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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3044635" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Seventy-four, “Visitors at the Ranch”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 12:30 P.M. The Caudell and O'Hara families arrive at Kate’s ranch. Meghan has brought her entire family, including her brother-in-law Shamus who Kate had only met briefly a few times. Kate has gotten to know all seven of the O'Hara girls due to the school where the youngest six are enrolled and also Shannon from the other night plus visits to the Kelly's store where Shannon works. But this is the first time Kate has gotten to really meet Meghan's two boys, as her eldest Patrick works at the mine with his Uncle Shamus while the toddler Shamus is too young for school so stays with Mrs. Tolucca during the day. They are soon joined by Roger and Janet Fly who ride out to join the picnic and watch the practice. Roger apologizes for the other Committee members not being able to join them but says that as a result of the Tombstone fire both Neil and Travis are working almost around the clock to get more building supplies made, Cole Rixton is out straight making bunk beds for Count von Zeppelin’s workers, and Rufus Davis is planning his next day's wedding.Kate says, "Oh no, it's perfectly alright. I'm glad to have you and Janet here, and of course it's important to get the people of Tombstone settled as soon as possible." Kate made the rounds greeting everyone, taking a bit of extra time with Meghan's male relations since they'd never met. Finally she said to Meghan, "You wanted a look around if I remember correctly?"  Kate organizes a tour of the ranch while Sonoma discretely moves Wyatt Earp's horse off into Flint's cave.Kate decided to forget about her discomfort with the whole idea of the baseball game and just enjoy having guests. She took those who were interested through the barn and corrals, pointing out the best of the stock and talking about what they had been doing, (leaving out any mentions of magic, of course.)   Her pride in the place was obvious, although in the back of her mind she realized she was also taking the first steps in "selling" the place. People wouldn't know they could get a well trained horse from Kate Kale unless she told them. She made sure it was clear that Sonoma did the lion's share of the work out here, especially as they looked over the cattle. "This is what I came here to do," she said finally. "Although I find teaching quite to my liking as well."Following the tour they spend the next hour practicing baseball, with Shamus O'Hara and Nate Caudell acting the part as coaches. Kate is taught how to play the role of catcher. Mollie proves to be an excellent pitcher. Melvin, Colleen and Kathleen work out a comfortable arrangement working the three bases, although Nate suggests that for the Tuesday afternoon game that Melvin play center field instead as he could cover most of the outfield and the right and left fielders would only have to throw balls to Melvin to pitch in instead of having to throw them to the infield themselves. Ginnie has as little to do as possible with the practice although with the parts she participates with she does quite well. The adults and Ginnie finish practicing while Colleen, Kathleen and Melvin continue to teach the three youngest O'Hara girls the finer points of the game.   Kate turned to Mollie and said, "Why don't we go into the house and get the lunch together? Everyone must be hungry now that they've gotten all that exercise."  The meal is quickly reheated, having already been fully cooked by Dorita. They are joined by Sonoma and Flint for the meal. Janet Fly says a blessing to the Greek and Roman Gods.  Kate sat quietly through Mrs. Fly's blessing, quite practiced at looking pious while not participating. Flint points out that the Norse, Native American and Central American deities also bless the land and are worshiped by the respective owners of the property. "You are quite right," Roger Fly states, "Sonoma, Flint, we would be honored to hear your blessings as well."  "Please," Kate said encouragingly. "Our ranch is blessed by many gods, they should all be honored."Prayers are stated to the other deities. Everybody enjoys the food and the meal conversation is kept light. Near the end of the meal Janet Fly asks Kate, "So, are any of these horses for sale? And do you give riding lessons?"   Kate replies, "The horses are for sale, except for a few that are our personal mounts and some that are work horses. I've improved the training on many and there are a few that had received no training before at all. I have not given lessons, but I'd be more than happy to give lessons if anyone wanted to learn. I ride astride but I could teach a lady to ride side-saddle. I have to say that I agree with my husband about that, however. It's just unsafe, no matter how skilled you are."  Janet replies, "It is just so peaceful out here, I wouldn't mind spending every Saturday out at this ranch. And some of your animals are beautiful. When I was a girl my Grandmother had horses, although I was too young and never got to ride any of them. But I would feed them carrots and sugar cubes. Roger always rents a buggy from drovers to go places, like today, but I would really rather be riding my own horse." Roger Fly adds, "And spending at least a day away from my brother and sister-in-law wouldn't hurt either I suppose." Janet blushes and says, "Oh Roger, your family are fine. I don't mind having them under our roof, it's the least we can do for them after they lost everything in Tombstone. And Buck is better than you with the photography." Roger looks like he is about to say something else but decides to refrain.Kate let the bit of marital byplay pass. "Sometimes you need a quiet place to go. I imagine running a boarding house doesn't leave you much time for peace. I wish I could spend more time here rather than in town, but that isn't to be for some time. If you wish to learn to ride I'll be glad to teach you. I plan to be here most Saturdays and Sundays.”  Janet replies, "Sunday is the day to worship the Gods but I would love to spend my Saturday's out here with you." Kate says, “I suggest investing in a pair of pants. If that idea makes you too uncomfortable talk to Mary Kelly about a split skirt. Much of the control you have over a horse comes from your knees, so it's better if you have one on each side of the horse."  Janet answers, "I will see Mrs. Kelly about that this afternoon. Would it be possible to change clothes out here? I wouldn't want any members of my sewing circle seeing me wearing pants, it's so unladylike."   Kate brushed a crumb off the pants she was wearing. Small steps are better than no steps at all. "That's no trouble at all. I'd bring some stout boots too if you have them."She replies, "I should be able to get a pair from Frye's." She turns to her husband and says, "Oh Roger, this is so exciting! I'm going to be a rider! Let's go pick out a horse!" He replies, "I would suggest that you hold off on that for a few weeks. Try riding several of them first to see which one best suits you."Kate says, "Not many have that opportunity; you might as well take advantage of it. They have personalities of their own and finding one that suits you will make learning much easier. You could go take a look at them though and get used to being around them."  Janet and Roger Fly got up and went back over to the horse corral, she pointed excitedly at different animals and they ignoring her in favor of grazing. Kate let out a long breath and sat next to Mollie Caudell. "I hope you don't mind my unladylike pants," she laughed softly. "Of course, I never did argue they weren't unladylike, just convenient. How are you doing today?"Mollie says "Well, my pitching arm is a little sore, I was out of practice. It's nice to be throwing a baseball around again. Back in the war we would play the game in our off-time, that's where I first learned how. After our boys were born we continued, it's a fun game for a family. When the Nash County League got going Nate fielded a team with him and the boys from the school. We were playing a game at the far end of the county when the pitcher got hit on the head in the first inning. They had just enough players to play so were now a man short and risked having to forfeit. Nate suggested to the other team that I be allowed as the substitute. They found that funny and agreed to let the middle-aged housewife play. I threw a shut-out, not one man made it to base. The rest of the team wouldn't let me quit afterwards so I pitched for the rest of that season and the following three."Kate states, "I've never been much for sporting and I'm sure it shows. But that must have been fun to be part of a team and break all those taboos. Seems you've spent your life doing what was right for you instead of what society wanted. I admire that. Would you go for a short walk with me? I... well, I need a little advice and I think you're just the person to ask."   Mollie replies, "Sure, the others seem to be doing alright with out us. Lead on."Kate led the other woman away toward the open grassland behind the house. She was quiet for a few minutes trying to decide how to broach the subject. Finally she decided the direct approach was best with Mollie.  "I have a question about, well.... I'm pregnant. And I really don't know much about being pregnant. I'm starting to have some very odd feelings and I don't know if it's just me or the baby."Mollie stares at Kate, surprised by the news. She then blinks and says, "Okay, I've been pregnant twice. Nate Junior was an easy birth, Melvin...not so much." She then spends the next ten minutes telling Kate about the various symptoms of pregnancy and how to deal with each. She doesn't ask Kate any other questions about it."So this..." Kate blushed hard and looked down. "Ah, increased desire is normal? I suppose there isn't anything I can do about that except live with it.  Thank you. I'll tell Meghan before it becomes obvious, until then only a few of my friends know. You both deserved to know before it becomes common knowledge."   Mollie nods and says, "And we should probably pull you out of the game Tuesday after the first inning. We'll try out some of the other students on Monday to see if they're any good at baseball."  Kate replies, "I feel fine physically. Not tired or sick at all, I can play. Unless of course we find someone who'd be a better player. In that case I'd be all for letting someone take over for me." Nakomo and Minerva had galloped out of town and find themselves, unknown to Nakomo, heading for Kate's ranch. They arrive mid afternoon and find the ranch bustling with activity. "It seems that Senora Kale and Senorita Sonoma have company. Come with me. I will show you around. Luna, see if you can locate Senora Kale for us so that we may speak to her about enrolling Nakomo in school." Luna flies off on her mission and Minerva dismounts. Nakomo sits astride his horse eyeing his guardian suspiciously but says nothing.  "Come on, I would like to see the horses." she strides off without waiting for a response. Nakomo dismounts and follows her, muttering something under his breath about it not being Monday yet.  "Howdy Priestess," the dwarf Flint exclaims, "Come to join the picnic? You're a little late but there's probably still some food, Dorita made lots of it.""Senor Flint! how have you been? I have not seen you in quite some time. Picnic? I would not want to intrude. I was just looking for Senora Kale."  As they make their way back they see Minerva and Nakomo ride up. Mollie says to Kate "Now there's a healthy looking boy who is probably good at athletics. Why don't you talk to the Priestess about having him come to class, at least for a couple of days so that we can use him in the game."Kate says, "I'd rather get him into school permanently. I wouldn't feel right about putting someone into the game that isn't really part of the school." As they got closer to the newest guests Kate said, "Good afternoon. What brings you out?"    “Buenas Dias, Senora Kate, Senora Mollie. She greets them cheerfully. "It was such a lovely day for a ride and the gods have somehow fashioned the winds to blow us onto your doorstep." Minerva chuckles. Nakomo smiles timidly and nods in greeting. "We do not want to intrude upon your company by staying overly long, but while we were here Nakomo would like to speak with you." She says nudging the boy forward. Nakomo looks back at her with the mild look of resentment often found on a teenagers face when he is being forced to do the right thing.  He faces Katherine, squaring his shoulders, he stands proudly, looking an awful lot like his cousin Nanuet as he announces in a clear voice "I would like to enroll in your school. I don't have much money but I will find a job soon. I am a hard worker and could pay you in work until then.""You need not worry about paying at all. The school is free and open to anyone who wishes to learn. Just be there Monday morning at 8:00 and we'll get you all settled in. There's no need for either of you to hurry away. Our school was challenged to a baseball game by the school set up by the Vigilance Committee so we were just having a bit of practice. The kids here will be your classmates if you'd like to go meet then, Nakomo.""You need not worry about paying at all. The school is free and open to anyone who wishes to learn. Just be there Monday morning at 8:00 and we'll get you all settled in.  There's no need for either of you to hurry away. Our school was challenged to a baseball game by the school set up by the Vigilance Committee so we were just having a bit of practice. The kids here will be your classmates if you'd like to go meet then, Nakomo."Kate smiled and shook her head no just as firmly. "Debts can be paid off by more than just money or work, Nakomo. I get my payment in helping the students learn to 'make their own way,' as you say. If it's a job you want I'm sure Sonoma could use another hand with the stock around here, but you would be paid just as any other person we might hire.  We could certainly use another experienced player on our team for Tuesday's game. It sounds like you came to us at just the right time."He says, "I love to play ball. My father and I used to play all the time." before my mother died and he sent me to the Yavapai" . "Ummm, I think I'll go and join the practice." He says and trots away to join them.  "It seems your young charge will be here at the ranch for a while. There's plenty left in Dorita's basket if you're hungry," Kate offered. "I could eat a bit more myself.  It sounds as if you believe Nakomo will be here in Promise City for some time?"Minerva watches Nakomo trot away. "Gracias Katherine, It will do him good to get involved with children his own age. He may be a difficult one to get to open up, though. He has been sorely mistreated, But I am sure if anyone can do it is you. He is a very special young man. "   Kate states, "I'll let him get settled for a week or two before trying anything too much with him. He needs to become comfortable first. How old is he, really? Obviously he's an adolescent, but he seems younger and older at the same time."The Priestess replies, "Si, I know what you mean. Sometimes he behaves as though I were the child and he the adult... " but I suppose when you have had to fend for yourself as he has done, that it is necessary to behave older in order to just survive. " she says sadly. "How old is he? I am not sure, but I believe him to be about 14 or 15 in human years. As I said he is a remarkable young man. I am sure that you will immensely enjoy having him in your classroom." She looks over to see Nakomo happily engaged in the game. "Did you say that Dorita had some of her wonderful food left? I think that perhaps I am hungry after all." she laughs. "I am glad that we came today, Katherine. I think that Nakomo is too!""You know Dorita, she always gives you far more food than you need. Quite a few people seem to be glad they came out today," Kate said, gesturing toward where the Flys were walking back from the corral. "A community seems to be building around the school. I hadn't expected that, but it's welcome.""The spirit hungers for knowledge and purpose. Education provides the knowledge. It is what puts us on a higher plane of existence than the animals, and a sense of Community provides order and purpose for many, allowing them a safe haven to test their moral strength against the darker forces of the universe. I think you will find that you have an abundance of support for your cause.. and many opinions about how you should carry out your mission as well." She smiles ruefully. "Especially since there is opposition to it. People have a need to stand up for what is right, and the Hoover Memorial School is right. You certainly have my support. All you need do is ask and I shall do whatever I can to assist you. I will attempt to give it freely, without adding my opinion to the great many you will receive but," she shrugs her shoulders and laughs, "as you know, withholding my opinion is quite contrary to my nature." They reach the table of food and Minerva begins piling food on her plate."Thank goodness there are many who want to help, it makes things much easier. But I must say I hate about the idea of this baseball game." Kate shook her head. "It is not a friendly game. There was no way to refuse without them accusing us of being cowards or poor sports. If we lose, they will say it's because humans are superior. If we win they'll be even further agitated and probably accuse us of cheating somehow. I'm trying to just think of it as something fun for the children, but.... Considering Ashley King proposed it after Doctor Eaton and Mr. Shackelton were trying to figure out "what to do" about us..." Kate shrugged. "There's another one who confuses me. I can't figure what side Ashley King is on."  Minerva replies, "It is unfortunate that the children are being drawn into the 'political games', but they need not be made aware of their role in it. They are sweet innocents and will enjoy playing regardless of the outcome." She raises her hand as though shooing away a bothersome insect. "There will always be poor sports in the world Katherine, I have little tolerance for such behavior and find it the product of weak moral fiber. I am confident that you will teach the children to be graceful, whether they win or lose. As for Ashley King, he does not strike me as a bad man, though I do not know his agenda in all of this. I would not discount him as an ally as yet. He made it clear to me upon our fist meeting that he was not his mother. That can only be a good thing. I would not worry about the game. You should just enjoy it and not fret about the outcome.  There are some things we have not control over. Those things are best left in the gods' hands, and they do love a good game! Of course that does not mean that we should not try and influence the outcome," she grins. "Come let us join in the practice."  Kate answers, "I've had my practice for the day, but I could eat a little more and cheer them on. Ashley King warned me that his mother and her friends were up to something before the sign appeared on the schoolhouse door. Conrad heard that I'd had a drink with the man and he.... let's say he was very concerned. I've not seen him like that before.   I think I will just keep that man at a distance until I have a better chance to form my own opinion."Minerva answers, "Perhaps I should make a point of getting to know him better, so that I may have a clearer opinion also. I believe that I owe him a bottle of wine."  Kate answers, "Take care doing that. It's no secret he fancies you and you wouldn't want to give him encouragement where none is meant. Paying back a debt is a good excuse to talk to him again, though."  "Sweet on me? I had not really taken notice. He knows that I belong to Nanuet," she shrugs it off. The Priestess says, "I shall see what I can find out later, but for now I think I will play ball with my new charge." She runs onto the playing field and practices with the youngsters.  Mollie had gone back over to the others, and once Miss Florencia had gone to the field Kate went over to the Flys and talked horses a bit more. Then she spent some time with Meghan and her family, getting the chance to know them better. Especially Patrick, as he was always busy with work they rarely crossed paths. After a long and laughter filled practice of baseball, Minerva and Nakomo ride home. This is the first time that Minerva sees her young charge so relaxed and happy. He almost seems like the young teen that he is as he smiles and sings a Yavapai song.   Minerva smiles as he sings enjoying the moment while attempting to push away thoughts of the future. "What if Nanuet should send the boy back to the Yavapai. He was treated so poorly there. I will not see him turn back into the skittish rabbit that he was when first he arrived."As the afternoon wore on the visitors headed back to town. The Flys went first, followed by the O’Hara’s and lastly the Caudells. Kate chipped in with the chores again, doing as much work as she could trying to make up for the fact that she was not here to help as much as she would like. When Sonoma made her rest she walked down to the tree along the creek where Tom rested. She sat silently against the tree for a time then slowly began to talk. Every night she took at least five minutes to tell Tom about her day, but now she took at least a half-hour telling him more. About how her body was changing and how his son was already affecting her. About her fears and hopes and the school. She laughed, thinking how if someone were watching her now they would think she was crazy, talking to herself.She then hears a voice behind her which she recognizes as the voice of Wyatt Earp. He comments, "Mr. Kale was a good man. I didn't know him well, but from what I hear he was devoted to you Mrs. Kale. I'm sure that he would appreciate all that you've done in his memory."  Kate didn't turn around to look behind. "The rest of my life will be lived in his memory. His death didn't make him any less a part of me or part of my life. I wouldn't know what people around Tombstone said about him, they were all too afraid to tell me anything. Those who did talk had their own motivations. How long have you been here?"Earp replies, "Just a few minutes. I came for my horse but do not see it in the corral. Mrs. Kale, words alone cannot make up for what Morgan did, actually nothing can. If it is any conciliation to you, I didn't know, neither did my brothers James and Warren. It was only after Morgan was killed that Virgil shared that information with us."  Kate answers, "We had guests. Sonoma hid your horse in one of the caves. It's been seen by lawmen; we couldn't take the chance that someone would see it and connect us to you." Kate was silent for a long moment. "Consolation doesn't change anything. You see now why I hid Colby Tucker from you. Virgil never wanted him in connection to the Cowboy Gang; and if you knew him at all you'd have realized that. Mr. Tucker wasn't meant for a western life. He's better off where he is. At least I know you didn't set out intentionally to harm me.  Virgil came to Tom's funeral, did you know that? When we moved him here I wondered what he was thinking as Tom's coffin sank into the ground. My consolation is finally knowing the truth, and Morgan's apology. I didn't know when he offered it, but once I knew..... I could have forgiven him if you had only let me talk to him. Then maybe he could have forgiven himself.  If you didn't know, why did you ask me why I came to Promise City the night the dynamite shed exploded?"Wyatt replies, "It seemed like a odd place for you to come to. You had no family here and at the time I thought you had no real prospects for employment or the temperament for the type of life this town has to offer. Obviously I was wrong on that account, you've done very well for yourself in the last five months. Thank you for hiding the horse, I don't want to cause you and your co-owners any problems. And as for Virgil, he is a broken man both mentally and physically. Every day he lives with that memory he will suffer."She says, "I'm sorry. As angry as I am, and I am angry, I have never wished harm to any of you. I hope he finds his own strength again. Jake laughed when I said once that if you reach out to help others, they'll help you. But my life here is the proof of it. You probably weren't wrong thinking this wasn't a place for me, but I'm adaptable. I wouldn't trade my freedom here for society life."Earp answers, "Yes Ma'am, and the freedom you found was to put aside the bottle, most people don't get that type of will power. It was no secret that back in Tombstone you were drinking yourself to death. After you found a job here at a saloon I expected more of the same. I clearly underestimated you.”   Kate says, "I'm surprised anyone was paying enough attention to realize what I was doing. I came here to try to start over, and that meant not drinking. Still, I found other ways to hurt myself." He says, “I'll leave and not return here if that is what you wish, but before you agree to that you should know that Nick Thayer's men have been watching your ranch. They were out her on Thursday morning and from the tracks I've just found have been back here at least one more time since then. They've also been scouting out the ranch seven miles southwest owned by Ned Phillips. I'm not sure exactly what they are up to yet, but am willing to stick around and find out if that is your preference."Kate almost told him to leave, but stopped even as she drew the breath. She needed protection and she was experienced enough now to know that she couldn't provide it herself. "I would appreciate your help. I don't understand what could be of interest here, or who. I want us all to be safe. If you can help that happen, I'd be grateful. You already know how to be discreet, so I don't need to say anything else."He replies "Very well then. If you could let me know which cave my horse is in I will be on my way."  Kate described which cave the horse was in and listened for his footsteps fading away. Her eyes fell on the gravestone and she said, "Oh love, what am I doing?"</blockquote>

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