Richard sat at a back table in the bordello reading a letter from his brother.

Looking up when Corey came over to him, he smiled at the girl. He had visited here a couple of times, and Vanessa was whom he always asked for. He loved the sweet way she had about herself, and she was happy just to sit, listen and talk with him. But since Vanessa was gone, Corey was a good substitute, especially since she didn�t take any fellas upstairs.

He was sitting with Corey at a table when he saw Prudence walk in trying to carry a very large box. "Here let me help you. " Richard said as he jumped out of his seat. Corey watched as Richard went over to Prudence. She thought I wonder why he doesn�t have a girlfriend. He�s a very nice man.

"Here let me help you with that." Richard said as he took the box from her.

"Thank you Richard. Follow me." Richard nodded following her towards the backroom. Sitting the box down Richard smiled as he was released from the strain of the heavy load. "I haven't seen you around lately. Business that good?"

"In a way yes. But I don't get much for Dreamville anymore. What with the railroad nearby." Prudence answered.

Richard nodded remembering that Beauregard had a railroad that was making tracks this way. "Well, I hope to see you and Absalom around some time. Your company is always a pleasure."

Prudence smiled and remembered that he was the first man to complement her. "I will sure do my best to visit when I'm close by. " Richard saw Prudence to the door and they waved goodbye to each other. Prudence heading towards her freight wagon, and Richard went back to his table where Corey had waited for him.