She poured each of them a large glass of milk and set butter and honey on the table. Dusk had darkened the room and she lighted two lamps. When she checked the oven she deemed the cornbread ready to serve.
***
After a brief blessing, Sean dug into the best stew he’d ever eaten. When he’d polished off his second bowl, he rose and carried his dishes to the sink. “I’ll help with the wash up then let’s go sit in the parlor. I’d like to talk something over with you.”
“You have a deal, Mr. Murdoch.”
When she flashed those sparkling blue eyes and saucy grin, resisting her took all of his control. He concentrated on washing the dishes while she dried and returned them to their rightful places. After he emptied the water, he guided her into the parlor.
They both sat on the couch, a new one she’d purchased in town.
He kept his voice calm but he had to impress on her the danger she might face. “Amelia, I don’t want to frighten you, but I’m concerned that someone from Salem may follow you here.”
Her face paled and her eyes widened. “That’s been on my mind. I don’t know why, but I feel as if trouble is headed my way. I certainly don’t want you or your family dragged into my mess.”
“What precautions have you taken?”
She stared at her hands in her lap. “What can I do? I keep the doors locked, but a child could break in here. And there’s all the glass at the front—although breaking the window would alert people.”
“Do you know how to fire a gun? Do you have one?”
She gave a slight nod. “My father taught me how to shoot but I don’t have a gun. I-I hate to think of firing at another human.”
“There are times when a villain doesn’t seem human. I brought this derringer for you.” He showed her how to load and use the small gun. “Having this in your pocket doesn’t obligate you to use it.”
Hesitantly, she accepted the gun with shaking fingers. “All right, I’ll keep it and hope I never need to use it.”
“Remember that you have to be close for it to be effective, plus it only has two shots. If you have to use it, make each one count.”
At her frightened expression, he took her hand. “Keep it in a pocket, Amelia. Having it in a drawer or in another room won’t help you. It’s small enough to conceal in your clothing.”
“I know you’re right, Sean. Thank you for your efforts to protect me but holding this . . . this gun in my hand makes my situation more real, more pressing, and more frightening.”
“My intent is not to distress you. From what you’ve shared about your trip to Salem, my family and I have become concerned for your safety. Hopefully, this is a precaution you’ll never need to use.”
After he showed her how to clean the little gun, he looked at his pocket watch. “I’d better get on my way. Tomorrow night, dinner’s my treat. If you don’t mind us eating here, I’ll bring our meal from the café.”
“I like dining here where we can talk freely.”
He leaned in for a kiss. Much as he’d like to pursue intimacy, he forced himself to give her time. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Be sure to lock the door after I leave.”
He stood on the porch at the side of her rooms until he heard the lock slide home.
***
Just before Amelia closed her shop on Tuesday, Lavinia Murphy entered. Walking hesitantly, Mrs. Murphy edged her way to the hat display. Her eyes gazed longingly at a Tuscan straw hat. The curved brim was festooned with tiny white daisies. Navy ties would secure the hat on the wearer.
After greeting her, Amelia gave the woman time to browse before she asked, “May I help you, Mrs. Murphy?”
The other woman startled. “I was just admiring your selection, Mrs. Douglas. I don’t suppose I can afford anything, but looking is free and you have some lovely hats on display.”
“If you see one you want, perhaps we can work out a trade.”
Mrs. Murphy’s eyes sparked to life. “Wh-What could I possibly have to trade that you might need?”
“I understand you keep chickens and I like eggs for breakfast and baking. Perhaps we could trade eggs for a hat . . . say, this one.” She picked up the one Mrs. Murphy had been admiring. “Would you like to try this on?”
“Oh, I shouldn’t. . . . Well, I would like to.” Even as she protested, she removed the monstrosity she was wearing and gently set the straw on her head. She turned from side to side admiring the change. “Oh, my, isn’t this lovely?”
Amelia tilted her head, remembering she’d heard that Mrs. Murphy’s husband was gravely ill and declining and they had little money. “You wear that so well. That’s just the effect I’d hoped to achieve. Do you think that would be worth a dozen eggs a week for two weeks?”
Mrs. Murphy gaped. “Are you serious? I love this hat. If you’re willing to trade for eggs, I’ll take you up on the offer. I’ve come to hate that hat I wore in, but it was the best Mrs. Cobb had to offer at the time.”
“Shall I put this one in a box for you?”
“Oh, I hate to take it off, but I want to save it for Easter.” Slowly, she removed the hat and handed it to Amelia.
Amelia gently placed the straw in a hat box then handed her that and her old hat.
“Harrumph. I hate to even put this thing back on, but it will have to do until Easter Sunday.”
“Thank you for coming in, Mrs. Murphy. I hope you enjoy your new hat.”
Smiling, the other woman went on her way. Amelia couldn’t keep from smiling as well. Every woman should have a hat she loved.
Chapter Nine
Early Wednesday morning, a young woman around eighteen or twenty came in. She wore her brown hair in a braid down her back but no hat. Her clothes were clean and pressed and she offered a sweet smile.
“I’m Amelia Douglas. May I help you?”
“You have lovely hats on display.” She chewed her bottom lip a few seconds. “I’m Paulette Norris. I-I wonder if you could use an assistant? I’m a good worker and quick learner.”
Amelia hadn’t planned to hire anyone yet. She assessed Paulette’s thin body and almost threadbare clothing. The young woman obviously needed a job.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Norris. For now I might be able to use you Thursday through Saturday each week—at least until I see how busy the shop is. Would that work?”
“Anything.” Paulette’s face turned red. “I mean, I’ll be happy to work whatever hours you set.”
“I understand. Having someone here would be a help, especially when I need a trip to the privy or need to eat my lunch. Would you be able to begin tomorrow?”
Relief spread across the young woman’s face. “Oh, yes, thank you. I’ll be here early.”
“First we should talk about your salary. Since I’m just starting the business, I’m not certain how much I’ll make.” She named an hourly wage. “You’ll work nine to six and have an hour for lunch. If you want to bring your own meal, you can eat in my kitchen in back.”
Paulette’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Mrs. Douglas. I’ll do a real good job, you’ll see.”
“See you tomorrow at nine.”
When the young woman had left, Amelia wondered about Paulette’s family and where she lived. She’d ask Sean if he knew when next she saw him.
Later in the morning, a smiling, dark-haired woman and a little boy came into Amelia’s shop. She’d met them after church but hadn’t really had a chance to get to know Mrs. Barrett or her husband.
“Good morning.” Amelia knelt down in front of the child. “Hello, Adam, how nice of you to come see me with your mother.”
He turned his head into his mother’s skirts but peeked around the folds with one eye.
“He’s only shy when he first meets you. We’ve come to invite you to dinner Sunday after church and for an afternoon of conversation with friends.” She sat the child on the floor. “Wait here while Mama shops.”
“I’d love to come.” How would she get there? “Um, can you gi
ve me directions and let me know if someone else from town will be coming who might give me a ride?”
“The Flanigans come through Sweetwater Springs on their way to our house, but I’m sure you won’t need to worry about transportation. Also coming are the Walkers, Charity and Logan, and Sean.”
Amelia chuckled. “Ah, I’m to make up an even number, am I?”
The other woman smiled and set a spring hat on her head. “That’s a nice benefit, but I’m having the dinner so you can visit with others your age. I regret I’ve only seen you at church and haven’t had an opportunity to get acquainted.”
Amelia had envisioned the hat at a slight tilt and settled it that way on Lina’s head. “How thoughtful of you. What can I bring?”
Lina gave a dismissive wave before assessing herself in the mirror. “Nothing! I love to cook and feeding guests is my pleasure. I warn you, if you don’t like Italian food, you’re in trouble.”
“But I do. I haven’t had Italian food since I left Chicago and I miss the delicious combinations.”
She replaced the first hat and tried on another. “Knowing that, I’ll enjoy cooking for you.” She surveyed the shop. “You have an array of lovely hats. Oh, and unmentionables. I don’t like shopping at the mercantile, but I have convinced Mrs. Cobb to stock pasta for those who like my recipes.”
Recalling her Italian neighbors in Chicago, Amelia said, “I’ll bet you make your own pasta, don’t you?”
Lina grinned. “Now I do. At first, my Nonna shipped it to me then mailed me a pasta maker. Gideon Walker made me a lovely drying rack and now I mix and dry my own.”
“I’m happy to know you share your recipes and that the mercantile carries pasta for the less accomplished of us.”
Lina gestured around them. “But, you create beautiful hats so why would you spend time in your kitchen?” She returned to the first hat she’d tried. “I must have this hat. I know Jonah won’t mind. He’s probably ready to see me in something new.”
“I hope you enjoy the hat. If Jonah doesn’t like it, feel free to exchange it for another.”
“Oh, he doesn’t pretend to know about women’s fashions. He only knows if he likes something or not. Believe me, he’s a very good husband.”
“Wonderful. I have to compliment you on Adam’s behavior. You wouldn’t believe the havoc some children have caused.”
Lina rolled her eyes. “Yes, I would. Jonah and I want Adam to always be as good a boy as he is now.”
Amelia slid payment into the drawer and handed Lina the hatbox. Then Amelia knelt in front of Adam. “Thank you for being such a good boy, Adam, and for visiting me. I’ll come to your home next.”
He grinned at her, his dark eyes shining.
She stood to speak to Lina. “Such a handsome boy. He looks so like you.”
Lina took a deep breath. “You may as well know from me as from rumor. He’s from Jonah’s first marriage to an Indian woman. Apparently, she was extremely beautiful. He sent for a mail-order bride to help raise Adam after the child almost had a terrible accident. Jonah simply couldn’t take care of the farm chores and keep Adam safe too.”
“Adam and Jonah are fortunate to have you. Not only is your coloring like Adam’s but you obviously adore one another.”
A loving expression on her face, Lina said, “We’re a happy family.” She took Adam by the hand. “I’ll see you Sunday.”
Aware of the plate glass window, Amelia didn’t dance around the shop as she was inclined to do. Making friends here meant a great deal to her. What should she wear to the dinner? She happily considered her choices.
Early on Sunday, Amelia let herself out the side door and started for church. She wore her favorite dress, the pink with a white yoke and ruffle. Silk roses of the same shades adorned her hat. Even though spring had officially arrived and today was April 3rd, she wrapped a white shawl around her shoulders. Montana weather was unpredictable and a chilly breeze swirled around her.
Sean waited at the store’s front. “I should have come to the other door. Are you looking forward to this afternoon?”
“I hope I can contain my impatience during the sermon. I don’t want to be disrespectful, but I’m eager to get to the Barrett’s.”
He offered his arm to escort her. “I rented a rig in the hope you’ll let me drive you there.”
“That’s kind of you. How will Kevin and Edwina and Jenny get home if Charity and Logan take the buggy?”
A grimace crossed his face. “Charity and Logan are in the wagon. I foresee new buggies at Murdoch Ranch in the near future.”
“Having so many people sharing complicates things, doesn’t it?”
“We can handle the confusion. Each of us wants to live at the main house. Logan and Charity’s addition is almost complete. They’ll be moving within a week or ten days.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m sure they’re excited.”
“If I’m not mistaken, you’ll hear all about that this afternoon.”
“You know, I feel as if Charity and I are sisters. I realize that’s odd, since we haven’t known one another long.”
“You act like long-time friends. Reckon nothing bonds people like sharing a disaster.”
“We did that. I was so frightened when the train car caught fire. The other passengers were shoving toward the exit and I was afraid Edwina and I would be trampled. Charity was even further back than we were. If not for the snow, the danger of the fire spreading would have been greater.”
“If not for the snow, there wouldn’t have been a train wreck. Though it’s selfish, I admit I’m glad you were stranded in Sweetwater Springs. Otherwise, Pa and Logan wouldn’t be married and none of us would have met you.”
“You’re being kind but I share that sentiment. The poor rail line suffered, though. I can’t imagine the expense, can you?”
“No, and I’m glad I don’t have that problem. Look at the crowd lining up to get into the church.”
“Today is Palm Sunday. Next week will really be packed.”
He smiled at her, his eyes as blue as the sky overhead. “Guess the Easter season is busy for you.”
“Thankfully. I’ve been creating new hats as fast as I can. Sales have been more than I’d hoped, and not just hats.”
He shook his head. “Please don’t describe the other sales. My tender ears couldn’t stand you sharing details.”
She grinned and squeezed his arm. “Thanks for the reminder. I’d forgotten how sensitive you are.”
He frowned at her. “Aw, no man likes to hear about that stuff.”
“Hmm, you’d be surprised. Some men surprise their wives—or someone about whom they care—with delicate gifts.”
He held up his forefinger. “No, don’t tell me.”
“Right, but I now know how to force you to do as I wish. All I have to do is mention—”
His stern look set her laughing.
They joined others filing into the sanctuary and the two of them sat on the pew with the rest of the Murdoch family.
Charity whispered, “Good thing you arrived. Looks as if the place will be packed today.”
Amelia leaned near her friend. “There’ll be at least three more here than last year.”
“And I can’t tell you how happy I am that the three additions include. What are you carrying?”
Amelia glanced down at the bag she held. “A little something for Adam.”
Charity gasped, “Drat, I should have thought of that myself. Oh, well, too late now.”
After Mary Norton played “Blessed Assurance” to get everyone settled, Reverend Norton stood to address the congregation.
“Today we have an unprecedented pleasure. This year our church school classes have a treat for us. Some of you parents may have heard that last week the children made palm leaves and today they’ll demonstrate the path of Jesus into Jerusalem.”
Mrs. Norton played “I Love to Tell the Story” as children waving paper palm leaves lined the center aisle. The chi
ldren cried “Hosanna”. Each child beamed with pride—except Adam. Looking terrified, he searched for his parents then scampered to where they sat on the back row.
A boy of about ten in a white robe and fake beard kneeled in a wagon and pushed with one foot toward the front. On each side of the wagon, a cutout of a donkey had been pasted. Amelia joined the other adults in chuckling at the children and their tableau.
Reverend Norton smiled broadly. “Thank you, children, for your hard work. Now let’s turn in our hymnals to page 65, “My Jesus, I Love Thee” and sing out with joyful voices.”
When the service concluded, Amelia walked with Sean to the rig he’d hired. If not for the fact that Logan and Charity would turn off before Sweetwater Springs on their way home, they could all have ridden together.
“Logan and Charity going out of their way a few miles on the way home would have saved you having to hire a rig.”
“We discussed that. I prefer this arrangement because I get to be alone with you.” A shocked expression crossed his face. “I mean, we can ride more comfortably in a rig than in the wagon.”
Inwardly, Sean’s remark pleased her. But, why did guilt follow to nag at her? John would always be in her heart, but there was room for another. Why was life so complicated?
“I’ve let them go ahead of us since we have the better ride. I hope you don’t mind. A bit dustier this way, but the Flanigans and Walkers are behind us.”
“I suppose we look like a parade.”
“You’d love the Walker home. All the furniture was made by Gideon. Their first house was like something from a storybook. The original place burned soon after he and Darcy married, but the new one is like a larger fairy tale house and filled with bookshelves.”
“Sounds intriguing. I hope I get to see it sometime.”
“I’m sure you will. They’re both a bit shy and reclusive, but friendly once you get to know them. I’d love to have a home filled with furniture created by Gideon. I’ve never seen finer craftsmanship.”
After a few minutes, Sean shifted on the seat. Twice he opened his mouth to speak, but didn’t say anything.
Montana Sky: Bride's Adventure (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 4) Page 7
