Hannah chuckled. “You just wait, Susanna. I’m not too proud to lean on Albert’s arm when Thom isn’t around. My back hurt something terrible this morning, I could hardly roll out of bed.” She stretched with a hand to her back and let out an ahhh. “Where’s your sister?”
“Courtney’ll be along shortly. I believe she and Tyler are riding over with Jake, Daisy, Gabe, and Julia. I’m sure they’re taking the long way around and enjoying the buggy ride. The weather doesn’t get much prettier than this.”
Not everyone forgave her sister on Christmas Eve. The gossips kept nattering but eventually, when nothing else happened, and they received a cold shoulder from Courtney’s friends whenever the subject was intoned, they lost interest. Ultimately, her disgrace lost its sting and life went on. Courtney was now happier than Adaline had ever seen her. Her younger sister was energetic and full of life—as well as besotted with her dear friend and sweetheart, Tyler Weston.
Markus dashed off toward a group of youngsters.
“Stay out of trouble, young man,” Hannah called to his retreating backside. Her eyes sparkled as she glanced around. “Where’s the paper? I can hardly wait!”
“Dalton’s bringing it, or I should say, several. Enough to go around, anyway. I’m so nervous I could toss up my breakfast.”
Hannah’s eyes widened, and then she laughed. “You better not say that or people will start to talk.”
Adaline slapped a hand over her mouth.
Albert took in the three women bubbling with excitement, and a silly grin appeared on his lips. “I think I’ll just take myself off and go find Dalton. He might need my help. You ladies enjoy…” He turned on his heel and hurried away.
All three broke into laughter.
“I hear your mother, aunt, and Dichelle left yesterday, Hannah,” Adaline said. “Roberta must be thrilled to be going to New York.”
Hannah nodded. “She is. But she’s more excited about this baby. She’s cutting the trip short to be home in plenty of time for the birth.” She caressed her protruding belly. “Dichelle is the most enthusiastic, I think, flitting around the house like a butterfly. Singing in New York has been her lifelong dream. Only time will tell if her singing career takes off on wings. I sure hope it does. Now,” she went on after a breath, “have you and Albert come up with any baby names?”
In the chatter about names, birthdates, and remedies for colicky infants, Adaline or the others didn’t hear Mrs. Hollyhock approach.
“Here ya be, ya young chitter-chatterers. Thought I’d never find ya.”
“Violet!” Adaline jumped up from where she knelt, heads together with Susanna and Hannah, and took Violet’s arm. She glanced about. “Where’s Beth? I thought you were coming together.”
“That daughter-in-law of mine was busy icing a devil’s food cake,” she replied sternly, but her eyes snapped with happiness. “She was eatin’ more than icin’. Babe’s given her a sweet tooth.”
Three heads snapped her way. “Did you say babe?” the women chorused as one.
Violet actually laughed. She looked young and beautiful. Her eyes were brighter than the shining sun above. Adaline was thankful her friend had lived to see this day.
“Darn tootin’ I said babe! Beth and Tommy don’t know it yet though, but I’ve seen the signs for a good week. I’ll have me a grandbaby to spoil by next Christmas mornin’.”
Beth? Expecting? Adaline was stunned.
“How exciting,” Susanna gushed, rubbing her own huge belly.
Hannah’s mouth stood open like a barn door.
Adaline pulled Violet into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you, my dear old friend! You’ve been blessed beyond measure.”
“I certainly have.” She gestured to the two pregnant women gazing up at her. “These littles will be my grandbabies, as well—and all the children of Logan Meadows. My heart has an ocean of love to give.” Violet leaned back, and her voice rose several decibels so the people a few blankets away glanced their way. “That fine boy of mine had no trouble gettin’ down to business, so to speak—and right quick! I couldn’t be happier. Those two are makin’ up for lost time.”
It was true, Tommy and Beth had married shortly after the new year in a private ceremony in the church. Since then, they’d taken over all the work of the Red Rooster. Gave the place a thorough spring cleaning in March and were thinking about possibly advertising to other towns to bring in more clientele. They had big dreams. That left Violet to her chickens, her knitting, doctoring, gossiping, and helping Adaline at the paper, at Violet’s request.
In a moment of uncertainty, Adaline hoped the short article Violet had authored would be a hit and not a miss. If the piece was well received, they’d collaborate on more.
Adaline crossed her fingers behind her back when she spotted Dalton hurrying her way with a stack of the very first Logan Meadows Gazette cradled safely in his arms. Her dream of being a professional writer had materialized, but only after countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears. This was the best day of her life, except for her upcoming nuptials, of course. She prayed “her baby” would be well received.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Within moments of Dalton’s arrival, he was swamped by well-wishers and curiosity seekers wanting to get their hands on a copy of the paper.
Hannah and Susanna huddled together almost fearfully to avoid the pushing.
“Everybody take three steps back,” Dalton bellowed. “And be careful where you put your feet. You don’t want to hurt anyone.”
Mumbling went around the crowd, but they did as instructed.
Dalton wished he and Adaline were alone, so Adaline could peruse the paper at her leisure without everyone breathing down her neck. She’d worked diligently since January. This last week, she’d worked into the wee morning hours to make sure every article, advertisement, and column was perfect. He’d stayed by her side, doing whatever he could to help—and then made sure she got home safely to the Red Rooster. When he’d proposed, Dalton had had no idea she was so smart. Or that so much thought and planning went into writing. He’d already learned a multitude of rules—or at least, heard about them. He hadn’t believed his admiration or love for her could be any more than it already was, but he’d been wrong. He handed the top copy to Adaline. “Give her a chance, folks. The editor gets first dibs.”
Everyone stood with a nickel in hand.
He’d be sure to collect. This endeavor had cost Adaline a pretty penny. No one on his watch would read for free. After a few moments of back-and-forth paper shuffling and a hawk-like vision roaming the pages, she nodded, and a beautiful smile appeared.
“Go ahead, Dalton,” she said in a breathy voice. “Happy birthday to the Logan Meadows Gazette.”
Within a matter of minutes, the paper was passed into the hands of Gregory and Brenna Hutton, Frank Lloyd, Chase and Jessie, and many others.
“Sorry, folks.” He handed out the last one. “I’ll print more for the rest of you just as soon as I have a chance to visit a bit with the publisher.” He leaned over and kissed Adaline on the top of her head. “You’ll see me on the dance floor when I have ’em ready to sell.”
With some grumbles, the rest wandered away but still left a crowd of their friends. Everyone was quietly reading, chuckling, or looking in wonder.
Frank puffed out his chest. “What do you think of my article, Money Matters?” he asked the silently reading crowd. “Saving and planning for your future might be easier than you think. I’ll have something new to say the first issue of the month. If you have any requests, just let me know.”
“Won’t do me much good,” Violet chortled, “because I ain’t got much money. What I do have, I keep under my bed.”
“Violet!” Albert, who had arrived with Dalton, admonished. “You shouldn’t be doing that! It’s not safe. And if you do, keep the fact to yourself.”
“No one with a lick of sense is gonna rob me of ten dollars, Sheriff.
I sustain myself most by bartering my eggs, cockerels, homeopathic remedies and tinctures. The inn is Tommy’s and Beth’s now.” Her face softened. “I don’t gotta worry about nothin’ no more.”
“Tabitha,” Win called out from the back of the multitude. “This book sounds real good. I’d like to check it out, if it’s still available.”
Tabitha, who leaned on Hunter’s chest as the two read together, lowered the paper from in front of her face. “Certainly, Win. You’re the first person to request the title, so I’ll hold it for you. I wanted to highlight a book appealing to both men and women for my Read of the Week column.” The ring of pride in her voice was apparent. “The Prince and the Pauper fits the bill well. It’s a wonderful adventure.” She looked around at the women. “But don’t worry, ladies. Next week, I’ll choose a more romantic story I think you’ll all appreciate.”
“What’s the title?” Mr. Merryweather called out, and then blushed straight to his hairline.
Tabitha shook her finger at him. “You’ll have to wait and see, Mr. Merryweather. But it’s not one you’ve already checked out, to date.” Her smile grew. “You’re a very fast reader.”
A ripple of laughter filled the air. Merryweather didn’t look half bad in the new glasses he’d finally received from his optometrist back in San Francisco. Dalton wondered if the man had set his sights on someone in town.
Adaline had written three good-sized articles, judged by word count, Dalton had learned. One, the White and Chinese tensions which were still boiling over in Rock Springs. She’d gathered most of her information by speaking with a deputy from Rock Springs who rode through town, and then by sending a couple of telegrams. Another article on wedding customs, a topic close to her heart these days, she had researched in Tabitha’s bookshop, Storybook Lodge. The shop was a goldmine of information. When Adaline wasn’t home, or at work in the Gazette’s office she rented in the bank, she was in the big chair on the other side of Tabitha’s large picture window, her nose stuck in a book, pad and pencil close by.
He was plenty proud of his wife-to-be. She’d blossomed into something quite remarkable. The third article was a report on last month’s town council meeting, letting everyone, not just a handful of folks, know what was in store for their hometown. It was the shortest of the three, a brief seventy-five words.
Seventy-five, brief! He needed to step up his game. He could barely get through a deputy’s report.
“Looky here,” Violet called in a voice filled with wonder. “A message from the do-gooder.” She cut her gaze to Adaline, who put out her hands.
“I have no idea who the author is, Violet. The note was left on my desk along with a basket of fudge. Frank, even though he’s usually always in the bank to see the comings and goings, swears he has no idea who brought it in. The note, addressed to me, asked about the possibility of running the small notice. After all the charity the kind-hearted person has done for our town, how could I refuse? I was more than happy to oblige, since we all love the do-gooder.”
Adaline cleared her voice to read, “Dearest friends of Logan Meadows, it has come to my attention a dear certain someone has been seeking my identity. She avows she’d like to thank me in person for my small actions of goodwill. But I want you all to know, I need no thanks. Just being a member of this community, this delightful little town, where friends are family, and everyone watches out for each other’s well-being, is thank you enough. And, as everyone would agree, Violet Hollyhock is the icing on the cake. Please don’t try to unmask me any longer. Doing little acts of kindness makes me happier than anything else in the whole wide world… well, almost. Wishing you all a very happy May Day celebration. Congratulations on the inaugural edition of the Logan Meadows Gazette! Love, the do-gooder.”
A pleased sound of aww rippled around the gathering.
“Well, I’ll be.” Violet wiped tears from her eyes with a wrinkled hand. She gazed around speculatively at all the others doing the same. “Might be the do-gooder is here amongst us right now. My heart’s so full I wish I could hug ’em.”
“Howdy, everyone.” Tommy arrived to the group with Beth. Beth held a large chocolate cake and Tommy a picnic basket. “This must be the new paper everyone’s been waiting for. Congratulations on your momentous achievement, Miss Costner,” he said to Adaline and tipped his head at Dalton.
“Thank you, Mr. Hollyhock,” Adaline responded, her cheeks turning a deeper pink. “Since you and Beth have arrived, I think the time’s come your mother read her human-interest advice piece.” She glanced at Violet. “She’s worked diligently to make the article interesting, as well as informative. Will you please do the honors, Violet?”
“Sure will, boss.” Violet pushed her glasses farther up her nose and brought the paper close to her face. “As spring has sprung on us, dear people, I’d like to remind everyone to drink a little dandelion, goldenseal, or ginseng tea each morning and before retiring for the night. Not all at once, mind ya, but one at a time. They’re good for digestive ailments and to prevent infections in organs such as the one which discharges yer urine—that’s a fancy word for pee. In the same vein, and for a glowing look of health, eat garlic at every meal. Smelly bedsheets are a small price ta pay for ample vim and vigor.”
Laughter rippled, and Dalton felt Adaline relax beside him. She’d been anxious about this.
“Now, for the expectant mothers out there,” Violet lowered her paper and looked around, “and I’m not jist speakin’ to Susanna and Hannah here.” She smiled at Beth, who blanched white, and then craned her neck until she made eye contact with Jessie, Brenna, and Daisy, who’d arrived with the younger group moments before. “Ginger is the best cure-all for mornin’ sickness, as some of ya know, but for severe cases, use wild yam root tea or a tincture of the same in water. Now, iffin ya get ta feeling weepy, as can happen for no apparent reason, place some flowers in a bowl of fresh spring water and set them in the sun for several hours. Monkeyflowers, the little yellow flower ya’ll find growing around rocks, is best if ya can find ’em. If not, hunt for the tiny wild carnations growing plentifully in the meadow on the road out to the Broken Horn. After time in the sunlight, add several healthy drops of brandy to preserve the mixture—and then sniff, sniff, sniff. The happy mixture hasn’t failed my expectant mothers yet.”
Everyone was spellbound.
Violet put down the paper. “I see the questions in yer eyes, good people. I’m usually pretty close-mouthed about my cures and such because doctoring was one of the ways I earned my living. But, truth be told, I won’t be around forever. And the doctor only knows so much.” She looked around until she spotted Dr. Thorn. “I mean no offense. I’ve decided I need ta write down as much as I can before the Good Lord calls me home.”
Dr. Thorn held out his hand toward her. “No offense taken, Violet. I thank God you were around to deliver the Lings’ little one when I was sick. You’re a very good doctor, and that’s no lie.”
She breathed deeply as a serene look passed over her eyes. “Thankee. Now, listen up, everyone, I’m almost finished.” She cleared her throat. “I’ve learned over my many years, kindness works as good as any medicine for curing many ailments. A sweet word here or a gentle touch there can mend a hurting heart or bruised soul. We mustn’t forget about the power behind a smile or glitter in the eye. Be the good ya’d like to find yerself. Treat others with respect, gentleness, and love. Such a remedy will cure any ailment on earth.”
Not an eye in the group remained dry. Dalton himself swiped away several drops of moisture. Adaline had kept Violet’s piece a secret, even from him. If today’s reaction to her writing was any indicator, there’d be more articles to come.
Chapter Sixty-Five
Wrapped in a light shawl, with a sleeping Shane Logan snug on her lap, Violet sat in a comfortable chair her son had provided as she watched the dance floor some thirty feet away. Beside her, Sarah Logan slept peacefully on a quilt, probably dreaming of all the fun she�
��d had dancing around the maypole like a gangly fawn with all her friends.
A contented sigh slipped from Violet’s lips as she gazed at the dark sky. Tonight, the stars were the brightest she’d ever seen. She should have added to her health column the effect a tuckered-out little tyke could have on one’s soul, for she felt younger than she had in thirty years. Life was good.
Shane shifted in her arms.
As she watched the young couples glide by, two by two, nestled in each other’s arms, a pang squeezed her heart. Neither good nor bad, just one of yearning for things long past. Chase and Jessie, Thom and Hannah, Charley and Nell, Seth and Ivy, Albert and Susanna, Dalton and Adaline, Jake and Daisy, Gabe and Julia, Hunter and Tabitha, Tyler and Courtney, Mr. and Mrs. Harrell, and, of course, Tommy and Beth. They were all so beautiful, the sight stole her breath.
Others were present, too, like Jay Merryweather and Marlene. The dandy turned short-order cook for the Silky Hen, had surprised her almost speechless when he’d ambled over to where she sat with Marlene and asked Jake’s mother for a dance. That had been six dances ago, because Violet had been counting. The two looked a little strange, with her being quite a bit older, and a tad taller, but nobody cared. The smiles on their faces said everything. Win was dancing with Lettie and now with some thought to the idea, Violet realized she saw the two together quite often. Tater Joe swished by gracefully with Maude, a woman twice his age, in his arms. May Day made for strange dance partners, for sure.
Mr. Lloyd, dressed in his fine clothes and looking regal, stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching, smiling, and sipping his punch.
She wondered if the drink was spiked. She actually wondered about him alone. Whether he’d ever find someone to love. Fact was, he didn’t seem all-fired interested in doing so.
Mrs. Brinkley’s oldest grandson was playing the fiddle, and Abner Wesserman, the guitar, which gave Seth and Gabe a richly deserved break so they could have the night off.
Winter Winds of Wyoming Page 31