New Woman in Town by Mack Ireland

The Larabee House

Eileen Larabee stood in her front yard, hands on hips and surveyed her new property.

The teamsters who came with the wagon train had carried everything that need be into the house. Tomorrow they would begin rennovations that would make the big old house even more livable. How the town would react to the arrival of three Chinese servants should really be amusing. She had forgotten to tell her brother about them also. She smiled as she gave herself the fib. She knew exactly how much she could pile on Chris without snapping his temper. Her own temperament matched that of her brother. Bigger and better fights were to be had when they were children at home together. She turned her head toward the sound of gunfire. This little town certainly had its share of dustups and show downs.

Entering the house she saw her brother standing in his first floor bedrrom.

"I didn't know you were back," she said with a smile.

"I wanted to bring my things from the boarding house," he answered. "I came in through my private entrance after stabling my horse."

"We're having chicken pot pie for supper," she said. "I hope that will do for you. You weren't here to ask."

"Eileen, this won't work if you think you have to keep tabs on me every minute," he said sternly. He looked down at her trying to look stern but it gave way to a laugh.

"I don't feel a need to watch your every move," she replied tartly, "That's why your room has a private entrance. I was thinking, when the work is complete," Eileen began, "We'll have a big party and invite the entire town."

Chris allowed his smiled to broaden knowing she had made at least one enemy in the little town.

"Everyone?" he inquired "Are you sure everyone will accept?"

She looked toward the bed that had been his since childhood. She settled on the edge of a chair that had belonged to their parents.

"When you are ready, and only when you are ready," she said softly, "I have some other things to show you." Chris frowned at his sister until she continued. "Sarah wrote to Mother and Father often," she said. "She sent pictures Adam had drawn along with the letters. There are even a couple of photographs. I would never surprise you with them, tell me when you are ready to see them."

"Thank you for that," Chris said looking toward the kitchen. "What is Buck doing here?"

"Didn't I mention he's joining us for dinner?"

"You know you didn't. What else haven't you mentioned?"

"Well," she said walking toward the door,"Fu Yung and his wife and daughter are arriving tomorrow."

Buck gave his hostess a handful of flowers. His host offered him a drink. Buck was pleasantly surprised at the quality of liquor in the Larabee house. Buck considered asking Chris for permission to call on his sister. He wisely decided the sister made her own decisions and would be offended, and he was right.

They were enjoying the pot pie, the wine and casual dinner conversation. Buck realized Chris was giving his sister strange looks.

Over apple pie Chris gave in to his curiousity. "Who are the people who are arriving tomorrow?"

His sister gave a start of surprise that he would remember something so trivial. "Why our house staff of course," she replied. "More apple pie, Buck?"

Buck and Chris sat on the front porch drinking brandy and smoking fine cigars. Chris was unsure where they came from and was afraid to ask.

"Yes sir," Buck said,"I think the Larabee house is going to be an important addition to this town."

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