Drama In My Life

"I think you may have the solution, Billy. I can't get over how excited you are about this whole affair. I never thought of you as much of a dancer and I don't think I ever saw you duded up like this. I wouldn't want to hurt your feelings, but you're still about the sorriest thing I've encountered in all my considerable travels."

"You aren't my type, anyway," Billy laughed. "With all those pretty girls around, I wouldn't want to be less than my best."

Emerson laughed with his friend. "That's what I'm trying to tell you! Your best could stop a clock. It would be better if it were a masquerade party. You could go as a cannon ball!"

Billy was nonplused. "I'm not going to let your jealousy put a damper on my evening. We'll let the ladies judge for themselves."

In a more serious tone Billy asked Emerson, "Have you considered going back to sea, since things aren't working out that well with Maria?"

"Why would you ask that? I still have my family and I like ranching. Maria has a lot of reasons for not liking me. I saw to that. I can still help her out now and then. That will have to be enough. We don't always get everything we want. It isn't a fairy tale, Billy," Emerson sighed as he finished. "Sometimes, I wish it were."

Tom and Bob walked into the room. Both were dressed to the hilt. The dark suits they wore were freshly pressed and their shirts had frills in front.

"Hurry up, Emerson," coaxed Tom. "We want to be there before the fun starts. How do we look?"

"You two look so good Billy will be asking you for a dance. Where did you get those shirts?" Emerson asked his friends.

"Maria's cousins helped us find them. They sure are good looking girls, and I think they like me," Bob answered. "They are going to be there tonight."

"That could be it!" exclaimed Emerson. "They want you for themselves so they had you two wear those shirts, knowing no other women will come near you."

They all laughed. The banter continued as Emerson dressed for the ball. He felt himself enjoying his friends and looking forward to the evening. Bob mentioned several times he was promised the first dance from Maria and he wasn't going to be late.

The four made their way to the Governor's mansion well before the music was to begin. People were streaming in from all directions. Emerson realized that some must have traveled long distances to attend. Lieutenant Andrews and several other officers were already there, along with Major Reynolds.

Bob stood with the others, awed by what he saw. "Have you ever seen so many pretty girls?" he asked. "This is going to be great!"

Then Emerson heard a murmur go through the crowd and he turned to the door. Maria and Cathy were coming in. They had caused the excitement in the crowd.

Cathy had her hair done up on her head. She wore a dark low-cut gown, Spanish in style. Emerson was struck by her beauty and her lovely figure. It was impossible not to stare.

Maria's dark hair was combed away from her face and down her back. Her gown was Spanish as well, bare at the shoulders, and cut as low as Cathy's. It was light, almost white, and contrasted with her hair perfectly. It was, Emerson thought, the only reason any man would ever take his eyes off Cathy.

The two girls came across the room to stand with Tom, Bob, Billy and Emerson. The four watched them approach. Maria and Cathy laughed as they saw the appreciation in the eyes of their friends.

Cathy spoke to the men, "If you could show us what table you gentlemen are sitting at, we would be glad to join you. That is if you can stop staring and close your mouths."

"Ladies, you are beautiful!" It was Tom that found his voice. "We would be extremely proud to have you join us." He began to search the room for a table.

"We're in luck. It looks like our crowd from Morgantown is sitting by that wall, and they have seats for us. You ladies' parents are already seated. Shall we join them?"

Tom offered his arm to Cathy, who gave a big smile as she took it. Emerson was surprised, and pleased when Maria took his left arm. They took seats at tables with the others from Morgantown.

Vern Jordan looked at his daughter and remarked, "Now I know why I couldn't see that gown before now! Cathy, you remind me of your mother!"

Cathy's mom was beaming as she watched her daughter. "I never looked that good, nor had the nerve to dress like that. You girls are going to be the hit of this ball."

When the music started, Maria reminded Bob he had been promised that dance. Billy told everyone, "He hasn't talked about anything else all day! Don't worry about Bob forgetting his dance with Maria."

Tom and Cathy paired off for the first dance, while Emerson was approached by Consuela. He joined her on the floor. She was a very pretty girl and he enjoyed the dance.

As the evening progressed, Emerson saw that Cathy and Maria were attracting a lot of admirers. For each dance they had to choose from several possible partners. The girls were having a great time. Emerson also saw Billy dance with both girls. He was surprisingly graceful and his dances with Maria and Cathy seemed to make him a sought after man. Billy gave Emerson a big smile whenever their paths would cross.

Ellen Lander worked her way through the crowd to Emerson. She was dressed fashionably and wore a gown that flattered her lovely figure. She took Emerson by his left arm and led him onto the floor.

"Ellen, you are very beautiful. I noticed there has been quite a line of men waiting to dance with you," observed Emerson.

"Do you think so? Your friends Cathy and Maria are incredible. I didn't realize that cattle ranching can be so good for a girl's figure. I can see why Maria is so important to you. She is a wonderful girl."

"My fiance is here this evening. I want to introduce him to you. I know you'll like him. He reminds me of you. That's what first attracted me to him."

Ellen reached up and kissed Emerson. "If I can help you with Maria, let me know. I hope to be friends of you both."

Emerson smiled at Ellen. "Thanks, but I don't know where I stand with her. I seem to always say and do things to upset her."

Ellen laughed, "I bet you do! I just saw her watching us and I bet she saw me kiss you. She won't like that!"

Emerson found himself a regular on the dance floor. The women were not shy about getting the gentlemen to escort them for a dance. At one point, Emerson found himself dancing very close to a very pretty young woman. She simply wouldn't stay back. She laughed and talked all the time, as if they were old friends. By the end of the dance, Emerson knew she would like to be more than friends.

Emerson excused himself and made his way back to his table. Pat Casey was laughing as Emerson used a cloth to wipe the perspiration from his brow. "Things got a little warm there, Emerson? It looks like you had your arm full. Too bad your right arm doesn't work better. You might have been able to keep her back a little."

Emerson saw Carmella Casey smiling as her husband joked. "Mrs. Casey, may I have the honor of this dance. You shouldn't have to listen to the ramblings of this man all night."

Carmella was pleased and went with Emerson. "It is always good to get in with a girl's mother," Carmella told Emerson.

"Mrs. Casey, I am simply dancing with one of the most attractive women in the room. I really don't need any other reason," Emerson responded.

"You are very kind, Emerson. I want to tell you that Maria is over her anger. She knows the entire story about your encounter with Michael. It was strange, but she wasn't as upset as I thought she would be. She had already forgiven you and forgotten him. In fact, she has something in mind for you, I think. I can't say anymore. Be good to her, Emerson."

"Mrs. Casey, I try. It seems to go wrong all the time. I say or do the wrong thing when I am with her," Emerson confided.

"I can't tell you how familiar that sounds," laughed Carmella. "I have heard that before. It looks like our dance is done. Thank-you."

Ellen was standing with Maria when Emerson and Carmella returned. "Maria, Emerson, and everyone else, this is Ben Gibbons, my fiance." Ben was tall, and rugged-looking. Maria was struck by the similarities with Emerson. As the two shook hands, she decided they could pass for brothers.

As the men exchanged greetings, Maria gave Ellen a hug. "You are a good friend, Ellen. I have a plan for tonight, but I am afraid I may get cold feet. I tell myself I am going to go through with it. I hope it works. If I tell it to you, will you help me?"

The two women spent the next few minutes off to one side, deep in conversation. Both wore big smiles as they returned to the group.

Emerson had little time to relax. He was a handsome young man and in great demand. Soon, he was back out on the floor. Emerson saw that Lieutenant Andrews managed to get a couple of dances with both Cathy and Maria. Cathy would speak to Emerson occasionally as they met on the floor.

As the musicians began another melody, Cathy worked away from her many admirers and took Emerson's good arm. "Cowboy, I have been waiting for this chance!" she told him.

Cathy, not surprisingly, talked as they danced. "Emerson, we are having such a good time! You look very handsome. I see all the girls hanging all over you, especially that one. Couldn't she get any closer? I sure don't blame her though. In fact," Cathy drew herself close to Emerson, "you seem to do that to a girl."

"Cathy, I have to say you are a beautiful girl. All eyes are on you tonight. You don't look like that cowgirl that ate dust, and Pedro's cooking for over two weeks. You look like a princess," Emerson told the blonde girl.

"Emerson, I feel like one. I couldn't ask for any more. Mother looks better than she has in a long time. I think getting out and around was better for her than resting all the time."

"You have proven to be a great friend," Cathy continued. "I feel even closer to Maria since that trail drive and I have come to see what a fine man Tom is. He looks like the one for me, but don't tell him I said that. I have to be a little hard to get."

Emerson looked into the eyes of Cathy. "I have come to think of you as a special friend. You are always a breath of fresh air. Your honesty and understanding of your own feelings is a gift. Most of us have trouble with the truth, especially when it is personal."

"As a friend, Emerson, I have to warn you. I think Maria is cooking something up. She has been unusually talkative and happy all afternoon. She may have something planned for you," Cathy said.

Emerson laughed as he answered, "You are the second one to tell me that. I doubt she will be too dangerous. She doesn't look threatening tonight, and she even smiled at me."

The dance ended with Cathy replying, "Emerson, Maria has never been more dangerous than tonight. You'd have a better chance if she came after you with a gun!"

Emerson started back to the table, but was intercepted by the pretty girl that liked to get close. This time she clung to Emerson. At first, Emerson felt a little embarrassed, but gradually relaxed and enjoyed the dance. The girl was pretty, and very shapely, and used it all to her advantage. Emerson was surprised at how quickly the song ended.

Once again he started back to his friends, only to be intercepted again. Maria was facing him, oblivious to the admirers asking her for the dance.

"Emerson," Maria spoke softly to him, "This is our dance, remember?"

Emerson could only nod as he looked into Maria's face. Together, they moved back out on the floor. Emerson was very careful not to hold Maria too close and ruin her mood.

She looked at him and smiled, "Emerson, I won't break. You danced a lot closer with that other girl, twice, and with Cathy, too. Ellen seemed to be able to get close. Can't I?" As she finished speaking she moved close to Emerson's chest. He could feel her body touching his.

"Aren't you afraid your parents will get the wrong idea?" Emerson asked Maria.

"Emerson, my parents could never be angry with you, especially where I am concerned. You saved my life twice, at least. But, I am not going to spend this dance talking about my parents." With that she drew even closer to Emerson and laid her head on his good shoulder.

Carmella Casey was sitting with Pat and Miguel and Molly as Emerson and Maria danced. "I have never seen Maria so forward, or so happy," Carmella told the others. "Emerson may be in trouble tonight. They do look perfect together."

Molly replied to Carmella's statement. "They are a beautiful couple. I think Maria is the loveliest thing I have ever seen. It is nice to see them finally getting along."

Emerson was very aware of the closeness of Maria. She had apparently forgiven him for his trouble with Michael. Emerson wished the dance would last all night, as he held Maria in his arms.

"This reminds me of that night you pulled me from that stampede and held me while we rode back to camp," Maria whispered. "That was the best ride I've ever taken. I was helpless in your arms, and you were so worried about me. Do you remember?"

"Maria, I'm not sure what to say. I have this fear I'll say the wrong thing and upset you," Emerson replied. "I certainly don't want to change the mood. I remember that ride very well. I was wishing it would never end. I feel the same way now."

"Emerson, all I want you to say is the truth. Will you promise to always tell me that, regardless of who it may hurt?" Maria had raised her head and was watching Emerson.

"Maria, you have my word on that." She was so close Emerson could feel her breath. "I'll start by telling you that you are incredibly beautiful."

Maria thrilled at Emerson's words. Cathy and Ellen were right. Emerson cared for her. She knew that being with him would be worth any pain she might suffer.

Maria smiled as the music stopped, but the noise from the crowd caused both her, and Emerson, to look around. Standing in the center of the floor with a revolver was Tom Taylor. His face was a purplish color and his eyes were very dark. It was clear he was a man that had lost all control.

"You haven't beaten me yet!" he shouted as people began backing away. "Everything was going so well, until the Major laid his eyes on you! You Jezebel!"

Emerson realized that Taylor was directing his wrath at Maria. As he spoke he was raising his gun! Emerson was unarmed and totally helpless. He knew he would never be able to stop Taylor before he fired.

Maria was stunned to see an armed Tom Taylor spewing venom and pointing his gun at her. Looking at the deranged man, she knew he was going to kill her. She could neither move nor think. She simply stared, facing her fate.

Carmella knew a fear she had never before experienced. She gasped and looked on in horror. Pat Casey let out a roar, but was too far away to reach Taylor before he could shoot. Cursing, he started for Taylor. No one else made any noise, silently watching the horrible turn of events.

Emerson could see Taylor's intention. His mind raced as he considered options. Only one came to him. He would do anything to save Maria! With no regrets, Emerson turned his back on Taylor and pulled Maria to him, thus affording Taylor no target. Emerson knew this would not prevent Taylor from shooting. It would prevent the bullet from striking Maria. In the fraction of a second it took for Emerson to act, he knew he could not fail Maria. He actually felt a strange relief, thinking he had been at the right place at the right time. He had known for a long time that he would give his life for Maria.

Maria trembled as she stood in Emerson's arms. Time seemed to stand still. She waited for the gun to roar and Emerson to be hit. Then a dull thud came to her and people all around began to exhale and talk. She and Emerson slowly looked toward Taylor. He was on the floor, unconscious, with Lieutenant Andrews standing over him with a drawn pistol.

Carmella, Pat, Cathy and the others rushed to Maria, concerned about her health. She simply buried her face in Emerson's shoulder and sobbed.

"Son, I'll never forget what I just saw," Pat Casey told Emerson. "I couldn't get to Maria, or that damn Taylor. Thanks for taking care of Maria again!" Pat's voice was heavy with emotion.

Carmella was patting Maria's back. "You are fine, Maria. Emerson would never let anything happen to you. That much is obvious. Emerson, that was a wonderful thing you did! Thank-you."

Cathy pressed her face close to Maria's. "Maria, that was the most romantic thing I have ever seen! You are so lucky! Here you are, your arms wrapped around this big cowboy, who just tried to give his life to save yours. The thing is, you both are alive. It couldn't have worked out better. We have to thank Andrews. He was great!"

Emerson stood very still. Maria was safe and she was in his arms. He really didn't care much about anything else. He was content to hold her as long as she wanted.

Finally, Maria pulled her face away from Emerson's chest and turned her eyes to his. "Emerson, I don't deserve this. I have treated you so poorly, and you keep taking care of me. Thanks." As she finished speaking, Maria kissed Emerson.

Carmella and Pat exchanged glances and smiled. Molly was beaming as her son looked around at his friends. He was flustered, but looked very happy.

Without taking her arms from Emerson's waist, Maria addressed her father. "There is still one matter to clear up, Father, I fear that someone may hurt my reputation this evening and you may have to intervene," Maria told a surprised Pat Casey.

"If you're talking about that damned Michael, I'd say Emerson already took care of that," Pat Casey told his daughter.

"I am talking about Emerson Trask," Maria answered.

The entire group went silent at Maria's statement. Ellen and Cathy nodded to each other and smiled. Maria was still going to try it!

"Maria, what are you talking about?" Pat demanded.

"I would like to know, too." Emerson was stunned. "I would never damage your reputation. Pat knows that."

"I will prove it to everyone here. They can judge," Maria was now looking at Emerson, but speaking to the group.

Pat Casey attempted to speak, but Carmella pulled him aside and quietly said, "Pat, stay out of this! Maria has something in mind and you are supposed to stay silent."

Pat told his wife, "That suits me fine. I can't understand that girl!"

"That should be interesting," Emerson responded. "Do your best." He knew he had never maligned Maria. It would be one of Michael's lies and easily corrected.

"Father, this man was talking love to me all the time we were on that cattle drive. Cathy," Maria spoke to her friend while still facing Emerson, "didn't you hear him?"

"I did, Maria. He didn't know I could understand Spanish. I told Emerson later that Pat would have shot him if he had known the things Emerson was telling Maria," Cathy answered. "It was very romantic!"

"Thanks, Cathy." Maria then spoke to Billy, "Didn't Emerson talk about me all over the world? Wasn't I a topic of his conversation on several continents and oceans?"

Billy was obviously nervous. "Well, yes, but never with disrespect."

Maria questioned Ellen next. "Ellen, didn't Emerson tell you about me?"

"Maria, that man wouldn't give me a second look, because of you. I could tell you were the one he wanted. He was in love with you. That was clear."

"Mother, weren't we approached by two men in the hotel that thought Emerson and I were married?"

Carmella was not anxious to get involved in Maria's scheme. She gave a short response. "Yes, we were."

"Cathy, didn't Major Reynolds seem to think there was something between Emerson and me?"

Cathy was smiling as she answered, "I should say so! It was pretty clear that Emerson had talked a lot about you to them, and to who knows who else!"

Emerson broke in. "None of that hurt Maria's reputation, Pat. I don't know what is wrong here." Emerson addressed Pat but never took his gaze from Maria. He was getting an uncomfortable feeling that he had no chance to win this discussion.

"I am not finished. I have a few questions for you and I would like simple yes or no answers. Will you humor me?" Maria was still close to Emerson as she spoke. Her lips were close to his and her eyes shone. It was as if the others weren't there. She had eyes only for Emerson.

Emerson felt like he was a man under a spell. He could not, or would not move back from Maria. He held his ground as she kept moving closer to him. He felt totally under Maria' power.

When Emerson nodded assent, Maria went on. "Father, listen to this man and decide if he has been playing fast and loose with me."

Everyone had drawn closer, trying to catch this strange drama as it unfolded. Pat never answered Maria, nor did she seem to expect it. Molly and Carmella held each other's hands as they watched, not knowing what to expect, but knowing something was happening.

Cathy and Ellen stood together, with Tom at Cathy's side. Both girls were in complete awe of Maria and her sudden courage, especially with such a large audience.

Cathy whispered to Ellen, "I can't believe this! Maria is so bold! She has nerve. I hope this works!"

"Emerson, did you tell me I was the most beautiful girl you had ever seen?"

"Yes," was Emerson's response. He was lost in Maria's eyes. All control was gone.

"Did you mean that," Maria asked.

Again Emerson responded, "Yes."

"Did you tell Major Reynolds, Ellen Lander, her father, and God knows who else, all about me while you were in South America, and didn't they seem to think there was something between us?" Maria questioned Emerson.

Emerson was looking hard at Maria, trying to guess where she was headed with her questions. "Yes, I led some people, including Major Reynolds to believe that I cared for you, but had lost your trust."

"Isn't it true that even my cousins think there is something between us?"

Emerson knew that was true, but not his doing. Still he answered, "Yes. Although you know I was not to blame for that."

"Didn't you fight with Michael last night because he said he was my lover, and you would not allow him to damage my reputation?"

Emerson was becoming uncomfortable with Maria's line of questioning, and did not want to discuss what Michael had been saying.

"Maria, that's enough! Yes, I fought with him over what he said about you."

"Emerson, you still don't want anyone to hear the vile things Michael said, not even me." Maria smiled as she spoke to Emerson. "I have more questions. Didn't you tell me that you bought a ring for me while you were traveling, although you never showed it to me? Is there a ring?"

Emerson was beginning to feel trapped. Breathing seemed to becoming more difficult. He looked away and answered, "Yes."

"Emerson, have you talked to Billy about the possibility of going back to sea?" Maria was still watching Emerson.

Emerson turned his stare on Billy, who was intent on looking at his hands. "We discussed it, yes."

"Didn't you step between Tom Taylor and me when he threatened to shoot me? Weren't you willing to be shot in the back rather than see harm come to me?"

"My life for yours, Maria. I would make that trade when necessary."

"I have one last question and then I'll make my point, if it isn't clear to everyone by now."

Maria knew she could not turn back, although she was very nervous. The answer to her next question would forever affect her life. Maria moved even closer to Emerson. Her lips were almost touching Emerson's.

Carmella marveled at Maria's boldness. She had never seen her anything like this before. Both Carmella and Molly were breathing heavy with the emotion they felt.

Ellen and Cathy pushed closer to hear and see everything that was going on. The men stood silent, Maria's intent lost to them.

"Emerson Trask, are you in love with me?"

Pat Casey groaned and several of the women gasped as Maria asked her last question. Everyone watched Emerson as he struggled to answer.

Emerson no longer cared what anyone else thought. He had blocked out everyone. There was only Maria, the loveliest thing he had ever known.

"Maria, you have asked the question, although I would hope you already know the answer. Yes, I love you and have for years."

Cathy was near tears as she spoke, "Maria, for God's sake, you have his answer! Can't this game end?"

"Not yet, Cathy." Maria was becoming emotional herself, but she was determined to see it through. "I want to explain to everyone what the problem is."

"All kinds of people think Emerson and I are sweethearts, or even lovers. Yet tonight, he dances very close with other women and is even talking of going back to sea. What will people think? I'll tell you how it will look. It will appear that I have been jilted! Even my own cousins will believe it."

"Emerson can go on to more conquests and my reputation will be in shambles, because he left me. It just seems that a man who is supposed to be so honorable, is treating me badly. The only way I can think to make it right, is for me to have the option of ending it. Then Dad would not be forced to flog this man!"

Pat Casey tried to speak, but Carmella pinched his arm hard. Her look told him to remain still.

"Pat, I don't understand what Maria wants me to do. I certainly wouldn't want to be flogged, especially by a friend." Emerson faced Maria as he spoke to Pat.

"Emerson, I want you to give me the chance to decide if this romance we supposedly had, is going to end." Maria went on, "You will be gone anyway, and it isn't any disgrace for a man to be spurned by a woman. I will be left to live with it over my head, if you are the one to end it."

Maria looked into Emerson's eyes, "I want you to do the honorable thing. You have a ring. Why don't you just ask me one question and that will make everything right again?"

Emerson could not believe what he was hearing. She expected him to propose! If he did, she could reject him and save her reputation. His feelings would be crushed, but she was right. It was better that way than to hurt her.

Since Emerson was wearing new boots for the dance, he had removed the ring from its hiding place and carried it in a pocket.

"All right Maria, I will do it." Emerson no longer hid his feelings. Maria had exposed him totally, and he felt only relief. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and produced the ring. "Maria Casey, I am in love with you and I am asking you to marry me."

"Emerson Trask, I am flattered that you would ask." Maria was very close to Emerson. "You have gambled your life for me a few times. How about taking a chance one more time? If that ring fits, I will become your wife, with all that it means, to be with you the rest of my life. If that ring doesn't fit, you will go back to the sea and never return to Morgantown. Will you risk it?"

This time Carmella groaned as Maria stated her terms. The entire group seemed to have stopped breathing as they watched Emerson and Maria.

"Maria, that is more of a chance than I had ever hoped for. Hold up your finger and let's see if it fits." Emerson was no longer nervous. It would soon be over and he would know.

Maria's hand was shaking as she held it up for Emerson. Slowly, gently, Emerson started the ring down Maria's finger. It held up slightly as it came to her knuckle. Carmella squirmed as the ring stopped. She could barely endure the drama to which she was witness. Had Maria gone too far?

Then, the ring slid into place.

Everyone let out their breath at the same time. Laughter and tears were mixing as hugs were exchanged and men slapped each other on the back. Still standing in the center were Emerson and Maria.

"Maria, I won't hold you to this, I don't want to have you because you lost a bet. You can still back out." Emerson spoke softly as the others celebrated.

Maria held her face very close to Emerson, "Emerson, I didn't lose! I won! You never had a chance. I planned this whole thing."

"What would you have done if the ring didn't fit? Wasn't that a gamble?"

"Emerson, I tried it on when you were in that fever. I knew it would fit. I was just testing you a little to see how you'd react. You passed," Maria's voice trailed off as Emerson's lips met hers.
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