"Victoria" called Rachel.
"I'm sorry Rachel, what did you say?"
"I was asking you how was your mornin'?"
"Fine thanks, Lou's a great teacher." she answered half-concerned.
"Are you alright?"
"Oh, don't mind me. I'm just preoccupied with this dance thing." she lied. "I mean it's a Black and White ball and I haven't got a thing to wear."
"Whatever you wear I'm sure you'll be the prettiest one there."
"Thank you for the vote of confidence Cody but I'm not sure about that." she said picking up her plate and setting it with the dirty dishes.
"Buck and Lou will be going into town in just a few minutes if you want to go with them." offered Rachel.
"I don't want to be a burden."
"You're more than welcome to come." encouraged Buck.
"Are you sure?"
"We're positive." said Lou.
"I'll be ready in just a minute then." Victoria ran upstairs to change back into the dress she had worn earlier. It was one of her more simpler dresses she thought. A floral patterned dress, fitted at the waist with a small row of pearly buttons in front.
Buck and Lou were ready by the time she returned, and the three were off to town. Victoria enjoyed the ride. It was necessary, she thought, to get a change of scenary. Any change was a welcome one as long as it got her mind off Hickok. Going shopping usually helped to relax her mind and forget about her troubles. It was stress relief in a way.
They pulled in front of the General Store. Buck with Victoria in the buckboard and Lou on Lightning. "It'll take me a couple hours to get everything done. Will that be enough time for you?" he asked helping Victoria off the wagon.
"You've obviously never gone shopping for a dress Buck. It's a very delicate matter. A woman cannot be rushed. These things take time." informed Victoria.
"How much time?"
"Buck, you'll just have to check back on us at the shop." said Lou.
"Well it's not like I have a choice."
"You're so understanding." Victoria commended with a smile.
"Buck Cross," called a young woman from nearby. "what a pleasant surprise." said the love struck woman as she approached them. "We must stop meeting like this." she said taking hold of his arm.
"Hello Charlotte." he greeted smiling.
"I guess we will be here more than a couple hours." whispered Lou to Victoria.
Seeing they were being ignored, Lou cleared her throat to get their attention. "I'm sorry, how are you Lou?"
"Good, Charlotte."
"Charlotte, let me introduce you to Ms. Victoria Sutton." said Buck.
"Ms. Sutton. Yes, I read of you in the paper. I'm Charlotte Wilson. Welcome to Rock Creek." she greeted with a handshake. "I know our little town is nothing compared to a big city like Philadelphia but I do hope you enjoy your time with us."
"I've welcomed the change, thank you."
"Will you be attending our Black and White ball?"
"I'm looking for a dress for that very purpose."
"I can't believe this. I did not think this could get any better. I do look forward to seeing you there. And uhm, Ms. Sutton, I hope this is not being too forward of me but I do hope you consider visiting our ladies social club. They would all love to meet you."
"I'll think about it." she replied, knowing how she hated such gatherings.
"Thank you." Her attention quickly turned to Buck. "Buck, will you walk with me?"
"Sure." he said. "Now Buck, be a good boy." teased Lou. The two girls giggled, and headed to the dress shop.
***************
"Ms. Sutton, it is wonderful to see you again." greeted Pierre, the town dressmaker in his audible french accent. "Ms. Louise, it is good to see you again." Pierre was one of the few people in town who knew of Lou's secret. There was no one who was as good at keeping secrets than Pierre. "What brings you back to my humble shop so soon? Did you not like your dresses?"
"No they're perfect; but I do need your urgent help Pierre."
"Anyway I can help, I will do."
"I need something for the Black and White ball."
"But mademoiselle, do you not realize this is in six days? I do not think I could possibly..."
"Pierre, I've been told by Ms. Louise here that you are a genius. You have talents beyond compare and I know you will not disappoint."
"Yes, it is true. A dressmaker's work is never complete. I will try my best." he responded rising to the challenge.
He retrieved two large books filled with different styles of dresses and gowns. Lou and Victoria spent an hour looking at the different patterns but nothing met her approval.
"There is nothing here Lou." she said closing the book frustrated.
"What about this one?" Lou asked, pointing to a gown on the following page.
"No, that thing would definetaly hide my figure. I mean I have to show a little something."
"Very true." she agreed.
"I know I'll have the perfect dress when I see it. Is there anything else you could show me Pierre?" She was desperate.
"I'm sorry, I have shown you all my books."
"Not all of them." said a woman coming from the back room with a book in her hands.
"Marie, what do you think you're doing?"
"Showing your genius on paper. I have been married to this man for a long time. His work is exceptional. He just refuses to believe it." she placed the book in front of the girls.
Victoria opened the book slowly. The drawings in front of her were amazing. Flipping through the pages she finally stopped. "This is it. This is the one. It's perfect."
Marie gave her husband a warm smile. He returned his affection with a hug.
"It is beautiful." said Lou. "I don't know what Cody's gonna do when he sees you in that."
"Can you make it for me?" she asked hesitantly.
Pierre looked at his wife who urged him with a nod. "For you my dear I will create a masterpiece."
"Thank you Pierre." she said rising from her seat and hugging him. "Thank you so much Marie."
"I must get to work quickly." he said.
"Come on mademoiselle. We must get your measurements." said Marie.
Lou and Victoria spent the next half-hour at the shop while the measurements were taken and the fabrics Pierre had chosen for the dress were inspected. The girls were glad that this stage was finally over and they could get back to the realities of the non-fashion world.
They left Pierre's and Marie's shop heading back to hopefully meet Buck at the General Store.
Buck was busy loading the wagon with the supplies from Rachel's list.
"So how did it go?" asked Lou.
"Fine, I almost have everything."
"I meant with Charlotte."
"Don't you wish you knew."
"An honorable man? or does that mean he doesn't trust us?" asked Victoria with a raised brow.
"Yes and yes, but there are something's a man has to keep to himself. Besides nothing happened."
"Sure." said Lou as she put some packages on the wagon.
"Really." he said trying to convince them.
"Well Charlotte must have extreme self-control to keep her hands off a handsome man like you." added Victoria.
Buck was flattered by the comment but insisted nothing went on with him and Charlotte. The girls of course enjoyed teasing the boys. Lou and Victoria realized they made an awesome team which made their friendship flourish.
"If you're now finished torturing me, I have to run over to the livery stable. I won't be long." he said.
"I'll come with you." said Lou.
***************
Victoria decided to browse around the General Store instead of joining Lou and Buck. She took time to smell some fragrances and chose some perfumed soaps and other toiletries she thought no woman should go without. Her peaceful shopping was
interrupted by yelling from the store owner.
"I told you I didn't want to see you back here! Tell your good for nothing brother that until I get my money you won't get as much as a grain of sugar from my place."
Victoria noticing who the shopkeeper was screaming at decided to get involved. She walked over to where the argument was taking place.
"What is going on here? Why are you yelling at this boy?" It was Taylor Adams whom she was sticking up for.
"With all do respect this ain't none of your concern ma'am." he said directly.
"I am making it my concern." she retorted.
"It' okay Ms. Sutton." Taylor said with an embarrased, timid voice.
The shop owner, who was one who liked to keep himself informed about all the happenings in town, recognized the name of the woman from the newspaper article he'd read just this morning and quickly changed his attitude. "I'm a business man Ms. Sutton. I can't afford to give handouts everytime someone comes in here crying to me about their problems. I've got problems of my own."
"I'd told you my brother said we'll pay ya back soon."
"That's what you said last time. I tell you boy, your brother's word ain't worth the paper written on these markers." he waved the promisary notes in the air. "And if he were any man at all, he'd be coming in here himself instead of sending his little rat." he said, visibly annoyed that he had to deal with the likes of those Adams boys.
"Now there's no reason for insults Mr...?"
"Tompkins."
"How much is the debt?" she asked reaching into her handbag.
"Please Ms. Sutton, you don't have to do that."
"I know Taylor. I'm not doing this for your brothers, I'm doing this for you. Well, how much is it?" she asked, looking at Mr. Tompkins.
"Ms. Sutton I don't think you..." he was abruptly interrupted.
"If I wanted your opinion Mr. Tompkins I would've asked for it, so obviously I don't. Now for the last time how much?"
"Twenty-five dollars." She took the money from her purse and handed it to him.
"Here is twenty-five more. Put it on his credit. Now Taylor, you go and get what you need."
"But my brothers. What'll I tell them?"
"Mr. Tompkins, all you know is that the debt was paid in full and an anonymous donation was made in behalf of Taylor. Do you understand?"
"Certainly." he responded with a nod.
"Nobody knows about this. Not even your horse Mr. Tompkins."
"I understand."
"Good. And Taylor, you don't need to tell your brothers anything but if they ask, you tell them the same."
Taylor nodded and turned on his way to get the few things he needed when he walked back to Victoria. "Ms. Sutton, why'd you do such a nice thing for me? I mean my brothers were tryin' to harm ya."
Taylor, I know you're not like your brothers. You have a good heart. I can see it in you. Don't allow your brothers to control your life. Make your own way."
"But they're my family."
"Sometimes even our family can lead us down the wrong path. Use what God gave you up here," she pointed to his head "to be the best man you can be."
Taylor appreciated the motherly advice. He had never really known what a mother was. He'd lost his when he was but a few months old to the cholera. All he ever had were the male influences of his father and rotten brothers. To have someone care for him in such a tender way when most of the townspeople could care less about him, gave him a feeling he'd never had before. A sense of hope for something better. He loved his brothers but he knew Victoria was right. One day he would have to decide which path he would take. That decision wold come in a most unexpected way.
Victoria didn't mention anything to Buck or Lou about the incident with Taylor. There was no need for it. She hated people who did what they thought was right but then sounded a trumpet so that everyone else would know how great they were. It showed such lack of class and wreaked of self-promotion. It made her sick. She really hoped that her conversation with Taylor had made a little impact on the young man. He tried sticking up for her during that ugly run-in with his brothers. That one small act impressed upon her
how different Taylor was from his good-for-nothing brothers. He had potential; she knew it. She only hoped he could realize his self-worth before it was too late.
***************
"Pierre?" called a voice opening the shop door.
"Oh mademoiselle Wescott. I wasn't expecting you for another half hour."
"I know. I didn't think you'd mind too much if I came early after all that happened last week. I figured you'd need the extra time. You know I need my dress to be perfect."
"I hope it meets your expectations...this time" he mumbled that last bit under his breath.
Kate Wescott was not one of Pierre's favorite customers. In fact she was his least favorite. He dreaded every time she came into the shop. Although she payed quite handsomely, she was demanding, inconsiderate, and picky, picky, picky. At her last fitting she had him re-do the sleeves on the dress, the line of buttons on the back were not the right style and color and the waist wasn't fitted enough. The fitting before that one, he had to basically start from scratch as she did not like the way the dress looked with the fabric she had decided on even though he tried warning her it wasn't the best choice.
While Pierre had gone in the back room to retrieve Kate's dress, she took the time to look around the shop at the other items on display. The open book on top of the table caught her attention and as she got closer she saw a note on top of the page, "for Ms. Sutton".
Her curiosity was getting the best of her and as she was about to pick up the book, Pierre who had returned with the dress acted quickly.
"Forgive me for my sloppiness mademoiselle. Let me get that out of your way." He closed the book and breathed a sigh of relief as he motioned Marie who had just entered the room to take it with her.
"Was Ms. Sutton by chance here?" she asked as Pierre unwrapped the dress from its protective bagging.
"As a matter of fact yes. You just missed her about an hour ago. Very pleasant lady I must say."
"So- are you working on something special for her?"
"Yes." he plainly said sensing Kate wanted to weasel more information out of him.
"Is it something for the Black and White ball?"
"Ms.Wescott! You know the law I lay in here. No personal questions about anything I'm working on for anyone else. It is my creed. I am a dressmaker and I do not betray my customer's confidence." he declared.
"Alright!" she said shortly. "Then can you at least tell me if you know she'll be attending the ball?"
"I do faintly recall her mentioning it." he replied as he continued to unwrap the dress from its bagging.
"So then you're not sure."
"Can't say I am."
"You're such great help Pierre." she said annoyed at his evasiveness.
"Here we are." he said holding out the dress which she took still irritated and headed into the fitting room.
Fortunetaly for Pierre, Kate was adequately satisfied with her dress; a beautiful black and white gown. The bodice, from her bossom to her waist was of a white satiny background with finely designed black velvet accents. A sheer netted black upper top reached the soft neckline of her collarbone and upper back. A line of white pearly buttons ran down the middle to the small of her back. The short sleeves matched the bodice of the dress which added extra elegance. The bottom half consisted of smooth black satin draped over fine layers of black netting. The gown was indeed lovely, almost fit for a princess thought Pierre and Kate looked exceptional. Too bad her disposition could ruin such a fine gown. He thought of Victoria and envisioned her in his gown. She will be the Queen of the ball. He would see to that. Anything to outdo Kate would be delicious.
***************
After dinner that night, the gang at the station gathered to sit on the porch and enjoy the cool spring evening. Kid sat on the steps with Lou between his legs. Victoria and Rachel shared the porch swing. Buck and Jimmy found spots on the fence, Buck sitting and leaning against it was Jimmy. Teaspoon sat on the old rocking chair next to Noah and of course Cody stood next to Victoria by the swing.
Their conversation featured events of the day. The trip to town, the ordeal at the dress shop, Buck's romance with Charlotte was a hot topic, the new stock of horses the boys were busy breaking in, and of course the big event on Saturday night.
Teaspoon related some news about the hunt for the capture of Jonas McBride, the leader of a cattle rustling gang. The hefty reward of five hundred dollars had every bounty hunter on his tail. "That's a lot of money." said Rachel. "He must be a slippery one for the bounty to be so high." commented Lou.
"Hard to catch and very dangerous. Last I heard he could be making his way up into this territory. They figure he may be trotting all the way back East."
"There's not much cattle East." commented Noah.
"Right, but he ain't worryin' about that now. With every bounty hunter hot on his heels, he's just tryin' to find a safe hidin' spot."
"So heading East would be his best bet." said Buck.
"Ain't you riding out in that direction tomorrow Jimmy?" asked Kid.
"Yeah, but I ain't the bounty huntin' kind."
Victoria couldn't believe it as she sat there. 'He's riding tomorrow? leaving?' she said to herself. She was anxious to ask how long he would be gone but dared not to show the despair she was feeling. Inconspicously, she looked at him as he stood there with his thumbs in his gunbelt as handsome as ever. She tore herself away from her thoughts to rejoin her friends.
"...so I want you boys to be careful on your runs. McBride in not the kind of man you'd want to meet alone." said Teaspoon.
"Well I know what I'd do with that kinda money." said Cody, breaking up the seriouness of the conversation.
"Yeah, you probably have a list a mile long." said Kid.
"Actually," he said taking Victoria's hand, "I'd spend the bulk of it on my favorite lady."
Lou and Victoria's eyes met and each knew what the other was thinking. "I'm flattered Cody but that wouldn't be necessary. I'm sure you could think of a lot better things to spend it on." she said quite embarrassed.
"Yeah, maybe he could buy some sense with it." joked Noah.
"Amen to that." added Jimmy. Noah's comment induced a laugh from them all.
"Sure, go ahead, make fun of me. I just happen to know a good investment when I see one." He kissed her hand. "Sleep well my lady. Tomorrow is the beginning of a brand new day." he said knowing she would be all his with Jimmy finally out of the way. At that Cody bid the rest of them goodnight and took his leave towards the bunkhouse.
"I guess I'll join Mr. Loverboy." said Noah as he stretched his body. "Goodnight everyone." and he followed Cody to the bunkhouse.
"I better get some rest too. It's a long way to St. Jo." said Jimmy.
"We should all get some shut-eye." added Teaspoon. They all bid each other goodnight and went their ways.
***************
"Cody!" called Noah. Cody stopped and waited for his running friend.
"You're not seriously thinking about courtin' Victoria are you?"
"The thought has been on my mind. Why?"
"Don't take this the wrong way Cody, but you may want to think twice about that."
"Why Noah? You don't think I'm good enough for her?"
"I didn't say that. I'm just saying she's a high maintenance woman. I mean rich girl, poor boy, it seldom works out. Are you sure you can afford her?" he asked, showing deep concern for the route his friend was seemingly contemplating.
Cody's facial expression told Noah he had given unwanted advice. "Thanks for your concern but you just let me worry about that Noah." he said annoyed and left toward the bunkhouse.
"What's eatin' him?" asked Jimmy approaching.
"Do you really need to ask?"
"If it start with a 'V' I understand." Jimmy was speaking more about his own frustrations than those of his friend. Victoria had become a constant feature in his mind. Wrestling with the fact that he was attracted to her was becoming exhausting. The run to St. Joseph couldn't have come at a better time he thought. Maybe getting away for a few days would help him clear his head.
***************
Victoria lay in bed with only thoughts of Jimmy dancing in her head. She hated the thought of not seeing him for days. Not knowing exactly how long he'd be gone was especially gut wrenching. Not even bothering to change into her night dress and being unable to think of sleep, she got out of bed and walked to the window to enjoy the cool night air which was a welcome refreshing treat. From there she could see the light on the bunkhouse porch. A sense of sadness fell upon her, and knowing it was impossible to sleep she opted instead to go outside and spend some time thinking on the porch swing.
Meanwhile, Jimmy kept tossing in his bunk. He tried getting rest but he too couldn't make himself fall asleep. The images in his mind kept him awake. Images of himself with Victoria. The thought of holding her in his arms, kissing her smooth neck up to her full lips, engaging them in a hot passionate kiss...'I have to stop this.' he said to himself. 'I'm gonna drive myself crazy. Why did she have to be so beautiful? How did I let Cody get to her first?' A thousand questions were running through his mind. He felt as though he were about to burst. "I need some fresh air." he whispered.
He got off his bunk and went outside to see if it would help him conjure up other thoughts
besides Victoria Sutton. As he brushed his long hair back to cool his face he could see the
figure sitting on the porch swing. He smiled to himself seeing it was Victoria. "Unbelievable." he said of the circumstances that kept bringing him to her. He was eager to go over and keep her company. That little voice inside though, flashed the warning
signs.
'No, you better not. Remember what almost happened in the barn today.'
'I know, but I'm not gonna see her for days. There's nothing wrong with just talking to a friend. Besides, she looks like she could use someone to talk to.'
'Something could happen that you could regret later. You said so yourself, you didn't trust yourself alone with her.'
'But the opportunity is perfect. We're all by ourselves; no Cody, no interruptions.'
'That's more reason for you to stay where you are.'
As he tried to reason with himself, Jimmy found his body in the bunkhouse putting on some clothes to spend what precious little time he had alone with her. He returned to see she was still there. His heart became full with anticipation. He knew he was going against his better judgment but she drew him unlike any other woman ever had. He wanted her; if just for a brief moment in time.
Victoria tried putting into perspective the events of the day. She had extremely enjoyed the time she had spent with Jimmy earlier and wished something more definitive would've happened to help her sort her feelings.
'What am I saying? He probably hasn't even given me a second thought. Stop being such a wishful dreamer Victoria.' she told herself.
'Besides, who is this Kate woman? Could she be "the woman" in his life?'
'No, it didn't sound like it could be from his earlier comment.'
'I'm falling in love with the wrong man.' she thought letting out a deep sigh.
'And poor Cody. He's one of the sweetest most sincere men I've ever met but I can't pretend that I feel more for him than I do. If only Jimmy were more like Cody things would be so much easier.'
In the middle of her most intimate thoughts she heard footsteps approaching in the dark night. "Who's there?" she said cocking the gun she had with her.
"Don't shoot. It's just me." answered the figure coming into view.
"James Hickok! I'm going to kill you. You scared the wits out of me."
"Sorry, but pretty women shouldn't be out here so late at night. You know there are dangerous men lurking 'round these parts."
"Sure you're not one of them?" she said with a slight smile taking her seat. The sight of him was thrilling even though she didn't make it known. "What are you doing up so late anyway? she asked.
"I couldn't sleep."
"Must be going around. I couldn't sleep either."
"How come?" he asked.
'I can't sleep because of you!' she said in her head. "I just got lots of things to think about. Kind of kept me up." she responded instead.
"Me too. Mind if I join you?" he asked nodding at the swing. "Sure." she scooted over to make room for him.
There was silence. Neither knew what to say. "So you're riding tomorrow." she finally said.
"Yeah, to St. Jo."
"How's the ride?" She really wanted to know when he'd be back, but knew in order not to seem anxious, she'd take the long way around to that question.
"It's alright. It has its pretty spots. Of course it can get rough at times."
"Really?" she asked, turning her full attention to him.
"Yeah, you always have to be on your toes. There's lots of dangerous people out there."
"Well I have every confidence that you're more than capable of taking care of yourself Wild Bill." she said teasingly. He smiled at her playful remark. "So how long will you be gone?" she finally asked, seeking the one answer she wanted to know all night long.
"I'll most likely be back Saturday afternoon."
"Wow, that's a long time." she stated. Deep down, she already missed him.
"I kinda know how you feel." he added, feeling the same.
"Can I ask you something? It's sort of personal." she said after another brief span of silence.
"Then I'll see if I can answer."
She hesitated. "Mmm, maybe I shouldn't." she said as she wrapped her shawl loosely around her.
"Come on. My life's almost an open book." he encouraged with a smile.
She took a deep breath. "Who...is Kate?"
Jimmy was surprised at the question. It was the last one he'd ever expect her to ask. She saw the uneasiness in his face and immediately said, "I'm so sorry. It's really none of my business. I shouldn't have asked."
"It's alright." he said softly.
"Really, please, if you don't want to talk about it I understand. The only reason I asked is because her name was mentioned earlier and I was wondering who she was."
He took a deep breath. "Kate and I used to see each other but that's been over for awhile now." Victoria was glad to hear it and decided to leave it at that, not asking anything further on the matter sensing it bothered him in the first place. "So how are things with you and Cody?" he asked her.
"How come I get the feeling that everyone thinks there's more going on between me and Cody?"
"It's obvious."
"What's obvious?" she asked surprised.
"That the two of you have feelings for each other. I know Cody and I know the way he feels about you."
"Cody and I have just become good friends that's all."
"I think he sees you for more than just a friend."
"Well if he does, he hasn't told me that."
"I don't know, he seems pretty committed to you."
"And who are you committed to?" she asked turning the tables on him.
"More personal questions?" he asked, raising his brows at her.
"Don't try to get around it; tell me, who are you committed to?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. I'm committed to lots of things. My friends, my job, myself."
"That is not what I meant." she said in a low soft voice as she leaned in slightly toward him. Jimmy's heart was melting. He felt his temperature rise as he looked into her eyes and the movement of her lips. "I meant do you have a special someone?" He smiled looking away.
"Well?" she asked anxiously. The few seconds he took to answer felt like an eternity. He swung his arm to rest on the back of the swing grazing her upper back and moved a tad closer to her. The hair on her arms stood straight up as her heart started to beat faster.
He turned ever so slightly to face her. "No, I ain't seeing anyone. Does that please you?" he asked looking deep into her eyes. Victoria's heart dropped to her stomach. She couldn't believe he had asked her that. She wanted to scream 'YES!' but contained herself instead.
"Well let's just say, a girl can't give away all of her secrets now can she?" she replied softly.
Jimmy knew he shouldn't have asked such a question but couldn't stop his lips from uttering what he had been feeling. He felt good, happy, being there with her. He couldn't help but to wonder what she was thinking too.
They left off speaking about such personal matters seeing they were hitting a little too close to home. Cody of course kept popping up in both of their minds. His image proved to be their only restraint.
They chose to talk of other things like family, the waystation and their future. Victoria had made her way right next to him. Feeling her eyes start to tire, she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. The feel of his body was titillating. She could've stayed there all night. Knowing he was there with her made her feel content and she fell asleep. Jimmy noticing she had drifted off, took time to smell her. Her hair, her face as he softly touched her curly brown hair.
"Six days without you. I hope I can make it. What I would do to make you mine." he whispered to himself.
He suddenly felt a sense of tremendous guilt knowing he was there with Cody's love interest. It was the situation with Lou all over again. His head told him this couldn't happen again yet his heart was driving him in a totally different direction.
"Victoria." he whispered. "Wake up...Victoria."
"Oh I'm sorry. I fell asleep."
"I didn't mind. I better get back now. I have an early day tomorrow."
"Alright." she said getting up, sorry he had to go.
"I'll see you when I get back." he said. She smiled at him and turned to open the door.
"Jimmy?" "Yeah?" She walked down the steps, took his hands in hers and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "Ride safe." she whispered in his ear and turned quickly toward the house. Jimmy stood there, his heart thumping with excitement watching as she disappeared. He headed to the bunkhouse with a renewed sense of hope...'Maybe Cody hasn't won the game afterall.' he thought.
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