The Blacksmith’s Bravery by Susan Page Davis Page A

other and saying, ‘Look, Billy. Easy pickings today, and a pretty little skirt, too.’”
    Vashti’s face paled, and he immediately regretted the words. “I’m sorry. Shouldn’t have said that.” His own face began to feel warm. “I’m just trying to make you understand why I can’t let you do it.”
    She squared her shoulders and hiked up her chin. “And I’m telling you they would never get near that coach with me on the box.”
    â€œSure. With your fiery hair and shiny satin gown calling out to them.”
    Vashti stamped her foot. “I’ll put my hair up under a hat. I’ll even wear
your
hat if you want. They wouldn’t think a lady would be wearing
that.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with my hat?”
    â€œJust everything.”
    â€œHa!”
    â€œAnd I’d borrow a drab-colored dress from Isabel Fennel or Apphia Benton. They’ve got enough of them.”
    Griffin chuckled. Feisty little thing, she was. “Tell you what, Miss Pushy, I’m going to go send my telegram. You mosey on over to the Fennel House and see if Mrs. Thistle could put my nephew up for a few nights. If she says yes and if I get a telegram back saying Justin’s on his way, I’ll take what you said under consideration.”
    Her eyes glowed. “Really?”
    â€œSaid so, didn’t I?”
    â€œOh! Thank you!” She squeezed his wrist and tore off across the street.
    â€œWait!”
    She stopped and turned in a swirl of skirts. “Yes, sir?”
    â€œIf
this happens, and I’m not saying that it will, you’ll have to fill out some paperwork required by the Wells Fargo company for all employees.”
    She grinned. “I’ll come back after I speak to Mrs. Thistle.” She tore for the Fennel House.
    Griffin stared after her. Was he nuts? Well, at least he hadn’t promised her. Maybe he could back down later. Or maybe Justin was delayed, and he wouldn’t have to go to Mountain Home, or even Boise. But if he did…
    He shook his shaggy head. He had to be crazy to consider this. He’d actually listened to her and halfway said she could ride the stage tomorrow with Bill Stout. How could he have done that?
    Must be the green eyes
.

CHAPTER 5
    T hat evening after the supper rush of six diners, Vashti pondered long over the paper Griffin had given her. Goldie came in about six thirty, after her stint at the emporium, and found the plate Bitsy had put by for her in the kitchen. She carried it over to the rough table where Vashti was seated and plopped down across from her. “Whatcha doing?”
    Vashti sighed. “Mr. Bane has practically agreed to let me ride shotgun on the Silver City stage tomorrow, but I have to write down all kinds of information first.”
    Goldie frowned. “What sort of information?”
    â€œWell, name, age, address—I can do that. But the last question is ‘Next of kin.’ What do I put down?”
    â€œDon’t you have any kin?”
    â€œI’m thinking on it.”
    Goldie bowed her head for a moment, asking the blessing on her food. As she raised her head, Bitsy breezed in from the dining room. “Mr. Dooley and Mrs. Adams just came in wanting pie and coffee. This is turning into a good night for us.”
    Vashti pushed her chair back. “Want me to help?”
    Bitsy waved her offer aside. “I can serve two pieces of pie and two cups of coffee with one hand tied to a bucking horse. Relax and eat.”
    â€œDid you know Vashti’s riding shotgun tomorrow?” Goldie asked.
    â€œShe told me.”
    â€œWhat do you think?”
    Bitsy took half an apple pie from the pie safe. “Not my cup of tea, but if that’s what she wants to do…”
    â€œI think she’s very brave.” Goldie dove into her roast chicken and baked potato.
    Bitsy put two plates on a tray and reached into the crock of forks. “I