Chapter Three:
Bachelors and Brides
Buck Wilmington made a decision following Vin's ugly confrontation with Charlotte Richmond.
With the dark cloud forming over the celebrations, Buck decided to take a page out of Mary Travis's desire to have her bridal shower a few days earlier, and do the same for Chris's bachelor party by throwing it on the same night.
For both bride and groom, it was going to be a memorable night.
The Bridal Shower
After what happened with Charlotte, Alex was actually pleased to organize the bridal shower.
Throwing herself into something distracting was just what she needed to forget her present predicament. Although Vin assured her he was unaffected by the exchange between him and Charlotte, Alex knew better. He was hurt to the core by Charlotte's words, not so much by the fact she still loved him but by the circumstances she now found herself, having abandoned her husband. Considering the land the Richmonds were occupying contained gold, she had walked away from a comfortable living and Vin could not feel partially responsible for that loss.
Alex felt sorry for the woman but not for her actions. After all, it was the height of arrogance to assume Vin would simply wait for her indefinitely. Fortunately, Charlotte stayed out of sight for the next two days, allowing both Alex and Vin to recover from the encounter. She threw herself into the task of organizing Mary's bridal shower, deciding Inez was right, she need not adhere to convention of what was expected at such ocassions and decided to tailor her plans to suit Mary's adventurous spirit.
Since Julia had an entire house to herself, where else Alex's home was divided between her personal space and her clinic, the bridal shower was held at the Emporium owner's home. Invited were most of the women of Four Corners since Mary's reputation as a community leader demanded nothing less. Knowing it was a slight not to be invited, Alex was careful with the invitations and when all the guests did finally arrive, it was more or less a full house.
To accommodate the volume, Alex decided it was simpler to have the shower in Julia's garden and the whole affair evolved into a tasteful garden picnic with everyone bringing a dish of their own to add to the collection on the large table holding the food. It was a nice autumn day, so it was not terribly hot but not very cold either. The affair began shortly before noon and did not expect to last much longer into mid afternoon which was just as well for Alex had more planned than just this for the festivities.
Inez did tell her to be creative.
The garden party was a most civilized affair with everyone lazing about in the afternoon sun, gossiping about the local goings on sipping tea and nibbling on the selection of food contributed by the guests. Alex found the thing utterly boring and admired Mary's ability to sit still and listen with complete patience to the ramblings of many Four Corners matrons. She saw Mary sitting with Mrs Janet O'Leary and Gloria Potter, who were both bombarding the young widow with all kinds of good advice. Alex immediately felt a stab of sympathy for her friend and hoped what she planned this evening would make up for some of this.
Julia was similarly indisposed talking to another gaggle of housewives, no doubt about the future plans for the Emporium and what she intended to do with the establishment later on. Alex saw Inez engaged in conversation with Nettie and Casey and quickly decided that was where she preferred to be. She had been skirting the edge of the party, mingling and making enough small talk to seem sociable but in truth, she wanted to be far away from here.
"Well I must congratulate you Alex," Inez complimented as she looked around in approval at the gathering before them. "You managed quite well for someone whose arm I had to twist into doing this."
"Thanks," Alex replied with a faint smile and then met Nettie's gaze with an expression of humour. "It's mostly because I feared for my life. She would have hurt me if anything went wrong."
"Now you leave Inez alone," Nettie laughed. "It's a hard thing organizing a wedding." The older woman gave Inez a wink. "A hundred things need to be done."
"I know I'm going to get you to do my wedding some day Inez." Casey declared with complete sincerity.
"I shall be honoured." Inez said graciously. "Although I don't think I would like to do another wedding for quite a while." She let out a loud exhale at the remark. "Its just too much work."
"Oh you're loving every minute of it." Alex scoffed with an expression on her face that told the lady bartender she was fooling no one.
"I am not." Inez replied with great dignity, lifting her chin and tossing her hair back slightly to make her point. "I am doing this for Mary."
"Speaking of which," Nettie glanced in Mary's direction. "Someone ought to be rescuing the bride, she's been too long with Janet. Listening to that woman is enough to drive anyone crazy as a coot."
Nettie was not far wrong if the expression on Mary's face was anything to go by. The widow was still wearing the same mask for most of her conversation with Mrs O'Leary but even Casey could tell Mary needed rescuing. Mrs O'Leary was one of those women who had an opinion on everything, no matter how little she knew on the subject. Mrs O'Leary believed the wisdom of her age entitled her to impress on everyone her views on how they ought to conduct themselves.
"Mary." Inez stepped forward, deciding as maid of honour it should be her responsibility to intercede on the widow's behalf. Beside her, Nettie advanced as well, deciding she could be of some assistance in this delicate operation.
"Yes?" Mary said with clear relief in her face as Inez's voice halted Mrs O'Leary's conversation for the moment.
"I need you to have a look at some of the flower samples for the wedding." Inez replied, not needing to tell Mary this was a rescue.
"Well," Mary quickly rose to her feet. "I guess if I really have to." She looked down at Mrs O'Leary and took her leave of the woman as she went to tend to matters of the wedding. Mrs O'Leary had little time to argue as Nettie immediately slipped into Mary's former seat and took up the threads of conversation, ensuring Mrs O'Leary had no idea she was being abandoned.
As Inez and Mary drew away, Mary whispered into her ear. "Thank God. If I had to hear one more thing about how to keep a firm hand on Chris, I was going to scream."
"Keep a firm hand on who?" Inez glanced over her shoulder in astonishment at the woman who dared to be so presumptuous. "On Chris Larabee?"
"Exactly," Mary shook her head. "You have better chance of turning lead into gold."
"Well how is the bride enjoying her bridal shower?" Alex asked when the two joined her and Casey once again. Alex immediately poured Mary a glass of punch and handed it to the widow, who took it gratefully and downed it because she really needed a drink.
"I had no idea there were so many women in Four Corners." Mary sighed taking a sip of the punch and then regarding it a moment because its fruity flavor seemed to be laced with something else. "I think I have talked to everyone this afternoon."
"And gotten more advice than you needed right, Mrs Travis?" Casey laughed, knowing how it felt to have everyone talking down to her. As the youngest member of the quartet, Casey often had to endure her elders imparting their advice upon her, even when she did not need it.
"Exactly." Mary said taking a deeper sip of the punch. "What is in this?"
Alex looked at her a little guiltily. "Just a little tinge of gin. Julia thought it might make people relax."
"There's a little bit more than a tinge to make people relax," Mary retorted but nonetheless emptied the glass and handed it to Alex. "But I like it."
"Well don't like it too much," Alex warned but filled the glass anyway. After all, it was Mary's bridal shower. She deserved to enjoy herself tonight. Besides, Alex had plenty in her worn doctor's bag that could cure a hangover.
"This is just the appetizer. The main course starts in approximately four hours."
"I am intrigued." Mary replied and glanced at Inez. "Do you know what's happening?"
"Nope," Inez shook her head honestly. "She has not even told me. All I know is we have to pack an evening dress."
"An evening dress?" Mary exclaimed, now sufficiently intrigued. "Doctor Styles, what mischief do you have planned?" Mary looked at Alex's innocent expression with narrowed eyes.
"Trust me, you'll enjoy it." Alex said confidently, having planned the whole evening well ahead of time, before the first matron had even arrived this morning with pie.
"Why do I have a feeling I'm going to get into trouble?" Mary turned an accusing stare in Alex's direction.
"Because trouble is your middle name and getting into it is your first?" Inez suggested helpfully.
Mary stared at both Inez and Alex for a long moment and then said to Casey. "I think I should be afraid, very afraid."
It was almost three o'clock by the time the last guest left and Mary had drunk enough of Julia's fruit punch to be very relaxed indeed. In fact, she was actually looking forward to whatever intrigue Alex planned for the evening and hoped it was not as traditional or as suffocating as the previous garden party. Mary understood the earlier soiree had to be this way because of her position as community leader, but she hoped Alex had something fun planned.
However, their afternoon plans were exclusively for Mary, Inez, Julia and Alex. Mary wished Casey could have accompanied them but according to Alex, she was not sure Nettie would approve of where they were going this evening.
As per Alex's instruction, Mary packed a valise containing an evening dress which she was assured could be pressed when they reached their destination. They would not be gone all night because all four had commitments at home the next day, no matter how much they would have liked to have shirked them. Gloria Potter agreed to take Billy for the night who seemed a little more manageable after his conversation with Julia Pemberton. It was to Mary's amusement her son had developed a crush on the Emporium owner after her kindness to him.
Wondering what Chris would be getting up to while she was gone, Mary made her way to the livery once she finished packing. Obviously, Alex had planned a little foray out of town but it was anyone's guess what the doctor had in mind. She hoped it was less scandalous then what she was certain Buck had planned for Chris. Mary reminded herself she was not going to let her imagination run away with her at what the men would be indulging in tonight.
Besides, she was passed the point in their relationship where she was jealous of other women. Chris knew how to restrain himself in all things and so she had every confidence there was nothing Buck could tempt Chris with.
Otherwise, she was shooting him with his own gun.
Mary arrived at the stable and saw the others already present. They were waiting patiently for the stable hand on premises to complete hitching a pair of horses to a buggy large enough to seat four. Apparently she was correct in her assertion this excursion was going to be out of Four Corners and looked forward to an interesting evening. It also helped the punch had put her in an extremely good mood where she was able to forget the more tedious aspects of the wedding.
"Are we going on a trip?" Mary asked.
"Yes but not a terribly long one. Just for the evening." Alex replied since none of the others had an idea what was happening beyond their departure from town.
"Where are we going?" Mary inquired, hating mysteries. Journalistic curiosity was a terrible burden to bear she decided. It was the same excuse she employed when she used to sneak dowstairs to Christmas presents before the morning.
"Not telling." Alex said adamantly. "Just get in the carriage."
"You realize of course," Inez responded with a smile from the backseat of the buggy. "We will not get a moment's peace until we arrive. She is going to drive you to madness until she knows."
"Did I really make you my maid of honour?" Mary threw her a dark look.
"Yes, so its too late to change your mind now." Inez winked with a satisfied smirk.
"Come on Mary," Julia urged, eager to get going because unlike Mary she thrived on surprises. "Leave a little mystery in your life."
Mary sighed, deciding she was outnumbered on this point. It appeared she was just going to have to endure the mystery until they arrived at their destination. Still, she had to admit there was something intriguing about not knowing where they were going although the possibilities would narrow once they left town. After they were settled in the carriage, Alex took the reins and the quartet began their trip.
It did not take long into their journey before Mary guessed they were heading towards Sweetwater and knowing the kinds of entertainment existing in that larger town, Mary admitted it was a pleasant discovery. The weather held for most of the ride, with the temperature dropping slightly as the day progressed into night. Autumn left a slight chill in the air but they wisely brought their shawls and coats with them to deal with it. Mary found the ride to Sweetwater far more enjoyable then the bridal shower she was forced to endure that morning.
It surprised Mary to realise how little she had in common with the wives of Four Corners. Her world involved crises on an almost daily basis and her life involved more than just raising a child and keeping house. On the eve of marrying again, Mary was far happier because she had the love of a good man and a job she loved doing. The three friends with her at this moment shared more of an understanding about the way she lived then anyone she met throughout her time in the Territory.
The sun started to set when they arrived in Sweetwater. After leaving the buggy at the local livery, the four women found themselves at the luxurious Sweetwater Hotel with its rooms of running water and room service. Although they would not be staying the night, Alex booked a room so they had somewhere to get dressed and cleaned up before they went out for a night out on the town. The hotel had in house entertainment as well as a gambling casino, none of which any of them had ever chanced to enjoy.
After checking into the room, the women proceeded to get refreshed and changed into their evening wear for the night ahead. The hotel boasted a five-star restaurant which provided them with dinner. Mary enjoyed the evening immensely, knowing she was probably courting danger when she partook of the bottle of wine Julia ordered. It was certainly a far cry from the stolid proceedings earlier that day, even though she understood why it was necessary for Alex to plan it that way.
After dinner, they proceeded to the Sweetwater Community Hall where a touring theatre company was performing a production of Henrik Ibsen's Doll House. The play which had been running in Sweetwater, created controversy with its feminist leanings and all four women watching the show, found the production struck a chord, particularly with their independant natures.
At the end of the play, they returned to the hotel although the alcohol imbibed throughout the evening was well and truly having its effect on the bride.
"Oh my," Mary giggled as the wine went straight to her head and turned her cheeks pink with colour. "I think I'm going to suffer tomorrow." She laughed as she drained her glass.
"Well you're supposed to sip it." Inez pointed out, feeling a little tipsy herself. "Just make sure she doesn't convince us to go investigate an old haunted house." The bartender remembered all too clearly what happened the last time they imbibed too much of the devil's water.
"Ah yes," Julia nodded. "The infamous Chesterton House. Ezra made some mention of that."
"I'll bet he did." Mary grumbled. "I had to put up with Chris wearing a smirk across his face for the next week."
"Don't get me started," Inez waved away the subject with distaste. She remembered how irritating Buck had been during that time, particularly after he tried to help her by giving her his hangover remedy. Fortunately, this time she was wise to him. "Buck would not let me live it down for just as long."
"Are you ever going to do anything about that man?" Alex asked, now that the alcohol was getting to all of them with the possible exception of Julia, who as always remained poised and in control of her faculties.
"Like what?" Inez looked at her.
"Sleep with him for God's sake." Mary blurted out and more or less confirmed she was on the heavy side of tipsy. "Put him out of his misery and yours."
"Never." Inez exclaimed, with great dignity. "I'm saving myself for marriage."
The three women looked at her.
"You are kidding, aren't you?" Julia asked, unable to even fathom such an archaic concept. Of course, it was never proper to be too free with one's affections at least as far as Mary and Alex were concerned.
"Of course I am kidding!" Inez burst out laughing, thinking how priceless the blank expressions on their faces were. "I don't take those cold showers for nothing you know."
"You're just doing it to torture Buck." Mary teased.
"Yes." The bartender said with complete sincerity. "If I have to suffer, so does he."
"So what now Alex?" Mary asked, as they entered the premises of the hotel once more. She wondered what else Alex had planned for the evening.
"I thought we'd go to the hotel casino." Alex suggested with a smile, pleased her friends were enjoying themselves immensely. The rest of the patrons in the hotel were casting odd looks at the four women who were obviously drunk and enjoying every minute of their scandalous behaviour. Alex who did not drink felt the alcohol effect her more than it should. while Julia seemed sober even though she drank considerably. It did not surprise Alex Julia could hold her liquor quite well.
"You gambler you." Mary pointed an unsteady finger in her direction. "You just want to get into a game."
"I do not!" Alex giggled in protest. "I thought we might have a look at the other people playing."
"Sure." Inez laughed. "Just as long as we don't have to steal horses and make a getaway."
"Or have to wear men's clothes." Julia added, wrinkling her nose.
"Or blow up a bank." Alex added, looking at Mary as she said that.
"I'll have you know that you ought to be grateful. I did that to rescue you!" Mary said haughtily. "Now let us see what else there is to do of this place. It's my last days as a free woman, I want to kick up my heels and live a little. I'm suppose to forget all that fun stuff when I'm married you know. You wait," she regarded all three of them. "Some day, you'll be married too and then you'll suffer."
With that, she wandered off without them.
"I think we better keep a close eye on her." Julia declared and then looked at the rest of her companions and made a mental note to keep them all under close supervision. Fortunately, being somewhat wild in her youth allowed Julia to develop the tolerance none of the others had.
"No problem," Inez hurried after Mary, just as inebriated. "That's what maids of honour are for!"
Julia watched Inez disappear out the lobby and turned to Alex. "On second thought, I think I'd better keep an eye on the lot of you."
While Alex settled the bill at the hotel, Julia took a moment in the powder room, intending to meet up with the others in the casino. However, when she reached that part of the hotel, her three friends were nowhere in sight. Julia scanned the vicinity, searching for the trio at the gaming tables where poker, roulette and blackjack were being played by both men and women. It was a tasteful atmosphere but the tension was still the same around the gambling tables were money was the only equalizer.
Julia searched the card tables first and saw no sign of her friends until she happened along the bar.
"Oh my God." Julia exclaimed at the sight she was seeing.
"Now see Senor," Inez held court, surrounded by four men who were very taken with the sultry beauty, if the gleam in their eyes were anything to go by. On the counter next to her was a bottle of tequila, slices of lemon and some salt. "This is how you prove you're a man in Mexico."
Julia watched in mild fascination as Inez dusted some salt onto her forearm before sucking it into her mouth. Immediately following that action, she picked up the shot glass filled to the brim with tequila and tossed it back, imbibing the contents with one deep swallow. Without missing a beat, she picked up the lemon slice and bit into it. Inez winced as she removed the fruit from her lips, wiping away the juice with her arm before slamming the glass hard on the counter.
The men clapped as if she had performed some minor miracle and Julia had this terrible premonition she had better stay sober for the rest of the night as well as tracking down the others. By now Inez had refilled the glass and was reaching for another slice of lemon much to the amusement of the men around her.
Julia did not know if she should drag Inez away now or wait until the woman was comatose with tequila before making the attempt. Either way, at the rate she was going, Inez was not going to have to have any trouble worrying about cold showers with the men who were presently surrounding her.
"Inez." Julia broke through the group watching Inez like she was the tastiest thing on the counter. Inez uninhibited was even more alluring than Inez sober. She oozed sexuality with such force it was almost something tangible and almost every man who was offering to buy her a drink was slave to it. Julia could only thank God that Buck was not here. This display from the object of his affections would probably send the man into a blubbery idiot.
"Julia!" Inez gushed and wrapped her arm around Julia's shoulder. "Everyone, this is my friend Julia. Julia say hello everyone!"
Oh boy, Julia thought to herself and made an obligatory greeting to the men present. "Inez, maybe you've had enough."
"Enough?" Inez looked at her with horror. "I am perfectly fine. Look!" She held out her hand to show Julia it was perfectly stationary even though she could barely remain seated on her stool. "Bartender! One more!" Inez laughed and then remembered something. "Never mind Senor, I can do it myself."
She leaned across the counter and retrieved the bottle of tequila before pouring herself another glass. Repeating the procedure with the salt, she drained its contents sharply and pressed the lemon slice to her lips before letting out a satisfied grin of accomplishment. "See Julia, I can not only run the bar, I can also plan a wedding and drink tequila like a man. Mama Recillos would be so proud of me."
Julia rolled her eyes and deadpanned. "You're an inspiration to women everywhere."
Deciding that it was not safe to leave Inez alone, especially in her drunken state, Julia took her by the arm and helped her off the bench. "Gentlemen," Julia said politely. "I think my friend and I will call it a night."
There were mumbles of disappointment all around when she dragged Inez away from the bar and the bottle of tequila which the lady bartender made a grab for as they drew away. Julia was frankly quite grateful to all the deities, she had gotten to Inez before the woman did anything she would hate herself for in the morning. Julia kept a firm grip on Inez and began searching for Mary, hoping the widow was not in the same state as Inez or else this was going to be a very long night.
Actually, it did not take Julia very long to find Mary Travis and where she did find the bride to be made the Emporium owner's jaw drop in astonishment. Towing Inez behind her, Julia found Mary at the roulette table in the arms of a man.
The duo was exchanging extremely heated kisses, much to the outrage of the more respectable customers in the casino. Patrons were staring at Mary and her new friend with expressions of reproach and disapproval. As she neared Mary, Julia tried to snare a look at the man whom Mary was willing to behave so improperly with and found there was something familiar about him. However, it was somewhat difficult to see when neither he nor Mary was coming up for air very soon.
"Looks like Mary's having fun." Inez chuckled as Julia let go of her long enough to go retrieve the errant bride.
"Mary Travis," Julia said clutching the woman by the wrist and pulling her away from the man. Suddenly, she began to understand what all those relatives of hers had endured when she was in the worst of her wild and wanton days. "What in God's name are you doing?"
"Hey!" The man she was kissing grumbled in annoyance and looked at Julia. If she had thought seeing Mary kissing a complete stranger was shocking enough, it did not compare to the astonishment she felt when she looked into his face.
It was Chris!
At least she thought it was Chris Larabee at first glance. As she blinked, she could understand why Mary would make such a mistake in her state of inebriation. Only when she looked closer, could Julia see the differences and they were slight differences indeed. The most obvious was the moustache he wore and his eyes seemed darker and colder. He did not wear black but brown leather or suede, she could not be sure. His unruly hair hung over his eyes and he stared at her with the same intense gaze.
"It's alright Julia," Mary said and then hiccupped loudly. "Its Chris. He just grew a moustache, that's all."
"I apologize for my friend, Mr...?" Julia asked deciding she did not want to get into a situation with this man who wore a gun belt around his waist and looked like someone dangerous.
"Ringo," he said eyeing her as if she were as tasty as Mary. "Johnny Ringo."
He certainly was, Julia thought with a smile. The resemblance was uncanny down to the devastatingly handsome sneer on his face. If nothing else, Julia could not fault Mary's taste.
"Mr Ringo," Julia sighed, deciding she ought to be the responsible one for once in her life since Mary was in no mind to think for herself. "My friend here is engaged to be married in a day or two. She normally does not drink very much and you bear an amazing resemblance to her fiancee. Please understand she is not in full control of her faculties."
"I kinda guessed that." He broke into a faint smile, appearing not at all offended, more amused. "Kept calling me Chris and telling me how glad she was to see me out of black. What is this guy, an undertaker?"
Julia held a straight face. "Something like that." She replied. Well technically it was not a lie. Chris had put enough men into the ground in his time. "I'd appreciate it if you would excuse her, she's not normally prone to behaving this way."
"I gathered," he grinned. "You won't begrudge me if I say goodbye to the lady now would you?" Ringo asked taking a step towards Mary, who was still smiling at him, her lips reddened from their passionate exchange.
"Of course not." Julia replied, not wanting any trouble.
Johnny Ringo approached Mary Travis and grabbed her roughly again, pulling her to his mouth as he gave her a bruising kiss. He would have like to have taken this woman but he saw no pleasure in enjoying her company and then having her call out someone else's name. He kissed her hard and passionately, wondering if this man to whom he so closely resembled had the same hunger for her. It was a waste if he did not. When he parted, he merely winked at Mary and responded in departure.
"If you ever get sick of this Chris guy, look me up."
"Where's Chris going?" Mary asked Julia in puzzlement as Ringo started to leave the gambling area.
Julia groaned as she realized Inez was off somewhere and she would have to find her again. "Listen to me very closely Mary," the redhead said slowly. "That was not Chris!"
"Of course it was." Mary scoffed. "You just didn't recognize him with the moustache."
Julia gave up.
"Alex!" Julia hissed as she found the doctor seated at one of the private gambling tables on the far end of the casino. In this part of the gaming floor, high stakes poker was being played if the pot in the middle of the table was any indication. The notes piled in the middle of the felt covered table was a small fortune of hundred dollar bills and it appeared all eyes were on Alex.
"Excuse me Miss," one of the players said. "Do you mind? We are currently engaged in some serious betting." He was an older man with a handlebar moustache, wearing a fancy suit and appeared to take his gambling very seriously. "Now Doctor Styles, are you still with us?"
"Certainly Doctor Andrews." Alex smiled back and then turned to Julia who moved behind her with Mary. "I'll be just a second, Julia."
Julia huffed impatiently, eager to get out of this place because Mary was becoming increasingly difficult to manage with the widow wanting to go off to seek Chris with his new moustache. She glanced at the cards Alex was holding and had to admit it was an impressive hand. Casting her mind back to Alex's infamous game with Ezra, Julia could not help but smile at thinking how mortified her lover had been at Alex letting him win again. He still demanded a rematch occasionally but his persistence had faded with Alex's constant refusal.
At the moment however, the tension at the table was on a knife's edge as Alex pushed notes into towards the large pile, to add to the tension building with slow momentum. "I raise two hundred dollars. Any one of you boys care to match that?" She met the eyes of the men around her, challenging them to keep up with her. Not wishing to be outdone by a woman, the man directly across her pushed more money towards the pot.
"I match your two and raise you three." The man stared at her, daring Alex to compete. A small crowd had gathered around the table, watching in anticipation at how much money was going to find its way into the centre of the table before a card was even seen.
"I'm out!" Someone said and his declaration was followed by his cards landing on the table as he pushed away from the edge in a show of defeat. The circle returned to Doctor Andrews who bit his lip in consideration as he weighed the notion of pulling out while he could or riding this game to its inevitable conclusion.
"Do we take IOU's?" The doctor inquired and drew sharp responses of nos from those seated, except Alex.
"I can cover you Doctor Andrews," Alex offered. "Call it professional courtesy."
"Why thank you Doctor Styles." Andrews smiled, tipping his hat in her direction before remarking. "I'd like to match Mr Douglas's bet to stay in."
"For my esteemed colleague." Alex announced and pushed Andrews's notes forward. "And for myself, another hundred."
Mary leaned over her shoulder to see what cards she had when suddenly the widow exclaimed. "But you've only three eights and a pair of queens!"
A visible groan followed as Alex slapped a palm over her face in embarrassment not to mention defeat, since the disclosure had more or less ended the game. The doctor winced in frustration as she looked up at her opponents and asked with a wry smile. "I guess no one's going to raise?"
The expression on their faces said enough and Julia whispered in Alex's ear. "Now can we go home?"
The Bachelor Party
Unlike the sedate affair enjoyed initially by the women of Four Corners, the bachelor party was somewhat livelier as such things tended to be. The Standish Tavern had been closed for the evening, devoted exclusively to the use of the seven as they celebrated Chris Larabee's last days of freedom as a single man. With Buck Wilmington in charge of the festivities, there was naturally, plenty of alcohol and working girls in attendance, doing the rounds of the room, even though no one had taken up the offer to disappear upstairs for some feminine company.
Chris had to admit he was having a good time and glanced over at Vin who sat not far from him, with a woman in his lap trying to behave even though she was coming on very strong, he guessed the tracker was enjoying himself as well.
For once, Chris had to admit Buck's idea to bring forward this party was a good one for the tensions created by Charlotte's appearance in Four Corners was nowhere to be seen. Although he had yet to pick a best man , Chris had a candidate in mind and hoped neither Buck nor Vin would be too offended by his choice.
"Well Mr Larabee," Ezra said sitting next to him with a drink. "How does this compare to the last soiree Mr Wilmington threw in your honour?"
"A lot less trouble," Chris replied, downing his glass and reaching for the bottle on the table near him. "At least I'm not waking up with a bell around my neck."
"I would love to hear the story behind that conclusion." Ezra laughed. "Although I would not count the entertainment for the evening as being confined to this delightful gathering." The gambler gestured to the women before them. "I do believe he has something special planned."
"That's a worry." Chris drawled, feeling drunk already but not enough for it to be debilitating. "Buck never does anything conventional in that sense."
"Hey Ezra," Buck sang out. The tall man was presently holding a rather voluptuous working girl in one hand and a glass in another. "How about singing us a song? I told Trixie here you got the purdiest voice. Remember when you made your debut at Wickestown?"
"Yeah Ezra!" Nathan laughed. "Maybe we can find you something to wear."
"That is not funny Mr Wilmington." Ezra grumbled with annoyance. "I'll have you know, that I only wore that costume in the line of duty."
"Well Ezra," Chris teased. "You had to admit you were quite the fetching young lady."
"You are an engaged man Mr Larabee," Ezra said darkly. "You are not meant to be noticing how fetching I am. Now if you excuse me, I need to go kill Mr Wilmington or at the very least shoot him in the mouth."
"Good luck with that," Chris replied. "Believe me, its been tried before."
"Just one song and show a little leg!" Buck's voice sang out again and Ezra flashed him a look that was filled with daggers.
Chris laughed as he watched Ezra proceed forward to confront Buck and possibly Nathan who was enjoying this playful teasing as much as his oldest friend. Good ol' Buck, Chris shook his head in resignation. The man never changed and in some ways Chris was almost glad for it. It was nice to know that at least something in his life remained constant.
So much had changed in the last two years since he arrived at Four Corners. It was quite a sobering thing to remember Sarah and Adam had been dead five years already. Where had the time gone? He never imagined the turn his life would take when he first felt his heart react at the sight of the woman standing down a bunch of drunks, with a shotgun she was having trouble just holding on to. Trembling as she raised the weapon to fire, the determination in her eyes and the set of her jaw as she prepared to stand firm, touched him more than anything had done since his wife and son died. Did he know then he loved her or was it just the knowledge of something being rekindled inside him?
Chris did not know for certain and perhaps he would never would. When he first laid eyes on Mary Travis, everything had changed for him, not just the unbearable pain of his loss but also the loneliness he wore like a cloak for much of his life even when his family still lived. Mary made his life worth living again and along with her came the friends who were now working themselves into a proper state of intoxication.
He looked up and saw Ezra and Buck wrestling, with Nathan yelling something to Buck about keeping his hands off the lady and Chris did not believe the healer was refering to Trixie. He tried to suppress a smile as both Buck and Ezra landed on the table, their collective weight crushing it beneath them, sending bottles and glasses full of drink in all direction. Nathan was holding his glass high, lest he did not spill anything while around the two men, laughter ensued.
Vin stepped out of the line of fire, holding his own glass carefully not to spill it in the midst of all the excitement as he came to take Ezra's seat next to Chris. The tracker seemed in good spirits which was quite a change considering his encounter with Charlotte had been only a day or so ago. Like Chris, Vin preferred to stay out of the hard carousing the others indulged in, although the tracker was known to have a playful side when the mood took him.
"How are you enjoying your bachelor party, pard?" Vin asked, his gaze still fixed on Ezra and Buck. By now, the gambler had impossibly managed to get Buck in a neck lock and was proceeding to empty a bottle of whisky over the man's head while the rest of the room was cheering him on. Buck who was unrepentant was crying out, 'Don't hurt me ma'am!' Which only succeeded in infuriating Ezra even more
"I'm enjoying it pretty good." Chris had to admit. "I think I like staying out of the line of fire more than anything else."
"I don't blame you." Vin laughed. "Come on Ezra, show the man what it's like to take on a lady!" The tracker hollered in the direction of the main group.
"Duck!" Chris warned and the two men moved out of the way as a bottle flew in their direction and impacted on the floor behind them, spraying them with fluid as it shattered.
"I wouldn't rest too easy," Vin said after they were back in their original positions again. "I hear Buck's got something else planned this evening. He had it brought in special from Bitter Creek."
"Really?" Chris frowned, hating surprises of any kind. In particular those that had its origins from Buck Wilmington. He remembered the last such surprise Buck had sprung on him and recalled it ended up with him having to sneak into town without a stitch of clothing other than the boots on his feet.
"He's been whispering about nothing else. Said it was something special sure to knock our socks off."
Chris did not want his socks knocked off, or anything else for that matter. However, it did not look like anything was going to happen just yet, with Ezra finally releasing Buck who was soaked from his alcohol bath. Ezra had now turned his attention to his other tormentor and was running after Nathan with another full bottle of whisky. Almost everyone in the room was suitably inebriated by this point and so Ezra was being cheered on in this endeavour.
In the meantime, J.D. and Josiah were engaged in a drinking contest. Josiah seemed as stoic as always, his tally of empty glasses not all reflecte in his seemingly sober mask. J.D. on the other hand was on a fast track to being completely shit faced before the hour was up. To his credit, J.D. was hanging on quite well as he tried to keep pace with Josiah who was clearly offering the young man a challenge to stay upright. Knowing J.D. as well as he did, Chris knew the youngster was stubborn enough to drink himself into oblivion just to prove he could keep up with the older man.
"Kid's going to be sick to the stomach tomorrow." Vin said with a wry smile.
"Tomorrow?" Chris looked at him. "I'd give him another twenty minutes."
Suddenly Chris remembered he had something to discuss with the tracker and figured now was as good a time as any to bring it up. "Listen pard," Chris said taking a sip of his drink and looking at the younger man. "After me and Mary are hitched, chances are I won't be spending too much time at the shack. I was wondering whether you'd like to take up the place. I need someone to keep an eye on it."
"Are you sure?" Vin asked somewhat overwhelmed by the offer. "I mean, I thought you were pretty attached to the property."
"I ain't giving it to you or nothing," Chris joked, amused by Vin's reaction. "I just want someone to be there if I ain't going to be. I'll be staying at Mary's place although I reserve the right to turn up now and then, when I need some peace and quiet. Besides, I'll still take Billy fishing up at the creek."
"Thanks Chris," Vin said softly, feeling the emotion well up inside him at the gesture. Vin had never really been anywhere long enough to call it home before coming to Four Corners and what Chris was offering, was a place of his own where he could escape the quiet without needing to disappear into the wilderness for solitude.
"Okay Chris. Its time for the entertainment." The tall man reeked of liquor as he made the announcement, running his fingers through his dark hair. He dashed up the stairs to the upper floor of the saloon and called out. "Come on out Darlin'!"
No sooner than he had captured everyone's attention, they heard the scratchy sound of a phonograph starting to blare.
The music playing from some undisclosed room in the corridor was loud and heavy with percussion. It was the kind of music one heard in music halls and steamy theater shows in the big city. Buck hurried down the stairs back to Chris and Vin before announcing. "Everybody give a hand for the lovely Miss Salome and the dance of the Seven Veils!"
She emerged from one of the room, tall, lithe and clad in a colorful assortment of strategically placed scarves over parts of her body. Her long red hair was tied into a pony tail that hung over back and swayed tantalizingly when she moved. A veil hung over her face and through the sheer fabric, they could almost see her full round lips.
And the scarves were the only things she was wearing.
The woman who went by the pseudonym Salome, sauntered down the stairs, dancing to an exotic beat that reminded everyone present of faraway places known to them only in books and stories. The dance could only be described by those witnessing it as pure sex.
It showed in the slow movement of her hands, the way her hips swung from side to side, making her skin ripple with such fluidity of movement there was not one man present who unaffected by the display. Even Chris started to feel a little dry in the throat as she regarded the men present with deep green eyes, in her seductive but painfully slow movements. The music seemed to be almost as intoxicating as the dancer before them, forcing each man to be aware of her as she stepped onto the floor, wearing soft slippers that made it seem she was gliding across the floor.
No one spoke as she drew closer and even Josiah and J.D. had abandoned their drinking contest in light of the vision before them. The woman moved gracefully to the centre floor of the saloon. She was dressed in an imitation of a harem girl's costume which was little more than wisps of gossamer like material clinging to her white skin and bounced lightly with each movement.
"Mr. Wilmington, you've out done yourself." Ezra's voice managed to say in a quiet whisper as he watched with the same mesmerized expression as his companions. It was impossible to be unaffected by the seductive movements of the woman before him when the heathen dance she was performing made all of them thank God they were men. The six had all chipped in their money for Chris's party and at this moment, were extremely pleased with Buck's efforts.
"Why thank you Ezra," Buck said with a smile. "Of course, she ain't as pretty as you in a dress but we can't all be that blessed."
A small titter of laughter was followed by Ezra throwing a bowl of nuts in Buck's direction.
Salome of the veils approached Chris. The gunslinger found himself swallowing as she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his through the silk of the veil, affording him an extremely healthy view of her breasts, barely concealed in the top she was wearing. The scarves that were tucked neatly in a sequined belt around her hip, kept her bare thighs from being exposed and brushed against Chris as she danced before him. Her hand snaked down the length of her naked stomach and she unhooked one of the lengths of material from its place before tossing it in Chris's direction. She offered him an alluring smile and then withdrew to lavish her attentions on Vin.
Chris let out a sigh of relief as Salome made the rounds of the room, thinking to himself he had not been this tempted in quite some time. He realized much of it had to do with being drunk but it was difficult not to react to the sight of a half naked woman gyrating sinfully before him. He looked over his shoulder at Buck and stared at his old friend with narrowed eyes.
"You're an evil man Buck." Chris said with a devilish sneer.
"Well Chris, I just wanted you to know what you'd be giving up." Buck patted him on the back as they both watched Vin get bright red as the woman lowered herself on the tracker and performed a highly tantalizing lap dance . Chris could see Vin's Adam's apple bobbing up and down as he too, was forced to remind himself that he had prior commitments else where. Like before, she removed another veil as a calling card before departing from the tracker to continue her journey through the rest of the room.
"This ain't reminding me," Chris glared at him with mock anger. "This is torture. Where did you find her?" He asked over the sound of the music playing from the phonograph.
"In Bitter Creek. She's one of the acts at the new burlesque parlour at the seamier side of town." Buck replied, his eyes moving in perfect rhythm with Salome's firm round derriere.
That explained why Buck had been so eager to take any duty that required him going to Bitter Creek the past few weeks. During these forays, Buck seldom came home until the next day and Chris now had an idea what the man had been up to. With a smile, he wondered just how well Buck knew Salome. If Chris all knew Buck Wilmington's habit, he would have no doubt attempted to familiarize his relationship with the young lady in the biblical sense.
J.D. was staring at the woman before him with wide eyes as Salome turned her attentions to him. The youngster was in an even worse state than Vin because J.D. could not even bring himself to drop his gaze from her face even though he very much wanted to look. Even Salome was finding some amusement in his shyness and she slipped a veil behind his neck and caressed his skin as she tugged on either end. J.D. was trying to say something but only managed a lopsided grin as he felt Salome's long hair brushing against his cheek.
"I think he's about to pop." Buck laughed and Chris could hardly disagree. He was in better control of his urges than most and he was having a difficult time wrestling with temptation to even think what J.D. must be going through at the moment. It did not help the situation that with the removal of each scarf, more of Salome's shapely legs were being exposed for all to see. At this point, her long slender legs was almost as tantalizing as everything else she was doing.
"Come on Chris," Buck grinned, filling Chris's glass with more liquor since he had more plans for the groom that would require Chris being in a state of further intoxication.
Chris would probably kill him and his co-conspirators, namely Vin and Ezra but then no one lived forever.
By the time Salome discarded her last veil, Chris was so drunk that he could barely stand. Thanks to Buck filling his glass every time he emptied it, the gunslinger was almost comatose when the music and the entertainment came to an end. J.D. was forced to excuse himself after the stimulating display and none of the older men wanted to know exactly where he was going, even though they all had a pretty good idea. Fortunately, Buck, Vin and Ezra had other preoccupations in mind, so the lust they had felt over the sumptuous Miss Salome was fleeting.
Nathan helped Josiah back to his lodgings, since apparently J.D. had belatedly won their drinking contest when the preacher had collapsed in a drunken heap, clutching a silk scarf while wearing an inexplicable smile on his face that Nathan did not want explained to him. As Chris was more or less out cold, the party had come to an end with most of the guests choosing to depart and Ezra deciding it was as good a time as any to close the tavern for the night.
"Buck," Vin said as he helped the tall man carry Chris upstairs. "I hope we don't get shot for this. I ain't lived long enough to want to go out so soon."
"I'm telling you Vin," Buck grinned as they made their way up the stairs, with Vin holding Chris's legs and Buck keeping a firm grip of his head and arms. "It will be worth it just to see the look on his face."
"I must admit," Ezra remarked as he picked up Chris's black hat from the floor. "I do feel some trepidation atthis."
"It's his last few days as a bachelor!" Buck exclaimed, unable to believe that two of the bravest men he knew could be so yellow over such a harmless little joke. "He's allowed to have some fun, ain't he?"
"I am uncertain if Mr Larabee would consider this fun." Ezra pointed out. "However, I do reserve the right to point the finger in your direction if he chooses to take revenge."
"Me too." Vin agreed as they backed up slowly onto the steps that would take them to the room awaiting Chris upstairs. "I'll take my licks if I gotta but I'm going Ezra's way and saying it's your fault." The tracker said with a wicked grin.
"Nice to know that I'm riding with men of character." Buck frowned.