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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2616636" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 61, “Declaration of Love”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:Jake heads directly to the Marshall's office to see if anyone is there, finding it closed and locked.  A block away Nanuet says, "OK Flint, the closest saloon to here is across the street, The Gay Lady.  If he isn't there then we can try the Comique next.  You ready?" Flint and Nanuet head across the street to the Gay Lady.  Nanuet tells Flint.  "You go in first and point him out if you see him.  I have a prayer that may be able to paralyze him for a few moments, no guarantee though." Nanuet follows Flint into the Gay Lady. The place is mobbed with people and a trio of leggy entertainers are dancing up a storm on the stage.   It takes a while to look over the place but at the end Flint concludes "Not here."Nanuet states, "You sure?  Take a look again before we leave." Flint looks the place over again quickly and replies curtly "Yeah, I'm sure he ain't here, now let's go before he does. "OK, let's try the Comique next." On their way too the Comique they run into Jake, who says nobody is in the Marshall's Office.    Tony Lucky passes the three of them on the street and says to Jake, "Thanks Boss, you won't regret it.  I'm off to my table now."     As he enters the Lucky Lady Jake notes the three members of the Jackson family departing.  The three check out the Comique, which takes far less time to check.   Lane Gifford is not there either.Ruby sat up in her room for a few minutes and fumed. She was emotional from all the hysterics of the day, her revelation to Jake in particular. She had been so happy just a bit earlier and planned on an enjoyable night. So much for that, she thinks. Well, I'm getting out of here too so I can enjoy myself. Ruby had a quick swig out of one of the bottles they had on their table and headed downstairs, quietly. She checked to make sure no one was watching then slipped out the door. She had two choices before her. To her right was the Gay Lady. Not tonight, I'm not up to fighting off the rowdies. That left her option to the left. She headed down the street and before she knew it was standing in front of the El Parador. The party was still in full swing and the smile came back to her face. She knew she could drink and dance and be safe here, and that was just what she wanted. She headed inside and squeezed her way to the bar without looking around. "Pedro," she smiled smacking a $20 bill on the bar, "I'm determined to get drunk tonight without a lecture, si? And without any other types of distractions of the sort." Pedro placed a whiskey in front of her, which she promptly downed. "Keep them coming, please." Her head was already feeling better. Now that's more like it... Pedro says, "Ah Seniorita Ruby, it is good to see you back."   He turns the bar over to Jose Ramirez and heads through the crowd back over to the piano.     Ruby notes that Chester is sitting at a table talking to Clarisse and Dorita.  Most of the other patrons appear to be Wood Elves.    She is on her third glass of whiskey when she hears George Eastman's singing voice, singing a Spanish duet with Pedro that the crowd all seems to enjoy.  George glances in the direction of the bar and catches Ruby's eye.  His face breaks out in a wide smile.Ruby had a moment of slight panic before the alcohol got the best of her. What could George Eastman possibly do at this moment to ruin her fast approaching good mood? Nothing as far as she was concerned. She was here to enjoy herself and she was going to. She smiled at George, raised her glass and drank it down, motioning for another.Back at the Lucky Lady, two songs later Kate returns to the table with Minerva, Niki-Yai and Ricardo.   She finds the multi-cultural nature of the group amusing, and helps herself to some food that Maria brought out for them to eat.   She then notices that while she was distracted with playing piano that Tony Lucky had returned, with him now sitting at his usual table and dealing in some players.     Job Kane usually has Thursday nights off, but he arrives a few minutes later.  He too is surprised to see Tony.   He goes to the bar and asks Harry Rote, "Where are the other owners?"   Harry replies, "Don't know.  I think I saw Miss West heading upstairs around twenty minutes ago.  Niles headed over to Alhambra to deliver some alcohol, he should be back soon."  Kane approaches Kate, giving the Indian woman and wood elf boy an odd look then asking Kate "What's Lucky doing here?  And where's Cook?  This is supposed to be my night off but I came by to play a few hands with Lucky's players?  Should I take Cook's table instead?"Kate replies, "I don't know what Mr. Lucky is doing here.  I'd guess Jake bailed him out, unfortunately.  A friend needed some help, so Jake and Nanuet went to help him out.  I think Ruby is unwell, but she didn't say anything to me when she went upstairs.  I'd appreciate it if you took Jake's table, I was a little nervous here with, ah, just Mr. Hoover."   Job noticed that while Kate said Mr. Hoover her eyes flicked over to Tony's table.  He says, "I'll get to work myself, I just wanted to make sure my guests here were comfortable."Jake seems to be acting a bit nervous and glancing back at the Lucky Lady.  "Nanuet, why don't you two check out the Alhambra, it's right across the street.  Don't do anything without me.  I need to stop in at the Lucky Lady for a quick minute and I'll be back." After Nanuet and Flint check out the Comique they head to the Alhambra as instructed by Jake. Lane Gifford does not appear to be there either, although Nanuet does notice that the three people who had gone upstairs with Jeff Mills are sitting at a corner table there talking quietly to themselves.Jake sprints over to the saloon and doesn't see Ruby on stage.  He notices Job talking to his table.  He strides quickly over to him and says, "If you could cover for a bit, I have an emergency.  I'll explain later."  Jake heads upstairs looking for Ruby but does not find her.  Coming back down he makes his way to Katherine.  "Where did Ruby go?"  He is uncharacteristically jittery.  "She is not upstairs." "She's not?" Kate replied. "I didn't see her come down, as far as I know that's where she should be.  She seemed upset, I thought it was because she had to stay here while the boys went off to help Flint.  I'd guess she slipped out either to find you, or to find some fun of her own.  You were already checking saloons, I'd keep right on doing that, and you'll likely find her.  Don't skip the El Parador just because Flint was already there.  I can't come with you, Flint trusts me to keep an eye on his Apache Lady and there's Angelica's little boy.  You'd better hurry, she tends to be... extreme... when she's upset.  But you already know that."Minerva looks at Jake's worried frown and a look of dismay crosses her face. "Senor Jake, What do you mean she is not upstairs! " I saw her stomp up the stairs about 20 minutes ago and I have been watching for her return. She did not exit this way. Is she in some kind of trouble?  Perhaps we should go look for her!" Minerva says as she stands up.Jake is already looking around halfway into Katherine's conversation.  "Uh, ok, thanks Katherine.  Um, if you see her try and keep her here.  Yes, I know it's hard to keep her anywhere." Jake takes Minerva by the elbow and brings her to the doorway.  "I saw you grabbed a gun and tried to help out at the boarding house shoot out.  I assume that means you aren't afraid when the bullets start flying or at least are fool enough not to run away.  Damn it, I don't even know what I'm trying to say, but if you think you can help come with me to the Alhambra, we'll figure out from there."  Jake leaves not even waiting for her answer.  He speaks without looking as he sprints across the street, "I have a second pistol on me if you want one."Minerva glances at Katherine who nods for her to go. She takes the pistol from Jake and rushes out the door after him. She hoists up her skirts as she runs. and attempts to check the pistols load as she runs. "Does this have a full round in it?"  Jake looks back and says quickly, "Five rounds with an empty under the hammer, double action, so just pull the trigger."  Minerva asks, "What's going on?"   Jake answers, "We are trying to keep Flint from killing Nanuet accidentally."Back at the El Parador, Ruby made her way over to Pedro and Eastman. She smiled at George and nodded her head, "Mr. Eastman." She turned to Pedro. "Please come and dance with me, Senor Pedro. I wish to dance!" Pedro took Ruby's hand and led her to the dance floor where they danced gracefully around the floor, Ruby mostly leaning on Mr. Fuentes.  When they finally take a break Ruby headed away from George and back to the bar where she consumed a few more beverages. She glanced over her shoulder and didn't see George anywhere.Chester notices out of the corner of his eye that Ruby is drinking heavily at the bar. He wonders if should do something about, but decides not to. She's a big girl. She can take care of herself. After a while, he thinks, Wait a minute. With her here and Clarisse sitting next to me, who's singing at the Lucky Lady? Something must be bothering Ruby, if she left there. He half rises out of his chair, but sits back down. Nope. Can't do that right now. I'm on a date. Pay attention to Clarisse." Clarisse notices and asks, "Mr. Martin, is something the matter?" "No. It's nothing. Now where were we? Oh yes. What beautiful eyes you have."Ruby sees Eastman coming back inside and deduces that he had stepped out to pay a visit to the outhouse.   He heads directly to the bar and says "Looks like we have a wedding to plan, Cook accepted my offer." Ruby turns, faces George and smiles at him. "Here have a drink," she says, pushing she whiskey glass towards him. "Why don't we dance instead of planning a wedding?" He downs the drink and says "Dancing sounds like a wonderful idea."   He takes her by the hand and leads her out onto the dance floor.   He then yells something over to Estaban in Spanish and the musician changes to a new and faster tune on the guitar while another male wood elf picks up a pair of wood blocks to accompany him.   Eastman says, "I learned this dance down in the Dominican Republic, let me teach it to you."  She replies, "Yes, Mr. Eastman, please teach me the dance, I'd love to learn."  "Mr. Eastman?  Please Ruby, call me George."   He spends the next five minutes showing her the various steps and then asks Estaban to play the song once more for her to demonstrate what she learned."Alright, George." Ruby lets him lead her around the dance floor. Even being slightly intoxicated she picks up the steps quickly and can keep up. "Oh I love to dance. I think I love dancing almost as much as I love drinking." She has a smile on her face as she twirls around the dance floor. She sighs, "I should be singing right now, but I didn't feel like it." She is quiet for a while as they dance.   She then says, "You know, George, fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money."George replies, "Oh, he told you?  I'm surprised I didn't think he would.    He drove a hard bargain.  First I offered him stock in my new company but he wasn't interested.   Then I offered him the value of the stock, $ 15,000, but he still wouldn't bite.    But at $ 50,000 he didn't hesitate.  He immediately shook hands on it to close the deal."She replies, "Yes he told me. He told me that he turned you down. He doesn't want me to leave for any amount of money." Ruby continues to smile as they dance around the floor. "Said you only heard what you wanted to hear.  You must really like me to be willing to spend that much money for me." Ruby stops suddenly in the middle of the dance floor. "But I'm not for sale. I don't want to leave Promise City and my life here and you can't make me go with you." She takes his hand. "Now that we got that straight let's have another drink."Outside, Nanuet sees Jake coming towards him. "Not in here either. Where should we try next? The Long Branch is only a few buildings down the street. But I bet they went right to the seediest place in town though." He looks at Jake and Minerva. "Yes, that would be the Palace."  Jake says, "Let's not criss-cross the town, look in the Rio Grande, Long Branch and Peacock's before we head over that way.  You two check it out, we'll follow you and stay in the street."  Jake says with emphasis, "Please let us know before you do something." Nanuet lopes off and Flint marches off surprisingly fast and keeps pace with him.  As soon as they are ahead Jake speaks to Minerva.  "I'm worried that Flint is going to do more than try and catch this guy.  His information comes from a man who can't leave Indian territory to testify.  So it won't hold up in court I wouldn't guess.  However, Gifford was a friend of known outlaws and can be linked to moving some money that was used to pay some outlaws that attacked local miners."  Jake pauses a second and adds, "and me.  If that isn't enough that Ruby West has run off somewhere, and I'm worried.  I don't know what to do about that yet, maybe you have an idea?  Either way, you seem resourceful I can could use some help right now."  Jake points.  "While they are looking in their let's see if anyone is in the Sheriff's office."Minerva states, "I think Flint may try to do more than catch the man. The Apache woman  that he brought to town tonight said that he is here to get revenge. I will do what I can for you. I have some spells that may help us if the goddess is willing.  As for Ruby she's quite resourceful." They check out the other saloons on Main Street, not finding any Lane Gifford.   They do see Niles Hoover sitting in the Peacock Saloon chatting with the owner and asks him to head back to the Lucky Lady to help keep an eye on things.  The Sheriff's Office remains empty and locked."That settles that," Nanuet says. "Let's go to the Palace next." Flint and Nanuet start heading that way. "Wait! Neither of us can get in there. Hey Mr. Jake!" Nanuet calls out. Once Jake catches up he explains the situation. Jake says, "Check out the Silver Dollar first, it is on the way."  All four walk together in that direction. They find that the Silver Dollar is already closed for the evening.  Jake comments, "I don't know what Gifford looks like, how can I find him?  Oh and did I mention to you that Evan Adair tried to kill me once already?" Nanuet replies, "I don't know what he looks like. Flint?"Flint says, "I vaguely remember him but according to Knowles he is around five-eight, dirty blonde hair, brown beard, rotted teeth, pockmarked face, deep scar above the right eye and a beer belly." The four walk over to the front of the Palace.  Jake takes off the empty holster and gives it to Minerva. Minerva tucks the gun into the secret pocket of her gown where her derringer is also hidden. She hands the holster to Nanuet and puts a charming smile on her face.  Jake takes off his remaining gun belt and pistol and hands it to Nanuet.  "Take good care of that please."   He starts to turn towards the saloon but stops and says, "Get me a nice plot in Boot Hill, something facing the mountains." Back at the El Parador, Eastman had accompanied Ruby to the bar and says, "That Cook is a clever one with words.  We had us an audience during the negotiation, that Lucky guy who works for you and the Deputy Sheriff.    Cook became concerned after he agreed to the deal of their knowing, so made a few comments for their benefit.   But Ruby, he shook on it.  He initiated the handshake and it was immediately after my offer.   Ask any businessman and they'll tell you that is the universal sign of an agreement. Sounds to me like he's talking out of both sides of his mouth.  He's still stringing you along until he gets the cold hard cash.   Either that or he lied to me, which I don't take kindly to and he'll come to regret if that is the case. As for you being for sale, Ruby, I'm not buying you.  People can't own other people, that was what that war twenty years ago was all about.   Ruby, I proposed marriage to you and you took my ring with no strings attached.   I'm just tossing some money at a potential problem to make it go away."Ruby pushes another drink towards Eastman and drinks her own. She continues to smile at him. "I think you have a way with words too, George," she giggles. "You told me to hold onto the ring while I thought about it. I didn't accept it as my acceptance to your proposal. Did that make sense?" She giggles again. "Drink that," she pushes the drink towards him. "Until he actually takes the money from you with the clear understanding of what it's for, him breaking up with me, I won't believe it. Sorry," she shrugs. "Now, I am starting to have a good time tonight, so why don't you tell me all about why you like me so much? Why you think I'd make a good wife for you?" She moves a little closer to him and then leans forward just a bit, showing a bit more cleavage. "Don't forget, Georgie, flattery will get you everywhere." She gives him a huge smile. "And while you do that, we'll continue to share this," Ruby leans over the bar and grabs the bottle she has been draining and pours herself another drink.He states, "Ruby, when our families first arranged the marriage I was hesitant.   My family didn't start out rich.  Back when we were in Watertown New York we were dirt poor, I didn't even have a bedroom, I slept on the floor.  But that changed.   My father and uncle were both successful.   We moved to Rochester and became part of society there.  Our mothers met and saw a potential match.  But five years ago you were still a child, a mere girl of thirteen.  You looked older but lacked the maturity.  I had just learned about the art of photography and wanted to travel, so had no desire to be tied to a girl a decade my junior.  But my perspective changed almost as soon as I got to Santo Domingo.   The girls there all marry at twelve and thirteen.   And they live happy lives despite their poverty.   It got me thinking about life and the need to enjoy it more fully.   I kept a photographic journal of my travels but the real change was in my heart. And my heart started to long for you.   Whether it was in Santo Domingo, Aberdeen, the French Rivera, Morocco, Cairo or Algiers every time I saw a young woman with your hair length or facial shape I thought of you. After I returned home I was crushed to find that you had gone.  Your family did not know how to reach you.  I saw other women socially, but none lived up to the woman that I pictured you as being.   So I threw myself into my work instead.   Ruby, last year alone my sales of photographic plates were close to a half-million dollars.   And that is just the tip of the iceberg.   But what is all the money in the world if I am alone.   Ruby, the day that I received the letter from my cousin Helen telling me that she had found you was the happiest day of my life.   The future is ours, and I will devote myself towards your eternal happiness.   You will be the Queen of the Photographic World.   And your voice is like that of the gods themselves.    We will build you that concert hall in New York City where you can perform for the thousands.    You dislike society, well those matrons of society will be envious of you.  You are their better and they will be made to see that. Ruby, you can't throw away your future on this mining town singing for a bunch of tired prospectors who would rather watch their cards than you.   And this Cook who you think so highly of, where is he?  Why aren't you with him now?   I know why, because you are not the most important thing in his life to him like you are to me."Ruby places her hand on George's. "That is very sweet. But you are in love with a dream, one that you made up in your head. You love me, why? Because I am beautiful? There are many beautiful women out there. You refuse to admit to yourself that you know nothing about me. And I don't really know anything about you. George, I don't know why you won't trust me when I say I wouldn't be a good wife for you. And you have your new company, you are going to need to spend time on that, not devoting your time to me."He replies, "I want to learn more about you.   You asked me to get to know your friends so I came here to get to know them.   Please Ruby, tell me about all of the things in life that interest you.  What music do you enjoy most?  What are your favorite meals?  Who are your favorite authors?   What are your attitudes towards the Church?  Towards politics?  Where do you see America twenty years from now?   I want to know what you think."Ruby answers, "No, George, I don't think you do, want to know what I think, not really."  Eastman replies, "We can do this together.   You throw your self into your job too when you are there, singing your best.   But you don't sing twenty-four hours a day, you devote yourself to other interests too.   I'm excited about my business because I've invented something new, just as that Edison guy and Bell guy have done.   Ruby, the world is changing and we can become part of those changes.   Yes, I am ambitious, that is part of who I am.  But what about you?  Wouldn't you like for thousands to hear and appreciate your voice, to be the talk of the town of whatever city you sing in?  To have people wait in line and pay top dollar to appreciate your voice?"Ruby says, "So how about we just keep drinking for a while, that's what I like to do. And I like to dance and play cards, that we can do too." Ruby looks him in the eyes. "What do you think?"  He replies, "I think we have probably both had enough to drink for now.  If we keep this up we will not even be able to walk away from here.  Although it is a hotel, I suppose we could get a room.""George!" She slaps him lightly across the face. "I haven't had enough to drink for you to even suggest such a thing!" He ignores the slap and just laughs saying, "To sleep Ruby, just to sleep.  If we're too drunk to walk we would be too drunk for anything else.  We could get a two-bedroom suite if they have one here."She exclaims, "Oh sure MR. EASTMAN, you know how many times I heard THAT before?" She crosses her arms and tries to give him a dirty look, although it comes out more comical than anything. "Or are you saying that you DON'T want to sleep with me?"   He replies, "There will be plenty of time for that after we are married." "Oh, so you are turning me down then?" Ruby hiccups. "Never," he says as his eyes grow wide.  "Should I ask about a room?""What kind of gentleman would say such a thing?" Ruby slaps him again, then hiccups. "I think you're drunk!" "I think you're right," George replies.  "Maybe we should dance it off, after all, the reason that Pedro and Dorita threw this party was to celebrate our engagement." "What?" Ruby snaps. Ruby immediately finds Pedro and marches up to him. "What's this party for?"Pedro says, "It started out for you and George.   He said that if you showed up that meant you two were getting married.  But then you left and he told me not to make announcement.   Then I talked to you on the porch.  But by that point the party was already going then, so we didn't see any reason to stop it.  Looks like everyone is having a good time."Why would you do that? Why would you listen to him?" She points to Eastman. Ruby wobbly stands on a chair, then on a table. "Listen to me right now," Ruby screams at the top of her lungs, "I AM IN LOVE WITH JACOB COOK. I AM NOT MARRYING GEORGE EASTMAN!!!!"  Silence fills the Cantina as Ruby tries to gracefully climb off the table and chair. She sticks her nose in the air and stomps out of the Cantina. As she passes Pedro, "I thought you were my friends!!  She gets out the front door and leans on the railing of the porch, trying to catch her breath. After Ruby's outburst Eastman made no attempt to follow her.   Instead, he wandered back to the bar and in a serious error in judgement downed two more drinks.   He then drops a $ 50.00 bill onto the bar and staggers out the back door. Pedro had gone out onto the porch after Ruby and says, "We are your friends Ruby.  He came over here and said that you told him we were your friends and that you wanted him to get to know us.   He said that you two had been engaged before you came to Arizona and he had again asked you again to be his bride.   Both he and Jake are nice boys, you have good reason to be confused about this."Ruby sighs. "That's just it. I'm not confused. Jake is not confused," she hiccups, "George is the only one who is confused. I feel bad for him but I turned him down. He tried to bribe Jake to leave me and Jake said no too but he won't accept it. What can I do? He won't go away, he won't leave us alone, he thinks I am going to marry him. I don't want to get married," she whines. Ruby's lips starting quivering and Pedro can tell an outburst of tears are on their way. "I need another drink! *hiccup"Pedro replies, "No, I think you have enough to drink.   Right now you need to rest.  Why don't you go up to Mr. Gonzales private room, Mr. Eastman will never find you there no matter how hard he tries."   Ruby replies, "Oh, I'm not really worried about him right now. Do you know what time it is?" Pedro steps out from the porch and looks up at the night sky.  He glances back to Ruby and says "Looks like it is between 9:15 and 9:20."   He then sniffs the air and says "Spring rains are on the way.""Rain tonight? I wish it would rain, I like the rain." "No, not tonight.  The skies are too clear.  Possibly tomorrow, definitely by the weekend.   You may not like Arizona spring storms, there is often more lightning than rain."   She sighs. "I'm going to get back. If Jake is back he will be worried about me." She kisses Pedro on the cheek. "Thank you for the party"  Ruby hiccups again. He states, "Ruby, we will hold another one for you any time you wish.  You can bring Jake next time instead of George if you prefer, even if he doesn't know our songs and dances." "Good, I will look forward to the rain." She looks up into the sky and smiles. "And I will bring Jake back." She drags her eyes from the sky to Pedro. "Good night, Senor." Ruby stumbles her way up to the Street.   Pedro shakes his head and goes back inside.  He assumes that she will safely find her way back to the Lucky Lady, unaware of just how badly he will later feel for making that assumption.</blockquote>

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