Ginny Aiken Read Free Page B

he did, sorrow underscored the smile. What a pity, so young yet so sad.
    Once she’d settled, Mr. Wagner climbed up, sat, and snapped the reins. The horses obeyed, and they left the station. As the sights along the street registered, dismay edged out her excitement. A blush scalded her face, and she screwed her eyes shut.
    “Not your preferred part of town, is it, Dr. Morgan?”
    Mortified, Letty risked another peek. She had never been thisclose to a saloon, but the noisy establishments she saw could be nothing else. Amid the saloons, other lairs sported signs that read “Billiards,” with the rare “Barber,” “Baths,” and “Laundry” scattered in for good measure. One read, “Bessie’s Barn.” Letty knew what that one housed.
    “No, Mr. Wagner. I’m more comfortable around libraries, schools, and churches. It seems a shame that visitors on their way into town from the station must see this.”
    A frown creased his forehead. “Quite true, and it’s worse since the Heart of Silver Mine’s production grew so fast last year.” With a flick of the reins, the matching mares picked up their pace. “You should appreciate the location of your home. It’s on a quiet street with Silver Creek Church at the corner.”
    Although Mr. Wagner hadn’t laughed or even smiled, Letty discerned a touch of taunt in his words. Oh, dear. What if he frequented those places?
    Studying him through downcast lashes, she tried to learn his feelings toward their seedy surroundings, but his expression remained oddly blank.
    He turned and caught her staring. “Even though it’s none of your concern, Dr. Morgan, I don’t patronize this street. Each time I’ve come this way, it’s been to meet a train or to cover a story for my newspaper.” His jaw tightened and his voice hardened. “I oppose saloons, gambling, and womanizing just as you seem to.”
    Feeling relieved though foolish, Letty gathered her dignity and entertained a vague curiosity about Mr. Wagner’s sudden vehemence. Then she cautioned herself against indulging that troublesome part of her nature.
    “It really is none of my concern,” she murmured.
    “I recently started a series of editorials urging the town to rid itself of this blight,” he added.
    “I see.”
    Letty breathed more easily once they turned onto a wide street lined with official-looking structures. “Main Street?”
    “And flourishing.”
    She had expected pride in his town’s growth, but instead she heard disapproval in his voice. As he concentrated on guiding the horses down the busy thoroughfare, she studied him again. In the short time she’d known him, she’d seen sadness, concern, and humor in his dark eyes. She preferred the humor. It made him look approachable and easy to talk to. She hoped he was both, since she knew no one else in town.
    He startled her when he spoke again. “Since last year, newcomers have overrun the town. Not all are welcome. You may as well hear it from me now, since you’ll certainly hear it from the town gossips later. I don’t think Hartville can handle going from five thousand citizens to somewhere close to fifteen thousand in less than a year. Despite the numbers, this is a small town at heart.”
    Letty considered her companion’s words. Everywhere she looked, she saw new construction. The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves played counterpoint to the hammering of carpenter’s nails on a mansion partway down Main Street. The workman wore so many layers that Letty wondered how he could move his arms well enough to pound nails. She pointed him out to Mr. Wagner.
    “That home belongs to our illustrious banker. Came into town last summer, and as a result of our productive mine, he turns a healthy profit.”
    Letty chuckled. “I can’t see that as my fate. I don’t expect to get rich delivering babies, treating childhood illnesses, or patching up miners injured at work.”
    His whiskers lifted in a wry smile. “You’re right. You’ll probably be paid