0764214101 by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online

she should make inquiries around town. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know her surroundings in the little town of Angels Camp. She looked beyond the main road with all its buildings. Rolling hills encircled the town, and everything waslush and green. She hadn’t been able to see much from the stage, but now she could survey it all.
    “Welcome to Angels, miss. Can I help you?” A burly man in a sharp white shirt and black vest with a white apron tied around his waist awaited her answer.
    “It appears my ride isn’t here yet. Is it all right to leave my things in front of the store for now?”
    “Of course, of course. Why don’t you come on in and have a cup of coffee?”
    “That sounds lovely, thank you.” Lillian took up the smallest of her bags and headed up the steps. At least she’d have a chance to freshen up. Maybe she should pick up a few items while she was here. She hadn’t inquired of Mr. Colton about how often they made it back to town from the farm.
    The man held the door for her as she entered. “Name’s Clark. Herman Clark. And this here is my store. We’ve got a room in the back for ladies to fix themselves after the long journey. There’s a basin in there, too.” His chest puffed out just a little. “My wife and I wanted the very best here for our travelers.”
    “Why, thank you, Mr. Clark. My name is Miss Porter.” She walked up to the gleaming wood counter. “It’s a lovely establishment.”
    The bell jangled over the door. Mr. Clark pointed toward the rear of the store. “Just head on back if you’d like. There’s pink curtains. You can’t miss it. When you return I’ll have that coffee for you.”
    “Could you make it water?”
    He slapped his forehead. “I plumb wasn’t thinkin’. Of course, you’d want something cool to drink. You just go on ahead, and I’ll have it ready for you when you get back.”
    Lillian headed toward the back. She heard the chatteringof women as she looked for the special ladies’ room. If the storekeeper thought she needed cleaning up, then she must be quite a sight. What she wouldn’t give for a long, hot bath right now. The voices behind her motivated her to move a bit quicker. She had no intention of meeting anyone else in the sad condition she found herself. She took off her hat and assessed the situation. First she’d wash her face and repin her hair; then, if there was time, she’d try to brush some of the dust from her skirt.
    The pleasant little room wasn’t hard to find. Nothing like the elaborate rooms back east, but it was very suitable and clean. Removing her gloves, she took a deep breath. She could do this. This was her dream, and she was here! In California. All on her own. The cool water from the basin felt glorious on her skin, and she scrubbed her hands and face, forgetting for the moment about all the dust residing in her traveling clothes. But when she looked in the glass hanging on the wall, she realized the once deep and beautiful green of her suit had turned an ugly greenish gray from all the filth.
    Lillian dug at once into her bag and found the brush. It would take a while, but she was determined to look clean and presentable to her new employer.
    A good bit later, after seeing to herself and cleaning up the mess she’d made, Lillian decided she could face the world. She felt at least partially put back together and walked out to the store, hoping she’d find Mr. Colton waiting for her.
    “I thought maybe you got lost in there.” Mr. Clark chuckled. He extended a glass of water.
    “Oh my. I do apologize for the delay.” Lillian glanced at the clock. Had a half hour passed already? She looked around the store. “Has anyone come for me?” She placed her bag onthe floor and took the offered glass. “Thank you.” She immediately drank it down in a most unladylike fashion.
    “Nobody’s come askin’ for you. Not a soul.” The bell jangled again, and he moved to help his customers.
    Placing a hand on her waist,