Always, Stone

by Nan O'Berry

  “How could they not?” Charity murmured and engulfed her into a hug. “You’re one special young lady.”

  Chapter 10

  “So you are thinking about this house?”Anna asked as she craned her neck to check out the room.

  “I am.”

  Anna turned a skeptical glance in her direction. “Might want to have Stone look at that.” She pointed to a board that had fallen away from the side exposing the ground beyond the wall.

  Charity gazed at the hole. “I guess we know where the possum and raccoons are getting in.”

  They both giggled.

  “So, I thought you were taking care of Mr. Whitney?” Charity asked.

  “I was, but Momma said I needed some sunshine.” She moved away from Charity and over to the fireplace. A hand on the mantle, Anna bent over and checked out the chimney. “You might need to clean that out. Looks like a nest of squirrels have taken up residence there too.” She clapped her hands together to remove the dust. “When Momma told me you were thinking about renting a cabin. I thought you were going to the ones over by the west end of town?”

  “I thought maybe this might be a bit cheaper. I hear the Captain owns this.”

  “Yep, he does. At one time, Momma and Poppa talked about purchasing this. But then the pony express came in and they needed a location near the livery.” She wrinkled her nose. “I think a different color on the outside might be helpful.”

  “I think you’re right,” Charity agreed. “Get rid of the blue and paint outside and in.”

  “How are you going to buy it? From the money you earned at the saloon?”

  Charity nodded. “Some, I wondered too, if I could take in mending, laundry, and do some sewing.”

  Anna walked across the floor to peek into the kitchen behind Charity and continued to question, “Are you wearing your own design to the party?”

  With a tilt of her head, Charity studied the younger woman for a moment before answering, “Yes, I am.”

  Anna drew a deep breath. “Well then, you should wear your best dress on Saturday, and then you could certainly tell the ladies at the party how much you’d charge them for a design that looked so fresh and new. Lots of ladies only buy from the general store. Of course, we all end up looking alike on Sunday morning.” Anna wrinkled her nose. “That’s the down side of living in a smaller town. I think I’d like to wear a dress that not half the town had on.”

  Charity listened to the wisdom in Anna’s ideas. She folded her arms just below her chest. “Now, where do you get thoughts like this?”

  Anna blinked. “I was just thinking aloud,” she said innocently. “I mean if you wear a beautiful dress that can’t be found at the O’Neil’s, people are bound to want one.”

  “They are?”

  Anna nodded.

  “Perhaps, I’ll think about it.

  Anna turned to stare out the window at the town. “It seems so far away,” she murmured. “I wish this house was closer that way we could sit and talk. I love Momma, but…” She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I want to talk to others. To Momma, I’m still her little girl.”

  “It’s not a bad thing,” Charity reminded her.

  “But, there are things I want to know,” Anna added. Her cheeks staining red as she stared at the wide plank floorboards. “Things I cannot ask my mother.”

  A bemused twitch tickled Charity’s lips. “What things are you talking about?”

  “Things like learning how to change my hair style.”

  “Your hair?” Charity lifted a finger and touched the thick braid of hair trailing down her back. “You’re braid becomes you.”

  “Braids are for children. I-I’m almost grown up. Why, I’ll soon be sixteen. Lots of girls are married at sixteen.”

  “You aren’t ready to get married, are you, Anna?”

  She shook her head. “No, I want to wear something that will….” She paused.

  “That will, what, Anna?”

  “That will make the boys look at me with respect. You know, not like their sister.”

  “Oh.” Suddenly, Charity was beginning to understand. “Tell me; is this just all boys or just one certain boy?”

  Anna’s blush deepened.

  Charity held up a hand. “No, you don’t have to tell me who. I get the picture and I think I can help you out. However, it might be best to get your mother’s permission.”

  Anna’s eyes twinkled with excitement. “Oh, could you? Could you really help me, I mean.”

  Charity gave a nod. “I will be honored too. But, we will speak to your mother first.”

  “Yes,” Anna agreed.

  “Come on; let’s go see your mother.” Charity led the way out of the house and together, the two walked toward the pony express station. Crossing the street at between the Crystal Dawn and the Assay office they had to wait for the load of lumber to head down to the new bank building.

  “The town sure is growing,” Anna remarked. “I think your business is just what the ladies of Three Rivers need.”

  The sound of horse’s hooves drew their attention down the street. A small column of soldiers pulled into view. Others filed out of the stores and homes as the contingent from Fort Valor pulled to a stop before the freight office.

  Charity placed a hand on Anna’s arm. “We need to go get your father,” she whispered.

  Anna nodded and rushed across the street toward the stable.

  Watching to make sure the young girl made her way over, Charity sauntered across the street toward the Hawkins place all the while, she kept her eyes on the movement of the military. A covered wagon rolled slowly to a stop at the rear. She paused and watched as a man in a dark suit wrapped the reins around the brake.

  There was something about him that made the hairs on her arms stand on end. From this distance, she couldn’t make out his features. Yet, standing there, she could feel his eyes upon her and his stare made her feel cheap and dirty. For a moment, her footsteps stilled, and then brushing away the thoughts, she stepped toward the path that led to the Pony Express just as Levi rounded the corner.

  “Charity.”

  “We’ve got company.” She nodded to the cavalry mounted unit and the wagon across the street.

  “So I see.” Levi moved toward the main road. “And at Pierson’s place too,” he mused. “Thank you, Charity.”

  She stood and watched as Levi Hawkins strode across the street to the freight offices and disappeared inside.

  Pierson hurried into his warehouse from the back door. Few knew he’d stepped out and the fewer was all the better. Tossing his hat onto a crate, he hurried toward the door that separated the freight room from the business side of the office. His hand paused on the handle as the sound of voices drifted through the wood.

  “I’m looking for a Mr. Pierson.”

  “What for?” The second person speaking was his chief enforcer, Zeke.

  “You have sent for my medical officer.Some young man came in riding like a savage, demanding I bring my surgeon to this town.”

  There was a pause, then the sound of a ping as a spit of tobacco hit the bass spittoon that lay on the floor next to his desk. “Humph.” Zeke snorted. “That’s them express riders. Well, he ain’t here. But, I think you’ll find the man in question over at the Hawkins’ house.”

  “Hawkins?”

  Pierson grabbed a clip boards and emerged. The conversation ended. Pretending to study the information, he kept his eyes on the paper, not stopping until his feet made contact with the counter separating the office from the rest of the room. “Gentlemen,” he murmured clutching the clip board to his side. “How may I help you?”

  Five men stood staring. It was simple to pick out the major. A miniature man, his dark hair cut short, clean shaven, he seemed more a boy than a man.

  “Major?” Pierson addressed him.

  “Pierson, I presume?”

  “Indeed.” He pushed through the gate and moved to his desk. Eyeing Zeke, he dropped the boar
d holding the papers onto the desk.

  The cowboy jumped. “S’cuse me,” he murmured and scurried out of the way.

  “Won’t you sit down,” Pierson offered the major the chair across the way.

  “We shan’t be staying long.” The major placed both gloves in his left hand and glanced to the man beside him. “The Hawkins house?”

  Pierson took a deep breath and sat down. Picking up a pencil, he pointed the eraser end toward the window. “Right across there. You can’t miss it. Just look for the group of ragtag young men with nothing to do.”

  The major remained silent for a beat. Then, he turned to the older gentleman beside him. “Corporal Herrington.”

  “Sir.”

  “Make your way over to the Hawkins house—”

  The door opened flooding the room with light.

  Pierson looked up and watched as Levi entered.

  “Major,” he spoke. “I’m Levi Hawkins. I sent a man to the fort.”

  “Yes.” The major turned and advanced toward him. “You requested my surgeon.”

  “We did. We have a man that was set upon by the Indians on his freight run.”

  “Hostiles? Are you sure?”

  “Yes, if you will follow me?” Levi stepped toward the door.

  “Herrington, you follow Mr. Hawkins. I have a bit of business with Mr. Pierson.”

  “Yes, sir,” the surgeon snapped.

  “If you’ll follow me.” Levi nodded and led the doctor out.

  Pierson sat back and waited. His curiosity peaked.

  Why would the army major have need of me? Holding both ends of the pencil, he waited.

  Pierson gave a nod.

  Using his gloves, the major dusted off the seat of the chair before sitting down.

  “What can I do for you, Major?”

  The major placed his gloves over one knee, straightening them before he glanced across the desk.

  The motions amused Pierson. His lips twitched but he refused to laugh.

  “I am here as an official emissary of the Federal Government. It appears the Bureau of Indian Affairs has run into a problem.”

  “Oh?” Pierson’s brows arched as he mimicked concern.

  “Yes, it appears that the bureau cannot function to get supplies to the…the.”

  He watched the major search for the appropriate word.

  “…The Natives.”

  “That is indeed a shame,” came Pierson’s droll reply.

  The major shifted in his chair. “You are in the business of hauling freight, correct?”

  Pierson leaned forward smelling a unique opportunity. “I am indeed.”

  The major picked a piece of nonexistent lint from his trousers.

  He glanced up and Pierson found himself held fast under the penetrating gaze of the officer.

  “I want you to go under contract for the hauling of provisions including meat and other subsidies to the reservation.”

  Surprised, Pierson put the pencil down and pushed his chair away from the table. “You realize that my men could come under fire by the hostiles?”

  “I am aware, but we can also give you some protection.”

  Pierson rose from his chair and moved to the window. Staring out across his yard, he could see the back of the pony express office across the way. “And what are your prices? A man like myself must make money.”

  “Indeed. Would it help your deliberations to know that the government would pay two dollars a ton?”

  “Two dollars.” Pierson put his hands behind his back and rocked on his toes. “I must say that would not pay my cost.”

  “And what would?” the Major inquired.

  Pierson thought for a moment. “I will take two dollars and fifty cents or you can find someone else.”

  The air in the freight office seemed tinged with the power struggle between the two men. “Very well, two dollars and fifty cents but not a penny more.”

  Pierson’s smile grew as he turned. Extending his hand, he crooned, “The pleasure is all mine.”

  “It’s taking so long,” Olivia murmured as she stood staring at the door to the small room off the kitchen.

  “Now, mother, rest your nerves,” Levi said as he pulled out a chair and with all the gentleness of putting a baby bird back in its nest, he led her to sit down.

  “I’ve kept the wound clean. And used fresh dressing,” she added. “Even Anna has been there in case he needed anything.”

  “It will be just fine,” he told her and poured coffee into the cup before her. “Stop worrying.”

  “I can’t.” She turned her face toward him as tears filled her eyes. “Oh, Levi, what if it was one of our boys. I couldn’t bear it if they were hurt.”

  “Now, Olivia.” He pulled out a chair and lowered himself into it without taking his eyes off hers. “You can’t keep everyone safe. You will kill yourself worrying.”

  She sniffled. “I know.” She brushed the back of her hands against her eyes. “Don’t you tell Anna, I cried.”

  “I would not.” He looked around the room. “Where is she?”

  “Upstairs going through her dresses for Saturday.”

  “Ah.”

  They sat quietly for a few moments, then the door began to open. Olivia reached out and grasped her husband’s hand. Together, they rose.

  Dr. Herrington stepped forward and placed his bag on the table. “Mrs. Hawkins,” he began. “If the army had more nurses like you, we’d never lose a man in combat.”

  Olivia grinned. “Then, he’s going to be okay?”

  “Yes, he sure is.”

  Olivia embraced her husband. “I’m so glad.”

  “You should be.” The doctor rolled down his sleeves. “I should think he will be up and sitting in the sunshine by week’s end. But no strenuous activity for a few more weeks.”

  “Of course.” She looked at Levi. “He can join us for the party on Saturday. A bit of music and laughter will lift his spirits.”

  “Indeed it will,” Levi agreed.

  She swung around to face the doctor. “You will come, won’t you? It is the least I can do since I forced you to come here.”

  “I must ask my commanding officer, ma’am.”

  Olivia blinked. “He’s here?”

  The doctor nodded. “There was some business to conduct and we escorted a minister and his wife here.”

  “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” she asked.

  “I appreciate it madam,” Dr. Herrington replied. “However, I must get back to the major.”

  “I will follow you and invite him myself.”

  “Delighted.”

  Her apron removed and with the help of her husband, Olivia donned her cloak. Walking to the door, she waited while the surgeon opened the door. “Thank you, sir. At my age, one almost forgets the civility of manners.”

  “That should never be forgotten when in the presence of a beautiful lady,” Dr. Herrington said with a bow of his head.

  “Mr. Hawkins.” Olivia turned to her husband. “I do believe I am being flattered.”

  Levi laughed. “And rightly, my dear.” He clasped the doctor on the arm. “Shall we?”

  They walked down the steps and Olivia took her husband’s arm as they ventured up the street. “Of course, he would have to have business with Pierson,” she murmured as they drew up to the freight entrance.

  “You know Mr. Pierson?”

  Olivia lifted her chin and replied rather hotly, “Oh yes, there is nothing in this town that goes wrong that he is not in the center of and yet, his hands are always clean.”

  The doctor straightened. “My, you paint such a dastardly picture.”

  She brushed her cloak before returning his glance. “He is not my favorite human.”

  The doctor’s mouth twitched. “Really, one could hardly tell.”

  Olivia offered a warning glance as he opened the door. With her husband at her side, they walked through to where the soldiers were standing.

  “Mrs. Haw
kins,” Pierson began. “This is such a surprise.”

  She flashed a false smile. “I am sure.” Focusing her glance upon the major, Olivia walked toward him. “Major Arnold, I would like to issue you an invitation to our party.”

  The young man turned. “Party?”

  “Yes, we are hosting a party to celebrate the holidays. Nothing fancy, just some dancing and homemade treats.” She glanced at the men surrounding him, including the droll fellow dressed in black. “The invitation includes all of you.”

  “Even me?” Pierson asked.

  Olivia turned and gave him a scalding glance. “Even you, Mr. Pierson. Perhaps you can learn something about civility.”

  He bowed his head. “Well then, I accept.” Pierson put his hand to his head. “Ah, Mrs. Hawkins, I have been amiss in my introductions. Have you met, Reverend Archibald Jordan?” He held his hand out toward the shadows and slowly, a man emerged.

  His dark dress was a stark contrast to the pale skin about the tight neckband. “Blessings sister Hawkins,” the man murmured.

  “How do you do,” Olivia’s voice drifted off. The minister’s amazing blue eyes fell upon her and for some reason, she could not look away.

  “I’ve come to Three Rivers to save souls.”

  “Have you now?” Levi asked.

  She summoned the courage to look away and turned toward her husband standing beside her.

  “We rotate our duty to God in this town,” Levi explained. “Each of us takes a Sunday.”

  “Then I shall like to be put on the rotation,” Archibald spoke up. His eyes were shining with a brilliance that captured each glance in the room. “You see, my wife is with child, and we would like to settle down until her time comes.”

  “As you should,” Olivia agreed. “There are some cabins to the west of town that are appropriate.”

  “I would be anxious to see them,” Archibald said with a nod.

  “Your wife would enjoy being able to meet the ladies in town. Sir, will you and she attend on Saturday?” Olivia remarked hopefully.