They ate in silence for a few minutes.
“This is delicious,” Libby said.
“Mm. Do you need anything?” He probably should have thought to ask sooner. He was too used to his sister waiting on him all the time.
“No, I’m fine.” A moment later, Libby said, “Trudy stopped at the store today, after she’d been to see Annie Harper about her wedding dress.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I’ve never seen her so happy. These days she might as well be walking on air. If her feet touch the ground, she’s insensible of it.”
Hiram smiled and wiped his lips on his napkin. The china and linens looked new and very elegant. Bitsy and Augie must have laid out a lot of cash to refit the restaurant. “I’m glad she and Ethan are getting married.”
“So am I, but I’ll miss having her right across the street. You’ll miss her, too.”
“I expect so.” Hiram laid his napkin in his lap and leaned forward a little. “Elizabeth?”
Her shapely eyebrows flew up. “Yes?”
“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you. Maybe this isn’t the time….” He glanced around. Everyone seemed to be eating and enjoying themselves, but even so, two or three people caught his gaze.
“Is it a private matter?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm.” She looked around. “I would be surprised if folks could hear you over the music.”
He gulped in a big breath. “Isabel invited me to be foreman at her daddy’s ranch. That is, she suggested swapping houses first, but when I said that wouldn’t be fair, she came up with this other plan.”
Libby cocked her head toward her right shoulder and studied him. “She’s told me she wants to move into town, but I didn’t know about this. Is it something you’d like to do?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t worked for someone else for a long time. I did want to ranch when I came here, but …” So many things to consider. Did he know enough about it to do a good job? Could he boss the men and not look like an idiot? Could he live contentedly on his wages? And could he stand being farther from Libby now that they’d stepped into a different relationship? “There’s a lot to think about.”
“Indeed.” Libby took a bite of roast beef.
Hiram just watched her and waited. Libby did everything delicately, even chewing. He wished he could look at her all the time. Her golden hair shimmered in the lamplight.
After a minute, she took a sip from her water glass. “You’d be closer to Trudy and Ethan out there.”
“And farther from Rose.” He could feel his ears going red. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“If it’s important to you …”
“I don’t mind her, I guess, but I’d rather not be under the same roof with her.”
Libby nodded thoughtfully. “You’d be good at ranching.”
“Would I? I don’t know. If I’d worked with cattle the last ten years or so, maybe. But I don’t want to do it and lose a lot of money for Isabel. And I might go crazy out there by myself.”
She didn’t answer for a long time. Instead, she cut off another piece of beef and slowly put it into her mouth and chewed it. Hiram took a bite, too, but his appetite had dulled. I’d be farther from you, he wanted to say. The bite of potato didn’t want to go down, and he reached for his glass.
“If you were lonely, you could do things with the ranch hands,” Libby said. “Invite them into the house for coffee and checkers, maybe.”
Hiram thought about that. “I don’t know.”
“You could ask Isabel for some time to think about it.”
“Maybe I should.”
“Good evening, folks.” Dr. Kincaid stood by their table with his hat in his hands.
“Well, hello, Doc.” Hiram stood.
Libby favored the doctor with one of her glowing smiles.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I thought I’d inquire about Miss Fennel. Is she still staying with you, ma’am?”
“Yes, she is. She’s making plans for a place to live here in town, but I’ve told her she’s welcome to stay with me as long as it’s convenient and agreeable to her.”
“That’s kind of you. Is she feeling well?”
Libby’s whole face softened. “She’s grieving, of course, but physically, I’d say she’s doing well. And her father’s estate is a good distraction for her.”
Kincaid nodded. “She’s an interesting woman. Very well read for a woman in this territory.”
“Indeed,” Libby said.
Hiram felt a sudden pang of guilt. “I reckon we should have invited her to come and eat with us tonight.”
“I’m sure she wasn’t offended,” Libby said. “However …” She looked expectantly from him to the doctor and back. “I do wonder if she’d enjoy having a piece of Augie’s chocolate cake with us.”
Dr. Kincaid smiled. “Now, that sounds like a good idea. I’d decided to skip dessert tonight, but if Miss Fennel could be persuaded to join us, I might change my mind.”
Hiram had been puzzling in his mind ever since he’d noticed Doc eating at the restaurant, and his curiosity got the better of him. “Say, why are you eating here, anyway? I heard Mrs. Thistle is a good cook.”
“Oh, she is. But I, uh …” Kincaid glanced around and leaned closer. “I did a little professional consultation here yesterday, and Mrs. Moore asked if they could pay me in meals. I didn’t want to embarrass her, so I said yes.”
Hiram nodded. Doc wouldn’t be one to point out that he already paid for three meals a day at the boardinghouse. But if Bitsy and Augie were short on cash, that might mean they were hurting even more than Bitsy had let on this afternoon.
“Well, say,” Libby said with a broad smile, “I think it would be delightful to ask Isabel to come and join us. What do you gentlemen think?”
Hiram nodded and looked toward Doc.
“If you agree, I could step over to your lodgings and invite her,” Kincaid said.
“Sounds good.” Hiram resumed his seat as Doc headed for the door. He looked across at Libby and chuckled. “Well, what do you know about that?”
“It was unexpected,” Libby said. “At least on my part.”
“Mine, too.”
Vashti approached, her satin skirt swishing. “Can I give you folks some coffee?”
“Yes, thank you,” Libby said. “And we expect two more people to join us momentarily for dessert.”
“Why, ma’am, that’s lovely. I’ll bring over a couple more chairs.” The girl brushed her dark hair back and poured both their cups full.
“The place is busy tonight,” Libby said.
“Yes ma’am. This is the way we like it.”
Vashti went off with the coffeepot.
“You don’t mind that I suggested we invite Isabel and Jim Kincaid, do you?” Libby asked.
“Not a bit.”
“I hope Isabel isn’t too overcome when he shows up at the door. I don’t know if she’s ever had a gentleman caller before.” Libby’s face went pink. “Oh dear. I just thought—what if she decided to retire early? And she might be frightened if someone knocks on the kitchen door.”
Hiram tried to imagine the schoolteacher’s reaction to the unexpected arrival of a man on the doorstep. “If you think we ought to, we could step over there and …” He let it trail off. Libby was already shaking her head.
“No, Isabel is not overly timid. I know she’s been through a lot recently, but I think Dr. Kincaid is intelligent and polite enough to overcome any awkwardness.”
Hiram let out a sigh. “That’s fine, then. Because if we’re going to have company soon, there’s something else I’d like to say.”
“Oh?” She fixed her vivid blue eyes on him with an air of expectancy.
“Yes. That is … Elizabeth …”
Her lips curved in a gentle smile. “Yes Hiram?”
His heart pounded like the hooves of a running pony. “I wondered if you ever thought about … about a different life.”
“What sort of life?”
“Away from the Paragon.”
She was silent for a long moment. Goldie ended her song at that instant, and the entire room seemed breathless. “Yes,” Libby said. “I often think of it.”
Hiram felt a warm wave of satisfaction wash through him. The music began again, a slower tune. A rogue thought crossed his mind of dancing with Libby to that music. Of course, they didn’t have dancing in here, and he wasn’t sure his strict New England upbringing would allow him to come here if they did.
She still watched him. “As a matter of fact,” she said, “the last time I was in Boise, I received an inquiry about my business.”
He had to breathe carefully to keep his chest from hurting. “I’ve been thinking of life at the ranch,” he said, barely above the music.
She nodded.
“But not alone. Isabel’s right about that. It’s not a life for the solitary.”
Her lips parted, and his pulse soared.
At that moment, the door to the Spur & Saddle opened, and Isabel walked in wearing her gray schoolroom dress, her spine as stiff as a ramrod, followed by dapper Dr. Kincaid. She darted nervous glances about the room while he closed the door. When she located Hiram and Libby, her back seemed to unkink and let her stand like a normal woman.
“I believe our guests are here.” Hiram stood beside the table and gave Isabel a slight nod.
Isabel noticed and nodded back. She looked behind her for Dr. Kincaid. He caught up to her and touched her elbow lightly, looking toward Hiram.
Just before they reached the table, Libby said softly, “Indeed, that is a topic we should discuss further.”
Hiram glanced at her, not wanting to plunge into conversation with Doc and Isabel. But there would be another time. Libby’s approving eyes told him that.
“Yes,” he said, “and soon.”
He found it easy to work up a smile for the new arrivals.
On a fine day at the end of August, Hiram stood outside the haberdashery building with Trudy and Libby. Too bad the new church wasn’t ready for the occasion, but his crew had only begun to hoist the rafters for the building on Gold Lane.
From inside the makeshift sanctuary came the strains of the hymn “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us.” Goldie had a way with the piano. Oscar Runnels and a crew of volunteers had hauled the instrument over from the Spur & Saddle for the wedding. The effort expended probably wasn’t worth it, especially considering the men would just have to move it back again after the celebration. But Bitsy’s gesture in lending the piano and pianist showed her love for Trudy, and that’s what this day was all about.
Libby, too, hovered over the bride, brushing a bit of dust off Trudy’s powder blue dress. “All set?” she asked.
“Yes.” Trudy’s smile was more eager than anxious, and Hiram’s own butterflies settled down a little.
Libby held on to her own bonnet and ducked under the edge of Trudy’s astonishingly wide-brimmed hat to kiss her cheek. Wearing the same pretty pink gown she’d worn to her first dinner with Hiram, Libby made a perfect companion for Trudy. The two of them ought to sit for portraits.
“I’ll see you inside,” Libby said softly.
Trudy squeezed her hand and nodded.
Hiram realized the music had changed to a slow, solemn tune he didn’t recognize. Libby smiled at him and headed for the door. It closed behind her, and he exhaled. Wait thirty seconds—those were their orders.
Trudy adjusted her bouquet of wildflowers.
“Trudy?”
“Hmm?”
He sucked in a deep breath. What would Pa say now if he were here, not back in Maine at the boatyard? “I … love you.”
Her blue gray eyes glittered, mostly blue from the reflection of the dress’s fabric, but a watery blue. “Don’t make me all weepy now. I love you, too.”
He nodded and crooked his arm. She grasped it firmly, and he patted her hand. “Guess it’s time.”
They walked down the aisle slowly. Goldie laid on the trills and arpeggios. Ethan stood at the front of the room waiting for them with Pastor Benton. On both sides of the aisle, the people of Fergus stood and stared at them, grinning. Some of the ladies already had their handkerchiefs out. Libby had reached her position opposite Ethan and watched them with her chin high and her cheeks flushed. The thought that she was the most beautiful woman in the room caused Hiram a pang of guilt—but Trudy wasn’t far behind. His little sister had never looked better.
They stopped before the pulpit. Hiram stood between Ethan and Trudy as Pastor Benton puffed out his chest and began the “Dearly Beloveds.” Not looking over at Libby took all Hiram’s concentration.
When it came to the question, “Who giveth this woman in matrimony?” Hiram caught his breath. That was his cue. He gazed down at his little sister. Her eyes gleamed. He nodded and spoke up.
“Her parents and I do.”
Over Trudy’s head, Libby smiled at him. Hiram stepped back, placing Trudy’s hand in Ethan’s, and stood on the other side of his friend to act as Ethan’s best man.
As the pastor recited the vows, Trudy and Ethan responded as they should. Hiram couldn’t help imagining another wedding—one that would take place in the new church. And after that, a new life with Libby at the ranch …
Suddenly Ethan was kissing Trudy, and everyone clapped.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the pastor intoned, “I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Chapman.”
Hiram grinned as the couple walked down the aisle. Time for the reception over at Bitsy and Augie’s, with the Ladies’ Shooting Club serving cake and punch. He moved over and crooked his elbow for Libby. She smiled up at him as she took his arm.
“Well Mr. Dooley,” she murmured.
Hiram winked at her with his right eye—the one no one but the pastor could see, if he were looking—and straightened his shoulders. He and Libby strode smartly down the aisle and out the door together. Ethan was kissing Trudy again, right there in the street.
Hiram looked down at Libby. Well, why not, he thought. He bent toward her and kissed her, and a jolt of fire shot through him. But by the time the haberdashery door opened, they stood discreetly next to the bride and groom, ready to accept good wishes with them.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Given the constraints of their culture, were the women of Fergus right to insist on shooting against the men at the box social? In what other ways do the women show their independence in this story?
Was it unwise to allow the single young women to put their lunches in an auction attended by all sorts of men, some of whom were known ruffians? Should the organizers have taken steps to make the picnic safer and more pleasant for the women? Would the women have let them?
Hiram Dooley is a quiet man who believes it’s better to be silent than to put your foot in your mouth. Are there times when Hiram should have spoken up, but didn’t?
Gossip plays an important and harmful role in this story. How are Trudy and Isabel hurt by gossip? How can the Ladies’ Shooting Club enjoy their fellowship without letting their tongues harm others?
Ethan bides his time in courting Trudy—to the point of exasperating Hiram, who is also a slow mover. How does his delay hurt Trudy? Is there a right time to act? What can you do if you feel you’ve missed the ideal moment to strike in a sensitive situation?
Rose feels that Hiram and Trudy have grieved too long. They are uncomfortable when she decides to appropriate Violet’s clothing. How have you handled disposing of a dead loved one’s belongings? Would you keep quiet, as the Dooleys did, and let Violet’s sister have her things?
How does Libby’s secret grief over her childlessness color her memories of Mary Fennel? Should she have told Isabel what her mother said to her in the past?
The five friends, Hiram, Libby, Trudy, Ethan, and Griffin, agree never to reveal Isabel’s past to her. Are they right in doing this? If not, at what point should they tell her?
Though Hiram and Li
bby have been acquainted about twelve years, there is much they still don’t know about each other. What issues should they discuss before they enter marriage?
Ethan berates himself for handling the siege at the Martin Ranch badly. What could he have done differently? If you were sheriff, how would you have approached the situation?
THE BLACKSMITH’S BRAVERY
DEDICATION
For all the women who dream big—
and for those who wish they dared.
CHAPTER 1
Fergus, Idaho
October 1887
Griffin Bane picked up the big bay’s foot. He stretched the gelding’s hind leg back and rested the hoof on his leather-aproned knee. Reaching with his long arm, he pulled a rasp from his toolbox. The horse had chipped its hoof so badly that the nails had come loose. As he filed away at the remaining clinches on the nails, a shadow blocked his light.
“Morning, Griff.”
“Ethan.” Griffin didn’t have to look up to recognize the sheriff’s voice.
“Scout lost a shoe. I wondered if you could tend to him.”
“Did you find the shoe?”
“Yeah, got it right here.”
Griffin glanced up at the worn shoe Ethan held. Bent nails dangled from the half-dozen holes on each side. “Front foot,” Griffin noted.
“Yep. There’s some bad footing out Silver City way. I rode up there yesterday.”
Griffin grunted, placed the rasp in his toolbox, and pulled out the shoe pullers. “Reckon I can do it after this one.” As he fitted the pincher ends under the edge of the horseshoe he was removing, he added, “Got to do the coach horses first.”
“That’s all right. I plan to stay in town this morning.”
“Is his foot all right?”
“I think so. He’s not limping.”
Hurried footsteps echoed on the boardwalk that ran up the street from the feed store. They pattered softly on the ground after they reached the spot where the walkway ended. Griffin looked up. The dark-haired girl from the Spur & Saddle—Vashti—scurried toward them.
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