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keep Francis here, despite all the dangers he might encounter. |
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With Francis's assistance, Mariah selected a large panel of lightweight material in a pretty shade of pale blue, figuring Holly might want a dress from it, too. She also chose a dove gray linsey-woolsey for another dress, a delicate plaid for a skirt, white for undergarments, plus a more vibrant green fabric for Holly. She also bought thread and a paper with several needles hooked into it. |
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She stopped then and looked at Francis. "Am I spending a small fortune here?" After all, she needed to clothe Holly from scratch. |
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"We shall make you a deal," he assured her. He brought over the proprietor. "Mr. Allen, Miss Walker wishes all of these, but she is but a newly hired servant. What is the best price we can make for her?" |
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"You are working for Thorn?" The small, chunky man clasped his fat hands in front of his soiled apron. |
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"There are many reasons we wish to encourage Thorn's business here," Allen began. "Though he comes here little, we know how prosperous is his inn; it is a natural stopping place for those entering the wilderness to hunt or trade with the Indians . . . not to settle." Allen looked sidelong at Francis. "There are other trading posts not far away: Croghan's, for example, and the home of the Indian, Queen Aliquippa. But their accommodationsand politicsare not always as inviting as Thorn's inn." |
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"What do you mean?" Mariah asked. |
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"Some traders get too involved with Indian matters. They sometimes wish to know the business of their patrons for their own purposes. Thorn cares not why people venture to and past his inn. He asks few questionsthough he listens carefully to those who wish to speak." |
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Mariah had the impression that this little, round man would want to talk Thorn'sand everyone else'sear off. |
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"So, Miss Walker, since I know the excellent reputation of Thorn's inn, I wish to maintain a good relationship with him so he will come here to trade. I will charge you, therefore, less than anyone else would." He named a price |
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