Karen Mercury (23 page)

Ulrich looked almost fully three-dimensional today as he sang happily.

When I pawned that painting at the place with the opium

I would have done anything for a shot of rum

Dear sister, I do not know what you take me for

I can tell you from the beyond the veil, it’s worth a whole lot more

The trio looked at each other. Spenser said, “Worth a whole lot more than five bucks?” They swiveled their heads to look at Ulrich, whose eyes shined with optimism and glee. He nodded tersely, the expression on his face not changing.

“Well,” said Fidelia. “That’s an interesting turn of events. Well, obviously, Ulrich. I’m going to get that painting from Chang the moment I get back to Laramie.”

Ulrich nodded again enthusiastically. Then he hit some altogether more mournful, romantic chords and began to wail in German, his face screwed up.

Fidelia remembered this poem from Germany, and it filled her with delight that Ulrich recalled it, too.

Schliesse mir die Augen beide

mit den lieben Händen zu!

Geht doch alles, was ich leide,

unter deiner Hand zur Ruh

She sang along in English. She put the certificate of ownership on a table and linked her arms through her men’s. They swayed slightly as they listened to the English words, learning them so they could join in.

Close both my eyes

with your beloved hands,

Let all my suffering

gain rest beneath your hand.

It occurred to Fidelia that it was a song both mournful and hopeful for the future. Chess and Spenser sang along, haltingly at first, then with more verve as they repeated some stanzas.

And as gently the pain

wave upon wave lies in sleep,

As the last blow falls

you fill my whole heart.

She may have to accept that Ulrich would move on and find a new life. But for now and for all eternity, she had her two husbands.

One month later, their brother-in-law, Senator Spiro, went to Omaha for a political caucus. He took the Certificate of Ownership to an appraiser, who certified the Schick painting was worth five thousand dollars.

And that’s how Fidelia was able to buy C. Chang, Proprietor, a new stuffed tiger. And she didn’t even have to pay a hundred seahorses for it.

Karen’s first three novels were historical fiction involving pre-colonial African explorers. Since she was always either accused or praised (depending on how you look at it) for writing overly steamy sex scenes, erotic romance was the natural next step. She is currently writing about the rough-and-tumble life of the transcontinental railroad in Wyoming, and lives in Northern California with her Newfoundland dog.

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