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“Where ya settling in?” Joseph shifted a wad of tobacco from one cheek to the other.
“We claimed land out in Willamette County. Just arrived a couple of days ago, and anxious to get started.”
“Well, I’m sure we can fix you up. Mr. Bidwell usually does the figuring, but he’s laid up with an injury right now. Let’s go into his office and we’ll see what we can do for you and your missus.”
He nodded again in Emma’s direction. “Ma’am, with all the cussin’ goin’ on, this ain’t the best place for a lady, so if you’ll step this way, we’ll try to get this done as quickly as possible.”
The group followed Joseph to the squat building. Two wooden desks, scarred from age, ate up most of the space. Four kerosene lamps provided the room with scant light. A small stove sat in a corner with a cheerful, blazing fire. Davis walked Emma over to one of the chairs in front of the stove.
“Keep your coat on,” he said as he settled her in the chair. “We won’t be long, and you’ll stay warmer that way.”
Another older man sat at one of the desks, pouring over paperwork. He didn’t look up as they all entered, and continued to ignore them as they conducted their business.
“Now, Mr. Cooper, tell me what size you’re wanting this house of yours to be.” Joseph moved around behind his desk and sat on a chair that looked like it wouldn’t hold his weight for long.
Davis produced a piece of paper from his pocket. “This is a drawing of what we would like to have. Caleb and Joshua will be helping me get it built.” They all huddled around the drawings, making comments and suggestions, and eventually Joseph took out pencil and paper and began scratching figures.
Emma relaxed by the fire and let her mind wander. A home of her own, finally. Even though she and Peter had a nice farmhouse in Indiana, it had belonged to Peter’s grandmother and he didn’t want Emma to change anything about it. Even her new curtains and oilcloth for the table weren’t well received. Now she could decorate any way she wanted.
She mentally went over the things they were able to bring with them, and what they would still need to either buy or have built. She just hoped it would be completed before the baby came. She still needed to get diapers and gowns made. Trying to accomplish that while still living in the wagon would be a challenge.
About an hour after they’d sat down, Davis stood, shook hands with Joseph and strode to where Emma sat.
“Time to go, darlin’. Joshua went to fetch the buggy.” He took her arm in his and headed toward the door.
“Thank you for your help, Mr. Hastings.” Davis tugged on the brim of his hat. “I look forward to doing business with you.”
Davis and Emma climbed in the back of the buggy and they headed to town. Davis, Caleb and Joshua talked all the way back, making plans to start as soon as the lumber arrived in two days. Davis instructed them to pick up the necessary hammer, nails and other building supplies they would need. He had already stopped by the supply store and set up an account in his name they could charge the items to.
A stop at the mercantile to get the flannel she would need to make the diapers seemed like a good idea. Even though she would be living in the wagon, she could use the time in between her chores to start on that project.
The small bell that hung over the door of the comforting store chimed softly as she entered. Mae waved her hands around, speaking with a customer who slowly backed away toward the door, most likely planning her escape. When Mae glanced up and saw Emma, she stopped and gave her a big smile.
“Hello, Emma. It’s so good to see you. How have you been, and how are you feeling?” As she came around the counter to greet her, the customer scooted past Emma and made a quick exit from the store.
Mae gave Emma a big hug. “You’re looking well, Emma. Come on to the back of the store, and I’ll fix you a nice cup of tea.”
“But what about your customers?” Emma eyed the space as Mrs. Berger spirited her through the curtain that separated the living area from the store.
“Oh, not to worry, little mama, I’ll send Hans out to keep watch. He’s in the back checking supplies. It will do him good to go out front once in a while anyway. That’s the part of being a storeowner he hates the most. But, I say, if you’re going to run a store, you have to look at the customers in the eye now and again.” She laughed heartily. “So, take off your coat and sit down; I’ll put on the water for tea.”
She ushered Emma to a chair, then hurrying to the section behind the staircase called out to her husband. “Hans, you must come out here and watch the store while I have tea with Mrs. Cooper.”
A grunted response followed.
“Now, Hans, you need to see to customers. I’m going to be busy. Come now.”
“Mae, I don’t need a cup of tea, if it will be a problem.” Emma darted a glance down the dim hallway.
Mae waved her hand in the general direction of Hans. “Ach, not to worry, missy, he always fusses when I ask him to do that. Now, tell me what’s been going on with you and your handsome husband. Did he start your house yet?” She bustled around getting out the tea things, placing a plate of cookies on the table, along with teacups, a pitcher of milk and sugar.
As Emma opened her mouth to respond, Mae added “So handsome is that husband of yours.” She placed her hand over her heart. “I remember when my Hans was young like that. He was a big, strapping young man. All the girls in our village flirted with him, but it was me he asked to court. Oh, the girls were all so jealous.” Her eyes shone as she remembered her conquest. She shook her head, and gave a sigh. “So, Emma, tell me, what’s going on with your new house?”
Finally able to get in a word, Emma told Mae about their visit to the lumber mill that morning. She described the layout of the house they had drawn up together, and how Caleb and Joshua Campbell were helping Davis with the building.
“It’s nice to have help with the house,” Mae broke in, “that way you can get settled before the baby comes. And those Campbell boys are hard workers. Just got out of the army, did the two younger ones.”
“I really would like to be in the house with enough time to organize things before the baby.” Emma stirred sugar into her tea. Reaching for a delicious looking ginger cookie, she sighed. “I’m afraid there will just be so much to do.”
