Upstairs, Ashleigh couldn’t stop thinking about Ernie. Who was he? How did he know so much about her? When she went downstairs for dinner, she saw Becky setting the tables. “Becky, I started to ask you about this before, but we were interrupted. What can you tell me about Ernie?”
Becky wore a puzzled expression. “Who’s Ernie?”
“You know, one of your boarders. He has gray hair and always seems to be cranky about something!” Ashleigh explained.
“The oldest gentleman that’s currently boarding here is Ned Ekstrom. Is that who you mean? But he’s never cranky!” Becky frowned, trying to think if there was anyone else.
“Oh no, not Ned. Ned is much too sweet,” Ashleigh replied. “Ernie. I’ve seen him here several times.”
“I’m sorry, Ashleigh. I don’t know anyone by that name in the town of Creede, let alone in this boardinghouse,” Becky said apologetically.
Ashleigh felt sick. Was Ernie one of the bad men she had been warned about? Was he only pretending to be a boarder to hurt her in some way? Her mind was spinning as Gilbert approached her. “Ashleigh, I feel like I haven’t seen you all week. Come, sit down, tell me how everything is going.”
Ashleigh smiled gratefully. Now that they were both working, they rarely had time to spend together, and she missed it. She was glad Gilbert had recognized it, too.
“Oh, Gilbert, I wanted to ask you. Have you met Ernie yet?” Ashleigh asked. Becky had seemed confused, but surely Gilbert would have seen the man around the boardinghouse.
“Who’s Ernie?” Gilbert replied.
Ashleigh began to describe him, but William interrupted her. “Ashleigh! Fantastic news.”
“What’s that?” Ashleigh smiled. Since William was usually so gruff and solemn, she was amused whenever he displayed enthusiasm.
“I’ve had a letter from an acquaintance in California. His friend, a wealthy bachelor, is seeking a bride, and he’s interested in you!” William said.
“How is that possible?” Ashleigh was baffled. She had no idea how a man in California would have even heard of her, much less wanted to marry her. And since when did William have a friend in California? Something wasn’t making sense to her.
“I wrote to my friend in one of my letters about you and told them that we are all traveling to California soon. He read the letter aloud to his friend, and the man immediately wanted to meet you. In fact, I think he’s going to write a letter to you soon,” William continued.
Ashleigh’s stomach turned. She didn’t want to meet a strange man in California. She wanted to stay in Creede and get to know Alexander. Though she knew they meant well, she wished her cousins could stop meddling in her life. “I see.”
“Ashleigh, this man is very accomplished and wealthy! James Pendergrast,” William announced proudly.
Ashleigh frowned. “William, you know I don’t care about riches or fortune. I want to live comfortably, but it’s more important to me to lead an honest life than be wealthy.”
William laughed, as if she were joking. “Oh, Ashleigh, I’m sure you’ll get along. I can’t wait to see what he writes to you! And for you to meet him when we get to California!”
Ashleigh forced a smile on her face, but she felt a sense of discomfort wash over her. Why was everyone so thrilled about traveling to California? What was wrong with staying in one place for more than a few weeks?
Chapter Six
Two weeks later, Ashleigh sat on the edge of her bed, reading the letter from James Pendergrast.
Dearest Ashleigh,
I hope you do not find this correspondence too forward. After hearing of your beauty and intellect, I had to write you directly. I come from the east and have been in California for several years now. Like you, I am an orphan, and I have always longed to fill my home with the sounds of children’s laughter. Unfortunately, the women I have met here do not share my values or morals. Therefore, I must attempt to find a bride through family and friends. My friend, Mr. White, speaks highly of your cousin William. When he told me about you, I knew I wanted to make your acquaintance. I understand it is far too early to consider marriage, as I am sure you will have many offers. All I ask is that you write me back.
Yours,
James Benjamin Pendergrast
Ashleigh sighed as she re-read the letter. James Pendergrast seemed nearly too good to be true! Like her, he had experienced the pain of losing both of his parents. And like her, he also wanted to have a big family. What she liked even more about him was that he wasn’t presumptuous. He hadn’t asked for her immediate promise to marry him or even to meet him in person. He had only asked that she respond.
As she went over to the desk to begin composing a response, she suddenly thought of Alexander. How would he feel if he knew she was writing to another man? Ashleigh frowned as she thought about the way Alexander had treated her over the past two weeks. Ever since she’d given him her letter, he had been avoiding her. They never spoke more than a few words to each other at Graham’s Grub, and he seemed to go out of his way so their paths wouldn’t cross.
Although she felt sad when she thought about Alexander, Ashleigh realized she had to accept that he didn’t care for her the way she cared for him. He didn’t even want to see her or talk to her. She had to move on.
Even without Alexander’s affection, she found herself wishing that she and her cousins could stay in Creede. Although Creede had its issues, it seemed like there were many people who truly cared about the town and wanted it to change for the better. Ashleigh enjoyed meeting with them and spending time with them.
She knew her cousins would never understand this. They all had been getting more and more excited about their upcoming move to California and making plans for the money they’d make once they arrived. Ashleigh didn’t care about money all that much. She wanted to earn a wage while she was a single woman to help provide, but she didn’t long for riches or wealth like other people she knew.
She had to admit, though, that her cousins would be relieved if she ended up with a man who had money like James Pendergrast seemed to. She wondered what his house looked like. Were houses in California like the ones in Stillwater or Creede? Although she wasn’t happy to leave Creede, she was excited to learn about a different way of life in California.
Ashleigh took a deep breath and thought about what she wanted to say to James Pendergrast. There was no doubt about it. No matter what Ernie said, California was her future. She may as well get used to it.
That evening, Ashleigh went downstairs for dinner a bit early. The only boarder who was in the dining area was Ned.
“Hello, Ned!” Ashleigh cried cheerily. He was just the man she wanted to see. “I have a question for you.”
“For you, Ashleigh, anything.” Ned smiled. He had come to consider Ashleigh as a daughter, though he had never married or had children of his own.
“Do you know a man named Ernie? He’s about your age and has gray hair,” Ashleigh explained. Ned seemed to know everyone in town.
“Hm. That doesn’t ring a bell. What town does he live in?” Ned asked.
“He lives here in Creede. Or at least, I think he’s staying here in this boardinghouse. But Becky didn’t know who he was, so I’m worried he’s some kind of criminal!” Ashleigh blurted out in a rush.
“Oh, dear. You poor thing. You’re probably still upset from the attack of those two men,” Ned said sympathetically. “I don’t know the man you’re describing, but if he is some kind of criminal, I’ll certainly be on the lookout for him. Does that sound like a plan?”
“Thank you, Ned,” Ashleigh said, but she felt even more worried. How was it possible that no one in town had seen Ernie?
Just then, Willim, Gilbert, and Philip came downstairs. “I’m starving!” Philip exclaimed. “Is it dinnertime yet?”
Becky came out of the kitchen, carrying a steaming pot. “Seems to me you three have a knack for arriving just as the food comes out.”
“They’ve always been lik
e that!” Ashleigh exclaimed, and everyone laughed.
Ashleigh and the men ladled out stew into small bowls and took them back to the table nearest the fireplace, their favorite spot.
“Did you write back to Mr. Pendergrast yet?” William asked anxiously.
“Don’t be so pushy, William. Ashleigh will write back if she wants to,” Gilbert scolded.
“Can’t we just have a nice meal with Ned?” Philip lamented. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Ned told him. “My brothers and I used to argue like that all the time.”
Ashleigh smiled at her cousins’ antics. They never seemed to change. Before she could respond, she saw Ernie standing near the table, watching their conversation. “Ernie!” Ashleigh waved. “Come here and introduce yourself to everyone.”
As Ernie walked over, everyone at the table turned and stared at Ashleigh with expressions of concern on their face. Ernie didn’t seem to care. He walked over to Ashleigh and scowled. “You’re writing letters to the wrong man! You’re supposed to end up with Alexander, not some strange old California snob! Why can’t you ever listen?”
“That’s very rude, Ernie,” Ashleigh warned. In a moment, Ernie disappeared again, and Ashleigh looked around, wondering where he’d gone.
“Are you okay?” Gilbert stood up from his chair and placed his palm against Ashleigh’s forehead.
“We should get her to bed immediately,” William declared.
Philip watched his brothers with concern.
“What are you all talking about?” Ashleigh asked, not understanding why her cousins were reacting so strangely.
“Who were you talking to?” Gilbert asked gently.
“Why, that was Ernie, the man I’ve been telling you about! But then he just disappeared. Did any of you see where he went?” Ashleigh continued to look around the room.
Gilbert knelt down next to Ashleigh and put his hand around her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ashleigh, but there was no one there. I think you might be seeing things. Do you feel sick?”
Ashleigh shook her head vigorously. “No, I feel fine, and I know what I saw. None of you saw Ernie?”
Everyone shook their heads sadly.
Becky stopped serving dinner and came over to see what the commotion was about. “What’s going on?”
Everyone stared at Ashleigh. In a flash, she understood. No wonder no one in Creede had ever seen Ernie. He was a figment of her imagination! Ashleigh felt scared. She wondered if this was what her parents had gone through when they first became ill. She had never hallucinated before, and now she didn’t know what to trust. Was Alexander a hallucination, too? The men in the masks? Ashleigh felt dizzy. “Maybe William is right. I should lie down.” She had heard women were sent to asylums simply for reading novels. She had no idea what would be done to a woman who saw and spoke with figments of her own imagination!
Gilbert helped her stand and walked her upstairs to her room. Becky promised she’d check on Ashleigh later that evening before she left to go home for the evening. Ned said he’d let the brothers have some time to themselves and retired to his room.
Gilbert put his head in his hands. “I don’t know what I’ll do if Ashleigh has the same sickness our parents had.”
“Don’t worry, Gil. I think she’s probably just been working too hard. She got tired and started to see things, that’s all,” Philip said, but he didn’t seem convinced himself.
“This is why we have to get Ashleigh away from Creede and into California,” William explained. “She’s under too much pressure here.”
Philip spoke up. “I think you might be right.”
“Getting her out of Creede is the best thing we can do for her,” William continued. “Do we all agree?”
Philip and Gilbert nodded slowly. They would do anything for Ashleigh. She might not like it, but they had to do what was best for her.
Alexander Pierce sighed as he placed a pan on the burner in the kitchen at Graham’s Grub. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d spoken to Ashleigh Steepleton. These days, it seemed like she was ignoring him. Apparently, his forthright letter had scared her off. He couldn’t bring himself to look her in the eyes, he was so ashamed and disappointed. He tried to busy himself with his work, with mixed results.
He saw Howard, one of the workers, carrying a crate in, and he wondered if it was the shipment of pears he’d ordered. He walked over to check. In the crate weren’t pears but grapes. Alexander frowned. “Where are the pears?”
Howard looked scared. “I’m not sure. I can go ask the deliveryman . . .”
Alexander shook his head, feeling his temper rising. “Why is no one able to place the most basic order for me? I requested three crates of pears for tonight’s meal! Now what am I to do? Use grapes instead of pears? They’re completely different!”
Howard hung his head. “I’m very sorry, sir. I’ll place another order.”
“It won’t get here fast enough! That’s not good enough!” Alexander stopped himself before he could shout any more insults. He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Howard. I didn’t mean to lose my temper.”
Howard didn’t say anything and hurried away, leaving the crate of grapes on a nearby table. Alexander grabbed one of the bunches and stared at it. “What am I supposed to do with this?”
“What about a grape juice?” Ashleigh suggested, suddenly appearing at his side.
Alexander frowned. “Grape juice?”
“My mother used to make it for me when I was sick. And I haven’t been feeling too well the last few days,” Ashleigh continued.
“Hm. Maybe.” Alexander stared at Ashleigh, trying to figure out why she was talking to him.
Ashleigh blushed as Alexander looked deeply into her eyes. They were close enough to touch, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen. Everyone in the kitchen had gossiped about how angry and quick-tempered Alexander had been over the past few weeks. They seemed scared of him. Now that Ashleigh was carrying on a correspondence with James Pendergrast, she felt much better about seeing Alexander. She didn’t need him, and she certainly wasn’t scared of him.
Before either of them could say anything else, someone shouted. “Fire!”
Alexander spun around and saw that the pan he’d left on the burner had caught fire, and smoke billowed throughout the kitchen. Alexander dropped the crate of grapes and raced toward the stove. He pulled up his shirt over his nose to protect himself from the smoke and found a metal lid. He clamped the lid down over the pot and listened to the fire sizzle out. The smoke began to clear, and everyone began to applaud. Alexander sighed a breath of relief.
The applause stopped abruptly as Robert Graham tore into the room. “What on earth is going on in here?”
Everyone quieted.
“There was a fire, sir,” Alexander said quietly. “We put it out.”
“How did it start?” Robert asked intently.
Alexander looked down. “I left a pan on a burner unattended.”
“Let’s step outside,” Robert suggested. Everyone in the room watched as Alexander followed Robert outside, his head hung in shame and embarrassment.
Ashleigh coughed a little as she watched Alexander being led out of the room. She hoped Mr. Graham wouldn’t fire him. Even though he didn’t care for her the same way she cared for him, she didn’t want bad things to happen to him.
Outside, Robert let Alexander have it. “What has gotten into you lately? You’re distracted, and you’re ornery! You’re making me regret I hired you. Do you not want this job anymore?”
Alexander’s eyes were full of horror. “No, sir, that’s not it! This job is the only thing in my life that makes sense. It’s all I’ve wanted to do since I lost my brother.”
Robert didn’t seem to care. “You’re putting all of my workers and all of my customers in danger! You could have burned down the entire building today! Do you understand that?”
“I was careless, and I’m very sorry. I’ll never let
it happen again,” Alexander said, looking Robert in the eyes. “Please, sir, I’ll work extra hours to pay for any damage, or I’ll take reduced pay, whatever you want. But please don’t take this job away from me.”
Something in Robert’s expression softened. “One more chance, Pierce. If you mess up again, you’re fired. Is that clear?”
Alexander nodded. “That’s clear.”
“Go back in there and clean up. We’ll need to get lunch out soon,” Robert said gruffly, then went back inside, leaving Alexander standing by himself.
Alexander took a deep breath, realizing that his heart was still pounding from the chaos inside. He knew the reason he’d been so hard to work with lately and why he’d been so careless. It was because every waking moment, all he could think of or care about was Ashleigh Steepleton. Even when he was trying to avoid her, she was all he thought about.
One more time, he thought. He’d write one more letter and try to persuade Ashleigh and her cousins. If that didn’t work, he’d move on. He’d find someone else to marry, perhaps a mail order bride or someone from a neighboring town. He couldn’t keep living like this.
Near the end of the day, Robert allowed Alexander to leave early since he’d promised to take on extra shifts that week.
Alexander sat down outside, composed a letter, and took off for the mines. He knew that Ashleigh’s cousins worked there.
He walked down the long, winding road that led to the mines. As he got closer, he saw more and more men walking out, their faces dirty from a long day of work. He wasn’t sure how he was going to pick out Ashleigh’s cousins in the crowd.
Finally, he spotted a trio of men who were the same heights as Ashleigh’s cousins and approached them. When he got closer, he saw that it was in fact the Steepleton brothers.
“William, Gilbert, Philip!” Alexander called out.
The brothers stopped. “What are you doing here?” William looked him up and down.
“Is Ashleigh okay?” Gilbert asked anxiously.
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