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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4003016" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-sixty, “Catching Up” , Wednesday, June 21st, 9:00 A.M. "I've been a little short on sleep myself," Kate said to Ruby in a whisper. "We can talk about that later too." Ruby's eyes nearly pop out of her head. "What?" she says in a loud voice before whispering back, "What?" She shakes her head and smiles. "We have much more to talk about than we can talk about in a day.” They reach downtown and Gonzales says, "The stores will be opening now. Park the wagon. Kate can go purchase something for you to wear my Golden Eagle while you and I go make a telephone call." Ruby nods. "Very well. Although we can go back to George's house, we'd probably be more comfortable there. He won't mind. And his staff is very discreet and trust worthy." "It's a good idea to make the call anyway, Ruby. Just so they don't worry no matter what we decide to do." Kate took a critical look at Ruby, hoping she would be able to get things to fit. The wagon rolled to a stop and the reins were tied to a post. "I won't be gone long. I'll meet you back here." "Good luck!" Ruby calls to Kate before she disappears. "Get something for yourself too in case you stay!" Kate hugged Ruby one more time then hurried town the street toward the shops, looking in windows until she found one that seemed to have a good selection of ladies clothing. Gonzales says, "Ruby, you may trust him but I don't. Let's have some time to talk among the three of us before we bring others into the conversation. Now, come with me while we find somebody who will let me use their phone for a private conversation." She turns back to the old man. "You'll trust him soon enough teacher," she smiles. She takes him by the hand and lets him lead the way to a phone. Kate didn't hurry with the shopping. The others would take longer than she in finding a telephone. They devices weren't that common, and then there would be the conversation once they found one. She wandered through the store, looking at this and that. For Ruby she picked out a simple skirt and blouse, not exactly her friend's style, but size wouldn't matter so much. The kind of dress Ruby liked would have to be tailored to fit at all. The only thing she picked up for herself was a nightgown. It was very unlikely they would stay here, and there was no reason she couldn't wear the same dress home tomorrow. After she'd paid, Kate went back out and headed toward the wagon. As long as she could see it she didn't hurry, peeking in shop windows while she waited for them to return. Ruby and Gonzales find a large hardware store with a telephone line running into the building. Gonzales enters and not seeing a phone in the main room explains in broken English that he is working for a local groundskeeper but due to the language barrier needs to check on what he was supposed to pick up at that store so needs to make a local telephone call . The proprietor directs him to the back room where the phone is located. The man isn't completely trusting and insists on talking to the operator for the connection. Gonzales tells him the name and address of the household. As the hardware store owner is very much aware of who George Eastman is the call is made quickly. Gonzales asks for a few minutes alone and the man exits. Once the call goes through he hands the phone to Ruby. She hears William's voice on the other end ask who it is. She says, “It's Ruby West, William. Is George awake yet?" William says, "Yes. He was surprised to see you had brought him flowers. Where are you? Al said you wanted to send a telegram but you should have woken me, I would have given you a ride to the Western Union office. Do you need me to come pick you up?" Ruby says, "Oh, I didn't want to wake you, it was so early. I'm alright for now, I just wanted to let you all know so you didn't worry. I shouldn't need a ride but if I do I'll call you later. Could I speak to George please?" William says, "Yes, hold on for a minute." She actually has to only wait around twenty seconds until she hears George's voice on the line saying "Ruby? Were did you go? Are you at the Western Union Office? Is there a problem?" Gonzales whispers "See if he needs anything from a hardware store." Mr. Gonzales laughs as she watches Ruby transform in front of him as she speaks on the phone. Her body language changes, her cheeks flush, her voice lowers into soft and sweet. "Good morning baby. No, there is no problem. Not that I know of anyway. I just felt so good this morning I woke up early. I'm fine and I'll be home soon and we can talk then, I'll tell you everything. Don't worry about me, okay? I'm fine." She pauses and turns her back slightly to Gonzales and she whispers into the phone. "I love you George." Gonzales whispers "Find out what he could use from this store." Ruby furrows her brows at Gonzales. This was a silly thing to ask. "I am calling from a hardware store in town. Do you need anything?" George says, "Hold on, I'll ask Rosey." After about a minute he returns and says, "Yes, If you can he would like you to pick up a gallon of white paint and box of number eight wood screws." She says, "Yes, I will make the purchase. I'll be home soon." She pauses and then again whispers into the phone, "Tell me you love me before I go." He says, "I love you. Hurry back, I miss you. The roses are beautiful." "I will. I'll tell you about them when I get back." She blows a kiss into the phone. "Bye!" and she hangs up. She turns to Gonzales. "Okay, that's done. Let's go." They head to the front of the store and Ruby tells the shopkeeper she needs a gallon of white paint and box of number eight wood screws. He gives her a funny look then hurries off. She looks at Gonzales and laughs. "I wonder how often he gets a red head in a man's bathrobe looking for white paint and wood screws." Gonzales replies deadpan "Probably no more than three or four times a week." They head back to where the wagon is parked the wagon where Kate is waiting and Gonzales places the paint and box of hardware in the back. Gonzales says, "Okay, let's find somewhere private for Ruby to change and for the three of us to talk." Ruby asks, "Are you hungry? We could find a restaurant. Otherwise we can go back by the lake where we were." "Well, there wasn't all that much of a lake to look at and I could use a bite," Gonzales states, although in his mind he is thinking that he doesn't want Ruby to see that he knows Malachi Haynes and start asking questions about that. They soon find a restaurant with private walled in booths and after they order some food and Gonzales does the Privacy spell they begin their conversation. Ruby asks, "Is there something specific we need to discuss? I'm a bit confused about why you two are here. You thought George kidnapped me or something?" Kate says, "You were afraid your parents were going to try if they found out you were nearby. And then we saw you so angry last night, and your father grabbed you. The spell ended about then, but with what we had seen what else could we think?" Ruby says, "I was afraid, you're right. But George said it would be better to face them on our turf instead of theirs or even be surprised by them when we went out somewhere. We're supposed to go to the theater tonight and if we bumped into them unprepared..." Ruby beams, "He said he would stand by my side and he did. He stood up to my father." Kate says, "From what I saw you were standing up to him too. That's far more important to me than whether Mr. Eastman did or not. Although you're obviously pleased he did. You think he listened, they'll leave you to live your life?" Ruby answers, "He has to now. I have some things to hold over his head. I threatened to, well, out him and my mother if they didn't start caring for my brother. We're supposed to get together tonight and they'll tell me what they think. I'm not sure what they'll say. But there is more. I told you the goddess came to me last night? I figured it out anyway but it was confirmed to me by her, this brother is," she lowers her voice, even though she doesn't have to, "He's only my half brother. My mother had an affair! I almost can't believe it. Aphrodite told me that my mother may have regretted some things in regard to me, perhaps her feelings have changed." Ruby sighs, "How can I not believe a goddess?? But still, I worry that I would let her, them hurt me again, so I don't know what to do. I haven't really had a lot of time to think on it." Kate answers, "Caring about people is always a risk, Ruby. You'll have to decide if the chance of at least getting along with your mother and perhaps understanding her is worth the risk of finding out she hasn't changed. So she found comfort somewhere else, hmm? Poor little boy, being raised by a man like your father. I think your mother woke up to what was happening when you left." Ruby says, "You know, I always thought my mother was the really mean one. Maybe because I had more interaction with her." She shrugs. "I'm not sure, the goddess said she realized the error of her ways and she loves Ben, and that she developed some feelings for me. I don't know, the first thing she commented on was my hair and why hadn't I dye it yet to help with my prospects." Kate says, "A change doesn't happen overnight; she's just starting. Yes, she criticized. She also was concerned about your prospects. I doubt she really knows how to ask how you're doing." Ruby states, "I only think she cares about my prospects because of how it makes her look. Kate, you know how society is. I know that I haven't told you much about my parents but they... well, they have a lot of money, a lot of influence and a lot of reputation and they care very much about that. To the point of not caring about much else. Well, that's what I thought anyway. That is how they treated me in the past. I guess my mother fell in love with a family friend, Lucas Burham. He was always really nice to me, and handsome and kind, I can imagine why my mother would be attracted to him. And the boy looks just like him. He's adorable. Is till can't believe it. I should buy him something before we leave the city today that I can bring the next time I see him." Kate says, "I hate to say it Ruby, but what she might care most about is keeping your father from making her life more like Hades than it already is. In order to do that she has to care about what he cares about. He's happy, she's at least in less pain. I'm not trying to defend her; I don't know her. I'm just trying to help you see the possibilities. Now, your little brother, you should definitely treat him as much as you can while you're here. He'll need some loving memories." Ruby says, "I was thinking of trying to see her without my father around, and see what happens. I don't know if it would be possible or not. I still have so much to tell you and talk about, but I've told you the basics, now tell me about you. What have you been up to? What's the news from back home? Has Nanuet returned yet?" How did the play go without me? Who won the poker tournament? What happened with Wyatt? We read about the trial in the newspaper." "That's a lot Ruby, I don't know where to start. The elections were yesterday and Chester is now our new Marshall," Kate said with a smile. "The rest came out pretty well too. Emery Shaw is mayor, Vera Blake, Mr. Escobar, Burton Lumley, Kate Higgins, and Doctor Eaton. We came out pretty well. Wyatt Earp was acquitted yesterday," Kate said, a bit of her excitement fading. "He and Virgil left town yesterday. Finally. With any luck we'll never see them again." Ruby says, "It's good to have him out of our hair, for sure. I doubt he'll return, well, once Josephine leaves anyway. I hope she isn't too mad at me for missing the play. More likely she probably enjoyed the spotlight." Ruby's smile turns into a grin, "Oh, that's great about Chester, he must be so happy! We'll have to celebrate when I return. And Mr. Shaw too." Ruby laughs, "I think he had his eye on me, he told me if I wasn't with Jake..." her voice fades off. She clears her throat, "What is this about Doctor Eaton? That's not good. Except for him and Escobar the rest are Saloon owners so we should be okay. But he could certainly cause trouble." Kate says, "Miss Marcus enjoyed the play, but Cornad did most of the directing. She was a little distracted by the situation with Wyatt. Oh, everything's so mixed together, it's hard to tell any of it without getting into something else!" Kate blushed a bit and looked down at the table. "As far as Emery Shaw goes... the rumor around town for the last couple days was that he intended to ask me to marry him. We got to know each other working for the Cattlemen's Association and the election. Conrad's brother Edwin came to play in the tournament and see Conrad act, and everyone was convinced Edwin had come to convince Conrad to go back East with him. I didn't have believed Emery was interested in me until I saw his face when I mentioned Conrad wasn't leaving town. And Doctor Eaton... Well, Diana arranged a midwife for me. She appeared in the church and talked to several people, the Eaton's among them. Diana charged Beth Eaton to be my midwife. Apparently the fact that Diana blessed me, the heathen Mrs. Kale," she said with a chuckle, "Has caused a thought of rethinking going on in Doctor Eaton's mind. I don't trust the change is permanent, but he's been a lot more moderate since he's had reason to rethink his positions on things." Ruby laughs again. "Emery is lonely, I don't blame him. He needs a wife, why not you?" She teases, "You know, because I'm not there that is. My, that is interesting about Diana helping you out. And it IS helpful, will be helpful when you really pop, which looks like will be soon. You don't want to have to deal with that every day." Ruby asks, "And how about you Mr. G, what's going on with you?" Gonzales states, "With me? Most of my free time lately has been spent protecting my little birds. First I spent a considerable amount of time out at the ranch keeping Wyatt Earp from getting Sonoma and Kate killed or arrested. Then once Earp was gone for good I retrieved Madge Duprey from her exile in Brussels Belgium. She's now back in Al Brower's arms.” Ruby laughs, "Oh, you've been busy. That's great about Madge, I have missed her guidance the past weeks. And I'm sure she is thrilled to be back with Al. Have they made things public then?" Gonzales states, “Their reunion was very public indeed.” Gonzales continues, “Then we mounted this rescue mission for you. Now Ruby, I know that you say that George Eastman can be trusted, but the man is obsessed with you to an unhealthy degree. As long as you are giving the attention that he wants from you I'm sure he's fine. But what happens when you tell him no, when he doesn't get what he wants? I don't trust him." "Well, I'm sorry that I didn't need saving but it's good to know you would come for me," she grins. "As for George, I, well, I don't know actually what he would do. But I trust him teacher, I can't explain it. In my youth he was the only one who cared about me and I know that's true. I've been honest with him and he doesn't even care about my past, all the things I've done. I told him about my abilities and while he was hesitant at first, he did his own research and learn about it. Actually, it would be good if he could ask you some questions, he knows I have a teacher although I didn't tell him more than that." She continues without letting me respond, "He's willing to move out West to be with me because that is where I want to be. And," She pauses, and even though she is a little hesitant she is still smiling, "I think he is going to ask me to marry him." She pauses then laughs. "Again." Gonzales eyebrows just arch upward. He says, "That doesn't surprise me, obsessions don't just go away. Be careful, like your parents he is a man who thinks that he can get whatever he wants if he spends enough money." Ruby pouts, "Why do you think so poorly of him? Dorita and Pedro loved him. I don't think it's about the money, or why would he give me all that land to prove a point?" Gonzales sighs, "When have I not thought poorly of your choices in men? Maybe I just have a paternalist view and will never be satisfied with my little bird's choices. I didn't like Pedro very much for the first few decades after I met him." Gonzales then stands and says, "I think I will go get some air and give some thought to what you have said. I'll be back shortly." "Just remember I don't have decades for you to like my boyfriends!" she laughs. Ruby stands and hugs him tightly. "I'm glad someone is looking out for me and I'm glad it's you." She whispers in his ear, "I love you teacher," and sits down quickly. Kate comments, "He doesn't like Conrad either, Ruby. Don't be gone too long, Grandpere. The food will come and be cold if you're gone too long. And I'm not that big!" Kate said indignantly. "It's December before this baby comes. And what don't I want to deal with every day?" Ruby bows her head. "I know Kate, from experience, that you're going to be big very soon. Let's not talk about that today, okay?" She takes a sip of her iced tea before looking back to her friend. "All I meant was, you don't want to deal with people judging you every day. And if Diana has told people not to do that, that's great. Besides, we'll just have to kick anyone's butt who does, give you crap that is." "I'm just afraid of trading shunned pariah for object of religious devotion," Kate shrugged. "But it's likely I just think I'm more important than I really am. At least the baby-belly should change Emery's mind about wanting to marry me, I don't like to think I'm causing him pain. Let's see, what else... The play went well, mostly. During the first performance, Warren Watson smuggled in a gun and tried to kill Edwin Booth. I was sitting next to Edwin, and one of the shots went through his shoulder and into my arm." Kate grabbed Ruby's hand and said, "And there's nothing to worry about, I'm fine. Mr. Watson was tried just before Wyatt, and was given seventeen years in jail. Edwin cross-examined him and got him to admit how much he hates anyone named Booth, and that he tried to destroy Conrad's livelihood. It was a very good weekend for Conrad. He discovered his brother, and got his name as cleared as it can be." She blushed a bit. "Among other things." Ruby replies, "Lots of news... and still so much to tell! But I want to hear about the other things... what happened??"</blockquote>

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