Caring for Citrine (The Red Petticoat Saloon)

by Alta Hensley

  Della held her breath. Waiting to hear those awful cries of death come from all around. What was she doing here? What was Dr. Norwood doing here? Was he risking getting scalped? Should she turn and run as fast as she could and leave him to face a torturous death?

  Just as she was getting ready to run in full panic, she heard the words that froze her on the spot. “Papa! Papa! What did you bring me?” Della watched Dr. Norwood bend down and pick the little boy up and spin him around in a circle before kissing him on the top of his head.

  Papa? Why was he calling the doctor Papa?

  Della’s confusion only grew when he reached out and touched the arm of the woman softly and smiled at her. Della couldn’t hear what he was saying, but whatever it was made the woman smile warmly in return.

  Oh dear God! Was this woman his wife? Was this child his son? Was Dr. Norwood married to a savage? Everyone in town believed him to be unwed and alone. Was it all a lie to cover up this secret?

  Her heart sank even more when she realized that she had been developing strong feelings for a married man with a child. She may have denied it to Nettie, but those gifts from him did mean something. His kind words and actions seemed special and filled her heart each time he spoke. How could she have been so foolish as to think the doctor might actually feel more for her than just a doctor did for his patient? His whore patient.

  Not being able to stand looking at him with his secret family any longer, Della turned to run away as fast as she could. What she didn’t count on was the root that stood in her way. Her foot latched under the gnarled wood and tripped her to the ground. Her knee twisted as she fell onto her hands and knees, causing her to cry out in pain.

  The sound of her fall, and then her cry, announced her presence, causing the doctor and his family to jump up in fear. “Who goes there?” he called out. “Show yourself now!” He pulled a pistol out of a holster Della didn’t realize he was wearing and pointed it toward her direction. She could see him clearly, but she was obviously hidden well in the shadows. She needed to say something or risk getting accidently shot.

  “Don’t shoot! It’s me, Della. From The Red Petticoat.” Her voice cracked as she called out, remaining frozen on all fours from when she fell.

  Placing his pistol back in its holster, he walked toward her, squinting to see for himself. “Della?” She watched as he relaxed his body and unclenched his fists. His big hazel eyes scanned Della from head to toe, and when it dawned on him that she had fallen, he rushed to her side. “All you all right? What are you doing out here?”

  He helped her stand slowly as she brushed the pine needles from her dress. “I’m fine. I just tripped and fell, but I’m fine.”

  “What are you doing out here?” he repeated, looking at her quizzically for a moment, but the confusion quickly began to fade and anger took its place. “Did you follow me here?” The grip of his hand on her arm tightened. “Answer me, Della! Did you follow me out here?”

  “I… yes. I saw you loading the wagon in town, and I was bored and… I thought I would go see what you were up to. What a day in the life of a doctor was like.”

  “So you ran behind my wagon all the way out here?” His eyes darkened and his grip got even tighter. “What were you thinking?”

  She tried to wiggle free from his hold to no avail. “I was just curious. I didn’t mean any harm.” She didn’t think the doctor would hurt her, but she also had never seen him look so mad before.

  He looked over his shoulder at the woman and boy and called out, “Go on inside. I’ll be by tomorrow first thing to unload the rest of the wagon. I’m going to take Della back to where she came from.” The woman nodded and ushered the little boy, who looked extremely frightened, inside and closed the door behind them.

  He then turned his attention back to Della.

  “I’m sorry,” she said barely louder than a whisper.

  “That woman and boy—” he began.

  “Are none of my business,” she interrupted. “I didn’t see a thing.”

  He studied her for a few moments, his anger slowly fading away from his features. “It’s freezing. You shouldn’t be out here in your condition.” He released her arm and took a step back from her.

  Della pulled her shawl tighter around herself. “I’ll be fine. Don’t you worry none.” She didn’t look up as she spoke, not wanting to look him in the eyes ever again. What a fool she was to think that maybe… just maybe, there was something forming between them.

  “Well, that’s just it, Della.” He began unbuttoning his jacket. “I am worried. You aren’t dressed for the cold, and it’s going to get even colder once that sun sets.” He removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “It’s going to be dark soon.”

  She pulled his coat shut tightly around her, self-preservation overriding pride. “Thank you. I really should go,” she said, realizing that if she wasn’t home in the next few minutes, Gabriel would tan her hide. But as she went to move, the knee that she fell on, buckled, and she nearly lost her footing again.

  “You’re coming with me.” He didn’t ask.

  “I’ll be all right,” she said softly. “But I do thank you for the coat. If you let me borrow it for the night, I promise to return it to you first thing tomorrow.”

  “I’m not going to allow you to walk back by yourself. What kind of man do you take me for? Letting a pretty lady walk through the woods by herself.”

  She gave a weak smile. “I’ll be fine. Don’t you worry about me. Go back to your business.”

  “We better get you back to The Red Petticoat before Gabe and Jewel have a search party started for you.” Della opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her by adding, “Nettie would skin me alive if I allowed you to make it back by yourself.”

  Della stood there a moment, pondering her options. The sun was setting as they spoke, and it was just a matter of time until pitch blackness set in.

  He glanced down at her knee once more and then without warning, swooped her body into his arms. “You aren’t walking on that knee either. Not until I have a chance to look at it properly.”

  Surprisingly, she didn’t have it in her to offer up any resistance. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “Thank you.”

  “I wouldn’t thank me if I were you. You are in a heap of trouble. Wait until Gabriel hears about this stunt.”

  Della pushed that thought away, not wanting to think what was in store when she returned. She looked at the darkened sky and sighed. Yes, she was in big trouble. “It’s a long ways. I can walk if you get too tired,” she said in the softest of voices.

  “It isn’t that far,” he replied as they got closer to town. His large steps covered ground much faster than Della would have been able to.

  As he and Della emerged from the dense woods, the town center of Culpepper came into view. The rising moon, assisted by the night’s stars, cast a light. Della stole a glance at Anson, trying to not make it obvious. His face stared blankly ahead looking… pensive. The close proximity of being in his arms made it awkward, and they both just traveled in silence. She wondered what was running through his mind, what were his thoughts, his fears. Was he worried she would tell the town folk of his secret wife and child? She would never do that to him. It was his secret. His story to tell, even though her heart was breaking at the thought that there would never be anything between her and the doctor.

  “I won’t say anything, Dr. Norwood.” He looked down at her and held her stare. “About what I saw. Your secret is safe with me.”

  “First of all, I think you can call me by my first name, Anson. I would say that we are close enough to be on a first name basis by now.” He squeezed her in his arms for emphasis. “And second, there is no secret to keep. What you saw was no secret.”

  She remained quiet, not sure how to respond. Of course it was a secret. She would have heard if folks knew that the doctor was married to an Indian. It would be the talk of the town.

  “You kno
w how you said shadows of our past make us who we are? Well,” he paused and stared ahead, “I guess you could call what you saw is one of my shadows.”

  Chapter Six

  Kicking the door open with his foot, Anson crossed the threshold with Della still in his arms. The heat of the cozy kitchen washed over their frigid frames instantly. The smell of beef stew boiling in the cast iron pot over the fire attacked at Della’s grumbling stomach. She made eye contact with Nettie as she and Anson stood next to the oak-wood kitchen table that sat next to the crackling fire.

  With Nettie’s mouth agape, her hands on her robust hips, she stood dumbfounded for several moments before snapping, “Where have you been? We have been worried sick about you. Gabe was just about to notify the sheriff.” She quickly walked over to where they stood and examined Della for injuries. “Are you hurt?”

  Anson placed her down gingerly. “She may have hurt her knee.”

  “I just twisted it a little. It’s not bad,” Della managed to say even though her teeth were chattering loudly.

  “Child, you better have a good story for why you are so late. My heart hasn’t beat normal since the sky turned dark,” Nettie said as she patted down her floral apron and smoothed the hair of her bun. “You know the rules! Back before sundown. I specifically told you as much before your foolish behind walked out my door!”

  Della didn’t know where to begin or what to say. Should she speak the truth, revealing what she knew about Anson? He said it wasn’t a secret, but she couldn’t believe that was the truth. “I went for a walk, and I stumbled and fell. Dr. Norwood found me,” she began to explain.

  Anson sat down on the wooden table chair, scowling at her explanation. “She followed me into the woods to my homestead. She was spying on me and nearly got herself shot. And if it wasn’t for me carrying her the whole way back, she would probably still be in the woods limping on that sprained knee.”

  She knew her knee wasn’t sprained, and actually it was getting better with each passing moment. But she also didn’t think now was the time to argue with the good doctor. Anson was a gentle man, but right now, he looked anything but.

  With her spoon in hand, Nettie was quick to rush to where Della stood. Before Della knew it, Nettie was swatting her repeatedly with the spoon to her rear. “You did what?” she shouted as she continued to spank. “I’m going to blister your behind myself for being such a fool! What got into that thick skull of yours?”

  Della tried to block the assaulting spoon with her hand. “Ow! Ow! Nettie, stop. I’m sorry! Ow!” The sting of the spoon smarted something awful.

  “You had me scared to death!” Nettie gave one more hard swat with the spoon and then stopped to regain her composure. “Ooh you are in for it, missy! I need to go tell Gabriel and Jewel that you are back safe and sound and put their minds at ease. Charlie was already fixin’ to go look for you. We have all been sick over this. Don’t you go anywhere,” she ordered with a wave of the awful spoon.

  “I won’t,” Della sniffled. “I’m sorry, Nettie. I didn’t mean to frighten you or anyone else. I really didn’t.” She felt guilty for causing any grief to one of the most important people in her life. She hadn’t thought it all through when she followed that wagon. Looking back now, she wished she could turn back time.

  Nettie’s features softened, but she huffed as she exited the kitchen to head to the parlor. She popped her head back in briefly and said, “You both sit down, and I’ll dish you up some supper in a second.” She waited, and when Della didn’t move, she said, “Sit. Now.”

  Della walked over to the table, while Anson watched every step. She couldn’t look at him, mortified that he had just witnessed her being spanked with a wooden spoon like a misbehaved child.

  “You’re not limping anymore,” he said. “That’s good.”

  She rubbed her behind, trying to remove the sting from the spoon. “My knee isn’t what is hurting right now.”

  Anson sat back in his chair and crossed his arms against his chest. It appeared that he was fighting back a laugh and most certainly a smile. “You sure did make Nettie mad. I’ve heard about her and that famous spoon, but never have seen her wield it. Glad I wasn’t on the receiving end.”

  Della gave Anson a scowl. “Very funny.” She huffed and crossed her arms in a pout.

  Nettie came back moments later and silently went and dished up two helpings of stew and brought them to the table. She didn’t look at Della once, and her jaw kept clenching. Della had never seen her so mad before.

  “Nettie? Is there anything I can say or do?” she pleaded.

  “Eat,” was her only response.

  Della’s hand shook as she brought the spoon to her lips, and she knew without looking that they both stared at her as she ate. “This is really good, Nettie. Thank you,” she said as she swallowed a large bite.

  “Yes, Nettie, it is,” Anson added as he shoveled the food to his mouth. He sure did like Nettie’s cooking.

  “There’s plenty, so eat up.” Nettie gave a warm smile as she looked at Anson. She then turned her eyes back to Della and scowled. “So do you want to tell me what made you follow Dr. Norwood to his place?” It surprised Della that Nettie didn’t even question the fact that he had another place of residence beside the one over his office. If she only knew the truth of who really lived there with him, she would be shocked to say the least.

  Della looked down at her bowl as she ate, not knowing what to say.

  “Well,” Anson started as he finished his mouthful. “Let’s just say that Della allowed curiosity to get the best of her. And we’ll leave it at that.”

  Della looked up, surprised that Anson didn’t say anything more. When their eyes met, he simply nodded at her and continued to eat. Nettie must have picked up on his intent, because she didn’t ask any further questions, but rather allowed everyone to eat in silence.

  Two bowls later, Della had never felt so full in her entire life. Della looked at Anson who noticed she had her appetite back and smiled for the first time since the evening had begun. Small wrinkles formed around his hazel eyes, softening the firm features and his distinct jaw line.

  “I’m happy to see you eat so much. Your body sure could use a pound or two.”

  Della blushed—no doubt about it. The heat in her face told her so. She knew she was skinny but having it pointed out, made her feel self-conscious. She envied the curves of many of the gems, wishing her bony frame could smooth out like theirs.

  Nettie stood to gather the dishes.

  “Oh please, let me do those for you,” Della offered.

  “You put those dishes down, young lady,” came a deep voice from the doorway leading to the parlor.

  Della snapped her head around to see Gabriel standing with Jewel right behind him. Both had their arms crossed, scowls on their faces, and fury in their eyes.

  “What were you thinking staying out after dark?” Jewel asked as she entered the kitchen, staying close to Gabe. “You told Nettie you were going for a quick walk and would return. You had us terrified that something happened to you. We didn’t think you would purposely disobey our rules! That isn’t like you at all, Citrine!”

  “What are the rules about being out by yourself at night?” Gabe asked.

  “I know, I know! I shouldn’t have been out past sunset, but I lost track of time.” Della attempted to defend herself even though she knew it was no use. She was in big trouble, and she just hoped that they would allow Anson to leave before they embarrassed her with a whoopin’ in front of him. “I understand the rules and agree with them. I promise that I didn’t do this intentionally. I just lost…”

  “We were frightened,” Jewel explained. “It’s unlike you to stray away.”

  “I went for a walk, and I got further from town than I expected,” Della started again. “I didn’t think I had gone so far. My mind was distracted, I guess you could say.”

  “There are more and more people moving to these parts because of the gold. Ther
e can be some very bad men out there, Della, just waiting to make a pretty gem like you their own,” Gabriel said as he began to unbuckle his belt.

  Della glanced at his hands and then back at his dour expression as her heart sank to her belly. He was going to whip her right there in front of everyone. Her face instantly heated at the thought of what Anson would think when he saw Della bent over the table bared for all to see. She remembered once when she watched Gabriel spank Opal for some misdeed. Opal had wiggled so much that when she spread her legs, Della could see the pink lips of her pussy. And even though Anson had seen Della’s bottom, and even her pussy, Della wanted to die at the thought of him seeing her punished like an unruly little girl. Would he see her cunny? Could she somehow conceal her peek-a-boo flesh while Gabriel belted her? The likelihood of remaining still and staying composed was going to be impossible. She didn’t like the idea of being spanked in front of Jewel or Nettie either, but in front of Anson would be just awful.

  “Petticoat up, drawers down, and bend over the kitchen table,” Gabriel instructed.

  Della opened her eyes wide. “Here? Can we at least go upstairs?” Oh God, anything but a punishment in front of Dr. Norwood. Maybe Anson would leave and give her privacy for her punishment. She quickly glanced at Anson hopeful to see any sign of him leaving and saw that his arms were crossed, and he had a similar expression on his face as Gabe. Stern. Determined. Ready to teach a lesson.

  “I don’t see why we should spare you from them seeing your bottom get tanned. You certainly didn’t spare them all from worrying about you. You are just lucky we didn’t tell all the gems you were missing yet, or I would be giving you this lickin’ in front of all of them,” Gabe said calmly but definitely giving her no quarter.

  There was no getting out of this, Della knew as much. With a big sigh, she turned around and faced the table. As she was raising her dress and petticoat to lower her drawers, she heard Anson speak up.