Free A Shelter of Hope by Tracie Peterson Page B

as gospel and committed it to memory. “So that’s five dollars. I’ll get back a dollar and seventy-five cents,” she said, looking to Elias to make sure of her numbers.
    “You’re right good at figures,” the man behind the counter commented.
    “You certainly are. I can see that your mother and father cared enough to educate you before going home to be with the Lord. Do you read, as well?”
    “I read,” Simone replied. “I’ve been reading since forever.”
    Elias smiled. “Probably not a great many books up there in the mountains.”
    “I had my mother’s Bible and prayer book,” she told him, not able to keep the words from spilling out. She felt so starved for conversation that she couldn’t help herself. She didn’t want to tell this gentlelooking old man her life’s story, but he put her at ease in such a way that she couldn’t seem to do anything else.
    “Many a young’un has been taught to read by the Good Book,” the clerk replied, handing her the change.
    “Indeed,” Elias replied and went to pick up his salt and the two pelts. “Simone, I’d really appreciate it if you would reconsider joining us for dinner. I could stable your horse and see to it that he can eat his fill, as well. Doesn’t hardly seem Christian for me to send you off on your way without seeing first to your most basic needs.”
    Simone looked at the man and felt uncomfortable at the kindness she read in his expression. No one had ever treated her in this manner but her mother. She grabbed up her bundle and shook her head. “No, I’d better be going.”
    She hurried for the door and had just stepped outside when a robust woman appeared from around the corner of the store. Not realizing Elias Canton had followed her outside, Simone was startled when the woman said in mocking disgust, “There you are. Thought you’d had to go mine the salt yourself.”
    Simone froze in place, uncertain as to what she should say or do.
    “Now, Gladys,” Elias’s warm voice sounded from behind Simone. “I met this young traveler and invited her to eat with us.”
    The woman stopped in her tracks, her face rosy from the chill of the air. Her smile sent her cheeks into round little balls on either side of her face. “Well, you’re most welcome to come and eat with us.”
    “No, really,” Simone replied, edging toward her horse. “I couldn’t impose.”
    “Ain’t hardly an imposition. We don’t get too many strangers in these parts,” Gladys answered. “ ’Sides, lunch is ready. Or it will be as soon as I can salt the soup. You might as well come share a bowl with us. I’ve got fried ham and apple cobbler, too.”
    The thought of fried ham caused Simone to reconsider. It had been a long time since she’d had anything hot to eat, and even longer since she’d had pork. The very thought of a thick piece of ham caused her mouth to water and her stomach to growl loudly. But any delay could prove hazardous to her well-being. What if someone had found Garvey Davis?
    “We wouldn’t detain you for long,” Elias whispered, as if knowing her thoughts. “You would still have plenty of time to make for Laramie. In fact, I could tell you a place you might spend the night on your way.”
    Simone realized she was losing the battle. She nodded. “I’d be grateful for a hot meal,” she told them both.
    “Well, then, come on with me,” Gladys said, taking hold of Simone’s arm. “Elias, you bring that beast.”
    Simone glanced over her shoulder at the gray-haired man in surprise. Elias laughed. “Don’t fret, Simone. It’s just her way. She means you only the very best.”
    Simone nodded as Gladys pulled her along and around the corner of the mercantile. “We’ve got a little place right over there,” the woman told Simone. “Snug and cozy with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a front room. I think you’ll like it.”
    Simone didn’t know what to say. The cabin looked much like any other cabin, with the exception that a