hot.” He shuffled down Green Street still muttering about how a man was entitled to a drink.
Nancy stifled a giggle. “I’m sorry, but you should have seen yourself with your hands on your hips lecturing that old man. It reminded me of my teacher when I was a girl and the boys threw spit balls. They stopped only while the teacher lectured them, and then did it again behind her back.”
Kathleen felt her own irritation dissolve. She couldn’t help smiling. “I was that bad, huh?”
“Just like that teacher.”
“I’ll try not to become too much of a shrew. Still, I hate what whiskey can do to a man. If Vic is to be any help to us he has to stay sober, at least during the daytime when he’s supposed to be working.”
“Most of these men could do fine by their wages if they didn’t spend so much at the saloons.”
They found the bales of straw piled just outside the kitchen door. While Kathleen rummaged inside a trunk for sewing supplies Nancy laid out the material. Soon both women were involved in cutting the cloth and sewing the new mattress covers.
As they worked Nancy talked about the women at the picnic, which ones had children, what their husbands did. She became wistful as she described one new family. “I look at those little children and long for one of my own. I keep hoping…” She broke off and gave Kathleen an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. It’s just that it’s so hard to wait. I thought I’d surely be expecting by now.”
Kathleen felt a rush of sympathy for her friend. “You will. I’m sure you will. Sometime it takes awhile. My parents were married for five years before I was born.”
Nancy smiled. “You’re right. I’ll have to be patient.” She knotted the end of her stitch. “Let’s talk about you. What did you think of Martin? Isn’t he a fine gentleman?”
“I have to admit that I was impressed. He proved very good company though I wish he was a little less possessive.”
Nancy rolled her eyes. “You should be complimented to have a man like Martin wanting to dote on you. What more could you want?”
Kathleen raised her eyebrow. “You certainly sound sold.”
Nancy flushed a bright red. “Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade Tom for a million bucks. But if I hadn’t met Tom I wouldn’t mind someone who was rich and dashing.”
Kathleen wasn’t sure she would describe Martin as dashing with his long face and serious ways. But maybe Nancy was right. She would give him more time and perhaps he would grow on her.
Nancy glanced at the clock. “Tom will be wanting his supper soon.” She stood and brushed the loose threads from her skirt.
“You’ve been a great help,” Kathleen said.
“It’s been fun.” Nancy sniffed at the straw. “Fresh straw smells so good and clean. I hope you sleep well tonight.”
“I will especially after all the fresh air I got at the picnic.” She walked Nancy to the door and sent her off with thanks. It wouldn’t take more than an hour to finish up the coverings. In the meantime she would check the supper stew.
It was bubbling merrily in a pot when Papa came home from the store. Familiar scents clung to him. Tobacco and tweed and starch would always remind her of her papa. And sometimes, like tonight, peppermint. The fragrances gave her a sense of comfort and security. Kathleen greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. “Have you brought me a present?”
He extended a small bag of her favorite treat.
As a little girl the most exciting thing in the world was to go to Papa’s store. Besides the wonder of a whole store of food and household goods to see there was the thrill of the candy counter. Kathleen would hang in front of it admiring the gumdrops and toffee. Yet when she was allowed to choose a single treat it was always a peppermint drop.
Occasionally, Papa would come home with a small bag hidden in his pocket as he did today and Kathleen would hoard the contents for days.
She popped a candy into her mouth. “You’ll spoil me.”
“I doubt it. A little bag of candy hardly makes up for all the work you’ve done since we got here.”
“You’ve worked just as hard, harder today. Sit down and have a cup of coffee while I finish up supper. It’s almost ready.”
Papa sank into a wood-backed chair.
“Was Vic any help this afternoon?” she asked.
“He came back grumbling about bossy women, but he was sober enough to lend me a hand.”
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br /> “Bossy, am I?” Kathleen told him of her encounter with Vic.
Papa grinned. “I don’t suppose he’s used to having a woman tell him what to do. He’d be a heap better off if he’d take your advice.”
“Somehow, I doubt he will.” She dished out their supper.
When they finished, he cleared the table as she washed the dishes.
“Let’s take our chairs and sit outside until it gets too cold,” Papa suggested. “I’d like to have a smoke.”
Their house sat on a side street away from the bustle of town. But it would be nice to make the acquaintance of anyone walking past on an evening stroll. They dragged their chairs to the dusty ground that served as a front yard.
Papa took out his pipe and tamped in the tobacco. He was content to bask in the quiet. They had no neighbors, and there was no one out and about. Most of the miners had gone back to their boarding houses. Collin would be tucked away in his room resting before the next day of work.
Dusk was falling and people passed further down the block.
Collin’s familiar figure was striding down her street and for a moment she thought it was her imagination. But he was real and just as handsome as he had been earlier in the day.
She caught her breath wondering if it was only circumstance that brought him past or had he come to see her? She smoothed the chestnut curls that insisted on collecting about her face. Would he continue in her direction? Kathleen rose to greet him as he strode into their yard.
Papa exhaled a puff from his pipe. “And who is this young man?’
Kathleen leaned down and whispered back. “I met him Saturday at the store. His name is Collin McAllister.”
Papa frowned. “I see.”
Collin came into their dusty yard. “Collin McAllister,” Collin said as he offered Papa his hand. “Pleased to meet you, sir.”
“Likewise. What keeps you in Silverton?”
“Mining.”
“How did you know where I live?” Kathleen asked.
Collin grinned, showing even white teeth. “This is a small town. There aren’t many secrets.” He noted her raised brow. “I stopped by the store and asked Vic.”