by Mona Ingram
“No thanks. I’ve just come from visiting Lucy. That woman is enough to wear anyone out.” She slipped her arm through his. “But if you’re going my way, I could use a walk home. I have news.”
He listened to her story about Addie with growing concern. “Are you sure she’s safe from Hiram? I’ve heard he can be ruthless when his ‘girls’ get out of hand.”
“She never actually worked for him, so we don’t anticipate any problems.” She gave his arm a squeeze. “And Anna and Missy went out today to sell pies. I’m anxious to hear how they did.”
Candlelight flickered in the dining room as they walked up to the house. Jamie looked at Sarah and she shrugged. “I don’t know,” she said, in answer to his un-asked question.
They stepped inside to see three people seated at one of the tables. “Angus!” said Jamie, recognizing the reporter from Alta California. “What are you doing here?”
“Finishing some delicious stew.” Angus tore off a chunk of bread and wiped his plate. “You should try it.” He beamed at Anna. “These two ladies have been telling me about their success selling pies today.” He pretended to glare at Missy. “But they sold everything, including all the apple pies, more’s the pity.”
“Can I tell him, Mommy?”
Sarah and Jamie looked at each other as Anna laughed. “Go ahead.”
“We made a real pie this afternoon.”
Angus frowned. “You mean the pies you sold were fake?”
“No, silly.” She turned as Addie brought a pie to the table. “Those are pies that fit in your hand. This is a real pie.”
“Now, Missy. Don’t be cheeky.” Her mother chided her gently. She turned to Angus. “Would you like some tea?”
“Yes, please. And a piece of that pie would go down a treat. Join us, Jamie.”
“I’ll get the tea.” Addie cleared the plates and returned to the kitchen with Sarah right behind her.
“What’s going on?” she asked as Addie moved competently around the kitchen. “What’s Angus doing here?”
Addie loaded cups and the teapot on a tray. “He heard about Anna and Missy selling pies at Portsmouth Square today and came to interview them.” She didn’t try to hide her smile. “It’s better than advertising. This place is going to be busy.” She headed back to the dining room.
“I think you’re right,” said Sarah, checking the pot of stew on the stove. She looked up to see Jamie in the doorway, watching her.
“It’s happening,” he said softly, moving toward her.
“What?” she asked breathlessly. “What’s happening?”
“Your business.” He gestured to the pies on the work table, lined up in preparation for sale tomorrow. “Your success.” A fleeting shadow crossed over his eyes. “Your independence.”
She moved closer and laid a hand on his broad chest. His heart pounded under her fingers and she raised them to his cheek. “You almost make that sound like a bad thing.”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “That wasn’t my intention,” he said, igniting a fire in her heart as he kissed her fingertips. “Although I’d hate to lose you.”
She stepped into him and his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her even closer. “The only way you’d lose me,” she said, “is if you hold on too tight.”
He loosened his grip and she laughed softly. “Not that way,” she said, searching his eyes. “I need to do this, Jamie, and I’d like to know you’re with me.”
“I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.” He lowered his head and paused, his lips not quite meeting hers. She smiled and rose to her toes, closing the distance.
He kissed her as if he’d never touched her before, slow and tentative, deepening as she molded her body to his. A jolt of desire unfurled deep inside as she inhaled his familiar smell and tasted his cigarillo. Her body ached for closer contact, but instead she pulled away and looked into his eyes, aware that something had just changed between them.
“I feel the same way,” she murmured, wondering how long it would be until they could be alone. “But we should probably join the others. Would you like something to eat?”
He nodded, and held the plates while she dished out the stew. She grabbed utensils and the remaining bread and they joined Anna and Angus at the table. Addie and Melissa had moved to the comfortable chairs with the sleeping Walter.
“I forgot to thank you for the furniture,” she said to Jamie. “As you can see, we’re all enjoying it.”
“I know of one more piece. I’ll have it sent tomorrow when I have the candles delivered. They call it a love seat, and it’s large enough for two people.”
Angus grinned. “You bought candles in the plaza today? So did I.”
“So that explains it.” Sarah’s eyes glowed in the flickering light. “Thank you both.”
“That reminds me,” said Anna. “Did you order firewood?”
“No.” Sarah gave her a curious look. “Why?”
“Addie says a fellow came by after we were gone and piled some firewood in the lean-to out back. She offered to pay, but he insisted there was no charge. Said you’d given him some pies when he dropped you off after the hospital.”
Addie looked up. “We can have a small fire in here when it starts to get cool in the evenings.”
Sarah briefly touched her heart. “That was nice of him,” she said, exchanging a quick glance with Jamie. “It sounds like we really are on our way.”
* * *
“It was nice to come home tonight and find people in the dining room.” Sarah and Addie were cleaning up in the kitchen. The men had left together, and Anna and Missy were upstairs, getting ready for bed.
“Yes, it was.” Addie offered a shy smile. “Did you notice how well Angus and Anna were getting along?”
“No, I...” Sarah sighed. “I tend not to notice much when Jamie is around.”
“I can understand why.” Addie lined the cutlery up in the bin. “But seriously. Anna and Angus really seemed taken with each other.”
Sarah looked at the other woman. “Don’t judge her too harshly.”
“Oh, no. I wasn’t suggesting...”
Sarah continued speaking. “There’s no doubt that she loved her husband, but she had been separated from him for something like six months. I think it would be good for her if she and Angus became friends.” She smiled to soften her words. “How did he respond to Missy and the baby?”
“He seemed quite taken with both of them. It’s just that...” she hesitated. “There are so few women here. The men’s emotions... their needs... are right at the surface. They can come on strong sometimes.”
Sarah flushed. “I see what you mean, although my impression of Angus was that he’s a sincere young man. We’ll just have to watch out for her, won’t we?”
“Yes,” said Addie, her relief evident on her face. “We will.”
* * *
Jamie’s predictions came true in the next couple of weeks. The women were having a difficult time keeping up with the demand for the pies, and each day, their eating house gained popularity.
“I hardly ever get to see you anymore.” He brushed a wisp of hair away from Sarah’s forehead and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “But I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you.” Sarah had hired two more women to help at the beginning of the week, but she was still tired. “Caroline and Lizzie have made a big difference in our work load. As a matter of fact, I’m going to take a short break and sell pies with Missy in the plaza tomorrow. I like to hear what the customers have to say.”
Jamie and Angus had slipped into the habit of having supper with them a few times a week after the tent cleared out. She walked outside with him now and shivered in the cool air.
“Don’t catch cold.” He wrapped her in his arms and she laid her head against his chest, relaxing for the first time that day. When she didn’t respond, he pulled back and looked into her eyes. “What is it?” he asked.
“I think it’s time
for a visit to your ranch,” she said, looking up at him. “I need a real break, and we need some time alone.” She gave a short little laugh. “That’s certainly not possible around here.”
“Anytime you’re ready,” he said, kissing her with the promise of more to come. “Just let me know.”
“When is the next steamer?” she asked, eager to set the date before she lost her nerve.
“Friday,” he said, with a smile that curled her toes. “I’ve been keeping track just for this very moment.”
“Then Friday it is.” She raised her lips for one last kiss. “I can hardly wait.”
* * *
“Aunty Sarah.” Missy had started calling her Aunty sometime in the past couple of weeks, and she found she liked it. “We should get a cart like those people.” They were in Portsmouth Square, and Missy pointed to a small hand cart. “Then we could bring more pies.”
“You’re right,” she said, handing four pies to a miner and accepting his gold. “Let’s look into that.”
A grim-faced woman was next in line. “May I help you?” Sarah wondered why the woman would be buying pre-cooked food, then noticed that she was cradling her left arm and hand, which was crudely bandaged.
“Four pies,” she said. “All meat.”
Sarah ignored the rude tone; the woman was obviously in pain. “Certainly,” she said, wrapping the pies in a piece of the newsprint she’d purchased from Alta California. “Please excuse me, but your arm looks sore.” She looked up at the line of customers behind the woman. “I’m going to be another five or ten minutes here, but if you’d like to come home with me, I’ll look at it for you.” She spoke firmly. “It looks like it might be infected.”
“Go home with you?” The woman’s voice rose as she turned away. “Well, I never.”
Sarah looked after her for a moment, puzzled, then continued to serve the next in line.
“Aunty Sarah, why was that woman mad at us?” Missy held her hand as they made their way back home.
“I don’t know, Missy. Maybe her arm was hurting.” She turned a corner and was surprised to see the woman standing on the side of the street, waiting for them. She bit back a sharp retort, then approached and waited for her to speak.
“I can’t afford to pay,” she said, her gaze darting from Sarah to Missy, then back to Sarah. “I got burned and I can’t work, can I?”
Surprised at the woman’s continued belligerence, Sarah struggled to keep an even tone. “No, of course not, but I don’t charge anything to help people.” She motioned ahead. “That’s our house just up ahead. Please come in and let me have a look at that arm.”
Missy ran ahead into the house and the woman turned to Sarah. “I must say, you don’t look like a soiled dove.”
“Oh.” The reason for the woman’s stroppy attitude became clear. “That’s because I’m not.” She opened the door and led the woman into the house. “Why would you think that?”
She looked around. “Because Hiram’s put the word out that you’re running a brothel here, and not to buy your food.”
Sarah settled the woman at one of the tables, then gave a soft snort of derision. “You can see for yourself that’s clearly not the case. Frankly, there’s no time for anything else. We have all we can do to keep up with demand for the food.” She lifted the woman’s arm and started to remove the soiled bandage. “I’ll show you the kitchen later, if you like.”
She examined the burn. “This is about to turn septic; I’m so glad you decided to let me look at it.” She looked into the other woman’s eyes. “I need to clean it up, but it’s going to hurt. Would you like me to give you some laudanum?”
A flicker of fear shadowed the other woman’s eyes and Sarah laid a comforting hand on her good arm. “I understand. No laudanum. I’ll try to be as gentle as possible.”
The woman was made of stern stuff. Sarah worked on the arm for twenty minutes before she was satisfied. She covered the wound with salve and bandaged it tenderly.
“Thank you,” said the woman, closing her eyes for a moment and sitting back. “I’m sorry I listened to the rumors.”
Sarah gathered up her medical kit. “Think nothing of it. Can you stay for a cup of tea?”
The woman nodded. “I’d like that.”
Sarah brought a tea tray and sank down with a tired sigh. “It’s been a long day,” she said. “But I’m going to Sacramento tomorrow for a short trip. Will you come back and see me in four days? I’d like to check the burn and change the dressing.”
Addie appeared with a plate of pastry bites and the woman narrowed her eyes. “That’s the one,” she said, turning to Sarah. “Isn’t it?”
“Sit down, Addie.” Sarah turned to the woman. “I suppose I should know your name.”
“Ellie.”
“Well, I’m Sarah, and this is Addie.” She paused. “Adaline.” She waited to see if Ellie would get up and leave. Instead, she reached for a pastry, and Sarah continued. “The reason Hiram started those rumors is that he tried to force Addie to work for him, and when she refused, he beat her.” She looked fondly at the woman who had become not only a good friend, but indispensible. “It’s taken three weeks just for the bruises to fade.”
Addie covered her mouth with long, elegant fingers. “Have there been rumors?” Her expressive gaze moved fearfully to Sarah. “What are people saying?”
Sarah almost wished that the woman hadn’t come, but she supposed they would have heard the rumors eventually. “Hiram is putting it about that we’re running a brothel.”
Ellie reached for another pastry and washed it down with tea. “I wouldn’t worry,” she said, slanting a sideways look at Addie. “He’s been saying these things for about a week now, and nobody seems to pay him much attention.”
Addie opened her mouth to speak, but Sarah held up a hand. “No,” she said forcefully. “Don’t even think about it.” She leaned forward. “We’re family, remember?”
Addie’s eyes shone with tears of gratitude. “Right,” she said, pulling out a man’s pocket watch which had been left as payment last week. She ran the kitchen with something approaching military precision and she checked it now. “One hour until the men start arriving for supper.” She directed a faint smile toward Ellie. “Nice to meet you, Ellie.” She returned to the kitchen, her head held high.
Ellie turned thoughtful as she watched her retreat. “You’re a good woman, Sarah. I hope you know that.” She rose. “I have to go. My children will wonder where I am.”
“Just a moment.” Sarah ran into the kitchen and came back with four fruit pies. “Here. My gift to you. Enjoy.”
Ellie looked longingly at the pies, and for a moment Sarah thought she was going to refuse. “I’ll take two,” she said finally. “For the children, you understand.”
“How old are they?” asked Sarah, walking her to the door.
“Eight and ten. A girl and a boy.”
“Bring them with you when you come back. They can have a tea party with Missy.”
“All right. Ellie’s face softened and she smiled for the first time. “We’ll do that. In the meantime, have a good trip.”
Chapter Fifteen
“I had no idea it would be this luxurious.” Sarah peered through a window into one of the public rooms. “But we’ll have the whole voyage to explore. For now, I’d enjoy standing here on deck as we get underway.”
Jamie smiled at her enthusiasm. He didn’t really care what they did, as long as she was with him. Even on WindSprite, they’d never been truly alone, and he intended to enjoy all ten hours with the woman he’d fallen in love with.
“I got us a cabin,” he said tentatively. “We don’t have to use it, but it’s there if you want to freshen up or rest along the way.”
“I just might,” she said, reaching for his arm as the steamship got underway. They paused at the rail as the paddlewheel began to pick up speed, water spilling from the paddles in a silver stream. “I had quite a day yesterday.”
&nbs
p; “You can tell me while we walk around the promenade deck.” He pulled her to his side. “What happened?”
She related what Ellie said, and watched the small muscle in his jaw that flexed when he was angry. “I’m surprised you’re not steaming,” he said finally.
“I was,” she admitted, “but that only lasted for a moment. As Ellie pointed out, it hasn’t done us any harm. Sometimes I think there’s no limit to the number of meat pies we could sell, and we’ve been working on offering a wider variety for the evening meal. Beef stew and beans with pork is standard fare. We’re thinking of adding fish chowder since there seems to be a decent supply of fish.” She stopped and looked up at him. “It’s all your fault, you know.”
“Me?” He placed a hand on his chest in mock horror. “Now what?”
“You’re the one who told me about the Cornish pasties.” Her eyes took on a faraway look. “Remember that day? It seems like such a long time ago.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” The steamer shuddered as they rounded a corner. “And now we’re off to see my ranch, and I have no idea what to expect.” He opened a heavy exterior door. “Let’s go inside and have some coffee and a bite to eat. Especially since someone else is doing all the work.”
Sarah relaxed and took in the elegant surroundings. Gas lights flickered in crystal wall sconces, even though the day outside was bright. She ran her fingers lightly over the damask tablecloth and smiled appreciatively as their coffee was served in fine porcelain cups.
“Remind you of home?” Jamie murmured, studying her reaction as he raised his coffee cup to his lips.
“In a way,” she said, her gaze darting around to take in the other passengers. “But it seems decadent, somehow. I suppose when compared to the way we live in San Francisco, it is.”
She tilted her head to one side. “But let’s leave that behind for now. Tell me what you know about your ranch.”
He settled back into his chair and gave it some thought. “I know it’s at least fifty years old, and that my grandparents loved living there. They raised two daughters there...” He paused. “I told you that, I think.”
