Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold Read Online Free Page A

heaven’s sake, it’s a car. And I’m a good driver—well, most of the time, and it’s not like I can ride my Vespa everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, I like my scooter—it’s so cute—but sometimes you need four wheels and …” She stopped talking. Now she was just running off—diarrhea of the mouth, as Martha would say.
    “They are busy. So is my daughter. But maybe I could take you around. Show you the sights. We could visit a gold mine or go into town and visit the shops. There are some lovely places around. Do you like art? There is a lovely gallery in town—The Bitter Herb on Mill Street. I know the owner. She’s my daughter, Mabel.”
    Harriet finished the last bite of her pie. “That would be nice, but … did you say gold mines? Are they real? I mean, I know this town has that kind of history—the Gold Rush and all—but I didn’t know they still had mines.”
    “Of course. This part of the country is famous for gold mines. One of the most famous is the Empire Gold Mine. It’s a park now, a tourist destination. But still very cool. What do you say we go now?” Florence picked a piece of crust from the pie.
    “To a gold mine? Today?” For the first time in three months, Harriet’s heart quickened.
    “Sure, it’s early. Not too hot yet. Empire is only up the road a piece. And I’ll drive. Don’t think I want to share your scooter. Just because it can accommodate two passengers doesn’t mean you should.” Florence rubbed her behind probably from just thinking about it. “And best of all, I don’t have to go into work today.”
    “Oh, do you work?”
    “Part-time. At my daughter’s gallery. But I don’t work on Wednesdays.”
    “Oh for goodness sake, that’s wonderful. Then you get to see her all the time.”
    “You would think that would be a good thing, but when we’re at the gallery, she’s strictly business. She’s my boss. And she has no trouble letting me know it.”
    Harriet wrinkled her nose. “Eww. That’s uncomfortable. Why do you work for her?”
    “Oh, it’s not as bad as all that. And she needs me. Helps hold her overhead down.” Florence leaned back in her chair. “And believe you me, I am not shy about telling her when she’s overstepped a boundary.”
    Harriet noticed the salt shaker on Florence’s counter. It was a short, fat, round ball made of melamine, probably manufactured in the 1950s. They were pretty popular back then, and she had several like it in her collection. Different, bright colors. “I guess I would love a visit to a gold mine. I’ve never seen one. Even in my cross-country trip I never ran across a gold mine. A few doggy-type land mines at the bus stops, but never gold.”
    Florence laughed. “Then it’s settled. Let’s go.”
    Harriet tugged Humphrey’s leash. “I just need to take him home, and then I guess I’ll be ready to go. Should I wear anything particular?”
    “No, what you’re wearing, capris and sneakers—I love your red high tops—is perfect for the gold mine. But bring a sweater. It can be cold inside some of the buildings.”
    “Oh, maybe I can find a salt and pepper shaker set. Do they sell souvenirs?”
    Florence nodded her head. “Not sure if they have salt and pepper shakers. I never looked for them there. But yes, they do have a souvenir shop.”
    When Harriet and Humphrey left to make their way back to the house, Harriet stopped about halfway there and thought a moment as Humphrey visited another telephone pole. Florenceseemed like a nice woman. Maybe even someone she could befriend. Perhaps her jealousy was uncalled for. “But, Humphrey,” she said, “Martha will always be my
best
friend.”
    “Henry,” Harriet called as she opened the front door, “I’m back from my walk.”
    Henry appeared in the living room. “How was it?”
    “Your scheme worked, dear. I had coffee with Florence—”
    Humphrey ambled past them and flopped on the floor near the couch.
    “It wasn’t a scheme, Mom. I just want