Posted September 27, 2021

Then came the clothing, fine shirts that fit well enough, trousers in styles that were slightly different, vests, coats with tails of varying lengths and lapel patters.

It was a simple matter of trying on the shirts, seeing what fit, and also, what he liked as he looked at his reflection in the long mirror. Trousers, coats of varying styles and lengths, as well as colors and fabrics. This was something he was familiar with. And he began if not to enjoy the process, at least to appreciate it.

"So, which do you fancy? I must say, they all look fine on you and alterations would be basic."

"Yes I agree, it has been some time since I had done this sort of thing, however, the grey herring with the black lapels, for sure. The dovetailed black wool will be perfect for more formal occasions, and the simple black wool coat. Match those up with trousers as you like, grey and black, one can't go too far wrong, oh, half dozen of the white shirts and perhaps one of the blue, the yellow, and perhaps the wine pastels." Barnabas dictated. Of course the top hat as well would be in his order. "Boots?"

Posted September 27, 2021

"Goodbye, I hope to see you in Kalispell when you return" she did not shy away from using the 'S' word "And I shall certainly look up Mrs Lutz at the Diner."

"Don't you worry one bit, Kalispell does have its share of well-dressed ladies, but for the most part the clothing is practical and well-used, you'll fit in just fine." Heck, she was the one who was going to stand out if she was wearing whatever she was going to be buying here and in San Francisco around the streets of Kalispell!

"And really, you'll love Kalispell, there's Miss Arabella, who also plays the piano, and a wonderful school teacher, and...well, there's even a lady who drives the stage coach! I'll look you up as soon as we get back."

She patted the girl's hand, then pressed a gold half-eagle into her palm. "Here, this is a welcome gift. And watch out for the skunks on the trail, they can be quite inquisitive!"

Posted September 28, 2021

"Reckon I Like them Plain black stove pipes. Guess I oughtta have a pair of brogans, boots ain't always what's accepted in some settin's." Barnabas replied, looking at the selections, the stovepipes would work well beyond this trip, where the others, well, they weren't going to hold up back on the ranch, or working the streets with Speed.

"So now about them duds, how long you figger it'll take to have 'em ready?" He asked, adding; "I'd like the who;e sheebang delivered to the Astor Inn where we'll be hold up fer a spell, waitin' on her new clothes as well as mine." While they waited they could have a better look at real civilization, try some restaurants, maybe do some shopping as well. He needed to get off a wire to Speed, and he was sure that Em would want to send one to Clara too.

Posted September 30, 2021

"Oh, goodness, I didn't mean..." Emeline frowned as she caught the coin as the girl ran out. Looking at Eleanore, she shrugged and sighed. "I was just trying to be a friend, and to help."

"You can only try, dear." The older woman patted her arm. "She's just very prideful."

"I understand," Emeline murmured, "I'm just sorry she took the gesture wrong."

Well, nothing more to be done for that, time to get down to business, that would take longer than Barnabas' would...

Posted October 1, 2021

"The Astor? A very fine establishment." Charles smiled and nodded approval, then added, "I'd say four days at the most. I'll be sure they are delivered, certainly. I can have the sundries sent today, if you'd like. Shirts, boots, whatnot..." Things that didn't need adjusting. "Oh, and will you need a nightshirt, too? I can get that sent as well."

"Yeah, sure that'll be just fine. And four days is fine by me, no tellin' how long the Wife's dresses'll take, but we're in no rush." Barnabas agreed, and time was not pressing. "Nightshirts?"He thought a second, his were not the best, "Best toss in a couple. Things ya just don't think about."

He paused a moment, then suggested, "There's a fine shop just across the street, Cicarelli's, where you can get jewelry accessories if you need them...cufflinks, hat and tie pins, anything like that."

There would be no replacing his watch or chain, they had been with him since the war. They had come from his Pa. Both were solid silver, and would be just fine, though he was careful with them. The fact was, he generally wore a watch and chain he picked up during his Rangering days, which was not a fine as those from his father, but suitable for most everyday wear.

Now, since he had selected some ties, perhaps he would investigate the store for a couple stick pins, and yes, he would need cuff-links for his shirts. Hat pins, not something he would need or use, but Em, now she may need one or two, maybe more depending, after all, she was a woman and she likely would have more than one hat. And, they still would need to get through San Francisco and it's garment district.

"I'll stop over there for sure." Pike said with a smile. This was getting to be fun! "Now, we'll need ta settle up, won't we?" He drew out his wallet from the inside pocket of his coat.