Jewel's Gems (The Red Petticoat Saloon)

by Maggie Ryan

  “That’s very nice of you, Lady Forrester, but I don’t believe it’s necessary.”

  “Of course it is. After all, he did go above and beyond the call of duty.”

  “She’s right, Gram. I should be the one reimbursing her,” Juliette said, “it was money spent on my behalf.”

  Ophelia gave it one more attempt. “You treated us to lunch and dr… refreshments…”

  “That doesn’t mean you are responsible for my travel arrangements. I’m well aware that carriages cost a great deal more than the bus or streetcar. I’m also aware that the time it took to deliver me home must have cost you some work.”

  Giving it up, Ophelia said, “May I be perfectly honest?”

  “Please do be,” Willamina said. “Juliette and I made a vow to always be honest with one another. I’d like to think you trust us enough to do the same.”

  Nodding, Ophelia began. “I didn’t lose any money. In fact, I made quite a tidy sum last night. Chester, oh, he’s a gentleman who likes a woman on his lap while playing cards,” she explained. “Anyway, he didn’t want to play until I returned and since I was late, he avoided entering a game where another man was playing and winning every hand. When I joined Chester, he thanked me for saving him money and played at another table. He left a big winner. He tipped me quite handsomely for being his lucky charm. And, as for the carriage driver, well, let’s just say he left a very happy man and returned the cost of the fare and then some. So, all in all, it was a nice adventure and a rather profitable evening and we can leave it at that.”

  “That explains everything but for one question,” Willamina said, dabbing her mouth with her napkin before laying it down beside her empty bowl.

  “What question, Gram? I told you everything else.”

  “You told me about having difficulty with the language you heard and about meeting Naomi. I understand you had luncheon in a quaint little eatery and then spent some time listening to music and I understand you had too much to drink.” Pausing, she gave a glance around the table to end with her eyes on Juliette. “What you seem to be leaving out of your grand adventure is exactly when you decided that screaming about a lady’s private bits was appropriate.”

  Ophelia was scrambling to think of some explanation that wouldn’t truly offend her hostess. It proved unnecessary when Juliette spoke.

  “Oh, that was this other painted lady; Mauve I believe?”

  “Mavis,” Ophelia corrected when Juliette gave her a questioning look.

  “Right, Mavis. Anyway, I suppose she mistook me for some client and made me an offer of her services. That’s when Ophelia and Amelia dragged me out of the bar. I guess it just took me a bit of time to understand what she’d offered. I am rather embarrassed that you had to hear me speak when her meaning became crystal clear, Gram.”

  “I see,” Willamina said, “I’m just glad that no harm came to any of you girls though I daresay that if Juliette had taken Mavis up on her offer, she’d have sobered rather quickly.”

  “Gram!”

  “Lady Forrester, the attorneys are here,” Mrs. Douglas announced.

  “They’re early,” Willamina said as she stood. “Thank you, Angela. We’ll see them in the library.” The girls all stood and Ophelia felt her anxiety disappear as Willamina gave her and Amelia hugs. “I’m sorry to have to cut our visit short. I truly do thank you. Please, come visit anytime you can.”

  “We will,” Ophelia promised. “Thank you for understanding.”

  “I notice you didn’t thank her for the gumbo,” Juliette teased, slipping an arm around her grandmother’s waist.

  “I’ll be thanking Nettie for the food. It was divine.” As the two left for their meeting, she and Amelia went into the kitchen and thanked Nettie, both for the lunch and for taking care of Juliette the evening before. Walking back through the house to gather their reticules, Ophelia gasped and pulled Amelia back into the dining room.

  “What is it?”

  “Did you see him?” Ophelia asked.

  “Who?”

  “The man playing cards last night just walked across the hall. We can’t let him see us here. He’d wonder why his clients have whores in their house!”

  “Ladies, is something wrong?” Mrs. Douglas asked, giving both girls a start.

  “Um, no, we just forgot to thank Nettie. If you’d be so kind as to bring us our things, we’ll just do that and then go out the back,” Ophelia said. “We’ll be in the kitchen.” Tugging on Amelia’s hand, she didn’t wait for an answer but scurried back the way they’d come. She had no doubt that neither of the women would ever condemn them or fail to acknowledge the two as friends, but she saw no need to sully Juliette’s reputation or put a dark mark on Willamina’s name. It wouldn’t matter that their attorney had been in Storyville for more than playing a few hands of cards. His very gender assured that he could do as he wished. Ladies, on the other hand, had to be careful and look out for each other, titled or not.

  ***

  The friends didn’t meet again for two weeks. This time when Naomi opened the door, Juliette was ready. “It’s nice to see you again, Miss Naomi. I hope I’m not disturbing you?”

  “Not at all. Seeing you chose a later hour, I’m quite sure your friends are up and about. Come in.”

  “Jules, it’s wonderful to see you,” Amelia said.

  “It’s wonderful to see you too,” Juliette replied. “I was hoping to catch you both before you went to work.”

  “What’s wrong? You haven’t had trouble with your barrister have you?” Amelia asked. “I thought we’d managed to slip out…”

  “Barrister? What do Messrs. Davidson have to do with anything?” Juliette said, looking between the two. “And what do you mean slip out?”

  “She means that day we came for lunch we saw Mr. Davidson. We didn’t think he saw us.”

  “Why would that matter? It’s not like we aren’t allowed to have visitors for lunch.”

  “No, but since he has seen us at work, we decided he didn’t need to know that you and your gram entertain whores,” Ophelia said bluntly.

  “He plays cards here all the time now,” Amelia explained.

  “Ah, I see. Well, I don’t care what he thinks, you are my friends and it’s really none of his business.”

  “You might think otherwise if he decided to attempt to disgrace you or Willamina,” Ophelia countered. “He gets a bit free with his talk when he’s in his cups.”

  “Our business with him… wait, is it senior Mr. Davidson or his son?”

  “I’m not sure, but he looks old enough to have a grown son, I suppose. Why?”

  “No reason really, just that Uncle George told me he used to play with a group of men and that he found it entertaining when he could best his attorney. Something about paying the man’s fees with his own money. I can’t say that I blame Uncle George as Mr. Davidson, Sr. is a bit of a bully. Gram told me she’s had to bite her tongue several times when he begins to offer his advice and ignore her instructions. She did tell him that after dealing with his firm, she’d be far more appreciative of her barristers as they were polite and respected a Lady.”

  “Does that mean you and she are going home?” Ophelia asked.

  “No, no. That’s what I came to discuss. I have this idea and well, since it involves the two of you, I wanted to see what you thought.”

  “We’re listening.”

  Juliette went on to explain that she’d been shocked to discover she had inherited not only the Town House on Decatur but the contents and the bulk of her Grand Uncles estates. “I never even considered such a thing. I guess I assumed that Gram would be the beneficiary. Evidently, the two of them discussed it quite early on and she told him that she had no need of additional finances.”

  “Is she really that wealthy?” Amelia asked, her eyes wide. “I know she has money but she is just so… I don’t know… nice?”

  Juliette laughed. “Yes, she is nice and doesn’t allow her wealth to turn her i
nto some sort of snob. Anyway, she married quite well and her investments have grown. As for leaving, that’s why I’m here. She wants to go home. England is where her home is and where her friends are. She’ll stay until the estate is fully settled but then book passage home.”

  “What about you? Are you really staying in New Orleans… alone?”

  “That’s just it. I won’t be alone. Not if you agree with my plan. I want you to come live with me.”

  Two stunned faces met her question. “In the Quarter?”

  “Yes, as that is where the house is located. It will be fun having you as housemates.”

  Ophelia took one of her hands. “Jules, as much as we love you, and we do, it just wouldn’t work. Not only would your neighbors complain about having whores next door, there are laws in the city that govern where establishments catering to vice can be located. I guarantee that is not in the middle of the Quarter.”

  “But, you wouldn’t have to work in Storyville anymore. You wouldn’t have to work at all unless you wanted to. If you do, I’m sure I can help you find some other type of work.”

  “Jules, I know you are just being kind, but I don’t want to work in some store or restaurant.”

  “You could take training as a teacher or…”

  Ophelia sighed. “Honey, I’m not interested in teaching whiny children. I much prefer my students to be men who are willing to take lessons from a whore and go on to be better able to please their wives.”

  “That is why you chose this lifestyle? So some other woman could believe she is better than you even though her husband learned how to pleasure her at your breast!”

  “No, I chose this lifestyle to get away from my previous one. I didn’t desire to spend the rest of my life struggling for every morsel I put into my mouth or work my fingers to the bone for the rags I wore.” She took Juliette’s hand again. “Jules, to be perfectly honest, I really enjoy sex. I’ve had over a dozen proposals, but I don’t believe in limiting myself to one man. I enjoy bringing pleasure to many.”

  “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just love you so.”

  “You didn’t, but I can’t stay here. Soon the weather will be oppressive and I plan on being in California before it’s too hot to move or some disease makes me too ill to travel.”

  “I’ll miss you both,” Juliette said. “Now, since you are soon going away, I say we have one more adventure.”

  “It’s not going to involve Mavis is it?” Amelia teased. “I think she is quite saddened that she didn’t get to teach you a thing or two.”

  Laughing and feeling her cheeks flush, Juliette shook her head and stood. “No. I believe I’d prefer using the lessons I took from Uncle George. You told me that men like to have a pretty lady sitting on their arm…”

  “Jules, that’s not a good idea,” Amelia said. “Sitting is not all that’s expected.”

  “Let me finish. I was asking if you think they’d mind a lady sitting at the table and joining the game.”

  “I’d like to say no and send you home, but I promised not to lie,” Ophelia said with a sigh. “Yes, I’ve seen women play before. Some men find it amusing to bring their women to show them the naughty side of town. I’m pretty sure that by doing so and plying them with liquor, quite a few inhibitions are shed during the carriage ride home.”

  “Wonderful, then show me the way!”

  Ophelia stood and grinned. “If you want this to be your last grand adventure, how about we go all the way?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “As Naomi suggested, a bit of rouge, a change of clothing and you, my friend, will have your opponents thinking of far more than the cards they are holding.”

  “I’m sure Uncle George would want me to take advantage of every opportunity.” Juliette jumped to her feet, spreading her arms wide. “I’m yours! Do with me what you will!”

  “For God’s sake, don’t say that outside this room!” Ophelia warned as Amelia laughed. “And, remind me to tell the bartender to keep the rum out of your punch!”

  Chapter Ten

  The woman she was accustomed to seeing reflected in the mirror was not the one smiling back at her now. The sophisticated English lady was gone—replaced by a very alluring, very beautiful painted lady. Rouge defined her high cheekbones and eye paint had been added to her eyelids. She’d had to remain very still as beeswax was applied to her lashes to allow the black powder to adhere. Her lips had been coated with a mixture of wax and crushed roses to give them a glistening, pink hue.

  She borrowed one of Amelia’s dresses and had a far better understanding of how Mavis’ nipples had popped from her bodice.

  “How do you breathe?” she asked after her corset had been tightened until she felt as if her ribs were meeting her spine.

  “Breathing is overrated,” Amelia said. “Besides, we often get breathers as our clothing comes off.”

  “Yours will not be coming off,” Ophelia said, giving Amelia a pointed look. “If you feel you’ll faint, we can loosen…”

  “No, it’s fine,” Juliette interrupted. “It’s just rather amazing how much more bosom I seem to have.” Turning sideways, she looked into the mirror. “And, how much more bottom! This is fun!”

  “This is pretend,” Ophelia reminded her, “and, I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

  “Don’t spoil the fun,” Juliette said. “I’ll be fine. I’ve not had a single drop of rum and don’t plan to. I need my wits about me if I want to make Uncle George proud.”

  Ophelia huffed, shaking her head. “I just hope he isn’t going to come back to haunt us for turning his niece into a tart!”

  “You worry too much. Now, shall we go?” Juliette asked, walking to the door.

  “You sure you want to do this?” Ophelia asked and when Juliette nodded, she said, “then, take half the money out of your bag.”

  “Why?” Juliette asked even as she pulled several bills free.

  “Tuck it into your dress, down deep. That way if anything goes wrong or someone nips your bag, you won’t lose everything.”

  “Oh, right!” Once the money was secure, the three left the room.

  “Now that’s better,” Naomi said when she met the three in the hallway. “Don’t forget, I expect a bigger cut of your earnings if…”

  “Relax, she’s not staying. We’re just out for a bit of a lark,” Amelia said.

  “That’s a shame,” Naomi said, “Avec ces seins elle pourrait faire beaucoup d’argent.”

  This time Juliette smiled and putting her hands under her breasts, gave them each a squeeze. “I agree, aren’t they delightful? However, any money I make will come from my card skills.”

  Groaning, Ophelia took her hand and pulled her out the door. “I’m beginning to worry that you are having a bit too much fun.”

  “Aw, Ophelia, one can never have too much. Lead the way, my friend. I’m feeling very lucky tonight!”

  ***

  Their entry into the poker parlor caused quite a stir. Men greeted Amelia and Ophelia and were quite anxious to be introduced to their friend. Having worked and serviced most of the men present over the last few weeks, Ophelia had no problem informing them that Marie—having convinced Juliette to choose a different name just in case of future problems—was only interested in poker. Her announcement had several men deciding that they too had a sudden hankering to play the game.

  Juliette had made an agreement with her friends. One would always remain with her if the other had a client and she’d pay for any loss of potential income. She’d insisted it was the best plan and assured them that she’d feel much safer. Amelia was the first to give a small wave and disappear with a tall, rather lanky gentleman while Ophelia made her way to the bar and spoke to the barkeep.

  “You’re no fun,” Juliette said with a pout after taking a sip from her tankard. “This is just punch.”

  “You promised your grandmother you wouldn’t touch rum again,” Ophelia reminded her. “Besides, no one needs to know.
You can cover any bad plays by pretending to become a little tipsy.” Seeing Chester beckoning, she said, “Come on. A table is opening.”

  Juliette settled into a chair as Ophelia settled herself on Chester’s lap. Opening her reticule, she pulled out a few coins and some larger bills, placing them on the table before her. For a brief moment, she considered batting her eyelashes, leaning forward and pretending she was a novice. However, these men were not rich and were the clients of her friends. Instead, she said, “I do appreciate you allowing me to join you this evening.”

  “Don’t you worry, Miss Marie. Any friend of my lucky charm is a friend of ours,” Chester said, earning him a smile and a kiss on his cheek from Ophelia.

  The play began and Juliette lost a few hands before winning one. “Oh, that was fun!” she squealed as she raked in the coins piled in the center of the table. The men seemed to love her enthusiasm as she always congratulated whoever won, didn’t pout when she lost a larger amount when her pair of Kings wasn’t enough to win over a man’s pair of Aces and ordered a round of drinks for the table when she drew three of a kind to win the hand. After an hour or so, Chester pulled his money from the table, and Juliette saw him slipping a bill into her friend’s cleavage.

  “Time for a break,” he said, lifting Ophelia from his lap and popping her bottom. Juliette was about to panic when she saw Ophelia give a little nod of her head. Turning slightly, Juliette saw Amelia walking towards her, the lanky gentleman going to the bar.

  “I’ll miss you, Mr. Chester,” Juliette said, “hurry back.”

  “Darlin’, it all depends on how fast your friend can…”

  “Chester, now, there’s no need to have your friends become jealous of your skills in the bedroom as well as at the table,” Ophelia said.

  “I was talkin’ about your skills, my love,” Chester said, “your oral skills that is.”

  Juliette knew her cheeks heated at the statement but hoped her rouge would hide the color as the other men broke out into raucous laughter. Perhaps it was the image of Ophelia on her knees or the fact that Amelia suddenly appeared a little nervous, but either way, she lost the next several hands.