PT.21

Kitty and The Governor

"She is the granddaughter of my late brother Jacque LaRogue! " These words kept repeating over and over in St. John's head. He was no longer hearing anything being said by anyone at this point.

"John? John, are you alright? Did you hear me?" Susan repeated calling his name to get his attention. "John, Senator Wilson and his wife just arrived. We must go and say hello." Snapping him out of his haze,

"Oh, what? Yes, Dear, of course." He was staring at Constance then at Kitty, shaking his head trying to clear his thoughts, not believing what he heard. "Please, if you all will excuse me for a moment."

Matt looked at Kitty. "Well, I think that's threw him for a loop."

Nodding, "Oh, yes, I'm sure it did. It left him quite speechless."

Constance, taking both Matt and Kitty's hand, "I think you two can let me handle this problem of yours. At this level, I've learned one thing for sure from my father, your grandfather, Kathleen. When you want something done and logic fails, strike where it hurts and this ol' gal still knows how to play that game. I may be old but never underestimate me."

Then she shook both their hands that she was holding and clicked her tongue to her teeth and winked at them. "Watch and learn."

Now, as the music began to play, she released Kitty's hand, still holding Matt's tightly. "What do you think handsome? Take a lady for a whirl around the dance floor?"

Matt looked at Kitty, his face slightly turning red. Kitty smiled. "Go for it, Cowboy. She won't bite."

A few minutes later Lula and Miranda walked towards Kitty while she was talking to Fran and Hope. Miranda called over to Fran first. "Grandma, Momma. I am having so much fun. Thank you for bringing me."

Then Lula followed. She was accompanied by an older couple. "Miss Hope, Miss Fran, oh and Miss Kitty. I want you to meet my grandparents. Nathanial and Elizabeth Parker. They are Mother's parents."

"Well, Mister and Mrs. Parker. It's a pleasure to meet you." Kitty said as she offered her hand to them. "Susan is a wonderful woman and your granddaughter is just lovely. You must be so incredibly proud of them."

Elizabeth smiled at Kitty. "Yes we are and please call me Betsy."

Then Nathanial laughed and said, "Everyone calls me ol' Uncle Max. Been called that since I was a young man."

"Well then, ok, Uncle Max and Betsy. Where about are you from?"

"Kentucky. Back up in them hills are all ar people. They are from the hills but we sent Susan to the big city to get some learning. Reading, writing, you know?"

Kitty nodded. "Yes, of course."

"Never expected she'd marry up with important folk."

Franny turned and asked if anyone wanted punch.

Ol' Uncle Max shook his head. "Oh I brung me my own." Reaching in his jacket and pulling out a flask of his home made corn liquor, just in time for John and Susan to be headed back in their direction.

"Momma, Poppa. You're here!"

"Susan, yes we got here a little while ago. We've been talking with your friends here."

John mumbled under his breath. "Our friends. Yeah!" Pulling Susan aside, "Does he have to pull that out here?"

"John, I'll have him put it in a glass. Ok? John, he's my father."

While Susan and Lula were talking to Betsy and Ol' Uncle Max, Kitty walked over alongside of John. "You know, Governor. The fancy clothes and the political title don't change who you were or what you were. Remember that. So tread lightly. Be careful what bridges you burn and who you burn." Walking away smiling a wicked smile.

Lula was explaining to her grandparents that Matt was a Marshal from Dodge City and that Kitty was the woman that helped them during the bank hold-up in Emporia. "Oh, and Grandma, Kitty is the Marshal's woman. Miss Hope and Miss Franny say they've been a couple for a really long time, like forever. You know about twenty years, maybe more. Don't know why they never got married. Ummmm."

Betsy and Nathanial approached Kitty and Matt later in the evening. "Miss Kitty. We just wanted to say ar thanks to ya fur doin' what yus did fur ar girl and Lula. Lula told us what ya did fur them in that there town. That was a special kindness ya did."

Smiling at Betsy, "You don't need to thank me. I just did what needed to be done. I couldn't let those men hurt any of the girls. I was glad to help."

Constance was making her rounds, talking to all of the people she knew in the room. She was quite well known by many. After all the La Rouge name carried a lot of weight, especially when monies were involved.

Slowly, St. John was being approached about him reconsidering his approach on how he was going to handle his plans. Not necessarily forgoing his plan, just approaching it differently, or take the chance, of monetary withdraws of support.

While all were standing around talking in clusters, Kitty was looking around the room, spotting one incredible handsome cowboy walking her way. Suddenly their eyes locked. It was as if no one else was in the room. She began walking towards him, the music began to play. As they met face to face, he slowly reached out his hand. "Ma'am, may I have this dance?"

Blue met blue and in a deep sultry tone, she answered. "Certainly, Cowboy."

He drew her in close and began whirling her around the ballroom floor. All eyes took notice in such a way that everyone cleared the floor, forming a large circle, allowing them the full dance floor. All were amazed at the fluid motion of the two, as if they were on air and that neither of them was aware of anyone in the room other than one another.

TBC