Rescue or Recovery
PT.2
After breakfast, Doc had mentioned having to make visits to several families now that the weather was warming up. Matt walked Kitty back to the Long Branch, agreeing to meet with Festus back at the office.
"Kitty, I have paper work to finish, so I'll see you later. "Ok?"
"Ok, Cowboy. I guess you have a lot to catch up on. But if you need a break later…" She said smiling at him with a teasing smirk.
Tipping his hat, "Yes, ma'am."
As she pushed through the batwing doors, she called, "Sam, it's seems fairly quiet. I'll be in the office."
"Sure, Miss Kitty. Louie is gonna help me with the bottles and the empties from the cellar."
Nodding, "That's fine, Sam. If you can, get him to eat something this afternoon. Will ya, please?"
Kitty had Sam setting up trays for free sandwiches for the customers. Once in her office, she dropped the mail pile on her desk, pulled out her ledgers and sat getting ready to balance the week's figures. She wanted to have them done before making out her new orders and before she met with any drummers who came in.
She began going over the weeks receipts when the pile sitting on the desk caught her eye. "Ummmmm?" Reaching over, she began fanning through the stack, now remembering the expression on Matt's face during breakfast. She picked up the one envelope she realized caught his attention.
It was rather fancy, addressed to her, but the return address… "Ah, Cowboy. This is what you were wondering about, huh?" The return address… "Ummmmm." She ran her slender finger over the decorative print.
William J. Lemp, 3322 De Menil Place St. Louis, Mo. 63118
Gazing off in thought, Kitty remembered the day Matt traveled to St. Louis and the awful fight they had about her staying at the home of her business associate as their houseguest. Matt assumed she was there for a romantic get together with the man of the house.
"Yes, I lost my temper at that thought but once I found him at the camp injured and well… Oh, why on earth would Matt be bothered by my getting a letter from William and Claudia? We're business associates."
She now turned over the envelope and opened it and began to read.
Dearest Kitty,
I'm writing to you for two reasons. First, I have some new business propositions concerning wonderful options for our dealings. And I would really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss them in person. Which brings me to my second reason for this letter. Young Hilda is to be married and Claudia and I would love to have you attend, as would Hilda. Please say you'll come. I'm sure you would enjoy the trip now that the season is changing.
Sincerely, William and Claudia Lemp
Kitty smiled. One, at the thought that the business investment she had made was doing very well. Then at the delightful news that young Hilda was going to be married, which was a surprise, knowing that when she spoke with her, Hilda was all about wanting to be a lady in business.
Finishing up her work, Kitty thought about what a nice trip this would be and it might even be nice if she could convince Matt to go along.
After a long day, Matt made a way, to the Long Branch. "Sam? Kitty around?"
"Sure, Marshal. She's in her room changing. Would you like me to tell her you're here or…"
"No, Sam, I'll just go up." He took the stairs two at a time and several steps across the landing, tapping on the door. "Kitty? It's me, Matt."
"It's open, Matt."
Entering, he saw that she was sitting at the vanity, putting on last touches.
"Get through your reports?"
"Ah, yeah, didn't think I'd ever get that done."
"Matt?"
"Huh?" He was now standing tossing his hat in his hands.
"Cowboy, what is it? You have something on your mind? Something you need to talk about?" Now she was watching him closely through the reflection as he sat on the settee. Turning, she asked, "Will a drink help?" She was now furrowing her brow
.
"Kit, this morning…"
"Yeah?"
"Ah, Kit, your business is your own…
Now shaking her head, and smiling, "Cowboy." Walking over to her nightstand and pulling out the letter, she extended it. "This? Is this what is on your mind?" Now handing him William's letter.
Matt was hesitating to take it.
"Cowboy, yes William and Claudia Lemp wrote me. William about business and both of them about Hilda."
Now changing his expression, "About Hilda? That's the daughter, right?"
"Uh huh. She's getting married and they were extending an invitation." Now cupping his face, "Cowboy, I would love for you to come with me."
"Oh now, Kitty, you know I…"
Backing up, tightening her facial expression, "Let me guess. You can't." Now tapping his chest by the badge. "This!"
"Now, Kit…"
"Et et, no you don't. Matt, just forget it. Just forget I even asked you."
"Kitty, I… I…"
She stood and walked to the window. "Matt, I'm going for the wedding and some business dealings."
"Wait a minute! How long you gonna be gone?"
Spinning around, now with both hands on her hips, jaws tight, brows raised, "I don't know. As long as it takes or if I come back at all, Marshal. Now if you don't mind, I have work to do down stairs." And she walked out the door slamming it behind her.
As she descended the stairs, Matt trailed behind her. "Kitty, now wait a minute."
"Matt, I have nothing left to say." Walking over to the bar and grabbing a towel, she fiercely began wiping the top of the bar.
"Kit? Can we talk about this?"
With her lip tight and eyes piercing through him, "Are you still here?"
Slamming his hand on the bar, tossing his hat atop his head, he pushed his way out the batwing doors. The last words heard were, "Stubborn woman!"
TBC
