The Heart of a Soiled Dove (17 page)

The girls had been sleeping at Carrie Anne’s, should Corbin make good on a threat and come bothering them while they slept in the night. Aurora chose it because the Brennans’ cabin was contained and one could see all around from the ground floor. Unlike the main house, with the stairs and the levels and the kitchen facing east, the parlor west. It would be easy for someone to get the drop on them.

Aurora lie beside Emmy and watched as she tossed and turned in agitated sleep. It seemed her body was fighting to ease back into a settled life. Once in a while her vacant stare would come upon Aurora and she could only imagine what Emmy had put up with at Kate’s Place.

Aurora fought being fearful. With three more added to the family it would bring more cause for revenge from the pimps in town. Overcome by tiredness and worry for those around her, Aurora finally allowed her heavy eyes to close and her sleep was sound – until the early morning hour when she awoke to someone screeching in a most unappealing way.

“Sophia! Sophia McHenry!”

The women began to stir and blink sleepy eyes – trying to focus on the terrible sound invading their peacefulness. “Sophia! You come out this instant!”

“Oh, dear,” said Sophia.

Aurora looked at her, silently questioning. Sophia slid an inch of the calico curtain back and sighed. “It’s Kate.”

The other girls were already up and peering out, watching across the way as Kate banged upon the door to the big empty house.

Aurora said, as if she were a neglectful hostess, “I suppose I should go and tell her nobody’s home.” She pulled a flannel wrap about her chilled body. “Who is that silly looking man with her?”

“It’s Brighton. Her protector,” Sophia said making haste to get dressed.

Aurora noticed what Sophia was doing. “You are not coming. Stay here.”

“I need to go with her, Aurora.”

“What do you think you’ve been doing – taking a holiday? You came to start a new life and that’s exactly what you are going to do. You have to start somewhere, now stick to it.”

“She’s coming here,” Carrie Anne said.

Aurora stepped outside, standing stoically against the doorframe. Mostly to keep Sophia in. “Kate, it’s so good to see you.”

“Out of my way!” Her tone pierced the sky and a formation of birds made away to hide in the trees.

“I will
not
get out of your way. Without trying to be… impolite, I have to ask why you traveled here at such an early hour.” Aurora wanted to also add that she was noisier than a rooster.

Sophia tried to open the door from the inside and Aurora held firm the handle, gritting her teeth.

“Let me out!”

Aurora smiled tightly at the muffled order and Kate looked at Aurora seeming confused by her peculiar behavior. “My man is coming. That door will
not
remain closed for long.”

Aurora caught a glance at Brighton. Having no choice, she let go of the door handle and pulled a derringer from her bodice. “I am not about to allow you and yours to touch anything on my property.”

Brighton halted, wisely so. Kate frowned and pulled a piece of crumpled paper from her bosom and smoothed it out against her heaving breast. She handed it over to Aurora who had no intention of touching the thing. Instead, she asked, “What’s this?”

Kate held her head high, “
That
is what Miss McHenry owes me. I will have her arrested if she doesn’t come back with me this very instant. She will pay every cent if she has to whore herself until she’s eighty.”

Brighton groaned out loud and Aurora could only imagine it was at that horrid thought. Just then Sophia managed to get the door open. “She’s right, Aurora. I am in debt to her. I should have never left.”

Aurora snatched the paper from Kate and did a cursory glance to the bottom of the page. One hundred and sixty two dollars. Kate sure struck up a high-priced document. Even Sophia’s food for the month was added onto it as well as the sheets for her own bed. Business expenses Aurora knew that madams took care of. Glaring at Kate, she delivered it back to her eager hands as Kate smiled victoriously. “You see. Come here Sophia, we’ll deal with you and your ill-gotten behavior later.”

“Just a minute, Kate Philips,” Aurora said, ready for battle.

Kate halted and a near growl escaped her throat. Her words seemed forced, slow and pinched. “
What
did you say to me?”

“Sophia, step away from her right now.”

“But I am indebted…” Sophia began.

“Not anymore you’re not.”

“I’ll have you
both
arrested,” Kate warned.

“Save your high pitched blithering.” Aurora stepped close to her adversary. “I will pay you every cent of this debt. Outright robbery is what it is and you well know it. Now get off of my property before I run you off.”

Kate posed a nasty, bitter question. “What do you want with a not good for anything whore, anyway?”

“You are out of line. You see, God sees her as significant, with a life of freedom ahead of her.”

Kate drew back, face flushed from being shocked to the core no doubt. “This is not over between us.”

Aurora turned her back on the woman and went inside with the girls. Then she heard Carrie Anne ask, “Where’s Lauren?”

Aurora waited until everyone was occupied with chores before slipping away. Cows needed milking, produce needed harvesting and prepped for canning. Many hands made work lighter for everyone. Aurora’s heart was full and her determination revived as she watched the former prostitutes working together, seeing to their worth as women.

God, please show them your unconditional love.

After managing to convince them that Lauren probably went for an early morning walk, she set out to find her. Once out of sight and hearing range of the ranch, Aurora dug her heels into the horse and went straight to the Lady of the Night.

Several men stood to their feet as Aurora walked through Poe’s doors. No one touched her but all sent remarks about her soft beauty and innocence that made her want to laugh. She arrived in front of Poe himself. But just as she was about to confront him, she saw Lauren tending to a man. She was helping him adjust his suspenders outside a bedroom door. She patted his shoulders and gave his lips a lingering kiss. It’s when her eyes rested on Aurora standing there that she shrank back into the insecurity Aurora knew all too well.

“Unless you want to join her, leave,” Poe sneered.

Aurora spoke loudly. “Is this what you want, Lauren? Is it?”

“Lauren, get out here and answer her so she can get out of my place,” Thatcher said.

With caution and frailty, Lauren emerged. Aurora took in the sight of her. “Why did you come back?” Aurora’s voice soothed.

Thatcher seemed to be on his last nerve. “Would you answer her?”

“I came on my own accord. I like… it… here.”

If she spoke the truth, why in heavens were tears pouring down her face? “I don’t believe you.”

“Look,” said Thatcher. “Why can’t you just understand that not ever’ body is so high minded as yourself? Get lost.”

“So long, Aurora.” Lauren walked away from her and slid her old prostitute self back into her old quarters. Aurora could do nothing. She glared at Poe and his disgusting features. “She is lying. I don’t know how you got to her but I will find out.”

“Get out of my saloon.”

With newly withdrawn and dwindling money, Aurora went to Kate’s Place. Brighton opened the door and she threw it at his feet. She was livid. Fists clenching in and out like she was clawing for a nerve, she stood in the street and raised her voice, addressing the three saloons that housed prostitutes. “My name is Aurora Young. I have come to offer prostitutes a way out.”

Her insides shook as people looked upon her as if she rode with one of those freak show-traveling circuses.

“I want women to come work for me and only those who are currently being employed as a soiled dove.”

A few prostitutes made their way outside of saloons. It was late morning and their sleep was sorely interrupted. They looked rough and bothered to be out in daylight.

“What are you going on about?” one of them asked.

Aurora prayed
your will be done, Lord
. She asked, “Do any one of you want to live your own life?”

“Listen sugar, we wouldn’t know what that means.”

“Are you one of those temperance ladies?”

“You’ve already asked us that question, now leave us alone!”

Their voices were closing in on Aurora and this was not what she expected. Why did she believe it would be so easy? Why couldn’t they be as desperate as she had been when she left San Francisco? She realized she was treading on thin ice and hoped God would help her remain their advocate.

Looking into some of their faces was what urged her to proceed. “Any one of you who are selling your bodies for the pleasures of men and don’t wish to continue on in that, I implore you to come home with me. I’ve others already there working. It’s harvest time. I could really use you.”

“What if we ain’t working for the pleasures of men? But our pleasure, too,” a woman spouted off, her round and lumpy stomach bounced up and down as she chuckled.

“This is insane,” Kate bellowed, stepping out. “Where’s the sheriff?”

Aurora had the town’s attention.

Thatcher Poe sucked in a breath. “Would somebody shut her up!”

Aurora looked in his direction. He was just a man and no longer intimidated her. “Why don’t you, Mr. Poe? Do you not have Sheriff Corbin Bradbury around to do your dirty work?” She stared him down as he raised his hand and made a signal as though he held a gun. His lips moved soundlessly when he pretended to shoot. “Pow.”

Lauren came to the entrance and Aurora’s soul poured out in her tears.
Please come stand with me. I don’t want to be alone.

“If you make one step in her direction, I will kill you,” Poe said.

Lauren turned away, hopelessness written all over her face, and went inside. Poe spit and smiled wickedly – and followed suit. The stir was created and prostitutes gathered and visited with one another. Aurora stood alone, dying with curiosity. What were they discussing? What should she do? Was it time for her to take her leave?

“Get back in here!” Kate hollered at one of her girls.

The woman strode passed Kate with a packed carpetbag. “Where do you think you are going?”

“The lady made an offer I cannot refuse.”

Aurora craned her neck to see the woman defying Kate. She was older than what Aurora was used to seeing in a boardinghouse, close to thirty years of age. She stood anxiously and at that time saw Iris Finley deep in the crowd, giving her a weak but encouraging smile. The madam did not look happy about Aurora’s actions but did give her a slight nod.

And that encouragement was all Aurora needed. She headed towards Kate’s in time to hear, “You cannot leave this house until you pay off your debt you ungrateful wench.”

Very casually, the woman with the carpetbag took out a tiny purse. One by one she handed coins into Kate’s palm and finally, held up a shiny new one, “This one is extra. I’ll give it to you if you promise to never speak to me again.” It was gingerly placed into the palm and, with much elegance, she made her way to Aurora. “My name’s Beth Nixon. You’d better be worth this, Aurora Young.”

Kate’s voice wailed, “How did you get this money? You stole from me didn’t you?” Finally her remaining girls coaxed her hysterical self into the house and closed the door.

Aurora looked at this woman of bold mystery. “How
did
you come up with all of that?” They began walking towards Aurora’s horse.

“You don’t think I’m honest, do you?”

“It doesn’t matter what I think. I do not know you,” Aurora said.

They stopped and she held out her gloved hand. “I have been putting away every possible penny to buy my freedom from here.”

“It looks as though you could’ve left a while ago.”

Beth looked at her straight. “I had nowhere to go and would have run out of money before too long. Didn’t want to end up the same. Guess you could say I was a little frightened to begin something else.”

Aurora liked her immediately. “I believe, Beth Nixon, that you were meant at this very moment to make that decision.”

They reached the horse. “I’ll walk.”

“No, I couldn’t let you….”

“Allow me to walk on my own two feet away from this place.”

Aurora gathered the reins and clucked at her horse. “I would be honored to walk alongside you.”

“Aurora!”

Both women turned to see Lauren running towards them. She rushed into Aurora’s waiting arms and wept and wept.

Aurora eyed Beth “We are in for a fight, by the way.”

“It’s a good thing I came when I did then.”

Aurora felt like a politician – with her loyal followers standing at attention around the well in the middle of the farmyard. What a sight each newcomer looked, listening to Aurora’s spiel in their old-profession attire. Half dressed they were and her heart went out to each and every one. “The freedom you have chosen means a chance to become a wife, a mother, a business owner
of good repute
.”

“Oh come now,” Josie teased.

“You all can do whatever you put your minds to,” Aurora said cheerfully. “Once a prostitute, doesn’t mean you are always a whore. Our past was a way to make it in this world.” Her arms spread wide to the open range. “And when opportunity presents itself to live another way, our past is no longer what or who we are. From this day forward, we are ladies, and farmers and ranchers. I have a lot of land, a lot of things to do. Find what suits you, please. Find your talent.”

The women cheered at Aurora’s speech and she flushed. She was nobody and yet somebody was needed to encourage the women before her. If it were her lot in life to do so, then she would do it. Wholeheartedly. They dispersed, seemingly to take her advice. Sophia went instantly with Carrie Anne to her garden. Beth Nixon showed clear interest in caring for the horses, while Emmy hung back. Concern renewed in Aurora for her. She still did not look good. Her once healthy ebony skin still carried a gray pallor, pox like scars filled her upper cheekbones and no appetite came over her no matter what was offered. Aurora put an arm around Emmy’s bony shoulders. “What can I do for you?”

“Nothing.”

“I want you to be happy, Em.”

“Never been happy, Aurora.” She smiled pathetically and went off alone.

Betsy approached the subject after Emmy was out of hearing. “She got into some bad things. I don’t know if she’ll ever get good again.”

Aurora fixed a straw hat over her unruly hair. “I choose not to believe that, with all due respect. Time is all she needs, that and to know God’s love.” She mounted her horse. “I’m going to go ride the line, check on things.”

Just as Aurora nudged her horse into a walk, she saw Reverend John’s buggy being steered in the direction of the barn.

She put the mare into a trot and greeted excitedly, “Reverend John! You don’t know how happy I am to see you.”

They brought themselves to a halt and appraised each other. “What a nice welcome. I could get used to that,” he said.

Aurora smiled. “We expected you last week.”

“We had the death of a child two counties over. I couldn’t leave the parents to themselves.”

“I couldn’t imagine,” she agreed solemnly.

“It’s not right for sure, but I don’t question the Lord’s ways.” After a moment he brought his eyes to rest on Aurora’s property. He scrunched his eyebrows and said, “Seems to be a bit busier around and about since I was here last.”

Unable to hold her enthusiasm she shared, “I’m finally seeing the fruit of why God has brought me here. These women are all former prostitutes and they’re here with me now.” She had a thought. “Reverend John? Would you hold us a special service? We’ve been quite unchurched lately and a sermon by you would be much appreciated.”

He seemed to measure her. His answer came a full minute later and Aurora thought for a horrible moment that he’d refuse to preach to soiled doves. “I would be honored. May I, uh… put my horse away first?” He chuckled.

There was no longer room for all to eat in the kitchen and the girls improvised by setting up an additional table in the living area. Aurora’s soul had stirred a passion to continue a quest to see more prostitutes free from the bondage of men. She’d need patience and the guidance of God. And most of all, according to Reverend Johns’ preaching earlier in the day, she was not to be quick to do things in her own strength. She had maturing to do, that was a given.

What Aurora recently found out, and what concerned others such as Josie, was that her spontaneous rants and speeches in town would not be without consequence. She wondered briefly at the sheer volume of outrage radiating from Thatcher Poe. Not that she cared. Josie had more times of whipping than she could count on two hands, and more hatred for the sheriff than all the women put together.

“Please pass some more of Sophia’s bread.” Aurora held out her hands to retrieve it. “It’s very good, Sophia. I see you’ve already some gifts in the kitchen.”

Sophia blushed at the compliment. “Carrie Anne’s a good teacher.”

Aurora looked at Carrie Anne with appreciation. “She is at that.”

With a bunch of women gathered about, it was all visiting, giggles and emotions. Aurora mused at this and noticed that all but Emmy really partook in conversation. She sighed and began to clear the table. “We can’t all sleep at Carrie Anne’s anymore,” she commented to Josie. “Besides, if Corbin Bradbury was going to make good on his threats for once, he would have done so by now.”

“I’ll stand watch tonight,” Lauren said.

After hesitating, Aurora handed a rifle to her. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

“You and Josie can’t stand watch all the time. We all agreed to work together. Now it’s my turn.”

“Oh ye of little faith, Aurora,” Josie muttered.

“I suppose I just worry….”

With caution lingering in her stomach and Josie’s warning stare, Aurora acquiesced.

Someone screamed. Aurora’s body was numb from lack of sleep and would not function according to the urgency of her mind. She stumbled and righted herself as another scream erupted from somewhere outside. She ran down the stairs, meeting with the other girls as she scrambled towards the blood-curling cries coming from in the barn. Aurora stopped at the entrance and Josie skidded into her. Sophia had been the screamer. Josie ran to loosen the binds of an unconscious Lauren. Aurora gulped down both fear and anger before helping Josie, who frantically tugged and tugged to no avail.

“Cut her down,” Aurora ordered Beth. She helped Josie hold Lauren’s limp legs upwards, so Beth could get at the tight knots over her swollen ankles. Lauren’s neck lay limp against her shoulder. When her body had been turned a bit, Aurora saw the note pinned upon Lauren’s backside. It read, “Come back or you will be next,” and it was addressed to Josie.

The horror was more than any one present could stand. Lauren was the sweetest among them next to Carrie Anne. Beth sliced the rope with a kitchen knife. No one could speak, each terrified in their own right. Suddenly Carrie Anne erupted into hysterical fits. “I want Roman! I need to get away from here!” With wild eyes, she looked towards the horses.

“No Carrie Anne.” Aurora grabbed her as she headed to an animal, ready to jump on bareback. Aurora hung tight to Carrie Anne’s middle while she screamed and swung wildly. Beth, the only other one with senses at the moment, hauled her off. Aurora felt as though she deserved every slap and kick from sweet Carrie Anne, and welcomed them. Josie was unmoving, curled up in a corner of the barn.

“I should have been on guard last night.” Bitter tears flowed. “How can this happen?” Aurora sobbed. She fell to her knees and grabbed up bits of hay and dirt, squeezing, pressing her fists against her chest, against her aching heart. “This is all my doing. I might as well have hung her myself.”

Beth touched her shoulder lightly and Aurora said bitterly, “Leave me alone.”

The next day they buried Lauren. Aurora chose her favorite hilly spot to be the ranch’s graveyard. It was the farthest thing she’d ever thought would come of this beautiful place but Lauren deserved the best and this was away from everything. The best and the brightest spot. They faced her tended body due east, towards the rising sun. Flowers grew in abundance around the new mound and the sounds of water flowing nearby brought an ambiance of nature – dust to dust. The grief around Aurora was heavy and it would take a while for the fight to come back into her bones. It wasn’t long before Josie stated out loud that one day soon she would kill both the sheriff and Thatcher Poe, apparently, with her bare hands. For the first time since Leona shared with her of God’s love and forgiveness, she struggled deeply with His ways.

After an ill attempt at eating supper that evening, Aurora sought out the girls’ opinions on what should be done. No law would deal with the death of a prostitute, and they would only claim she’d killed herself. Any case of this matter would be laughed at and thrown out fast. She toyed with her fork and asked quietly, “Is anyone going back?”

The morbid act succeeded at bringing terror and it was written on all of their faces.

Beth sat beside her. “I made my choice. Nobody is ever going to make me do something I don’t want, ever again. I’m staying.”

“I used to think my life wasn’t worth living before,” Josie said. “Now I know it is.”

Shifting uncomfortably, Aurora wanted to bring reason to them. “There’s nothing that says this won’t end with Lauren. I can’t bear to lose any one of you. Maybe it’s best if you do go back. At least you’ll be safe.”

“Are you saying I was safe with Thatcher before? Cause if you are, I’ll pack my bags right now. I never thought you to feel sorry for yourself, or to give up, Aurora Young,” Josie quipped.

Aurora’s eyes burned with tears and frustration. “I can’t protect you.”

“I don’t believe anyone expected you to,” Carrie Anne stated matter of factly. “And if we did, shame on us. We’ve been learning to lean on God and that’s what we need to do now, all of us.”

“We’re strong women and we need to hold our own,” said Beth.

Josie seemed to feel the need to take charge by ordering everyone to bed. “Let’s sleep on this and decide how we’re going to ‘hold our own’ in the morning. Beth and I will both be on guard tonight.”

Appreciating having someone else make the decisions, Aurora asked, “Promise you’ll watch from inside?”

“Most definitely,” Beth answered. “One in the front, one in the back. Whatever cowards are lurking around this place will never get the upper hand again.”

“It’s not normal that we have to watch at all,” Aurora said.