Silverton: Claims On The Heart

by Karen Cogan

  Nancy brightened. “Well, that explains why you were on Blair Street. You were looking for the house. You should have said so. I’ll go by the bank with you and then help you find it. How big is it? Do you know?”

  “Papa says it has six rooms.”

  “Oh, it sounds wonderful. I never thought you belonged in this house. Though the house Tom and I have is not much bigger, it isn’t quite so worn.” Nancy linked their arms as they headed for the bank. “This will be so much fun.”

  They walked into the cool lobby.

  Kathleen asked for Mr. Evers.

  A young man with a thin mustache and slender, nervous hands directed them to a desk behind a thin partition of wood.

  “Mr. Evers, these ladies are here to see you.”

  Evers ran his fingers across his slicked black hair and looked up at them. “Ladies to see me? What a pleasure.” He rose from his chair and bestowed a wide grin.

  Kathleen supposed he must only be in his early thirties. He had a pointed chin and a pixie face that looked at odds with the ample girth of the rest of his body. His dark eyes looked over her with a bold interest that immediately offended her.

  “So good to see you, Mrs. Parker. And your friend?”

  “I am Kathleen Morris. My father told me to see you about a key to a house he wants to buy.” She deliberately avoided extending her hand.

  “Oh, yes. Do sit down while I look for it.” He gestured to two chairs beside the scarred chestnut desk. He rummaged, muttering to himself about having just seen the key. “Here it is. Right on this chain. I told your father what a good buy this would be. And I think I could have a buyer for your leased home before the end of the week. New families moving in, you know.”

  Kathleen took the outstretched key careful not to touch his plump fingers. “We appreciate your help. But don’t find a buyer until we decide about the new house. I haven’t even seen it yet.”

  “I feel sure you’ll like it. It’s a house fit for a lady like yourself.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I hope to see Silverton full of families someday. Lots of single men are looking for wives. Of course, not many are like Mrs. Parker’s husband, suited for fine women like yourselves.”

  “It’s good I’m not in the market, then,” Kathleen informed him.

  He raised an unruly brow. “But perhaps you wouldn’t be opposed to sharing a meal with a new friend. I would love to take you to the hotel for supper if you’re free.”

  There was nothing about the man that appealed to her. Still, he was the banker and it wouldn’t be wise to offend him. So she forced a smile. “That is kind of you. However, I’m so busy now with settling in and helping my father at the store I just don’t have time.”

  He nodded, rising as they prepared to leave. “You can think it over and let me know when you’ll be free for supper, or lunch, if you’d rather. Tell me when you bring back the key.”

  Kathleen hoped to get away without touching the man. But he reached across the desk to shake her hand and she found her fingers in his clammy grip.

  “When you come back we can talk about the house and what you think of it,” he said.

  “Yes. Well, I’d better go see it.” She withdrew her hand from his grip and followed Nancy through the lobby.

  They pushed through the door like mice escaping a chase.

  Kathleen sucked in a gulp of air that was tinged with the cool scent of autumn. “All I wanted was the key,” she muttered.

  Nancy glared back at the bank. “I can’t abide the nerve of that man. Imagine him thinking that you saw anything in him. I had half a mind to tell him that you were engaged to Martin Long. I bet that would have shut him up.”

  Kathleen stared at her friend in dismay. “But Nancy, I’m not.”

  “Not officially perhaps. But you know he cares for you.”

  “I know no such thing. Promise me you won’t tell anyone I’m engaged to anyone, including Martin.”

  “All right. But it might come in handy. Mr. Evers isn’t the only single man who’ll bother you to death.”

  “I can take care of men like Evers.”

  Nancy tossed her silky blond curls. “All right. But you’re going to get tired of them.” She led the way down Green Street not turning on the side street to Blair until they were far down the block.

  They followed directions until they reached the house Papa described. They walked up to a porch that was as clean as if someone had just swept it.

  Kathleen glanced at the door. “How pretty. A stained glass insert.”

  “And look at the brass door knocker. It’s polished to a blinding shine. I like this place already.”

  Kathleen unlocked the door.

  They stepped into a tiny entrance hall that led to a parlor on one side and a dining room on the other. There were large glass windows at the ends of each room and polished wooden floors underfoot. Curtains in a pretty floral print of pink and blue hung at the windows.

  “I bet this house cost a pretty penny.”

  Kathleen was thinking the same thing. “Let’s see the rest.”

  They wandered through the kitchen admiring the clean cupboards and isinglass stove. Upstairs they found the bedrooms small and square with wood floors swept clean. A fading scent of mothballs lingered in each of the rooms.

  “Three bedrooms. I am envious of you,” Nancy said.

  “I don’t know what we’ll do with so much room,” Kathleen admitted.

  “Well you could use one of the bedrooms to store all of the gifts you are sure to get.”

  “Gifts?” Kathleen raised a brow.

  “Bridal gifts for when you set up your own house.”

  Kathleen rolled her eyes at her friend. “I forgot. You are determined to marry me off.”

  “You’ll give in sooner or later.”

  They strolled back through the rooms.

  Kathleen paused in the parlor. “We don’t have proper furniture for a house like this. We sold all of our old things before we came. We have only our mattresses, a rickety table, two chairs, and an old settee.”

  “There is a furniture store right here in town. I’m sure your father means to buy suitable things.”

  “But it will cost so much.”

  Nancy shook a finger at Kathleen. “You worry too much. Let your father decide what he can afford. That’s a man’s job, anyway. Our job is to enjoy what we get.”

  Kathleen took a last look around the parlor and then locked up the house.

  Nancy chattered about curtains for the bedrooms and furnishings, and then they parted ways. She went on to her own home.

  Kathleen dropped by the store. When her father was free from his customers, Kathleen handed him the key. “I would rather you returned this to Mr. Evers. He took a fancy to me and asked me to supper. And he’s very persistent.”

  Papa fingered the key. “I thought he seemed like a nice young man. What did you think of the house?”

  “I liked it, though I won’t rest until you tell me how much it costs.”

  “Not that much.”

  “How much?”

  He named a figure.

  Kathleen frowned. “That’s as bad as I feared. Should we spend so much of our savings so soon? We’ve only just got here, and the parlor we have now will do for entertaining any young men who care to call.”

  “It’s an eyesore. I won’t have the people of this town thinking the store is doing so poorly that it’s the only place we can afford. It’s bad for business.”

  Kathleen gave up with a sigh. “If you’re sure.”

  “Of course I’m sure. I’m going by the bank this afternoon to buy that house before someone else does. Then you can go tomorrow and pick out new furniture. We’ll leave that old stuff at the house where we found it.”

  In spite of her misgivings, choosing new furniture sounded like fun. She thought about inviting Nancy to go along and then changed her mind. If only Collin was free. She was sure he would like her taste in furniture
. She pushed those silly thoughts from her mind. She didn’t know him well enough to know what he would like.

  Her father patted her arm. “You run along and make a list of what we’ll need.”

  Several customers were milling about.

  “Are you sure you don’t need me?”

  “We’ll be fine. I’ll be home in time for supper.”

  Kathleen left the store.

  The mountains rose high in the distance. She would picnic with Collin up on the creek soon. The thought of their picnic swept all of her worries aside.

  Since he was planning to stop by her house, she would have to get word to him if they moved before Sunday. She hoped he liked the new house. And she hoped he would not think she had risen too far above him. The fact that he was only a miner didn’t matter a whit to her. She enjoyed his company and looked forward to seeing him. Yet she’d seen the pride that was as much a part of him as the green of his eyes.

  She didn’t want to do anything to injure that pride and keep them apart. Since men could be touchy about these things, she hoped taking the new house would not prove to be a mistake.

  6

  Kathleen took her time at the furniture store enjoying the personal attention of the woman who owned the store with her husband.

  She ran her hand across the smooth mahogany dining sets and the plush, stuffed settees.

  “My man’s out of town choosing more stuff. I can give you a good deal on what we got here. Gotta make room, you know.”

  Encouraged, Kathleen chose what she liked best for each room, including the four-poster bed frames that Papa had insisted upon. Still, when the price was all added up, she grimaced at parting with the cash her father had withdrawn from the bank.

  The mercantile was making money. And even with buying the new house, they still had a little in savings. Nancy was right. She intended to stop worrying and enjoy what she had. “We’ll be ready to move in on Saturday. Would you be able to deliver the furniture that morning?”

  “I’ve got two strong boys and a big wagon. We’ll get it to you all right.”

  Kathleen smiled her thanks and strode out into the September sunshine. Even late in the morning the air was cool. She pulled the woolen shawl around her shoulders and shivered as she glanced at the mountains. There was a big elevation change between here and her former home.

  She had always thought winters in St. Louis were cold and wet. What would they be like here in this bowl-shaped valley below the peaks? She was grateful they would have a better, more snug house.

  When she got to the miner’s cabin, she filled a bucket with water and grabbed soap and a scrub brush. Then she set to work cleaning the little house. She might not be able to do much about its weathered condition, but she could leave it clean for the next owner.

  On Saturday morning, she rose early to get a head start on a busy day. First, she would supervise the delivery of their new furniture. Then she had to get their personal belongings moved from the little house. The new owner was moving in the next day.

  Kathleen put a few personal things in a bag and then went to the kitchen and added some lemons and a pitcher. They’d get thirsty hauling in the new furniture.

  It was hardly out of her way to drop by the boarding house and check if Collin was in. She knew her father would be appalled if he learned she had gone calling on a man and Nancy would warn her not to do it again. But she wanted to tell him about their move and she just wanted to see him.

  Her pulse lurched as she climbed the steps. The bell’s tones rang and she stepped into the quiet entryway. A murmur of voices arose. A few moments later, a woman with a coffeepot in hand poked her head around the corner of a doorway.

  “We’re full, miss, if you’re looking for a room.”

  “I’m looking for a resident, a Mr. Collin McAllister, if he’s in.”

  “He’s here at breakfast. I’ll tell him he has a caller.”

  A second later, Collin sprang into the room. “When she said it was a woman, I knew it must be you. But what brings you here?” He took her hands and led her to the parlor where they sat side by side on the settee.

  Kathleen’s senses were so aflutter that it took her a moment to remember why she had come. “I wanted to tell you that Papa and I are moving to a new house. It’s on Blair Street way at the other end.”

  “When are you moving?”

  “Today. And I wanted to let you know to come there before our picnic tomorrow.”

  “Would you be too busy today to give me a tour of this house?”

  “No. I’m just on my way there now.”

  “If you’ll wait, I’ll tell Mrs. McGee that I’ve finished my breakfast.”

  “But I’ve interrupted you. Please finish eating.”

  “I’ve had all I want.” He disappeared into the dining room to return a few moments later. “Mrs. McGee told me she didn’t blame me for hurrying off with such a pretty colleen waiting for me.”

  “I think you’re flattering me now.”

  Collin feigned insult. “I never flatter, though I won’t deny the truth in what she called you.” He took her bag.

  “Papa had me pick out some furniture. It’s supposed to come this morning.” A breeze ruffled the hair that curled around her face.

  They chatted companionably to the end of Blair Street.

  When they reached the house, Kathleen gave Collin an uncertain smile. What would he think of her improved surroundings? Would he feel uncomfortable?

  He gave no sign of it. He smiled agreeably. “I like it. It looks well-built. I hated to think of you in that drafty house this winter.”

  “Come inside.” She took his hand and tugged him to the front door.

  They entered together and paused in the parlor to look around.

  “What do you think of it?”

  “I think it’s perfect.” He stared at her rather than the surroundings.

  “Come on,” she said, flustered by his scrutiny. “I want to show you the rest of the house.” She was flinging open the cabinets in the kitchen when they heard the clatter of a wagon in the front yard. “That will be the furniture.”

  The two strong sons who worked at the furniture store were outside. The boys were climbing down from the wagon and arguing about who should climb up and hand down the end of the settee.

  Collin rolled up his sleeves. “Let me give you some help.”

  The boys stopped arguing and set to work.

  Kathleen was amazed at the subtle way Collin took charge. He had the boys laughing even as they lifted and strained. They took pains to get the furniture exactly where she wanted it as they joked and kidded. And all the while Collin was right beside them, lifting and straining, too.

  Finally, only the last small side tables were left on the wagon.

  Kathleen was directing them through the door when Martin came striding towards her. The smile that had graced her lips died away. She was having a perfectly wonderful time with Collin and didn’t want it spoiled by Martin’s uninvited intrusion.

  Martin tipped his hat as he walked onto her porch. “I stopped by the store and your father told me you were here.” He glanced at Collin who was carrying a table into the parlor. “You should have told me you needed help.”

  Kathleen forced a smile. “We’re doing fine. In fact, we’re almost finished.”

  “If your hired help is finished maybe you’ll give me a tour of the house.” He included Collin in a wave of his hand.

  “I brought over some lemons from the store and was just going to offer everyone some lemonade. I’ll give you a tour after everybody cools off,” she said.

  Martin pushed inside. “I’ll give you a hand.” He glanced at the men. “You can finish here, can’t you, boys?”

  Collin studied them a moment before he looked away. Was there reproach in his green eyes?

  Kathleen felt as though a cloud had suddenly obscured her sun. She had looked forward to lingering with Collin over a glass of cool lemonade.

&n
bsp; Martin followed her into the kitchen and gave the room a critical gaze. “Not bad. A lady like you should have a nice house.”

  She sliced a lemon. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “You must be relieved to be out of that shack.”

  “It didn’t bother me much either way.”

  “You’re not only beautiful, you’re tough. I like that. I admire tough people. It’s the only way any of us get ahead in this life.”

  Kathleen frowned as she squeezed the juice. “I don’t have any ambition to get ahead.”

  “Of course not. You shouldn’t have to. It’s up to a husband to take care of his family.” He said it as though he was offering her his care and protection.

  She was not sure she wanted what he was offering. If only he would stop pushing for her affection she would enjoy his company a lot more. “I’ve finished the lemonade. Let’s take it into the parlor where we can all sit down.”

  “It’s kind to offer the workmen a drink, but I hope they don’t spill any on your new furniture. People who are not used to nice things don’t know how to take care of them.”

  “On the contrary, they have been very careful with the furniture.”

  “I am glad to hear it. Especially about that Irishman, McAllister. The Irish can be sturdy workers. But I’ve found it takes a strong hand to keep them working. They’re inclined to drink and be lazy.”

  Kathleen’s grip tightened on the pitcher. “I don’t know where you got that idea, but I’ve never found it to be true.”

  Martin laughed, a condescending sound that irritated Kathleen. “You’ve never had them working for you, I’ll bet.”

  “If Mr. McAllister annoys you so much, you do not have to stay.”

  “I’ve got nothing against him. But what does he have to offer?”

  “At the moment, friendship.”

  “And that is what I want to offer you, too. Please forgive me if I’ve made you angry. For your sake I’ll make an effort to be especially agreeable.”