Dora gave Emma a few bold outfits to wear and some instructions before sending her out into the saloon. Included in the instructions was that when a man bought her a drink, the barman had orders to make her drink tea, and she was to gasp a bit when she swallowed it so the man would think it was whiskey. Emma knew this was dishonest, but since she wasn’t cheating the buyer directly, she ignored the fact.
Emma’s first night was disastrous. She could tell by the expression on Dora’s face that she wasn’t pleased. She tried to be friendly to the men, but whenever one got too close, she jumped back in alarm. Emma watched the other saloon women; some of them even sat on the customers' laps. She knew she could never be quite that friendly. What had she gotten herself into?
One handsome but dangerous-looking man grabbed her hand as she walked by, and she let out a little scream.
“Hey, there,” he said, “settle down. I want you to have a drink with me is all.”
“All right,” she said.
He bought her a drink and one for himself. Emma sipped hers slowly.
“You’re new here,” he said. “My name’s Dallas. What’s yours?”
“Emma.”
“You’re beautiful, Miss Emma. I love your hair—why, it’s nearly black. I've always favored women with dark hair and creamy skin like yours.”
Emma squirmed. She didn’t like the way Dallas was eying her. After she’d finished her drink she said, “I need to circulate and make sure I talk to other men.”
“Come back to have another drink with me later, doll.” He slapped her backside.
Without thinking, Emma swung around and slapped his face.
Dallas sprung up and grabbed her by the wrists, “What the—”
“Let her go, Dallas," Dora said. "Emma, please come with me.” Dora pulled Emma behind the bar and into the office.
After Dora closed the door, she turned to Emma. “What’s the matter with you?”
“He slapped my behind.”
Dora rolled her eyes. “I’m afraid I have to let you go, Emma. It’s clear this work is not for you. You can spend the night here, but tomorrow, you’re on your own, I’m afraid.”
In the morning, Emma packed her things. She should have waited to see the reverend to begin with. She’d do that now. The jobs the women had offered just hadn't been suitable for her.
She’d just put the last of her garments into her sack when Dora knocked on her door and walked into her room. “Good morning,” she said.
Emma tried to smile as she greeted Dora. “Good morning.”
“I’ve some good news. My cousin came to visit me last night and said that a wealthy man from Hunter’s Grove, Kansas needs a wife. He wants a proxy marriage since time is of utmost importance. I’m not sure why he needs a bride so fast, but I can’t afford to spare any of my girls. I thought this might be the answer to your problems. What do you think?”
Emma no longer trusted Dora, Flora, or Gladys. They'd meant well, but they were not like the people with whom she usually mixed. Still, she didn’t want to burn all of her bridges, either. This last offer could hold some promise.
“Can I think about it? I’d like to visit the reverend and see if he can help me before I decide.”
“Certainly. I must give my cousin an answer today, though. Like I said, the man needs a bride as soon as possible.”
Emma sat before Reverend Keller, a thin, elderly man with salt and pepper hair. “My dear," he began, "I’d love to help you, but this isn’t New York City or Boston. Boulder City is a rough place, and I can’t place you into a home with any assurance you’ll be safe. I’ve only arrived here myself a few months ago. The few families I could safely recommend already have a house full of children and little room for what they have. I couldn’t ask them to take in another mouth to feed. I’m sorry.”
“But I’d work for them, help clean, or mind the children.”
“They couldn’t afford that luxury, I’m afraid. My wife is visiting family in Kansas City, so it would hardly be decent for me to take you home, either.”
Emma thanked him and left. She walked back to the saloon along the wooden walkway. She’d just about made it to the saloon when a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her between two buildings.
“Gotcha,” Dallas said, pressing her close.
“Let me go!” she cried, beating on his chest with her fists.
“You think you’re too good for me, is that it?”
“No. I’m not who you think I am. I don’t work for Dora anymore.”
Dallas pulled her closer and spoke in her ear, “Stop struggling. You’ll love what I have to give you; I promise.”
Frightened to death, Emma kicked him in the place her mother told her would be effective. His arms loosened their hold just enough for her to slip out, and she ran from him and into the saloon as quickly as she could. She heard his oath as she ran: “I’ll get you yet, you little—”
As she ran into the office she bumped smack into Dora.
“Goodness! Slow down.” Dora laughed.
“I’ll take that offer in Kansas,” Emma said breathlessly. “I’ll marry the man.”
“That’s wonderful,” Dora exclaimed. “You’ll have a proxy wedding. I’ll set it up.”
Chapter Three
After a whirlwind of plans and papers to sign, Emma stood before the reverend with Dora and Earl. Dora’s husband, Earl, recited the vows for the man in Hunter’s Grove whom Emma found out was named Logan Sinclair. An hour later, she was waving goodbye to them as she rode away in a stagecoach bound for Hunter’s Grove, Kansas. Before they'd left Boulder City's main street, she
