"You are correct. No one should ever get in trouble for being kind," Clara agreed with a nod.
"'Course, now, yer pie is worth all th' money in th' bank! An' havin' pretty ladies servin' it makes it all th' sweeter!" he suddenly blurted out.
"Oh my, I am afraid you are gravely underestimating the amount of currency in our town bank," Clara was amused by the outburst.
"As for pretty ladies serving it. I imagine you mean Constance. She is indeed that but certainly does not flaunt it. And as for me, thank you, but I am already taken. I have a loving husband, Jacob Lutz. He works for the telegraph company as an outrider. We met at a barn dance and ..."
She paused, "Oh sorry, I do not usually prattle on like this. I really need to get back to my work. You are welcome any time. And please, say hello to Mrs. Pike from me if you remember?"
"Yes, Ma'am." With a nod, Justus grinned, then hopped down from the wagon, handing Clara the dishes. "Mrs. Pike is real fond of ya, no doubt in that," he added, "an' she's wantin' ta come visit, but th' baby's due any time, so she's stayin' close ta th' ranch." His grin widened. "Can tell she's none too happy 'bout it, she don't like bein' told ta 'take it easy'."
Of course, Mrs. Lutz didn't seem to be the sort to take it easy, either!
"Mrs. Lutz, Ma'am...what's a fella wear to th' theater? How's he go 'bout takin' a gal?" When the time came, he wanted to do things right, and he reckoned as asking any of the men at the ranch would just result in relentless teasing!
Clara was, of course, not surprised to hear that Mrs.Pike was very fond of her, but it was pleasant to hear it said aloud. As far as Clara was concerned Emiline was more like a mother or at least a big sister to her, in other words family.
"Oh, I do understand about her not coming into town. Makes perfect sense, what with the baby due any time. You remind her that, once that baby shows up, if she needs anything...anything at all in the way of help from me, I would be delighted to do so," Clara assured him.
"Mrs. Lutz, Ma'am...what's a fella wear to th' theater? How's he go 'bout takin' a gal?"
"Oh....well," Clara had to think on it, "You see I myself have never been to the theatre. Someday perhaps though." She might have to drag Jacob in there but.
"I have no idea of the extent of your wardrobe, of course. But wear something clean, that is a requirement. And shoes not boots...I mean if you own a pair. Oh and perhaps a tie. Now if you do not have one of those, do not spend money on one. I can lend you one of my husbands', other than our wedding he only wears one for Sunday services."
"I gotta tie, but I thank ya fer th' offer." Justus smiled. "Got me a Sunday-go-ta-meetin' shirt. Reckon I'll just hafta polish my boots." Really, he had no need for fancy shoes, and couldn't see a reason to buy new ones just for the theater.
"Thank ya, Ma'am. Not even sure when it'll be, but I just don't want ta embarrass Miss Constance." She didn't deserve that, so he'd be on his best manners, which were cursory at best.
"I'll let Miz Pike know whatcha said. You have a good day now."
With that, he climbed onto the wagon seat and gathered the lines.