Proposals and Propositions
PT.3
After breakfast, Matt went back to his office to get ready for another trip out to the drover camps. Kitty had things she needed to do before the crowds, although it was already starting to get crowded.
Louie made his way into the Long Branch looking around for Kitty. Spotting her at the bar, "Oh, Miss Kitty, Hank needs to see you at the stable. Think it's about your mare."
Furrowing her brow, "My mare?"
"Yes, Ma'am, he sent me for ya."
Sam looked at Kitty. "Maybe you should get over there, Miss Kitty."
"Sure you'll be…"
Stopping her, "I have things here."
And she was out the door and across the street. Not sure what was wrong with the horse, she was distracted and before she knew it she run right into a man as he stepped off the boardwalk.
"Whoa now! In a hurry, I see."
As she looked up, there stood a man, tall, dark hair, slight mustache and go-tee, dressed in such a way, she knew he didn't belong in Dodge. "Oh, good heavens! Please excuse me. I don't know where my head was. Are you alright?" She asked.
Now taking her hand, "Why, of course. Please excuse my boldness, Ma'am, but..."
"But what?" Kitty asked with a questioning look.
"I must say, I haven't seen such beauty… Oh, where are my manners? Joseph Carrington, Esquire, Ma'am. At your service."
"Well, Mister Carrington, I'm Kitty Russell."
"Kitty?" He repeated.
Swaying her head, "Oh, Kathleen. My friends call me Kitty. Where you from, Mister Carrington?"
"Joseph, please."
"Ok, Joseph."
"I am from New York City, on my way to San Francisco."
"Well, Joseph, I hope you enjoy your stay in Dodge and have a successful trip, but I really need to get to the stable, problem with my horse."
Carrington tipped his hat, kissing Kitty's hand. "It's a pleasure, Miss Russell."
Matt was watching from the office door. Puzzled.
"Oh, hello, Miss Kitty. Good Louie found you."
"Yeah, Hank. What's wrong?" She asked.
"Not sure. It's the horse, she's not eating and very lethargic."
"Is there anything you can do, Hank?"
"I'll try, Miss Kitty. I'm gonna stop over to Wilbur Jonas' and see if I can get something I can mix up. If not, I'll get Doc."
Kitty rolled her eyes at the thought of Doc's reaction. "Ok, Hank, you go. I'll wait with her."
Kitty sat in the hay next to her horse, lightly brushing her mane. "Hey, ol' gal. What's wrong? Something upset you?" She was talking in a soft tone. The mare seem to relax at the sound of her voice.
Then she felt someone behind her. When she turned, Sergeant Holly was standing there watching her.
"Sick horse, huh?"
"Sergeant! Are you following me?"
"Is a bit cozy in here."
"Sergeant!" She yelled out at him. She went to get up and he reached out his hand to help, pulling her up and close to him. She now was between him and the stall wall.
"Now see how cozy it can be, Miss Kitty? Ol' Holly ain't too hard to take." He was laughing.
"Holly!" She was trying to push him back, but when she did he tripped and pulled her with him.
Matt, not liking seeing yet another man hanging around Kitty, headed to the stable to talk to her. He wanted to try and find out who this dandy was, kissing her hand. Entering the stable just in time to see Holly on his back, Kitty atop him, Holly laughing hysterically, still holding tight to her.
Now Matt lost it. "Hey!" He yelled out. "What is going on in here?"
Kitty, still trying to struggle to get free of Holly, "Oh, Matt, help me up." She was now fuming as Matt pulled her up, stamping her feet and brushing off the hay.
He was helping with a twisted look and rolling his eyes. "Looks like he was helping himself, from where I stand."
Her anger increased, "OHHHHH! Matt Dillon… UGH! Tell Hank, I'll be back." And she stormed off.
As she made her way, still brushing off her clothes, curious eyes followed her every move…..
Holly looked at Matt. "Yo, Big Fist, a hand?" reaching up.
Matt shaking his head, "Holly, I want you to finish whatever business you have here in Dodge then I want you OUT!"
"Gotcha worried, do I? Huh?"
"Holly, don't press your luck."
"She's softening, Big Fist. She's softening," he taunted Matt, just chuckling.
"Holly, OUT!" Matt yelled as he turned and walked out.
Holly stood against the wall chuckling.
TBC
