Chapter 12
JESSICA
I have no idea what is going on between Colby and Reggie, but they are like two wild animals pissing on each other’s territory, and I don’t know why.
Lord knows, this day has been an emotional rollercoaster already without those two going at it.
It took everything I had not to show Reggie how scared I was when he left me at the seamstress’ by myself.
Yes, Colby was right … where we lived was growing, but it didn’t feel like another world.
Unlike this place, with its many buildings side by side, and the sheer number of people coming and going did.
Honestly, I did not enjoy it at all. Give me a wildflower field and some peace and quiet, and I’ll be a happy girl.
But the moment that keeps replaying every time I catch a whiff of that masculine cologne Reggie has on is that hug.
He grabbed me, tucking me against his massive chest, as if I actually meant something to him.
He thought I’d tear up because of being embarrassed, but that wasn’t the truth.
I was just surprised and completely lost in the moment.
I pray he never realizes doing things like that only makes me want something I can never have; him.
Before I realize what he’s doing, Reggie takes my package out of my arms and hands it to Jacob.
“Jacob, would you take this and the one that has a blue ribbon on it to our room and leave them by the door?”
“Absolutely, and I will see you both at breakfast in the morning.”
Reggie maneuvers us around Colby like he isn’t even there, and I look back as we walk up the ramp to where they are keeping Bells, only to see him clenching his jaw. The sound of the horses has me looking back again, finding Reggie petting a blonde horse lovingly.
“Hello, beautiful. Did they get you out and walk you around for a while?”
I laugh when she bumps him playfully, envying the smile she brings out on that scruffy face of his.
“Yes, I know. Where is your treat for being good?”
Instead of him handing it straight to her, he hands me the sugar cube, and I squeeze in between them, expecting Reggie to step back, but he doesn’t. Trying my best to ignore Reggie’s massive frame right up behind me, I concentrate on the one wanting my attention.
“Here, sweet girl.”
I reach out, stroking my hand down her face, only for another, deeper whinny to catch my attention. Glancing behind her, I see two others who are watching us, wondering if they will get any attention or not.
“Do you have any more of those sugar cubes with you?”
“I do. I’ve gotten into the habit of always keeping a few in my pocket.”
“Can I have two?”
Reggie reaches into his pocket, then hands them to me, and I can see he is curious about what I’m planning on doing.
I pet Bells once more before moving to the two large beasts that have been taken care of but mostly forgotten toward the back of the stock car.
Both of their large heads lean over the main stall when I get closer, but I don’t invade their space until they allow me in it.
“My goodness, are you guys all alone back here? You are way too beautiful to be kept in the back. I think you two should come sleep with me.”
The biggest one nods his head up and down like he can understand me, and I laugh as I hold out a sugar cube.
I allow him to sniff my hand, waiting patiently until he gently takes it from my palm before moving closer.
The second one must be a female because she is slightly shorter and is a little more cautious of me.
I glance back only to find Reggie standing against the wall with his arms crossed, watching.
I know that if a stranger walked by right now, they would see a refined lady trying to gain the trust of two animals that could stomp her to death, while her doting husband stands protectively nearby.
If anything, this experience has shown me how much clothing and the way you present yourself to others shape how the world sees you.
What no one realizes is that I am more comfortable here with the horses than mingling in a world that never stops changing.
“Come here sweet thing, I promise you’ll like this.”
The large mare leans forward, sniffing cautiously before taking the cube from my hand, only to move back and away from the front of the stall, unlike the male, who is now nibbling on the end of my braid that has come loose from the bun I normally keep it in.
I had gotten so wrapped up in the calmness and trust of the big male in front of me that I almost forgot about the one watching me.
“You’re a natural with them.”
“Not really. They aren’t much different from us as they just want to be treated right. I’ve always enjoyed being around horses.”
Petting the male once again, I turn back only to hear the train whistle blow once again.
Reggie’s eyes never leave me as I walk toward him, and I glance down at my dress, wondering if I have something all over me, before smiling up at him as he appears as intimidating as the Clydesdales in the back.
I wonder if I could get him to relax with a sugar cube of his own?
“Bells is stunning, but those two back there would make some pretty babies.”
“I was told that the railroad has been unable to reach their owner. I may offer to buy them if he answers the telegram or take them off the railroad’s hands if he doesn’t show up to collect them before we leave Promontory. Come on, they will want to shut the ramps soon, and I am starving.”
We make our way through the few trains that separate us from the horses in the back, along with several others who are now boarding the train.
When we get to our sleeper car, Reggie reaches down to pick up the packages sitting next to the door, and I wonder what he bought at Violet’s shop.
Then I remember that we are heading to Grant’s, so it’s more than likely for his new wife, Lauren.
“Reggie, I am going to wash my hands, then you can clean up. I need to re-braid my hair before we head into the dining car. Are we eating in the same place as we did last night?”
“No, they are not open on the days we stop for any length of time. I believe the dinner buffet will be set up in the breakfast area instead.”
“Dang it! We probably won’t see Tyberius or Victoria then since she doesn’t care for the open-seating cars. I really wanted to tell her all about the things I saw today.”
“I am sure you will see her tomorrow.”
Hurrying, I’ve just walked out of the lavatory when the whistle blows, and the train jerks, knocking me into Reggie.
Instantly, his arms are around me once again as his large form stabilizes both of us until the train is moving steadily.
Glancing up, I am shocked to see him staring down at me, a look in his eyes I’m not sure how to decipher.
“You okay, Jess?”
“Yeah … you would think by now I would have my train legs as much as this thing rocks around.”
For a second, he pulls me a little closer, and I swear it’s as if we fit perfectly together. With as much poise as I can muster, I make myself let go of him and walk to my side of the room, my cheeks flushed and my heart beating a million miles an hour.
“Take as long as you need, Jess. I’ll be a minute.”
Heaven knows I am grateful to have a moment to myself. Dusting off my skirts, I quickly redo my hair, so I am ready when Reggie is, and I am sitting on the bed, my mind blank, when I hear the washroom door open.
“You ready?”
“Yes.”
We eat dinner with little conversation, as Reggie seems to be lost in thought, and before I know it, we are back in our room, and I find myself yawning.
“Reggie, if you don’t need me for anything else, I think I’ll turn in. Between being up so late last night and all the excitement of the day, I am worn out.”
“Jess, you go ahead. I may step out for a drink, but I’ll lock the door behind me.”
“Are you alright? You seem distracted this evening. Have I done something to upset you?”
“You have done nothing, dearest, just a busy mind is all.”
The look he gives me right before he walks out the door says something else, but because I have no real knowledge of men, I am unsure.
Every moment we are together, I catch myself falling a little harder for him, and I know how foolish that is.
I’ve seen many girls in my line of work fall for a pretty face and false words, only to be compromised and then end up out on the streets, homeless and toting a little one on their hip.
As much as I wish this fiasco were real, I need to harden my heart because a man like Reggie will never settle for the maid, even if he is a little attracted to me.
Sighing, tired and a little heartbroken, I start unlacing my gown, careful of the pearl buttons I would never been able to afford. Once I shimmy out of the many layers, I hang it on one of the hooks in the room so the wrinkles of the day will stretch out, and I can wear it tomorrow.
After I loosened the stays, I’d turned it around this morning so I could lace them up by myself.
I take off my shoes and gently roll the pretty stockings Victoria gave me down, careful of the ribbons and the embroidery on the top.
Stretching, I rub my sides where the stays pressed as I slip off my shift for the silky nightgown I found tucked at the bottom of the carpet bag Victoria sent me.
I know I should not have been shocked at the things she had in there, but I was.
Even in most of the households I’d worked in, I had never seen such luxuries, even on those ladies.
There was perfume, with a spray bottle, something I have never owned and will always cherish.
Several types of pantaloons, some longer, others shorter, that will come in handy under the pants I asked Reggie for.
Two new shifts, one with extra padding that I can wear alone without stays, which should be cooler if I am working outside.
A lace handkerchief and three pairs of stockings.
At present, I own more than I ever dreamed, almost to the point I feel rich.
Rubbing my fingers over the silk, I twirl around a little, letting the light fabric caress my skin before crawling into the cool bed.
Exhausted and overwhelmed, I fall asleep almost instantly … dreaming of being held in his arms.