Chapter 10

As the cool night air hit her flushed face, and she made her way down the street toward the rowdy saloon, Elizabeth felt a little less light headed, but still quite pleasantly cheery. And despite the fact she knew that there was some reason she shouldn't be going to the saloon, she couldn't quite remember what it was. So with little fear, she squeezed her way between the men standing in front of the saloon, and pushed the swinging doors open.

The saloon was overcrowded. And as Elizabeth was at least a foot shorter than any of the men there she couldn't see a thing. But she could certainly smell and hear all sorts of foreign things to her! Someone was playing a lively jig on the piano, and she could smell the strong scent of whiskey and other spirits. As she inhaled a bit of the cigar smoke, she coughed slightly, drawing the attention of one nearby cowboy.

Pushing back the rim of his hat, the man's hazel eyes looked down at her in some surprise, but then he grinning, he hollered, "Well, will you lookie here boys! Looks like one of those gals from the social decided she'd too be likin' this shindig more!"

As the group of cowboys around her looked down at her, Elizabeth smiled pleasantly up at them trying to remember why she had come to this place. Oh...her pig! She began, "Sir, c-can you tell me...where I can find...Burt?"

"Hey honey...if Burt's who you're lookin' for, I can be Burt." The man with the hazel eyes said with a deep chuckle.

Elizabeth looked up at the cowboy's lean, tanned face and giggled, "You aren't Burt...you're much too large...not pink enough...and...you're not a pig..."

Uproarious laughter greeted this, and a rather heavyset cowboy shouted, "Ya just haven't seen James eat, miss! But it ain't right you get to partner her, James. I wanna dance with her first."

"Oh no sir...I'm not here to dance...I just want to see Burt," Elizabeth explained as she tried to make her way through the crowd gathered around her.

Stepping in her way, James shook his head, "Naw, ev'ryone has to dance at least one jig, ain't that right boys? And since they're more gents here than gals, you're goin' to have to do your share miss."

All the cowboys nodded their heads solemnly, and before Elizabeth could say another word, James had taken hold of her hand and was pulling her to the floor space that had been cleared before the stage for dancing. Elizabeth had only a brief moment to see that all the other couples on the floor were other cowboys and some very scantily clad fancy women. Then James placed a large hand on her small waist and grabbed her other hand to lead her in a lively jig. Oh heavens!

Through the first steps, Elizabeth could feel her feet begin to stumble, but the cowboy was quite strong and practically pulled her off her feet! Oh dear...everything around her was spinning!

As the crowd around began clapping and stomping to the beat, the other couples on the dance floor halted in the midst of their dancing to stare at the girl in peach flying across the room with the cowboy.

From his position playing at the piano, Francis noticed the increased rowdiness around him and looked up to see what had captured everyone's attention. When he saw her flying by him, he missed a few notes, and almost fell off the bench. Uh oh! What was she doing here?

Sonny and Carly who were helping out Johnny behind the bar to hand out the free rounds of whisky, also noticed the rumblings around the crowd. Carly shouted over the noise, "What the hell is goin' on over there?"

Wiping his whiskey covered hands on a cloth, Sonny shrugged, "Don't know. I'll have a look."

At that moment on the dance floor, another cowboy came up and tapped James on the shoulder, "Hey, I wanna dance with the little lady." And without another word, he spun Elizabeth into his arms, and they were off.

Oh heavens! The room was spinning quite dreadfully now, and despite the fact her feet rarely touched the ground, they were beginning to ache.

Sonny had just made it to the edge of the dance floor and looked over at Francis, who was desperately trying to catch his eye. With one hand Francis pointed toward the dancing couple, and shouted, "It's her, Sonny!"

Her? Surprised Sonny moved closer to the couple, and looked over at the girl being spun around the floor. He almost tripped over a fellow's feet in his shock. "Elizabeth?!" He closed the distance between him and the couple and grabbed the man by the shoulder.

"Hey, wait your turn, feller," the man began before he recognised whom he was addressing, "Oh, sorry, Corinthos." He immediately let go of Elizabeth's waist and hand.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth wasn't prepared to be released and her legs gave out beneath her. "Oh dear!"

"Steady does it." Sonny grabbed the girl to hold her up, and watched anxiously for her to look up at him.

After a moment, the room began to stop spinning somewhat and Elizabeth finally recognised who was holding onto her arms. "Sonny?! Oh, thank heavens!" Elizabeth said with a friendly smile. "I-I thought those cowboys would never stop...and to think I Grams and Sarah had been upset when I danced with Luke...Only 'magine what they'd say about this!" She began to giggle and then as if remembering her manners, she said happily, "Oh! Good evening, Sonny."

Sonny stared down at the girl in shock. What the hell? The other day the girl had barely said a few words and here she was chattering away!

"Sonny? What's goin' on here?" Carly asked as she looked at the brunette in her husband's arms. Why did the girl look so familiar? Then it hit her, the girl Sorel had hassled the other day! The one Sonny said owned that hog. "What's she doin' here?"

By this time Francis and Johnny were also by their side, staring in shock as Elizabeth stepped back from Sonny, and beamed up at all of them. "Gooood evenin' everyone!"

Francis and Johnny exchanged incredulous looks. What happened to that shy girl they'd met the other night? Johnny asked, "What ya doin' here, miss?"

Elizabeth didn't answer as once more she became aware of her sore feet...she needed to sit down. To the shock of everyone, the young lady settled herself on the floor with her feet neatly tucked under her skirt, before looking up at Johnny, and replying, "Well, when all these folks...left the dance, I thought...I really didn't want to see all the ladies screaming and shouting about the whole thing...So I came to see...Burt."

Looking down at the girl, Carly's expression turned from one of astonishment to one of keen interest. "Were them ladies really in a fuss 'bout the men leavin'"

Elizabeth giggled and nodded. "Yep...they all looked as red as tomatoes! And there was steam coming out of their ears like you see when the train whistle blows!"

Eyes glittering with satisfaction, Carly began to laugh at the image, but Sonny quickly hushed her. As he went to help Elizabeth to her feet, he asked, "You came to see your pig, darlin'?"

Elizabeth nodded, but she attempted to bat away Sonny's hand, not ready to get up quite yet.

Shaking his head, and withdrawing his hand, Sonny asked, "Why couldn't you wait 'til mornin'?"

"I most definitely wanted to see him," Elizabeth said with another giggle. Then suddenly springing to her feet, she asked, "Where's Burt?"

Using his hat to cover his mouth, Johnny whispered to Francis, "The girl's full as a tick!"

Francis nodded sombrely. "Wonder how? Ya wouldn't think they'd let someone so small and young imbibe in spirits!"

Sonny turned to Carly. "Would you take her out back to see that hog, while I figure out what to do 'bout this?

Still smiling, Carly nodded. This girl was mighty amusing to have around. Taking her arm gently, she said, "Honey...come on and ya can visit your hog."

Elizabeth waved goodbye to the three men, who exchanged worried glances. Sonny turned toward the gawking crowd and shouted, "Fun's over! Head on over to the bar and the boy's will refill those glasses!"

As soon as the crowd cleared, Sonny asked Francis, "How long has she been here?"

Francis shrugged, "Damned if I know! Just saw her a moment before ya did! How do ya suppose she got half seas over?"

"I don't know, but once word spreads 'bout her bein' here, ya can bet they're goin' to be sayin' we gave her the stuff!" Sonny said angrily.

Frowning, Johnny nodded, " And ya know that grandmother of hers is goin' to be the first in line demandin' this place be shut down!"

"Where the hell is Jase when we need him?!" Francis said, "He'd know what to do."

Sonny shook his head. "It's good he's out ridin'. He's already worked up enough 'bout Rebecca. The last thin' he needs is another run in with Elizabeth. He's not too fond of the gal, if you remember."

With a twinkle in his eye, Johnny laughed, "He looked mighty fond of her when they were on the ground, rolling in mud together!"

Sonny had thought so too, but he said, "Alright, enough. First thing we need to do is give the gal some coffee to sober her up some. Thank God those beans came in the other day! Then Francis, you take her back to that dance. Hopefully no one's noticed she's missing yet. Johnny, keep the drinks comin' and no waterin' them down. By the end of the night, I don't want any of these boys remembering their own mothers' names. And I-"

At that moment, Carly returned with a smiling Elizabeth in tow. "Well, she's had her talk with that pig. Lord...if I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't believe it. She's sure a strange one."

Before Sonny could reply, Elizabeth spoke excitedly, "Oh, Burt is looking well! Why he's quite happy back there...and with no friends being here with him..."

She was rambling again, so Sonny said gently to the girl, "Elizabeth, we're goin' to get you something to drink, and then Francis here is goin' to take you back to the dance. Alright?"

Looking around the saloon with its rich red furnishings, the beautifully painted women, and the wonderful liveliness of the place, Elizabeth shook her head, "No...I don't want to go yet, Sonny."

Sonny bit back a groan, and muttered to Johnny, "Get that coffee ready." Turning to Elizabeth, he said, "Why don't you have a seat over here, and listen to Francis play a tune or two?"

Elizabeth let Sonny guide her to a chair near the piano, and she watched as Francis began to flip through some music sheets. She asked him with a lopsided grin, "What are ya going to play...Francis?"

While Francis turned to reply to the girl, Sonny grabbed Carly's arm. "We need to help out with servin' the crowd, honey, before it gets ugly. Francis will keep an eye on the girl."

As she took in the pushing and the shoving to get to the bar, Carly nodded and followed her rather flustered husband. She bit back a smile. It was fun seeing him so befuddled...

As Francis's fingers flew over the keys in a lively number, and her feet began tapping, Elizabeth's eyes began to wander around the room. A number of men were playing cards...she had never seen so many valuables out in the open before...She stood and was about to go get a closer look when Francis suddenly stopped his playing. "No, Elizabeth. Please be stayin' put!"

Elizabeth turned her big blue eyes his way, and said determinedly, "But...I wanna have a look around!"

Shaking his head emphatically, Francis tried to think of a way to keep the girl occupied. As his eyes glanced once again at the piano, he asked, "Do ya sing?"

Giggling, Elizabeth shook her head, "Nooo...Well, a very little in church...but Grams and Sarah are always stomping on my toes trying to hush me," she paused and leaned in before whispering, "I'm afraid I sing a bit off tune."

Still desperate to keep her attention, Francis continued, "But ya know a song or two right?"

She tilted her head to give the matter some thought, which was difficult considering her head was so fuzzy at the moment. Finally, Elizabeth nodded, "Y-yes..."

"Good. Then you tell me what ya wantin' to sing and I'll play it."

"But, I'm really...not any good," Elizabeth giggled. "And I don't know many tunes."

Francis shrugged, "Any song will do."

Elizabeth stared at him a minute. Well, Grams and Sarah weren't there...and she was feeling unusually courageous this evening. "Hmm...how abowt 'Home Sweet..." She giggled, "Home'? It's one of the few I know."

Francis nodded eagerly. Anything to keep the gal busy until that coffee was ready...He played a few bars of the popular tune he knew by heart...

Elizabeth leaned on the piano and started to hum a little until the words came to her...

Mid pleasures and palaces,

Francis's eyes widened as Elizabeth's slightly off tune voice drifted over to him. She had not been exaggerating when she said she wasn't good. She was by no means an opera star in the rough, but her voice was like her...sweet, honest and...unexpected.

...Though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble,
There's no place like home.

Home...As the words came out of her mouth and the soft, sad melody of the piano filled the air, Elizabeth felt tears come to her eyes...Where was home, now? In a couple of months the farm would no longer be hers...it would belong to Lucky and Sarah...

A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there,
Which seek through the world,
Is not met with elsewhere, Home!
Home! Sweet, sweet home.

Slowly, as the men around them caught her sad, wistful voice, the noise of the crowd began to dim and soon Elizabeth's voice could be heard throughout the whole saloon.

There's no place like home,
There's no place like home,
An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain,
Oh! Give me my lowly thatch'd cottage again;
The birds singing gaily, that came at my call,
Give me them with the peace of mind dearer than all.
Home, home sweet, sweet home.

As her voice faded with the last note, the silence in the room was deafening. Sonny, Carly and Johnny were standing behind the bar as surprised as everyone else by an unusual performance in the saloon.

Then all of a sudden a man shouted out gruffly, "I thought this here was a damn saloon. If I was wantin' some damn singin' like that I'd be goin' to church on Sunday!"

Elizabeth, whose eyes were shimmering from emotions having nothing at all to do with the man, felt a tear streak down her face. Quickly she tried to rub it away with the back of her hand, but some of the men had noticed it.

"Look what you've done ya baffoon! You've gone and made the lassie cry!" And then all hell once again broke loose that evening. The fight that ensued resulted in many a turned table, and liquor flying every which way, including on a surprised Elizabeth's peach dress.

Shouting out orders to his men to calm everyone down, Sonny made his way through the flying chairs and glasses, toward Francis, who was by now standing protectively in front of Elizabeth and the piano. Glaring at the piano player, Sonny said in exasperation, "I thought I told you we were wantin' to make these men forget she was here, not make sure they remember!"

Francis shrugged helplessly, "I was just tryin' to distract the girl, Sonny!"

As Carly came up behind him with the flask of coffee in her hand, Sonny turned and said to her, "Take Elizabeth upstairs to our room, and make sure she finishes that coffee." He turned to Francis and shouted, "Get some of the girls to do a number. And then get Gia to sing somethin' more lively. Carly will get you once the girl's ready to go."

Taking a now subdued Elizabeth by the arm, Carly was able to get her up the stairs without too much incident but as they stepped into the hallway, Elizabeth said in some surprise, "Oh look!"

Carly peered down the hallway to see a young man in his underwear being pulled back into a room by one of her girls.

"It's Jesse! I'm wondering what's he doing...here? Jesse!"

Carly whispered, "Hush! Now, who's Jesse?"

Feeling tired all of a sudden, she mumbled through a yawn, "He's one of our farmhands...I don't think Grams will be too happy when she finds out he's been here. A saloon is a house of sin, you know..."

Carly muttered, "Darlin', that granny of yours won't be too happy if she finds out you've been here!" Damn! She couldn't make it to her room without running the risk of Elizabeth being seen by that hand. Thinking quickly she pulled Elizabeth into the room nearest to them. As she had known it would be, the room was empty. After closing the door, she walked over to a table and lit a candle.

Then handing the girl her coffee, Carly ordered, "Now drink this up, you here?! Lord...for one small gal, ya sure do know how to cause a fuss!"

Taking a small sip of the nasty brew, Elizabeth nodded with a sad sigh, "Yep...de-sas-ter...that's what always happens..."

Carly was about to say something, but the distinct aroma of whiskey made her stare down at the girl's peach dress. "Oh Lord! You've got whiskey on that dress. There ain't no way those folks ain't goin' to be noticin' that." Carly jumped up and began to pace. What was she going to do? "Alright...give me that flask, and take off your dress."

At the girl's stare of confusion, Carly said firmly, "We need to clean it! Now take it off! No one's going to see ya in here!" And to hasten the girl, Carly began helping the girl out of the dress.

Once Elizabeth was clad only in her chemise and petticoats, Carly picked up the dress and said, "Ya finish off that flask ya here, and I'll be back shortly."

Taking a large gulp of the bitter drink, Elizabeth watched in bemusement as the door was firmly closed behind the beautiful blond woman. She let out another small yawn and placed the flask on the nearby table. The wonderful feeling earlier in the evening was by now long gone...she felt so tired now...Sitting on the small bed, Elizabeth felt the overwhelming urge to lay down. Something told her she shouldn't...But she was so sleepy...

A little nap wouldn't hurt...just until Sonny's wife...Carly...came back...and then burying her head into the wonderfully spicy scented sheets, she was soon fast asleep.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

After a long ride, Jason arrived back to the saloon, dead tired. He'd ridden for hours trying to work out all the anger and worry...It hadn't helped to ease his fears for Rebecca, but it had made him weary enough so that he might be able to sleep that night more than the five minutes he had the previous one.

When he walked through the swinging doors, he wasn't surprised by the rowdiness that greeted him but he was by the condition the place was in. At least a quarter of the chairs and tables were broken and there was glass everywhere! Through the crowd of men, many of whom being attended by Carly's girls, Jason saw Francis in his usual place in front of the piano. He was playing a lively tune, accompanying the same dark beauty who had come to Jason's room the other day.

He made his way through the crowd of men being served their whiskey, toward Sonny and Johnny.

"What the hell happened here, Sonny?!"

At the familiar sound of his friend's voice, Sonny looked up with exasperation written all over his face. He grumbled a little, "You would never be able to guess in a thousand years, Jase!"

Jason blinked in surprise. It wasn't like Sonny to be so evasive. "Well?"

Seeing the exhaustion written on his friend's face, Sonny shook his head. There was no need worrying Jason about this whole thing. "Don't be worryin' 'bout it. I'll be tellin' you in the mornin'. Get some rest."

Jason was about to press for more details when another surge of patrons tried to push their way to the bar. Shrugging his shoulders, he said, "I'll see you in the morning then."

He had just climbed up the stairs, and was about to open his door, when he caught a glimpse of light coming out from beneath the door! What the hell?

With gun drawn, he slowly turned the door knob. Through the warm glow of candle light, Jason's alert blue gaze swept the room, until it fell on the lone figure on the bed. His bed. Walking closer, he saw it was a woman clad only in snow white undergarments, but he couldn't see her face as it was pressed into the sheets. Damn! He was not in the mood to deal with another of Carly's girls! At least he knew it wasn't that other girl who was singing below...but he was going to have to get the damn key to this room and lock it!

Putting away his gun, he walked closer to the bed, not making any effort to be quiet. The woman didn't even move a muscle. Leaning down, he growled, "Get the hell off my bed!"

Still she didn't move! Was the girl dead?! Reaching out, he touched her shoulder through the thin chemise. The heat from her body made his hand tingle. No she wasn't dead. His heated blue gaze wandered over the smooth naked skin of her shoulders and the nape of her neck, exposed through a parting of wild chestnut curls. There was something about this woman...Growling to himself, he gave her a none too gentle shake. "Get up!"

The woman mumbled something, and moved toward the other side of the bed, away from his hand.

Taking a deep breath, trying to calm his growing annoyance, Jason leaned farther over the bed and with both hands yanked the girl around. "I said get out of my bed!"

Elizabeth, who had been drifting in a lovely dream where she and her friends were in a meadow full of daisies and sunflowers with endless peaceful skies of blue above them, was abruptly awaken to find herself staring into that same vivid blue...but this blue was anything but peaceful!

As those large pansy eyes opened wide in surprise, Jason felt the air get knocked out of him. "You?!" Letting her abruptly go, he took a quick step back, and unfortunately caught the heel of his boot on the red rug. As he found himself falling toward the hard ground, all he could think was, 'damn it, here we go again'!