Chasing Adventure by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Author:Linda Carroll-Bradd
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Montana Sky Publishing
Published: 2018-09-30T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Miffed at Mister Renwyck’s attitude over being interviewed, Thora walked the length of Morgan’s Crossing to cool her temper. The stroll would allow her to become acquainted with this tiny town. On the ride from Sweetwater Springs, the freighter had explained about the miners living in the big yellow boardinghouse where they took their meals. Married miners occupied the small cabins with yards, and the Chinese workers lived in the canvas tents.

Thora headed in the direction of the Oriental encampment but stopped herself because a language barrier might exist. She’d always experienced such embarrassment when her mother struggled to talk with the foreign tradesmen and didn’t want to find herself in the same uncomfortable situation.

Instead, on her return toward the hotel, she angled for the porch of the dressmaker’s shop. Displayed on a wire form in the window was a skirt and blouse of a plain style. Thora walked inside and glanced around, seeing a wall where a painted canvas of a scene of a Roman coliseum hung, and a crate holding bolts of fabric. A table in the middle of the room held a length of material covered with a paper pattern.

“Morning, how may I help you?” A redhead dressed in a green loose-fitting smock over a brown skirt stood from a table with a pedal sewing machine.

“I noticed the skirt and shirtwaist in the window. Do you have other ready-made clothing?” Thora looked at the woman, whose rounded belly showed evidence of an advancing pregnancy.

“I’m Cinnia Andrusha, but I haven’t had the pleasure of an introduction.” The dressmaker moved close, a slight waddle in her gait.

“My name’s Thora Alviss, and I believe the clothing I brought from home is a bit too fancy for life on the frontier.”

“Ah, you’re the writer. My husband said you might be stopping by.” With a finger tapping her chin, Cinnia walked a half circle around the other woman. “Your hat is just lovely as can be, Thora. Is that a Caroline Reboux design?”

“That it is.” Thora lifted a hand to touch one of the silk roses. “You have a good eye, although the hat’s from a couple seasons ago.”

“Thank goodness for postal subscriptions to fashion magazines. The styles might not be up to the moment, but what I can use from the patterns at least belongs in this decade.” Grinning, she rested a hand on her stomach and rubbed a small circle.

The protective gesture touched off a pang in Thora’s chest. All her life she’d been taught the importance of marriage, home, and family. Unfortunately, those teachings didn’t mesh well with seeking new places and speaking to interesting people. She couldn’t see herself pushing a perambulator through the—

“Excuse me, miss.”

The dressmaker’s voice pulled Thora from her musings. Caught daydreaming again. Heat flushed her cheeks. “Sorry. What were you saying?”

“What colors are you looking for?” Cinnia gestured toward a standing rack with several garments on hangers. “Your hair and skin tones are similar to mine, so I recommend staying away from the lavender calico and the tan percale.

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