by Linda Broday
“Very good. Please give us a report on Friday, when we meet again,” Delta said. “I want to get busy on this matter as soon as possible.”
They discussed which buildings posed the greatest need, which they should focus their efforts on first. They all agreed on the hotel, the mercantile, the saloon, and the stage lines office. She didn’t voice her concerns about where they would get the paint and lumber. Lord, what if she gave these women false hope?
“I have a pet project I wish us to consider,” Delta said. “I want us to start a seed lending library.”
Mabel raised her hand. “What is that?”
“It’s a place where seeds of all manner of plants are stored. A person can borrow five seeds to start a flower or vegetable garden, then after their growing season, they return five to the library for the next person.”
“It’s an excellent idea,” Jenny said, clapping her hands.
“Then is it something we want to do?” Delta asked.
They took a vote and she was pleased to see it carry with a majority.
“Who do we want to put in charge of our seed library?” Delta pointed to a woman who stood on the fringe of the group and had clearly seen better times. “What is your name?”
The newcomer cleared her throat. “Gladys, ma’am.”
“Gladys, you appear to have an opinion on who should head up the seed library.”
“Abner Winchell, ma’am. He’s a friend of mine and he desperately needs a purpose to live.”
As did they all, but Delta didn’t say as much. Abner Winchell had been heavy on her mind lately, though. The sight of his empty pant leg broke her heart.
“I’m glad you suggested him,” Delta said. “I confess I had him in mind for this from the beginning.”
After the show of hands that had all in favor, she asked Gladys if she would speak to Abner about accepting the job and told her to report at the next meeting.
By the time they adjourned, Delta was exhausted but beaming. They’d made a lot of progress, these mismatched women of vision.
She couldn’t wait to tell Cooper about it.
Sudden memories of his sensual mouth and lean, muscled body swept across her mind.
A heated flurry raced through her veins. Her body felt achy and hot and needing Cooper’s magical touch.
Thirty
But she didn’t see Cooper the next day or the next. Delta suspected she likely wouldn’t see him again until he’d finished this nasty business with Early.
Dear God! She sucked in a breath and prayed that Cooper’s beloved face wasn’t still and bloodless inside a coffin the next time she gazed upon him. She’d waited all her life for love to come along. Surely God wouldn’t take him from her now.
On the fourth day following their lovemaking, Delta walked toward the mercantile to begin work. As was her custom of late, she kept a sharp eye out for Early. He wouldn’t catch her unawares.
A crowd had gathered outside the mercantile and they were yelling at someone. Curious, she increased the length of her stride. Pushing through, she noticed a stranger trying to fend off Mr. Abercrombie with a leather satchel.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
John Abercrombie put down the broom he was wielding as a weapon. “This man is asking questions about you. Do you know him?”
The short, stocky stranger pulled himself up, jerking his silk vest in place. “Of course she doesn’t know me. I told you that.” He turned to Delta. “I’m Mr. Parmer of Parmer, Hutchinson, and Mansfield. May I have a word with you?”
Before Delta could reply, Nat Rollins jumped in. “You ain’t going anywhere with Miss Dandridge.”
“Not unless we all go with you,” said John in a firm voice, rearing back with the broom. “And if that’s the case, then you might as well speak to her right here.”
Sheriff Strayhorn glared. “Mr. Parmer, I have half a mind to arrest you for starting a ruckus in our town.”
“She’s ours and we ain’t gonna let you hurt her,” Nat yelled.
Delta tried to swallow the lump in her throat but found it impossible. They liked her and had become very protective. When she could trust herself to speak, she held up her hand. “Please, everyone. I appreciate your concerns on my behalf but let’s hear Mr. Parmer out first. Then you can hang him.”
“I assure you, you’ll have no reason for a hanging,” Mr. Parmer quickly said.
“Proceed then.” Sheriff Strayhorn took out his knife and opened it. Parmer’s eyes grew wide.
“Miss Dandridge, I have covered a lot of ground looking for you,” Parmer said.
When Abercrombie raised his broom to swing, Mr. Parmer shrank behind the sheriff’s large form.
“Why were you looking for me?” Curiosity and anxiety battled inside Delta.
Mr. Parmer peeked out from behind the sheriff and handed her an envelope. “I sent you two letters explaining it all. Since you didn’t reply, I was charged with bringing you this bank draft.”
Delta’s hand shook as she closed her fingers around it. “If this is from Langston Graham, you can keep it. I don’t want anything to do with that man.”
She’d starve and live under a bush before she accepted a single penny from her father.
“You heard the lady—now get back on the stage and get out of our town,” Sheriff Strayhorn ordered.
Parmer frowned. “I assure you this is not from him.”
Then who? She opened the envelope. “Morris Merriweather? Who in blue blazes is that?”
Evidently seeing he wasn’t about to be strung up for harassing Delta, Mr. Parmer stepped out. “You’re a very wealthy lady, Miss Dandridge. After your man of business located an underground spring on your mother’s property, a gentleman by the name of Merriweather snapped it up. Morris Merriweather owns a rather large resort company. He has plunked down an exclusive hotel on it that caters to the rich and famous. He’s going to put the town on the map and have folks coming from far and wide.”
Glancing at the figures on the check, Delta gasped. “Fifty thousand dollars? Oh, my dear Lord.”
She needed to sit down. Her mind couldn’t fathom that amount. She’d never seen that many zeroes before. It was more than most people would make in twenty or thirty lifetimes, if even then. Buying paint and lumber and whatever else was needed for the women’s projects would not be a problem. She said a quick prayer of thanks.
“This is wonderful.” Mabel gave her a big hug. “I guess this means you’ll be moving from the boardinghouse.”
Suddenly everyone pressed around, offering congratulations and pats on the back.
“What will you do with it?” Nat Rollins asked.
“For God’s sake, Nat, let the poor woman catch her breath,” said John Abercrombie. “Besides, it’s none of our dadgum business. This is a private matter.”
“Please, my head is whirling,” Delta said. “I have so many opportunities now.”
“Well, I hope you’re not thinking of moving away.” John laid a hand on her shoulder. “If you are, we won’t hear of it, and that’s final. You’re a part of the fabric of this town and we’ve grown very fond of you.”
Delta fought back a sob and threw her arms around her employer. “You don’t know what that means to me. I’ve never had a place where I felt I truly belonged…until now. This is my home and I’m afraid you’re stuck with me. Thank you. Thank you all.”
A few minutes later, Delta remarked that she guessed the first thing to do was put the money in the bank. Every single person, even Mr. Parmer, formed a line behind her and marched in her parade. The small bank couldn’t accommodate everyone inside, so the ones left out pressed against the window. Delta never imagined in her wildest dreams that they would not only take her into their town, but into their hearts as well. Her chest swelled and her eyes brimmed with tears.
She couldn’t wait to start giving back and repaying the kindness. With the money safely in the bank’s hands, she asked the teller if she could speak privately to Mr. Jenkins, the owner.
The dapper, balding man leaped from behind his desk when the teller ushered her into the office and grasped her hands. “So you’re the young lady who raised such a ruckus outside.”
“Yes, sir, I’m afraid I’m guilty as charged.”
“Whatever is on your mind, I’m all ears. Let me say you’re certainly a breath of fresh air. Even lovelier than one of my prized roses.”
“I do declare, Mr. Jenkins.” She felt her cheeks coloring. “You’re making me blush.”
Jenkins held out a chair for her. “How may I help you this fine day?”
“I’m inquiring about the empty house just outside of town.”
“Yes, ma’am. The Zachary place. That’s a prime piece of property.”
“I’m interested in buying it, if we can reach an agreement.”
“Oh, I’m sure we can. The owners packed up, turned it over to the bank, and went back East. The asking price is three hundred. That’s a steal.”
“How many acres does it have?”
“Three hundred and sixty.”
Excited by the prospect of being a real landowner, Delta gave him a wide smile. “I’ll take it.”
“Then I reckon it’s yours, young lady.” Jenkins took his spectacles off and wiped them with his handkerchief. “You do know that Cooper Thorne has had his eye on it for quite some time. He’s going to have a conniption. Yes indeed. A real conniption.”
Delta chewed her lip and frowned. Oh dear. It didn’t set well to cross Cooper, but maybe he’d see what a great opportunity it was for her. Despite what this security meant to her, she wouldn’t lose his trust over it.
“I don’t think it’ll be a problem, Mr. Jenkins. Cooper and I have settled our differences.”
And in a most satisfying way, she might add. Which she didn’t, of course. It would probably scandalize poor Mr. Jenkins.
It didn’t take long to complete her business with Jenkins. She left with a deed and keys in her hand. Much to her chagrin, the crowd that had gathered around the bank followed her back to the mercantile, going on their way after she firmly told them that she had to put in a day’s work. Everything was normal.
Or as much as it would ever be.
John opened the door for her. “I suppose you’ll be making lots of changes over the weeks ahead.”
Delta lifted her apron from the nail. “It seems to be inevitable. I’m afraid too much change makes me nervous, though.”
“I’ve been thinking… What do you think about becoming a partner? Abercrombie and Dandridge Emporium.”
“Why? This is your store, John,” she said softly.
He wearily rubbed a hand over his eyes. “Frankly, I can use the help. The business was in bad shape when you came. With your hard work, it’s slowly beginning to turn around. But I made some really bad financial decisions.”
“Of course, you know I’ll be happy to do whatever it takes. You gave me a job when I was at my wit’s end. All right, but I’ll be a silent partner only and I insist that you make no changes to the sign out front.”
Relief rippled over his face. “Thank you. Now, about something else…”
“Yes?”
“I want to hire a woman to fill in. You’re going to be busier than a windmill in a hurricane, what with your women’s club projects and getting your new place up and running.”
“I can see your point. Do you have someone in mind?”
“Emmylou. She’s a bright girl. Just needs a chance.”
Delta recalled the day Emmylou had come into the mercantile and how upset it made the persnickety Mrs. Hatfield to see a working girl from Miss Sybil’s brothel breathing the same air. “I wholeheartedly agree. Are you afraid of the repercussions, though? It could make things very difficult for you.”
John’s jaw tightened. “No one will tell me how to run my store. If they want to ride over to Corsicana to shop, they’re welcome do so. I won’t be blackmailed.”
“Good for you. There’s something to be said about taking a stand for what’s right.”
“Then it’s agreed?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good. I’ll go talk to the girl this afternoon.”
With that settled, Delta got to work. Keeping her thoughts on her job proved harder than trying to herd a bunch of cats, though. In between customers, she found herself daydreaming and making plans. The sudden windfall had changed everything.
Except her love for Cooper. Nothing changed that.
She wished she could talk to him about all this. Each time the bell jangled over the door, she prayed it’d be him.
But the day passed without the rumble of his voice.
Four o’clock came and Delta removed her apron, hanging it on the nail. It was time for the Women of Vision to gather at the boardinghouse. She was anxious to see what had developed since their last meeting.
Again, the yard overflowed. It looked like they’d increased their size by ten. Each woman in attendance seemed hungry to help in whatever way they could.
Delta clapped her hands. “Okay, ladies, let’s get started. Will the newcomers say your names so Mabel King can add you to the roster?”
Once that was done, Delta welcomed them and announced, “As of this morning, we no longer have to worry about where the money will come from to fund our projects. I was greatly fortunate to come into a sizable sum and I’ll be happy to donate whatever we need. I just want us to be successful in our endeavors.”
Enthusiastic applause erupted.
“Now, ladies, let’s get down to business. Do we have a report from the schoolteacher committee?”
Jenny wore a huge smile. “The mayor grumbled but said that the city can only afford to pay ten dollars a month and not a cent more. He made it clear that we’ll have to come up with books and a place to teach.”
“Thank you, Jenny. I think we can manage that if we put our heads together.” Even if she had to shoulder all the cost out of her pocket, the school would happen. “Back where I came from, each student brought one egg to school every day. The teacher sold them and used the money for books. We could implement something like that here.”
A murmur of agreement rose up.
“Would you like to speak to Mr. Quigley and get an advertisement in the newspaper right away? We want to strike while the iron is hot.” Delta turned to Gladys. “Did you speak to Abner Winchell in regard to the seed library?”
Gladys fidgeted and Delta’s hopes fled. “I asked him right out an’ he said he might could be talked into it. He’ll only speak to you, though.”
“At least he didn’t say no. That’s good. Yes, I’ll talk to him. Thank you, Gladys.”
Delta beamed at her little army. “I think we’re moving along quite well. Can everyone meet in front of the mercantile at nine o’clock tomorrow morning? We’ll begin our town renovations.”
Then everyone would either fight their efforts or join in. She prayed they’d drop their weapons and pick up a paintbrush. She’d had enough animosity to last a lifetime.
Thirty-one
Hidden in the bushes nearby, Tolbert Early watched Thorne’s woman. Taking the twit would be easy. And his revenge on Thorne would be even more satisfying. He just needed to throw the bloodhound off his trail. His old enemy had run him from all his hiding places.
Except one.
Thorne would never think to look there.
Not in a million years.
Time to make a plan and set the rancher on a false trail.
***
Over the last few days, Cooper had stayed hot on Early’s trail. Rand and Brett rode by his side. The fact that they kept Early from holing up anywhere made the c
hilly nights a tad warmer. Early had to be exhausted, just as they intended.
As long as the devil’s spawn focused on putting distance between him and his brothers, he would leave Delta alone.
This wouldn’t be over soon enough for Cooper. Delta had a permanent spot in his thoughts and in his heart.
In the quiet darkness when everyone slept, Cooper took out his recollections of their time together. He recalled every detail, the way her bare skin reacted to his touch, the fragrance of her hair, the taste of her lips.
Now in the twilight, as they let the horses drink from a creek, he listened to the swirling water and murmured low, “I miss you so much, darlin’. I wish…”
What exactly did he wish?
That he was a different man?
That Delta Dandridge hadn’t ridden into town and made him yearn for impossible things?
Or that he could spend all his nights in her arms?
Cooper realized with clarity that all except one of those wishes were true. If he only had the power.
“Mount up. Let’s find this rotten cayuse.” Cooper put his foot in the stirrup and threw his leg over.
“We could do with a little more rest, Coop,” Brett said quietly. “I’m itching to find Early and be done with this, but we’re dead tired. Exhausted men make mistakes. You know that.”
“Do you share Brett’s feelings, Rand?”
“I do. We have to be smart. Smart men don’t push themselves and their horses past what is possible. But if you want to keep riding, I’m right beside you.”
Cooper sighed. “You’re probably right. Let’s call it a night and meet at the Long Odds at daybreak.”
They crawled back in the saddle and headed their separate ways.
After catching up on ranch business with Zeke, Cooper filled his belly with two plates of hot food. By the time he finished, the mottled sky had faded and darkness cloaked the hills and valleys. Instead of finding his bed, Cooper saddled a fresh horse. There was only one place he wanted to be.