There are times when I wish that I had three girls. Why I was "blessed" with three boys is beyond me.
It all started at the supper table when Hoss came home from town with the mail. After a lot dialogue about why he went to town, he gave me a letter from my good friend Judge Sylvester from Houston. The letter explained that two business men who were apparently good friends of the Judge's were going to be coming to Virginia City for a business venture. The Judge asked me to arrange a place for them to stay.
Joseph then took it upon himself to announce that the only decent place to stay is the Widow Hawkins boardinghouse.
Now you have to understand something about the Widow Hawkins. The townspeople of Virginia City seem to think that she would make me a good wife and ever since the June picnic, gossip has been floating around about the two of us getting "hooked-up."
Oh did my boys take that and run with it. Joseph was egging Hoss into the fun, and Adam certainly didn't help with his comment about walking me down the aisle. Didn't I teach my boys better then this? But what could I do? Joseph was right, Widow Hawkins does run the cleanest boardinghouse in Virginia City, I couldn't have them stay anywhere else in good conscious. I suppose I could have sent one or two of the boys in, but I have told the boys all their lives that they can't shirk their responsibilities on someone else. Finding accommodations for Mr. Morgan and Mr. Axe was my responsibilities and I knew I had to take care of it myself.
So here I am, in Widow Hawkins' parlor waiting for tea. Adam is sitting across from me, trying to keep a smirk off his face and if I didn't know him so well, he would be succeeding. I'm tempted to lecture him about respecting his elders, but I have to remember that Adam is no longer a boy, he's a man. A man that doesn't need lectures as Adam never fails to remind me.
"And all muscle!" I started. Up until now, I hadn't really been paying attention, as I have been trying to figure out how to get out of here politely. Okay, that's it. I slammed my teacup down on the saucer almost breaking it, and glanced at Adam as I started to rise.
A barely concealed grin was enough to settle me back in my chair. I would really have to talk to this son of mine. I raise my teacup again, as Clementine - as she insisted that I call her - continued.
"Oh, I do miss Harry. You have no idea how lonely it gets living in this huge place with no man in the house."
I almost choked as I set my teacup down in a hurry. I was getting out of here. "Clementine, thank you very much for the tea." Later I realized that I practically dragged Adam for the door. I had to get out!
With her "Ducky" ringing in my ear, I turned to Adam, mentally fumbling for words. "Ah, since I'm in town I might as well tell Mr. Jefferson Mr. Axe and Mr. Morgan are coming to Virginia City."
"All right Ducky."
I glared at Adam, challenging him to repeat that. "What was that again?"
"Oh, I said we better not be late. Hop Sing is serving uh, stuff duck for dinner."
I sent another glare his way and ordered him to water the horses before meeting me at the bank. Then, I turned on my heel and walked toward Mr. Jefferson's office.
Ducky indeed!