Rescue or Recovery

PT.8

Kitty had been right. Hilda was on top of things with the family business. Her decision to go that morning confirmed what she was thinking all along, her father's reason for marrying her off to not only a man she didn't care for, or love but also one she didn't exactly think too highly of or trust.

"Father," now looking very disappointed, "I've been looking over these figures and…"

Quickly, William hushed her. "Hilda, I guess it's time we had a talk."

"Father, are you in trouble? And if so, just how did you think marrying me off to Louis would help?"

"Hilda dear, I'm sorry. Yes, we, the business is in trouble. I made some not so good decisions and as for Louis, I went to him for help, as a banker, and what I thought was a friend. But I quickly learned a couple of things. One, be careful who your friends are. Two, don't make deals with them." Now he dropped his eyes. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, you were his condition to bail us out."

"Me? You mean he wanted me in exchange for his help?"

Still looking at the floor, "Yes, my dear. Marrying you ensured him that his hold on owning our business someday and keeping me over a barrel and quiet."

Saddened to see the man she loved and respected all her life, now in this position. "Oh, Father! Now rubbing his arm, then laying her head on his shoulder. "Father?" Now looking at him with intense questioning. "Does Miss Kitty know? I mean, is she aware of all that is happening? I will admit, I did confide in her about my doubts on marrying Louis. Father, she is a wonderful businesswoman. If you would just confide in her…"

"Hilda, dear, I'm afraid Miss Kitty is aware and not very pleased with me at the moment. She has voiced her opinion on your upcoming marriage. She is a very strong woman. I can see why you admire her so and wish to model yourself after her as a woman in business."

"Father, let's talk more about this at home please? Maybe the three of us can figure something out something that doesn't involve trading me for Louis' help. Come on, let's go meet back with her and all have lunch." Smiling up at him, with forgiving eyes.

William and Hilda made their way back to the plant. Looking around," Father, where did you leave her?"

"Well, right here, of course, but I'm sure she decided to tour around ."

"Miss Kitty? Miss Kitty? Are you here?" Hearing no answer, she was now puzzled. "Ummmm, where could she be?"

"Not sure, my dear, but she has to be here somewhere." He said, still glancing around.

"Oh, Father, Miss Jennings did tell me you had a visitor. He was also waiting down here on the floor. Wait." She was now calling out to Miss Jennings.

"Yes, Miss Hilda?"

"Miss Jennings, the visitor? Did he leave?" Exhaling, "Maybe we kept him waiting too long."

"Mr. Lemp, he was here."

"And Miss Russell?"

"I believe she may have left. I did see him approach her on the floor."

"Ah, maybe they are off talking."

"Father, Miss Kitty wouldn't just leave."

"She must have, Hilda dear. She's no longer in the plant." After looking around more, William was convinced Kitty must have gone back to the house.

After arriving home, Hilda quickly looked around the house, anxious to tell Kitty all about what she and William had discussed but disappointed that she failed to find her. She questioned the staff as well as Claudia. Claudia was disturbed at the possibility Hilda's fears might be correct.

"Mother, Miss Kitty wouldn't just leave."

Jasper, excusing himself, entered announcing Louis Shaw's arrival."

Reaching out to embrace Hilda, but sensing her tension. "Did I interrupt anything, Hilda, Claudia?"

"No, Louis. Mother and I were just talking."

"But you look upset and dismayed."

"Oh, it's just that Father and I went to the plant this morning…"

Breaking in, "Now, dear Hilda, that really is no place for you. As my wife-to-be I insist you refrain from that place. Your place will be in our home. You will have quite enough to keep you busy."

"Louis, I am part of my family business and I intend to remain as such. And as I was saying, Miss Russell was with us and…"

Once again he cut her off. "Hilda, I understand you care for Miss Russell but her life is much different than yours will be. I won't have a wife of mine…"

Now she jumped in. "Louis, please. We need to talk."

"About what, my dear? You must understand, talking business is for the men."

"NO!" She was now getting angry. "It won't be. I intend on staying involved with the business but right now I need to find Miss Kitty. So if you'll excuse me." She started to walk away.

"Hilda, wait!"

Turning to face him, "Wait for what?" She was still angry but trying her best to contain herself.

"I saw Miss Russell at the plant."

"You did?" She questioned.

"Yes, I came to meet with William and she was there as well."

"Yes, she was with Father and I."

Reaching in his pocket, "Well, she's not missing." He said, handing her the piece of paper. "She left this. Apparently, Miss Russell had to go and couldn't wait to speak to you, an emergency I presume."

"Emergency?" She repeated.

"Yes, dear, in Dodge City. I didn't inquire about the details but did agree to pass along her message and apology."

"Oh," now looking to Claudia. "I do hope it was nothing too serious. But it's not really like her to…"

Now taking her by the shoulders, "Hilda, look at me. I'm sure she will tell you all about it when she can."

The room was dark, chilly and a bit damp. Kitty could smell spoiled beer. But, as for vision, it was dim.

Feeling light headed, trying to right herself, trying to focus in the dim lighting, rubbing her neck. "Ummmm, what happened? Where am I?" Her feeling was that she was somewhere about the plant. Feeling her way around she found that there were no windows and the walls were made of damp hard granite stone. Then she felt wood and what she thought could be a door.

Beginning to pound on it, she called out for someone, anyone. "HELP! HELP! Is anyone out there? I need help. I'm stuck in here!" Listening close she could hear the sounds of the large vats used for brewing.

"Ummm, where am I? I must still be in the plant. But how did I get in here?" Her head was hurting. She was hungry and thirsty.

TBC