The Librarian

Episode 15

Harriet looked at the old railroad clock behind the bar; it was only three hours to the expected arrival of the Governor and she was caught up in a delicate dilemma with an emotionally distraught, Amanda.

"Have some more tea, Amanda and try to understand."

"I don't understand . . . I thought you felt the same way. You were kind to me, you helped me through that horrid experience. You were interested in my teaching, lending me books and all . . ." She sniffled and sipped her tea, now grown cool.

"I was doing what a friend would do. Your experience was one I was familiar with and I thought that would help me help you. I wasn't trying to encourage anything, Amanda."

"I feel such an embarrassed fool."

"Don't. I treasure your friendship here. You have the parents and others to socialize with, I have no one. My customers at the library are fine for passing the time of day, but there is nobody to share thoughts or ambitions with, to talk about- just about life . . . except for you."

Amanda blew her nose and sipped some more cool tea.

"You have Mr. Trenholme and gossip says any number of other men around the town."

"And gossip it is. Yes, I enjoy Mr. Trenholme's company on occasion; we also do business together," Harriet added, to lessen the sound of personal interest. "I love you as a dear friend, Amanda, can that be enough?"

"Of course. I had just hoped for more . . . still do."

Harriet took her hand. "An honest friendship can be more, besides, as a teacher, I think caution on your part might be prudent."

"I know, it's just . . ."

"An emotion awakened by your experience and my offering a shoulder. Now, time is running out before this blasted Governor business takes place, so I have to get back to the library and do some cleaning in case he wants a tour."

They both stood and hugged, stepping apart as Colleen sailed over to see to their departure.

"Lunch was delightful, Colleen. If you could put it on my credit, I will settle promptly tomorrow."

Colleen wiggled her artificial brows and laughed. "Don't worry, I know where you work, Miss Folio."

"Indeed, and a visit would be most welcome." Harriet's smile hid the inference. "Good day."

****

Governor Mayhew awoke with a start as his aide gently shook his arm.

"The driver says we are about three miles from Tuckerville, sir. I thought you would like some time to compose yourself after your nap."

"Can't be any too soon. My throat is like some sun baked wadi, I need a large drink. You look like hell, Wilkes. Better get that smile working."

Thomas blew out a breathe and cracked a smile. "I'm quite sure the town will have something laid on for the Governor's visit. It is a first for them - oh, and they will be having an election soon for Mayor and council, so you can expect some heavy blusteration."

"Yeah, well let's see what he can do for me during my visit." Mayhew winked and pulled his mouth to one side. "Speaking of that," he winked again. "What's this woman's name again? Sally Scull?" He laughed at his reference to the notorious woman, and looked out the stage window.

"It's Harriet Folio. She's a librarian, and has been in Tuckerville for less than a year roughly. She's from St Louis originally."

"Didn't know St Louis women were gunslingers - especially a librarian."

Thomas waited a beat then spoke. "I have information that she is quite outspoken and an advocate for women's rights."

"What a lot of hooey! What the devil do women have to complain about? Food, a roof, clothes, they should try doing a man's work then see about rights."

"I think you should consider keeping those observations to yourself, sir. You don't need to go poking any hornet's nests." He felt the omen of a headache coming on.

"Bah! Aah, I know you're right, Thomas. I didn't get where I am being stupid." He flipped back the curtain and pointed to some cattle grazing. "We're nearly there." He slapped Thomas's thigh, "Don't worry, hornet's nests aren't the poking I'm interested in." Mayhew rapped the roof of the stage and encouraged his driver to make an entrance.

Thomas closed his eyes and groaned inside as the stage picked up speed.

****

"Edina! Edina are the banners up at the end of town?"

"That's the third time you've asked, Mister Mayor." She called back from her desk outside his door.

"Well did I get an answer?"

"Yes, so please don't ask again."

"And the hotel has the table and the bar all set up? Edina?"

Avery stormed out of his office ready to raise hell, and stopped short. Edina was standing by the front door, her bonnet perched precisely on her grey hair, her face set in an expression of tolerant patience, and holding the Mayor's suit jacket at the ready.

"I was talking to you," he said, slipping the jacket on and letting her straighten it and his tie.

"I heard. You should be early to the hotel, ready to receive."

Avery gave her a quick hug and offered his arm.

"Thank you, Edina. Tell me, why did I never ask for your hand?"

"Because I have to do everything you need doing."

He stumbled on the walk, catching himself, shocked at her response.

****

John bustled about the shop getting the press ready and organizing the stock, while Aaron wrote the lead-in to the Governor's visit and why he was coming to Tuckerville.

Are all the new text fonts in the job case, John?"

"Everything's ready to go. I can start setting that if you want." He indicated the sheets of paper next to Aaron.

'Fine, we'll begin with a headline in that Bembo bold caps. Two lines centred below the masthead - Governor Charles Mayhew rewards Tuckerville heroine. There will be a sub-head, one line, full measure, sans serif - Governor extends the county's sincere recognition of the Black Creek Station incident."

"What about Miss Folio, you have to mention her."

"Miss Folio indicated quite strongly that she didn't want to be news. She will of course have her story told in the body of the article - and I intend to write my first opinion piece."

Aaron checked the clock and set his papers aside.

"I have to run, the stage will be here any minute. Get the headlines set and framed, we'll start setting the text the minute I get back."

****

Mayor Avery Devlin stood on the walk in front of the hotel, practising his smile and posture. The town's prominent people were on the hotel side of the street, and even with the sun setting behind those on the other side, he was sweating in the shade. Curious citizens lined the walks, many right out on the road for a better look, waiting for the stage to enter town. The new road was firmly packed and graded to drain any rain into the newly dug ditches; this would be the feather in Avery's cap.

A roar went up as the stage barrelled into the end of town. The team, at full gallop, crossed over the new crown in the road and drifted right up against the side of the ditch. The wheels began to crumble the edges and Avery's face turned to horror as the driver struggled to keep them from skidding off the edge.

The horses whinnied, feeling the strong shift of weight, and pulled at the traces as the stage began to tilt sideways. The driver screamed useless commands and barely jumped free as it toppled over, crashing against the walkway, scattering Avery and the crowd.