Wedding Belles

by Janice Hanna

  “And your hair.” Her mother sighed. “Child, what am I going to do with you? Do you not own a hairbrush? Honestly, I thought you would have outgrown this childishness by now. Are you ever going to be a young lady, or will we forever have these ridiculous conversations?”

  “Well, see, I…” Ugh. She wanted to say more but couldn’t get past the fact that her mother had just called her a child in front of Gilbert.

  Lottie had finally decided just how to respond when her mother interrupted. “You didn’t answer my first question. What are you doing in town at this time of day? Aren’t you supposed to be working at the lodge?” She reached inside her reticule and pulled out a fan, which she now took to fluttering at her neckline.

  Thank goodness, Lottie didn’t have to respond. Mrs. Parker took care of that for her. “Dorothy, it would seem that my son and your daughter have a secret plan, one they’ve been plotting. That’s why I left the lodge and followed them into town. I had to get to the bottom of this or die trying.”

  This got the fan to stop midflutter. “What sort of secret?” She looked back and forth between Lottie and Gil, the feathers on her hat dancing to and fro as she moved.

  Don’t fret, Mama. It’s not what you’re thinking.

  Not that her mama would necessarily disagree with the idea of Lottie pining away for Gilbert Parker. Sure, Gil didn’t share the same social standing as Winifred’s beau—that highfalutin banker, Mr. Collins—but even Mama couldn’t argue the fact that Gilbert Parker would be a fine catch. If the situation at the lodge turned around, anyway.

  Mama continued to fuss and fume, but Lottie found herself distracted by Gil and Mrs. Parker, who had turned and taken a few steps toward Augie’s office. Lottie picked up the pace, determined to keep up. Oh, how she wished her mother would turn toward home. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

  “I don’t know what you folks are up to.” Lottie’s mother huffed and puffed as she fought to keep up with them. “But I want to witness it firsthand. No doubt it’s another of your foolish ideas brewing, Lottie. I need to protect you from yourself. Remember what happened the last time you came up with one of your oh-so-clever ideas?”

  She shared an embarrassing story from the past, one where Lottie had tried to help Pa spread the word about Sanders’ beef by wearing a placard around town for all to see. From there, Mama lit into another story about the time Lottie decided to help the local school raise funds for textbooks by selling home-baked goods. What a mess that had been. How was she to know the difference between the sugar jar and the salt canister? They looked alike to her.

  Some of the other women from the Estes Park Women’s League came out of the general store and joined their group. By the time they reached the office of the Mountaineer, Lottie’s nerves were a jumbled mess. She turned and took her mother by the hand.

  “Mama, I know you don’t understand me. And I know you disagree with my clothing choices. But if you will trust me—really, truly trust me—you’ll see that my heart is good and my intentions are to make things better, not worse. I would like to ask you to trust me, just this once. Please, Mama?”

  This appeared to stop her mother cold. Not that Lottie minded her mother’s silence. No, she rather appreciated it, since most of the words that ushered from her mother’s lips usually stung as they hit their intended target.

  Oh, how she wished things with Mama could be different. Maybe someday they would be. In the meantime, she would stay the course. Yes, she would follow the Lord’s lead, even if it meant writing and directing a theatrical for Parker Lodge. And she would do it all with a smile on her face.

  * * * * *

  GILBERT FELT HIS TENSION EASE a bit as they arrived at the front door of the Mountaineer. Once the advertisement was written, the heavy feeling in his stomach would lift. He prayed so, anyway.

  The group was too large for everyone to fit inside the tiny one-man newspaper office, so most in the group agreed to wait outside.

  “You ready, Lottie?” Gilbert asked.

  She nodded. They would do this…together. He took a few tentative steps, his courage growing more with each step. Once inside, he caught wind of Augie at the typewriter, pecking away, the click-click-click of the keys providing a steady rhythm.

  “I need a little favor, my friend,” Gilbert called out.

  Augie turned to face him, a smile lighting his face. “Well, hello there.” He extended his ink-covered hand, but Gilbert didn’t hesitate. He shook it with fervor.

  “What did you do, bring the whole town?” Augie gestured out the window to the crowd outside then crossed the room to have a closer look. “And why the devil did Jeb bring Katie Sue?”

  “It’s kind of a long story,” Gilbert said. “But we’ve come with some good news. Lottie has agreed to write and direct the melodrama, so we need to put together an advertisement for the women to come.”

  Augie’s gaze shifted between them, finally resting on Gilbert. “You talked her into it?”

  “He did.” Lottie sighed.

  Augie rushed back to his desk and put a piece of paper in the typewriter. “Perfect. But we’d better get this advertisement done quickly before she changes her mind. This week’s paper is set to go to print soon. I’m assuming you’ll want to make an announcement to the locals.”

  “That, and we need you to send out a wire to New York City,” Gilbert explained, his words now rushed. “And Denver too, of course. And any other place you think we might find actresses.”

  “Hmm. I’ll need to think on that one, won’t I?” Augie stretched his ink-stained fingers then placed them on the keys. “Let’s start with the basics. What’s the name of the show?”

  “You’re gonna love this,” Gil said, squaring his shoulders. “We’re calling it Hankerin’ fer a Honeymoon.”

  “Hmm.” Augie tapped his pencil on the desk, his brow wrinkled. “Not sure folks in New York are going to be able to relate to some thing that…well, that…”

  “Hokey?” Lottie asked. “I tried to tell him, Augie, but he liked it.”

  “Coming up with a great title is key,” Augie said. “Think about it. Actresses from New York and Denver are accustomed to working with professionals. They’ll want something with a melodramatic flair, naturally, but something professional too.” He shifted his position in the chair. “I think we’re better off with something simple that incorporates the name of the lodge and adds an element of suspense.”

  Gilbert paused to think it through, but nothing came to him.

  “What about Predicament at Parker Lodge?” Lottie asked after a moment.

  “That’s it!” Gilbert looked at her, more amazed than ever at her quick wit. “You’ve done it again, Lottie. See how good you are at this?”

  Her cheeks flushed pink, and for a moment he saw her as the beauty that she was—in spite of her boyish attire and her short, bobbed hair. He saw a young woman—lovely and fine—willing to share in both his victories and his woes. A woman with a smile so sweet it could melt butter. He didn’t have time to think these things through, however, because Augie’s words interrupted his thoughts.

  “Yes. I like the fact that it incorporates the name of the lodge and the family into the show.” He typed a few words onto the page. “Kills two birds with one stone, which is always nice.”

  “It’s a great title,” Gilbert said. “Though, I do have to wonder how Mama will feel about it. She won’t be keen on everyone in the country knowing that the lodge is in trouble.”

  “Folks won’t catch on to that,” Augie said. “But it’ll work for now, don’t you think?”

  “I guess.” Gilbert shrugged, suddenly feeling a little unsure.

  After a moment’s pause, Lottie snapped her fingers. “Oh, I know! We could run a contest to decide on the final title.”

  “A contest?” Gilbert and Augie spoke in unison.

  “Sure, why not?” Lottie’s face lit up as she shared, her voice now quite enthusiastic. “We’ll spread the word by putt
ing up handbills around town. That way we can let folks know we’re on the search for the perfect title to the new show. Everyone can participate. It will make folks feel like they’re part of things, like we need them. We do, you know.”

  “Another great idea.” Gilbert couldn’t help the smile that followed. No one came up with ideas like Lottie did, after all.

  “The winner will get…” She paused and squinted as she glanced out the window. “Hmm. Not sure what the winner should get.”

  “Well, free tickets to the show, of course,” Augie said.

  “Of course,” Lottie chimed in. “But there has to be more to offer than that.”

  An idea struck Gilbert quite suddenly. “I know! The winner will get a week’s free stay at the lodge in the honeymoon suite.”

  Lottie shook her head. “What if he—or she—isn’t married?”

  “Won’t matter. The winner will still deserve our very best, and the honeymoon suite is the best we’ve got. So, what do you say?”

  “I say we get crackin’ on this.” Augie grinned. “Now, how do you want the local advertisement to be worded? Let’s start there.”

  Over the next twenty minutes they crafted two articles, one for locals and one for incoming auditioners. Come the thirtieth of May, actresses “unencumbered by the bonds of matrimony” would converge on Parker Lodge to audition for a show temporarily named Predicament at Parker Lodge. Until then, well, Gilbert had a few predicaments of his own to iron out—like how they were going to pay for all this. And what they would do with all the women once they started arriving.

  Oh well. One problem at a time. Besides, with a gal like Lottie Sanders at his side, a fella couldn’t help but succeed, predicament or no predicament.

  * * * * *

  FEAR GRIPPED LOTTIE’S HEART as Augie read through the advertisement one last time. It all sounded good on paper—likely too good. But what would happen once the women showed up? Then what? Could they really see this thing through?

  Suddenly she felt like hightailing it back to the lodge and burying herself in work. What had she done, promising to direct a theatrical production, one with real actresses, no less?

  She swallowed hard and tried to work up the courage to tell Gilbert she couldn’t possibly go through with this. Then she looked into his grateful eyes—those gorgeous baby-blue gems—and her heart melted at once. Her courage returned and confidence stiffened her backbone once again. Yes, with Gil at her side, the stage was set for mayhem and merriment.

  FIVE

  PREDICAMENT AT PARKER LODGE

  Friends and neighbors, take note! The highly anticipated Parker Lodge theatrical has just been renamed Predicament at Parker Lodge. This new title exemplifies the spirit of the men of Estes Park and suits the new, exciting story. The script is still a work in progress, but we can share this juicy tidbit—the production will showcase the talents of a cast of female actresses from across the country. Even now, the men of Estes Park are anticipating the arrival of these fair maidens. So get your tickets for Predicament at Parker Lodge before the show sells out! Find out if Abel N. Willin will give his heart to Carmen Geddit, or if Shirley Knott will succeed in pulling him away from the woman he truly loves. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the best show in town! —Your friends at Parker Lodge

  THE NEXT FEW WEEKS flew by at a rapid pace. Every few days Gilbert received word of another actress interested in coming to Estes Park. From New York City to Atlantic City, interest had been stirred. And a handful of the ladies would come from Denver, as well. He made arrangements for the women to meet in Loveland at the base of the mountain. From there, they would caravan up the rocky road to Estes Park, where auditions would be held that same evening.

  Figuring out what to do with the ladies once they arrived had been the biggest issue. Thank goodness, Mama was open to the idea of housing them all for the next six months until the show opened. With great zeal, the single men of Estes Park had pooled their funds to provide the necessary food to see the ladies through their stay. According to Jeb, it was the least they could do. Phineas had taken to calling it the dowry and even started calling the actresses “wedding belles.” Gilbert hushed him up in a hurry every time he said it, though. No point in raising suspicions.

  One problem remained: getting the women up the mountain. Traversing the steep incline from Loveland was tough, though not as bad as years past. Hopefully none of the women would turn back when they saw what they’d gotten themselves into.

  The morning of the thirtieth dawned clear and warm. Gilbert silently praised the Lord for His favor. Truly, only one thing could’ve made this nerve-racking experience even rougher, and that would’ve been a rainstorm. He located Lottie walking alongside the river, likely praying. That’s what he’d spent the morning doing too.

  He paused to take in her appearance. She wore a simple green cotton dress, one he’d never seen before. Interesting how the wrapping on a package could make such a difference. In the simple, girlish attire, she seemed young, feminine, and carefree. Pretending to be interested in her would certainly be easier if she continued to dress like that. Instead of commenting on the change, he gave her a little smile and a nod.

  “I know, I know…” She shrugged and tugged at the trim on her collar. “Figured if I had to meet the ladies for the first time, I’d better make a decent impression. But don’t get too used to this.” She pointed to the dress. “You won’t be seeing a lot of it.”

  “Then I’ll enjoy it while I have it.” He extended his hand. “You look amazing, Lottie. That’s a really pretty color. Shows off your green eyes.”

  Her cheeks turned the nicest shade of pink and she stammered a “Thank you,” then took his offered hand. Together, they headed to the lodge to meet up with the men before heading to Loveland.

  * * * * *

  LOTTIE COULD HARDLY THINK straight after hearing Gil’s compliment. Had he called the dress pretty, or was he referring to her? Perhaps she would never know. Still, she could bask in the possibility that he’d been referring to more than the dress, which she knew to be anything but lovely. When they reached the lodge, Lottie went in search of Mrs. Parker. She found her in the dining hall, frantically scrubbing at a stain on the floor.

  “Mrs. Parker, are you going down the mountain with us to fetch the ladies?”

  The older woman glanced up, a frazzled look on her face. “No, I think I’d better stay here and work on getting their rooms ready. I’ve got fresh sheets on the beds and have mopped the floors. I’ve been hard at work in the kitchen too. The chocolate pies are cooling and the venison stew is cooking.”

  Lottie swallowed hard. She would never say so out loud, but Mrs. Parker’s cooking—particularly her venison stew—left something to be desired. It certainly wouldn’t have been Lottie’s first choice to welcome the women to town. Instead of commenting, she simply smiled. “How can we ever thank you for all you’ve done?”

  Mrs. Parker’s eyes filled with tears as she stood. “Thank me? Oh, honey, the thank-yous need to be reversed. You’re doing all of this to save the lodge. I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

  Lottie gave her a warm hug. “Happy to do it. And I’m sure the show is going to be a huge success.”

  “I’m only the tiniest bit nervous about all of these big-city women seeing our little lodge.” Mrs. Parker’s nose wrinkled. “Hope they’re not put off by the rustic feel.”

  “We made all the details as clear as we could in the correspondence. They have some idea of what they’re getting into,” Lottie said. “Besides, plenty of folks pay good money to come to Estes for the rustic feel. There’s no need to apologize for it. It’s likely just what the doctor ordered for these gals. Most are probably ready to get out of the big city and relax for a spell.”

  “True.” Mrs. Parker released a slow breath. “Guess I’m not showing much faith, now am I? I could be celebrating the fact that this is happening. If I can keep myself calm, I’ll do that.”

  “They
’re going to love you, Mrs. Parker.” Lottie gave her another tight squeeze.

  “Just in case you have any doubt in your mind, I really am looking forward to the girls staying with us.”

  “I’m so glad.”

  Mrs. Parker took a seat and smoothed out the wrinkles in her skirt. “I’ve always read that verse about going into all the world to share the gospel message, but I never knew how to get there. I’m not really what one would call a world traveler, after all.” She grinned. “So, how good of the Lord to bring the world to me.”

  “Never thought about it like that,” Lottie said. “But you’re right. He’s bringing the world to our doorstep.”

  Gilbert appeared at her side, a crooked smile on his face. “And the world is waiting to be picked up in three hours, so we’d better get a move on.”

  Minutes later, Augie, Jeb, Phineas, and Chauncy showed up in three Stanley motorcars, which they’d rented from Freelan Stanley, their inventor. Lottie couldn’t help but wonder if Mr. Stanley knew what they were up to. Not that he would try to stop them. Oh, no. The local entrepreneur certainly found Parker Lodge no real competition for his big, beautiful Stanley Hotel, which was filled with well-to-do guests year-around.

  Lottie followed Gilbert outside and smiled as Phineas tooted the horn on his large black Stanley Steamer. He let out a whistle when he noticed Lottie in her green dress.

  Gilbert opened the passenger side door for her. “Your carriage awaits, my lady.” He offered a sweeping bow, and she giggled.

  “Thank you, Gil.” She batted her eyelashes. “My goodness, it’s large.”

  “That’s why they call it the ‘Pullman of the Road,’ my dear,” he said. “Large enough to easily seat half a dozen or more, with room left over for luggage.”

  “Perfect for a day like today, kind sir.” She gave a little curtsy.

  “Stop flirting and climb in, Lottie,” Phineas said. “Let’s go fetch some brides.”