Jane gave Maddie a triumphant look. “I’m pleased to see that decorum remains instilled in the community, regardless of being so far from proper society.”
Malvenia spoke at last. “Oh yes, we must adhere to a sin free life. It’s imperative that we help in any way possible, so the men of this town can better avoid temptation and eternal damnation by patronizing that sinful brothel.”
“We plan to push for the saloon to be closed and those tartlets sent on their way.” Mrs. Higgenbottom frowned and puffed up. “They are a disgrace to this town.”
To keep from pointing out that they were only four women against several hundred men, which meant it was doubtful their crusade would not come to fruition, Maddie took another drink of the now tepid tea and then lifted a brow. “I can hear the piano music at night. It’s quite lively.” She hid a smile with the pretence of a cough and waited for one of the gasping women to reply.
She almost giggled when Mrs. Porterfield’s eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets. “Lively as it may be, it is the music of the devil.” Gertrude and Malvenia’s heads bobbed in accordance.
Jane pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. Her sister was not a prude by any stretch, and saw right through Maddie’s attempt to get a rise out of the women. She shot Maddie a warning look. “Well, I look forward to beginning classes. I’m afraid it will be a few more weeks. I still have to get new benches built and there are many repairs to be dealt with. I have not had time as yet to assess what all is needed to set the schoolhouse right.”
“Of course.” Mrs. Porterfield looked to Maddie, scrutinizing her. “If you need anything, please let Tom know. Whatever we don’t have, we can acquire.”
“Take care who you hire to come around to work,” Mrs. Higgenbottom interrupted.
“Why?” Jane and Maddie asked in unison.
Mrs. Porterfield frowned. “Before allowing any man to enter unescorted to your home and classroom, you must take care to ensure for your safety. You’re both quite fetching. It amazes me that you’ve not been overcome with courting proposals. With so many men here without women, it may be hard to keep from heated advances.”
Maddie did not have to be warned, she nodded. “We will be very careful.” She looked to Jane, who brushed invisible lint from her skirts.
They left the women’s tea. Jane remained thoughtful and Maddie left her to her musings. There was much work to be done at their new home and she expected a full day of chores ahead. They entered the home and her sister went to the bedroom to remove her shawl. She came back out still pensive. “Maddie?”
“Yes?”
“I’m still not sure what we should do.”
Maddie joined her at the kitchen table after setting a coffee pot on the stove to make coffee. “You came here with a purpose. I am going to make sure you stay on course. I understand your misgivings, but we both know how to defend ourselves. Besides, I’ve decided to purchase a gun.”
“Good idea.” Jane straightened. “We will be just fine. Except…”
“Nothing, we will not allow the actions of one crazy bastard to affect us.”
Jane chuckled. “Maddie, the things you say. But that’s not what I was going to say.” She covered Maddie’s hand with her own. “Don’t take a lover. Wait. I’m sure a good man will come along and sweep you off your feet. Perhaps even the marshal himself.”
“I don’t want to be swept. I prefer to do the sweeping.”
“Promise me you’ll consider the consequences of what you do. Please. I know you have desires. We all do, but it’s best not to give in to them without weighing that the heart may get involved. The last thing I want is for you to be hurt again.”
Her sister’s words sunk in and Maddie knew she was right. “I will think about it. I promise.”
What her sister said was true. The night before with Emerson was a mistake. The tryst was not more than that, but already at thinking of him, her heart fluttered and her stomach tightened. Emotions that should remain controlled threatened to surface and she could not allow it.
There was a knock on the door and Maddie went to it. She opened it to find a man standing before her, with a handful of flowers. He removed his hat and gave her a slight bow. “Marcus Brody, Miss.” Maddie nodded in response. “Is Miss Jane available for company?” A man of slight build sporting a thin moustache and spectacles reminded her of the piano teacher she and Jane took lessons from when younger. Beads of perspiration sprouted on his brow and Maddie looked over her shoulder at Jane, who looked back at her with wide eyes.
“Yes of course, please sit.” Maddie motioned to a bench just outside the door. “I’ll fetch her.”
She closed the door and covered her mouth with both hands to hide her wide grin. “Jane you have a gentleman caller.”
“Oh goodness.” Jane stood and let out a big breath. “Of all the crazy days. It is not a good time for this.” With a look of resolve, she walked to the door. “I will certainly be cordial as I send him on his way.”
“Try not to allow your passions free rein, sister.” Maddie told her with an impish grin.
“Hush Maddie.” Jane exhaled and went outside.
* * * *
Emerson stood outside the jailhouse and waited for Rory to cross the street from the hotel.
“Prisoner delivered. You were right. He’s wanted in several states. Won’t see the light of day for a long time. Will probably be hung.” Rory looked down the street toward the town’s edge. “His partner never came back?”
“No. He’s probably long ways away by now.”
“How’s the Missy?”
“She seems to be well.” Emerson assumed it, since he’d not seen Maddie in a few days. She’d either been avoiding him or taken up staying indoors for another reason.
“I made inquiries about Linc. He’s not been taken into custody. If he’s alive, then he’s still out there somewhere.”
“Pa and some of his men went looking for him.”
Rory nodded and scratched his head. “Maybe they’ll find him.”
He waited until the Irishman left and then strolled toward the schoolhouse, which was just past a large building that housed a seamstress shop and bakery. He glanced at the small house behind it then made his way to the front of the schoolhouse.
The door was open. The smell of lye soap tickled his nose when he poked his head in. Maddie had her head covered in a kerchief. Her back to him, she scrubbed a bench while humming a simple tune.
“Miss Connor.” Her back straightened and she swung to face him.
With a soft gasp, Maddie dropped the brush and lifted her hand to her hair. “Marshal. You startled me.” She flushed at his scrutiny.
Tearing his eyes from her, he looked around the room. “You’re making good progress. The room looks almost ready.”
“Yes, my sister and I have certainly spent many hours working.”
He moved closer. “Is that why I haven’t seen you?”
“I—I suppose.” She took a step back. “It’s not a good idea to come any closer.”
“Why is that,” he kept moving.
Her eyes travelled to his lips, her desire for him evident. “I prefer not to explain right now.” She lifted her chin and looked down her nose at him, which was admirable since he stood a foot taller. “You should leave, Marshal, it wouldn’t do for someone to find us here alone.”
“Is that the type of woman you are?” Anger touched the edges of his mind. “One to play with men?”
“No!” She exclaimed and ran round him to the door and slammed it shut. “I made a mistake, that’s all. I should not have come to you.”
He closed the distance until she was flat against the door. Her lips parted and she looked up at him. It took immense strength to keep from touching her. “Very well, Miss Connor, I’ll allow you to play this game once. But it won’t happen again.”
“It’s not a game. I—I…”
He reached around her and pulled on the doorknob, yanking he
r along with the door forward and he slipped through it. “Have a good day, Miss Connor.”
Emerson stalked across the street to the saloon. Lucy, one of the working girls stood outside. If she noticed his foul mood, she didn’t let on. Her lips curved in welcome. “Why, Marshal, it’s been awhile since you’ve come to see me.”
“Hello Lucy.” he touched the brim of his hat, not in the mood to talk. He went to pass her but she took his arm.
“I know a good way to vent some of that anger.” She swept her gaze from his face to the front of his pants. “You need it.”
His mood did not improve in the least, but it was not Lucy’s fault. “Let me escort you inside Lucy. I am here to talk with Rory.” What he really wanted was a drink of whiskey and quiet.
She pouted. “Maybe later then.”
He’d barely sat at the bar when Mr. Porterfield entered. “I’ll have a whiskey please Rory.” The man sat on the stool next to his and turned to him “Marshal, it’s not a good day in Rutgers Ridge. Not a good day at all.”
Instead of replying, Emerson signalled Rory for a second drink.
Porterfield downed his whiskey. “The women are planning a campaign to close down the saloon. To send the girls away.” He swept his arm to show the room. “They’re over at the Higgenbottoms’ house making some sort of signage.”
That explained why the shopkeeper felt at liberty to enter the saloon.
Rory let out a loud guffaw. “I’ll make sure to remain at a safe distance. Angry women are not to be trusted.”
“What do they have in mind to do?” Emerson asked.
“Martha said they were going to block entrance to the saloon with their banners and the clergyman plans to stand on a soapbox and will send any man that approaches away, with the word of God.”
Emerson frowned at Porterfield. “We can’t stop them. After a few days, I’m sure they’ll give up and stay home. What about the other husbands? Does the mayor know what his wife is up to?”
“I’m assuming he does. For goodness sakes, they’re making the signs at his house.”
Early the next morning, the sounds of hammering echoed into his bedroom. Emerson got up and dressed. In front of the saloon the clergy and another man built a platform, while a couple of women looked on. Emerson saw Higgenbottom standing in front of the seamstress shop and went to him.
Emerson pinned the man with a stern look. “What do you suppose this is going to lead to? Why did you not warn me of what your wife planned?”
The mayor’s face reddened. “I didn’t think they’d go through with it. I tried to explain to the missus it was a bad idea. Was sure she’d changed her mind.” He put his hands on his hips and glared toward where now several more people had joined the group. Mostly out of curiosity, Emerson guessed. The mayor huffed. “I’m sure they’ll move along to another thing in a few days.”
The working girls peered out from the second story windows at the people outside, while Rory and the piano player lingered at the doorway. Emerson could only shake his head. Although he’d prefer a cup of coffee, he decided to speak to the “demonstrators” first.
* * * *
“What is all that commotion?” Maddie walked from her bedroom to find Jane at the window with a cup of tea in her hand. “It woke me up.”
“Looks like they are building a stage of sorts in front of the saloon.” Jane continued to look out, so Maddie joined her. “I believe they’re setting up for the campaign to close the saloon. Oh look there goes the marshal.”
Emerson strolled to where the men worked and spoke to them. One of the men, who Maddie assumed was the preacher, began to talk, his arms waving. Mrs. Higgenbottom and Malvenia neared and joined the pastor in what looked to be a heated discussion, while Emerson remained still, his eyes moving from the trio to the saloon. He was taller than the other man. With the sun shining down on his dark brown hair and broad shoulders, Emerson cut a fine sight for so early in the morning. Maddie realized she’d sighed out loud when Jane gave her a droll look.
One of the working girls called down to him and waved her handkerchief. When she almost toppled out, another pulled her back. Jane giggled then covered her mouth. “Goodness, the poor man certainly has his hands full.”
“Should we go out there?” Maddie was anxious to go outside and find out how Emerson was handling the situation. They remained at the window. Emerson remained calm. After a few moments, the other people lost some of their bravado. It was obvious he commanded respect without having to demand it.
“We do need to check the progress at the schoolhouse.” Jane craned her neck when a woman squeezed between the two men at the saloon door only to be pushed back in by the larger man. “Let’s go.”
The sisters rushed for their shawls and headed out.
By the time they reached the melee, the crowd was larger. A family sat atop a wagon loaded with vegetables and looked on since they could not get past. The woman looked down at Maddie. “What in the world is that all about?”
“A campaign to remove the saloon from town.” Maddie lifted to the balls of her feet, attempting to get a closer look to where Emerson stood.
The woman shook her head. “That’s just plain silly. The men work hard, they need a place to relax.”
Maddie smiled brightly up at the woman. “I agree.” Jane moved into the crowd and after a wave at the woman, Maddie followed. The preacher got up on his stage and cleared his throat. The crowd quieted. A man standing next to Maddie grumbled something about being thirsty under his breath and she fought not to giggle.
Malvenia’s husband hooked his thumbs on his suspenders and scanned the crowd. “My good people of Rutgers Ridge. I am William Calvert, your servant and pastor.”
The man next to Maddie let out an exasperated groan and earned a hard look from Mrs. Higgenbottom and Malvenia. He fidgeted but remained in place.
The pastor continued. “I am standing here before you to implore your support in closing this house of ill repute. The devil has taken hold of every soul that resides inside and will take hold of the men that frequent it as well.”
“Did you come out to support the cause?” Emerson came to stand beside her, his tall form casting a shadow over her.
She slid her gaze up at him and found him concentrating on the pastor’s speech. “I’m here as a neutral observer.” Maddie looked around and met the gaze of the woman atop the wagon. “Do you agree that the men of this town and surrounding areas work hard and deserve a place to relax?”
“I suppose I do.” He looked down at her. “I believe the pastor should focus on saving souls rather than persecuting them.”
Maddie arched a brow. “So you are not just handsome, but clever as well.”
A corner of his lips twitched. “Some would say I’m almost perfect.”
A peal of laughter escaped, earning her several astonished looks. Emerson cleared his throat, probably to cover a chuckle.
When the pastor started into what resembled a sermon, the crowd began to dwindle. The family on the wagon was able to pass through and the woman waved goodbye to Maddie.
“The Watkins children will probably attend your sister’s class,” Emerson informed her when he noticed she watched them ride away. “Robert and Lucinda are good people.”
“They seem to be.” Jane was held captive by Mrs. Porterfield and Gertrude, who held up a “Repent Before It’s Too Late” banner. “I should see about preparing a meal for my sister and me.” She backed away and Emerson moved with her.
“I’ll escort you.”
Maddie felt bad for Jane and looked over her shoulder. The banner was hard to read. Since the women who held it up kept moving to talk, the only words showing were ‘repent’ and ‘late’. When Jane gave her a pleading look, Maddie walked faster toward safety. Jane would have to get away on her own.
“What’s the hurry?” Emerson looked back toward the stage. “Is someone after you?”
Maddie reached the door yanked it open and motioned for h
im to move faster. “Yes those crazy women will try to get me to help with the banner holding.” She peeked out. Jane glared toward the schoolhouse with both hands on her hips. She slammed the door shut and turned to find Emerson right behind her. “Oh. You…you.”
“Me?” He did not move away. His darkened eyes locking to hers.
“Yes. You leave, you don’t have to stay, thank you for escorting me.” It would take very little movement to reach out and touch him. There was nothing else she wanted more at the moment than to feel his mouth over hers.
“Are you still of a mind to avoid me?”
Maddie swallowed. “I’ve been busy helping Jane.”
“Hmmm.” Emerson took a step back and reached around her. “Have a good day, Miss Connor.” Once again he opened the door just enough to slide through and left.
Jane entered to find her sitting on a bench, her head in her hands. “You left me. They want us to come and hold up a banner this afternoon for two hours.” Her sister huffed and slumped next to her. “What is the matter?”
“Darn it. I think I’m in love.”
Chapter Six
The jailhouse door burst open and his father entered, dragging a man whom Emerson had never seen. The hapless man had been beaten and his hands were tied behind his back. Kyle Gentry dropped him on the floor and walked to where Emerson stood, his spurs clanking on the floor.
When his father grabbed a cup and drank water from it, not explaining, Emerson went to the man and felt for a pulse. “Who is this?
“He was bragging at a saloon about a hold-up. Told whoever would hear he gutted a man.” His brother Grant had been cut open across the stomach, nearly died after being attacked that night when returning from the cattle drive. Another man had already confessed to it before dying.
“I’m going to put him in a cell. Can you get someone to fetch Doc?” Emerson untied the man then took him under the arms and dragged him to the cell. After placing him on the bunk, he came back out front to find his father had not moved. “Pa, it may not be someone who attacked my brothers. Another man already admitted doing it. I heard it. Grant heard it.”
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