An Unconventional Lady

by Cynthia Hickey

Hopefully, he’d understand the information she gave him, and it wouldn’t be like reading another language.

  Chapter 13

  “You make a good cup of coffee,” Sean told Annie. “Even on a hot summer day, it’s a welcome drink. After my travels to the farthest corners of this fine state, your pretty face makes me feel at home.”

  “Thank you. Have you been preaching to the Indians?” There was no point in telling him every pot tasted the same, whether she made it or someone else. The restaurant was emphatic about having every detail perfect...even the coffee.

  “Yes. They’re receptive for the most part, although I fear they are mainly humoring me. I’m planning on attending the local church this Sunday. I’d be honored if you’d accompany me.”

  How could she say no, when she’d be at church anyway? Thankfully, she was spared giving her answer when Dallas waltzed in. Why didn’t he drink his coffee with Mother? It was free over there.

  She found her answer when she glanced sideways at the simpering Dottie. How could Annie forget that embarrassing revelation the night before?

  “Why don’t you sit in Dottie’s section?” she said as he came and sat in hers. “She appears to be waiting for you.”

  Dallas didn’t turn his head. “I have no desire to sit there.”

  “Then why didn’t you have your coffee at the boardinghouse?” Annie regretted her snappish tone the moment the words left her lips, but it was too late to pull them back. “I apologize. It’s none of my business.” Goodness. If Miss Cartwright heard her, she could be terminated on the spot.

  “Your mother and Mr. Harris are lost in each other, and I felt like the third wheel.” He pressed his lips together. “But if my sitting here offends you, I can move.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  Sean’s gaze moved from her to Dallas and back again. His eyes widened. “You two seem to be at odds with each other. Is there something I can do?”

  “Tell her to stop wearing that split skirt.” Dallas set his cup down hard enough for some of the liquid to splash out.

  “Tell him to mind his own business and learn to accept people the way they are!” Annie set down the coffeepot and stormed away.

  “Dottie, please cover for me,” she said as she passed. “I’m not feeling well.” She pushed through the kitchen and hurried outside, not stopping until she reached the rim of the canyon.

  Of all the infuriating, small-minded...well, a good Christian woman couldn’t really voice how Annie felt at that moment. Tears stung her eyes, and she swiped the back of her hand viciously across her face.

  She shouldn’t care what Dallas thought, but she did. She sat on a bench provided by the hotel so guests could view the canyon’s beauty at their leisure. Taking deep, slow breaths she waited for God to calm her.

  Thankfully, His peace and a reassurance of His love and acceptance didn’t take long to dry her tears. She had a job to do, and regardless of whether she liked Dottie or not, it wasn’t fair to leave the girl to do all the work.

  “Annie?” Miss Cartwright bustled toward her. “Are you feeling poorly?”

  “Just a touch of nausea. It’s passing.” Annie grimaced. While not exactly a lie, it wasn’t the whole truth, either. “I’m returning to my post.”

  Miss Cartwright studied her face. “I’d send you home, but another girl up and got married last night. One of the drink girls. Maybe you’re ready for something new.”

  Annie’s heart skipped a beat. “Really? I was hoping to discuss that very thing with you later.”

  “As long as you realize how important a job it is. We can’t leave our guests with nothing to wet their whistle, so to speak.” She put an arm around Annie’s waist. “Come on inside and don’t worry about what a couple of fools say.”

  “You heard?”

  “Dear, anyone within ten feet heard. Mr. Lawrence ordered me to talk to you about your behavior. Consider yourself spoken to.” She squeezed. “Now, let’s finish up today and tomorrow you start as drink girl.”

  “Thank you.” Annie sniffed back fresh tears.

  “God will take care of your heart’s desire, dear girl. Just give Him time.”

  Annie breathed a sigh of relief when she returned to her position and found Dallas and Sean were both gone. She needed several hours, if not a day, before seeing either of them again.

  Dottie glared at her and flounced to the opposite end of the counter. Annie didn’t care to converse with her, either. Having finished almost three months on the job, Annie was counting down to taking over the Rollinses’ business and implementing her new ideas.

  She might not be getting married, but she did have something that would hopefully support her in her spinsterhood. Sadness bowed her shoulders. Maybe the chance of a future with a husband and children was worth hanging up the split skirt and letting go of some of her strong-minded ways. She’d definitely pray about the possibility.

  With the breakfast crowd dispersing, she leaned her elbows on the counter and watched several family groups leave the restaurant. Little girls who looked like their mothers, boys with tousled hair. She sighed and started the cleanup.

  Life was too confusing. Most women Annie’s age were already settled down. She scrubbed at a dried spot of gravy on the polished wood. Why did folks automatically assume an unmarried woman of nineteen would remain that way? Who set the magical age of twenty as crossing the line into less appealing prospects? Why, men could be as old as twenty-five and have no one breathing down their necks to wed.

  Annie had her prospects, of course. She received several proposals a day from drifters and those riding the rails. None of them set her heart to racing or her blood to boiling like...oh. She put a hand to her mouth.

  None of them affected her the way Dallas did. What in the world was she to do?

  * * *

  Dallas brushed Rascal’s coat. He’d messed up for sure this time. Not wanting a lot of folks to see him with Dottie and start talking, which led to trouble in the shadows, then voicing his opinions about women’s attire to a virtual stranger. He’d disappointed Annie and hurt her feelings, and he had no idea how to fix the problem. He needed to write his mother a letter.

  After caring for his horse and the mules, he went inside the house in search of paper and ink. Mrs. Rollins was waiting on two men who wanted to book rooms. From the looks of their worn, but clean, clothing, Dallas could hazard a guess they couldn’t afford El Tovar.

  He stood to the side and waited until Mrs. Rollins escorted the men to their rooms.

  “May I help you, Mr. Baker?”

  “I’m wondering whether you have some stationery and ink I could borrow. I’d like to write my mother a letter.”

  “What a wonderful idea. You should invite her to visit. We’ve plenty of room.” Mrs. Rollins reached under the boardinghouse’s front desk and pulled out a pine box. “Everything you need is right here. Feel free to use the desk in the parlor. Oh, and the two guests that just arrived would like you to take them to the canyon floor tomorrow.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Wonderful news, considering that he got paid only when he gave a tour. Mrs. Rollins offered him free room and meals, but his cash income came from guiding.

  After seating himself at the polished rolltop desk, Dallas inserted a new tip into the pen and pulled out a sheet of sage-green paper. Fancy. At the top was a monogram with Rollins Boardinghouse. He smiled. Maybe they should offer free paper and ink in each room so guests would be encouraged to write letters and spread the word. He’d mention it to Annie, if she was still speaking to him.

  For the first time in months, he poured out his heart to his mother in written words instead of spoken, even going so far as to tell her what a mess he’d made of his friendship with a feisty young lady. He folded the letter and inserted it into an envelope before he coul
d change his mind. Ma always had a way of looking at things that made sense. How would he survive until she replied?

  He returned the box to the shelf under the front counter and headed to the mercantile down the road, which also served as a postal-and-telegraph office. A telegram would be quicker, but too costly to say all that needed saying.

  After handing over his letter to the mercantile owner, he stepped back into the sunshine. He needed to stop at El Tovar and leave a message with the concierge about the tour.

  Oftentimes the man would put in a word to a few of their guests and generate more business for Dallas, which also allowed the guests to sample Mrs. Rollins’s cooking, which advertised her business. It was a good plan for everyone involved, except for maybe the big hotel, which might lose guests due to the more personalized service of Mrs. Rollins. He grinned. Which was the plan.

  He approached the desk, catching a glimpse of Annie as she discussed table arrangements with a dark-haired girl. He wanted very much to tell her of his plans, but until she made a move toward renewing their friendship, he’d hold back. After offending her sensibilities, he wouldn’t impose.

  “Good afternoon, Jenkins.” Dallas shook hands with his friend. “I’ve got a tour heading out tomorrow and have room for four more.”

  “I know of some men that might be interested. Leaving at sunup as usual?”

  Dallas nodded. “It’s a quick trip. Back on the third day. One day of fishing in the river. I appreciate whatever you can do.”

  “Sure thing. There are guests here who prefer not playing billiards or looking at art all the time. I’m sure I’ll find someone to send your way.”

  Dallas’s gaze crashed into Annie’s as he turned to leave. Her face paled. He forced a smile, then rushed outside, his heart racing like a dust devil across the desert.

  He needed to apologize and had no idea how. Dodging a woman with a broom who was busy sweeping the front porch, he leaped off the stairs and took off at a fast pace, back to the mules. If he was taking a tour out in the morning, even for two men, he needed to make sure all the gear was in good repair. Besides, the mules were easy to understand.

  The sounds and odors of the barn soothed him. There was something about being with God’s simpler creatures that helped a man get his mind working right. He doled out the mules’ feed, then let them in from the small corral. He’d need to check all their hooves and harnesses, make sure the packs were without holes or rips, and plan the food they’d need for the next few days.

  At least the busyness would keep his mind off Annie.

  Chapter 14

  Fourth of July, and the dining room was hopping with more than train passengers. It seemed as if folks from all around wanted to see fireworks over the Grand Canyon. Annie smiled. The hotel filled up, and the boardinghouse was full, too. To make matters more festive, hotel management had agreed to close the dining room after the supper crowd, thus allowing the staff to enjoy the celebration.

  She rolled the drinks cart between the tables, eyeing the position of the guests’ cups and glasses in order to determine, without asking them again, what their preference was. She much preferred her new position over the lunch counter. While she still interacted with the hotel patrons, she didn’t have to engage in conversation. She cast a glance toward the counter.

  Dallas was nursing his usual morning cup of coffee there, his shoulders hunched over the bar. He’d just returned the night before from another canyon tour, and looked exhausted. With their schedules, they’d not had time for more than “Have a nice day” or “Good evening.” She sighed, missing their easy, companionable conversations.

  Although he didn’t appear to be spending time with Dottie, either, Annie wondered whether he was too busy to pass time with anyone. She felt better at the thought.

  “No, I’ve changed my mind.” The woman sitting at the table before her waved a hand. “I no longer want water. Pour me some tea, please.”

  “Certainly.” Annie set the water pitcher back on the tray and reached for the tea. “May I get you anything else?”

  “No, that’s enough.” The woman was alone. While she wore a stylish lavender suit, the lines alongside her thin lips were pronounced, and she seemed lonely.

  “Are you enjoying this part of the country on your own?” Annie poured her tea.

  She expelled a sharp breath. “Not that it’s any of your concern, but yes. I have never married and must travel this great country of ours alone. I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, and have the means to do so. I don’t need a man to bring me here.”

  Annie’s hands shook and she gripped the cart handle. “You are completely correct.” She forced her trembling lips to keep their smile. Was she looking at her future? She tried to detect a trace of beauty under the woman’s dour expression. Annie was far from homely. Though she was taller than most women, a large man wouldn’t mind overly much.

  She glanced again at Dallas, then at Sean, who’d stepped into the room. She wanted to attend the festivities on the arm of a man. Since she had no idea how to mend the rift between herself and Dallas, she’d choose Sean to be her partner. She steered the cart toward him. “Mr. McMurray?”

  Ignoring the fact that Dallas had turned on his stool, she proceeded. “I accept your invitation to tonight’s festivities.”

  His eyes widened, most likely because he’d not actually asked her to join him. She prayed he’d go along with her ploy. Maybe a touch of jealousy would open Dallas’s mouth so he could utter an apology for his outrageous behavior.

  “I’m honored, Miss Rollins.” The pastor nodded. “I’ll meet you in front of your home at dusk.”

  She squared her shoulders, tossed Dallas a grin she knew was a childish gesture, then sashayed to the kitchen to refill her pitchers. On her way back out, she ran the cart into Dottie, who was rushing in. The other girl bent over, her breath leaving in a whoosh.

  “You...did...that on purpose.” She straightened and glared. “You’re mad because I’m going to the celebration with Dallas.”

  “You are?” What did Annie expect? She’d acted like a wanton fool in front of the man, all but daring him to find an escort of his own. “That’s nice.” She pushed past the other girl and back into the dining room.

  Dottie followed. “I’m going to marry that man, you know. He owns a ranch and can give me the life I’ve always dreamed of having.”

  “Has he proposed?” Annie whirled.

  Dottie smiled, her green eyes glittering. “Not yet,” she whispered. “But a little more coercing and we’ll be hitched in no time.”

  “You’re trying to seduce him!” Annie hissed and grabbed her arm, dragging her into the corner. “That is immoral and unfair.”

  Dottie lifted her chin. “Why should you care? You’re chasing after the handsome pastor.”

  “I am not doing anything remotely similar to your actions.” Catching the eye of Miss Cartwright, Annie moved back to her cart. She needed to find a way to warn Dallas. After all, they were friends, even though estranged at the moment. It was her place to warn him of the other girl’s evil intentions.

  She met his gaze across the room. Her heart did an odd flip-flop. More and more lately her body betrayed her with feelings and reactions toward Dallas that left her confused. If she wasn’t careful, she might actually think she carried romantic notions about him.

  That would never do. Not with his preconceived notions about women.

  She tore her gaze away and went back to concentrating on her job. The harder she worked, the faster the day would pass. Instead of dwelling on Dallas, she’d focus on the new clothes Mother had made, which hung in her room. A sunshine-yellow skirt that complimented her hair and eyes, and a fresh white blouse with a ribbon around the neck that matched the skirt. For the first time in a long time, Annie was excited about clothes other than h
er split skirt.

  She cast another glance at Dallas. What would he think of her when he saw her in the new outfit? Would his eyes light up in appreciation? She hoped so.

  Maybe, after tonight, he’d notice that a woman could wear split skirts and still be feminine.

  * * *

  Dallas couldn’t believe he’d asked Dottie to the celebration that evening. He sure was a glutton for punishment. Well, the harm was done. He’d have to make sure they were in full sight of other partygoers at all times. He slapped his hat against his thigh as he made his way to the barn.

  If Annie hadn’t tossed him that challenging grin, he wouldn’t have succumbed to stupidity. He banged open the barn door, wincing when it slammed against the wall. Just because he was tired and out of sorts didn’t give him rein to break something that didn’t belong to him, and that he’d have to fix in the end. Maybe a short nap in the straw would improve his mood.

  The tour ending the day before had been a humdinger. One of the three men had sneaked in a bottle of whiskey, despite the rules of no liquor allowed. Things had almost turned violent when Dallas struggled with the guest over the bottle. Luckily, a drunk man was unsteady on his feet. The incident resulted in little sleep for Dallas as he remained on the alert for other broken rules.

  Now, he’d spend an evening fending off Dottie’s advances. He groaned and grabbed a curry brush from the shelf. Brushing Rascal was the best thing to calm him. That and prayer. He sent off several while grooming his horse. The main prayer being that he wouldn’t be caught in a compromising position with the grabby Miss Flannery.

  He should’ve swallowed his pride and asked Annie to accompany him to watch fireworks. All it would have taken was a simple apology and an explanation about what had really happened. But embarrassment held him back. Now, he potentially could find himself in the same situation. He needed to stay away from El Tovar. Trouble resided between those log walls, and two very pretty Harvey waitresses.

  He’d checked for mail every day, waiting for a response from Ma. He sorely needed her wise counsel.