“Yes, Miss. It’s in the parlor car. It isn’t for those with delicate sensibilities. I must warn you the parlor has a bar, card games, and loud music, it can get rowdy sometimes. If you’d like I could fetch a book for you.”
“Card games?” Savannah grins and nods at George. “Thank you for the warning, I think I’ll just enjoy my lunch and nap for now.”
“Excellent.” Savannah watches George leave and steps out into the aisle of the cabin. Eli’s promise floats through her mind. “Live,” she whispers. Suddenly, a nap is the last thing on her mind. Ten hours on a train, sitting alone and awkward conversation doesn’t sound nearly as exciting as a rousing game of cards.
Chapter 37
Dayton takes his time talking to the Conductor and stops in the men’s room to clean up before heading to the dining car to eat alone. It’s for the best. Savannah can take care of herself, right? She’s told him so multiple times. He glances at his pocket watch, wondering if she’s awake yet. Watching the scenery roll past the window, he grumbles to himself and eats lunch, slowly. Determined to give her some peace and quiet.
Maybe a drink in the parlor would help take the edge off. Dayton passes through the cabin and stops to check on Savannah and make sure she’s eaten. “Empty?” he glances around and doesn’t see her. She’s probably in the ladies’ room. He sits and waits.
After an agitated hour passes, he rings for George.
“Can you tell me where Miss Ward, is?”
“I’m not sure, Sir. She did ask about the library, perhaps you’ll find her there.”
“I see,” he frowns, “and where is that, exactly?”
“In the parlor sir.”
“Parlor!” Dayton jumps to his feet, “And is this the same parlor as the bar?”
“Yes, sir,” George replied with a smile.
“She never stays put,” Dayton stomps away, wondering just what kind of trouble he’s going to find Savannah in.
Savannah smiles at the young man sitting next to her and chews on her bottom lip. “What’ll it be, Miss Savannah? Are you in?” Brett asks.
Smoke, music, and laughter fill the parlor car, and Savannah has to fight back laughter. If her family could see her, they would have a fit. Savannah tosses in her bet, and nods.
“I’m in.” The bet passes around the table as two men fold, leaving one other woman and two men. In the center of the table is thirty dollars in cash and change.
“I’ll see that bet, and raise it two dollars,” Brett has been hanging on her every word until this moment. “I hate to make you cry Mrs. Giles,” he teases.
“No, you don’t,” Mrs. Giles snaps and glances at her who looks at her husband who nods for her to continue. “I’ll see that bet.”
Savannah carefully watches those at the table. Mrs. Giles defers to her husband, Brett teases and talks to everyone, charming and watching, while the two who folded play more cautiously. The final player is waiting, and she notes that he is using his thumb to rub his finger. All signals which are easily read. “I’ll call.”
Everyone turns the last card, and to the surprise of the group, Savannah is holding a straight! “I win!” Savannah shouts with glee and looks to Brett sitting next to her.
His mouth falls open in astonishment as Savannah reaches forward eagerly and gathers her winnings, dragging the money towards her. “Poker is fun!”
“Fun for you,” Mrs. Giles barks, and Mr. Giles jumps and stomps from the parlor with his wife hot on his heels.
“Just where did you learn to play poker?” Mr. Houser asks as Savannah laughs.
“That’s a question I’d love to hear the answer to,” Dayton snaps from behind her. Savannah stiffens for a fraction of a second before grinning at Mr. Aiden Brown, the handsome man sitting next to Mr. Houser wearing a cowboy hat.
“Gentlemen meet my cousin, Dayton Patrick,” Savannah says. “Are we playing another hand?”
“No, Ma’am. Losing to you three times has been the delight of my journey. I’m out,” Mr. Houser sighs and scoots away. “Miss Ward, it was a pleasure, enjoy your journey.”
Savannah nods and chances a glance at Dayton. He’s glaring at her, clearly angry and shocked by finding her in the parlor.
“What’s wrong, Patrick, afraid your cousin will beat you?” Brett snorts out a laugh. All the men at the table laugh and Dayton sizes up Brett.
“Not hardly. I’d rather sit back and watch her chew you up and spit you out,” Dayton snaps and walks away to order a whiskey.
Brett stiffens until Savannah pats his hand, “Ignore him, he’s testy.”
“Ante up,” the dealer calls.
Dayton watches from the bar, eventually gliding closer to watch. Savannah loses graciously for two hands. Brett has gotten cocky, and his attitude mixed with alcohol has started to affect his playing. Mr. Brown wins both rounds and Brett tosses his cards, “I fold,” he stumbles away from the table to Savannah’s relief.
“New player,” Dayton snaps and sits down across from Savannah.
“I’m out,” Savannah starts to gather her money only to hiss in anger when he laughs at her.
“Gotten too rich for you, Cousin?” he growls.
“Not hardly. Mr. Brown, it has been a pleasure,” Savannah stands, and both of the men rise and watch her walk to the front of the car where the library is.
“Gentlemen are you playing?” the dealer calls.
Dayton plays two hands with Brett, both men win one hand, and Brett finally folds. “Can I buy you a drink, Mr. Brown?” Dayton offers.
“I never say no to a drink, call me Aidan.” Together they walk to the bar while Dayton keeps one eye on Savannah. She is sitting with two other ladies and talking.
“You know she threw two hands.” Aidan
