“So, what are you doing, standing outside looking at me?” Hank crossed his arms over his chest. He wasn’t angry at the lad. No, he was pleased the boy seemed interested in him.
“I like watching you cut hair and shave the men. You do it real good.”
That pleased Hank even more. Eddie was impressed with his skills. Hank thought about McIlroy taking on Chloe Ashburn’s son Dunc and teaching him blacksmithing. McIlroy was certainly enjoying it. But then, Dunc was thirteen, nearly fourteen now. That was old enough to begin learning a trade. Eddie was only nine, not near an age to begin training. Still, spending time with the lad would help Hank learn more about Laura. It couldn’t hurt him to get to know the boy.
“Would you like to watch me more often? Maybe even earn a few coins?” Nothing wrong with sweetening the offer a bit. Besides, there were small chores Eddie was probably capable of doing.
Eyes, very much like his mother’s, lit with excitement. “Yeah, how?” Eddie bounced once on his toes.
“Well, let me see. How about sweeping up the hair on the floor after I’m done with a customer? And restocking the towels in here and maybe in the bathing rooms. Those are both very important jobs. Sometimes I get mighty busy and don’t have time to do them properly. When you’re here, you could do those. I’d pay you a penny a day.” Hank remembered the stipulation McIlroy put on Dunc. “But, only if you keep your grades and chores up. If I hear you’re letting either slip, your time here will be over.”
Eddie nodded, then sobered. “Do I gotta come every day?”
“No, if you have something you want to do, like go and play with Seth Cutler or do something else, that’s just fine. The days you want to be here and do the work, I’ll pay you. If you don’t come, you won’t get paid. If you want to come and just watch but not do the chores, you won’t get paid. That’s okay, too.”
Eddie thought about it. “Sounds fair to me. How about we shake on it?”
Hank’s lips twitched as he fought the chuckle wanting to escape. Eddie’s countenance was so very serious. He held out his hand. “Okay, we’ll shake to make the deal.” When Eddie reached to take his hand, Hank pulled his back. “On the condition that your mother agrees.”
Eddie pulled his lips sideways. “Oh, all right. I suppose she has to for this to work. Shake.”
Hank and Eddie shook hands. “Come on.” Hank grabbed Eddie up and tucked him under his arm by the waist. “Your ma will most likely be out back. Let’s go find her and seal the deal.”
Hank had Eddie turn the knob to open the door leading to the alley and backyard of Sanctuary House. Laura was there taking laundry off the lines. Hank hadn’t put on a coat, and the cold air chilled him quickly. He pulled his eyebrows together with concern.
“Mrs. Duffle,” Hank began. When she turned, he continued. “This here young ‘un’s been spying on me. I have caught him red-handed.”
“Oh, Mr. Johnson. I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again.” She quickly came forward reaching for Eddie. Laura’s distress nearly had Hank quit his teasing.
“No, you can’t have him.” Hank stepped back, turning slightly, so Eddie was more behind him. “I’ve decided to keep him. At least for a while. We also brokered a deal betwixt us.” Hank was pleased to see she caught on to his game.
“Oh, just what kind of deal? How long do you propose to keep Eddie?”
“I think until supper time tonight. Then whenever he wants to come and watch me barber. He’s taken the job I’ve offered him. All it needs is your approval.”
“A job, you say. Just what sort of job is this?” Laura was leaning back eyeing him with teasing suspicion, her arms crossed in front of her, some piece of laundry hanging from her fingers.
“He’s to sweep the hair on the floor and restock towels in the shop and bathing rooms. I’ll pay him a penny every day he comes and works.”
“My Eddie, you’ll be rich before you know it.” Laura ruffled Eddie’s hair as he hung against Hank’s side.
“Yeah, and I don’t have to go every day. Just when I want to. I only get paid when I go, but that’s fair.”
“Only if you do the work while you’re there,” Hank reminded him.
Eddie had lost interest in the conversation. He’d garnered his mother’s approval, and now more important matters came to the forefront of his mind. “I’m hungry. Can I go get a snack?”
Laura smiled. “Only if Mr. Johnson is willing to release you. He said he had you until supper time.”
Eddie’s head snapped around so he could look up at Hank. “Can I go get a snack, please? I haven’t eaten in a really long time. I’ll come right back when I’m done. I promise.”
“Sure, Eddie. I wouldn’t want you fainting from hunger while you work.” Hank set the boy on his feet.
As he ran toward the house, Laura called, “Do whatever your afternoon chore is for today if you can. That way you’ll have it done and won’t have to worry about being home in time to get it completed before supper.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Eddie called as he ran up the back porch steps.
~~~~~
Hank watched the boy disappear into the house. That had gone well. Laura seemed to appreciate his taking an interest in Eddie. He turned his attention back to her.
Watching her fold whatever article was in her hands made him aware again of the cold chill of the wind slipping between the buildings. Laura was wearing a coat and bonnet. He wondered how she worked in the wash water in the cold.
Focusing on her hands, Hank noted that they were red and looked chapped. He thought of the months to come. Winter wasn’t even here yet. It was over five months until warm weather returned.
“Laura, how are you going to do laundry during the winter? Are you going to be working outside?” Hank was afraid he knew the answer.
“Most of the time. There isn’t room in the House for me to set up inside along with the work that needs to be done there. I can’t use the stove to heat the water when the cooking needs to be done.”
“You can’t be working out in the cold. It’s not healthy.” Hank took hold of one of her hands. “Look at how chafed your hand is, and it being only November.”
“It’ll be fine, Hank. I’m used to it, or getting there.”
“No, it’s not. Look, I have a room in the back of my shop that I don’t use. Well, I do, but just for storage. There’s a stove in it. I had planned on making it into a third bathing room but haven’t been busy enough to need it as such. I’ll rent it so you can work inside. I’ll make the modifications needed for lines and put in a bench for your tubs. I’ll even help carry water if I’m not busy.”
“Oh, Hank, you don’t need to do that. I can work out here.”
“No, Laura. I insist. You’ll catch your death of pneumonia; then where will your boys be?”
Hank watched as tears filled Laura’s eyes.
“Okay, thank you. I wasn’t looking forward to the cold and working in the water out in the weather. How much do you want for rent?”
“I’m willing for you to do my laundry for free. That’ll be enough for me.”
“Oh, no. That’s not nearly enough.” Laura started to protest more, but he placed his fingers on her lips.
“No arguments. You can keep doing my laundry for free in the summer when you are back out here in the alley.” He watched her eyes begin to twinkle.
“So, you’re going to kick me out come warm weather, huh?”
“Well, it’ll get mighty hot in there in the summer. But you can work inside then if you want.”
“Maybe only on rainy days. I have trouble working when it rains.”
“It’s settled then. I’ll go and see what needs done to make the room fit for your work. I think I have a bench up in my apartment that might work, at least until we can come up with something permanent.”
Hank turned to head back into his building. A small reddened hand placed on his arm stopped him.
“Thank you, Hank. I truly appreciate it.”
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br /> Looking down into her face, Hank felt his heart swell at her gratitude. Maybe he’d more seriously consider speaking with Pastor Preston and the rest of the men entrusted with the futures of the Sanctuary House women.
~~~~~
As Laura and Ruth were doing the supper dishes, they talked about Hank’s offer.
“He was quite insistent I use his backroom. Said he didn’t want me to take sick. Asked me what the boys would do if something happened to me. I’d not thought about that. It’s what made me accept his offer.
“Ruth, if something ever happened to me, you’d take my boys and raise them, wouldn’t you? Please?”
Ruth put her arms around Laura. “Only if you promise to do the same for my Kathryn.”
“Of course.” Laura hugged her friend, best friend really. “You suppose we ought to get some sort of legal document about it? Not that there’s a lawyer anywhere closer than Denver.” Laura giggled a bit.
“Heard tell that Sheriff Riverby’s contacting one and having him draw up adoption papers for Troy. Oh, did I tell you I’m going to have him to watch again? Myra is going to go back to working for Leah Steele in the dress shop. Myra wants to continue at least part-time now that she’s settled after the wedding and all. You know, Leah’s nearly ready to birth the baby and wants Myra to help even more once the baby’s born.”
“That’s wonderful for you. Did I see you talking with Massot the other day after church?”
“Yes, seems he heard I might be looking to take on some cleaning jobs. He’s asked me to come on Saturday and look at his place. He lives in a couple of rooms above his carpenter shop.” Ruth laughed as she placed several plates she had dried on a shelf. “He said the place was a disaster, and he hadn’t a clue as to how to fix it. Thought it might need a woman’s touch.”
“And you’re that woman?” Laura lifted her eyebrows and smiled.
“At least to clean the place up. Massot wants me to work on Saturdays, so I won’t have to work there at night. Ben said I could dust shelves on Saturdays, too. Sara’s not going to be as available to help once they move into their house.”
“Will that be enough to earn you what you need?” Laura handed her another washed plate to dry.
“Well, maybe. If I could get a couple more small jobs, it would be better, but I don’t really see how to fit them in. We’ll see.” Ruth’s uncertainty about her work situation showed on her face.
Laura wiped her hands on a towel and drew her friend close for a hug. “The Lord will work it all out for you. Keep praying for the solution. I will, too. I know He’ll supply all your needs. It says so in His Word.”
“You’re right. I just have to stand on that promise.”
“Let’s get this done. I know the other ladies are wanting to get started on preparing for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.” Laura released Ruth, and they went back to doing the dishes as fast as they could.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Red Dickerson walked into Noah Preston’s gun shop. As much as Red liked and respected the preacher, he had a hard time reconciling the man’s two professions. He’d never heard of a minister who was also a gunsmith. Red had heard the tale of Noah’s childhood trauma. He’d watched his mother and sister be assaulted, and his sister kidnapped as Noah’s father stood by doing nothing to stop the attacks. Red supposed that would affect how a man saw the world and his place in it.
“Morning, Red. How goes things on Hawk’s Wing?” Noah wiped his hands on a rag and reached one across the counter to be shaken.
“They go well. Hawk finally arrived and seems to know most of what he’s doing. Handles a horse mighty fine, he does. Not afraid to ask questions, either. He could probably stand to come and avail himself of Hank’s services. His hair reaches halfway down his back. Keeps it tied back with a thong.”
“So you’re satisfied to work for him?”
“Yeah, not looking to move on anytime soon. Actually Preacher, I’m looking to see if you and the other men will approve me to do some courting. Now that I’m foreman, I’ve got a house and enough of a wage to support a wife and family.”
“I see. How about we head over to Ben’s? You go see if Doc Eli’s available, and I’ll check at the jail for Sheriff Riverby.” Noah took his black duster from a hook on the wall and slipped his arms into it. Next, the black Stetson went onto his head. “Let’s go. Meet you at Ben’s in a few minutes.”
The four men met on the boardwalk in front of Cutler’s General Store, greeting each other before they entered. Soon, Red was drinking coffee with the others and Ben around a table in the back room.
“So, you’re looking to join the rest of us in wedded bliss, huh, Red?” Sheriff Riverby asked.
“Hopin’ I might.”
“Be careful who you pick. I’ve got me a real spitfire. Myra might not be the best at housekeeping, but even her standards are higher than mine. She’s shaped me up pretty fast.”
The other men all laughed at the tall sheriff. He and Myra had shot sparks at each other before they began courting. Now, Newt was in contact with a lawyer in Denver about adopting her five-year-old son, Troy.
“A wife will certainly change your life.” This time it was Doc Eli Steele speaking. “First, the woman brings adjustments, then come the babies.” Eli was grinning from ear to ear. His wife, Leah, was expecting their first child sometime around Christmas.
“Both are blessings from God,” Noah said.
“Most of the time,” quipped Ben, who had been married the longest and was a father to three children. All the men laughed. That Ben loved his wife and family and was devoted to them was evident to all in Stones Creek.
“So, Red, you’re thinking of courting one of the House ladies?” Noah turned the topic from general to specific.
“Thought I might see if you’d approve me doing so.”
“I’ve no objections. Do any of you men?” Noah looked at each man of the committee.
They all expressed their approval. Red was pleased none had reservations.
“Which lady are you considering?” Ben asked.
“I’m thinking to court Laura Duffle. I’ve been making a point to speak with her most Sundays. She seems pleasant, and I know she’s hardworking. I have her do my laundry. Actually dropped it off before I came to speak with you, Pastor.”
“You willing to take on her sons as your responsibility?” Eli asked.
“Yes, I understand they come with her. Mark’s a cute scamp. He asks me questions about my horse every time I see him. Don’t know Eddie quite as well, yet.”
“We men.” Newt indicated the others of the group. “We’ve decided that any man who wants to marry one of the ladies with children needs to be willing to adopt the children. You thinking along those lines?”
Red thought about that. It hadn’t occurred to him that adopting the boys would be required of him. “I understand your concern for the children. Laura’s situation isn’t the same as some of the other ladies. She’s a widow. She may not want to have the boys adopted and change their last names. I’d be willing if she wants to. That would be her choice, not mine.”
Noah clapped Red on the shoulder. “Mighty fine answer there, Red. Should be her choice. They are her children. You’ll need to take on the role of the father with all that goes along with it.”
“I know, Pastor. I’m planning on it.”
“Good to hear.” Noah looked at the other men. “We good here, or do you have any other questions or thoughts?”
“Nope, I think we’re good,” Ben spoke for the rest of the group.
“Can I ask a question?” Red said.
“Think you just did.” Newt quipped.
“What would you have said to me if you hadn’t approved?”
There was a chuckle from each man. Noah answered, “You’d have never gotten this far. We’ve talked, at length, about the men we think would make acceptable husbands to the ladies. Any men we don’t want courting them are refused, as gently as possible, by whichever
of us they approach to inquire. Seems it’s always me, though.”
Everyone laughed at the disgruntled look on the preacher’s face.
“And a better man there isn’t for that task.” Ben slapped Noah on the shoulder.
~~~~~
Hank heard the front door open, causing the attached bell to jingle. He was cleaning out a bathing room after the man had left.
“Hey, Hank, you here?”
The voice was that of Hank’s friend, Red. He was always glad to see him. “Coming,” he called. Hank placed the towels in the basket outside the door to the room where Laura now did her laundry. She’d been working there for a couple of weeks, and Hank was enjoying having her in there. He could chat with her between customers, and most of the men were coming through his shop to drop off and pick up their laundry. Red had done so just that morning. Hank wondered what had brought his friend back so soon. His laundry wasn’t due to be picked up until Saturday.
“What brings you here again?” Hank asked as he entered the barbershop room.
“Need a shave and a haircut.” Red hung his coat and hat on the hook on the wall by the door and sat in the barber chair. “I just got permission to do me some courtin’.”
Hank’s stomach did a funny tightening. Something told him he wouldn’t like to hear who Red wanted to court. “Oh? Who are you planning on courting?”
“Thought I’d be asking Mrs. Duffle if she’d be willing to take some walkabouts with me. She’s a pretty little filly, and the boy, Mark, seems partial to me. Haven’t really had much doings with Eddie yet. Seems he’s always with some friends while I’m chatting with his ma and brother.”
Yep, that’s what Hank was afraid of. He’d waited too long to decide to ask the men if he could court one of the women. His indecision had him losing the woman he was interested in.
That hesitation in making decisions had cost Hank several times in his life. But he’d been burned by making choices too quickly too. Seems he never could find the right balance.
As Red went on chatting while his hair was being cut, Hank took note that he wasn’t really talking about what attracted him to Laura. It was more that Red was looking forward to having a woman in his life. Hank didn’t get the impression that Red was specifically describing Laura. That bothered him. Laura was pretty special. At least Hank thought so.
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