Eugenia's Embrace

"What're your plans, Eugenia?" Adam asked. "Are you going to move in here? Move away from The Old Homestead Parlour?"

Eugenia gave him a fast look. "No. That isn't in my plans," she answered.

"Then, what?"

"I've been doing a lot of thinking these past few days," she said, sitting down on a beige-colored chair.

"What've you come up with?" Adam asked, settling himself on a chair opposite her, still twirling his hat in his hands.

Eugenia looked around her once again, letting her eyes move upward to the balcony that circled around above her, showing the many closed bedroom doors.

"This house has been empty for way too long," she said softly. Her gaze then met Adam's. "I intend to change that," she added firmly.

Adam laughed deeply. "You don't mean you're goin' to move your girls into this house, do you?"

Eugenia was able to laugh for the first time since Frederick's death. "No, silly," she blurted. "I wouldn't do that to Frederick. He would never have approved of such a scheme as that."

Adam leaned forward. "Then, what?"

"I plan to bring a couple of the girls here all right," she said. "But not to work in the way that they're accustomed to."

"Okay, hon. Explain away. What the hell are you talkin' about?"

"Nell and Iris," she said, tilting an eyebrow, seeing the girls in her mind, full skirted, running and laughing through each room, filling the rooms with life and merriment. "I intend to bring them here to live. To get them away from the only life they've known since coming to Cripple Creek."

"But darlin'…"

"No argument needed," she said firmly. "I've truly thought it over. Very carefully."

"But Eugenia…"

Eugenia rose and walked to the mantle over the fireplace. She lifted a delicate figurine and studied it, touching the curves so carefully structured by someone's deft fingers. She remembered Iris and Nell, and how they had become to be interested in the arts. If they were so interested in poetry, maybe she could see to it that they would carry their interests even further. She could see that they would be educated. Just like Frederick had done for her.

"Now, I'll make them earn their keep," she added, placing the figurine back on the mantle. "By day, they will be my personal maids, and by night they will be just as you and I, individuals, doing what they want."

Adam laughed. "Sure. Sure you can change them into prima donnas. After they've lived their lives dedicated to the pleasurin' of men? Do you think they can forget that so easily? Don't you think they'll begin to crave such a life once again?"

Not wanting to listen, Eugenia walked away from him. "And the library? It will be Nell and Iris's learning ground. They love poetry. Frederick has book after book filled with the most beautifully written poetry by the best known poets of all time. Nell and Iris will learn from it. You'll see."

Adam rose and went to Eugenia and pulled her to face him. "Are you sayin' you aren't goin' to be a part of The Old Homestead Parlour any longer, Eugenia? That you're going' to move in here? Permanently?"

Eugenia began to trace his mouth with a finger. "No, love, I didn't say that. Not exactly," she said. "I plan to divide my time between the two houses. I can do it. I can make The Old Homestead Parlour stay a place of respect as it already is, plus enjoy this house as well."

Adam's fingers tightened on her shoulder. "How can you still say that place is a place of respect? Don't you know what that place stands for?"

"Adam, you're hurting me," she said icily. "Please let me go."

"I'm sorry, hon," he said, moving back away from her. "I just want you to leave that place. And marry me. Is that askin' too much?"

"Adam, I've told you. I'm not ready for marriage. Not quite yet. Especially now. I'm to be mistress of two houses now and that will take much of my time."

Adam reached down to the chair where he had slung his hat, grabbed it and placed it on his head with a quick thrust. "That's that," he stated flatly, turning to leave. "I know when I'm whipped. I'm leavin'."

Eugenia hurried to him, clutching his arm. "But, Adam," she said quickly. "You didn't hear all that I have planned."

He swung around and faced her, eyeing her darkly. "Yeah? What else are you plannin' to do to exclude me?"

"But that's what I have to tell you, my love," she said, taking one of his hands, squeezing it. "I want you also to be a part of this house. Live here. There are so many rooms. Why not fill one of them with your welcome presence?"