The Saloon Girl's Journey (Texas Women of Spirit Book 3)

by Angela Castillo

  “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”

  Darla nodded. “We’ll be fine.”

  Ketzia grabbed a handful of the black pony’s mane and jumped on its back. Her hair billowed around her shoulders as the horse thundered down the path.

  “What interesting people you’ve met.” Ethan stared after her.

  “Hmmm. Yes, I have met some great folks.” Darla scuffed last fall’s leaves as she walked, watching them rise and fall over her shoes. “Ethan, why did you come after me?”

  “No.” He swung around. “I asked you a question first.” Pain and sorrow glinted in his eyes.

  “Oh Ethan . . .” Tears slipped down Darla’s cheeks. She dabbed at them with her sleeve. “I knew you would find out about my past, and I couldn’t bear it.”

  “Is that what this was all about?” Ethan gulped. “The place you came from?”

  “Yes.” Darla tried to swallow her sobs, a task she knew would soon be impossible.

  “Darla,” Ethan cupped her cheek with a strong, gentle hand, “I know all about your past. Brother Jenkins told us your history when he asked if you could stay at Downs House.”

  “You knew?” Darla gasped. “And Ma Downs knew?” Her voice sank to a whisper. “And you accepted me anyway?”

  “Of course I did.” Ethan took her hands. “We’ve all done things we’re not proud of. I’ve done plenty, even though I’ve tried to serve Jesus all my life. You gave your heart to God. You are a changed person. If God doesn’t hold it against you, why should I?”

  “There aren’t many folks who would think that way.”

  “But it’s the right way.” Ethan bent closer and tucked a curl behind Darla’s ear.

  “What did your mother think, you coming all the way out here and leaving the ministry behind?”

  “Ma sent me with her blessing. She knew I’d never find such a sweet, kind, beautiful girl anywhere else. She’s a good judge of character.” Ethan searched Darla’s eyes. “So, what do you say, Darla? Will you be my wife?”

  Darla’s breath caught in her throat. “Are you sure?” she managed to choke.

  Ethan chuckled. “I’ve rambled in the woods, slept on the ground, rode a lame horse and eaten nothing but beans, hard bread and salt pork for days. And somehow, only God knows how, I found you.” His eyebrows drew together. “I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”

  Something broke inside of Darla, the thick shell of sadness that had held her heart captive for these weeks on the road. Bubbles of joy welled up within her, and she threw her arms around Ethan. “Of course I’ll marry you!”

  The honey-sawdust scent surrounded her, and he wrapped her in his arms. His kisses were warm and sweet, the kind she’d been waiting for all her life.

  For the first time since her father’s death, Darla felt love flowing from another person’s touch. Love, acceptance and protection.

  “Halloo?” came a voice through the trees.

  Darla reluctantly pulled away. “Doctor Ebenezer?”

  The doctor pushed through the underbrush. “Darla, are you all right?” His eyebrows shot up when he saw Ethan. “When I found out Ketzia was gone, I made everyone stop. I was just about to send her brothers out to look for her when she rode up. She told us everything.” He grinned at Ethan. “So, this must be your young man?”

  “Yes, this is my young man.” Darla squeezed Ethan’s hand. “Ethan Downs, meet Doctor Ebenezer.”

  The doctor shook Ethan’s hand. “Please to meet you, sir.” He pointed to the carpenter’s scars on Ethan’s palm. “I got a liniment that will make those disappear right away.”

  “I’m sure you do.” Ethan stuck his hand into a pocket.

  Doctor Ebenezer turned to Darla. “Ketzia told me what Miranda tried to do. The woman can get jealous, but I can assure you she didn’t realize the people of the town would try to harm you.”

  Darla frowned. “I’ll take your word for it. But she won’t have to share the spotlight anymore, anyway.”

  “I assume you’ll be taking off with your young man, here?”

  Darla slipped her hand into the crook of Ethan’s elbow. “Yes, Sir. I will miss you all very much.”

  The doctor grinned. “If you ever change your mind--” He darted a glance at Ethan. “No, I don’t suppose you will.”

  They arrived in the clearing. All the men came and welcomed Ethan with handshakes and slaps on the back. Fatima gave Darla a tight hug. Johnny Jingles smiled when he saw her, but his face clouded over when she introduced Ethan. Miss Miranda was nowhere in sight.

  “Sulking in the lead wagon,” Ketzia whispered to Darla.

  The caravan began to move again, and Ethan and Darla walked hand in hand in their wake, talking over the last week’s adventures.

  22 HOME AT LAST

  The evening’s moon rose clear and round, spilling light over the wagons. Ketzia’s family brought out their instruments, and the troupe danced by the fire.

  Darla danced with Ethan, then Johnny Jingles, then Doctor Ebenezer, then Ethan again.

  “I finally get to dance with you.” Ethan grabbed her hands and twirled her over the field. She threw her head back to see the stars spinning above her, as though they shared her joy.

  The zanies pulled out the best of the provisions, and everyone, except for Ketzia’s family, dined on pickled beets, roast venison, and peach cobbler cooked in a Dutch oven.

  After supper the music started up again. Ethan raised his eyebrows and nodded towards the dancers, but Darla shook her head. Her feet burned from dancing.

  She scooted closer to Ethan’s place on the log they were sharing. “I wish this night could last forever.”

  “It has been nice,” Ethan put his arm around her. “But I want to marry you pretty quick, and Ma would never forgive us if we didn’t invite her to the wedding.”

  “Neither would Lisbeth.” Darla snuggled against his shoulder. She could scarcely believe that only six months ago, her home had been a saloon where she was used and mistreated every day by men who only saw her as a plaything. It’s been so hard, but I’m so thankful for the journey.

  “Now, let’s talk practical for a moment,” said Ethan, drawing her hands up under his chin. “Since I had to sell Jack, I planned to take the train back to Dallas. I looked over my money, and I’ll have just enough for two tickets.”

  “I have money, too.” Darla drew out a little pouch, which contained money she’d saved and her week’s earnings. “I’m sorry you had to sell your horse.”

  “Me too.” Ethan stared into the fire. “Hopefully the townsfolk treat their horses better than ex-saloon girls.” His mouth curled into a smile.

  “Ethan, don’t be mean!”

  She traced his jaw with her finger, the day-old whiskers feeling just as she’d imagined they would. “You never told me . . . why you decided to come after me.”

  Ethan’s face fell. “Because once upon a time, I didn’t go after someone else.”

  “Sarah?”

  Ethan glanced up. “Someone told you about her?”

  “Just that she left you right before your wedding. They didn’t know everything that happened.”

  “No one else knows the whole story but Ma.” Ethan pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his duster pocket and smoothed it over his knee. It was too dim to read in the firelight, but he wasn’t looking at the page anyway.

  “It says, ‘Dear Mr. Downs. I am writing you at the request of a Miss Sarah Blake. I regret to inform you this was her last request. Three days ago, she passed away from complications of tuberculosis. With Deepest Regrets, Anne Hodge, Fair Ridge Sanitarium.’”

  Darla stared out over the flames and into the night. Most of the troupe had already left the fire to finish the last evening tasks. The music of the crickets replaced the gypsies’ wild song. “I’m so sorry,” she managed to say.

  Ethan crumpled the paper and placed it in her hand. “I kept this for two years to remind myself. If I ever felt that way about som
eone again, I’d never let them go. My heart was filled with so much pride, Darla. At the time, the notion she had another reason, that she was trying to spare me some great pain, never entered my mind. This time . . . I needed to know why.” He touched her cheek. “To hear it from those beautiful lips.”

  “Ethan, I’m so sorry. I should have trusted you.”

  He twined his fingers through hers. “Do you believe me now?”

  “With all my heart.”

  ###

  The next morning was a bittersweet blur. The great metal bridge leading to Waco rose up over the horizon an hour after breaking camp, and the troupe stopped at the road leading to the structure.

  The zanies pulled together their supplies, preparing to head into town and publicize the show.

  “Railroad station can’t be far from here.” Ethan shaded his eyes and squinted towards the bridge. “Darla, you and I should probably go and try to find the place.”

  Darla nodded. “I’ll be glad to get home.” Home. Do I truly have a real home again?

  Miranda had avoided Darla since she’d returned to camp, and when their paths crossed, she’d turn and walk the other way.

  Ketzia slipped Darla a piece of paper. “Here’s the address for the ranch where my husband works. If you send me letters there, he’ll get them to me when I visit him. I’ll write you back and tell all about everything going on with the show.”

  Darla hugged Ketzia. “Of course we’ll stay in touch. I wish you could meet my friend, Soonie. The two of you are both so strong and brave. I’ll miss you every day.”

  Johnny tugged on Darla’s sleeve and handed her a creased photograph. “It’s me an’ Lucy. We’ll miss you.”

  Darla rumpled Johnny’s hair one last time. “You keep studying with Doctor Ebenezer, and someday you’ll run the show.”

  Doctor Ebenezer clapped him on the shoulder. “Couldn’t do it without him.”

  Johnny’s chest puffed out. “You sure you can’t just wait for me instead of marrying Mr. Downs?” he asked, his eyes hopeful.

  “Oh Johnny, I’ll be old and gray by the time you want to go courting,” said Darla.

  “No you won’t.” Johnny grinned. “You’ll always be purty, Miss Darla.”

  “Sorry, kid. I’ve gone through too much looking for this woman to give her up.” Ethan picked up Darla’s traveling bag and offered his elbow.

  Darla slipped her hand around his arm, savoring the familiar texture of the duster jacket. She followed Ethan across the giant metal bridge.

  After a few inquiries, they found the station. A short time later, they boarded the train to Dallas.

  Though Darla had looked forward to spending the ride home discussing their new life and plans with Ethan, she ended up falling asleep on his shoulder. She awoke, hours later, as the train pulled into the Dallas depot.

  Again they chose to walk the short distance to Downs House.

  Darla’s pulse quickened when the old building appeared through the trees. Though the place was dilapidated, true, loving people lived there. Pride swelled inside of her. They consider me family.

  Ma Downs stepped out to the porch and looked towards the road, shading her eyes. When she caught sight of them, she clasped her hands together and rushed down the stairs.

  “Ethan, you’re home!” Her bonnet fell down her back, and gray hair flew around her face in a tangle.

  “Yes. And you can see I found my girl.” Ethan took Darla’s hand. “Ma, I’d like you to meet my fiancée.”

  Ma Down’s eyes actually sparkled. “I’m glad you waited until you reached home. The ladies would have been so disappointed if they couldn’t put on a wedding.”

  “We can have it here, at Downs House,” said Ethan.

  “Oh, could we get married in the gazebo?” Darla could already picture the beautiful place, decked in garlands of flowers.

  Ma’s face paled. She fumbled in her pocket for a handkerchief and dabbed at her brow. “What am I saying? I completely forgot the news. We have lost our main benefactors. The Bugles have withdrawn their support.”

  “That Samantha,” Darla muttered.

  “We will have to sell Downs House,” Ma Downs continued. “And I don’t know where we shall go.”

  Ethan’s forehead wrinkled. “We’ll figure out something. We always do. God provides.”

  Lisbeth came out on the porch and gave Darla a hug. “Glad to see you used the good sense God gave you and came home. What’d you run off for anyway?”

  “I’ll tell you everything.” Darla patted her hand. “Let me get inside and settled first.”

  Patience stood in the hall as they entered, her hands clasped together. “Oh, you’re home! I am glad, Miss Fancy!”

  Darla squeezed the little girl’s hand. “So am I, Patience. And I can’t wait to see what you’ve painted since I left.”

  After an evening of stories swapped and delicious food from Miss Betty, Darla went upstairs.

  I’m happy they didn’t find someone else to take my place. She touched the brilliant pattern of the quilt on her bed, created by Lisbeth’s busy fingers. Suddenly, she remembered the bundles of scarves Ketzia and Fatima had taken into towns to sell. Something Doctor Ebenezer had said flickered into her mind. “Folks’ll buy anything if you present it in the right way.”

  She stared at the cloth. “Lisbeth, I think I have an idea that could save Downs House.”

  ###

  Two weeks later, Darla poked her head into the parlor. The room was strewn with fabrics, paper and busy women. Indigo pieced together bonnets, while Marnie knitted scarves as fast as her fingers could fly. Patience painted miniatures at the piano and Ms. Brodie cut out quilt squares.

  “Good news, girls,” said Darla. “The shopkeeper has given me an order for two dozen bonnets and six more paintings. Seems like the tourists snap them up as fast as he stocks the shelves. And the furniture shop is keeping Ethan so busy he might have to bring in hired help.”

  “Looks like someone wants a colored girl’s pictures after all.” Patience held up the painting of a brilliant sunflower she’d just finished.

  “Of course they do.” Lisbeth held out her hand and let Danny climb up her shoulder, where he regarded them all like a tiny monarch on a throne. “Just like they want an Irish girl’s quilts.”

  Ma Downs stopped Darla in the hall. “I’ve been working on the receipts, and though I’m remaining cautious, I believe the funds brought in by last weekend’s market sales will match what the Bugles provided. If we can keep this going, we might be all right, and even have a bit for each woman to keep for herself.”

  “And we didn’t even have anything of Ethan’s to sell yet!” Darla clasped her hands together. “It ought to be better next time, and with the fair coming in September . . . all will be well.”

  “While I was upstairs looking for quilt scraps, I found this. I was so happy the moths didn’t get to it.” Ma Downs unrolled a bundle of filmy lace, delicate as frost on a windowpane. “This was my wedding veil. I would like for you to wear it, if you’d like.”

  Darla gasped and stroked the beautiful fabric with a trembling finger. “It’s lovely, Ma Downs. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  Ma Downs patted her hand. “Child, I thank God every day that you walked into my home, and that He helped me see how special you were. He’s given you the ability to see the best in people. You coax out dreams and talents they never knew they had. You have brought hope into this home again.”

  “It was all because you chose to see more than a saloon girl,” Darla said softly.

  The older woman wiped her eyes. “I’ll just put this in your room.” She gathered up the lace in a snowy cloud.

  Darla stepped down the porch and hurried to the workshop. The banging of a hammer greeted her ears.

  Golden sheets of light poured through the barn door, and settled on a man’s bent figure.

  Ethan looked up from his work, and the smile she knew belonged only to her spread across his fac
e. “Hey there, Darla.”

  About the Author

  Angela Castillo has lived in Bastrop, Texas, home of the

  River Girl, almost her entire life. She studied Practical Theology

  at Christ for the Nations in Dallas. She lives in Bastrop with her husband and three children. Angela has written several short

  stories and books, including the Toby the Trilby series for kids.

  to find out more about her writing, go to http://angelacastillowrites.weebly.com

  Be sure to watch for The River Girl’s Christmas,

  book 4 in the Texas Women of

  Spirit series, coming in August 2016.

  Excerpt From

  The River Girl’s Song

  Texas Women of Spirit

  Book 1, Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

  http://www.amazon.com/The-River-Girls-Song-Spirit-ebook/dp/B00X32KBL0/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=18DCQ0M4FSR2VYKTRJ15

  1

  Scarlet Sunset

  “We need to sharpen these knives again.” Zillia examined her potato in the light from the window. Peeling took so long with a dull blade, and Mama had been extra fond of mash this month.

  Mama poured cream up to the churn’s fill line and slid the top over the dasher. “Yes, so many things to do! And we’ll be even busier in a few weeks.” She began to churn the butter, her arms stretched out to avoid her swollen belly. “Don’t fret. Everything will settle into place.”

  “Tell that to Jeb when he comes in, hollering for his dinner,” muttered Zillia. The potato turned into tiny bits beneath her knife.

  “Don’t be disrespectful.” Though Mama spoke sharply, her mouth quirked up into a smile. She leaned over to examine Zillia’s work. “Watch your fingers.”

  “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.” Zillia scooped the potato bits into the kettle and pulled another one out of the bag. Her long, slender fingers already bore several scars reaped by impatience.