Chapter Two: Missouri March 8, 1869

Chapter Two

Missouri March 8, 1869

It had been a week since we left St. Louis, heading for Independence, Missouri, and then, God knows where after that. At least a dozen wagons had joined our three on the trek. The winds were cold, and the skies were cloudy as winter still made its last attempts to slow our journey. At least it wasn't snowing, I thought, and with any luck, it wouldn't.

I guided the lead wagon of our little group, holding the supplies while showing Madame Juliette how to use the reins as I kept my arm around her. The sophisticated French lady had the hardest time adjusting to life on the trail, but she was nonetheless always eager to try and learn new things. I enjoyed her company as her bosom jostled about in her bodice.

"So all I do is keep them from going off track?" she glanced back over her shoulder at me with a charming smile. Her Rosemary perfume tickled my nose. She still dressed like a proper French lady every morning before we hit the trail. This had to be the first time I had seen her without her parasol in hand, though she wore a large hat to protect her porcelain skin against the sun.

"Pretty much. Just let them do the work. Horses can be as smart as people and know what they are doing," I said, sliding my hands from hers but keeping my arm around her in case the horses did anything unexpected now that I no longer had a firm grip on the reins.

"They seem smarter than many of the men I have met in my time, Monsieur Flint," the Madame teased as she looked at me with a coy smile across her lovely face.

"I might take offense to that, ma'am," I joked, enjoying our playful banter.

"Present company excluded, of course, Monsieur," the Madame leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "You, at least, have the horse's majestic nobility, which is more than I can say for most men."

"Now I am sure I should be honored and offended," I said and gave the Madame a playful swat on her bottom.

"Ah, Monsieur," she threw me a playful smirk. As we rounded the bend, I glanced back to see Miss Kitty driving the wagon behind us. Abigail, the servant girl, sat beside her, giving me a little enthusiastic wave, and I tipped my hat at them.

"So how did you come to live in St. Louis, madam?" I asked Madame Juliette.

"Father was in the fur trade and conducted a lot of business through St. Louis, and ma mère was une modiste who made some of the finest fur clothing in France. He brought me with him on a voyage, hoping to marry me off, but I never found one, and I never left."

"Is that where you met Miss Kitty?" I wondered.

"Oui. I initially went to work for her as a waitress, but soon found my true vocation in seducing handsome men. Before I knew it, I was running the girls for Miss Kitty," the Madame smiled slyly.

"And yet you ended up falling in love with a woman," I smiled.

"Love is love, Monsieur. To me, it makes no difference if it is a man or a woman, nor is our love exclusive to one another. We both know that one day we may have to settle down and marry a husband, but till then, she is my world and my chéri," the Madame said with a hint of sadness, knowing that what she wanted out of life wasn't what she would get.

"Just need to find a man who doesn't mind sharing you with your lover," I gave a little wink.

"If you happen upon one like that, let me know, Monsieur," the Madame said, giving my thigh a pat and a rub.

"What did your family think about you becoming a Madame?" I asked curiously, breaking the silence that followed our playful banter.

"Let us just say moi and ma famille haven't spoken since mon father left," Madame Juliette replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

"Sorry," I murmured, realizing I had touched upon a sensitive topic.

"Every child est supposed to leave the nest sooner or later, Monsieur. I just chose to do it on ma terms," she said, her gaze drifting off into the distance.

"I can respect a woman who knows what she wants," I replied, offering her a nod of understanding.

"And what do you want out of life, Monsieur?" she inquired, her eyes searching mine.

"When I figure that out, I will let you know. Right now, I am just a leaf on the wind, going where the breeze takes me next," I admitted, a touch of uncertainty in my voice.

"Well, we are grateful it blew you in our direction," she said, her words filled with genuine appreciation.

Suddenly, a rustle echoed through the stillness, jolting me from my thoughts. The sound pierced the air, causing my heart to skip a beat. In an instant, my hand shot to my pistol, the cool metal offering a reassuring grip. The surrounding birds, taken by surprise, burst into flight, their wings beating against the sky in a frenzied dance. I held my breath, my senses on high alert, scanning the tree line with unwavering focus. The rustling leaves played a haunting melody, their whispering voices concealing the source of the disturbance. Time seemed to slow as I stood there, muscles tense, ready to confront whatever danger lurked in the shadows. The forest held its breath as if holding its secrets close, and I braced myself for the unknown, ready to defend our small wagon train against any potential threat.