PT.4
My Family, My Choice!
New Orleans, Louisiana
The train pulled into the depot early afternoon. Kitty had thought about this trip all the way, wondering just what was this all about. Yes, New Orleans was her home town but it had discarded her in what seemed like a lifetime ago.
She had thought many times of returning, if it wasn't for a certain 6"6', incredibly handsome, blue-eyed cowboy that had stolen her heart.
"But there are so many ghosts here. Hummmm. Why? Why this summons for my presence now? Well, Kitty ol' gal, I guess now that you're here, you'll find out, won't you? But first things first. A hotel and I'm hungry." With that, a slight smile came to her face along with the thought, "Cowboy, I must be hanging around you too much. Food's becoming a common thought."
Once she had spotted her carriage and driver, he approached her and introduced himself. "Good afternoon, Miss Russell. My name is Reginald. I was sent to escort you to..."
"Excuse me, Reginald…? You were sent?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"May I ask, by whom?"
"Mr. LaTrese and Mr. DuPree. I am to escort you anywhere you wish to go, Miss Russell."
"Oh, I see. Well, thank you. I'll be staying at the Hotel Monteleone on Rue Royle."
"Ahh, yes, Miss Russell. One of the very finest of our establishments. Have you visited with us in our fair city before?"
"Oh, Reginald. I was born and raised in New Orleans."
"Yes, sorry, Miss Russell. I should have known."
"Why?"
"A gracious lady such as yourself. Well then in that case, welcome home!"
"Thank you, Reginald."
When she pulled up in front of the Hotel Monteleone, it reminded her that, yes indeed, she was coming
home in some way. But then again New Orleans hadn't been home for a very long time.
When she stepped out of the carriage, Reginald held out a hand to assist her down then the door man
approached her. "Welcome to the Hotel Monteleone, Ma'am. I do hope you will enjoy your stay. And if there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. My name is Frederick."
"Why, thank you, Frederick. And I'm certain I will enjoy it here."
As she entered, Reginald followed her to the main front desk. Walking thru the lobby, many eyes were on her. Dressed in an elegantly tailored green traveling dress with a soft yellow ruffled blouse and a two-tone green hat, that allowed just a few amber-copper curls to fall from below the brim, her presence drew the attention of all in the area.
As she reached the counter, "Hello, I have a reservation. My name is Kitty Russell."
"Yes, Ma'am. I have that right here. The boy will take your things. Will you be staying long?"
"Oh, a few days."
"Very well, Miss Russell."
Kitty got settled in her room and figured she'd have something to eat in the hotel dining room. So when she came down she also sent a message to the office of LaTrese and DuPree and asked the desk clerk to have it delivered to them.
It simply read:
Dear Mr LaTrese and Mr. DuPree,
I have arrived in New Orleans this afternoon. I will come into your office to discuss the letter you sent me in Dodge City, tomorrow morning, first thing. I would like to get this matter taken care of as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,
Kitty Russell
After dropping off the note, she proceeded to the dining room. Thinking to herself, "I am famished and awfully tired." She sat at a table where she could be alone and it would be quiet. But she couldn't help but feel she wasn't alone.
TBC