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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3364034" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 230, “Dancing and Arguing” , Saturday, April 1st, 1882, 10:45 PM </strong> </p><p></p><p>The El Parador band is now getting ready to play for the final hour of the ball. During the previous time this group had played the band consisted of Estaban, Sonoma and Pedro. For this final hour they are also being joined by Dorita, Carlos Ramirez and Angelica Huesca. </p><p></p><p>Kate sees Sonoma with her family preparing to head up on stage. She then does a double-take when she notices that Louise is also still present, standing at the opposite end of the dance floor over by the Hudson's Bakery table and eating a cookie. Upon closer examination Kate recognizes the dress that Louise is wearing as one of her own. "I didn't know Dorita played or sang," Kate said as the El Parador band got ready to take the stage. </p><p></p><p>She slipped her arm into Conrad's and led him toward where Louise was standing. "I believe I have a wayward child to speak to." "A wayward child? I don't understand," Conrad said. Kate just smiled and stopped next to Louise. "Enjoying yourself, my daughter?" she said softly. Ginnie does a double take at the word "daughter" finishes the bite of cookie that is in her mouth and states with an accent that rivals Kate's own </p><p></p><p>She replies, "The music is very pleasant, the costumes are magnificent and the cookies are divinity themselves however I believe that you are mistaken there is little chance I could be your daughter. Would you like to try a cookie? The gingerbread are especially fine." "Giving birth is not the only way to gain a daughter," Kate said mildly. </p><p></p><p>"The music is lovely, as are the people. It is easy to see why Louise has made her way here, despite the lateness of the hour. It has been a few months since you were here, likely this face is disguise enough. Although we should discuss later why you didn't tell me you were in town earlier, perhaps around 7:30?" Kate took a cookie and said, "They are good. And your accent has too much French in it unless your last name is Seagram." </p><p></p><p>She replies, "Well, although my last name is different I do believe that there is more than a passing relationship to the family. There is a twinkle in "Louise's" eye and a smile crosses her lips then her face grows serious. “I was in town around 7:30 and I believed that the speaker was not who he portrayed himself to be, however unmasking someone at a time where identity is meant to be hidden may often be more dangerous than allowing the rouse to continue. And besides I would like to see what happens when the midnight dancing commences." </p><p></p><p>She then bends down to Kate's ear and the accent slips away to Ginnie's more familiar borough as she whispers "I'm also packing my special scroll if things seem to get out of hand I think it might help" Kate replies, "I don't think the entertainment that late will be appropriate for... What am I thinking, you have seen worse. Just promise me not to be corrupted beyond reach," she said in a teasing whisper. "And duck inside if things get bad. I believe you suspicions are correct, your friend Mr. Peters had quite a convincing costume. Take care." Kate hugged Louise and said louder, "I'm glad to see you again." </p><p></p><p>As the El Parador band is getting set up for the final set of the night Nanuet and Minerva take a break and wander off the dance floor to get some refreshment. Both take their first drink and down it rather quickly, then get a second and take a moment to actually enjoy this one. "Have I told you how lovely you look tonight Minerva? If I haven't I am a fool for you look astoundingly beautiful." Minerva blushes slightly before responding "Thank you mi amor and you look so ruggedly handsome. Thank you for putting on a costume for me." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet smiles widely and responds "I think these duds don't look half bad, but I must admit I prefer my normal clothes. It doesn't hurt to get dressed up occasionally though, keeps things interesting." They continue to relax and engage in idle banter as the band plays their first song. Eventually Nanuet leads Minerva back onto the dance floor and they again find happiness in each others arms as they dance. As the hour grows older Nanuet remarks "If you don't mind I think I will try and take a spin around the floor with Ruby." </p><p></p><p>She says, "I don't mind, perhaps senor or should I say Lord Jake would grace me with a dance so that nobody is left alone." As one song ends and another begins the couple walk hand in hand around the dance floor looking for Jake and Ruby. With the romance in the air it is apparent that Ruby is lost in her lordship's eyes by the way she is adoringly staring back at him. Her heart continues to pound and she wants nothing more than to stay in the moment with him. </p><p></p><p>Jake pulls a curl off Ruby's face. In a soft voice he says, "It seems you may have more fans than just me, Princess." Loudly he continues, "Come girl. Tonight you will be mine but first I have other chores to attend to." Ruby snaps out of her dream and starts to pout but then sees Nanuet and Minerva watching them and gladly smiles. She curtseys again then bounces over to Nanuet. "Hey Cowboy, wanna dance?" </p><p></p><p>"Howdy pardner" Nanuet says in what is supposed to be a Cowboy accent. "That is why we came this way. I may not be as good a dancer as your Lordship, but I hope I can keep off your feet for a few beats." Nanuet offers a hand to Ruby. "I must say your costume is amazing. How did you make the wings?" She takes Nanuet's hand softly in hers and leads him to the dance floor, where she helps position him for the dance. He tries to start off early, but she keeps them still until the correct beat and then they start their dance. </p><p></p><p>"What do you mean? This is no costume, for I am a real fairy, full of fun and mischief. Do you not agree?" She gives him a dazzling smile with just a hint of cockiness in it. He replies, "Well then living your life in your other costume till now must be a chore, but I must admit it is a splendid one. I am having a difficult time choosing which one I like more though. Fun and mischief though, I can not deny, seem to be your forte no matter what you wear." </p><p></p><p>Ruby nods her head. "Yes, but it would be so boring without me around wouldn't it?" Ruby laughs as Nanuet spins her. "My, you're dancing skills have improved as a Cowboy! Now tell me, what do Cowboys do?" He replies, "Cowboys Ma'am? Well we do all manner of things I reckon. My specialty happens to be breaking the wild horses though. Taming them for civilized life as mounts and such. We sleep out under the stars and use a lasso for roping too. How about fairies, anything besides fun and mischief?" </p><p></p><p>"Oh how sad...," Ruby pouts, "For those poor horses. To be corralled instead of running free. Oh I could never be a Cowboy." She perks up, "But us fairies are all about causing trouble and having a good time. And nothing is more fun than making poor innocent men or women fall in love with us. That causes the most giggles. That," she leans in close to Nanuet, "And stealing bourbon." She winks at him. </p><p></p><p>"Stealing? Now that is something I can't take part in. As fun and mischievous as it sounds, it is not honest. So there, you could not be a Cowboy and I could not be a Fairy, but each role seems to suit the wearer well." "Agreed," Ruby giggles. "Besides, I only steal bourbon and hearts from those who really want them stolen, maybe they just don't know it." They continue their dance around the floor. "Minerva seems to be having a good time tonight." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "I hope so. I am sure she is glad that the festival seems to be going well and that so far it has been safe. Today has been such a crazy day it is good to see her having a good time. I hope you and Jake are enjoying yourselves too, although I doubt any of us truly will till we know Ringo is uh... taken care of." "Not that she had much to do with the planning of this festival anyway..." </p><p></p><p>"Jake..." she says his name dreamily, "He only just found me tonight. He's in hiding in case of trouble I guess. I can never get enough of him, isn't that sad? I used to be independent and free. Now I am neither and it's the way I want it." Ruby whispers to Nanuet matter of factly, "I have a feeling you know who will be back tonight. At midnight." Nanuet says, "Why at midnight? He wants to see whores dance on stage? Do you think he would go through the trouble of coming back here after he knows he was spotted just for that?" "Who said anything about whores dancing on stage? I'm going to be dancing on stage." Ruby looks him in the eye. "He has threatened one of the entertainers who is supposed to go on at midnight." </p><p></p><p>He exclaims, "What? Why are you going on stage if he is threatening the entertainers? Why would he threaten a dancer? Now I am confused. I thought the guy at the Palace hated you? Why are you dancing with them?" They continue to dance around the floor, Ruby trying to keep them from crashing into other dancers. "He threatened one in particular. Hopefully she won't be up there, I warned her and she is scared for her life." </p><p></p><p>"Nanuet, this isn't just a Palace thing. There are other dancers up there too from other Saloons. Besides, if he wants to kill me he can easily. He does have a bullet with my name on it." Ruby shrugs, "I'm just doing what I know how to do." "So why aren't you hiding too if you think he is going to come back instead of putting yourself up on stage?" </p><p></p><p>Nanuet stops dancing and holds Ruby to force her to stop as well. "Does Jake know that you think he plans to come back and that one of the girls has been threatened? I mean if you go up there you might as well paint a target on you chest and write "HIT ME" on your forehead. This is crazy Ruby!" Ruby shrugs again but Nanuet's grip is tight on her arms. "Jake knows I'm going up there. Minerva knows too. I don't recall if I mentioned her getting threatened but I think I did." </p><p></p><p>"You forget, I don't need a target, he has the bullet." She continues stubbornly, "Look, I'm NOT going to hide and not live my life. I NEED to be up there tonight. And if I have to be bait so someone else can get Ringo, well, so be it." Nanuet released his grip on Ruby. "Well maybe you should tell someone about your plan? It is tough to be bait if the fisherman is sleeping when the fish takes it. And I still think you are crazy. What time is it now? How much time do we have?" </p><p></p><p>"Oh no," Ruby shakes her head, her red curls bouncing around. "All I'm doing is performing. There is no plan. I went up earlier and no one made any plans. This should be the same. I don't want anymore plans or anymore worrying. Things will go as they go." She says, "Just enjoy the ball as you have been." Nanuet is speechless for a moment. </p><p></p><p>He then exclaims, "Just enjoy the ball as I have been, knowing that my friend plans on making herself a target for someone who might just have a magical lifeblood seeking bullet with her name on it? Easier said than done Ruby, it isn't always as easy as you think it is. People care about you, don’t you know that? You go and do your thing, but I won't just ignore your safety completely, not after I know you think there is a threat." </p><p></p><p>"Damn it!" she swears. "NOTHING has changed from earlier. Were you so sure he wasn't coming back or that he even left in the first place? He could be here right now in costume!" "I'm not making myself a target on purpose but I have to do this. You don't understand, no one does." She softens her tone. "I know you care about me, I care about you too. Believe me, or I would have taken Jake and been long gone from this place." She places her hand on Nanuet's arm. "Just try to act like nothing is wrong, just keep your eyes open like you were before, ok? That's all. Don't ruin this for me, I don't know what would happen otherwise." </p><p></p><p>He says, "I already said that you should go and do your thing didn't I? Don't get mad at me for caring. You want me to not care, fine, I don't care. There, are you happy now?" Ruby starts to pout. "No, I'm not happy." She looks down at her bare feet. "You're my only friends, I didn't say I don't want you to care. I just want to be able to dance. It's important to me." </p><p></p><p>He says, "Now stop pouting. We had been dancing. Most of your friends still are. It is important to me that you don't go and get yourself shot up too, but I can't stop you from going up on that stage and doing whatever it is you are going to do. Just try and be careful OK. No, I don't know how, but just tell me you will that might make me feel a little more like dancing and a little less like going off to get my rifle." Nanuet changes his tone and winks at the end. "Song is over now, Jake is waiting for you. Better get another dance in with him before you go up there to perform. Who knows when you will get him to dress up again." </p><p></p><p>She states, "I told you, I'm going to dance. I will be careful, I promise. I can see a lot from the stage." Ruby looks over her shoulder. "My baby would do anything for me, including dressing up." She smiles. "I have some time still. I want to dance with Chester too, if he'll ask me." Nanuet leaves Ruby to go find Chester and makes his way off the dance floor. He buys himself another drink and stands to the side watching the town in their merriment. </p><p></p><p>Ruby finds Jake standing by a drink tent. No one is speaking to him and it looks like people are going out of their way to avoid him. She smiles, then curtsey’s before him. "My lord, do you wish to dance with me again?" He nods and tries not to smile as they get back on the dance floor. </p><p>As they dance they notice Kate and Conrad looking cozy. Ruby raises an eyebrow but smiles. Jake whispers in her ear, "By the way, Conrad is Conrad I checked." Ruby nods and whispers back, "How did you do that?" He gives her his half smile, "That's my secret, my dear," before spinning her. They continue to enjoy their dance. </p><p></p><p>"So," Ruby says tilting her head as Jake swings her around, "Has the lord decided that this girl tickles his fancy in some way or that she might satisfy some whim of his?" She grabs onto his belt buckle, "Does he mean to have his way with the wench girl tonight?" As she comes out of the spin Jake pulls her close to him. </p><p></p><p>"Yes, in fact he does find the prospect of the bedding this wench rather agreeable. He expects that this wild thing, this lovely creature will satisfy his desires in a spirited manner." Jake replies smugly. Ruby returns a mischievous smile. "Oh but what does his lordship have to offer the wench in return if she should agree? Wild things are not easily satisfied." "Agree?" he snorts in the British accent, "The prospect of being with his lordship is high satisfaction indeed." Jake loses his straight face for a moment and smirks. </p><p></p><p>Jake spins Ruby around and she stops with her back to him. He grips her arms around her sparkling wings and continues to lead her around the dance floor. She turns her head back to him over her shoulder so their faces are close together. "So what your saying is, this girl doesn't have to agree? His lordship is just going to take what he wants and the girl should be grateful?" Jake can see only a hint of smile on Ruby's lips from his viewpoint. </p><p></p><p>"Certainly." He responds in the British accent. Then adds in a whisper, "You are going to make me pay for this aren't you?" Ruby's smile grows larger and she spins around, falling into his lordships arms. "Well," she replies to him in a sultry voice, "I like a man who'll take what he wants." Then she whispers back to him, "Pay? Just a bit. You only have to give me your heart and soul, I don't ask for much." </p><p></p><p>"Then you will be very pleased with his lordship." He leans in, "You already have my heart. I'm told my soul is a bit tarnished, so consequently not worth very much." The smile drops off Ruby's face and she stares into his eyes. "Don't say that, it's worth everything to me. I don't care what anyone else thinks." "Easy, girl, I was just making a joke." Then louder in the British accent, "You dance well, wench, perhaps there is more to you than is readily apparent, though not much is concealed." </p><p></p><p>Ruby blinks a few times before the smile comes back to her face. She stops dancing momentarily and curtsey's, giving Jake an extended view of her cleavage. "Thank you, my lord, for the compliment." She stands and they continue dancing, "There is certainly more to please you if your lordship cares to investigate. But are you issuing a complaint about my lack of attire?" "No, your appearance is quite pleasing." Softer in Jake's own voice, "as always." Ruby nods then whispers back, "I cannot wait any longer for a kiss, so don't make me." </p><p></p><p>"I shall have a kiss from you now, a sample of what awaits me." Jake stops the dance, puts one hand behind her head gently but insistently and brings their lips together. He holds them there for a long moment, a deep kiss that temporarily cloaks him from place and time, purpose and worry. When the kiss finally ends he continues in the accent, "I shall look forward to our next meeting, and I shall be watching you." Then in a whisper, "and protecting you." The British Lord gives the slightest of bows, more a nod with his body. </p><p></p><p>Ruby stands on the dance floor, breathless from the kiss and unable to move. After Jake bows to her he sweeps away into the crowd and Ruby longs to follow but Judge Isby interrupts her intentions as she asks her to dance. She accepts but continues to watch the crowd for her handsome Lord. </p><p></p><p>After a few more whirls around the dance floor Judge Isby comes over and asks Ruby to dance. She accepts and they have a dance together, perhaps a little closer than they should. After Isby she dances with Kevin Tomlinson who is having trouble keeping his eyes off Clarisse. Ruby also dances with other patrons of their saloon and various citizens of Promise City, keeping her eyes open for Mr. Gonzales. She hadn't seen him yet, or least hadn't figured his costume out, but she had promised him a dance. Meanwhile a tall man approaches from behind Kate and asks, "May I have a dance, Mrs. Kale?" </p><p></p><p>Kate looked quizzically at the man, trying to decipher who he was. "With my escorts kind permission," she said, looking at a confused Conrad. Under the guise of kissing him on the cheek she whispered, "We have been talking to Ginnie, give her a dance please. A simple one though, she hasn't learned how. Ask me about Madeline later," she laughed and did kiss his cheek lightly. </p><p>She turned to the tall stranger. "Sir?" </p><p></p><p>The well dressed man in the red and black mask takes Katherine by the hand and guides her to the dance floor. He immediately and effortlessly starts their dance. The man is an excellent dancer and the two make a dashing pair on the dance floor. "Enjoying the ball?" he asks. I am," she said, with a bit of surprise in her voice. "And I'm also enjoying trying to discover who my partner is, do I know you?" "That's pleasing news," the man laughs. "Isn't the point of a Masquerade Ball that you don't know who your partner is? But yes," he spins her, "You know who I am." </p><p></p><p>"Well, the point of a masquerade ball is," she laughed. "But I see many were in that spirit. I had no desire to hide myself. Now, shall I try to guess? Let me see... How long have I known you?" "And you do look stunning tonight. The gown becomes you, you are absolutely glowing." He pulls her around again. "Not very, is the answer to your query." "Not very." Kate was quiet for a minute as they whirled though a faster part of the dance. "This will sound like a very odd question, but have I ever visited you in jail?" she laughed. </p><p></p><p>"Prison? No." He chuckles, "Do you visit many acquaintances in jail Mrs. Kale?" He continues leading Katherine around the dance floor and while she starts to breathe just a little heavy as her heart starts to pound she notices her partner doesn't seem out of breath at all. "Not often, but it has happened now and then. You must work hard, you are not winded at all. Have I ever sold you a building?" </p><p></p><p>He laughs again, "Will you persist dear lady, or can you not just enjoy our lovely dance? For if you must know the truth then look in my eyes and you will certainly recognize me." Kate looked up and saw the ice blue eyes of the man from the Lucky Lady with whom she'd shared a glass of wine. Her breath suddenly came quicker, she struggled to keep her hands from shaking. "Ah yes, Miss West's fan. Could you not find her in the crowd? Even masked she is unmistakable." </p><p></p><p>"Yes, I found Miss West earlier. You're correct she cannot hide from me. I made her an offer, gave her something to think about." He swings Katherine then pulls her a bit closer, "But I'm not with her right now," He continues emphasizing every word, "I'm with you." He continues his stare, "And I should add very much enjoying our dance." "I... ah... that is good. I should be sorry if you were to regret asking me." Kate broke away from his stare, letting herself look over his shoulder and trying to regain her own composure. What was it about this man that rattled her? </p><p></p><p>He smiles at her, as if he knows what she is thinking. "I do not have regrets Mrs. Kale." He pulls her very close, then the music stops and he releases her. "Although I should regret that our dance is over. I will bid you good evening now," he bows to her. "But we shall meet again, and soon." With that he winks at her and disappears into the crowd. Kate stood still, watching him leave. "I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3364034, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 230, “Dancing and Arguing” , Saturday, April 1st, 1882, 10:45 PM [/B] The El Parador band is now getting ready to play for the final hour of the ball. During the previous time this group had played the band consisted of Estaban, Sonoma and Pedro. For this final hour they are also being joined by Dorita, Carlos Ramirez and Angelica Huesca. Kate sees Sonoma with her family preparing to head up on stage. She then does a double-take when she notices that Louise is also still present, standing at the opposite end of the dance floor over by the Hudson's Bakery table and eating a cookie. Upon closer examination Kate recognizes the dress that Louise is wearing as one of her own. "I didn't know Dorita played or sang," Kate said as the El Parador band got ready to take the stage. She slipped her arm into Conrad's and led him toward where Louise was standing. "I believe I have a wayward child to speak to." "A wayward child? I don't understand," Conrad said. Kate just smiled and stopped next to Louise. "Enjoying yourself, my daughter?" she said softly. Ginnie does a double take at the word "daughter" finishes the bite of cookie that is in her mouth and states with an accent that rivals Kate's own She replies, "The music is very pleasant, the costumes are magnificent and the cookies are divinity themselves however I believe that you are mistaken there is little chance I could be your daughter. Would you like to try a cookie? The gingerbread are especially fine." "Giving birth is not the only way to gain a daughter," Kate said mildly. "The music is lovely, as are the people. It is easy to see why Louise has made her way here, despite the lateness of the hour. It has been a few months since you were here, likely this face is disguise enough. Although we should discuss later why you didn't tell me you were in town earlier, perhaps around 7:30?" Kate took a cookie and said, "They are good. And your accent has too much French in it unless your last name is Seagram." She replies, "Well, although my last name is different I do believe that there is more than a passing relationship to the family. There is a twinkle in "Louise's" eye and a smile crosses her lips then her face grows serious. “I was in town around 7:30 and I believed that the speaker was not who he portrayed himself to be, however unmasking someone at a time where identity is meant to be hidden may often be more dangerous than allowing the rouse to continue. And besides I would like to see what happens when the midnight dancing commences." She then bends down to Kate's ear and the accent slips away to Ginnie's more familiar borough as she whispers "I'm also packing my special scroll if things seem to get out of hand I think it might help" Kate replies, "I don't think the entertainment that late will be appropriate for... What am I thinking, you have seen worse. Just promise me not to be corrupted beyond reach," she said in a teasing whisper. "And duck inside if things get bad. I believe you suspicions are correct, your friend Mr. Peters had quite a convincing costume. Take care." Kate hugged Louise and said louder, "I'm glad to see you again." As the El Parador band is getting set up for the final set of the night Nanuet and Minerva take a break and wander off the dance floor to get some refreshment. Both take their first drink and down it rather quickly, then get a second and take a moment to actually enjoy this one. "Have I told you how lovely you look tonight Minerva? If I haven't I am a fool for you look astoundingly beautiful." Minerva blushes slightly before responding "Thank you mi amor and you look so ruggedly handsome. Thank you for putting on a costume for me." Nanuet smiles widely and responds "I think these duds don't look half bad, but I must admit I prefer my normal clothes. It doesn't hurt to get dressed up occasionally though, keeps things interesting." They continue to relax and engage in idle banter as the band plays their first song. Eventually Nanuet leads Minerva back onto the dance floor and they again find happiness in each others arms as they dance. As the hour grows older Nanuet remarks "If you don't mind I think I will try and take a spin around the floor with Ruby." She says, "I don't mind, perhaps senor or should I say Lord Jake would grace me with a dance so that nobody is left alone." As one song ends and another begins the couple walk hand in hand around the dance floor looking for Jake and Ruby. With the romance in the air it is apparent that Ruby is lost in her lordship's eyes by the way she is adoringly staring back at him. Her heart continues to pound and she wants nothing more than to stay in the moment with him. Jake pulls a curl off Ruby's face. In a soft voice he says, "It seems you may have more fans than just me, Princess." Loudly he continues, "Come girl. Tonight you will be mine but first I have other chores to attend to." Ruby snaps out of her dream and starts to pout but then sees Nanuet and Minerva watching them and gladly smiles. She curtseys again then bounces over to Nanuet. "Hey Cowboy, wanna dance?" "Howdy pardner" Nanuet says in what is supposed to be a Cowboy accent. "That is why we came this way. I may not be as good a dancer as your Lordship, but I hope I can keep off your feet for a few beats." Nanuet offers a hand to Ruby. "I must say your costume is amazing. How did you make the wings?" She takes Nanuet's hand softly in hers and leads him to the dance floor, where she helps position him for the dance. He tries to start off early, but she keeps them still until the correct beat and then they start their dance. "What do you mean? This is no costume, for I am a real fairy, full of fun and mischief. Do you not agree?" She gives him a dazzling smile with just a hint of cockiness in it. He replies, "Well then living your life in your other costume till now must be a chore, but I must admit it is a splendid one. I am having a difficult time choosing which one I like more though. Fun and mischief though, I can not deny, seem to be your forte no matter what you wear." Ruby nods her head. "Yes, but it would be so boring without me around wouldn't it?" Ruby laughs as Nanuet spins her. "My, you're dancing skills have improved as a Cowboy! Now tell me, what do Cowboys do?" He replies, "Cowboys Ma'am? Well we do all manner of things I reckon. My specialty happens to be breaking the wild horses though. Taming them for civilized life as mounts and such. We sleep out under the stars and use a lasso for roping too. How about fairies, anything besides fun and mischief?" "Oh how sad...," Ruby pouts, "For those poor horses. To be corralled instead of running free. Oh I could never be a Cowboy." She perks up, "But us fairies are all about causing trouble and having a good time. And nothing is more fun than making poor innocent men or women fall in love with us. That causes the most giggles. That," she leans in close to Nanuet, "And stealing bourbon." She winks at him. "Stealing? Now that is something I can't take part in. As fun and mischievous as it sounds, it is not honest. So there, you could not be a Cowboy and I could not be a Fairy, but each role seems to suit the wearer well." "Agreed," Ruby giggles. "Besides, I only steal bourbon and hearts from those who really want them stolen, maybe they just don't know it." They continue their dance around the floor. "Minerva seems to be having a good time tonight." Nanuet says, "I hope so. I am sure she is glad that the festival seems to be going well and that so far it has been safe. Today has been such a crazy day it is good to see her having a good time. I hope you and Jake are enjoying yourselves too, although I doubt any of us truly will till we know Ringo is uh... taken care of." "Not that she had much to do with the planning of this festival anyway..." "Jake..." she says his name dreamily, "He only just found me tonight. He's in hiding in case of trouble I guess. I can never get enough of him, isn't that sad? I used to be independent and free. Now I am neither and it's the way I want it." Ruby whispers to Nanuet matter of factly, "I have a feeling you know who will be back tonight. At midnight." Nanuet says, "Why at midnight? He wants to see whores dance on stage? Do you think he would go through the trouble of coming back here after he knows he was spotted just for that?" "Who said anything about whores dancing on stage? I'm going to be dancing on stage." Ruby looks him in the eye. "He has threatened one of the entertainers who is supposed to go on at midnight." He exclaims, "What? Why are you going on stage if he is threatening the entertainers? Why would he threaten a dancer? Now I am confused. I thought the guy at the Palace hated you? Why are you dancing with them?" They continue to dance around the floor, Ruby trying to keep them from crashing into other dancers. "He threatened one in particular. Hopefully she won't be up there, I warned her and she is scared for her life." "Nanuet, this isn't just a Palace thing. There are other dancers up there too from other Saloons. Besides, if he wants to kill me he can easily. He does have a bullet with my name on it." Ruby shrugs, "I'm just doing what I know how to do." "So why aren't you hiding too if you think he is going to come back instead of putting yourself up on stage?" Nanuet stops dancing and holds Ruby to force her to stop as well. "Does Jake know that you think he plans to come back and that one of the girls has been threatened? I mean if you go up there you might as well paint a target on you chest and write "HIT ME" on your forehead. This is crazy Ruby!" Ruby shrugs again but Nanuet's grip is tight on her arms. "Jake knows I'm going up there. Minerva knows too. I don't recall if I mentioned her getting threatened but I think I did." "You forget, I don't need a target, he has the bullet." She continues stubbornly, "Look, I'm NOT going to hide and not live my life. I NEED to be up there tonight. And if I have to be bait so someone else can get Ringo, well, so be it." Nanuet released his grip on Ruby. "Well maybe you should tell someone about your plan? It is tough to be bait if the fisherman is sleeping when the fish takes it. And I still think you are crazy. What time is it now? How much time do we have?" "Oh no," Ruby shakes her head, her red curls bouncing around. "All I'm doing is performing. There is no plan. I went up earlier and no one made any plans. This should be the same. I don't want anymore plans or anymore worrying. Things will go as they go." She says, "Just enjoy the ball as you have been." Nanuet is speechless for a moment. He then exclaims, "Just enjoy the ball as I have been, knowing that my friend plans on making herself a target for someone who might just have a magical lifeblood seeking bullet with her name on it? Easier said than done Ruby, it isn't always as easy as you think it is. People care about you, don’t you know that? You go and do your thing, but I won't just ignore your safety completely, not after I know you think there is a threat." "Damn it!" she swears. "NOTHING has changed from earlier. Were you so sure he wasn't coming back or that he even left in the first place? He could be here right now in costume!" "I'm not making myself a target on purpose but I have to do this. You don't understand, no one does." She softens her tone. "I know you care about me, I care about you too. Believe me, or I would have taken Jake and been long gone from this place." She places her hand on Nanuet's arm. "Just try to act like nothing is wrong, just keep your eyes open like you were before, ok? That's all. Don't ruin this for me, I don't know what would happen otherwise." He says, "I already said that you should go and do your thing didn't I? Don't get mad at me for caring. You want me to not care, fine, I don't care. There, are you happy now?" Ruby starts to pout. "No, I'm not happy." She looks down at her bare feet. "You're my only friends, I didn't say I don't want you to care. I just want to be able to dance. It's important to me." He says, "Now stop pouting. We had been dancing. Most of your friends still are. It is important to me that you don't go and get yourself shot up too, but I can't stop you from going up on that stage and doing whatever it is you are going to do. Just try and be careful OK. No, I don't know how, but just tell me you will that might make me feel a little more like dancing and a little less like going off to get my rifle." Nanuet changes his tone and winks at the end. "Song is over now, Jake is waiting for you. Better get another dance in with him before you go up there to perform. Who knows when you will get him to dress up again." She states, "I told you, I'm going to dance. I will be careful, I promise. I can see a lot from the stage." Ruby looks over her shoulder. "My baby would do anything for me, including dressing up." She smiles. "I have some time still. I want to dance with Chester too, if he'll ask me." Nanuet leaves Ruby to go find Chester and makes his way off the dance floor. He buys himself another drink and stands to the side watching the town in their merriment. Ruby finds Jake standing by a drink tent. No one is speaking to him and it looks like people are going out of their way to avoid him. She smiles, then curtsey’s before him. "My lord, do you wish to dance with me again?" He nods and tries not to smile as they get back on the dance floor. As they dance they notice Kate and Conrad looking cozy. Ruby raises an eyebrow but smiles. Jake whispers in her ear, "By the way, Conrad is Conrad I checked." Ruby nods and whispers back, "How did you do that?" He gives her his half smile, "That's my secret, my dear," before spinning her. They continue to enjoy their dance. "So," Ruby says tilting her head as Jake swings her around, "Has the lord decided that this girl tickles his fancy in some way or that she might satisfy some whim of his?" She grabs onto his belt buckle, "Does he mean to have his way with the wench girl tonight?" As she comes out of the spin Jake pulls her close to him. "Yes, in fact he does find the prospect of the bedding this wench rather agreeable. He expects that this wild thing, this lovely creature will satisfy his desires in a spirited manner." Jake replies smugly. Ruby returns a mischievous smile. "Oh but what does his lordship have to offer the wench in return if she should agree? Wild things are not easily satisfied." "Agree?" he snorts in the British accent, "The prospect of being with his lordship is high satisfaction indeed." Jake loses his straight face for a moment and smirks. Jake spins Ruby around and she stops with her back to him. He grips her arms around her sparkling wings and continues to lead her around the dance floor. She turns her head back to him over her shoulder so their faces are close together. "So what your saying is, this girl doesn't have to agree? His lordship is just going to take what he wants and the girl should be grateful?" Jake can see only a hint of smile on Ruby's lips from his viewpoint. "Certainly." He responds in the British accent. Then adds in a whisper, "You are going to make me pay for this aren't you?" Ruby's smile grows larger and she spins around, falling into his lordships arms. "Well," she replies to him in a sultry voice, "I like a man who'll take what he wants." Then she whispers back to him, "Pay? Just a bit. You only have to give me your heart and soul, I don't ask for much." "Then you will be very pleased with his lordship." He leans in, "You already have my heart. I'm told my soul is a bit tarnished, so consequently not worth very much." The smile drops off Ruby's face and she stares into his eyes. "Don't say that, it's worth everything to me. I don't care what anyone else thinks." "Easy, girl, I was just making a joke." Then louder in the British accent, "You dance well, wench, perhaps there is more to you than is readily apparent, though not much is concealed." Ruby blinks a few times before the smile comes back to her face. She stops dancing momentarily and curtsey's, giving Jake an extended view of her cleavage. "Thank you, my lord, for the compliment." She stands and they continue dancing, "There is certainly more to please you if your lordship cares to investigate. But are you issuing a complaint about my lack of attire?" "No, your appearance is quite pleasing." Softer in Jake's own voice, "as always." Ruby nods then whispers back, "I cannot wait any longer for a kiss, so don't make me." "I shall have a kiss from you now, a sample of what awaits me." Jake stops the dance, puts one hand behind her head gently but insistently and brings their lips together. He holds them there for a long moment, a deep kiss that temporarily cloaks him from place and time, purpose and worry. When the kiss finally ends he continues in the accent, "I shall look forward to our next meeting, and I shall be watching you." Then in a whisper, "and protecting you." The British Lord gives the slightest of bows, more a nod with his body. Ruby stands on the dance floor, breathless from the kiss and unable to move. After Jake bows to her he sweeps away into the crowd and Ruby longs to follow but Judge Isby interrupts her intentions as she asks her to dance. She accepts but continues to watch the crowd for her handsome Lord. After a few more whirls around the dance floor Judge Isby comes over and asks Ruby to dance. She accepts and they have a dance together, perhaps a little closer than they should. After Isby she dances with Kevin Tomlinson who is having trouble keeping his eyes off Clarisse. Ruby also dances with other patrons of their saloon and various citizens of Promise City, keeping her eyes open for Mr. Gonzales. She hadn't seen him yet, or least hadn't figured his costume out, but she had promised him a dance. Meanwhile a tall man approaches from behind Kate and asks, "May I have a dance, Mrs. Kale?" Kate looked quizzically at the man, trying to decipher who he was. "With my escorts kind permission," she said, looking at a confused Conrad. Under the guise of kissing him on the cheek she whispered, "We have been talking to Ginnie, give her a dance please. A simple one though, she hasn't learned how. Ask me about Madeline later," she laughed and did kiss his cheek lightly. She turned to the tall stranger. "Sir?" The well dressed man in the red and black mask takes Katherine by the hand and guides her to the dance floor. He immediately and effortlessly starts their dance. The man is an excellent dancer and the two make a dashing pair on the dance floor. "Enjoying the ball?" he asks. I am," she said, with a bit of surprise in her voice. "And I'm also enjoying trying to discover who my partner is, do I know you?" "That's pleasing news," the man laughs. "Isn't the point of a Masquerade Ball that you don't know who your partner is? But yes," he spins her, "You know who I am." "Well, the point of a masquerade ball is," she laughed. "But I see many were in that spirit. I had no desire to hide myself. Now, shall I try to guess? Let me see... How long have I known you?" "And you do look stunning tonight. The gown becomes you, you are absolutely glowing." He pulls her around again. "Not very, is the answer to your query." "Not very." Kate was quiet for a minute as they whirled though a faster part of the dance. "This will sound like a very odd question, but have I ever visited you in jail?" she laughed. "Prison? No." He chuckles, "Do you visit many acquaintances in jail Mrs. Kale?" He continues leading Katherine around the dance floor and while she starts to breathe just a little heavy as her heart starts to pound she notices her partner doesn't seem out of breath at all. "Not often, but it has happened now and then. You must work hard, you are not winded at all. Have I ever sold you a building?" He laughs again, "Will you persist dear lady, or can you not just enjoy our lovely dance? For if you must know the truth then look in my eyes and you will certainly recognize me." Kate looked up and saw the ice blue eyes of the man from the Lucky Lady with whom she'd shared a glass of wine. Her breath suddenly came quicker, she struggled to keep her hands from shaking. "Ah yes, Miss West's fan. Could you not find her in the crowd? Even masked she is unmistakable." "Yes, I found Miss West earlier. You're correct she cannot hide from me. I made her an offer, gave her something to think about." He swings Katherine then pulls her a bit closer, "But I'm not with her right now," He continues emphasizing every word, "I'm with you." He continues his stare, "And I should add very much enjoying our dance." "I... ah... that is good. I should be sorry if you were to regret asking me." Kate broke away from his stare, letting herself look over his shoulder and trying to regain her own composure. What was it about this man that rattled her? He smiles at her, as if he knows what she is thinking. "I do not have regrets Mrs. Kale." He pulls her very close, then the music stops and he releases her. "Although I should regret that our dance is over. I will bid you good evening now," he bows to her. "But we shall meet again, and soon." With that he winks at her and disappears into the crowd. Kate stood still, watching him leave. "I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing." [/QUOTE]
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