Page 12 of Heart of Mystic Valley
A knock at the door momentarily hushed the crowd. Faith opened it to find Naomi and Annalee Beckett standing on her stoop. She blinked in surprise.
“Naomi, Annalee. I didn’t expect to see you here. Please, come inside.”
Annalee flashed her trademark confident grin. “You know we support what you’re doing, Faith.”
Naomi nodded, her expression more reserved but no less committed. “It’s important work. We want to help.”
Faith’s surprise melted into genuine pleasure. “I’m so glad. Your presence means a lot.”
The Becketts were an institution in Mystic. Their support could sway others who were on the fence, giving the alliance the legitimacy it sorely needed. Faith ushered them inside, where the other women greeted them with a mix of respect and curiosity.
With the Becketts here, the Alliance suddenly felt more formidable, more real.
For a brief interlude, the women turned their attention to the refreshments laid out on a side table. Maisy and Aggie had outdone themselves, providing an array of sweet breads, fruit bars, coffee, and a large pot of steaming tea. The women mixed and mingled, forming small knots of conversation as they filled their plates and cups.
“It’s wonderful to see so many women interested in the Alliance,” said Melody Jennings, her voice carrying over the hum of the room.
Faith circulated, making sure everyone was introduced and felt welcome. She paused to speak with Annalee, then moved on to exchange a few words with Mia Duval, the newcomer from New Orleans who had recently joined their ranks.
The pleasant atmosphere did more than fill stomachs. The informal conversations built bridges. The women settled into their chairs, eyes bright with expectation.
As Faith prepared to start the formal proceedings, the front door opened once more. A tall man with dark hair and a rugged manner stepped in, removing his hat.
“Ladies,” Doyle Shaw said with a nod.
An uneasy silence settled over the room. Some of the women exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of suspicion andcuriosity. Others, like Melody Jennings, offered more welcoming smiles.
“We’re glad you could make it, Doyle,” Faith said, though she sounded a bit uncertain. Shaw was the owner of the Starlight Saloon and had a reputation for being progressive. Then again, he was still a man, and this was meant to be a women’s gathering.
“I won’t stay long,” Shaw said. “Just wanted to show my support and see how I might assist.”
The women murmured among themselves. Having Doyle on their side could be invaluable, but there was also the fear he might twist their words or intentions.
For now, they tolerated his presence, knowing he could be an ally or a hindrance.
Faith stood, and the room fell silent. Doyle Shaw leaned against a wall, folding his arms and watching with interest.
“Ladies, we have a lot to discuss,” Faith began, her voice measured. “This is just the start, but it’s an important one. Our goal is to give the women of Mystic a voice in our businesses and in our community.”
She pointed to a large piece of blank newsprint tacked to the wall, covered in neat handwriting. It listed various topics. Taxes, business growth, voting rights, the children’s fund, and opening a library were issues most women were interested in addressing.
“These are some of the issues we might tackle. Your input is crucial.”
The women leaned in, their faces set with interest as they read the topics.
Aggie Price was the first to speak. “The new taxes the all-male council voted in are hurting small businesses. I don’t mind paying a fair share for town improvements, but if we don’t get some relief soon, many of us won’t last another year.”
Melody Jennings countered. “While taxes are a concern, we need to think long-term. The right to vote affects everything else.”
“Can we do both?” asked Annalee, her eagerness cutting through the more seasoned women’s pragmatism. “Tackle immediate issues while working toward the bigger picture?”
Different voices chimed in, each woman bringing her own perspective and experience to the table. Evelyn Graham, the town’s teacher, spoke passionately about the children’s fund, while Mia Duval made a case for legal protections for women.
Doyle Shaw listened to the ideas and comments, his presence a constant reminder their words could reach beyond this room.
Their enthusiasm was contagious, spreading through the room like wildfire.
After nearly an hour of vigorous debate, Faith held up her hands for silence. “It’s clear we have many important issues to address. For now, let’s vote on the priority of each one.”
