Posted August 11, 2020
"Well, it would hardly be Christian to have you sleep on the ground or, for that matter, in the barn even given the deplorable condition of that roof. If there is something else you can think of to make it more comfortable I am willing to listen and consider it," Clara replied.
Looking around the man asked. "May I use your bathroom, perhaps you could provide some warm water from the kettle?"
Clara wasn't quite certain what he wanted the warm water for though she could heat him some. As for the bathroom, that was an easy one to answer.
"The outhouse is just out the back door there. There is some newspaper to ....well, you know," she did not feel the need to go into detail.
Retired Characters and NPC Writer.
Posted August 11, 2020
"You're too kind." He shook his head with a smile and set out to do hos business out there although there was no need for a newspaper but for a lantern because the sun had set.
Jay trudged through the snow.
When he returned he found a corner and announced. "The warm water is for washing myself. I don't want to dirty your nice blankets.
After he had explained, he took his jacket and shirt off but kept his undershirt on. He didn't feel it was appropriate with a girl and boy in the house to loose more clothes. Then he washed his face and arms with the soap and water and gor dressed again before he got comfortable on the blankets. His wound had healed well and he was feeling much better thanks to Addy.
"Do you know the coach driver...Adelaide?"
He asked her father. "She's given me a roof over my head...in her barn....since the fire. "
Posted August 14, 2020
Strangely enough the man explained himself as to why he wished the heated water even though she had not said anything about it aloud. His reason made sense though even if it was surprising. She had not expected him to even be concerned about such a detail but it was impressive.
"Oh of course then, but I would wash the blankets regardless once you were done using them," she pointed out, "But nice of you to think of that. Would Wyatt be like that."
She let him get ready then and made it a point not to look his way and invade his privacy. But eventually he was done and reopened the conversation too. He asked about the stagecoach driver, Addy and mentioned her helping him out too.
"Yes, I know her. She is quite the woman. Did you know that our community was terrorized by a killer grizzly bear - a massive creature, trust me. I was even chased by it one time and we were forced to dive off a cliff into the river to escape it. A hunting expedition was organized to rid Kalispell of that beast and my father was one of the volunteers. But my point is Addy was the only woman who was also with the party. And in the final encounter, it was her bullet that brought the bear down. I found that very satisfying," Clara smiled for once.
Retired Characters and NPC Writer.
Posted August 14, 2020
It seemed like Clara was opening up a little bit and actually talking to him nicely rather than in her snoddy teenage ways.
It was refreshing.
She even told Jay a story about a bear hunt and Addy, which made him smile. "Yes, she is a special woman. She is very capable of fending for herself. A great example for you and any other young woman."
Jay expressed his admiration and agreed with the young girl.
Then he went to his bed and snuggled up under the blankets. "I'll sleep well here...good night."
Posted August 24, 2020
"Well, she could use a more proper education to be honest but yes, she is a fine woman and I like her spirit, so does Father," Clara nodded. Besides it was no doubt not Addy's fault she never had been properly schooled. Many people, especially out on the frontier, were like her in that regard.
She stood there then and watched him cover himself up with the blankets then say 'goodnight'.
"And good night to you, Mr. Ryker. Sleep tight."
Retired Characters and NPC Writer.
Posted August 29, 2020
"Good night." Jay replied as he got comfortable in the makeshift bed. It was nice that the girl had come around to be a little friendlier and open to him but he wasn't happy with what she had said about Addy.
From his bed he told Clara. "I actually think she is fine the way she is. She's kind, has a big heart and who cares about the proper education? She knows how to handle her life independently and takes care of another womans boy. That woman should be praised and not critizied....and I know what I'm talking about. In England there are many people with proper education but the heart in the wrong place. They are stuck up, rich people. Noone needs that.....food for thought. Good night now."
He closed his eyes, hoping Clara would consider his words.
Posted August 30, 2020
Clara listened to the man say his piece about Addy, it dawned on her the man was rather defensive about the woman. Or just possibly he had some romantic inclinations? Well, hopefully Addy would have better luck with men than she did.
However he had a point, she had to concede.
"I too like Miss Addy, I meant no insult to her whatsoever. But point taken, goodnight Mr. Ryker," she nodded.