Page 29 of A Wanderer's Redemption
“Well, depending on how comfortable you want to be, a change of clothes will make a big difference as you can have one drying from the wash as you wear the other. First, especially if you’ll be walking a lot, you’ll need sturdy boots, several pairs of stockings, and extra pantaloons. I have two suitable hats in stock: one straw and another in a bonnet style, either will work. The days will be warm, so a nice calico dress, or a loose blouse and skirt, along with a few aprons, should do, but you’ll need a coat forthe cool nights when you are crossing the mountains. I just got a lady’s Ulster in, but I fear it might be too long. I can pin the hem, but you may need to finish it if we run out of time before you need to leave for the train.”
“How long will it take for you to get all of these things together?”
“Well, if the Missus comes with me, we will get the dresses out of the way first, then work from there. I would say two hours, maybe less.”
“The train leaves at around three ladies, so let’s make it happen. Jessica, I am going to leave you here while I attend to the men, and then I will collect you before I head back to the train. Do not leave this building with anyone. You hear me?”
“Yes, but may I speak with you before you go?”
We walk closer to the door. “If you are going to argue with me over the clothes, we don’t have time, and that subject is closed. You need more things no matter what you say or think.”
“I wasn’t going to Reggie, I am learning that arguing with you gets me nowhere. I was just going to ask that if you see a used pair of small pants at the general store, would you please purchase them for me? They really are all I need. The rest of this is just fluff that I will have packed away for most of the trip.”
“Why?”
“I like to wear them under my skirts, especially if I’m to be climbing in and out of wagons all day.”
“I’ll get you a pair. Anything else?”
“A few handkerchiefs would be great, too.”
“You are the oddest little woman, but yes, I will make sure to get them while I am paying for the men’s necessities. Don’t leave this store!”
“Thank you Reggie, and I’ll wait for you.”
In all my years, I have never been this torn. I need to gather a few things for myself as well while we are here, but I absolutely hate leaving her here alone. I kiss her on the forehead, only to hear her gasp as I turn and walk out the door. Why I continue doing things like that, I have no idea, because if she had been a maid at home, I would’ve never taken such liberties with her. But it’s like my mind can’t separate this charade from reality and that makes me wonder if it might be time to take a wife. Shutting the door gently behind me, I lick my lips, tasting her on them, before making my way across the busy street. Walking into the general store, I head toward the men’s clothing area, glad to see they have quite a selection. Just as I am picking up a shirt, Jacob comes out of the fitting room, fighting with his suspenders.
“Did you find everything you needed?”
“I did, … thank you Mr. Kerns. There’s nothing like having to try on three pairs of pants before you find one that you don’t step on or isn’t up to your knees. I have no idea how the women of the world stand all those layers, or how they manage to get them all to fit.”
Laughing, I look around the store, “Where are Colby and Deven?”
“You should have passed them on the way back here. Unless they headed over to where the hats are. I do believe this is the largest mercantile I’ve ever been in.”
“It’s the location; not only do they have all the train customers, but this city just keeps expanding. Let me gather a few items myself Jacob, and I will meet you at the counter.”
It takes me a couple of minutes to find a pair of pants I think will be small enough for Jess before I grab two extra shirts for myself, along with several handkerchiefs for each of us. With my arms full, I head over to where the tack is, looking for bedrolls, only to find several hanging on the wall.
“Sir, you look like you’re struggling. Would you like a hand? I’m Grayson.”
A young man with the mercantile’s name on his apron steps up beside me. “Yes, please. Are these bedrolls for sale, or is this just a display?”
“Those are all for sale. These are the new ones, but we do have a few used rolls in the back.”
“I need five of these, but one is for a female. Do you have a thicker version?”
“We do, but it’s in the back. Would you like me to check on the price before I bring it out?”
“No, I am sure the price is acceptable. I want her to be as comfortable as I can make her on the trip ahead.”
“Understandable … I will gather these four and bring them up front for you.”
“Can you have one of your men deliver them to the train along with the other items we are purchasing?”
“Absolutely, let me grab Tom from the back and have him bring the cart around. Please, just call out my name if you need any more assistance.”
As I am walking up to the counter, a tea set with eight cups catches my attention. Oddly, instead of the normal rose designs, this one is decorated with wildflowers, and for some reason, it reminds me of Jessica. I almost walk past it, but something has me turning back at the last moment. Picking up one of the small, delicate cups, I can see her holding this in her tiny hands. I know this is a foolish purchase, but I can’t seem to help myself, even though the odds of all this arriving intact by the time we get to the new homestead are low. I pick up the tag for the purchase anyway. Thankfully, Jacob has gathered up the other men, and they are all waiting for me at the counter with their purchases in hand. The clerk standing at the counter smiles when he sees us all heading his way.
