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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2838839" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Thirty-two, “Thanking the Committee”, Saturday May 27th, 1882, 7:00 P.M.Stanley and Helen Barker have arrived and Stanley has already begun a Beethoven piece. They are seated at one of the tables. Helen is totally caught up in watching her husband and does not notice Kate and her family. They aren't alone long though, as they are soon joined by Nate and Mollie Caudell.  Kate greeted the couple quietly, not wanting to disturb others who were listening. "How are you settling into your house?" Henry asked them, seeing that Kate was a bit uncomfortable. "With the fire, I imagine you're lucky to have found a place.""We're fine," Molly says. "This is wonderful music" Amelie states. Harry Rote comes over to the table to take their drink orders.  Kate didn't order anything, and it seemed strange to be served here rather than serving; which she would be doing soon enough. Henry and Phil both ordered brandy, and her mother a glass of wine. Once the piece of music ended Kate turned her attention to the table. "I must apologize again for this afternoon, I'm afraid I had bitten off a bit more than I could chew for the day.  How do you like Promise City so far?"Before anybody else can answer Phillip interjects, "I think it's the best place on Earth!"  Nate Caudell says, "It shows Promise. My friend Henry Pleasants plans to introduce me to the people he's with now tomorrow. He feels that either Mr. Seawell or Mr. Von Zeppelin might have need of somebody with my background."  Mollie says, "Mrs. Kale, tell me a little about this school of yours. Melvin has always been taught by my husband. It will be nice for him to get a new perspective.""It's still a bit of a mystery to me since I haven't started teaching yet," Kate said with a smile. "I plan to begin simply with reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and history; the usual subjects. Once I replace some of the books lost of the fire I will add agriculture to the curriculum. Metallurgy would seem appropriate here as well, but I'll need to educate myself first. After about a month, I plan to add an optional hour to the school day and offer things like chemistry, music, French and perhaps Latin. I would charge a slightly higher tuition for those taking the extra courses. I wish I didn't have to charge tuition at all, but there it is. I have made arrangements with some families to trade services rather than cash, and I plan to admit students regardless of race or sex.  I will admit, I'm a bit apprehensive. I know I have the proper education but I haven't taught before except to tutor Ginnie."Nate says "You'll do fine Mrs. Kale. It sounds like you have a curriculum all planned out and the layout of your classroom should help to facilitate learning. I've been teaching both children and adults for over two decades now and in that time have seen a variety of different teachers. The difference between a great teacher and a mediocre one is personal inspiration not the formal education. As for metallurgy, the nation's foremost expert on that subject is Michael Seawell, and I have no doubt that if asked he would be willing to give guest lectures.""I intend to take advantage of the many talented people in town to lecture my students. Education here must be different than in the East. These children need a more hands on approach grounded in the world they live in.  You'd both be welcome to observe, and any advice would be gratefully received. I also plan to keep my students parents as involved as possible, I want them to know what's happening in the school."Coming off his shift guarding the Indians, Chester arrives at the Lucky Lady with Clarisse. He sees Kate and her family. "Mind if we join you folks? It's been a long day."  "Please, Chester, Miss Townsend. It's nice to see you. May I introduce you to Mollie and Nate Caudell?"  Chester tips his hat to Mollie and shakes hands with Nate. "It's good to meet you both. I'm Chester Martin and this is Clarisse Townsend."   Clarisse greets the pair, "Mr. and Mrs. Caudell. I'm pleased to meet you. What brings you to Promise City?"Nate says, "A change of scenery. After a lifetime in North Carolina we decided to start fresh. My best friend Henry Pleasants was taking a job here and he convinced us to join him. And Mollie is anxious to be in a place where women are treated like people in their own right instead of just an extension of their husbands."  Chester says, "Then you came to the right place. Women own several of the businesses here." Mollie notices Chester's badge and asks, "I see that you are a Deputy. I heard that there is a woman Deputy too. I am anxious to meet her."  Kate says, "She's married to the gentleman playing the piano; I can introduce you once he's finished playing and before she starts the poker game. She and I wanted to talk about making sure we ladies keep our voices when who gets to vote is decided. It's very important, don't you agree, Miss Townsend?"  Clarisse replies, "I..um..I'm not sure."  Chester adds, "She's a damn good shot too. Helen can do trick shots like you wouldn't believe."Kate answers, "It wasn't so long ago that I wouldn't have been sure either. But over the last few months as I've had to take care of myself I've learned the value of being heard. I no longer have a husband, but I have two businesses and thought and intelligence in my own right. We can contribute just as much as any man, our voices should have equal weight."An angry look from Helen communicates that they are talking too loud and the table quiets. Stanley does only piano concertos this evening, alternating between the works of Beethoven and Bach. When he concludes he stands and takes a wide bow to the ovations of the twenty-or-so people present. Several of those who came primarily for the concert remain and are served dinner or dessert by Harry and Maria. Others depart. The gamblers arrive at this point. Tony Lucky quickly discovers that the offer of free drinks at the Palace was more of a draw than his poker game, as Jim Belden is the only one of his Saturday night regulars who shows up. Job Kane on the other hand has an overflow crowd, given that Jake Cook is out of town and they usually each fill a table and they share many of the same players. The first five men seated at Job's table are Al Brower, Neil Cassidy, Zack Morand, prospector Ned Walters, and blacksmith Henry Weller. The final seat is saved for Helen Barker, who is presently having a quick bite with her husband. Brickyard owners and workers Travis Calhoun, Jem Calhoun and Jeremiah Peck all show up to play, but only Jem is willing to play at Tony's table, the other two heading over to the bar to talk with Niles Hoover. Once food and drinks are all served Harry Rote takes a seat at the piano bench and begins to play. Clarisse excuses herself from Chester's company and heads to the stage to sing.  Chester kisses her on the cheek. "Knock 'em dead, dear." He asks Kate, "Did Mr. Shaw speak with you about joining his rancher's group?"  Kate replies, "Yes, he did. I need to talk to Nanuet and Sonoma about it. I'm a little worried. They intend to try to put up a slate with the Vigilance Committee with the thought that they could moderate them. I'm not sure I want to be that closely connected to them""Would you all excuse me for a moment, I just want to have a word with someone."  She leaves the table.  Chester says to Kate's mother and brothers, "How are you finding Promise City? Kate's been so eager to have you see where she lives. You must be proud of her."  Kate's brother Phillip interjects "I love it here."  Chester says, "Good to hear. Thought about moving out here?"  Phil looks at his mother and says quickly. "Nope. I have to go to college in the fall, so it's back to Boston for me."   Chester takes a drink, "Oh? What school? I didn't have the chance to go to college. It was the Army for me."  Phil replies, "Harvard. The Army is probably more exciting, but I think I'll stick with college." Chester replies, "You should. A man can get a lot done with a degree. If settlers keep pushing the Indians off the land, then Army life will get a lot more exciting. I hope it doesn't come to that. Indians are fierce fighters and have long memories."   He replies, "I'd have a long memory too if someone tried to take my home away." Mrs. Seagram says "You have a fine town here Marshall Martin and we are all very proud of Katherine."   He replies, "Thanks, ma'am. It's just Deputy, though. Mitchell Berg is the Marshall around here. I'm glad you all made it through the fire in Tombstone alright." He asks Henry, "By the way, how's the arm? I heard you hurt it bad."He says, "It's doing fine. Rather annoying to have to keep wearing this sling. I saw a priest and a doctor and both of them said it'll heal good as new." Henry nods toward Clarisse singing on stage. "Your escort has a lovely voice. She doesn't seem the kind of girl to be singing in a saloon, but I suppose you have to expect the unexpected here."Chester says, "I'll pass the word along. She loves hearing about fans of hers. I'm real lucky to have found her. She moved out here to live with her cousin after her father died. Ruby, who's on vacation now, wanted someone to perform on nights she couldn't. Clarisse still sings at her original place, too. This town is chock full of surprises. Let me pick up the next round.""Thanks Deputy, that's generous of you," Henry accepts.  Mrs. Seagram says in her French accent, "This Ruby, Katherine writes a great deal about her. What is she like? She and Mr. Cook will return before we leave, I hope."  Chester pauses, then says, "She's a spirited one, that Ruby. She loves life and lives it to the fullest. And she's very devoted to Jake. I'm not sure when they're coming back. The repairs to the Tombstone train station might keep them out for a while." Kate stood up walked behind the bar where Niles Hoover was serving drinks. "Mr. Hoover," she began with a smile. "I saw your ad in the paper and I'm so proud of you I could just burst. What is this committee you're on? When did it start?"He smiles and says, "I guess you could say it started the other day after Bill Watkins shot him mouth off about only human landowners getting to vote." Job Kane's game hasn't started yet so he calls Neil Cassidy over to the bar and also gestures to Travis Calhoun. "Gentlemen, Kate here was just asking about our little Committee." Neil smiles and says, "What would you like to know Mrs. Kale."She replies, "Just about everything you're willing to tell me, including how to get on it. Are there others beside those of you whose names appeared today? How do you plan to counter the Vigilance Committee? I've heard and idea here and there, but nothing I felt I could really get behind. I don't want a fuss made about it, it would play into their hands; but a sign was nailed to the schoolroom door today about how I was going to corrupt the innocent children. I assume it was a reference to my admitting children regardless of race. Your stand in the paper brightened my day.""Why thank you," Cassidy says. Calhoun says, "Right now there are just the six of us. Kris Wagner wanted to join too but needed to get permission first from his boss Marshall William, who right now is rather preoccupied as Tombstone's Acting Marshall." Niles says, "We chose like-minded folks who are a good cross-section of the town. Roger Fly is friends with the Vigilance Committee while Rufus Davis's billiard hall caters to a rougher crowd than most. And my influence is with all the saloons since I supply their liquor. Travis points to Neal and adds, "And without the two of us nobody would have anything to build with, or to furnish with afterwards without Mr. Rixton."Kate replies, "You gentlemen are wiser than I. It wouldn't have occurred to me to choose members in that way, but it makes perfect sense. Is there anything I can do to help? I've come to love the freedom I have here, and I'm anxious to protect it for myself and my friends."Neil says, "You're already doing it...opening up your school to all races." Niles says, "Hopefully after Monday's meeting there won't be a continued need for this Committee." Travis says, "We're doing another advertisement in Monday's paper and will add your name to the list if you wish." Neal chuckles and says, "But we might make you pay for it then!" The other two men laugh out loud at that comment.Kate looked at the men, completely missing what was funny about the comment. "Yes, please add my name. I've never hidden my opinion and I don't plan to start now. You might want to consider keeping your committee together and supporting candidates. Competition is a good thing, although I understand you didn't intend to start a political party."  She took the risk of looking like a fool and added, "I would be happy to contribute to the cost of the next advertisement and consider it money well-spent."Niles says, "We were laughing Kate because after Chumbley saw the what the content of our advertisement was he gave us a reduced rate." Neil states, "He normally charges $ 20 for a full-page ad but said he'd only charge us a nickel." Travis adds, "We talked him into increasing it to a full six cents, that way all six of us contributed equally."She smiled indulgently and said, "I should have guessed. Then let me make my contribution by buying you each a drink. And no arguments about it. Do you really think Mr. Fly might make some headway with the Vigilance Committee? I have hope for some of them, but I'm not sure three of the five can be convinced."He says, "Watkins and Eaton are lost causes, but we're hoping for the other three."  Helen leaves Stanley to go play. Job indicates that he is ready to start his game so Neil excuses himself and heads over to the table.  She says, "I should go as well, I'm supposed to be working after all. Mr. Hoover, I'll just stop a minute with my guests and then be here to help. Gentlemen, thank you all again. I'll be by with your drinks in a minute."Kate tied her apron on and got the promised drinks. After that she stopped by the table where her family sat with Chester and the Caudells. "I'll introduce you to Deputy Barker as soon as Mr. Kane calls a break," she said to Mollie Caudell. "She takes her poker and listening to her husband very seriously. It's always best not to interrupt her.  I'm sorry to have run away on you Chester. Your question reminded me of something I wanted to talk to Mr. Hoover about. Did you see the ad in the paper today from the "Committee for Racial Equality?" I wonder if Pedro has seen it. It would brighten his day too."Chester replies, "No problem, I was just talking with your family. I haven't seen the paper today. Me and Nanuet were busy looking into some rustling at the local ranches. We caught them, a bunch of Indians were in the cave with the stolen livestock. Nanuet knows them, too. What's the paper say?""There were stories about the fire of course, but the interesting things were the editorials. One from Mr. Chumbley, one from Mrs. Young, and an add from the gentlemen I was just talking to about the importance of all races having the vote.  The elves weren't Apache, were they? I don't believe Geronimo would sanction anything to risk the treaty."Chester says, "I don't believe so. Nanuet said they were Yavapi. One of them is his cousin, if I remember correctly. Lucky for everyone. The ranchers thought they were Apache and this was planned. Now it looks like it was everyday rustling. Who took out this ad? It's a mighty brave stand. Equality isn't a popular thing."   Kate smiled. "It isn't, but thankfully it's more popular than I thought. It was Travis Calhoun, Neil Cassidy, Rufus Davis, Roger Fly, Niles Hoover, and Cole Rixton."Two hours pass at the Lucky Lady. Tony's game wraps up early given his small number of players. Clarisse had headed over to the Comique for a short set, then came back to the Lucky Lady for another longer set. Job calls for a break at around 9:30 P.M. at which time Stanley head back to the piano and Helen sits back to admire her husband.Kate slipped over to Job and said, "Would you do me a favor? Once Mr. Barker is finished, hold off starting your game for just a moment? I want to introduce Helen to someone, and you know how hard it is to get her attention."  Job says, "Sure, especially if the delay changes the mood at the table. It's been an odd night anyway. Weller and Walters are both usually broke by now but they're having a good night. Al Brower's lost twice what he usually gambles, and I'm down close to $ 100 which almost never happens."Kate replies, "That is strange. Maybe Ruby really is the Lucky Lady after all. There's a lot going on in town right now, I can see where a gambler might become reckless... but how do two who usually have a bad night change their luck so drastically?  Maybe I can get one of my brothers to join in for a while, that might help change the mood too."Stanley plays until 10:00 P.M. Job Kane remains at the bar talking with Niles and Jem Calhoun. Stanley sits back down at a table with Helen and they share two glasses of good wine together.  Kate took her chance and walked Mollie and Nate Caudell over to the table where the Barkers were sitting.  'Deputy, Mr. Barker, I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but my companions were anxious to meet you. Deputy Helen Barker, Stanley Barker, may I introduce Nate and Mollie Caudell?"Mollie tells Helen that she has heard a lot about her and that this town having a woman as an official is part of what prompted them to come to Promise City. Helen welcomes the compliment and asks the Caudells to sit and join them.  Kate smiled and got herself out of the way. She had no doubt the people at that table could get along without her help. Still, she kept her ears open whenever she was nearby to make sure things continued to go well.   She also asked Henry if he might take a seat at Job's table when the game started back up.Job Kane resumes his game at a quarter after ten. Al Brower does not rejoin him, with Jem Calhoun taking his place.  At around 10:30 P.M. a frantic Pierre Jaquet charges into the Lucky Lady, almost knocking over the massive Thom in the process. He rushes inside and yells "Deputy Barker, Deputy Martin, Emergency!"</blockquote>

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