The Trouble with Patience

by Maggie Brendan

  Patience opened the bakery door, and the bell tinkled a welcome. Hannah seemed happy to see her and hurried from behind her counter to give Patience a hug. “Well, my, but aren’t you looking well and happy today?”

  “Yes, I am, but you seem unusually cheerful yourself, Hannah.” Patience leaned back to look into her friend’s face. “Now, maybe you and Joe—?”

  “You might say we’ve become attached,” Hannah put in, her face flaming. She placed her hands on her cheeks and chuckled. “I told him as long as he continues to stay away from the bars, there might be a future for us in our old age,” she said with another chuckle.

  “Old? You’re not old, and if Joe can put that glimmer in your eyes, then I say congratulations.” Patience hugged her back and placed her basket on the counter.

  “Looks like you plan to shop,” Hannah said.

  “I’m here for your cinnamon rolls for dessert tonight. I thought I’d give my residents a special treat, and it might even be good for your business too,” Patience said with a smile.

  “Oh, dear, I appreciate that, but how many will you be needin’?”

  “A dozen will do,” Patience answered.

  “I’ll go to the kitchen and see what I have.” Hannah hurried behind the curtain to her baking area, eventually bringing back a bag of the rolls. “There’s only ten, but I could bake another dozen if you want to come back.”

  Patience furrowed her brow in thought. “Actually, they’re so large I believe I could slice them in half.”

  “That should work. Now tell me, do you know if everything went all right with Jedediah and his prisoner?”

  “Yes, Hannah, it did. We still don’t know who murdered John, but Jed believes that Nathan probably knows who it was, even if he didn’t do it himself. I was proud of the way Jed handled everything, and since I was stuck in the marshal’s office for a while, we talked over a lot of things. It turns out Jed used to be a part of a secretive Montana vigilante committee, and he gave the order to hang Russell, the man I might have married. Nathan is Russell’s brother, and they both turned to rustling cattle till Russell got caught. Nathan got away, and he’s one of those who stole John’s cattle.”

  “You don’t say?” Hannah cocked her head, but something about her expression made Patience take a step back.

  “Hannah, did you know?”

  “I—I’m afraid I did, Patience,” the woman answered, her voice full of contrition. “But I felt it was best to let you find out your own way. Besides, I wasn’t sure you had come to terms with Russell’s death. Please don’t be angry with me. I was only trying to protect your heart.”

  From whom, Jedediah or Cody? Patience felt a surge of anger. Hannah had no right—

  “I’ve had my suspicions about Cody,” Hannah was saying. “Him being new in town and not a miner. But I don’t know anything specific about him. I do know if Jedediah could ever forgive himself—and if you could forgive him—you two might be a good match.” Hannah brushed the crumbs away from the counter and into the trash. “I’ve been praying for him since the day he arrived with that troubled expression on his face.”

  “Your prayers have worked then,” Patience said, her ire fading.

  “And now there’s Judith, and she’s gonna need some tender care in the coming months. Such a sad, sad thing. John was a fine man—a temper sometimes, but a fair man to his ranch hands and supported our town financially.”

  “That’s what I’ve heard, but I didn’t know him very well.” Patience handed over the money for the rolls and tucked them in her basket. “I must be going, Hannah, but I’m so happy things are working out for you and Joe.”

  Hannah walked her to the door. “Yes, he helps me fill the lonely hours, and we have lots to talk about. Has Jed asked you yet?”

  Patience paused at the door, giving her a sideways look. “Asked me what?”

  “To be his bride, of course!” Hannah said, her hands resting on her ample hips.

  Patience laughed. “I don’t think he’s ready for that—at least not yet!” She laughed again and Hannah joined in.

  But I might be . . .

  26

  Summer was beginning to wind down a little each day, and Jedediah was ready for a nice fall. Summer had never been a favorite season of his. But the change in season would mean a lot of miners would be packing up to go home, wherever that might be, if they hadn’t been able to strike a rich vein. Winter would be long and slow, but he had plans for his time—and they all had to do with Patience.

  Deep down in his heart, he wished that during the long winter nights to come he’d be snuggling in bed with her. He looked in the mirror above his washstand and frowned, seeing the lines around his eyes. He sure wasn’t getting any younger. It was time he had a wife. He knew he wanted Patience, but did she want him? He’d been tossing and turning the last few nights, contemplating the possibility of marriage. But he didn’t have a lot to offer such a fine lady.

  He had offered to drive her out to the Cross Bar to visit Judith today. He pocketed his watch fob, grabbed his hat, and ran downstairs to check on the two drunks he’d hauled in last night for disturbing the peace. They were sleeping it off in separate cells. They never knew he was there. Just as well, he’d be back in time to let them out at supper time with a stern warning.

  He’d rented a buggy from the livery, making sure it was one that had a top for shade against the sun. He stopped the buggy, set the brake, and hopped down. When he rang the bell, Emily greeted him with her usual cheerful smile.

  “Hello, Jed. Patience will be right out. Would you like to come inside and wait?”

  “No, thanks. I’ll just wait here on the porch. It’s nice out today.”

  “Oh, here she comes now.” Emily stepped aside, opened the door wider, and slipped away to the kitchen.

  Jed’s breath caught as he watched Patience descending the wide staircase. Looks like a bride already, he thought. She wore a cream-colored lace shirtwaist trimmed with black beads where it met the pretty gray skirt with its black braiding. Her dark hair was pulled back into a chignon, and she sported a bonnet trimmed with gray-colored ribbon and white silk roses.

  She seemed to float down the stairs toward him, and he wished he could crush her to his chest and hold her. “You look wonderful,” he finally managed to say. “Do you always go calling so dressed up?”

  She smiled with eyebrows raised. “Only when I have a handsome driver.”

  “Then the driver needs to show up more often,” he joked in return.

  As he offered his arm, Patience called to Emily in the kitchen, “We won’t be long.”

  “Take your time, as long as you’re back before supper,” she said from the kitchen doorway. “You know I can’t cook much.”

  Jedediah laughed. “Poor Monty.” Emily blushed, gave him an embarrassed glance, and with a little giggle disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Shall we go, Patience?” She nodded, and they walked arm-in-arm to the buggy.

  The ride ended all too soon. The two laughed and talked until Jed brought the carriage to a stop in front of Judith’s house. He helped Patience down, and she waited as he drove the carriage over to a large shade tree at the side of the house.

  Judith seemed glad to have company and immediately made them feel at home in her spacious parlor, serving coffee as they settled in for the visit. She was thinner than she should have been with the baby due so soon, Patience thought, and her eyes looked sad with their dark circles. She watched as Judith poured their cups and talked about trying to run the ranch without John. Amazing how much she seems to have aged in such a short time. Patience tried to imagine how difficult it was for her to continue on without her husband.

  “If it weren’t for Monty and Cody, the ranch would have to be forfeited. John always took care of everything, so I was in no position to see that things were run properly after . . . after he was gone,” Judith admitted, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief delicately monogrammed wi
th an H. She turned to Jedediah. “Do you have any news of John’s killer?”

  “I wish I did, Judith, but I can tell you this, the truth will come out somehow, somewhere, and not too far in the future. Nathan will have his day in court.”

  “That is comforting to know.”

  At her smile he asked, “Do you feel safe enough out here on the ranch?”

  She nodded. “Yes. Yes I do. Along with Monty, all the ranch hands carefully look after me. I don’t venture out alone, and I can see the concern in their faces when I do go for a walk. One of them always trails along behind me.”

  “That’s very good,” Patience murmured. “And I hope you know you’re welcome any time at my place whenever you feel like a change.”

  “Thank you so much, Patience. I’ll have to take you up on that sometime soon. Now, how about some tea cakes with your coffee?”

  “Don’t go to any trouble,” Patience said.

  “No trouble at all—I made some just yesterday, and I’m so glad to have you here to share them with me.” She sniffled and left them alone.

  Patience shook her head. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”

  Jedediah patted her hand. “You’re doing that right now,” he said quietly.

  “She has a lovely home, doesn’t she?” Patience glanced around the parlor, admiring Judith’s meticulous detail to create such a beautiful and welcoming room.

  Jedediah nodded. “Yes. Would you like a home like this someday?”

  Patience lifted her shoulders. “Maybe. But if I marry, I’ll be happy no matter where I am as long as I’m with the one I love. It’s not the material things that really matter.” She took a quick glance at him, but she couldn’t tell what he might be thinking.

  Jedediah cleared his throat. “I suppose you’re right about that.”

  Judith returned with a tray of fresh coffee and tea cakes. “This is my mama’s recipe.”

  Jedediah took a bite. “Mmm . . . these are really good.”

  Judith smiled, but it faded quickly. “They were John’s favorite.”

  “I can surely see why,” Patience told her. “You should see if Hannah would sell them at her bakery. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen tea cakes among her goodies, have you, Jed?”

  “I have not. These would be a nice addition.” He finished his tea cake off with a drink of coffee.

  “Oh, I don’t know . . . Hannah does her own baking.”

  “True,” Patience said. “However, she’s very busy, as well as spending a lot more time with Joe these days. She might just as soon have another treat that’s special. You could take a few to her and ask. Might help you with something to do.”

  “You have a point there, Patience. Maybe I could—”

  A knock at the door interrupted their conversation, and before Judith could answer, the door swung open. In walked Monty. Patience thought it was a bit presumptuous. Maybe they’d allowed him that freedom when John was alive, but it didn’t seem appropriate now.

  “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize you had guests.” He paused, removing his hat and looking surprised. “What are you doing here, Jed?” he inquired.

  “We came to visit Judith. Why?” Jedediah said.

  “Oh, no reason . . .” Monty directed his gaze toward Judith. Patience thought it was nice she was so well revered by everyone. Most likely she wouldn’t want for anything—except John.

  “What can I help you with, Monty?” Judith asked.

  “It wasn’t important. It can wait. ” He smiled, put his hat on, and began backing out of the room.

  “Wait, Monty. I’d like to talk to you for a minute.” Jedediah stood up and gestured toward the door.

  “About what?” Monty’s cheerful smile disappeared.

  “About that night John was murdered,” Patience heard him say, though his voice was low. She took a quick look at Judith, but she didn’t seem to have heard as she started to gather up their cups and food items.

  Patience saw Monty hesitate. “Sure, I don’t know what more I can add. Don’t you think the man you caught was the one?”

  “That’s just it—I think he may be telling me the truth,” Jedediah said as he walked out the door, Monty following him.

  Patience took the last sip of her coffee and placed it on the tray. “Is there anything at all I can do for you, Judith, or something in town that you need done—an errand, perhaps?”

  “Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing. This afternoon I’ll write again to John’s mother back East. I sent a telegram right away to tell her the sad news, and I’m sure she’s heartbroken. I haven’t heard from her yet, but getting mail way out here takes a long time.” Judith stared out the window, lost in her own thoughts.

  “Well, if there’s anything at all,” Patience finally said gently, “you must let me or Jed know.”

  “That’s very kind of you, but Monty has been such a big help, truly.”

  They continued chatting until Jedediah returned. “Are you about ready to leave, Patience? I’ve brought the carriage around.” His face held a serious look, and she wondered if something was wrong.

  Patience glanced at the watch hanging from a slender gold chain around her neck. “Oh my, look at the time. Yes, we must be going,” she said, getting to her feet.

  “It is wonderful of you both to be concerned about me,” Judith said, her voice shaky. Patience gave her a brief hug, and Judith choked back tears.

  “My offer stands if you get too lonely or simply want a change.” Patience smiled, hoping Judith would return her smile, but she only looked at her with a bleak gaze.

  “That’s right,” Jedediah said, doffing his hat. “You’re surrounded by men out here, and I’m sure you could use friendships of the female kind.”

  “I’m thinking you’re right,” Judith said as she walked them out the door. “Who knows, maybe I’ll make a batch of tea cakes for Hannah to sample.” She gave them a weak smile.

  “We’ll see you soon,” Patience said as Jed helped her into the carriage. He clicked the reins, and she turned in her seat to wave at Judith. When she did she noticed Monty near the barn, waiting.

  As soon as they were rumbling over the road back to town, Patience turned to look at Jed directly. “Is something the matter?”

  Keeping his eyes on the lane ahead, he said, “Doing some thinking, is all.”

  “About Judith?” she pressed him.

  “Well, maybe indirectly. Ever have a feeling that something isn’t quite right?” She nodded, and he continued. “Monty showing up and walking in like he did didn’t sit well with me. I know he admired John a lot, and that’s why he was with the crowd demanding revenge.”

  “So what are you thinking?”

  Jedediah glanced at her. “I’m not sure. It appears to me he’s made himself in charge of the ranch—maybe of Judith too.”

  Patience thought about that for a moment. “Wouldn’t it be normal for the foreman to take over the ranch in these circumstances?”

  “I reckon so, but did you see the way he looked at her?”

  “I did, but maybe he’s just being nice—she’s lost her husband not that long ago, Jed.” What is he getting at?

  “Probably so.” He shrugged, then asked if she was pleased with how Creekside was doing.

  “It’s been coming along nicely. Emily is a hard worker and spreads her cheer to every resident without fail each day. Our partnership is working out great.”

  “That’s good. And I owe you for the last lunches you made. Remind me when I leave you at the boardinghouse. It slipped my mind that night I returned from Helena.” He gazed over at her with a grin. “I wonder why?”

  She laughed. “I have no idea. So maybe there’s someone you’d like to know better?” Patience teased.

  He hooted, then recovered. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a long time.”

  Patience’s heart was soaring. This rough, tough former vigilante’s heart was softening, and it was she that he wanted to kno
w better. Bye bye, Millie, she thought mischievously.

  27

  After he’d delivered Patience to Creekside and returned the rig, Jed decided to pay Hannah a visit. This hour of the day the bakery was devoid of customers. “What do you know about Monty?” he asked after the usual pleasantries. “You’ve known him longer than I have,” he added.

  Hannah wrinkled her nose. “Let’s see. He was John’s foreman. And John, we know, was considered a good judge of character.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Monty’s worked for John—and now Judith—about three years. He’s ambitious, I can tell. He used to drop in when he came to town for something or other and often said he’d own a spread as big as John’s someday soon. Always talking about betterin’ himself.”

  Jedediah rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Is he courting Emily?”

  “Now how you expect I know all this about folks?” She gave him a shrewd look.

  He had to chuckle. “I know you have plenty of customers, and they say things and you listen—like me. You also keep an eye out for this kind of thing.”

  Hannah poured them both a cup of coffee, and they sat down at the little round table. “Ah, feels good to get off my feet. Let’s see. Last I heard he was courting her. She’s a sweet gal, and I hope he does good by her. But to tell you the truth, I always assumed he’d find someone of substance. You know . . .” She didn’t finish the thought.

  “Like Judith, perhaps?” Jedediah said, looking at her over the rim of his coffee cup.

  “Judith Hargrove? Land sakes, no! She’s married—I mean widowed . . . What are you getting at, Jed? I know something is running around in that head of yours.”

  “You always have been able to read me better than anyone. I was just wondering if he knows more than he’s saying about John. That’s all,” Jedediah answered. He swallowed the last of his coffee and shoved his chair back. “Thanks for the coffee.”

  “I’ll ask Joe to keep his ears open, but he’s promised me not to go near the saloon, and that seems to be where he hears most everything—gossip, I mean.”