Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel by Ann Shorey Read Free Book Online Page A

bin Grandpa had piled with buttons of all sizes and shapes and sort them by color into individual trays. The ribbons and laces needed to be removed from drawers where they were hidden and displayed with the fabrics.
    Faith gazed around the interior. Grandpa had stocked the building with everything a farmer might need, but hadn’t given much thought to farmers’ wives or daughters. It was a testimony to how well he was liked that any women shopped here at all.
    She rolled up her sleeves and tied the clean apron she’d brought from home over her blue calico skirt. Today she’d start by moving the chairs that were next to the stove into the storeroom. The checker players would have to find someplace else to spend their days.
    “Where was you all last week, Miss Faith? Heard your grandpap was poorly.”
    She plunked a chair on the floor and turned to see Mr. Grisbee, one of the woodstove regulars, come through the open door. He shuffled toward her, carrying a tin container. Several days’ growth of gray whiskers sprouted from his cheeks.
    “Grandpa took a little tumble last Monday. Dr. Greeley thought it best if he stayed home to recover.”
    “So, where is he now? I need some coal oil.”
    “I can get that for you. How much do you need?”
    He looked her up and down. “Wouldn’t want you to dirty your hands, miss. I got enough to get by a few more days. I’ll wait for your grandpap.”
    Faith drew herself up to her full five feet. “Grandpa turned the mercantile over to me while he works on . . . another project.”
    “No offense, but it ain’t proper for a young lady to be runnin’ a store. Tell Nate I’ll be back when he’s behind the counter.”
    “I’m afraid you’ll be sitting in the dark for a long time if you wait for Grandpa.” She held out her hand for the container. “Please, allow me.”
    He studied her for a long moment. “Nope. Ain’t proper. I’ll git my boy to take me to Hartfield.”
    Dejected, Faith followed his progress as he shuffled from the store. Maybe there’d be no need to put the chairs away.
    She dragged the heavy oak chair back to its original position beside the stove. No sense alienating possible customers. She brushed dust from the surface of the wooden checkerboard and then arranged the checkers for a game.
    Absorbed in her task, she started when something pressed against the back of her leg. Game pieces clattered to the floor as she whirled to face her attacker.
    A sable and white collie stood panting in front of her, its feathery tail swishing back and forth.
    Faith stroked the top of its head, rubbing the warm silky fur. “You frightened me, puppy. Where’s your owner?”
    “Bodie! Come here!” Rosemary dashed into the store. “I’m so sorry. He’s supposed to stay with me when we walk, but today he had his own agenda. Did he hurt you?”
    Faith dropped into one of the chairs and pointed to the one next to her for Rosemary. “No, of course not. Scared me out of my wits, though. I thought I was being attacked.” She chuckled. “If I’d been paying attention, I’d have heard his nails clicking across the floor.”
    Bodie made a circle of the room, then settled at Rosemary’s feet. She looked down at the scattered checkers and grinned. “You were playing a game by yourself?”
    “I might as well be. Grandpa believes I can manage the store, but I’m afraid his customers don’t take me seriously. The gentleman who was just here refused to let me sell him coal oil.” She slid down in her chair and folded her arms across her chest. “He said he’d rather go someplace else.”
    “Why?”
    “ ‘It ain’t proper for a lady to be running a store.’ ” Faith mimicked Mr. Grisbee’s growl.
    “Don’t let him discourage you. You were doing just fine last time I was here. Carry on and don’t pay attention to anyone who says you can’t do it.” Rosemary’s warm gaze touched Faith’s heart. “You should have heard all of the ‘it ain’t propers’