Thank you for your continued support. Penultimate chapter, guys. Again, it's a little long.
Standard disclaimer.
The fourth of July dawned hot and bright.
Mercedes awoke, nervous about the politicians arriving, in less than two hours.
She dressed in a cute red, white and blue dress, styled her hair in two pony-tails, each tied with blue ribbons, before descending the stairs to breakfast.
The five new guests jumped to their feet, when she appeared.
"Keep your seats gentlemen. I hope you're enjoying your stay."
"Very much so," they heartily assured her. Sam came into the dining room.
"My, don't we look patriotic today," he said.
She ignored his comment, as one of the men rushed, to pull her chair out for her.
Today was very important, for the town and the fort. Everything was riding on the events, that were to take place during the day, especially the staged fight.
She couldn't risk things going wrong, because of petty bickering, with this unscrupulous rascal.
She nodded to Carmen, who smiled back at her, as she poured coffee.
"Miss Sue would be mighty proud of you, Miss Mercedes. You look as pretty as a songbird in an apple tree."
"Thank you, Carmen." She continued to ignore Sam, as he sat down at the other end of the table. She turned her attention to her guests.
"Now, gentlemen, if you have the time, stay and enjoy our town's festivities. There'll be a parade and a big barbecue…"
"I'll be the one doing the barbecue. Folks say, they look forward to it, every time…" Sam stated. Mercedes frowned at him.
"As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, after the barbecue, there'll be all sorts of games and activities."
"Poker?" one asked hopefully.
"I was thinking, more along the lines of ring toss, apple bobbing and croquet," she said.
"Oh." The men looked crestfallen.
"Also, the Nacogdoches army band, will be playing patriotic tunes and a few others," she added. Sam groaned aloud and she fixed him in a steely stare.
"After that, there'll be fireworks."
"There sure will be," Sam said under his breath.
Mercedes ignored him again. She tried not to let him tempt her. He was probably hoping to bring things to a head and she still wasn't sure, what she was going to do, about his implied blackmail.
That big calamity could wait until the politicians left town.
She ate her breakfast hurriedly and stood up, motioning for the men to remain sitting.
"Please stay and enjoy your coffee. I have to drive into town, to pick up some very important visitors." Sam hopped up, grinning.
"I'll drive you, Miss Mercy." She hesitated, not wanting to share a car space with him, but she could hardly cause a fuss, in front of their guests.
"Alright. Let me get my stuff."
She went up the stairs, silently fuming. What was she going to do about him? He'd been a thorn in her side, since the day she met him, affecting her and stirring up feelings, like no other man had ever done before.
She would show him.
She will wear the diamond pin today, announcing to the world, it was an engagement gift, from the prominent lieutenant of the Fortenbury family of Philadelphia.
That was sure to annoy Sam, flaunting her engagement like that, because he seemed to hate the lieutenant with a passion.
She pinned the diamond lily onto her dress, checked her appearance in the mirror and went down the stairs.
In the distance, she heard the whistle of the incoming train and hustled outside.
Sam was waiting by the car.
"We'll have to hurry," she said.
He helped her into the car and got in next to her, smiling at her.
Suddenly, his expression changed to frozen anger. Mercedes stared at him. What had she done, to put that thunderous look on his handsome face?
"Where did you get that?" he thundered.
"What?"
"Don't toy with me, Mercy. I know that pin." She glanced down and touched it with her fingertips.
"My fiancé gave it to me, as an engagement gift. It has been in his family for generations."
"He's a damned liar! That pin belonged to Sue Sylvester. I should know, I gave it to her for her birthday, the day before she died."
"What?" She pulled away from him, completely unnerved. "I don't believe you. Neither will anyone else. With your reputation, no one would take your word…"
"Mercy, I'm beginning to think Sue's accident, wasn't no accident. But how the hell did that bastard get that brooch."
"How dare you!" she seethed. "I've always known you have no scruples, but to accuse Buford of being a thief and a killer? You have gone too far, Sam Evans."
She was so overwhelmed with indignation, she slapped him hard.
The train whistled again, coming closer to the station.
Sam looked at her, strapping, muscular, virile and dangerous, as he rubbed his red cheek.
"If a man had done that, I'd have killed him," he snarled at her.
"You don't scare me, you big oaf. Get out of the car, I don't have time for this. I have to pick up the visitors."
"Why don't you believe me, Mercy? About the pin?"
"Why should I?" Her pretty brown eyes welled with tears. "You'd do anything to win and get my half of the Lily, you've made that very clear. Well, you can forget about the blackmail, because, I intend to marry Buford and tell him everything myself. I'm certain he loves me enough, to be understanding. He won't break our engagement because you seduced me."
Sam shook his head, his green eyes still angry.
"He won't stay, you'll lose him anyway, he and his highfalutin' ways and fine family. But hear this, once today is passed, I intend to corner him and find out about this pin."
"Get out of the car, you rascal," she shrieked. "I won't ride with you."
"Fine, I'll ride my horse into town. This isn't the end of this, Mercy."
"You're damned right it isn't."
She swung at him, as he was getting out of the car. He caught her hand and tugged her, catching her by surprise. She fell forwards and into his arms.
She could only stare up at him in shock. He grinned without mirth.
"Go ahead and marry your damned lieutenant, but you'll miss this."
Before she could even process a thought, his lips covered hers. He completely claimed her mouth and for a moment, she forgot everything, but the heat and passion of the man, who was holding her.
The kiss deepened and she found herself clinging to him and wanting more.
The train whistled again, and she jerked away from him and slapped him again.
'What was I thinking?'
He grabbed her and kissed her again, even as she struggled. He took his fill, controlling the pace of the kiss, as he explored her mouth in its entirety.
After a while, he pulled back, to look into her eyes.
Both were breathing hard and the intense darkened look in his eyes, told her, he was aroused.
She winced at the red finger marks on the side of his gorgeous face. She did that to him.
"Damn you," he muttered. "No woman has ever made my blood run hot, like you do. You said you were going…then go."
He exited the car and slammed the door.
It took Mercedes a couple minutes to calm herself, before she started the car and drove off.
She chanced a look in the rear view mirror, and he was still standing there, looking after her with a mixed expression of anger and longing.
The man is positively insane, she thought, straightening her dress, as she drove.
She looked towards the station, seeing the train roll in, and she turned her thoughts to it, trying to put Sam Evans out of her mind.
The whole town was adorned with red, white and blue bunting.
There were lots of people in town, for the July fourth festivities, including cowboys from the surrounding ranches.
Up ahead, she saw the two politicians alighting from the train and both the mayor and the major, stepping forward to meet them.
She pulled in front of Will Shuester's office and parked the car.
The mayor gave a short speech and formally welcomed the visitors to the town.
Mercedes stepped forwards and after a short introduction, she said,
"Gentlemen, after the parade and entertainment, I'll have one of our employees drive you back to the Texas Lily, to rest and recharge. Later in the evening, we'll have fireworks. I hope you'll enjoy your brief stay here, so much, you'll recommend it to your friends."
One of the men bowed low and kissed her hand, before they were spirited away by the mayor and the town council, to ride to the parade.
As the army band passed her, Buford paused and blinked at her.
"Mercedes, I thought I told you not to wear that pin around town."
"Well, it's very pretty and it's a gift. I couldn't resist." She wouldn't even dignify that wild accusation of Sam's, by mentioning it. He hesitated.
"It's just a bit much for this hick town, don't you think? You wouldn't want the ladies to be jealous, would you?"
He leaned over and gave her a wet kiss.
She felt as though, she had been licked by a dog. And once again, her mind went back to the taste of Sam's hot, full lips.
She shook her head, to clear her thoughts.
She was puzzled by Buford's attitude, about the pin. Most men would be proud to have their fiancée wear their gift.
"I've got to get into formation, dear. We're a big part of the parade, you know."
"I know," she said and smiled at him.
From a distance, Sam silently watched Mercedes talking to Buford.
He wasn't sure what was said, but the officer gave her a kiss.
His blood boiled, when he saw that. He wanted to knock the officer from here into next week.
The pin glittered in the sunlight and Sam's curiosity grew.
'How could he have gotten that pin from Sue?' Just then, he was joined by Luke and several other members, of the old Town Beautification Committee. Dimples said,
"You losin' your touch, Sam? Not a lady-killer anymore?"
Sam took a deep breath.
All he had to do, was to tell them about the seduction of Mercedes and they'd believe him. And his reputation would be assured, while hers would be tarnished and snickered at, all over the county.
"Sam?" Luke called. "Didn't you hear us?"
He didn't.
He was thinking about Mercedes.
He really cared about her, in a way he had never cared about another woman. And she not only hated him, she was going to marry his enemy.
"I'm throwing in the towel, boys."
"What?" they asked in unison.
"That ain't like you, Sam," Dimples said.
I know," he said shrugging, and then, "It doesn't matter. The lady has high morals. She can't be seduced, not even by me."
"What?" Will had just joined them. "Sam, you just lost your title."
"I don't even care."
He didn't look at them.
Instead, he turned and looked at Mercedes, talking to Josiah, who stood with Sherwin, hooked up to a little red cart. The cart had Texas Lily Hotel printed in big letters on the side.
The goat had been groomed and wore a red leather harness and red, white and blue ribbons tied to his curled horns.
The people were lining up for the parade, the army band, Sherwin the goat, cowboys on horses, an old man dressed up as Uncle Sam and some children pushing hoops among others.
Sam made his way through the crowd and stood next to Mercedes.
"Go away," she whispered through clenched teeth. "Or I'll complain to the sheriff, that you're a masher." Sam smiled.
"He happens to be a friend of mine. Did you tell that rotter what I said about the pin?"
"Of course, not." She tried to edge away from him. "This is hardly the time or place…and you're making a very serious accusation. As far as the other thing goes, I'm going to tell him tonight. I won't be blackmailed."
He smiled without mirth, once again.
"I have to hand it to you, Mercy. You've got more guts and character, than I gave you credit for."
"Nobody's got less than you." He flinched, as if she had slapped him again.
"Reckon I deserve that, but I'm not through with Buford yet." Will pushed through the crowd and joined them.
"What are you two in such a serious conversation about? Never mind, it might spoil today's fun. Sam, I've got a new bottle of Irish whiskey in my office. What say we celebrate the Lone Star state's birthday in style?"
"Best offer I've had all day," Sam said and turned away.
"It's not Texas' birthday. It's the birthday of our country," Mercedes said.
"We Texans can celebrate our birthday any time we want. We don't have to wait for a particular day," Will said.
"Hear! Hear!" Sam said, grinning.
There was no reasoning with a southerner, Mercedes thought with disgust, as she watched the two head for Will's office.
She marched over to join Mrs. Bottoms and the other ladies, who were setting up tables with all sorts of food.
"Hi there, Miss Jones," the major's wife started. "We're hoping to raise enough money, to open a park in town. We've been working on this for a couple years now."
"You know, I've never noticed the town didn't have a park," Mercedes replied.
Mrs. Bottoms giggled.
Behind the booth, under a tree, someone had set up a cold barrel of beer, and there was a line of thirsty cowboys and soldiers waiting.
"Don't Texans ever get enough to drink?" she asked. Mrs. Bottoms shook her head and laughed.
"Child, it maybe the miles and miles of hot, dry plains, but they're always thirsty. Wow! What a lovely pin." All the ladies gathered around to inspect and admire it.
"Thank you. Lieutenant Fortenbury gave it to me," Mercedes modestly said. The ladies were visibly impressed. Mrs. Darlington said,
"He's from a fine old family and I hear, quite wealthy."
"Must be, or he wouldn't be able to give you a gift like that," another one said.
"Now, that charming rascal, Sam Evans, is the one that takes my eye," another said with a nod.
"He's an absolute rascal," Mercedes tossed in. The woman sighed.
"Isn't that, what makes him so attractive to women?"
"I'm sure I wouldn't know," Mercedes answered.
"You ready for tonight, my dear?" the major's wife asked.
"I guess I am. All I'm providing, is the location for the evening's party. The rest of it, is against my principles," Mercedes reminded her.
"I saw you in an intense conversation with Sam. I thought you were engaged to Fortenbury."
"I am. That gambler and I are like fire and kerosene. We don't mix well," she assured the older lady, who smiled and replied,
"Makes a hot fire, though."
"Or an explosion," Mercedes said, trying not to think about the night in the morning room. It was hot fire indeed, as far as she could remember. It was a wonder they hadn't set the pink sofa ablaze.
She tried not to think about the passion, she'd found in his strong arms…none of that was important. What was important, was respectability and a fine family.
Her mother would have been horrified, about her fall from respectability, and she could only be relieved, her stern, cold mother, hadn't live to see this happen.
On the other hand, her mother would have been proud of her engagement to Buford Fortenbury.
Just then, the parade began. Sam and Will stumbled out of the office.
'He's probably drunk,' she thought with disgust. She frowned, wishing she could push him in the horse trough, out front.
As the parade assembled, Josiah got in line behind the army band, leading Sherwin and the red wagon.
'Dear God!' she thought, as Sam moved to take the lead rope from him.
It looked as though, he fully intended to walk in the parade. All the men were laughing good naturedly.
She could just strangle him.
He bowed to the crowd and tipped his hat to the ladies. Many of the women were shouting his name and waving their hankies.
Mercedes decided she'd had enough.
She marched out to him and tried to whisper,
"You're making a fool of yourself and the Texas Lily." He looked at her, a little crossed-eyed.
"I seem to have a habit, of making a fool of myself, especially with you."
"If that's an apology, it's not acceptable. You need to apologize to the lieutenant for smearing his name."
"Not even if hell freezes over," he vowed.
"You're impossible."
The parade began and she hurried to get out of the way.
The band was ahead of the goat cart and she was thankful for that.
At least Buford wouldn't have to witness the idiot.
The band struck up a song, which set off a chorus of boos from the crowd.
It wasn't much of a parade, Mercedes thought, but at least the men were genial.
She hurried to meet the politicians, to take them to the food booth.
Sam came over, she hoped he wasn't going to embarrass her again.
"Gentlemen, how about some cold beer?" he said. The men's eyes lit up.
"Sounds good."
"Also, when we get back to the Lily, I have a bottle of twenty-year old scotch and a box of fine imported cigars," Sam said. The fatter of the two grinned and said,
"I'm beginning to like this town."
Mercedes just stood there, glaring after Sam, as he hijacked her guests.
Buford strode up, his pale face red with the heat and the big tuba wrapped around his thin shoulders.
"So, what did you think?" he asked.
"About what?" She was still staring after Sam.
"About my tuba playing, of course."
"Wonderful," she lied. In reality, she couldn't remember how the band had played.
"I thought you were going to take that pin off?"
"Maybe later." He looked a bit annoyed, Mercedes thought.
"Let's get some food," he started, taking off his tuba. "I'll put this in the truck, with the other instruments and then we'll eat." Mercedes smiled at him.
"Buford, you really do look handsome in your uniform." He smiled and his wispy mustache wiggled.
"My mother always says that, too."
There was a big crowd in the shade, under the trees, and people were lining up, to get something to eat, or heading over to where Sam was barbecuing.
Mercedes fumed, watching him smile and nod to the ladies, as he served them. Some of the women lingered near his booth, flirting with him.
She decided, she would skip the barbecue and eat fried chicken, so she wouldn't have to confront Sam again.
Buford joined her and began filling his plate.
"You know, I'd like some of that barbecue, but I don't think, I want to have any contact, with that drunken gambler," he said.
'Is he afraid of Sam?' Mercedes sighed.'
"I…I'll get you some, dear."
She headed over to Sam, with a clean plate and held it out. "Hey, there pretty lady," he said and winked at her. "Rare, medium or well done, my dear Mercy?"
"I am not your dear Mercy," she whispered hoarsely. "And I'd like it well cooked, like most civilized people do." He smiled.
"I like mine rare enough, that it almost moos, when I stick a fork in it."
"Of course, you do." She accepted the meat, and turned to walk away.
'"Hey, after lunch, there'll be games with prizes," he called after her.
"I'm sure Buford and I will compete," she replied, keeping her voice cold. Sam scowled at the mention of the lieutenant's name.
Quinn sidled up just then, with smoke trailing from her cigarette.
"Sam honey, why don't you and I compete?" Mercedes turned and glared at her.
"I think Mr. Evans is too drunk, to compete at anything." Quinn looked up at Sam longingly.
"I don't know about that. He used to be pretty good when he was drunk. But of course, you wouldn't know about that."
Mercedes held her breath, as Quinn glared at her, but Sam didn't say anything. She turned and walked back to the table, where Buford stood waiting.
"Here's your barbecue, dear."
"What was that tavern wench saying to you?" he asked.
'Why is he so nervous all of a sudden?' Mercedes shrugged, as she sat down and began to eat.
"Nothing much. She's flirting with him."
"Humph," Buford huffed. "He always did attract women like bees to a honey pot," he finished.
'So true. And I have fallen victim to his charm.'
She knew, she had to tell Buford about her lapse of judgement, but she didn't think now was the time. Maybe this evening, although she dreaded it.
After everyone had eaten, the mayor called for games, out in the middle of the main street, since there was no town park.
Mercedes decided to check on the politicians.
They seemed as happy, as pigs in a mud puddle, with plenty of food, beer and some of the whores from the Bucket O' Blood, flirting with them.
Mayor Pugsley stood up and held his hand up for quiet.
"First up, is the three-legged race, so you young gents, get your ladies and line up."
There was much giggling and blushing from the ladies, as someone began tying the couples' legs together.
Mercedes watched Sam and Quinn being tied together. They had their arms around each other and were evidently enjoying it. She fumed.
"Disgraceful!" she spat.
"Isn't it, though. Never mind Mercedes, we'll beat them," Buford said, staring at the couple disapprovingly.
Up stepped Dimples and tied their ankles together.
"Now put your arms around each other's waists and get on the starting line," he instructed.
Mercedes hadn't realized that Buford, besides being short, was thin and flabby.
She remembered Sam's hard, muscular body with a sigh.
"Alright," Pug yelled, waving a pistol. "Ya'll get ready. I'm going to fire my pistol to start the race."
Mercedes looked up and down the line. There were five couples competing.
Sam looked strong enough, to pick Quinn up and carry her if she fell. "Ready, set…"
The pistol fired and the couples started. At least the rest of them did.
Buford and Mercedes got their feet tangled and went down on the first step. She lay there on the ground, watching Sam and Quinn win the race.
It took some help, to get the two back on their feet and untied.
"I think that gambler cheated," Buford said.
"No, he didn't," she snapped and then realized she was defending Sam. "It…it's just that, there's no way to cheat in a game like this."
Buford said nothing.
Finally, late in the afternoon, the games came to an end. Sam and Quinn had won, almost everything.
Mercedes watched and fumed, as Sam gallantly handed the prizes to his partner.
She managed to get away from Buford, who had to report to the major, and gathered the congressmen together.
"Remember the Alamo" one shouted, as she steered them towards her car. The other raised his mug and said,
"I'll drink to that."
They probably thought the Alamo was a bar, thanks to Sam Evans, she thought.
"You gentlemen can have a rest and this evening, the crowd will gather on the hotel's front lawn, for music and fireworks."
If everything worked out as planned, the soldiers and the cowboys will turn the party into a brawl, then the army would have a dash in and restore order.
The congressmen would realize, how badly the fort is needed in east Texas, then.
"Mr. Evans promised us cigars and good scotch," one reminded her.
"Would you settle for iced tea or lemonade instead?" They both frowned at her.
'Damn that Sam Evans!'
"Alright, cigars and scotch it is." They grinned and piled in.
"Mr. Evans, sure is a hit with the ladies, isn't he?" one asked.
"I wouldn't know." But of course, she did. She was only one, in a long line of conquests for the Texan.
'How could I have been so stupid?'
She drove away from the declining festivities and headed for the Lily.
So far, so good, she thought.
It was only a few hours, before the planned brawl and then putting the congressmen back on the train.
She wouldn't draw an easy breath, until it was all over.
She pulled up in front of the Lily, and the politicians mumbled their approval.
Josiah came to meet them.
"Josiah, would you please take these gentlemen to their rooms, so they can freshen up? Mr. Evans should be along shortly to entertain them."
Josiah nodded and led the men inside.
Mercedes stopped by the kitchen, to see if Carmen had supper started.
"How was the parade?" the old woman asked.
"Well, Sam made a fool of himself." The old woman paused, spoon in hand.
"That ain't like Mr. Sam. But, he's been acting like a stallion, who's been eating crazy weed, ever since you came here, Miss Mercedes."
Abruptly, her gaze fastened on the diamond pin.
"You're wearing it…"
"I told you a gentleman gave it to me."
"Damned cheap of him," Carmen muttered. And then, "I thought better of him than that…giving you Miss Sue's pin."
"What?" The words soaked in and Mercedes shook her head.
"No, you're mistaken. Lieutenant Fortenbury gave me this…it's been in his family for generations." The old woman stared at her.
"You can take his word, Miss…and I reckon, there could be two pins alike…but I know that pin."
Mercedes started to say something, then shrugged.
Obviously, the old woman was getting senile. Or maybe, Sam had made her part of his lying plot. Yes, that's it!
"You don't like him, do you?" Carmen didn't look at her, as she stirred her pot.
"Who?"
"You know who. Lieutenant Fortenbury." The old woman hesitated for a beat.
"I don't think your mother would like him, ma'am."
"Now how would you know what my mother would like? I'm sure she'd approve of Buford." Carmen just kept stirring her pot.
"That Mr. Sam, now there's a real man."
For a split second, Mercedes was back in Sam's arms, as he kissed her and conquered her. She shook off the memory with a sigh.
"He's a real rascal." She turned to go.
"That's why the ladies love him," Carmen said, smiled and busied herself slicing tomatoes. Mercedes turned back and said,
"Not this lady. Uh…I noticed a box on the top my closet. Do you know anything about it?"
"Hmm," Carmen said still stirring and humming to herself, obviously half listening.
"I thought I might take a look," Mercedes said, more to herself than the old woman.
She left the kitchen, as Carmen continued to cook and hum.
Inside her room, Mercedes undressed and took a quick shower.
After drying her skin, she decided to take a small rest, clad only in her underwear. But first, she dug around in her closet for a few minutes, looking for something to put on, after her rest.
After a few minutes, she laid out a short, yellow polka-dot, V-neck wrapped dress and started to dig around for shoes to go with it.
She pulled out a pair of gold, one strap flats and nodded in approval.
She could see the intriguing box, on the top shelf of the closet.
She dragged a stool over to the closet and stood up on it. The stool was rickety, and she swayed, trying to keep her balance. However, that didn't deter her, she needed to be tall enough to reach the box, if only with her fingertips.
'Probably some of Aunt Sue's shoes, or hats.'
Down on the porch, Sam had arrived, and seated the politicians in comfortable rockers, as he passed out cigars.
Will drove up and clambered up the steps.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen, I hope I'm in time, for at least a mint julep." Sam grinned.
"I'll see to the drinks." He went inside and made up juleps. When he passed the kitchen, he yelled,
"Hey Carmen, have you seen Miss Mercy?" The old woman stuck her head out of the kitchen.
"She's up in her room. I think she's mad at you."
"So, what else is new?" he asked.
"You see, she's wearing Miss Sue's pin?" Sam scowled.
"Yeah. I'm not sure how the lieutenant got it, but I'm gonna find out."
"I thought you'd given it to her." He shook his head.
"And I thought you'd taken it."
"Me?" Carmen touched her chest in surprise. "No, sir. Uh...Miss Mercedes said something about a box, up in her closet. I didn't pay much attention."
"Hmm." Sam yawned, placed the refreshments on a tray and went outside, to pass out the drinks.
The congressmen looked as happy, as dead logs in the sunshine.
"Ah," Will started. "No one makes juleps like you do. Where's Miss Jones?" Sam sipped his drink.
"In her room."
"Did you ever get into that box of Sue's?" Will asked.
"Box? What box?" Sam asked, leaning back in his rocker. Will frowned at him.
"You know, the box I told you to have Carmen take care of." Sam blinked.
"Honestly Will, I had forgotten about it, until you just mentioned it." Will frowned deeper.
"It seemed important to Sue, or she wouldn't have mentioned it in her will."
"Uh-oh!" Sam abruptly said, remembering the conversation he'd just had with Carmen.
He stood up and set his drink on a nearby table. He had a sudden premonition, of impending disaster.
"What's the matter?" Will asked.
"I'm not sure." He hurried inside the house and looked up the stairs.
"Mercy? Mercy, are you up there?" Carmen came out of the kitchen.
"Trouble, Mr. Sam?"
"I don't know yet."
Without another word, he headed up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
It's all going down, in the final chapter. I really hope this made sense. I was so sleepy when I was editing this.