"Oh, I know! Isn't it just scandalous," replied Esther. "Running off in the woods like that? Alone. For two whole weeks. I just knew that terrible man was going to corrupt Miss Taylor's morals." She clucked her tongue for the poor fallen lamb. She'd had such promise when she first came to Maddock, trying to keep the saloon off the square and all, only to be reduced to just another in what was undoubtedly a long string of women that the saloon owner had seduced and ultimately abandoned.

"Pshaw," snapped Prudence. "That's old news and besides it turns out they weren't together after all. Benjamin Culver rode in to town yesterday with Miss Taylor. Apparently she's been staying with his family, whatever for I can't imagine. Hattie McCoy saw Mr. D'aray ride in a couple of hours later, looking for Dr. Kei, and when he saw Miss Taylor they acted like it had been a long time since they'd seen each other. Why he hugged her right there in the street for all to see." There's some scandalous behavior for you.

Esther hmphed. "Well if that's not what you were talking about, why did you bring them up in the first place?"

With a smile Prudence explained to her fellow gossip, "Did you see how he escorted her to church Sunday? You know what he's like. He's never been to a church service since he came to town and yet there he was. Well, last night he proposed to her in the wine room and she said yes. He was buying everyone champagne. It was quite a celebration. And you should see the betrothal ring. It's got a diamond and everything!"

Esther was stunned by this turn of events. "Well I never thought I'd see the day. Do you think he's going to give up the saloon for her?"

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