Melinda Heads West (11 page)
Boone grimaced, reached in his back pocket, and started to draw out a photo.
“Oh no! We’ve been down that road. You can’t keep me out of this establishment!”
“What in tarnation is going on out here?” A large man dressed in a blue-checked shirt and dirty white apron stepped out of the bar room door.
They both spoke at once: “I’m here to pick up a deed!” Fuming, their gazes met.
Boone continued, “What she’s trying to say is that
I’m
here to pick up a deed you’ve been holding.”
“Oh, yeah?” said the man, with one raised eyebrow. “Who’s it for?”
Boone paused, at a loss. Mindy stepped forward, shoving him aside with her elbow. “I’m Mindy McCorkle come to pick up a deed left to me by my uncle, Walter Larby.” She gave Boone a triumphant smile. “We received a letter saying my uncle had died, and that a Mr. William Kirby was holding the deed to his property for us here at the saloon.”
“Yeah. Old Walt. Left it here for you quite a while back. Come on in.”
Boone reached to grab for Mindy, but she jerked past him and followed the big man into the saloon. It was a dark place. The small gas lamps had not been lit, and the only light came from the front window and the open door. The owner skirted tables with padded chairs pushed underneath and led them to a stained oak bar.
He turned to face Mindy. “I thought a lot of your uncle. Hated to hear when he got so sick. Then he came in one day and asked me to hold a deed for his sister. I was starting to worry that no one was coming.” He went around to the back of the bar. “Hang on a minute, I gotta find the dad-blamed thing.”
“That’s no problem at all,” Mindy said smugly.
When she turned to Boone, she noticed a man sitting at one of the tables with his head slumped onto his arms. A bottle and a glass rested near his head. Peanut shells were scattered over the rest of the table. Her eyes turned sad. “Oh, look. Poor man. I wonder what’s wrong with him.”
Boone rolled his eyes. “We’ve got to get you out of here.”
“I’m not going anywhere and that’s my final word on the matter!”
Boone’s eyebrows lowered and he shook his head. “You are one unique item, little lady.” He removed his hat and rubbed his head. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to put up with this foolishness.”
“There is no need to,” Mindy said, raising her voice. “Leave me alone!”
The barkeep rose from behind the bar with a sheaf of papers in his hand. “There’s a letter for you, too,” he said. “I sure am sorry.”
Mindy turned. “The undertaker said you took care of the funeral arrangements as well, Mr. Kirby. I’ll be paying you back for that.” She dug into her reticule.
“That’s not necessary. Walt was a friend.” The man took off his hat. “He was a friend to a lot of people here in this town. A real generous man. My girls all loved him.”
“How sweet you are for saying so!”
“I’ll just bet they loved him,” Boone said under his breath.
Mindy whirled. “What do you mean by that? Are you slandering my uncle?”
Boone turned to the bartender. “We’ll take that deed off your hands now.”
“Not until I pay him for the funeral!”
Music started plinking in the background. A piano player was limbering his fingers and dancing out a few notes on the keyboard in the corner.
“It’s time to go,” Boone said.
Just then, a tall, silver-haired lady sashayed down a stairway at the side of the saloon. She watched the couple argue for a minute before saying, “She don’t like you, cowboy. Maybe you’d like to find someone else to spend your time with.” She winked.
Mindy couldn’t help but note the undertone to the suggestion. Her back stiffened and her fingers fisted. “He absolutely would not!”
Boone glanced down at her. His eyes widened.
“Can I buy you a drink?” the lady purred, with all her attention focused on Boone.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. We’re not staying that long.” He smiled at Mindy, and then glanced back at the voluptuous woman. “Maybe some other time.”
“Oooh … you would, wouldn’t you? You just can’t ever remember that little wife of yours, can you? Maybe I should go back over to the store and tell her what you’re about!”
“I’ve told you before, don’t you worry about my wife!”
“Somebody needs to,” Mindy replied, with a lowered voice. She pulled money out of her purse and laid it on the polished surface of the wooden bar. “There,” she told the man behind it. “There’s thirty-five dollars.”
“Now, let’s get out of here,” Boone said.
“I’m not going anywhere with you!”
“Well, I say you are!”
“And I say she’s not.” It was a male voice. Mindy and Boone turned to see Lucas standing in the doorway. The sunlight made a halo around his blond head and his tall shadow lay across the floor of the bar. His face was cloudy with rage. He spoke straight to Mindy. “I’ve been hunting you all morning. And I find you in a saloon? With him?”
Mindy blushed red as Lucas stomped into the barroom. She was embarrassed over such a display, even if there were only a couple of observers.
“It’s not
a
saloon, Lucas,” Mindy said, controlling her temper as best she could. These two men drove her up the wall! “It’s
the
saloon. I came to collect the deed my uncle left to my mother. But I don’t see why I should have to explain things to you, or inform you of my comings and goings.”
“I would have been happy to accompany you. There was no reason for you to … disturb … Boone with this mission. It doesn’t look right for a young lady to be out with a married man.”
Mindy bristled. “And why should it be any of your business who I spend time with? You’ve asked to court me, not control me!”
• • •
Boone’s ears perked up. So, they were a pair, now. She hadn’t mentioned it. On the other hand, she didn’t seem too happy about the situation. He smiled.
“I apologize,” said Lucas. “Of course you’re right. But I wish you would consider your reputation.”
“What reputation?” Mindy demanded. “I don’t know the people of this town. They don’t know me. If they take my actions in the wrong way, I’m sorry, but that doesn’t stop me from doing what needs to be done.”
Boone agreed. Mindy never cared for propriety when she had made up her mind about something. He nodded his head, continuing to smile. Then he spoke. “I can see that Lucas has things well under control. I can leave you in his competent hands.” Then, just to be evil, he said to Mindy, “Thanks. For everything.”
Confusion settled on Mindy’s face and Lucas flushed. Boone smiled even wider. “I guess I’ll see y’all around.”
• • •
Mindy watched Boone exit the bar, still puzzling over his last remark.
“What, exactly, did that mean?” Lucas demanded.
“I haven’t the slightest idea.”
“It’s time to get out of here.” Lucas took Mindy by the arm and almost dragged her from the establishment. Once they were outside, she jerked her arm away.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m trying to take care of you!”
“Well, stop it! I’ve had people taking care of me all my life! I’ve made it this far on my own and I reckon I can make it the rest of the way!” Mindy’s eyes were glowing. She had worked herself into a fine lather. “Furthermore, if you continue to treat me like a child, I will have no choice but to think there is too great a disparagement in our ages! Perhaps I need to look for someone closer to my own age!”
“No, no, now, Mindy. Let’s don’t go that far. I’m just worried about you, is all,” Lucas said, seeming to realize that he’d pushed her to the wall. “You have to look at it from my side.” He reached for her hands, but she jerked them away.
“I suggest you look at my
backside
while I walk away!” Mindy roared. She left Lucas standing open mouthed on the boardwalk.
• • •
May 25, 1880
Dear Melinda,
I am writing to you as I sit in the parlor, looking out the window. The flowers are blooming in abundance and there is a pleasant breeze blowing. It is truly lovely here and I wish you were home to see it. With each passing day, I worry more about you, and despise my decision to allow you to travel alone. What was I thinking? I pray that you are well.
The boys are good. I had a note from their teacher last week, saying that all but one are passing their courses in a fine manner. I suppose you can guess who happens to be the odd man out. Yes! Quinn! He is determined not to do his studies. The boy will be the death of me.
Your sisters are well and they each send their love. Little Sophie kisses your picture each time she visits and says she will kiss
you
when you return!
Gertrude Winegartner was married two weeks ago. She was beautiful in a rose satin gown and white veil. I think she and Robert will be quite happy together. That reminds me to tell you that Richard Peters has been by several times asking about you. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was sweet on you! You might consider giving him a chance when you return.
Edward Hardy took a case of the grippe two weeks ago and was in bed for six days. He had a fever most of the time. I had Bet take some chicken soup by. I know you would want to hear of it.
Mimmer Haygood got mauled by a threshing machine Thursday last. The physician is not sure if he will live or die. His wife would appreciate prayers on his behalf, I’m sure.
There also was a fire in the Town Hall not long ago. A gas pipe of some sort burst, but it was extinguished quickly enough that the structure remains largely intact.
In regard to the property, please take care of this issue as soon as you are able. I would love to see you home! Luther Mills said he heard unsettled land in Kansas is selling for three to five dollars per acre! Please be careful whom you do business with. The world is full of unscrupulous men. And women, for that matter.
Elizabeth asks for you frequently. If you have a moment, please write to her.
I pray for you daily.
I can think of nothing more to write at this time, but shall write again soon. You have my heart until I see you again. Until then, I shall remain,
Your Loving Mother,
Sordie McCorkle
• • •
September 15, 1879
Sordie,
I am sorry to leve you in such a pickle, what with having to take care of the property this way. I relize you are not a spring chiken any more and hope that the treveling has been easy on you.
You will find that Tipton is not a bad place. I heve enjoyed my time here imminsly. I have made good friends that I will miss derely. With luck, they will miss me as well.
I no this letter may upset you, but do not be dismayed, for I have made piece with my God and an redy to go if needs be.
You will find the homeplace easy. It is four miles out of town on the west road. There is a large bolder by the house for it was too large to be moved.
You are welcome to all I own. I hope that you or the children will come to love it as I do. I have spent many yers in hard work to see it to this point.
Trudy Mae is buried in the yard out back underneth the oak tree. I loved her well and now I can see her agin.
Plese do not be sad. All my love. I am now and will forever remain,
Your brother,
Walter Shotgun Larby
• • •
Mindy sat on the bed after she had read both letters, overcome with homesickness. Taking out a lace-edged hanky, she dabbed at the tears that freely flowed down her face. Poor Uncle Walter! She wished the family had been notified of his sickness so that someone could have been with him at the end. She made up her mind to go take a look at the property, rather than sell it outright. She needed to visit the home, touch the things, and see Aunt Trudy Mae’s grave.
Having made up her mind to her next course of action, she was about to lie down for a nap when there was a knock on the door.
When she opened it, she was surprised to find Lucas standing in the doorway, his hat in his hand. “Mindy, please don’t send me away,” he said. “I’ve thought about my actions today, and I deeply regret them. I hope you will forgive me and give me another chance.” He looked at her with hangdog eyes.
Mindy sniffed. “I’m not sure, Lucas. I’ll have to think about it.”
“That’s fine! Think all you want. But I’ve had an idea. I figure you’ll be wanting to go and see that property you have now, and I thought perhaps we could go together and take a proper picnic lunch.”
Mindy paused. She did need to visit her uncle’s home place, there was no doubt of that. She put one finger to her lip and peered at Lucas. “Do we understand that I am in control of my own life?”
“Yes, ma’am! I stepped out of line and I know it.” Lucas truly appeared miserable. “I care for you, Mindy. I’d like a chance to show you.”
He looked so sad and sincere that Mindy’s heart couldn’t help but thaw. She’d spent an age with him on the road and she knew in her heart he was a good man, if a little zealous at times. Besides, he might be the only hope she ever had of settling down.
“All right, then,” Mindy said.
“Fine! I know you’ll be happy with this decision. I’ll have a buggy ready for us in the morning!”
When Mindy would have closed the door, he continued to stand there. “Yes? Is there something else?”
“Well, I wondered if you might join me for supper again?”
Mindy smiled inside. This was a new feeling and it was dangerously heady. “No, I think I will retire early this evening. It’s been a stressful day.” She glared at him.
“Yes, yes. I understand. May I ask one more thing? Why did you change rooms? I told you I would take care of the expense. I only want the best for you, Mindy.”
“And make me indebted to you?
No
, thank you!”
Something in Lucas’s eyes flared but was soon quenched. “As you like it. I will see you first thing in the morning.”
Mindy closed the door, leaned against it, and breathed an exhilarated sigh. A man! Following her to apologize! Who would have ever thought!
Boone’s sister, Becky, pulled up at the old home place. She helped Terese down from the wagon and entered her mother’s house. The large receiving room was bright and cheerful, in part due to the late afternoon sun gliding through the windows. White wallpaper covered the walls with a brown, repeated star motif. The wood trim was painted a cheerful yellow, and mauve drapes with tassels hung from the two tall windows. Family photos lined the walls: black and white pictures of stern-looking people. A faded landscape painting hung over an ornate fireplace.
