Big Meadows Valentine (Eastern Sierra Brides 1884)

by Zina Abbott

  Flora could not suppress a smile at the exchange. She said, “You can check with Judge McLean, to see what you need to take care of and if there is any estate you can lay claim to. Hal said he found what looked like some shares to a mining claim in an inner pocket sewn in Jim’s waistcoat. You be sure and ask about that. We sent the constable over to where your husband was staying. Hopefully, he collected anything of value there and the judge is holding that, too.”

  “I’ll do that directly, Miss Flora. I thank you kindly for looking after him,” Beth eyed the madam intently. “I take it you and my husband were...close?”

  Flora shrugged and sat back with her characteristic smile. “As close as Jim Dodd was capable of being, which isn’t saying much. But then, I think you already know he was mostly interested in pleasing himself. My guess is he gave you no reason to think favorably on married life, especially in the bedroom. I’d wager he didn’t even make an effort to help you have a nice wedding night. Am I right?”

  Beth jerked straight up, shocked at Flora’s question.

  Intensely aware of Val walking to the other end of the kitchen, hands clasped behind his back while he made a show at studying the far wall to give her the pretense of privacy, her face flamed with embarrassment. Suspecting he could still hear her reply, she chose her words carefully.

  “Can’t say I knew what to expect other than what I seen on the farm. Reckon he didn’t much care for it, neither. All he said when he finished was he never did like takin’ no virgin.”

  Flora responded with a knowing look. “I knew him in Gold Hill before I broke away and started my own brothel. When he found me in Lundy, he got it in his head he wanted to be with me, not one of my girls. I told him, as the madam I don’t need to bring a man into my room unless he makes it worth my time. He agreed to learn how to please me so he could be with me. It’s really too bad I didn’t get him trained before he married you. It might have gone better for you.”

  Stunned, Beth sat frozen in place staring at Flora. A choking sound across the room prompted her to glance over at Val. He stared at the ceiling while sliding his hands down his cheeks and chin.

  Reckon he’s trying to keep from laughing at me.

  Flora leaned forward and once more reached out to Beth. “You okay, honey?”

  “Ma’am, you’re just slap-full of surprises,” Beth shook her head. “I done been raised up a church-goin’ farm woman. Yet, for three months I’ve been chasin’ after the low-down scalawag who done sold the farm I was born on and skipped out on me. First, you tell me he up and died on me. Then you’re wishin’ you’d of taught him how to bed a woman right before I got stuck with him. You got any notion how almighty discomfitin’ all this strikes me?”

  Val stifled a laugh.

  Flora shrugged.

  “It was not my purpose to upset you, Mrs. Dodd. I know this is a lot to take in. But, tell me. Do you have any idea yet what you plan to do once you settle things with Judge McLean? Go back home, perhaps?”

  Without looking, Beth knew Val spun around to watch her.

  Why’s he staring at me? Ain’t none of his business what I do.

  “The farm’s gone. Ain’t nothin’ back home. Just plannin’ to get things took care of so’s I can build a new life where the notion strikes me.”

  “I mean you well, Mrs. Dodd. I want you to remember my offer is still open. You decide to become one of my girls, you won’t find a better madam to work under than me.”

  “I already got me a job offer cookin’ at the chop shop behind The Arcade.”

  “With that German who can hardly speak English?” Flora shook her head in disbelief. “You’ll be on your feet long, hard hours and won’t earn hardly anything working for him.”

  “Reckon not. But, I’d be happier earnin’ my keep standin’ on my feet cookin’ than workin’ on my back. Reckon I’ll sleep better at nights.”

  Beth’s response prompted Flora’s eyes to sparkle with mirth as she shook her head, refusing to accept Beth’s decision.

  “Whoring’s not so bad once you get used to it. Well, if it doesn’t work out with Gus, come back and see me. Just remember, I take care of my girls. You’ve been married, so you know what to expect. Truth be told, most of your customers won’t be much better than your husband was with you. Honestly, Mrs. Dodd, as a woman, you won’t find anything else that gives you more freedom or earns you more money than this kind of work. Even if you only do it a year or two, you can earn enough to go anywhere and start your own business. I have a feeling that you have what it takes to eventually become a successful madam yourself one day.”

  As much as Beth could scarcely believe they were having this conversation, as she studied Flora’s face, she found it impossible to dislike her. What Flora offered her was completely contrary to everything Beth had accepted as the best way to live. Still, she felt the madam had offered her a compliment.

  “I need to get settled for the night so’s I can meet up with the judge come tomorrow. Right grateful for your help, ma’am.”

  Flora tapped the tabletop with her index finger as she rose to leave. “Good night, Mrs. Dodd. I need to get back to work. I suspect you can count on this handsome cowboy who’s shadowing you to see you to where you need to go. Just remember what I said.” Then, turning to Val, she said with her smile in place, “You decide to come back here after you get Mrs. Dodd settled in, one of my girls would love to make you happy.”

  Val’s expression never changed. He merely looked at Flora until she left the kitchen.

  As soon as Flora left, Val crossed the room in long strides and slid into the chair Flora had just vacated. Beth looked at his face, but found it unreadable.

  “Sorry for your loss, Mrs. Dodd.”

  “Ain’t no loss, not in no personal way. Reckon tomorrow I’ll hear how big a loss it is in other respects.”

  “As soon as you finish your soup I’ll take you to get your valise.”

  “I reckon I can figure out whether or not to eat the soup.”

  “There you go getting prickly again, Mrs. Dodd. I know you can. But, I’m sure you’ve got a lot on your mind right now. And, just so you’ll know, I have no intention of accepting Flora’s invitation.”

  “You don’t answer to me none.”

  “I know. Just thought I’d make that clear. Mrs. Dodd, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t fight me over the soup. You’ve had a long, hard day. Be truthful, now. How much have you eaten since this morning?”

  Without thinking, Beth glanced at what was left of her hardtack and looked back at Val. The longer she stared into his dark eyes that promised concern and friendship, the more she felt drawn to him. The desire to better know this man who looked and smelled of farm and livestock began to well up in her.

  “Please, finish your soup,” he softly coaxed. “Food in your belly will help you deal better with the news you just received about your husband.”

  Without a word, Beth picked up her spoon and started eating.

  Maybe he ain’t trying to take over and order me about. Maybe he is just being neighborly, like the Bible talks about.

  As if reading her mind, Val spoke. “I’m not trying to tell you what to do, Mrs. Dodd, but you might want to get a room at Mrs. Ford’s Pioneer Lodging House. It’s reasonably priced and clean. I’ll see you there before I take care of the mules for the night.”

  “There ain’t no call you goin’ to all this trouble for me.”

  Val shook his head and offered her a big smile.

  “It’s no trouble, Mrs. Dodd. No trouble at all.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Beth no sooner stepped out of the small room she had rented for a week from Mrs. Ford than she saw Val waiting for her by the front door. He stood, hat in hand, studying the wallpaper across the room from him. With one hand on her doorknob and the other clutching her Bible, Beth silently watched him. It was the first time she had seen him not wearing his wide-brimmed Stetson.

  No doubt about it, he was one handsome
man. He appealed to her far too much, considering that she had no use for a man in her life right now, and maybe never. There was too much she needed to take care of on her own. She needed to start over. She needed to get settled so she could send for Zelly. And she was determined she was going to do it by herself and prove to the world that a woman could manage her own affairs. She refused to rely again on a man to whom the law gave the power to turn her life upside down. She didn’t need that kind of man, not even one dark-haired and good-looking helpful rancher that looked and smelled of the home she dreamed about having again.

  Val caught sight of Beth and turned to her with a wide smile.

  “Are you ready, Mrs. Dodd? If you don’t mind a short walk, I thought we’d stop by Gus’s place for breakfast before we meet up with Judge McLean. The selection gets a little thin this time of year, but maybe Gus can scare up some flapjacks or mush.”

  Beth started to panic. She had not planned on spending any money on breakfast. She needed to find out from the judge where she stood financially first.

  “Breakfast is on me,” Val said, sensing the source of her reluctance as he escorted her out the door.

  “Can’t rightly say that I’m hungry.”

  “You’re getting prickly on me again, Mrs. Dodd. Based on my experience with you last night, I half expected you to say that. But, I’d feel better if you ate something before you meet with the judge. I wouldn’t want you to faint away while discussing the estate.”

  Val offered his arm to her, but Beth refused it. She kept her arms folded and her eyes focused forward as she spoke.

  “That how you figure it is with women, Mr. Caldwell? Weak and fragile to where if we ain’t cared for proper, we’ll faint dead away? That how it goes with you? You plumb faint away when you don’t get your vittles?”

  “No, ma’am,” Val said in all seriousness. “When I don’t get enough to eat, I get so cranky and impatient with people that they don’t care to be around me. I also tend to make foolish mistakes. But I wouldn’t want to suggest that you might react the same way I do to not eating regular.”

  Beth glanced over at Val. Then, once again, she faced forward. Watching her expression, Val took her elbow and gently tugged it, encouraging her to start walking down the boardwalk.

  After a half of a block of walking in silence, Val spoke.

  “I notice you brought your Bible, Mrs. Dodd, but I imagine the judge keeps one handy in case he needs any swearing in done.”

  “I keep my important papers in my Bible.”

  Val gave no response.

  As they approached the saloon, Beth remembered something from the night before.

  “Wait! We don’t have no plates. Last night, the men all had their own mess kits.”

  “That’s because Gus doesn’t trust the miners to not steal his dishes. He’ll have some for us to use.”

  If they’re fit to eat off of.

  When they entered The Arcade, Val walked over and knocked on the doorjamb to Gus’s kitchen rather than wait for Gus to notice them at a table. As soon as Gus spotted the pair, he rushed over to Beth.

  “Frau Dodd, for vork you come, you cook for Gus, ya?”

  “Depends, Gus. We ain’t talked none about hours and pay and what you’re lookin’ for me to do.”

  “Ya, ya, ve vork out,” Gus waved his hand impatiently. “But for Gus you vork, tonight make biscuits sehr gut, ya?”

  “Reckon that’s possible, but can’t say for certain.”

  “Gus, what do you have for breakfast that’s quick? Mrs. Dodd has some business to take care of this morning.”

  “I’m up to speakin’ for myself.”

  “I know, Mrs. Dodd. It’s just that I’m hungry as a bear. Thought I’d speed the process along.” Turning back to Gus he asked, “You got flapjacks by any chance?”

  Gus stared at the pair, obviously confused. He looked across the room and called out to another man to join them.

  “Ya, Gus?”

  After a rapid explanation in German, the man turned to Beth.

  “Guten Morgen, good morning, Frau Dodd. My name is Leonard Haas. I own Arcade mit Fritz Glunz who you meet last night, ya? I understand you plan as cook for Gus to vork.”

  “Don’t rightly know yet, Herr Haas.” Beth noticed with relief that Herr Haas seemed to speak English better than his partner. “We ain’t worked out no terms yet. First off, I got to go talk to the judge about my husband who up and died on me last week. I’d take it kindly if you’d explain to Gus that ’til I figure out where I stand with that, I can’t make no decisions about workin’ for him.”

  Leonard explained Beth’s situation in German. Beth could tell when Gus realized that she had been widowed. His eyes immediately turned to hers, full of commiseration.

  “Es tut mir leid, I am sorry, Frau Dodd.”

  “Danke, Gus.” Turning back to Leonard Haas, Beth continued, “Mr. Caldwell asked for pancakes, though we call them flannel cakes back home, if Gus can stir some up. I’ll take the same, or mush, whatever won’t put him out none.”

  After Leonard explained, Gus’s face lit up.

  “Ya, Ich werde deutschen pfannkuchen. Yes, I’ll make German pancakes. Mit potatoes. Sie werden wie. You’ll like.”

  Pancakes with potatoes?

  No longer needed, Leonard crossed back toward the bar and the few men who were having beer for breakfast. After Gus ran back in the kitchen to start their meal, Beth sat at the table only a couple of minutes before her curiosity got the best of her. She excused herself and started toward the kitchen area.

  “Are you deserting me for the kitchen already, Mrs. Dodd?”

  Beth turned her head back long enough to give an impatient look in response to Val’s teasing grin.

  Standing out of Gus’s way, she saw where he had grated some potatoes. She watched him mix the shreds with a little flour and canned milk. After melting a glob of lard in his pans, he formed the mixture into patties and put them on to fry.

  “Ist better mit eier, vat you say, eggs?” Gus said as he pinched salt from a salt cellar and sprinkled it on the patties. “Sehr gut. You like.”

  After she returned to the table, Beth still had her doubts about German pancakes when the dish was set before her. Her first bite convinced her that Gus was right. It was very good, but would probably hold together better with an egg or two in the batter.

  As Val and Beth left The Arcade, with Beth’s promise to Gus to come back later to talk about the job offer, Val pulled Beth’s hand on his arm as he walked her the two blocks up to the Post Lodging House, which had a room dedicated for the justice court. It was there that Judge McLean kept his office.

  The judge stood waiting outside for them as they arrived.

  “I’m Charles McLean, Mrs. Dodd, Justice of the Peace for Lundy,” the man introduced himself and offered his hand to Beth. Then, with a nod, he acknowledged Val. “Mrs. Dodd, may I express my sincerest sympathy regarding the loss of your husband?”

  “Thank you.” Beth bit her tongue, figuring it was best not to say anything more. For all she knew, this man might have been one of Jim Dodd’s drinking cronies. It would be foolish to say what she really thought of her husband and risk offending the judge. She couldn’t afford to turn him against her.

  Beth’s stomach already felt tied in knots. If her husband had died leaving behind a mountain of debt, she had no idea how she would go about paying it off. Flora’s offer to work at the Blue Feather popped in her head, but she pushed it aside. She prayed she would never grow desperate enough to be tempted to seriously consider it.

  After they entered his office, Beth sighed with gratitude that a fire already burned in the small Franklin. The judge took his seat behind his desk and motioned Beth to a chair across from him. The judge looked at Val.

  “Val, you a relative of Mrs. Dodd? She may not want you here unless you have a family interest in looking after her.”

  “Don’t need no one lookin’ after me, your honor.”

>   “I have an interest in Mrs. Dodd, but not a family one, yet,” Val responded with a chuckle.

  Beth’s spine stiffened and she jerked her head to stare at him.

  Val’s smile faded. “I’m just here as a friend. Mrs. Dodd, I’ll wait outside if you’d prefer privacy while talking with the judge.”

  Beth turned back, staring in space for a moment as she considered.

  “Don’t want to discomfit you none, askin’ you to wait out in the cold. Reckon if you was fixin’ to head back home, no call for you to stay.”

  “Would you rather I leave, Mrs. Dodd?”

  No!

  For all she had prided herself these past years on her ability to handle her own affairs and for all the obstacles she had faced alone as she pursued her wayward husband, Beth realized she did not want him to go. The thought of him leaving her gave her with a sense of loneliness and loss that being deserted by Jim Dodd and learning of his death could not come close to matching. She was not sure what her new feelings meant, or if she was happy about them. But, she could not deny them.

  “Reckon I don’t mind you stayin’, if it won’t put you out none.”

  “Not in the least, Mrs. Dodd. I’ll be happy to stay,” Val said with a smile as he settled in the chair next to Beth’s.

  “Well, looks like that’s settled,” Judge McLean said with a shake of his head. “Mrs. Dodd, I’ll be quite frank with you. It took many of us by surprise to learn that James Dodd was married. To the best of our knowledge, he never mentioned he had a wife and family back east.”

  “Figured that much, your honor.”

  “Just call me Charles. Now, I’m not doubting your word, ma’am, but I’ve got a duty to see to. Do you by any chance have proof that you and Mr. Dodd were married? Not saying you’d come here making a false claim or anything, but I need to be sure. Now, if Mr. Caldwell can verify he knew the two of you before and knew you were married, that would probably do it.”

  “No. Mr. Caldwell and me, we never laid eyes on each other ’til yesterday at the livery. He might of crossed paths with Jim before, but not even Jim’s lady friend figured Jim for a married man.”