Mail Order Lorena by Zina Abbott

Author:Zina Abbott [Abbott, Zina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-03T05:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 13

~o0o~

Salina, Kansas

May 6, 1865

S tepping out from behind the privacy screen, Lorena straightened the skirt on her working gown. I hate this thing. She tugged at the décolletage in a vain attempt to better cover herself. She knew for years it had been stylish to wear evening gowns with bare shoulders and the tops of bosoms exposed. However, as a reverend’s daughter, she preferred to dress more modestly.

Lorena held the skirt flat against her front and bent over to study her hemline. The fabric ended about a foot off the floor. Over her black stockings, she wore the black beaded slippers Timothy bought her to wear with the gown. I will not embroider red flowers at my ankles.

Lorena’s entire upper body shivered. She knew it was not due to cold—not with it being the first weekend in May. She rubbed one stockinged ankle against the calf of the other. Don’t do that. You’ll pull them loose from your garters.

Much speculation had been shared among the other three—Fancy, Sabrina, and Rosa—but they eventually concluded that if Mr. Cantrell followed his usual pattern, he would arrive early—mid-afternoon, at the latest. When he did, it would be another step away from the life she craved to live—a life like the one she lived with Edward and when her father was still alive—her life before Timothy intruded.

Her downfall started when she began working in the saloon on Tuesday. The men that night had been curious and asked questions—many she found to be rude and intrusive. However, following Clyde’s instructions, she smiled and evaded. The next night, more men showed up. She guessed word had gotten around. She rebuffed requests to take them to her room, stating she only worked serving drinks. By Friday, she overheard requests made to Clyde by frustrated customers intent on having her. Every evening, when he closed, Clyde reminded her the anticipation was growing, and he expected her to bring in a lot of money for him.

By this morning, she felt no desire to attend church services. Even though she had done nothing wrong, and she had not seen anyone she knew from church in the saloon, she feared word about her had already spread through town. How can I face them?

Lorena’s insides clenched. Tonight, her downfall would be complete, and it would be at the hands of a man she foolishly allowed herself to feel drawn to—a man she daydreamed about, wondering “what if,” even as she waited to receive letters from the men to whom she wrote in an effort to find a respectable husband.

A loud pounding on her door jolted Lorena out of her musing. “Yes? Who is it?”

Clyde’s voice sounded through the wood. “You ready yet? It’s almost time to come downstairs.”

“I’m…I’m almost ready.” Liar. I’m dressed, which is what he is asking. Other than that, I’ll never be ready.

“Hurry it up. I already have someone here asking after you. If Mr. Cantrell doesn’t show up soon, you’ll have to take care of this other one first before your all-night customer.

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