Let's get you two settled," Martha said, guiding them inside. The position at the schoolhouse is still open if you're interested. The previous teacher left rather suddenly when gold was discovered over in Idaho. Faith spirits lifted for the first time in months. I would be very interested.
I taught back in St. Louis before Emma was born. The boarding house was modest but clean with a small parlor, dining room, and kitchen on the first floor. Martha led them upstairs to a room at the back of the house with two narrow beds, a wash stand, and a window overlooking a small vegetable garden. "It's not much," Martha apologized, but it's quiet and clean.
It's perfect, Faith assured her, setting down their single trunk of possessions. After months on the road, sleeping in the wagon or cheap lodgings, this room felt like a palace. That evening at dinner, Faith met the other borders, Mr. Peterson, an elderly clerk from the bank, Miss Dorothy Lane, who worked at the millinary shop, and the widow Halcomm, who spent her days reading and writing letters to her children back east. You'll need to speak with Mayor Wilson about the teaching position, Mrs.
Hulcom advised as they ate Martha's hearty beef stew. School term is set to begin in 3 weeks, assuming they can find someone qualified. I'll visit him tomorrow, Faith replied, helping Emma cut her meat into smaller pieces. The following morning dawned clear and cool. Faith dressed carefully in her one good dress, a navy blue cotton with only minimal signs of wear at the cuffs and fixed Emma's hair with a fresh ribbon.
"Remember your manners today," she instructed as they walked hand in hand toward the town hall. "This position is very important for us." Emma skipped alongside her mother. "Will I go to your school, too, Mama?" "Yes, sweetheart. You'll be my student during the day and my helper after school. The town hall doubled as the mayor's office, a courthouse when the circuit judge came through, and a meeting place for various town committees.
Mayor Wilson, a balding man with mutton chop sideburns and an expansive waist coat stretched across his round belly, greeted them with practiced political warmth. Mrs. Summers. Martha Jenkins sent word you might be applying for our teaching vacancy. Do sit down.
Faith perched on the edge of a wooden chair, keeping Emma close by her side. I understand the position begins soon. I taught for 3 years in St. Louis and have my teaching certificate. She extracted the carefully preserved document from her reticule.
Mayor Wilson examined the certificate, nodding appreciatively. Very good. Very good. We've had trouble keeping teachers here. Young women tend to marry or move on to larger towns.
Are you planning to stay in Redemption Creek long-term, Mrs. Summers? Yes, sir. My husband has passed, and I'm looking to establish a permanent home for my daughter and myself. The mayor's eyes flickered briefly to Emma, who was quietly examining a glass paper weight on his desk.