One of the cowboys said, “In a few minutes there’ll be plenty of dance music down the street at Pickett’s.”
Out of instinct, I put my hand in my pocket and felt the twenty dollar gold piece Pickett had given as payment in full for Phoebe’s transport.
“Can we go, Emmett?” Leah asked.
Mary snorted, “Who is he, your father? Of course we can go!”
Rose said, “I’m going to take Hannah on up to bed. Have fun, ladies!” She and Hannah got up to leave. “Goodnight, Emmett. Thank you for dinner.”
“My pleasure. Goodnight, Rose, goodnight, Hannah.”
Gentry also bid them good night.
Rose told the women to be careful.
“It’s these cowboys that need to be careful,” Emma said, laughin’.
“We leave at eight,” I said. “Don’t forget.”
“Yes, Daddy,” Leah said.
“Goodnight, Daddy,” Emma said.
“Don’t wait up for us,” Hester added.
“Will you spank me, Daddy?” Mary said, tossin’ her hair. She shook her ass at me, then saw Gentry’s look and said, “No offense, Gentry. Maybe these young gentlemen will let me shake it at them.”
The cowboys laughed and nudged each other. They knew a sure thing when they saw it.
One by one they left, until it was just me and Gentry sittin’ at the table, waitin’ to pay the bill. Gentry said, “Will you take me to Pickett’s?”
“I reckon we should see what all the fuss is about, maybe have a drink.”
Gentry’s gorgeous, normal-colored face lit up. “Yay!” she said.
I said, “Since the music ain’t started yet, there’s somethin’ I’d really like to do first, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, Emmett. What do you have in mind?”
“I’d like to take you for a little stroll through town.”
“A stroll?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“You’d escort me? Like the town men do with real ladies?”
“Of course.”
Her smile started small and kept growin’ until it seemed to take up her whole face. It was the type of smile a man would work all day just to come home to. Gentry started to speak, but choked on her words. She dipped her head for a second. When she looked back up at me I could see tears wellin’ up in her eyes. But she was still smilin’. She swallowed, and said, “I’d be honored.”
I paid the bill and Gentry and I headed down Main Street, arm-in-arm. She cozied up to me and purred, “This is real nice, Emmett. You’re making me feel quite special.”
“I’m proud to be with you, Gentry.”
We strolled to the end of town on one side of the street and started headin’ back on the other. Gentry said, “I miss Scarlett.”
I said, “I know you do.”
She said, “I hate to let anyone go. I even miss Phoebe! Can you just imagine?”
“Phoebe grows on people, over time.”
“Like I do?”
I smiled. “I liked you from the very first day.”
“Out of everyone I ever met,” Gentry said, “I’m gonna miss you the most.”
“Well, I was already plannin’ to hang around Dodge for two weeks. But I’ll stay longer if you like, at least ’til you get settled in.”
She stopped and gave me a kiss. “You’re a good man, Emmett Love.”
“You make me better than I am.”
Across the street, on the boardwalk, a boy rolled a spokeless wagon wheel with a stick, and got it goin’ so fast he nearly ran into the portly gentleman who was lockin’ up the dry goods store. “Watch where you’re goin’, you hellion!” he shouted.
The boy tipped his hat to the man and said, “Sorry, Mr. Grant.”
We watched Mr. Grant turn the corner, and we resumed our stroll. A moment later we heard the sound of glass shatterin’ in the dry goods store.
“Boys,” Gentry said.
“Some things never change,” I said.
“You think Phoebe and her fella will stroll the town on Sundays?” she said.
“I s’pect they will.” Then I said, “Did I do the right thing by Phoebe today?”
“You said her mind was made up.”
“It was.”
“And she’s a grown woman.”
“She is. And a strong one at that.”
“And they exchanged a lot of letters over time. So she knows him pretty well.”
I hadn’t thought about that.
“True,” I said. “Of course, in all them letters he never mentioned his wealth, nor his rise to prominence.”
“Prominence? That’s a mighty big word for a gunslinger! You keep speaking big words at me, who knows what might happen later tonight!”
I smiled. “I look forward to it. Indubitably.”
“Woooh!” Gentry giggled, pretendin’ to be charmed.
Was Pickett, as Phoebe claimed, just a humble man? Or was he up to somethin’? And if so, what could it be? Phoebe was a wonderful woman, and a right pretty one at that. But…
“Why Phoebe?” I said.
“What do you mean?”
“Why would a man like Pickett send off for a mail-order bride? If he’s as big a catch as Phoebe claims, he ought to have his pick of women from here to Wichita. You don’t suppose the women around here know enough about him to stay away, do you?”
“What’s he look like?”
“He ain’t the most handsome feller I’ve seen. But he ain’t ugly, neither. And what he lacks in looks, he makes up for in charm.”
“He’s recently wealthy?”
“Pretty recent,” I said. “Last few years, I believe.”
“Worked his way up from nothin’?”
“That’s what he told us.”
“Political aspirations?”
“What’s that mean?”
“Did he say anything about runnin’ for Mayor? Or Governor?”
“He can’t run for Governor, Gentry.”
“Why not?”
“Kansas ain’t even a state yet.”
“But everyone’s talkin’ about it. They’re sayin’ January, which is not but three months away.”
“True,” I said. “But what’s that got to do with Phoebe?”
“It’s just a theory,” Gentry said.
“I’d like to hear it.”
“Self-made man, small town background, startin’ to rise in the world of business. Could it be he’s tryin’ to buy some class?”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe he’s plannin’ to jump into the governor’s race, and wants a beautiful, sophisticated Eastern wife on his arm to help him work his way into high society.”
“If we’re that close to statehood, it might be too late for that.”
“But not too late to start makin’ contacts for the next election.”
“You’re a lot smarter than me,” I said.
“Smart enough to know a good man when I see one,” she said.
“Even when he’s old enough to be your father?”
She smiled. “Especially then.”
“Why’s that?”
“Young men don’t appreciate a diamond in the rough like me.”
“They will now.”
“What, because of my new face? Where were they when I was ugly?”
“You were never ugly. Not even close.”
“See? That’s what I mean by appreciation. Means a lot to an impressionable young sprite like myself.”
“You ain’t impressionable, neither,” I said. “For all my age and experience, you’ve taught me some things under the blanket I’d never known.”
Gentry laughed out loud. “If blanket learnin’ suits you, I’ve got plenty left to teach.”
“Oh Lordy,” I said.
Newton was a small town, and we’d strolled it both ways. As we were about to turn the corner and head to Pickett’s, we found ourselves standin’ in front of the sheriff’s office. I said, “Let’s go
in a minute. I want to ask him somethin’.”
51.
“Salt of the earth,” the sheriff said. “Never met a better man than Hiram Pickett.”
“How did he acquire his wealth?” I said.
“He just started small and kept workin’,” he said.
“Sounds like a campaign slogan,” Gentry said.
Sheriff Kilbourne had been admirin’ Gentry’s figure since we entered his office. When she spoke, he got a chance to admire her face.
“Christ A’mighty!” he said. “Heaven done sent us an angel! What’s your name, sugar?”
“Emmett’s Woman,” she said, sweet as pie.
Kilbourne looked at me with different eyes. “And you must be Emmett.”
“I am.”
Kilbourne removed his hat and placed it on the table. He ran his hand over his head. “No offense, but I wouldn’t a’ put you two together.” He sighed. “You’re a lucky man, Emmett, ’cause she’s about the prettiest thing I ever seen. I don’t even have to ask if she’s from around here. But I hope you folks ain’t plannin’ to leave anytime soon, because the whole town will look better with her in it.”
“Thanks, but I’m spoken for,” she said.
Sheriff Kilbourne had short hair and a wide face that needed shavin’. His eyes were closer together than most folks, and he was sittin’ on a hard-backed chair at his desk with his right leg stretched out on a smaller foot stool. He noticed me lookin’ at his leg.
“Sorry for not standin’ up to greet you proper,” he said. He pointed to his foot. “Gout.”
“Foot or toe?”
“Both.”
“That’s gotta hurt.”
He smiled. “Ben Franklin once said that a man can’t be in love and have a toothache at the same time. But Franklin never laid eyes on Gentry here,” he said.
Gentry ignored the flirt. She said, “You think Hiram Pickett might run for governor some day?”
“We don’t need a State Governor yet,” he said. “And Territorial Governor’s an appointed position.”
“Kansas already has one, don’t they?” I said.
“They come and go pretty fast. No one’s been able to hold the position very long.”
“Maybe Pickett will change all that,” I said.
“Well, he’d make a good one,” Kilbourne said.
I nodded, and we started to leave. Kilbourne said, “When you do decide to leave, which way are you headed?”
“St. Joe,” I lied.
“You ever been there before?”
“I have.”
“Ever stay at the Patee House?”
The Patee House was the nicest hotel west of the Mississippi. Had a ballroom and barber shop.
“A bit fancy for my budget,” I said.
52.
At eight the next mornin’ none of the women were happy except Gentry. Mary, Leah, Hester and Emma complained about the way they felt after a long night of heavy drinkin’ and randy behavior. They claimed to have been grievously over-served. As Mary put it, “I feel like a mouse army is crawlin’ through my innards.” Monique wasn’t speakin’ at all. Hannah was sober as a judge, and Rose was gettin’ fidgety.
“It’s eight,” she said. “Guess I’m not going to own a skin care shop in Philadelphia.”
“We should give her a little more time,” I said.
“The wagons are ready to roll, Emmett. And Phoebe’s got Shrug there, keeping an eye on her. If she wants to leave, he’ll bring her to us.
“Just a few more minutes.”
Rose sighed, and kept a frown on her face, but said nothin’ more about it.
A half hour later, the whores were sprawled out on the hay, sleepin’. Someone was snorin’ like a pregnant sow, but I couldn’t tell who, and nor did I care. The lot of ’em looked like death warmed over, ‘cept for Monique, who always looked high style and refined.
Rose caught Gentry’s eye and nodded in my direction. Gentry said, “She’s not comin’, Emmett. Let her be. She’s happy.”
“You’re probably right,” I said. But I had a feelin’ about it I couldn’t shake.
At nine Rose said, “Emmett, we’re burning daylight. If you want to stay awhile longer, at least let me get started. You and Gentry can take the horses and catch up when it suits you.”
“Fair enough,” I said. “I won’t be much longer, but you’re right. There’s no need to hold everyone else up.”
“Finally!” she said. “Let’s go, ladies, before he changes his mind!”
I looked at Gentry. “You want to go with ’em?”
“My place is with you, Emmett. Long as you want me.”
“Gentry, you’re a beautiful, young woman...”
“Emmett, don’t even start. We’ve been through this before. You’re not too old for me. You’re just right.”
We watched Rose roust up the half-drunk whores and get ’em in the wagons. Only Monique was sober enough to drive the second wagon, though she had little experience. Rose spoke to her in French, and Monique reluctantly took her place on the seat of the second wagon.
“I told her if she keeps the oxen close behind my wagon, she won’t have any problems,” Rose explained.
“Good advice,” I said. “Thanks, Rose.”
She climbed in the lead wagon, lifted the reins and snapped them down, while callin’ “Heeyuh!” The oxen strained forward slowly, waitin’ for the wheels to turn. Soon they were movin’ down the street. Rose lifted her right hand high above her head and waved at us without turnin’ around.
“She was gettin’ riled with you,” Gentry said.
“She don’t like to be kept waitin’.”
“What woman does?” Gentry said. Then she said, “You wanna go for another stroll? Get some more store-bought coffee?”
“I had more coffee this mornin’ than I know what to do with.”
She kissed my cheek. “I know you’re partial to Phoebe’s coffee, but I’ll work on mine. It won’t be the same, but over time I’ll get pretty good at it. You’ll see.”
“We’re too far apart, Gentry. I’ll be old and sick some day and you’ll still be in your prime.”
“Do all your excuses amout to bein’ afraid I’m gonna leave you someday?”
“I suppose.”
“Emmett, no offense, but that’s the dumbest thing you could possibly worry about.”
“Why’s that?”
“You’re afraid I’m gonna leave someday. What, two years? Five years? Ten?”
“I don’t know when. I just know it’s gonna happen.”
“And because of that, you’re willin’ to give up all the special times we could have in the meantime?”
“Well—”
“Emmett Love, what the hell have you got goin’ in your life that would be more enjoyable if you were doin’ it without me?”
She had a point.
“Look,” she said. “I don’t know how I’ll feel in ten years, but I know I love bein’ with you right now, and will for a long time. And I’m not askin’ you to marry me or make me a proper woman. But I’ll damn sure ride with you on these crazy ass, no-profit trips, and there’s a lot I can do to help. I can cook some, and pack a bag. I can build a fire. I’m a good rider. I can saddle horses and help yoke oxen. I can hold my water for long periods of time and handle bad weather without complaint. I wake up easy and don’t drink to excess. I’m fun and perky and have a sunny disposition. I can bring in more than my share of cash, too, by whorin’ in the towns we pass along the way.”
“No woman of mine is gonna whore,” I said, defiantly.
Gentry smiled.
“I’m good with that,” she said.
“S’cuse me,” the stable boy said. “Comin’ through.”
We’d been standin’ inside one of the empty stalls that faced the street. The stall belonged to a customer’s horse the kid had been exercisin’ and groomin’ since we arrived. But now it was time for him to reclaim the space.
Gentry
looked at me. “It’s ten o’clock. You ready to saddle up, cowboy?”
I looked up and down the street.
“I reckon she ain’t comin’,” I said.
“Time to move on with our lives,” Gentry said. “That’s what Phoebe did, and it’s the natural order of things.”
53.
It only took twenty minutes to catch up to the others. When we did, Gentry and I rode out in front, wavin’ as we passed. I kept lookin’ ahead, from side to side.
“Are you lookin’ for stones?” Gentry said.
“It’s a habit,” I said. “Shrug ain’t likely to be out ahead of us yet.”
“You think he’s still at Pickett’s?”
“I do.”
“You think he’s in love with Phoebe?”
I did, but didn’t say anythin’. Goes back to that loyalty idea me and Phoebe spoke about the other night.
“I think he loves her deeply,” she said.
The trail to Dodge City was well-tramped and wide. There was decent water here, and the grass was in better shape than where we’d been.
“How far to Dodge City?”
“Oxen move slowly,” I said.
“What does that mean time-wise?”
“Four days.”
“So why didn’t you just say that?”
I shrugged. “I’m a cowboy. We’re supposed to talk like that.”
We rode an extra hour to make up for the time I wasted that mornin’, waitin’ on Phoebe. Then we camped on Cow Creek, on the northeast side of the Arkansas River.
“There’s a lot of salt in this area,” Rose said, sniffin’ the air.
“You always say that,” I reminded her.
“This time I was telling Hannah,” she said.
I smiled and waved at Hannah, and waited to see if she’d wave back. No smile, no wave. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear she was blind.
Cow Creek was part of the Sand Praire. It weren’t nothin’ special to look at, but we weren’t fussy. I managed to shoot a jack rabbit that Rose was more than happy to clean and add to the cook pot. Gentry insisted on helpin’ her, and Rose was kind enough to let her, though it slowed her down considerable.
After dinner, Gentry and I took up our usual position between my two large blankets, away from the others. The nights were turnin’ frosty, so she’d brought an extra blanket for later, when the actual sleepin’ would take place.