A Fresh Start in Kirkham: a nineteenth century western romance

by Susan Thomas

  "How the devil can a woman and child just disappear from a train and no one know anything?"

  "Very simple if you've a mind to get lost. It's a big country. There is another possibility I am checking out. She may not have gone west but east."

  "East is the sea, man!"

  "Precisely. That is why I am having passenger logs checked for ships leaving for Europe, Canada, or some of the British colonies such as Australia. She could have left for practically anywhere but I have assumed she'd want an English-speaking country. She could also have used a different name, so I have had my men checking for a lone female with a young girl, or a boy, just in case she disguises Alice."

  "But she had no money."

  "You assume she had no money because that's what she told you. However, she may have had reserves not even her husband knew about. We cannot assume she is without means."

  Even as this conversation was being held a detective in the McMorran's home town was thinking hard. He knew the McMorrans and didn't like them. The woman was an absolute bitch as far as he could see. Other women of her acquaintance were afraid of her and would do anything to remain in her good books. Her husband was exceedingly ruthless in business, politics, and even socially. No one crossed McMorran willingly... he paused. No one? Yes, one man had and would. Marco Basetti was wealthy. His carrier's business now extended far and wide and included trains as well. The distinctive green and yellow Basetti name was easily recognized over the whole state. He had bought train tickets for Cecelia McMorran. Tickets that were clearly deceptive.

  The agent sat and thought about it. Basetti's wife had once been a nurse to the Franklin Jones family. No one was sure what had happened but the girl... he couldn't remember her name... had been engaged to Rankin Blake. He knew a detective that Blake had employed to track the girl when she ran off. She'd fled out west not wishing to marry Blake and in that he couldn't blame her. Blake was a cruel and violent man. Again no one was sure what had happened, but Blake had been killed out west, and Isaac Franklin Jones had suddenly retired from public life.

  Two disappearances and Marco and Martha Basetti involved in both. He knew the detective who had found the girl and he could go and ask him where she had gone. He could... but why the hell should he? If the woman wished to get away from the McMorrans he didn't blame her. His job was to find out if she had any friends out west. Well she didn't. She had never known the Franklin Jones girl. If Basetti had assisted both women to flee to the same place, he had his reasons, and he was sure they were good ones. His report would make it clear there were no friends out west and he could find no trace of the woman.

  Chapter Eight

  Cecelia had been at been staying with the Spencers for nearly two weeks now and had begun to feel claustrophobic. Now she felt like a teenaged daughter as she approached John Spencer. "Mayor Spencer..."

  "Please, let us be friends; use my first name which is John. I know I gave you a good spanking the other day but you don't hold a grudge, I hope."

  Cee smiled. "No John, I don't. I realize the customs here are different and I was disobedient and quite unnecessarily so. It was hard to submit to, and hard to take, but no hard feelings. Anyway, I know that if I do marry here it is likely not my last spanking. Mary has made that clear. Also, please do call me Cecelia... in fact just call me Cee."

  John Spencer laughed. "Thank you, Cee, I feel happier now you've forgiven me so to speak. Now what can I do for you?"

  "Samuel Hoctor and I would like to take a walk on our own. He has someone who can sit in and mind Julia and if I put Alice to bed you'll both be in for Arthur. Would you mind if I went out with Sam and left Alice in your charge? She'll be asleep and no trouble. I'll be safe because Sam will be with me and he is armed."

  John laughed again. "What an odd situation we're in. I feel like I did when Emily was growing up. Yes, Cee, of course you can go. You're not a prisoner and you're a grown woman. I suppose I ought to warn you to confine yourself to a highly respectable walk in public places."

  Cecelia blushed. She had been hatching a plan which was not in the least respectable. Later, with Alice asleep in bed, Cee waited for Sam to call for her. Mary Spencer's smile was so broad it might have been painted on her face because the kindly woman thought Sam an ideal husband for her. He had bought out the livery stables with ease and a good property to live in with his young daughter. It was clear he was a man of wealth, at least by Kirkham standards, and was regarded in town as decent, hardworking and honest. Mary Spencer also noticed how well the two girls got on. They would make wonderful sisters. Of course, they would squabble from time to time, all children do, but they would also be close friends.

  When Sam called, she promised not to be back too late, and they set off with her arm linked in his. Cecelia sensed that Sam would very much like to anticipate any wedding vows they might make but was too much the gentleman to do so. She decided she was not a gentlewoman. Her husband Ralph had aroused in her a desire for the marriage bed and then, when he tired of her, returned to his drinking, gambling, prostitutes and reckless daredevil riding. Now after several years of an empty marital bed, Sam had unintentionally fanned the flames of her desires once more. She wanted him right now even if they were not married.

  "Sam, I'd really like to check on the rooms I rent from Lucille Drake. It's safe enough surely? I have you with me."

  Sam looked at her curiously. He could sense she was up to something but wasn't sure what. "Yes, of course, that's no problem."

  Sam drew his revolver just in case but the alley was empty. Cecelia unlocked the door into the kitchen and they lit some lamps. All was well of course.

  "I think I'd better check upstairs, Sam. Will you come with me?"

  Sam gave a her a long and curious look but accompanied her up the narrow staircase to the upper rooms. Cecelia knew she was behaving like a wanton when she lingered by the bed her hand resting on the bedclothes stroking them lovingly. She was driven by the desire for Sam that had been smoldering in her since she first met him. She just hoped she wasn't driving him away because he stood stock still his face set.

  When he spoke, his voice was dark and rich. "Cee, we shouldn't be in here together."

  She feigned innocence. "Why Sam?"

  "Because..." That was as far as he got because he suddenly engulfed her in his strong arms and backed her against the wall, his mouth ravishing hers with powerful kisses. Cecelia kissed him right back, her tongue plundering him. Cee could feel his arousal. He was a strong male seeking to have his female and have her fast and hard. It wasn't in the least frightening it was exactly what she wanted.

  Sam pushed away but still held her. He was breathing hard. "Cee... I... we shouldn't do this unless we marry."

  "Sam, I want you. I can't help myself. I know it's wrong but I want you."

  "Then marry me. Surely, we are both entitled to some happiness in our lives. Marry me just as soon as the Rev. Daffern can arrange it."

  "Yes, yes. Oh, yes please, Sam. I've wanted you since the first time we met. The girls will love it. Alice needs a proper daddy and Julia needs a mommy. But Sam... I want you now."

  Sam growled. It was so rich and wild a sound that it aroused Cecelia all by itself. Sam seized her again in his strong arms, and again his mouth overwhelmed hers, but this time she could feel that all his doubt had gone. He was going to have her just as he wanted... just as she wanted.

  He pulled back and commanded her, "Get those clothes off."

  Just the thought of being naked in front of Sam sent wild tingling through every part of her; the throbbing between her legs grew stronger still and seemed to keep time with her heavy breathing. Her fingers were trembling so hard with desire they could barely get the buttons undone. Sam slipped his jacket off but his eyes never left her as she undressed. Cee took off every last stitch of clothing and saw his eyes ravish her body.

  "Cee, you're beautiful..."

  Cecelia found in her a recklessness that wasn't in the least respectable. "
Well, if you're going to have me you'd better get your clothes off."

  Sam's eyes never left her as he tore the clothes from his body. Two buttons went flying across the floor but he didn't seem to notice or even care. Finally, he was as naked as her and she saw just how solid and muscular he was. His chest and back were covered with beautiful hair which complemented the solid muscles of his body. As her eyes moved down she saw he was already erect. Cee guessed this first time was going to be fast and hard but it didn't matter because she already felt close to her own excitement.

  She reached out a soft hand and touched his erection. "Sam..."

  It was a signal and Sam growled again. This time he moved with speed and picked Cecelia up: effortlessly... smoothly. He didn't exactly throw her on the bed, but it was close, and she responded by opening her legs wide, feeling herself more than ready to have him inside her.

  Sam put one hand on the side of the bed and vaulted on landing precisely between her spread legs. He took hold of her legs and lifted them high up, positioned himself at her entrance, and without another word, plunged himself deeply into her. Cecelia threw her head back and cried out with satisfaction, "Oh yes!"

  He took her hard, powering into her with smooth piston like thrusts which drove her desire upwards to peaks she had forgotten possible. Sam was a remorseless machine pounding into her body building her arousal ever higher and making her gasp and pant, "Sam... oh, Sam." Her orgasm came abruptly and was of such power and ferocity it made her wrap her legs around him and scream long and hard.

  There was a grunt of satisfaction from Sam at hearing her pleasure and then he too exploded. He pushed her legs right back and thrust ever harder into her, suddenly crying out and going very still as he shot his seed deep inside her. He finished more gently than he began with some slow thrusts that made Cee mew with pleasure.

  Drained, they lay together wrapped in each other's arms. Sam sighed with satisfaction, "Cee, that was wonderful."

  She snuggled closer, "Yes, it was."

  For a while that's all they did... simply lay together. They may have dozed for a short while but when they came to themselves again Cecelia felt the urge in her to have more. She remembered the shooting in the saloon and how that night she had fantasized about being spanked by Sam. She didn't want to be spanked hard, of course, but spanked and then have him make love to her again. That would be delicious. She sensed Sam would hold back as they weren't married. She knew that their love making would never have happened if she hadn't orchestrated it. If she wanted more then she would have to initiate it and if that made her a wicked woman so be it. She felt wicked... with desire.

  "Sam, I knew what I wanted when I led you upstairs."

  "I thought so... Cee, I do believe you are a very naughty woman."

  She giggled, "Too naughty to marry?"

  "Lord no! I do believe we are made for each other but it looks like I'll have to be firm with you."

  She giggled again. "That sounds lovely."

  Sam laughed. "Yes, you are naughty."

  "Perhaps you ought to spank me, Sam." Cecelia saw Sam's penis stiffen at her words and reached out and took it in her hand. "I think a man ought to be firm with his wife don't you Sam?"

  Sam's erection swelled further. "You are a naughty little mischief. I think I will spank you." As soon as he said it he sat up and pulled her, unresisting, across his lap. "He ran his hands over the soft, firm bottom and Cee felt his penis grow longer and harder against her tummy.

  "Not too hard Sam. Just a little warning spanking... please."

  "Well I don't know. A husband has to make sure his wife knows the right way to behave."

  "I know you'll spank me when I am really bad, Sam. Beth and Mary have told me how wives get spanked here in Kirkham but I was only a little bit naughty..."

  Sam knew fine well the game they were playing so made a big pretense of coming to a decision. "Very well, just this once, a little warning spanking."

  With that he smacked his hand down on her right cheek. It was a crisp smack that wrung a little "Ow" from her. He loved the way his hand sprang off the firmness of her bottom, and the way that Cee wriggled across his lap, making his penis harder if that were possible. Smack! His hand smacked down on her left cheek and another little "Ow" was heard.

  "I hope you are learning a lesson here, Cecelia Hoctor?"

  Cee thrilled at hearing him name her Hoctor. "Well I don't know, Sam. I think you may have to spank me more than that. I do want to be a good wife."

  "Right, young woman. I can see you need a good lesson here." Sam began spanking with crisp smacks in a steady, right cheek-left cheek, pattern. He could see the cheeks of her bottom turn first pink and then a rather lovely shade of red. Cee's wriggles became real and her little gaps were clearly not put on. When he judged she was beginning to feel really sore, he stopped. Instead of spanking, he began to massage her bottom gently, rubbing the stinging away. He could swear Cecelia began to purr. As he rubbed he let his hand slip down to massage between her legs. He heard her whimper with pleasure and she wriggled sensuously across his lap. He began spanking again, deepening the red color of her bottom and making her gasp little cries. He increased the spanking until he could hear real distress beginning, then he stopped again, and once more began to massage the sting away. This time his hand slipped down between her legs more often, massaging her harder and harder, until suddenly she was bucking and writhing under his hand, crying out incoherently.

  When her orgasm burnt itself out he whispered, "Yes, I can see you are a very naughty girl and I shall have to be firm with you quite often." He lifted her up and slipped out from under her and left her face down on the bed. Then he positioned himself behind her and parted her legs.

  "What are you doing Sam?"

  "I'm going to mount you Cee." He guided his erection to her entrance and pushed gently. There was no resistance and he slipped into her making her sigh with pleasure. Sam loved the feel of her firm bottom underneath him as he began to move slowly back and forth inside her. He had his hands on either side of her shoulders and she reached out and held his wrists, her soft cool hands made him feel like the heroes of old, his woman giving herself to him completely.

  "That's lovely," she whispered.

  He continued to move slowly back and forth feeling her desire in the slickness that surrounded his erection. Cecelia began to make lovely whimpering sounds and he guessed she was beginning to climb towards her excitement. He disciplined his mind not to go too fast, but kept up his steady thrusting, enjoying the bounce of her bottom as he did so. Cee's climax built steadily until she began to cry out, each little cry rising up a scale until she cried a lovely feminine sound that made him feel incredibly powerful. She writhed in her orgasm beneath him while her muscles squeezed his penis hard and almost made him come with their power.

  When she finally relaxed with a contented sigh he whispered into her ear, "Now I am going to take my pleasure and come into you."

  She wriggled her pleasure at this and he began to thrust hard, getting little cries from her as his reward. He built quickly and then was roaring away with hard thrusts and coming into her for the second time that evening.

  When Cecelia arrived back at the Spencer's house John Spencer was working in his study and Mary was knitting in the living room.

  Mary looked up, gave Cee a long, hard look and said, "I see," with great significance.

  "What do you see?"

  "Oh, come on Cecelia! I am a woman too. I can see quite clearly what you've been doing. Don't worry, you'll get no morality lecture from me but you must be careful. You're an unmarried woman now and you cannot risk a baby. Neither can you risk being spotted by the nosey parkers. Gossip is a dangerous thing in any town."

  "We're getting married very soon. Sam is speaking to the Rev. Daffern tomorrow. I know it was wrong but it was me, not him. I led him on. I've been too long, and I'm too young, to be without the pleasures of the marriage bed. Plus, I am very attracted to Sam and
he is by me. We are old enough, the both of us. We're not silly youngsters."

  "Then I am delighted for you. You'll make a lovely family. You have my full support and I know John will give that too."

  ---oOo---

  "Are you telling me that the best detective agency in this country, if not the world, cannot find one penniless woman and a child? That she can just disappear off a New York bound train like an act in a magic show!"

  "I'm telling you, Mr. McMorran, that this is a large country, and someone who wishes to disappear can do so quite easily, especially if they have help. It is also your assumption that Mrs. McMorran is penniless. We don't know that for sure. What I can tell you is that there is no one on any passenger list for ships leaving the USA to anywhere sensible-"

  "What the hell does 'sensible' mean?"

  "Well, she is a lone woman with a young daughter. She'd not want to risk some tropical hell hole. No, it has to be somewhere civilized, preferably English speaking since she has no foreign languages. My guess somewhere she can use her nursing skills. However, the passenger lists reveal no likely candidates. Additionally, we have been unable to find a single friend that has moved anywhere of distance. We have accounted for all her friends, and acquaintances, and she is not with any of them. We looked again at Mr. Basetti but he only bought her the tickets to New York. She must have got off and traveled elsewhere, but of her there is no trace."

  "Send me your damned bill. I'll have to think what to do next. Why the hell my Ralph had to marry that gold digging little bitch I cannot fathom."

  Mr. McMorran stormed out of the detective's office and made his way back to his hotel. He knew his wife would not stay a day longer before going home. Her dissatisfaction had reached the point where she was making everyone's life a misery. Hotel staff looked tense before they even got near her. She heard his report in silence.