Chapter 4
A week passed since Doritha had arrived in Rock Creek. During those days Kid had been able to share long and relaxed talks with his fiancée. Even though he had his responsibilities and duties at the station, and the rides kept him away from Rock Creek frequently, the young Southerner always made sure that he had a few hours to devote to Doritha. Usually they met for dinner in the evening and had a walk around town before Kid left her at the hotel. To have her around had lifted a weight off his chest as it had always troubled him if he would finally be able to send for her.
They had so much to talk about; five years were almost a lifetime and there was no doubt that they had both changed. In the few conversations they had had so far, Kid had noticed that they clashed in some minor matters. The rider supposed that after living in the west for so long, he had lost some of the notions so characteristic in the south. Doritha needed to forget some of that if she was gonna live here from now on. Kid had to admit that it wouldn't be easy for her; it was clear that she still had the normal ways of somebody coming from a wealthy family. All he needed was to make her understand that when they got married, there wouldn't be much money to waste, and they would have to make do with whatever life offered them.
The hotel was still Doritha's home for the time being. One afternoon Kid had taken her to see some rooms that he had been told were for rent. They were in the middle of town, not far from the station, and he thought they were comfortable enough to lodge the girl. However, one look around, and it was clear by her expression that she didn't like them at all. She hadn't really said no but had insisted she should see some more places before she decided to move. Kid had understood her reasoning and Doritha had assured him that he didn't need to worry. From now on she would use her free time to find her accommodation but so far she hadn't mentioned the topic anymore. Yet, this afternoon after coming from a ride Kid had found a note from her, telling him to meet her later, and she'd show him the place she had finally found to live in.
After having a quick shower and a change of clothes, Kid didn't waste any time and headed for town. He had been away on a ride for two days and couldn't wait to see and hug Doritha. Since Katy deserved her rest after the long and hard ride, Kid decided to walk to town. It didn't take him more than ten minutes to get to the hotel and then climb the stairs to her room. He knocked lightly on the door and instantly some light steps were heard from inside. The door opened widely and Doritha appeared before his eyes.
As soon as the blonde girl realized it was Kid calling on her, her mouth twitched into a big smile and without saying a single word, she leaned over and planted a kiss on his lips. Kid let himself get carried away by the moment and wrapping his arms around her slender body she deepened the kiss. It was only when they heard some noises coming from the end of the corridor that they pulled away, suddenly aware where they were and how they might be caught in a compromising situation in a public place. Doritha giggled, embarrassed as an old gentleman passed them by and gave them a hard stare while Kid politely tipped his head to him, his face flushing red. When the old man was finally out of their sight, the young lady exclaimed, "Oh Kid, I missed you so much!"
"Me too," he whispered his answer, staring into her eyes lovingly.
Doritha smiled pleasantly again and clutching his hand in hers she said, "Come on, Kid. There's no time to waste. I'm so excited!"
She closed the door to the room and before he knew what was happening, the Southerner felt dragged along the corridor, down the stairs and out of the hotel. He couldn't hide his amusement and satisfaction to notice the enthusiasm in his fiancée. Deep down he had feared that she wouldn't be happy in this town and despite her reassurances, Kid had the sensation that Doritha wasn't completely comfortable in Rock Creek. Sometimes in their conversations she had hinted on several occasions that they might go back to Virginia if they needed to have a change of plans. The Southerner knew that was the last thing he'd do; Virginia was the land he had been born to but he hadn't felt at home in the last years he had been there. When he had left, he was sure that he wouldn't come back and now he felt that his true home was Rock Creek. Kid really loved it here and wanted to spend the rest of his days in this land that had taken him in. He also knew that if Doritha was miserable, he wouldn't doubt for one second that they'd pack up and return to his place of origin. However, seeing now the excitement in her eyes and demure he realized he had been rash in his assumptions. Maybe what she needed all this time is to settle down in a place she could call home and not a cold hotel room. So Kid was glad that she had finally found one, and things would probably be better and better from now on.
When the couple reached the street, a wagon was expecting them. While Kid had been away, Doritha had decided to get herself a carriage so that she could have more freedom of movement, especially on those occasions when Kid was working or away. This new addition surprised the young man pleasantly as it was doubtless another symptom that she was getting settled down. Doritha insisted on driving the buckboard herself as she wanted to give him a surprise by showing the place she had chosen to live in.
They stayed in silence as Doritha drove the carriage out of town. After about ten minutes she steered it onto a path which led to a magnificent big house. Kid knew that the place belonged to Mr. Evans, the owner of Rock Creek's bank. It was the best and most luxurious house in the area, and he had been told that the banker had brought the best architects and builders from the east when he first settled down in Rock Creek over twenty years ago. Mr. Evans had a big family, seven children, and wanted to have a comfortable home to raise his offspring. Being such a wealthy citizen, the banker didn't have any problems in spending lavishly on the laying-out and building of his house.
Kid wondered why Doritha had brought him here; maybe Mrs. Evans had been the one to put her in contact with the person renting out the rooms or she simply had to sort out some red tape with the banker. Sometimes Mr. Evans received some of his most important clients at his house. Even though Doritha had just arrived in Rock Creek, there was no secret, at least to the banker, that she had a substantial sum of money to her name, which her father had made sure she brought and secured in the bank. Most citizens in Rock Creek weren't so lucky to be this well off and it was no wonder than in just a few days she'd befriended the banker and his wife, and surprisingly even the mayor. It surprised Kid that she seemed happy to have that kind of contacts, especially for a young lady. When he had asked her about it, she had simply said that a clever person should select their acquaintances cleverly. Kid didn't know what she meant by that.
What had surprised him was the fact that she had insisted she wanted to meet Teaspoon for days. It had moved him to think that she was so intent on getting acquainted with those he held so dear. However, when Kid had finally introduced the marshal to her, she had changed her attitude drastically and turned cold and distant. He wasn't sure whether it was that she had reversed into this shy girl even though this wasn't a feature he would apply to her; he had to admit that meeting Teaspoon for the first time could make an impression, and maybe that was what had happened in her case. Anyway, the fact was that from then on she had never mentioned the older marshal again; actually she never said anything about any of his friends since that first visit and it hadn't gone unnoticed to him that she changed the subject if he happened to mention them, especially Rachel. It worried him that she didn't like them, but at the same time Kid thought with a smirk that he was probably imagining things. Doritha couldn't have an opinion of them when she practically didn't know his friends and with all probability the reason of her attitude was that she was sick and tired of listening to him continually babbling on about them.
Kid jumped off the wagon and rounding it, he helped Doritha out of the carriage. As soon as her feet were securely on the ground, she asked, "So tell me, what do you think?"
"Think about what?" Kid said with a frown.
"My new place, silly," Doritha replied happily, amusement at his absent-mindedness shone in her eyes.
"What? You mean here?" Kid stuttered not believing what she was hearing.
Oblivious to his reaction, Doritha hooked her arm around his and walked down towards the house, steering a stupefied Kid along. "You see," she explained, "since the Evans' children are all now married and long gone, Mr. and Mrs. Evans don't need such a big house anymore. So they've decided to rent it out, and probably they'll end up selling it with time. Isn't it wonderful?"
At her words Kid stopped suddenly, making her arm painfully jerk as she tried to continue walking. "And why, I wonder, does a single woman like you need a place intended for a big family of nine?" he asked his question with obvious annoyance. He kept telling her that she needed to start making a few alterations in the lavish ways she was used to living, but she had just turned a deaf ear to his words since she had landed in Rock Creek.
His angered tone sparked her irritation and her happy countenance turned into a cold one. "Kid, I have some need for space. This is just the perfect place for me. Can't you understand that?"
"We can't afford a big place like this!" he replied, repeating the phrase he had used several times in just the seven days Doritha had stayed in Rock Creek.
The blonde lady sighed wearily, tired of going over the same conversation once again. "Kid, we're not married yet! And I can make use of my money on whatever or however it pleases me!" Kid glared at her without saying a word and Doritha continued in the same angry tone, "Where do you want me to receive my friends and acquaintances? In that hole you found me?"
"You're being unfair!" Kid retorted, feeling hurt by her words. "It was a nice place, comfortable and clean!"
"I need something more than just comfortable!" Doritha exclaimed, intending not to be put off by his arguments. "I deserve more than that! Besides, where would Mary and the new cook sleep with just one bedroom? On the floor?"
Kid was about to say something else, but something in her speech made him stop and he asked, in a wary tone, "What new cook, Doritha?"
She rolled her eyes and answered with an edge in her voice, running out of patience by the minute, "My new cook, of course. I need to eat, don't I? Or do you prefer I starve to death?"
Kid just couldn't believe his ears. The more she talked, the more unreasonable she got. It was clear that she didn't understand what he had tried to tell her over and over again. "For goodness' sake, Doritha," he finally let out, "That's the way you intend to live here? When are you gonna learn that you ain't in Virginia anymore? You need to start thinking seriously about how life will change if we get married. There won't be mansions for you, nor servants forming in line to satisfy your stupid whims as a pampered and spoiled rich girl!"
Doritha turned pale as it didn't go unnoticed to her that he had said 'if' and not 'when we get married'. The rest of his angry words didn't get through her now fearful mind. She stared at him with big eyes for a few seconds, and then she did the only thing she knew had always worked for her and would surely move his male pride. Burying her face in her hands she started sobbing bitterly. The reaction in Kid was instantaneous and the one she expected it would.
As he watched Doritha cry her eyes out, Kid regretted his rash words and insensibility. In a flash he walked the couple of steps separating them and drew her into his arms. "I'm so sorry, Doritha, so sorry. I've been a fool to talk like that. I had no right to say those cruel words to the person I love."
The blonde girl looked up at him through her moist long eyelashes, trying to control her tears, and after a few seconds she let out in a shaken voice, "I traveled thousands of miles, left all my family and friends... just to be with you. It's not easy to leave all that behind."
"I know that, honey, I know what you've had to give up and I really appreciate it."
"I just need to take things slowly. I only ask for some time... some space... nothing else."
The sorrow in her voice broke his heart and he cursed himself for getting carried away to such extremes. She was the most important person in his life, and he wished he could give her all she deserved and more. His frustration in making her understand had taken its toll on Kid and tired as he was after the long ride, he had lashed out at her in the heat of the moment. He knew that he needed to be a bit patient with her, but it worried him to think that if she lived here in the same way she had in Virginia, how would she stand a life as the wife of a simple rancher? In his opinion it would be better if she gradually got used to what their life would be like after their wedding by leading a simple life as a single woman without any luxuries. Maybe he was just asking too much from her too soon and she might be right and all she needed was a bit more time.
"Please forgive me, Doritha. I didn't know what got into me to talk to you like that."
The blonde girl smiled sweetly for the first time after their confrontation and as the strained moment between the couple was quickly put behind her mind, she exclaimed, "It's all right. You are just tired." Leaning over she kissed him lightly on the cheek and then she exclaimed, "Come on, Kid. I'll show you around. It's such a lovely house!"
The Southerner just nodded as she grabbed his hand and they both walked from the porch to the inside. He didn't dare to ask how much she'd have to pay for this "lovely" house, but there was no doubt that he'd have to work for many months to be able to have enough money to rent a place like this. Trying to forget about his own feelings, he made an effort to share her enthusiasm. Doritha continued talking in sheer excitement, "You see, Mrs. Evans,... she's a charming lady. And she has such good taste! The furniture is simply wonderful and the bedrooms are so spacious and light! I tell you, Kid, it's a house to die for!"
"I guess," Kid mumbled under his breath as he followed her lead around the place. He still didn't understand why she needed such a huge house to live in, but he held his tongue. It was useless to say anything else and he didn't want to upset her again. Kid just hoped that this was the last of her unreasonable whims. Maybe when she moved in here and lived for a while, she'd finally understand that she had been illogical to choose such an immense place as her home. It saddened him to think that things between him and Doritha weren't as he had imagined they would be. It was obvious that she had become a pampered and spoiled woman, and she wasn't the same girl he had met. Or maybe she had always been like this, and it was him who had changed. Anyway, he loved her deeply but a little voice kept nagging him within, telling him that something had definitely changed.
On Saturday there was a social, and as usual all the riders except for Noah, who was on a ride, had dressed in their finest to attend the town gathering. Teaspoon always insisted that they should all go and become involved in Rock Creek's community life. They were practically new neighbors in town as they hadn't been living in this new station for long. However, it seemed that everybody already knew the Pony Express riders and more than one story about them already circulated among the circles of busy-bodies, especially since Tompkins had also moved here, so there wasn't much they could do to improve a reputation of being a wild and untamed group of young'uns.
Life in Rock Creek was even more difficult than in Sweetwater as it seemed that there were many citizens who were full of prejudices. So if it wasn't for Teaspoon's insistence, more than one of the riders would rather spend the night at the station than hang out at the social. That, of course, didn't include Cody who was always boasting at being a natural charmer and deceived himself into believing that girls would inevitably fall for him just in sighting him. It was no wonder that all the riders always made fun of him because of his grand ways and big mouth.
Kid welcomed the occasion with a happy heart as it would be the first time he and Doritha would be at a social together. The very few dances they had attended back in Virginia years ago didn't really count as they had practically been a couple of children in those days. Now it was different; those children had grown up, and they were a couple to everybody's eyes. The Southerner was also glad for this opportunity to relax after an especially hard week. Things round the station had been hectic, and since Ike had had a bad fall from his horse a couple of days ago and been prescribed to rest for the remainder of the week, the rides had been doubled and work intensified. On top of it all, he had spent the little time he had helping Doritha settle down in her new accommodation. It was incredible how much stuff a young lady needed and a few days ago she had also received the rest of her things which her family had sent her from her hometown, including that big doll-house she had always been so fond of.
Kid had worn a wide smile as he had picked up the blonde lady from her house. He had even bought a new suit for the occasion as his old one was a bit tatty, and he wanted to appear his best to his fiancée's eyes. When they had finally reached the social, he couldn't have felt prouder than have such a lovely girl by his side. He could feel other men's jealous looks, which didn't really surprise him. The sandy-haired rider had been excited to share a special evening with his beloved, but as the night dragged on, his enthusiasm had turned into bitter disappointment.
Since they made their entrance in the social hall, Doritha had sought the company of the town mayor, the banker or a few lawyers among others; Kid just couldn't understand how she wanted to befriend some of these people who were old enough to be her parents and even her grandparents apart from being the most boring people in town if they asked him. Kid had only managed to dance with Doritha on a couple of occasions, and the rest of the time she had shrewdly made him dance with these men's uninteresting daughters and wives. Not even when Kid had attended these socials with the sole company of his fellow riders had he felt as bored and lonely as he did tonight. To his chagrin he hadn't even been able to share some laughs with his friends during the evening as Doritha had always found an excuse to spoil his intentions whenever he had tried to break free of her company and find his friends.
The evening reached its end and with a happy heart Kid was ready to finally call it a day. Teaspoon, Rachel and his fellow riders had long gone as they never stayed at the social till the very end since all of them had to get up very early the following day. Kid would have liked to follow suit, but Doritha had insisted that they stayed. He couldn't understand what for since they had barely danced, and now all they were doing was idly listening to the discussions and arguments among the men who tonight had been his company despite himself. At least that was his opinion; Doritha, though, was very chatty tonight and seemed to be deeply involved in the conversation with the gentlemen's wives.
When the band announced that they would be playing their last tune, Kid would have jumped in joy if he had been able to. The music finished and he and Doritha slowly made their way out in the same company as the rest of the night, the latter giggling at something the mayor had said, which Kid, though, didn't find amusing at all. When they got outside, the blonde girl turned to him and exclaimed in an exaggerated fashion, "Oh Kid! I've forgotten my coat inside! It's freezing!"
"All right, I'll fetch it," he said and plodded into the building again, but not before removing his jacket and wrapping it round her shoulders. As he re-entered the hall, the only people inside were the musicians who were putting their instruments back into their cases, and in a few minutes they'd be leaving the place as well. Kid spotted Doritha's coat hanging on a peg on its own at the end of the room.
Having retrieved the garment, Kid walked back towards the door, and in a brief distraction he didn't see the person entering in the opposite direction and clumsily almost bumped against her. When he turned his eyes and was about to mutter a brief apology, he immediately recognized the person as the girl he had had that weird episode with in the hotel days before. He reached his hand to her shoulder to steady her, but she yanked her arm free forcefully without saying a single word but looking daggers in his direction.
"You know, the fun's over, I'm afraid," he said teasingly, amused at her gruff reaction.
"Not for me," she stated in a serious voice and without even another look at him she directed her steps towards the end of the hall. Yet, when she was in the middle of the big room, a 'hey' reached her ears and she turned round slowly. Her eyes fell on Kid, who exaggeratedly gesticulated and lifted his boots to her. "You see, they're clean today. No reason to give me a scolding tonight."
Louise did not make the least attempt to retort to his comment and swirling around with a gravelly expression, she let out through gritted teeth, loud enough for him to hear her, "Idiot."
Kid had to chuckle as he kept watching her from his position by the door. She walked with a proud stance, her chin up in the air and her two braids swinging against her straight back, but suddenly his big smile sobered as he saw her open a door to a built-in cupboard from where she took out a broom and several buckets. His eyes traveled round the now empty big room and noticing the state it was in after everybody had left he couldn't say that he envied this girl who obviously had to clean it. The floor was full of mud stains and there were glasses and cups everywhere. It was already quite late, and he guessed that she wouldn't finish this arduous task and go to bed in less than three hours. For one second, he didn't know why, he was tempted to offer to stay and give her a hand. However, in that very moment a feminine voice sounded by his side.
"Kid, what's taking you so long?" Doritha asked as she eyed Louise maliciously, who was completely oblivious to the couple. As she had come up to see why her fiancé was still in the hall, she had seen him exchange words with that horrible girl from the hotel. Those words hadn't reached Doritha's ears, but she just didn't like him talking to somebody like her, and to her surprise something had disturbingly stirred inside her as she noticed the way he was watching her.
Kid was startled at hearing her voice and stuttered a clumsy reply, "Uh... nothing. Here's your coat. Let's go now." He helped her to slide into the garment and without further ado they left the building and silently walked towards the wagon.
There was nobody in sight as everybody else had already left and the only sounds disturbing the peaceful night came from the saloon in the middle of the street. After a few minutes of silence, Doritha couldn't help herself any longer and asked, "What were you talking with that girl about, Kid?"
He turned two surprised eyes to her and even though he knew who she meant, he felt the urge to act as if he had no clue. "What girl?"
"You know... that servant ... there in the social hall," she explained, despise oozing through her voice and expression.
"I wasn't talking to her," he defended himself. It was the truth. To call that a conversation was clearly an overstatement. He had just made a silly remark, and the girl had only grumbled and called him an idiot.
"I saw you, Kid. Don't deny it," she retorted with a cold and strained voice. "You know what? She was the one who shamelessly insulted me at the hotel."
The young Southerner let out a weary sigh, not ready to argue with her at this time of the night, especially for such a minor matter. "I assure you I wasn't doing any talking. Gosh, I don't even know her name."
"Why would you need to know her name anyway?" she replied in the same stiff and authoritative tone. "I don't like you talking to her."
Kid couldn't believe that sudden possessive attitude of hers. He knew he could end the matter right now and agree to what she was saying as this wasn't worth fighting, but his sense of pride won over him. It really annoyed him to think that she was practically forbidding him of who he should talk to. "Just perfect, Doritha. I can't simply say a few kind words to a strange girl, but it's fine for me to endure the company of your "charming" acquaintances," he let out sarcastically with a bitter gesture.
At his words Doritha stopped walking and turned her eyes towards him. "What do you mean?" she asked stiffly.
"Your so-called friends bore me to death, that's what," he stated loudly, not trying at all to hide his absolute displeasure.
"You get bored with real gentlemen?" she exclaimed in a strained voice, completely flabbergasted by his words. "I know, I know. You prefer the company of ignorant bumpkins, and as you were so desperate for your "kind", you had to chit-chat with the first minion you came across."
Kid stared at her, taken aback by the spite in her speech. He couldn't believe that those atrocities could come out from his lovely fiancée's mouth. "Tell me something, Doritha. Where did you learn to be so downright cruel and insensitive?" he asked, his voice tinged with gravity and irritation.
It was then that she realized that she had gone too far and hurried to calm him down. "I... Sorry, Kid," she muttered, lowering her eyes in faked shame. "I didn't mean that. Please let's not fight."
"I don't appreciate feeling like I had to ask for permission every time I want to talk to somebody or do something," Kid insisted, his annoyance still boiling inside him.
"Of course! I understand that," Doritha exclaimed, lifting her eyes to his. "Honestly I don't intend to rule you, Kid, believe me." She paused briefly and then she added what she knew always worked with men. "I just got kind of jealous when I saw you with that girl."
"She's just a young poor girl I know nothing about," he said, gradually forgetting his initial anger.
"Kid, you can't blame your fiancée for seeing any other women as rivals," she continued, sending him a sheepish smile.
"Honey, I only love you," he hurried to say, and instantly drew her into his arms. "It's only you," he repeated against her blonde hair while Doritha flashed a satisfactory smile as she let him comfort her in his arms.