“I’d say so.” Tansy grinned before popping a forkful of peas into her mouth.
Isabella was watching them both with an amused look on her face.
“Isabella is an excellent cook,” Tansy said. “She’s very resourceful, and she’s already saved us money in food purchases.”
Isabella blushed at the compliment. “I’ve spent a lot of time making food stretch, that’s all.”
It reminded Hale of how differently they’d grown up. His family hadn’t been rich, but they’d made a good enough living from the boardinghouse. He realized he didn’t know a thing about homesteading, but if Isabella’s skills in using food were any indication, it seemed as if it might have been a hard life.
“She also had some wonderful suggestions for our garden. If we grew more here, we’d be less reliant on purchasing it. And with her help, we should be able to put more away for the winter, which will also save us money.” Tansy had that faraway look in her eye, the one she got when she was dreaming up new ideas for their business.
Hale was simply thrilled that the two women were working so well together, and that Isabella was as helpful as he’d hoped she would be.
Isabella was talking about all the different fruits and vegetables they could seal into jars for the winter. Tansy was nodding along and asking questions, but Hale simply watched his wife in awe. If he hadn’t known better, he would have thought she was twenty years older and had already raised a family with the sheer amount of knowledge she had.
“How did you learn all of this?” he asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
“My mother knew everything about running a home without wasting anything,” she said with a hint of pride in her voice.
“Excuse me, Mr. Darby.” A voice came from the door, and Hale dragged his gaze away from Isabella to find Mrs. Moira Bowles, the woman who assisted with housekeeping, standing at the kitchen door. “The sheriff is here and wishes to speak with you and Miss Darby.”
Hale raised his eyebrows. “Please tell him we’ll be right there.”
He was startled to find Isabella’s face had gone pale at the news. He and Tansy were used to Sheriff Wright or the town marshal stopping by on occasion to ask about guests or to warn them about someone they were looking for. But Isabella had only been in town a short while. She likely thought there was someone dangerous under their roof right at that moment. Hale gave her a reassuring smile and rested his hand on hers.
“It’s usually nothing at all to worry about,” he said.
She gave a quick nod, but under his hand, hers was shaking.
“Why don’t you come with us? We’ll introduce you, and you’ll see there’s nothing to be concerned about,” Hale said as he stood.
Isabella hesitated, then finally stood herself. “All right,” she said with a slight tremble in her voice.
“We have our share of bandits and wild men coming through town now and then,” Tansy said, looping her arm through Isabella’s as they made their way through the dining room toward the front hallway. “But our boardinghouse rarely sees people like that. We keep everything orderly here.”
Sheriff Wright waited for them in the otherwise empty parlor. Hale shut the door behind them. There was no need to worry any of the guests.
“I’m sorry to bother you this evening,” Wright said as he took off his hat and nodded at the ladies.
“It’s never a bother for you to pay us a visit,” Tansy replied. “This is my brother’s new wife, Mrs. Isabella Darby. Isabella, this is Sheriff James Wright. He ensures the safety of the entire valley.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Sheriff,” Isabella said. The tremor in her voice was gone, but she stood stiffly and the smile she gave was restrained.
Hale watched her attempt to hide her true feelings. She must have been really frightened. But it was curious too. After all, growing up in the Wyoming Territory, she should have been used to occasional ruffians riding through. It made him wonder if something had happened to her or her family in the past.
“I heard you’d been married, Darby,” Wright said with a grin. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Darby.” He tapped his hat against the side of his leg. “I won’t keep you long. I’m looking to find out if you’ve had a guest recently by the name of Frederick Gable. He goes by ‘One Eye.’ Apparently, he lost an eye in a fight. Dark hair. Speaks with a lisp. He’s been accused of selling cattle that don’t belong to him.”
“I can’t say we’ve seen anyone of that name or description,” Hale said.
“He certainly sounds memorable,” Tansy added.
“It won’t be long before someone catches up with him. I appreciate your help if you see him.” Wright turned his attention to Isabella, whose color still hadn’t returned. “Why don’t the two of you come by for supper one evening? I know my wife would love to meet you. If Miss Darby can spare you, of course.”
Tansy smiled. “I suppose I could get by for an evening.”
“How about Tuesday?” Wright suggested.
“We’ll see you then.” Hale shook the sheriff’s hand before showing him out.
