North Maddock Outdoors
You are standing just inside the city limits. The road, more reminiscent of a large trail that leads out into the vast plains to the north of Maddock, turns into a dirt road wide enough to fit three carriages abreast. It cuts down the middle of the town, leading off to the south. Harvest time midday looks down as rain falls steadily from above. Raindrops patter against the leaves, and glisten like silver beads on their fiery vermilion and gold surfaces. The wet tree trunks have darkened from grey to brown. Several buildings line each side of the roadway. One, to the northeast, bears the sign Maddock Post Office. To the east, next to the post office, is another building bearing the sign Annie's Bath House, and next to that, to the southeast, is a Blacksmith's Shop. Across the street, to the southwest, is a two story building which marks the corner of Maddock Square, with the words Wine Room prominently displayed over the wooden porch. To the west is a Stable and next to it, to the northwest, a Corral.
Day: Wednesday Date: October 10th, 1879 Time: 12:14pm
Chilly rain falls from a grey sky. It's bleak and raw. The wind blows from the east.
Hat down and coat turned up against the weather, a tall and slender figure struggles through the rain, toward the post-office. Dogging that youth's heels is a white-and-brown (mostly brown with the mud) half-grown pup. DeQuille, like his master, tries to keep the most of him within that coat, or under it, and consequently, Theo's limp is even more pronounced than usual, for he has to dodge the dog. "Dammit," Theo's drawl can be heard to say, "Can't you get wet lke other dogs? I swear, you're spoiled."
Caitlyn steps out of the post office and into the rain, drawing her shawl about her. Not that it's truly enough to fend off the wind and rain but it will have to serve. The weather seems to match her own mood. Bleak, grey, just rather disheartening in general. Head ducked down to keep her face out of the rain, she does not watch where she is going, skirts held up a bit with one hand to keep them from dirtying. At the sound of that familiar voice she lifts her head and, despite her care, it seems her face is streaked with raindrops anyway. "Good afternoon," she greets gently, a small smile curving her lips before her gaze drops to the four legs beneath the coat. "An' to you as well."
In the road to the south, Redman has connected.
"Damn dog." Theo responds, or perhaps that was to the pup he tries to carefully not to tread upon. He trips, predictably, and despite that bum leg, manages to catch his balance. Once upon a time, the youth had exceptional, trained balance. Now his wet-gloved hand slaps against the wall, and Theo yanks the coat open and sidesteps the shivering pup, leaving him momentarily exposed to the rain. "I told you you didn't want to come but nno--." Theo's head snaps up at the greeting, even as he straightens to pick the dog up. Now the front of his coat is muddy as well. "Miss Caitlyn. Ma'am. You'll have to excuse me, for not tipping my hat, ma'am." In fact, Theo has both hands full of wet and happy dog, who now tries to curl around to lick his benefactor's face. "/Stop that!/ -- Dammit. Pardon, Miss Caitlyn." Theo's all discombobulated, dips that hat down. "Would you mind doing me a favor?"
In the road to the south, Redman strolls off towards the northside of town.
Redman walks over from the town square to the south.
Redman has arrived.
Theo and Caitlyn stand in the rain, just outside the post office.
In the road to the south, Scarlett walks over from the southern part of town.
In the road to the south, Scarlett hurries off towards the northside of town.
Scarlett moves over from the town square to the south.
Scarlett has arrived.
Scarlett is followed by Mo.
Mo has arrived.
Theo stands with Caitlyn, outside the post office. Theo holds a struggling, muddy puppy who is trying to get the front of his coat even more muddy, and he is speaking with Caitlyn. Redman has just arrived, from the south.
Redman walks rather aimlessly, through the rain. He appears oblivious to it, soaked through. He glances up to Theo and Caitlyn, giving a polite nod. He then slowly meanders over to where they are standing.
Caitlyn actually chuckles at Theo's predicament, dropping her skirts briefly as she lifts a gloved hand to her lips briefly, trying to stifle the giggle. Then she waves off his concern with that same hand, nonchalant and smiling warmly. "Oh no. 'Tis nothin' at all." As he needs a favor, she takes a step closer, her head tilting just a bit as lips quiver with barely contained mirth. "What can I do for ya, Mister Grey?" Redman is given a nod as she spies his approach from the corner of her eye and then her focus in on Theo once more.
This would be the day the Montgomerys decided to take a carriage ride north of town. Thank Buddha and his happy minions that the Carriage is covered. Mo is huddled in it with Scarlett, his crutches at his side and complaining bitterly, "This early fall weather is far too unpredictable! I was so certain because it was nice yesterday and the dogs weren't worrisome that it would be nice today. Surely there must be some accurate way of predicting the weather!"
"If you'd be so kind," Theo glances sidelong at Redman as well, with a nod, but directs his immediate attention back to Caitlyn. And perhaps he sways back just slightly as the saloon girl gets closer. But his voice drops, "If you'd be so kind as to go back in there -- the Post Office, ma'am -- and ask them if they've gotten a telegram from Marcel? That's be, the Marcels of Louisiana? For Theo? Or...Ah. Possibly Theo Grey, or maybe Theo Marcel, or possibly -- who the hell knows. Would you do that for me, please? I'm waiting on an address, to mail a letter."
Redman arrives in front of the post office, he remains silent for a moment. He appears quite content, a rather wistful smile on his lips. He tips his head forward, allowing the water collected in his hat to run off. "Afternoon Mr Grey, Caitlyn" he tips his soaked hat. "You ok." He has a pleasant tone to his voice, as if he is enjoying the awful weather.
Scarlett really rather enjoyed the rain, it was damp and slightly cool but not yet better cold. It'd get there soon enough. "Oh, stop complaining. It's not -that- bad." Scarlett chides her husband, voice good natured, but rather firm in her enjoyment of the weather. In fact, she'll take it one step more. "Come on, lets walk the rest of the way. It's not too cold out." She pokes her head out towards the front of the carriage, calling the driver, "You can stop... we'll walk." Apparently, she didn't wait for affirmation from her husband to carry out her orders.
Caitlyn inclines her head, some of her amusement fading. "Of course. I'll just ask if they've gotten a telegram for Mister Grey," she offers, tossing the young man a wink before turning towards the building she just exited herself. "Mister Redman," she greets warmly, her gaze flittering from the man and to the carriage as it pauses. "I won't be but a moment," she promises the men, giving Red a wink as well.
Caitlyn saunters off towards the small post office to the northeast.
Caitlyn has left.
Theo shakes his head, "No -- ma'am-- Dammit. I'm sorry. I'll do it myself. Just don't want the pup to run into the street or anything. Mister Redman. Good morning." Theo turns back to Caitlyn with a mild explanation, "Ma'am,-" Damn. Damn. Theo turns to Redman -- Like dogs? Mind holding mine for a moment?" DeQuille is offered over. Fourty pounds of happy, muddy puppy. "Here. I have a leash, in here, somewhere." Theo shifts the dog, football style, under one arm while he fishes for a leash with the other. Both are proffered to Redman, then. Theo notices the carriage in periphery, but pays it no particular mind.
"Dai Hung-Sik," Mo drawls to Scarlett, sounding concerned. "What if you caught cold?" He indicates the rain, "What sort of husband would I be if I allowed you to walk about in this mess in your condition? Hmm? I should surely be penalized for my lack of concern!" Still, he's getting his crutches and his umbrella - a large one, to at least make certain Mrs. Montgomery isn't too wet at the end of this. He squints and asks her then, "Is that Theo? With a /dog/?" He seems to be surprised by this.
Redman accepts the dog rather happily, taking him like a new born in his arms. "Glad to be of help, Mr Grey." He seems quite amused by the situation. He glances down at the rather gleeful puppy. Then up at Theo, "Troublesome critter." He says lightly, with a grin.
Scarlett turns her head, catching sight of the direction he's looking. A rather amused glance passes across her pale skinned features and those blue eyes. Apparently, she is good moods... and the sight is just too strangely cute. "I think you would be correct. A little one too...just a pup." Oh yes, from the tone of Scarlett's voice... she wants to visit the dog. Since Mo is dealing with crutches, she takes up the umbrella and carefully steps down out of the carriage, only pausing momentarily at the side to pay the driver.
Here. "The leash. His name is DeQuille. Please," Theo drawls in Louisiana brogue, "Don't let him run in the street." And then the youth turns and heads into the post office, after the saloon girl. What a way to get the gal -- give the other man a wet slimey dog, and hide inside, with the lady!
You stroll towards the small post office to the northeast.
North Maddock Post Office Lobby
Years of dust tracked in from the street outside defeat even the industrious efforts of the U.S. Postal employees in keeping the shine and finish of the wood floor graciously intact. Large windows on both side walls let in the bright light and highlight the trodden floor, particularly the paths that lead to the two teller booths. With a high counter and thick glass separating these two booths from the rest of the room, the teller's section seems a world of its own; the wire machine clacks away industriously, letters hang in mailbags from hooks, and large mysterious trunks line the back walls. One small door leads to the back room of the post office. It is known to be normally kept locked. The best exit is the entrance.
Contents:
Caitlyn
Mail Sign
Obvious exits:
Post Master's Office <PM> Outdoors <Out>
The door spits Theo out of the rain, and he spends a moment brushing his feet off on the much-ignored mat, by the door, before he limps in.
Caitlyn is already smiling brightly to the postman that had given her such disappointing news but moments before. "Grey," she repeats. "Mister Grey. He works for tha newspaper I believe. Do ya have anythin' for him at all? Maybe a name Marcel?" An auburn brow arches as she asks, her head tilted yet again, both hands clasped and resting atop the high counter as she stands on her tiptoes.
The telegram is for a Marcel, and the postman is about to indicate the correct name attached to that, when Theo raises his voice, "I'll take that, Mister Harris. Thanks -- The one for my cousin. Yes." A smile appears, marshaled, upon features that look drawn and almost ghoulish in the better night. If Theo's slept any time in the past few days, it has no evidence upon his features. The limping stride brings the tall youth over, and he reaches for the telegram, exchanging that for enough coins to pay for it. "And thank you. Both. Miss Caitlyn, I appreciate." Mister Harris looks mildly baffled and takes another glance at Theo, but Theo peers at the telegram, reaching into his coat with the other hand and pulling out a letter. "If I might borrow a pen, Mister Harris, I can mail this as well."
DeQuille Pup> Redman has disconnected.
DeQuille Pup> DeQuille Pup likes Redman well enough, but the fellow just isn't quick enough on the uptake, and forty pounds of pit-pup mix squirms and worms and then leaps free, to go gamboling about the legs of all these delightful new people. Everyone who isn't fast enough, gets an inquiring nose in intimate places.
DeQuille Pup> Fortunately, Scarlett is fast before the pup can dip beneath her skirts, she leans down and begins scratching behind his little ears. "Oh, now, aren't you sweet. Oh yeeeess. Yes you are. Hullo there, little darling." Yes, it is most definitely clear that Scarlett likes dogs. And Ava's really mother and keeper of the two growing dogs at home which, though they find Scarlett and Mo pleasant companions, they could care less as long as Ava's around.
DeQuille Pup> Mo isn't fast enough, at least not these days. On one crutch and trying to hold an umbrella for himself and his wife, the Doctor gets easily tangled by her /and/ the dog. "Ai!" He exclaims. Scarlett's going to get wet and is playing with strange dogs and..."Oh goodness gracious!" He slips, ooofing, onto the wet street...still holding the umbrella up. "Ai-YAH," he grouses. A least he's wearing his grubby clothes.
DeQuille Pup> DeQuille Pup WOO! AND he's DOWN! The count starts, and the puppy dodges for Mo's face, tail wagging his entire rear-end, frantically, as he gets in as many licks as he can, with that rather distinctive puppy-dog breath, all over any exposed skin and especially Mo's face and a hole-in-one would be an open mouth. DeQuille is ecstatic.
DeQuille Pup> Scarlett was going to attempt and pet the dog a bit longer, but hearing that slip and the soft thump of her husband's body hitting the ground, well that slightly distracts her. She is momentarily concerned... until she sees the puppy -attacking- him with licks and, well... breaks into laughter herself. Her eyes watering with laughter as her husband's reaction is no doubt just as comical.
Caitlyn is more than a little surprised at Theo as well, her lashes fluttering as she turns to look at him. Still, she does not ask, her smile warm and welcoming. "'Twas nothin' at all, Mister Grey. What did ya do with the pup?" Stepping away from the counter, she moves so that she can get out of his way, not in a real hurry to be anywhere.
DeQuille Pup> "Chow-lah! Chow-lah! Mo laai-oh! Ting-ahhhhhh!" The crutch goes flying, the umbrella rolls down the street, and Mo looks like he is in a life-or-death struggle with this damned dog. Shrieking in Cantonese, he must look like one of those coolies being chased by a mob. He brethes, "Ai -- ai -- aiyahaiyahaiyah TAAI TAAI!" He calls for hsi wife to get the dog off him, as he's slipping on the wet stones in the street and cant' get up so easily now that he'd hobbled.
"Mister Redman has him, I think. I hope." Theo accepts the pen and prints, neatly, the new address indicated in the telegram. That letter is then passed over to Mister Harris, and Theo reaches into an inner pocket for more coin, to add to it. The transaction is completed, pen returned and telegram tucked into Theo's inner pocket before he turns again to Caitlyn. "There. That's done." Finality weighs on those words. "Shall we?" Theo limps toward the door, to open it for you. "After you, ma'am. Brave the rain and, with your smile of spring beauty, calm the winds and wrath of the gods."
DeQuille Pup> DeQuille Pup of course thinks this is a game and he leaps over Mo's chest and flailing arms and darts in with nose-punches, against the man's hands and neck, and a lick when he can get it in. Large paws give him great traction, but the tail's wagging does affect his balance some. More mud, and more rainwater and let's not think about what's mixed into the street's water, either, shall we?
Caitlyn doesn't watch the transaction, affording the man some privacy. Her smile brightens as he moves to open the door and she follows his direction. Cheeks pinken beneath the lovely words, her head ducking just a bit as she passes him. "Such a sweet talker, I canna imagine why you don't have every girl in the town fightin' to be on your arm," she tells him as she steps out once more, her hips swaying as she walks.
Caitlyn saunters off towards the road.
Caitlyn has left.
DeQuille Pup> Caitlyn strides over from the post office.
DeQuille Pup> Caitlyn has arrived.
You stroll towards the road.
North Maddock Outdoors
You are standing just inside the city limits. The road, more reminiscent of a large trail that leads out into the vast plains to the north of Maddock, turns into a dirt road wide enough to fit three carriages abreast. It cuts down the middle of the town, leading off to the south. Fruitful autumn afternoon slips away as the rain trickles lightly from the clouds overhead. Raindrops patter against the leaves, and glisten like silver beads on their fiery vermillion and gold surfaces. The wet tree trunks have darkened from grey to brown. Several buildings line each side of the roadway. One, to the northeast, bears the sign Maddock Post Office. To the east, next to the post office, is another building bearing the sign Annie's Bath House, and next to that, to the southeast, is a Blacksmith's Shop. Across the street, to the southwest, is a two story building which makrs the corner of Maddock Square, with the words Wine Room prominently displayed over the wooden porch. To the west is a Stable and next to it, to the northwest, a Corral.
Contents:
Caitlyn
DeQuille Pup
Mo
Scarlett
Mo is struggling on the ground with Theo's overenthusiastic dog, shrieking in Cantonese and slipping all over the wet, muddy, and otherwise icky ground, his crutch and umbrella strewn into the street. "Mo-LAAI-oh!" His face is red and screwed up as he struggles to get he dog away from his face -- no don't lick there OW that's a paw in my crotch you stupid -- "AIIEEE!"
So Mo sings the castrati role. It works in Chinese opera, really.
Scarlett really needs to -stop- laughing and -help- her dearest husband up off of the ground, but it's an utterly amusing image. So still slightly breathless with laughter, she reaches down to get his crutch instead and offer it to him before her hand comes around his shoulder and she carefully assists in hauling him back up to his feet.
Theo has opened the door for Caitlyn, and he responds to her words as the rain hits him again. And he looks around anxiously for Redman, and his dog, "I'm not looking to have every girl in town fighting to be on my --" Theo blinks then, and visibly pales, though he was pretty ghoulish-looking to start with, and in fact in close quarters the odor of wine is evident on the youth. "DeQuille!" Projection, long taught Theo for years now, comes in handy: the two syllables split the air and catch the pup's attention with resounding immediacy. "DeQuille," Theo slaps his leg and leans down in that pose that invites dog-play, "Here, DeQuille!" The third call has less of shock in it, and more a falsetto enthusiasm that the dog ingenuously believes is real. He will happily abandon the entertaining Chinaman for the promise of Theo's affection. The dog romps toward Theo, toward the youth's arms which snap close upon him. Theo does not discipline the dog, though, instead hugging the pup to his chest, where it deposits a fresh layer of mud. "You," Theo murmurs to the dog, "will never go out in the rain again." Trying for a fresh hold on the pup. Theo looks to Caitlyn, then over toward Mo, on the ground, and Scarlett. "I apologize, Mister Montgomery, for my dog's behaviors." The leash lays on the ground, forgotten.
Mo is breathing heavily, looking a complete /mess/ and frowning at his wife in particular. Oh yeah, it's really fun to be covered in slop! He mutters aloud, "Well, better me than you," to her, and accepts Scarlett's help to get up, making a pathetically miserable face at his condition. "Aiyah, I'm not going to be presentable for days and my clothes are ruined!" he grouses as he stands, a little unsteady, then takes up his crutch. "Whatever kind of dog is that Theo that is so big and insane? No offense but...he's crazy." His knees are a little pressed together, and he clucks his tongue. Heavy paw.
Caitlyn ducks her head against the rain as she exits the building before Theo, smiling as she listens to him. At the sudden silence, she looks up, her own expression faintly concerned. And then she follows his gaze. An auburn brow lifts as does one corner of her lips, more than a little amusement residing in her features. She quells is quickly, looking appropriately apologetic. As DeQuille is taken away from mischief, she attempts to help Theo as best she can in restraining him. Again there is a glint of amusement as Mo replies but for the moment she says nothing, keeping her attention on the big dog.
Scarlett finishes assisting her husband up, and she leans over just a bit to help brush some of the mud and wetness away from his coat, though her hands are already soaked so it's probably not doing much help and just getting her a bit messier than before. "..Oh, stop being so dramatic." And then she turns around to face the pair coming out of the office with a warm smile. Scarlett really hasn't been seen out and about all that much, but she's now around and with a new confidance, despite the now noticable round of her belly. Or perhaps because of it.
"The leash, ma'am -- If you would." Quietly, this to Caitlyn, before Theo re-addresses his regard to Mo. "He's a puppy, and the fellow said he'd be fairly large. Seventy pounds or so. I'm sorry he -- I'll replace your clothes, if you wish. He didn't bite you, did he?" Theo's tones are somber, still drawled, and Theo looks then to Scarlett, trying to adjust the puppy enough to free a hand for a hat-tip. He gives up, unwilling to give DeQuille another shot at freedom, and Mo. "Ma'am."
Mo purses his lips, a rueful smile hinted in his expression. "You owe me enough money as it is," he begins softly, a gently-offered teasing truth. He shrugs. "I've been through far worse than an attack by an overenthusiastic puppy. I even have enough money to get these things cleaned." He sighs, adding, "But for now, I dont' think it woudl be wise for us to go Yuan's for lunch, as I'd hoped, taai taai," he glances at Scarlett. "So I think I shall just stand in the rain and hoep some of this gunk washes off. It is nice rain after all."
Caitlyn blinks a couple of times at Theo before she realizes what he asked for. "Oh!" Straightening, she moves towards the requested item, stooping down to pick it up. She holds it carefully, trying not to get too much grime on her as she brings it back to the young man. Handing it off to him, she smiles apologetically. "I think p'raps I should be goin'. 'Tis afternoon an'.. well.. I hope ta see you again soon, Mister Grey." Another glance is given towards the odd couple, a small smile given the pair as she nods politely. She does appear eager to be off however.
Scarlett peers momentarily at the young woman who had been with Theo, though Scarlett doesn't seem to recognize her. Eager to be off or not, Scarlett really needs to start getting out and about again. So she extends a slightly less grubby palm forward for a shake if the woman would care to attempt. Even covered in mud, slicked by rain and wearing a mother Hubbard out of comfort for her slightly round stomach, there is a dignity and professionalism about Scarlett. A bit too strong for a woman, but polite and professional. "I'm Scarlett... Scarlett Montgomery. This is my husband, Dr. Ishmael Montgomery."
Theo takes the leash and fumblingly manages to get it on the puppy, before he'll kneel down enough to release DeQuille back onto the ground. The puppy includes everyone in his tail-wagging happiness, but this time it's from a safe distance, and doesn't include mud or licks. Theo's gaze narrows somewhat on Mo, "Then do send a bill, Mister Montgomery. I do not care to have outstanding debts." To Caitlyn, Theo asks, "May I walk you back to the saloon, Miss Caitlyn?" Then Theo pauses, to allow the introductions. His hat brim dips down and he watches the dog, who beats all, for muddy. Silent speculation ensues, on whether or not he could talk Annie into letting him bathe the dog in one of her tubs.
Mo smiles politely and inclines his head to Caitlyn as well. "I believe my wife said all I needed to say in greeting save that you can call me Mo." His smile widens to something more friendly than polite. He glances at Theo after his comment, shrugging. "I'll decide how it needs to be paid soon enough," he murmurs, with no threat, just thoughtfulness. There's got to be a history there. Back to Caitlyn...and becomes more thoughtful as he sees she's eager to leave. You'd' think he'd have gotten used to taht reaction when he was with his wife in public but...the tinge of disappointment in features still shows up like a small but ugly scar.
Caitlyn flushes as the hand is extended. Almost uncertainly, she begins to tug at her glove, removing it before giving the woman a bit more of a smile. She extends her own hand but tries her best to make contact brief. "A pleasure, Miss Montgomery. Doctor." Her words have a distinct Irish lilt to them. Something she's never been able to get rid of. Her grin turns a bit more wry as Theo offers to escort her back and she nods. "I would like that, Mister Grey. 'Tis too kind of ya." Green eyes flit back to the pair before her and she smiles a bit more warmly, her gaze dropping briefly to the obvious signs of pregnancy and then up again. "It really was a pleasure." Taking a few steps back, she grins at Theo, nodding her willingness to be off, cheeks flushing a bit more.
They were -wed- now. Would people get over themselves and just accept that two people as dramatically different as Scarlett Fairchilde and Ishmael Montgomery, or... Kei, whichever people think of him as, can live a life together? Mo is not the only one who looks vaguely disturbed by Caitlyn's wish to leave, but she bites her tongue on commenting about it. Theo is give a brief, sideways look, but Scarlett isn't getting into that business there. It was Theo and her husband's problem, no one else's. Her shoulders square off a bit, features presenting a slightly stronger expression in face of the woman's seeming dislike. "..Good...afternoon, Madame." She didn't even really get the lady's name. Scarlett sighs a bit, trying not to let her mood drop from this little encounter.
"I believe that commerce if often settled with coin, Mister Montgomery," Theo intones in his rich Louisiana brogue that sounds so odd coming from so high a tenor, "And I would suggest that you determine any debts accordingly, sir, because that is the only way I will see fit to pay them." Mo is given a good look at Theo's face, from under that hat, and the narrowed, pale study that accompanies Theo's words refer not to race nor company, but is something entirely more personal. Then Theo reaches to touch the brim of his hat, to Scarlett, with a farewell 'ma'am', before he turns to offer Caitlyn an elbow, should she desire to take it. The dog patters along at Theo's heel, though not consistently. Spectators might start laying bets on how many times Theo will have to stop his limping gait in order to detangle the dog from himself and his companion's legs. Then again, other spectators might suggest that Theo trained the dog to foul up his leash on a good-looking woman's legs, so he would have the chance to detangle it.
Mo corrects, "Mrs. Montgomery," to Caitlyn first. A pause. "And you are a Miss, I presume?" The tone of his voice suggests the title is referring to a little more than her marital status. A glance is given to Theo. The boy is starting to try to get into it with him again, and the drama is something the Doctor doesn't particularly buy. He is polite to Theo, as he tends to be in public, stating again with very little variation, "I will decide what needs to be in my invoice, Theo. I assure you. I think you should save your coin for the Miss...I didn't' catch her last name. I'll ask Miss Gem next I see her." An eyebrow cocks. His expression has a try-it-again-and-I'll-get-public-on-your-ass look to it. "I do hope the two of you enjoy your afternoon." He bows.
Caitlyn nods to Mo, her blush deepening at her slip of the tongue. "Yes. Miss Caitlyn. My apologies," she murmurs. The first is for the oriental man, the latter to Scarlett quickly, her eyes not quite meeting the other woman's. "O'Connor," she adds as an afterthought, though it's hardly audible. She continues to hold her glove in her gloved hand, her bare one gratefully taking Theo's elbow. She squeezes it gently in an attempt to convey her thanks.
Scarlett stares off after the two, though now both soaked... and with that little encounter, she's rather lost her appetite. "..maybe this was not the best day to come into town. I don't quite find myself in the mood for eating any longer." She admits in a softer, but still slightly stern voice before turning her body and her eyes back up towards her husband. What can they do?
Theo doesn't see either Mo or Scarlett's expression, because he's already turned away, already acquiesced to Caitlyn's wishes to be escorted back to the saloon. No sooner than he's stepped away from the pair, then Theo's hat dips down toward Caitlyn, and he says something, quietly. The dog patters along, then stops to sniff something dead, then takes a lick and heads on after the tug on its leash.
Maddock Square Outdoors
This wide, dusty square is the center of Maddock. New buildings line its sides except for the southeast corner where a new town building is still under construction. Golden autumn afternoon lingers as rain falls steadily from above. Raindrops patter against the leaves, and glisten like silver beads on their fiery vermilion and gold surfaces. The wet tree trunks have darkened from grey to brown. The roads branch off in four directions, continuing in a north-south and east-west direction from the square.
Caitlyn nods quickly to the whispered words. "Thank ya, Mister Grey. I did not mean to be so skittish but.. well.. it just ain't proper for a woman like her an' a woman like.. well.. you know.." She shrugs and then tilts her head, glancing down at the pup. "How long before he is full grown?" she asks curiously, not minding the rain anymore it seems.
In the road by the gates, Mo watches after Theo, lips thinned. Eventually he agrees softly with his wife. "I am not hungry either." He sighs, taking up her arm and saying to he with great affection, "So we'll starve together." Likely, they will struggle together at least. "Let's go home. We can call the carriage if you want...or we can walk." he grins. "I am tired of arguing with you about how you should be behaving given your condition."
In the road by the gates, Scarlett allows her arm to be taken, and that puts a slightly warmer smile upon her pale features, "I think we will walk. The rain is yet warm, and it will give us time to stretch our legs." And so, she begins to quietly pace down across the town and towards the river again. "..As for my condition, I got past the first few months, did I not? I thought I could relax a bit more these days."
"Ma'am," Theo's voice comes quiet, still, "I'm understanding what you're saying. And you may be right about it, given what the town would say. But I'll tell you that that man, and likely that woman, are going to think differently about it, than the town will. You noticed that he invited you to call him by a nickname? Names... Social mores... They're all different, for those two. Different than for the rest of the town." Theo angles toward the shelter of the porch, to join the mud on his feet onto the rest now scraped off there, "So if you're wanting to meet with her, I'm supposing the town won't be thinking any worse of either of your reputations. And," Theo has to almost smile, then, "You're being seen with me. Told you, that can't do you no good."
In the road by the gates, Mo says, "You call walking four miles to my house 'relaxing'? You really are my wife, aren't you?" he shrugs hopelessly, then pauses to shake out his moppy hair. Onto his crutch he leans, and it is time to go. He offers to Scarlett, reminded somehow to talk to her, "I was wondering if you'd looked over the medical catalogue for this moth's supplies. I was released of a chuckle when you mentioned you wanted one of those new stethoscopes?" He gently taps Scarlett on the nose. "I tell you, you are going to et all of the clients if you prove more than a hobbyist at medicine, taai taai. I simply cannot compete with the prettiest doctor in town. Oh!" He snaps wet fingers. "That and I was very excited! I was my journal from California that tells me a few doctors in Philadelphia have been trying to perfect the use of ether in the operating room, so as to prevent most patients from dying on the table. I wont' have to teach you to punch people, if that be the case." A very odd couple indeed. "Isn't that exciting...I mean, unless you really want to learn to punch someone properly..."
Caitlyn laughs and is more than content to be steered as he wishes. "I'm seen with a lot o' men, darlin'," she teases, falling back into her usual air and away from the shier demeanor. "You're hardly goin' ta hurt my reputation." Her brow furrows a bit as she nods, still not having released his elbow yet. "It is odd.. Her marryin' a china man... Still.. a girl's got to make a livin' an' I s'pose ya do what ya' have to. Doesn't really seem honest though.." She blinks and draws up to a stop, a sudden thought occurring to her. "She doesna really love him, ya don't think?"
In the road by the gates, Scarlett chuckles to herself at the thought of learning to punch someone. "I think you'd be surprised at how well I know how to do that already, but I remember glancing through the article and... well, it's encouraging, isn't it? And I think most people will be wary of a woman with medical instruments, more than anything. I swear not to steal your business. I don't want to work the sort of hours you do!" She smirks lightly and gives his arm a hint of a squeeze before continuing on their casual stroll back towards the river...
Theo nudges her back into a walk. "It's cold and wet and I'm in ill health enough as it is, Miss Caitlyn, and I got scraps going with both doctors in town, at the moment, so I don't need to be standing in the rain any longer than I am." Theo heads again toward the stairs. "I believe that they are in love, yes. I suspect that they both encountered serious difficulties from their families, in deciding to marry, so it cannot have been for much else, than love. Some people find it." Theo has to use his leash-hand to help him up the steps; his leg is paining him much more than usual.
You stroll towards the saloon porch to the northwest.
Maddock Square Golden Phoenix South PorchA wooden porch, raised slightly above the level of the street, with a wooden railing running along the edge between wooden posts that support a balcony overhead. The wall behind the porch is covered with large windows and wooden benches with slatted backs and an armrest at either end have been placed in front of them. The windows have large fancy letters painted on them in red and yellow spelling out "Golden Phoenix Dance Hall and Saloon." Unlit lanterns hang from some of the posts that line the edge of the porch. Another cool autumn afternoon seems to linger neath interminable clouds bent on drenching everything in sight. Raindrops patter against the leaves, and glisten like silver beads on their fiery vermilion and gold surfaces. The wet tree trunks have darkened from grey to brown. Steps on the southeast corner of the porch lead down to the street where there is a watering trough and hitching rails. A pairs of batwing doors to the north leads into the saloon another pair of batwing doors to the northwest lead into the dance hall. To the northeast is a red and blue candy striped pole with a white globe on top standing next to a door that opens into a barber shop. The porch continues on to the east where it curves around the side of the building.
Contents:
Roland
Obvious exits:
Saloon <SA> Dance Hall <DH> Barber Shop <BS> East Porch <EP> Square <MS>
Roland looks up from his bench where he sits watching the rain. He touches the brim of his hat, "Afternoon folks."
"Mister Roland," Theo murmurs, dipping his own hat so that a cascade of water drapes off the front. His dog, being helpful, steps right close to Caitlyn and braces himself for the inevitable after-water shake. Theo sees this only too late, to try to step in and intercede between the woman and dog. Roland might get it, too. "Dammit, DeQuille," Theo growls in that pale voice of his, "You're going to get both of us shot. I'm sorry, Mister Roland. Miss Caitlyn."
Roland doesn't seem to mind the water too much, but pulls his hat down to block most of it aimed for his head.
Caitlyn is appropriately apologetic, worry coloring her features again. "Why didn't ya say so, darlin'?" she reprimands gently. "We canna' have that." A warm smile is given to Roland as she inclines her head to him. "Afternoon," she greets and then abruptly squeals, releasing Theo's elbow and holding her hands out to defend herself against the onslaught of wet and mud. To her credit, she laughs, even when looking down at the sullied skirts. "'Tis but a dress, darlin'," she tells Theo gently before reaching down to scratch the pup between the ears. "An' he was tired o' bein' wet too."
Frustration mounts easily these days, and Theo nods. "I'll pay for having your dress cleaned, if you want, Miss Caitlyn. I'm sorry. Mister Roland, you alright? Damn dog. I told him he didn't want to come out today, in this."
Roland smiles slightly, "Done worse than this just gettin up in the mornin."
Caitlyn's brow furrows as she looks to Theo with a bit of ire. "You'll do no such thing! I said it was nothin' an' I meant it. Sweet Mother Mary, if I canna afford to clean a dress why am I workin' here?" she retorts, a bit of amusement curving her lips at her last. Roland is granted a brilliant smile. "Aye. Tis the proper attitude he has. Only worry about the important things, darlin'," she tells Theo warmly.
Roland chuckles, and looks over to Theo.
Given that he's in no hurry to return to the newspaper, Theo leans against the post and glances at Caitlyn from under that hatbrim. Roland is included in that regard, then. "So what's the important things then, ma'am?"
Roland looks back to Caitlyn.
Caitlyn rolls her eyes and groans just a bit but still she manages to grin. "The important things," she repeats, as if that would clear it up. "The things that really matter to ya'. A dress can be replaced so who cares if it gets dirty or torn. I could fall in the middle o' the street an' stand up all coated in mud an' continue on my way, laughing. Because it does no' matter. It's.. I suppose it's difficult ta explain. But ya' canna go about worryin' over every little thing, Mister Grey. I saw the dog. He saw the dog. An' if we don't have the common sense to get out o' the way of a wet dog stepping into a dry spot.. well then we deserved what we got."
"But... What's the important things, Miss Caitlyn? Like.. Give an example?" Theo prompts, curious. Hooded eyes barely peep from under that hat.
Roland stays quiet and listens.
Caitlyn lifts her chin a bit, trying to focus, green eyes narrowing as they glance towards the ceiling. "Well.." she starts slowly, "I'd have to say things like.. makin' sure you have enough ta eat, that you can stay warm in the winter, that ya have a roof over your head.. that ya stay healthy.. ya live the best life you know how an' ta hell with all those that tell ya different.. ya just.." She shrugs, uncertain of really how to explain herself beyond that. Her blush returns a bit, suddenly a little shy at being the focus and knowing her amount of schooling and knowledge could never compete with Theo's.
Roland nods and looks over to Theo, "Sounds like a good plan to me."
Theo seems, perhaps, surprised at the relative simplicity of it. His gaze turns to Roland, then back to Caitlyn, and he drawls, finally, "Don't matter none, if you've got no one to share it with? No one to talk your dreams to, to hold when it gets brutally cold? No one to make tea for you, if you get sick, and no one to laugh with, when all's well?"
Caitlyn stiffens at that, her eyes lowering briefly. "Who doesna' want that?" she asks softly, her voice not too much above a whisper. "An' some people manage ta find it. Tha real thing. Others settle for.." She gives a bit of a self deprecating smile. "Well others just settle for the likes o' me for a little while. But yes.. that can be important," she admits, her hand smoothing over her muddied skirts, smearing the dirt.
Roland shakes his head, "Reckon if your life's happiness depends on findin that then yer in a sad state of affairs."
Theo waits for Roland to weigh in on the subject, then he nods. Caitlyn's skirt's getting more muddy elicits a small sigh from Theo, who glances down to locate the dog. DeQuille has, in typical dog fashion, nosed around a bit, then has curled up under a chair, where he shivers quietly and unobtrusively. Theo draws in another breath and slaps his thigh, "DeQuille, here." Theo murmurs, then nods, "Well now. I best be getting this short-haired mutt home, afore he freezes to death. You two take care. Ma'am," Theo tips his hat at Caitlyn, "Mister Roland. Feel free to stop by the newspaper sometime. I usually have coffee brewing, but right now there's a bottle of Sean Tucker's bourbon, calling my name." With that, Theo turns to head off the porch. The invitation was generally given, and the dog rises with the enthusiasm of youth -- Oh Boy! Back into the Mud and Rain!
Roland nods over to Theo, "Afternoon Sir."
Caitlyn winces a bit at Theo's last, but offers a small smile. "Why don't ya come back over ta the saloon tonight, Mister Grey. No doubt Mister Jenkins will be here," she offers, trying to throw a ray of light his way. "I know you two always seem ta have a good time." She waves a single finger at the dog in farewell and then just watches them, not having forgotten Roland at all but rather absorbed.
As he's dropping off the stairs, Theo turns back to look at Caitlyn, "I thank you kindly for the invite, Miss Caitlyn, but I'm not sure I'm up to seeing Mister Jenkins, and I'm afraid if I'm in a saloon, I'll start a fight, in my current state. Mister D'aray frowns upon that, and I'm not keen to have Abner knock me with that stick of his. If I go out drinking tonight, I'll go to the Watering Hole, and I'm not sure that you'd want to be /there/ either." That's where the really low-class whores go.
Roland crosses his arms, and looks back out into the rain.
You hurry towards the center of maddock.
Maddock Square Outdoors
This wide, dusty square is the center of Maddock. New buildings line its sides except for the southeast corner where a new town building is still under construction. Another cool autumn afternoon slips away with the stubborn drip-drip of rain all around. Raindrops patter against the leaves, and glisten like silver beads on their fiery vermilion and gold surfaces. The wet tree trunks have darkened from grey to brown. The roads branch off in four directions, continuing in a north-south and east-west direction from the square.
On the saloon porch, Caitlyn's brow furrows a bit more as he continues and she cannot help but grimace at his last. "Oh, darlin'.. Ya do na wanna go there. Who knows what you'd come back with? You just.." Lips purse a bit and she shakes her head. "Maybe I'll come ta tha paper sometime soon," she offers softly. "You be careful now, Mister Grey." Turning towards Roland, she offers a small smile. "Afternoon," she greets again.
On the saloon porch, Roland touches the brim of his hat, "Maam. How are you this afternoon....besides bein shook on by that pup."
Theo sends another glance porch-ward, as he commences his limp south. The pup, now free of the leash, trots in front. He knows where they're going now -- by the fire! He's in all sorts of a hurry. Theo, hat-brim tipped down in order to let the water cascade off, follows.