Winning the Lady (Book 4 of the Red River Valley Brides)

by Hestand, Rita

  Yet Trish found her days interesting now. She enjoyed the games as much as Gil. Being his woman was easy enough, mainly because he asked nothing of her in return.

  But endless nights in the saloon brought back a lot of memories Trish tried to squash.

  Every night he would escort her down the stairs of the hotel, and into the gambling parlors where smoke, and whiskey permeated the air. She watched the game, careful to never display any knowledge of the game itself. The players accepted her presents with a certain respect.

  At least Gil hadn't let anyone touch her. He protected her.

  Protection had always been important to Trish.

  She wondered if Gil was a fast gun. The way he wore his holster spoke volumes, and the way everyone shied away from an argument with him told her he could easily be. But she had to admit he won honestly. He was no cheat. She liked that too.

  He'd been a perfect gentleman so far, not once trying anything with her. She was almost insulted, but then again, she rather liked the fact that he didn't seem to want her. It built a trust she wasn't used to. However, there were many things she didn't know about this man, and she would be constantly on her guard.

  She'd made a little money sitting there, and she scribbled the days on a notepad left at the register one day and the amounts she had accumulated.

  "Keeping tabs, I see." He eyed her one evening.

  She put the pad in her dress pocket. "I am keeping a record, yes."

  "Let's go have supper, shall we?" He offered his arm.

  "Of course." She smiled and took it, acting out the part he had given her. Gil made it easy for her. In public, they were a couple, but alone in their hotel rooms, she was free. So far, he acquired two rooms. No one but the desk clerk knew this.

  If she were truthful, this was much easier than washing floors for Chester. Trish wore nice dresses that Gil had paid for without a frown, and she had little to do all day except casual conversation. Her interest in the games grew. She even picked up tips on gambling for herself. She'd seen many women succumb to gambling in the saloons, but she never indulged in the game, only learning. She was content to let Gil do the gambling, though.

  They entered the small café and ordered steaks.

  "We'll be moving along soon. This town is almost dry of prospects."

  "Oh, where will we go?" she asked.

  "You always surprise me, Trish. Moving from town to town doesn't bother you?"

  "No… Actually, I like it. I get to see more of the country, meet new people. I act like a perfect lady, and you and I have struck a good bargain with each other. Although I'm not sure what I give back to you."

  He winked. "Lady luck."

  She smiled.

  "Thought we might take in a bigger town, maybe Dallas or Ft. Worth." He smiled at her.

  Gil usually ordered meat and potatoes. Occasionally he ordered a stew and cornbread. She cooked a very tasty stew herself.

  The only problem with leaving the little town was that she would have no opportunity to ask Chester for a divorce. She sighed. Three years… She could do this.

  "Sounds nice. But… do you think I should approach Chester for a divorce before we go?"

  "It's entirely up to you, but I think it's a waste of time just now. Perhaps you should wait a bit."

  "My thinking is we might not be back here for a long while…"

  "That's true. All right, do you want me to take you out there?"

  "No, I can manage, if you can manage without me a day?"

  "Of course, see what you can do. Rent yourself a buggy. If you aren't back within the day, I'll come to fetch you. Is there a reason you seek the divorce now?"

  Trish lowered her glance. "I don't like the feeling it gives me that I am still a married woman. If I am free, then telling people I am your lady won't offend me so. I can manage this for three years. I know I can. Then I'll be free."

  Something in his expression changed, even though he was frowning, he said nothing negative. "You are a beautiful woman, Trish. You could do a lot better than Chester, but I guess when you are free to choose one way or another, maybe you will find what you really want in life." He smiled and eyed her with compassion.

  For a moment, she was lost in his gaze. Sometimes out of the corner of her eye, she caught him staring at her, but he had never been overbearing. They had a bargain, and he kept it.

  "It will be much more comfortable in the big city. And the money will be better. I want you to know you are doing very well. Better than what I expected actually. That's why I think we are ready for the bigger gambling tables. I'm a little surprised that you can hold such a poker face. Women are not famous for that. That's amusing."

  Trish chuckled. "I learned that long ago. Women must sometimes keep their feelings to themselves."

  "You are a wise young lady. You know, I have not given an explanation for your being with me. People assume what they wish. And I really don't wish to blemish your name. In fact, I would defend it, if it ever comes up. If you get the divorce, we could marry and that would make things easier for you…"

  His offer floored her, and her jaw dropped. How could she answer that? And how could he so casually stand there and offer her marriage when he didn't know her that well?

  "I assure you, that if I marry again, it won't be to scrub floors for a man, nor sit at a gambling table," she huffed. "I'm worth more than that."

  He smiled. "You don't like marriage?"

  She rolled her eyes. "I have not had a real marriage yet, so I can't say."

  He laughed aloud. "What exactly were you expecting? You could not have been in love with Chester."

  "You're right about that. I wasn't, but that was the beauty of it." Her voice lowered now so others couldn't hear her. "I wanted a home, maybe even a family. What every woman wants, deep down. I wanted a man who loved me. I thought I could grow to love him… He has a beautiful piece of land that I fell in love with the moment I saw it, but I doubt he'll ever work it like it should be. Before we married, he was kind, gentle even. But once we married, he wanted me to just… submit. I would not do it. Love can't be forced. It has to come natural like. It should be earned. Had he given me some time I might have come around, but I was not about to just hop in bed with him. He became angry, and from that day on, I was his slave in every way except one."

  "Grow to love him. That is priceless. A man like Chester?"

  "A man doesn't have to be handsome to be loved." She frowned at his assumption. "There are many things besides looks that can make life worthwhile. Kindness, understanding, being a good companion…"

  "And was Chester any of these?"

  "No. Not after we married."

  Gil stared at her for a moment. "You surprise me in many ways."

  "I had my fill of good-looking losers. I don't trust a man who is handsome and can have what he wants. I thought Chester was honest and hardworking. I was wrong." She slumped her shoulders.. "He had no substance. There was nothing to love."

  He put his hand over hers. "I don't mean to laugh in your face about it. I can almost understand your thinking, but would you want to have children with such a man?"

  Trish wrinkled her nose. "I can overlook ugliness on the outside, if the heart is pure. But his wasn't. He didn't even pretend to love me. No, I think Chester was looking for something else, and after I refused him, he didn't even like me. He didn't appreciate me. I scrubbed his floors, kept his house, cooked his meals, saved him money, and yet, he gave nothing back because I refused to lie down for him. I was nothing to him. I guess that makes me a cold woman. I could not bring myself to sleep with him. I found no beauty in his heart."

  "No beauty in his heart. Now there's a thought." Gil glanced at her, shaking his head. "You gambled, and you lost. I am sorry for you. Perhaps if you catch him in the right mood, he'll give you the divorce you desire. I, for one, certainly hope so."

  She nodded. "Me too!."

  "I like you, Trish. I like you a lot. And more than that, I respect
you. Whether you realize it or not, that is something. I will never harm you nor force you. You have nothing to fear from me."

  She looked into his eyes. For the first time, she saw the truth. He did like her, and for reasons unknown, she was glad.

  Chapter Four

  The day she rode out to see Chester the weather was perfect for a ride in the country. The sun was shining, although it hadn't yet become unbearably hot. The countryside caught her attention it was so alive with animals and flowers of every color. Trish breathed in the country air deeply. So caught up in the beautiful day, Trish stopped a time or two to watch the animals about. It reminded her of her pet dog she had when she was little. The dog went everywhere with her. Because of him, she was never afraid to venture from her home.

  Trish let the sun bathe her as she stopped for a break. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed the freedom of her surroundings. She only wished her mission today wasn't so stressing.

  She fully intended to confront Chester with the idea of a divorce. She hoped to find Chester in a good mood. That would be the key to her success.

  When she arrived at the farm, it was quiet. A couple of chickens scattered in the yard as she climbed out of the buggy.

  Trish looked around and didn't see him anywhere. She hadn't considered him not being at home. Directly, he came around from the back and stared at her as though she were an apparition.

  "What are you doin' here?" He grumbled when he spotted her, and headed for the door.

  "I came to talk to you, Chester." She boldly walked up to him and followed him in the house. He wasn't smiling, but he looked at her like a sore that aggravated him. Trish let her hat slide to her back. She had donned a riding skirt and a white blouse with a vest.

  He glanced at her up and down. "We ain't got nothin' to say to each other."

  With hopes high that he might listen, she started, "Just one thing, if I can have a moment of your time. I want a divorce—"

  "A divorce! That costs money. I ain't got none, so I guess your trip was for nothin'. Wasn't it?" He put some coffee on the stove and sat at the table.

  She joined him. "Please, I can pay for it. All you would have to do is sign the papers."

  "You shore do want to be shed of me, don't you?" He eyed her contemptuously. "Now I cain't hep but wonder why."

  "Well, Chester, the way you gave me away in a poker game doesn't endear me to you. I cooked and cleaned and was a good wife."

  "You weren't no wife at all." His voice rasped, and his frown beat down on her.

  She felt herself pale. "Perhaps you are right. Then you should be glad to get shed of me," she offered, sweetly.

  "I am, and without no divorce. That fancy gambler thought he won the bargain, but I got the best deal, that's a fact. So your trip was for nothing," he hollered.

  She jumped in front of him. He stared down at her and then slapped her hard across the face, and she fell to the floor. It was a full minute before she could stand again, before she could even see again.

  She grappled for composure. "Won't you reconsider? It is plain you have no feelings for me." She gasped as she grappled for composure. The pain in her cheek made her slur her words.

  "You are one cold bitch." He slapped her once more.

  This time, her mouth bled. She grabbed the wall for support."I'm sorry I came here. I thought you were a decent human being. I saw that in you once."

  He slowly moved toward her. "You want a divorce? Okay. You pay for it. You got it. But first, you gonna have a piece of Chester…" He began unbuckling his belt. "I didn't marry you for nothin'."

  Trish tried to run, but one arm reached out to grab her. She smelled the whiskey. He reeked of sweat. His body was heavy against her. She struggled to no avail.

  He threw her on the floor and stared down at her. "Now, we'll see if you are a good wife or not."

  When she struggled against him, he slapped her again. She bit his hand as he tried to hold her head still. He might win the battle, but not the war.

  Had he not been drinking, he would not have acted this way. Terror made darkness come to her as she lay helpless from his last assault.

  When she woke, she was in the back of a wagon going down a bumpy road quickly. A blanket lay over her she noticed as she tried to get up. She felt weak and sick to her stomach.

  Trish glanced up, shading her eyes from the bright sunlight and saw the outline of a man. The bright sunshine prevented her from distinguishing who it was. She also noticed a horse was tied to the back of the wagon.

  Was Chester taking her somewhere to dump her?

  She scrambled to her knees.

  "Whoa, now." Gil stopped the horses when he glanced over his shoulder at her.

  The sound of his voice made her relax. She almost collapsed at the sight of him.

  "How are you feeling?"

  "Like a locomotive ran over me." She trembled.

  Gil jumped down from his seat and reached for the water in the back. He held her head while she supped. "I shouldn't have let you come by yourself. I should have known better."

  "What happened? I mean, where is Chester?"

  "He was gone by the time I got there. Probably a good thing too."

  "How long have I been out of it?" she asked as he helped her.

  He removed his bandana, wet from his canteen and dabbed her face. "I don't know. How do you feel?"

  She leaned against a tree trunk. She glanced about, not recognizing the area. "I'll be all right. So…where are we?"

  "Not for a couple of days, you won't be." He looked her up and down. "We're taking a rather crooked way back to town. So he won't follow us.""Did he…"

  "I don't know. I passed out…" she whispered. "I don't want to know."

  "God, I’m sorry. I should have come with you." He banged his fisted hand against the wagon.

  "It's not your fault. How could you know? I didn't. I need to clean myself," she said weakly. "I feel so dirty…."

  Gil glanced around. "If I'm not mistaken, there's a pond not far from here. Come on." He helped her up to the seat with him.

  Gil found the pond, he waited for her to take care of herself. She stripped of her clothes and jumped into the water. Splashing around for several minutes she waited for the temperature of the water to settle against her. She peered up at Gil on the hill, but he had his back turned to give her some privacy.

  He was allowing her privacy, and the moment felt special to her. How could she be so wrong about men? She trusted Chester and doubted Gil, yet Gil stood, giving her the privacy she so needed. He'd come to her rescue. Gil hadn't abused her, hadn't attacked her, and hadn't taken advantage of their bargain either.

  A new respect lingered in her mind. Could she truly trust Gil?

  After a bath, she redressed and came up the hill. Funny how trust was such a fragile thing between two people, but in the short time she'd known Gil, he'd been as gallant as she had hoped her husband would be.

  How could that be? It was too soon!

  "You look some better, but your face, you'll need to rest up a few days," he concluded. "We'll get some ice for you, or it might swell."

  "I'm sorry, I won't be much help to you for a few days. I’m sure you don't want me looking like this at the tables."

  "Don't worry. You haven't taken much time to yourself, perhaps now is the time for that. We won't leave until you're better. I've won enough not to worry about it for a few days."

  "I'm holding you up. I am sorry," she whispered. "Maybe you should find yourself another partner."

  "I like the one I have," he rasped as he stared into her blue-gray eyes and tipped her chin up. She hadn't realized how she held her breath for his reply wondering if he would kiss her, but he didn't. When he didn't say anything, she willed her heartbeat to slow to normal. "Thanks. Thanks for coming after me…" Trish tried to keep the emotions from her voice.

  "We're partners… and I want you to rest. I had no idea he was such a brute." Gil frowned. "I mean, I didn't lik
e the man the first time I met him, but I didn't think he was a complete snake."

  "He said he'd give me a divorce… before he…"

  "Let's hope that stands."

  She nodded. "I'll have to pay for it myself."

  Gil glanced at her. "I see. Then I'll give you the money in advance since we are leaving."

  "Thanks, I'll subtract it from the tab." She smiled at him, but the way he looked at her had her worried.

  Chapter Five

  For two days, she lay in bed, resting and doctoring her face with the ice Gil got from the bartender. Her bruises would not show with make-up. Some of the girls from the saloon asked about her and stopped in to see her.

  Maria studied her face. "Girl, he worked you over. He must have had a fist of iron from the look of that slap. I've seen Chester a few times in here, but he never was violent. I guess you never can tell about a man until you marry them."

  "He took me by surprise. I didn't expect this from him. He was never violent with me before."

  Maria shook her head and chortled. "You got to expect things like this to happen when you get yourself in a position like that. Why'd you marry that rot gut character?"

  "I didn't know he was a rot gut character." Trish laughed. "Not until it was too late. I know it's kinda hard to figure, but I saw him differently at first. I wasn't in love with him, but…well, I really thought I could grow to love him in time."

  "Well, you sure latched onto a good one now. I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat. I even tried to get your man to go upstairs with me a couple of times, but every time, he refused. He's some man. He's rare in these parts. I'd hold on to him if I were you."

  Maria looked about the room, admiring the pretty quilt on the bed, and the flowers on her bedside table.

  "Gil refused you? Well, he's quite the gentleman. I guess we make a fair team," Trish boasted.

  "Have you bedded him yet?" Maria asked, not at all bashful of such conversations.

  Trish allowed that she had once been like Maria. "No… nor my so-called husband."