Portriat
Chapter 3: The inn

Jamie entered with a little apprehensive. He left that office an hour later with a smile on his face.

Mr. Vargo took notice.

In one single day, Jamie learned much about his employer. He learned that Mr. O’Malley frowned on idol conversation during working hours. His employer proved to be a kind and honorable man, who did not posse physical strength or stature. Never the less, he was a giant. Mr. O’Malley demanded much of his employees and more from himself.

Whether Mr. O’Malley was in the bank or not, his presence was always felt by his employees. Mr. O’Malley held his employees and those around him in high esteem. There were many in the bank and according to Mr. Vargo, the town, who would have done anything for him.

When the clock struck three, the bank employees closed the books and Mr. O’Malley stepped from his office. He wished everyone a good evening before taking his leave. The staff did not relax until the door closed behind him.

Jamie could almost hear a sigh from his co-workers not because the man had left but because it was quitting time.

“Well, it is quitting time. Do you have plans for dinner?” Mr. Vargo asked Jamie.

“No, in fact, I just came to town this morning. I have not even secured lodgings.”

“Then you are in luck, sir, I know where you can find the best inn in town. By the way, my given name is Adam.”

“Thank you, Adam for your kindness, my name is Jamie.”

“Jamie are you ready?”

“Lead the way Adam.”

They stepped out into the street. Jamie untied his horse. He was about to mount when Adam stopped him.

“Don’t bother mounting your horse. The inn is just across the street. You can lead your horse over to the stable. You will find them just behind the inn.”

Jamie looked at the sign attached to the house. It read. ‘Mrs. Vargo’s Inn for Young Gentlemen’. Adam quickly understood Jamie’s expression.

“Trust me, you can find no better lodgings in town,” explained Adam. “Besides, she as the lowest rates.”

Jamie merely shrugged his shoulders following.

“You are quite a sales man.” Jamie admitted.

“How do you think I have kept my job with Mr. O’Malley? Besides Finch, I am the oldest employee. I’ve been working at the bank for three years now.”

“Tell me more,” Jamie inquired. “Why do so many men lose their positions?”

“Miss O’Malley, Meghann, is such a beauty she turns every man’s head.” Adam grew silent as he thought on her. Adam thought if he did not need his job he would have thought about wooing Meghann for himself. He shrugged his shoulder before realizing that Jamie was asking him a question.

“What does her beauty have to do with men’s jobs?” Jamie asked thoroughly intrigued.

“The new employees always tired to court her. Shawn, I mean Mr. O’Malley will have no part of it. He is over protective of his sister. Rather jealous natures, between us I think he is frighten of loosing her. He counts on Meghann for almost everything. Anyone caught courting her is dismissed without a recommendation.”

“How can this be? I can not believe such an account. There must be more to their dismissal. I do not think Mr. O’Malley would be so unfair. Can not the lady in question speak up for herself?”

“Very well. Miss O’Malley is the most outspoken woman I know. She is as ruthless as her brother when it comes to business. As to the other men I must confess the men were not very competent in their jobs. One even turned out to be a thief. But it is interesting to note that no action was taken until these men attempted to court the fair Meghann.”

“Then I shall attempt never to meet this temptress.” Jamie replied mockingly.

“It will be hard to do. She is at the bank whenever her brother is ill, which tends to be very often. I warn you now. Do not look into the sirens’ eyes. Many men have been lost in those fine blue eyes.”

“Come now, sir. Surely you jest?” Jamie replied.

Jamie found it hard to believe this tale. He had never met a woman, who could tempt him with one glance.

“Don’t say I did not warn you.” Adam repeated, shaking his finger at Jamie. Jamie shook his head in disbelief as he led his horse into the stable.

“Take the stall near the door. Your horse will find it is the most comfortable. Feed and straw is included in the fee. That sir, is one dollar a week,” Adam stated taking on a landlord’s voice and dementor.

“I see and the room and board for myself?” Jamie asked.

“A half dollar. You receive employee discount your horse does not,” Adam explained.

’Mr. O’Malley owns the inn,” Jamie asked.

“No, he gives my mother a certain amount to house the bank employees.”

“How many employees live here?” Jamie asked.

“As of today, one,” Adam said with a laugh. “You will make my mother happy as long as you keep your job,” Adam added with a chuckle. “For now, I will leave you to get familiar with the stables. I’ll meet you inside,” Adam yelled walking toward the house. “I will tell mother to set another place at the table.”

Jamie shook his head watching Adam disappear into the inn. The then turned his attention to his horse.

“Can you believe it, Lighting,” Jamie said to his horse. “A woman, who can make men, lose their jobs by looking into her eyes. I think this new friend has a good imagination. What do you think old girl?”

Lighting whinnied giving her answer.

“Well, I bet you did not think we were moving this morning. In fact, I am not quite use to the idea myself. If we do not like it we can always go back home.”

Jamie said this more to himself than the horse in an attempt to convince himself he had done the right thing.

“After dinner, I will write father to let him know where we are. I wonder how he will take the news?”

Jamie suddenly realized his father probably already knew. For many months he had hinted that Jamie should find a job with a good bank. He wanted Jamie to see how other banks ran.

“The only way to learn a trade well, son, is to see all the different ways of doing it,” he said.

“Father must have written Mr. O’Malley a stunning letter,” Jamie contemplated stroking his horse.

Unannounced Adam reappeared, “It is all set you have the best room in the house. Are you coming in?”

“After I feed Lighting,” Jamie replied.

“You will find the oats in the barrel behind you. I will go aloft and throw down some hay,” Adam offered.

“There”, Jamie said patting Lighting.

Lighting whined stamping her feet. Jamie smiled feeling as nervous as his horse. He was still unsure about his future.

“I know you will like it here for as long as you decide to stay.” Adam declared jumping down from the loft. “Well come on, mother is waiting.”

Jamie followed and then thought about something.

“How much are the rates here?” Jamie asked.

“You already forgotten what I told you. Make a good impression on mother and I am sure the price will be even less,” Adam said.

“If I don’t?” Jamie asked feeling his wallet.

“Then forget what I told you. The prices will be double. I wouldn’t worry if I didn’t like you, you would have never found this place. I only bring mother gentlemen of quality. I could tell you have lots of quality,” Adam said making a jester let Jamie know he was referring to money.

“I am sorry, it is almost overwhelming. I had thought by this time I would have been almost home. Instead, my life had begun,” Jamie remarked.

“Take my advice or your new life will need quickly,” Adam said with a laugh.

Jamie picked up his traveling bag, blanket and overcoat before following Adam. Together they stepped into the house. Adam led Jamie into the parlor where Mrs. Vargo waited.

“Mother, I would like to introduce Mr. O’Brien,”

Jamie quickly placed his things on the floor removing his hat.

“A pleasure, madam,” Jamie responded bowing respectively.

“At last Adam, you have brought me a gentleman. Mr. O’Brien, I will tell you the rates and then we will go from there. I ask for the first week in advance. It is to protect me against unscrupulous boarders, who leave without paying. But by the looks of you, I think we could forget about that. The room is one half dollar a week.

Stable fees are seventy-five cents weekly. The horse feed is included. Clean straw is twenty-five cents. If you clean the stalls on you own no cost but a dime is you would like the serves. Meals are six pennies each or a half dollar a week that is if you wish to eat every meal here. How does that sound to you?”

“Very fair, Madam. If I may, I would like to pay for one month up front. There should be six dollars if my math is correct. I believe I will pay for the meals as I go if I may. I do enjoy a good pub. Here are six cents for this evening meal,” Jamie said, taking a money fold from his pocket and coins from his pocket.

“Bless you, sir. You are most generous!” she said. “Please Mr. O’Brien, join us for dinner. You may have the seat at the head of the table.”

“Thank you no Mrs. Vargo. I fear I am in need of a bed more. It has been an unbelievable day. I do thank you for your kindness and I would not keep you. If you would do the kindness of keeping me a meal for me by the fire I will help myself after a rest? Or if it is to much,” Jamie said.

“No, it would be of no in convince. I hope dear sir, you intend to remain with us for a long while. You do not know how refreshing it is to have a real gentleman in my house.”

“Thank you,” Jamie replied nearly laughing at Adam’s uneasiness.

Jamie knew that her comments had been directed towards Adam.

“If I could be shown to my room?” Jamie inquired kindly.

“Adam, show Mr. O’Brien to his room,” she said turning toward the dining room.

Adam took Jamie’s coat. “This way,” Adam said slipping once more into his landlord voice.

Jamie nearly laughed but stopped himself.

“Your mother does not seem to have a high opinion of you, Adam.”

“I have never been able to do anything right for her. But that is no concern of yours,” Adam added a little warmly.

“If it makes you feel any better may mother is the same way.” Jamie said kindly.

Adam looked Jamie in the face, then smiled as he extended his hand.

“I knew we would be friends.” Adam said taking Jamie’s hand and shaking it.

“I believe we will. May I have my hand back I would like to rest now,” Jamie remarked when Adam grip remained firm.

“Yes of course. You will find an extra blanket in the closet bed. You should have no worries the bed ropes have just this day been tightened,” Adam said.

“Thank you and good night,” Jamie replied.

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