The Hope of Azure Springs Read online

The saloon had made Em feel sick inside, but walking into Margaret’s boardinghouse felt welcoming. Both were just buildings, yet there was a unique spirit about each. One dark and foreboding, the other bright and inviting. The boardinghouse was much less ostentatious on the inside. Simple, modern furnishings filled the front room. Ordinary paper—soft green with a floral pattern—covered the walls. Nothing garish or gaudy.

  Margaret laughed. “Did you expect the inside to be bright yellow too? I wasn’t sure my guests would like it. My room is much more fun than these stale ones.” She gestured to a closed door down the hall. “What brings you here? Have you decided to leave the Howells? You looking for a room?”

  “Oh, no. I’m very happy there. It’s just I heard your daughter had married, and I thought perhaps you could use my help. I’m looking for work.” Em held her breath as she waited for a response.

  “Of course you’re looking for a job. I’m surprised I didn’t think of that when I opened the door. Have you had any luck yet?”

  “None. Pete at the hotel practically threw me out. Miss Caroline is not busy enough to need help. The only offer I’ve had is from a scoundrel named Silas who tried to coax me into a job at the saloon. I am not nor will I ever be working there.” The memory fresh, she bit her lip as she tried to control a laugh. “I am fairly certain he knew how I felt by the time I left.”

  Margaret twisted one of her wild curls in her hand. “A girl who can take care of herself—I like that. Anyone who can put her foot down to Silas is a friend of mine. That man is a close relative of the devil. All slick and handsome. Nothing but flattering words come out of his mouth. But don’t let him fool you.” Margaret’s eyes were large as she spoke. “He tried getting my Scarlett to work upstairs in the saloon after her papa died. He tried awful hard. She didn’t have your backbone. I had to step in.” Her big eyes lit up like a cat’s in the night, as though they were laughing at the memory. “Remind me to tell you that story sometime. Silas never knew what was coming and hasn’t bothered me since.” Tossing her head back, she let out a whoop. “Not once has he bothered me since. My guess is he will leave you alone now too. But be careful. Always be careful around that serpent.”

  Without another word, Margaret started walking from the room and turned down a side hall. Unsure if she should follow, Em stood waiting. Margaret’s head poked back around the corner. “Are you coming? I’ll show you around, let you know what I expect.”

  “I can work here?” Em could have thrown herself into the woman’s arms. Making it to Beckford did not seem so far off anymore—not now that she had a job. For the first time in years she felt like she would actually get there.

  Oh, Lucy, I am coming! I am coming!

  “You can work here, but you’ll have to work hard. Not too hard—nothing more than you can manage until you’re all healed up. I treat my employees fairly, but I won’t be paying you a penny if you don’t earn it. I don’t say that to scare you, but I believe a life is better lived when you know you’ve earned the things you have.”

  “The doctor is happy with my recovery. Don’t worry on that account. I haven’t felt this good in years. I’ll work hard,” Em said in her most confident voice. Hard work was all she had ever known. “I’ll work so hard. Thank you for the job.”

  “We serve breakfast for those staying here. I can handle that myself—there aren’t that many. I spend my afternoons cleaning and getting the big meal ready. In the evening, I open the front dining hall and we get all sorts in from the streets. It gets real busy some nights, and it’s more than I can handle. You could begin at noon and work until six. When you first come, you’ll be helping me clean. Then we’ll prepare and serve the evening meal. After that it’s a mountain of dishes. We serve the meal from four until five thirty. You’re welcome to eat your evening meal here. My wages are fair. How does that all sound?”

  “Mrs. Anders, it sounds like you are the answer to my prayers.” Em blinked quickly, once again holding back unexpected tears. She wished she could start that very moment.

  “Tomorrow then?”

  “I’ll be here at noon!” she said as she headed out the door.

  Feeling ever so much lighter, Em glided down the street to the Howells’.

  Mae and Milly met her at the door. “You’ve been gone forever. We missed you so much. Mama says we can’t beg you for a story because you’re probably tired. We aren’t begging, but if you want to tell us one we would love it. Please.” Mae was speaking, but Milly was there nodding along with every word she spoke. Em was fairly certain she would never be able to resist these two sweet girls.

  “There is nothing I would like better. Come with me,” Em said, heading for the back door.

  “Where are we going?” the girls asked.

  Rather than answer, she motioned for them to follow.

  Em led the girls to the big tree behind the house. Feeling carefree, she helped the girls up onto the first branch and then hoisted herself up. They each climbed around until they found a branch that suited them. Once in her perch, she reclined back, resting her head against the tree’s large trunk. “I’ll tell you a story of a princess who started out as a very ordinary girl. When this girl was young, she lived with her mother and father. Sadly, her mother died, leaving her with only her kind father.”

  Milly stopped swinging her legs and said, “I think I know this one. It’s the story of the cinder girl. Mama told it to us. But tell it anyway.”

  Mae nodded in agreement. “Please tell us. You tell the stories different than Mama. It will be like a new story. Plus, I love this story.”

  Em agreed to tell it, adding details to the magical story like garnish on a fine dish. She conjured up new scenes, wishing the moment could never end. She finished her tale with, “They all lived happily ever after.”

  No one moved. All three were lost to their own worlds of imaginary princesses and princes. From their lofty perch so high above the world, they could almost believe that fairy tales were real.

  “Mama sent me to check on you girls,” Eliza called from below, pulling them from their daze.

  “Eliza, come up. It’s like being a bird,” Mae said.

  “I will not. I am far too much of a lady to be climbing trees. Honestly, the two of you are likely to grow up and become wild animals. Then who will want to marry you?”

  “Have no fear. Two dashing young men will come along and marry Miss Mae and Miss Milly. They are—”

  Eliza gasped. “What are you doing back?”

  Caleb sauntered toward them.

  “What a surprise!” Eliza squealed and nearly jumped into his arms.

  “I know. I thought we might be gone longer. The whole ride back I was sure I would come home to find you wringing your hands with worry.” He looked at the tree a moment before heaving his body up onto the first branch. “Hello, Em. I should’ve known you’d be up here.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Eliza asked from below.

  Caleb ducked under a branch so he could see down to Eliza. “It means she seems spry enough to climb the tree with the girls.” Then, addressing everyone, he said, “How are all you ladies doing?”

  Mae was first to reply. “We are quite well. Em was just telling us a story. She tells the best stories, but don’t tell Mama that. She learned them on a very long train ride that she took with all of her friends. Doesn’t that sound delightful?”

  “I’ve heard of Miss Em’s train ride.” Caleb’s eyes found hers. “But I had no idea she learned stories along the way. She will have to tell us all one now. It’s been a long time since I heard a good story.” Caleb sat back against the trunk, then gave her an expectant look. “I’m listening.”

  “I don’t want to tell all my stories or there will be none left for another day. And since I told the girls one already, I will have to decline. No more stories today.” Em smiled. “But it is good to have you back.”

  “Very well, no story today, but soon. I’d prefer a good adventure story.” C
aleb’s brows came together. “Do you know any of those?”

  Mae looked at Em. “Do you know adventure stories?”

  Sounding shocked, Caleb asked, “What has she been filling your heads with if not adventure?”

  “With princess stories. They are all so romantic. They are full of dancing and love and happily ever after. Sometimes there is even kissing. They’re our favorite type of stories,” Milly said, looking at him with dreamy eyes. “We’ve decided you are the Prince of Azure Springs.”

  Em had to grab hold of the nearest branch to keep herself from falling out of the tree.

  “Is that so? Why, Em, I didn’t know you thought I was a prince.” He took off his hat and gave a partial bow that caused the girls to giggle. “I believe that is the nicest compliment I’ve ever received. What does that make you?”

  His eyes were full of playfulness, his lip pulled up in a familiar half smile. Her heart leapt at the sight. In that moment she realized just how much she’d missed him.

  Eliza had been stomping around beneath the tree. “It makes her the same ordinary Em she was before. Stop this nonsense and come down.”

  “Give us a moment, Eliza. I just returned and am enjoying the view from this tree. Come and see it yourself.” Caleb looked down at her.

  “Of course I’d love to sit beside you and see the view, but climbing hardly seems appropriate. I do try to be ladylike, unlike some people around here.”

  “Suit yourself,” he said and turned his attention back to the girls. “Why don’t you all tell me what I’ve missed? Has anything happened in Azure Springs while I was away?”

  Milly stood up on her branch and looked around the trunk so she could see his face. “Em has a job. She starts tomorrow.”

  “I heard you were in the saloon with Silas this morning, Em. Is that where you’ll be working? I hear he’s not at all particular about who works there,” Eliza said, her voice all sweet and innocent.

  “You wouldn’t work at the saloon, would you, Em?” Caleb’s eyes were searching hers. “I know it’s not my choice, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “I was in the saloon this morning, but not of my own doing. Silas cornered me and pulled me in. Whoever saw me must have missed my leaving. Had they seen it, they would know how I feel about working there. It’s a shame—seeing Silas toppled over a chair, feet up, was quite a sight.”

  “This is a story we must hear. It sounds more like an adventure than a romance,” Caleb said.

  “I suppose it was an adventure.” Em told her audience about her morning, sparing no details. “He never saw it coming. I don’t think he expected a blow from a stick like me. And with him down, I left the saloon, walked away, and lived happily ever after.” The little girls giggled.

  Eliza let out a huff. “Well, I don’t know why you even went in there at all. It was wrong, and I’m sure Mother will be terribly disappointed. Never would I set foot in that place, full of its cigar smoke and tainted women.” Brushing a tendril of strawberry-blonde hair from her forehead, she said, “But you’ve done many things I wouldn’t. I’m sure it’s just your lack of breeding that puts you in such situations. With time I do hope you will learn.”

  Caleb shook his head. Em, mindful of the girls, bit back the snide remarks she so desperately wanted to zing back at Eliza. “I’ve had a different life. No denying that.”

  Eliza murmured something Em couldn’t decipher.

  “I think that’s enough talk of saloons and Silas. Tell us about the job you did find,” Caleb said, diffusing the tension.

  “Margaret Anders hired me. I’ll be helping at the boardinghouse by cleaning and putting on the evening meal.” Already forgetting the sting from Eliza’s words, she smiled wide, grateful for her good fortune. “She said it’s hard work, but it’s a real job.”

  Eliza let out a gasp. “Mrs. Anders is an eccentric. She does what she pleases. Her food I’ve heard is decent enough, but why would you work there?”

  “I need money, Eliza. She’s given me a job, and even if she is different, she’s willing to hire me. There is nothing morally wrong with the place. It’s respectable work.”

  Cutting in ever so smoothly, Caleb said, “I eat there often. It’s first rate. It gets pretty busy some nights. I tell you what, though, I don’t envy you the dishes. I think you will do well there. Does anyone want to hear about my week?” Caleb knew how to keep the peace.

  “Yes,” they all said.

  “We didn’t catch them. But we will.”

  “You didn’t catch them?” Milly’s face fell. “You always catch the bad people.”

  “Don’t give up on me yet, Miss Milly. I’ll catch them. Just some take longer to catch, that’s all.” He shifted on the branch before going on. “We all met up like planned. There were twenty of us. Most of us lawmen. Some of the men were just sharpshooters who had a personal stake in the pursuit. We learned a lot from being all together. Seems a couple people saw the men, and their descriptions match Em’s. Another man didn’t see their faces but heard them use the name Alroy. We all sat around sharing what we knew. These three have quite the reputation. They’ve robbed stagecoaches, wealthy houses, and even a bank.”

  Caleb pulled a giant leaf off the tree and twirled it around in his hand. Just twirling it, smiling all funny-like. Everyone waited. All eight eyes were locked on him. Looking up from his leaf, he chortled before saying, “Oh, did you want to hear more?”

  “You shouldn’t do that to us,” Eliza said, crossing her arms.

  “I was just having a bit of fun with you. After sharing all the information we had on the men, we pulled out a map and marked the places we knew they’d hit. It was a lot. They seemed to be moving steadily south and leaving a trail of crime behind them. We sent telegrams to all the law enforcement along the route. Then we spent a week tracking the criminals. We got close and then lost their trail when a storm hit. We’re meeting back up in five days.”

  “Why do you sound so happy? It doesn’t sound like you had any luck to me,” Eliza said.

  Em had planned to bite her tongue. She usually kept quiet when the two were talking, letting them have their privacy. She was a guest and living off borrowed hospitality. This time, though, she could not sit placidly. “He did have luck. He learned more about them, found a whole group of others interested in bringing them in, and he has a plan. I think that is a big step closer.”

  “Exactly right. We’ll get them—and soon. Plus, how could I not smile? I’m in a tree with three fine women. After a week of traveling with smelly men, it feels mighty nice. It’s been a long week.” Caleb looked tired. Em hadn’t noticed when he had first climbed up.

  Eliza resumed her pleasant voice. “I never doubted you would catch them. And we’re all delighted to have you back. Come along, girls. Mama wants you to set the table for her.”

  Mae pouted. “Must we? It’s so nice up here.”

  “Yes, you must. Em, I’m sure she could use your help as well,” Eliza said as though Em were one of the seven-year-olds. “Hurry down.”

  “Of course.” Em started climbing down after the girls until a strong hand stopped her.

  “Em will be in shortly. I need to ask her a couple questions.” Caleb started moving to the branch she was on. Her mouth went dry. Her heart beat faster as he neared.

  Eliza pivoted away from the tree, then stomped toward the house, dragging the girls with her.

  Caleb was beside her now. Not sure what to do, Em avoided his gaze and looked at the back of the house, watching the girls go through the door.

  “Was everything all right while I was gone?”

  She swallowed hard and hoped her voice would come out normal. “It was just fine here. I’ve taken your pistol with me wherever I’ve gone, which hasn’t been many places, except this morning when I decided to find a job. I made that trip on my own. For seven years I was nearly always alone and now I rarely am.”

  “Should’ve used that pistol on Silas for dragging you in t
here.” Caleb rubbed his scruffy jaw. “He . . . didn’t do anything he shouldn’t, did he?”

  “No. He did offer me a position upstairs. I’ve seen enough of that living on the city streets to know it’s not a path I’ll take—not ever.” Then, realizing she’d just told him she’d lived on the streets, she changed the subject. “What do you need to ask me?”

  “I have big news for you. And I’ll tell you now because I’ve been eager to tell you most of the week. But first I want to hear how I became the Prince of Azure Springs.” He threw the leaf he’d been holding at her. She caught it and held it in her lap.

  “Very well. I’ll tell you, but only because I’m eager to hear about your trip. The girls love stories of princes and princesses. I have told them so many. I’m surprised I can remember them all. Mae and Milly are just little girls who believe dreams come true and magical things can happen. They want their own princes. But they don’t want to move to a faraway castle because they love their mama and papa. They’ve been searching for a prince around here and have decided you are the Prince of Azure Springs.”

  “I see. Here I was thinking it was you who decided I was a prince. But really it was two seven-year-olds. Let me guess—they are both waiting for me to sweep them off their feet and carry them away to a castle.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I should be flattered.”

  “I’ve seen them staring awfully hard at you on your big horse, Amos, stars in their eyes.” Em decided not to tell him that she too had dreamed of riding off on a horse like his.

  “It looks like my parents will be disappointed. They’ve been pressing me for grandchildren. I’ll have to write them tonight and tell them the fairest maidens are only seven and still have to grow up. Looks like I’ll be disappointing them again.” Caleb shrugged.

  “Don’t write them too quickly. They also think Eliza may be a princess.”

  “Ah, Eliza a princess. I hadn’t thought of that. Who knew there was so much royalty right here in Azure Springs?”

  Em looked around at the vast prairies and gentle hills. Perhaps no real royalty resided here, but Em had discovered a kind family and a dear friend. “There seems to be more to this little prairie town than first meets the eye.”