Posted September 8, 2021
"Hey now, I never said you was dirty 'er nothin', but you kin count on thet. Which might well be as close as I get to them pearlie gates. Find us a buyer fer this outfit, kettles an' all, then the hotel, don't know if we bathe first and wear out back up duds 'er not. I suspect bathe first. " He helped up on the seat, not that she needed it, but always made it a point to do that for her.
"Well then let's jest git on down there and git are-selves started on this thing." He suggested, excitement in his voice. He looked at her from under the brim of his hat, "Get you in a feather bed, might not ever want us out of it, but think of all the nights in all the places we got plans for we'd be missin'? Wouldn't wanna cheat yer self outta thet, now would ya?" The he shouted "Git!" to the team and they started out to reach Portland Oregon.
Posted September 9, 2021
"I 'spose it's only fair to say thet we'll both be experiencein' some new stuff, so far as we're concerned. Proab'ly look like a couple hayseeds outta are element doin' 'em. But the truth is, I been around folks worth plenty, and sure some put on airs, while others are jest like ever'day folks. So, we jest sorta blend in with them that buy their clothes in them fancy stores, 'cuz oncet ya got em on, they cain't tell ya apart." He stated knowingly. "We'll be jest fine., promise."
"You surely figger we'll never have this chance again 'cuz of the kids, the ranch an' whot not. Doubt it. If we need to do somethin' like this again, well, you watch, us Pike's'll get it done, an' have a good time doin' 'er." He added, then he took her hand. "There'll be good experiences and there'll be bad'uns. Jest gotta roll with 'em an hang onat me, we'll get through whatever it is."
Posted September 10, 2021
"That we will." Emeline smiled, reaching to take his hand and give it a squeeze, "and we'll take every place we go by storm!"
As much as simply being married to Barnabas was like a dream, life ahead of them was even more heady and dreamlike, and while she knew there would be rough times, she just prayed that they wouldn't be like the ones they'd both had to overcome.
As they got farther into the town, an closer to the docks, the buildings grew more dense and sophisticated, although compared to a place like St. Louis, Portland was still pretty primitive, but that suited Emeline just fine.
"Is the hotel near the waterfront?" Well, she didn't even know that he had a specific place in mind, but it would certainly be a treat to overlook the water and all the magnificent masted ships parked there.
Posted September 10, 2021
"I reckon so, Em. Prob'ly a number of 'em i suspect>' He said a wary eye searching the signboards on shops they past. "Look there! Feller buys rigs, and we got us one ta sell. You packed up yer tavelin' clothes, right? Mine are in there as well." Both had a small bag of clothes packed for the trail, even though it would be a long while before they woul;d be used.
He pulled up along side the building, all red and white advertising all manner of wagons for sale, rent, or trade as well as in larger print, "We Buy Wagons." Pike stepped down dropping the land anchor as he past the horses on his way to help Em down, A voice called out, "Howdy! That there's a fine lookin' set up you got there. Come far have ya?" He was wiping his hands on his shop apron. "Keller's the name, Brian Keller."
"Barnabas Pike, and my wife here, Emeline. Come from Kalispell Montana. Be havin' a few questions of ya, if ya don't mind. But first off, we're in the market to sell. Thought we'd catch onta the steamship ta Frisco, well, soons we find a hotel."
"Several on down the way.." And that was how the day began in Portland Oregon. Pronto was able to turn a bit of a profit, prices being higher in the port city. They were directed to several hotels of which they chose the Astor Inn, a three story affair of brick which looked quite reputable. Next within two blocks of the hotel with the view of the docks and the sailing vessels were clothiers, both men's and women's. Where to start?
Posted September 11, 2021
After giving the horse a hug and wishing her well, Emeline strolled along with Barnabas to the hotel, feeling a bit out of place in the grand lobby, and then gasping as she looked around the room.
"I feel like an okle in a palace!" Grinning widely, she glanced at Barnabas, but then her attention went to the window, and the expansive view of the river, teeming with ships. "I could just stand here and watch all the comings and goings."
Turning back to her husband, she sighed. "But I suppose we need to get cleaned up, get that shopping done so we can be all fancied up for supper!" It was going to be nice to have a meal in a restaurant, and not to have to do dishes!
Posted September 12, 2021
The Astor Inn did not disappoint. It was elegant, and both of them looked a bit out of place, however so did many of the others standing about.
"I feel like an okle in a palace!" Grinning widely, she glanced at Barnabas, but then her attention went to the window, and the expansive view of the river, teeming with ships. "I could just stand here and watch all the comings and goings."
"Not heard that'un 'afore." He laughed because it was true. "I'll get us signed in, be right back." Took but a couple of minutes to register and get their keys. He walked back to her, "yer the very reason they put thet winda there, ta gawk at the ships paradin' up an down the channel
Turning back to her husband, she sighed. "But I suppose we need to get cleaned up, get that shopping done so we can be all fancied up for supper!" It was going to be nice to have a meal in a restaurant, and not to have to do dishes!
He was already aware that a couple of suits and accouterments would take little time get done, but, a couple of dresses, for her? Was it a couple of skirts and maybe four bodices two for day and two for evening. This was going to be no easy task, unless he had missed his mark.
Posted September 13, 2021
The room was nicely appointed, even better than home, except for personal touches, and it was certainly an improvement over the trail, although Emeline had to allow that sleeping 'under the stars' had its good points.
The bathhouse that was attached to the hotel, sadly had no accommodations for couples, so they'd had to bathe separately. Emeline took the opportunity to luxuriate for a bit, soaking in hot, rose-scented water, where she was offered silly little sandwiches, scones, tarts and wine. They'd not need lunch, and there was something exotic about eating in the bath! Then she finally dressed in the best she had, a simple pleated skirt and matching waistcoat.
Smiling as the cleaned-up Barnabas appeared, she reached up to pat his smooth cheek. "You smell good, Mister Pike!" Laughing, she kissed him, then took his hand. "Well, do we shop for you first, or me?" She assumed they were going to stay together, although she wouldn't protest if he didn't want to go with her, it would likely be boring for him.
Posted September 14, 2021
"Reckon maybe we see where the clothiers 'er located in relation ta one another. Ma feelin' is, gettin' me outfitted'll be simple 'nuff. Thet bein' said, girl, It'll be a task of a different color with you and the outfits you'll be needin, so we'll get you situated then I'll go get set up an' come on back oncet I'm done. It'll take you a might longer than me." He had experienced this on the Comstock in Nevada more than once, so he was prepared.
He extended his hand to her, "Shall we Missus Pike?" He planned on taking their time and stroll the area to see what was offered from clothiers to restaurants for supper would play a part in what they would be doing. That and a stroll along the waterfront to look at the ships. He was in no hurry, they had all the time they needed.
Posted September 14, 2021
"I believe we shall, Mister Pike. And did I tell you that you clean up nicely?" Smiling cheerfully, she took his hand as he walked them along the streets. "I don't suppose once the underpinnings are settled on, that the outer garments will take much more than settling on different materials, swags and whatnot. And then just a couple of nice skirts and waistcoats."
She was thinking home, simple, and never even considered items such as shoes, stockings, gloves and purses.
"And you're right, I think men are a little easier to buy for. Change your vest and it changes the whole outfit. Oh! Are you going to get a top hat?" The idea was a bit absurd.