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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3076962" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Eighty-three, “The Wedding Reception”, Sunday June 4th , 1882, 7:30 P.M. Kate began making the rounds, stopping to talk to Meghan O'Hara for a time about her girls driving the racing carriage. She stopped by the Caudell's as well, then made her way through the crowd to speak to students and parents.  After a while she began to look for Mr. Shaw, thinking now was as good a time as any to tell him her worries.   Kate spots Emery Shaw and his daughter Ellen over near the side wall of the El Parador where they are chatting with Enrico and Manuel Escobar while the four of them share a plate of fried chicken.  Kate made her way through the crowd looking anything but a rancher in her eastern dress with the pristine white parasol held above her head. She smiled and greeted both Escobar men, then Miss Shaw and finally Emery. "I'm sorry to talk business on such a lovely day, but I'm a little worried after the rustling on Ned Phillips ranch. I'd heard rumors Thayer's men had been watching his ranch, and someone saw them watching ours as well. We're going to hire on hands as soon as possible, but I wondered if you might have any other ideas? Or if any of you might know where we can get some trustworthy people?"The men exchange glances. Shaw says "I planned to hold a meeting of the Cattleman's Association tomorrow evening, this confirms it. I'll have some of my men head out to your ranch now if you'd like." "I'll go to," Enrico says. His father says, "But Rico, you'll miss the celebration. You and Anita were very close." The younger wood elf replies, "Too close, I'd honestly rather go. This gives me a good excuse."Kate suddenly wondered if the marriage they were celebrating today was another match made by Aphrodite, but quickly put the thought aside.   "I'd appreciate any help, thank you both. Mr. Shaw, I wouldn't want your men to miss the celebration but if there are any willing to go I'll be glad of it.  We still need to brand the animals, so if they were taken there would be no way to claim them as ours. We really do need to name the place and get a brand made. Is there more going on than I've heard about, or were you going to call the meeting because of the thefts from Mr. Phillips?"He says, "That's the main reason. Ned Phillips has reconsidered his decision to not join our group. And I should have an answer by tomorrow regarding our recommendations to the Vigilance Committee."  Kate replies, "I'm wondering if what's been happening, the deaths and now the theft.... if it's political rather than the usual cattle rustling. If it is the waters could get very murky."Shaw says, "You're over-thinking things. Horses and cattle were taken from the Phillips ranch. That had nothing to do with politics, he wasn't even planning to be part of this town. The only thing that the Crazy-8 Ranch, Phillips Ranch and your ranch have in common is that they are all rather isolated with a small number of ranch hands, which works in the favor of rustlers."Kate says, "You're likely right, it's one of my bad habits. With living in town and opening the school I think I sometimes get things crossed.  The best thing we can do now is get people out there to keep rustles away."   Enrico says, "I'll leave now. There are a few more of Anita's old boyfriends around who may want to join me. We'll be off soon." After he heads off his father says out loud to nobody in particular, "Ah, to be young again. Once he has lived as long as me he will not view people so harshly." He turns to Kate and says, "I will speak to Mr. Morand. We can go out to your ranch tomorrow for the branding. Discuss with your partner Sonoma what type of mark you would like to use for now."Kate says, "I'll talk with her. Thank you so much. I feel all of you are doing so much for us and I have nothing to offer in return. Unless of course you need a well trained horse."  Shaw says, "Seems to me you've already played a big hand in helping to drive the rustlers out of the valley. And you'll continue to repay over time, that's what mutual support is all about.""I suppose I have at that. I always have had trouble minding my own business," she said lightly. "I'll let you gentlemen get back to enjoying yourselves. Seven o'clock tomorrow night?"  Once Kate got the confirmation of the time she moved back out into the crowd, just wandering as it pleased her. She kept an eye out for Sonoma so she could let her know what was happening. She also watched for other friends she hadn't gotten to speak with yet.Sandra Wainwright approaches Kate. "Hello, I'm so glad you were able to attend. Didn't Anita look lovely? And I've never seen Rufus wear a necktie before!"  Kate leaned over impulsively and hugged Sandra. "Anita was beautiful; she looked so happy. What need would Rufus have of a necktie an any other day?" she laughed. "Your music was just lovely, what a pleasure it must have been to play with so many others."Sandra answers, "I never would have thought it possible. Just a few weeks ago I was afraid of singing in public! And now I'm the musical director for the upcoming play!"  "They couldn't have picked a finer director. I'm so excited to attend, and I know Mr. Booth is very eager to get started. There was a meeting today with the actors; were you there for that?"Sandra says, "Yes I was, it was a good session. Miss. Marcus appeared to be rather distracted so Conrad took charge and helped to explain what the responsibilities are. He says that we have quite a bit to do if we plan to perform on stage in just another twelve days."  Kate says, "Twelve days is a very tight schedule, but I imagine Miss Marcus can only stay for so long. I wanted to help but I have so much going on.... Still if there are any little things I can do to help just let me know and I'll be there.”She adds, “Conrad grew up in the theater, so he knows what he's doing. Do you have complete discretion with the music? What kinds will you use?"   Sandra says, "A mixture. Classical pieces as background for most of the dramatic moments, a few light contemporary pieces for the few comic interludes and traditional saloon songs for the intermission."   "It sounds wonderful, you're going to do beautifully. And how are you, outside the play? I haven't seen much of you lately. I keep meaning to stop by but I've overscheduled myself."Sandra says, "Well, you have been keeping yourself very busy as of late so I'm not surprised." She spends the next ten minutes bringing Kate up to date on what has been going in in the lives of her and her husband Donald, mostly talk of his cousin Margaret and her boorish husband coming soon for a visit. As the dessert tables starts to grow thin Rufus Davis stands up upon a mostly empty table and gets everybody's attention. He exclaims:  "It is time for the dancing to begin. The owners of four Promise City Saloons have graciously offered their establishments for this evening and you are all welcome to go to any or all of them. Music and food will be provided for free but you will have to buy your own drinks. Those of you who enjoy Mexican dances and Spanish music should find your way over to the El Parador where their band will be playing until midnight. Those of you who prefer country and barn dancing should make your way over to the Comqiue where Warren Watson and the Wainwrights will be providing entertainment. Fans of the waltz and other traditional ballroom dances should head over towards the Lucky Lady where Stanley Barker and Harry Rote will be playing piano accompanied by the singing talents of Clarisse Townsend and Josephine Marcus. And if you want a mix of all three styles of music you should make your way over to the Rio Grande, which is where the wedding party will be at." As an after though he then adds, "Oh, and it would be helpful if each of you could grab a plate or bowl of something from the tables here and bring it to whichever saloon you prefer. Just put the food along the tables set up near the doors. Thank you." Upon hearing that Ginnie wastes no time in picking up a plate full of cookies.  Kate laughed as Ginnie snatched up the cookies. Despite the fact that she probably ate too many of them, it was a hint that Ginnie hadn't put childhood entirely behind her. She squeezed Sandra's arm. "You'll be at the Comique. I'm not sure we'll spend much time there tonight, I don't know anything about country or barn dancing. Still, I'll make sure we at least stop in to hear you. It's good to talk to you again. I'm going to have to make time to do it more often. Now, I think I need to find my escort," she finished and scanned the crowd.Kate soon locates Conrad. He says, "I would normally take your arm but we have all been asked to carry plates of food. Why don't you get the almost full cherry cobbler and I will get that plate of roast chicken?"   "Are you sure you trust me with it?" she teased, even as she picked up the pan of sweets. "So to the Lucky Lady first?""Yes, that's the plan," he states. They pick up the food and make their way the two blocks to the Lucky Lady. When they arrive they see that the main floor has a whole new layout. All of the smaller tables are gone, most likely to rooms upstairs, and the larger tables are all lined up on the south wall on either side of the door and covered with tablecloths for the food to be set on. The entire west wall is lined up with chairs all facing the center of the room and another similar line of chairs is in front of the stage on the east wall. The entire center of the room is open for dancing. Stanley Barker is already seated at the piano and playing a Mozart piece while his wife Helen sits beside him. Maria Fuente and Thom are busy ushering food brought in to the kitchen to heat up again in the oven. Harry Rote and Alison Caine are both standing behind the bar and filling drink orders.Kate began to hum along with the music, unconscious of the fact that she was doing so. She managed to keep her mind focused long enough for them to turn over the plates of food to Maria to be heated. "It looks like there's plenty of room," Kate said. "In a little while I'll ask Stanley if he'd like me to play so he and Helen can dance. Perhaps you'll sing for us. For now, shall we dance?"  Conrad says, "See, I was afraid that coming her would have you switch into work mode. I don't mind you playing for the Barkers through, they deserve it. Although from what Rufus Davis said earlier Mr. Rote will be alternating at the piano so I'm sure they will get other opportunities to dance as well." Making music isn't work," Kate said as they stepped onto the floor. "It's pleasure. And more so when I can make music with you. Now, if I should tie on an apron and start serving drinks you can worry."  More people arrive, including Carl Berman and his wife Edith, Kevin and Mary Kelly, Shannon O'Hara in the company of a young miner named Rafe Dobbins, and the rather pregnant newspaperwoman Angelica Young in the company of her husband and typesetter Josiah.  "When the Young’s came in Kate said, "Angelica must be having that baby soon. And Shannon has an escort. I just might have to write Phil."Conrad says, "Don't you dare! That might prompt him to return and I'm not sure I can take any more of his enthusiasm." Stanley completes the Mozart piece and then begins a Strauss Waltz. The various couples take to the dance floor. Maria and Thom bring out the heated up food. She then takes his hands and begins to show the large man how to dance."I don't think he'll be coming back for a while, although I wouldn't be surprised to see him here next summer during Harvard's summer break. He's changed a great deal the last few months, I think in a couple more years he'll have calmed down a bit."  They stepped into the waltz effortlessly and Kate smiled over his shoulder toward Thom and Maria. "They must be getting along well enough. I've been distracted since we got back from Thomaswell, I haven't paid much attention to Thom."The dancing continues for the next half hour. Maria returns to the kitchen to cook. Josephine Marcus then arrives and gets on stage to sing a few songs that he and Stanley had rehearsed together. Several people depart as others arrive, including Michael Seawell and his girlfriend Julia Barbeau.   "I should say hello to the Colonel. He made acquaintance with Papa, you know." When the dance ended Kate led Conrad off the floor over to where Mr. Seawell sat with Miss Barbeau. "I hope your operations are going well," she said after the usual greetings. "I haven't seen much of General Pleasants."   Seawell replies, "I should say not, he came here to work and has been doing that nearly non-stop. He's been out at the mines day and night, only took enough time to come to town to register to vote. Good man that Pleasants, just what we needed in an Operations Manager!""And it leaves you time to pursue other interests," she said slyly. "He does seem one to devote himself to work. I hope we'll see him now and then once everything is settled and operational. We could use someone like him in town during the run-up to the elections. His opinion would carry weight."Seawell says, "A number of people fit that description and I'm thankful to say many of them work with me. Another one you should talk to in General von Zeppelin. He's brought sixty of his workers up from Mexico, mostly Germans but also some Mexican wood elves. His goal was to have them all in town as of two hours ago to register to vote. I'm guessing that they will comprise between twenty and twenty-five percent of the electorate, which could be enough to sway this election one way or another.""That's an enormous amount of people," Kate said, surprised. "I might just have to do that, but after tomorrow's Cattleman's meeting. I should have a clearer idea of what's going on after that. Of course if I should happen to meet him before that I'll take my opportunity.  I should let you get back to your evening, Mr. Seawell. I hope we'll see you in the Lady a bit more often, and now that I don't work every night I might be able to stop in and see Miss Barbeau."Michael and Julia both state that would be nice. The music continues and people continue to come and go from the Lucky Lady. Frank Condon arrives in the company of a female wood elf who she has never met before and the two begin dancing. Kate and Conrad were back on the dance floor when Frank Condon came in. "Well, that's nice to see," she said. "Do you know who she is?"  Conrad says, "I believe her name is Leila, I'm not sure of her last name. She's a relative of the Ramirez family, a third or fourth cousin from Mexico. She came to town once before, a little over a year ago."Kate kept any ideas she might have about Mr. Condon and his companion to herself, fully aware that any scenarios were just products of her overactive imagination.  "I'm ready to move on when you are. You know, I don't think I've ever been to the Rio Grande. And I promised Sandra I would stop in and hear her play at the Comique."  Conrad says, "Very well, let me talk to Mr. Barker about playing one more waltz, then we can call it a night at the Lucky Lady.""One more waltz?" Kate asked, but Conrad was already on the way over to the piano. She waited for him to return, chatting pleasantly with Shannon O'Hara who had been on her way out with her escort.  Stanley takes up the keyboards but Kate is surprised that the classical piece to follow is one that she is unfamiliar with, although about half way through she recognizes enough familiarity to realize that the composer was either Tchaikovsky or one of his close contemporaries, this dance being a faster pace than most waltzes that she knows. Conrad takes the lead and brings her out and about the dance floor, clinging her closely and spinning her around at the end of the song. At the conclusion of the dance he says, "That was from Tchaikovsky's opera Eugene Onegin""It was lovely," Kate said a little breathlessly. "I've never heard it before; did you request it specifically? Is there something special about it, beside the obvious?"  Conrad replies, "There is no special significance other than that there is a different piece of music from the same Opera that I thought would work for the play, so I had Sandra order it. She had to get the entire opera so for the pieces that we're not going to use in the play I gave the music to Stanley and he's been practicing them. I haven't danced to that in years, that was fun.""Some other lucky woman got to dance with you that time," she smiled. "But tonight you're mine. Come, let's head to the Rio Grande. I want to go to the El Parador last.   I'm going to have to get involved in this play somehow, I keep feeling I'm missing out," she said as they started on the way.   Conrad says, "Well, if Ruby doesn't come back the part of Juliet would be open."   She replies, "I would have thought Miss Marcus would step in if Ruby doesn't come back in time."   He states, "I'm sure that she would, but I'm playing Romeo and you'll always be my Juliet." The Rio Grand Hotel and Cafe is one place that Kate has not been to in town yet, despite it's close proximity to the Lucky Lady as both are at the intersection of Main and Allen Streets. Before heading diagonally across from the northeast corner to the southwest corner Conrad stops on the Lucky Lady porch and stops to tie his shoe. Kate notes that he is actually only pretending to do this, as he actually adjusts a small knife hidden in a sheathe inside his sock. He removes a Derringer from his other sock and slips it up his left sleeve.Kate waited while Conrad made his adjustments and once he had again taken her arm she whispered, "Is it a such a rough place? If you're not comfortable we could just step over to the Comique."    He answers, "Just being careful my dear. The entire wedding party is over at the Rio Grande, including the Rio Grande's owner Peter Lovelace and his fiancé Trish Creighton. They are planning to marry in another month, but she is also having an affair with the bride's brother Jose Ramirez. And he was also in the wedding party and would be over there right now too. I don't think that Lovelace is at all aware of the secret romance but I'd still say there is enough potential for trouble here that I won't walk into that saloon with you unprepared."Kate stood there for a moment with her mouth hanging open, then quickly shut it. "Jose is a nice man, I wish he would stop acting so much like Juan Gomez. Poor Mr. Lovelace. Somehow I doubt marriage will stop the lady from keeping time with Jose. Hopefully he has the sense to keep his hands to himself at his sister's wedding.  I want you to enjoy yourself, not worry all night about my safety. Let's not stay long here. Once we get to the El Parador we know we'll have nothing to worry about. It is very sweet of you, though."They arrive at the southwest corner of the intersection at the Rio Grande Hotel and Café. It is a 25-by-30 foot single story brick building. It is comprised of the 25-by-20 foot main room and three small 8-by-10 foot rooms in the back that they originally rented out (thus the 'Hotel' name on the sign) but now the rooms are each used by the employees, Peter Lovelace, his fiancé Trish, and her father Jonah. The Rio Grande usually only offers food and drink with no gambling, entertainment, hotel rooms or prostitutes, but on this occasion five members of the wedding band are present providing dance music for all assembled.Once inside, Kate led Conrad over to where the happy couple sat together. She waited for a moment until another guest left then said, "Congratulations. It was such a lovely ceremony. I hope you'll be blessed with good luck and happiness."   Rufus Davis says, "Why thank you Katherine, I am so glad that you were able to attend." He turns to his bride and says, "This is the school teacher who I'm helping sponsor along with Neil and the guys." Anita says, "Yes, I know. She lived at the El Parador for quite some time, my brothers know her well." She says, "I am so glad that you started up that school. It will be several years until we need such a place but it is good to know that half-Elvan children will be welcome there and that children of this town are being taught to be accepting of all races."Kate replies, "This town needed a school desperately, but if it wasn't for the committee it would be a much less grand undertaking. When the Vigilance Committee set up a free school I thought I was finished, and I must say I far prefer not having to charge tuition. I hope the school will be there to see many generations of children pass through its doors.   We all have so much to offer each other, it breaks my heart to see children taught that people who are different from them are inferior. I am infinitely wiser for the time I spent at the El Parador."Anita says, "Yes, I lived there for a while myself. Rufus's Committee and your school have helped to set the stage for a bright future for this town." Davis laughs and says, "You give us too much credit. We helped to stir the pot, but it was Manny's actions Wednesday morning that have set the stage. If he can get through to Frank Condon then anything is possible."   "Mr. Escobar was extraordinary," Kate said admiringly. "We just saw Frank Condon coming into the Lucky Lady with a very lovely wood elvan lady. If it's not too nosy of me to ask, what happened to the man that turned him away from his elvan friends?"Anita says, "It was a woman who hardened Frank Condon's heart. She was a southern belle who believed in human superiority. He didn't, but he wanted her. She's the one who introduced him to the Watson and King families. But she is gone and Manny has brought him back." Rufus adds, "Of course, all of the people closing their bank accounts the day before he made that decision probably played a factor too."  Kate replies, "I imagine it did. But I can also imagine that after the lady left he was afraid the Elven friends he'd abandoned wouldn't welcome him back. Mr. Escobar's words would have relieved that fear, but Mr. Condon must have been very lonely.  It only goes to show, you should never compromise who you are to please someone else. A lesson learned the hard way.  I hope we'll see both of you Tuesday afternoon for the baseball game. We seem to have quite a few talented players and I think we stand a good chance of winning."Rufus says, "Count on several of us Committee members being there." The twins Carlos and Jose Ramirez come over and thank Conrad and Kate for attending both the wedding and reception. They indicate that the party will probably break up at the Rio Grande between nine and ten, at which point they will head back to the El Parador where the festivities will continue for several hours more.  Kate assured the brothers that they would be ending their evening at the El Parador as well. "Dorita gives the best parties," Kate added with a smile. After a short chat with the twins Conrad and Kate moved onto dancing. "Let's just stay for a dance or two and then move on," she suggested. "I'm anxious to get back to the El Parador and we still have the Comique to visit."    Conrad and Kate spend another twenty minutes at the Rio Grande and then head over to the Comique Variety Hall and Saloon.</blockquote>

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