A/N Thank you all so much for the nice response to this story. I was a little nervous about posting an historical piece but we're on our way now. I hope you continue to enjoy it!
This chapter we'll learn how Beth ended up in Heavenly and we may just have an encounter :)
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She saw him just as the coach turned onto Heavenly's main street. His skin glistened with perspiration and there were smudges of soot from the work he was doing. She felt the blush come to her cheeks as she scolded herself, shame on her for looking at a man in such a way. She tried to keep her eyes downcast but it didn't matter, now that she'd seen him she couldn't erase the image in her mind of his strong arms, broad shoulders and ruggedly handsome face.
As the stage driver helped her step from the coach and handed down her valise she caught another look at him, and she was certain he was watching her. She hated it when men would stare, and yet she didn't mind at all that the blacksmith was staring. She felt flattered. Again her thoughts made the blush come to her cheek.
She quickly made her way inside the General Store where she was to meet the owner. He would show her to her accommodation and give her further instruction. While she waited for him to finish serving a customer she couldn't help one more quick glance in the blacksmith's direction, and again she was sure he was looking her way. She covered her mouth with a gloved hand attempting to hide her smile.
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There was nothing left for her in Georgia. Her Mama had passed years earlier and now her Daddy was gone too. Her brother Shawn and his wife were running the farm and with three young children they had a full house. It was when her strong-willed sister Maggie made her announcement that Beth knew, she herself needed to think about making a change. She was concerned about her sister but when Maggie made up her mind it was made up for good. Her sister was bound and determined to move up north with a traveling man she'd met.
Beth Greene had no prospects of marriage. Indeed there were eligible men around but none she'd consider taking for a suitor. She couldn't just marry a man to be married. She wanted to feel a spark for him. Her brother teased that she read too many books of romantic poetry, but teasing didn't alter the way she felt.
It was true that she was already 19 years old. Nearing an age when, before long, she'd be considered too old, a spinster. She was starting to feel quite anxious. She didn't want to be a burden to her brother for the rest of her life, but with no funds and no gainful employment how could she possibly care for herself?
She was of that mindset when she saw the notice. It was pinned to the wall in the vestibule of her church. She'd seen those types of advertisements before but never gave them much thought. Now that she felt an almost desperate need to provide for herself and to build some kind of life, she carefully read what the paper said.
The notice was posted by an employment agency looking for young women to fill teaching positions out west. She smiled when she saw that she fit all of the requirements. The applicant had to be of legal age with high moral standards, unmarried and with no intended. The applicant must be able to read at an adult level, have exemplary penmanship, and she must know her numbers and how to do basic figuring. She would also need a sound knowledge of American history. It went on to say that musical or art ability, although not required, were excellent attributes. Beth Greene could play piano and she even knew how to read and write music.
The towns seeking teachers paid to transport the women to their job location. Upon arrival the new teacher was given a one room accommodation at the back of the school building and a stipend for meals. Once travel expenses were recovered, which was through performance of her duty and took approximately six months time, a small wage was paid.
None of it was much but what Beth Greene saw was opportunity. She'd heard there was more freedom in the west, that a woman had an equal chance to make something of herself. Perhaps she could figure out some way to make additional income, maybe teaching music or working in a shop. If teaching school out west was the only way she could get the chance to make a life of her own, then that's what she would do.
She put out of her mind all the stories she'd heard of how wild the west really was. She discounted the tales she'd overheard of outlaws and lawlessness, battles over water rights and range wars. Instead she focused on the names of the towns seeking teachers and she knew exactly where she hoped to go. It was a place called Heavenly in the Montana Territory and as soon as she read the name she knew she belonged there. It was down at the bottom of the list but that didn't matter. With a name like Heavenly it had to be perfect.
She did just as the notice instructed. That Tuesday she was at the newspaper office to meet a gentleman from the agency. She took a reading and writing test and there was an arithmetic exam, then the man quizzed her about American history. She did quite well and was hired that day. Although her brother expressed great concern and hesitation, in her own way Beth Greene was as stubborn as her older sister. Her mind was made up. Just one week later she boarded a train in Atlanta bound for Denver, Colorado. Once there she would board a second train to Casper, Wyoming. That's where she would finally get on the stagecoach to Heavenly. She was confident it was her destiny.
Even though she was excited she was also intimidated by the very thought of going. The trip would be long and she was frightened to be traveling so far alone. As she boarded the train she found some small relief from her anxiety when she located a seat next to a young family who were making their way to a new life in Colorado Springs. She felt safer having the company and was happy to have another woman to chat with. Still, the first two nights she'd barely slept a wink and she was unable to eat. The motion of the train made her stomach queasy and her head ache. She just kept telling herself it would all be worth it when she got to the place called Heavenly.
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The man who owned the store, Mister Jim Bishop, seemed very nice. He excused himself to get his wife from the living quarters at the rear of the building, explaining, "My Missus, Merna, will show you to the school and your accommodation. She'll explain all the procedures and duties far better than I could."
As his wife entered the store she smiled and seemed genuinely happy to meet Beth, and Beth was happy to meet a woman in this place that was now her home. There was no way to miss the fact that Merna was carrying a child, a child that must be due to arrive very soon. But it would have been impolite for Beth to mention it first.
As she and Merna exited the store Beth Greene made every effort not to look his way, but in spite of her efforts her eyes seemed to glance in the direction of the blacksmith's shop on their own. She was almost sure he was looking back.
The schoolhouse wasn't far, just a half mile or so down the main street. It was painted white and there was a nice grassy area in the front and to the side of it for the children to play. Swings hung from the branches of two trees and there was a horseshoe pit in the side yard. They walked up the steps to the entry and as Merna opened the door she handed Beth the keys with a smile.
As they entered the first thing Beth noticed was an open closet where the children were to hang their coats and store their lunch pails. In the center of the room were three rows of student desks and her desk sat at the far end facing the children. There was a blackboard on the wall behind her desk and one on the south wall, and she was delighted to see the upright piano. Near the north wall were shelves with school books. There was a globe next to her desk and an American flag in the corner.
Merna gave her a friendly smile as she explained, "There are twelve students at present, grades one through eight. One of the older boys, Virgil Dixon, is assigned to see to it there is always wood chopped and stacked for you, both here in the class and in your room."
"You are to have the door unlatched, and in winter a good warm fire going in the stove by 7:30. That's what time the children will begin arriving. Oh, and you ring the bell at 7:50 as a bit of warning to the dawdlers. School begins promptly at eight with recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Lord's Prayer."
"The ladies of the school board like to keep a tight rein on what the children are taught. They've prepared the curriculum and lesson plans for each level, you'll find them in your desk drawer. The children have a 15 minute recess at 10 every morning and lunch and play is from noon to 12:45. You have to keep an eye on the younger ones to be certain they use the privy and eat their lunch before they play. Dismissal is at 3:00 and you are to ring the bell at that time. Do you have any questions?"
"No I think I can remember everything."
"As I said, the school board ladies have very strict ideas and all the rules and procedures are written up and tacked in the center drawer of your desk. Come, let me show you your accommodation."
The entry door was behind her desk to the side of the blackboard. As they walked through Beth's eyes scanned her new home, such as it was. The words that came to mind as she took it in were stark but adequate. There was a narrow bed against the far wall, a small armoire, and an oak commode with a pitcher and bowl atop it. She was sure there was a chamber pot inside it's cabinet. A cast metal tub sat on the floor next to it and that she assumed was her bath. There was a small table with two chairs and a bible had been placed in the center of the table. A wood burning cook stove was used for both heat and cooking and the flat top held a coffee pot, a dutch oven and an iron.
There were two open shelves with the barest of kitchen essentials, but enough for her to cook for herself. She was somewhat surprised to see there was a good-sized sink with a faucet. She smiled as she asked, "There's running water?"
"Yes, it came about after one of our teachers was nearly lost a few years back. She'd gone out in a terrible storm to draw herself a bucket of water. Thank the Good Lord she found her way back, but not before the frostbite got two of her toes. The blacksmith at the time, Mr. Horvath, sent his apprentice to install this lovely sink. You may have noticed the man who did the work, his shop is right across from the store. He's the blacksmith now, Daryl Dixon."
Beth was glad Merna didn't wait for a response. She didn't want to admit to having seen, and gazed a little too long, at the man. "I'm afraid there's only cold water but he buried the pipe deep so there hasn't been trouble with it freezing. Still it's best to be prepared. Always keep some water in your bucket and pitcher for use when the weather is harsh. And please, for your safety, don't venture out in stormy winter weather, and never at night. It's very easy to become disoriented. Use the chamber pot."
Beth hardly heard a thing except the blacksmith's name, Daryl Dixon. She almost blushed just to think it, shame on her again, she shouldn't be having so many thoughts about a man. She knew the rules. She wasn't allowed to have a beau. Still, she wondered.
She wanted so badly to ask about him. Was he married? It sounded as if he may be. She tried not to betray her interest in him as she innocently inquired, "Oh his last name is Dixon too, the same as Virgil. Is Virgil his son?"
It seemed Merna didn't think a thing of the question, "No Virgil is his nephew. Virgil's folks are Merle and Karen Dixon. That's Daryl's older brother. Don't worry, you'll get everyone sorted out in no time." Then Merna smiled and went on, "Daryl isn't a married man but I do think there's a lady or two in town who'd like to change that. "
Beth was relieved he wasn't married and for some reason a bit jealous of those unknown ladies. Again she shamed herself. Merna read the look on her face quite differently, "I know your room's not much, but it's built sturdy to handle the winter. You'll be warm and dry. Oh, and that far door leads to your backyard area where you'll find the well and the privy. There's also a wash tub and a clothesline."
"I'm sure it will do just fine, my needs are small."
Merna placed a hand on her arm, it was a kind gesture that made Beth feel better. "School doesn't start for three weeks. If you'd like to earn a little extra money Jim and I could use someone at the store. This baby will be coming any day and I'm afraid I'm not much help to my husband."
"Oh yes, please. I'd like that very much. I've never worked in a shop but I'm sure I'll catch on."
Merna smiled again, "As pretty as you are Miss Elizabeth Greene you'll have our business booming. Every man within 50 miles of Heavenly will be lining up to buy sides of bacon and sacks of flour from the pretty new schoolmarm."
Beth felt the blush again as she smiled and asked when to report for work at the store. She was delighted when Merna asked her to be there at seven the next morning. She preferred to be busy and she hoped to become acquainted with some of the town residents. It was also true that she only had two dollars left from the travel money her brother had given her, and she still had to get by for three weeks.
As soon as Merna Bishop left Beth sat down on the edge of the bed and had a good cry. She wasn't particularly unhappy. She was simply overwhelmed. This was it. She was alone in the world now and she really would have to make her own way. But she had a job and a place to live, it was a start.
She dried her eyes, took the water bucket by the door and went to the backyard. Just being out there made her feel better. There were green summer grasses, two big shade trees and yellow and white wildflowers. The well wasn't far and she gave it a try. The hand pump worked without much effort and she filled her bucket with as much water as she could carry, then set it down while she strolled around the little yard.
She checked the outhouse and it was no worse than many she'd seen. She was happy to see the big washtub and washboard to the back of the building, and the clothesline that hung between the trees. The inside may leave a lot to be desired but it had running water, and the outside was lovely.
She came in and hung her few things in the armoire, her coat, a skirt and two blouses for work, and her Sunday dress. She neatly folded her undergarments, her nightgown and her stockings and lay them on the shelf along with her grooming items. Other than that all there was were her hat, gloves, a book by Louisa May Alcott, her journal and her pen and ink.
She had some bread and a bit of hard cheese wrapped in a square of cheesecloth left from her journey. She ate that and had a cup of water for her meal. She undressed to her underclothes and hung her travel dress with her other things. She ran water into a large pot and heated it on the stove, washed up in the in the sink, put on her nightgown and went straight to bed. She was exhausted as much from her emotions as she was from the journey. Still, when morning came she was surprised how well she'd slept.
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Within an hour of Merna Bishop returning from the schoolhouse he'd heard the news; Miss Elizabeth Greene would be working at the general store until such time as school started back up. She'd be right across the street from him beginning Tuesday morning, the very next morning. He was sure there must be something he needed to buy there, and he'd need to buy it the very next day.
It wasn't unusual, he started his days early. By morning the fire in his forge was reduced to a few hot coals and he had to get it built up for his workday. Tuesday morning was really no different. As was also usual during the warm summers his shop doors were wide open and so he didn't miss her coming down the street about 6:45. He wasn't one who was quick to smile, but he felt his lips turn up just a little at the sight of her. She wore a crisp looking blouse of pale yellow linen with something clasped at the neck. He imagined it must be a brooch of some sort. A belt was tightly cinched around her trim waist and the dark skirt came just to her ankles. Her feet were so tiny, they didn't even look to be the size of his hand. And there was her hair.
It was the color of sun and Tuesday morning she wore it down. It was high in the front, but a long yellow braid in the back reached nearly to her small waist. At the end of it was tied a dark bow. The blacksmith didn't feel one bit of shame thinking how much he'd like to untie that bow and loosen the braid, all the while letting his fingers play in that pretty yellow hair.
His imaginings surprised him, he wasn't one for romance and romantic thoughts or feelings. It wasn't that he'd never known a woman. He'd been to Billings on more than one occasion to visit the working ladies there. That was different though. That was a business arrangement where a man paid and a woman gave, both hoping that when it ended they'd think it had been a fair deal.
Those were not his thoughts about Miss Elizabeth Greene. This was a different kind of thought, and there were feelings.
It was her, seeing her first thing in the morning was even better than watching the sun break through a dark sky. It was something in the way she was, something he couldn't put words to. That was the something that was causing all these strange and powerful new thoughts and feelings, the ones he didn't quite understand. All he understood for certain was he wanted to know this woman in ways other than to simply lay with her. He wondered, how could it be that he'd have this deep yearning for her, and already? He'd never even had an opportunity to see Miss Elizabeth Greene up close. He'd never spoken a word to her. He was of a mind to change that this very morning.
She knew he was watching her, she could sense it as much as see it. That sort of thing always made her feel nervous and a bit intimidated, but she didn't feel that way with the blacksmith watching her. She found herself happy and hoping he was interested in her, and hoping he would need to make a purchase at the store that day.
Jim and Merna Bishop greeted her cheerfully and Merna helped her put on the long white apron she'd wear when working. She was early and so she asked, "Is it alright if I buy a little something for my breakfast before I start? I'm afraid I'm out of food."
"Oh dear Elizabeth, I'm so sorry. I should have offered to have you join us for dinner yesterday evening. With this baby coming my mind just hasn't been working right. Let me offer you something now, there's still plenty left from breakfast. We can't have you hungry."
Beth smiled at the woman, "Thank you very much, that's so kind. And please call me Beth. It's what I'm known by."
Merna smiled, "That's very pretty Beth, and I should have also told you, we're so pleased to have you in Heavenly."
She felt so much better after the warm meal of oatmeal and pork belly with bread and jam. She was surprised to find that the bread called sourdough was quite hardy. It was very different, but if it was what they ate in her new home she was glad she had a taste for it.
Once back in the store Jim showed her where all the merchandise was located, explained the inventory sheet, and showed her the list of folks who could charge and those that were on a strictly cash basis. Then he taught her how to use the cash register.
The blacksmith had the fire ready for his work day. In addition to whatever work "dropped in", and in his business there always seemed to be plenty of that, he had a repair scheduled. One of the local ranchers had a mishap with his buckboard. The horses got spooked and the buckboard tumbled over and skidded down some rough terrain. The chassis was a bent mess and two of the wheels were half crushed. He looked forward to fixing it. He enjoyed working with the metal and making broken things work again.
He grabbed the pot from the back of his hearth thinking to make himself coffee before he began. That's when the idea came.
She was busy with the feather duster when the bell above the door jingled. She turned and there he was, the blacksmith. Her throat suddenly went so dry she was afraid she wouldn't be able to speak, and she was afraid her voice sounded so low and timid when she did. "Hello. May I help you?"
She had such a sweet lilt to her voice and he came close to smiling as he nodded, "Mornin' I just come ta get some coffee."
Jim came in from the back just in time to hear him. "Good mornin' Daryl. Didn't you just buy three pounds of coffee last week?"
He had to think fast, "Yeah I did but I'm out here at the shop. I forgot ta bring some from home this mornin'. I ain't sure I can get through the day without it."
"I know I can't." The shopkeeper smiled before adding, "By the way, this is Beth Greene. Beth is the new schoolmarm. Since school doesn't start for a while yet, and with my Merna getting close to her time, Beth has agreed to help us out for a bit. Beth, this is Daryl Dixon, the blacksmith."
Beth. She called herself Beth.
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A/N Thank you all so much for reading along. I hope you'll leave a comment / review. If you'd like to see the chapter photo of our couple, it's posted to my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick. I hope to see you all back her next week for more of A Place Called Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee