Books and Beaus

by Marianne Spitzer

  “Please let me help,” Meg said.

  Delia nodded, and both young women disappeared back down the hall. Wes answered Leer’s knock at the front door and offered him a brandy to ward off the chill. They sat near the fireplace and discussed business while Meg and Delia laughed and giggled over her job success while they got to know each other better.

  During dinner, the men discussed when they hoped the ground would thaw enough to start digging a foundation for the library while the two young women listened and smiled at the men’s excitement. Eventually, the conversation turned to Meg and Wes asked her why she chose to apply for the librarian’s position in Creede.

  “My life before I arrived here wasn’t the happiest, but it certainly could have been far worse,” Meg confessed. “My mother died when I was two, and I don’t remember her.”

  Delia bit her lip before asking, “Did you have a troublesome step-mother like I did?”

  Meg shook her head. “When I was fourteen, my father fell from a horse and died. We were very close, and he went out of his way to make me laugh and our home as happy as it could be. I was heartbroken and had to move in with my aunt…my mother’s sister. She could be a bit difficult, but at least I had a roof over my head, food, and she allowed me to continue with school until I turned sixteen.”

  Delia frowned, “What happened when you turned sixteen? You look a bit pale.”

  Meg shrugged, “I didn’t mean to alarm you. It’s just I have some bad memories. I turned sixteen a few days before the school term ended and when I went home the last day of school, my aunt was entertaining an older gentleman. I found out later he was thirty-five.”

  Leer, completely caught up in Meg’s story and her beautiful brown eyes forgot to take a bite of the pie sitting on the end of his fork.

  “My aunt introduced me, explained the man owned a farm in the next county over, that she had packed my bags, and I was leaving with him immediately to become his bride. I panicked and ran out of the house to the only place I felt safe…the library. Miss Ingrid, our librarian, found me at a back table sobbing and pretending to read while hiding behind a large book.” Meg drew in a long breath, exhaled, and took a sip of tea.

  Wes and Leer were silent, and Delia asked, “Oh my goodness, what did you do?”

  Meg smiled. “Miss Ingrid told me no one could force me to marry and I should speak to my aunt, and if things didn’t work out, I should come back and find her. She’d help me. I went home to find my bags on the front porch and my aunt’s scolding that I had embarrassed her and cost her a good deal of money and to never come to her door again.”

  Delia’s hand flew to her mouth. “Why is it some people can be so cruel?”

  “I don’t know,” answered Meg. “But it all worked out well. Miss Ingrid hired me to do the dusting and a few odd chores around the library. Her sister owned the local boarding house where Miss Ingrid lived, and she offered me a small room and board in exchange for helping her with laundry and cleaning. I didn’t mind, it was much better than being married to a stranger.”

  Wes nodded and inquired, “How did you become the librarian’s assistant?”

  “After two years, our assistant left to get married. Miss Ingrid said I knew as much about the library as anyone and offered me the job. It enabled me to afford a regular room at the boarding house and buy the things a young girl enjoys having. I was happy until the night of the party.” Meg’s eyes dropped to the table, and Leer knew there was something she was hiding, and he wished he could make her smile again.

  Leer said, “I for one, am glad you’re here and our new librarian. I think Creede Library will be in good hands.”

  Meg smiled at Leer again, and Delia winked at Wes. Wes just shook his head slowly back and forth twice knowing his wife still planned on playing matchmaker.

  “Thank you, Leer. I’m pleased and excited to be part of the new library. I look forward to starting a new life here in Creede far away from the gossip and my aunt’s scornful looks each Sunday at church.”

  “How long has it been since you left your aunt’s home?” Delia asked.

  “Six years.”

  “And she still treats you badly?”

  Meg nodded. “I don’t think it’s about the money that man planned on giving her for me. I love Miss Ingrid, but she is a bit of a gossip, and it didn’t take long for the story to get around town that my aunt tried to sell me off to a man over twice my age. Some of her friends from church and the quilting circle shunned her. She blames me.”

  Delia snorted her disgust. “She sounds as if she would get along well with my step-mother who tried to get me to marry her brother. He planned to hide me away in a country cabin and help his sister steal all my father’s money.”

  Meg’s mouth fell open for a moment before she regained her composure. “I’m sorry to hear that. Is that why you came to Creede?”

  Delia seemed wistful for a moment as she remembered the night that she ran from home away from her step-mother. “Yes, and I had some divine help to guide me here and see Wes again. We knew each other in New York, and our love rekindled. Now we’re happily married.”

  “We are?” Wes laughed, and Delia tossed a napkin at him. “Oh, of course, we are. I keep forgetting.”

  The four laughed heartily and the somber mood that had encompassed them a few moments before vanished.

  “Thank you for the lovely supper. I should get back to my hotel before I fall asleep at your table. Between the train ride and the excitement of the day, I’m ready for sleep,” Meg admitted.

  “Of course, I understand,” Delia said.

  “Leer will take you to the Hearth and Home in the carriage, and you can rest. I will see you tomorrow after Leer takes you around town,” Wes explained.

  The new friends bid each other goodnight before Leer escorted Meg back to her hotel.

  Mister Thistlewaite watched from across the street and smiled.

  Chapter 7

  Meg woke early and threw the bedcovers back. Today was the first day of her job as the town of Creede librarian even if the library wasn’t built yet. Leer promised to show her where the building site was and introduce her to Mister Redfern at the bookstore and others around town. Her life had certainly turned around, and she hummed as she dressed for her day.

  Meg pulled the white lace curtain away from the window and looked at the blue sky dotted with wispy white clouds. It was going to be a glorious day. Mister Satterfield told her that her day would start at nine each morning since that is the time the library would open when it was constructed. She would stay busy organizing the books already ordered and ordering more. Meg hurried down to have breakfast before Leer picked her up.

  Meanwhile, across town, Delia was frying bacon and mixing eggs for Wes’ favorite scrambled eggs when he walked into the kitchen.

  “Good morning, darling,” Wes said before kissing his wife on the cheek.

  “Good morning. Are you hungry? I’m making scrambled eggs and have biscuits in the oven.”

  “Great, I’m famished. I think we made a good decision hiring Meg. Now, I hope others just send letters and don’t show up in person. We could end up with a small circus here if too many applicants arrive in town,” Wes mused as he sipped his coffee.

  “I doubt that will happen. Meg had special circumstances, and I really like her. I think we’ll be grand friends. I think Leer likes her, too.”

  “Stop that right now. I told you yesterday not to play matchmaker. They just met. Leave them be, wife.”

  “Whatever you say, husband, but they make a very adorable couple and seem to like each other.”

  Wes glanced at Delia. “Leer is very friendly, and Meg smiles all the time or at least she did yesterday. You can’t help but smile when she does.”

  Delia dramatically clutched her chest and uttered, “Oh, my, do I need to be worried? Are you smitten with our new librarian?”

  Wes leaped from his chair and lifted Delia off the floor. “I’ll show you smitten
,” he said before kissing her passionately.

  Catching her breath after his kiss, Delia whispered in Wes’ ear, “I don’t want these kisses to ever stop. Maybe I should make sure Meg and Leer become a couple and make sure you never kiss anyone but me.”

  Wes began to tickle his wife. “You will pay for even thinking I would kiss another woman.”

  Only the odor of burning bacon stopped the playful banter between Delia and Wes.

  Delia dished up the overly crisp bacon and placed it on the table. “The punishment for thinking about kissing someone other than your wife is burnt bacon. Now, sit and behave, or I’ll scorch your eggs, too,” Delia giggled as she poured the eggs into the skillet.

  Wes was about to respond when he heard a knock at the door. He was still laughing when he opened the door and greeted Leer, “Good morning. Come in. Have you had breakfast? Delia is burning bacon and eggs this morning.”

  Delia called from the kitchen. “Just bacon, the eggs are good, but you’re welcome to stay.”

  Leer held up his hands and shook his head at his fun-loving friends. “I ate. Thanks for the invitation. I stopped by before I head into town to meet Meg and introduce her around town and find out about ordering more books. I thought we could have lunch in town where I’m sure she’ll meet more people and then we’ll come back to the barn after we eat.”

  “Sounds like a good idea. I also want to discuss an idea with you. I know the ground is still frozen, and we have to wait to dig the holes for the foundation anchors, but my friend in New York sent me an article he found about heating the ground with fire and thawing it. If we could do that and bury those anchors, we could start the building before spring arrives,” Wes explained.

  “That might do it, but the ground is fairly solid.”

  Wes described his plan, “We can walk around the site later and see how many posts are going to be needed and exactly where we can build the fires. We can use wood or coal. If we need to, we just dig out part and lay another fire in the hole until we’re at the proper depth.”

  Leer nodded. “I look forward to working this out. I should go and meet Miss Meg.”

  The two men shook hands and Wes returned to his breakfast.

  “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Do you think that will work?” Delia asked as she slid scrambled eggs onto Wes’ plate.

  “I’ve heard of it before being done around the mines, but never gave it much thought until John wrote asking about the plans he sent us, and I wrote back telling him I didn’t have any information on the building since the ground was still frozen. He sent the article in reply,” Wes said and then scooped a huge forkful of eggs into his mouth.

  As Wes continued to wolf down breakfast, Leer headed to town whistling while he walked. It was a beautiful day and a little warmer than the previous day. Things were looking up. If they could plant the foundation posts earlier than planned, the building would be finished sooner, and he could return to San Francisco.

  When Leer entered the Hearth and Home, he saw Meg sitting in the lobby reading a book. What else would a beautiful woman do besides read a book? Leer thought then chastised himself. Beautiful woman? Of course, she is but stop thinking of her that way. She’s the new librarian, and you’re headed back to San Francisco. You both work for Wes, that’s all.

  Meg looked up from her book and saw Leer watching her. The smile that broke across her face made his heart speed up the way it did every time she smiled. He did his best to smile without acting like a fool and walked to where she sat.

  “Good morning, Miss Meg, have you eaten yet?”

  “Good morning, Mister O’Leary. Yes, I have. Let me take my book back to my room and get my coat,” Meg said as she stood looking lovely in her simple brown day dress.

  “Leer, please. Mister O’Leary sounds too formal. Remember you said you’d call me Leer?” he said stumbling over his words when he looked into her eyes.

  “I’ll try to remember, Leer. I’m not used to the casual atmosphere here in Creede. I’ll be right back,” Meg said as she hurried off with Leer watching her every move.

  He dropped into the chair Meg had just vacated and began to wonder if living in San Francisco without seeing Meg would be the best choice. His musings were interrupted when he heard Meg’s voice.

  “I’m ready. Are you feeling all right? You seem to be lost in thought,” Meg asked.

  Leer shot to his feet tugging at his vest before slipping his coat back on. “What? I’m doing well. I was just thinking about the new building,” Leer lied. “Ready to go?”

  “Yes, I am. Where are we stopping first? I’m excited to see as much of Creede as I can and meet new people.” Meg’s face shown with excitement and Leer was caught up in her enthusiasm.

  “We’ll start with the bookstore. You can ask about book orders and find out where you can get book catalogs. If anyone knows, it’s Mister Redfern. You’ll like him. He shares your love of books. I mean most people enjoy books, but both of you know more about books than others ever will.”

  Shut up, you sound like a fool, Leer thought.

  “I’m excited,” Meg confessed. “When I worked as an assistant, I helped place the book orders but never paid attention where the orders were sent. I’m sure it was stamped on the book crates that I helped unload, but again I was more interested in the new books than where they came from.”

  Leer held out his arm and said, “Shall we?”

  Meg slipped her arm in his and smiled. “Yes, I believe this will be a good day.”

  Leer knew he couldn’t feel the warmth of Meg’s arm through both of their coats, but warmth spread through him regardless as soon as she took his arm. He silently agreed this would be a good day.

  Leer was so caught up in Meg’s presence that he didn’t notice a smiling Mister Thistlewaite standing just outside the doors as he and Meg left for the book store. Mister Thistlewaite watched them for a few moments and then followed them. He would wait until Leer needed him again, but he enjoyed walking and watching young people discover they were meant for each other.

  Chapter 8

  The morning air was crisp, but Meg was enjoying the walk with Leer. They met a few people along the way, and Leer introduced her, but Meg was sure she’d never remember everyone’s name. Each person they met was excited that they would soon have a new library in Creede. They all welcomed her warmly and told her they would see her at the library once it was built or perhaps around town sooner.

  When they arrived at the bookstore, Leer opened the door and motioned for Meg to walk in before him. A friendly gentleman behind the counter greeted her with a cheery good morning.

  “How can I help you today? He then noticed that Leer walked in behind Meg.

  “O’Leary, it’s good to see you back in town. I hadn’t heard you were here. What brings you back?”

  “I’m here to help Wes Satterfield with the new library. I’d like to introduce you to Miss Meg Unger, our new town librarian.”

  Mister Tobias Redfern smiled broadly, “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Unger. I for one, am looking forward to the new library.”

  Mister Redfern swept his arm out in front of him and said, “As you can see, I am a lover of books.”

  Meg smiled back and said, “That’s why this is the first shop I’ve stopped at this morning. If you don’t mind, I’d like to look at your book catalogs and ask where you order your books. The library will need to order a great number of books, and I’m not sure if we should order them through you or directly from the seller.”

  Mister Redfern replied, “I have several catalogs here, and you can send for catalogs of your own or if you wish I would be more than happy to help you with any orders and of course the books would be at cost. I can’t see making a profit from books that will be loaned out free at the library. I have started a small library of sorts here in my bookstore for people who love to read but may not be able to afford to purchase the books they want.”

  “That’s kind of y
ou,” Meg replied as she looked at the shelves of books Mister Redfern had set up for borrowing.

  “On second thought,” Mister Redfern said. “I think you could order books through me until you get your catalogs. Then you can receive the shipments directly without using my shop. Not that I don’t want to help, I think it might be easier if they were delivered right to the barn or the new building.”

  “That is a good suggestion, “Meg answered and then looked at Leer. “Don’t you agree?”

  Leer pondered the suggestion for a moment before answering, “Yes, I think that will work out quite well.”

  Mister Redfern handed Meg several catalogs, a sheet of paper, and a pencil saying, “Please feel free to look through these or write down the addresses of the suppliers.

  Please wait here a moment, and I’ll go get my wife, Louisa, I know she would love to meet you. She’s as excited about books and the library as I am.”

  Meg sat at a small table while she waited and wrote down the addresses of the book suppliers. When she returned to the barn, she’d write formal letters asking for catalogs and inquiring if they offered discounts for large orders. She just finished writing down the last address when Mister Redfern returned with a lovely woman Meg assumed was Missus Redfern.

  Mister Redfern spoke as Meg stood to greet the couple. “This is my wife, Louisa.”

  Louisa Redfern greeted Meg warmly, and the two women began chatting about life in Creede, fashions, Meg’s train trip, the library, and several other subjects while the men discussed the idea of heating the ground to hurry the construction. After Meg and Louisa had promised to meet for lunch soon, Meg and Leer left to continue their walk through town.

  Leer guided Meg to the shops he thought would interest her and introduced her to the owners and employees. When he noticed her steps were slowing, he thought she might feel as tired of walking as he was and suggested they stop at the café for tea and lunch.

  “Id love a cup of tea, thank you. I think I could eat something, too. This is all so exciting, meeting new people and all of them happy to know I’m the new librarian. I was worried some might question why I was hired,” Meg explained.