Polka With Pauline

by Caroline Clemmons

“Yes, have to be in Creede for my business.”

  “I reckon people would drive a ways for your work.” He looked toward the town then back at Creighton. “Since you asked, I might know of one place that fits your description. I’ll ask the owners if they’re still thinking of moving on and, if so, how much they’re asking.”

  “I’ll sure appreciate your help. KC? I’d rather keep this quiet if it’s all the same to you.”

  The marshal grinned. “Serves my duties well to know what’s going on. So, I collect all the gossip in town I can—but I never spread the news around.”

  ***

  Three days later was her aunt’s birthday and they awoke to several inches of snow that had accumulated overnight. Pauline had wanted to invite her aunt’s friends and have a party.

  Aunt Nancy insisted she didn’t want a fuss made. “Please, I want you and Henry here but no one else. I’m sure I’ll feel more like celebrating next year.”

  Pauline prepared her aunt’s favorites of roast beef, potatoes, carrots, and rolls. Instead of a cake, Aunt Nancy requested an apple pie. Pauline made both.

  A half hour before dinner was ready to be served, Pauline cornered her uncle. “When is the rocking chair arriving?”

  “He’s bringing it at half past five. I forgot to tell you I’d asked him to stay for supper. Nancy won’t mind since he took you to the dance and he’s bringing the rocker.”

  Her uncle had become forgetful. Perhaps it was due to his heart trouble coupled with his concern for his wife. Whatever the reason, Pauline wouldn’t say anything to upset the sweet man.

  “I’ll set another place. Have you cleared a place for the rocking chair?”

  “I don’t know whether she’ll want it in the parlor or our bedroom. I’ll wait until she sees the rocker and let her tell me. She’s very particular about the house you know.”

  “All right, you’re off the hook. I saw the rocker when I collected the Bath chair. I was impressed. He did a beautiful job.”

  “He charges a lot but Nancy deserves the best.”

  Pauline wondered how much ‘a lot’ was but didn’t ask. Perhaps Uncle Henry would mention the price later.

  The doorbell sounded.

  Uncle Henry said, “That will be him.”

  Pauline went into the parlor so she could see her aunt’s face when the gift arrived. Creighton carried it into the room as if it were no heavier than a toy. Uncle Henry followed, looking as proud as if he’d created the rocking chair himself.

  Aunt Nancy squealed with delight. “Henry, you precious man, you know how much I wanted a new rocking chair. Oh, this one is nicer than any I’ve ever seen. Mr. Reed, you’ve done a remarkable job building this for me. Thank you, too. I suppose Henry told you my old one was broken in our move.”

  Creighton acknowledged the compliment with a nod of his head and a smile. “He did but this one is sturdy. I hope you enjoy it in good health for many years.”

  Pauline excused herself to take the food to the table. Although they had a dining room, maneuvering the wheelchair in there was impossible. They would eat in the kitchen.

  Aunt Nancy was in high spirits. Pauline gave her a chiffon scarf from Papa’s store. She’d brought small gifts from her parents as well. Papa sent, but Pauline had chosen, a necklace and earrings. Mama had sent handkerchiefs.

  Creighton gave her a box he’d made. He’d inlaid light wood decorations on the dark wood of the box. The effect was lovely. Inside the box he’d created a small removable tray.

  “What a beautiful treasure box. I’ll keep my best jewelry in here.” She looked around the table with tears in her eyes. “My dears, this is the best birthday I can remember. If only our dear Hank were here it would be perfect.”

  Uncle Henry patted her shoulder. “My love, we’ll never forget him, but we have to move on. If we dwell on his loss we’ll go mad.”

  Pauline and Creighton exchanged gazes.

  She leaped up and hugged her aunt. “I think it’s time for dessert. Who wants warm apple pie and who wants apple cake?”

  Later, Aunt Nancy recovered enough from her thoughts of Hank’s passing that she was in a happy mood. She recounted events from her childhood that included Pauline’s father and mother. The three of them had been friends all their lives.

  Creighton appeared content to listen to the conversation. In fact, he seemed happy just to be included in a family event. He sat looking relaxed and with a smile on his face.

  He was a nice looking man and he had good manners. She doubted he’d received that instruction in an orphanage. Where did he learn them?

  Pauline met his gaze and smiled. This had been a successful celebration in several ways.

  Chapter Four

  Pauline and Creighton were playing chess when the doorbell chimed. He’d been calling on her two or three times a week.

  Uncle Henry folded his newspaper. “Not expecting anyone. I’ll see who that can be.”

  Pauline froze when she heard the visitor’s voice. What on earth was he doing here?

  Appearing unsure, Creighton looked up from the chess board. “I should go.”

  She reached across the game table and laid her hand on his. “There’s really no reason to leave. Please stay.”

  Henry led the way into the parlor. “Jasper Taggart, this is Creighton Reed, a local friend.”

  Jasper surveyed the room. “I hope I’m not interrupting your evening.”

  He was a handsome man whose attire was neat and of the latest style. His light brown hair was sleek and his handlebar mustache waxed to perfection. She could find no fault with his appearance. She couldn’t pinpoint a single reason for her distrust. Perhaps it was the predatory look in his brown eyes.

  Uncle Henry gestured to her and Creighton. “Not at all, Jasper. Creighton is a good friend. Have a seat. What brings you to Creede?”

  Jasper sat in the new rocking chair. “Curiosity mostly. I wondered how you’re getting on here. Fred thought I should check on Pauline.”

  Pauline stared at him. “Did Papa send you to check up on me?”

  Jasper chuckled and held up a hand. “Don’t get riled at me. I happened to say I was curious about Creede and he said if I came I should check on you. We had wondered if this would be a good place for a new store. Not full scale, but one of the reduced size ones that we have in smaller markets.”

  Her uncle shook his head. “Not the right place. As it is, most residents are rough, not the type to shop at Brubaker’s. When the ore plays out, this place will lose residents by the thousands. In my opinion Creede will be a nicer place to live then.”

  Jasper fingered his handlebar mustache and appeared to ponder that for a few seconds. “He should have written you for a report.”

  He rocked and stopped to run his fingers over the chair’s arms where his hands had rested. “Say, this is a nice chair. It isn’t from Brubaker’s, is it?”

  Uncle Henry offered a wide smile. “It’s a custom piece created by Creighton for my wife’s birthday. Our former one was broken in the move.”

  Jasper looked at Creighton. “Do you sell to stores?”

  “Not often. I design each piece to fit the customer’s needs. I can’t create them fast enough to supply places like Brubaker’s.”

  Jasper ran his fingers over the arms again. “Too bad. Brubaker’s customers would love a chair this comfortable and of this quality. Certainly, I’m enjoying my time rocking. This would be a good seller.”

  Her aunt sighed. “I’ll be glad when this cast comes off and I can enjoy sitting in my new chair. Transferring from the wheelchair to the rocker is difficult and getting back into the wheel chair is even harder now.”

  “How did you break your leg, Mrs. Chambers?”

  Aunt Nancy recounted the story. Now that she was healing, she told the story of her fall with comedic details. They all laughed with her at her tale.

  Pauline suspected there was more about this trip than Jasper had mentioned. “Are you here to look for busin
ess sites or is this a pleasure trip?”

  “Of course seeing the three of you is certainly pleasant. I am disappointed that Henry doesn’t feel this would be a good spot for a new store.”

  Her uncle appeared concerned. “Don’t take my word for it, Jasper. Nose around and then draw your own conclusion.”

  “Perhaps I will if for no other reason than to justify this trip’s expense. I’m booked in at the Ritz Hotel. I have to say it’s very . . . er, rustic.”

  Pauline bristled. “What did you expect to find in a mining town? You’re lucky there’s a hotel with a vacancy. Ordinarily the hotels turn away people every day. Uncle Henry said the town has grown since they moved here four months ago.”

  Her uncle nodded. “Pauline is right. There are many new residents, con men, and who knows who else coming in every day. But, the mines are all that’s supporting the influx. Once they’re worked out, the population will crash and the town will be simply a nice place to live for those of us left.”

  Jasper leaned forward. “When do you expect that to happen?”

  “No one knows.” Her uncle gazed at Creighton. “Have you heard any rumblings?”

  “No, but look at what’s happened in other boomtowns. I would guess we’ll be lucky to have another three or four years before the town implodes.”

  Jasper scrutinized Creighton then smiled. “You’re well-spoken for a carpenter, Mr. Reed.”

  Pauline opened her mouth to leap to his defense but she took warning from the tap of his toe against hers.

  Creighton returned Jasper’s smile. “Although I would not be averse to being one, I’m not a carpenter. I create custom fine furniture. The two are different even though both involve working with wood.”

  Jasper managed to look contrite. “I do beg your pardon. I certainly meant no offense.”

  Still smiling, Creighton dipped his head in Jasper’s direction. “Of course not, and none taken.”

  By now, she’d spoken with Creighton enough to discern that he was offended by Jasper. Not that she blamed him. Jasper could be smug and superior. She had no idea why her father trusted the man but she wished he’d go back to Denver.

  Jasper stood. “Well, I’m a bit tired after the trip. I think I’ll find my way back to the hotel and turn in. Lovely to see you all. Nice to meet you, Reed.”

  Her aunt nodded for her to see Jasper to the door but Pauline pretended she didn’t understand. Her uncle winked at her and followed Jasper. Drat, she supposed now they’d be expected to invite him to dinner.

  “I’d better go as well.” Creighton grinned at her as he stood. “You’re going to win this match anyway, so it’s a good time for me to prevent that.”

  “In that case, I’ll leave the chessboard set up for your next visit. I do love to win.” She walked with him to the foyer.

  His blue eyes sparkled. “What a terror you are. Hasn’t anyone told you a lady should let the gentlemen win in games?”

  She pretended to mull over his question. “I believe I might have heard something like that but I admit it didn’t make an impression. Besides, I think you’re secure enough to accept defeat gracefully.”

  He sent her a meaningful look and faced her. “Not in all things I assure you, not when winning is important.” He lightly grasped her shoulders. “May I be so bold as to claim a kiss?”

  She rested her hands on his shirt front. “I’d like that, Creighton. I’d begun to doubt my feminine wiles had interested you except platonically.”

  “Can’t have you thinking that.” He settled his mouth over hers.

  She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. She was only conscious of his strong arms holding her and the pressure of his lips against hers. Unprepared for the sensations flooding her, she’d thought he’d meant a peck on the cheek or brush across her lips. When he broke the kiss, she looked into his eyes. His breathing was ragged, but so was hers.

  He caressed her cheek. “I apologize. I was carried away by your touch.”

  She laid her fingers over his mouth. “Don’t apologize for something so wonderful.”

  He pulled her head to his chest. “Surely you know I’ve come to care for you. Does this man, Jasper Taggart, does he have a claim on your affections?”

  She leaned back to look him in the eyes. “Jasper? Heavens, no. I try to be polite to him because of his association with father’s business but I don’t particularly like him. Why would you ask?”

  “He has his sights set on you.”

  Shocked, she shook her head slightly. “Surely not. He’s been to our home for dinner several times and been included as a guest for parties. Both are purely because he works for Papa. I’ve never even been alone with him.”

  “Didn’t you notice the way he looked at you and sized up me? Men notice these things about other men. That’s why I said I don’t lose gracefully when it’s important.”

  She tilted her head. “Am I to believe I’m important?”

  “Extremely.”

  She smiled. “What a lovely thing to say.”

  He exhaled. “Now, I really must leave or your uncle will be loading his shotgun.” He kissed her cheek and opened the door.

  After he’d gone, she leaned against the door and sighed. What a lovely kiss. Not that she’d had that many, and never one like that. She floated back to the parlor.

  Uncle Henry smiled at her. “Well, well, two suitors in one evening. I guess Nancy and I can stop worrying about you growing bored here.”

  “Uncle Henry! Don’t count Jasper as a suitor. You don’t think he’s interested in me, do you?”

  “I’d say it’s obvious. The officers would never even consider building a store here, my dear. He came to see you.”

  “Too bad for him then. He’s wasted his time.”

  Aunt Nancy knitted as if the yarn had offended her. “Fred would love for you to marry the man, of course. Keep the firm in the family so to speak. Drat, now I’ve dropped a stitch.” She pulled at her yarn. “I suppose we’ll have to ask him for dinner while he’s in Creede.”

  “If you insist, Aunt Nancy, but only if the invitation comes from you or Uncle Henry. If what Uncle Henry said is true, I have no intention of encouraging him.”

  Uncle Henry picked up his newspaper. “I’ll call round tomorrow and ask him on the excuse of discovering what he’s found about building a store here. Shall we ask him for tomorrow and get it over with?”

  Aunt Nancy gasped. “Why, Henry Chambers, I thought you liked Mr. Taggart.”

  “I tolerated him, dear. One has to get along with one’s coworkers, after all. Work would be very difficult otherwise. Jasper did take up part of the slack when our dear Hank was killed. I suppose I should be more grateful.”

  Pauline sighed. “The butcher had a sale on hens. Shall I get one tomorrow?”

  Aunt Nancy nodded. “That sounds nice. Maybe you can find some sweet potatoes. Or, nice white potatoes to slice and cook with milk and cheese. You’ll know what’s best when you see them.”

  “I’ll do my best.” She dreaded the thought after what Creighton and her uncle had said. Now she was warned and would do her best to show Jasper Taggart she had no interest in him.

  ***

  Creighton stepped off the Chambers’ porch and strolled toward his home.

  Past a streetlamp, Jasper Taggart stepped out of the dark. “Nice night for a walk, isn’t it?”

  He’d figured on the man wanting to have a face-off between the two of them but to discover him waiting in the dark was a surprise. “I always enjoy a brief walk in the evening. I take it you decided against going to your hotel to turn in? Get your second wind?”

  “You might say so. You know with the glass on the Chambers’ front door I saw that kiss you and Pauline exchanged. So, I decided to let you know that she and I have an understanding. She may be playing away while she’s here, but when she returns to Denver, we’ll announce our engagement.”

  He chuckled. “Really? Hmm, I think not.” He didn’t change hi
s pace.

  “Are you calling me a liar to my face?” His voice held anger.

  He glanced toward the other man. “Not a liar at all. Instead, I’m saying you are sadly misinformed.”

  Jasper Taggart’s features had hardened. “How would you know?”

  Creighton took pleasure in asserting, “I asked her and she said she has no interest in you as a suitor. She thinks of you solely as her father’s business associate, nothing more.”

  “She’s only keeping you at her fingertips until she returns to Denver. Don’t fall in love with her or you’ll have your heart broken.” Rage colored the man’s voice.

  “That’s my worry, not yours.” They’d reached his workshop. “Goodnight. Enjoy your stroll.” He took out his keys.

  “This… this is where you live? This hovel?” Taggart laughed loudly. “Do you have any idea of the size of the Brubaker house? Their groom lives in better quarters than these.”

  “Goodnight.” He opened the door and closed it in the other man’s face. He hated that the rat had seen this place. A man shouldn’t have to be ashamed of his home. He’d better check with KC again.

  But, what if Pauline chose to return to Denver rather than stay here? What did he have to offer her if he proposed? When the boom had finished in this boomtown, would he have enough customers?

  He’d worried about that for several months—even before Pauline arrived. He’d been here four years and sold a lot of furniture. Most new people were temporary and many lived in tents. Even some of the businesses were in tents, like Bob Ford’s saloon. Creede residents were transients like the buckets on a water wheel—as some poured in others poured out.

  He’d see the marshal again tomorrow morning. Each time he’d asked, KC had no news to offer. Perhaps tomorrow would be the day.

  The following morning Creighton waited for KC to make his rounds.

  Instead of the marshal, Deputy Newell appeared. “Morning, Reed.”

  “Marshall in town?”

  “Naw, he rode out to Topaz to talk to the Judge. Anything I can do?”

  “He was looking into something for me.”

  The deputy lowered his voice to a whisper, “If it’s about a house, he said he hasn’t found what you described. I’m supposed to be looking around, too.”