DECEMBER 6, 1861

Desiree and Marta went into the Cromwell Mercantile to purchase a wedding present for Jimmy and Lee. Simon welcomed them as they entered. "Good morning ladies, is there anything that I can help you with?"

"Well, we're looking for a present for Jimmy and Lee." Marta explained as she looked over the items in the store.

"Oh for their wedding," Simon brought out a piece of paper and a pen. He would add their presents to the list. "Several people have already bought some things for them. What did you have in mind?"

"We're not sure," Desiree replied as her eyes scanned the room.

"Well, if I can be of any assistance, please just ask." Simon offered.

"We'll just look around for a little while." Marta said.

"That's fine, I'll be over here behind the counter if you need me," he told them.

Five minutes later Marta asked Desiree, "What do you think about this?" She held up a washboard. "She'll need to clean hers and Jimmy's clothes, but then again I also like this wash kettle. She'll need one of these, too." She sat the washboard down and picked up the
iron kettle. "But I can't buy both of them. I don't have enough money. I've been spending money on Devany and our new home."

"I understand Marta, why don't I buy them the washboard, and you get them the wash kettle."

"Alright, that sounds good. I just hope nobody else has bought them these things." Marta said as she heading for Simon.

Simon overheard Marta's statement. "Nope, they're not on the list."

"What list?" she inquired as she sat the washboard on the counter.

"Oh, I've started a list of wedding items that people are buying for Jimmy and Lee. That way people won't purchase the same things," he showed her the paper.

She exclaimed, "That's a brilliant idea, Mr. Cromwell."

"Well, I can't take credit for it. It was really Jennie's idea."

"I'm glad she thought of it. I'd hate to get the couple something that someone else has already got them." She paid Simon and told him that she would pick it up later after he gift-wrapped it for her. She then turned around to see where Desiree was. "Desiree what you looking at?"

Before answering she picked up the item and brought it with her to the counter. "Since the washboard doesn't cost as much as your wash kettle, I think I'll get them a laundry basket, too."

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea, Desiree." Marta smiled and moved out of her friend's way so that she could pay for her items.

"It sure is. No one else has purchased these items for them either." Simon took Desiree's money. Marta explained to Desiree about Simon's checklist. "These items would be hard to gift wrap Desiree."

"Oh that's alright Simon. They don't need to be gift wrapped." She picked up the laundry basket.

Marta picked up the washboard. "I'll help you Desiree."

"Thanks!"

The ladies walked out of the store and went to the hotel.

"Desiree if you'd like I can keep these at my place. I know your room doesn't have a whole lot of space."

"OH, I'd appreciate that. I'll carry this over there." She followed Marta through the dining room and out the kitchen door. After deposited the items at the house, the ladies went back to the hotel. Desiree and Marta had to get ready for the lunch crowd.