Grace stopped reading. “Well, he is certainly qualified for the job. Daring is a terrible understatement.” She flopped back on the bed. “I just want to leave.” In minutes she was fast asleep.
Grace woke with the dawn and going downstairs inquired of the clerk at the hotel desk, “Where does Miss Mildred Cunningham live?”
“Their store doesn’t open for another two hours, miss. Are you acquainted with the family?”
“Mildred and I went to school together, she graduated last year, and I was hoping to see her before I caught the stagecoach this afternoon.”
“Well, then I guess I can tell you miss. They should be headed towards the store in a little while anyway. You can probably meet them on the walk coming this way, if not theirs is the only blue one in town.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you going to stay and have breakfast miss?”
“No, thank you.”
“Only decent restaurant in town,” he offered after her.
“Thank you no…but where would I find the post office?”
“Post office? Same as Cunningham’s General Store.”
“Thank you.”
“Now are you sure about breakfast miss?”
But Grace was gone.
The sun shone brightly promising a beautiful day. Grace walked briskly towards what she guessed from Mildred’s letters to be the residential side of town.
Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed the sign Sheriff hanging over a door a few buildings down. An unconscious shiver ran down her spine. “I’ll be rid of him today. Forever.”
Walking down the peaceful streets Grace was caught off guard by the charm of the town. It wasn’t something that was always to be expected in the west. Then she saw it. A two-story blue saltbox house with a white wraparound porch. Grace smiled. They were certainly awake; the house was filled with light. Grace went to the back door, where she could hear noise coming from the kitchen.
Standing on the porch, she suddenly doubted herself. They had been apart for a whole year. But that stack of letters it was better proof of faithful friendship and affection. Grace raised her hand and knocked hesitantly.
In a moment it was answered. “Hello, Mrs. Billi…Grace!”
The two girls stood on either side of the screen door staring at one another.
“Hello, Milly.”
“Oh, my lands, it’s Grace in real flesh and blood standing on my porch!”
The screen door flew wide open, and Grace found herself buried in an embrace that threatened to smother her; as Milly danced around and round in circles. Milly, at last, held her out at arm’s length. “Let me take a proper look at you. My, you haven’t changed a bit. It is certain you haven’t grown any taller.”
“A whole quarter of an inch after you left but not a bit more.” said Grace blushing and teasing.
“What about me have I changed at all?”
Grace took a long look at the tall, slender girl standing before her. The straight brown hair put up in the most artistic way was still sensible and quiet. The honest brown eyes, the impish smile, no, she hadn’t changed. Grace found herself sighing with relief. “No, you haven’t changed a bit, Milly.”
“Oh good, you see I was afraid you would see the wrinkles I am starting to get on my forehead. I have to order some aging cream.”
“Aging cream?” asked Grace.
“Oh, heaven’s sake, I never know what I mean. I will have show you, it’s in the magazine, it promises to ward away wrinkles.”
“You are only seventeen, Milly.”
“And very single, but oh you have to meet my beaus. I have several of them here. But, I only really like two of them…”
“Mildred, who are you talking to?” came a distant voice from inside the house.
“Oh Mamma,” and Mildred burst back through the screen door. A second later she was back dragging Grace in. “You have to meet my mother.”
Grace found herself welcomed into a well to do home, surrounded by lovely things. Mrs. Cunningham was a refined lady, with gracious airs and pleasant manners, while Mr. Cunningham was outgoing, friendly and a little forgetful.
“How long are going to be in town Lace?”
“Grace, Pappa,” said Milly with a French air and accent that would have mortified their French teacher.
“Oh, oh, yes, of course, Grace.”
“Just this afternoon. My father and mother are moving further west, and I am to join them. They sent a letter to Esperanza Springs for me.”
“Oh, yes! They did! I saw that and wondered if that could be you, but I didn’t think it was possible. Besides, I couldn’t remember your last name. I am so glad you are here, but it is too short! How did you get here anyway,” interrupted Milly.
Grace blushed. “The posse from Esperanza Springs came in last night.”
“Yes,” interrupted Mr. Cunningham, “the driver said it was all girls on the stage coach, messy business those outlaws getting them. Do you know if they rescued the poor creatures?”
“My dear, I think she is trying to say that she came in with the posse. You were one of the girls?”
Grace nodded. “I was Mrs. Cunningham.”
“How exciting! What happened?” asked Milly. “It must be so romantic to be rescued like that.”
Grace refrained from rolling her eyes. Little does Milly know how unglamorous rescues are. Especially, if you didn’t like the person who rescued you from outlaws, then a snake, then from drowning; all the while trying to save you from yourself and your wretched schoolmates. Mitch is so annoying, but I don’t have to see him after today. I am leaving Esperanza Springs forever!
“So who rescued you? Mitch, Clancy, Jip. Hank, or Clem?”
“Mildred this is not a subject we should be discussing at the breakfast table. Besides, your guest might not wish to discuss it here, or at all,” Mrs. Cunningham smiled, and Grace smiled back. It was nice not to be pressured in front of everyone; though Milly wouldn’t be satisfied with anything less than a full account.
“You will tell me everything won’t you?” asked Mildred leaning over.
Grace slipped her hand into Mildred’s and squeezed as a promise that she would.
After breakfast, Mrs. Cunningham excused Mildred from coming to the store until eleven. The girls could have the almost the whole morning to satisfy Mildred’s burning curiosity.
Chapter 13
After Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham had left for the store, Milly turned to Grace. “Do you want to make fudge? Mamma said we could if you would like it.”
“I would love it.” Grace suddenly found her throat choked. No one has treated me like this in a year.
“Pappa got a shipment of lemons in too, so we can make ourselves a glass of lemonade, and have ourselves a real good chat.”
“It sounds fantastic, Milly.”
The two girls had a delightful time making their treats. Then sat at the kitchen table to talk.
“Tell me everything that happened. How I do so desperately, wish that I could be rescued. It would be so romantic.”
Grace smiled but did not burst Milly’s “wonderful” thought with the aching truth. “What I am about to tell you is for your ears only. Do you promise?”
“Of course I do. Now fess. What happened? Do tell me all and don’t leave out a single detail. This will be better than a book.”
In the briefest of details, Grace told her story—a maidenly blush reddening her cheeks as she did so.
“It wasn’t that bad. Mitch is very nice. Is he one of your beaux?” somehow it would comfort Grace if she knew Mitch had someone to love, and someone to love him.
“Oh, heavens no,” exclaimed Milly. “He has too much common sense to fall in love with me. I can’t really like a man until he really more than likes me and since he doesn’t more than just like me. Does that make any sense?”
Grace nodded, with a slightly wistful thought, I wish he loved Milly, then I would know he’s all right. He’s fine as he is!
Mitch can more than take care of himself, and I certainly won’t be hurting him.
“But you on the other hand,” said Milly with a sparkle in her eyes. “I think you would be just perfect for Mitch. What could be more romantic? Mitch, the man who rescued, you from dire situations, saving your life from reckless outlaws, a dozen dangerous snakes, and petulant raging rivers…”
“A snake Milly.”
“They are the same one or a thousand, dangerous venomous creatures.”
“Well, it was only one snake and one river.”
~~~~~
Neither girl heard the nearly silent step on the back porch. Mitch checked on the girls at the hotel to see if they were ready and, found only three. In asking a few questions, he discovered that Grace was most likely at Cunningham’s General Store. He went there, only to be told that Grace and Milly were at Cunningham’s home. He raised his hand to knock when from the open window he heard their voices and stopped to listen for a moment.
“Do you like Mitch?” asked Milly with a long romantic sigh.
“No,” the reply was short and to the point.
There was no way in ten thousand years Grace would ever like me. Not with a parting like this.
“What is there not to like about him? He is very handsome, and kind, and ever so good. You two would be happy together.”
Mitch could almost feel Grace blushing on the other side of the door.
~~~~~
Grace looked at her friend one eyebrow raised. She didn’t like being pushed; Grace had forgotten about this side to Milly; who couldn’t keep her mind on anything solid because she was always flitting off to roam the world of romance. “Remind me why we are friends again?” she asked half teasingly, half in earnest.
“Because you have common sense, and I have none. You can keep my head on my shoulders when no one else can. Which reminds me, I have two beaus, and I can’t decide which one I should marry?”
“Are you sure either one is even the right one for you?” asked Grace skeptically.
“One of them has to be!” there was a sudden note of desperation in Mildred’s voice.
“Why? You have never settled down before.”
“If I don’t get married soon or at least engaged...Father has laid down the edict that I must teach school this fall. I hate school and am certainly not going to teach it. Especially, not to a bunch of rough and tumble children who couldn’t care less, and whose mothers sent them just to get them out of the way. Please help me decide.”
“Never Milly.”
“Oh, you are heartless Grace! Completely heartless! I shall teach those children and become a withered away old maid if you don’t help me choose one of them.”
“I am sorry, but I shall not make such an important decision on a whim simply because you don’t want to teach school this fall.”
“But Grace!” Milly nearly whined at her friend. “I could become an old maid!”
“Milly you know better.”
“I do?”
Grace refrained from rolling her eyes. “Mildred.”
“Oh, no, when you use my full name in that tone of voice I am in trouble.”
Grace threw back her head and laughed. Yes, this is why we are friends. Milly can make me laugh when no one else can. “Milly, when you fall in love...”
~~~~~
Mitch listened to the long pause with a sharp intake of breath. “It should be with someone who will love and cherish you all of your life long. Who you don’t mind growing old with, whose habits don’t drive you mad, whose occupation you can understand, and live with the benefits and drawbacks; a man who will provide for you. The man you are going to raise children with. Don’t ask yourself does he look handsome and have a fortune, those can be lost in a day. It is the man on the inside you want to marry.”
“But what if he looks hideous?” wailed Mildred.
“Then learn to be a content old maid,” dryly answered Grace.
“Is that what you have resolved to do?” rejoined Milly with a sigh.
Mitch held his breath at how long the pause played out; not wanting to miss the answer.
“I don’t know Milly. I really don’t think I am capable of loving someone.”
“Oh of course you are! You love me don’t you?”
“That is entirely different type of love Milly and you know it,” replied Grace her voice amused.
“Well, I am just saying…maybe we can find a guy like me!”
“Milly!” and Grace burst into laughter.
Mitch figured this was the best time to knock if he was going to.
“Come in!” shouted Milly mirthfully.
Mitch opened the door and stepped into the kitchen. He looked at Grace, the merry light in her eyes died. “I have come to tell you that the next stage is expected in half an hour. If you want to catch it, you will want to buy your ticket soon.”
“You can’t be leaving me already, Grace. You just got here!”
“Thank you,” said Grace with a smile. “I actually need to get to the post office first and see where my father wants me to go Milly. Will you walk with me?”
Mitch wondered why it pained him that she hardly acknowledged his existence; there was nothing between them.
“Yes, I do. Are you sure you have to leave? You won’t let me tie you to a chair and keep you here for a fortnight?”
Grace laughed but shook her head. “I haven’t seen my parents in three and a half years.” Her face was grave and slightly choked though she tried to hide it. “I am looking forward to meeting them again.”
Mitch noticed the word, ‘meet’ not ‘see’ or ‘be with’ them. Meet. It was such a distant word to use for parents. If he had the opportunity to see his again, he would feel very differently. He turned and left without a further word. Milly was too set on trying to keep Grace there, and Grace was set on ignoring him.
~~~~~
“Well at least let me pack you a box of fudge to take on your trip, please!”
“Sounds good.”
The two girls walked down the street. “That house there is the Dickson’s, they are hosting a small party, and I am invited. If you were to stay one more night and leave the next day, you could come with me.”
“Milly, I have already been delayed a week, I can’t.”
“Oh, are you sure?” asked Milly taking both of Grace’s hands. “It would be so much more fun with you.”
Grace tried to soften her refusal with sounding like she was disappointed. “Really as much as I would like to go I can’t.” The fewer people I am around, the happier I am. I hate parties all frill and fluff and flirts.
“Grace what do you think of Mitch as a person? Is he really as nice as he seems?”
“Why do you ask such a question?”
“You just seemed, I don’t know, kind of cold towards him; and you usually like nice people, but you don’t seem to like Mitch.”
“He is very nice I just don’t like him for personal reasons. He is very good at what he does,” Grace answered, she wanted to avoid using his name if she could.
“The men in town want a more mature influence for the law. They think young men tend to be rash.”
“Some maybe, but not him.”
“Well, all I can say is it's a shame you weren’t kidnapped before they made the decision to hire a new sheriff.”
“They have hired a new sheriff?” Grace found herself feeling a little bit sorry for Mitch. Snap out of it. You have no reason to care about him whatsoever!
“Yeah, he is supposed to arrive in the next two weeks. We will know more details soon. Your pa is a sheriff, isn’t he?”
Grace nodded absent-mindedly. I don’t want to remember that at all. Those memories, are so—I wish they could stay in the past. Why won’t they stop haunting me?
“How did he ever afford to send you to finishing school?”
“My grandfather could afford it, and my father believes in education. That was the only thing that my father let my grand
father pay for.”
“Oh, I should have shown you my dress for the party!”
Grace smiled. She loved how Mildred would change subjects in the middle of discussions. It always made life enjoyable and easier when the subjects became uncomfortable.
In a few minutes more they arrived at the general store. Francine and Harriett were just coming out carrying a few small packages under their arms.
“Where have you been all morning, Grace?”
“Remember Milly?” asked Grace.
“Oh, of course, I do. Hello, Milly, it’s nice to see you again,” said Francine, in the least friendly voice she could manage.
“Hello Francine, Harriett,” said Milly with a nod.
“Good day, we have to finish packing,” said Francine with a nod.
“Bye ladies!”
“Bye Mildred!” said Harriett with a smile.
“Ah, I miss my school days.”
Grace smiled and nodded but in reality shook her head. Mildred has no idea how much interference I created for her. At least someone had a nice time at school. The only two that came from hard working families, not family money with a name so old it smells like mothballs.
The two girls entered the store and headed towards the post office corner. Mildred slipped behind the counter.
“Morning, Miss Mildred.”
“Morning, Mr. Taylor.”
Grace noted the little blush that came to Milly’s cheek as she spoke with him. She certainly was a lovely picture and Mr. Taylor hovered as close as he could to her.
“Can I help you find anything?”
“No, I am looking for that one letter addressed to Grace.”
“Oh, this one,” he said pulling it out of a box. “I put it in the old Alstead box because they don’t live here anymore. I didn’t want to put it in the misdirected mailbox.”
“Good thinking,” said Mildred taking it from his hand and giving it to Grace.
Grace felt her palms become sweaty, and her throat constricted. It’s been so long. She wiped her hands on the front of her dress and took the letter. She turned and walked a short distance away. The letter was in her father’s firm, bold, stern hand. There is no reason to have butterflies, it’s going to be okay. It has been almost four years. You can be a family again. It won’t hurt you, just open up the letter. It won’t hurt you, Grace, it won’t hurt...it won’t.
Sufficient Grace Page 7
