Emma-1860
It appeared to me that I was perhaps the first employee to arrive at the new station. I did not see any other folks about the buildings or corral, so I rode up to the house and reined in Lancer. I dismounted, secured the gelding's reins to the hitching post, hopped the gated fence, and strolled toward the steps leading up to the two-story yellow clapboard house with its white trim. I stepped onto the porch and was just about to knock, when the door opened.
A woman stood framed in the doorway, a rifle tucked under one arm, and a wary look in her soft brown eyes. She had fiery red, curly hair done up in a bun at the nape of her neck, but a few tendrils had come lose and framed her face. Her slender form was clothed in faded calico. She had a natural beauty, and held herself in a manner that exuded determination and confidence. I had not delusions that she would expertly wield the rifle she so casually held under her arm, if I gave her the slightest notion I meant to do her any harm.
"Can I help you?"
The question was not spoken unkindly, but directly.
I swept my hat off my head with one hand, and raked through the long, sweaty blond tresses until I was certain it did not appear to be so unkempt.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. The shopkeeper town told me that this was the Shannon place."
"That's right."
"Could I speak to Mr. Shannon?" I asked, thinking it wiser to speak to the man of the place, certain he would be able to direct me to where I might find Teaspoon Hunter.
"If you can find him, you can talk to him."
I had the feeling that I wouldn't find Mr. Shannon anywhere on the property I realized then that I hadn't introduced myself, and thought maybe if I did, the woman I was speaking to would be more forthcoming with information.
"I apologize, Ma'am, for not introducing myself properly. The name's Cody, William F. Cody. I have come to work for the Pony Express. I was told that this is where I was to come to be trained by a Mr. Teaspoon Hunter."
The woman's countenance changed and a warm smile brightened her face, changing her features from simply pretty to beautiful. "I'm Emma Shannon, and I own the led that you and the other boys are going to call home while you are in the employed as riders. I'll also be tending to your daily needs by doing the cooking, cleaning, mending, and anything else that comes up that you lot of boys are going to need."
While she had been talking, I was relieved to see her set down the rifle and gesture for me to enter the house.
"Mr. Spoon and I weren't expecting anyone to arrive until about the end of the week, so you showing up surprised me. A woman alone can't be too careful around these parts with being too friendly with strangers." Emma continued as she turned and headed deeper inside the house.
I had no choice but to close the door and follow her. I found her in a bright and airy kitchen at the back of the house, stirring a large pot of something on the stove. My nose was assaulted with the spicy scent of onions, seasoned meat, and potatoes and my stomach gave an embarrassingly loud growl in appreciation for what my nose smelled.
"Wash up in the sink over there, Billy, and then you can join me for supper. Afterwards I will take you over to the bunkhouse so you can stake, your claim on what bunk you want, and store your gear. Mr. Spoon will not be back 'til morning at the earliest. He's out procuring horses."
I did as Emma directed and washed up, all too eager to partake in the delicious meal she was preparing. I was a little disappointed that I was not going to make the acquaintance of a real live Texas Ranger that day, but I hid it well. There was enough time for that the following day, tonight I could revel in Emma's undivided attention, something I was sure was going to be in short supply when the rest of the riders arrived. I was also keen on the idea that I would get to have first pick of a bunk in the bunkhouse.