Lariats, Letters, and Lace

by Agnes Alexander

  The whinny of a horse brought her thinking back to reality. She tucked the note in her pocketbook, next to the draft, and briskly walked along the alley behind the furniture shop. Rushing past the Red Dawg, Golden Horseshoe, and Carson Bonanza Saloon, she was thankful the places were empty. Through the window of the next building, she spotted an empty dentist chair. She’d been to a dentist once and still shuddered every time she recalled the pain of getting a molar extracted.

  A few shops further, the bakery’s sweet aroma made her wish she had time to step inside. She went north through the vacant lot toward the general store onto Main Street. Concentrating on the bank a few yards away, she nearly plowed into an older gentleman on the boardwalk.

  A cowboy held the door open for her at the Carson City Bank.

  The interior was not much larger than her cabin. It had a small office to the back. At the side was a walled-off section. Mr. Adams, the cashier, stood behind a barred window. “Hello, Miss Walsh. Sorry to hear about your brother.”

  She nodded and slid the draft on the counter through the window to him. “I’d like to cash this.”

  The gray-haired teller lowered his glasses down his nose. “Bank of Comstock. Hmm…” He took out a book and flipped through the pages. “The Bank of Comstock is out of commission. Your draft has no value.”

  “That can’t be,” she snapped. “There must be some mistake.”

  “It’s no mistake.” He lowered his chin and frowned. “You do realize your brother closed your account here a month ago?”

  “You’re wrong.” Her words seethed with fury. “We have fifty dollars in our account.”

  “If you could hold on a moment, I’ll show you our records.” Mr. Adams sorted through a cabinet behind him. “Here it is.” He showed her the ledger. “The last deposit was on November tenth.” He pointed to the fifth line on the right column. “And here is the list of Jamey’s withdrawals.”

  She studied the month of October. Every week Jamey’d withdrawn ten dollars. She wanted to scream, but held her tongue.

  “I’m sorry.” The clerk sucked in a deep breath. “And there’s more bad news.”

  She braced herself against the counter, clenching her fists. Losing her brother and now the profit from their business. She couldn’t take much more.

  “Your brother used your property as collateral for a loan of one thousand dollars.” He took two deep breaths. “His friend, Daniel, co-signed for him. You see, your brother hadn’t brought the deed, but insisted on receiving the funds post haste.”

  Her heart sank to the floor, and might as well have burned a hole through the wooden plank, taking every bit of hope with its descent.

  Frowning, the banker’s brow wrinkled. He pulled out the loan document, dated December 15, 1860.

  She glanced at it—and became lightheaded.

  Mr. Adams rushed out from behind the cage. “You’re mighty pale. Better have a seat.” He motioned to a bench near the door and brought her water. “I apologize. Probably should have showed all this to Matt, instead.”

  “Showing me was the right thing to do.” Irritated, she took a sip. Holding her glass like a vise, she made an effort to put it down, not about to let the anger flowing through her veins cause the glass to shatter.

  “Jamey made his payment last month. The next installment of a hundred dollars isn’t due until February fifteenth.” He tried to smile, but only his bottom lip cooperated.

  “You’ll get your next payment.”

  Jamey must’ve lost big. He had always wanted to be wealthy, like Daniel.

  Stomping back toward her cabin, she had to calm down before she faced Matt. Matt was better off not knowing. With her head down, she walked right into—

  “Chantilly, what’s wrong?”

  She cricked her neck and gazed into eyes bluer than Lake Tahoe.

  “You don’t look none too happy.” Daniel removed his Stetson with a snakeskin hatband. “Sit down, and tell me what happened.”

  She glared at him and folded her arms. “How could you let Jamey gamble?” Agitation lodged the rest of a rant in her throat. Her heart beat faster.

  “How can you say such a thing? Me ’n’ Jamey was friends.” His eyes widened. “I don’t hold much to gambling. Would’ve stopped him, had I been there.”

  He seemed sincere.

  “So how’d you two meet that day?” Chantilly asked softly. “The day this—”

  “Must have been just past dawn, that December morning, when I rode into town. Jamey caught me at the livery and said he’d lost big. If he didn’t pay up the next morning, somebody’d beat up Matt and threatened to break his right arm.”

  Did a half-a-second smirk come to the corner of his mouth?

  Of course not. She must have imagined it.

  A grimace made the dimple in his squared jaw disappear. “I offered to loan him the money, but he wanted no part of it. And because he didn’t have the deed with him, I cosigned.”

  “How am I going to come up with a hundred dollars a month?”

  “Don't fret. We’ll figure something out.” He hugged her like Jamey should be doing. “I’ll take care of you, sweetness.”

  Her heart lifted.

  Daniel was a man of his word.

  She chose to believe him.

  Chapter Four

  Early Saturday morning, a young boy gave her an envelope. “Daniel said to open the letter right away and give you this.” He handed her the brown paper-wrapped package hung over his shoulder and left.

  She went inside and sat at the table.

  Sweetness,

  After our talk, I figured you could use a little cheering up. Bought you a pretty dress to wear. Matches your eyes. I’ll bring my buggy before sundown to take you and Matt to the dance. Tell Matt he can drive if he’d like.

  Best regards,

  Daniel

  Her pulse sped like a runaway horse. She hadn’t exactly told Blaze she’d go with him to the dance, but she hadn’t said no, either.

  Daniel’s invitation for a ride must be declined.

  As for the gift, since Daniel was a family friend, she could accept it.

  Guilt fought her logic, but curiosity won. She unwrapped the package. She stared at the luxurious emerald dress with a flowing skirt and a jade underskirt. The long sleeves belled in three flounces with silk. She fingered the prettiest gown she’d ever seen. A whimsical captiousness had her wanting to wear the garment and twirl around until she got dizzy. Of course, she didn’t give in to such a childish notion.

  Still, was it wrong to wear this gown?

  “Who’s the dress from?” Matt asked.

  “Daniel.”

  “He’s sweet on you, isn’t he?” Her brother crossed the room in two steps, wearing a ten-gallon-hat smile.

  “Honestly, Matt, he’s just our friend. I spoke with him the other day.” The day she’d learned about the loan. “Daniel sent me the dress to cheer me up.”

  A tiny packet thudded on the wooden floor.

  Matt picked it up. “It’s got my name on it.” He tore opened the top of the paper. “Gumdrops, my favorite. You going with Daniel to the dance?”

  She shook her head. “No. I promised Blaze.”

  Matt gave an obvious scowl as he strode out. “I’d best get to work.”

  Once dressed in work clothes, she wrote a note to Daniel and gave it to Slim. Slim would find someone to deliver the missive.

  In the shop, Matt put a glowing horseshoe on the anvil and pounded it.

  She picked up a broom and swept the back of the shop. Daydreaming about dancing with Blaze, she swept the same spot three times.

  Would he kiss her again?

  A farmer left his plow horse to be shod. She got busy. Distracted, she nearly forgot two nails in the back shoe. She started on a saloon owner’s stallion. It took concentration to keep the spirited horse steady.

  Past noon, Matt told her they’d quit early. He said, “I’ll heat water for your bath.”

&nbs
p; “I can do that.”

  “I reckon if you can relax a tad before the dance, you’ll be set to have a little fun.” He slid his hand behind her back and guided her to their cabin.

  ****

  Two hours later, Chantilly brushed her hair up in a loose chignon and looked in the beveled mirror above the lowboy dressing table. She’d never worn such a fancy gown before, and liked the soft feel of the material.

  Matt stood behind her. “I barely recognize you, sis.” Her lanky brother towered over her. Handsome, with dark hair and hazel eyes, he was the spitting image of Jamey. “You look splendid.”

  A knock on the door startled her.

  Matt opened it. “Howdy, Blaze.”

  Blaze stepped inside, wearing a new black Stetson that made his smoky eyes darken. His intense gaze danced tingles up and down her arms like the Texas two-step.

  “Chantilly, I swear, you get prettier every day.”

  She figured most women would swoon, but she wondered if he said that because of her new dress.

  Her brother groaned, “That’s dumb.”

  At times, her brother could be far too intuitive.

  “We’re getting a buggy from Slim.” Blaze turned an eye to her brother. “You wanna drive?”

  “Sure.” Matt was out the door quicker than a bull to a heifer,

  Blaze leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ve been dying to do that all week.” He offered his arm.

  She took it, her insides melting like butter as she struggled to keep up with his pace.

  ****

  Once inside the old hotel, Blaze pulled out her chair and held Chantilly’s hand a little too long. “Your dress makes your eyes the most beautiful shade of emerald green. The other day, I‘d swear they were turquoise.”

  “They’re hazel, like my pa’s.” As soon as Pa’s name crossed her lips, her mouth froze. She forced a quick smile, hoping Blaze didn’t see her pause. In her heart of hearts, Chantilly loved Pa, but his excessive drinking and mean temper caused her to freeze over in fear when she thought of his last few years.

  The polished Mississippi Lollilob pine ballroom floors transformed the former boarding house hotel to something more elegant. Tables and chairs lined the left side, leaving the rest of the room open. On a raised platform at the far end of the room, the three cowboys—their musicians for the night—warmed up.

  The circuit judge, acting as the caller, said, “Welcome folks. I know you’re ready to kick up your heels. Grab your partner for the Beer Barrel Polka.”

  Blaze took her hand and led her to the center, positioned his left arm below her shoulder blade, grasped her right hand and pulled her close. “This is cozy.”

  His closeness tantalized every inch of her.

  The fiddler swiped his bow across the strings and a banjo strummed, keeping the music lively.

  Blaze spun her under his arm and jigged on with the polka. A couple stepped into their pathway, and he made a sharp right. “I’m the envy of every man in this room.”

  She couldn’t help watching Daniel glide across the floor with the assayer’s daughter, Juliette. Although Daniel wouldn’t win any beauty contests competing against Blaze, he held his own with his dashing blue eyes, pinstriped suit and white Stetson.

  She moved in the wrong direction and stepped on Blaze’s left boot.

  Blaze chuckled. “Guess I’m not the only one having trouble concentrating.” With a cheeky twinkle in his eye, he pulled her closer.

  The song ended. The caller instructed the guests to form a square with three other couples for the Texas Star. To her right, Daniel stood with Juliette and greeted her and Blaze.

  Chantilly smiled politely in return.

  The caller’s voice boomed from the stage, “Ladies meet and greet.”

  Chantilly walked to the center, clapped her hands and sauntered back.

  “Love how that dress swishes.” Blaze’s voice practically sparkled as bright as the six-candle chandelier above them.

  The caller yelled, “Wave to your own and pass her by—catch the next girl on the fly—star promenade.”

  Blaze passed her to Mr. Adams, who gave a brief nod. “Miss Chantilly.”

  “Hello.” She lifted her palm “star up” to meet his hand.

  The caller said, “Scoop up your right hand lady around the waist. Walk side-by-side in the Texas Star.”

  Daniel slid his arm around her waist. “The dress becomes you. Makes you even more beautiful.” His comfortable smile settled her rising panic.

  “Your gift was far too generous, even for a friend.”

  “I’d like to be more than friends.”

  Would she like that? Excitement didn’t flitter when she was with Daniel, not like it did with Blaze. Still, Daniel was a responsible fellow. She’d once heard him arguing with Jamey. Daniel had been adamant that they stay away from the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. Relief settled, her pulse slowed. Daniel would look out for her and Matt. But she’d looked out for herself since she was nine. Her palms got sweaty, wondering if she could give up that control ingrained in her.

  “Is that fellow courting you?” Daniel said, his voice low.

  “He’s calling on me.”

  “Good.” His low voice flipped up a notch. “Just so you know, I’ll come calling too, if you’d like.”

  Daniel had been Jamey’s friend. He’d been kind to her.

  Conflicted thoughts tumbled in her head, as she strode forward to take Blaze’s arm without answering. She promenaded around the square with Blaze.

  “Glad to have back my gal.” His smile made her heart gallop.

  Blaze listened, wanted to know her deepest thoughts, didn’t shut her out and rule her like her father had. But as an adventurer, Blaze wanted to experience life. He would, most likely, never settle in one place.

  Thoughts still tumbling wildly, she glanced at Blaze’s handsome face. Hoping for clarity, her heart betrayed her. She swallowed hard and took in a slow breath, willing her mind to take over where her heart failed. Instead of being sensible and allowing her to seriously consider Daniel’s offer, it wouldn’t stop pitter-pattering. It picked up its tempo, doing a private version of the Texas Star in her chest.

  ****

  Blaze helped Chantilly into the front seat of the buggy and offered her a quilt to warm her, driving because Matt went home with a friend. Biting her bottom lip, he hoped for a glimmer of a smile. “I enjoyed your company.”

  “It’s been years since I attended a dance. I forgot how exhilarating they can be.”

  “Was rather fun.” He flicked the reins, the buggy lurched forward, and he put his arm around her shoulders. “I’ve got tomorrow off. May I escort you to church?”

  Her voice caught. “Jamey used to take me and Matt. Now, I go with Matt.”

  “I understand.” Still, he wanted time with her. “I’ll find a seat in a back pew.”

  “You can sit by me, if you’d like." She glanced at him with an innocent invitation. “Afterward, you could tell Matt more about your job.”

  “Sounds perfect.” He loosened the reins of his internal elation, and asked, “Think I could talk you into a picnic?”

  “I can’t make any promises.” Her eyes dimmed.

  Chantilly remained quiet the last block until they arrived at the livery.

  Had something changed? He helped her down, and walked her home, her hand nestled in his. At her door, he kissed her. “Did you know your lips are sweeter than strawberries?”

  She giggled. “No, I didn’t.”

  This playful side of her made his heart jolt with joy.

  ****

  The next morning, not yet dawn, Chantilly couldn’t sleep. She thought about her invitation to Blaze. She’d never invited a man to sit by her at church.

  She got up and found a note on the table.

  Sis,

  Daniel invited me out to his ranch. Seeing as there’s no work on Sunday, I figured it’d be a good time to go. I promise to be home tonight before the sun goe
s down.

  Matt

  Matt should be attending church with her. Even if they hadn’t forgiven God for taking away the rest of their family, it was the right thing to do.

  She wore her Sunday best, the yellow dress with the squared collar. Last year, she sewed a ruffle at the bottom to make the skirt longer.

  While passing the general store on her way to church, the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, joined her.

  Near the church, Blaze waited by a hitching post wearing his bulky coat and dark Stetson.

  Mrs. Jackson asked, “Is Blaze your beau now?”

  “I’m not certain.” How could she answer when the sight of this man rendered her mind useless?

  “From what I’ve seen, the man’s a keeper.” Mrs. Jackson smiled graciously, latched on to her husband’s arm and hurried up the church’s steps.

  Unbelievably, Chantilly Walsh had herself a beau. But she didn’t have time for a beau right now! The sensible thing to do would be to leave things as they had been before Blaze came to town.

  Blaze beamed a welcoming smile and strode over to her. A light layer of stubble shadowed his chin, making him even more handsome than when she’d first met him. “Can’t believe you’re even prettier today than last night.” He offered his arm. “Where’s Matt?”

  She scowled. “Went to Daniel’s.”

  “Well…I take it you don’t like Daniel.”

  “He’s a good man, but I’d rather have Matt here with me.”

  Inside the church, she moved sideways into the second pew from the back. Surrounded by church going busy-bodies, their gossip about her and Blaze would be all over town by the end of the service.

  What did she care?

  The choir sang. The scriptures were read. The preacher gave his sermon, declaring with even more gusto, “Keep your mind devoid of immoral thoughts, lest you find your soul in league with the devil himself.”

  Breathing in Blaze’s musky scent, she recalled how close he’d held her the night before. Squirming, an even more persistent memory barged its way in: one of being held close and kissed with Blaze’s warm, wicked mouth. Heat spread across her cheeks. She scolded her memory.

  Wicked, as in sinful.

  Her insides got the message, sending a tremor of chastisement throughout her body. Still, her lips refused to repent.