Chapter 11
REGGIE
Jessica is walking in front of me with Colby and her laughter echoes around me as he bends down slightly to talk to her.
Both of them are pointing to some of the brightly painted storefronts and I’m having to fight the urge to keep from walking up beside them and pulling her into my arms in front of all of them.
It’s like I want all her smiles to be mine and mine alone.
I have no idea why my emotions are all over the place when it comes to Jess, but the only time they seem to calm down is when she is near me.
When she opened the curtain this morning with a huge smile on her face, wearing a simple day gown in pale green, which only made her eyes even more vibrant, I barely resisted the urge to pull her close when she twirled around, showing me the dress that Victoria had sent for her.
One thing I have quickly learned is that she is extremely easy to please and overly grateful for even the smallest things.
It has certainly made me realize how ungrateful I have been for most of my life and not appreciative of all the things I have been given.
The men met us at the depot as I instructed them to, and we are now making our way down to the market. How Colby managed to get Jessica away from me, I am not sure, but I am so caught up in watching her interactions with him that I’ve practically ignored the other two men walking with us.
“Mr. Kerns, I checked on Bells before heading out to meet with you, and they had just fed her, and one of the stall boys was cleaning out her enclosure.”
“Thank you, Jacob. I was running late this morning and was hoping that they had taken care of her. Have you seen the two beasts they have boarded in the same stock car?”
“I have … they seem like a fine team with good bloodlines, and they don’t seem to spook easily either, but that male is massive.”
“Yes, he is. I’m thinking he is a good twenty hands tall, and the female is not much shorter. It has crossed my mind to approach their owner about buying them. Have you dealt with animals of that size before?”
“No, but I know someone who has.”
“Who?”
“Miss. Jessie. Mr. Hayes had an unruly set in the barn that most had a hard time approaching, but not Miss. Jess. She would walk right up to them like they were colts, not animals that could crush her with one hoof. They followed her around like puppies, but you let her step away, and they were back to their ornery selves. Mr. Hayes sent for them several months after he left. Bolt and Star, I believe they were called. Jessie was the one who named them, if I recall correctly.”
“You’re right, Jacob. Grant does have a set of Clydesdales; they are a huge part of his working farm now. They were what got me thinking about these two in the first place. Seems like our little maid is talented in many ways.”
“Jessie is a rare gem Sir, if I may say so. Hard worker, always the first to help out, can fix a mean cobbler, and is easy on the eyes. All the men came to respect and look out for her early on. Not because she did or does anything unladylike, but because of her kindness in a life where that is rare. Just thought you should know that about her. Forgive me if I’ve overstepped. ”
“Not at all, Jacob. I prefer your honesty. It makes me feel better that there will be others to watch out for her when we get on the trail south, as I know that part of this trip will be nowhere as luxurious as the train.”
“Us men will probably have a harder time at it than Jessie. She never complains, and that’s an odd trait for a woman.”
Deven has been walking behind us the entire time.
He has not spoken much to me, but I have a feeling he is simply looking for a reason to head off elsewhere.
I’ll be shocked if he makes it to Grant’s with the rest of us.
I watch Colby grab Jessica’s elbow, holding onto her when a crowd pushes past us, and even though he is only looking out for her well-being, it still rubs me wrong because he may call her his friend, but his eyes say so much more.
Thankfully, I see the mercantile up ahead, and as we approach its entrance, I stop everyone on the walkway.
“Gentlemen, I hope this store will have most of what we need. Once we disembark from the train in Utah, each of you will be driving a wagon south. You’ll need bedrolls, a Mackintosh to keep the rain off, and clothing to help with the cool nights.
I want each of you to gather extra socks, handkerchiefs, gloves, and two full outfits once we are inside.
If you require new boots or a hat, we will have to see what is available.
Most likely, we will not be able to bathe regularly on the trail, so we will wear our oldest garments until we are settled in St. George, where the new clothes will be appreciated and hopefully worn for some time.
If any of you chew tobacco or smoke a pipe, this is probably the best place to stock up.
Any other personal needs, please let me know, as I will return here within the hour.
Jessica, dear, if you’ll come with me, we’ll head over to the seamstress. ”
Jessica steps away from Colby when I hold my arm out for her, and I tuck her close as we cross the busy street.
A bell rings when we open the door to the dressmaker’s shop, and a very attractive young lady walks out.
Immediately, I feel Jessica step away from me.
When I glance over at her, she is standing there with her head down, and I wonder what has brought on this instant change.
Surely, she is not intimidated by the beauty in front of us. She has nothing on Jess.
“Hello, how may I help you?”
“My wife is in need of several things; her luggage was lost, and we were hoping you might have a few items for her to look at, as we are on the train and don’t have much time.”
I actually see Jessica’s head jerk up, looking straight at me out of the corner of my eye when I say the word wife.
“Ma’am, if you would like to join me, I do have a few day dresses that I can alter quickly.”
Instead of leaving with her like I thought she would, Jessica just stands there.
“Excuse me, but could you give us a moment?”
The lady nods her head and turns to work on something on the counter when I lean down closer to Jess.
“What?”
“I don’t know what you want me to get.”
“What do you need?”
“Nothing … I can make do with what I have.”
I just shake my head because somehow, I have the only woman in the world who wants nothing. Instead of trying to discuss this with her further, I simply turn back to the seamstress.
“Ma’am.”
“Yes?”
“Let me apologize, as we are newly wedded and are still trying to learn our way around each other. Jessica here is not sure what she is going to need for our upcoming trip, and I am hoping you do. We will be on a wagon train for several weeks as we are relocating to a new farm in southern Utah.”
I watch as the seamstress looks at how we’re both dressed, and I know she is trying to see whether I’ll take her advice or can afford the items.
“Well, depending on how comfortable you want to be, a change of clothes will make a big difference as you can have one drying from the wash as you wear the other. First, especially if you’ll be walking a lot, you’ll need sturdy boots, several pairs of stockings, and extra pantaloons.
I have two suitable hats in stock: one straw and another in a bonnet style, either will work.
The days will be warm, so a nice calico dress, or a loose blouse and skirt, along with a few aprons, should do, but you’ll need a coat for the cool nights when you are crossing the mountains.
I just got a lady’s Ulster in, but I fear it might be too long.
I can pin the hem, but you may need to finish it if we run out of time before you need to leave for the train. ”
“How long will it take for you to get all of these things together?”
“Well, if the Missus comes with me, we will get the dresses out of the way first, then work from there. I would say two hours, maybe less.”
“The train leaves at around three ladies, so let’s make it happen. Jessica, I am going to leave you here while I attend to the men, and then I will collect you before I head back to the train. Do not leave this building with anyone. You hear me?”
“Yes, but may I speak with you before you go?”
We walk closer to the door. “If you are going to argue with me over the clothes, we don’t have time, and that subject is closed. You need more things no matter what you say or think.”
“I wasn’t going to Reggie, I am learning that arguing with you gets me nowhere.
I was just going to ask that if you see a used pair of small pants at the general store, would you please purchase them for me?
They really are all I need. The rest of this is just fluff that I will have packed away for most of the trip. ”
“Why?”
“I like to wear them under my skirts, especially if I’m to be climbing in and out of wagons all day.”
“I’ll get you a pair. Anything else?”
“A few handkerchiefs would be great, too.”
“You are the oddest little woman, but yes, I will make sure to get them while I am paying for the men’s necessities. Don’t leave this store!”
“Thank you Reggie, and I’ll wait for you.”