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He’d thought he’d imagined some strange looks when they’d eaten their lunch at the saloon but had disregarded them. Much like they’d looked at him the last two times he’d been to town, looks of pity and curiosity and even some anger, given he’d taken over his father’s farm at such a young age.
But now he wondered if they were looking at Percy.
And Albie didn’t like that one bit.
“What was that all about?” Percy asked him quietly as they crossed the street to the saloon. They had their arms full, and Albie felt unprepared should someone decide to confront them for money.
“I’ll tell you when we’re inside,” he said, quickening his step.
Albie hurried up to their room, juggling his armful so he could unlock the door, then quickly locking it behind them once Percy was inside.
“Albie, what is it?”
“Mr Collier gave me a warning,” he said, putting his wares on the floor with the others Percy had brought up earlier.
Percy did the same, then turned to Albie, his eyes narrowed. “What for? What did you ever do to?—”
“Not for me,” Albie cut him off. “More so for you and the money you got from McAllister. Word is that folks in town know you were paid handsomely, and here we are making purchases.”
Percy was stunned momentarily. “Do you think... do you think it’s a concern? I mean, the men in this town are a lot of talk, but... do you think they’d try to take it from us?”
Albie put his hands on Percy’s shoulder, his gaze serious. “I won’t risk any harm coming to you. We’ll stay in our room all night like we did when Robert was with us.”
Percy brightened. “Ooh, and now it’s just us. However will we spend our time?”
Albie managed a smile, though he hardly felt cheerful. “Perhaps I should take it to the bank. At least if eyes are watching us, they’ll see we no longer have any amount on our person.”
Percy simply nodded. “If it would make you feel better.”
Albie was torn. “My father never trusted banks, and I’m not sure I disagree with him. But if it takes a target off your back, then I’ll take the risk.”
“Albie, I’m sure it’s not anything to be worried about.”
He cupped Percy’s cheek, studying the blue of his eyes. “I can’t risk anything happening to you. If anyone tried to shake you for it, or if a group of men were to outnumber us... and hurt you to get you to hand it over.” Albie couldn’t even bear thinking about it. “I’d never forgive myself.”
Percy clucked his tongue and sighed. “No, you’d fight them all and I’d have to pay the thirty pounds to bail you out of gaol. Then it’d be all for nothing.”
Albie knew he was joking and he could appreciate that Percy was trying to make light of the situation.
Percy smiled up at him. “So, let’s take it to the bank, then we can check on the horses before we come up here and lock the door and find a way to fill in some time. Because I have some ideas,” he added with a twinkle in his eye.
Albie found himself smiling again, genuinely this time. “Some ideas, huh?”
Percy nodded brightly.
It made Albie smile. “I’d like to hear them.”
“Well, we can read or practice some more accounting?—”
Albie took his face in his hands and planted a kiss on his lips. “There’ll be no reading tonight.”
Percy laughed. “Thank heavens for that. Come on, let’s go to the bank.”
* * *
My father was right, Albie thought as soon as he’d walked in the door.
There were two men behind the counter: one banker, one clerk.
