Page 80 of The Saloon Girl's Only Shot

“She said she’d think about it,” she added glumly. “I think she’s cornered the market and fears competition.”

“I guess she has. The market isn’t very big, either. There aren’t many women here.”

“That’s why I sewed up a man’s shirt, but her husband does tailoring, so she only said she’d keep me in mind if demand is so high they can’t keep up.”

“I’m sorry. I envy you, though, knowing what you want. Opening a shop isn’t easy, but it’s possible. I have no doubt you’ll manage it, one way or another. I only wish I had the same sense of purpose.”

“Are you not going to work the front of my store while I’m busy sewing in the back? I was fully planning to poach you from Mr. Stames,” Jane said, deadpan, but with a sparkle in her eye.

“I could serve whiskey on the side,” Temperance leapt on the silliness of it. “I think we’re onto something, Jane. Whiskey and wearables.”

“The Gulp and Gown,” Jane shot back.

“The Tipsy Tailor.”

“The Drunken Dressmaker.”

They both chuckled, leaving Temperance in much better spirits that lingered after Jane left and Owen returned.

“I met up with a string of pack animals heading into town,” Owen reported when he returned with a fat hare. “They said wagon drivers at the forts were removing wheels and installing sleigh runners, but it would take a few more days for them to arrive.”

“That’s good news.”

The next day, they were in the saloon eating their midday stew, debating whether it was worth a walk to the mercantile to check on things, when there was a knock at the door.

Owen opened it to a middle-aged stranger who was hunched into his jacket on the stoop. His woolen hat was pulled low on his friendly face. He had a rucksack over his shoulder.

“We’re not open,” Owen said. “No whiskey.”

“I actually have some for you,” the man said cheerfully. “At least, I believe it’s for you. Are you Owen Stames of the Venturous Mining Company? A friend of Mr. Gardner’s?”

“For a bottle of whiskey, I’ll be anyone you like.” Owen stepped back to wave the man in. “This is Temperance Goodrich.”

“Nice to meet you.” Temperance stood. “Are you coming from Peoria?” She was shocked that her father had received her letter and acted so quickly.

“Topeka. Felix Martin.” He offered his hand to Owen. “I think you’re acquainted with my nieces, Marigold and Pearl.”

“I am. It’s very nice to meet you.” Owen shook the man’s hand with enthusiasm. “Where’s your horse?” He looked out the window.

“It belonged to the stage. They took care of it and gave me a room when I came in yesterday.”

“That must have been quite a journey in this weather.” Temperance felt oddly threatened by their instant camaraderie. “Can I offer you a bowl of stew?”

“I just ate, thank you, or I would leap on that. Oh, hello.” He leaned down to pat Clarence as the dog ambled over to nudge his hand. “I was snowed in twice on the trail, once in Fort Kearney, then in Julesburg,” Felix belatedly answered. “It was a relief to arrive in one piece. This is a fine place you have.” He straightened to take in the small improvements they’d been making while they had days to fill.

Owen was nearly finished filling in the ceiling, which already kept it warmer in here. He’d scored out the pattern of a checkerboard onto the end of an empty whiskey barrel. It stood in the corner with a pair of homemade stools.

Temperance had begun making cushions for each of the chairs, using up the black velvet from the old drapes and trimming them with leftover yellow and green ribbons from her gown. They were only stuffed with straw, but they were better than nothing and brightened things up.

She had also found a canvas painting in a broken frame at the trading post. It showed a handful of people in fancy dress and wigs playing cards in a drawing room. Owen had fixed the frame enough that its crack wasn’t too noticeable.

Temperance might not have any stake in this saloon, but she was proud of how it was coming along.

“I had a letter from the girls a month ago,” Felix continued as he accepted the chair Owen waved him into. “I was already considering a move here now that Kansas has settled on its own constitution and will be admitted into the union as a free state. It’s funny. I spent a lifetime thinking I hadn’t signed up to be a father, but once the girls were gone, I missed them.”

“You still have a ways to go before you’ll see them,” Owen said. “If the weather holds, and you’ve got a good horse, you can do it in a day.”

“I’ve heard. I’ll wait a few days before I attempt it, but I wanted to come see you straight away. Pearl said you’re liable to need a manager.”