Fanny hadn’t left Chicago since she joined the orphanage, and before then, she was far too young to truly experience the delights of travel and meeting new people on the road.
She was also particularly eager to explore the stay on a ranch, which sounded extremely different from living in a secluded all-ladies orphanage on the outskirts of town.
As the wagon parked out front at the train station, the driver courteously helped the ladies with their luggage all the way to their designated platform. Naturally, they thanked and tipped him well.
“Oh, dear Lord.” Kitty couldn’t stand still. “I can’t believe we’re going West!” Her eyes were wide with exhilaration.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t even know what to expect.”
“I wonder what the road’s like. I’m certain that we’ll encounter some breathtaking views along the way.”
“And we shall enjoy them all, regardless of the outcome at our destination.” She tried, once more, to be the voice of reason.
“You’re absolutely right.” Kitty wrung her hands. “The journey shall be just as fulfilling as the purpose.”
Their train arrived and people began to gather around, getting ready to hop aboard with their passes in their hands. Fanny pulled out the tickets she had carefully placed in her purse and waited patiently for the conductor to give them their turn.
Upon boarding, they settled in their booth and began scanning their surroundings. Fanny’s eyes were especially captured by a plump little baby girl in her mother’s lap. The infant’s chubby cheeks were flushed and her lips red and shiny, and her eyes were blue as the summer sky.
“Oh.” Her hand landed on her chest. “Would you look at that,” she whispered. “Doesn’t your heart skip a beat at the sight of such innocence?”
Kitty let out a low titter, looking away out through the window. “Of course, but it’s different for me. You grew up taking care of children. Until recently, I was one of them.”
Playfully slapping her arm with the tips of her fingers, Fanny forged a scold. “You can’t tell me that you don’t genuinely wish to marry Bert and have little precious ones like her.”
“Perhaps in a couple of years.” She shrugged. “But if I were to get married, the first thing I’d want to do is enjoy my time with my husband.”
“Say what you will.” Fanny smacked her lips. “But I know that once you settle in a home you can call your own, all of this will change.”
“Sounds like you’re the one who wants some precious little ones,” she teased.
“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. “All of those girls at the orphanage, they take up all my time.”
“Of course.” Fluttering her eyelashes, Kitty looked out once again, observing the last of the passengers as they lugged their bags and finished boarding the train.
As the train left Chicago, the sights and scenes began to change beyond the glass windows. Vistas of different environments, various trees, wildflowers, and roadside views filled their eyes with fresh shapes and colors.
Not knowing exactly what was to be expected, the two ladies were pleasantly surprised when the conductor announced a recess at their first stop. It was in a town they had never heard of, and they had some time to get out of the train, stretch their legs, and buy gum and refreshments from a kiosk vendor near the platform.
The woman with the baby approached Fanny with a smile.
“I see she’s been eyeing you.” She giggled, holding up the girl to her.
“Oh, she’s positively precious.” Fanny grinned at the baby, making funny faces. “What’s her name?”
“Emma. Do you have children?”
“No.” The question sent some familiar emotion through her, and she turned around in search of Kitty who was buying postcards from the kiosk. “But I’m a teacher, so I know what a handful they can be.” She tittered nervously.
“Well, one day you’ll know that you love your own more than anyone who ever lived.” She then heard a man’s voice. “Oh, that’s my mister. See you back inside. I’m Catherine, by the way.”
“Fanny. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise.”
As she walked away, she held Emma over her shoulder and the baby’s eyes still smiled at Fanny who waved. “Bye, Emma,” she mouthed before joining her friend.
“I see you spoke to the child.” Kitty giggled as they walked back to the train.
“I can’t help it, I adore children.” She quickly changed the subject. “What you got there?”
“Oh, I thought these would be nice souvenirs.” She handed her one with a picture of the town’s church. “Here, I got this for you.”
“Thank you!” Her eyes examined the photograph. “Never thought I’d have memorabilia like this.”
“We did agree to indulge.” She lifted her chin up, proudly proclaiming her compliance with their plan.
The time they spent on the train demonstrated to Fanny that, in spite of the unknown future, taking time away from the orphanage was unequivocally necessary for her.
The change of landscape and interaction with people from all walks of life gave her a different perspective about what her existence could mean if she were to alter her ways.
Yes, she was an orphanage teacher. Yes, she was also a spinster by the measure of her time. But those things did not need to define her the way she had once believed.
During their journey, Fanny observed women with equal and even less luck than herself in terms of appearance with husbands and children of their own. She also met some seemingly strong, independent women in their forties who were traveling for work or business purposes.
Without crossing the thin line between resentment and reevaluation, Fanny often caught her own mind delving into thoughts of change for herself. It was, without a doubt, inspired by witnessing her friend Kitty’s attempt at improving her life by taking a bold step she herself would have never considered.
“A penny for your thoughts.” Kitty’s elated tone interrupted her contemplations.
She sighed, a slight smile pulling up the corner of her lips. “I’m grateful… mostly.”
“Praise the Lord for He is good,” she agreed. “What brought it on?”
“I came along to take care of you,” she affirmed. “But I must admit that it’s proving to be something I also desperately needed.”
“Glad to be of assistance.” Kitty winked before placing her hand on her friend’s arm and resting her head over her shoulder.
Chapter 10
On the day of the maidens’ much-anticipated arrival, Chuck helped Bert pack the necessary belongings he would be needing and lug them over to the foreman’s cabin.
The two men had agreed earlier that it would be best if Bert stayed with him, leaving the ranch house to the ladies while he and Kitty took their time to ascertain whether a marriage would be viable.
When it was almost time for the train’s arrival, Chuck agreed to accompany his friend to collect the guests at the station.
Before taking the wagon and heading to town, Bert ran into the house for a last-minute confirmation that everything was ready and up to par. Chuck, on the other hand, made sure that Mrs. Butler was paid and that all her maids had been generously tipped and sent on their way.
Upon the initial meeting, Chuck was delighted to note that his friend was completely and beyond doubt taken by Kitty’s beauty and presence. After making the appropriate introductions and exchanging the socially mandated pleasantries, Bert was simply unable to take his eyes off of his special lady.
It also was not lost on Chuck that Kitty’s older friend, Miss McGhee, had a rather comforting demeanor all round. She was neither strikingly gorgeous nor offputtingly condescending, in spite of her prestigious schooling and stature as an experienced educator.
Her overall presence was elegant and light, her words were scarce, and her smile was readily offered, accompanied by the kind regard of her compassionate eyes.
“And would you rathe
r live in a withdrawn orphanage or an isolated ranch?” he playfully asked her, intentionally making it a tough question to answer.
“It’s all about the company, I believe.” Her grounded tone was soothing. “As long as it’s removed, I don’t prefer the bustle of the town.”
Wondering why he would analyze her in such a way upon their first interaction, Chuck mentally kicked himself for losing sight of why he was there in the first place.
The smooth and steady conversation between the four lasted the entire drive back to the ranch. By the time they arrived at the homestead, Chuck concluded that Bert’s expectations of Kitty were undeniably met.
He, on the other hand, couldn’t help but restrain himself from asking Fanny the long string of questions that invaded his mind. After all, it was only her first hour there and the last thing he wanted was to come off as intrusive.
On second thought, he pondered whether her polite and to-the-point responses originated from her deep-rooted graciousness and whether her friendly questions stemmed from a civil courteousness aiming to not embarrass him.
All in all, she seemed to be a well-rounded conversationalist with amicable sociability that put everyone around her at ease. She was also probably the only woman close to his age with whom he had the pleasure of conversing.
The consideration of age brought his mind to the next logical station of thought. He was in his thirties, and his interests did not match any of those of the women he had courted in the past. They were all at least a decade younger, with views of the world that were infinitely different from his.
As the wagon pulled over at the entrance of the house, the two gentlemen got off first and offered the ladies a hand. Earl hurriedly approached, acknowledging the guests with words of welcome, and many nods and smiles as he handled their luggage with help from a younger ranch hand.
“Please, allow us to show you around,” Bert volunteered as he led the way, followed by the two women and Chuck behind them.
Reminding himself that the house had just been renovated, Chuck wondered if he had enough savings to do the same for his own cabin any time soon.
The thought made him shake his head in dismay at his own self-indulgent daydreams, as he scratched the back of his head. Feeling the blood rush to his cheeks, he thanked the Lord that Fanny and Kitty were ahead and didn’t witness his boyish blush.
After they were each shown to their respective rooms, Fanny exhaled deeply as she closed the door and turned around to reexamine her assigned accommodation.
The lavish space with fresh, new fabrics spoke volumes of Bert’s financial means. The entire place seemed rather shiny and inviting, which confirmed her assumptions that he had spent all of that money, time, and effort in anticipation of his lady friend’s arrival.
Happy that Kitty had seemed to have found one of the good ones, Fanny couldn’t shake off the giddy feeling in her gut that appeared to be a rather exaggerated form of pleasure for her good-hearted friend.
Although… could it possibly be more?
And what more could there be?
Standing in front of the dressing mirror, she faced herself in a private moment of clarity. Her instant infatuation with the rough but pleasant, chivalrous, and visibly strong foreman had thrown her off her balance.
Chuck was, indeed, a good-looking man, presumably approaching his forties. She could tell by the few graying hairs on his temples that peeked from under his cowboy hat.
Why was she even thinking about him when she should be evaluating the suitability of the new surroundings for Kitty?
Dismissing the confusing thoughts, Fanny proceeded to undress, for she was in dire need of a long, hot bath after their magnificent but taxing travels.
Later that evening, they were rejoined by the men—now bathed and in fresh clothes. And once again, Fanny couldn’t overlook the feeling that not only was she fascinated by Chuck, but that he, too, was interested in her.
As the two women gradually settled into the estate, a seamless routine began to form throughout their days. The two men habitually joined them in the dining room for meals that they gladly prepared—especially Kitty, who made it a point to show off her gastronomic talents—while the rest of the day was theirs to do as they pleased.
Naturally, Kitty was keen on spending some time out in the sun, riding and talking with Bert during the breaks he took from his demanding work. During those times, Fanny seized the chance to catch up on her reading, which she did out on the porch.
Occasionally, she would catch Chuck in her field of vision as he gracefully rode his horse, expertly instructed the ranchmen, and competently went about his workday.
After dinner, all four of them would take a tray of coffee out on the porch and enjoy light conversations under the starry skies. The men would then go off to Chuck’s cottage, leaving the women to retire in their rooms at the main house.
It was irrefutably pleasant and easygoing, and Fanny soon began to relax and enjoy life on the ranch.
Chapter 11
It had been a fortnight since the ladies made their pleasant appearance at the ranch, adding a subtle touch of lightness that made the days more bearable and the nights absolutely enchanting.
After breakfast, Fanny asked Chuck to help her with something in the kitchen—a request she had never made before, and which he was gladly ready to fulfill.
He grabbed one of the plates and made his way over to follow her. She stood next to the large wooden table in the center as her eyes watched his every move.
“You needed assistance?” He smiled, prepared to offer a manly hand.
“Would you please wait here after they go on their ride?” she whispered. “I’d like to speak with you.”
Curiosity immediately filled his mind. “Of course.”
“Thank you, Chuck.” She raised her voice a few decibels just as he heard Kitty’s footsteps behind him. “That was far too high to reach.”
“Pleasure.” He nodded, playing along before withdrawing out of the kitchen and into the sitting area.
“Well, we’re off.” Kitty picked up her hand purse and proceeded to step outside. “Do you need anything?” she hollered at her friend.
“Enjoy the ride, dear.” He heard the smile in her voice as she washed the last of the plates.
As soon as he heard the door close, he saw Fanny walking out of the kitchen, drying her hands with a towel. Her eyes met his as he settled in a big chair by the tall window at the end of the sitting room.
“Mr. Masters.” She approached, calmly placing the towel on a side table.
“Please, just Chuck.” He stood up, a gentlemanly gesture for the sweet lady.
“All right then.” She gracefully descended upon the chair across from him. “First of all, I must admit. I’m rather fond of your friend, Mr. Biggum.”
Was she always so proper? He mirrored her smile.
“But we’ve been here for fourteen nights,” she continued. “And I was wondering if you’re aware of any decision regarding his intentions concerning Kitty.”
Ah, that was the matter.
Easily hiding his slight disappointment, Chuck leaned forward in his seat with a big, confident grin on his face. “I assure you, Fanny, Bert is utterly in love with Kitty Blume.” Shrugging, he waved his hands in the air. “Part of me believes that he even knew it before they actually met in person. That he was already adamant about marrying her.”
He watched as her expression softened a smidgen before her smile faded into a serious look. “Then, what seems to be the obstacle?”
“He,” he shook his head in search of the right words, “isn’t entirely confident that she feels the same way. The last thing a man in his position desires is a rejection from such a wonderful woman as your friend.”
Much to his surprise, Fanny spontaneously threw her head back as she began to lightheartedly laugh. “What are the odds,” she breathed from between her giggles, relief evident in her tone.
Her laughter was instinctive
ly contagious to him and he began to chuckle.
“Well,” she sweetly tilted her head, “I can confidently tell you that Kitty does feel the same way. Suppose all he needs to do is ask.”
Engrossed with relief himself, Chuck sat back and let out a long exhale, not minding that Fanny would see how anxious he was for his friend. Something about her made him feel at ease to just be himself, whatever that state entailed.
“Well, then, with this new information, and your permission of course… I believe I shall encourage him to propose.”
She smiled. “If you see that it shall grant him the push he needs to finalize his endeavor.” Their eye contact intensified, and he felt as though she was looking right through him. “Who am I to stand in the way of love?”
When Bert and Chuck returned to the cabin after dinner, Bert was surprised when his friend suggested they would go for a drink out on the small porch.
The conversation, however, was everything Bert had been hoping for. He had been praying for a sign since Kitty had arrived, and there it was, in the shape and voice of his most loyal friend.
The next day after lunch, Bert took Kitty out on the back balcony for privacy. The sun hit her green eyes at an angle that made them glow like a pair of uncut jades.
“Would you accompany me to the waterfalls by the river later today?” he began without introductions. “The view’s magnificent in the hours before sunset.”
“Oh.” She lowered her gaze, coyly smiling as a slight blush adorned her cheeks. “That would be… rather pleasant.”
As he walked through the sitting area, he gestured to Chuck, a signal they had agreed upon earlier that morning. It was meant to let him know that she approved the suggestion so that he would go and ask Fanny to prepare a picnic basket for two.
Before sunset, Bert returned from work to meet Kitty outside the house. He took her to the stables so they could both ride their horses until they reached the nearby cascades.
The sun was beginning to change color when they laid out the blanket and opened the basket. Bert pulled out a bottle of wine and expertly opened it with steady hands.
A Spinster in the West Page 4
