by Janice Hanna
“I know there are probably a thousand things we could try, but I still say this will be the best idea yet.”
Lottie pulled off her boots and socks and stretched her feet. “Even if I liked the idea—and I don’t—I still don’t see why you would choose me to direct. Whatever makes you think I can do this?” She folded up the bottoms of her overalls and waded out into the shallowest spot in the river. With the water rushing around her feet, she could think more clearly.
“You can do anything you put your mind to. I know you can. And I truly believe you’re going to be the best director in town.”
“Hmm.” She pursed her lips.
Gil reached down to slip off his boots then rolled up his Levis. Taking a step in her direction, he slipped on a rock and almost fell. She reached out her hand to grab his. “See there?” he said with a wink. “Once again you’re savin’ my neck. It’s a sign from above.”
“It’s a sign that you need to pay attention, that’s all.”
“Lottie.” He gripped her hand and gazed into her eyes with greater intensity than before. “Those fellas last night were out of line with some of the things they said about, well…about the way you dress and all.”
“Just the fellas?” She did her best to pierce him with her own gaze.
“Shoot, I’ll admit I overstepped my bounds by putting you on the spot in the first place, but you have to know how much I’ve come to depend on you, Lottie. You’re at the center of everything around here, so I can’t imagine trying to pull off anything without your help.”
Well, when you put it like that…
She glanced down at his fingers still intertwined through hers and bit back a smile. “Let’s say I go along with this nutty idea of yours,” she said at last. “What would I need to do?”
“Woo-hoo!” He grabbed her around the waist and lifted her into the air then turned in a circle in the shallow water. “I knew it. Knew you’d come to your senses.”
“Gil, put me down! You’re going to drop me!” She relaxed as her feet touched down in the water and didn’t mind a bit that he stood so close. He seemed to be paying her more attention today. Trying to win her over with his charm, no doubt.
She caught her breath. “I—I haven’t made up my mind yet. Just asked a simple question. What would I need to do? If you plan to pull this thing off by the fall, we’d have to move quick.”
“I’d say it’s critical to get the women here by the end of May so there’s plenty of time to rehearse.”
“It’s not that easy,” she argued. “I can’t just have Augie put a notice in the paper and expect a bunch of single women to show up.”
“Maybe you can.” Gil reached with a fingertip to brush a loose hair off her face. “Maybe it is that easy.”
“How so?”
Gilbert’s fingers lingered on Lottie’s cheek, bringing a tingling sensation. “He can send out the notice to other papers in Denver and New York, where people frequent the theater.”
“But what’s the draw? Will they be paid? We can’t offer them money when there’s none to be had. Sure, we’ll make money if the show’s a success, but what kind of professional actress would wait till then to get paid?”
“Right.” He took a step back then began to walk along the bank of the river, kicking up water. After a moment, he looked her way. “I know what we have to offer them. You said it last night. We offer a free vacation in beautiful Estes Park—free lodging, food, everything—in exchange for being in the show. We bring them here for the fresh air and sunshine. Most of these theater folks live in the big city. They could use a getaway, no doubt.”
“Still, real theater people are accustomed to being paid.”
“We’ll have to think on that. Maybe we could offer them room and board during the months we rehearse and then a share in the proceeds plus a small salary once the show debuts.”
She paused to think that idea through. “Might work. Guess we could talk about it. What time frame are you thinking for all this?”
“If the ladies arrive at the end of May and stay six months, that’ll put ’em here through the end of November. I’m guessing we can get the costumes and set pieces made in a couple of months, so maybe August first for a debut? The show could run from August through Thanksgiving when the weather gets bad.”
“Not sure about all that. These women are going to be hoppin’ mad when they realize we’ve figured out a way to keep them here through the winter.”
“I don’t see it that way. We might be doing them a favor, especially if a few of them actually fall for Phineas and Jeb and the other men.”
“That’s not the plan, Gil, and you know it.”
“Still, you know how those poor fellas are, always hankerin’ for a honeymoon. Maybe they’ll finally get it if any of these women show an interest in them.”
“Hankerin’ for a honeymoon.” She laughed. “Sounds like something Jeb would come up with.”
Gilbert snapped his fingers. “That’s it, Lottie! That’s our new melodrama title: Hankerin’ fer a Honeymoon. It’s perfect!”
“I don’t know, Gil.” She paused to think about it. “Sounds a little hokey.”
“Isn’t that the idea? Most theatricals are over the top. Villains and vixens. Rescues and mayhem.” He paused and slid his arm through hers. “Aw, c’mon, Lottie. It’s gonna be great.”
“If only we knew what we were doing. Then I’d feel a little better about things.”
“Augie could help us. He’s got a great head for business. Why don’t we walk down to his office at the Mountaineer and see if he’ll write up a piece for us to send out over the wire. We’ll figure out how to word it to draw in single women. Watch and see.”
“I suppose.” In that moment, Lottie felt hope as she never had before. Maybe—just maybe—Gilbert and the other men were right. Maybe they could pull off a show and the lodge could be saved. And maybe the Lord would move heaven and earth to help her accomplish it. Not that the Almighty necessarily needed her help in saving anything, but she was always of a mind to help when she could. If the situation called for it. And if Gil kept looking at her with those beautiful puppy-dog eyes of his.
Before she could think twice about it, Gilbert slipped on his boots then took her by the hand and ran up the bank, tugging her along behind him. “C’mon. Let’s get this show on the road.” He laughed then added, “Literally.”
She paused to grab her boots, but he didn’t give her time to put them on. Instead, he kept on running toward the lodge, now sounding breathless as he called out instructions. “Better check in with my mother to make sure she’s okay holding down the fort while we’re gone.”
Minutes later, Lottie found herself approaching the lodge carrying her boots and socks in her hands and leaving wet footprints on the freshly mopped floor.
Gil’s mother met them just inside the door, looking more than a little concerned. “What are you two up to?” She glanced at the wet footprints. “Or should I ask?”
“Up to?” Gilbert flashed her a boyish smile and leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. “What makes you think we’re up to something?”
“I’d know that look anywhere, son. Now what are you hiding from me? You two are on some sort of mission.” Mrs. Parker looked back and forth between the two of them, which only proved to make Lottie feel more nervous than ever. Not that she found Mrs. Parker intimidating. On the contrary, the woman—in spite of her tall, sturdy build—was as soft as the filling in her chocolate pie. Still, Lottie decided she’d let Gilbert be the one to share the idea with his mother.
“We need an hour or so to go into town, Mama,” he said.
“Into town? Why?” Mrs. Parker asked. Her gaze narrowed and crinkles appeared between her eyes. “And you might as well come clean, Gilbert. I’m going to figure this out, with or without your help. You were never very good at hiding things from me, you know. I’m very discerning.”
Lottie couldn’t help but laugh as Mrs. Parker turned he
r way. “We’re on a mission, as you said. But it’s one we can’t divulge.”
Mrs. Parker clasped her hands together. “Very intriguing. Well then, I’ll just post the CLOSED sign and come with you.”
So much for keeping the news from her. Minutes later the three of them were headed to town, deep in conversation about the melodrama. Lottie mostly listened while Gilbert explained. Or, rather, tried to explain. He didn’t do the best job of sharing the plan of action. Of course, the plan hadn’t yet been fully developed.
“Tell me one more time what made you think of this idea in the first place,” Mrs. Parker said when he paused for breath. “Doesn’t sound like something you would come up with, son.”
Gil’s eyes sparkled. “I’m telling you, Mama, it was just one word that made me think of it—drama. I was thinking about Jeb and the other fellas and all their drama, and the whole idea just sort of unfolded right there on the spot.”
“That’s how most heavenly ideas come,” she said. “They just float down from a cloud and land on your shoulder, whispering softly into your ear.”
“This one shouted.” He kicked at a rock in his path and then chuckled.
“What do you think about all of this, Lottie?” Mrs. Parker asked. “You’re a levelheaded girl. Surely this idea of his took you by surprise.”
“It did.” Lottie slowed her pace as she spoke. “And I must admit, I did a little shouting too. Didn’t take to the idea at first.”
“When did you come around, dear?” Mrs. Parker matched her pace to Lottie’s.
Lottie chuckled. “Oh, about five minutes ago.”
They had a good laugh at that one. Lottie began to share some ideas that might work for the play. “What do you think of this?” she asked. “We could have some funny character names—very melodramatic, of course. And I think we can piece together a set using things we already have. Same with the costumes, though we’ll need a few extra pieces.”
“Honey, you’re the perfect person for this job,” Mrs. Parker said.
“That’s just what I told her.” Gilbert captivated Lottie with the twinkle in his eye and an assuring nod. “She’s perfect.”
Emboldened by his words, Lottie shared more ideas about the play as they walked on. Where they came from, she couldn’t say. Must be inspired.
Less than a mile up the road, they came across Phineas and Jeb standing at the edge of Phineas’s property. The two men appeared to be in a heated argument. Their bickering ceased as Lottie, Gil, and his mother approached.
“What do we have here?” Mrs. Parker looked back and forth between the two men. “Feuding?”
Phineas pointed at his mangled fence and then glared at Jeb. “Katie Sue’s been at it again. First she tore down my fence to get to my garden, then she ate all the dandelion greens. After that she went straight for my rutabagas. And it’s not the first time. But it’ll be the last, fer sure.”
Lottie did her best to cheer him up with a smile. “Well, here’s a bit of news that should cheer you up, fellas. We’re headed into town to put an advertisement in the paper about the melodrama.”
“And we’re going to ask Augie to send the news out to other papers, all the way to New York,” Gilbert added. “Won’t that be fine? Just think of the ladies who will come. Pretty women. Single women.”
Lottie groaned. “But remember, folks, this isn’t about bringing in brides. It’s about bringing in actresses for a play.”
“Sure, sure.” Gil raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
“Really?” Phineas’s expression changed at once. “You’ve decided to play along with him, Lottie?” He paused and then let out a raucous laugh. “Play along with him. Ha!”
Jeb slapped Phineas on the back. “Good one!” He turned his attention to Lottie. “But how did Gilbert talk you into it? Last night, well, I just figgered you’d heard enough to keep you from wantin’ to do anything with the likes of us.”
Lottie slipped her arm through Jeb’s. “Aw, Jeb, you know I can’t resist you fellas for long. Besides, you know how convincing Gil can be.” The fluttering eyelashes that followed couldn’t be helped. “He showed me the error of my ways.”
“Speaking of seeing the error of one’s ways, why don’t you fellas lay down your quarreling for a few minutes and join us? We’re headed into town.” Mrs. Parker crossed her arms, her brow wrinkling.
“Wonderful idea.” Jeb nodded, turned to Phineas, and extended his hand. Phineas shook it, albeit hesitantly.
Before long, the five of them were headed into town together. Well, six if they counted Katie Sue, who followed beside Jeb, her tail swatting at flies as she lumbered along.
As they approached town, Lottie caught a glimpse of Chauncy sweeping the front porch of his woodworking shop. The happy-golucky fella paused to stare at their little group.
“What in the world are you folks up to?” He rested the broom against the side of the building.
“On a mission,” Mrs. Parker said. “Why not close up shop for a few minutes and find out for yourself?”
He looked to the right and the left. “Been kind of a slow mornin’. Folks ain’t in a shoppin’ mood, I guess.” His gaze settled on Katie Sue. “Besides, you got me curious.”
He joined their merry little party, and they continued up Main Street toward the office of the Mountaineer. As they passed the Civic Center, the door swung open—and who should step out but Lottie’s mother, dressed in her finest and sporting a new feather-happy hat. Lottie’s heart sank. Truly, there was only one person in all the world who could put a damper on things—and that person was now standing directly in front of her with a mortified expression on her face.
* * * * *
GILBERT RELEASED A SLOW BREATH as he watched Lottie’s mother approach.
“Stiff upper lip, son,” his mother whispered in his ear. “How much damage can one woman do, after all?”
Plenty. But he didn’t say the word aloud. Instead, he ushered up a silent prayer for the Lord to intervene in a miraculous way. This whole plan could come unraveled quickly if Mrs. Sanders got involved. He couldn’t afford to take that risk right now.
Gilbert glanced at Jeb, Phineas, and Chauncy, who all looked nervous. No doubt. They knew the power behind the females in the Women’s League. Those feisty gals could squelch a fella’s dreams in a hurry, should they be of a mind to. And judging from the expression on Mrs. Sanders’s face…she was of a mind to.
FOUR
HANKERIN’ FER A HONEYMOON
Come one, come all, to the Fall River Theater at Parker Lodge, where the Wild, Wild West comes alive in our latest stage production. Filled with villains, vixens, and a host of other characters you’ll love to hate, this action-packed drama is sure to please both locals and tourists alike. Enjoy catchy musical numbers and exceptional acting. What a show! Hankerin’ fer a Honeymoon will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Will Jenna Rossity sweep in and save the town from impending doom? Will Justin Credible turn out to be the hero she’s always longed for? To learn the answers to these and many other questions, purchase your tickets for the upcoming show! And while you’re at it, why not bring along your sweetheart? This dazzling drama is sure to tickle the fancy of both the menfolk and the ladies. —Your friends at Parker Lodge
LOTTIE SWALLOWED HARD as she looked her mother’s way. “Hello, Mama.”
“Lottie.” Her mother’s eyes narrowed to slits. “What brings you into town in the middle of the day?”
“Oh, well, I…” She struggled to come up with an answer, one that might pacify her mother and cause her to forget that her daughter had—once again—shown up in town wearing overalls and an old, worn shirt.
From behind her, Katie Sue mooed, causing an unexpected distraction.
“Whoa now, girl.” Jeb’s quiet voice soothed the animal.
“What in heaven’s name have we here?” Althea Baker appeared behind Lottie’s mother, also dressed in her go-to-town attire and wearing a funny little hat w
ith a silk bird perched atop it. If Lottie didn’t know any better, she would swear the little yellow canary might take flight any moment.
Under the circumstances, it might be better if Althea took flight, judging from the disdain on her face when she saw Jeb and his cow. The poor fellow stared at the woman he’d spent so many weeks pining over and suddenly appeared quite forlorn.
“A–A–Althea,” he stammered.
She looked down her nose at him and pursed her thin lips. “Jeb Otis. Do you mind if I ask why you’re bringing your cow to town? Finally ready to slaughter the old girl?”
Jeb clamped his hands over Katie Sue’s ears.
Phineas stepped into place beside Althea and spoke in a strained whisper, “Don’t you ever let me hear you say that again, Althea Baker. You know perfectly well Katie Sue is the only family Jeb’s got.”
“And the only one he’s likely to ever have,” Althea mumbled before turning and walking the other way.
Those words got everyone in the group worked up, especially Phineas, who now came out swinging on Jeb’s behalf, at least with his phraseology. “Old grouch,” he said and then grunted. “Don’t know what you ever saw in her anyway, Jeb.”
The men took to gabbing about Althea, and not in a good way. Lottie found herself distracted by her mother. Still wearing a frown, Mama clucked her tongue, her face turning bright pink as she gestured to Lottie’s overalls. “Lottie Sanders, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, I don’t like to see you dressed like this, especially in town where folks can see you in all your shameful glory.”
Lottie bit back the “Dressed like what, Mama?” that threatened to erupt and simply clamped her mouth shut.