“That’s a little like asking the fox to watch the hen house,” Morgan replied slapping his hat on his head.
“I thought he was courting Laurie Dixon?”
“He’d like to, but she’s giving him a run for his money,” Morgan replied shaking his head. “And those little ladies who work for Callie Mae are mighty pretty. Personally, I’d like to see him marry Laurie and take her and the boys out to the farm to live. She’s another stubborn one and she shouldn’t be working her fingers to the bone running that diner on her own.”
“If she does sell it, I’m buying it,” Callie Mae replied in an offhand manner.
“The hell you are,” Morgan began shouting again.
Hank tried ushering them toward the door.
“Why not? It makes money and would give the girls somewhere to work other than the saloon. Then I might be able to bring in some more experienced ladies.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” her husband demanded heatedly.
“Well why not? It’s done all over and you know it. Everyone has to make a living the best way they know how. And it would give me great pleasure to give Lillian Piersal a real reason to have a hissy fit,” she replied with a grin.
“For your sake, I’m going to assume you’re teasing me,” Morgan informed her as he took her arm in a firm grip and assisted her from the office. He could clearly hear Hank Riley’s sigh of relief as the crowd on the boardwalk scattered as though they hadn’t been glued to it moments before. He murmured an embarrassed good day to several of the ladies as they made their way toward The Duchess, while Callie Mae stared each of them down.
“This discussion isn’t over,” he warned her quietly as they walked and nodded cordially to passersby.
“I think it is,” she replied, smiling sweetly.
Upon reachingThe Duchess Callie Mae informed the girls that she and Morgan would be moving to town temporarily and taking rooms at the saloon.
“We need to open back up soon,” she stated rolling up her sleeves. “Come on girls, we ought to get this place spiffed up. Marilee, start doing inventory of the alcohol and make a list of what we need to replace and Annalise, you make sure everything is as it should be in the kitchen. Jane, start sweeping up, it’s pretty dusty in here. And Fancy, you go on over to The Blue Bonnet and let Mrs. Dixon know that I plan to be open by Thursday night, so we’ll be needing some box dinners and pies if she has time to make them. Good, everyone has a job, so let’s get busy.”
Morgan scowledat Callie Mae who was beginning to polish the bar. My god she was stubborn. The mood of the girls had improved significantly and suddenly they were humming and smiling as they worked, talking about what they were going to wear. Frustrated beyond belief he finally took off his hat, slammed it on the bar, and proceeded to turn tables and chairs over, inspecting them. Swearing softly under his breath, he enjoyed imagining the spanking he was going to administer when they got home. She might have gotten her way, but she was going to pay the piper.
Doctor Brubaker stopped by, drawn in by the sound of hammering. Morgan was appalled to hear himself whistling. What the hell!
“What’s going on?” Doc asked, setting his black bag down and steadying a leg for Morgan.
“We’re opening Thursday night,” Morgan replied, shooting a glare at his wife.
“That’s news to me. I thought you and Callie Mae were off on your honeymoon.”
“We were, at least that was the plan, but Miss Smarty Pants doesn’t want to leave The Duchess shut down while the drovers are flocking in. Apparently, turning a profit is more important than romance and pleasing the new husband she promised to obey.”
“Now that’s not entirely true, Doc,” Callie Mae interjected as she rubbed the mahogany bar to a high sheen. “I was worried about leaving the girls here on their own as well.”
“I thought Lilly was keeping an eye on things, and I’m willing to help, too.”
Everyone turned to look at Jane as she snorted loudly but kept her eyes on the floor she was sweeping, appearing to ignore the good doctor entirely. His frown spoke volumes.
“We appreciate the offer, Horace,” Callie said smoothly, “but I think it’s best if I stay around. Not everyone appreciates what gems I have in these girls, or how sensitive they are.”
Now Dr. Brubaker snorted in derision, drawing the attention to his angry face.
“I think it’s a mistake, but as I have no say in the matter, I won’t mention it again. How sensitive your girls are is another matter entirely and I feel at least one of them could use an attitude adjustment.”
“Oh really,” Jane responded, stopping to lean on her broom. “Then I guess it’s a good thing you are not in charge of us, isn’t it, Dr. Brubaker? And I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be bothered by a group of silly, immature schoolgirls. Isn’t that right, ladies?” she called out.
Marilee popped up from behind the bar.
“Yes, bless his heart, it just would be too much of an imposition.”
Annalise, who was just coming through the doorway from the kitchen caring a tray of sparkling clean glasses agreed. “Yes, Jane, you are right.”
