Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. All original characters and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
Walnut Grove's growth was incredible to say the least. New buildings were being worked on week by week and new residents and businesses had filled the now small city. They were fast approaching the size of Sleepy Eye with the railroad routing a new line through the area to feed the warehouses that had been built here.
The last few years had seen some of the best crop yields on record. This is what it looked like to thrive and it made Charles Ingalls' heart swell inside of him. This was his home, albeit changing, it was growing up like his own children were. He had put a lot of work and sacrifice into it, as all of his neighbors had, and it was paying off.
Charles tipped his hat at two ladies passing by as he and Sheriff Garvey stepped out of the town jailhouse.
Even though he was the Mayor, Charles still preferred to wear a simple white shirt and suspenders. Caroline insisted he wear a tie however which he still was not used to.
The two of them started to walk down the boardwalk.
"The cell doors are working much better with the new hinges. Glad that got done so fast." Charles said.
Andy nodded and brushed at the new growth on his upper lip.
Giving him a sidelong glance Charles couldn't help but laugh. "Going for a mustache huh?"
"Didn't shave it this morning. Thought I'd give it a try. Maybe it'd make me look older."
Charles shook his head, "It will, you'll look just like your old man. How is he?"
"Good, he's still back in Saint Paul negotiating a merger with another freight line."
"Wants to buy it out?"
"Yeah." Andy nodded.
Charles reminisced about his old friend who had been the Sheriff of Sleepy Eye for ten years before retiring to fully oversee his freight-line. It was a good living and had helped out his son and new daughter-in-law while they were getting on their feet.
"You tell him his next trip should be here to see his old friends!" Charles grinned then a booming voice came up behind them.
"Who you call'n old?!"
They stopped and turned to see Isaiah Edwards mozy up behind them with two crates of supplies under his arms.
"The pot and the kettle." Charles joked at the man who stood level height to him. "How you doing Isaiah? Haven't seen you in town for a while."
"Your daughter is a hard taskmaster I'll tell you what." Isaiah Edwards growled, "I've had tamer foremen in the quarries than that little firecracker."
Edwards nodded to Andy and did a double take, "What happened to you? You got a caterpillar nest'n your lip?"
Garvey touched it subconsciously.
"Don't worry boy, it'll grow in full when you've finished puberty." Barked Edwards with a boisterous laugh.
Charles couldn't help himself and laughed along with him. Garvey smiled goodnaturedly.
"Well can't stand around all day like you old women, got work to do you know!" Isaiah chided and nodded as they waved goodbye to him.
Charles began walking as well, crossing the street as Andy accompanied him. "Thanks for bringing over the new City Ordinance and law books." The sheriff said.
"No problem, can't expect you to enforce the rules if you don't have a reference for them." Charles stepped up onto the next walk.
"Now what I really wanted to talk to you about was this Andy. The town...city council and I have decided we need a City Hall. Something we can make spaces for a courtroom, civil matters and offices. As they are they're mighty spread out and it would make sense to put them all in one place, and hopefully fairly central to the geography of town."
Andy nodded in agreement, "I think that's a fine idea."
They had turned a corner and now Charles came to a stop and pointed across the next street.
"Near as I can tell, that'd be right there." Mayor Ingalls had pointed out the impressive face front of the Nocturne.
Andy hesitated, his mind realizing what Ingalls was implying.
"What, you mean, turn the Nocturne into City Hall?" He laughed nervously.
Charles' straight face was intent. "Yeah why not? It's got the best location, it's obviously large enough...have you been inside?"
Stuttering, Garvey tried to recover, "Um well, yes one time. You know to inspect it for future reference."
"So we just need to get a hold of the owner and make an offer. Besides, the less places like that in Walnut Grove the better." Charles frowned.
"Right?"
"Yes sir." Garvey said weakly.
"So who owns it?" Charles asked.
Andy felt sweat on his brow, "Well, the manager is a Ward Murdock." He tried to think quickly.
"Well I think we'll have to deal directly with the owner, come on, let's go ask."
"No." Garvey grabbed Charles' shoulder to stop him from going over to the Nocturne.
The mayor looked at him with surprise. "Why not?"
Trying to think fast Andy stammered, "Well, I think it's a company. I'll tell you what, I'll find out for you. I know you've been busy and all."
"Charles?" It was Caroline who pulled their buggy to a halt by them. "Hello Andrew!"
"Ma'am." Andrew sighed in relief.
"I'm on my way home if you want a ride Charles?"
"Just a minute darl'in." He called to her.
Turning back to Andy, Charles said, "Alright, you check in on it and get back to me in a couple days?"
Sheriff Garvey nodded as he watched Charles climb up in the rig. He looked across the street as he took the reigns from his wife and stopped.
"Is that Dr. Ferrell?" He asked.
Andy moved to see and it was indeed Timmothy coming out of the Nocturne and turning down the boardwalk.
"Uh, yes sir."
"I wouldn't have expected a self respecting doctor to be in one of those places." Charles frowned.
"Well he's got his bag Charles, he must have been helping someone." It was Caroline who reasoned optimistically.
The troubled look slid from her husband's face.
"I'm sure you're right." He patted her knee. "Let me know what you find out Sheriff! You and Rachel should come out for supper soon!"
Andy waved as the buggy turned out into the road.
It was bound to happen sooner or later. Surely Albert knew that. One thing for sure, he would have to tell him as soon as possible.
Vahn McBride took another sip from the half-empty pint glass he sat on his leg as he lounged back in his chair. Turning a gold nugget with an impression of a circled 'R' in his thick fingers, he was a stout man of stature. More from muscle than from laziness.
The saloon wall he sat by was covered in newspaper and the furniture old and chipped. Just as good as any other drinkery to pour some mule skinner down your gullet and forget he decided. He was in a poor mood indeed. He could see the Mississippi from the window he sat by. Two men were heading up from the docks and entered the saloon, walking over to him.
"Anything?" He asked almost unexpectantly.
The two men shook their heads.
"Nobody's seen her, or that horse." The older, more roughened man spoke. His features were sharp and course, hardened by years of weathering in a saddle.
"She can't have disappeared boys." Vahn smiled dangerously, the laugh-lines on his face deepening.
Shifting uncomfortably, the men looked at each other then back to him.
"We looked through all their belongings Mr. McBride, the deed isn't there. Why are we chasing her?" The younger one ventured, not knowing any better. His elder standing next to him shot him a warning look from sharp green eyes.
In his opinion the backs of the younger man's ears hadn't dried yet and he couldn't even sprout sideburns. It made him nervous because when you work for Vahn McBride you don't want to make mistakes or not deliver on your tasks. The new kid, Ben Black had the ignorance of youth that could get you in a pine box fast in this business.
The kid had dark curly hair and a worried expression that never left his face.
McBride raised his eyebrow at him, "A fine question Ben. Because I have a hunch that little minx knows exactly where that slip is and I think she's making a run for it."
"We've checked every town on the river. She got on the boat in Warsaw with that horse but she never got off the captain said." The older man with graying hair reported puzzled.
A low chuckle came from McBride as he sat up, stretching his back, "I never believed in ghost stories. Now, I think it's just plum silly how a little girl can make fools of grown men who claim they can track. That horse sticks out like a sore thumb. How in blazes, did she stump you two?"
The older man tried to calm the conversation that he could see going very badly.
"She's little more than a kid. You'd think she'd have gone to the first town she came to, stuck to the roads, gone back to . I suggest we go back there and ask around."
Vahn stood up and grabbed the man's jacket. "I want her found! I don't care how you do it Carl."
The two men nodded and Carl, being released straightened his coat and they went back to the saloon door and hurried out.
This was beginning to feel a lot more trouble than it was worth but then it was worth a whole lot. Either way, someone was going to have to take responsibility for wasting his time Vahn decided, pocketing the coin. He sat back down to his drink. No, it was about more than time. There was history to correct here.
Saturday morning was grey and dim. The wind from the days before had moved in clouds heavy with rain. Willie glanced up at them as he carried a shovel and ax to the tacked horse tied to the livery fence. They were still moving fast and high though. They may have a few hours before the storm. He began to cinch the tools to the saddle.
"Hello?"
He turned around to see Carrie Ingalls walking up to him. Her town dress pressed, solid blue on top with white pleated skirts underlying. A ladies top hat sat tilted on her curled brunette locks just so, garnished with ribbons and silk flowers.
"Hi Carrie, you're out early on a Saturday." He smiled politely, turning back to what he was doing.
"Yes well, I wanted to talk to you, and Nancy said you'd be leaving early today." The Ingalls girl said.
Willie cocked his head, since when did Nancy know or care for his schedule unless it was to fix a hole in the roof above her bedroom. He finished securing the tools and turned back to her.
"Well what was it you needed?" He asked putting his hat on.
Averting her eyes Carrie seemed to falter for a moment then said, "The um, stove in the schoolroom is putting off smoke."
When she didn't continue he jumped in. "Oh, sounds like something's wrong with the vents or maybe leaves in the stack, I can check it later, maybe today, if not Monday. Or you could ask Mr. Carter."
"Oh I don't mind waiting for you. It's not so cold yet and I told the children to dress warmly." She said.
He nodded, "Fine, I'll call then when I can."
Carrie didn't say anything else, but she didn't move either. Willie tried to think of something to fill the silence.
"Are you doing the books for Nancy again today?" He asked and untied the reins from the rail.
Looking down at the binders in her hands she smiled, embarrassed. "Yes, she's pretty busy…"
Willie couldn't help himself and chuckled, "Nancy, busy…"
"Um, Willie, I, well Laura and I made some peanut butter drop cookies. That's what she calls them. I had some extra, if you wanted to try them?"
Carrie brought out a small linen sack, and offered it to him.
Hesitating he looked at her, "Those are my favorite. Carrie you hate cooking." But he smiled and took it. "Thanks though, I bet their great."
A stunned Carrie stared at him, "I didn't think anyone knew that."
"I've only seen two other people avoid a kitchen like you, my Ma and Nancy." He grinned.
Carrie blushed and started to say something when a heavy whinny rumbled from the barn door. Elise walked out, putting on a small pair of leather work gloves as she walked towards them. The mammoth black horse wondered out behind her leadless, nevertheless following like a pet dog.
Wearing her mended skirt and a course blouse with a full apron over it, she contrasted vividly to Carrie as she walked up to them.
"Hello Miss Ingalls. I haven't see you for a while. How are you?" Elise smiled at Carrie as she pulled her sunbonnet on.
Cooly Carrie nodded to her as she assessed her dress with a critical eye, "Miss O'Shea. Fine thank you."
Willie had been putting the little bag in one of his saddle bags. Then he turned to Elise, "Do you need help up?"
She shook her head, "No I'll manage, thank you."
Carrie stood with a deepening frown, realizing the two were going somewhere together.
Elise climbed up the rails of the fence, holding onto a post and then she called to Titan who walked over slowly as if used to the drill. She slid onto him easily and adjusted her skirt before taking his reins.
The Ingalls girl backed up slowly from the mountain of an animal nervously.
Elise noticed and asked, "Miss Ingalls, would you like to come? We're just going up Sun Canyon to assess a piece of property."
The ribbons on her hat blew into her face as Carrie shook her head, "Um no, I have to get going."
"We'll see you later Carrie." Willie pulled himself up onto his chestnut thoroughbred, the horse tossing its head, eager to move.
Heading north, directly out of town, they walked until away from the pedestrians then let the competing horses trot.
The canyon was about an hour out by horseback at a mid-pace and they wanted to do some initial evaluation of the work to be done. Knowing time was limited they opened up the horses to let them lope. The thoroughbred was of course the swifter of the two, but Willie was surprised how well the draft horse kept up. What was even more interesting was the way that Elise adapted her riding style, looking completely natural. When walking she sat sidesaddle however when they put on speed, she transitioned easily. Slipping a foot around, she sat like a jockey, her feet stirruped high and almost kneeling on Titan's back. It would make sense to steady herself as a regular woman's mount position might be unstable on so broad a back. Either way, she seemed comfortable and capable in her ride.
Soon they let the horses slow and rest in a walk. They had been following a main road from town and turned at the Carter place on Plum Creek to a less traveled road that headed towards the mountains rising in the distance.
Pulling up alongside Elise, she even sat a little taller than him and he had to look up a little at her. "You ride him pretty easily. I can't believe that saddle fits him."
"It doesn't. Not like it's supposed to. I'll have to make some more adjustments on it. The leather is in a state! Still I think both he and I will make do." She called over the huffing of the horses as they cooled down.
"How old is he?" Willie had a pretty good idea anyway but didn't know what was more uncomfortable, trying to make conversation or riding in silence.
"He's six now. I was there when he was born and I've seen him practically everyday since."
"2190 days, and singing to him everyday too?" He couldn't help it.
Surprisingly she broke into a wide smile, "Maybe only 2100 of those days."
He laughed, "Well that explains why he only listens to you. His leg looks better though."
"Yes, thank you." She paused looking troubled, "Look, you don't have to worry about...anything, I've taken care of it. I would just as soon forget it."
Willie thought he knew what she meant and although he still felt unsettled about why anyone would shoot at a woman who was obviously fleeing, but he did not push it.
"I can respect that Miss. O'Shea, but if you are ever in any trouble, I can...there's people here that will help."
Elise looked away not responding and he let it rest.
She had hired him to do a job and nothing more. Still, Albert's comment about her being here having something to do with his father had him wondering. Why she hadn't spoken to him or his mother about it was bothering him, but he would be patient, just in case Albert was mistaken. If he was, Willie didn't want to confront her about it and look all the more a fool.
They came to a sparse trail where Elise turned up but Willie stopped looking farther up the main road, at this point it was little more than a trail also.
"This way Mr. Oleson." Elise pulled up, looking back at him.
"Um, I think there's another way to get there, it's a little bit longer but would make a smoother path. In the winter with snow, it would be safer. This way here," He nodded ahead of him, "That way, I think there's more trees and you'd have to build a bridge of some kind." He reasoned, shifting in his saddle.
"Oh, well let's see it." She urged Titan to follow Willie's horse whose name was Shorty, ironic as the normally regarded as tall horse looked like a pony next to the shire.
They walked up the trail farther and turned off at his cue. They went along little more than a deer trail which wrapped around a low grade decline let out right next to the crumbled cabin. Willie remained mounted as Elise slid off onto a rock, leaving Titan untied as she walked out to the front of the house. She turned to see him staring at the river, Shorty munching on a nearby bush.
"Something wrong?" She asked gently.
Her question brought his attention around from whatever thoughts he was lost in.
"What? Oh no. I used to come here to fish with my Pa when he was still alive. It was his favorite, 'secret' fishing spot."
"I see. If it is uncomfortable for you Mr. Oleson you don't have to…"
He held her off with a shake of his head, "No it's ok. I'm actually glad to see it fixed up and being used by someone. My Pa always said he wanted to do that." He stepped down from Shorty.
Unexpected tears actually sprang to Elise's eyes and she blinked and looked away trying to recompose herself. She missed her father so much having him taken away from her so unexpectedly soon. The idea of being unable to make any more memories suddenly struck her sharply. The six days it had taken her to ride from Missouri to Minnesota she had cried and thought she had dealt with the grief. But it kept geysering fresh and painful now.
She turned her back to be discrete. "How long ago did he pass?" She asked, her voice barely holding.
"Little over a year ago." She heard him say behind her.
"I'm sorry, I can sympathize. My father also died some days ago." She began to walk around to the front entry of the house, fighting the enveloping emotions. Grateful for his silence she began to inspect the wood to be replaced. The stones had been carefully set with a mortar of some kind, uncommon for an old house out in the prairie mountains. Someone had had intentions of permanence.
She almost jumped as Willie stuck his head in a paneless window just behind her.
"I'm sorry about your Pa. It's hard to hear but, it gets better. I promise you." His sincerity written all over his face. The words broke the dam she had built up against the sorrow. Her eyes brimmed and she blinked, sending tears down her cheeks. Willie looked concerned and embarrassed. But Elise got the corner of her apron and dabbed at her face, forcing a smile and a nod.
"So, do you think we can fix it?" She looked around with a short sniff.
"The house? Yes. It's gonna take a bit of lumber and a lot of work. I'll do a couple of estimates then we might want to start on the road. We'll need to get a buckboard up here." His calm voice helped and she nodded glancing over the cabin.
Willie was surprised as Elise asked for the shovel and began digging at rocks on the path with determination. He inspected the ruins and gave his best guess on what they would need.
The soft drops of rain began not long after and they would have to leave soon as it didn't look like the storm could be waited out.
As they started back, Willie pulled out the cookies and offered Elise one telling her Carrie had made them.
"You two seem like close friends." Elise said before she thought better of it.
"I grew up with the Ingalls'. I was better friends with Laura and Albert, at times anyway. Carrie tagged along usually." He replied, the rain dampening their shoulders. "She didn't come today because she was thrown off a horse when she was maybe fourteen, hasn't ridden since."
Elise had brought her coat and had put it on. Biting into the cookie she savored it. "This is so good. Why didn't anyone put her back on? I've been thrown so many times I can't even count. Landed on my head quite often. Might be why I keep getting back on."
Willie laughed, "I don't know, but no one did I reckon."
Elise's bonnet began to droop and so she just pulled it back.
Willie pulled off his broad brimmed hat and offered it to her, "Could you use this?"
She started to shake her head but then smiled and took it, sitting it on her head. He laughed and turned up his collar.
"Tighten the chin strap."
Elise did so and they urged their horses into running, kicking up black earth behind them as they went.