He woke close to lunchtime, sound and cool in his head, strong and rested, two days after he met Miss Lillian. Mr. Dillon was out, and the sun blazed white-hot as ever near the peak of the sky when Chester looked through the window. A full pot of coffee simmered on the stove. He'd slept deeply all night and through the morning. His fever was gone, and none too soon. The dance was tomorrow night.
Chester warmed pone and ate it with molasses and jerky, drank two cups of coffee and headed for the Long Branch. The hot spell kept most men out of the saloon until sundown. Sam was stocking the shelves behind the bar, Kitty and Lillian sat chatting at a table, and Taggart sat three tables away from them, aimlessly shuffling cards and staring at Lillian, a full glass of whiskey in front of him and his handsome face morose. The women had ordered him to sit apart from them when they talked, as he couldn't be trusted. No one else was in the barroom when Chester came in.
"Well, look who's up and about," said Kitty.
"Howdy, Miss Kitty. Miss Lillian," said Chester, tipping his hat.
"Hello, Chester," said Lillian.
"Sit down, Chester," said Kitty. "Want a beer?"
"Thank you," said Chester, pulling out a chair. "I got powerful hot 'n thirsty jest walkin' from the office."
As Kitty called to Sam for a beer, Chester looked at Taggart before sitting down. The gambler stopped shuffling a moment and scowled in return. Not inclined to vindictiveness, Chester blamed himself for believing Taggart's lie about a woman walking to meet him on the prairie, and he harbored no anger. He understood Taggart's jealousy while neither fearing or feeling sorry for the gambler. The lie hadn't changed Chester's thoughts about the man. Taggart just was.
The women had glasses of lemonade, and Chester felt pleased that Miss Kitty offered him beer instead. He sat between her and Miss Lillian, both smiling at him and prettier than the finest painting ever could be. Easy and happy in the moment, Chester saw no need for words.
"How're you feelin', Chester," said Kitty.
"Fine. Fever's gone . . . . In time to escort you to the dance, Miss Lillian. That l'il trip on the prairie dint make the Siriasis last no longer. I don't sink easy as some think." Chester smirked at Taggart.
The gambler threw his cards on the table, scraped back his chair and stood. Chester eyed him, sipping his beer. Kitty generally talked Chester out of fighting, as he wore no gun and wasn't strong with his fists, and his lame leg gave his opponent the advantage. She figured he could beat Taggart, though.
Chester of himself, apart from Matt and Doc, Kitty and any sweetheart he courted, struggled with his sense of sureness, and falling for Taggart's trick must have set him back. A fight might be just the thing for Chester. Taller than the gambler by three inches or so, Chester had wider shoulders and a sturdier frame, and Taggart though riled with jealousy and addled with passion, was otherwise not a forceful man. And like Chester, the gambler wore no gun.
Taggart moved to the table where Chester sat with the women. Sam stopped stocking bottles and watched. "You think you're almighty smart, don't you, Chester. Well, you're not. A young'un would've seen through that foolery I played on you," said Taggart.
"Maybe. You're the one got no partner fer the dance," said Chester. "Miss Lillian dun care for you after what you done."
Taggart snatched the mug from Chester, dashed the beer in his face and threw the mug at his head. Chester caught the mug before it hit him, thumped it down on the table, jumped up and punched Taggart squarely on his jaw, knocking him on his back.
"You got no more care than to start fightin' with ladies a settin' right here. That mug mighta hit Miss Lillian. The beer splashed on her too, you dreg," said Chester.
"Just a few drops, Chester," said Lillian. "I'm alright."
"No thanks to him," said Chester.
Clutching his jaw, Taggart climbed to his feet and staggered to a chair at the table next to Kitty's. He rubbed his jaw and looked sulkily at Chester.
"Sam, another beer for Chester," said Kitty.
Chester moved to the table where Taggart threw his cards, stacked the cards neatly, picked up the deck and Taggart's whiskey and set them in front of the gambler. Taggart gulped the whiskey as Chester returned to Kitty and Lillian's table.
"This is not over, Chester. It's not about you and me fighting; it's about me and Miss Lillian." Taggart's russet eyes burned with crazed feeling.
"You got the lovesickness," said Chester. "You oughter see Doc. Git you some chloral."
"Shut up," said Taggart.
"Reckon you know you ain't the one to tell me that. I kin make it more clear to you if you please," said Chester.
"I don't want the two of you fighting over me," said Lillian.
"Ain't none of it your fault, Miss Lillian," said Chester. "I never thought much a him nohow."
Taggart calmly picked up the cards and resumed shuffling. "I couldn't be dumb as you if I tried, Chester. Idiot like you has no call gettin' uppity."
"Taggart, you bug," said Kitty. "Chester should've beat you senseless."
Taggart's mouth dropped open and he gave Kitty a shocked look, flinching like she'd hit him in the stomach. She at once felt guilt and mild pity, then impatience with herself for feeling that way.
"Russ, don't torment yourself over me," said Lillian. "The letter from my sister came this morning. My brother-in-law hired two of his most trusted friends to travel from Oregon to Dodge City. They're in town now with two wagons. I'm leaving with them in four days for Salem, taking the Oregon Trail. You will likely never see me again, Russ, and it's better for you that I'm soon gone," said Lillian.
"Better for me. You don't understand, Miss Lillian. Losing you will be the worst thing that ever happened to me," said Taggart.
"I am sorry for that," said Lillian. "But I cannot possibly stay in Dodge, nor do I want to. And you traveling to Oregon with me is out of the question." Taggart dropped his cards on the table and left the barroom.
"What he did to you was horrible, Chester. But I can't help feeling a little sorry for him," said Lillian.
"I know, Lillian," said Kitty.
"I feel jest a speck sorry for 'im maself," said Chester. "Not sorry 'nough to give up escortin' you to the dance, though, Miss Lillian."
"I should be disappointed if you did, Chester," said Lillian. "I pity Russ, and I admit to feeling a natural attraction to him. I wouldn't go to the dance with him, though, not even if you asked me to, to stop him stirring up more trouble. And I want to be your partner at the dance, Chester. I am looking forward to it."
"Wahl now, Miss Lillian, I'm lookin' forward to it, too. Makes me plumb light-headed ever' time I think on it, an' I'm thinkin' on it more'n anythin'," said Chester.
"Looks like my plan will turn out well after all," said Kitty. "I just hope Taggart doesn't make an ass of himself at the dance and spoil the mood."
The dance started near nightfall, when the air was still moist and warm yet no longer hot. Lillian wore white silk trimmed with rose lace, setting off her glowing honey-colored complexion to stunning effect. Delicate white and pink flowers decorated her shining dark waves of hair, and she wore rose-tinted pearl earbobs.
Lively with music, talk and laughter, the hall grew hushed when Lillian entered holding Chester's arm. The townspeople stared as though seeing a vision. After dancing the Virginia reel, Kitty and Doc sat and sipped punch while Kitty fanned herself and Matt leaned against the wall at her other side.
"Isn't Lillian sweet, Doc?" said Kitty. "Like a beautiful bride."
"She is. Very elegant. Marrying Chester, is she?" said Doc. Matt chuckled.
"I wish. She'd make him so happy. Lillian's aspirations are too high to consider Chester. She leaves day after tomorrow for Oregon and a leisurely society life with her sister and brother-in-law," said Kitty.
A small crowd surrounded Lillian and Chester, their attention fixed on Lillian. She smiled warmly and spoke to all of them, her dark eyes sparkling and her pretty face animated.
"She's so gracious and easy," said Kitty.
"Can't say the same for Chester," said Doc. Chester looked proud and overcome.
"Oh, he'll have the time of his life once they start dancing," said Kitty.
"Sure," said Matt. "So long as Taggart behaves himself." Taggart sat quietly at a corner table, theater-player dapper in a suit of fine black linen and dark-gold silk vest that complimented his bright russet eyes, watching Lillian with a dazed look.
The folks clustered round Lillian and Chester drifted apart, and he led her to greet his friends. Kitty and Lillian admired each other's dresses and hair, and Chester dipped cups of punch for Lillian and himself.
The musicians commenced playing Beautiful Dreamer. Chester took Lillian's hand, and they moved to the middle of the floor and danced.
"Your turn, Matt. I'm still tuckered from the reel," said Doc.
Kitty smiled eagerly at the marshal, who gave Doc the eye. Doc knew Matt wasn't much for dancing. Matt straightened up from the wall and held out his hand to Kitty. "May I have this dance, Kitty?"
She took his hand and rose from her chair. "Matt, can you at least pretend to enjoy dancing with me? You look like I have a gun in your ribs," said Kitty.
"I'm sorry, Kitty, I do enjoy being with you. It's the dancing gives me a time. I feel like I have two left feet," said Matt.
"This is a nice easy waltz," Kitty encouraged. "You just sort of rock to it. If Chester can do it, you sure can, Matt. See how well he's doin'?"
Matt stretched his mouth into a grin and set his head to guide her smoothly as he could. Though he felt like a creaking tree whose roots had shifted, Kitty's radiant smile let him know she was pleased.
He looked at Taggart sitting in the corner as they danced, and Kitty followed his gaze. Taggart's face looked blank as he watched Lillian dancing with Chester.
"Taggart hasn't taken his eyes off Lillian since she got here, has he?" said Kitty.
"No, he hasn't. He worries me," said Matt.
"You think he'll pick a fight with Chester?" Kitty had told Matt about the scrap between Chester and Taggart at the Long Branch.
"I don't know, Kitty. He looks like he's waiting for his chance to make some kinda trouble."
As Beautiful Dreamer came to a flourishing end, Lillian remembered her agreement with Kitty to kiss Chester. Lillian looked up at his artless, admiring eyes. He was gentlemanly and sweet with nice looks, though not classically handsome. His eyes were his best feature. Kissing him would be easy and pleasant, but she wouldn't kiss him ardently. Unlike some of the Long Branch women, Lillian knew she could not affect passion.
She put her hands on Chester's shoulders and gave him a chaste kiss on the mouth. He stood gazing blissfully at her, his hands cupped round her slender waist. His eyes trained on Taggart, Matt walked Kitty back to her chair next to Doc.
With vigorous drumbeats, the musicians began to play The Yellow Rose of Texas. As Matt watched him, Taggart jumped up from his chair, squared his shoulders and strode to Lillian standing in Chester's embrace, her hands resting on his shoulders. Her hands slipped from his shoulders as Taggart approached, and Chester let go of her waist.
"Mr. Goode, my conduct to you was disgraceful," Taggart dispassionately recited. "I sincerely apologize for lying and tricking you so cruelly, for throwing beer in your face and a mug at your head, and for the nasty things I said, none of which are true. Sir." Taggart thrust out his hand.
Chester hesitated a moment, then warily shook hands. "I accept your apology. Mr. Taggart."
"Well, wonders never cease," said Doc. "Did you two see that?"
"I did. And I scarce believe what I saw," said Matt.
"I wish I heard what Taggart said to Chester. The musicians are spirited tonight," said Kitty.
"They seem to like this song particular," said Doc.
Taggart said with stilted dignity, "Pardon me, then, sir."
He bowed to Lillian and held out his hands to her. "Miss Lillian. May I have this dance?" Lillian curtseyed, slipped her hand in Taggart's and lay her other hand on his shoulder, and he touched his hand to her waist.
Chester stepped back from them. Somehow, he thought she'd dance every song with him. Miss Lillian wasn't like his dream lady after all. Even her kiss was too short and light, much as he liked it. She hadn't even given him a chance to kiss back.
Taggart and Lillian marched-bounced to the drums' rhythm, their lithe bodies matching steps just so, like dancers in a musical play. Other couples looked at them and smiled. Chester put his hands in his pockets and limped to the wall where Doc and Miss Kitty sat and Mr. Dillon stood.
"Oh, Chester." Kitty gave him a sad little smile and held out her hands to him.
"Ah'd admire to dance with you, Miss Kitty," said Chester.
She rose from her chair and they danced, her soft hands in his own, and Chester's heart lilted with the drumbeats. He hadn't supposed he'd feel happier dancing with Miss Kitty than with Miss Lillian, but he sure enough did.
As Chester and Miss Kitty skipped by Taggart and Miss Lillian, Taggart sucked in a chest full of air and started singing as he and Lillian danced. Chester tripped and almost fell, and Miss Kitty's mouth opened in surprise. Miss Lillian's face lit up sudden like the sun shining full on it and her eyes sparked like dark flames.
Taggart's strong, fervent, unwavering tenor stunned Kitty. His voice was at once pleasant and stirring, with a true vibrato, and not at all breathless as he hopped about with Lillian in his arms. Taggart sang,
Where the Rio Grande is flowing
and the starry skies are bright,
oh she walks along the river
in the quiet summer night.
And she thinks if I remember
when we parted long ago,
I promised to come back again
And not to leave her so.
She's the sweetest girl of color
This fellow ever knew.
Her eyes are bright as diamonds
And sparkle like the dew.
You may talk about your Dearest Mae
And sing of Rosa Lee
But the Yellow Rose of Texas
beats the belles of Tennessee.
As the song ended, Lillian flung her arms around Taggart's neck and zealously kissed him to applause, cheers and whoops. He hugged her tightly, kissing her with a yet greater passion.
"Well, I'll be goshswoggled," said Doc. "Just goes to show you, Matt, you can never predict what a woman will do, understand her let alone."
"I know Kitty didn't see this comin'," said Matt. "She'd never ask Miss Lillian to go the dance with Chester if she had."
"Oh, don't worry about Chester. Kitty will see he has a good time. Better than he'd have with Lillian, by golly. He hardly knows her, and Kitty's his close friend. We know how Chester feels about Kitty," said Doc.
"Been fine with me if Kitty asked Chester to take her to the dance in the first place. The trouble with Taggart wouldn't have happened," said Matt.
"Well this dance ends happily for all anyway. Even you, Matt. You won't have to dance no more tonight," said Doc.
Kitty danced with Chester and Doc the rest of the night. "I had the best time, Miss Kitty," Chester said as they danced to the last song, Farewell, Ladies.
"Good for you, Chester. So did I," said Kitty.
"Druther dance with you than any lady, dream or otherwise."
"Well I like dancing with you, too. I'm happy about tonight if you are," said Kitty.
"I am," said Chester. "I got no grudge 'gainst Taggart, him showin' off singin' and puttin' hisself forward howsoever. And Miss Lillian is a fine woman. I wish her well."
Epilogue
The parson married Taggart and Lillian two days later, with Kitty as witness. No one else attended the ceremony.
"They'll have trouble," Doc predicted. "Only met a week ago. Conflict is inevitable."
"It is with most, no matter how long they court before they marry. Taggart's adored Lillian since he first saw her, and she's attracted to him special. I think they'll be happy," said Kitty.
The bride wrote her sister in Oregon that the guides Lillian's brother-in-law hired would travel the California Trail with Taggart and Lillian, who'd then ride the ferryboat to San Francisco. They planned to work the theaters as a song-and-dance team, and save money to buy their own playhouse in ten years or so when they were no longer young enough to draw a big audience.
"Russ says I am a graceful dancer with a knack. I don't sing half so well as he does, but he is coaching me. He says I have a sweet voice and sing on key," Lillian told Kitty.
"Lillian's so pretty, folks would flock to see her even if she danced like a marionette," Kitty said to the marshal. "And Taggart has the kind of looks most women like. He can be charming when he wants to. I think she'll improve his character, don't you, Matt?"
"I hope so, for Mrs. Taggart's sake. She'll make him a good wife," said Matt.
The hot spell ended the day before Taggart and Lillian left for California. The sun shone warm enough for bathing at the swimming hole and drying bare-skinned with no chill, yet not so burning a body caught away from the shade would come down with the summer fever Chester had suffered and recovered from, sound as a new dollar, Doc said.
Only Kitty was there to say goodbye to Lillian and nod in response to Taggart's goodbye when the covered wagons rolled out of Dodge. Then Kitty went to the marshal's office.
"Miss Kitty. Mr. Dillon's at the courthouse for that rustler's trial. Likely take a few hours," said Chester.
"Let's go fishing, Chester," Kitty said.
END