Kit's Mine by Ann Bridges

Author:Ann Bridges
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gold rush, california history, san francisco, sacramento, womens rights, legal history, californio, land claims, chinese in america, slavery in usa
Publisher: Ann Bridges

CHAPTER 33

Saddlebags and blankets stacked across her arms, Kit approached, and helped fasten them in place on the extra horses.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Ready to follow my guide.” He hoisted her onto Lucky. Crossing to Midnight, he awkwardly swung his leg over the saddle, unable to prevent a wince.

“I think we should cut across here and join the trail leading north from beyond Angels Camp after nightfall.” She tugged the hatstrings snug under her chin. “These mining towns get rowdy, and we’d be wise to avoid them.”

Nudging Midnight into step, Michael frowned. “I planned on riding into town to see if I might uncover information on the thugs.”

“No. You’ll draw attention with those bruises. It’s obvious you’ve been in a fight. If Diego’s bounty is common knowledge, someone else will come after us.”

“That bad, huh?” He fingered his bristly jaw and attempted a grin. “I figured it may be an improvement—adds some maturity.”

Kit’s somber gaze skittered across his injuries. “Trust me, Michael. You’d be asking for trouble.”

“How do you know about rowdy towns, anyway?”

“My parents traded mining supplies for a while. Saloons and brothels usually sprang up first. They must be quite profitable. I wonder why?” Irony laced her tone.

“Did your parents actually bring you into the brothels as a kid?” he asked, shocked.

“Don’t worry,” she laughed. “All I glimpsed were pretty ladies dressed in fancy clothes and loud, eager men. I certainly wasn’t let upstairs in any of them—not until I worked at Bonita’s.”

Finally, a chance to determine the truth regarding her experience with men. “Just what did you do at Bonita’s?”

“I trust you understand I never worked as a prostitute,” Kit said, thrusting her chin high in that style he’d come to admire.

He nodded.

“Otherwise, I performed every chore—changing beds, cleaning rooms, bandaging the beaten girls, helping the cook, and serving drinks.” She shrugged. “Essentially, Bonita worked me as a slave—except I never entertained men.”

“Are you certain you really understand what she expected from you?” Michael asked. Kit may have had her virtue taken by that old priest, yet she seemed untouched in the ways of men and women. If she didn’t pursue further intimacies, he would cease his advances. Otherwise, he was no better than that lecher.

“Of course. Bonita’s girls talk on and on about their evenings.” Kit giggled. “What I learned from Penny would probably cause Papa to blush, let alone Mama. The girls treat most men as simply customers, although they each have favorites.” She wagged her head. “Can you believe they fight over those worthless men because of jealousy?”

“Thanks.” Michael held on to his temper but couldn’t prevent his sarcasm. “I was at Bonita’s, remember?”

Her dismayed gaze shot up to his. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. One-timers pay for a girl’s company and gratification, and that’s fine. Most of the regulars are married and living in San Francisco. A few have mistresses on the side, too. I just don’t think any of them will sweep a girl into improved surroundings because he shares her bed once in a while.

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