Strictly Taboo(124)

“What do you think?” Buck asked Clara. “We could wait together at the public house? It'd be better than waiting here. At least there we could have lunch?”

“Yes, but how will Andrew Montague know where I am?” Clara asked. Nathaniel chuckled.

“Seems like he doesn't know where you are now if you ask me, ma’am.” He said. If it weren't true, Clara would have been angry, but the more time passed, the more she was convinced that it was true- Andrew Montague had forgotten her.





Chapter 4

Buck sat beside Clara as the carriage rolled steadily behind Albert. Nathaniel sat up front with Albert’s reins in his hands. Clara still clutched to her small suitcase as if her life depended on it.

“Now I am curious…” Buck said, leaning towards Clara so he could be heard over the clopping of Alberts hooves.

“Yes?” Clara said.

“Just how much money are you carryin’ in that there suitcase?” He wrapped the side of it with his knuckle. Clara frowned.

“Why would you think there was money in here?” She asked. Buck laughed.

“Because, since I got on the Texas Express you've been hugging that suitcase just as tight as yer dainty little hands can hold it. So well as I can figure it must have somethin’ in there worth holdin’ on to.” He said.

“Oh…” Clara said. The truth of the matter was that the case was packed full of undergarments. Her sisters had told her that out in the West, the women wore none and she was going to be darned if she would be caught without her underthings. “Well, it's just my clothes.” She lied. “But it's all I have until I get settled here and my trunks arrive from home.”

“I should think Mr. Andrew Montague could afford a few dresses and such for his fiancé, wouldn't you?” He asked, still eying the suitcase suspiciously.

“All the same, Buck, a lady has her favorite garments. I shouldn't expect a man to understand.” She said.

“And I shouldn't try to understand.” Buck said. “God help me if I ever die and come back to this Earth as a woman, I wouldn't even know where to begin.” He said with a laugh. Clara shook her head.

“And God help any man who tried to court you.” She said, trying to suppress a smile.



Nathaniel pulled over to the side of the dirt road and jumping down from his seat he walked around to the side of the carriage. After helping Buck down first, both men stood on either side to help Clara down. It was a rather delicate affair with her frilled petticoats showing more than once as she narrowly missed the step. When finally her feet were on solid ground she brushed her dress with her palms and breathed a sigh of relief. Her cheeks glowed rosy pink.

“Very elegantly done, ma’am.” Nathaniel said. Clara couldn't tell whether he was joking or not, but she chose to take it as a compliment and thanked him politely. “Have a good afternoon!” He said to them both, and then focusing on Buck, “And don't drink too much.” Buck waved him off.

“I’ll see you next Thursday!” He shouted after Nathaniel and then turning, he offered the crook of his arm to Clara. She declined the offer but only for the possibility that Mr. Andrew Montague might pass at the very moment that she took Buck’s arm.

“What is next Thursday?” Clara asked. Buck pulled open the door to the pub and ushered Clara inside.

“Poker.” He said, as he followed her in. “What’ll you have to drink?” He asked, leading her over to the bar.

“Just an orange juice, please.” Clara said, placing her suitcase on the floor at her feet.

“That’s all?” Buck asked. She nodded. “Suit yerself.” He gestured to the bartender. “Barkeep, I'll take the biggest mug of beer you've got and an orange juice for the lady.” Buck jerked his head to Clara and the barkeep stared at her momentarily.

“She new around here?” He asked Buck. Before Buck could answer however, Clara answered for herself.

“Yes, she is new around here and I even know how to speak for myself.” She said. The bartender looked stunned as his eyes darted from Clara to Buck and back again.

“Yes…right…” The bartender turned to pour the drinks and as he did Buck couldn't help smirking at Clara.

“You are some lady.” He said with a chuckle. Clara wasn't exactly sure what he meant, that she was some lady, but what she was sure of was that she hadn't been brought up to play the role of a mindless opinion-less woman. Her father had always stressed the importance of being firm, speaking her mind and always having an opinion whether it was popular or not.

“One beer and one orange juice.” The bartender put the drinks on the bar top. Clara watched as Buck reached in to his pocket to pay for the drinks, but the bartender waved him off. “Buck, you know yer money is no good here.” He said. Buck knew better than to argue and shoving his money back in his pocket, he raised his beer in a silent toast to the bartender.