by Kit Morgan
He stared at her, as if just realizing she’d been doing the same. “All right.” And there they stood in the middle of the hall, gawking at each other like a couple of dolts.
Katie giggled.
Mr. White suddenly swallowed. Viola watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down in the most fascinating way …
“Come on, Mama, let’s go,” Wylie urged.
Another shiver, one Viola felt right down to her toes. “Yes. Yes, we’re going.” She forced herself to look away.
Mr. White leaned toward her as if being pulled by a rope, then caught himself and straightened. “Er … yeah, I’ll just take these.” He snatched up the two satchels, went back to his room where his own sat outside the door, then motioned toward the staircase.
Once downstairs they discovered El Davis and the others waiting for them. “I can’t wait for the look on Anson’s face when he sees us,” Eloise told him.
Mr. Davis chuckled. “If anyone in town can keep a secret, it’s Mrs. Morgan. When she first told me she was in on yer surprise visit, I knew she was gonna ask me to fetch y’all. I dunno yer kin real well, ma’am, but I’m sure they’re gonna be s’prised.”
“We look forward to meeting her,” Constance said. “Jess can’t say enough about Michael and Prudence Morgan, not to mention the others in Morgan’s Crossing. I’m glad the place has grown on our boys.”
“It ain’t like where ya come from, but it’s home. More ‘n more folks’re comin’ to settle here.” He glanced up and noticed Viola and the others. “Ya about ready?”
“Mama?” Wylie asked quietly. “Are we going to have breakfast?”
Viola licked dry lips. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we have time.”
“Nonsense – of course we do.” Eloise said. “We always come prepared.” She reached down and plucked a large basket off the floor next to her feet. “We’ve plenty of food to last the trip.”
“My word,” Viola said in surprise. “But I have nothing …”
“… to worry about,” Mr. White finished for her. “Mrs. Jones packed it with ya three in mind.”
Viola put a hand to her mouth. For some reason, the kind gesture almost did her in. Tears stung the backs of her eyes and she nodded in appreciation. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“I doubt the owner of the café in town is thanking us,” Constance said with a pressed-lipped smile. “We made him prepare it. I must say, it took him long enough.”
“I dare say,” said her sister. “The only thing we don’t have in here is coffee. Seth, have we time for a cuppa?”
“Have some right here, Mrs. Jones,” the hotel clerk said, placing a tray on the front desk. It was loaded with cups, saucers and a coffee pot.
Constance beamed. “There are angels in Heaven and one behind the counter.”
The clerk blushed. “Just a service we provide for our customers. Mr. Lindsey’s idea.”
“Thank you, and thank Mr. Lindsey for us,” Seth said. “You’ve saved us.”
His wife Eloise eyed him a moment. “What do you mean by that?” She turned to Viola. “Methinks he’s afraid that if my sister and I don’t have our coffee, we’ll be grumpy later.”
Mr. White snorted.
“You keep your opinions to yourself, Mr. White!” Constance scolded.
“But they sound like they’re grumpy already,” Katie hissed far too loudly.
“Katie!” Viola gasped in embarrassment.
Two seconds of shocked silence – and then all the Joneses burst into laughter. Mr. White sighed in relief at being taken off the hook, turned and reached for the coffee pot.
“Mama, I’m hungry,” Wylie whined.
“Not to worry,” Eloise said. She reached into the basket, pulled out a muffin and handed it to the child.
Wylie’s eyes went round as saucers. “Thank you!”
“Share with your sister,” Viola said.
“But Mama!”
“Wylie, do as you’re told. Besides, it’s big enough.”
“Not to worry, we have plenty more.” Eloise reached into the basket again, pulled one out for Katie and handed it to her. “Try not to make a mess.”
Viola knew the woman was just being kind, but after living so frugally since Edward died, she cringed. She felt as if Clarence’s tab was running higher than he could afford. After all, how much did a miner make? Not enough was her guess. Maybe she could offer to do the woman’s laundry?
“Here ya go.” Mr. White handed her a cup and saucer, then poured her some coffee.
“Thank you.” She picked up the cup and took a sip. Ahhh … heavenly. She watched him do the same with the rest of their party. Only when he was done did he pour himself a cup. She thought back to their time spent on the train together, remembering how he’d treated Wylie and Katie. The man had a true servant’s heart.
“Drink up, everyone,” Seth ordered. “We have a long day ahead of us.”
“And an even longer night,” Mr. Davis added. “All depends on how cold it gets. Let’s hope the weather holds.”
Viola glanced out the nearest window. The sun was just coming up. She noticed Mr. Davis’s wagon was parked outside the hotel doors and wondered if there were many clouds in the sky. Good heavens, she hoped it didn’t rain – or worse, snow.
“Are ya gonna be warm ‘nough in that coat of yers?” Mr. White asked, startling her from her thoughts.
“Oh yes.” She set her cup in its saucer. “I’ll be fine.”
“My bosses got some extra blankets from the mercantile last night ‘fore they closed, in case ya were comin’ with us. None of us wanna see the little ones freeze.”
She gazed at him a moment. The kindness in his eyes was hard to miss. “That was thoughtful of them.”
“I got one for ya too. Can get mighty cold here in Montana in the winter, even colder than in Baker City.”
“You didn’t have to do that, Mr. White.”
“I did if I wanted to see ya get up tomorrow mornin’.”
She blinked a few times in confusion. “Surely the hotel we’re staying in tonight can’t be that cold.”
“Hotel? Beggin’ yer pardon, ma’am, but Mr. Davis says there ain’t nothin’ but a few cabins along the way to Morgan’s Crossin’. Good thing I bought that extra blanket – yer gonna need it.”
Viola did her best to keep her temper, smiled and nodded. If Clarence had left that detail out of his correspondence, what else had he left out? And where was Clarence?
Five
Viola was never so happy for an extra blanket as on the ride between Sweetwater Springs and Morgan’s Crossing. The day, though bright and sunny, was barely above freezing. She huddled in the back of the wagon with Katie and Wylie, thankful the children had two blankets to snuggle up in and were wedged between herself and Constance. The Englishwoman’s husband sat on the other side of his wife and did his best to keep her warm.
The other pair of Joneses sat opposite them next to Mr. White, whom Viola caught watching her every ten minutes or so. At first she wasn’t sure if he wanted to say something or was just … how could she put it … taking her in? But what was there to take in? She was a widow with two children, down on her luck to the point she had to come live with her brother to survive.
“Mama, are we there yet?” Katie asked.
“Katie,” Viola said with a sigh, “I told you earlier that we won’t reach Morgan’s Crossing until sometime tomorrow.”
“Why does it have to be so far?” the child asked with a pout.
“Because it’s far away, silly,” Wylie put in.
“I’m afraid he’s right,” Viola agreed. “But just think – tomorrow night we’ll get to see Uncle Clarence.”
“Mama,” Wylie said. “Why didn’t he come get us?”
Viola grimaced. “As I told you, he probably got the dates mixed up. You know your Uncle Clarence.”
Wylie rolled his eyes. “Yeah,” he sighed in exasperation.
Mr. White laughed. “I take it Uncle Clarence
has done this a few times.”
“More than we can count at this point,” Viola said. “I’m still hoping to meet him on the road.”
“There’s a good chance of it, ma’am.” Mr. White’s eyes flashed with something Viola didn’t recognize. Anger, perhaps?
Of course, she supposed if she were Mr. White, she’d be upset with Clarence too. What responsible adult fails to pick up his sister and her children at the train station, forcing a kind-hearted stranger to pay their way? Clarence was forgetful, but usually not this bad. Was the poor man’s memory getting worse?
“What’s got ya starin’ like that?” Mr. White asked.
“Staring? Was I?” She blinked a few times.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a chuckle.
“I’m sorry, Mr. White. I was just contemplating what to do about my brother when I see him.”
“I’m glad I’m not yer brother,” he said with a laugh. “I sure wouldn’t wanna be in his boots when ya have that conversation.”
She smiled. “I’ll be sure to take him someplace quiet.”
“Ya mean where no one can hear the screamin’?” he teased.
Viola’s mouth dropped open and it was all she could do not to laugh like a loon. She should be insulted, but instead found his quip amusing. Lord knew she could use some amusement. “And no witnesses,” she said with an exaggerated wink.
Mr. White continued to chuckle as he glanced at the children, thought better of adding anything and remained silent. Instead he began studying the scenery.
Viola watched him as she pretended to do the same. Caleb White was ruggedly handsome and, though probably not much older than she was, had a wisdom in his eyes she’d never seen. She liked it. She also liked his calm demeanor and the gentle way he joked and interacted with her children. But for all his peaceful ways she sensed a strength, like a sleeping giant, that would be a force to be reckoned with if roused.
How far did he say his bosses’ ranch was from Morgan’s Crossing? One hour, two? She sighed, wondering if once they parted ways, she’d ever see him again. And if so, how often? Oh, what was the point? Even if she did see him again, it wasn’t as if he had any interest in her. Widows with children weren’t any good-looking young man’s first choice.
She did her best to push the thoughts aside as the sun began to set. By the time they came to a stop, her teeth had begun to chatter.
“Here we are, folks,” Mr. Davis said. “Best we get settled.”
Viola straightened as she shivered and looked around. There were three small cabins along the road, just as Mr. Davis had explained on the way – they were used for travelers such as themselves between Morgan’s Crossing and Sweetwater Springs. She thought it an ingenious system, and though it wasn’t a hotel, at least they’d have a roof over their heads tonight in exchange for a little labor. They were expected to replenish any wood used during the night. How hard could that be?
She glanced at Wylie and Katie, both sound asleep. Constance stretched next to them, then shivered herself. “My goodness, but it’s cold. I find myself loath to leave the children – they’ve kept me quite warm.”
“And you them,” Viola said gratefully. She watched Ryder climb off the wagon seat –around noon, he’d decided to sit with Mr. Davis and help drive. The other men stood, stretched to get the kinks out, then climbed out of the wagon. Viola and the children were the last to stand up.
“C’mon over here, Katie.” Mr. White stood at the end of the wagon bed. “I’ll help ya down.”
“Mama, it’s c-c-cold!” Katie said as she toddled sleepily to where he stood.
He picked her up, deftly swung her out of the wagon and set her on her feet. “Don’t worry – I’ll build ya a nice warm fire soon as I help yer brother and mama out of the wagon.”
“Th-thank you, Mr. White,” she replied, her teeth chattered like her mother’s.
He helped Wylie next, then it was Viola’s turn. He held his hands up to her and she stared at him a moment. A flash of him helping her like this many times over burst through her mind. She quickly brushed the thought aside as nonsense.
“Ma’am? Somethin’ wrong?” he asked.
“No.” She leaned forward to allow him to help her. He swung her out of the wagon with the same ease as the children. She’d felt a tiny thrill each time he’d helped her before when they’d stopped to rest, but this time the heat of his hands seemed to warm her through her clothing!
“Ya sure yer all right, ma’am?”
“Quite sure.” She studied their surroundings again. “Which cabin is ours?”
“Mr. Davis is checkin’ to make sure they’re all empty. If’n they are, I guess ya can have yer pick. My bosses and their wives will take one, you and yer younguns another, Mr. Davis and myself the third.”
“Oh dear. What if more travelers come?”
“Then I guess some of us’ll have to bunk together. Cain’t let no one stay out in this cold.”
She quickly nodded just as Mr. Davis came trotting back. “We’re in luck – they’re all empty. Best get settled in for the night.”
The Jones brothers and their wives headed for one cabin while Mr. White took Wylie and Katie by the hand and headed for another. Viola followed without question. Once inside, the children headed straight for the only bed, a rickety-looking cot against the wall. Viola took a deep breath and steeled herself for a long night on a cold hard floor.
“I’ll get a fire goin’,” Mr. White said. “That oughta make the place cozy.”
She smiled weakly. “Cozy” wasn’t the word she was thinking of, but anything he could do to warm the place would be appreciated. “Thank you so much.”
A sudden knock on the door made her jump. Mr. Davis poked his head in. “Forgot to tell ya, there ain’t no privy. But there’s a place to do yer business. Do the younguns need to take care of some?”
Viola stood, her mouth half-open in shock. Would the indignities of this journey never end?
“Yes!” Wylie jumped to his feet.
“Me too,” Katie joined her brother in his fidgeting.
“Very well,” she said. “Lead on, Mr. Davis.”
He opened the door wide and the children ran for it, Viola on their heels. What other dreary surprises were in store, she wondered? At this point, she had to admit her brother’s cabin in Morgan’s Crossing was sounding better and better. At least she knew it would be bigger than their current accommodations and had a real bed she could sleep on. For a moment she wondered who would get the cot in the cabin Mr. White and Mr. Davis would share. More than likely Mr. Davis – Mr. White would insist upon it, no doubt.
She sighed at the thought, and hoped and prayed there were no more unwanted surprises awaiting them in the night, or the day to come.
* * *
The next day was similar to the first: sunny, but crisp and cold. Thankfully the fire Mr. White built kept the little cabin warm enough for Viola and the children. He’d even made up a bedroll for her in front of the hearth. When she asked what he would sleep on, he held up a hand, shook his head and told her not to worry, he’d be fine. The look in his eyes said he would brook no argument.
She’d felt bad, picturing him sleeping on the cold floor with no blankets and only the fire to keep him warm. Yet in the morning, he seemed happy as ever when he brought over muffins, plus a cup of coffee for Viola. He left them to their breakfast and went to help hitch up the wagon. She and the children dressed, ate and helped gather firewood to replenish what they’d used the night before.
Soon the party had gathered and the men were helping the women and children into the wagon. This time Seth decided to sit with Mr. Davis and help drive. Ryder, Constance and Eloise took up one side of the wagon bed with Viola, the children and Mr. White on the other. Their satchels and trunks were placed at the front and back of the wagon as before.
Viola watched Katie snuggle against Mr. White and giggle. “Katie, don’t bother Mr. White.”
“But Mama, it’
s cold.”
“She’s no bother, ma’am,” he said. “‘Sides, she’ll stay warmer if she’s next to me.”
Wylie copied his sister’s actions and shifted close to his mother. “Yeah, Mama. This way she’s not all over me.”
Katie turned, stuck her tongue out at her brother, then wrapped an arm around Mr. White’s and smiled up at him.
He laughed. “I hope ya don’t plan on hangin’ onto me the whole time.”
“Katie,” Viola said. “Kindly let go of the man.”
“But he’s warm!” she protested.
“She’s fine,” he said reassuringly. “I was just teasin’.”
“Well, if you’re sure,” Viola said.
“I’m sure.” His eyes roamed over her. “Are ya warm enough?”
Viola’s heart skipped a beat. For a moment she envied Katie’s position next to him, then pushed the thought aside as her cheeks grew hot. Thankfully they were already red from the cold, so no one would notice her blush. “I’m quite all right.”
He watched her a moment and finally nodded. Whether or not he believed her was another matter. In truth, she was cold, and hoped she warmed up as the day progressed. To keep her mind off the long day ahead, she tried to think of her new life in Morgan’s Crossing. What sort of friends would the children make? What sort would she find, for that matter? Clarence could never say enough about Prudence Morgan so she guessed she’d be one of the first he’d introduce her to.
That made her wonder what sort of social functions the town had. What was the local mercantile like? Was there even a blacksmith? Morgan’s Crossing was so much smaller than Baker City – there wasn’t even a post office in town. The mail had to be brought to Sweetwater Springs to post. She already knew she’d have to go without a few things, but which?
Okay, so that particular train of thought wasn’t doing anything to brighten her day. Maybe she ought to think about something else for a while. She glanced at Katie, nuzzled up against Mr. White, and the same envy hit her again. She wrapped her blanket more tightly about her shoulders and closed her eyes, as if that would erase him from her mind.
