Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  Brent followed him.

  “Aren’t you going to play, Aunt Esther?”

  With a grim face, her aunt acted hesitant. For the first time Serena could remember, her aunt appeared vulnerable.

  She gestured to her aunt. “Come on, it’ll do you good to do something fun.”

  Aunt Esther stood. “All right, maybe for a little while.”

  When she and her aunt got to the kitchen, Uncle Willard had the dominoes spread on the table. He moved them around with the tiles face down. Serena tried to remember the last time they had all three played a game.

  That had been when Mama had been well enough to be up for an hour or two and played with them. In fact, Serena thought it was her mother who suggested games. Although Mama read a lot in her room, she liked to be with the family.

  Perhaps that’s why Aunt Esther had appeared hesitant. Perhaps a game resurrected sad memories. Perhaps she didn’t want to be reminded of those times.

  Soon Brent had them all laughing. Serena was determined to beat him and he was just as determined she wouldn’t. By the end of the evening, even Aunt Esther was smiling.

  Chapter Six

  Brent strode to the assay office the following morning. “Good morning, Mr. Myers. You have any word yet on when my funds will be here?

  The assayer looked up from the pamphlet he was reading. “Matter of fact, I do. Don’t know if you’ve heard or not but the bank here is reopening. Folks from Elliston’s bank are gonna manage the place. Daniel Emerson, he’s the owner, said he’d have the funds brought over by Wells Fargo the day the bank opens.”

  “He give you a date?” Excitement surged through him that his next step was approaching.

  “Workmen are there now. You might get an idea from them.” He opened a drawer and extracted a sheet. “I tallied up the troy weight of all your bags. You’ve got a tidy sum coming to you. Here’s your copy.” He passed the paper to Brent.

  The amount was greater than he’d expected. His knees threatened to give way. Brent steadied himself by holding onto the counter. He cleared his throat but couldn’t speak.

  Mr. Myers chuckled. “Guess it takes some gettin’ used to. More than I’ve ever seen paid out and I’ve been doing this for over thirty-five years.”

  Brent had suspected he’d found the location of the site that French trapper Eustace Carrier had stumbled across forty-five years earlier. The trapper had been lost when he discovered pure gold but had never been able to retrace his steps. Still, Brent had trouble conceiving of the amount Myers had written. Many times what he’d brought with him remained in the mine.

  “I appreciate your help. Now that I can breathe again, guess I’ll head over to the bank and see what I can learn.”

  He was certain his exuberance would give wings to his feet and he could fly to the bank. Nevertheless, he composed his features and forced himself to stroll. Looking too pleased as he emerged from the assay office would be dangerous. He’d come too far to lose everything now.

  At the two-story brick bank, he stood as if he was gawking to pass the time of day. A team of workmen were busy inside and out. Brent stuck his hands in his pockets and ambled to the closest workman, a man sawing boards.

  “Looks like a busy place. What’s going on here?”

  The man only glanced up and kept sawing. “Bank’s being remodeled. We have strict orders to make it happen fast.” He picked up the board. “Sorry, fella, but the boss ain’t paying me this much extra to talk to people.”

  Brent edged over to the man who appeared to be a supervisor. “Reckon when the bank will open?”

  The man carried a roll of what looked like plans in his hands. “If it’s not ready by Friday I’ll be in plenty of trouble. Excuse me.” He pushed by to yell at one of the workmen.

  Locked in thought, Brent tried to recall where he’d seen the telegraph office. No hurry, so he strolled along looking at the businesses. Hopeful was a nice little town. Not as nice as Sabbath, where he would build his home.

  He wondered if Serena would consent to marry him and move there. She’d mentioned she planned to leave Hopeful so leaving shouldn’t present a problem. He enjoyed being near her and wanted to make it permanent.

  Likely she’d be mad at him for keeping secrets from her. He hoped he hadn’t ruined any chance he had of her marrying him. Everything he’d done was for a good reason.

  He spotted the telegraph office by the stage station and meandered across the street and went inside.

  A young man came to the counter. “I’m Claude Carlisyle. May I help you?”

  Another man who looked like an older version of Claude sat at a desk with a telegraph key. He wrote down an interpretation of the taps that meant a message for someone.

  Brent leaned his elbows on the counter. “I need to send a couple of wires. You have paper I can use to write them?”

  The young man slid a couple of pieces of paper and a pencil onto the counter. “Here you are. Let me know when you’re ready and my father will send them for you.”

  Brent’s first wire went to the machinery manufacturer with whom he’d communicated.

  Send all machinery now as we discussed Stop Partner has bases ready Stop I will accept when it arrives. Stop

  Next he sent one to his partner at Sabbath, Colorado.

  Results better than we expected. Stop Machinery ordered. Stop Other situation as you suspected. Stop Leaving mid morning Friday Stop

  How could he be jubilant and sad at the same time? As eager as he was to get his gold stamp mill and processing equipment set up and running, he hated the thought of leaving Serena. She was everything he’d dreamed of in a wife.

  He hadn’t forgotten he’d said he’d try to take her to the tree ceremony. That meant he’d have to travel fast. If only things went well, he could manage to make the date.

  When Serena came into the kitchen her aunt had started breakfast. “Are you feeling better today, Aunt Esther?”

  “What? Oh, yes. I’m fine.” She didn’t look fine. Her eyes were red as if she’d either been crying or hadn’t slept well.

  After breakfast, Serena lingered in the kitchen. She guided her aunt to her chair then took her own seat.

  “Tell me what’s wrong.” She raised a hand. “No, don’t deny the fact. I’ve never seen you like this. I’m not dropping this until you tell me what’s caused you to be this way.”

  Her aunt heaved a sigh. She opened her mouth, but didn’t speak. She sighed again.

  “On Sunday night, Will and I had a spat. He accused me of being too nosey and strict with you and other things. Also, I was upset we’re losing the fee we get for handling the bank deposits. He’s glad to see that go. We each said some things I wish we hadn’t.”

  Aunt Esther took a handkerchief from her apron pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “Then, when I saw you and Brent together, you reminded me of Anna and Jesse. They were so happy together and enjoyed life so much. No wonder he chose her over me. I’m too… too… I don’t know what. Maybe grim or bland… a born wallflower.”

  Privately Serena agreed with her aunt but had to cheer her. “Nonsense, Mama and Papa were made for each other. That doesn’t make you any less attractive. Besides, you have Uncle Willard.”

  Aunt Esther shook her head and sniffed. “He only married me because he needed a wife to help in the store. He never cared just for me. I’m sure that’s why I never had a baby.”

  “I don’t believe either of those things. You’re an attractive woman when you smile. You simply need to smile more. Be friendly to customers.”

  Her aunt sniffed again. “You’re being impertinent, young lady. I’m as friendly as they deserve. People fuss so much about prices and what we have to sell. How can I be friendly to them?”

  “To build goodwill. But that’s not what we were discussing. You’re an attractive woman. Uncle Willard is a nice looking man. Let him know you find him handsome.”

  Her aunt’s eyes widened and she gasped. “I-I couldn’t, that would
be forward and unladylike.”

  “Not to your husband.” She despaired of ever cheering her aunt. “Come into the bedroom and let me rearrange your hair.”

  After taking her aunt by the hand, she led her to the master bedroom. “Sit at your vanity.” She unwound her aunt’s long hair, which was thick and shiny.

  “I’ll have so much trouble getting back up.”

  “I’ll do it for you.” Serena styled her aunt’s dark hair in a more becoming fashion and added a lovely abalone-adorned comb on each side.

  “I look different but I think it’s too much for every day.”

  “No, it’s perfect for every day.” She rummaged through her aunt’s jewelry box. “Here, add these earbobs and cameo.”

  Her aunt’s eyes widened. “To work in the store? What if I lose them?”

  “What if you do? They’re not doing you any good in your jewelry box, are they? I’ve been here eight years and I’ve never seen you wear them.” Serena added the earrings to her aunt’s ears then pinned the cameo to her dress at her throat.

  “Now, you go down to the store while I clean up from breakfast. Remember to smile at everyone, especially your husband.”

  Her aunt wiped her eyes and blew her nose. “If Will laughs at me, I’m marching right back up here to smack you on your sassy rear.”

  Serena rested her hands on her hips. “If he laughs at you, I’ll smack him on his rear.”

  She quickly tidied from their meal and took the stairs to the store. From overhearing customers talking, she’d learned a lot about things of a private nature. Women of a certain age went through a change in their bodies and sometimes became depressed. Poor Aunt Esther had been born depressed so this must be an especially difficult time for her if that’s what was happening.

  When Serena went down to help, she spent time straightening stock and adding more items to bare spots. Her aunt appeared to be making an effort to be friendly. She smiled at several customers but her expression resembled a grimace. With a sigh, Serena supposed changing behavior took practice.

  Her aunt signaled to her she was going up to make lunch. Serena nodded. They ate late because people from local businesses came in during their lunch break. When customers slowed, Serena chose to stand near her uncle.

  “Did you notice how nice Aunt Esther looks today?”

  “I don’t suppose I did. Did she get a new dress?”

  Serena sent him a stern glance. “She has a new hairstyle and jewelry plus she’s trying to smile more.”

  He frowned and appeared perplexed. “What’s that about?”

  “She’s been sad because she thinks you only married her because you needed help in the store. Uncle Willard, she needs you to love her.”

  He appeared perplexed. “She’s right about me marrying her because I needed help in the store and wanted a wife. I knew she was in love with your father but he’d married your mother. I figured in time she’d get over him.”

  Serena was shocked at her uncle’s openness. “Do you love her?”

  He looked away and rubbed his neck. “Guess I do. My family never talked about love so I’m no expert. I’d sure hate for her to leave. You figure she’s thinking of moving out?”

  “No, of course not. She just needs some reassurance that she’s wanted and valued.”

  He shifted from one foot to the other. “Guess she told you we had a disagreement, huh? She tell you about what we said?”

  “No, only that she wished the two of you hadn’t said the things you did. She was crying after breakfast and I tried to cheer her. That’s why she has a new hairdo and jewelry.

  “Crying? Dadgum, I sure hate that. We both said things we shouldn’t. Told her I was sorry. That’s all I know to do.”

  “Why don’t you court her? You know, give her little gifts, tell her she looks nice, take her out to dinner, things like that”

  He gave her an incredulous stare. “Serena, Esther and I been married going on twenty-four years. We’re way past courting stage.”

  “Not at all. Take her something nice when you go up for lunch. Maybe some of that new perfume.”

  Still appearing perplexed, he gestured toward the cosmetics display. “If she wanted a bottle she’d take one.”

  “Please, Uncle Willard. I love you both. I want you to be a happy couple who love one another.”

  He exhaled the way he did when his patience was wearing thin. “Aw, dadburnit, what do I say so she doesn’t think I’ve gone soft in the head?”

  “Tell her she looked so nice today, you thought maybe she’d enjoy a special scent.” Serena brought him a bottle of the new cologne.”

  Hands braced on his hips, he stared at her. “I’ll feel like a dang fool.”

  She nudged him and chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Kiss her cheek when you give her the cologne.”

  He took the bottle from her. “Not gonna work. She’ll know you put me up to it.”

  “Doesn’t matter, she’s still an attractive woman. Look at her as if you really mean what you’re saying. Really look at her.”

  “You’re talking crazy. She’s my wife and I look at her every day.”

  “Yes, but you don’t see her. You didn’t notice she had a new hairstyle. This time really see her. I promise you’ll both be glad you did.”

  He picked up the bottle. “Having a beau has sure put strange notions into your head.” He exhaled again but this time he smiled at her. “But, you’re like our daughter so I’ll humor you.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Thank you. Take your time at lunch.”

  When she heard his tread on the stairs, she said a prayer that he’d bring a smile to her aunt’s face. Even when she was annoyed with Aunt Esther, she loved her.

  Managing the store alone never failed to bring in customers. She’d be glad when the bank was open and the Mercantile didn’t have to accept deposits. At least Uncle Willard kept track of all the money.

  Oh, no, the Bailey children came in and she was busy with Mrs. Grayson. The dear lady dithered over her selection of handkerchiefs until Serena’s head throbbed. She attempted to watch the children without offending Mrs. Grayson.

  The bell over the door dinged and Brent entered. He ambled behind the two youngest Baileys. Serena relaxed and gave her full attention to Mrs. Grayson. When the kind lady finished her selections and left, Serena walked to where the older of the boys had separated from his brother and sister.

  That’s how they worked. Two would make an effort to keep an adult busy while the third one filled his pockets. She quietly approached the third boy, Harry, who had a bag of marbles in his hand. Harry watched Brent and his brother and sister as he slid his hand toward his pocket.

  “Buying marbles, Harry?”

  The little thief jumped several inches. “Uh, I was thinking about asking for ’em for Christmas. I… I was just looking at ’em now.”

  Sure he was. “Christmas will be here soon. Why not put the marbles back and let your father know you’d like to have them?”

  “Sure, Miss Winters.” He put the bag back where it belonged. “I don’t know if Pa will get us anything, though. He didn’t last year. Since Ma died, all we got was from the church.”

  She knew money was tight at the Bailey household and had an idea the children were badly neglected. Why wouldn’t the father make an effort for his children?

  “I didn’t know that. Well, perhaps the church is giving children marbles this year.”

  Harry looked up at her. “Reckon? I seen those things you put in the window and they sure look like fun.” He shuffled to where his brother and sister looked stood.

  His younger siblings Harvey and Henrietta looked at him.

  Harry stuck his hands in his pockets. “I’m going home. You comin’?”

  Henrietta shrugged. “Might as well. Lunchtime.”

  Harvey said, “Ain’t nothin’ to eat ’cept that old soup.”

  Harry took Henrietta’s hand. “Better than nothin’.”

  They
raced for the door before Serena could intervene with an offer of food.

  Serena smiled at Brent as he ambled to the counter. “Thanks for helping with the Bailey children.”

  Brent looked around then kissed her cheek.

  “You are daring.” She wasn’t upset, though. What would kissing his lips be like?

  As if he read her thoughts, he grinned and tapped her lips with his finger. “I came to take you for a meal at the diner. Can you get away soon?”

  “When my uncle comes down from his lunch. He’ll be here soon. I could fix us something upstairs.”

  He leaned his elbows against the counter and faced the door. “I’d rather get you away from here and give you a break.”

  “How thoughtful.” She peered around. “I have memorized everything in the store. A change would be appreciated.”

  Her aunt and uncle came through the curtains and into the main part of the store.

  Uncle Willard rubbed his stomach. “Your turn, Serena.”

  “Brent has asked me to go with him to the diner. We won’t be long.”

  Aunt Esther’s smile appeared genuine. “Take as long as you wish. I’ll be here this afternoon.” The scent of her new cologne floated around her.

  “I’ll run get my coat.” She sped up the stairs, wondering why she hadn’t left her coat and gloves in the storeroom.

  As they walked down the boardwalk, Serena glanced at Brent. “Was that really my aunt who smiled and said I could take as long as I wish?”

  With his right hand he covered her fingers where they rested on his left arm. “She was pleasant enough last night. A bit reserved at first but then she joined in the fun. I’d say she enjoyed herself.”

  “You didn’t see her crying this morning. Apparently she and Uncle Willard argued last night after I went to my room. I felt so guilty for all the times I’ve been annoyed with her.”

  “You shouldn’t. Appears to me you’re really good to both of them. Don’t forget they benefit from you being there.”

  Serena wondered at the strange expression on his face. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he harbored ill will toward her aunt and uncle. He hadn’t spoken against them, but the muscles in his jaw clenched now.