Start Spreading the News

[Deleted]

She was surprised as Nathan recalled that one of the ranchers already had a mail order bride. “I’ve always wondered how many of them find
real happiness or how quickly they do since, as you pointed out, they’re total strangers aside from what they’ve written in their initial
letter. I believe though some do correspond more than once as a means of getting acquainted.” It would make sense to her as a means
of getting to know one another before just showing up at a stagecoach or train depot, depending on the circumstances.

Whatever reason he had for declining her request to give information on one of the locals who might place an ad baffled her at first, but respected
his decision. “No offense taken. I suppose that would be putting you in a dilemma considering your practice and that people trust you t
o keep their confidences. I could ask the sheriff instead I suppose if they had any kind of criminal record or might be a danger to a a
nybody and he could either tell me or not.” She wasn’t even sure if she’d follow through with the idea or not anyway.

“It’s not a life I’d wish on any woman, but I believe you’re right on all accounts,” she agreed. “I met one in Texas the short time I owned
the paper there and from what I gathered, hers was not an easy life despite being the owner’s favorite and, heaven forbid, was actually
in love with him, not that he couldn’t be charming when he wanted to.” She shivered and dropped her gaze before looking up at him again.

Then he related the history of the brothel that had burned, having little knowledge of the reason, causing Claire’s brows to rise. “Oh? So, I’m assuming
then there are no prostitutes working at the saloon?”

[Deleted]

"Well, I reckon if even one out of ten find some happiness or at least contentment, probably worth it then," Nathan mused, still dubious about the whole
procedure but trying to keep an open mind on things. And if Claire could earn an extra buck on it, why not?

She was understanding about his reluctance to get involved in giving out his opinions of people or even worse talking about their lives, seemed just
wrong to him. Now as for how the sheriff felt about it, that was up to that man. If Claire could get him to help, more power to the lady. And in a way
that did make sense.

"Right, I think it would be fair to let someone know if the person they are contacting has a criminal past. Or if he'd beat his former wife...something
like that," Nathan conceded.

Talk moved on to of all things, the lives of whores. He was of the view that most whores had pretty hard lives for a whole lot of reasons. Claire
agreed and even mentioned one she had known back in Texas. After his news item (old news though) about the former brothel burning down, she
turned her curiousity to a question about the saloon again and whether it housed whores. The answer to that one wasn't so simple.

"Yes and no, Claire. Officially Ralph says he doesn't run a brothel just a saloon but the truth is there are some women who solicit men inside
the place. I wouldn't doubt there might even be a back room he lets them use to ....well, you know, service their clients," Nathan smiled.

[Deleted]

“I agree with you. I guess it’s worth a shot. If you never try, then you never know.” She didn’t think it would bring in much if any, but
sometimes in business you had to gamble a little.

She listened as he gave his opinion on what the saloon owner might be doing without the general public necessarily aware of it and she, too, smiled.
“So you know him well enough then to suspect him of that. I don’t, but I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m sure he’d get his cut and who
could blame him really? The women are obviously looking for work and not made to put themselves out there by someone else. Don’t
worry though. Once we meet, it’s not a subject I plan to broach with him. What he does inside his own establishment isn’t my business.”
It was an occupation that would always be around, right or wrong, and having been her second husband’s mistress for a time before they married, it wasn’t
her place to cast stones.

“Can I get you more coffee?” she asked, not sure if she should pose more questions since she’d done enough of that thus far.

[Deleted]

"Ralph? Oh indeed, I know him alright. He usually mans the bar and I did say I on occasion have a drink there. He can be an amiable enough
sort but I wouldn't want to cross him. Says he is an ex-soldier in the Union cavalry, I have no reason to doubt it," Nathan amplified his
previous statement.

"That's a wise attitude to have, Claire, best let folks run their own lives unless it encroaches public safety," he nodded.

The woman offered him a refill on the coffee but he shook his head in the negative.

"Kind of you but no thank you. One cup is plenty for me. Besides, I'm sure you have a lot to do and I do not wish to dally and
keep you from your work. Would you like my payment for the ad now or shall I be billed?"

[Deleted]

“It’s good to know then that one should be careful around Ralph.” Claire would remember that crossing him could be dangerous, not that
she could imagine how she might. “It’s interesting that his daughter works with him. I assume his wife is dead.”

She smiled at his approval of her stance on other people’s business. “Well, I won’t be writing a gossip column so have no fear. Births, deaths,
and that sort of thing will be covered of course.”

Casting a glance at the clock when he mentioned other things she needed do made her realize it was later than she thought. “I’ll be heading to the
hotel soon so you’re not disturbing my work. I’ll just bill you. Finding the information you mentioned earlier shouldn’t be hard since the
previous owner kept things well organized.”

[Deleted]

His views on the saloon owner caused Claire to have a bit of concern about dealing with the man. Nathan however sought to clarify.

"Oh, I can't imagine he'd ever see you as a threat. You aren't really part of his world. If you know what I mean," he amplified.

She also wondered about his daughter and possible wife.

"His daughter, Caroline, is ...hard to tell .....18, 19, even 20...not sure. Very popular with the menfolk as you might expect. Everyone's best
friend and secret keeping confidant...long as you keep buying drinks," he smiled.

"As for his wife, I have no idea. Never mentioned her. She could be dead or they could have fallen out and she did not come here
with the two of them. Another possibility is that he never was married you know," Nathan pointed out.  These were rough and tough
low class people and those kind often didn't follow the rules of society.

They then mutually decided the meeting had been enjoyable enough but both of them had things to accomplish yet. Yes, Nathan felt
it was best he head on out.

"Well, Claire, it was a delight to meet you. I think you will be a fine addition to our community. Let me know if I can be of service to you
in the future too. Barring some sick or injured patient of mine, I usually can spare the time," he stood then and smiled.

[Deleted]

She listened to his description of Ralph’s daughter and smiled. “Yes, I’m sure she’s a great asset to him since she engages the
customers in conversation and a pretty young lady that age would draw in the crowd he needs.” She could’ve done the
same for her father, but hadn’t really wanted to.

Nodding, she understood all the possibilities why Ralph might not have a wife with him. Also, she might’ve been a prostitute and the
man decided to take the girl to raise himself.

“Why thank you. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, too. I’m glad you’re curiosity brought you in.” She offered Nathan
another smile. “And I appreciate the kind words. I hope I’ll be able to do some good here.”

Recalling what they’d talked about earlier, she commented, “I’ll probably take you up on that offer to help me when I decide  
to move. Since I know where your office is, I’ll be happy to look you up and if you’re busy, you can feel free to just let
me know.”

[Deleted]

She too was pleased with their initial meeting, Nathan nodded back. He already knew he would be back or, at the very least, he would keep in touch with the enterprising new newspaper owner and more importantly, beautiful young woman. Part of it, of course, was what he honestly felt was his gentlemanly duty to do what he could to help her as she was here all alone in a strange new town for her. But he wasn't kidding himself either, he was fascinated in her and she seemed taken with him too, if his reading of her was correct and he was a pretty good judge of such things.

"I certainly can see you being of real service to the town if you can make this paper a success. Every functioning community needs it's news and to wait for papers from Billings or even further away means by the time it gets here, whatever is on those pages is no longer current news," he pointed out.

She also accepted his offer to help her move when she decided to vacate the hotel, he had given it in all seriousness and he would certainly honor it, "That's good, just let me know then. It would be my pleasure."

And with that he headed for the door, opening it then turning one last time to face her with a smile, "Good day then, Claire. Hope your stay in Golden Valley is a long one."

(ooc: That's a wrap for me:))