Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2816675" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Twenty-five, "Condemnations", Saturday, May 27th, 1882: Nanuet awakens before the sun as is his custom. He slips away from Minerva as to not disturb her and does some light work around the grove. He spends a moment in reflection as the sun's first rays light the dawn and sets off to fetch some breakfast for his companion. When he returns he offers some food to Maska and wakes Minerva gently. "I brought you some breakfast. I am leaving to go find Chester and see what is up at those ranches. If you need me for anything, send Maska. I will return as quickly as possible." Minerva tosses back the blanket. She stands and stretches enjoying the sun's rays as they caress and warm her cool bronze flesh. She smiles and wraps her arms around Nanuet to deliver a sound'Good Morning' kiss' upon his lips. "Breakfast! This is a pleasant surprise!" She slips into her clothes and seats herself back on the blanket and begins munching as she speaks. "Rembember what I told you last night, Mi Amore. Do not turn your back to them. They may be good men, but their beliefs are misguided. I am going to find Senora Katherine this morning. Perhaps she will tell me what they had their heads together about last evening..and she must be warned of their views. Considering the comments that they made about you, I am certain that they do not approve of her school either." Nanuet then leaves to find Chester. Morning crept softly into Kate's room, setting the sheers below her curtains aglow with sunlight. Most mornings she would patter downstairs in her dressing gown looking for something to eat, but there were guests in the house and it wouldn't do to run about undressed. It was going to be another busy day, so she put one a simple skirt and blouse and pinned her hair up out of her way and went downstairs. She knew how to make a simple breakfast these days, so she got the stove going and began cooking eggs and bacon and toasting bread. Eventually the smells of breakfast reached the noses of the others in the house and they arrived one by one in the kitchen. Kate apologized for the plainess of the meal and she served it, saying "I'm just learning, so I thought it best to stick with something simple. It's a busy day today. I've heard about three homes available in town. One is owned by a man known for cheating people, so I'd suggest we stay away from there. We can check out the others today. Luckily the first stop would be the El Parador. Someone who knows about one of the buildings should be there. Is there anything else you're going to need?" They indicate that would be fine. Once the light breakfast is finished they head over to the El Parador. They find out that one of the availble houses on the eastern side of town has already been occupied by a family burnt out of Tombstone but that one adjacent to the Ramirez brothers is still available. It is owned by banker Frank Condon. Kate led the family over to Condon's Bank. She hadn't been here since March when Wyatt Earp arrested Jake and Chester. All of her friends had moved their money over to the town's other bank and stayed away from the Condon's since. She also remembered what her teacher had said about the Condon's having been friends to them once upon a time. They arrived at the bank shortly and went inside looking for Frank Condon. On Saturday's the bank is open in the morning and banker Frank Condon is sitting in his usual manager's table. As they approach he smiles, shakes Nate's hand and says to the Caudell's , "Hello there, did you come here from Tombstone?" Nate replies, "No, North Carolina actually." Condon begins to tell them about his bank. Kate listened politely as Mr. Condon told them all about his business. Once he seemed to have wrapped up his story, Kate took her chance and said. "We heard you have a house available? The Caudells are looking for a home here in Promise City." He replies, "Why yes, it's not that large but it is clean and the neighbors are nice people. The bank closes at noon today, I can show it to you then if you would like." Kate nodded slightly to Mr. Caudell's glance and he said, "That should be just fine. We'll meet you back here at noon. Thanks." The men shook hands and the group left the bank. "I should go check on my family. You're welcome to join us if you like, or I can just meet you back here at noon." Molly says, "No, we're fine. I think we'll just poke around this town some on our own." Kate smiled. "I thought you might like to. Have a good morning and I'll see you later." She hurried away with and sighed with relief. She had not wanted the family to feel she was trying to get rid of them, but she was anxious to have time to herself as well. Her steps took her quickly back to the El Parador in search of her family. She found them altogether eating breakfast. Kate took a seat at the table with them and joined the conversation. After a while she asked, "Phil, how was your night at the Long Branch?" He smiles and says, "Great, I lost $ 400!" "Phil! That is not great. What in the world were you doing betting that kind of money? I..." Kate had to stop for a minute and collect herself. "I didn't think you were actually going to gamble. Wasn't Conrad supposed to keep you out of trouble?" He states, "Relax Katie, it wasn't real money, it was table credit. Conrad gave me $ 200 in credit! It took me nearly three hours to lose it and with a poor-playing novice there his table filled up with folks eager to play. When I was finally broke Mrs. Higgins gave me $ 100 in credit to spend at the tables of her other two gamblers. It was great fun and the Long Branch cleaned up for the night!" "Yes, there's nothing like a novice to bring more players to the table. Be careful though, Phil. Not everyone here is friendly, and some people like gambling just a little too much." She was quiet for a minute as she studied her brother. "I still need to talk to Sonoma and Flint about some things to do with the incorporation of the town. I'll probably go out to the ranch this afternoon to do that. If any of you are feeling up to it you could go out with me. Have you been back to see Mrs. Kelly again yet?" He says, "No, I slept in this morning. Going out to the ranch sounds like fun. I know that Father and Maman are planning to go tomorrow, to pay their respects to Thomas on the holy day." Kate swallowed and nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Phil's face lost his playful look for a minute as his hand squeezed his sister's. "We miss him too, Kitty." They were both quiet for a few mintues. Kate broke the silence, saying, "I'm glad you like it here. Just don't get too attached. Papa would be very upset if you decided to skip college and move out west." He replies, "Mr. Booth said as much too. He also pointed out that loosing isn't nearly as much fun when you've had to earn every penny of it. Don't worry Kit, I'll be heading back to Boston, but I'm going to enjoy myself while I'm here. While they are speaking Mr. Pickering approaches Kate. "Hello Mrs. Kale, I was wondering if I could be so kind as to borrow your classroom for the afternoon. I could use a blackboard to outline for my students what they can plan to see in the night sky this evening." She says, "Of course, Professor. I can show you where the school is now. Phil, I'll be back a little while after noon, alright? Make sure you get down to the Dry Good's store and get some more clothes." She stood up and joined Mr. Pickering. As they walked she said, "I hope your journey was easy and you got rooms alright. You were lucky to get out of Tombstone before the fire." He replies, "Yes, some of my students were sorry that they missed it but those boys don't really know what they missed. Perhaps you can tell them about it later." They walk the short distance over to East Street. As they approach the building they can see that a large whitewashed wooden sign with large black letters that has been nailed to the front door that reads: CONDEMNED! Condemnations to those who would use this building to corrupt the minds of innocent youth with falsehoods! "And so it begins," Kate said quietly while looking at the sign. She carefully controlled her voice and pushed her anger aside. "I'm sorry Mr. Pickering. You see, I plan to offer education to all children no matter their race and there are those who are offended by that. I don't think anything can be done, but we'd best show the Marshall. Things like this can escalate, and I don't want to wake up one night when a torch is thrown through my window. Come inside a moment." Kate opened the door and let Mr. Pickering in while she went into the kitchen. When she had recieved her boxes from Boston she'd had to get a crowbar for opening them. She grabbed it and went back into the schoolroom. "Mr. Pickering, would you do me the favor of getting that thing off my front door?" "Absolutely," he states, quickly removing the sign. He looks over the school room and says, "This will do quite nicely. Some of the chairs are a bit small for my boys to use but there seem to be enough benches. You and your family are welcome to sit in on the lecture, I plan to give it from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M." "Thank you, that's very kind. I had planned to go out to my ranch with my brother, but we can do that after your lecture. The seats were actually made to fit the students, although I had a few made larger and the benches put in to accomodate how fast children grow. If you wouldn't mind, would you escort me to the Marshall's office? I'm sure I'd be perfectly safe but I would feel a bit better. Pickering escorts her over to the Marshall's Office. Deputy Marshall Helen Barker is currently on duty. "Mrs. Barker, how are you?" Kate said as she came in. "I'm sorry we haven't spoken since the meeting. The fire in Tombstone set all my plans reeling. I just took Professor Pickering to see the schoolroom and we found this nailed to the door." As Mr. Pickering put the sign on the desk she said, "Three guesses as to who put it there." She says, "Not all that hard to guess. I'd say Bill Watkins or Icabod Shackelton were responsible. The question is, what do you want me to do about it? Even if one of them confesses I'm afraid that it isn't all that much of a crime unless they also did some other damage, a small fine and a day or two in jail at the most. Plus that may also be their plan, not too many people wander down East Street so few would have seen this. But if somebody is arrested and tried then the whole town will hear of it and also see this sign when it is presented as evidence at the trial. A trial would also give them a very public forum to explain to everybody their views." Kate answers, "I don't really expect you to do anything about this, I just wanted to make sure you knew it had happened. Ashley King warned me last night that his mother, Doctor Eaton, and Ichabod Shackelton were conspiring. He didn't hear enough to be sure, but he thought some of it was aimed at the school. I don't know any of them well, so it's hard to guage how far they might go. I can handle signs and slander. But they could directly or indirectly put Ginnie and myself in danger. I doubt they mean violence, but if they manage to work up the wrong person.... It just seemed smarter to make sure someone knew. Will you be at the Lucky Lady tonight? We can conspire a bit and see how things are looking for the incorporation. Miss Townsend should be in tonight with Ruby gone, so I can speak with her as well." Helen replies, "Yes, but late. Stanley is playing at the Comique first. That is why I have the day shift today." Kate replies, "Wonderful. I'll see you tonight then. I think I'll just take this with me and use it for firewood." Minerva finishes her meal and returns home to freshen up and give thanks to her gods. She returns to the church to be sure that all is ready for this week's service and satisfied, strolls into town with Luna in the hopes of finding Katherine at home. Kate and the Professor left the Marshall's office. Even though she assured him she was fine to walk home, he insisted on carrying the sign for her. As they approached the house Katherine saw Miss Florencia waiting at the door. "Good morning, Miss Florenica," Kate said as they arrived. "This is Mr. Pickering. He and his students are here to see the eclipse later this week. Mr. Pickering, Miss Florencia the town's Greek and Roman Priestess." Mnerva startles at the mention of an eclipse but instantly hides her discomfort. She curtsey's and holds out her hand in welcome. "Buenas Dias, Senor Pickering. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintace. An eclipse, you say? How fascinating! Of the sun or the moon? If a god wishes to send us a message of unease, it is important to know which one we should appease and ask for guidance." she says continueing to smile pleasantly. She turns to Katherine "Senora Katherine, I can see that you are busy, but would lie to speak with you at your leasure. There is no hurry." "A Solar elipse, Ma'am," Mr. Pickering answered. "I cannot say whether it's a message from the gods or not, although I could explain the science. I will leave interpretation in your capable hands. Mrs. Kale, I will see you here at 2:00. A good day to you ladies," the gentleman said before he tipped his hat and started down the street. Kate turned to Miss Florencia and said, "Actually, my time is free until about noon. My family are getting new clothes made I believe, and Phil is very good at entertaining himself. We can talk in the parlor. You might even enjoy helping me get rid of this little gift from the Vigilance Committee," she said, indicating the sign. Minerva follows the line of Kate's finger. Her color rises and her eyes sprakle dangerously when she spies the sign. Her lips are set in a grim line. "So it has begun." After Pickering leaves Minverva points to the sign and says to Kate. "I came to warn you of just such a thing." Last evening, before you came into the Lucky Lady, Senor's Oldfield and Shaw made some very nasty remarks about Nanuet. It is obvious that they are ruled by their predudices. When I saw the three of you with their heads together, I became concerned for you. Although it would be wise to know what they are plotting, I just wanted you to know thier views so that you could protect yourself." Kate replies, "I have never met Mr. Oldfield before, so I can't say for him, but I know Mr. Shaw to be someone who tries to fight his prejudice. They are starting a Cattleman's Association and asked if our ranch would want to be part of it. A ranch partially owned by Nanuet and another elf. They are by no means perfect, but they are far above the vigilance committee. Ashely King warned me last night that something like this might happen. It's apprently the work of his mother, Doctor Eaton, and Ichabod Shackelton, the tutor." Minerva states, "I hope that you will be able to help Senor Shaw see the error of is views, but Senor Oldfield may be a more difficult man to deal with. Will you join with them if they are not willing to accept Nanuet and Sonoma?" Kate answers, "No. But I don't think that will be a problem. The way Mr. Shaw spoke, he is inviting ranches rather than specific ranchers. The only people he is excluding are people with ties to the Cowboy Gang. I have no problem with that. I'm more uncomfortable about the idea that he wants to try to work with the Vigilance Committee to temper them somewhat. I know if I'm too stubborn I could miss a chance to make a difference, but the idea of working with those people makes my skin crawl." Minerva asks, "What will happen to your ranch if if you bind it to this association and then your ranch loses it's voice in the decision making process because it is run and owned by women and elves?? How will you safeguard against that possibility?" Kate replies, "That's a major reason why I haven't already accepted. I need to speak to Sonoma and Nanuet. About whether we want to be part of the town as well as if we should join the Association. As much as I'd like to break all of this down into black and white terms it's not possible. I would like to talk to Mr. Shaw again about how his association will work. I don't want my name associated with anything to do the Vigilance Committee, even if it could make nonsense like this sign stop." Minerva answers, "Not all of the Vigalence members are as extreme as Senora King and Dr. Eaton and there are others who are not part of that committee who are just as blind. You are a wise woman, Senora Katherine, I would not presume to make this decision for you, I just wanted to be sure that you were aware of the possibilities. If it would not be too much trouble for you, I would appreciate it if you could keep me apprised of their plans. I must know who remains to be enlightened if we are to bring Promise City into the light." She glances up at the sun. "Oh, and beware the solar eclipse, Senora. Do not look up to it. Apollo has been known to remove a mortal's sight if they gaze upon him overly long." Kate states, "It wouldn't be too much trouble. Hopefully I can have some good effect from the inside. I had not really planned to look directly at the sun," Kate said lightly. "I believe Mr. Pickering has an alternate way of observing the eclipse. Diana is also a part of the eclipse, so I am very interested in it." Minerva replies, "Good, I am glad that you will be showing the proper respect when gazing upon his splendor. Apollo can be rather temeramental and he has been know to extract harsh retribution on more arrogant mortals. I have known others brazen enough to challenge his brillance, only to lose their sight." she shakes her head and with a wry smile says "You cannot win a battle against a god." There is a knock at the door and the women look up to see Western Union telegraph operator Dave Meleny standing there. He has a note in his hand and says, "Hello Mrs. Kale. I have a telegram from you. It was apparently sent a while ago but with the confusion in Tombstone took a while to get relayed on." "Thank you, Mr. Meleny. I was in Tombstone, I certainly understand." Kate took the note inside, carefully slit it open and read it. The note reads: The Golden Eagle requests the company of Senor Gonzales immediately to discuss the future relations of his songbirds. Three Gods watch over the Golden Eagle while waiting for Senor’s company.Mr. Winston departs. Kate read the note and said, "Ruby want Mr. Gonzales to come to her, but I don't think he's even here right now. I wonder what's going on... and I have no idea where to wire her back." Minerva says, "I know that you are in a hurry so I will not delay you any longer. If you find that you are being harrassed, por favor, come to me and I will assist you in any way that I can." "I will. I'm not sure how to fight back against this and I'll need advice from everyone." Kate walked Miss Florencia out and locked the door behind them. "I'm sure I'll see you tonight at the Lucky Lady. If you're interested, Mr. Pickering is giving his students a lecture here at 2:00. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you sat in as well." The ladies separated and Kate made a quick check at the El Parador, confirming her suspicion that her teacher was not there. She slipped into the kitchen and asked Dorita, "Do you have any idea when your grandfather will be back? Ruby sent a rather cryptic telegram for him and I get the feeling it's important." Dorita says, "I not know, he say Saturday or Sunday. Don't expect before tomorrow. I tell him you ask."</blockquote>

Verification