The following day, Rachel and Victoria joined Mrs. Wilson and Charlotte for
their appointed tea time. Mrs. Wilson was very pleasant company always speaking
her mind as usual. Today she refrained from embarrassing Charlotte too much
in front of their guests and chose instead to become better acquainted with
Rachel whom she thought would be a welcome addition to their ladies club. Being
close friends with Victoria didn't hurt her chances either. Charlotte inquired
of Victoria privately of her developing relationship with Jimmy and was thrilled
to hear the latest update. After a pleasant meeting with their hostesses, Victoria
and Rachel bid them farewell and headed to run some errands in town. Victoria
stopped at Pierre's to pick up a dress while Rachel shopped in the General Store.
On her way to meet Rachel she noticed Jimmy's palomino in front of the Marshal's
office.
"Hi Teaspoon." she greeted as she entered.
"Why Victoria, to what do I owe this pleasant surprise?" asked the
Marshal who had been busy reading the day's newspaper, his feet propped on top
of his desk. When he heard her greeting he folded the paper and sat up respectfully.
"I saw Jimmy's horse up front. Is he here?" she inquired.
" 'Fraid not but I reckon if you listen real close-like you may be able to track the pitter-patter of his love-sick heart all the way down to the livery stable."
Victoria smiled at the Marshal's obvious conclusion that Jimmy had affectionate feelings for her. "Why Teaspoon, don't tell me you're the romantic type?"
"Romance is my specialty, guess that's why I been married six times." he informed.
A look of shock spread over her face. "Six times?" she asked surprised. She had never met anyone who had been married so many times, in fact she didn't know anyone could get married that many times.
"Yeap. I'm afraid all that lovin' was too much for one woman to handle." he grinned, as he stretched his suspenders. Victoria gave a very embarrassed blush at the Marshal's comment. Seeing they were alone, which was a rare occassion in itself, she took advantage of the opportunity to discuss an urgent matter that had been on her mind as of late.
"Well I'm glad we're alone. I kind of wanted to speak with you about an important matter."
A look of concern flashed across his face as he stood from his seat and rested his bottom on his desk giving her his full attention. "For you my dear I'm all ears." he said.
Victoria took a deep breath before she began, "I know I've only been a part of your lives a very short time but I feel like I've known all of you all my life."
"Why we feel the same way about you." he replied.
"I'm glad to hear it." she smiled in response. Victoria paced the floor nervously, twiddling her hands together, not knowing exactly how to say what she needed to so she said it out right. "I feel that soon a courter may come calling for me. I know you're a good judge of character Teaspoon and since I have no father or brother to speak in my behalf, I would love for you to act as such in my case." Teaspoon looked dumbfounded at the simple request. Seeing his hesitation she pleaded, "Please Teaspoon, I trust your judgment in all and it would be a relief to me to know you were there for me. I wouldn't dream about asking any other man but I've come to be very fond of you and I know that if my father were living, he would agree that you'd be the perfect person to fill his shoes." Victoria's words touched him deeply. He looked at her searching eyes and couldn't refuse the girl's request.
"I'd be honored." he conceded.
Victoria gave a broad smile as she felt instant relief that he had accepted the duty. "Thank you." she said as she gave him a hug and a kiss on his scruffy cheek.
"You're welcome." he smiled. "I suppose this suitor I need to be looking for is at the livery stable?"
"I hope so." she said as she turned towards the door on her way to meet up with Jimmy.
"Is Mr. Hickok here?" she asked the young stable hand.
"Around back." he informed pointing behind him. She followed the directions and rushed to meet her new found love. As she turned the corner, her heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. She felt as if all the air had been knocked out of her. There, before her very eyes, lay the most frightful sight. Kate and Jimmy, engaged in what seemed like a sultry kiss. Betrayed. That's all she could think. Her love had been betrayed; taken as of little account. She stood there for what seemed like a lifetime, in reality only a few seconds though long enough for the image to be burned in her mind. Turning to leave the horrified sight she felt weak, her head spinning with disbelief, her legs about to give way.
"Ms. Sutton." cried Phillip as he caught her before she collapsed to the ground. "Lad please, bring my coach immediately." he told the young boy, who obeyed instantly. In a matter of minutes the boy had returned. "Tell my sister I will return for her shortly." Phillip lifted the very disoriented Victoria, settled her in the coach and took her to his home where he felt she could recuperate without becoming a public spectacle.
Victoria awakened to luxurious surroundings. Cherry stained furniture, fancy lace curtains draped the windows, large paintings hung on the walls, vases filled with roses adorned the room. She sat up on the bed, her head still dizzy and believed it all to be a dream.
"Yes, it's all been a dream. I'm home." To her dismay the sudden stab of pain she felt made her come to her senses. It was real. All of it. How could he do this to her? How could he betray their love so quickly? She had to abandon those burning questions for now realizing she had no clue as to where she was.
A woman dressed in a maid's uniform opened the door. She curtzied. "I see you have awakened mademoiselle. I will inform the Master." Before she could ask any questions, the young woman was gone. Deciding to wait patiently yet nervously for whoever the Master was, instead of wandering their majestic abode, she resorted to concentrate whatever energies she had left into composing herself so that the river of emotions she felt wouldn't come rushing out at her. A gentle knock on the door broke her concentration.
"Come in." she invited nervously. The handsome, well-dressed man walked in. Her eyes widened as she saw him. "Mr. Wescott? What-What am I doing here?" she asked embarrassed.
"Phillip please. You had a fainting episode in town. Fortunetaly I was there to aid you. I brought you to my home so I would know for sure you were all right. Have you been feeling well?" His eyes were warm, showing deep concern, making Victoria somewhat uncomfortable.
"My health is fine." she informed.
"Are you certain? I could have the doctor take a look at you."
"That won't be necessary." she said, pulling the lacey quilt off her. "Thank you so much for your kindness Mr. Wescott..."
"Phillip." he interrupted.
"Phillip. I need to be getting back home. It's dark. They must be worried about me."
"Indeed." he nodded understandingly. Victoria stood from the bed and quickly found her shoes, slipping them on. Though she still felt a bit dizzy, she didn't let on to her condition fearing Phillip would insist she stay.
"Would you stay for dinner then?"
"Another time perhaps. I fear your sister wouldn't approve. If you haven't noticed she doesn't like me very much. Can't say the feeling isn't mutual either."
"Ah, the infamous Mr. Hickok I presume is in the middle of it all." he acknowledged, knowing the cause of this rift between Victoria and his sister.
"Your sister's in love with him isn't she?"
"Poor Kate. Could never take no for an answer. Trying to reason with a person madly infatuated I suggest you never attempt. My sister's wretched soul clings to his unceasingly or unconditionally I should say for choice of a better word. My poor sister. She's always loved him, I guess she always will."
Victoria couldn't stand the thought of having this woman, this conniving woman involved in her life with Jimmy forever. She dreaded it. "She may get her wish after all." Phillip chose not to comment on her words. He escorted Victoria downstairs and requested of the young maid to send for his coach to be readied for departure.
Phillip found pleasure in Victoria's presence and in his coversation with her though she looked rather melancholy. His concern for her was evident by his frequent inquiries on her state. His unusual attention brought a small smile from Victoria, seeing him fuss over her so much.
Kate, not far off, watched intently her brother's handy work with the much hated Ms. Sutton and couldn't help but smile a wicked smile. Not resisting the urge to pass up the opportunity of the helpless sheep in the lionesses den, she entered the room, knowing full well she had the upper hand. "Why Victoria. I hope you're feeling all right." Victoria sensed Kate's good wishes were more than insincere but downright hypocritical. She shot Kate a retaliatory look and said, "I will be quite all right. Trust me."
"The coach is ready Mr. Wescott." announced the young maid. He nodded. "Ms. Sutton, shall we?" he asked offering his hand. She took it and headed to the door.
"Make sure you get some rest dear. You look like you've seen a ghost."
Kate smugly said.
Victoria stared at her, feeling Kate had begun a dangerous game. Kate had indeed.
She had seen Victoria approaching the livery stable, made it a point to encounter
Jimmy and when the time was ripe, she lay that passion filled kiss on him. The
results had been more than successful. Her first step to breaking them apart
couldn't have been more deliciously orchestrated. Jimmy of course didn't reciprocate
her amorous gesture but tore her away too late for Victoria to witness.
The sound of horses evoked the quick exit of the mainhouse by Rachel and Lou. Phillip emerged form the stylish wagon and produced a solemn looking Victoria. "My goodness Victoria!" cried Rachel. "Where have you been?" she said running to the girl. "You've had us worried sick. I thought something terrible might've happened to you." She took her arm. "Teaspoon and the boys have been out looking for you."
"I'm fine Rachel." she said. Rachel could see that that wasn't quite the truth. Although Victoria claimed to be feeling all right she could see the girl was obviously not herself.
"I'm afraid Ms. Sutton suffered a blackout out in town; she was at my home recuperating." Phillip added.
Rachel gave the handsome man a grateful look. "Thank you Mr. Wescott."
"It was nothing." he replied. Rachel turned holding onto Victoria who felt her head must've been hit by a ton of rocks. She braced herself against Rachel as they commenced to the house. "Uhm, Ms. Dunne?" he called. "Yes?"
"If it is agreeable with you, I'd like to stop by tomorrow and see how Ms. Sutton's faring?"
"That'll be fine." she agreed. Phillip tipped his hat at the ladies and turned back to his coach. Lou helped Rachel with Victoria who at entering the house broke down into uncontrollable weeping. All of her penned up feelings came crashing down. Lou and Rachel tried to make sense of what she was saying between sobs but for the life of them they couldn't until they were able to calm her down long enough to get the whole story.
"Oh that woman!" cried Lou.
"I'm sure there's a rational explanation for what you saw. Jimmy would never tell you he loves you and then go to another woman." comforted Rachel.
"Are you sure?" she asked desperately.
"As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow." Rachel answered with a faint smile.
"Kate will stop at nothing to tear you away from him. Don't let her. Jimmy deserves you. He's waited a long time for someone like you."
"I don't know Lou. I'm-I'm so confused." her teary stained face said, looking at her friend.
The galloping horses outside came to a stop. "Teaspoon and the boys are back." announced Rachel.
Victoria's mood became frantic. "I-I can't face him now. Please don't say anything." she pleaded as she quickly rose from her seat and headed up the stairs to her room.
"Where is she?" asked Jimmy storming through the door a few seconds afterwards. Rachel refrained him from heading upstairs.
"Not now Jimmy." she said shaking her head. "It's not a good time."
"I just want to talk to her." he retorted, frustrated he was being restrained.
"She's resting. Whatever you need saying to her will be said soon enough." She looked at him with that motherly concerned look and softly said, "She's not going anywhere." Jimmy conceded to Rachel's request reluctantly even though it tore him inside. He left their company for time alone. All eyes were on him as he exited.
"We ran into Wescott on the way." said Kid.
"How's she doing?" asked Teaspoon.
"She's not well, more emotionally than physically." informed Rachel.
"Anything we can do?" asked Noah coming forward.
"Ain't nothing we can do." said Lou in frustration.
"There are forces at work here that want to see those two separated forever." added Rachel.
"Let me guess, Kate." voiced Buck. Rachel nodded.
"All we can do is hope and pray that Victoria is the stronger one this time."
Victoria stood at her usual spot on the corral fence watching the horses the boys had broken. How different they were now from the time of their arrival. She was different too. A girl who knew not what the real love of a man was until the other day when it had been engraved in her soul. The wild horses had been tamed by their human masters and would never go back to their former state. Her heart had been tamed by a man she fell deeply in love with. She would never return to her former state of ignorance. She couldn't. She wouldn't. She had blossomed in his embrace. He had watered her so freely with his passion she couldn't revert. She had to have him yet her pride fought her fiercely.
The approaching horse in the distance alerted the arrival of the distinguished Mr. Wescott. His black steed strode galantly as he sat upon it ever so handsome and well-groomed. His auburn hair was hid under his brown hat. He wore a white shirt under a tapestry-like vest, brown pants and a simple black tie. The long leather suede brown coat he wore was the kind of expensive wear one doesn't readily see out in these parts. He was a man who lived up to the very riches he possessed.
She got down from the fence and waited for him to stop. He dismounted his steed, securing the reins around the fence as he greeted her with a broad smile. "Nice to see you're feeling better Ms. Sutton." he said approaching.
"I want to thank you once again for all you did for me."
"Please," he said, holding a hand up, "it was the least I could do for such a fine lady as yourself." Phillip Wescott was very charming she had to admit but she'd had enough of his kind to last a lifetime. "I believe you forgot this yesterday." he said, handing her a package wrapped in brown paper.
She took the package from him and recognized it readily. "My dress. I'd fogotten all about it."
"You forgot it in the coach yesterday." Phillip stared at her, thinking of how beautiful she was. Wild thoughts started to run through his mind; she was having an affect on him for sure. He had to tear himself away from them and after a moments pause he said, "Forgive me if I may sound forward but would you consider donning it to join me for a luncheon tomorrow at the restaurant in town?"
Victoria was taken aback by such an invitation. It was a strange request after the events of the previous day. "I'm sorry but I don't think I'd be very good company." she said, trying to get around the invite.
"Please do consider it. The Mayor and his wife and your friend Charlotte will be joining us and you are more than welcome to bring Ms. Dunne along if you feel more comfortable. It's for a worthy cause. We'll be starting a fund to help our less fortunate neighbors in their times of hardship." he said convincingly.
"What a wonderful idea." she agreed. Victoria always loved to support such worthy causes and a sense of relief came over her. Her first thoughts were of her and Phillip sharing an intimate lunch together, but seeing that she had been mistaken felt compelled to accept the invitation afterall. "I guess it would be all right."
"Splendid." he replied cheerfully seeing she had accepted. "Then it's a date."
"Not quite Mr. Wescott."
"Phillip please." he encouraged.
"Phillip. I accepted your invitation merely as a gesture of friendship and in support of your noble cause, nothing else. I'd hate for wild rumors to start floating around town over such an innocent thing." she said directly.
He nodded. "The point is well taken Ms. Sutton and it will be treated as such." She thanked him once again for the invitation as they walked over to his horse. He kissed her hand and she bid him farewell until tomorrow.
Jimmy and Lou had been standing outside on the bunkhouse porch during Phillip's unannounced visit and witnessed the interchange between them. "The vultures are closing in Jimmy. You better go talk to her." advised Lou. Jimmy took Lou's advice to heart knowing full well he couldn't take anything for granted in connection with Victoria. She had refused to speak to him, not even granting him a request to see her and he was puzzled by this sudden change. He reckoned it had to do with her condition the day before but still he didn't comprehend why she didn't want to see him. Lou and Rachel had not divulged any of their conversation to him and that only frustrated him more. He followed her into the barn.
"Hi." he greeted.
"Hello." she said as the sight of him pained her, the expression vividly apparent.
"How are you feeling?" he asked trying to ease into a conversation with her.
"I've felt better." she noted. She looked at him waiting for him to say something, anything, but he didn't. "What do you want Jimmy?" she asked, a wrinkle in her brow.
Jimmy didn't know exactly what to say but figured he'd better come out and say what was on his mind instead of risking the chance of aggravating her. "I want you to tell me what's wrong. Tell me what it is I did so I can right it."
She looked down to the ground, trying to conceal the tears that swelled in her eyes. "It doesn't matter anymore."
He walked up to her, clasping her arms and softly said, "It matters if it's keeping you away from me. Please...I love you Victoria. Don't turn me away." His words caressed her soul almost leading her to fall into his arms when she recalled the treasonous act. She pulled away from him and cried, " Stop it Jimmy!"
Victoria was furious with him, besides how dare he engage her in this conversation in the first place she thought. What made him think that she'd even want to speak to him anyway? The flood of anger and pain she felt came pouring through her next words. "I saw you yesterday at the livery stable with Kate. I didn't know you two were still so-so close!" she shot angrily.
Jimmy passed a hand over his face. It all made perfect sense now. He began a defense. "It's not what it looked like. Let me explain."
She didn't want to hear it. "You don't owe me any explanations Jimmy but I will not be made a fool of again!" she raged.
Jimmy was beginning to get upset too. She was accusing him and not giving him a chance to defend himself. "I do have something to say and damn it you're not leaving here until I do." he said with a raised voice. Victoria was surprised since he'd never talked to her like that before yet, her stubborn streak wouldn't let her give in. He could see the fiery look in her eyes but he wasn't giving in this time. No one was going anywhere until this had been settled. She attempted to walk away but he grabbed the package from her stopping her in her tracks.
"Give it back!" she said as she snatched the package from him. The motion caught him off-guard since he had expected her to stay there and listen but her stubbornness made its appearance once again.
"Not until you hear what I've got to say." he retorted taking possesion of the package again.
"Why?! It's not as if we're courting, are we?" she shot back and yanked the package from his grip one last time and ran out of the barn. Her comment caught him off-guard, leaving him speechless.
Victoria spent the rest of the day avoiding any contact with Jimmy. She had been wounded. He wanted to heal her but she wouldn't allow it. Though she loved him more than reason itself, having him near and not feeling his touch was even more heartwrenching. She found peaceful solitude on her way to meet Taylor for his reading lesson today. For at least an hour, she could tear herself away from him. She needed to in order not to drive her mind mad. Due to the luncheon she would attend tomorrow, she made known to Taylor they wouldn't be able to read as usual and reserved their meeting for the next available afternoon.
Rachel was reluctant at first to accept Phillip's invitation to the luncheon due to the recent events that opened the way for him to have an excuse to see Victoria and the affect she felt it could have on Jimmy. Victoria convinced her otherwise pleading for her support unless she go insane thinking of Jimmy non-stop. Even in her sleep she couldn't escape him. He had entrenched his power deep within her. She was becoming weaker trying to fight it, listening to the wants of her heart, yet her pride kept her from breaking down and running to him.
A section of the restaurant had been reserved for the large party of guests. Rachel and Victoria elegantly dressed were welcomed heartily by the various guests except of course for Kate, who was still reveling over her fortunate turn in circumstance that led to her scheming attack on Victoria. She hated Victoria like she hated no other. The one precious thing she held so dear to her heart would not be taken away by the likes of her. She hoped for the sake of Ms. Sutton that her brother's charms would be enough to divert her attentions otherwise she would pay dearly if she chose to pursue the only man she ever loved, James Hickok.
Charlotte and Victoria were engaged in intimate conversation much to the chagrin of Kate who couldn't stand the thought that the two had become such good friends. The guests, about twenty in all, mingled from table to table, passing time in raptuous conversations. The Mayor's jolly laughter could be heard through the crowd at the sound of a joke being told by one of his table companions.
"Trust me Victoria, the woman is evil. She will try every deceitful trick in the book to get her hands on Jimmy and if she can't, she won't allow anyone else to either. I'm certain she knew of your presence when you saw her with him. To even think he would show the least bit of interest in her is absurd. Why would he? Unless he likes putting his life in danger for someone like her."
"What do you mean Charlotte?" Victoria asked puzzled.
"Do you not know?" Victoria shook her head. Charlotte laced her friend's
arm, walking
a-ways away from the other's around. Her voice was a soft whisper and Victoria
had to listen closely to hear her friend's intriguing news.
"It seems a couple of months before your arrival, the very ambitious Ms. Wescott was involved in a scheme to get control of a gold mine that was in possession of Mr. Flynn's elderly, very sickly brother. Now Mr. Flynn was somehow informed of Ms. Wescott's intentions and of course had his brother's property heavily guarded, unbeknownst to our dear Jimmy who was shot being mistaken as a claim jumper. It was a horrible, scandulous affair. After that, he vowed not to have any more to do with her and that has basically sent her into a vendetta against any woman who as much looked his way. So you see Victoria, whatever you saw it was not Jimmy's doing. He can barely stand the sight of the woman as it is, least to engage her in a fervent kiss. Do not believe it for one minute."
Victoria couldn't believe what she'd just been told. He had tried to explain things to her but she didn't let him. "Oh Charlotte! I feel like such a fool. I was just so hurt. I didn't want to speak to him. I must make ammends or I fear I may lose him."
"You need not look any further dearest, for your handsome lover has entered the building." she nodded, making Victoria look behind her. There he was as handsome as ever being seated at a table on the other side of the room. She quickly turned away before he could see her. Her heart raced.
"What is he doing here?" she asked very surprised.
"He's here for you silly. You need to go to him." she encouraged.
Victoria shook her head. "I can't. I'm too ashamed."
"There is no shame in love."
She once again looked in his direction and saw he had found her, greeting her with his pearly smile. Victoria's love for him flooded throughout her body. He motioned with a move of his head towards the door. "Go with him." urged Charlotte with a nudge.
"Now? And leave so rudely?!" she faintly exclaimed.
"There's no reason for you to stay. We've already eaten lunch and as you see everyone's about their own affairs." she pointed out. Victoria looked over at him yet again and seeing he had her attention nodded towards the door a second time and then slowly got up and walked outside to wait for her. "Go!" she nudged. "I'll cover for you." Victoria squeezed her friend's hand at the excitable thought of being whisked away by her handsome cowboy.
She stepped outside but didn't see him or his horse. A moment of confusion enveloped her. Feeling a presence from behind, she turned to see him there dressed in a white shirt, black vest and tie along with his signature black hat; more handsome than ever. Having the reins of his palomino in one hand, he extended his free one to her.
"Will you join me for a ride?" he asked with warm eyes.
"It would be my pleasure." she answered softly, taking his hand. He helped her mount on his horse and then readily climbed on behind her and together they rode out of town.
Jimmy slowed his horses' gait to a trot as they took the long isolated road...the same one they had traveled the night of the dance. A line of trees edged its path as the sun broke through the many leafy branches that covered it. Jimmy couldn't have been happier. Having her so close, his arms draped around her as he held the reins of his horse. The sweet smell of her touched his every sense as he thought of kissing her once again. Victoria too had longed for his company, his touch, his sweet kisses. Her feelings for him were stronger than she'd imagined.
They stopped at the lake's edge, the horse eagerly drinking from its fresh waters. He helped her off the horse, his hands on her waist, hers on his shoulders as he slowly let her down in front of him. They had missed each other. That was evident by the soulful stare they shared. They both gave a nervous giggle as they parted from their closeness. Victoria walked along the edge of the lake, Jimmy following closely behind, his hands clasped in back.
"It's beautiful here." she stated looking back at him. He touched her arm stopping their stroll. She turned to face him. She could see the concern on his face as he began to speak.
"Victoria...I'm sorry. I would never do anything to hurt you. What happened with Kate, it's not what it looked like."
"I know." she said touching his face. "I should've known better. I can see what she's capable of. But, seeing you two together like that; well, it just hurt me so bad."
"I love you Victoria, like I ain't loved any other woman in my life. I can't live without you. I go crazy every minute I'm without you and find peace when I am. I'd die before I hurt you." Victoria couldn't hold back the tears in her eyes as his soulful confessions fell on her ears. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs, caressing her beautiful face. "Come here." he said softly, pulling her close. He felt utter relief as he held her in his arms once again, his eyes closed as he thought of her.
"I love you Jimmy." she told him as she caressed his jaw with her nose. A flood of desire ran through him as he slowly coupled his mouth with hers tasting her as if it were the first time. Victoria returned his kiss as feverish and fervently as she could, letting him know that she was his for the taking.
Jimmy had a pressing thought in mind. It needed to be addressed right now if he wanted to secure her for himself. Victoria sat on the edge of the lake, her bare foot making ripples in the calm waters. He watched her there so peaceful, so beautiful, he knew without a doubt he had to have her. He neared, settling down next to her. She smiled at him once he took his place and gave him an endearing nudge with her shoulder.
"Victoria. There's something I need to ask you." he had the courage to say. "Yes?"
"I know I ain't got any rights to but..." he paused.
"What is it Jimmy?" she asked looking at him with soulful eyes.
'It's now or never.' he thought. "You're a very pretty, no, beautiful woman and I ain't the only one that's noticed that." His words induced a shy blush from her. He continued, "I mean I get all worked up inside when I see you with another man; especially Phillip Wescott. What I'm trying to say is...I spoke with Teaspoon today and I want to know if you would consider seeing me exclusively?" He looked nervous awaiting her response. She leaned in, giving him a sensous kiss on his lips. "Yes." she answered softly, her eyes piercing through the depths of his inner most feelings. He burst with happiness as a broad smile appeared on their faces. He lifted her from her seat, twirling her around, expressing his joy that she had accepted his proposal of courtship. He put her down, Victoria totally consumed in this special moment, seeing she had made him so happy.
"There's one more thing." he said. "What?" she asked with a giggle. He took the small velvet box from his pocket and handed it to her. She looked puzzled as she took it. "Jimmy?" she asked wondering what this all meant.
"I bought it for you when I was in Blue Creek." he confessed.
"But that was before...the dance." her voice said trailing off.
"I know. I wanted to give it to you one day, if that time ever came." Victoria was overwhelmed. He had been in love with her all this time. "Go ahead, open it." She obliged. The sight of the necklace left her speechless. "Don't you like it?"
"Oh no! It's breathtaking." she glanced at him and then back at the necklace. "Jimmy it must've been costly."
"Only the best for you." He took the box, releasing the necklace. She turned around, lifting her hair, so he could put it on. "Let me see." he said as she faced him once again. He was pleased with it, knowing it had finally garnered its rightful place. She touched the necklace, tracing her fingers gently over it.
"I will wear it always. As I do, I know I carry your love with me wherever I go."
"Forever." he confirmed.
"Forever." she chimed in.
They shared one more passion-filled kiss, sealing their promise of love to each other.
Once they returned to the homestead they shared the happy news with Rachel and the other riders. Buck was the least surprised out of them all. His relentless suspicions had never left his side. Ever since that day he noticed that spark between them, he knew they were bound for each other. "Congratulations. I can't say I wasn't expecting it." he voiced.
"What do you mean Buck?" Victoria inquired.
"That day Jimmy left on that run for St. Jo and I saw you at your window...let's just say the look on your face wasn't one of just a friend saying goodbye." Buck said, inducing an extreme blush from Victoria who thought she'd done a good job keeping her feelings quite hid but now was informed otherwise.
"Well Hickok, I guess congratulations are in order." said Noah, shaking his hand.
"I'm so happy for the two of you." managed Rachel through tear-filled eyes.
"Me too." chimed in Lou, giving them both a hug.
"Good goin' Jimmy." congratulated Kid, as he noticed the love necklace on Victoria and gave his best friend a hefty pat on the back.
"Just to let you know Hickok," started the Marshal, "I never doubted she would say yes." he said shaking his hand. Teaspoon turned his attention to Victoria and asked, "Well, how did I do?"
She smiled at him and gave him a tight hug. "You made the best choice in the world."
The galloping horse outside drew their attention interrupting this special moment.
"I'ts Phillip Wescott." announced Rachel looking out the window.
"I reckon he's a little late don't you think?" joked Noah.
Victoria could tell by the expression on Jimmy's face that he was not at all pleased at his presence. Sensing this to be the case she quickly said, "I know why he's here. I'll go speak with him."
"Ms. Sutton." he greeted with relief as she emerged from the mainhouse.
"Phillip." she greeted in return.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion but I needed to come see if you were all right. Ms. Charlotte told me you had to leave quite suddenly."
"Yes, I did."
"Are you feeling all right?" Phillip couldn't quite understand why he was so concerned with her. His purpose had been to get her away from Hickok without attachment but now he found himself admiring the fair Ms. Sutton. She had intrigued him so he found himself in constant company with her memory.
"I cannot lie to you Phillip. But the reason for my sudden departure is that I left with Mr. Hickok." she fessed up.
Phillip wasn't pleased at the news. "I see." he simply stated.
"I did not mean to be impolite by not making my departure known to you but urgent matters called for my direct attention. There was no time."
"Well then I hope everything is well?"
"They are." she nodded.
"May I be so bold to ask, What are his intentions towards you?"
"Jimmy, uhm Mr. Hickok has made his intentions clearly known to me today and has asked to court me which I have accepted." she told him.
Phillip looked disappointed. He squeezed the riding gloves in his hand tightly. "Well, I can't say the news is pleasing to me since I would've hoped for the opportunity myself." he confessed.
Victoria was somewhat surprised at the confession. "I-I didn't know."
"No; of course not." he paused, then added, "Seeing that such a thought is an impossibility now, I would deem it an honor if I could still consider you a friend."
"My friendship I will gladly give."
At that very moment Cody, exhausted from his run, pulled up into the homestead. His arrival brought the exit of Buck, Kid and Noah to greet him. He saw Phillip take Victoria's hand, kissing it before departing. Cody was not happy at the sight. He had tried during his days away to forget about her but once he laid eyes on her, the flood of feelings he thought he could dispel so easily, came crashing down on him like a tremendous avalanche. He didn't say a word to his friends but rushed right to the bunkhouse.
"Do I hear the sound of an approaching storm? asked Noah concerned.
"That's putting it mildly." said Kid.
Victoria neared in a hurried manner. "Where's Cody?" she asked of them.
"In the bunkhouse," replied Buck, "but I don't think he's in the mood to talk." his voice trailed off as Victoria turned at once to go greet her friend.
"Cody?" she called, slowly opening the door to the bunkhouse. He
gave no response. He was busy unpacking some of the things he'd purchased on
his trip to St. Jo: the latest
ten-cent novels, a set of fancy tea cups and saucers for Rachel and a new shirt.
Seeing he hadn't acknowledged her greeting she asked, "May I come in?"
"Fine with me." he answered, not looking at her. She knew he was upset but tried to ease into conversation nonetheless. "How was your run?"
"Alright." he stated not adding further detail.
"I'm glad you're home safe." she said taking a few steps towards him. She noticed the fine tea set being unwrapped, sitting on the table. "These are beautiful."
"They're for Rachel."
"I'm sure she'll love them."
"How was the dance?" he asked, still not looking at her. She felt a flood of guilt and uncertainty consume her. He asked the question as if he knew the answer already. Everything. He sensed her apprehensiveness to answer. "Well I hope everything went just fine."
"Cody, there's something I have to tell you. Something we need to discuss right away."
"There's nothing to talk about. I already know." he stated as he put his shirt away.
"You...do?" she asked puzzled.
Cody turned to her, making eye contact for the first time and the flood of anger he felt, he wasn't going to contain. He started speaking in a rebuking tone. "You know, I figured that if I had Jimmy take you to the dance, it would be all right 'cause I had the feeling he fancied you too and since I came to see that our feelings for each other were different, I could somewhat live with the possibility that you two may get together; not comfortably but I'd be able to. I see though that your sights were set for a bigger catch." he accused.
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh come on! You know how things in this world work Victoria. Poor boy, rich girl never works; now rich girl, rich boy always does and in your case it ain't no different. I see that the likes of me or Jimmy just didn't meet up with your high standards."
"What?!" she retorted angrily.
"Don't look so shocked Victoria. Did you really think you could love anyone like me when you have the likes of Phillip Wescott calling at your door?! We tend to stick to our own kind. Like they say, "birds of a feather, flock together." "
"Cody, you take that back right now." she demanded.
"What? The truth hurts?"
"I am nothing like them!" she gestured with a pointed finger at the establishment she was a part of.
"Wake up Victoria, stop lying to yourself. Just because you've been around us poor folks don't make you one of us. Face the fact, you, are-just-like-them." Cody's harsh words stabbed her to the heart. All that her mother had taught her--not becoming a snobbish socialite, treating all people with the same dignity and respect, not allowing others to dictate what she could be, they all came under attack by him. How dare he question her character. His accusations were all lies, that is not the person she was; the kind of person she worked so hard not to be all her life.
"How dare you." she said.
"All I know is that I was a fool to let myself fall in love with you and if Jimmy had any sense, he wouldn't either."
Victoria was so angered she didn't know what to say. She instinctively picked up one of the ten-cent novels from the table and threw it at him with a grunt which Cody easily avoided. "You know, you should work on your aim." he said. She picked up the second novel and flung it harder which almost got his head. "Better." he said, antagonizingly.
"I hate you!" she screamed as she picked up the third novel hurling it at him, yet missing once more. Cody's devilish smile got her more fired up. She picked up the fragile tea cup, throwing it but missing its target. The sound of the crashing porcelain brought the riders to the door, but none entered. They could hear the raised voices all the way outside.
"Hey that cost me fifty cents." he informed.
"Then I'll buy you four more!" she shouted as she flung another cup that crashed against the fireplace.
The commotion was also audible to those at the mainhouse.
"You are the most asenine person I've ever met in my life!" she screamed.
"Asenine?!"
"If the shoe fits wear it!" she yelled sacrificing yet another cup that shattered close to his head.
"What in tarnations is going on in there?" asked Teaspoon as he walked towards the riders at the door.
"What is the problem?" inquired Rachel as she joined them followed
by Lou and Jimmy.
"Why haven't you all put a stop to this?" she asked them as the arguing
inside continued.
"I ain't goin' in there." voiced Noah. "And if y'all were smart you wouldn't either."
Jimmy shook his head ignoring Noah's warning and entered, barely dogging a saucer that hit the opening door. "What is goin' on in here?" he shouted.
"You stay out of this Jimmy." she warned. "I'm not leaving until you apologize." she told Cody.
"When hell freezes over!" he shot back. She screamed, hurling a saucer at Cody that flew over his head. Jimmy had made his way over to Cody trying not to get hit by another flying piece of porcelain.
"What the hell did you say to her?" he asked Cody once he'd reached his side.
"Just what was on my mind."
"Great." said Jimmy wryly as they dogged another saucer that smashed above them.
"Teaspoon, you have to do something." said Rachel as the yelling continued. "Someone's gonna get hurt." she cried.
Teaspoon cleared his throat. "Alright,...I'm goin' in." As he opened the door a tea cup went flying through sending them back. He entered, gave one authoritative shout and the fighting ceased. He called Cody, Victoria and Jimmy over and addressing the warring parties he said, "Okay, now that that's all done, I think you two have something to say to one another." Cody and Victoria just stared at each other, their anger potruding through their eyes. Victoria's right foot tapped rapidly as she crossed her arms in front showing her intense displeasure at William. After a brief silence Victoria was the first to speak.
"All I have to say is...if I were a man William F. Cody, you'd be sorry!" she shouted and walking to the door shoved Cody in the chest with two hands. "Sorry Rachel." she added, lamenting over the broken tea set and made her way to the house visibly angered.
"Well...there you have it." ended Teaspoon.
The following day, Cody found Victoria tending her garden. He knew she was still furious with him and hesitantly approached not knowing what her reaction would be.
"Hi." he greeted sheepishly, looking at the ground beneath him.
"Oh it's you." she said with contempt as she looked up at him. "I see you didn't get struck by lightning. Well, a girl can always dream." she smirked.
"I deserve that." he admitted.
"Hmph. That's not all you deserve." she said in a low voice.
"I don't blame you if you're still sore at me. I want to apologize for the things I said yesterday...I didn't mean them. I was just upset."
Victoria knew it was true. Anger could lead one to make hurtful comments they didn't rightly mean. She couldn't hold a grudge at him for that. He had a right to be upset. "Cody, I never meant to hurt you." she began as she stood, taking her straw hat off her head, tossing it on the log pile. "I'm so sorry I did but I couldn't live a lie." she said as she turned her attention to him. "It would've hurt us both worse in the end."
"I know." he acknowledged, glancing at her. A look of shock flashed across her face as she saw the purple bruise on the side of his mouth and the dark red circle around his eye.
"What happened to you Cody?" she asked concerned. He didn't want to tell her but figured she'd find out soon enough once she saw Jimmy.
"I got in a fight with Jimmy last night." he confessed.
"What? Why?" she asked, though deep inside she already knew the answers.
He hesitated, ashamed to reveal the reason behind the altercation. "Because of you."
What she had feared all along had come true. "Cody no." she lamented.
"I'm sorry but when he told me about...you know...the two of you, I lost it."
"I thought you said you could live with it."
"Not comfortably." he reminded.
"I'm so sorry Cody." she stated, feeling his pain. "It just happened."
He shook his head. "You don't need to apologize. It just wasn't meant to be with us. Jimmy's a good man. He'll take good care of you. If anyone deserves you, he does."
She offered a faint smile. "Thank you." she said walking up to him, giving him a hearty hug. Cody clenched his eyes, his pain pouring through, knowing he had to let go.
"I'm kinda relieved in a way." he said and incurred a puzzled look from her. "I mean if it were Phillip I'd have to shoot him."
"You're a wonderful person Cody." she finished. They shared their last intimate moment, as she rested her head on his shoulder while he draped his arm around her, sealing a friendship that not even their lost love could tear apart.
"Oh look at you." pouted Victoria as she met Jimmy by the buckboard, passing her hand over the side of his face.
"Well I ain't proud of it." he admitted.
"I know. It's kind of sweet though. You know they say it's the greatest sign of love when a man fights for a woman." she said.
"I reckon that's true, in my case anyway." Jimmy pulled her to him as they looked intensely at each other about to share a kiss when they were interrupted by Kid's "Ahem."
"Where's Lou?" asked Victoria.
"She's coming." he responded.
"Are you sure you want me to go looking like this?" Jimmy asked her.
"I think you look kind of cute with that shiner." she said as she kissed his lips tenderly.
Jimmy licked his lips. "Well that does it for me." he said with a smile.
The four friends headed over to meet Buck and Charlotte for lunch in celebration of Jimmy's and Victoria's courtship. They enjoyed friendly conversation, hearty laughter, good food and a little wine which they felt Teaspoon would even approve of.
The news of their recently formed relationship spread quickly through town. Many were happy to hear of the newest couple in Rock Creek, while others felt puzzled by the match not quite understanding how a lady of Victoria's status could possibly attach herself with the likes of a known gunfighter; but stranger things had happened in Rock Creek; Buck and Charlotte were a perfect example. The Mayor's daughter dating as many would say a half- breed but to them it didn't matter what folks said. They found happiness in each other and that's what counted.
Kate took the news especially hard. Such an act confirmed that Jimmy had declared love for Victoria and the thought tore her heart into a million pieces. She mourned the loss for days, crying incessantly, not eating, sleeping little. She had become even more devastated when she learned that Phillip knew of it first hand and did not share the news with her. She wouldn't have believed him anyway. He tried to spare her a little pain which really made no difference considering the anguish she felt now. Her bright rosy complexion had become pale and drab. Her manner listless, lethargic. Sitting in the dim light of her room she held the picture she had taken with Jimmy not so long ago. She traced the small frame with her fingers as she looked into nothingness, her heart bleeding the loss of her love. Tears ran down her expressionless face as she began to mutter his name.
"Jimmy...Jimmy...Jimmy." She turned her attention to the gun that lay next to her on the bed, her fingers running the length of its silvery metal band. Wild thoughts ran through her head...then a shot.
