"You don't have to do that," Clem said, reaching back and stopping Della's hand.
"I know I don't and I won't normally. Today is special. It's your first day here and while I don't want to hurt your feelings, it looks like your hair hasn't been tended to in quite a while. It will go quicker if you let me."
"Thank you, and it's true. I haven't given much thought to my appearance since we left home. Having people think I was a boy was easier and provided some protection from unwanted advances. Now I'm going to be paid for giving away what I've protected for so long. Life is strange, isn't it?"
"It is that," Della agreed. "If it wasn't for Jewel and Gabe, I wouldn't be here to help you at all. They saved my life, along with Nettie's nursing of course."
"What happened?" Clem asked gently, looking in the mirror at the pain on Della's face.
"I'd rather not talk about it right now," she admitted truthfully. "Maybe someday when we know each other better I'll tell you."
"Fair enough. What can you tell me about Jewel?"
"I don't know everything, mind you, but I do know she came from England and that she's a Lady, I mean a real Lady with a title. I met her in San Francisco, and I think of her as an Angel of Mercy, at least mine. Opal and Amethyst were already with her, as well as Nettie, Gabe and John. Peridot met them in San Francisco and once the saloon was open, she moved to Culpepper and joined us.
"There, all the tangles are gone. Slip this robe on and I'll show you your room," Della said, holding out a dressing gown. "Do you want me to have these things added to the burn bin?" she asked, picking up Clem's britches.
"Oh no," Clem cried, nearly snatching them out of her hands. "I mean no thanks. I think I'll have them cleaned and pack them away," she continued, looking at the floor. I'll have need of them one day soon, she thought.
"Suit yourself," Della answered kindly, bundling up Clem's things and opening the door. "Come on, she's given you the corner room. They're all nice, but this one is a little bigger and has two windows."
Chapter Three
Clementine's jaw dropped when Della opened the door and motioned her in. While she'd never stayed in a fancy hotel, she figured this room was pretty close. Painted a soft shade of gold, it had a warm, welcoming feeling.
The curtains were cream with little gold flowers and they blew gently in the spring breeze. A patch work quilt covered the big iron bed with shades of gold, cream, brown and blue. There was an armoire; a dressing table with a mirror that Clem realized immediately could double as a desk and a washstand complete with a bowl and pitcher. Several pillows were lined up at the head of the bed and Clem had a sudden urge to climb in and let sleep overtake her. A stand by the bed held a lamp and a small vase of wildflowers.
"You can change the color if you want," Della offered, setting Clem's clothes on a chair. "Jewel lets us make it our own."
"Oh no, I wouldn't change a thing," Clem replied in awe. "It's beautiful."
"I like it too. My room is only a couple of doors down. Stop by and I'll show it to you," she said with pride.
"I will, just as soon as I can catch my breath. I had no idea this would be such a lovely place."
"Expecting a pallet on the floor with a ratty blanket?" Della asked gently.
"Something like that," Clem admitted quietly.
"My advice to you is to forget every idea you've ever had about what a brothel would be like. The Red Petticoat is one of a kind. I see someone brought up your bag. Would you like me to help you unpack?"
"No, thank you. You've done enough. Tell me, how often are we allowed to use the bath?"
Della laughed. "Whenever you want or need to; just make sure you bathe early as the room is often in use when clients start coming in. Oh, and the only thing is you'll need to buy your own bath salts when you get some money. They have several different scents at the mercantile and they can order whatever you'd like. Until then feel free to use the lavender. That belongs to me and I don't mind sharing."
"That's kind of you, Della."
"One other thing; while it is okay for you to call me Della when we are alone, it would be better if you become accustomed to using our gem names. That way, it won't be so easy to slip up if we aren't by ourselves. From here on out my name is Citrine and yours is Crystal. Clementine or 'Clem' doesn't exist unless you leave here. It's for our own protection."
"I understand, Citrine and I would appreciate it if no one ever finds out what became of Clyde McKay's boy."
"Who knows you came here or that you're a woman?" Citrine asked concerned.
"Well, the sheriff sent me here to see about a job, but he thinks I'm a boy. The only ones are Miss Jewel, Mr. Gabe, you and some gambler."
"You mean Jasper?"
"Yes, I think that's his name."