It has been some days since my last journal entry. My wounds have all healed and I am happy to say that things have been going along for me in Deadwood. My boss, Mr. Starsmith, relocated his establishment at the North end of town and has since named it the Bella Union. I am still in his employment and happily so. I am getting better at my cooking skills. I am still not up to par with Nancy, but improving nonetheless.
Miss Cora and I ran into a bit of trouble yesterday as we were walking through town. It seems we were the target of rude comments from the menfolk. We were surrounded by several of them and the insults kept coming. Finally, my temper got the better of me and I drew my rifle and yelled at them to leave us be. I was quite frightened but did my best not to show them that I was. The gentleman I ran into up in the woods one day while inspecting a vacant cabin by the name of Seth, came up the street to help cease the commotion. Finally the men withdrew and left us alone. That was an uneasy experience. These menfolk are downright vulgar and verbally abusive but such is my lot...being a woman in a miner's camp. They keep insisting I go to a tea party. In all truth, I'd like to smash a teapot over most of their heads.
This evening was rather...entertaining so to speak. I was seeing to my cooking duties at the Bella, when I was taking a break and getting a breath of fresh air outside when the two town lushes happened to walk into the saloon. I grudgingly went back in to see to their needs as is my job. For a change, they weren't insulting....they mentioned the piano music they heard earlier and the urge to dance and so, I asked Miss Gelles to please serve them their whiskey while I sat at the piano. I struck up a lively tune and the one who had been called "Sera" stood up with effort and began to dance a jig! Oh what a sight! He was struggling a bit as he seemed to be in poor shape but he continued to dance. I looked over my shoulder and couldn't help but burst into laughter. His partner, the one they call Biscuit, kept cheering him on in a profanity laced manner. Miss Gelles and I were beside ourselves with amusement. I also noticed out the window that folks in town had gathered to look in to see what the commotion was. I heard laughter from outside the window. It was quite entertaining. I had mentioned to the man perhaps we give him a dress and some knickers and he could be a dancing girl. I played several tunes when finally the man named Sera exhausted and gasping for air, fell flat on his back. I declare, I haven't laughed so much in a long time. I felt obliged to the silly man to give him a round of whiskey on the house for entertaining us all. It was, for once, a merry time in this dangerous and solemn town. I have had my run ins with these two but for a change they brought laughter and merriment to my soul. I guess, in the end we are all human beings...even deep down underneath filth, liquor , and stench. Truly a memorable evening here in Deadwood. Heaven only knows what tomorrow will bring.
~A.C. Abbot~
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