“Esa, Joe and I have to check at the post stop and have a few errands as well.” Jake told her. Elizabeth smiled. In the old days, a few errands tended to lead to the Saloon.
“Ok, Jake see you both back here.” Elizabeth turned her pony and all but ran into Black Dog.
Clearly, he had other instructions. Elizabeth pierced her lips and stared at him. He gave the slightest nod of his head. Elizabeth realised he was only doing what he’d been told. She headed down the street to the Bank. Black Dog closely behind her. She dismounted and dropped ‘Patches’ reins in the traditional way. Black Dog dismounted and did the same and followed her into the Bank. His eyes scanning the area.
Across the street from the General Store, Carl Steiner and his partner Buddy were watching all the action. Carl thought he had never seen anything quite so magnificent. The women was beautiful and from the way she handled herself, not just on the outside. Carl turned to the town barber who stood next to him.
“Excuse me. Do you know who that is.”
“Yep, sure do, that’s the Trelawney family, they own the Double T.”
Carl turned back to the bank. “Who’s the girl?”
“That is the prodigal. Ms Elizabeth Trelawney. Lovely child she was to, been away for a few years. Sure has grown. Kinda thought she’d have all those Eastern ways by now, guess not.” He said and turned away to go back inside.
“The prodigal?” Asked Buddy clearly not understanding the word.
“It means, their important and recently returned home.” Carl told him.
“O right, why not just say that then?”
Carl smiled. He watched one of the hands put a notice up outside the General Store. He walked over to read it.
At that moment, Elizabeth was sitting in Charlie Bells office with Black Dog hovering in the background. It wasn’t until that moment that she’d remember his predecessor had retired. She’d like him. He was grandfatherly and always had something nice to say. She wasn’t so sure about Mr. Bell.
Elizabeth had explored all the pleasantries of her return with the Bank Manager who insisted on serving her coffee and who appeared to keep a concerned eye on Black Dog at the same time.
“Well Mr. Bell, it has been a pleasure to meet you. I have come to access funds from my personal account, I know it’s been a while, but I’m sure that everything is in order.” Elizabeth assured him. “And please call me Elizabeth.”
“Well of course Ms. Trelawney whatever you need but I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the ranch accounts with you, if you wouldn’t mind.” Elizabeth was surprised by the tone of his statement.
“Mr. Bell, my Uncle sees to all our accounts. As money is transferred to our New York holdings, he has diligently sent me copies of all our accounts and interests over the years. I intend to go over everything in time with him but not now and we both know, the ranch makes more money than we could ever spend.”
“Yes Ms. Trelawney, Elizabeth, but your Uncle,” he looked over at Black Dog and swallowed hard. “Is married to an Indian, and you are the rightful owner.”
Elizabeth was finding it increasingly more difficult to like the man. She held onto her temper.
“Mr, Bell, your new to me. Your predecessor was a wonderful man. So I do not know you and you do not as yet, know us. However, I know this bank. Indeed, my money started it and my family keeps it going. You forget yourself. I am Indian, by choice. Now if you would kindly access my personal funds as I have requested. Our business is completed, unless that is, you would like us to close our accounts?”
Realising his mistake, Mr. Bell stuttered and backed up. “That won’t be necessary Elizabeth, it’s my job to look to your interests and check we are doing right by you.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Indeed, it is and I am grateful that you do. We have been with this bank for too many years to fall out now…..” Elizabeth answered. Then thought about making some changes. She didn’t like the man, but he was probably competent. “I will need two hand salaries made up for three weeks. They will be here to pick it up shortly. I may well want to make a number of changes in time. I have been running several business interests in the East but for now, I am making no changes at present Mr. Bell and should I do so, it will be with the express permission of my uncle and in consultation with my father and brothers. Now, if you could allow me my credit line, I have other business I must attend to and I must be going.” Mr, Bell stood, arranged a letter of credit and Elizabeth got up. She shook hands with him and left. With Black Dog hot on her heels.
Elizabeth came out and looked around her. That man had left a bad taste in her mouth. She missed the old banker. He was a loveable man. The town had not changed much in the years she had been away. There were a few new shops since she had last been in town and then she saw the ladies clothing shop. A huge grin crossed her face. Perfect. Elizabeth picked up her reins and walked across the road. She dropped them at the post and walked into the shop. A bell rang over the door as she entered. Elizabeth couldn’t believe it. It was a bit of the East right here in Brownsville. She was pleasantly surprised. It had a bit of everything. Underwear, perfume, makeup, day and evening clothes. It was a little piece of heaven. “Can I help you?” Came the voice from the back.
“Yes I hope so, I would like nearly everything here!” She called out.
The voice laughed. “In that case, I hope you can afford it?”
“Actually yes I can.” Elizabeth said with a smile. “But I’ll only take a little although I’m sorely tempted. Hello, I’m Elizabeth.” Elizabeth came around the counter, found the voice and held out her hand. A hand reached out from inside a large packing box.
Shaking it the voice told her. “Sorry up to my head in boxes, hello, I’m Vera Corday and this is my shop.”
“Well hello Vera, I can see we are going to be great friends.” Elizabeth laughed going back to looking around.
“Well I do hope so.” Said Vera coming into the main part of the store. Elizabeth smiled at her. She was a petite lady with brown curly hair.
Elizabeth rubbed her hands together. “Show me everything you’ve got.” She told her cheekily and for the next hour Black Dog remained outside, blocking the door.
Vera looked up after several purchases at the shadow blocking her door.
Elizabeth followed her gaze. “Bodyguard?”
“Yes, my father’s idea, but I actually think it was probably my brother’s.”
“Brother? You have a brother? Dont tell me there’s a male version of you that I haven’t seen.” Elizabeth laughed. She’d never considered that Red Wolf would be a man that women would go after. She frowned. Why not?
“I have two in fact. One is to be married. I’m not sure the other is your type.” And explained to Vera why. Vera looked out the window at Black Dog.
“Well, I wouldn’t mind if he didn’t.” She told her suddenly. Elizabeth laughed out loud and Vera joined in. It was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
“Could you send any new things up to the ranch for me to have a look at from time to time, and you’d be very welcome to come along too any time. We’d be happy to have you.”
Vera nodded. “I would like that very much and it’s no problem at all Elizabeth, just send in a hand every now and then and I’ll pack you up a parcel and maybe come with it.”
Elizabeth laughed loudly. “Sundays, you have a standing invitation. Vera, you are indeed a person worth knowing, can you send today’s purchases over to the General Store for collection as soon as possible.” They shock hands, each sure they had found a new friend.
Elizabeth and Black Dog remounted and headed back up town. As they passed the saloon, Elizabeth winced inwardly as she heard a voice she recognised.
“Indian lover, what’s the matter with this town, putting up with dirt in your streets, treating them like people.”
The voice staggered out of the saloon door barely able to stand up, followed by his brother. When they saw her fully, the older one stopped.
“Dirty Indian whore,” he called out and spat in the street. The younger looked visibly shocked. Embarrassed. Elizabeth paled, uncoiled the whip and flicked it. They stepped back. The whole of town it seemed was looking at them and had clearly heard him. Much to her annoyance, she reddened. Black Dog pushed his pony forward and screened her from behind.
“It is a great shame that you are such a poor example of a man. Well now boys.” She called out loudly, more confident than she felt. “I see you didn’t get very far now did you?”
“We’re not on your land, so you can’t do nothin to us now.” The older hand had answered her. Elizabeth took her time. Held the bullwhip handle and cracked it.
He moved back. Then rubbed it along her face, copying the scar on his face. “Is that all you know? To insult women and manhandle them?” There were a number of intakes of breath. The hand looked around him. Several women with their men folk weren’t happy. “How’s the face and gun hand?” she challenged.
Sheriff Johnson walked up the side walk to her and Jed came from the other direction.
“Elizabeth, lovely to see you, is there a problem here?” The Sheriff asked her. Without dropping her gaze Elizabeth answered him.
“A slight difference of opinion on our land with these boys here yesterday. It got them fired. Their wages are at the bank. That’s all Sheriff.”
“Do you want to press charges?” The Sheriff asked her. Both men looked to him as if he were crazy. “I don’t think that will be necessary Sheriff, it’s a personal matter.”
The older man started to stutter.
“Her press charges?” he shouted. “She’s mad, Sheriff she took a whip to us, look at what she did.” The younger brother offered. People started to snigger. Elizabeth leaned forward, and with a menacing edge she didn’t know she processed told him, “touch my family again and you’ll be thankful to have your life. Don’t let me see you again.”
Elizabeth sat back up and gathered her reins. “Sheriff, nice to see you. I believe Anna has a pie with your name on it. Happy to see you anytime. Jed.” She nodded in both their directions.
“Always a pleasure gentlemen.” And turned her pony towards the General Store, Black Dog followed.
Elizabeth decided she’d had enough of ‘town.’ It was time to go. Determined not to let the Towns people see how much it had affected her, she rode steadily to the General Store. The whore comment had hurt her more than she’d like to admit, but Vera’s had made up for some of that, she thought. She stopped at the General Store, let her horse drink, crossing her leg over the pummel and waited on her pony.
Joe handed her the purchase paperwork from the Store and she tried to relax in her saddle. White Dove was still busy inside. Black Dog dismounted, joined his men and was helping to load the wagon.
Carl approached Elizabeth hat in hand. Black Dog, sensing him before seeing him, leapt in front of him cutting him off and stood between them. Carl stepped back.
“I’m sorry, I mean no harm to the lady.” He spoke directly to Black Dog and indicated to Elizabeth. Elizabeth hadn’t expected that; she knew many locals didn’t choose to talk to the Indians like men. “I read your notice, you’re looking for hands?” Black Dog looked at Elizabeth who signalled to withdraw.
“Yes that’s right Mr?”
“Steiner mam and that’s my partner Benny.” Carl told her indicating Benny on the other side of the street Elizabeth looked over at Benny who took his hat from his head.
Elizabeth smiled at him and turned back to Mr. Steiner. “Well Mr Steiner, how do you feel about working for an Indian lover?” Elizabeth said dryly acknowledging that he must have heard the conversation along with everyone else in town.
He got points for treating Black Dog properly.
“I don’t have an opinion mam, as long as we’re paid and its honest work, that’s good enough.” Elizabeth said nothing. Just continued to look at him for a moment. He seemed genuine.
“Done the work before Mr Steiner?”
“Yes mam.” Elizabeth considered him for a moment and made up her mind. She looked at Black Dog. He gave the slightest of nods. Elizabeth caught Mr. Steiner seeing it.
“The Double T is to the West, you can’t miss it, if you still feel you’d like to give it a go, come tomorrow at sunrise, ask for Mr. Trelawney, my Uncle or my brother Red Wolf.”
“Red Wolf mam, your brother?”
Elizabeth wondered if she’d got it wrong. “Yes Mr. Steiner, my brother.”
Carl looked at the ground, to look at her hurt. “If you’ll excuse me for saying Miss, you don’t look as if you have Indian parents.” Elizabeth studied him for a moment, not sure if he was just being fresh or insulting, as he looked up, she frowned he wasn’t insulting her. Being a little fresh maybe and made a decision.
“I’m not by blood Mr. Steiner, but by choice. My chosen father honours me with his blessing and therefore I am Indian too. If you can’t respect Indians don’t bother coming. If you chose to work for us, you know where to find us. Good day Mr. Steiner.” Carl nodded doffing his hat and walked away.
Elizabeth turned as Mr. Jenkins came out of the store, White Dove had already mounted during Elizabeth’s exchanged with Carl, as had the other braves.
“Thank you. Mr. Jenkins, your service as always is greatly appreciated. I’m sure to see you again soon.”
“Always a pleasure Elizabeth, you must come and see us again soon, I know Mrs. Jenkins would welcome the pleasure of your company to dinner any time.” Mr. Jenkins spoke aloud. Elizabeth could have hugged him, affirming her status to the town and his pleasure in serving her. Elizabeth nodded regally.
Carl realised the woman was completely unaware of the impact, her party made on the rest of them. Riding high in the saddle, it was clear she was eager to get going. She turned her horse and moved off. Slowly at first, then broke into a canter. Black Dog and his braves with her, her bullwhip in her hand.
As she rode past the towns folk Elizabeth made eye contact as she went. And smiled to those she knew. Carl was still watching from the sidewalk. One after the other the rest of her party turned and rode out of town after her. For some, the lights of town just went out.
As Carl and Benny started out for the Double T. Their party arrived home for dinner.
A quick wash and change and Elizabeth helped White Dove and Anna serve up, she was getting better at it. Taking her seat, she talked all through dinner about the trip into town. All except the run in with the brothers. Told Ben she might have found him a couple of hands. If so, they’d be here tomorrow. After dinner, Elizabeth bought in some of the purchases she’d made earlier and talked to Ben about the run in with the Bank Manager Mr. Bell and told him she wasn’t happy about his attitude.
Ben laughed. “It’s your land and money honey. Do as you want.”
“No Ben, it’s all our land. Dad wanted it for all of us.” As Ben went to answer he as Red Wolf came into the room. He was back in traditional dress.
Hearing the tall end of the conversation. He sat down and joined his family. Ben and Red Wolf talked over the day while White Dove brought him some food. He ate while they talked.
As she came back, Elizabeth got up and handed a present to White Dove and one to Ben.
“What’s this Esa.” White Dove asked.
“It’s a gift to say thank you.” She said to both of them. White Dove opened her parcel, it contained a lovely silk night gown. By her face she had not seen anything like it before and clearly loved it.
Ben opened his to find a gold Double T tie pin. Emotionally he turned to her.
“Elizabeth its lovely how’d you find it?” She smiled.
“I brought it with me, I had it made before I left.”
Elizabeth also had a gift for Red Wolf, Dull Knife and Running Elk. She hesitated while he finished his meal, then walked over to Red Wolf. She stood before him and handed him his gift.
“Thank you for my pony, he’s lovely.” She said as he looked up and sta
red. Without waiting for his response she turned. “I’m off to bed” she told them.
Walking across the room, she kissed Ben and White Dove and climbed the stairs. Elizabeth entered her room and went straight over to her dressing table. Someone had been in to open her window for her. She’d closed it this morning and there was a note on her desk. It was from Ben.
‘I’m giving you a gun. I know you can use one. It’s a small one. It’s loaded and if you need help in using it, ask before you do! It’s in the right-hand draw of this desk. Ben.’
Elizabeth opened the drawer and there it was. A small silver, onyx and black, ladies pistol. It was nothing like her MAS. Ben didn’t know about that. Elizabeth left it in the open drawer and continued to get ready for bed. She wasn’t sure if she really wanted another gun. Her one was hidden in the back of the dresser. Although her parents had had them, and she had been taught shortly after Bens arrival. She understood why it was needed but she just wasn’t keen on them.
Elizabeth started to pull her clothes free and opened her shirt pulling it from her trousers as she unlaced her chemise. She washed and dried herself. Then breathed deeply. Always feeling so free while doing this and started to unpin her hair, then brush it out. A little while later there was a knock and her door opened. Red Wolf came in and took several steps without looking at her or waiting for her to ask him in. A little shocked, Elizabeth stood and took a step towards him. As she did, Red Wolf looked at her for the first time.
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