Free September's Dream by Ruth Ryan Langan Page B

slimiest of all the creatures on the earth. And she’d already felt its sting. She wondered if the hurt would ever go away.
    Her voice was a cry of pain. "Oh, Aggie, don’t you think I know better than to trust him? But a hundred and fifty dollars a week. Think of it. I can have enough saved to be out of here in a couple of weeks, and on the trail of my father."
    For the first time, Aggie’s voice softened. Touching a hand to September’s shoulder, she murmured, "Okay, kid. But take a good look at Snake’s girls tonight. The lure of big money is what got them all started in the first place. And the thought of that money is what keeps them going. Don’t make the mistake they did, of staying around too long. If you have to, grab the money and run."
    September offered her a weak smile. "Thanks, Aggie. That’s just what I intend to do." She sighed. "Now, where’s that tub?"
     
    *  *  *
     
    All afternoon, September worked on the dress she had taken from the rack of gowns in Rawlins’ Saloon. The dress had been made to fit someone much larger. By the time dusk settled over the town, the dress was finished.
    Hauling four large buckets of water to the stove, September heated them, then filled the washtub. In the privacy of her room she washed her hair until it gleamed, then, wrapping her hair in a thick towel, she settled into the hot water and soaked for nearly an hour.
    At a knock on her door, she peered through the haze of steam.
    "Who is it?"
    "Aggie."
    "Come on in."
    The big woman waved away the steam as it rolled about the room.
    "Thought you might use this." She held up a small vial.
    "What is it?"
    "French perfume. An old beau gave it to me."
    Smiling, September arched an eyebrow. "And old beau, hmm? What happened to him?"
    With a chuckle, Aggie said, "Looks like he didn’t last as long as his perfume. Know how to use this stuff?"
    September shook her head.
    "After you dry yourself, put a little drop at your throat, the bend in your elbows or knees, even between your breasts. Wherever you think you’ll get warm tonight. That way, the heat of your body will give off the scent of the perfume."
    September looked at the big woman with new respect. "Where did you learn that?"
    "Women have to have their little tricks, kid. I see it as my duty to pass some of them along to you." She walked to the dresser and set down the vial. "Call me when you’re dressed. I want to see how you look."
    "All right. Thanks, Aggie."
    September toweled herself dry and applied the perfume as her friend had instructed. Brushing her hair until it crackled with electricity, she caught the sides back with clips and left it to cascade in soft waves down her back.
    The gown she had fashioned for herself lay on the bed. Pulling it over her head, she felt the soft fabric whisper over her hips, then flutter softly to her ankles. With trembling fingers she buttoned the row of mother-of-pearl buttons that she had sewn from the waist to the high collar. Matching buttons adorned each sleeve, from elbow to wrist. Walking to the dressing mirror Aggie had brought her, September studied her reflection.
    She couldn’t believe the vision staring back at her.
    The lush red velvet was the perfect foil for her pale ivory skin and ash-blond hair. The dress molded itself to the curves of her body, accentuating her delicate figure. For long silent moments she studied herself, then bent to pull on her badly scuffed, high-top shoes. Luckily, the gown covered all but the toes of her shoes. Picking up her shawl, she walked to the kitchen.
    Hearing her footsteps, Aggie turned.
    "Oh my goodness," she breathed. "Is that really you?"
    September laughed almost shyly. "I’m not sure." Pinching her arm, she nodded. "It’s me."
    The older woman studied her carefully. "Snake Rawlins discovered something the rest of us might have overlooked."
    "What’s that?"
    "A diamond in the rough, kid. You’re beautiful."
    "After that hot bath and your French perfume, anybody would be