"The Bathtub" This story focuses on my reason why Kitty was upset when Matt walked into her room while she was taking a bath. ("Doc's Reward" Season 3 Episode 14)
Helen had been working at the Long Branch for several months, and Kitty had taken an instant liking to her. She was sweet and kind, and a hard worker. Helen had a date with Jacob Taylor, a local from town and she wanted to borrow a dress from Kitty. Helen was working downstairs when Kitty walked into the saloon. Helen walked up to her.
"Miss Kitty, I was wondering if I could stop by later and borrow a dress from you. I have a date with Jacob Taylor this evening," said Helen.
"Of course you can. Just stop by after you're done working. I have the evening off, and I plan on taking a hot, relaxing bath this evening. Now, about this date with Jacob, isn't this your third date?"
A huge smile spread across Helen's face. "Yes it is."
"Things seem to be getting serious between you two. Do you see marriage in the future?" asked Kitty.
"Oh, I don't know about that, but I wouldn't say no if he asked," answered Helen.
Helen went back to work and Kitty walked upstairs to her room. Once inside her room, Kitty walked into her washroom. Kitty had asked Bill earlier if he would mind filling her tub up for her. She looked over at her tub and saw that it was full of hot water. Smiling, Kitty pulled her hair up and then she stripped out of her clothing and stepped into the tub. She slowly eased herself down into the ub until she was submerged just past the top of her breasts. Kitty loved her bathtub. A hot bath was one luxury she would always appreciate.
Relaxing in her tub, Kitty let her mind wander back to when she purchased her new tub. She remembered seeing the tub in a catalog in Jonas' store. She also recalled seeing the price and how she realized she really didn't have the money for it. It was then and there that Kitty decided that she would set money aside so she could buy herself that tub. Kitty had a jar in the bottom of her chiffarobe. That's where she kept her bathtub money. It took her about ten months to save enough money.
The day she had enough money, she went straight to Jonas' and had him order the tub. Jonas told her it would take about three weeks for delivery. The three weeks seemed to crawl by, but the tub finally came. Several men had to haul it upstairs to Kitty's room. Kitty wanted to take a hot bath immediately, but knew she wouldn't be able to because she had to work. She would have to wait until later.
Kitty was still relishing in her tub, when another thought came to mind, Matt. She had told Matt about her plans to purchase a tub for her washroom. Kitty had been taking a bath at the bathhouse. The bathhouse had a private area just for women. Matt asked her why she didn't want to just continue taking baths at the bathhouse. Kitty explained how nice it would be to be able to just go into her washroom and take a bath after work. She wouldn't have to walk over to the bathhouse, especially after dark. Matt hadn't thought of that. Kitty also explained the private tub would have other benefits. When Matt questioned what other benefits, Kitty went into full details about how they could share that tub and create some wonderful memories. Hearing that, Matt was very pleased with Kitty's purchase.
Knock! Knock! Kitty heard the knocks on her door. "Come in." Matt opened the door and stepped inside. Kitty didn't hear anyone, so she said, "I said come in." After hearing the door closed, Kitty asked, "Helen is that you?" She was expecting Helen to stop by to borrow a dress.
"Uh, no, it's me," Matt responded.
"Matt!" Kitty exclaimed.
Matt was taken back by Kitty's reaction to him being there. "What's the matter?"
"Don't come in here! Don't come in here!" Kitty exclaimed. Any other time she would welcome Matt into her washroom while she was bathing, but not today. Helen was supposed to be coming over at any time, and Kitty didn't think it would look right if Matt was in the washroom while she was bathing. The people had the suspicions of the Marshal and Miss Russell, but Matt and Kitty felt it was best if they didn't give them concrete evidence.
"Are you alright?" Matt was concerned something was wrong.
"Yeah, I'm alright. "I thought you were one of the girls. I wasn't expecting you," Kitty answered. "What do you need?"
Matt explained what he needed, so Kitty got out of the tub, put on her robe, and joined Matt in the other room. Normally Matt would not encourage Kitty to have drinks and flirt with another man. The thought of it made his insides twist, but he wanted to help Doc, and KItty was the only one that would be successful. Kitty would never have drinks and flirt with a man who wasn't Matt, but she too wanted to help Doc. So, she agreed. Matt thanked her and left.
After helping Doc, Matt and Kitty were in her room eating a private dinner. "Your reaction yesterday when I walked in your room surprised me."
"I told you I was expecting one of the girls. Helen was supposed to be coming over to borrow a dress. I didn't think it would look good if you were in the washroom while I was in the bathtub. People already talk about us. Why give them more?" Kitty asked, taking a bite of her food.
"I understand, just as long as you don't react that way each time I come and see you," Matt replied.
"You never have to worry about that. You are always welcome in this room." Kitty put her fork down and rubbed her hand over Matt's hand.
Looking into KItty's eyes, Matt asked, "Did you lock the door?"
"Yes. Why?" KItty asked, even though she knew the answer.
"I have plans with my girl and I don't want anyone disturbing us."
Dinner finished, it didn't take long for Matt and Kitty too long to be in bed together, holding one another. They were basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Before she drifted off to sleep, Kitty's last thought was that someday soon she and Matt needed to enjoy another bath together.
The End
