Page 44 of Kissing the Sheriff
“I’m sorry, Alma,” Cassie said. “But maybe you’re better off.”
Alma sighed. “I suppose.” Her eyes brightened again. “What else did he say?”
“Only that Conrad was changing his ways. That they all were. Makes you wonder what sort of lives they led in England, doesn’t it?”
Alma’s eyes widened. “It does. You don’t think they were … bad men, do you?”
“No. But I do think they’re more than what they claim. I didn’t notice it until now.”
“Like what?” Alma asked.
Cassie ran her finger over the counter, then leaned against it. “Little sayings. The way they talk and dress, their impeccable manners. Conrad said if they were staying any longer, he’d give lessons on proper etiquette. Who teaches such a thing unless they’re an expert?”
Alma’s jaw dropped. “What does he think we are, a bunch of hogs running for their slop?”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Cassie replied. “But you have to admit, folks around here aren’t exactly highborn ladies and gentlemen.”
“Thank goodness,” Alma said. “I don’t want to be some stuffy upper-class lady. Where’s the fun in that?”
Cassie smiled and nodded. “I wouldn’t be sheriff, that’s for sure.”
“And Dora wouldn’t be running her hotel by herself,” Alma added. “She wouldn’t be running anything. What do you suppose highborn ladies do all day?”
“They don’t shoe horses like Etta, and certainly aren’t undertakers like Jean,” Cassie stated, then sighed. “Wow, itisa good thing we’re not highborn ladies and gents.” She headed for the door. “I’m going to tell the Crawfords and the Brightons about the dance. I’ll see you later.”
“Goodbye,” Alma called after her.
Outside Cassie looked up and down the street. Apple Blossom wasn’t much, but it was home. Humble, peaceful, and folks didn’t care if you forgot to say “please” now and then. She started up the boardwalk and wondered what the Darlings thought of Apple Blossom’s residents. Were theythatbadly mannered? Or did they just seem that way because the Darlings were so well-mannered?
She shrugged the thought off and continued on her way.
CHAPTERTEN
Conrad sent Billy home early, then waited for Cassie to arrive. They’d chopped wood, straightened up the front and backyard, and took a good long look at the rest of the rooms. Conrad had made a list of things to be done and a list of supplies he’d need: paint, turpentine, more nails, paintbrushes, and a few other items. It meant another trip to the general store, but if he had Billy with him, the boy could keep Alma occupied while he gathered what he needed. Otherwise, she’d talk his ear off.
“Hello.”
Conrad turned at Cassie’s voice. “Hello. I hope you don’t mind me making myself at home in your parlor. I was going over my list.” He left her father’s chair. “I’ll need a few ideas from you.”
She took off her gun belt and set it on the sofa. “What do you mean?”
“I’d like to paint the porch railing. In fact, I’ve spoken to my brothers, and they agreed to help me paint the entire house. Since we did Letty’s, we thought we could do the same for you.”
A hand went to her chest. “Conrad …”
He didn’t think, only reacted, and was at her side in an instant. “Cassie, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. It’s just that painting my house is a big job. I can’t afford to pay …”
“We didn’t ask Letty for money. What makes you think we’ll ask you?” He showed her his list. “I could paint some of the rooms as well. Unless of course you’d like wallpaper. If so, then we’ll speak to Phileas. He likes that sort of thing.”
She laughed. “And you don’t?”
“Did I sound like I did?” He winked.
“I’ll take that as a no. What else do you have on that list?” She peered at it. “Are you thinking of painting every room?”
“If that’s what you want.” He waited for her reply.
