She had been away and needed fresh groceries. The door opened with a slight push, welcoming her once again. Inside the store the light seemed dimmer than before, so she stopped until her eyes adjusted. Nothing changes in displays of Mr. Casper, the only owner she ever knew.
After calling out asking if anyone was there, she heard a man's voice say that he would be with her as soon as he could place the bolts of silk on the shelf. Hardly believing what she had heard, she admitted that this owner was bold to bring new merchandise to their community.
Upon seeing him, she asked in a perfect school teacher voice, "To whom am I speaking?" Tipping his ever-present old felt hat, he replied that he was Will Browne, adding that the last name ended with an 'e.' "And, I am Estella Abercrombie, a life-long resident."
He extended his hand to grip hers saying, "Good morning, Madam, you are both direct and a customer of long standing, I assume" He was correct as she demanded that in the future he should address her as Miss Abercrombie, and added that she wanted a price on the silk since she needed several yards. A stare into her eyes lasted a bit too long before he said softly, "It will be a pleasure to serve the Queen of Mountain Ridge."
Her smile curled into a genuine grin as she delivered a zinging. "Well, Will Browne, if I had married, perhaps my husband would have the title of King, but, since I didn't the title is open." Four eyes locked immediately for many seconds whiile each assessed the other.
The first to speak, he asked if she designed and made dresses for herself and other ladies. She nodded vigorously and posed a deeply serious question to him, "Would you consider taking on a partner who can help you change this country store into an up-to-date general store offering what customers want to buy? I believe that our town is close enough to the big city to attract housing and new residents if we had a modern store selling what today's shoppers are seeking."
He took her hand, again, this time to seal the deal and asked her to have her lawyer contact his attorney to draft a partnership contract for all parties to consider. After agreeing, and before she left the store, he graciously accepted a command Sunday evening visit with The Queen, to include dinner, of course,
at her castle on the hill out at the edge of town.
It's such a pleasure to be reading your wonderful work again, Bill. This was no exception, either. Very well done and a delight to read.
Hugs to you,
CJ
In the predawn hours during a solitary ride on her ranch, Montana Freeborn collides with Seth Phoenix, centaur-turned-man and the embodiment of her psychic visions.
