Uniform Stealing Board

5km North of Lafayette, LA, Wednesday 11th November 1884, 20:30pm



“Make us proud.”

Sofia Macer used her fan to cover a bitter chuckle. One didn’t easily break the etiquette she had been taught since birth, no matter how hard she wanted.

The words of her father were still fresh in her mind. Do us proud, he had said, as if he had sent us to perform a noble task. As if she was some sort of soldier about to partake in a grand battle for the honor of her House.

Sophie refrained another bitter chuckle. What her father wanted of her was to flutter her eyelashes, and subtly show her cleavage, to seduce Maximilian DeBeers and be chosen for his future bride. For that task, Sophie had two advantages. First, she was an attractive young woman. Her breasts and butt were just curvy enough to look desirable, but not too big either – so she didn’t look vulgar. Her stomach was flat. Her blue eyes had some purple shades, and her dark brown hair were long and luscious – though they were currently tied up into a proper neck chignon. She was dressed in a blue one-piece party gown over a white slip. The gown had a golden floral pattern, white lace around the collar and wristcuffs, and was fitted around the waist with a green sash. She was also wearing shiny brown booties, and a hat adorned with blue ribbons and flowers. Second, and more importantly, her family was among the richest of Louisiana. Unfortunately, they were also derided as “new money” by the old-fashioned plantation owners. Sofia’s father hoped a good marriage with DeBeers would help their social standing.

Sofia of course had no say in the matter.

Still, she wouldn’t stomp, pout, and cry like a child. Sofia had lived all her life in luxury, but she also had always known her privilege had a cost – her freedom. There were many girls who had it worse than her – first of all the ones who couldn’t afford to put meals on their table. No, she wouldn’t cry if life was unfair to her. But she wouldn’t pretend she was happy either.

Sofia wasn’t traveling alone. She was sharing the family coach with her two cousins – daughters of her paternal uncle.

Julia Macer was quiet. Every time she saw her younger cousin, Sofia felt pity. Julia reminded her of a little doll. She wasn’t even small or frail – her height was average. Nor was she plain – yes she didn’t have much curves, but her heart-shaped face, brown hair with some red shades, and doe-like brown eyes gave her a lot of charm. Her haircut was a prim and proper neck bun. But there was something in her behavior that made her look smaller than she was. Julia was the youngest child, and a daughter to boot. Her parents didn’t expect anything of her, except a proper marriage and a few grandchildren. Julia’s education had been meant to turn her into a demure obedient little lady. Even her clothes were designed to make her look like a precious fragile flower: a pale puffy pink gown adorned with white lace around the collar and wristcuffs, fitted around the waist with a pink sash, white booties, and a hat adorned with pink ribbons.

Julia’s older sister, Margaret, was her polar opposite. Physically, she shared the same dark brown hair and blue eyes as Sofia, her father, and her uncle. Her facial features were a bit rounder though. Her assertive behavior made her look taller than she truly was. Margaret had all the confidence Julia lacked. A shame she was also an overgrown brat – sadly too many of Louisiana’s bachelorettes were like her. Her haircut was a chignon. She was wearing a party one-piece dress with a provocative shade of sparkling red, black booties, and a hat adorned with red fake feathers. Black lace was adorning the collar, shoulders, and sleeves of her gown.

Sofia suspected her father had agreed to let her cousins go with her because they’d make her look better by comparison – she was more assertive than Julia, more proper than Margaret.

Yes, her family had thought of everything… she pondered bitterly to herself.

Sofia’s inner-thoughts were abruptly put to an end when the coach suddenly stopped.

“What’s going on William?”

“Riders are blocking the road.”

“Oh, they’re maybe bandits!” Margaret exclaimed. She sounded equally frightened and excited.

Sofia rolled her eyes. “Bandits on a main road of Louisiana? This isn’t the Frontier, Margaret.”

Of course, she was immediately proven wrong.

They heard a ‘BONK!’, then a punch and a groan.

“I think somebody jumped on our coach from this tree, and knocked the coachman out.” Julia whispered.

**************

Brett’s help had been invaluable. Nancy didn’t know how much time and resources he had spent to make sure this specific coach would travel the road at this specific moment, and without any other witnesses nearby. She appreciated his effort.

His coded telegram had given them all the details they needed for their ambush – down to the names of the three ladies traveling in this specific stagecoach.

The coachman was in shock. He still hadn’t been able to fully process the fact they were, in fact, being robbed. The road was safe, in the middle of a ‘civilized’ area. To him, stagecoach robbers were a thing of the distant West.

He didn’t see Sand jump from the tree, and knock him out in one swift motion.

One down, three to go.

Nancy left Clint to deal with the unconscious man. Sand remained on top of the stagecoach for now. Sylvié followed Nancy, using the mean glare she had practiced for hours.

The redhead adjusted her scarf and hat to make sure they obscured most of her face, then opened the door of the stagecoach.

Good. Just like Brett had predicted.

Three bachelorettes, whose party gowns and invitation cards would come in handy to infiltrate Chateau DeBeers.

Playing the part of an outlaw, Nancy spoke with a gruff voice. “Climb down the coach with your hands up, and nobody gets hurt.” Thanks to Brett’s message, she had knowledge of the women’s names, but she didn’t show it to her victims.

Two of the belles were young – roughly Nancy’s age. Margaret reminded her of Eleanor – not physically, but she had the same demeanor, the same mannerism. Nancy took an instant dislike of her. The other, Julia, looked quiet and meek, probably a sheltered little flower who was barely allowed outside by her parents.

The third woman, Sofia, was a few years older. Nancy immediately sensed she’d be the only danger. The heiress was remaining composed. She had nerves of steel.

And in fact, she was discreetly moving a hand to grab something in her cleavage.

Nancy caught on to her trick. “That would be a mistake, madam. Derringers have low reach, and can only shoot once – twice if it’s custom-made. We do not wish to harm you, but if you hurt or kill one of us, my offer won’t stand anymore.”

Sofia briefly hesitated, and then slowly raised her hands in a gesture of surrender.

“Good call.”

Nancy waved her colt, to signal the three women they had to climb down their coach. Which they did, reluctantly.

“If it’s a ransom you want, you better brace yourselves. Our family will send an army of bounty hunters after you.” Margaret barked.

"We have experience with bounty hunters."

Sofia glared at her cousin to try and silence her, then said: "I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. We have some money."

“We’re more interested in your clothes.”

Julia squeaked.

“For purely professional reasons. We won’t molest you.” Nancy clarified.

“There’s no way I’m taking off my clothes in front of the riffraff!” Margaret huffed. “Take my money, but don’t touch my dress!”

“Margaret…” Sofia tried to intervene.

“I won’t stand being humiliated by low-lives! This dress is worth more than-”

Sofia lost patience and interrupted her. “Margaret, for once in your life, just shut up and do as they say! We’re not in one of your cheap novels!”

“No WAY!”

Nancy grimaced. The girl’s shrill voice reminded her of painful memories. Were all spoiled rich ladies cast in the same mold as Eleanor?

Sand shared her sentiment – she jumped from the stagecoach and put an end to Margaret’s complaints by hitting her neck with the hilt of her dagger, knocking her out instantly. The young woman crumbled onto the ground.

Julia cried in terror.

Sofia was more practical, and swiftly grabbed the cross of the small Derringer hidden in her cleavage.

Nancy was already pointing her Colt at the black-haired heiress before she could aim her weapon. “Maybe it would be better if you threw the gun away.” The redhead said coldly. She hoped her bluff would work – if Sofia insisted on using her gun, Nancy or Sand may end up having to hurt her. “If not for your sake, maybe for your companion’s.”

Sofia glanced at Julia, who was shaking in fear, then complied.

“The one in the dress too.” Sylvié intervened.

Sofia blinked, and then removed a second concealed Derringer. Then she grabbed Julia’s hand to comfort her.

Nancy kicked both weapons out of her reach. “Thank you. Now, please remove your clothes.” She told the two women who were still conscious.

Sand began to strip Margaret of her garments.

“As you can see, we don’t need your cooperation.” Nancy warned the two women who were still conscious.

Sofia clenched her teeth, but then grabbed her hat and put it on the ground, kicked off her booties, then worked on loosening and stepping out of gown and her slip. She was left clad in white bloomers and a matching white sleeveless undershirt. The undergarments were surprisingly plain-looking for such a rich girl – of the finest quality, but modest-looking. But they weren't part of the outfit. One far-sighted lady. Or maybe just lucky. Nancy thought to herself.

Julia glanced at her unconscious sister who was being stripped. Sand wasn’t exactly brutal, but she wasn’t gentle either – moving Margaret’s limp body as if it was a piece of meat. Julia took a breath, and followed Sofia’s lead. She took off her hat, her booties, and finally her dress with shaky hands. Underneath, she was wearing a gorgeously assorted pink petticoat adorned with white lace and a floral pattern.

Nancy felt a tiny bit of sympathy for the shy demure girl. “The petticoat too. It’s part of the outfit.”

“Why would you need her full outfit?” Sofia intervened.

Insightful indeed… Nancy thought. “Why rob three guests when we can rob a Chateau?” She lied.

At least Julia was far-sighted enough to wear underdrawers (a fancy white piece of undergarments with a floral pattern made of embroideries) under the petticoat. Her small but pert breasts with pink rose petal areolas were however in full display, and she reflexively covered them with her arms.

Sand had finished stripping Margaret as well. The young bachelorette was fully naked, as the young Navajo had also taken her red petticoat with black lace. Her more fuller rounder breasts with puffy dark pink areolas, fuller womanhood topped with a trimmed triangle of dark brown pubic fuzz and rounded bubble butt were completely exposed.

“What now?” Sofia asked.

She noticed Sylvié was filling three syringes with the content of a bottle.

“Laudanum.” Nancy explained. “That way we won’t have to punch you two. It’s a win-win for you and for us.”

Sofia glared.

Nancy shrugged. “So to speak.”

20:45pm

Four injections later, the ladies and their driver were taking a nap.

Nancy, Clinton, Sand, and Sylvié concealed Sofia, Julia, and Margaret in a ditch, and their coachman in another ditch. Nancy glanced at the three bachelorettes, who were deeply asleep. “Three hours?” she asked Sylvié.

“Yes. More laudanum would risk killing them.”

Nancy calculated how much time they’d need to reach and explore Chateau DeBeers. “We’ll also bind and gag them then.”

Since they were carrying ropes and scarves as part of their ‘highway bandit’ shtick, they had everything they needed to silence the three young women (and their coachman). They bound the wrists and the ankles, and gagged them with the thick pieces of cloth.

Nancy also used blankets to cover the women.

Sand tilted her head quizzically.

Nancy explained: “Brett is supposed to be the one rescuing them. And he’s a bit…”

“… prudish?” Sylvié proposed with a playful smile.

Nancy didn’t miss a beat. “… an old-fashioned gentleman.”

Now that the real belles and their driver were out of the way, Nancy, Sylvié, and Sand slipped into the party gowns.

Sylvié put on Julia’s clothes. Nancy got dressed in Sofia’s outfit. Sand slipped into Margaret’s fancy dress. The garments were a bit hard to put on without help, so Sylvié gave Sand a hand, and Clinton helped Nancy. They also took the jewels and hair pins of the three bachelorettes to copy their style and chignons.

Once they were fully dressed, Sylvié took a step back to admire her work on Sand.

Her cheeks blushed all of the sudden. “Oh my…”

Sand felt a bit embarrassed. “It looks so bad?” she asked.

“No, no! Quite the contrary, love!”

Clinton chuckled. “I think it’s the first time she sees you in a fancy dress…”

Nancy smiled, and looked sideways at him. “I can’t help but notice you’re not having the same reaction.” she teased him.

He wrapped his arms around her waist. “That’s because you look stunning no matter the outfit. I didn’t even notice the difference.”

Nancy laughed, and kissed him. “Nice save. You better take advantage of it while you still can. In a few months, I won’t be able to put on that kind of dress anymore…”

Clinton carefully caressed her belly. “That I know…” he muttered with affection. He swore he could feel the beginning of a bulge – small enough to be concealed under clothes, but still noticeable from very close. “Let’s make sure our child can come in a world where we’re safe…”

Nancy nodded, and squeezed his hand.

Clinton didn’t need the coachman’s outfit – his regular clothes would be enough to play the part of their driver.

Sylvié left Quinn’s ‘doctors bag’ with Clinton. “I can’t exactly be seen carrying around a syringe.” she explained. She grabbed a bottle of perfume that used to belong to Sofia. “However…” She emptied its contents, and poured chloroform inside. “… I don’t think they’ll mind a bottle of my ‘special’ perfume…”

Nancy nodded. “Clever.”

Clinton gallantly opened the door of the stagecoach for them. “My ladies, if you please.”

“Thank you, garçon.”

Once they were inside, he drove them away.

“According to marshal Brett, one of these girls was a likely candidate for DeBeers’ hand…” Sylvié commented. “So maybe she’ll see this as a blessing in disguise?”

Chateau DeBeers, 6km North of Lafayette, LA, 21:02pm

Clinton paused the coach when Maximilian’s mansion appeared in the distance.

Through the window, Nancy looked up at the grand house that sat up atop the crest of the hill, shaking her head. "So this is Chateau DeBeers? Oh please it's barely a manor. Pompous ass." She snorted derisively.

Sylvié nodded in agreement. "Oui, mon amie. I have seen townhouses in my native Paris that are bigger than this mere stable."

Beside them Sand cocked her head curiously. "First McClaine now this fool. Why do white men build such big houses with so many rooms? Surely they aren't going to use them all?"

Next to her Sylvié gently took her lovers hand, squeezing it. "Well, ma cherie. Where men are concerned it's called compensation for something lacking."

Nancy suddenly burst out laughing, doubling over. "Sylvié you are p-priceless!"

Sand looked at both of them with a bemused look on her face. "What's so funny? What's compensation, sweet sunrise?"

Sylvié giggled, planting a kiss on her lips. "I will tell you later my dusky goddess. When we are in-between the sheets."

Nancy calmed her laughter, and called Clinton through the window. “Coachman. Let us not make our host wait any longer.”

“My pleasure, madam.”

*************

A valet opened the door, and gallantly offered his arm to help each lady climb down the coach. Clinton then drove away to park the coach – still playing the part of the coachman.

Nancy, Sand, and Sylvié waited in line until a guard could check their invitation cards. They noticed half of the gunhands were women.

“Armed ladies. Mr. DeBeers sure likes to defy convention.” the guest in front of them commented.

“He’s rich enough to afford it, dear.” his wife joked.

Nancy recognized a few women of Victoria’s posse among the sentries – the Mexican girl was even one of the guards they had mugged at the Van der Laar Estate. She concealed a grimace. “Shit… Victoria’s here too… What will it take to get her off our backs?!”

“You know the answer.” Sand commented grimly.

Nancy didn’t reply. Deep down inside, she indeed suspected there could be only one outcome.

Sylvié discreetly elbowed them. It was their turn.

The guard looked at them, doing his best to hide his boredom. “May I see your invitations?”

“Finally! How dare you make us wait like that?!” Nancy complained with her best southern accent. “I’m one of the finest ladies of Louisiana!”

“You and dozens of other guests.” The man was unimpressed. Clearly, this was a senior guard – he was used to the rich spoiled ladies of Louisiana. He eyed Sand, and couldn’t quite fully hide his suspicions when he saw her darker skin. “I didn’t know there’d be a Mexican.”

Sylvié huffed. “How RUDE!” she exclaimed with her best ‘fancy French’ accent. “Do you know who you’re talking to?! This is Donna Juana Mariana del Carmen Machín y Ortiz de Zárate! Her family has ties with the Spanish Crown! Their ancestors were already living in California back when you peasants still bowed to the English!” She turned her head to Sand. “Deepest apologies, Donna. These republicans clearly don’t know how to speak to the aristocracy.”

Sand managed to keep a straight face instead of bursting out laughing – it was a testimony of her self-control. She waved her hand in a way that could be regarded as regal.

“Of course. I will slap this insolent commoner on your behalf.” Sylvié took off a glove, and lightly hit the guard’s cheek. “There! And consider yourself lucky that the Donna doesn’t petition to have you fired on the spot! Now, let us in, you insufferable simpleton!”

The poor guy stammered this time. He was used to spoiled Louisianan ladies, not to hot-blooded French and Spanish ones. “O- Of course… Apologies, ma’am. Please enjoy the party.”

Sylvié huffed again, then looked up and snubbed him. Sand and Nancy walked after her. They entered the estate.

The party was already underway – which was of course what they were aiming for. Many groups of guests were talking around various tables, employees were carrying trails of drink, and an orchestra was playing. Lots of noise, lots of people. A perfect opportunity to blend in the crowd. DeBeers himself was too busy mingling with his guests to personally greet the late-comers.

“That was something…” Nancy whispered to Sylvié. She was biting the insides of her cheeks to not smile and maintain her ‘snobby overgrown brat’ persona. “And here I thought my number at the casino was good, but this is priceless…”

Sylvié’s eyes sparked mischievously. “If we have to impersonate high-class ladies, we might as well have some fun doing it…”

“We won’t be keeping these clothes for long.” Nancy warned her. “They were our way in, but we can’t exactly be discreet wearing these.”

Sand discreetly mentioned a bunch of female sentries – dressed in fancy but practical clothes – with her chin. She was silent, but her facial expression easily conveyed her idea.

“Thankfully for us, Mr DeBeers likes to defy conventions…” Sylvié joked dryly. “I propose we take a stroll in a dark part of the gardens… You know, to enjoy some fresh air… My Donna needs to ease her mind after this incident.”

“And while we’re at it, might as well ask some of these pretty guards to lend her a more practical outfit…” Nancy concluded.

DeBeers Chateau Hedge Maze, 21:16pm

For all his flaws and delusions of grandeur, Maximilian DeBeers had an eye for the art of the garden. The hedge maze he had ordered and designed himself was a marvel of botanical art.

The master of the ‘Chateau’ liked it so much he had, in fact, stationed a few guards specifically to make sure no lost guest would damage the green life.

And since this was one station absolutely nobody wanted, Alice and Josephine had been sent there – both as punishment for their embarrassing failure at the Van der Laar estate… and because most of the other girls of Victoria’s posse were tired of them being all ‘lovey dovey’ around each other and wanted to give them a room.

Since they were supposed to watch a fancy event, the two gunhands had been given finer outfits – albeit still men's clothes. They were clad in shiny black boots, blue jeans, white button-up shirts, black waistcoats with gold buttons, bright red neckscarves with the crest of the DeBeers Company, and black Stetson hats with a gold buckle. The clothes weren’t exactly expensive, Victoria wouldn’t have tolerated unpractical outfits, but they were clean and pristine-looking.

Alice and Josephine were patrolling half-heartedly. Outside of listening to the vague sounds of the party from afar and the insects in the maze, there wasn’t much to do.

Alice sighed. “You know, when Victoria told us we’d be watching a fancy party, I was hoping for something more exciting...”

Josephine looked at her sideways, and grinned slyly. “I can find one positive aspect.”

Alice bent slightly to check over a hedge, unknowingly giving her lover a perfect view of her ass. “Oh? What do you-”

Alice yelped when Josephine gave her a playful slap on the butt.

“J- Jo’!” Alice turned to face her partner.

The brunette wrapped her arms around her blonde lover. “You’re so cute when you're shy… I can’t resist… Plus, these tight jeans highlight your ass… It gets my blood boiling…” She didn’t hesitate to grope said butt.

Of course, Alice blushed a deep shade of red.

Josephine gently pulled her closer, and moved her mouth next to Alice’s ear. “Those hedges are pretty thick… I’m sure nobody will notice if we just disappear for a while…” she whispered.

Alice nervously gulped. “Let’s- Let’s do it…”

With a giggle, Josephine gave her a quick peck on the lips, took the blonde’s hand, and led her further into the dark hedge maze. They disappeared from prying eyes…

… and came across Nancy and Sand, who were waiting for them, cracking their fists with huge grins on their faces.

“Hello girls.”

A few quick punches followed suit – clean and efficient.

“Ooooff…” Josephine moaned.

“Urk!” Alice grunted.

The two unconscious gunhands fell onto the soft grass with dull thuds, with Alice’s face resting in Josephine’s breasts.

Nancy and Sand each grabbed one girl by the legs, and dragged her out of sight. They went to Sylvié’s hiding spot in a dead end of the hedge maze, and let go of their burdens.

“I’m letting you two take their clothes, just like last time.” Nancy proposed to her two friends.

“Love birds stripping other love birds. I like the idea.” Sylvié commented. The French former maid glanced at Alice and Josephine, who were looking almost peaceful lying next to one another. “We stripped Alice naked last time, so it’s only fair this time I take her outfit, and Sand takes Josephine’s clothes and underclothes.”

Sand shrugged. “Whatever suits you.”

She and Sylvié meticulously stripped the pair of gunwomen of their boots, weapons, belts, hats, jeans, waistcoats, and shirts. Sylvié stopped once Alice was left clad in peach satin shorts and a white undershirt – but Sand also removed Josephine’s cream white lace vest and blue lace knickers. Leaving her well rounded breasts with dark pink full puffy areolas and trimmed small womanhood on full display.

"Hmm? She's made up so well, but not as well as you, my dusky native." Sylvié cooed, seeing the mock scandalised look on her Navajo lover's face.

They took off their fancy gowns and cut them into strips to cleave-gag and bind the wrists and ankles of the two gunwomen.

Since Sylvié was still wearing her own undergarments, she didn’t need Alice’s underclothes.

“So this is why you kept your regular underwear under the petticoat…” Sand commented in understanding.

Then, they slipped into their new disguises.

They concealed the unconscious love birds in a remote part of the maze. Sylvié took the time to drag Josephine next to Alice, and left the brunette lying snugly curled up against her lover, with her head resting on Alice’s shoulder and her naked breasts touching Alice’s.

“I don’t see the point.” Sand commented.

“Call it a favor to fellow lovers.”

“Still don’t get it.”

“Picture us in their stead. Wouldn’t you want to have me lying naked and bound against you?”

Sand suddenly found her throat very dry.

Sylvié got closer and whispered in her ear. “Unless you prefer I’m the one who does the stripping and the binding… and you play the part of my victim…”

For some reason, Sand found the idea even more arousing. “When we’re through with that adventure…”

Nancy coughed in her hand to interrupt the dirty talk. “Not to kill the mood, but we still have a mission to accomplish.”

Sand and Sylvié flashed her contrite smiles, then the three of them exited the hedge maze.

“We’ll also need a new outfit for you.” Sand told her partner.

“I’m on it. If this is like last time, I suspect their red-headed friend is nearby.”

The Public Gardens, 21:26pm

In a corner of the public gardens, right next to the hedge maze on a small hill, there was a statue of Maximilian DeBeers – a literal monument to his overinflated ego. At least it was useful to hide and observe…

Nancy’s intuition proved to be correct. Jenny indeed was in the area, clad in the same outfit as Alice and Josephine.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t alone. She was talking to a couple – a familiar-looking woman dressed in a finely-crafted party gown, and a bespectacled man.

Or, to be more accurate, the poor redhead was being yelled at.

“What do you mean ‘I can’t see my sister’?!”

Jenny was very embarrassed. “I think it’s best if you don’t see Miss Victoria… She’s being a bit… on edge…”

Elizabeth glared at her. “No need to beat around the bush. She’s lashing out at everyone around her. You think I don’t know my own sister?”

“No, of course! But she’s… being difficult…”

Of course, Jenny’s weak rebuttals only made Elizabeth angrier. “And that’s the exact reason why I need to see her!”

“Looks like they’re not sisters for nothing…” Nancy commented. Though she wasn’t much surprised. Elizabeth was the one in charge of the Van der Laar Estate. When Victoria wasn’t here, aka almost all the time, Elizabeth was calling the shots with the workers and armed women. The redhead glanced at Sand. “Are you okay?”

Her friend was looking very ill-at-ease, but she nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

Nancy put a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll wait until she’s gone. Shouldn’t take much time. You won’t have to meet her.”

“Thanks.”

Nancy’s prediction turned out to be correct.

Elizabeth lost patience. “I came to this dumb party because I knew she’d be here! I must talk to Vickie! She needs to stop and come back home!”

“I’m sorry… She said-”

Elizabeth interrupted her while rubbing her temples. “You’re not going to tell me where she is, are you?”

“She’s with Mary… I- I don’t know where they went.” Jenny confessed sheepishly.

“God! This is a waste of my time! Come, Harold. I have to make sure the kids don't eat too much sweets while we’re here. Then, I’ll look for her myself!”

Elizabeth and her husband left the dimly lit garden.

Sand was relieved to see them gone.

Jenny was too, but for a different reason. She briefly sat on the base of the statue. She rubbed her face, and sighed to herself. “Phew… She’s not the boss’ sister for nothing…” The redhead straightened herself, jumped on her feet, and turned her back on the statue. “Wonder where Alice and Jo’ went…”

Nancy grabbed her from behind, clamped a hand onto her mouth, and clubbed her on the back of the head with the cross of her revolver to knock her out.

Jenny groaned a “Urf!” that was muffled by Nancy’s palm, then her unconscious body went as limp as a rag doll.

“Why don’t I show you?” Nancy commented with a small smile as the unconscious woman was falling in her arms.

She dragged the limp Jenny behind the statue.

Sand and Sylvié left their hiding spot, and pretended to stand watch. They were smiling to themselves as they could hear the soft rustles of clothes being stripped off a motionless unconscious body.

Once Jenny was down to her grey chemise and white underdrawers, and thoroughly bound wrists and ankles and cleave-gagged with torn strips of the party dress, Nancy gently rolled the redhead under the bushes near the statue. Then she took off the remains of her gown and concealed them with the trussed up half-naked gunwoman. She put on Jenny’s boots, jeans, belt, shirt, waistcoat, neckscarf, and hat.

Satisfied to wear a good old fashioned gunhand outfit again, she left the shadow of DeBeers’ statue and regrouped with her friends.

21:32pm

Nancy, Sand, and Sylvié were once again playing the parts of Jenny, Alice, and Josephine. “Wearing these three’s outfits once again feels natural. I appreciate the irony.” Nancy commented.

They were navigating the public parts of the estate, where the party was taking place. Thanks to their clothes, they could hide in plain sight, pretending to patrol and check if everything was right. It also allowed them to assess the Chateau’s defenses, and find the best way to access the main building. Guests obviously didn’t pay them attention – save for a few kids who found them impressive, and some young and not-so-young men who also found them impressive but for a different reason. They simply had to be wary of DeBeers, Victoria, and Victoria’s posse.

They also avoided Elizabeth. Thankfully, she and her husband were busy with their children – the kids indeed had had too much sweets while their parents’ backs were turned, and she was berating Samuel for not being a responsible older brother.

“Rich asshole spotted.” Nancy suddenly whispered.

She and her two friends discreetly concealed themselves behind a group of guests.

Near a table, there was Maximilian DeBeers himself, a drink in hand. Victoria and Mary – her second-in-command – were standing next to him. Victoria and Mary were still dressed as men – albeit with clean clothes.

“Victoria dear, you shouldn’t frown like that. It will give you wrinkles.” DeBeers commented while sipping on his glass of brandy.

“This party is a mistake, Max. Why did you have to hire so many female guards? They could use the opportunity.”

“I must say, this job is turning into an obsession. Something to prove? A grudge to settle, maybe?”

Victoria didn’t answer.

DeBeers laughed. “Do not worry, dear. This sullen look on your face actually adds to your charms.” Then he left to mingle with the guests.

Victoria made a gagging sound. “Go suck on a cactus, pompous ass.”

Mary looked sideways at her, and spoke cautiously. “Victoria. Maybe he’s right. Maybe you are taking things too personally. It’s just another mark. Elizabeth and the kids wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” She put an affectionate hand on Victoria’s shoulder, and began to caress Victoria’s arm with her other hand. “I don’t either…”

Victoria glared at her. “What are you doing?”

Mary immediately removed her hands, and took a step back. “Just- just-”

“Nobody touches me, Mary. No men, no women. Nobody.”

“Of course. I forgot. It’s just- I got carried away-”

“Keep your hands to yourself, unless you want me to blow a hole in them.”

“G- Got it. Sorry.”

Victoria stomped off, Mary walked after her, looking like a whipped dog.

Sylvié shook her head. “Poor girl.”

“Best to not go the same direction as these three.” Nancy commented.

She was interrupted when a bunch of girls clad in fancy mini-gowns came and asked her if they could see her colt – they were delighted and impressed when she said yes. (No matter the social class, kids remained kids. Nancy just hoped these girls wouldn’t grow up into a bunch of ‘Eleanors’.)

“The restricted parts of the estate are barely lit, and they give direct access to the office room.” Sand whispered.

Nancy waved the girls good-bye. “Then we’ve found our way in.”

“Let’s do it. I’ve already had to turn down three young heirs offering me a drink.” Sylvié concluded.

Pretending to continue their patrol, they went to the wall separating the party area from the private areas.

One lone man was watching the portico. He was looking bored out of his mind – and contrary to Alice and Josephine, he didn’t have the luck to spend the night with his lover.

Then on the other hand he did have the luck to keep his clothes...

Nancy grabbed a coin in her pocket, and threw it to distract the sentry.

“Uh?”

The man turned his head. Nancy, Sand, and Sylvié sneaked behind his back, and entered the restricted part of the estate.

They quickly ducked under cover behind some bushes.

“Oldest trick in the book.”

“Feels weird to just pass by them after you used the coin trick. Usually, you snap their necks or knock them out.” Sand commented.

“From now on, be careful. These parts are restricted. Even with our current outfits, we’re not allowed in here.” Nancy warned her friends.

The private areas and gardens of the estate weren’t lit, save for the main trails. They were, however, patrolled by guards carrying lanterns.

Nancy’s, Sand’s, and Sylvié’s stolen clothes were practical and didn’t hinder their movements – therefore they easily ran from one dark hiding spot to another, using the various trees, bushes, and garden ornaments to avoid the roaming sentries. In that regard, they didn’t regret at all getting rid of the party gowns to steal Alice’s, Josephine’s, and Jenny’s clothes!

21:32pm

Nancy, Sand, and Sylvié were once again playing the parts of Jenny, Alice, and Josephine. “Wearing these three’s outfits once again feels natural. I appreciate the irony.” Nancy commented.

They were navigating the public parts of the estate, where the party was taking place. Thanks to their clothes, they could hide in plain sight, pretending to patrol and check if everything was right. It also allowed them to assess the Chateau’s defenses, and find the best way to access the main building. Guests obviously didn’t pay them attention – save for a few kids who found them impressive, and some young and not-so-young men who also found them impressive but for a different reason. They simply had to be wary of DeBeers, Victoria, and Victoria’s posse.

They also avoided Elizabeth. Thankfully, she and her husband were busy with their children – the kids indeed had had too much sweets while their parents’ backs were turned, and she was berating Samuel for not being a responsible older brother.

“Rich asshole spotted.” Nancy suddenly whispered.

She and her two friends discreetly concealed themselves behind a group of guests.

Near a table, there was Maximilian DeBeers himself, a drink in hand. Victoria and Mary – her second-in-command – were standing next to him. Victoria and Mary were still dressed as men – albeit with clean clothes.

“Victoria dear, you shouldn’t frown like that. It will give you wrinkles.” DeBeers commented while sipping on his glass of brandy.

“This party is a mistake, Max. Why did you have to hire so many female guards? They could use the opportunity.”

“I must say, this job is turning into an obsession. Something to prove? A grudge to settle, maybe?”

Victoria didn’t answer.

DeBeers laughed. “Do not worry, dear. This sullen look on your face actually adds to your charms.” Then he left to mingle with the guests.

Victoria made a gagging sound. “Go suck on a cactus, pompous ass.”

Mary looked sideways at her, and spoke cautiously. “Victoria. Maybe he’s right. Maybe you are taking things too personally. It’s just another mark. Elizabeth and the kids wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” She put an affectionate hand on Victoria’s shoulder, and began to caress Victoria’s arm with her other hand. “I don’t either…”

Victoria glared at her. “What are you doing?”

Mary immediately removed her hands, and took a step back. “Just- just-”

“Nobody touches me, Mary. No men, no women. Nobody.”

“Of course. I forgot. It’s just- I got carried away-”

“Keep your hands to yourself, unless you want me to blow a hole in them.”

“G- Got it. Sorry.”

Victoria stomped off, Mary walked after her, looking like a whipped dog.

Sylvié shook her head. “Poor girl.”

“Best to not go the same direction as these three.” Nancy commented.

She was interrupted when a bunch of girls clad in fancy mini-gowns came and asked her if they could see her colt – they were delighted and impressed when she said yes. (No matter the social class, kids remained kids. Nancy just hoped these girls wouldn’t grow up into a bunch of ‘Eleanors’.)

“The restricted parts of the estate are barely lit, and they give direct access to the office room.” Sand whispered.

Nancy waved the girls good-bye. “Then we’ve found our way in.”

“Let’s do it. I’ve already had to turn down three young heirs offering me a drink.” Sylvié concluded.

Pretending to continue their patrol, they went to the wall separating the party area from the private areas.

One lone man was watching the portico. He was looking bored out of his mind – and contrary to Alice and Josephine, he didn’t have the luck to spend the night with his lover.

Then on the other hand he did have the luck to keep his clothes...

Nancy grabbed a coin in her pocket, and threw it to distract the sentry.

“Uh?”

The man turned his head. Nancy, Sand, and Sylvié sneaked behind his back, and entered the restricted part of the estate.

They quickly ducked under cover behind some bushes.

“Oldest trick in the book.”

“Feels weird to just pass by them after you used the coin trick. Usually, you snap their necks or knock them out.” Sand commented.

“From now on, be careful. These parts are restricted. Even with our current outfits, we’re not allowed in here.” Nancy warned her friends.

The private areas and gardens of the estate weren’t lit, save for the main trails. They were, however, patrolled by guards carrying lanterns.

Nancy’s, Sand’s, and Sylvié’s stolen clothes were practical and didn’t hinder their movements – therefore they easily ran from one dark hiding spot to another, using the various trees, bushes, and garden ornaments to avoid the roaming sentries. In that regard, they didn’t regret at all getting rid of the party gowns to steal Alice’s, Josephine’s, and Jenny’s clothes!

Getting close to the main building of the estate was rather easy. However, getting inside was a whole different thing. Contrary to the private gardens, the walls and doors of the manor were well-lit, and the doors were most likely locked.

“A good thing those patrols provide us with plenty of opportunities… Gotta thank DeBeers for employing so many women!” Nancy commented. “Let’s find one group willing to… ‘donate’ their outfits and keys…”

The intruders became predators, and the sentries became preys.

Observing the patterns of the patrols, Nancy and Sand managed to spot one that didn’t come across the lines of sight of the others during their route.

These three patrolling guards were looking bored – for them, it was a useless shift. They thought nobody could ever threaten DeBeers here, in the middle of his seat of power. The whole State of Louisiana ate in the palm of his hand, there was a literal small private army surrounding the estate and guarding the party. Who would be able to reach the inner sanctum of Chateau DeBeers? Their work seemed even more tedious tonight because they were part of the staff who couldn’t enjoy the luxury, and fancy company, of the party.

The pretty blue-eyed blond woman leading the trio looked atypical for a patrolling sentry. She was a stunner, wearing a two-piece gown which consisted of a red bodice with white sleeves and a white collar, and a red skirt fitted around the waist. The crest of House DeBeers (a stylized B over a D) was stitched in gold threads on the heart of her dress. She also wore brown booties, black stockings, and garters. Her white skin was soft, her face was sensual and heart-shaped, and her blond hair was luscious and tied into a crown braid. She didn’t seem to carry a weapon – though given her outfit Nancy suspected she had a Derringer strapped on one of her garters.

She was escorted by two slim athletic-looking gunwomen: One was a green-eyed brunette with olive skin and an aquiline profile. Her midback-long hair was braided. The other was a black-haired Mexican woman with brown eyes. Her coarse hair was tied up in two braided ponytails. Both were clad in similar outfits: shiny black boots with gold buckles, deep black trousers, a black belt with a gold buckle, green button-up long-sleeved shirts (with gold buttons!), and black Stetson hats. At least they looked like proper sentries… if one could look past the unnecessary gold parts of their outfits. The two guards were carrying lanterns, and were armed with rifles and colts.

Nancy observed the women’s finely-crafted clothes, and pristine-looking weapons. As expensive as impractical during a long journey. Clearly those women weren’t part of Victoria’s posse.

“These guards are the regular security. They’re allowed inside the private parts.”

“I’ve seen other employees wear the same dress as the blonde. It’s some sort of uniform.” Sand added.

Getting a closer look at the woman leading the small patrol, Nancy couldn’t help but feel slightly amused.

“I think I recognize her. The greeter, at the Fleur de Lys casino… Poor girl.”

Sylvié raised an eyebrow. “Poor girl?”

“Oh, you should have seen her face when Nancy pretended to be Eleanor and chewed her out!” Sand intervened.

“There was nothing personal. I needed to get Clint inside.”

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