The Chapel Car Bride

by Judith Miller

  Hopefully her look of pleasure confirmed that she’d welcome him on all their future visits, or at least the ones when he didn’t have to be at the mine. In truth, he worried Kirby would find some way to make certain he couldn’t join them. The thought immediately annoyed him, but before he could dwell on the idea for long, Hope called to the children.

  She stood at the front of the sanctuary and waved them forward. “Come to the center of the room and sit down, children. We’re going to sing and have one more story before you’re dismissed. I have lots of papers to send home with you.”

  Luke remained inside, enjoying the sound of her voice as she and Nellie led the children in several hymns. Afterward, Nellie read the story of the loaves and fishes from the Bible and spoke of how one young boy and his meager lunch had been used to feed thousands.

  His sister earnestly looked at the group of children before she spoke to them. “God can use all of us no matter where we live, no matter if’n we’re young or old, and even if we think we ain’t got any special gifts. Pray and ask what you can do for Him, and He’ll show you. Maybe not right away, but one day you’ll find your answer. I know I did.”

  Luke swelled with pride as Nellie finished her talk. Her friendship with Hope had proved to be a good thing. He packed the remaining papers into a crate, carried it outside, and stopped short when he didn’t see Kirby’s truck. He walked to the road, placed the crate in the grass, and shaded his eyes with his hand. The truck was nowhere in sight.

  He frowned and turned back toward the church. Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t seen Kirby since they’d unloaded the truck. Where had he gone? Other than the general store that also served as a post office, there wasn’t anything to see in this tiny town. Kirby wasn’t the type who’d make friends among the locals, so he surely hadn’t gone out in the country to visit anyone.

  Using his thumb, he gestured toward the road when he entered the church. “The truck’s not out there and neither is Kirby.” He drew near to Hope. “Any idea where he might be off to?”

  She shook her head. “No. He doesn’t stay here to listen.”

  “Or to help.” Nellie stooped down to pick up a crate. “He said he gets enough preachin’ at the chapel car every night.”

  “He’s usually back to meet us by the time we’re done, but once in a while we have to wait on him.” Hope patted one of the passing children on the head. “I’m grateful he’s using his truck to drive us around the countryside, so I don’t complain if we have to wait once in a while.”

  Luke’s eyebrows drew tight as he considered her answer. “Only when you’re in Muskrat Creek, or does he go off by himself at all the stops?”

  Her shoulders raised and lowered in a shrug. “At all the stops. He uses the time to deliver items to the needy.”

  Luke didn’t question her further, but he sure planned to find out more about Kirby and his disappearing act. He couldn’t imagine Kirby driving through these back hills looking for folks who might need a handout. Besides, most of the folks living back in the hills would shoot any stranger who came onto their land uninvited.

  Nellie walked outside with one of the girls and her mother while Hope and Luke finished packing up the remaining items. He was still mulling over likely reasons for Kirby’s disappearance as they stacked the remaining boxes outside the church.

  “We might as well sit down out here where it’s cooler.” Hope moved toward the rickety church steps.

  “You think they’ll hold both of us?” He chuckled and held out his hand to her. “Better let me hold your hand so I can catch ya if we fall through.”

  She gave him a sideways glance. “Is that just a trick so I’ll let you hold my hand?”

  “I’ll admit it. You caught me.” He chuckled and reached for her hand as they sat down. “I’m glad I got to come with you today. It’s wonderful seeing what you and Nellie are able to do for the young’uns and their families.”

  “Thank you, Luke.” She gently stroked the back of his hand with her thumb. “I hope we’re making a difference in their lives and in the lives of the people who live in Finch, too.”

  “I know for a fact that folks are glad to have you and your pa in Finch. And if we can ever finish getting the church rebuilt, that’s gonna be a double blessing.”

  “Once my father is better, he’ll be able to return to work on the church. The railroaders are willing to help, but none of them can take charge, especially with their changing schedules. Most of the men living on the hill are too busy working in the mines and raising crops. So Papa understands he’s the one who’s got to lead. In the meantime, we need to assure folks that we’re not giving up on getting it completed.”

  “I’ll sure do my part to spread the word. I can talk to the men over at the mine, and I know Nellie will tell the womenfolk.”

  Hope nodded and asked, “Have the miners been talking more about joining the union or going on strike? I noticed some of the men have been gathering over near that stand of trees by the chapel car after church services. Anytime I get near, they quit talking. I mentioned it to Nellie. She said they were probably discussing the union because they get real private when there’s talk of the union or strikes.”

  He was startled by the question. Why the sudden move from talk of rebuilding the church to questions about the union and a strike? In the past, they’d briefly discussed the UMWA and the occasional strikes that had occurred before Hope and her father arrived in Finch, but he and Hope hadn’t talked of such things in recent weeks. The gatherings to discuss the possibility of a strike had been kept very quiet—at least he thought they had. Now he wondered if someone had leaked information. The union men had been brought in under cover of night, and he was sure they hadn’t been seen by anyone other than the miners who’d attended that meeting. Yet Hope’s questions raised his suspicions that the word had spread.

  An icy shard cut into his core. “Why are you asking about a strike, Hope?”

  She shifted and removed her hand from his. “Because I know it would be a terrible hardship on the families if the men went out on strike.”

  He lifted her chin with his thumb and looked into her eyes. “It would be a greater hardship if men died in an unsafe mine. Kirby and his family have made a fortune off the backs of miners who go into those mineshafts each day. Mr. Finch knows the conditions are unsafe and so does Kirby. The only time they do anything is if an inspector threatens to close them down.”

  “But now that they fixed the ventilation, everything should be fine, shouldn’t it?”

  How little she understood. He shook his head. “The ventilation system was only one problem. There are lots of other dangers down there.” He looked deep into her eyes. “Are you asking because you care about the families or because Kirby Finch wants to know if we’re going to strike?”

  “You know I care about the families, Luke. And I care about you. As for Kirby, I’m certain he would be delighted to know if there are plans for a strike.” She jutted her chin toward the road, then jumped to her feet. “Here comes Kirby now. Let’s get out there so we can load the truck.” She glanced over her shoulder and waved to Nellie. “Come on, Nellie. The truck is here.”

  Hope’s heart pounded a loud, unsteady beat. She had avoided a lie, but the thought of what she’d done caused bile to rise in the back of her throat. Even if she knew with certainty there would be a strike, she couldn’t betray Luke.

  Tears threatened as she remembered Kirby’s recent warning. She lifted a crate from the grass and knew there would be no more visits to these communities if she didn’t comply with his demands. Yet how could he fault her if she was unable to gather any information for him? Luke hadn’t given her an answer that would satisfy Kirby, and she was sure none of the other miners would reveal their plans to her. So, no matter the consequences, she wouldn’t ask any more questions.

  Kirby leaned against a tree while Luke lifted the final boxes into the rear of the truck and the two women settled inside the vehicle
. “Sorry I’m late. I fell asleep.”

  Luke jerked around. “I thought you were out delivering supplies to needy folks who live in these parts.”

  “I-I was. I mean, I did. Deliver supplies. But when I got done, I was on a winding road that went near the creek, so I parked the truck and sat down for a bit.” He jammed his hands into his pockets as he sputtered the explanation. “It was so peaceful, I lay back and fell asleep. When I woke up and looked at my pocket watch, I couldn’t believe the time.”

  Luke gave a slight nod. “So who were the families you paid a visit to?”

  Kirby hiked a shoulder. “I don’t ask their names. Most places, I just drop the goods on their porches and leave.” He looked down at the ground. “Don’t want to embarrass them.”

  “Is that a fact? I’m surprised you don’t get your head blown off.”

  Eyes wide, Kirby pushed away from the tree. “Why’s that?”

  Luke untied Blue, jumped into the bed of the truck, and whistled for the dog to join him. Kirby stood nearby, still staring at him, obviously wanting an answer. “Folks in these parts don’t cotton to strangers, Kirby. You should know that by now.” Luke glanced from Kirby to Hope.

  She tilted her head, considering the possibilities. “Well, the Lord must be protecting you, Kirby.”

  “Yes, Luke.” Kirby chuckled. “The Lord’s taking real good care of me.”

  Luke cocked his ear as they neared town. He leaned over the edge of the truck bed and shouted toward the open window. “The bell’s ringing. There’s an accident at the mine! Hurry up!”

  The truck surged to a higher speed, yet it felt as though they’d never get there. When they entered the far end of town, Kirby slowed the truck. “Keep going, Kirby. Get to the mine.”

  He continued to slow the truck. “I’m going to let Nellie and Hope out.”

  Luke couldn’t believe his ears. Was Kirby out of his mind? Didn’t he realize what that bell meant? “No! Just get over there. They can walk back to town.”

  Nellie leaned forward and shouted at Kirby to keep driving. The truck gained speed as the bell continued to reverberate through the surrounding hills. Women and children appeared like ants scampering down the hillside, each one intent on reaching the disaster, each one frightened they might discover their father, brother, or husband dead or missing in the yawning void beyond the mine entrance, each one praying their loved one would be spared.

  Luke jumped from the truck with Blue following close on his heels. He raced toward one of the men covered in coal dust and dirt, a gash on his arm spurting blood. Luke ripped off a piece of his shirt and tied it around the miner’s arm. “What happened, Mort?”

  “One of the coal pillars give out. Daniels is blaming us—saying we stayed in there and dug too deep into the pillars. But we had moved into the other room like he ordered.” He looked over Luke’s shoulder. “You seen anything of the doc? I think I’m gonna need him to sew this up.”

  Luke waved, and Hope came running to his side. “Did you see the doctor?”

  “He’s over near the entrance.” Her focus remained on Mort’s arm for a moment. “I’ll go get him.”

  Luke shook his head. “Stay here with Mort. I’ll go. I don’t want you moving any closer to the mine.”

  Hope knelt beside Mort and held his head in her lap. “I can’t believe this has happened.”

  His eyes remained at half-mast when he tipped his head to look at her. “Ain’t no surprise to any of us. We ain’t been able to get that good-for-nothin’ owner to make things safer in there, but now they’re gonna blame us for the cave-in.”

  Luke’s earlier comments replayed in Hope’s mind, and she shivered at the thought of him returning to such dangerous work. No doubt, the wives and mothers living on the hill faced the same thoughts every day. How did they manage the constant fear?

  Mort winced and adjusted the makeshift tourniquet. “Maybe a walkout will get ’em to change a few things.”

  Before she could answer, Mort’s wife appeared and touched Hope’s shoulder. “Here, let me hold him. I’m sure there’s others needin’ ya.” Once she’d knelt on the ground beside her husband, Hope moved aside.

  She stood and took in the disaster. Men lay on the ground groaning in pain, women and girls knelt at their sides, and crying children wandered through the mayhem, their eyes radiating unspeakable terror.

  Surely now Kirby would make the necessary changes, wouldn’t he?

  CHAPTER

  20

  Hope’s eyes widened when a few days after the cave-in, Kirby appeared at the late-night chapel meeting and took his place in the back pew. She’d seen nothing of him since the disaster, and her visits to the hill revealed he’d done little to help the injured miners. Unrest remained high among the men, and several of the wives had urged their husbands either to call for more inspections or join the union and strike if the owners were unwilling to do something to improve safety in the mine.

  For Kirby’s sake, she was glad there weren’t any miners at the late meeting, but even the railroaders looked at him with disdain as they departed after the service. When he made no move to get up, Hope stepped down the narrow aisle between the pews and stopped near his side.

  “How are you doing? I haven’t seen you on the hill and I didn’t want to go to the mining office, but I want you to know my father and I have been praying for a swift resolution to the problems at the mine.”

  “We’ll do what we need to in order to shore up the timbers and get the men back in there. We’re hoping it won’t take too long to get them back to work.”

  Her brow furrowed. “I’m surprised to hear that. I thought it would be some time before the miners could go back in.”

  “The women on the hill been talking to you?”

  “A little. Mostly they’re worried about the welfare of their husbands and sons. And I don’t blame them. If I had a husband or son or brother, I wouldn’t want him going into your mine until there was some assurance it was safe.”

  “We can’t ever assure complete safety in the mines. Mining will always be dangerous, and I can’t change that fact. The miners know there’s danger, and when they accept the job, they take that on.” His smile was stiff as he blew out a sigh. “I didn’t come here to talk about the mine. I just wanted to make sure you were planning on going to Fern Hollow tomorrow.”

  Her mouth dropped open. Had she heard him correctly? Was he truly going to drive to Fern Hollow and make deliveries to the needy when families on the hill weren’t yet able to earn their pay? What was he thinking?

  “I thought you’d want to devote your time to work at the mine and helping folks up on the hill. With some of them not working, I’m sure they’re going to need some assistance.”

  “Like I said, Daniels is taking care of matters at the mine, and I’ll speak to Mr. Farragut about helping folks on the hill if it’s necessary. So you need not concern yourself about my job or Finch Mining and Company.” There was an edge to his voice. “If you don’t want to go to Fern Hollow, that’s fine. I just wanted to let you know you’re welcome to come along since I’ll be leaving at the usual time.”

  Her thoughts turned fuzzy as she attempted to sort through his suggestion. Would the folks on the hill think her insensitive to their needs if she went to Fern Hollow? Where could she provide the most help, and who needed her more? On her recent visits to the hill, the women thanked her but turned down offers of help. They’d seemed intent on providing all the care themselves.

  She jarred to attention when Kirby pushed to his feet. “I’ll plan to go with you. I know folks will be waiting at the schoolhouse in Fern Hollow. I don’t want to disappoint them, but I’ll need to talk with Nellie early in the morning and see if she can come along. I’d already told her I didn’t expect to be going, and she may have gone ahead and planned to help someone up on the hill.”

  He leaned across the back of the pew and picked up his hat. “Well, you go ahead and check with her and let’s hope she
’s able to join us. If not, I’d be happy to speak to your father and see if you could make this one trip alone—especially given the circumstances.”

  She shook her head. “He wouldn’t agree, but he might feel well enough to come along if Nellie can’t.”

  His smile disappeared, and she noticed a slight tic in his jaw. “That would be fine, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Questions about Kirby swirled in her mind. How could he be so generous one moment and so selfish the next? Was Luke right to be suspicious of him? Did she really know Kirby at all?

  Maybe tomorrow she’d get some answers.

  Kirby trudged back to the railroad station where he’d parked the truck, climbed inside, and headed toward the mining office. He parked the truck, then picked up a lantern from a shed near the office building. He wouldn’t take a chance of anyone seeing the glimmer of light, but he’d need it when he arrived at the still. He stepped into the thicket at the edge of the woods and waited for his eyes to adjust to the cavernous darkness that blanketed the hillside at night. These past few days had been one problem after another. As soon as one was fixed, another needed attention.

  Anger had burned deep inside his chest when Daniels told him the miners hadn’t followed instructions to leave the pillars of coal at the thickness he’d ordered, and that had been the cause of the cave-in. Kirby questioned a number of the miners. Of course, they all denied they’d cut too deep into the pillars and swore they’d been digging in another area when the cave-in occurred. Kirby didn’t know who to believe. On the one hand, there was Daniels, a man his father trusted who possessed years of experience. On the other, there were the miners, men who’d worked in the mines for years and knew the danger of weakened pillars. Still, the miners’ pay depended on how many pounds of coal they sent out each day. Digging a new seam took time, and yields were much lower, so they might not tell him the whole truth.