The Next Morning
New Orleans
The 7:00 AM to Kansas was so packed with businessmen, couples and families that Kitty was still searching for seats when the train lurched forward. At last spying an open spot she sat quickly, and slid over to the window. Vivi dropped down beside her and shoved a basket under their seats. "It wasn't easy to get Jason to agree to let me take this trip to Dodge. He thought a strongly worded telegram to Mathilda would do, or perhaps Jeffrey should go. For the first time in my 19 years of marriage, I'm afraid I resorted to speaking rather harshly. Of course I apologized right afterwards." She smoothed back her hair. "Kitty, you and Matt have been a couple for years now, ever use harsh words with him?" "Hmm." Kitty raised an eyebrow. "Like telling him: 'You learn slow', or, 'You made me sick', or 'You're always telling somebody to do something." Kitty chuckled, "I've never held back with Matt. And, to be honest, when it comes to things outside the realm of his job, he's willing to do things my way. I'll give you an example. Some months ago we went on, what turned out to be, an ill fated vacation to St. Louis. Matt really, really wanted to wait and take the train, but I wanted to jump on the first stage-coach out. He gave in pretty quick, because it was what I wanted. But then, something came up that was part of his job. A federal judge ordered him back to Dodge to testify at a trial, and no arguments or words, would keep him from doing that. From there our vacation - well - things took a difficult turn." Kitty fell silent, remembering how she met Will Stambridge, allowed him to court her, and ultimately, sent him on his way. Vivi watch the shifting tides of emotion wash across Kitty's face, "Kitty Russell, you are a complicated person. Let's have some sandwiches." She pulled the basket out from under their seat.
Dodge
Mathilda closed the door of her attractive but tiny boarding-house room, and set out for Delmonico's to meet Matt Dillon. Ma Smalley was letting her have the room for free until she found a job, using the excuse that the room was so small, it was hard to rent out anyway. Mathilda knew a good deed when she saw it, and promised herself she'd help Ma Smalley any way she could.
Outside Delmonico's she paused before turning the door knob. She'd never gone into a restaurant without an escort before. She shook her head with a smile, yesterday she walked right into a saloon, which admittedly was a mistake, but it was ridiculous for her to hesitate here. Entering she glanced around. The only other customer was that reporter, Walter Lane, eating alone while writing on a pad. She took the small table next to his, and a waiter quickly appeared. "What can I get you Miss?" "Nothing at the moment, thank you. I'm waiting for Marshal Dillon." Pleased with the mature confidence of her response, she watched the door. The marshal would be here soon, to tell her which places in town were seeking to hire a woman. Minutes ticked by, and in the almost empty room, sounds from the next table floated to her ears. For once she wasn't eavesdropping intentionally, but Walter Lane was muttering clearly as he wrote: "A tall, wide man - no, no, not a good description. A big, large man - no, no that's worse. A tall, serious man ..." Exasperated by the ineptness of the descriptions she was hearing, Mathilda turned to Lane. "Sir, if you are describing the man who held you by the throat yesterday, you might try - A huge, untamed bear of a man. If you are describing Marshal Dillon, how about - A towering man who carries himself with an air of calm authority."
Walter stared at the pretty young woman who'd barged into his attempts to write, with ideas so much better than his. His expression went from surprised to insulted to delighted. A smile took hold of his face, making his undistinguished looks almost handsome. He made a snap decision. "I know I'm being forward. My name is Walter Lane. My brother John and I just bought the Kansas Gazette based in Topeka. As a reporter, I'm good at asking questions and getting people to tell me about themselves. But, as you clearly noticed, I'm not much of a writer. Your suggestions are amazing, and I have a strong feeling there's a lot more where they came from. This may sound daft, but I'd like to offer you a job as an editor. I can't pay much, just $1 a piece, but I have 6 pieces finished that need editing, and I'm writing more. What do you say, Miss?"
Stunned by the gentleman's outburst Mathilda's mind was racing. She loved to write and edit, and needed a job. The man did sound a bit daft, but he was in the newspaper business. She smiled. I'm Miss Mathilda Claymore, and I say, I accept." Walter held out his hand. "Miss Claymore, meet me here at 3:00 and I'll have those other pieces for you." Mathilda shook his hand, in what she thought a professional manner. Walter gathered his things and hurried out the door almost bumping into Marshal Dillon. Matt took off his hat and strode over to Mathilda's table. "Sorry I'm late. Let's order breakfast, and I'll tell you about the places in town I found out are looking to hire." Mathilda tried hard not to grin. "Breakfast sound wonderful, but I already have a job."
Two Days Later
After two days and nights of napping, eating sandwiches, talking, reading and napping again, Vivian and Kitty heard the works they were waiting for.
"DODGE CITY KANSAS. Passengers for Dodge move to the exit."
They hurriedly gathered their things and climbed down the steps into Dodge, Viva carrying a small suitcase and basket, Kitty with only a draw string purse. She had plenty of clothes at the Long Branch, and left her traveling trunk in New Orleans, with a plan to return with Vivi, to finish her three-week stay.
Vivi blinked in the bright sunlight, and breathed in the dry, cool air. "No one seems to be here to meet us." Kitty linked their arms. "I didn't send word we were coming. Come on, we'll be fine." The ladies strolled down the wooden walkway on Front Street, with Vivi eagerly turning left and right. Dodge was far less beautiful that New Orleans, but much nicer and more interesting than she thought it would be. The shops were attractive, general store nice and big, and a stable rented carriages. There was a town bank and a post office, and restaurants that looked inviting. "Kitty, Dodge City is..." Vivi looked at Kitty, saw she wasn't listening and followed her eyes down the street. A man was fast approaching. Tall and broad-shouldered, his rugged handsomeness and natural authority took Vivi's breath away. She stopped in her tracks.
"Hello Kitty." "Hello Matt."
Vivi felt her cheeks grow flush. Kitty and Matt had not touched so much as one fingertip, but the spark between them was so strong, she felt the heat.
"Kitty I didn't know you were coming, or I would have met the train." "Sure about that?" His jaw clenched. "I know I missed seeing you off, but I ... did you get my letter. I explained the whole thing." "Glad you wrote, but you know how slow the mail can be." Her eyes softened. "Later today, I hope you'll tell me what you wrote." Vivian looked at Kitty and loudly cleared her throat. "Oh Vivi, I'm sorry. Matt this is my friend, Vivian Claymore, Mathilda's mother." Dillon tipped his hat. "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Claymore." Vivi smiled. "The pleasure's mine, and please call me Vivi." Kitty touched Matt's arm. "Would you show Vivi to the Dodge House? I know she'd be more comfortable there, than in a room at the Long Branch." Matt caught the gleam in Kitty's eye, and knew that it amused her to hand Vivi off to him, so he'd have to answer all her questions on his own. Resigned to his fate, he offered an arm. "Right this way Vivi, I'll take your bag." "Thank you Matt. As we walk, you can tell me where Mathilda is, what she's been up to, and why on earth you've delayed sending her home."
TBC