Fortune's Journey Read Online Free PDF

buzz, mixed with an angry undertone that spoke of outrage at the villain’s behavior. They were really involved in the play.
    Unfortunately, she knew many of the men would take advantage of the break to go next door to the bar for a drink. Others had already been drinking out of pocket flasks they had brought with them. Fortune frowned. The drunks they had to cope with in almost every audience were one of the things that bothered her most about their travels.
    â€œKnock knock?”
    It was Walter, standing outside their curtain.
    â€œCome in!” said Fortune.
    Walter lifted the makeshift door and ducked to step into their space. He was wearing a broad smile. “A good house tonight, Fortune. We took in enough to cover what we paid Mrs. Halleck, get the horses shod, and still have a little to spare.” Fortune returned his smile. That was good news. The troupe’s day-to-day funds had been getting dangerously low, and she had feared they would have to dip into the money she was saving for the price of the wagon train they were planning to join at Independence. A few good nights would help avoid that unpleasant possibility.
    â€œThank you, Walter. Take good care of it, now, won’t you?”
    He winked. “I’ve got it tucked away safe and sound. I just wanted to give you the good news.”
    Fortune watched him leave. She found herself smiling affectionately. Walter was an old bear, that was all there was to it. A big cuddly old bear.
    Edmund was next at their “door.” Fortune frowned. The newcomer had developed an annoying habit of coming to their dressing room between acts on almost any excuse, and she didn’t like the way his dark eyes flicked over her at those times. Now those eyes were smoldering, and his thin lips were pulled tighter than usual.
    â€œAaron has stepped on my lines three times tonight, Miss Plunkett. I would appreciate it if you would speak to him after the performance!” He spun on his heel and stalked away.
    Fortune opened her mouth, but nothing came out. When Mrs. Watson burst out laughing, Fortune turned on her and cried, “What’s so funny?”
    Mrs. Watson was holding her sides. “Oh, you can’t take that young peacock seriously. He’s such a vain little thing. Thinks he can act, too!”
    â€œHe can,” said Fortune. “Otherwise I’d tell Mr. Patchett to get rid of him. Unfortunately, we need him.”
    â€œAnd he needs us just as much. My advice is to just ignore him when he gets like that. Do you think he’d leave us? Where’s he going to go, for heaven’s sake?”
    â€œReady for Act Two!” It was Mr. Patchett, hissing through their curtain.
    â€œYes,” called Fortune. “We’re set to go.”
    She sighed. Three of the four men in the troupe had found reason to cross the stage and speak to her during intermission. Why not Aaron?
    The audience was obviously in a good mood as the second act began. They cheered as Fortune and Mrs. Watson made their entrances, and booed loudly at the appearance of Walter-the-villain.
    Fortune felt a little nervous. Their mood was a trifle too good. She knew from past experiences that rowdy audiences like this could get out of hand.
    Her fears were confirmed ten minutes later when two men in the front row took objection to Walter’s latest, most wicked scheme.
    â€œYou can’t do that!” cried one of them, his words slurred by liquor. “Why, that woman’s too good for you!”
    â€œWho do you think you are, anyway, trying to bust up them kids?” cried the other. He stood, weaving unsteadily.
    His partner leaped up beside him. “Come on down here an’ fight like a man.”
    â€œYeah,” said the second. “C’mere an’ fight like a man, ya big sissy.”
    Fortune winced. It wasn’t the first time this had happened during a show. But the more drunk the interrupters were, the harder it