by Maggie Ryan
“He won’t be getting any more,” Juliette interjected. “I know he is your barrister and I didn’t consider that you might still need his services but, um, I sort of fired him last night.”
“You fired him?”
“Um, yes… I’ll apologize…”
“You’ll do no such thing! Juliette, the moment the papers were signed, he became your barrister. And, young lady, if you expect to succeed in whatever this plan is of yours, you will not do so if you continue to second guess yourself. You’ve a good head on your shoulders and a good heart. Follow both and you’ll do fine.”
“Thanks, Gram,” Juliette said, moving to sit on the edge of her chair. “That brings me to my proposal.” Turning to her friends, she said, “I still wish to have you join me…”
“Jules, we discussed this. We can’t live here…” Ophelia began.
“Wait, hear me out. Not in this house; not even in New Orleans. I am going to sell the house and move to California. I agree with Gram that this city is beautiful and interesting and I agree with you both that it is not a place I wish to spend my life. I left England with nothing more than a desire to escape. Now, I want nothing more than to move to California and make a future.” Unable to sit any longer, she jumped up, her hands moving in her excitement.
“I own a gold mine… a gold mine, ladies! It’s destiny! I heard nothing about California until I was on the ship. I met men who are risking everything they have to follow a dream. I met two women who have become not only my dearest friends but have shown me that women can decide their own fate. I met a sweet man who not only enhanced my skills at playing cards, he told me that life is nothing without dreams. Well, this is my dream and I so hope you wish to share it with me.”
“You want to us to work in a gold mine?” Amelia asked.
“No, of course not. Ophelia made it clear that wasn’t an option. It took me a while but an idea has been niggling at me ever since my father paid me my dowry. That simmering reached a boil during last night’s game and I’m ready to prepare the rest of the dish.”
“You want us to become cooks?” Ophelia asked, and then laughed. “I’d be as useful in a kitchen as I would be in a mine.”
“I want to open a place where women who chose to live a life offering their services to men will be comfortable and safe. I want a place where you aren’t working for pennies. A place where women receive the larger share of their profits so that they can save enough money to follow their own dreams.”
“You are going to open a whorehouse?” Ophelia asked, her eyes wide.
“In principle, but more. It will have entertainment and a card parlor. I want to offer good, hearty food as well. From what I’ve been reading, mining camps are pretty basic. The men work hard and I’m thinking, they are willing to part with a bit of gold to enjoy a home cooked meal. I see them flocking in to have pretty women dealing cards or serving drinks. I see them enjoying music and listening to a pretty girl sing. Perhaps we’ll have some sort of stage show. And, of course, I see the men willing to part with a bit more gold in order to spend an evening in the arms of one of my ladies. I’ll be responsible for providing housing and food as well as help with making investments for those who wish. I’ve done a lot of research and with your help, I think it can be a success.”
“Won’t that cost a fortune?” Amelia said. “From what you are saying, you’ll be paying for everything and not receiving a lot in return.”
“I’m not worried about the money,” Juliette said. “I’ve been running figures around in my head for weeks and even if my projections are off, I have no doubt that I’ll make a very good return on my investment.”
Ophelia turned to address Willamina. “What do you think, Lady Forrester? You are a remarkable woman with an open-mind and a good heart. Having Amelia and me in your home has been proof of that. But, even with an ocean separating you, the news of your granddaughter becoming a madame could still reach England. Jules might want to think otherwise, but I know men and women can both be incredibly cruel. I love your granddaughter’s enthusiasm and her determination to prove that people should be free to live their lives, but you heard what Mr. Davidson threatened last night.”
“What I think is that with the two of you helping her, educating her, and reeling her in occasionally, the future would be whatever you make of it. I’m not the least bit concerned about being associated with my granddaughter. I’m very proud that she has the balls to follow her dream.”
Juliette laughed and went to kneel beside her grandmother’s chair. “You were the one to tell me to grow a set, Gram.”
Ophelia shook her head. “Let me get this straight. You want us to go to San Francisco and help you? Jules, do you have any idea how many whorehouses already exist? That’s why Amelia and I will have a choice of establishments.”
“That may be true, but I have every faith that you will choose mine,” Juliette said. “It will be unlike any house you’ve seen before. Oh, and it won’t be in San Francisco. It will be in the quaint little town of Culpepper Cove.”
“Where?” Amelia asked.
“I’ve never heard of Culpepper Cove,” Ophelia added. “Where exactly is it?”
“I’m not exactly sure, but it is in California and the claim was registered in San Francisco so it can’t be all that far, right? We’ll go to San Francisco first as I will have to register the claim in my name. From there, we’ll get directions. I’m not saying I have all the answers, but I am saying that this is something I am going to do.”
“Speaking of travel, I’m not happy with the thought of you sailing much less traipsing around California alone,” Willamina said.
“I’ve thought of that as well,” Juliette said. “I am going to try to hire John to accompany us. If he accepts, he can either choose to stay in California or I’ll pay his passage back to New Orleans. If he isn’t interested, I’ll interview others.”
“John, our driver John?” Ophelia asked.
“Yes, unless there is something you know…”
“She knows that he’ll have no problem turning her over his knees and spanking her if she gets out of line,” Amelia said.
“Does he have a good spoon?”
They all turned to see Nettie standing in the door, a tray in her hands. She moved to set it on the table, pots and cups not daring to so much as rattle. “Because if not, I’ll be glad to loan him one of mine—when I’m not using it that is.”
“Using it?” Juliette asked.
“Of course. You don’t think I’d allow you to go off into the unknown without me did you? Laws, child, I might be old but I’m not in my grave. I’m thinkin’ I deserve at least one more grand adventure, don’t you?”
“You’ll come? Really? Oh, Nettie!” Juliette said, jumping up and wrapping her arms around the cook. “That’s fantastic! I just hired my first employee!”
“The questions is,” Willamina said, looking at Ophelia and Amelia, “are you two going to be the first of my Jule’s gems?”
“Oh, Gram, that’s perfect! I’ll be Madame Jewel and each girl will be a gemstone. That way, real names can be held back to provide another level of security.”
Ophelia and Amelia looked at one another and then smiled. Standing, they went to hug Juliette. “We’re in.”
***
The next two weeks were a whirlwind of activities. Ophelia and Amelia retrieved their possessions from their room in Storyville and moved into the townhouse.
“Naomi sent you a message,” Ophelia said that evening at dinner.
“And you understood it?” Juliette teased.
“She said to tell you that since you are a delicate English flower, she’d be available to share her tremendous knowledge on how to run a proper whorehouse … for a hefty fee, of course.”
“Of course,” Juliette laughed. “I think I will depend on the two of you to inform me how not to run a house. That way, I can be assured that my place will be unique… not to mention a bit more refined.”
It was with great pleasure that Juliette informed him that she’d not fired his firm, she’d fired him. He stormed from the house, leaving Henry grinning. With his help, she had the house listed and sold within a week, with the additional bonus that Mrs. Douglas would be retained by the new owners. As Juliette signed the final papers, he passed another to her.
“There’s more?” she said, setting the pen down and shaking out her fingers.
“Just this last one, a very important one,” Henry said, tapping the paper. “You’ll need this to register the claim.”
Reading it quickly, she saw that it was a transfer of ownership. “Are you saying that your father was… was cheating?”
“I’m saying he didn’t have the right to wager the claim at all. I owned it as you can see.” He pointed to two signatures. “I accepted it from Carlos Christenson who bought it from Manuel Mendez.”
“So it’s really yours, isn’t it?”
“No, it’s yours, Lady Gardner. It took me seeing you being strong enough and willing to wager far more than I, to open my eyes. I might work with my father, but I don’t approve of some of his practices and certainly don’t agree with his misogynistic attitude but I didn’t have the strength to rock the boat.” Reaching for the pen, he signed his name on the paper and then offered the pen to her. “I thank you for allowing me to become my own man and I sincerely hope you hit the richest vein of gold that California has ever seen.”
“I feel a bit guilty…”
“Don’t,” he said softly, “Sign your name and begin your life as your own woman and help other women do the same.”
“Even if it means your first solo client is a madame?”
“She may be a madame but she is also one hell of a lady.”
“You are a good man, Henry. If you ever come out west, please look me up. I’ll save a nugget just for you.”
“Which I’ll turn right around and spend in your fine establishment, Madame Jewel.” They both laughed and when she’d signed the paper, she bent to kiss his cheek, promising that if he did, it would be worth every ounce.
***
It was with sadness that she and her friends stood on the wharf as they prepared for Willamina to board the ship that would return her to England. After giving Ophelia and Amelia a hug and kiss, she turned to Juliette.
“Cry if you need, but let them be tears of happiness,” Willamina said, pulling Juliette into her arms. “You have made me so proud and have allowed me to enjoy your great adventures. I know you say you’ll never go home, but perhaps one day I’ll return to see this grand house in Culpepper Cove.”
“You do and we’ll paint the town red, Gram,” Juliette said, managing a smile. “I can’t thank you enough for having faith in me and not thinking I’m a fool.”
“You are no fool, my dear. If I were forty years younger, I’d be lifting my petticoats and dancing up on that stage. Just promise to write. I’ll be looking forward to hearing everything. I’m sure it shall be more titillating than Jane Erye.”
“It will if Nettie’s bite proves worse than her bark,” Juliette quipped. “I promise, I’ll write, Gram. I love you so much.”
The two stood, arms around each other for several minutes before Willamina pulled away. Addressing the three, she said, “I know you are all strong, independent women and will help each other. But, I want you to remember that you are women and need to be intelligent enough to listen to John.” Turning to the man in question, she continued. “You keep my girls safe, young man.”
“I will, Lady Forrester,” John promised, “if I don’t, I’m sure Miss Nettie will take care of me.”
His statement had them all laughing and tears were wiped away as John escorted Willamina and Mabel up the gangplank. With John’s return, they stood and watched as the huge ropes were thrown from their moorings. They’d be boarding their own ship within a week and returned to the house to finish packing.
“Are you sure you haven’t forgotten anything?” Juliette teased a few days later as she took a break for a cup of coffee. She watched as Nettie wrapped another jar in a section of newspaper before tucking it into a large trunk.
“I thought you wanted to serve food in this fancy place of yours.”
“I do, but I didn’t mean you had to take it with you, Nettie. I’m sure you can find stuff in San Francisco and people in Culpepper Cove are sure to have resources…”
Nettie straightened and put her hands on her ample hips. “Oh, pardon me. I thought you wanted good food, not bland. I need every one of my jars. You ain’t gonna find these spices in some dusty ole store bin. These, child, are the secret to my dishes. Lord, I’d rather leave my clothes than leave my jars!”
“Okay, okay,” Juliette said, holding up her hands. “You pack whatever you want, but, unless you are planning on becoming a Gem, I do suggest you pack some clothes.” She giggled as Nettie’s eyes grew wide and managed to dodge the newspaper thrown in her direction. “I am your boss you know!”
“And I’m a big black woman with a wooden spoon!”
Juliette was laughing when a knock sounded on the back door. “I’ll get it,” she said. Opening the door, she accepted delivery of a large box after checking the sheet the delivery man handed her.
“Where do you want it?” he said, “it’s pretty heavy.”
Juliette led him through the house and into the front parlor where they’d been placing trunks as they were filled. Ophelia and Amelia were checking items off a list when Juliette entered.
“You may put it in this one,” Juliette said, indicating an open trunk. Once he had, she gave him a tip and escorted him out. Returning to the parlor, she said, “That should be the last delivery. Whatever we’ve forgotten, we’ll have to pick up in San Francisco.” Looking around the crowded room, she shook her head. “I know we are taking a great deal but merchants are raising their prices in California. Better we take at least the basics. Not only will I save money, once we find a place, we’ll be ready to move in and get to work.”
“I still feel guilty about not working,” Ophelia said. “You’d be earning a cut…”
“Nonsense,” Juliette said. “I couldn’t have done even this much without you. There is only so much I can learn from research and the few times I visited Storyville. I certainly didn’t know about the availability of rubbers and syringes to prevent pregnancy until you told me.”
“You sure shocked Dr. Grant when you gave him that list,” Amelia said.
“I know. I’m sure he might be used to hearing such a request from his female patients, but who else but a madame would order so many?” Juliette said, closing the lid and fastening the trunk’s latches and sitting back on her heels.
“Speaking about Madame Jewel, isn’t it about time you tell us our new names?” Ophelia asked.
“I’ve been thinking about that. I was thinking you could be Opal.”
“I like it,” Ophelia said, “what about Amelia?”
“I picked Amethyst for her.” When Amelia laughed, Juliette turned to her. “You don’t like it? I was just attempting to keep your gem names similar to your actual name.”
“I was just imagining hearing some client calling out Amethyst in the throes of passion, Amelia said. “You have to admit it’s rather a mouthful.”
“You’re right.” Juliette tapped her fingertip against her lips as she considered various options. With a smile, she said, “Your gem name will be the same but we’ll call you Amy. How’s that?”
“Oh, Amy, you are the most beautiful gem in the world,” Amelia said with a giggle. “I like it!”
Rolling her eyes, Ophelia bumped her hip against he
r friend’s. “I can hear him now. Miss Amy, I am a this close to making you see stars!”
Undeterred, Amelia fluttered her eyelashes and made kissing sounds with her lips. “Why thank you. And might I say, I just ‘ope all my huge cock don’t frighten you away, Miss Opal.”
When the two broke out into laughter, Juliette shook her head. “Good grief. I think some gems need to be sent to see Nettie or John.”
“Promises, promises,” Ophelia said. “It’s been far too long since I’ve been over a firm pair of thighs.”
“Or had a man between mine,” Amelia said.
“You two are incorrigible,” Juliette said.
“Imagine an entire jewelry chest full of gems,” Ophelia said and the giggles began again when Juliette groaned.
Chapter Twelve
Juliette once more stood at a ship’s rail, looking back to watch as the city receded. She experienced none of the sadness she had as England had slipped from view. New Orleans had been a city unlike any other and she was leaving it with the excitement of following a dream. When Nettie joined her, she slid an arm around her waist. “It takes a great deal of courage to leave your home for the unknown but I can’t tell you how very happy I am that you are coming with me.”
“Hmmpf, of course I came. Someone’s gotta make sure you eat and take care of you when you are sick. Clint and I never had our own young’uns so there’s no real family left for me here.”
“I never knew you were married.”
“Married young and widowed young, but laws, the years we had were special. Mr. George didn’t cotton to all them thoughts that blacks ain’t nothing but property. Me and Clint had a fine life working for that man.”
“He was a very special man, wasn’t he? I wish I’d known him sooner.”
“He knew all ‘bout you. He’d read those letters your granny would send again and again.” She patted Juliette’s hand. “You are just like him. You both have big hearts and kind souls. He’d be proud of you for wanting to help these other girls. I just know you’re gonna need some help of your own. Besides, like I said, I ain’t dead yet. Gotta have somethin’ to keep my hands busy.”
