“Thaddeus,” Howard Stetson barked. Grasping the younger male around the tops of his arms, he swung him around putting his body between the men.
“Here now, sir,” Big John struggled to hold the Calvary officer who likewise straining to break the bonds of those massive hands holding him back.
Faith took two steps toward the action. However an outstretched hand from Miss Benedict stopped her.
“I don’t know what started this altercation,” Miss Benedict spoke, her voice was low yet firm. “But you two have embarrassed me in my house, and my ladies.”
“He insulted Miss Faith,” Thaddeus growled shoving his body toward Stetson.
“She’s a whore, Oakley or can’t your southern pea sized mind get over it?” Abrams cursed.
Faith’s mouth opened in shock, her hand flew to her mouth as her eyes widened.
“Enough!”
At Miss Benedict’s raised voice the room stilled. She looked at both men. “We are through fighting the war, Major. We are well aware the south lost. We are also well aware that the dead need to be just that, dead. Not brought back each time your life doesn’t go a certain way.”
Thaddeus Oakley hung his head.
“Mr. Wilson, take the Major to the kitchen and get him cleaned up. Mr. Stetson, show Mr. Oakley to the bar. I insist on a cup of strong black coffee for each.”
“Come on, Oak,” Howard yanked him by the collar, pulling him toward the bar like some dog that had broken his chain.
“You don’t understand,” the younger man hissed, the toe of his boots barely scrapping the floor as he was pushed along. Looking up, he paused within feet of Abrams.
Howard glanced in the Major’s direction then applied a firm hand to Abrams’ chest and blocked his attempt to move past.
“Come Major, you need a little ice for that fat lip you’ve got,” Wilson whispered shoving him past Oakley.
Faith watched Thaddeus and Howard Stetson talking. She could see blood below Oakley’s nose. Stepping around the bar, she poured some whiskey into a glass as the two men made their way to the nearest table. Looking around the bottles she located a clean dish towel and pulled it free to use. Moving away from the bar, she waved to the bartender to bring her a cup of coffee, eased it to the table, listening to their conversation.
“All right, son, tell me what happened?”
“You won’t believe me.” Oakley groaned.
“Try me.”
Thaddeus seemed to sag against the nearest chair. “He made some vulgar comments.”
“Oh, sure, vulgar. Here,” Howard shoved the coffee Faith placed on the table before his young friend. “And you’ve heard comments like that before.”
“I…I”, he stammered.
“Take a drink, son.” Howard advised.
“You may wish to use this rag to clean up.” The sound of Faith’s voice drew their attention.
Howard shifted his steps and smiled taking the glass of whiskey and the towel from her hands, “Thank you, little lady.”
Faith retraced her steps, but did not retreat to the gaming room. A hand brushed on her shoulder, she turned her head and looked into Charity’s concerned eyes.
“Are you all right?”
She nodded.
“Faith,” Miss Benedict called to her. Leaving her friend, she made her way across the floor to the doorway.
“How do you feel? Are you still game after all this?”
Faith paused. “Let us cut to the case, Madame. Is there a way to end this once and for all.”
Miss Benedict dampened her lips with the edge of her tongue. “There is a way. The men could return to the table and with a new deck of cards, let one hand decide your fate.
Faith swallowed. She cast a glance at the young man in the chair with Mr. Stetson. “One hand draw, please.”
Miss Benedict looked at her. Faith nodded.
Reaching out, she took her hand and gave a squeeze of reassurance. “Things are going to be fine. I want you to go inside and place a new pack of cards on the table and pour yourself a glass of wine. You look pale. We will be in to play in twenty minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Faith gave one last look over her shoulder toward the younger gentleman at the bar.
In side the room, she moved in deliberate slow motion pulling out the drawer and replaced the new deck of cards on the table. The pot seemed to shimmer ominously in the lamp light. The fun of the evening soiled by the argument and crass words, Faith wondered what Miss Benedict could possibly be saying to each man.
Her unsteady hand tipped the decanter pouring the sweet wine into the fluted glass. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and tilted the goblet back allowing the drink to slide between her lips. The taste sweet, she felt the false sense of warmth move along her backbone. She didn’t want to prolong the end. If the winner proved to be the Major, the night would be one long ordeal.
Dropping her head she took a deep ragged breath. “Please, let it be Oakley,” she prayed placing the glass on the tray. It’s just a job. She told herself, you must not think anything more than it’s just a job. A way to gain my future. As the door opened, Faith did her best to plaster a smile upon her lips and greeted the players.
Neither Mr. Oakley nor Major Abrams looked her in the eye. Faith glanced to the older gentlemen. Mr. Stetson gave her a reassuring wink. She felt a bit of relief. As the men mulled around their chairs, the door opened one last time and Miss Benedict entered.
“Please, take your seats,” she gestured to the chairs gathered around the table. Each man sat down and waited as Miss Benedict reclaimed her seat. Folding her hands before her, Opal raised her head and glancing around the table held each man in her stare. “The game has changed.” She began.
“You will each get three cards. These cards will stay on the table, face down. You may not look at your cards.
“Wait, what’s this?” the Major spat, pushing back his chair.
Miss Benedict looked in his direction before continuing, “The game has changed, Major. My colleague has requested a single hand.” Her eyes glittered like dangerous jewels. The Major kept his seat as Faith held her breath. “The last two cards will be shown, face up, one at a time. You will be able to cast one last bet before each card,” she finished.
“You can’t do that,” Abrams snapped.
“Oh, but she can Major.” Howard’s blue eyes turned to steel.
“Mr. Wilson?” Miss Benedict asked. “What do you wish to play by these new rules?”
Gregory Wilson pulled his handkerchief from his breast pocket of his coat and mopped his brow. “Well, I shall play out my hand.”
“Outrageous,” Abrams grumbled, but he pulled his chair back beneath the table.
She leveled her glance at the pot. “Gentlemen, make your first wager.”
Faith stood at the back of the room watching as Mr. Wilson began. “Fifty,” he stated, lifting a stack of coins then putting them one by one onto the chips in the center of the table.
With each click of the chips, Faith’s heart beat against her chest, rattling her bones with each mighty stroke. The cards crackled and popped beneath Miss Benedict’s capable fingers while the flames from the lamps flickered on each man’s face.
She watched the faces contort beneath the shimmering light. Lines and shadows etched and changed the appearance of each gentleman. Mr. Stetson’s face bore the brunt of the garish beams. His jowls longer, he seemed to show his age while his partner, Mr. Wilson appeared swollen and bathed in perspiration. She shifted her gaze to encompass the Major. The shadows from his heavy brow gave his face a devilish twist sending shivers down her spine.
“Faith, cut the cards.”
She moved forward, her skirt moving with her, the crisp twitch of the fabric crackled like the lash of a whip in the stony silence. Reaching over, her fingers pulled a third of the deck away from the pile, setting it against the green felt of the table. For an instant she could have sworn the beat of her heart was audible. Tim
e seemed to slow as she pulled her fingers back to the edge. Her head turned and she caught Thaddeus’ eyes.
Thaddeus Oakley stared at her. The color of his eyes rimming the deep black of his pupils fascinated her. She felt drawn toward them as if they were the edge of a cliff and in one blink, pull her over to drown in the pools of blue. She could hear the intake of his breath and the tell tale beat of his heart. Hers raced to catch up and within the next breath they were in sync beating as one.
Chapter Eight
Desire leapt across the expanse of inches and made her slick with its heat. Were she a candle she would have burst to flame. The saving grace was the flick of the cards and thump of Miss Benedict’s fingers as she laid down three cards before each man.
Faith stepped back and held her breath. The first card face up went to Mr. Stetson, a ten of clubs, the next to Major Abrams, a jack of spades, Mr. Wilson, a four of hearts, last to Thaddeus a Queen of diamonds. The room began to grow hot. Faith pulled her hands before her and clasped them together.
“Bets begin with the low card,” Miss Benedict instructed.
Mr. Wilson looked to each hand then slid a stack equaling a hundred into the mounting pot. Across from him, Mr. Stetson followed suit as did the other two young men.
Miss Benedict lifted the next card, “This is the last round,” then she placed the card before Mr. Stetson, “An eight of clubs, gentlemen a possible straight flush.” Turning her attention to the Major, she retrieved the next card placing it before him. ”Ah, a king of spades. Could it be that you have a flush?” Tapping the deck she pulled a four of diamonds. “Interesting, Mr. Wilson, you may be in possession of four of a kind. One last card,” she turned it over placing it before Thaddeus, “the ace of diamonds. How interesting, perhaps a royal flush.”
Miss Benedict put down the deck and folded her hands across the table. “Gentlemen, look at the cards before you and make a final bet.”
Faith looked around the room watching as Abrams took a swipe along his face removing the moisture that pooled there. The heat so intense her perfume permeated the air, making it hard to breathe.
“Four hundred,” he remarked his voice hoarse as he shoved the last of his chips in.
Faith’s head jerked toward the two older gentlemen. Mr. Stetson likewise shoved in the same amount of chips. She drew an uneven breath.
“I’m afraid you gentlemen will have to play on with out me. I fold.” Mr. Wilson sighed and picked up his glass of whiskey in salute.
“So, it comes down to you Mr. Oakley. How lucky do you feel?” Miss Benedict inquired.
Thaddeus looked at his chips. The amount was only three hundred dollars.
“You seem a bit short,” the Major’s voice exuded arrogance.
“I’ve got three hundred in chips and six hundred in cash.” Thaddeus turned toward Miss Benedict, “Will you accept?”
“It is rather unusual.” She droned. “But this is a rather unusual game. The addition of funds goes over what the house allowed. Will you accept the change in the rules?”
“You seem to be changing a lot of rules to make exception for your friends, Miss Benedict” Abrams sneered.
“The addition of money in this amount changes the rules Major.” She looked around the room, “Perhaps a vote?”
“Vote,” Abrams growled. “They work for the railroad. Of course they’ll vote for the change.”
“Do you have money you wish to spend, Major?” Miss Benedict leveled her glance at him.
“Yes, damn it, I have money.” Abrams inhaled and leaned back in the chair unbuttoning the ammo box on his belt and removing a roll of bills slapping them on the table. “Will that do?”
“Quite.” Miss Benedict nodded. “Gentlemen, it is my decision, that in this case, yes, we will accept paper money in place of chips.”
“Then if that be the case, I will put nine hundred and call.” Abrams snapped. His hands lifted pouring the last of his markers onto the table then shoving his cash forward.
Thaddeus held the officer in his steady glance and pulled the money from his roll.
“The cards have been played and there is a call. Mr. Stetson, please turn your cards over.” Miss Benedict requested.
The older gentleman leaned forward shoved his needed pieces to the pot flipped a two of hearts, three of diamonds and seven of spades.
“A good hand,” Opal murmured, “but not a winning hand. This leaves Major Abrams and Mr. Oakley. Who would like to go first?”
The room stilled. No one spoke. Faith’s hands trembled. She twisted her fingers to hold them steady.
“Perhaps you will, Mr. Oakley?” Miss Benedict inquired.
Thaddeus wiped his hands across the legs of his trousers. He was nervous. Casting one tentative glance in Faith’s direction, he sat up and reached for his cards.
“Ah, ten of diamonds,” whispered Miss Benedict.
The cards snapped.
“A Jack of diamonds,” her voice waivered as it was revealed. “At least a straight and your last card?”
He held his breath as his fingers exposed a king of the same suit.
Miss Benedict’s face turned brilliant with her smile, “A Royal Flush, what an extremely good hand.” She shifted in her seat, “That leads us to you, Major.”
The officer sat forward and turned over his first card, a ten of spades.
“Do you possibly have another ten, or a queen?” she whispered.
Thaddeus held the edge of the table. The officer’s fingers stroked the card before he picked up the edge and turned it over to reveal a jack of hearts.
“Two of a kind,” Miss Benedict murmured.
All eyes were on the table. Slow, as if deliberately stretching the time, the card rose and then hit the table.
Faith gasped.
“A two,” Miss Benedict squeaked. “A two of clubs.” Taking a deep breath she held out her hand. Faith moved toward her and placed her hand on top. “Mr. Oakley, it appears you have won.”
“Damn it! You bitch,” Major Abrams roared as he shoved the table forward and lunged toward the woman dealing cards. “You rigged this game, you whor…”
Howard Stetson grabbed the front of Major’s uniform. “No one talks to Miss Benedict like that in front of me,” he snarled through gritted teeth as his fist made contact with the Major’s jaw.
Faith cried out as the Major’s eyes rolled back in his head and collapsed upon the table.
“Opal?” Howard asked. “Opal, dear are you alright?”
Standing, she brushed the front of her gown. “I’m fine,” her hand reached and caressed his jaw. Her glance did not waiver from the gentleman’s face as she spoke, “Please, get Big John and take out the garbage,” she replied.
Faith heard the chair scrape across the floor as the young man next to her stood. Without moving she watched his hand reach out for hers then as he tucked it beneath his arm, she glanced in his direction.
“What a lovely evening for a walk, Miss Faith. Would you like to join me?” Oakley asked, his voice warm and inviting.
Faith’s mouth pulled into a coy smile, “I’d be delighted, Mr. Oakley, simply delighted.”
Outside the stars seemed to shine brightly. Faith pulled her shawl around her shoulders as she waited for Thaddeus to close the door. Hearing the latch click, Faith turned a smile playing around her lips as she gazed at her soon-to-be lover.
“You’re smiling,” he said moving toward her.
“I have reason,” Faith replied.
“Do you?” he asked his finger tracing down her face. “Faith,” he breathed her name. “My God, what a lucky man I am to have bestowed such a precious gift.”
“Thaddeus,” she purred as he bent down and kissed her lips.
“Say it again,” he asked his mouth continuing to explore her cheek.
“What?” she questioned breathlessly.
“My name?”
“Thaddeus,” she whispered as his lips slid to her neck. Her hands slid to his hai
r and marveled at the softness. Her breath quickened as his hands moved to her waist and pulled her to him.
“I want you, Faith,” he murmured against her hair.
A warmth replaced chill from the night air against her skin. Faith knew the decision she had made was the right one. Stepping back, she held out her hand. Thaddeus reached for her and intertwined their fingers.
“Let’s take this walk around Sweetbrier, shall we?” Faith tipped her head toward her right shoulder. “Then, we shall go upstairs.”
Thaddeus pulled her arm beneath his. “Your wish is my command.”
Their stroll was enjoyable, but Faith could not wait to get up the stairs and away from the crowd. It was Mr. Oakley! She was to have Mr. Oakley. Her heart fluttered at the prospect. Reaching the top of the stairs, he paused.
“Which way?”
“Left,” she whispered her voice full of anticipation.
He smiled at her and turned in the correct direction. Wanting to make small talk, Thaddeus spoke the first words that came to his mind, “You have a lovely home.” Hearing the awkward sound he wanted to take them back. If she was offended, Faith did not show it. Instead she simply answered.
“How nice of you to say so, we all work hard at it,” Faith answered.
“Your room?”
“Third one on the right,” she explained.
He brought her to the door then paused, letting her hands fall free. A moment suspended them in time. Thaddeus took her face between his two hands and with his thumb stroked the fullness of her bottom lip. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered as his lips descended on to hers.
She felt her body respond. There was no cigar box between them as her breast brushed against the stiff organza of her dress. Already sensitive, the touch made her moan with pleasure. She leaned and felt the length of his desire press against the apex of her legs through her gown. A deep ache was building within her womb. One that would only be satisfied once he was buried deep inside.
Sweetbrier Academy:Having Faith Page 6