Unshown Moments for Quiet Day In Dodge – S 18
AN: Archibald L. Williams really was the Attorney General for Kansas from 9 Jan 1871 to 11 Jan 1875
This is for MissLizzyJ
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Edsel Pry, nose in the clouds and fury on her brow, marched past the still laughing populace of Dodge City after being freed from the safe that that awful little hooligan had shoved her into. Her pride was hurt as well as her backside and she had every intention of writing to Archie when she got home and telling him what that so-called Marshal was doing. Or at least, what he wasn't doing.
And what he wasn't doing was protecting the decent citizens of Dodge from riff raff like that child and the environs of the various saloons in town. Of course, as she thought about it, she knew he did usually keep the peace in town, when he was in town. But he still didn't do anything about the saloons, or at least one of them.
He and Kitty Russell had a long standing, although quiet, relationship and she was certain he would do nothing about that woman and her trade. And that thought irritated her to no end. Why, the woman was shameless. Walking around town with that bright red hair and no bonnet and all that face paint on. She should be ashamed of herself and hide herself away.
The more Edsel thought about it, the more irritated she became and by the time she reached her modest home she had worked herself into a fair frenzy of emotion. How dare US Marshal Matt Dillon slight people of her stature for a common trollop such as Kitty Russell.
It was plain that the woman obviously had no sense of decorum and decency. If she did, she would demand that Matt Dillon marry her instead carrying on an illicit affair and mistakenly believing that no one would know. Ha! She should know that something like that couldn't be kept a secret, especially not in a place like Dodge. Everyone knew that the Marshal and the saloon woman were involved with each other.
Hastily unlocking the door and entering, she made her way to the roll top desk in the corner of her living room, then removed her cape and hat and sat down, pulling out several sheets of paper and a pencil.
For several minutes, her pencil was held aloft over the paper as she decided how best to approach the subject she wished to address. She didn't want to just go charging in with her concerns and anger, especially now, after so much time had passed since she'd seen and heard from her dear friend Archie. Perhaps it was best to start out cheerfully, reminding him of their distant yet still vital friendship and then she could explain what really worried her.
Licking the tip of the pencil, she put her head down and began.
Dear Archibald,
She started but then she scratched that out. There was more between her and Archie than mere courtesy and to address him by anything formal would seem wrong.
Dear Archie,
How are you? I know it has been sometime since I last wrote but it has been busy here for me. With meetings for the church and the Ladies' Aid Society and my many other civic functions, as well as my culinary efforts in pie making, I scarce have time to do more than jot quick notes to the grocer and such. But I never want you to think that I have forgotten you or that I didn't think daily of you and our friendship.
As I sit here, pen in hand, I remember the many times that you and I
Edsel's pencil stilled as her mind returned to years prior when she was yet a young woman in love with a dashing blonde haired man who took her breath away each time he'd turn a dimpled smile in her direction. Oh, the times they'd had together. Smiling at the memories, Edsel resumed her writing.
spent together with great fondness. We truly shared, and hopefully still do share, a unique bond like no other.
Again, Edsel paused and a soft smile lit her face as she remembered his whirling her around at a county barn dance, his blue eyes taking in her form and offering her sweetness beyond anything she'd ever known before. As reminiscences raced through her mind, her hand seemed to have a mind of its own and she began to write in earnest.
Often I am reminded of the moments of utter bliss that we enjoyed, just the two of us. Moments spent, not in work or conversation but in learning to please each other in so many intimate ways. You and I shared a glorious love and so many passionate nights in each other's arms. I truly wish that I could go back to when we were young and free, unencumbered by age and responsibilities too numerous to count.
Do you remember that rainy night when we were stuck in that tiny little cabin and we
Edsel stopped writing, as memories of that night washed over her and she remembered the feel of him as he lay next to her, touching her in places no other man ever had or ever would. She remembered his kisses which had started out on her begging lips and then had moved down to her neck and then shoulders. She remembered his hands as they moved restlessly over body, pinching and caressing and making her plead with him for more.
Oh, Archie. She started writing again.
How I wish that that you were here with me and that once again we could
Suddenly, Edsel stopped as she realized what she'd written. Cheeks furiously red in embarrassment, she quickly crumpled the paper and threw it into the fireplace, lighting a match and burning it up. If anyone had ever seen that…
As she watched the paper disappear into ash, she was reminded of her original reason for the letter and what she'd really been meaning to tell him. But now, she knew she couldn't. How on earth could she condemn Matt Dillon and Kitty Russell for sharing something as rare and unique as she herself had shared with Archie.
She might not always agree with the way the Marshal did his job or the type of clientele that Kitty Russell entertained at her business each night, but she now realized she couldn't blame them for stealing what moments of happiness they could anytime they could. Hadn't she and Archie done the same?
Taking a deep breath, Edsel returned to her desk and reclaimed her seat. Picking up the pencil, she hesitated only for a moment before she again began to write.
Dear Archibald,
I just wanted to write and say hello. Hope all is well with you and your dear wife, Ethel, and that life in the attorney general's office is all that you wished.
I also wanted to write to you about the man that administers the law here in Dodge City. Matt Dillon is
Edsel paused only for a second and bent again to her task with a smile.
one of the most conscientious and effective lawmen in this part of the country. If ever you should have the opportunity to pass his name along in praise you should definitely do so. And should you know anyone who might be passing through this area and would like a lively libation and some wonderful company, I know a business here in town that would fit the bill perfectly.
Well, I do not wish to keep you any longer. Say hello to Ethel for me and please take care of yourself.
Yours Truly,
Edsel Pry.
End