by Zina Abbott
Fancy gave Lorena a shoulder hug. “At least, sugar, we talked Clyde into giving you a few days where you only work downstairs, talking to men and bringing them drinks. That will help you get used to your clothing and doing our kind of work.”
“And then Sunday, you start upstairs with Señor Cantrell.” Rosa lifted eyes to the ceiling. “Ah, I would not mind taking that one to my room. But to me, he always says no.”
Immediately, the upset and anger Lorena felt after Clyde told her he had arranged for Eustace Cantrell to spend all of Sunday night with her surged. I looked forward to the times I met and talked to him. I daydreamed about the touch of his hand on my skin and the feel of his lips on mine. If he asked to court me, I would agree. But, to go to him as his whore…? She opened her mouth to let them know, in no uncertain terms, her opinion of the man.
Fancy stepped in front of her and placed a hand on her arm. “No, sugar. Now’s not the time to talk about it. Let’s get you through tonight.”
Lorena detected the warning in Fancy’s gaze and closed her mouth. She turned her face away from the others.
“You don’t like the idea of Mr. Cantrell being the first one you bring up here?” Sabrina cocked her head and wore a questioning expression. “Fancy and I made a point to learn the terms Clyde offered him. They were pretty good. And, if Clyde tries to change things, he knows two witnesses heard everything that was said.”
In the silence that fell over the room, Lorena turned toward Sabrina. “I’m not in favor of bringing any man to my room.” She looked away and bit her lip. “I know I must be grateful to all of you for convincing Clyde to give me a few days to get used to my new circumstances in life.” I have done nothing but sin since Papa died and Timothy found me. I thought I could escape and return to how I want to live.
Fancy turned to Sabrina and Rosa. “Have you two been down for breakfast yet?”
They both shook their heads.
“Well, this Alma is new, and, if you wait until too close to dinner, she might not be as agreeable as Lorena was about fixing you a big breakfast.” Fancy shooed them toward the door with both hands. “Maybe you better go and eat. When you finish, if either of you wants to help hem this gown, come back up here.”
“Si. I’ll come back and help.”
Sabrina gave a self-depreciating laugh. “You probably don’t want me near any clothing you want to turn out nice. I’ll stick to finding some jars and vinegar in the kitchen. I’ll buy some sponges and fix them, and Lorena can pay me later.”
After the other two women left, Fancy stared at the door until the sounds of footsteps walking along the hall faded. She turned around and fixed her gaze on Lorena. “Sugar, you need to be grateful it was Mr. Cantrell who agreed to come to your room on Sunday.”
“That’s only a few days away.”
Fancy nodded. “He’s never agreed to come upstairs with any of the rest of us, but he almost jumped at the chance to be with you. Not that he acted eager when Clyde made the offer to him. The man knows how to keep his thoughts close inside him, but I could tell. He cares about you, sugar.”
With her lips parted, Lorena shook her head. “Oh, Fancy. I feel so humiliated. Of all people to make a deal with Clyde to spend an entire evening with me in my room, why did it have to be him?” She could not reconcile in her mind how a man who treated her with such respect before—one who knew she sent off letters in an effort to find someone willing to marry her so she could escape Clyde and his saloon—thought paying to use her as a prostitute showed he cared. Perhaps, if she had not allowed her heart to open to him, it would not hurt so much.
“He’s a man, sugar. Of course, he wants to spend time in bed with you.” Fancy grabbed both her upper arms and shook her. “Listen to me. I know you have feelings for him. That’s why you’re so unhappy he agreed to this, isn’t it?”
Lorena turned her head aside and nodded. “Part of it.”
“Then, you pay attention to what I say. I’ve been doing this a long time. I know a bit about men. When Sunday comes, you smile at him when you walk him up here.”
Lorena lifted her gaze to Fancy’s face. “I would never be rude, Fancy.”
“It’s more than being polite, sugar. You bring him in here, and you give him what he wants. This might not be how, in your heart, you wish to be with him, but you make him happy. He wants to touch you, you let him touch you. He wants you not to say anything, you stay quiet. He wants you to talk to him, you tell him what he wants to know, including all your secrets you aren’t ready to share with me. Because, if there’s any man who will go out of his way to help you get away from Clyde—who will protect you and your secrets that are keeping you here—it’s that man. If you give him what he wants—and he wants you, sugar—there’s a good chance he’ll give you what you want.”
Lorena worried her lower lip with her teeth as she met Fancy’s gaze. As much as her heart fought against what Fancy said, a part of her sensed the wisdom in it. Is that what God wants me to do? “I’ll consider your advice, Fancy. I’m still getting used to the whole idea of where my life has gone. I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”
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Chapter 13
~o0o~
Salina, Kansas
May 6, 1865
S tepping out from behind the privacy screen, Lorena straightened the skirt on her working gown. I hate this thing. She tugged at the décolletage in a vain attempt to better cover herself. She knew for years it had been stylish to wear evening gowns with bare shoulders and the tops of bosoms exposed. However, as a reverend’s daughter, she preferred to dress more modestly.
Lorena held the skirt flat against her front and bent over to study her hemline. The fabric ended about a foot off the floor. Over her black stockings, she wore the black beaded slippers Timothy bought her to wear with the gown. I will not embroider red flowers at my ankles.
Lorena’s entire upper body shivered. She knew it was not due to cold—not with it being the first weekend in May. She rubbed one stockinged ankle against the calf of the other. Don’t do that. You’ll pull them loose from your garters.
Much speculation had been shared among the other three—Fancy, Sabrina, and Rosa—but they eventually concluded that if Mr. Cantrell followed his usual pattern, he would arrive early—mid-afternoon, at the latest. When he did, it would be another step away from the life she craved to live—a life like the one she lived with Edward and when her father was still alive—her life before Timothy intruded.
Her downfall started when she began working in the saloon on Tuesday. The men that night had been curious and asked questions—many she found to be rude and intrusive. However, following Clyde’s instructions, she smiled and evaded. The next night, more men showed up. She guessed word had gotten around. She rebuffed requests to take them to her room, stating she only worked serving drinks. By Friday, she overheard requests made to Clyde by frustrated customers intent on having her. Every evening, when he closed, Clyde reminded her the anticipation was growing, and he expected her to bring in a lot of money for him.
By this morning, she felt no desire to attend church services. Even though she had done nothing wrong, and she had not seen anyone she knew from church in the saloon, she feared word about her had already spread through town. How can I face them?
Lorena’s insides clenched. Tonight, her downfall would be complete, and it would be at the hands of a man she foolishly allowed herself to feel drawn to—a man she daydreamed about, wondering “what if,” even as she waited to receive letters from the men to whom she wrote in an effort to find a respectable husband.
A loud pounding on her door jolted Lorena out of her musing. “Yes? Who is it?”
Clyde’s voice sounded through the wood. “You ready yet? It’s almost time to come downstairs.”
“I’m…I’m almost ready.” Liar. I’m dressed, which is what he is asking. Other than that, I’ll never be ready.
“Hurry i
t up. I already have someone here asking after you. If Mr. Cantrell doesn’t show up soon, you’ll have to take care of this other one first before your all-night customer.”
Lorena cringed. Grateful Clyde did not stay and demand a response, she listened to the footsteps walk away. She closed her eyes and leaned the back of her head against the wall. She started saying aloud the Lord ’s Prayer. “Our Father, who art in Heaven…” She choked on the words. Please, guide me. Tell me what I should do.
~o0o~
With a canvas tow sack slung over his shoulder, Eustace strode into The Stockade Saloon.
Clyde approached him with a knowing smirk. “Anxious, are you?”
Eustace walked past him and slapped money on the bar. “I like to get my money’s worth, and I don’t like to follow another man.”
Clyde turned until he faced the Sabrina, strands of flyaway brown hair escaping her chignon. “Sabrina. Go get Lorena. Tell her I expect her down here now.”
Eustace turned his head and ignored Clyde. He waited until he heard Lorena reach the bottom of the stairs before he turned his head and looked at her. When he did, he almost choked. She wore a low-cut, red gown that showed her ankles and several inches of leg. Why he felt surprised she wore something like that, he did not know. It was how the other women in the saloon dressed.
As he approached her, Eustace could tell she was nervous. Today was far from the first day of the month, so he assumed Clyde must have worked her before this. Perhaps her fear stemmed from him being an unknown. The other working girls could not give her feedback about him because, until today, he only came to drink his two shots and leave. However, tonight, she was his. She would learn firsthand for herself.
Thoughts of those days they met so he could help her with her mail intruded. They had spoken as acquaintances then, if not friends. Eustace felt a stab of guilt. Did a friend take advantage of a situation in order to be with a woman he lusted after? Much to his annoyance, his conscience plagued him. Just because he wanted to be with her, was it right to ignore her desires? She sought a husband to help her escape her situation here in Salina. No, she decided to do this to earn the money she needs to leave town. If I don’t spend the night with her, Clyde will find someone else.
He chose to ignore Lorena’s unease as he asked her to bring two plates and two glasses from the kitchen. Once she rejoined him, Eustace took the dishes and held out his elbow. Without another word, he allowed her to lead the way upstairs.
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Chapter 14
~o0o~
A fter they both entered her room, Lorena closed the door behind her. She resisted the temptation to lock it. The others already coached her to leave the door unlocked. If they had an unruly customer and Clyde needed to intervene, it was best not to have the door secured so it took him more time to get his key out of his pocket and stop the abuse.
Eustace walked over to the small table close to her window and set down the glasses and plates. He placed the canvas sack toward the back of the table and pulled out a bottle of red wine. “I hope you like it.”
Her fingers entwined in front of her, Lorena stepped farther into the room. “I’m sure it will be fine, Mr. Cantrell. I’m not accustomed to drinking spirits but have had wine with meals before.” Does he hope to get me tipsy so I’ll be more cooperative?
Warmth radiated from Eustace’s smile. “Eustace, please. And, I hope you’re comfortable with me calling you Lorena rather than Mrs. Mayfield.”
“Yes. Lorena will be fine.” I need to get used to the familiarity. My days of respectability are over.
“Good.” Eustace shrugged. “The mercantile didn’t have much to choose from, but I was told it will go well with the cheese and bread I brought for tonight.”
Her eyes wide, Lorena stared at Eustace. “You brought food?”
He nodded. “I did. I have you for the entire evening and night. I thought we could eat at your table, to start. I see you at least have two chairs.”
“Yes.” Timothy had brought a second chair up when he first rented the room. Clyde never reclaimed it, and Lorena never returned it downstairs.
“However…” he waved his fingers in her direction. “I want you to get that red gown off you. I’d rather see you in a wrapper. Do you have one?”
“Yes. It’s not very pretty but serviceable.” Reluctantly, Lorena turned toward her privacy screen. It begins. She tried to keep uppermost in her mind Fancy’s advice—make him happy. Give him what he wants.
“If you prefer, an everyday dress would be fine for now, but remove the corset.”
Lorena turned back. She felt heat creep up her neck. Recalling the coaching she received from the other women, she forced out her words. “Mr. Cantrell, I leave my corset on—and-and my unmentionables. I understand men like seeing women that way, and with the split leg, you can still…” She hesitated, unwilling to vocalize what would take place.
Eustace cut her off with a wave of his hand. “That’s fine for a half hour with a woman, but I have you for the night. I don’t want to sleep next to someone trussed up in whalebone armor. If you need help untying the laces –”
“No, thank you. I can manage.” Her shoulders hunched and her face burning, Lorena walked behind the privacy screen. She loosened the ties on both sides of the gown and pulled it over her head. Next, she removed the black taffeta petticoat. She grunted with frustration as she fumbled with the knot in the laces at the back bottom of her corset.
The next thing she knew, Eustace walked up behind her. She arched her back and stiffened as she felt him begin to work on the knot. Fancy’s words kept running through her head: If he wants to touch you, let him touch you.
“Looks like those women tied you in here pretty tight.” Eustace placed a hand on each of Lorena’s shoulders and gently tugged her. “Let’s get you in better light so I can see what I’m doing.”
Lorena allowed him to pull her into the bedroom, close to the window. She waited as he sat in his chair and wordlessly worked the knot loose. He’s now seeing me in my corset, chemise, drawers, and stockings, just like the others told me to expect, except… Once she felt the corset laces release, she pressed a hand to the front of her chest to keep it from sliding off of her. She sensed Eustace stand. She stiffened when she felt Eustace’s hands on top of her shoulders. Let him touch you… She took a breath and willed herself to relax.
Eustace ran his thumbs up the sides of the back of her neck. “You are a lovely woman, Lorena. I’m not speaking of only your physical attributes. You are beautiful in more ways than one.” He removed his hands. “I’ll let you get dressed. Please remove that-that decoration, or whatever it is, in your hair. In fact, please unpin your hair and let it hang loose.”
Lorena donned her everyday calico dress—not the blue one she wore on Sundays when she met Eustace by the new hotel, but the one with faded yellow and blue flowers on a white background she usually wore when she worked in the kitchen during warmer weather. Give him what he wants… She removed her hairpins and brushed out her hair. After studying herself in the mirror, she picked up a cloth and wiped the rouge off her cheeks and the kohl from her eyes.
When she stepped out from behind the privacy screen, Lorena came to an abrupt halt. On the table, the two glasses she had brought from the kitchen were filled halfway with wine. She saw slices of bread and cheese on the two plates.
Eustace, his coat removed and hanging across the back of his chair, rose and walked over. He held out his arm. “You look much prettier now, Lorena.”
“Thank you.” Lorena placed a hand in the crook of his elbow and allowed him to lead her to the table. As he seated her, she scooted her chair forward.
He sat once more and pointed toward the plates. “It’s not very elegant. Truth be told, I didn’t even think about napkins until a few minutes ago. I hope you enjoy it.”
“I’m sure I will. It’s not often we get cheese.” Lorena almost asked if
they could say grace, but stopped herself just in time. How hypocritical—to ask for a blessing on the food when she knew before the night was out, she would be doing something she had been raised to believe was a sin. However, she could not resist lowering her gaze long enough to offer a quick thanks and to ask for forgiveness.
Eustace picked up a can and held it toward her. “Do you care for oysters, Lorena? If so, I’ll open this for us.”
“Please go ahead, if you like them. I don’t care for them unless they’re fixed in a cream-based soup.”
Eustace set the can back on the table. “I’ll wait.” He picked up a small jar. “How about some raspberry preserves for your bread? I should have asked you to bring a spoon up, but we can use my knife.”
Lorena smiled. “Yes, I’ll gladly take some of that.” She waited while he opened the jar and dripped a dollop on top of each slice of bread. She raised her eyebrows when he pulled a six-inch knife from a sheath attached to his belt. “Um, Eustace, what did you last do with that knife?”
Eustace shrugged his shoulders. “I cut the bread and cheese. Before that, I might have used it to trim a mule’s hoof. Whatever I did before I got here, I wiped the blade off good when I was done.”
Lorena stared at the bread and preserves and blinked. “I think I’ll just spread this with my finger, thank you. I’ll get a damp cloth so we can wipe our hands.” She rose and disappeared behind her screen long enough to pour water onto a clean towel before she returned. Ignoring the state of the knife that had sliced her food, she bit into her cheese. “This is very good, Eustace. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The next few minutes passed in silence.
Eustace swallowed a bite of bread. “I’m sorry, Lorena. I forgot to give these to you. Danny passed them to me on my way here.” He reached inside his waistcoat and pulled out two letters, which he held out to her.