Eugenia's Embrace

"No. The first man was here."

"You're kidding." Eugenia gasped.

"No. It's true."

"Do you hate it, Theresa?"

"No. I have a place to stay and pretty clothes. And even friends. It's worth it."

"Do you ever enjoy the touch of a man?"

"Not yet I haven't," Theresa drawled.

"For your sake, I hope you don't," Eugenia said darkly.

"Why would you say that, Madam Eugenia?"

"Men have only given me heartaches. That's why," Eugenia said, rising, slowly dressing. Then she turned back in Theresa's direction. "And where is your sister now?" she added.

"We ran off from home several weeks ago. From a small town in Texas. We'd been changing from stagecoach to stagecoach. Then suddenly she was gone. We got separated. I don't know where she is."

"God, how horrible," Eugenia gasped. "How old are you and your sister?"

"I'm seventeen and Julie is sixteen."

"I'm going to help you, Theresa," Eugenia said firmly, reaching back to button up her dress.

"How?"

/>

"Well, first, you're going to move into The Towers. I still have many empty rooms."

Theresa rose, her eyes even more wide. "Do you mean I'll live in your big white house?"

"Yes. Your life has been an unhappy one. I intend to make it one of only leisure for you. Your room will be next to mine. It was Frederick's. Just beautiful furniture and plush green carpeting to sink your feet into."

"You'd do this for me?"

Eugenia went to Theresa and pulled her into her arms. "Yes, now that I've returned, I'm going to make a special effort to use my large home to share with the less fortunate."

"But my job here?"

Eugenia laughed warmly. "Honey, it's easy to find girls to work here. Don't worry about it." Then she added, holding Theresa an arm's length away from her, "And we'll try and find Julie and bring her to you."

"Oh, Madam Eugenia," Theresa sobbed, clutching Eugenia to her. "You are so kind. I love you."

"You'll be happy at The Towers. I'll want you to do just as you want once you're there."

"When?" Theresa asked anxiously, looking up into Eugenia's eyes, searching.

"Tonight. Get your things together."

"Tonight?" Theresa gasped.

"Sure. Why not?" Eugenia laughed.

"I just can't believe it," Theresa shouted, running from the room, even forgetting that she was nude.