James really hoped that shooting at anything or anyone would not be required, though from what he’d come to learn since his arrival in Montana was that it too often was. And he’d never used a firearm in his life. “Err…. I’m afraid I do not.” He told Alice in response to her question regarding if he had a mount or not. He did not mention that he hadn’t been on a horse since he’d been a child.
James flushed, “I don’t think you need to worry about that Miss Ada. I do not have a horse to accompany Missus Conroy to the mine." His flush deepened considerably as he reluctantly admitted “I’m not much of a horseman I’m afraid.” He was slightly reassured when Amos mentioned that the site wasn’t too far away. He just hoped that the area was as safe as the older man indicated.
Turning slightly he looked at the various people in the room with him, “Have any of you ever been to the Raven? Is it accessible by wagon?” He asked trying not to sound as hopeful as he felt inside, James was woefully unprepared being a city boy, one from a very different land than the one he was currently living in at that. But even at his worst, he’d never stoop to trying to take advantage of a lady. Alice’s virtue was safe from him, if not with him. It was likely safer with her defending it than if he were the one who did.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
At that moment Speed opened the door and stepped inside. "Mornin' all." He greeted. "Now, Alice, it looks like you'll be the one heading out to the Raven, I can't go, but we discussed that earlier, with Amos heading out," He paused gauging the looks he was getting, "Is there a problem?"
"Mister Vaugh is ill-prepared for this trip." Alice stated, Ada nodding in agreement, And I'm afraid he hasn't the proper clothing for the trip."
"Well we certainly can't have that, now can we?" Speed replied. "Alice, would you take Mister Vaughn here over to the general store and get him outfitted for this little adventure Proper clothes, boots, a hat, can you use a gun, James?" Again there were those looks as Amos headed for the door.
"On my way, Speed." And with that, he was out the door.
James couldn’t argue what the ladies said about him was true, but that didn’t stop the flush that crept up his neck, spread across his cheekbones before turning the tips of his ears scarlet.
At Speed’s suggestion, James blanched, not so much because he’d been spoken about like he wasn’t even in the room, which he privately admitted stuck a little, but because of the current state of his finances. “No sir.” He said even as Speed headed for the door again. “But I believe Miss Alice can.” His last few words were said to the door as it clicked closed behind the older man. “Shoot a gun I mean.”
Drawing in a deep breath, James turned towards Alice managing a smile for her. “Shall we?” He asked, reaching for the door to open it for her as a gentleman should.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
"Well, perhaps you would just rather not go. I can understand that." Speed said. "The country is rough, and you are not a rider that would mean a buggy, or a backboard, which could be done easily enough. Now as for the clothing, there's really nothing wrong with what you are wearing, not at all. I was just thinking you might need something a bit more substantial for the country. But if you'd rather not that's fine too." He smiled it was not like Alice could not handle herself out there, and according to the map Amos had drawn, it was just the other side of the Lost Lake Ranch's holdings.
This is not a problem, nor would it be something you were expected to do as a part of your job." Speed assured him.
James’ mouth opened and closed without making a sound when offered the opportunity to stay rather than accompany Alice to the mine. It was not the first time and it wouldn’t be the last that his transparent face had revealed his inner thought and feelings. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and rough, “I’d be happy to accompany the lady to the mine if as you say, it’s accessible by wagon.” James’ hazel eyes shifted to meet Alice’s. “If you don't mind take a wagon rather than riding.”
He didn’t disagree with what Speed said about it not being part of his job, but he didn’t like the idea of allowing a woman, even one as capable as Alice appeared to be to venture off alone. He had been raised to be a gentleman, though one from a land far from this one.
Alice smiled, "Of course not, as long as we get a good look at what we have out there. But you do need clothes for the open range. And before you think anything, what you wear is fine for here in town, but out walking around through the sagebrush, and what have you, we need to get you outfitted for it. And James, a hat certainly wouldn't be a hinderence, in fact, the shade provided would likely be welcome."
"I'll tend to a buggy if Gunther has one available. I believe he has two or three." Speed offered, "Give you a bit more time. Make sure them boots fit proper."
Nova
Mulling over Alice’s words, James had to admit that what she said made a great deal of sense, especially in light of the fact that she knew the surrounding terrain a great deal better than he did. And he was all too aware of this fact. His fair skin wasn’t used to the kind of sun that they got here, since he’d grown up in a land overcast most of the time, and raining more often than not.
“Thank you sir.” James said, forcing a smile since there was still the matter of his finances. He had a few coins left, but he’d intended to hold onto them for a rainy day. But maybe Speed was right and boots would be good.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Speed paused and looked to the young man, "No need James, glad to have you and your talents." He said. "Now, we need to get you outfitted, Alice, have it put on the company bill, as I see this as a company expense. And James, no arguments over this, it is how we operate here."
"Well then, let's get over there, get you set up, and once you change we can be on our way. And that gives Speed time with the buggy." She said with a smile.
It may well have seemed odd, but it was how Speed conducted business when necessary. He felt that he couldn't have James traipsing around out there in his city clothes. Having clothes that would allow him to be more comfortable would allow him to do more than sit in the office if he was needed elsewhere.
On the company bill? An enormous weight felt like it was lifted from his shoulders when Speed told Alice that. Part of James wanted to argue, but he didn’t, it hit him that their maids had been given their uniforms. They had to keep them clean and neat, but the actual outfits were provided to them. And if they served long enough then they were provided with new ones if they wore out.
James smiled back shyly, hastening to open the door for Alice, “After you Miss Alice.” He said with a nod of his head. Once they stepped through the door, James offered her his arm, his other hand tucked into his pocket as they made their way from the marshall’s office to the general store.
Perhaps it was odd, but James hadn’t been in Kalispell long enough to know one way or the other. He was secretly relieved that he wouldn’t have to put up the money for his new clothes and boots.
"Thank you, James," She said as she stepped through the door and he offered his arm, which she took graciously. "A real shock to have Speed pay for the clothes, but that is his way. He pays you and he knows that a lot of times the costs of living pick at that salary. I would think he will be offering you a better wage soon enough. There will be a great deal going on very quickly and you will be asked to do a bit more than paperwork."
It had been touched on with the mines and the increased load on everyone because of it that perhaps raises were in line with what would be asked of the employees. Speed was not opposed to that idea.
"Now, you'll need a shirt, hat, vest, trousers, and boots." She listed as they crossed the busy street, dodging wagons and horses as they went. "Anything else? Socks, long handles? It's all part and parcel James."