Strangers unsettled her, and she kept walking. Jacob had never felt like a stranger, not from the first moment she opened his letter.
The town bustled with activity. Libby kept her gaze low, hearing the wagons rattling by, the clop of horses, the jingle of harnesses. Mens voices rose discussing the weather and the business of the day. She dodged them the best she could.
The Faded Bloom was a bright blue, three-story structure gracing the wide alley behind a row of saloons and gaming houses. A painted sign swung from the eaves of the front porch. Rooms Let, it said. Women only.
Well, it looked homey. That was a start. Libby climbed the few steps to the porch and knocked on the door.
A window slammed opened, startling her.
Can I help you? A plump, wise-eyed woman pulled the pane higher and popped her head out. A wild tangle of rich black curls framed a friendly face.
Im looking for a room. Something not too expensive.
The woman frowned sternly, eyeing her up. I aint seen you before. Are you new in town?
Yes. I just arrived on the stage yesterday. Libby stared down at her fingers. Im staying over at the Cedar Rock Hotel for now, but I need something more affordable.
Are you here for a few days or longer?
It wouldnt be easy living in the same town as Jacob, seeing him and being reminded of what shed lost. Longer. I plan to find work in town. What might a room cost?
Ten dollars a week. Breakfast is fifty cents and dinner is a dollar.
Libby wilted at the price, but the boarding house appeared clean and respectable, the owner friendly. She glanced about, noting a nng of sturdy yellow flowers marching around the house. She couldnt do much better, and she knew it. Shed seen most of the town on her walk here. Id like to see what rooms you have available, please.
Sure thing, deary. Wait by the door and Ill let you in.
Libby hadnt considered how hard it would be to stay. Now she realized how awkward she might feel bumping into Jacob in the mercantile or seeing Emma buying hair ribbons. If she had the money, she would leave.
The door opened into a dim, narrow foyer. The woman appeared, her hair tied back neatly and her plain green calico dress serviceable and pretty. Call me Maude. Everyone around these parts does. Come on inside out of that sun.
Libby introduced herself as she stepped inside and glanced around. She noticed a door at her elbow and realized it led to Maudes apartment. Across the hall she could see a pleasant parlor for receiving guests and ahead of her the narrow staircase leading into the dim second story.
The girls who usually live here work over at the dance hall, the woman explained, her keys jingling in her hand as she climbed the stairs with a heavy, confident gait. They get in late, most of em, and sleep late. I try to be quiet so as not to wake em. We got other gals too, one works in the diner across from the livery.
Jacob. The thought of him hurt. Jacob owned the livery.
What kind of work do you do? Maude asked over her shoulder.
Libby followed the woman up to the hotter third floor. II came here to meet s-someone, but Im on my own now. Im normally employed as a seamstress.
A seamstress? Humming thoughtfully, Maude marched down the narrow door-lined hallway. Old Harv over at the dry goods has been talkin about gettin a woman to alter some of the ready-made clothes. You just might want to talk with him. Tell him I sent you.
Thank you. Libby brightened. Perhaps she might find a suitable position right away.
Maude stopped at the end of the hall. Whew, this heat would melt the core of hell, thats for sure. Im afraid it dont get much cooler, just hotter right through the summer until autumn comes.
Libbys problems were more serious than the heat. As long as the rooms clean.
Oh, its clean. Dont tolerate filth in my place. Maude swung open the door and stepped into the corner room.
Libby peered inside, almost afraid to enter. Shed learned to expect the worst, but her outlook brightened as she studied the little room.
A bare straw-tick mattress sat on a small wooden frame. A simple, scarred bureau was tucked into the corner beside a battered, but newly painted wardrobe. Maude crossed the polished wood floor and tugged open first one window and then the other. Crisp white curtains fluttered back in the hot breeze.
Itll be uncomfortable hot for the rest of the summer. Maude turned to glance at the unmade bed. Ive got linen downstairs Ill let you use.
This will be perfect. So much more than she deserved. Libby managed a wobbly smile.
Good. Maude offered her hand, and they shook. Since youre such a nice young gal, Ill knock off two bucks due to the heat.
Eight dollars a week. It was too good to be true.
Maude had invited Libby into the dining room and offered her a free cup of coffee. While she turned down the offer of breakfast, placing a hand over her queasy stomach, the cup of strong, bitter coffee knocked some of the lightness out of her head.
Things were going to be fine. As she ventured out into the hot morning, Libby felt hopeful with her new keys tucked safely in her pocket and two weeks lodging paid ahead. Only $21.21 remaining. While it wasnt a fortune, it was much more than shed had at some points in her life.
Maudes friend, old Harv, turned out to be the proprietor of Ellingtons Dry Goods. Libby hesitated in the doorway. The fine establishment was empty of shoppers, but stuffed with a variety of goods. Ready-made garments sat in neatly folded stacks on tables. Trousers and canvas, shirts and skirts, and a few bolts of colorful fabric. She spotted a row of fancy ribbons.
Emma. Libby tripped, and caught herself. Sadness tore at her heart.
A tall, thin man wearing spectacles appeared from a doorway in the back. Can I help you find something, miss?
Libby gathered her courage. It wasnt easy. Are you Mr. Ellington?
That I am.
I heard from Maude Baker you might be interested in hiring a seamstress. I sew tight and even seams, and I do excellent buttonholes.
Mr. Ellington folded his arms across his chest. He was well dressed in a gray silk vest and a tailored white shirt. He looked like a man able to afford help in his store.
I cant say if I plan to take on someone full-time. Ellington shook his head. As you can plainly see, I sell ready-made. Too many bachelors up here, or married men who left their womenfolk behind. It takes only a few minutes to find them what they need.
No work. Libby hid her disappointment. Well, perhaps you would keep me in mind if circumstances change, she said cordially.
I will at that. But he didnt sound promising.
Im rooming at Mrs. Bakers. Good day.
No work for a seamstress. Well, shed see about that. Libby vowed to try the other shops as she stepped out on the boardwalk. The pummeling heat of the sun slammed into her as she walked out of the buildings shade. Already the burning disc of the sun climbed toward the zenith, marking the passage of the morning.
She had little time to look for work before she ran out of money. This was a busy town. Someone would hire her. Someone had to. Her remaining funds would not last her long.
The tentative knock on the hotel rooms door startled Libby from her packing. Her morning had been an exhausting string of rejections. Expecting it to be the Indian woman shed seen cleaning rooms down the hall, Libby tugged open the door without thought.
The tentative knock on the hotel rooms door startled Libby from her packing. Her morning had been an exhausting string of rejections. Expecting it to be the Indian woman shed seen cleaning rooms down the hall, Libby tugged open the door without thought.
Surprise!
Emma stood in the dimly lit hallway, a covered pie plate balanced carefully in both hands. Jane shadowed the girl, standing back against the far wall.
You left before dessert, Emma explained, so Jane and I brought ya some.
Thats very thoughtful of you, but Libbys throat tightened. Does your pa know youre here?
Excitement slipped from Emmas round blue eyes. Pas busy at the livery. We brought fried chicken and everything.
How could she say no? Libby held open the door. You are the best thing to happen to me all day. Come in. You too, Jane.
Emma walked past, careful to keep the pie balanced. Jane, bone thin and slightly stooped at the shoulders, carried a basket on one arm. Wise eyes met hers.
Oh! Emma stood stock-still, gazing about the room in fascination. Look at the pretty quilt!
Libby remembered the sparse interior of the Stones snug log cabin.
Some would think that there quilt has seen better days. Jane chuckled, meeting Libbys gaze. Emma, dont touch.
I want a quilt of my own, the girl said wistfully.
Libbys heart went out to her. Emma needed a mothers touch. Is that why shed come, to try to fix what Jacob couldnt?
Janes voice broke through her thoughts. Are you still feelin poorly?
Im a bit better today. She felt heat creep up her face. Jane knows, she thought. Im embarrassed about last night. I just left without even thanking you for the wonderful meal. You went to all that trouble.
Didnt look to me as if you had the chance to enjoy it. If your bellys feeling settled, maybe youd like some of my tasty chicken.
I want to have a picnic. We can eat right here. Emma knelt to set the pie plate on the varnished bare floorboards and looked up expectantly. Hope shone bold in her blue eyes.
Today Emma wore a sunshine yellow calico cut in a princess style with a small yoke and rounded collar. Her sleeves were rolled up to her forearms, giving her growing room, and her skirt sported a sassy ruffle edged with yellow satin ribbon.
Maybe Miss Hodges doesnt want to sit on the floor, Emma, Jane said gently.
I dont mind. Bittersweetness tugged at her heart. She might never get another chance to see Emma. Its too hot for a picnic outside.
And too dusty. I dont like town. The girl wrinkled her nose.
I dont like town, either. The forest is so beautiful. Libby settled onto the floor and tried not to sound wistful for the log cabin home in the woods.
Sometimes we get trouble with bears. They wanna eat our horses.
Jane began unpacking the basket. But your pa built the stable doors solid, so the bears cant get in.
Libby helped with setting out the food. Jane brought tin plates and flatware knives and forks, and crisp blue cotton napkins. Libby fetched fresh water from the hotels kitchen to go along with the corn bread, fried chicken and fresh, raw green beans.
They talked of Janes upcoming trip, of the town and the people in it. Libby managed to keep the conversation light until Emma burst out, Dont you like my Pa?
Jacob. Libby felt her heart twist. I think your pa is a fine man, she hedged.
But do you like him enough to marry him?
Libby stared hard at her plate. She knew what the girl wanted to hear. That question goes two ways, Emma. Your pa has to like me well enough, too.
Hes awful lonesome. Emmas blue eyes widened, an obvious show of her not-so-innocent intentions.
The little matchmaker. Libby hid her smile. Im awful lonesome, too. But I dont think your pa will marry me.
Thats not fair. He likes you. I know he does.
Sometimes liking someone isnt enough reason to marry them. Libby studied the pain pinching Emmas deep blue eyes. Im sure glad you came to visit me. I wondered what kind of surprise you and Jane made for dessert.
Huckleberry pie! Emma announced. Jane and I spent all morning picking berries. It took forever to get enough.
Thats because you kept eatin em. Jane teased.
Libbys stomach tolerated the meal. She ate slowly, because Emma would leave when the meal was over. Libby didnt want her to go.
I tried to invite Pa, but he was busy with a customer. Emma finished her piece of chicken and caught Janes gaze. I cleaned my plate. Can we have dessert now?
Yes, little one.
While Jane cut thick wedges of juicy pie, Libby cleared the dishes and stacked them neatly in the basket.
I think Pa would have come if I asked him. He hardly saw you at all yesterday, Emma commented, her eyes sincere, her face pink with hope.
Libbys heart sank. Now she knew Emmas and Janes true purposeto convince her to stay, then talk Jacob into wanting her. I thought we already talked about this.
I want you to be my mother.
Id like that, too, Emma. Very much. But wanting doesnt make it so. Libby felt the words cut like a razor blade against the back of her too dry throat.
Pa has to like you. I know he will if I ask him to.
So much pain rose in those heartfelt words. Libby winced. I dont want to hurt you, Emma. Its not that simple. Im sorry. I wish things could be different.
The little girl bowed her head, hiding what shimmered in her eyes.
Tears. Libby ached with them. I hope youll keep the doll I made for you and always remember me.
Ill never forget you. A depth of feeling resonated in her small voice, sad like the dying ring of a church bell.
Have you decided on a name for her?
Im going to call her Beth.
Even Libby knew why Emma had chosen it. Jacob called her by her given name, Elizabeth.
Heavy boots thudded to a stop outside her open door. Libby twisted around to gaze up at the darkly dressed man framed in the threshold.
Jacob.
At the dark wrath in his eyes, Libby braced herself. He didnt want her. And he didnt want her near his daughter.
Libby stood. We were just saying goodbye.
The tight slash of Jacobs mouth told her the depth of his disbelief. It didnt sound like it to me.
Pa, this is the pie I helped Jane make. Emma hopped to her feet, excitement shining in her eyes. Come have a piece with us. Please.
No, Emma. This isnt going to work. Im not changing my mind.
But
Help Jane pick up the dishes. His hands fisted tightly at his sides, an effort at control.
Libbys heart skidded in her chest. He didnt understand. She tore her gaze from the sight of him, so strong and heart-drawing, framed by the threshold, and began stacking the huckleberry-juice-stained plates into the bottom of the basket.
Pas got a temper, Emma whispered. But dont go away because of that. Nobodys perfect.
She certainly wasnt Libby closed her eyes. Awareness tingled down her spine. She turned around to find him watching her.
Dont get angry with Emma because of me, she pleaded.