Books and Beaus

by Marianne Spitzer

Meg watched as two men carried three large crates into the barn and placed them near her work table. She knew those crates might hold enough books to double the number of books they now had and yet, there would be more than enough room for more.

  Leer signed for the delivery, and the men waved as they left the barn. Leer quickly closed the large barn door, and the chill that blew in with the delivery stopped. Meg ran her hands up and down her arms for a moment to warm herself and then picked up a copy of the order for the new delivery. She was ready to assure all the books ordered were delivered and organize them by subject.

  Leer walked over and asked Meg if she needed any help with the books or crates before he left to run an errand in town.

  She shook her head, “No, I’m not ready to open the crates yet. I still need to check the previous order.”

  “All right, but if you need help, I’m sure Percy would be happy to open the crates for you. I’ll be back before quitting time, and I can take you back to the Hearth and Home in the buggy. I think it’s getting colder out.”

  “Thank you.”

  Leer turned to leave and then turned back, “When I take you home, would you like to have supper with me?”

  “I would enjoy that, thank you,” Meg replied giving Leer another one of her smiles that made his heart skip a beat.

  “I’ll see you later,” he managed to say before retreating and heading into town.

  Meg was busy working when Percy strolled up to her and said, “I see the new shipments of books arrived. Would you like me to open the crates for you?”

  Not needing the crates opened yet but not wanting to say anything that might upset Percy Meg answered while still looking at the papers in front of her. “Yes, please. That would be helpful.”

  Meg shuddered involuntarily as she listened to Percy whistle as he walked back to his work area. Something about him made Meg wary, and she realized they were in the barn alone. She needed to keep her distance from him without him realizing what she was doing.

  Chapter 11

  Meg smiled as she watched Percy open the newest wooden crate of books to arrive in Creede. Her current feelings were conflicted. Percy made her nervous yet, she still felt as if she should pinch herself to be sure she was awake after Mister Satterfield had told her she would be the new town librarian. It had only been two days and she was still overly excited.

  When Percy saw Meg smiling, he returned a smile of his own, but Meg ignored him. She bit her lip to keep from smiling to ensure Percy didn’t think she was smiling at him. The man was truly beginning to annoy her. Meg was there to catalog the new books, make sure the books Mister Satterfield had ordered arrived in good condition, that none were missing, and not to smile at Percy Beals.

  Percy set the lid aside and looked across the barn. The other carpenter was nowhere in sight, and he thought this was his chance. He took three quick steps, and before Meg could protest, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.

  Just at that moment, Leer walked in through the side door and saw the embrace. He spun on his heel and left, but he left too soon. He left before Meg could pull away or see the slap she administered to Percy’s cheek that could be heard echoing in the large barn.

  Percy took a step back, and his eyes quickly searched the barn to be sure no one saw him kiss Meg and her reaction.

  Percy’s eyes darkened, and he growled, “You’ll regret that.”

  “No, you will regret it, Mister Beals. I told you yesterday when you interrupted my supper that I do not want or appreciate your advances. If you come near me again, I will tell everyone what kind of cad you are,” Meg said as her anger flared.

  Percy laughed. “Try it. Once I spread the rumor that you and I were alone in the barn all afternoon, your reputation will be in tatters. You won’t be the new librarian. You’ll leave town in disgrace and be lucky to find work as a saloon girl in another town.”

  Panic gripped Meg for a moment as his words sunk in before her anger reared again. Why were some men despicable? She refused to allow a similar situation to happen to her again. She was forced to leave Louisburg because of another evil man. She would not leave Creede without a fight.

  Leer only took two steps outside before he ran into Delia and Wes returning from town. Wes reached out and grabbed the arm of the angry man.

  “Wait a minute, Leer. What’s got your temper up?” Wes asked.

  Leer stopped and drew in a deep breath. “It’s nothing. I’m heading back to San Francisco early. I was on my way to tell you and then check the train schedule.”

  Wes countered, “No, you can’t. I hired you to manage the library construction and stay on with our next project. What makes you want to leave?”

  “Nothing, nothing at all. I need a change. Creede is too cold,” Leer insisted.

  “But,” Delia said, “you have only been here less than a month.”

  Leer’s shoulders slumped, and he blew out a breath. “It’s personal. I’ll talk to you later.” He turned and strode toward town.

  Before Wes had a chance to say anything else to Leer, the side door of the barn flew open, and Meg stormed out with a look of either anger or determination…Wes wasn’t sure which. Meg didn’t see Delia or Wes as she walked briskly toward the trees on the far side of the barn.

  Delia looked at Wes, “Something must have happened. I’ll talk to Meg. Maybe someone inside knows what happened.”

  Wes nodded. “You’re right. Something must have happened. Both Leer and Meg looked upset. Go follow her so she doesn’t get lost.”

  Wes entered the barn, and Delia picked up her pace to follow Meg. She called out, “Meg, wait for me. I need to talk to you.”

  Meg glanced over her shoulder at Delia but kept walking. She was so angry she didn’t think she could speak to Delia without crying. If she kept walking maybe Delia would go back to the barn and leave her alone for a while.

  Meg stopped at the edge of the woods. She saw a path, or maybe it was a deer trail, shrugged her shoulders, and continued to march ahead anger growing with each step. How dare he? Percy could say what he wanted. Meg would not let him ruin her life.

  Delia followed Meg into the forest and after a few feet into the woods, Delia called out, “I can barely see. The trees are too thick. Meg, stop so we can talk.”

  “I need to walk,” Meg answered.

  Meg heard Delia groan and mumble, but she followed Meg.

  A few minutes later they both stopped when they heard a twig snap.

  “What was that?” Meg stammered. “It could be a poisonous snake. Maybe it’s a rattler. We have them here, don’t we?”

  “Yes, I think so, but it’s winter. Don’t they hibernate or something? If not, they must be looking for a warmer spot in the sun. I’m sure it was a squirrel or a rabbit.”

  Delia grabbed Meg’s arm. “Do you hear that? I think I hear breathing, more like panting.”

  Meg thought she heard it, too. “Yes, but what is it?”

  “A wolf,” Delia answered in a trembling voice.

  “Wolf?” Meg stammered and then she heard a boy’s voice call out. “Buddy, where are you? Buddy?”

  “Who’s Buddy?” Delia asked.

  Her question was answered a moment later when a black shape leaped through the air straight at Meg. A bear? Meg was so shocked she couldn’t scream, and then a large tongue licked her face.

  Meg pushed her way out from under the black mass of fur and looked up at Delia. “I think this is Buddy.”

  Delia was doubled over in laughter, and Buddy sat wagging his tail.

  “Buddy,” the boy’s voice carried through the trees again.

  Meg patted the large black dog on the head and whispered, “Go, Buddy.” He whined but turned and ran in the direction of the boy’s voice.

  Delia wiped tears from her eyes, “That was close. I thought it might be a bear.”

  “Bears in winter? I know for certain they hibernate, Delia.” She joined her in laughter while she pushed herself off t
he ground and dusted the dirt from her brown dress.

  Delia nodded, “But do you know when they wake up?”

  Meg bit her lip and shrugged. “Spring unless something disturbs them.”

  “What now? Do you want to walk further?”

  Meg smiled. “I think Buddy knocked some sense into me. I’m going back to confront Percy. I will not allow that weasel of a man to ruin my life, and I refuse to marry him no matter what rumor he starts.”

  “Oh, dear, what happened?” Delia asked. “I’ve walked enough in these woods. We better follow the trail, or we’ll never find our way out again. We can talk on the way back.”

  “Sure, we’ll find our way back. We found our way in here.”

  “Right, and nearly eaten by a wolf.”

  “Buddy wasn’t a wolf.” Meg laughed as she walked into the clearing. “There’s the barn.”

  Delia reached out and touched Meg on the arm. “I never trusted Percy. I won’t believe a word he says if you say it’s a lie, but why would he spread tales?”

  “Earlier he grabbed me and kissed me. I slapped him and said I would tell everyone what kind of a man he was. He has been bothering me whenever he gets a chance. He thinks I should see him as a suitable match, but I could never. My heart lies elsewhere, but even if it didn’t, I would never consider him,” Meg explained and felt a shudder run down her spine.

  Delia smiled, “It will all work out. I think Leer cares for you, too.”

  Meg shook her head. “No, he doesn’t, I mean he might, but he won’t now after hearing what Percy says. I told you why I left my hometown and came to Creede. It seems the men here are the same as back home.”

  “Not all of them,” Delia insisted. “Let’s go find Wes and Leer and see what happens.”

  Meg fought back the tears. She knew what they would say. They would believe what Percy said because he was a man just the way Mister Washburn did. Men stuck together. She’d lose her job as a librarian before it started and worse she’d lose any chance she might have had with Leer. Meg straightened her spine and marched toward the barn. She would leave Creede if she had to with her head held high and find a job somewhere in a big city where no one knew her.

  Chapter 12

  Leer stormed down Mountain Avenue toward town never realizing he’d left his coat in the barn. He nearly walked straight into Mister Thistlewaite who had been strolling toward him. Leer jumped back in surprise when he saw the elderly man in front of him.

  “What are you doing here? Are you following me?” Leer grumbled.

  “Young man, if you notice I am going in the opposite direction you are. How could I be following you?”

  Leer shook his head and rubbed his temples. “I don’t know. I’m in a hurry. I need to buy a train ticket.”

  “Running away never solved anything. I can tell something is troubling your mind. You walked off without your coat. Don’t make decisions until you have heard the entire story. San Francisco will bring sunshine to your body, but Creede will bring sunshine to your heart. Go back. Find out the reason behind what you saw. Trust me,” Mister Thistlewaite lectured Leer as Leer stood there speechless trying to understand how the little man knew what bothered him.

  “I don’t think I want to know,” Leer confessed honestly.

  “Go back. The truth cannot be as bad as your thoughts,” Mister Thistlewaite said and patted Leer on the back.

  Calm rushed over Leer, and he nodded. “I’ll take your advice, but if what I think is true, I am leaving Creede, and I would appreciate it if you don’t try and stop me again.”

  “You have my word,” Mister Thistlewaite held out his hand.

  Leer shook the offered hand and turned back to the barn in time to see Meg and Delia walking out of the trees. Why is Meg walking in the forest with Delia and not in the barn with her love? Leer thought. Maybe Mister Thistlewaite is right, and there is more to what I saw than an embrace and kiss.

  Leer hurried up to the barn and entered before Delia and Meg arrived. He saw Wes in discussion with Percy.

  Leer heard Wes ask, “That doesn’t make sense. Why would Meg run off because you asked her to supper?”

  Leer strolled over to hear Percy’s answer. Percy shrugged, “Who can understand women?”

  Percy feeling uncomfortable under Wes and Leer’s scrutiny said, “All right. Meg and I were, well, I can’t say. It isn’t gentlemanly to discuss a woman’s actions.”

  Leer felt his fist double, and he blurted, “Exactly what are you saying, Beals?”

  None of the men heard the women enter the barn and Delia’s voice startled them. “Yes, Mister Beals exactly what are you saying about Meg?”

  Meg glared at Percy and Percy smirked back. “I suppose it’s all right if you insist on knowing. I asked Meg to marry me. She hesitated, and I kissed her. She kissed me back, and things became quite heated. I told her we needed to stop before someone came back and she left the barn to take a walk or whatever women do when they’re upset.”

  Meg stormed right up to Percy and exclaimed, “That’s a lie, and you know it. Tell them the truth.”

  Percy shrugged. “The truth is it isn’t the first time I have spent time with Meg. We had supper together last night, and I visited her in her room.”

  Meg slapped Percy again, and Leer grabbed him by the shirt collar.

  Delia whispered into Wes’ ear, and he looked at her with a bit of confusion on his face. Delia nodded and whispered something else.

  Wes turned to Percy and said, “Beals, you’re fired. I know the truth, and you’re lying. Get your things and leave. Don’t ask me to recommend you for any jobs because I won’t. And, stay away from Meg.”

  Percy yanked Leer’s hand away from his collar and spat, “You’ll be sorry, Meg. I told you we’d marry and what would happen if we didn’t. Who will want you now?”

  Leer grabbed Percy by the collar again and whispered menacingly, “If I hear that you have spread any rumors about Meg or maligned her in any way, you won’t have any teeth left to eat with.”

  Leer released his grip on Percy and Percy stormed across the barn, gathered his tools and left the barn without looking back.

  Meg stood there with her arms wrapped tightly around her waist. “I apologize about this situation. I’ll leave on tomorrow’s train. I won’t bring embarrassment to you or the library.”

  “Nonsense,” Wes exclaimed. “None of us believed a word Percy said. I should apologize for hiring a man with his apparent lack of values to work around you and Delia.”

  Delia walked up and slipped her arm around Meg. “Do you want to come to my house or stay here?”

  Meg smiled, “I have work to do. I refuse to allow Percy to stand in my way.”

  “Then you should come to supper,” Delia offered.

  Meg whispered, “Before all this happened, Leer asked me to supper.”

  Delia hugged Meg and whispered back, “Then, of course, you should go. Supper with Leer will be more enjoyable than with Wes and me.”

  Meg shook her head, but Delia smiled. “Have a good time.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  Meg returned to her work table while Delia spoke to Wes before leaving for home.

  Busy checking book titles against the bill of sale, Meg didn’t hear Leer walk up, and when he spoke, she jumped.

  “I’m sorry. I should have made more noise considering what you’ve been through today. Forgive me?”

  “Of course, you’re forgiven. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m a bit jumpy,” Meg admitted.

  Leer nodded and spoke quietly, “I heard Delia invite you to supper. We don’t have to have supper this evening. Perhaps you’d enjoy more company.”

  “No,” Meg replied. She placed her hand on Leer’s arm and looked into his eyes. “What happened today has nothing to do with you. It was Percy’s fault, and I promised to have supper with you. I look forward to it.”

  “All right, I’ll let you get back to work, and we’ll leave at six,” Le
er said and hurried off before Meg could answer or he said something foolish.

  Leer eased Meg’s chair in a bit before he took the chair across from her. He leaned close to the table and whispered, “Are you sure you’re comfortable after what happened today?”

  Meg nodded and said, “Something similar happened to me before which is why I left and came to Creede. The gentleman involved did not appreciate my response to his actions, and he lied to my employer. It seems he and Percy are like minded. Thankfully, Mister Satterfield understood. I think my former employer might have believed me, but he couldn’t take the chance of going against a large supporter.”

  Leer leaned back and frowned. “I hope you don’t think all men are like that.”

  Meg smiled, “I know they aren’t and while it caused me great concern and worry at the time, I’m pleased I came to Creede. My employer’s wife was saddened that I was forced to leave town, but my employer actually did me a favor when he handed me a newspaper and suggested I become a mail-order bride. I found Mister Satterfield’s advertisment, and here I am.”

  “I, for one, am pleased you found the ad.”

  Before Leer could continue, the waitress appeared and took their orders for fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh vegetables.

  “I am happy I found the ad, too. Everyone here except for Percy has been kind and friendly. I don’t understand why he acted the way he did.”

  Leer looked thoughtful for a moment and answered, “I’m not trying to be forward, but you are an attractive woman, and I think Percy decided he wanted you and that was all the reason he needed.”

  “He did say something like that last night when he invited himself to my table for supper. He said I would be his wife. I told him I came here to work and not marry. He didn’t seem happy, but I left him here alone and went to my room.”

  A distressed look crossed Meg’s face. “People saw us eating supper last night. You don’t suppose Percy will spread that lie, do you? I know rumors can ruin people’s lives.”

  “I think he’ll go back to work at the mine. He knows better than to expect people to believe him over Wes. The people in town respect Wes and Delia,” Leer said hoping his words would bring Meg some comfort.