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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2965979" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 148, “Dinner Dates”, Thursday, March 23rd , 1882, 5:00 P.M.:Minerva enters the parlor to see Nanuet dressed in a suit. In his arms is a large bouquet of wild flowers tied loosely in a yellow ribbon tied in a bow. His back is to her as he nervously shifts his weight back and forth from one foot to the other. When he hears her enter he turns around quickly and his jaw drops immediately. Mierda, Nanuet says unconsciously in a whisper and he almost drops the flowers when he sees Minerva in the revealing dress. His eyes meet hers for a moment then slowly scan her from head to toe, absorbing every detail. Finally he composes himself and is able to speak. "I brought you some flowers, perhaps they should be put in water now?" He walks over slowly still entranced by her appearance and hands her the bouquet and a cactus flower. Minerva’s breath catches in her throat when she sees the hungry look in his eyes. “Well I guess he is like other men.” Refusing to blush at his leisurely perusal of her attire she buries her face in the fragrant blooms. “Oh, they are so beautiful! No one has ever given me flowers before. Gracias Nanuet”, she said as she stretches up on her toes and kisses him lightly on the cheek. “I saved this one for you to carry if you like or perhaps for your hair," He says referring to the cactus flower. “Oh Nanuet, such a lovely color! I recognize this one from our walk last evening. It was very sweet of you to pick these for me. Si, I shall wear it in my hair, but I have no mirror. Would you like to help me place it?” Nanuet finds himself blushing in reaction to the soft touch of her lips upon his cheek. He takes a step closer to her, his nostrils assailed by the beautiful scent of the perfume Minerva wears. With his free hand he tenderly sweeps her raven colored hair back revealing her ear. He gently places the delicate flower behind her ear and adjusts it so that it will stay in place. He is so close he can feel the warmth of her breath on him; he stays there for a moment, a tingling sensation covering his body, before taking a step back and smiling warmly. "There, that looks perfect." Overcome by the nearness of him, her heart pounding in her throat, Minerva stands frozen in time unable to move as he steps in and, with a gentle caress of his calloused hand, places the flower behind her ear. Her mouth is suddenly dry as her eyes lock with his and a warning, barely audible over the crashing waves of her turbulent emotions, whispers to herself that she is in very deep trouble. The moment is dispelled when one of the miners, who live in the house, enters the parlor in search of his spectacles, causing Minerva to jump back as though scorched by fire. Flustered and clutching her flowers too tightly, she excuses herself and rushes out of the room using the excuse that 'the flowers need water'. Unable to breath she rounds the corner and leans her back up against the wall and closes her eyes. She presses her hand to her pounding heart, fearing, as she had told Ruby, that it would explode right out of her. This is not a wonderful feeling at all, Ruby! . She thinks in a panic as she tries to breath in the too tight corset. She takes her time to regain her composure before returning to Nanuet.  He waited patiently for Minerva to return, taking the free time to calm his nerves. Has she grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw her? Is that possible? he thought to himself as he awaited her return. In only a moment she was back, descending the stairs, her long slender legs revealed with each stride down the steps. Nanuet offered his arm to the Spanish beauty and together they exited the Comstock Boarding house and made their way to the Promise City Hotel.Jake enters through the side door of the Lucky Lady and notices Ruby sitting alone. He watches her for a minute, she is trying to appear patient. Jake judges she is slowly losing that battle. His spirits lifting he approaches her from behind. "Ruby, no matter what my troubles could be simply seeing you is like an elixir. You are a feast for my eyes and warmth for my heart." He lets his fingers drag softly across her shoulders and down her arm when he sits down next to her. "What shall we do for dinner?"Before answering she leans over and kisses Jake softly on the lips. She takes her time, enjoying their kiss, before she pulls away. "I thought we could eat here," she gestures to the candles, "Unless you have other plans?"  He says, "We could go over to the Promise City Hotel, peek in the window and giggle at the Indian and the Spaniard." He pushes his hat back on his head and smiles a little to broadly. "No, you are my plans."Ruby giggles, "Yes we could. But I would rather spend my time with you." She puts her hand on Jake's thigh. "I told Maria we were having dinner so she'll be bringing it out shortly. I don't think I told you, but I spent the entire morning, from right after you left for your meeting through lunch, counseling Minerva, then Nanuet, then Minerva again about courting, dating and love." She rolls her eyes, "I know, what do I know about love? I warned them," she shrugs with a smile."A new career for Miss West! Back east they pay big money for matchmakers." Jake smiles and avoids responding to Ruby's Love remark. Damn it, Ruby I am trying to figure it out! "I am certain with your guidance they are cared for well. Perhaps we should run over to the El Parador and send them some minstrels briefly? I'm sure for some pocket change they would be willing to make a stop there before the evenings work. Or have we meddled enough already?"Ruby laughs, "We don't need to do that," and leans close to Jake, whispering something in his ear. He laughs heartily. "Sounds like you have been busy!"   "Yes, but it will be well worth it to see them both happy." Ruby smiles. "I can't wait to hear how it went. Minerva was so worried that Nanuet didn't care for her but I didn't want to give the surprise away. I'm sure they'll have a wonderful time and perhaps tomorrow there will be a new couple to talk about. I guess Aphrodite did have some plans for me." Ruby takes a sip of her wine. “So, you mentioned some troubles...” Her smile slowly fades as she looks Jake in the eyes with concern on her face, “Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind? Maybe I can help?”  Jake's smile fades with Ruby's. "I'm sure you will help, I am confident you will be there for me." That is part of my problem Ruby West. "I didn't mean to bring a serious mood to dinner, I was supposed to help improve your mood. I am doing a pitiable job of that. I promise to share my burden with you, just not at dinner please. Later tonight or tomorrow, whenever you please, but allow me at least be uplifting company for you for now.""Of course, baby." Ruby tries to give him a reassuring smile but it doesn't seem to be working so instead gives him another kiss. Maria comes out with the food and places it on the table for them, giving them a silly smile and chuckle before she scurries back into the kitchen. "Um... this smells good," Ruby says digging right in.Ruby glances around the room, making sure no one is listening to them before continuing, “There is something I didn’t mention at our little meeting earlier. Judge Isby’s companion, Kevin, wears a magical ring with a blue stone. He says Kevin can always tell when someone is telling the truth or not. I did tell him I wouldn’t tell anyone,” she smiles, “But you’re not just anyone, are you?” Jake grins and lets her continue. “I’ve been thinking about this, I think we should bring some of those books here, and make it seen that we are doing it. That way if we are being watched, I mean, I’m sure we are, then Ringo won’t want to blow up the Lucky Lady. For now anyway." "It could work. Of course then we'd have to protect them, unless we only bring over ones that have no value. Either way we have to watch for thieves. Maybe even catch one?" "I thought it was a good idea. We could hide them, at least some of them, you know where. They haven't tried to get them from the El Parador yet. But if you think it's more unsafe that our current predicament than maybe we shouldn't. I'm already very worried about this place." "No, I don't think having books here makes us less safe." Jake glances around. "Let's not discuss that right here though." Ruby nods and changes the subject. “I was thinking, tonight… well... I’m going to go to the Gay Lady after work. I was thinking that I’m sure you could use some time away from me, I’m always hanging on you and maybe you’d just like some time alone for a change.” Ruby continues quickly, “I’m going to take Kate, a sort of girl’s night out. I think she could use the relaxation also. With Madge there, we’ll be safe so you won’t need to worry.” I hope he’s buying this… “I’ll walk back with Kate and stay with her at the El Parador, so I don’t wake you. I’m sure we’ll stay out late. And that way no one is walking alone.” Jake wonders if he hid the surprise and disappointment on his face. What did I do? Is this something to do with the goddess? A couple of nearly witty quips crawl out to his tongue and perish there. "Uh, sure, if that is what you want. Maybe the guys and I will find some trouble to get into. Girls night out, sounds like fun for you." He says and forces a smile on his face. You are an idiot Jacob Cooke, ask her what is wrong. Ruby looks down at her plate. She hadn't thought that Jake would agree so easily. Maybe he really did want time away from me. "Ok, it's a plan then," she says hesitantly. She picks at the food on her plate for a while before reaching for her wine glass and taking a few big gulps. Finally she looks up, "So... pictures tomorrow? At Fly's? And maybe we should try to get to the mine with Jeff. Or you should anyway..." "Pictures? Sure, we can do that tomorrow. You are right about the mine though I don't know if tomorrow works. You don't want to come?" Why doesn't she want to go to the mine? Why the sudden rush for a picture? Control your imagination you fool. Ruby looks surprised. "Oh, of course I want to go to the mine. I just figured it was your business, maybe you didn't want me there," she says nonchalantly. "Why doesn't tomorrow work? Do you have other plans already?" Realizing he was tensing up he relaxes a bit. "No, not me. I just don't know about Jeff Mills. He is so full of surprises I just don't know if I can get him to go tomorrow. I do need to get out there soon." Why wouldn't I want her there? Did I miss something? Is she mad at me? Did I do something wrong? "Ruby, did I.....um, did I... tell you that Rixton seconded my nomination of Chester for Marshall?" Jacob you coward, ask her! "He must be really impressed with our boy." Ruby furrows her brows at Jake’s comment. “No,” she says slowly, “You didn’t tell me about Rixton. I didn’t even know that Chester knew him. Well, if you want to, ask Jeff and see if he’s available, I know you’ve wanted to get there for a while. But Jake,” she looks him in the eyes, “He DOES work for us. He should be available whenever you want him available.” He almost looks nervous She keeps her eyes locked on Jake’s. “Is something wrong?” "No. Yes. No." Jake glances down at his untouched food and then back to Ruby. Forgot that was there. "Are you mad at me?"  Ruby looks at Jake quizzically. "Mad at you? Why would I be mad at you?" Ruby laughs, "I think by now you can tell when I'm mad. Why would you think that?" Ruby pauses in thought then continues suspiciously, "Should I be mad at you?" "No. No, you shouldn't." Jake looks uncomfortable. "I'm really being entertaining aren't I?" He finally lifts his fork and takes a bit of the food and thinks for a minute. "Tell me about your festival plans." Ruby thoughts are immediately swayed from the previous topic. She starts rambling about what she’s done already, putting Madge’s girl to the task of making them costumes and picking out songs. She reminds him that she asked Josie and the theater troupe to come and Fly's to be the official photographer. “Oh and my costume for the ball, I’m so excited, I have to stop by Mary Kelley’s and get her working on that. I’m not going to tell you what it is, it’s a surprise but I know you’ll love it! What are you going to dress as?” Ruby doesn't wait for an answer as she continues her excited speech. She doesn't notice that Jake isn't even paying attention to her. Finally they finish their meal. Even though it is only 7:30 Ruby is in a much better mood so she decides to start a set of songs early for the late dinner crowd. She sings passionately and looks relaxed, and she sings mostly cheerful and upbeat songs, a good portion of which are love songs.As they make their way over to the Promise City Hotel, several people stop and make comments amongst themselves, some even bold enough to point. “Minerva notices and thinks darkly that tongues will be wagging tomorrow. She ignores the stares and slipping her arm tighter through Nanuet’s, continues to chat. He seems oblivious to the attention and escorts Minerva briskly to their destination. They enter the two-story clapboard building and are seated at a table in the corner. A woman in a calico dress greets the pair and asks for their drink orders. "Whiskey" Nanuet replies quickly. "I would like I a whiskey." "Oh, I'm sorry sir there is no alcohol served here, but we have a nice fresh brewed iced tea and nice cool lemonade." Minerva sits opposite Nanuet quite impressed with the elegant surroundings and appearing quite at ease, while inwardly she is as jittery as a Mexican jumping bean. "How am I going to hold myself together with lemonade?" she wonders but smiles easily at their hostess. "Lemonade will be fine. Gracias, Senora." She continues to attempt to make light conversation, discussing the news of the new Marshall and Helen Eastman as deputy. As they talk she forgets her nervousness and is once again amazed by how comfortable she feels around him.  Nanuet engages in the chatter, remarking how Berg has helped his friends out several times and that Jake respects him. He then mentions in a sarcastic tone that Ruby must be so thrilled that Helen Barker was the law now. "I had to repair two stools that Ruby took her frustrations out on when she found out" he said with a chuckle. "Those two women have no love for one another that is for sure. Not to change the subject but how is the planning for the festival going?" "It is going quite well." She says warming to her favorite topic. "It is only another week away and everyone seems to have their parts well in hand and, Thank the gods, Lori Gilson has agreed to keep things organized for me. There is so much to keep track of and I just can’t seem to keep it all straight. I seem to be so distracted lately" she says giving him a meaningful look as she reaches for her lemonade and causing the low cut gown to accentuate her more pronounced gifts, as Ruby had instructed her. Nanuet's eyes wander from his drink to the view presented to him. He clears his throat and practically chokes on the words he next tries to speak. "Oh good, glad to hear it." He gulps down some of his own drink before continuing. "If there is anything for me to do to help, besides the bit on my culture that is, just let me know. I'd be glad to help. Oh, I think our food is ready."  Minerva notices Nanuet's discomfort and quickly hides her grin behind her napkin. The same woman who served their drinks now serves them a dinner of breaded pork chops, roasted corn removed from the cob and candied sweet potatoes. A loaf of corn bread and whipped butter is also placed on the table in front of them.  "My how delicious!" Minerva says as she offers Nanuet the bread and butter. She also refills his lemonade treating him to the enticing view each time she leans forward.  She easily notices Nanuet diverting his eyes to her exposed cleavage each time she bends forward. He makes no comments about it though and the two enjoy the meal both discussing how good the food is and making other chatter. As he talks on she thinks about what she is doing and although normally she has no qualms about using her charms to get what she wants, she feels guilty taking unfair advantage of Nanuet. ”Perhaps Ruby’s instructions do not apply here. I am not comfortable either. I should just be myself and have faith that it will all work out."  When the meal is finished Nanuet takes Minerva's hand and smiles, looking into her eyes he speaks "Once again, I enjoyed your company. I must say that you are stunning in that dress. You are quite a beautiful woman Minerva, and very charming." Minerva’s heart is warmed by the sincerity that she sees in his eyes as she returns his gaze and clasps his hand in return. “Gracias Nanuet, You have made this a very special night for me. You have gone to a great deal of trouble, the beautiful flowers and the lovely meal. and you look so dashing in that fine suit, although I would wager that you would rather be in your usual garments, picnicking under the stars” she chuckles... I feel like a fairy princess in a storybook.” "I too feel as though this is all part of a fantastic story. I feel myself wanting to pinch myself to know if all this is all real. It seems like it is all happening so fast." Nanuet notices Minerva's expression drop slightly with those words. He quickly tightens his grip on her hand and places his other hand on top and tries to reassure her. "It is not a bad thing, just an observation. We have known each other only a short time, but I feel a strong bond with you. A bond that I would like to see become stronger." "Yes, Minerva says, hope flashing in her eyes, I would like that too but, I must be honest with you about my feelings. I have never felt this way before about another and it is rather frightening. Ruby suggested that I be subtle and use my feminine charms to make you fall in love with me," she says looking slightly embarrassed. "but that is just not my way. I also told myself that I would be patient, but I'm not very good at that either" she says with a crooked smile "What I am trying to say Nanuet, is that," she screws up her courage and rushes on... "I do not want to scare you away, but I cannot play games with you. I need to know how you feel about me. If you tell me that the bond that we share is spiritual only and that you have no other feelings for me than I will accept that as the will of the gods, but I fear that my feelings for you go deeper." She says, lowering her eyes as she nervously waits for his response. Nanuet smiles, and notices the woman who has waited on them for dinner seems to have at least half an ear on their conversation.  "This is probably bad timing" Nanuet says "but perhaps we should carry out this conversation elsewhere, somewhere more private. We could change clothes and then perhaps I can show you the grove that I have adopted and use as my home from time to time when I feel like staying out of doors, unless you have a different idea. Do not think I am making light of what you said, and you will have an answer, that I promise." Nanuet reaches into his pocket to retrieve the money he had received from Jake earlier so that he can pay for dinner. He notices that the amount has changed and he smirks. "See the Gods have blessed us already" he laughs, "my money seems to have multiplied while in my pocket." He pays for dinner, leaving a generous tip and escorts Minerva back to the Comstock house so that she can change to more comfortable clothes. "I'll be back in just a bit and we can finish our conversation."Nanuet and Minerva walk over to the Comstock House and Minerva, rushes up the stairs to change into more appropriate clothes. She is quick about it, tearing through her wardrobe in search of more comfortable attire. She whips the gown over her head and pulls off the corset with a loud groan as her ribs are released from their cruel confinement. "Ah! That is so much better. Why would anyone willingly wear such a torture device?" she says inhaling deeply and kicking it across the room. "It is just not natural!" She quickly dons a simple white Spanish style peasant blouse that sits on the edge of her shoulders, but is not quite as revealing as Ruby's gown, and decides to leave on the miraculous pendant that was created during last night’s ceremony. She slips into a flowing brown suede skirt that hugs her tiny waist and a pair of comfortable boots, in which she places her silver dagger. She looks in the mirror to be sure that she is ready and realizes that her hair is much too fancy and so pulls out the pins releasing the mass of curls to fall loosely around her shoulders. Nanuet practically skips back to the Lucky Lady. He heads to his room and removes the suit, hasily but careful not to do any damged to the borrowed clothing. He slips on a pair of fringed leggings, moccasins and a leather vest adorned with many various symbols of the sun. He splashes some water on his face and then heads back to the Comstock to meet Minerva again. As he walks he scoops up about a half dozen pebbles in his hand. When he arrives, he says outloud to no one in particular "Here goes nothing." He begins throwing the pebbles one by one at Minerva's window, waiting about 10 seconds between each one . He then waits for her on the street below. Minerva looks down at the icons of her goddess Minerva and Jupiter on her dresser and lights a candle “I think that you are about to make your intent clear. I only ask that you guide me so that I do not make a fool of myself come what may. ” The response to her prayer is immediate and unexpected as she is hit in the arm by a small rock. She looks about trying to figure out what is going on when several more small rocks come flying through her window. She looks out to see the Indian grinning up at her. "I'll be right down!" she calls gaily. As she is about to walk out the door her eye is caught by the light of the moon shining on her flute. She tosses it in it’s tapestry bag and takes it with her as she flies down the stairs and into the yard, with an equally silly grin on her face. Nanuet hesitates for just a moment, but the moment is too long. Minerva is gone from the window in a flash before he can take his intended actions. Well I guess that means she'll just have to wait a bit longer he says to himself. He meets Minerva at the door and leads her to the grove across from the El Parador.  Minerva is entranced by the beauty of the grove. "Do you live here?" He replies, "Sometimes, less now than I used to, but I still come here when I feel like being out of doors. The priest at the church is kind enough to allow me to stay and I in turn tend to the plants and animals within." Nanuet gives her a tour of the grove and then they settle down in the area where he usually spends most of his time. He lays out a blanket for them to sit on. "So, you want to know how I feel about you? I will tell you this, that your advances do not go unnoticed, and my feelings for you are more than just spiritual. I am attracted to you in many ways and have the desire to pursue a romantic relationship with you. My words may not be eloquent and they certainly are simple, but that is me, this is what you get."Minerva is relieved by his frankness but is also confused by his words at the same time. "I much prefer honest words to eloquent ones and I have already admitted that I am drawn to you in more than in a spiritual way, but I have never had a 'romantic relationship', and so although your words are simple, I am still confused by them." she says looking at him with big innocent eyes. Could you be more clear ?" Nanuet appears flustered by Minerva's comments. He stands up and paces for a few moments. Finally he kneels down beside her and leans in slowly, then kisses her tenderly on the lips. "Is that more clear?" he says, his voice wavering slightly. Minerva leans into the kiss, everything that Ruby taught her is forgotten, as he steals her breath away. When he pulls away she stares at him, with her heart in her eyes "Yes" she sighs softly. Nanuet responds to her answer with another kiss, more passionate than the first, wrapping Minerva in his arms. The two embrace each other for several moments, neither wanting the moment to end. Finally they separate, each looking deeply into the other's eyes. "You have stolen my heart Minerva." Nanuet says in a soft voice. “And you, mine" she whispers, no longer afraid let him see what is in her heart.Nanuet and Minerva talk quietly for a while content in one another’s arms. Minerva looks up at the moon goddess Diana, smiling down upon them and contemplates the events of the night before, and what has transpired this evening. She gives thanks to the three goddesses. It grows late and the couple return to town, specifically the Lucky Lady.</blockquote>

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