Red Dead Reborn

xxix) The Gilded Cage

July 5th, 1899

"Hey, son. You interested in socialising?"

Danny perked up, surprised at what was asked of him, as well as by the voice that acknowledged him with such kindness and warmth.

From across the campfire, Danny was able to make out Dutch's face with relative ease, even when his one good eye still didn't function properly yet.

"Socialising? Me? Where?" Danny asked nervously.

"We have been invited to the mayor's house for a party this evening by this Italian toad by the name of Angelo Bronte."

"And what makes you think I'll go?"

"Well, why not? You and Mary-Beth would make a great pairing - you'd both blend in well, especially when we tell folk that you're both very affectionate lovers. You, an oil man, for your sins, and your wife, the sister of Arthur Callahan."

Danny was appreciative that Dutch thought of him highly but even Danny doubted his own capabilities as a cunning con artist.

"I-I dunno, Uncle Dutch. Why, why doesn't dad just go? Or Javier? Or Charles?"

"It might not be the best idea to bring a couple of coloured fellers. Especially at a rich, elegant party filled with pompous inbred rich yokels. And besides, I already talked to the old feller into letting you and Mary-Beth get out of camp. He agrees with me that you two will blend in perfectly. As will Arthur."

"Or so we can hope."

Dutch let out a dry wheeze. "Yes, yes. Of course. And don't worry about fixing yourself in a suit. Just go with your pa and Arthur into town and they'll get you something nice for tonight."

"What about you, Uncle Dutch?"

"I'm already sorted, dear boy. I have Josiah to thank for lending me one of his more... promiscuous suits."

As if on cue, Mary-Beth tarried along and touched her boyfriend's shoulder, calling for him to stand so they could jump in the wagon and ride into town.

"Come on, honey. Let's get going." Mary-Beth spoke gleefully. Her excitement for going to the party was unmatched with her eagerness to dress up nicely for her boyfriend.

"Enjoy yourselves!" Dutch sang out and waved.

Danny managed a weak smile as Mary-Beth helped guide him to the wagon they were going to ride in to go into town.

With Hosea and Arthur seated in the front, Danny and Mary-Beth had the back of the wagon to themselves as they were ridden into town. The ride into town was rather short but a bit longer when they had to ride with more care, especially with police patrolling the streets. The last thing they needed was being recognised and chased out of town.

As per usual, Arthur and Hosea were discussing things only they were deeply involved in, whereas Danny and Mary-Beth acted and treated one another lovingly as well as romantic things that Molly O'Shea would be extremely jealous of.

When there was no conversation to be made, Hosea interrupted to share a funny story in order to involve those with him on their shopping trip.

"I ever tell you about the time I once went fishing with this feller back in the day? Wesley, his name was. Real miserable bastard, but he loved to fish. We'd go out all the time. But, one day, we were river fishing when we see a funeral procession going over the bridge and... out of the blue, Wesley stands up, takes his hat off, bows his head. Then, he sits down, picks his rod back up and carries on, doesn't say a word. So I'm a little surprised and say, 'Wesley, that was nice of you.' And he replies, 'Well, felt I had to. After all, I was married to her for thirty years.' "