The Jewel of His Heart

by Maggie Brendan

Juliana’s heart lurched at the mention of the miners’ camp. Most of the children were little urchins who worked for their parents as they passed through to the next mining camp.

  “What do you suggest we do?” Louise was the first one to respond, her big brown eyes conveying concern.

  “We don’t have the money to start a school, much less pay for a teacher’s salary.” Esther leaned forward, her head cocked, to stress her point.

  Natalie jumped up from her seat. “I think a school is an excellent idea! But how will we raise the money?”

  “Hmm . . . that’s the sticky part. I’m not quite sure. But”—Helen glanced in Juliana’s direction—“with the column in the paper about our social circle, we could request donations.”

  “I like the idea, but we will need supplies, besides paying a teacher. How do you intend to do that when the school right here in Lewistown is crowded and could use more space?” Cynthia tossed her red hair so her shiny curls shook. “People are not likely to support another school for outsiders.”

  “I believe that to be untrue, Cynthia. Perhaps some of the books could be on loan. After all, we’re not talking about a huge group of children. We wouldn’t need much money. Just willing hearts,” Helen said, her arms folded across her ample bosom.

  “There are many in our community always looking for ways to serve the Lord,” Miss Margaret interjected. “I believe we might find many willing hearts, if the need were known.”

  Cynthia fingered the broach at her throat, pulling her lips into a tight line. Her freckled fair skin turned a bright pink.

  “If I may speak here . . .” Juliana nodded at the ladies. “I know I don’t represent your club, but as Esther pointed out, I worked in the miners’ camp. Helen’s idea to bring education to these children, whose lives are so unpredictable, really warms my heart. I believe those miners who drag their families from one camp to another in search of instant riches would be grateful that someone took a genuine interest in them.”

  “Thank you, Juliana. Could you please convey that sentiment in your column?” Helen’s round face lit up with enthusiasm.

  “I will do my best, Helen.”

  The small circle of ladies clapped their approval.

  “Now let’s have our refreshments and then talk about ways in which to go about finding the appropriate teacher,” Natalie said. She rose and gracefully walked toward the table laden with cookies, tea, and mints. The rest of the ladies followed, leaving Juliana to finish making her notes. Miss Margaret left the food table and shuffled her way over with her cane to Juliana. “How about some refreshments, dear?”

  “Thanks, Miss Margaret, but I must get back to the paper.”

  “It was so nice meeting you, and don’t worry about those other two.” She nodded in the direction of Esther and Cynthia.

  Juliana closed her notebook. “Thank you for taking my side. I hope to see you again.” Juliana meant it. Miss Margaret seemed to be a wise lady.

  Miss Margaret touched her arm and said, “I do too. Take care, dear.”

  Juliana could hardly contain her excitement about a school for the miners’ children as she left the ladies and headed back to the newspaper office. Many a day as she washed clothes, the children would come near the fire, and she would talk to them about great literature she had read. They loved her stories and would sometimes pretend they were actual characters in the tales.

  She hummed a tune, her step light, and people along the boardwalk stared at her. But her thoughts were on writing a good article that would do the Ladies Social Club proud.

  9

  Josh made his way past the whiskey barrels and stacks of flour to the cluttered counter at the general store, fishing his list from his shirt pocket. He saw several shoppers pause long enough in their shopping to give him the once-over, then turn away. Josh tipped his hat to them anyway. He knew sheepherders would never hold the same esteem as a dashing cowboy with his decorated chaps and wide-brimmed hat. He chuckled under his breath. Wonder what they would think if they knew I’m a cattleman’s son? Working around his sheep, he found he had no need for chaps and spurs. He saved them for special occasions now, but still wore his cowboy boots because they were the most comfortable.

  “Can I be of service to you, Josh?”

  Josh smiled at Earl, a scrawny, pencil figure of a man, who looked like lifting a sack of flour could put him in bed for weeks. “Yes, sir. What do you have for dipping sheep?”

  “Well now, let’s see.” Earl reached over to the shelf behind him and pulled out a gallon of dip mixture. “This here’s the best. It’s Semple’s Scotch Sheep Dip. Seventy-five cents a gallon. Straight out of Louisville, Kentucky. I hear it beats ’em all.”

  Josh read the ingredients. “Strong Kentucky leaf tobacco and vegetable extracts.” His brow furrowed in thought. “How many sheep can I dip with that?”

  “It’s concentrated. If you buy two and a half gallons, you can dilute it to dip a hundred sheep.” The clerk peered over his wire frames at Josh.

  “So . . . for three thousand sheep, I’ll need seventy-five gallons?”

  “Yep. A barrel holds thirty-one gallons. Let me go to the storage area and make sure we have a few barrels.” Earl disappeared through a door behind the counter.

  Josh pushed back his hat and leaned against the counter. He contemplated other items he would need after lambing season. He’d need a dozen pairs of shears and two long-handled hooks for grabbing the sheep’s necks. Maybe a few leather aprons to protect him and Andy when they did the dipping, and several heavy knives for docking as well.

  The bell above the door sounded, and he glanced to the front door to see Juliana enter. Instantly, Josh straightened up, feeling an unfamiliar warmth flood his face and neck. She saw him almost at the same time and flashed him a broad smile, exposing small but perfect teeth. He noticed her new brown dress that complimented her slender waist. In her hand she held a notebook and looked very businesslike for one so young.

  “Hello, Josh. I thought you’d already left for your camp.” She held her notebook to her chest.

  Once again he smiled as his name rolled off her lips, like it was special.

  “I had other business to attend to and decided to get supplies rather than send Andy. I see you have a notebook there. Doing a little reporting?”

  She flushed prettily as she walked toward him. “Matter of fact, I have been doing just that. I’m on my way back to the newspaper office, but I wanted to stop in and see if the ink order for the presses had arrived.”

  “Sounds to me like you enjoy your work so far.” Josh thought she had the most beautiful eyes, like the blue Yogos. A light rose fragrance floated from her when she moved. He’d been in the valley away from women too long, he realized, and tried to concentrate on the purpose for his trip to the general store.

  “I really am, Josh. Thanks for asking.”

  Earl cleared his throat behind them. “I have three barrels out back. We can have them loaded on your wagon in no time at all.”

  “Excellent. I have a couple other items I’ll need.” Josh handed his list to the clerk.

  Earl’s face lit up when he saw Juliana. “Miss Juliana, that ink didn’t come in today. But I expect it tomorrow, if you could check back?”

  “No problem, Earl. I was just passing by and thought I’d ask. Thank you.” She turned back to Josh. “I need to get back now. I have a column to write.”

  Just as she turned to go, the shop door slammed hard, jarring the bell.

  “Wes, what can I do for you today?” Earl asked, stopping dead in his tracks.

  A tall cowboy entered the store, and when he saw Juliana, a ridiculous grin spread across his face, exposing slightly crooked teeth. He swaggered right over to her, apparently confident and unaware of anyone else. “Well, pretty lady. Nice seeing you here.”

  Josh saw Juliana’s face tense up and her body stiffen. “I must be going now, excuse me.”

  Wes’s long fingers grabbed her by the arm. �
�Now hold on there. We have a conversation to finish.”

  “What do you mean? We weren’t talking.” Juliana pulled her arm from his grip.

  “Aw, you forgot already? Remember, I asked if I could take you out sometime? I’m still waiting for the answer.” Wes shifted his weight to one hip.

  “I’ve already told you.” Juliana took a step sideways.

  Wes leaned in a bit too close, and Josh stepped between them. “I think you’d best leave the young lady alone,” Josh said, his face hot with anger. “And keep your hands off her.”

  Wes looked down at Josh. “Well, now. Just who do you think you are, mister?”

  “A friend. That’s all. But I can tell the lady doesn’t want to be bothered by you.”

  Wes turned to Juliana with a smirk on his face. “Is that right? I think the lady can speak for herself.” When he reached for Juliana’s hand, Josh slammed his fist into Wes’s jaw. Wes fell hard against the harnesses hanging on the wall, and the tack went scattering to the floor. He staggered momentarily, then lunged at Josh just as Earl intervened.

  “What’s going on here, Josh? Cut that out! You two break something, and you’ll have to pay for it.” Earl raised his skinny arm and pointed to the door. “I’m asking you to leave, Wes.” He turned to Josh. “I don’t hold to fightin’ in my store. Either one of you leaves, or you take it outside. Your choice.”

  Josh held his clenched fists at his sides, trying to stay in control as his anger rose.

  Wes straightened, holding his jaw. “I’m going. But you just messed with the wrong cowboy, sheepherder.” He stormed out, his boot heels pounding hard against the hardwood floor.

  Josh didn’t bother to answer the insult. He turned to Juliana. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t stand by and let him try to manhandle you. You need to be careful. I don’t trust him.”

  “Wes is just itching for trouble,” Earl said as he placed the harnesses back on the proper hooks.

  “He came to the newspaper office to place an ad and tried to get a bit too familiar.” Juliana touched the top button of her blouse. “Don’t worry about me, though. I’m stronger than I look, and I can take care of myself.” Her smile went straight to Josh’s heart. “But thanks for protecting me.”

  Protecting her was something Josh felt compelled to do. He took her arm and felt a slight tremble. He guided her to the door and out onto the boardwalk. She may think she was strong, but she was really no match for Wes. He could overpower her in an instant.

  They paused outside, and Juliana looked up at him. “Will you be coming back soon?” she asked.

  His heart thumped hard, and suddenly he had trouble breathing when he caught the gaze of her beautiful eyes. He swallowed hard, hearing himself answer, “In a few weeks, but I wanted to go ahead and be prepared to dip my sheep. Have you ever been near a herd of sheep?” Josh saw her eyebrow shoot upwards. Could she tell he was flustered?

  “No, I haven’t. Are they as docile as I’ve heard?”

  “They are indeed. Say, why don’t you ride out to the camp and see them firsthand? I’m near Yogo Creek. You might even decide to write something about them for the newspaper.” Josh saw her look of concentration, as though pondering whether his suggestion was a good idea.

  “I suppose I could. I would love to learn more about what it is you do. Maybe there’s a story about sheep that needs writing.”

  “How about some Saturday afternoon? I can write down the directions for you.”

  “That would be perfect.” Juliana smiled at him as he continued to look at her. “I need to be getting back to the paper. We do have a deadline.”

  “And I don’t want to keep you from it. Good seeing you, Juliana.”

  Josh watched her leave, wishing he had more time with her.

  Earl appeared, breaking up his reverie. “Are you about ready to load up?”

  “Yes, I am. And I need one other thing—a wooden stamp for my sheep brand.”

  “Okay, you’ve got it. What do you want it to say?”

  “‘J’ for ‘Jewel.’”

  “Now that’s strange.” Earl scratched his head.

  “I’ll have to tell you about it sometime.”

  10

  Juliana sighed, rubbed the back of her neck, and stuck her pencil into her chignon as she read what she’d written.

  The Lewistown Ladies Social Club met on Tuesday to discuss their latest project for spring. Helen Brown, president of the prestigious club of community leaders, challenged the members with plans for a small school to benefit the children of the miners at the outskirts of town. Education should be an emphasis to benefit the children who otherwise could not attend school. There was open discussion on how to obtain books and needed supplies and construct a small building. Another major concern was obtaining a teacher.

  After much debate on the project needs and how to garner support, the club concluded enthusiastically to pursue this objective with the best intentions to help educate the children. As always, the members pride themselves on meeting the needs of the surrounding community. The ladies adjourned and enjoyed light refreshments. They were excited about the new project and about discussing fresh ways to implement their ideas.

  Also present at the meeting were Margaret, Louise, and Natalie Spencer; Esther White; and Cynthia Hood. If you would like to contribute or donate your time for this cause, please contact Helen Brown.

  Not bad, she thought. Glancing up at the clock, she was surprised to discover it was nearly five o’clock. She would just have time to turn her article over to Albert for tomorrow’s run and freshen up for her dinner with Mark. She would have to ask Marion why she hadn’t attended the meeting today.

  It had been a busy day, but it kept her mind off her loneliness and her dear mother.

  Her mind wandered back to the chance meeting with Josh at the general store. The way his amber eyes pierced her had made her feel giddy, and she had hardly been able to concentrate on why she was there in the first place. He was several years older than she, and he probably thought she was just a child. Maybe he looked at all women the way he looked at her.

  She sighed wearily. What she really needed was to put him out of her mind. She couldn’t trust any man. Her father was a good example of that. She would make a living for herself and not be dependent on a man for anything. That’s what her mother had had to do, and Juliana would do the same. A man would not turn her life upside down the way her father had. She could be quite happy without a man. She had her books, her friend Marion, and her job, which would keep her plenty busy.

  The encounter with Wes today was still very unsettling to her. His aggressiveness made her feel uneasy. His outright flirting put her on the spot, and she wasn’t used to that.

  “Shouldn’t you be leaving now for your dinner date with Mark?” Albert paused over the printing press as he set the letters for tomorrow’s paper. He glanced in Juliana’s direction.

  Juliana felt her face flush. “It’s not a date—just supper. Matter of fact, I’m about to go. I was just looking over the column for tomorrow.” She rose, handing him her article. She waited while he skimmed through what she’d written.

  “Very good, Juliana. Now you go ahead and leave so you won’t be late. You’ve had a busy day. Your headline about the bank robbery was pretty good, but I changed it a bit. By the way, there’s a reward of five hundred dollars for the capture of the bandit.” Albert turned back to setting the presses.

  “I hope the sheriff catches him.” She wanted to stop by to see Helen with a couple of ideas she had about a fund-raiser, so she grabbed her coat and waved good-bye to Albert, then hurried down the sidewalk to Helen’s house. At the meeting, Helen had mentioned where she lived, in case Juliana had any questions concerning the project.

  Juliana lifted the wrought-iron gate latch, startling a fat gray cat snoozing on the broad steps leading up to the front porch. The cat skittered away as she approached the sidewalk. Juliana smiled. She loved cats, and once she was settled, s
he planned to have one to keep her company.

  She rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer. Helen’s home was a sprawling yellow clapboard, its porch dotted with flowerpots, with a cozy swing at one end. Rich, green ferns sat on either side of the door in beautiful ceramic pots. Juliana had never lived in anything so grand, and likely never would. She wondered what Helen’s husband did for a living.

  A young girl about the age of fourteen answered the door. Her dark hair hung in perfect ringlets, setting off the starched pinafore over her blue gingham dress. “Hello.”

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, but I wonder if I could speak with your mother. I’m a reporter for the Gazette,” Juliana said.

  “Well, I don’t know. She’s pretty busy right now. I’ll have to go ask. Could you wait right here?”

  “I can indeed. Tell her it’s Juliana. And you are . . . ?”

  “Marilee.” The young girl smiled up at her.

  “Nice to meet you, Marilee.” She had a peaches-and-cream complexion and big green eyes. Pretty eyes, Juliana thought.

  “I’ll be right back.” She left the door partially opened, and Juliana heard her call out for her mother.

  It wasn’t long before Helen stood before her, charming as usual. “Why, hello, dear. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”

  “I’m sorry for an intrusion, Helen.”

  “Oh, no bother at all. Pardon my manners. Please do come in.”

  She followed Helen into the parlor gaily decorated with rose chintz fabric. A portly gentleman rose from his seat, placing a teacup next to his chair.

  “Harry, this is Juliana,” Helen said. “She’s doing a column on our Ladies Social Club for the Gazette.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Juliana said. “But I’m intruding. I’ll come back another time.”

  “Not at all. I’m Harry, Helen’s husband, and the mayor of this wonderful city.” He extended his hand to Juliana’s, shaking it firmly. “Join us, won’t you?”

  He seemed warm and easygoing, with a smile under his bushy mustache. He patted Helen on the arm, and she caressed his hand. It was apparent that they were very much in love.