Lechance

Simon found himself very pre-occupied, still, by the news of the passengers on the train. One would think he'd move on, but it haunted him. He didn't quite understand why no one had returned, but he feared the worst. He simply shouldn't let himself dwell on it.

But dwell he did, so the person at the counter had to clear their throat to get his attention. Bad manners indeed. "I'm terribly sorry," Simon offered with a sheepish smile. "What can I do for you?"

Outside the church, as it ended, as an elaborately dressed woman with a large piece of paper rang a bell and stepped into the middle of space. Her red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorne hat caught everyone's attention.

"Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!" she shouted in a voice that could be heard throughout the square. "These are the notes of importance for the City of LeChance for the week of December the First, in the year of our grace eighteen hundred and seventy-three, the right and honorable LeRoy LeChance, mayor, and spoken by your most humble servant Anastacia Mason on this first day of that month."

She paused to catch her breath and to make sure all were paying attention, then glanced at her paper. It was a short announcement and to that end, she smiled. Even though it was off a day, it was still a good thing.

"In his office and capacity as yenta, the honorable and worthy LeRoy Lechance would have these Marriage Banns read and announced for the first time:

Mr. Paul Roberts to Mr. James Warren
and
Mr. Obediah Jones to Mr. Charles Carmichael

If there are those among you who know reasons why these matches should not be allowed to progress, they are commanded to present themselves to the yenta to give such information as is right and proper."

A few more minor announcements and the woman rolled her paper and made a final salute before moving through the crowd. She would repeat the news throughout the town all day but she knew most of it would be spread before she got to her next post.

Obediah had purchased the most extravagant bouquet he could find, left the Black Sheep in the hands of the Jenkins and headed toward the Beloveds' hotel. Halfway there, he found himself unexpectedly nervous and made a detour to settle his nerves. He walked along the river, toward "his" spot but paused when he noticed that someone was already there.

His hesitation disappeared when he realized who it was. He swaggered toward the other person, grinning broadly.

Leo had finally bought herself a horse at the last livestock auction. Of course, she still had to buy all the things that went along with a horse, but for now, that didn't matter. She rode along the beach without a saddle or bridle, letting the mare find her own pace.

When she saw someone approaching from the opposite direction, she tugged lightly on the mare's mane and halted her.

"Evenin'," she called out.