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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2049791" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 94 “Conrad Booth, William Whipple, and Louise”, January 10th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>The gambler Conrad Booth is sitting by himself at another table having supper. Katherine remembers that Booth runs a gambling table over at the Long Branch Saloon, the saloon where the Texas bounty hunter Irby Cole had been staying. Katherine took a deep breath and walked over to Booth's table. "Mr. Booth? I'm Mrs. Kale. How do you do?" she asked politely. "I understand you run a table over at the Long Branch?"</p><p></p><p>Why yes Mrs. Kale, we met a few days ago when Dorita insisted that you bring your money over to my vault. I indeed run a table there. I would be more than happy to let you play tonight. A beautiful woman is always welcome at my table. I'll even spot you $ 50 in chips to get you started." Katherine laughed. "I only learned to play poker three hours ago, Mr. Booth. I don't think I'm quite ready to play professionally." She nodded toward a chair. "If I may?" </p><p></p><p>Booth nodded and she sat. "I should have remembered you, of course. I've met so many people in the last two weeks that they're all beginning to blend together. I wondered if you could answer a question for me. I understand a man named Irby Cole was staying at the Long Branch last week. Would he still happen to be there?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "Yes, there's a Texan named Cole staying there. I wasn't sure if that was his first name or last. The Long Branch doesn't rent out rooms but he's an old friend of one of the girls there, Hildy Jackson, and has been sharing her room. I haven't had much interaction with him, he's been playing poker each night, but at Norman Wilkie's table. I did talk to him about Arcade's Gang. He's in town to try to get the reward Hubbard posted for them. I told Cole he was wasting his time, that Arcade's Gang left two months ago and weren't the ones who killed Hubbard's men. </p><p></p><p>Listen, even though you don't know the game you're still welcome to sit at my table. I'm sure you'd bring me good luck. After all the accusations flying around in court today you may want to skip going back to the Lone Star, I imagine it won't be a very pleasant place to be tonight what with the Whipples fighting with each other. We have a piano at the Long Branch too and I'm sure that Dooley Wilson would be willing to share it with you."</p><p></p><p>Across the room, Ruby keeps her eyes on Kate talking to Mr. Booth. They had thrown him out of the Comique today after the trial was over, saying he was barred, probably for cheating at cards. Ruby thought of Jake and wondered where he was, it was getting late. Ruby glances back over, decides Kate can handle herself, and orders a drink.</p><p></p><p>Kate replies to him, "You're very kind, but I think I should go to work as usual. I would hate for Evan Adair and Miss Foreman to believe they made any kind of impact with their lies. Perhaps Sunday evening when I don't work I could stop by and observe your game, if you can wait that long for your luck?" she laughed. I hope you won't mind my asking, and you don't have to answer of course, but why aren't you allowed in the Comique?"</p><p></p><p>He answers, “They say I was cheating at cards but the real reason is that I made the mistake of giving an answer to a question. A man at the table commented on my name and asked if I was any relation to the man who shot President Lincoln. I said that I was a very distant relative and had never met the man. Turns out that both the man at the table and the Comique's manager Warren Watson were both Illinois Republicans and strong supporters of Lincoln. The next thing I know I'm accused of cheating and am barred from the place."</p><p></p><p>"I'm sorry to hear that. I've never cared for people who place their anger on the undeserving." Katherine paused a moment, finally realizing why Conrad Booth had looked so familiar. "When I was a little girl, my parents took me to Booth's Theatre in New York City to see Edwin Booth perform Shakespeare. It's where I first learned to love theatre. Unless I'm very much mistaken, your relation to the actor is far less distant."</p><p></p><p>He chuckles. "You are very perceptive. I'm Edwin Booth's illegitimate son. I was born out in California in 1853, a mere nine months after Booth had been in San Francisco on tour. My mother was a pretty teenage girl who worked at the theater as a costume seamstress. When I was born she was still enamored with the actor and was certain he would return to her at the completion of his world tour and marry her so she gave me his last name. Obviously that didn't happen, he's now on his second marriage to other women. </p><p></p><p>I only met the man once, around eight years back. I was twenty and went to his theater in New York. He gave me an audience but did not believe I was his son, even though I was the spitting image of photographs of him at the same age. He had no recollection at all of my mother, not that I'll ever tell her that, she still believes he will some day come back to her. </p><p></p><p>He assumed I was only after his money and that was the year he was in extreme financial difficulty and lost his theater. I've continued to follow his career. He is now successful again, having converted his New York residence to become the Players' Club. Last year the newspapers all printed the story of Billy the Kid dying in my house and my name and occupation were mentioned in most stories. I was hoping that he would read that and contact me, but I guess that was just wishful thinking."</p><p></p><p>She says, "I don't know how he could have doubted you. A fifteen-year-old memory was enough for me to discover it. Forgive me for saying so, but I'm certain you weren't the first person to claim to he his son or daughter, and probably not the only one who was telling the truth. But really, your face is your proof. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but I for one am a firm believer in those kinds of thoughts. Someday you might see your father again, and if you're lucky he'll have his eyes open. </p><p></p><p>“Do you always tell strangers your secrets? Or just the ones you think might be lucky?" He says, "Actually I've never told that to anyone else in Arizona. But it was in response to your direct question and if I go around lying how will I ever be able to regain a reputation for honesty? I'll make you a deal though. You keep my secret and I'll keep yours." Kate's eyes widened a bit. "I'll respect your confidence, of course. But what secret of mine do you have to keep?"</p><p></p><p>Booth lowers his voice to a faint whisper and replies "Why the secret that you and old Mr. Gonzalas are having a relationship. It's been rather obvious the way you two look at each other.” Katherine turned a deep red but found she chuckling at the sheer absurdity of it. "Having a relationship? You're teasing me, you must be. That's not common gossip is it?" </p><p></p><p>He replies "No, just something that I noticed. I've dined here twice a day for the last fifteen months and it's amazing what you can deduce by just by being in the same place and being observant. You two really need to be more careful and discreet. I'm sure Mr. Adair would love to spread something like that around town. The age different wouldn't be the problem, it would be problem of the mixed race relationship. If you don't believe me just ask Jeremiah Peck over at the brick yard." </p><p></p><p>Booth then says, “Most people would assume it to be your typical May-December romance, but I see that you are still in mourning and I doubt you would be looking for anything like that yet. So I assume what you have is a teacher-student relationship and that he is teaching you to be a wizard like himself." </p><p></p><p>She whispered back. "Dorita trusts you, so I'll trust you as well.” He says, “Dorita trusts me to a point. She still suspects there might be some truth to the card cheating allegation so I doubt she would ever let me gamble here. That's fine as far as I am concerned. I come here to dine in peace and gambling here would prevent me from being able to do that.” Kate says, “Mr. Gonzales is a kind gentleman with unusual skills to pass on, and I've always been an eager student." He answers, I wish I had an aptitude for that. A few spells would really help my card game, as I suspect it does for another gambler in town. But then again that would be cheating. </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I find you full of surprises, Mr. Booth, and I'm rather glad I came over to speak with you. I think I will come over to the Long Branch on Sunday." He says, “That would be a true pleasure. Sunday's are their quiet day but I still manage to get in a few games of cards each evening. The Long Branch is one of the nicer saloons in town although some of the clientele tend to be a little rougher around the edges than those at the Lone Star. Your friends would also be welcome there too, they do not have racial restrictions. The saloon's only rule is that you must check your firearms at the bar. I think you'd like the saloon owner, she's also named Kate.”</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "It seems wrong to have to sneak to visit my friend. I consider each member of the family here to be my friends. Why should the old gentleman cause any more gossip than Dorita, Pedro, or Sonoma?" She shook her head. "But you're right, of course, and I take your warning. I should let you finish your dinner, and it's almost time for me to leave. I'm sure you can introduce me to everyone worth knowing over at the Long Branch." She stood up and offered her hand. "I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Booth. I've enjoyed our talk." He takes her hand and kisses it. He then looks into her eyes and loudly says "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Then in a softer voice "Of course, that exchange may get some other gossip circulating." </p><p></p><p>Kate went over to Ruby and told her she'd forgotten something upstairs, and then went up and put on the bustle pillow before she went back downstairs to Ruby. Sonoma heads op to Katherine’s room and knocks "Katherine are you there? "Yes, Sonoma," she said, just as she was adjusting her skirt from belting on the bustle pillow. She stepped over and opened the door. "Come in, dear."</p><p></p><p>Sonoma opens the door and closes it right behind her Kate sees that her Great Grandfather has been assisting her in disguising herself as she now appears to be a very beautiful white skinned human however she is still dressed as she normally would be to work at the cantina. "I assumed that Mr. Wimple would never accept the idea of a wood elf being employed by Tom and Maggie. I also don't want people to believe that I'm working somewhere else and causing a problem for my parents because of it, however I don't believe that I have anything that would be appropriate to wear. "What should I do?"</p><p></p><p>"Wear something of mine, of course. I'm not much bigger than you, really." Kate opened her trunk and pulled out a white blouse and dark brown skirt. "The skirt might be a little long, but it would only take me a few moments to tack it up with needle and thread, and tomorrow I can sew a new hem on the bottom. You'll need a new name, as well." Sonoma answers, “As far as names go I'm Mexican remember? My full name is Maria Francesca Dorita Eldora Justina Louise Isabella Consuella Sonoma Figueres. Do you think any of those will do?” Kate states, "I'm sure Louise would do just fine. And don't forget, the owners of the Lone Star's name is Whipple. Although I don't expect you'll need to say it often."</p><p></p><p>Sonoma changes quickly and sets up her hair in a very simple pulled up bun that changes her appearance quickly you would really need to know who she was very well to recognize her Now to get rid of my accent. She pauses and then states “What will you be drinking tonight? Can I get you something else?” Kate is amazed to hear a perfect Bostonian accent coming out of Sonoma’s mouth "So do you think I can pass?" she says with a wink and a smile. Kate answers, "Absolutely. I think you could pass in Boston. Let's go downstairs and join Ruby, Louise. That's going to be strange." The ladies left Kate's room and she locked the door behind her.</p><p></p><p>Ruby wonders what is taking so long as she drinks her whiskey, She is anxious to get to work and get it over with. It had been a long time since she went out and just had some fun and she was looking forward to celebrating with Jake. </p><p></p><p>On the way downstairs ‘Louise’ says, “I will need to go into the kitchen before we leave and let Maggie know who I am. It should be interesting as I am not truly sure how she will take the change in my appearance nor how to introduce myself to Tom. I will also need a story of how I have come to town without showing up on the stage and why I know you. This is becoming more complicated by the minute” Kate says, "This town is small enough that everyone knows everyone, isn't it? Could we say that you rode over from Tombstone yourself, and that I met you there over the three months I lived there?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby sees Kate walking with a strange women. They approach her. "Hi Kate... and you are?" she says looking over the unfamiliar woman. "And where is Sonoma? We need to get going soon." For a moment Kate was about to remind Ruby how Mr. Gonzales had helped Nanuet, but she wouldn't remember. "Why don't we go in the kitchen and I'll tell you all about it." Kate then added to herself “And pray Maggie doesn't have a magic prejudice.” Ruby is confused but follows Kate into the kitchen. "What's going on?"</p><p></p><p>Kate put a smile on her face. "Dorita, Maggie, I hope everything is going well back here. Sonoma wasn't sure how your father would react to having a wood elf working in the Saloon, so we made a few modifications." She moved over and slipped her arm around Maggie's waist. "So this is Louise, who rode over from Tombstone to bring me a few small items I left in my rooms there. She has graciously agreed to do me a favor and stay for a few days to help out at the Lone Star."</p><p></p><p>"I didn't know you had a friend from Tombstone coming, where is she staying?" Ruby says questionably. "Won't Sonoma be mad about not working at the Lone Star?" "This is our Sonoma, Ruby," she answered, giving Maggie a little squeeze. "Sometimes heaven finds ways to help us when we need it most," she said quietly to Maggie. "I'll take care of everything, you don't need to worry." </p><p></p><p>Dorita and Sonoma exchange a few sentences with each other in Spanish. The younger elf turned human then says in the Boston accent "I'm ready. We should be going." Ruby had a confused look on her face but wasn't going to argue. "Should we get going soon? That way you can show Louise around and show her what to do." Kate says, "I'd hoped to wait for Jake, but it's getting late. Let's be on our way."</p><p></p><p>The three women make their way over to the Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon. It is a few minutes after 8:00 PM so they are running a little late. They arrive to find the place is busy. Poker games are already running at both Job Kane and Tony Lucky's tables. Tom Whipple is standing behind the bar and instead of wearing his usual work shirt he has on a suit and bow tie. Jeff Mills is busy waiting the tables. A well-dressed young woman who they have never met is seated at the piano playing some tunes and doing so rather badly. At the sight of the women Tom walks out from the bar and approaches the piano. He tells the woman "Our regular musicians have arrived now Alexsis, you can turn over the keyboard to her." </p><p></p><p>Before any of the women can get to work Tom escorts all three of them over to another table to introduce them to his father. The resemblance to Tom is quite noticeable, with the same stocky build, round-shaped face and blue eyes. Rather than having just a mustache like Tom the senior Whipple has a neatly cropped beard as well. His hair is the same medium-brown color as Tom and Maggie's although he beard and sideburns are a slightly darker shade hinting to the fact that he probably applies something to dye it darker rather than having it turn white. He dressed in a nice suit, with a western style tie, a pair of Colt revolvers on his gunbelt, and a rather elaborate cowboy hat on his head.</p><p></p><p>Ruby extends her hand to the man. "Ruby West, Mr. Whipple. Enjoying your stay in Promise City so far?" The elder Whipple takes Ruby's hand and kisses it, stating in a Texas accent "My pleasure to meet you Miss West, I've heard that you have a voice that melts mens souls. And I've only been in town a few hours but it is always good to visit with my son." "My, Mr. Whipple, aren't you the gentleman? Thank you for the sweet compliment, I only hope I can live up to your expectations. I'll have to sing extra special in your honor tonight."</p><p></p><p>Slick, this one, Kate thought to herself as he greeted Ruby. But he raised Tom and Maggie, so there must be more to him than this. "I'm Mrs. Katherine Kale, sir. How do you do?" she asked politely. "Quite well young lady. It is my deepest pleasure to meet you. I hear that you are a master of all of classics and that your piano playing is among the best in this town. My deepest condolences over your recent loss. I lost my own spouse to illness a few years back as well and it is indeed a difficult situation to recover from."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you. The last months have been very difficult. It was quite a shock, as his letters had given no hint of any return of his ill health." Kate paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "May I introduce Miss Louise Baker?" Kate gestured to Sonoma. "She's agreed to help us out for the next few evenings." "A pleasure to meet you my dear," William Whipple states and as he tips his hat in her direction. He then turns to his son and says "With so many attractive and respectable women working for you it is no wonder that the other saloons in town are becoming afraid of their competition."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, you can believe they are Mr. Whipple. Now Kate, if you're ready, why don't you show Louise around and then we can start some entertainment." Kate smiled her goodbye to Tom's father and took Sonoma over to the bar. "There's not really much to know that you don't already. You've waited tables much longer than I have. Jeff Mills and Tom tend the bar. Usually Maggie and I trade off playing and serving, but since you don't play I'll probably be at the piano most of the night. Just let me know if you're having trouble or need a break, and I'll come help you." Katherine then sat down at the piano and began to play for Ruby.</p><p></p><p>Sonoma looks at Kate as she heads to the keyboard shaking her head to herself she thinks "she may never have seen me play in the week she's known me but does she really think that we have just kept a perfectly tuned instrument in the Cantina as a decoration?" </p><p></p><p>Sonoma scouts the room and takes in the surroundings following the traffic pattern that will allow her to make the most of her time. She notes which people are drinking heavily and adjusts to make sure that she hits their tables more often keeping mugs filled and suggesting the food that is more abundant verses what the kitchen is running low on. She is fast competent and in this saloon she has no trouble not only keeping up with the orders but predicting them as well</p><p></p><p>around 9:00 PM and Ruby finishes up her first set. Tom Whipple brings her and Katherine over to the table where Tony Lucky has just called for a break and introduces her to his cousin Teddy, who looks very much like a male version of Maggie. Katherine sees four men enter and sit at one of the tables. She knows these men all too well, as the are the worst 'pinchers' in the place, even attempting it after she had the magical bustle in place. Sonoma approaches their table to take a drink order.</p><p></p><p>Kate excused herself to Teddy and hurried over to meet Sonoma on her way over to the table. "Watch out," Kate whispered in her ear. "These men are pinchers. I'm sure you've had to deal with that sort of thing before, but I have a little extra defense against that if you'd rather I took care of them." Kate chuckled. "A bit of magic that makes it quite unpleasant for anyone who tries it."</p><p></p><p>“Ok if you want to take the order and I'll hit the stage,” Sonoma replies. With that she takes off the apron she's been wearing and sits at the keyboard she starts playing a fairly challenging classical piece that works perfectly as background music to the conversations going on throughout the saloon.</p><p></p><p>Kate took a bit of perverse pleasure in the pained faces of the "pinchers" as they lost the chance at their new quarry and discovered that she continued to wear the bustle pillow. She made certain the men had their drinks and took care of the rest of the room as she listened to Sonoma play. She got the feeling it was lucky for her that Sonoma was already employed, or Kate might have been out of a job. </p><p></p><p>When the piece ended, Kate approached the piano. "Your mother told me a tenant left the piano and no one at the Cantina played it. I should not have assumed that meant no one could. Please, feel free to play as long as you like. No one will care to hear me anymore," she laughed. The young woman replies, “Oh Kate I'm not that good I just haven't played in a while. And you know exactly how to keep up with Ruby which is something I don't envy you in the least.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2049791, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 94 “Conrad Booth, William Whipple, and Louise”, January 10th, 1882:[/B] The gambler Conrad Booth is sitting by himself at another table having supper. Katherine remembers that Booth runs a gambling table over at the Long Branch Saloon, the saloon where the Texas bounty hunter Irby Cole had been staying. Katherine took a deep breath and walked over to Booth's table. "Mr. Booth? I'm Mrs. Kale. How do you do?" she asked politely. "I understand you run a table over at the Long Branch?" Why yes Mrs. Kale, we met a few days ago when Dorita insisted that you bring your money over to my vault. I indeed run a table there. I would be more than happy to let you play tonight. A beautiful woman is always welcome at my table. I'll even spot you $ 50 in chips to get you started." Katherine laughed. "I only learned to play poker three hours ago, Mr. Booth. I don't think I'm quite ready to play professionally." She nodded toward a chair. "If I may?" Booth nodded and she sat. "I should have remembered you, of course. I've met so many people in the last two weeks that they're all beginning to blend together. I wondered if you could answer a question for me. I understand a man named Irby Cole was staying at the Long Branch last week. Would he still happen to be there?" He replies, "Yes, there's a Texan named Cole staying there. I wasn't sure if that was his first name or last. The Long Branch doesn't rent out rooms but he's an old friend of one of the girls there, Hildy Jackson, and has been sharing her room. I haven't had much interaction with him, he's been playing poker each night, but at Norman Wilkie's table. I did talk to him about Arcade's Gang. He's in town to try to get the reward Hubbard posted for them. I told Cole he was wasting his time, that Arcade's Gang left two months ago and weren't the ones who killed Hubbard's men. Listen, even though you don't know the game you're still welcome to sit at my table. I'm sure you'd bring me good luck. After all the accusations flying around in court today you may want to skip going back to the Lone Star, I imagine it won't be a very pleasant place to be tonight what with the Whipples fighting with each other. We have a piano at the Long Branch too and I'm sure that Dooley Wilson would be willing to share it with you." Across the room, Ruby keeps her eyes on Kate talking to Mr. Booth. They had thrown him out of the Comique today after the trial was over, saying he was barred, probably for cheating at cards. Ruby thought of Jake and wondered where he was, it was getting late. Ruby glances back over, decides Kate can handle herself, and orders a drink. Kate replies to him, "You're very kind, but I think I should go to work as usual. I would hate for Evan Adair and Miss Foreman to believe they made any kind of impact with their lies. Perhaps Sunday evening when I don't work I could stop by and observe your game, if you can wait that long for your luck?" she laughed. I hope you won't mind my asking, and you don't have to answer of course, but why aren't you allowed in the Comique?" He answers, “They say I was cheating at cards but the real reason is that I made the mistake of giving an answer to a question. A man at the table commented on my name and asked if I was any relation to the man who shot President Lincoln. I said that I was a very distant relative and had never met the man. Turns out that both the man at the table and the Comique's manager Warren Watson were both Illinois Republicans and strong supporters of Lincoln. The next thing I know I'm accused of cheating and am barred from the place." "I'm sorry to hear that. I've never cared for people who place their anger on the undeserving." Katherine paused a moment, finally realizing why Conrad Booth had looked so familiar. "When I was a little girl, my parents took me to Booth's Theatre in New York City to see Edwin Booth perform Shakespeare. It's where I first learned to love theatre. Unless I'm very much mistaken, your relation to the actor is far less distant." He chuckles. "You are very perceptive. I'm Edwin Booth's illegitimate son. I was born out in California in 1853, a mere nine months after Booth had been in San Francisco on tour. My mother was a pretty teenage girl who worked at the theater as a costume seamstress. When I was born she was still enamored with the actor and was certain he would return to her at the completion of his world tour and marry her so she gave me his last name. Obviously that didn't happen, he's now on his second marriage to other women. I only met the man once, around eight years back. I was twenty and went to his theater in New York. He gave me an audience but did not believe I was his son, even though I was the spitting image of photographs of him at the same age. He had no recollection at all of my mother, not that I'll ever tell her that, she still believes he will some day come back to her. He assumed I was only after his money and that was the year he was in extreme financial difficulty and lost his theater. I've continued to follow his career. He is now successful again, having converted his New York residence to become the Players' Club. Last year the newspapers all printed the story of Billy the Kid dying in my house and my name and occupation were mentioned in most stories. I was hoping that he would read that and contact me, but I guess that was just wishful thinking." She says, "I don't know how he could have doubted you. A fifteen-year-old memory was enough for me to discover it. Forgive me for saying so, but I'm certain you weren't the first person to claim to he his son or daughter, and probably not the only one who was telling the truth. But really, your face is your proof. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but I for one am a firm believer in those kinds of thoughts. Someday you might see your father again, and if you're lucky he'll have his eyes open. “Do you always tell strangers your secrets? Or just the ones you think might be lucky?" He says, "Actually I've never told that to anyone else in Arizona. But it was in response to your direct question and if I go around lying how will I ever be able to regain a reputation for honesty? I'll make you a deal though. You keep my secret and I'll keep yours." Kate's eyes widened a bit. "I'll respect your confidence, of course. But what secret of mine do you have to keep?" Booth lowers his voice to a faint whisper and replies "Why the secret that you and old Mr. Gonzalas are having a relationship. It's been rather obvious the way you two look at each other.” Katherine turned a deep red but found she chuckling at the sheer absurdity of it. "Having a relationship? You're teasing me, you must be. That's not common gossip is it?" He replies "No, just something that I noticed. I've dined here twice a day for the last fifteen months and it's amazing what you can deduce by just by being in the same place and being observant. You two really need to be more careful and discreet. I'm sure Mr. Adair would love to spread something like that around town. The age different wouldn't be the problem, it would be problem of the mixed race relationship. If you don't believe me just ask Jeremiah Peck over at the brick yard." Booth then says, “Most people would assume it to be your typical May-December romance, but I see that you are still in mourning and I doubt you would be looking for anything like that yet. So I assume what you have is a teacher-student relationship and that he is teaching you to be a wizard like himself." She whispered back. "Dorita trusts you, so I'll trust you as well.” He says, “Dorita trusts me to a point. She still suspects there might be some truth to the card cheating allegation so I doubt she would ever let me gamble here. That's fine as far as I am concerned. I come here to dine in peace and gambling here would prevent me from being able to do that.” Kate says, “Mr. Gonzales is a kind gentleman with unusual skills to pass on, and I've always been an eager student." He answers, I wish I had an aptitude for that. A few spells would really help my card game, as I suspect it does for another gambler in town. But then again that would be cheating. Kate says, "I find you full of surprises, Mr. Booth, and I'm rather glad I came over to speak with you. I think I will come over to the Long Branch on Sunday." He says, “That would be a true pleasure. Sunday's are their quiet day but I still manage to get in a few games of cards each evening. The Long Branch is one of the nicer saloons in town although some of the clientele tend to be a little rougher around the edges than those at the Lone Star. Your friends would also be welcome there too, they do not have racial restrictions. The saloon's only rule is that you must check your firearms at the bar. I think you'd like the saloon owner, she's also named Kate.” Kate says, "It seems wrong to have to sneak to visit my friend. I consider each member of the family here to be my friends. Why should the old gentleman cause any more gossip than Dorita, Pedro, or Sonoma?" She shook her head. "But you're right, of course, and I take your warning. I should let you finish your dinner, and it's almost time for me to leave. I'm sure you can introduce me to everyone worth knowing over at the Long Branch." She stood up and offered her hand. "I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Booth. I've enjoyed our talk." He takes her hand and kisses it. He then looks into her eyes and loudly says "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Then in a softer voice "Of course, that exchange may get some other gossip circulating." Kate went over to Ruby and told her she'd forgotten something upstairs, and then went up and put on the bustle pillow before she went back downstairs to Ruby. Sonoma heads op to Katherine’s room and knocks "Katherine are you there? "Yes, Sonoma," she said, just as she was adjusting her skirt from belting on the bustle pillow. She stepped over and opened the door. "Come in, dear." Sonoma opens the door and closes it right behind her Kate sees that her Great Grandfather has been assisting her in disguising herself as she now appears to be a very beautiful white skinned human however she is still dressed as she normally would be to work at the cantina. "I assumed that Mr. Wimple would never accept the idea of a wood elf being employed by Tom and Maggie. I also don't want people to believe that I'm working somewhere else and causing a problem for my parents because of it, however I don't believe that I have anything that would be appropriate to wear. "What should I do?" "Wear something of mine, of course. I'm not much bigger than you, really." Kate opened her trunk and pulled out a white blouse and dark brown skirt. "The skirt might be a little long, but it would only take me a few moments to tack it up with needle and thread, and tomorrow I can sew a new hem on the bottom. You'll need a new name, as well." Sonoma answers, “As far as names go I'm Mexican remember? My full name is Maria Francesca Dorita Eldora Justina Louise Isabella Consuella Sonoma Figueres. Do you think any of those will do?” Kate states, "I'm sure Louise would do just fine. And don't forget, the owners of the Lone Star's name is Whipple. Although I don't expect you'll need to say it often." Sonoma changes quickly and sets up her hair in a very simple pulled up bun that changes her appearance quickly you would really need to know who she was very well to recognize her Now to get rid of my accent. She pauses and then states “What will you be drinking tonight? Can I get you something else?” Kate is amazed to hear a perfect Bostonian accent coming out of Sonoma’s mouth "So do you think I can pass?" she says with a wink and a smile. Kate answers, "Absolutely. I think you could pass in Boston. Let's go downstairs and join Ruby, Louise. That's going to be strange." The ladies left Kate's room and she locked the door behind her. Ruby wonders what is taking so long as she drinks her whiskey, She is anxious to get to work and get it over with. It had been a long time since she went out and just had some fun and she was looking forward to celebrating with Jake. On the way downstairs ‘Louise’ says, “I will need to go into the kitchen before we leave and let Maggie know who I am. It should be interesting as I am not truly sure how she will take the change in my appearance nor how to introduce myself to Tom. I will also need a story of how I have come to town without showing up on the stage and why I know you. This is becoming more complicated by the minute” Kate says, "This town is small enough that everyone knows everyone, isn't it? Could we say that you rode over from Tombstone yourself, and that I met you there over the three months I lived there?" Ruby sees Kate walking with a strange women. They approach her. "Hi Kate... and you are?" she says looking over the unfamiliar woman. "And where is Sonoma? We need to get going soon." For a moment Kate was about to remind Ruby how Mr. Gonzales had helped Nanuet, but she wouldn't remember. "Why don't we go in the kitchen and I'll tell you all about it." Kate then added to herself “And pray Maggie doesn't have a magic prejudice.” Ruby is confused but follows Kate into the kitchen. "What's going on?" Kate put a smile on her face. "Dorita, Maggie, I hope everything is going well back here. Sonoma wasn't sure how your father would react to having a wood elf working in the Saloon, so we made a few modifications." She moved over and slipped her arm around Maggie's waist. "So this is Louise, who rode over from Tombstone to bring me a few small items I left in my rooms there. She has graciously agreed to do me a favor and stay for a few days to help out at the Lone Star." "I didn't know you had a friend from Tombstone coming, where is she staying?" Ruby says questionably. "Won't Sonoma be mad about not working at the Lone Star?" "This is our Sonoma, Ruby," she answered, giving Maggie a little squeeze. "Sometimes heaven finds ways to help us when we need it most," she said quietly to Maggie. "I'll take care of everything, you don't need to worry." Dorita and Sonoma exchange a few sentences with each other in Spanish. The younger elf turned human then says in the Boston accent "I'm ready. We should be going." Ruby had a confused look on her face but wasn't going to argue. "Should we get going soon? That way you can show Louise around and show her what to do." Kate says, "I'd hoped to wait for Jake, but it's getting late. Let's be on our way." The three women make their way over to the Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon. It is a few minutes after 8:00 PM so they are running a little late. They arrive to find the place is busy. Poker games are already running at both Job Kane and Tony Lucky's tables. Tom Whipple is standing behind the bar and instead of wearing his usual work shirt he has on a suit and bow tie. Jeff Mills is busy waiting the tables. A well-dressed young woman who they have never met is seated at the piano playing some tunes and doing so rather badly. At the sight of the women Tom walks out from the bar and approaches the piano. He tells the woman "Our regular musicians have arrived now Alexsis, you can turn over the keyboard to her." Before any of the women can get to work Tom escorts all three of them over to another table to introduce them to his father. The resemblance to Tom is quite noticeable, with the same stocky build, round-shaped face and blue eyes. Rather than having just a mustache like Tom the senior Whipple has a neatly cropped beard as well. His hair is the same medium-brown color as Tom and Maggie's although he beard and sideburns are a slightly darker shade hinting to the fact that he probably applies something to dye it darker rather than having it turn white. He dressed in a nice suit, with a western style tie, a pair of Colt revolvers on his gunbelt, and a rather elaborate cowboy hat on his head. Ruby extends her hand to the man. "Ruby West, Mr. Whipple. Enjoying your stay in Promise City so far?" The elder Whipple takes Ruby's hand and kisses it, stating in a Texas accent "My pleasure to meet you Miss West, I've heard that you have a voice that melts mens souls. And I've only been in town a few hours but it is always good to visit with my son." "My, Mr. Whipple, aren't you the gentleman? Thank you for the sweet compliment, I only hope I can live up to your expectations. I'll have to sing extra special in your honor tonight." Slick, this one, Kate thought to herself as he greeted Ruby. But he raised Tom and Maggie, so there must be more to him than this. "I'm Mrs. Katherine Kale, sir. How do you do?" she asked politely. "Quite well young lady. It is my deepest pleasure to meet you. I hear that you are a master of all of classics and that your piano playing is among the best in this town. My deepest condolences over your recent loss. I lost my own spouse to illness a few years back as well and it is indeed a difficult situation to recover from." "Thank you. The last months have been very difficult. It was quite a shock, as his letters had given no hint of any return of his ill health." Kate paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "May I introduce Miss Louise Baker?" Kate gestured to Sonoma. "She's agreed to help us out for the next few evenings." "A pleasure to meet you my dear," William Whipple states and as he tips his hat in her direction. He then turns to his son and says "With so many attractive and respectable women working for you it is no wonder that the other saloons in town are becoming afraid of their competition." "Oh, you can believe they are Mr. Whipple. Now Kate, if you're ready, why don't you show Louise around and then we can start some entertainment." Kate smiled her goodbye to Tom's father and took Sonoma over to the bar. "There's not really much to know that you don't already. You've waited tables much longer than I have. Jeff Mills and Tom tend the bar. Usually Maggie and I trade off playing and serving, but since you don't play I'll probably be at the piano most of the night. Just let me know if you're having trouble or need a break, and I'll come help you." Katherine then sat down at the piano and began to play for Ruby. Sonoma looks at Kate as she heads to the keyboard shaking her head to herself she thinks "she may never have seen me play in the week she's known me but does she really think that we have just kept a perfectly tuned instrument in the Cantina as a decoration?" Sonoma scouts the room and takes in the surroundings following the traffic pattern that will allow her to make the most of her time. She notes which people are drinking heavily and adjusts to make sure that she hits their tables more often keeping mugs filled and suggesting the food that is more abundant verses what the kitchen is running low on. She is fast competent and in this saloon she has no trouble not only keeping up with the orders but predicting them as well around 9:00 PM and Ruby finishes up her first set. Tom Whipple brings her and Katherine over to the table where Tony Lucky has just called for a break and introduces her to his cousin Teddy, who looks very much like a male version of Maggie. Katherine sees four men enter and sit at one of the tables. She knows these men all too well, as the are the worst 'pinchers' in the place, even attempting it after she had the magical bustle in place. Sonoma approaches their table to take a drink order. Kate excused herself to Teddy and hurried over to meet Sonoma on her way over to the table. "Watch out," Kate whispered in her ear. "These men are pinchers. I'm sure you've had to deal with that sort of thing before, but I have a little extra defense against that if you'd rather I took care of them." Kate chuckled. "A bit of magic that makes it quite unpleasant for anyone who tries it." “Ok if you want to take the order and I'll hit the stage,” Sonoma replies. With that she takes off the apron she's been wearing and sits at the keyboard she starts playing a fairly challenging classical piece that works perfectly as background music to the conversations going on throughout the saloon. Kate took a bit of perverse pleasure in the pained faces of the "pinchers" as they lost the chance at their new quarry and discovered that she continued to wear the bustle pillow. She made certain the men had their drinks and took care of the rest of the room as she listened to Sonoma play. She got the feeling it was lucky for her that Sonoma was already employed, or Kate might have been out of a job. When the piece ended, Kate approached the piano. "Your mother told me a tenant left the piano and no one at the Cantina played it. I should not have assumed that meant no one could. Please, feel free to play as long as you like. No one will care to hear me anymore," she laughed. The young woman replies, “Oh Kate I'm not that good I just haven't played in a while. And you know exactly how to keep up with Ruby which is something I don't envy you in the least.” [/QUOTE]
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