“I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Beau.”
“These here are my dogs. They like you; I can tell.” Without warning or permission from Amelia he grabbed her right hand and placed it upon the head of one of his dogs. She quickly withdrew.
“Now, missy, like I told you, these dogs won’t be harming you none. They’re mostly just for the company. Just touch them and you’ll see. It’s all right.”
After further coaxing Amelia yielded her hand back to him and he gently placed it on the head of one of the dogs. As she suspected from the barking upon his approach he was quite a big fellow. She began to stroke his long, silky fur and she smiled at the big, wiggly animal.
“Now this one here’s Toby. Ain’t his fur soft? And he’s so friendly and kind to folks. Why, everyone around here likes Toby.”
“Why, I don’t think I have ever met such a sweet dog in my life! I had a bad experience with a dog when I was a child, and that’s why I’m so fearful around them now. But you’re right; he certainly is a good-natured fellow.” Amelia could sense the pride Beau took in his dogs and was envisioning this big, lighthearted man living off the land somewhere deep in the woods with very few possessions, of which his dogs were likely to be his most treasured.
“Now this one here’s Mike.” He withdrew her hand from Toby and placed it upon the other dog’s head. “Now he’s a might smaller ‘n Toby, and I reckon Toby pretty well gets his say so because of that. Mike here’s older than Toby too. So old Mike, well he’s agreeable most of the time just on account of him being so old. Shoot, ain’t nobody yet not liked old Mike here.”
“Hello, Mike.” Amelia bent over and rubbed his short, curly coat of fur. “How are you doing today, fellow?” Mike licked her on the face. She stood erect and wiped her face with the back of her hand, but quickly remembering Beau’s feelings, she laughed. “You’re right. He does like me.”
“See, missy. I told you.”
Amelia petted both dogs again.
“I’m right pleased you like my dogs. Miss, is there any place I can take you to, you being blind and all? We gotta be getting along to work now, but I’d be right proud to take you wherever you might be wanting to go.”
Under any other circumstances Amelia wouldn’t have thought twice prior to answering with a firm no to such an idea, especially from someone she had just met moments before. But for some reason she felt perfectly comfortable and safe with this likable fellow. And he obviously knew her aunt. Even though she really didn’t’ need any help, she simply couldn’t turn down such a genuine proposition.
“Well, I would be ever so grateful if you could show me to the front porch of the Saloon, if it wouldn’t be much trouble for you.” She spoke in a more helpless voice than necessary, which annoyed her. It wasn’t necessary.
“Why sure. It’d be no problem at all. I’m going that way anyway.” Beau grabbed her by the arm and after calling to his dogs to come, he pulled Amelia along the side of the saloon and around to the front steps leading up to the porch.
She struggled to keep up with the man and to prevent her feet from getting tangled up in her petticoats. Then they stepped onto the boardwalk in front of the building, and Amelia was able to catch herself against the saloon to avoid toppling over.
“Here’s the bench,” he said as he placed her hand on the backrest. “Now, are you sure you don’t want me to be fetching Miss Corrin for you before I go? Are you locked out or something?”
“Oh no, thank you. I don’t want to bother her just yet. I just wish to sit here and relax and listen to the sounds of Glory Gulch. You just run along to your blacksmith shop and don’t give me another thought.”
“Bye, miss.”
“Good-by, Beau,” she said as the three slipped away into the town.
Amelia sat in solitude on the front porch of the Saloon feeling terribly out of place, yet trying to gain a sense of belonging. This season of transition certainly seemed to have its ups and downs for her.
The town began to stir from its slumber as the sounds of awakening wafted through the air to alight upon Amelia’s susceptive senses. At first there were individual sounds of single riders and horses, most likely starting their day in their customary manner.
Occasional greetings of friendship reached her ears, but they weren’t directed toward her. Then an empty wagon arrived in town, Amelia imagining the driver here to pick up much needed supplies. She had long ago learned how to distinguish between an empty wagon and one filled with things by the sound of the axels on the wheel.
Before long, Glory Gulch was teaming with a blend of various sounds; voices, hoof beats, wagon wheels, the jingling of chains and harnesses, the laughter of children, a baby crying. And Amelia absorbed as many of them as she could.
Her spying gave her a sense of direction of the town. She learned the approximate location of the local mercantile and was sure she could locate Beau’s blacksmith shop by the sound of a metal hammer being beaten against an anvil.
And the sense of sound wasn’t the only one active this morning. She savored the enticing aroma of fresh baked breads and sweet cakes. And whenever a welcome breeze would blow from right to left, she could sniff the tempting smell of bacon which could be coming from either a private home or a restaurant.
Then Amelia heard footsteps approaching the saloon. Judging by the heavy clumping of boots and the distance the steps were apart from each other, she quickly deduced that there were two men.
“Miss Jackson, I presume?” A masculine voice called to her as the gentlemen approached her on the porch.
“Yes. I’m Amelia Jackson.” The voice didn’t belong to either of the two gentlemen she had met the previous night. Who else would know her by name? She started to rise from her comfortable perch.
“Please, don’t get up on our account. When I saw you sitting here in front of the Silver Slipper, I knew it had to be you. I’m Aaron Cowan. You met my brother, Jeremiah, last night. Evidently, you made quite an impression on him. He hasn’t stopped talking about you all morning.”
“Oh, yes. Your brother was fine company last evening. I’m very pleased to meet you, Mr. Cowan.” Amelia extended her hand in the direction of his voice. “I’ve felt more at ease by meeting and getting to know several of the fine people of Glory Gulch.” Aaron gave her hand a gentle shake.
“This is our cook up at the lumber camp. All the loggers call him Biscuit.” He dropped her hand to step aside for his companion to move forward.
“And what would you like me to call you, sir?”
“Name’s Adam Todd, ma’am.”
“Well, Mr. Todd, I’m pleased to make you’re acquaintance.”
“Likewise, Ma’am.”
“Miss Jackson, it was nice to meet you,” Mr. Cowan said. “The way Jeremiah talked, I couldn’t tell whether he was exaggerating about you or not. But as it turns out, he wasn’t overstating himself one bit regarding your exceeding beauty and charm.”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Cowan.” Amelia smiled in his direction as her face felt flush.
“We’re supposed to be getting supplies for the camp, but after I told Biscuit who you were, he wanted to meet you.”
“Well, Ma’am,” Biscuit chuckled. “What Aaron’s trying to say---and he’s right up to a point---well . . . I certainly am attracted to the ladies. I’m particularly interested in---”
“Anything in a skirt.” Aaron chimed in. It sounded like he slapped Biscuit on the back as he laughed.
“Oh, you are a funny one today, Boss-man.”
Amelia couldn’t hold her laughter and joined the gentlemen in their merriment. “Do either of you gentlemen know what time it is?” she asked.
“I do,” said Biscuit. “It’s definitely time to stop chumming around with the Boss-man!”
“Very funny,” Aaron replied.
“It’s nine fifty-five,” A familiar voice said from the street directly in front of the saloon.
“Mr. Strupel,” she said. “Thank yo
u very much for your courteous answer.” Amelia smiled and nodded toward the voice of the third gentleman.
Paul Strupel stepped onto the boardwalk past the other two and halted in front of Amelia. Gently taking her hand in his, he kissed it and continued to hold it. “You’re most welcome, Miss Jackson. I would customarily inquire as to how you are feeling this fine morning, but seeing the visitors who have undoubtedly imposed themselves upon you, I will refrain from any such inquiries until you are relieved of their disagreeable company.”
“You don’t have to be so rude, Strupel,” Aaron said, still chuckling to himself. “You sure did spend a lot of money on those fancy words. Did you get them at the mercantile?” Biscuit and Aaron broke out in laughter again, and Amelia hid hers behind her hand. You’re your information, Strupel, we were enjoying ourselves while getting to know Miss Jackson when ‘Your Stuffiness’ arrived and spoiled our fun. We’ve got work to do. Miss Jackson, it was very nice meeting you. Maybe next time we might be able to talk without any impolite interruptions. Come on, Biscuit.”
“Thank you for stopping by. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Todd.”
“Good day, ma’am,” Biscuit returned as the two chums made their way back into the street, and then seemed to be swallowed up by the town.
“Those two weren’t bothering me, Mr. Strupel.”
“Oh, I’m sure they were pleasant enough. They always are. I apologize for any rudeness I may have displayed. I must assure you than my intentions were purely for my own selfishness. When I saw you sitting here on the porch and beheld the brightness of your smile and listened to your pretty laugh, I was encouraged that indeed this will truly be a fine day. And I simply didn’t feel like sharing you for the brief moment that I have to spend in your company this morning.”
Amelia was beginning to wonder if this gentleman was genuine, the way he easily lavished compliments toward her. After all, he owned and operated a sawmill in a small town in the Rocky Mountains---hardly the finer occupation usually secured by a gentleman of true standing, grace and gentility. But if she thought hard enough, she could probably name dozens of men from Georgia who also used words in a similar manner. She decided not to be so hard on him until she got to know him better.
“Are you on your way to the mill, Mr. Strupel?”
“Yes, in fact, I am. I had an appointment first thing this morning so I haven’t been there yet. But I have a very capable number two man whom I can trust with making sure things run smoothly whenever I’m away. As luck would have it, Miss Jackson, I will have some free time this afternoon and would consider it an honor if you would allow me the opportunity of showing you around Glory Gulch.”
“Well, if it truly wouldn’t be a bother to you, I would like that very much. I certainly relish the idea of having more freedom and mobility.”
“Great! I should have my paperwork finished around four o’clock. I’ll come by for you around four-fifteen, if that will be agreeable to you.”
“That will be just fine, Mr. Strupel. I’m looking forward to it. Thank you.”
“I must be on my way now.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Good day.”
“And a good day to you too, Mr. Strupel.”
› › ›
Paul turned and left the boardwalk. Once back on the street, he looked over his shoulder to gaze at the captivating young lady who had enthralled him from the first instant he saw her the previous day. What he felt toward her was unlike any other sensation that had ever come over him. This gaze almost caused him to walk right into a horse and rider.
“Hey, Strupel, watch where you’re going from now on!”
“Sorry, Doyle, I guess I was a little preoccupied.”
“So I see. Who is she?”
“She’s Corrin Dannon’s niece. Just arrived from Georgia yesterday.”
“Lovely creature. Very pleasing to the eyes.”
“Doyle, when will you ever learn? There’s so much more to women than how they look in a skirt and whether or not they can cook.”
“Maybe. Maybe. But when I find one who’ll have me, you can be sure those two criteria will be at the top of the list.” The man’s laugh boomed out heartily.
“Maybe, Doyle, that’s why you haven’t found one who’ll have you yet.”
Mr. Doyle just laughed and rode on, leaving Paul to continue his reflections of the delightful and beautiful Miss Amelia Jackson. He wondered what she thought of him. Did she like him at all? Was he trying too hard to cause her to like him? He realized that he had been heaping compliments on her in a feeble attempt to tell her how he felt, that no one had ever inspired him the way she did. This was the first time in his life that he couldn’t rely on his handsome features to help him win a young lady’s heart. Why couldn’t he just be himself around her? Why did she affect him so?
› › ›
Amelia stepped off the boardwalk at the edge of the saloon, prepared to feel her way along the side of the building back to the rear door,
“Good morning, Miss Jackson,” another familiar voice greeted her. “It looks like this day’s shaping up to be another scorcher, don’t you think?”
“Yes, Mr. Cowan, I certainly do agree. How are you doing today?”
“I’m doing just fine, Miss Jackson, just fine.”
“Forgive me for saying so, but that didn’t sound very convincing to me, Mr. Cowan. I hope you aren’t having a bad day already.”
“How perceptive of you. You really amaze me. The fact is, Miss Jackson, I just came from dismissing one of my employees.” He paused a moment. “Was a good employee for several years too. But he took to the bottle after the death of his young son. Never been the same since. His drinking and carelessness almost cost another man a hand up at the camp a couple days ago.”
“Oh, my! How sad---and unfortunate.”
“Yes, it is sad. But he refuses anybody’s help. He’s even turned away from his wife.” Mr. Cowan paused again. “I shouldn’t have bothered you with all of this. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, that’s quite all right, Mr. Cowan. I’ve been told that I’m a very good listener. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone about your problems. I really don’t mind.”
“Thank you. I do find you easy to talk with. It’s like we’ve been friends for a long time.”
“I understand what you mean. That’s how it is with my friend Molly. We can tell each other anything without worrying about what the other thinks.”
“Miss Jackson, would you think it forward of me if I asked you to dinner tonight? Nothing formal, just good old home-style cooking over at Sarah Jane’s. It’s a great place to just relax and talk. I would appreciate bending your ear about this a little more.”
Amelia was taken aback by his offer. The men of Glory Gulch certainly weren’t shy and didn’t waste their time. But he was such a good friend to her aunt; it would probably be all right.
“I think that would be nice, Mr. Cowan. What time shall I expect you?”
“I’ll come by for you about seven o’clock. Will that work for you?”
“That will be fine.”
“Great! I need to be getting back to camp. But I’ll see you at seven. And Miss Jackson, you have a great day.”
She heard his footfalls head away from the saloon.
“Thank you. And a good day to you too!” Amelia called to him, but she wasn’t sure if he had heard her or not.
She finally made her way back into the saloon and was about to enter her room as Corrin Dannon emerged from her boudoir.
“Good morning, Amelia. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, Aunt Corrin. Very well, thank you.”
“Have you been up long? What did you do all morning? Oh dear, I do hope you weren’t too bored. Were you?”
“Bored, Aunt Corrin?” Amelia laughed and as they walked arm in arm down the hallway together, she recounted the morning’s events as her aunt listened, chuckling now and then.
Amelia asked her if it would be all right if Mr. C
owan take her to supper and if Mr. Strupel could show her around town.
“I feel completely fine about both, dear. They are my oldest friends and business partners. I would trust my own child with them.”
“Good. I trust you.” There had been something niggling at her all day. “Aunt Corrin, it appears to me that there are more men in this town than women. Is that true?”
“Why, yes, honey. That’s true. It’s because of the large logging operations around here. And I don’t mind saying, I like it that way.”
Amelia shrugged her shoulders. Sometimes it was difficult for her to figure out exactly what kind of person her aunt really was. And what kind of place had she been thrust into?
› › ›
Paul Strupel came by for Amelia at precisely four-fifteen, as promised. He walked with her along the streets of the town, allowing her ample time to tally and memorize paces, feel railings, count stair steps and recite the order in which the various shops stretched out along the main street. He admired the efficient manner in which she learned and recounted various facts regarding her surrounding world.
Glory Gulch was an easy town for her to get to know. The main street twisted and wound its way through the floor of the gorge alongside the Colorado River while the streets containing most of the houses climbed and advanced upward along the surfaces of the huge mountains that surrounded the peaceful ravine.
The two chatted lightheartedly as they strolled arm-in- arm, Amelia’s cane ever stretching before them to warn her of impending obstacles or stairs.
Mr. Strupel noticed that Miss Jackson didn’t have to be concerned about bumping into people on this promenade, for they all stepped compliantly to one side when they saw the two approaching them. He also mused that the people they passed were considerably curious and some couldn’t contain themselves as they unreservedly stared at the unlikely couple. After all, he was a highly known and regarded figure in the community, almost forty years of age, and was walking with a very beautiful, very young, blind lady whom they had never seen before.
Angel In The Saloon (Brides of Glory Gulch) Page 4
