Soiled Dove

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Soiled Dove Page 21

by Brenda Adcock


  “This is my housekeeper, Loretta Langford. You can stay if you wish, Retta,” Clare said.

  “I should get back to the gardening. Just leave your dishes when you’re finished and I’ll come back in for them later. It was nice to meet you both.”

  As quickly as possible, Loretta hurried from the room and went out the back door. How was it possible she would meet a former customer so far from St. Joe? Perhaps she should have kept moving west until she ran into the ocean. Perhaps she should have taken the train east instead. She tied her hat under her chin and leaned against the house, covering her eyes with her hands. God, what if Carter Jamison told Clare who she really was? No, he wouldn’t do that. His wife was with him. What if he came back again alone while Clare and the men were away from the house? She should have told Clare everything about her past, about the prostitution that had kept her alive before it nearly killed her.

  “How long will you be in the area, Mr. Jamison?”

  Clare asked.

  “A week. I’ve already signed contracts with three other ranchers to take their herds. If you and I can come to an agreement my quota will be filled. Then my wife and I can perhaps take a day or two to see more of this beautiful area. How long have you been here, Miss McIlhenney?”

  “Twenty years. It’s taken a long time to build my herd up. If the army will drive the herds north itself it would be much faster than waiting for the cattle to be driven by each individual rancher.”

  “How many head do you figure you have?”

  “A couple hundred,” Clare said. “I don’t want to deplete my herd. By next year I should have at least that number again. A steady supply. We can ride out and you can see them whenever you’re ready. Mrs.

  Jamison will have to stay here, however. The cattle are still in the higher meadow and I’m not sure the buggy would make it. There aren’t any real roads farther up.”

  “That’s fine,” Amanda Jamison said. “This cake is delicious. Perhaps I can get your housekeeper’s recipe while y’all are gone.”

  “Yes,” Jamison added. “Please offer her my compliments as well. She is obviously quite a talented young woman.”

  “I’ll get a horse saddled for you. We should get back in time for you to return to Trinidad before dark.”

  BY EARLY NOVEMBER Clare’s herd had been picked up by the army and driven north. Clare and her men began driving the remaining cattle into the lower pastures while Loretta put up the last of the vegetables from her garden and finished filling the root cellar. Ino and Clare slaughtered two of their herd for winter as well as deer and elk. Work would continue around the ranch through the winter, but at a slower pace.

  Two nights before Hettie and Cyrus’ wedding, Loretta snuggled down under the quilt covering Clare’s bed. A light snowfall had begun earlier in the day and the smaller fireplace in the bedroom kept the room comfortable. There was always the danger that something might happen during the night that required Clare’s attention, but it had become a risk both women were prepared to take.

  “What are you thinking about?” Clare asked as she spooned closer to Loretta and draped an arm over her.“How good you feel against me. How much I crave your touch.”

  Clare’s hand tightened slightly around Loretta’s waist, pulling her closer. “Close your eyes,” Clare whispered.

  Loretta smiled when she felt Clare’s hand begin to roam over her body, teasing her nipples lightly and then moving on. “I’d much rather that was your mouth,” Loretta breathed.

  Clare’s response was kisses along the back of Loretta’s neck and down her back while her hand caressed Loretta’s buttocks, kneading the soft skin.

  Loretta pushed back against her, encouraging Clare’s hand to explore farther. Clare’s breathing grew heavier when she found the wet warmth between Loretta’s legs. Loretta groaned as the fingers teased her.“Does this hurt you?” Clare asked, stopping her movements.

  “I wish I could see your face. The way you look at me takes my breath away.”

  Clare rested her head against Loretta’s and said,

  “I love you, Retta,” as her fingers slid slowly inside.

  Loretta’s hips began to move, forcing Clare’s fingers deeper with each thrust. Loretta turned her head and buried it in her pillow to muffle the scream that erupted as she orgasmed. When her body began to settle down she rolled toward Clare and kissed her with all the passion she felt.

  As the kiss ended, Clare brushed Loretta’s hair back from her face and gazed up at her tear-stained face. “I knew I would hurt you,” she said. “I’m sorry.”

  Loretta caressed her face. “You didn’t hurt me. It was wonderful.”

  “Then why the hell are you crying?”

  “That was the first time you’ve said you loved me.

  I never expected to hear that.”

  “I wouldn’t be here with you, like this, if I didn’t love you, Retta. I guess I thought you knew.”

  “I love you, too, Clare.”

  “I see it in your eyes every time you look at me.”

  “It’s still good to hear it.”

  “I’ll say it more often then.”

  “When we’re alone.”

  “Then I can show you as well as tell you,” Clare said with a smile.

  “I DON’T KNOW why I have to practically lynch myself just to go to a wedding,” Ino groused as he rode next to the buckboard Clare was driving.

  “You look very dapper, Ino,” Loretta said. “Mavis will be impressed.”

  “You think so?”

  “I have no doubt.”

  Clare rested her elbows on her knees, leaning forward as she held the reins to the team of horses.

  “Clare looks quite attractive as well,” Loretta added.

  “And you can both change into something more comfortable after the ceremony and reception.” She leaned closer to Clare and whispered, “That’s why I packed your work clothes in my valise.”

  Loretta pulled the quilt over her lap tighter around her. Certain no one could see her gloved hand move onto Clare’s thigh and run dangerously close to Clare’s crotch.

  “Thank you,” Clare muttered with a smile as Loretta giggled at her lover’s reaction.

  Nearly an hour later Clare drew back the reins and jumped down to help Loretta off the buckboard.

  “Are you all right?” Clare asked as she gently lowered Loretta to the ground.

  “Just dandy,” Loretta said, rubbing her butt. “I think there were more potholes in the road this time.”

  “It only seems that way in the winter because the ground is frozen,” Clare said with a smile. “Maybe you can borrow a pillow to sit on for the trip home. I can probably borrow one from Peg.”

  Loretta cast her a nasty look and slapped her on the shoulder. “I’m sure Hettie or Amelia will have one.”

  “That hurt, you know,” Clare said with a chuckle as she rubbed her arm.

  “Serves you right. You’ll recover,” Loretta mumbled.

  “While you get settled I’ll pull the buckboard around back and unhitch the team.”

  Clare watched Ino shove a finger into his shirt collar and wiggle it around. “You gonna need the buckboard to pick up Mavis?” she asked.

  “Thought I’d get a buggy from the livery. Easier to get in and out of.”

  “Save me a seat in the church. Soon as Retta’s fixed up and ready to go, I’ll join you and Mavis.”

  “You sure it’s all right if Mavis goes with me?”

  “No one will start a fuss at a wedding. You staying with Mavis tonight?”

  “Probably. I’ll see if this get up works like Retta says.”

  “If you don’t show up for the wedding we’ll all know it worked,” Clare said with a laugh.

  A TALL, OLDER man with bushy, reddish-orange muttonchop sideburns and small glasses perched near the end of his nose stood at the front of the church, rocking back and forth slightly on the balls of his feet.

  His purple robe hung to the floor,
a gold embroidered cross decorating the front of the garment as organ music filled the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad. His arms were folded across his chest cradling a large white Bible. The music, which had been playing as guests were seated in the sanctuary, stopped and the sound slowly echoed away.

  “Please rise,” the man at the front intoned. Clare, Ino, and Mavis rose from their seats. Everyone turned their heads toward the back of the sanctuary as the music resumed. Between the heads of other guests, Clare saw Loretta standing at the entrance, a large bouquet of flowers clasped in her hands. Her eyes scanned the filled church and a smile spread across her lips when she saw Clare. Loretta took a step forward and made her way toward the front, pausing after each step. She had almost reached the front when a side door opened and Cyrus and his best man walked to the altar and stood to its right side. Clare thought Cyrus looked nervous. He fidgeted with his hands as Loretta smiled at him and took her place to the left of the altar. When she turned to face the rear of the church, the music paused before beginning a majestic sounding anthem Clare recognized as familiar organ music she had heard at weddings as a girl announced the arrival of the bride.

  Hettie stood for a moment at the back entrance to the church before stepping forward. Clare hadn’t seen the demure school teacher more than a few times, and then only briefly, but today she looked radiant. Her white gown trailed on the floor behind her. The neckline sat halfway up her slender neck and was trimmed with what looked like tiny pearls. The same was true for the long sleeves that hooked over a finger on each hand to hold them in place. The veil that fell past her shoulders made it appear that she was walking out of a mist. Her face was solemn until Cyrus stepped forward to take her hand. Then she broke into a smile that lit up the room.

  Clare didn’t remember much of the ceremony once the man at the front began speaking. She spent most of her time staring at Loretta. Cyrus and Hettie exchanged rings and vowed to love one another and no other for as long as they lived. Cyrus gave Hettie a chaste kiss when they were finally declared husband and wife. Clare waited until all of the guests had departed for the reception before she made her way to the front to escort Loretta out of the church.

  Loretta wrapped her arm around Clare’s, grateful it was over. “Did that man talk longer than necessary or was it just me?” Loretta asked.

  “I wasn’t listening. I was watching you. You look beautiful.” They made it to the entry of the church and Clare wrapped a warm cloak around Loretta’s shoulders.

  “I’m tired,” Loretta breathed.

  “Perhaps you should go back to Cyrus’ house and lie down for a while,” Clare suggested.

  “If I lie down now, I’ll never get up again. All I want is to go home and lie down in our bed…with you,” Loretta said in a low voice. “But I have to make an appearance at the reception. I saw Ino and Mavis.

  Mavis looked lovely. Did she like Ino’s clothing?”

  “I don’t think they’ll make anything more than a brief appearance at the reception if the way Mavis was looking at Ino is any indication. I can’t tell you how jealous I am that I can’t act toward you the way I want to.” The tone in Clare’s voice was sad. “I wish I could tell the world how much I love you and how happy you make me, in every way.”

  “We know and that’s enough for me,” Loretta said, giving Clare’s arm a squeeze. “But I do wish we could dance. I love to dance.”

  They laughed together until they reached Rosario’s café which was closed to host the wedding reception. Willis even closed and locked the door between the reception and the saloon for the night.

  When Loretta and Clare finally arrived at the café, they passed Ino and Mavis leaving.

  “Want me to bring you a shot from the saloon,”

  Ino asked.

  “Punch no good?” Clare asked.

  “Punch no liquor,” he said.

  “No thanks. I’ll find something,” Clare said. “See you tomorrow.”

  CLARE LEANED AGAINST the back wall of the café, sipping a cup of coffee and chatting with Rosario and Willis Manning. She was only half listening, distracted by how lovely Loretta looked. A few couples were dancing to music played on the piano Willis had moved from the saloon. Loretta had been trapped into one or two dances with older men who attended Cyrus’ church. Loretta was a graceful dancer and the men with her seemed at ease. A hand on Clare’s elbow drew her attention away from Loretta.

  “May I have a moment, Miss McIlhenney?” Cyrus Langford asked quietly.

  “Of course, Reverend.” Clare excused herself from Willis and Rosario and followed Cyrus to a table away from other guests.

  “I…I wish to ask a favor, Miss McIlhenney. I know I should have already done this, but with the wedding preparations and all, it slipped my mind,” Cyrus said.

  “I’ll be glad to help if I can, Reverend,” Clare said.

  “If you’ll stop calling me Miss McIlhenney.”

  Cyrus smiled thinly and to Clare it didn’t appear to be genuine. The man was being forced to ask a favor from someone he didn’t care for much. Clare was sure it was more than a little difficult for the man.“So what can I do for you, Cyrus?” Clare asked with a smile. After all, he was Loretta’s brother-in-law.“Well, Hettie and I are leaving tomorrow morning to spend a week in Denver. I have church business there and, well, we thought the trip might serve as a honeymoon for us as well.”

  “Mixing business with pleasure,” Clare observed.

  “Yes, well, in all the preparations I let an important detail slip by me. Amelia will be here alone for the week or so Hettie and I are away. I cannot allow that. She’s still a child. I was wondering if you would allow Loretta to stay in town with her while we’re gone.”

  Clare stood up and glared at Cyrus, suddenly feeling insulted. “I don’t own Loretta, Reverend. She doesn’t need my permission. Whether she wishes to assist you by staying with Amelia is up to her.”

  Loretta had been watching Clare and saw Cyrus approach her. They chatted for a moment and then Clare’s demeanor seemed to change. Loretta excused herself from the group she was talking with and made her way across the dining area.

  “Beautiful wedding, Cyrus,” she said as she stepped up to stand next to Clare. “What’s going on?”

  “I was simply asking Miss McIlhenney if she would allow you to stay in town with Amelia while Hettie and I are out of town. She seems to have taken my request as a personal affront,” Cyrus explained.

  “Perhaps it was the way in which you phrased your request. I will be happy to spend more time with Amelia. I’ve missed her since I began my work at the ranch. But I would much rather bring her to stay with me than come into town. I can use her help decorating for the holidays and cooking.”

  “What about Mrs. Manning?” Cyrus asked. “She is Amelia’s employer, after all.”

  “I’ll speak to her, Cyrus,” Loretta said, patting him on the back. Then she turned to Clare, her eyes sparkling. “Clare, I just had the most wonderful idea!”

  When Clare just stared at her, Loretta continued,

  “By the time Cyrus and Hettie return from Denver, it will nearly be Thanksgiving. We should invite everyone to the ranch for dinner that day. Amelia can help me clean the main house and then with the cooking.”

  “Well, I don’t…” Clare started.

  “I’m not sure…” Cyrus sputtered.

  “As you keep reminding me, Cyrus, this is a new life. That means new friends,” she said looking at Clare, “for all of us.”

  “Please assure Miss Amelia that she will be welcome at my…our…home, as will you all,” Clare said, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

  Loretta mouthed a ‘thank you’ when she left to find Amelia.

  Life as Clare had known it for the last two decades was changing quickly. Possibly it was changing into what it should have been. Yes, Loretta Langford had changed everything, she thought as she rested against a wall at Rosario’s café. The people around her, guests at Cyrus and Hettie’s wedd
ing reception all seemed happy for the minister and the school teacher.

  They had been welcomed into the fabric of the town in a way Clare never had been. She frowned as she watched guests dance, laugh, and seem to enjoy one another’s company. Overwhelmed by her own bitterness, had she pushed them away, isolating herself from everyone. She didn’t have much time to dwell on her lonely past before an enthusiastic voice next to her asked, “Don’t you just love this time of year, Miss McIlhenney?”

  Clare smiled when she turned and saw Amelia standing next to her, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet, keeping rhythm with the music.

  “I used to,” Clare answered. “It’s happier when you’re with your family.”

  “Or when you start a new family,” Amelia beamed.

  Clare thought about it for a minute before nodding. “You’re right, Miss Amelia. When your family can’t be with you, you can create a new family of friends. Do you miss your family?”

  “Yeah, sometimes.” Amelia’s face turned solemn for a moment before brightening again. “I lost my family, but found a new one with Loretta, Cyrus, and Miss Hettie.”

  “I thought Cyrus was your brother.”

  “What? Oh, I meant our parents. Cyrus is a step-brother from our father’s previous marriage,” Amelia said quickly.

  “Funny how you can feel closer to a friend sometimes than your own family.”

  “You mean the way you love Mr. Valdez?”

  “I suppose. He saved my life and puts up with all my bullshit…I’m sorry.”

  Amelia leaned closer to Clare. “I’ve heard that and worse a thousand times,” she said with a giggle.

  “Have you been drinking, Miss Amelia?”

  “Rosario and I had one shot to celebrate,” Amelia said, holding her fingers up to show how much liquor she had imbibed.

  “Well, don’t get carried away. I’ll pick you and Loretta up tomorrow morning.”

  LIGHT SNOW BEGAN to fall again before they reached the ranch again. Loretta showed Amelia the room she would be staying in while Clare got a fire going in the fireplace.

  “Coffee will be ready in a few minutes,” Loretta said as she joined Clare next to the fireplace. “I’m glad to finally be home.”

 

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