WATCH OUT FOR MADAME MUSTACHE! by Marisa Masterson

 Last week I began researching the history of Deadwood, South Dakota. I ran across an interesting character. Actually, several fascinating people roamed through that area during its heyday. However, I had heard of them. Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane--these were familiar to me. The one I had never heard of was Madame Mustache.

Her real name was Simone Jules, but she changed it to Eleanor Dumont. Apparently, it sounded more French. She wanted to capitalize on the attraction men had for French women in the West.

Madame Mustache started her reputation in the Old West by opening a gambling parlor in Nevada City. There she only allowed nicely dressed, clean men into her business. No other women were allowed there--only her. This was no brothel. She was a female who worked as a dealer and attracted men to her gambling parlor to see the beautiful lady dealer.

The brothel came later. As she moved from place to place, she eventually started brothels. Dumont flaunted her role as the madame. She made sure that her 'girls' rode in carriages during the day, as much to flaunt their beauty as to upset the decent women in whatever town she was working at the time.

This woman was no saint and probably would have been forgotten except for her interesting nickname. Madame Mustache had a line of dark hair running above her upper lip. She became known for this.

Little did I know this would make someone famous! And I have been plucking my facial hair!

Want to read the book that will include some of the fascinating characters from Deadwood's heyday?

Will their marriage be a second chance or a disaster?

Suspense, the historical setting, and sweet romance make this a must-read for anyone who enjoys a Laura Ingalls Wilder sort of life. Settle back with your Kindle and enjoy life in 1870. The West is waiting for you.

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