Posted April 13, 2020 / Barnabas Pike
It was a long wait for Sunday, well at least for one Pronto Pike. He had scouted the horses available to rent and picked a nice Sorel gelding for Emeline. He demanded the best saddle and tack because he wanted everything to be just right, and the best they had would be perfect for her.
A bath the night before, A clean shirt and trousers, boots brushed clean and waxed, his leather coat wiped down as best he could to remove what dirt and stains he could, especially the blood from the shoulder wound which was a stain that could only be lightened.
Lastly he shaved, removing his facial growth of three months. It struck him then that yes, he bathed, he shaved, changed clothes, just not as often as he might, and he realized if he was considering courting her there were some things that would have to change. The stopped him in his tracks.
The thought came as natural as the sunrise and it just gave him real pause, he would have to think on that some. A bath and clean clothes did not change who and what he was, he knew that all well.
Posted April 13, 2020 / Barnabas Pike
Sunday Morning had arrived slowly, the sun peeking over the mountains to the east showing the sky to be clear for the day ahead, one to enjoy while one still could. And it always had, the sun climbed into the cobalt blue sky waking the world under it.
But Pronto Pike had arisen before day light, as he usually did. Only, on this particular morning he stepped to the basin shaved and washed up. Then he carefully inspected what he was wearing, something he rarely did. He dressed, pulled on his boots and examined himself in the mirror. Satisfied he set the black flat brimmed hat on his head and pulled it down from behind. He was ready for the day.
He got the horses saddled and ready, then mounted and went back to the boarding house for breakfast, where he took a ribbing about his not having breakfast there anymore, and a good natured scolding about his not attending church. Linda Everson knew probably more about him than he knew and she genuinely cared for him.
By the time he rode to the café, the Sorrel in tow it felt like a week had passed since daybreak. He stepped down tied the horses and stepped up on the boardwalk, then moved to the door where he knocked...and waited.
Posted April 13, 2020 / Emeline Blakesley Pike
All through church, and even as she was getting ready for the rest of the day, Emeline kept telling herself that she was anxious because she was excited to get out for the day, and that she was going to be riding a horse for the first time in a while and she hoped that she didn't make a fool of herself. But there was really no denying that she was nervous about her companion. Not that she thought there was more to his objective than a kind offer, but she hadn't been with a man socially for any length of time since Andrew had died, and she wasn't sure how to not make it feel awkward.
The best, she decided, was just to try to relax and enjoy it for what it was.
With lunch packed in a small satchel, Emeline stepped onto the porch to await Mr. Pike's arrival. She was wearing a simple brown homespun dress, pleated at the waist, with buttons up the front and close-fitting sleeves. Over her hair that was pulled back in a braid, was mashed a wide-brimmed straw hat that had seen better days, but would well do its job of protecting her from the sun.
When she spotted the rider ponying another horse, she walked out to the gate to meet him, smiling as she looked up, holding the brim of the hat to shade the sun. "Good morning, Barnabas...or is it afternoon now? Those are some fine-looking animals you have there."
Posted April 14, 2020 / Barnabas Pike
“Miss Emeline.” He greeted, removing his hat. "This here sorrel’s ‘sposed to be the best of both, has spunk and a gentle side as well.” And then it dawned on him. “Maybe I should have hired a buggy, ‘course that might have persented a problem goin’ off the trail an’ all.”
Hind sight he thought, then again perhaps not. She was beautiful! He would have walked to the waterfall with her. He had been used to seeing in the café, apron and all, seeing her as she was dressed that day all but took his breath away.
“Well, reckon we oughtta get started, it is a ways, right?” He asked, for at that moment he almost hoped it was long, long way from Kalispell.
Posted April 14, 2020 / Emeline Pike
"Barnabas." Emeline smiled as he stopped the horses at the gate, looking over the mare. "She's beautiful. A buggy would be such a waste on a day like this." Reaching out, she let the sorrel sniff her hand, then she patted the smooth neck. "No, this is prefect!" Honestly, she was really looking forward to riding, and maybe she'd get herself a horse one of these days. "I believe the falls are a couple of miles."
"Can you hold this?" She handed Barnabas the bundle with lunch, then gathered up her skirt and managed to swing up into the saddle. It wasn't an elegant move, she was out of practice, but at least she had on bloomers with a lace border that would preserve her modesty. She settled with an, "Ooof!", then started laughing as her hat dislodged and tumbled to the ground. "I'm afraid I'm not twelve any more!"
Posted April 15, 2020 / Barnabas Pike
Pronto took the bundle with both hands, which left him unable to help her mount, much to his disappointment. He noticed she was wearing a skirt, not a split skirt, but a regular skirt which pulled up to nearly her knees. He stood gawking, then when she said she wasn’t twelve anymore, he laughed, not at her, but with her. He scooped up her hat and handed it up to her.
“No ma’am, reckon neither of us could make that brag.” He said, “That looks a mite uncomfortable. You might consider one o’ them split skirt what ‘er made just for this purpose. Either that, maybe a pair a’britches. Meanin’ no offense Miss Emeline.” At that point he felt he was in up to his knees and it was best he stop while he was still able. He handed up the bundle. “Well shall we?” He asked, grabbing his saddle horn and swing up on board, smoothly taking up the reins and waiting for her.
Posted April 16, 2020 / Emeline Pike
She hadn't really realized how much her skirt would bunch up, and he was right, it was uncomfortable. Not only that, but there was some leg showing between the lace of her bloomers and the top of her boot!
"I hadn't realized..." Shoving the lunch pack at him, Emeline declared, "I have some of Andrew's old pants I can use." They were large on her, of course, but she used them on occasion for gardening and repairs that were dirty, so she had a way to make them fit.
Swinging her leg over the back of the saddle, she started to jump to the ground, but her skirt got caught on the horn, stalling her descent until it ripped and released her, sending her tumbling to the ground. She landed on her backside, showing far more than just the hem of her bloomers, but she was laughing too hard to notice!
Posted April 16, 2020 / Barnabas Pike
Pronto, bundle and all, sprang from the saddle in an effort to catch her, but not quite fast enough. There she lie in the dust, laughing about it, the horses skittering nervously around as he offered his hand, still grasping the bundle tightly.
“You alright?” He asked earnestly, thankful the streets were all but deserted, and few, if any saw her predicament. “Here, lemme help ya up. Reckon them pants’ll jest have ta do.”
In spite of the situation he found great pleasure in the sound of her laughter, the fact being, he found great pleasure in her company. This disaster might delay the a bit, though he would gladly wait how ever long it took for them to be on their way.
Posted April 17, 2020 / Emeline Pike
"I'm just fine, thank you!" Emeline was still laughing as she took his hand and scrambled to her feet. "I have ample padding!"
And suddenly, her cheeks when bright red as she released his hand and darted for the house. "I'll just be a few minutes!"
Had she really said that? Lordy, what would he think of her? And why did she care?
Pushing that aside, she quickly rummaged through the trunk at the foot of her bed and quickly changed into tan britches that were held up with a belt and rolled at the cuffs. An old blue satin bodice completed the odd outfit, making a very strange combination, and as she glanced at herself in the mirror as she headed back out, she stopped and frowned.
No, she couldn't do this...couldn't let anyone see her like this, much the less Barnabas. But he was waiting, he'd hired a horse, and...well, she was really looking forward to the day.
Sighing, she plopped her hat back on her head and marched outside, shaking her head. "Well, I don't know that this is any better...if you're embarrassed to be seen with me, I understand."
Posted April 17, 2020 / Barnabas Pike
Pronto stood, holding the reins of both animals as Emeline came out of her house in something of a unique outfit, but one that would do, and would certainly be more comfortable.
“Embarrassed, Ma’m? Why no, not at all. We wuz going fer a ride ‘n picnic, not no barn dance social.” He reminded her. “You jest climb aboard an’ we’ll be on our way an’ have us a high time of it.”
He had not given a thought to what she had said earlier, nor had it mattered. The chance to get out of town, see some of the country, and spend a day with Emeline Blakesley, well there was no way that he would pass that up, not for any reason short of not breathing. "Reckon we should start gettin' movin'."