Page 6 of The Rancher's Bride
As he stepped through the doors of the little store, the chime of the bell was almost inaudible amid the clamor of voices. He hadn’t expected to see so many people in such a small town as Flat River, yet here they were, all huddled around the counter.
He weaved through the throng of people, searching for any clues about what was taking place. Laughter broke out as the crowd parted, revealing a mountain man dressed from head to toe in buckskins. Every inch of the person was covered in dirt, and on top of his head was what Ben could only identify as some type of rodent.
“That jackrabbit didn’t have a chance,” the man said. Bennearly dropped Tessa’s medicine.
That wasn’t a man!
He had never seen a woman dressed up like that before. Men gathered around her, admiring the rifle she carried and looking at the rabbit pelts lined up on the counter.
“I wish I could get my hands on that young lady,” a voice murmured behind his back. “She needs a hot bath, and those clothes need to be burned.”
Ben turned and looked at the woman standing behind him. Ingrid Chapman stood near the pickle barrel, tugging off her gloves. Marmee, as she insisted everyone address her, held strong opinions on how women should dress and behave. While she believed in independence, she still felt a woman needed to look and act appropriately.
“Mrs. Chapman,” Ben said, tilting his hat. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone like her.”
Marmee gave a little snort. “That’s because there is only one Petunia Beale. For that, I’m extremely grateful. Delightful as she is, there are some things she could improve upon.” She stuffed her gloves in her pockets without taking her eyes off Ben. “How’s your sister?”
That was one thing Ben appreciated about Marmee. She was direct and to the point.
“Tessa’s good. I just came into town to pick up a few things.”
“Did she come with you?”
Ben shook his head. “I didn’t want to risk her getting caught in the rain that’s threatening to come.”
“That’s probably a good choice. How long have you been in Flat River now, Mr. Kendrick?”
“We arrived in early spring. Just enough time to build a house.”
“Hmm. Few people even know you are out there.”
“I like it that way.”
Her sharp eyes glanced around the store. “Winter is coming soon.”
Ben was unsure of the purpose of her conversation, but he knew she didn’t waste time with unnecessary details. “It is.”
“That’s why most of these people are here. Giving their supply orders to Rose or Dillon. It takes a few weeks for the wagons to get here from Missouri.” She snapped her eyes back to Ben, and he shifted like a schoolboy standing in front of a teacher. “Winters out here are cold.”
Ben rubbed his jaw and looked at the small matriarch. “So, I’ve heard.”
“And lonely.”
His lips twitched. “I thought you were married, Mrs. Chapman.”
Marmee looked at him with enormous eyes and then laughed. “You silly goose. I’m not talking about me. You should get married before winter.”
“And why would I do that? I have enough trouble already.”
“I heard about the horse thieves.”
“We got them back. That’s what counts.”
“What other kinds of trouble do you have?”
“I’m not one for talking about those kinds of things with a woman.”
“Taking care of Tessa? Goats that keep getting out of the fences? A sheep that keeps making its way inside by the fireplace?” Ben lifted his eyebrows in surprise. Marmee gave another lyrical laugh. “I know most of what goes on in this town. A helpmate might be just what you need.” She waved her handaround the store. “I’ve helped several couples find their matches and I can help you find one, too.”
