by Danni Roan
Turning to look around her as the first strands of music began to play Mary Ellen caught a glimpse of a sullen looking Matrice crammed between her father and Francis who starred ahead stoically.
“That’s Sarafina,” Rock whispered pointing at a young woman with coppery curls who was sitting at the front next to a handsome sandy haired cowboy. “She’ll take the kids out for a bit once Dalton’s ready to preach.”
Mary Ellen smiled at the young woman who looked happy and full of spunk.
They stood singing several hymns then sat once more as Pastor Dalton got up to deliver a few announcements.
“If you’ll all remember to offer your prayers for Major Jupiter,” Pastor Dalton said as he finished. “He’s been poorly as you know.”
The people of the community nodded whispering their concern for the older man.
“The Major come back to town with Fred Wooster who married his granddaughter,” Rock whispered again. “He’s an old cavalry fella and has helped deputy Ferd and the sheriff recently.”
Mary Ellen nodded taking in all of the information Rock shared as she came to see the small town in a new light. It wasn’t the location that made the town but the people.
“Would you like to go to the Mill for lunch today?” Rock asked as they made their way back out of the little church with the bright red doors after the sermon was finished.
“Polly Esther asked me to invite you along to dinner at the boarding house,” Mary Ellen said, slipping her gloves on. “I think she’s having Becky and her husband Grady over.”
“You’ve met Grady?” Rock asked placing her hand on his arm and helping her down the steps.
“No, only Becky when she came to help out around with cleaning this week. I understand Mr. Gatlin is the school teacher here.”
“Ya, Grady’s alright. It’s nice to have another fella around that needs the store to stock bigger clothing.”
Mary Ellen nodded and smiled greeting people as they walked along the board walk. She felt conspicuous walking with Rock as if they’d known each other for years, but she was enjoying their little game too much to give it up.
After years of practicality, saving, and a serious determination, it felt freeing to be frivolous in something that couldn’t hurt a soul.
“Come on in,” George called, surprising Mary Ellen as he opened the door. How in the world had the man gotten home so quickly? The last time she’d seen him, he had been talking to the preacher.
Rock held the door for Miss Bigsby grinning at the twinkle in George’s eye. He knew just how fast the older couple could move when they wanted to and the fact that Polly had Sunday dinner in the oven would hurry Mrs. Olson along.
“Something smells good,” he said following the petite woman down the hall.
“Rock you’d eat anything I sat in front of you,” Polly called as she pulled a heavy pan full of roasted chicken and root vegetables from the large cook stove.
“I can’t argue that Miss Polly,” Rock agreed, “but that don’t mean I don’t know good cookin’ when I see it.”
Polly set the pan on the top of the stove and shoved a tray of buns onto the hot rack.
“We’ll be ready in about fifteen minutes,” Polly said. “Why don’t we all go into the parlor and have a cup of tea before we eat?”
They all made their way to the parlor at the front of the house where a small tray was set just waiting for the tea pot. Mary Ellen had just settled on a chair when the door opened again and a tall barrel chested man with pitch-black hair followed Becky Gatlin into the house.
“Becky, Grady,” Polly greeted as the couple closed the door.
“Dinner smells wonderful,” Becky said. “Rock, Miss Bigsby, it’s nice to see you. Grady, this is Miss Bigsby.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Grady said grinning as he noticed Rock perched on the edge of the delicate settee. “Rebecca said you used to teach.”
“Yes, I’ve spent over twenty years in the classroom,” Mary Ellen replied taking the cup of tea Polly handed her.
“It’s not for the faint of heart,” Grady laughed helping his wife to a chair.
Mary Ellen chuckled. “No it is not. Have you been in Biders Clump long?”
“No, I was hired after the former teacher moved home to look after her failing mother. I’ve been here almost two years now.”
“But you like the work?” Miss Bigsby’s words were more a statement than a question.
“Yes ma’am. Here in Biders Clump the folks just let me get on with my job, and the parents listen and do their part.”
“You’re a lucky man.”
Grady looked down at his wife who sat straight and calm on the edge of her chair. “More than you can believe,” Grady agreed.
The small group spent a few more minutes discussing the sermon and the weather then Polly suggested they return to the dining room for their meal.
Rock watched Miss Bigsby chatting and swapping stories with Grady and was struck by how this tiny woman had managed to control a load of rowdy farm boys and energetic tykes on a daily basis.
Just thinking about it, he was sure he’d rather wrangle a herd of cats than deal with children all in one place.
As the dinner came to a close with dried apple pie and coffee, Rock asked Miss Bigsby if she would like to take a walk.
With a smile Mary Ellen accepted and together they put on their coats and walked out into a bright sunny day.
“That was a lovely dinner,” Mary Ellen said as they strolled down the street.
“You had a lot of tales to tell,” Rock mused. “I think I’d a’ run the first day if I had to work with kids like that.”
Mary Ellen patted his arm. “I think everyone has their own gifts and that mine was in the classroom. On the other hand, I would not have any idea how to get a big monster like Herman to follow me where ever you want him to go with just a bag of peppermint sticks.”
Rock chuckled looking up as they walked past the general store only to see Matrice and Francis standing on the other side of the street.
“I won’t go,” Matrice said her voice an angry whisper. “I’m not leaving you, I don’t care.”
Francis stroked her arm trying to comfort her. “It will all be fine,” he soothed, his dark eyes sad. After church that morning when he’d asked to take Matrice for lunch at the Grist Mill, Mr. Ratner had only grudgingly agreed telling them that they might as well enjoy the day because soon he would be leaving and his daughter would be with him.
“We could run away,” Matrice said bright tears swimming in her eyes as her heart squeezed in her chest.
“No,” Francis said softly placing his hands on her shoulders and making her look at him. “I will not dishonor you or your family by stealing you away. I am not the savage your father thinks me. We will wait and pray.” He finished.
Bright tears spilled down Matrice’s pretty face, her dark eyes full of pain. “I think I’ll die if I have to leave without you,” she whispered as he gathered her into his arms.
Rock led Miss Bigsby down the street on silent feet not wanting to disturb the intimate scene, but wishing at the same time that he could do something. It hadn’t been so long ago he considered giving his heart away, but the situation wasn’t right, and he had moved on with his life.
“You don’t think they’ll do anything foolish do you?” Mary Ellen asked as they stepped around the corner of the post office almost at the end of the street.
“I don’t think so,” Rock mused. “Despite his age and his foolish trip to Biders Clump, he isn’t an impulsive young man.”
“What do you think will happen,” Mary Ellen asked. “I feel so badly for both of them.”
Rock rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn’t comfortable talking about feelings, but he could see the difficulty Francis and Matrice were in.
“I reckon they’ll try to win her father over somehow.”
“What if they do get their wish though?” Mary Ellen queried. “Do you think there i
s any place in society for them?”
“No one ‘round these parts seem to worry about it.”
Mary Ellen nodded. “I hope it all ends well for them.”
Rock looked back the way they had just come seeing Francis help Matrice up on his horse before leaping aboard himself. He’d situated the young woman side saddle and swung up behind her, his arms keeping her steady in the seat as he turned and trotted away.
A chill wind blew down from the high mountains lifting the frozen dust of the street and tumbling a bundle of weeds along the main drag, making Mary Ellen shiver.
“Are you cold?” Rock asked shucking his jacket and draping it over her.
Mary Ellen stopped feeling the heavy warmth of the big jacket engulf her. The massive thing hung to below her knees and pressed in on her shoulders like a down quilt.
“You really don’t need to worry,” Mary Ellen said pulling the coat close with a grin and breathing in the heady smell of horse, leather, and man. “After all this is just pretend.”
“It might be pretend, but what kind of beau would let his girl freeze,” the big man teased.
Mary Ellen looked up at him, her hazel eyes bright with joy. It was nice to have someone treat her with such chivalry.
“I don’t care what you think,” a woman’s peevish voice caught her ear and she turned to look down the other side of the street where a young blonde woman and a man with a bandage wrapped around his head were arguing as they pulled open the door of the mercantile and disappeared inside.
“Who was that?” Mary Ellen asked.
“That’s the Bentley’s daughter. Not the store keepers but their kin. They come from the Valley that Francis is from. They come over a rough pass last week. George says that girl’s sweet on the fella that brung ‘em but she seemed mad enough to spit nails at him just now.”
Rock offered her his arm once more walking her back to the boarding house and bidding her goodbye as he shrugged back into his coat. It had been a nice day and a nice feeling settled over him as he rode back to the ranch, a happy smile playing at his lips.
Chapter 15
“Good morning,” Aquila called into the boarding house as she stepped through the back door.
“Quil is that you?” Polly Esther asked turning from the sink where she was finishing up the breakfast dishes.
“I thought I’d stop by and say hello,” Quil said closing the door with her foot as she swung Andrew around onto her other hip.
“Well come on in, the kettles ready just give me a second to finish up here.”
“Is Miss Bigsby still here?”Quil asked. “Or did she go out with a certain cowboy?” her green eyes sparkled with mirth as she thought of Rock courting the tiny teacher. Everyone back at the ranch was talking about it, and some of the men were funnin’ Rock about it.
“She’s just gone upstairs, but I know she’ll be happy to see you. She has all of your books with her,” Polly said washing the last dish and drying her hands on a towel. “She likes to read in the parlor every evening.”
“It’s not like I have that many Polly,” Quil said with a grin as she took a seat at the table. The dining area in the boarding house was spacious, but the family used the long table closest to the kitchen, which was well worn and cozy.
“Perhaps not yet,” Polly Esther said, “but you’re young and you’ll write plenty more. I can see it in you.”
“I’m afraid I’m not writing nearly as much now that we have Andrew, but I wouldn’t trade this time in his life for anything.”
“You are wise beyond your years,” Polly said with a grin as she pulled down the large brown tea pot from a shelf and started fixing the tea.
Soon she had filled the tea pot and placed a tin of cookies on the table as well.
“Now give me that little fella,” she said reaching for Andrew. “I’m sure your mother won’t mind pouring for us now will she?” the older woman crooned to the boy.
“Oh Miss Adams, I mean Mrs. Royal,” Mary Ellen came into the room a book in hand. “It’s so nice to see you.”
“Call my Quil,” Aquila said. “I feel like we’re already friends.”
Mary Ellen smiled her eyes full of delight. It was refreshing to see someone with so much talent who was just a normal person.
True she’d never really met anyone else like Aquila, but she’d often found those in the lime light to be very self-important.
“Where’s Mr. George?” she asked taking the chair that she was offered as Quil poured them all tea.
“George is probably over at the livery playing checkers or the like with Byron,” Polly said blowing on the little boy’s belly and making him laugh. “This morning we women can have a nice quiet visit.”
“And not have to share our cookies,” Quil added with a giggle.
***
“Did I see Rock steppin’ out with that little thing what rented a horse off me this week?” Byron asked as he studied the checkerboard.
George chuckled. “I was plenty surprised when he showed up Sunday to walk her to church,” he said shaking his head. “Maybe since they got thrown together the day she arrived Miss Bigsby feels comfortable with him.”
“You reckon they’re sparkin’” Byron asked his blue eyes twinkling with excitement.
“Byron you’re an old gossip is what you are,” George chided.
“I’m just curious ‘bout people,” Byron said moving his checker and taking two of George’s pieces. “Rock’s a good man,” the old hostler continued leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his middle. “Maybe he’ll lose his heart and get hitched.”
“Byron for a confirmed bachelor you sure are concerned about the hearts of folks around here,” George chortled as he moved a piece carefully on the board.
“Well con-carn-it, why shouldn’t I be,” Byron said throwing his hands in the air. “I’ve been sitting in this place for the last thirty years seein’ people come and go, and when I like someone, I don’t see why I shouldn’t want them to be happy,” he huffed, jutting out his bearded chin for emphasis.
“It’s your turn,” George prompted pointing to the board and grimacing when Byron hopped his piece over three more of his checkers, taking them off the board.
“King me!” the Byron said with a scowl.
George shook his head placing a matching piece on Byron’s checker. “Byron, Rock’s only known Miss Bigsby a week. They’re about the same age and such, and you know how helpful Rock is.”
Byron nodded wagging a finger at George. “It’s your turn again. I reckon you’re right ‘bout Rock and that little woman, but wouldn’t it be somethin’ if they fell in love and got married?”
“I’m more concerned about young Francis and Matrice,” George said moving his checker, taking four of Byron’s pieces and stopping on the back row. “King me!” he added with a wicked grin.
“Dagnabit,” Byron grumbled stacking the pieces. “I can’t argue with ya about those young folks. You don’t think they’ll try to run off or nothin’ do ya? I’d not like to have her pa chasin’ after me if I was them.”
“I hope they won’t be that foolish,” George agreed. “That young man’s head over heels for Matrice though. I think Francis still has some sense left in his head yet. So let’s hope they behave themselves.”
“I have heard tell of a young man traipsin’ after a young woman before a time or two,” Byron teased. “Seem’s some men don’t know when to give up,” he added with a cackle.
“Byron if you’re talkin’ about me and my Polly Esther, well you can joke all you want. It was worth every minute of followin’ her about to win her hand.”
Again Byron chuckled. “I guess when it comes to Francis and Matrice we’ll just have to see,” he finally said.
“You hear anything new on the Major?” George asked changing the subject. “I haven’t seen Constance in town all week.”
“Doc picked up his buggy this mornin’ and was headed out that way. The Major ain’t a yo
ung man no more, and he’s not always with us if ya know what I mean.”
“No, none of us is gettin’ any younger,” George agreed with a nod.
“You speak for yourself George Olson, me I’m holdin’ my own just fine.”
George laughed as he moved his kinged checker across the board obliterating Byron in one fell swoop.
Chapter 16
“Now Constance, you fussin’ over him isn’t going to make him get any better,” Doctor Walker said as he ushered the young woman out of her grandfather’s room.
“Yes, but Abuelo needs me,” she insisted.
“And you need some rest. You aren’t alone anymore you know, and that means you don’t have to do everything yourself.”
Constance dropped her eyes. “I have been feeling rather tired lately,” she confessed.
“That’s why I think Doc should check you out while I give the Major his lunch,” old Mrs. Wooster said sweeping past them with a tray laden with soup. “Don’t you let her say no either Doc, or you’ll be goin’ without any of my special cough medicine for cold season,” she cast back over her shoulder as she turned toward another room.
Doc Walker chuckled shaking his head. “Yes ma’am,” he called as he took Constance by the arm walking her into the parlor and shutting the door.
“So how long have you been feeling poorly?” He asked opening his black bag and taking out his stethoscope.
“I don’t feel poorly,” Constance snapped her ebony eyes flaming. “I’m just a little tired.”
The doctor listened to her heart, and then felt her throat. “Have you been sleeping alright?”
“Yes, except when I get up to check on Abuelo.”
“Well I don’t see anything wrong with you, no sign of influenza or sore throat. Of course you could be in the family way,” he suggested pushing his white hair from his forehead as he placed his things back in the bag.
“What?” Constance protested. “I’ve only been married a short time how could I be in the family way already?”
“It doesn’t take long for some folk,” the doctor chortled. “Is everything normal with you other than being tired?”
