Ranch Life is Great Page 7

  "It sounds to me as though it was meant to be; you needed someone with experience to run your store at the same time they needed a way to earn a living," Mr. Winthrop said as if thinking aloud. "It sounds like a good match."

  "They seem real nice," Gertrude added. "They're so happy to have a way to support their family."

  "Oh, good. Now I can't wait to meet them," Mrs. Winthrop said.

  After the Winthrops left, the ladies finished their lunch while talking about what they'd heard. "It sounds as though the sheriff may be straightening people out on that rumor," Gertrude said.

  "I was so happy to hear that. I hope he tells a lot of people. The Stones deserve a fair chance to run the store." Gertrude nodded in agreement. "Let's get them some lunch and get back over there. If the sheriff talked to other people like he did them, we may start having more business, and I'd really like to introduce the Stones to everyone."

  When the girls returned to the store fifteen minutes later, carrying plates of food, they were happy to see Harold and Loretta filling an order. "Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Martin," Elsie greeted the customers. "Have you met Harold and Loretta Stone?" They talked a few minutes, and Gertrude and Elsie filled the order the Martins had, which gave the Stones and Martins a few minutes to get to know each other a bit. Mr. Stone and Mr. Martin each grabbed a fifty-pound bag and went to deposit them in the Martins' wagon, while the ladies talked a few moments.

  When the Martins left a few minutes later, Harold and Loretta thanked the girls for their help. "They seem nice," Loretta said. "Thank you for introducing us and filling their order so we could talk a few minutes."

  "That's what we hope to be able to do while we're here," Elsie explained. "The people in town have been very friendly to us, and we're hoping that extends to you. I hope a lot of people come in the next few days so you can get to meet them while we're still coming in."

  "Right now, though, you two better go eat your lunch," Gertrude said, "while it's still nice and warm."

  "I thought maybe you'd bring us a ham sandwich that you could just carry in your hands," Harold said. "That looks like it's on a plate. I can't believe they let you have that."

  "They're right next door," Elsie explained, "and we've been friends with them for years. When we told them who it was for, they gave you two of their specials today, and said to return the plates and napkins when you get a chance in the next few days."

  "I'll have to be sure to thank them," Harold said. "How much do I owe you?"

  "Nothing," Elsie said. "Nellie, the lady who owns and runs the restaurant, said it's on her. She insisted it's her way of saying hello and welcome to her new neighbors. She said she'll make it over probably this afternoon or tomorrow morning to meet you."

  "Oh, how nice," Loretta said. "People here have all seemed very nice. I can't wait to meet her and thank her in person." She took the napkin off one of the plates of food, and gasped. "Oh, my goodness. This looks absolutely delicious, but this one plate would be enough for both of us."

  Elsie laughed. "Nellie always says she doesn't want anyone leaving her restaurant hungry. I know what you mean, though. When it was just the two of us here, Gertrude and I often split a meal. We usually had a little left, even splitting one meal. Most families who eat there order a meal for each of the parents, and an empty plate for their kids. Nellie always smiles and complies."

  The afternoon wasn't what Elsie would consider busy, but it was much better than it had been. Several people came in, and she introduced Harold and Loretta to each one of them. She and Gertrude then tackled the list of supplies they needed while the Stones got to know their new customers.

  Cade was happy to see customers in the store and smiles all around when he went to pick the ladies up that afternoon. Elsie filled him in on their day during their hour-long ride home. He smiled when he heard several people had said they were back at the store after the sheriff straightened them out on the rumor. He made a mental note to thank him for that the next time he talked to him.

  Maria was happy to hear how well the ladies' day went, and that the sheriff was trying to squelch the rumor. She and both Elsie and Gertrude had all become close quickly. She liked both ladies, and was going to miss Gertrude when she moved back east. She knew Elsie would, as well, and was glad she and Cade had gotten married, so she was living here at the ranch. At least that way she wouldn't be alone when Gertrude left.

  Wednesday went much as Tuesday had. Cade took the ladies to town in the morning to help the Stones, and was there again at closing time to escort them back home. He stopped to talk to Sheriff Fitch, but he didn't really have much to report. He did say, though, that people seemed to be very receptive of him when he told them there was no basis for the rumor. He was glad to report seeing more activity at the Wintock Mercantile.

  That evening as they ate supper, Gertrude was noticeably quiet. Cade wasn't sure Elsie noticed it, but he did, and Maria obviously did as well. She turned to Gertrude, who was sitting beside her, and patted her hand. "What has you so quiet and thoughtful, Gertrude?"

  Gertrude started to deny it, but then slumped her shoulders, as if in defeat. "I think it's time for me to buy a ticket back east."

  Elsie's head swirled to look at her. "You don't have to go yet, do you?"

  "I think I do, honey. The Stones are running the store, and that seems to be going well. You're married to a wonderful man who's going to take care of you, and I couldn't be happier for you. You're ready to begin your life as Mrs. Collins. Your cousin needs me more. She has a family to take care of, and is expecting another little one. I'm sure right now she could use some help caring for her children and tending the garden. Once her baby is born, she'll need more help. There will be lots of canning to do, as well. I'm so glad I was here for you when your parents died, but I think your cousin needs help more now."

  Elsie went to her aunt and gave her a hug. "I don't know what I would have done if you wouldn't have been here for me, Aunt Gertie. I thank you so much for that." She sighed. "I really hate to see you leave, but I have to admit, you're probably right. It would be selfish of me to ask you to stay here, as much as I'd love it."

  "Thank you, honey. I've loved getting closer to you, and I'm so glad we had that time together. But I think tomorrow I'll purchase a ticket back east. Please tell me you'll write, though. I want to know how you're adjusting to life on a ranch as a married woman."

  "I promise I'll write," Elsie promised. "I know it's still too early to know for sure, but so far I've really enjoyed living here. I fully expect to write to you soon and tell you that ranch life is great."

  "Good. I'll be anxiously awaiting that letter."

  Cade knew Elsie would miss her aunt, and planned to do a little extra cuddling with his new wife in an attempt to make her aunt's departure a little easier for her.

  Chapter Six

  Friday evening Elsie was quiet, and Cade had a pretty good idea why. After supper, he suggested they go for a ride on Thunder. She quickly agreed. She not only loved going out riding on the ranch, and loved the quiet time it gave them together, but she didn't think she'd ever tire of the safe feeling she had when he put his arm around her waist and held her in front of him.

  He stopped at one of their favorite creeks, and helped her down. After tying Thunder to a tree, he took her hand and they started walking lazily along the creek, watching for fish. After talking casually for a few minutes about nothing in particular, he stopped walking and tightened his hold on her hand just a bit. "You're going to miss working in the store, aren't you?"

  She didn't answer, and when he looked over at her he saw a couple tears making their way down her cheeks. He pulled her into his chest, and she wrapped her arms around him, holding onto him. He rubbed her back gently, but didn't say anything. He knew she was a passionate and emotional lady, and right now she needed to have a good cry as her way of saying good-bye to the store that had been a part of her life for so long.

  He knew that part of saying good-b
ye to the store was also saying good-bye to her parents, and that was something she needed to do, as well. When that awful event occurred, she didn't allow herself to take the time to grieve. It was a huge shock, and the way she dealt with it was to immerse herself into everything that needed to be done. Between answering all the questions, making the arrangements for the funerals, and cleaning the store up and getting it back open, she was busy enough that she didn't have to face their deaths. But now she did, and they both knew it.

  He kissed the top of her head and whispered in her ear. "Let it out while I hold you, honey. It'll be all right. I'll be right here for you, anytime you need me. So will Maria. You won't be alone."

  She nodded, as the tears flowed freer. True to his word, he picked her up and carried her to the meadow, where he sat down under a tree and held her in his lap, with her face up against his chest. He whispered words of encouragement to her while rubbing her back, and gave her the time she needed.

  When she had cried herself out and regained her composure, she turned to look at him. "Thank you."

  "For what, honey?"

  "Somehow you always know what I'm thinking and what I need to hear. Thank you for that."

  "I try to watch out for you and protect you, and I always will. Do you feel better now?"

  "Yes, I do. I didn't realize it, but I needed that cry. I am going to miss going to the store, and I'm going to miss my parents, and I'm going to miss Aunt Gertie. But I'm ready now to move on, and am looking forward to my new life here."

  "Good. I'm looking forward to that, as well." He leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss that showed her he meant every word he'd said.

  The next week, they took Gertrude to catch the stagecoach. The ladies hugged each other and cried, and Cade made sure Gertrude knew she was welcome back anytime, for as long as she wanted to stay. "We have a big house, Gertrude, and we'll always have a room just for you."

  "Thank you, both of you, and I'll remember that." She gave each of them a final hug as the stagecoach driver loaded her trunk on the coach.

  Life on the ranch started to gradually fall into a bit of a routine over the next few weeks. Cade always made sure Elsie went along when he went to town for their supplies so she could visit with Harold and Loretta. The ladies had become good friends, and Elsie often stayed at the store to visit while Cade got supplies he needed for the ranch. Elsie filled him in on how the store and their family were doing on the way home. Cade was glad to hear people had gotten past the rumor that had been going around, and business had returned.

  He stopped in to talk to the sheriff at least once a week to check in with him and see if he had any news on his investigation. The sheriff reported he'd checked his notes and found a note that the Wilsons said they moved from Philadelphia. He said he'd been told by a fellow sheriff that there had been a problem with the telegraph service in Philadelphia and they weren't sure telegrams were being kept private, so he sent a letter to the local sheriff, asking if he knew anything about either of the Wilsons. He hadn't heard back yet, but expected it would take at least a few weeks to get a response.

  He'd been asking casual questions in town as to where people first heard the rumor, but hadn't been able to narrow it down as of yet. Most people were very vague in their answers, saying they couldn't remember, or that they'd heard it from several people.

  Six weeks after Harold and Loretta took over the store, Cade and Elsie went to town to get supplies, but were concerned to see a crowd of people gathered around the store. Elsie froze, and Cade put his arm around her. They pushed their way through to see what was going on, both remembering that awful day when her parents had been killed. When they got closer they could see broken glass.

  Sheriff Fitch saw them and motioned them forward. Loretta was crying, and Elsie went to give her a hug. "What happened?"

  "Someone threw a rock through the window," Loretta explained. "As far as we can tell, they didn't take anything, so our only loss is the window. It scared us, though, after what happened to your parents. Once we saw the broken window we were afraid to go inside, so we went and got the sheriff. He went in and made sure everything was fine and no one was inside."

  Elsie was speechless, her mind full of memories she'd rather not revisit. Cade came to her side and pulled her in against him. "Are you all right?" he whispered.

  "Yes, I'm fine," she said, shaking her head to clear it. She turned back to Loretta. "How about you guys? Are you all right? Does the sheriff have any idea who did this?"

  "No, not that I know of," she said. "But we're fine. He assured us there's nothing to suggest it has anything to do with your parents. He said it may have been a couple ornery boys, or it may even have been an accident. A wagon going past may have kicked a stone up with enough force to break it."

  "So you're all right? I mean, when I got here you were crying. Are you sure you're fine?"

  "I am. I get very emotional these days, probably because of my pregnancy. It scared us, is all. But now that we know a little more about it, I think the sheriff's right. If they would have taken things or torn the store up I would have been a bit more concerned, but I'm all right."

  After making sure Elsie was all right with him leaving her side, Cade went to get a piece of wood to cover the window. Harold cleaned up the broken glass while Cade put the wood over the broken window until they could get another piece of glass cut to fit and installed. While they did that, Sheriff Fitch talked to the crowd that had gathered. He told them the same thing he told Harold and Loretta, and emphasized the fact that there was nothing to suggest there was any connection, so if anyone started another crazy rumor, it was just that; a rumor.

  The men finished cleaning up while he was talking, and they opened the store. Cade told Elsie he'd be back after running a couple errands he had to do while he was in town, and left. His first stop was the sheriff's office. "Thank you for hopefully putting a stop to any new rumors, Dan."

  "I thought maybe I better, just in case."

  "Do you have anything new to report?"

  "I think Theodore Wilson was the one who started that rumor, but I don't have any proof of it. I'm not ready to say I think he's the one who killed her parents, but I am looking into it. I got a response from Philadelphia."

  "Was it useful?"

  "If you tell me this won't go any further than us, I'll tell you what it said. I'd be interested to hear your reaction."

  "You've got my word."

  "Your word is good, so I'll tell you, but remember, the only other people who know this are myself and Deputy Tillman. I think you have a right to know since you're working with me on this. Apparently Ralph and Theodore Wilson had a shop in Philadelphia that sold fine clothes. They were good quality, the latest fashions from New York and Boston. Their store was doing well, until another store opened in town that sold very similar items. Philadelphia had enough residents with means to support one such store rather nicely, but not two, and both stores were struggling."

  "This is sounding a bit familiar."

  "It is. Reportedly, Ralph was upset, and started drinking and gambling at a couple of the local saloons, but wasn't too lucky. Then one night the new competing store went up in flames. The sheriff said one person he talked to said he saw a man running from the store shortly before it erupted in flames, and that man looked like Ralph Wilson to him. Ralph denied having anything to do with the fire, and his wife and Theodore both said he was home all night with them."

  "Was he ever charged with it?"

  "No. The sheriff said it was really odd. Although the owner of the second store was insistent that Ralph be arrested and charged when the fire first happened, he explained to the storeowner that one man who said it looked like Ralph was not enough evidence to arrest him. But while he was investigating it, the owner changed his tune, saying if they didn't know for sure it was Ralph, he'd hate to see an innocent man go to prison. He rebuilt his store and restocked it. Shortly after he reopened, the Wilsons moved."

 
"So nothing ever happened?"

  "No. The sheriff said he always had a feeling it was Ralph who started the fire, and there certainly was a motive, but since the other owner was no longer wanting to see Ralph arrested, he dropped the case when they moved away."

  "Did he say why he always thought Ralph started it?"

  "He said there were too many little things that didn't add up right. The sheriff said in asking questions of the saloon owners, Ralph was at one or the other in town pretty much nightly, but none of them had seen him in that night. His wife and son said he stayed home all evening, but he couldn't find any other witnesses that saw him at home. Neighbors said when he was home he often sat on their front porch, but no one saw him that night."

  "Interesting."

  "Yes, it is. In fact, the whole story is pretty interesting. They moved here and opened a mercantile, which makes sense. They ran a store before, so this is what they know. A shop with fancy clothes wouldn't last long here, so they opened a second mercantile. The sheriff in Philadelphia said the Wilsons did quite well in their store again after the first one burned down, so they should have had a little money saved up. They sold their store and moved, so that would have given them the money to start the store here."

  "It also would have told them if one store is eliminated, the remaining store does much better," Cade said, thinking.

  "I thought exactly the same thing. That's why I think I have enough to keep investigating. That definitely gives us a motive, but I don't have anything to point to either one of them killing Henry and Velma. They generally stick to themselves in the evening, so they could easily be each other's alibi."

  "And enough time has passed that people won't remember if they saw either of them out and about on any specific day."