Jewel's Gems (The Red Petticoat Saloon)

by Maggie Ryan

  “I don’t know!” Jewel moaned. “I don’t know what I said. Tell me I didn’t make an utter mess of our plans.”

  “You know I don’t like to spend my money,” Nettie said, chuckling as she pulled the perfectly baked golden loaves of bread from the oven. “But, I’d give up a whole penny to see those two in some ole mine. They rub up agin each other and bang!” Everyone jumped when she slammed the pans down onto the counter. “Talk about some fireworks!”

  “Oh God, just shoot me now.” Jewel said and felt abandoned as not a one of her friends volunteered to put her out of her misery.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Gabriel was quite surprised to come down the stairs at his hotel and hear a feminine English voice asking if a Mr. Vasquez was in residence. He’d not given her the name of his hotel which meant she had to have gone to see Adams in order to ascertain where he was staying. She was an enigma and he grudgingly admitted she had captured his attention.

  He stood, leaning against the bannister and watched the clerk almost drool as he studied the woman on the other side of the counter. Well, he certainly couldn’t blame him for that. Lady… Jewel, had not only changed her tone, she’d changed her dress. She’d fixed her hair differently as well. Instead of a twist at the back of her head, she’d let it down to allow the golden strands to fall in a wave down her back, the weight held by a clasp at the nape of her neck. A white gloved hand was resting on the countertop and the other held the strings of a rose colored bag. The soft pink frock with thin white stripes reminded him of a stick of peppermint candy—a bit fragile but absolutely delicious when treated with care, slowly melting when licked and suckled and threatening to break with a little crack when handled roughly. Jerking out of that thought and ignoring the stirring behind the fly of his pants, he shook his head. There were dozens of women in the city willing to take care of his baser needs if it came to that. As for this little jewel, he had far too many questions to be answered to allow himself to be distracted by her beauty.

  Straightening, he approached the counter. “Lady Gardner, what a pleasant surprise.”

  “It is? Oh… I mean, I-I thought you’d be…” Aware that the clerk was not even bothering to hide his interest in the conversation, Gabriel interrupted her.

  “I was just going for a bite to eat. Would you care to join me?”

  “Will they be serving crow?”

  He didn’t even bother to suppress his bark of laughter. “I don’t know about you, but I find the feathers rather difficult to digest.” The tension he’d seen on her face upon his approach disappeared as she smiled. He returned the smile. “Shall we?”

  ***

  When he pressed his hand against her lower back, she felt a jolt. She couldn’t really explain why she’d said what she had. The only thing she could think of was that for some reason, being in his presence was throwing her off-kilter. Okay, to be honest, she’d been off-balance since she’d literally run into him in the assayer’s office. Discovering him in the kitchen had been a shock and then… well, then she’d made an absolute fool of herself. He seemed able to command a situation without trying and control a conversation without raising his voice. While she’d, as Nettie so delicately put it, done all the screechin’, he’d remained calm. Remembering the things she’d said, she felt that swallowing feathers would be the least of her concerns.

  She’d had no idea where they had walked or even that they’d reached their destination until the slight pressure on her back disappeared as he pulled a chair out from a small table. Sliding onto the seat, she attempted to calm her heart rate as he settled across from her.

  “Would you like a glass of wine?”

  “Yes, that would be nice.” Why was he being so polite? Did he never get upset? He was acting as if nothing unpleasant had happened.

  “I-I might have been a little out of line…”

  “A little?” The softly spoken question had her face heating and her eyes back on his.

  “I just had a rather hard night… You aren’t totally blameless here. If you’d just been honest and not tried to hide your identity, then I wouldn’t have yelled and…” her voice was rising and yet she didn’t seem able to stop herself. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head. “I don’t know what is wrong with me. I’ve spent hours practicing so that I… that you… but I can’t seem to…”

  “Look at me, Jewel.”

  God, did he know how hard that simple request was for her? It was far easier to prepare her palate for that first taste of crow when not having to look into those incredible eyes. Forcing herself to lift her head, she did as he asked.

  “I feel the same about crow as you do okra. Both might be edible but the quicker you swallow, the faster it is done.”

  What did that mean? Didn’t he understand that she was even now attempting to choke down that bite by apologizing for everything she’d said… suddenly, she realized she’d been dancing all around without stepping off with the correct foot.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Apology accepted.” And that, apparently, was that. He signaled for the waiter and after giving their orders, no crow or okra requested, he lifted his glass. “Shall we begin again?”

  Lifting her own, she nodded. “I would like that.”

  He smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting and a deep dimple appeared in his cheek. They each sipped some wine and did exactly that.

  ***

  “That’s a big dream,” Gabriel said. “I know how a dream can be so compelling that you tend to overlook reality.”

  “It’s no bigger than yours.”

  “No, I don’t suppose it is, but as I explained, the Corazón de Oro has yet to make a profit. Mendez was supposed to be looking for investors. I had no idea he was selling his half of the claim. Unless you are simply panning or sluicing for gold, it takes a great deal of capital to mine. The earth does not give up its heart as easily as people wish to believe.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Jewel said, “you can’t allow yourself to feel responsible for his actions. If he hadn’t sold his share, and if the claim had not moved on, then I wouldn’t have taken the chance to pursue my dream.”

  Gabriel shook his head. “But that’s what I’m trying to explain. What you are suggesting; building your dream won’t be cheap. Prices for everything go up every day. Hell, nails are more expensive than that pretty dress you are wearing.”

  “Gabriel, I know you might not believe me, but I have faith that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I… we might not become fabulously wealthy from some gold strike, but that doesn’t matter to me. I’m not saying that I don’t understand the value of money. What I’m saying is that I’ve spent my entire life without considering that if I had different parents, my life might not have been one of comfort but one that required making choices just to survive. I want to help other women realize that they too can have a life different than one dictated by circumstance. I have to try or else I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

  Of all things he’d imagined her reason to go to Culpepper, he’d never have considered this. Hearing her plans to open a whoreh… no, she’d empathically stated it was never to be referred to as such, her place had been a huge surprise. However, hearing her speak of her plans to include a restaurant, a bar, entertainment, and her ‘Gems’ and seeing her become animated had him reconsidering.

  “I think you’ve got something here,” he said and was rewarded with the prettiest smile he’d ever seen. “I’m just not sure how Brett Jones is going to like having competition even if he’s too drunk half the time to run his own saloon.”

  “You don’t think there is competition here?” she asked, her eyes wide with incredulity. “Have you looked around? This city is full of houses. I visited several establishments last night!”

  So that was why he’d seen her coming out of The Broken Mast last night. Gabriel had no doubt that she had spunk but would that be enough? He’d seen men chew up women and spit them out without a thoug
ht.

  Finishing the last of her wine, she met his eyes across the table. “I’m not afraid of competition, Gabriel. You’ve worked so hard for your dream and I know that one day, the earth is going to open up to show you its heart. I’m willing to work hard to do this; to give others a reason to dream. The question is will you help me?”

  With those big blue eyes on his and her teeth worrying her bottom lip, he knew he should say no. He knew he should offer to buy her out of her share of her claim, he knew he should drive her and her companions right to the wharf and send them back to New Orleans. However, he hadn’t lied when he said he understood the power of a dream. He just couldn’t bear to deny her at least a chance at hers. Reaching across the table, he placed his hand over hers, stilling fingers that were plucking once again at the tablecloth. “Yes.”

  ***

  “Thank you,” Jewel said, wondering if he could tell that his touch had her entire body heating. His smile, the dimple that appeared when he grinned and those incredible eyes… every inch of him was having her think thoughts certainly inappropriate for a lady. Feeling the flush reach her face, she realized he would find it hard to think of her as a lady when she’d just admitted she wanted to become Madame Jewel, the owner of a brothel. Hopefully he’d think the color of her cheeks was nothing more than a sign of her happiness that he’d agreed to help her.

  “Would you care for some dessert?”

  His question brought her out of her salacious thoughts but did nothing to stop her rapid heart beat. Yes, she wanted dessert—if he were on the menu. “I really can’t eat another bite,” she said. “Perhaps you’d like to return with me to the boarding house? We could tell my friends our news and if I know Nettie, bread was not the only thing she planned to bake today.”

  “I’m not sure what the people of Culpepper will be the most pleased about,” Gabriel said as he rose and moved to assist her from her chair after he’d paid the bill. “Nettie’s cooking or your gems.”

  “Perhaps we have more in our arsenal than I thought,” Jewel said. She felt the same thrill when once again he guided her through the restaurant, his hand on her lower back.

  “You were lucky to get a carriage,” Gabriel said as they stood on the sidewalk. “There are never enough of them running.”

  “Oh, I didn’t need one. I walked.”

  “You walked?”

  “Yes, it wasn’t that far. I’ve been on a ship for weeks and found it quite wonderful to be able to stretch my… what are you doing!” She gasped when she felt the hand that had been on her back move to swat against her bottom.

  “Wishing we were in a carriage right now so that I could give you a proper demonstration of what I think about little girls who don’t give a single thought to danger.”

  His eyes were no longer smiling as she gaped up at him. “Are you… you threatening to spank me again? “

  “Believe me, if I tell you that I’m going to blister your butt, it won’t be a threat… it will be a promise you can take to the bank.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!”

  “You’re the gambler, Lady Gardner. Do I look like I’m bluffing?” he asked.

  No, he definitely wasn’t bluffing. The hand he’d swatted her with had yet to move from its target. The heat of his splayed fingers threatened to burn the imprint of his palm onto her skin through the layers of her clothing. Feeling it lift, she blurted, “No, I-I don’t think you’re bluffing!” Her confession was met with another swat, adding a yelp to her admittance.

  “I catch you putting yourself in danger again, young lady, and I’ll make sure you can’t sit comfortably. Is that clear?”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes, what?”

  Oh God, she could feel her knees beginning to shake as his tone, his quirked eyebrow, his stern look sent bolts of lightning straight to her sex. How could she have thrown off John’s warning and threat to spank her and yet, this man… she had absolutely no doubt that he would not only not allow her to toss aside his concern, he’d imprint that concern onto her backside. It took a third swat for her to realize he expected an answer.

  “Yes, sir!”

  “Good. Do you know how to use a gun?”

  “What?” It was impossible to think when her body was trembling and her loins moistening.

  “A gun. Do you know how to shoot?”

  “Um, no. I mean no, sir.” She flushed when a man passed them, his smile and chuckle causing her already heated face to burn hotter. “Um, would you please… um, remove your hand?” When he did, she felt a moment of regret at the loss of his touch but then remembered his question. “Why did you ask me about a gun?”

  “Because you need to know how to shoot,” Gabriel said. “You are not on some estate in England, Jewel. You are in a land where men are desperate. I’d like you to live long enough to realize your dream.”

  She’d been ready to inform him that she had absolutely no intention of holding a gun much less shooting one but his words made her reconsider. “Is that why everyone in that office had a gun?”

  “Yes, and they’d shoot you first and ask questions later if they believed you were a threat.”

  She felt a shiver that had nothing to do with arousal raising goose bumps on her arms. “That makes sense. I never even considered asking if John knows how to shoot.”

  “John?”

  Remembering that he’d never given her the chance to introduce her to her friends, she smiled. “Yes, before traveling to California, I hired John to escort us.” She paused and then batted her eyelashes as she looked up at him. “For safety purposes.”

  “Cheeky,” he said, shaking his head, but she saw the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Shall we go ask this John?” At her nod, his palm returned to her back and they began to walk. She realized they’d been far longer at lunch than she had thought as the light had begun to dim. Her unease grew when she recognized the building they were approaching. She was about to suggest they cross the street when a carriage turned the corner they’d just crossed. Gabriel’s hand moved to take her arm.

  “Let’s hire…”

  “Gabriel!” she screamed, seeing someone dart from the door of The Broken Mast and run into the street.

  “Stay here!” Gabriel shouted as he followed the figure who had fallen but was struggling to regain her feet. The carriage had slowed but not yet stopped and the horses reared and snorted, hooves flashing as they fought against the pull of the reins. Jewel’s cry was lost in the startled whinny of the team. As she moved to run, she was practically jerked off her feet when an arm snagged her about her waist.

  “Let me go!” she yelled, thrashing out with her hands.

  “Be still! Damn it; stop kicking.” His voice was what caused her to freeze. “I’ve got you.”

  “Let me go!” she said again, not with a scream but with a force that seemed to surprise her captor.

  “Promise not to run?”

  “Let me go, now!”

  “You don’t need to bite my head off. I was just trying to keep you from…”

  The moment Tompkins released her, she stepped into the street with the intention of running to Gabriel only to have him shake his head and nod towards the sidewalk. The only reason she obeyed was because he was not only unscathed, he had the woman in his arms.

  “Oh, thank God,” Jewel said, moving to him when he stepped out of the street. “Is she okay?”

  “I’m not sure…”

  “She’s fine,” Tompkins said, interrupting Gabriel.

  “How can you say that?” Jewel asked, her tone indicating her disbelief. “She almost got run over!”

  “But, she didn’t,” Tompkins said, and Jewel watched as he motioned to the now stilled carriage. The driver wrapped the reins around the brake after setting it and climbed down.

  “I didn’t see her, sir.”

  “It’s fine, no damage done,” Tompkins said. “Let’s get her inside the carriage. You can tell Davis to add this little escapade to her to
tal.”

  “Yes, sir.” When the man moved to Gabriel, Jewel set herself between them.

  “What do you think you are doing? You can’t just take her.” When the driver reached out to push her aside, she slapped at his hand. “I said…”

  “Jewel.” Hearing her name spoken by two men had her head turning in two directions before settling on Gabriel.

  “You can’t let him…”

  “Come here.” When she hesitated, he dropped his tone so that it was even quieter. “Jewel, come here. Ahora.” She was about to protest when his recent words on safety replayed in her head. Shooting the driver a look that would have dropped him if looks could really kill, she moved to stand partially behind Gabriel. From her vantage point, she could see the woman he was holding. Her first impression was the color brown. The girl’s brown hair was tangled, her clothing was stained and muddy and her skin was the color of… well, dirt. Had she gotten that filthy from her fall? It seemed impossible and yet there was no question that this woman had not seen a bath in quite a while. Tearing her eyes away, she glared as Tompkins motioned his driver away as he approached them.

  “I appreciate your assistance, but it is no longer required. If you’d be so kind as to place her in my carriage, you can be on your way.”

  Gabriel didn’t look at her when she began to step forward but the single shake of his head had her stilling as he addressed Tompkins. “I don’t believe so. She needs to be checked over by a doctor.”

  “If I find that necessary, I’ll have one see her,” Tompkins said. “Now, if you don’t mind, enough time has been wasted on…”

  “Wasted? You consider time for a person as wasted!”

  “Jewel…”

  Tompkins spoke over Gabriel. “Yes, Jewel, I’d think that as a madame you’d understand that time spent in attempting to avoid your duties is not only time wasted, it is money wasted as well.”

  Even Gabriel’s growl didn’t stop her as she moved to stand before Tompkins. “Are you saying that this woman is… is…”