by Shirley Roe
Tim was scheduled to start the job at the smelting mill the following week. He would be pleased to finally get out of the pits. When he arrived at the mine for work Tuesday morning, a great commotion greeted him. “What's happened?” Tim repeated the question to several men rushing to and fro.
“Cave in, men trapped.” Tim's worst nightmare had come true. Men who worked underground were always afraid of a cave in. He wanted to ask who was trapped in the mine, but his training and instincts took over and he rushed to help. Several men were grabbing shovels and heading into the tunnel; more were coming out carrying buckets of earth. The section of the tunnel where the cave in occurred was less than half a mile from the opening, but the railcars were on the other side of the cave in, making them useless to the miners. It would be necessary to dig and carry by hand until the huge pile of rubble was moved. The tunnel was filled with dust and debris. Men were busy shoring up the tunnel in front of the cave in to ensure the safety of those that were digging. Shovel after shovel, bucket after bucket was removed, but it seemed a never-ending task. Families began to appear at the mouth of the pit, waiting for any word. No one could tell who was trapped in the cave. Wives watched anxiously as the men returned with the buckets, frantically waiting to see that their husband was a rescuer and not one of the men trapped in the mine. It was a frightening time.
The men worked for hours trying to dig out their comrades, but to no avail. Ten men lost their lives in the mine that day. Tim was exhausted as night fell. He staggered from the tunnel, walked past the anxious women and children, noting that he could almost taste the fear from the crowd. It was the worst day of his life. Ten of his friends were dead.
Suddenly, Elizabeth was there, throwing herself into his arms. “Tim, oh dear God, I was so frightened. No one would tell me if you were all right.” She was crying uncontrollably.
Tim tried to push her away. He was filthy dirty, and in no mood. Pretending instead to be thinking of her fine clothes, he shouted, “Elizabeth, really I am fine. You will get your clothes dirty.”
“Don't push me away, I thought you were dead. Oh, Tim. I love you so much.”
He let her hold him, but in his heart he heard a warning. She loves you, Tim. Elizabeth has just told you that she loves you. Now what are you going to do?
Tim avoided Elizabeth for days after the mine cave in. Megan came to see him and was shocked at his appearance. He was disheveled, unshaven and looked as if he hadn't slept or eaten in days. “You must go and get cleaned up. Really, Tim, you look a sight.” Tim just stared into space. He was grieving for his friends and somehow getting cleaned up seemed unimportant. His friends were dead and it just as easily could have been him.
“What happened to your new philosophy? Happy to be alive? Every day is a new day? Come on, Tim. What happened at the mine could have happened anytime, to anyone. You must accept it and move forward.” Tim didn't answer her. “I know Elizabeth is anxious to see you.”
At the mention of Elizabeth, Tim wanted to get away. He headed for the bathhouse at the back of the pub. Megan went down to the bar and ordered a bowl of hearty stew for her brother. She waited until he returned and insisted he eat every bite. She realized that Tim did not want to talk about Elizabeth. She had been hoping that something would develop between them. She knew that Elizabeth loved her brother and she also knew that her brother loved Jenny.
After Tim had eaten, with a clean- shaven face and scrubbed body, he had to admit that he did feel better. Megan insisted he go to sleep and slipped quietly from the room. She went to Elizabeth's house on her way home. She and Elizabeth had been friends since they were five-years-old and she knew her friend was upset.
“How is he? I should go to him.”
“No, just let him be for a few days. He is grieving. Those men were all like brothers and it will be hard for Tim to get over it. In a few days he starts work at the mill and I know that will help him. No more pit, thank God, he wasn't one of the men killed.” Elizabeth flinched. She was visibly shaken by the entire incident.
“Megan, I love your brother. Why won't he let me help him?”
“Just let him be. He will come to you when he is ready. He's complicated, our Tim.” Megan bid farewell to her friend, and walked home, feeling that she might have to act as the go between in future. When she left, Elizabeth went to the top drawer of her dresser. She removed several unopened letters. She stared at the letters addressed to Tim McKitterek. She thought back to the day she got them. Earlier in the week, Elizabeth was in the town post office when she overheard the postmaster ask someone if they knew where young Tim McKitterek was living. Elizabeth quickly pointed out that she and Tim were courting and said she would be happy to deliver the letters to him personally. The postmaster thanked her and handed her Tim's mail. She knew from the return address that the letters were from Jenny. There were at least seven letters, all undelivered. She had put them in the drawer, trying to decide what to do. Elizabeth stared at the unopened envelopes for several minutes. And then, carefully she put them back in their hiding place.
Tim lay in his bed, dreaming of Jenny. He was at the mine and smoke poured from the mouth of the pit, but in his dream, it was Jenny waiting for him and it was Jenny that ran to his arms crying, happy that he was alive. It was Jenny that he clung to as if his life depended on it. He tossed and turned hour after hour, sleeping, dreaming, waking, on and on for hours.
By the next morning, Tim had made a decision. He packed his suitcase and headed for the train station.
Chapter Ten
“Tell me about this young man.” Abigail helped Jenny fix her hair. She pulled the long brown tresses and pinned them high on Jenny's head. “What does he look like?”
“Mr. Mitchell, Doctor Mitchell, has dark hair and eyes, not overly handsome like Mr. Murphy, but very attractive. He is tall and most important, he is very nice.” Jenny admired herself in the mirror. Abigail had done wonders with her hair. “I do look better, thank you Abigail. I am afraid there is not much to work with.”
“Jenny Barstow, don't you berate yourself. You are a lovely young woman. Any man would be proud to be seen with you. Now sit still while I finish.” She installed the last pin in Jenny's hair. “You must remember to smile more my dear; it really makes your features come to life.”
“Oh Miss Abigail, I am so nervous. I have never been out with a man before.”
“I am sure you must have been to dances back in Watsworth, Jenny.”
“I went to the monthly dance, yes, but in Watsworth all the young people would gather together at the dance. We didn't go with one particular person. Of course, I always danced with Tim, but Tim was my best friend. This is totally different. This man is a stranger.” Abigail helped Jenny into her corset.
“It is a good thing you are slim. These contraptions could strangle the life out of you.”
Jenny laughed, pulling her blouse over her head. The bodice had pouches of cascading lace at the neckline and the straight puffy sleeves were gathered into wristbands. Jenny admired herself in the mirror. “Just remember to smile.” Abigail left her alone to finish dressing. Jenny was anxious. She sat on the bed and practiced her breathing. Soon she was calm.
At precisely six p.m. the door chime sounded. Jenny almost jumped out of her skin. She was very nervous. She smoothed the deep green skirt she was wearing several times. Abigail and Zachariah laughed at her. “I'll get it, Jenny. Calm down, you look lovely.” Zachariah moved slowly to the door leaning on his cane as he went. He was anxious to see this young man.
“Good evening, Sir. I am Harold Mitchell. You must be Mr. Taylor. Jenny has told me a great deal about you.”
“Good evening, young man. Please come in.” Harold shook hands with the old man. “Jenny tells me you are an Olladh, a Lighich.”
Harry turned to him and replied, “A doctor, yes Sir. You speak Gaelic? My maternal grandmother speaks Gaelic.” Zachariah was impressed already.
Zachariah ushered Harold into the parlor w
here Jenny and Abigail were waiting. “Mr. Mitchell, this is my sister, Abigail.” Harold walked to Abigail's chair.
“How lovely to meet you. Jenny tells me that you make the best cup of tea in Edinburgh.” He bowed graciously and Abigail smiled widely. She too liked this young man immediately. Harold turned to Jenny. “Miss Barstow, I barely recognized you. Your new hairdo is most becoming.” Jenny stood and walked toward him. “Shall we go?” Her face was blushing a bright pink. Harold found this trait most becoming. Remembering Abigail's advice, Jenny smiled at him.
“Thank you Mr. Mitchell. Yes, I am ready.” She allowed him to help her into her coat. Harold turned to Zachariah, “Oidhchemhath.”
Zachariah responded, “And a Good night to you, too.” He closed the door and gave Abigail a wide smile. “I like that young man. Yes, I like him a great deal.”
Abigail and Zachariah watched the two young people through the front window as they walked down the street. Abigail looked at her brother. Both of them were smiling. Even Tom the cat seemed to have a big Cheshire grin on his feline face.
Harold and Jenny sat in the small French café in the new town, enjoying their meal. The conversation was relaxed and easy. She was enjoying herself immensely.
“I think you made a great impression on Zachariah. How do you know Gaelic?”
“My maternal grandmother taught me a few words. I liked the old fellow right off and I hope I did impress him, but let's talk about you. Tell me Jenny, is there a beau back in Watsworth?” Harold leaned forward, giving her his full attention.
“A beau? No there is no beau back in Watsworth. The closest I came to a beau was my best friend. I always thought I would marry Tim McKitterek.”
“And where is Mr. McKitterek now?” Harold was very pleased with Jenny's appearance this evening. Although he found her attractive, he had to admit that the new hairdo and the wide smile on her pouty pink lips did wonders for her face. She looked more alive, more vibrant somehow.
“Tim is still in Watsworth. I am afraid the McKitterek family needs him to support the brood. Tim will work in the mine and give his weekly pay to his mother for the rest of his life.”
Jenny's smile disappeared and was replaced with a sad longing.
“Sounds like a solid chap. Why did you leave Watsworth, Jenny?”
“I wanted a new life. My mother died after working for fifty years in the Watsworth mansion. I was not about to let that happen to me.”
“What about, Tim? Did you not want to marry him?”
“He didn't ask me. No as I said, Tim McKitterek is tied to his family forever. He was a good man and a great friend, but there was no future for me with him.” Again the sadness descended. Harold could not help, but think that perhaps Jenny still missed her lost love.
“So here you are in Edinburgh. How did you come to choose this city?” Jenny proceeded to tell him about the job offer. At first she was hesitant to give him the details, but he made her feel that he was truly interested. She told him how she had arrived to find Mr. Murphy had been given her position. “So Ian Murphy stole your job because of his connections? And now you are his assistant? How did that happen?” Harold was becoming more intrigued by the minute.
“It is a long story, which I won't tell you now. The last thing I want to do is think about the office. I think you should tell me something about yourself, Doctor Mitchell. I have been babbling on and monopolizing the conversation long enough.” Jenny smiled again. This time it was she that leaned in to hear his story. He took in her face in the soft glow of the candle. I do love it when you smile, Jenny.
The evening was like a fairy tale for Jenny. Fine French cuisine, a very attentive suitor and her new hairdo made her feel like a princess. Harold delivered her to the door, kissed her hand and waved goodbye. She watched him walk down the street as she held her hand to her cheek. What a wonderful evening.
The magic of the night before soon turned to a nightmare when Jenny arrived at the office the next morning. “Mr. Johnson is waiting for you in his office.” Miss Carter took great pleasure in delivering the message. “Mr. Murphy is with him.” Jenny hung her coat on the rack, straightened her hair, now restored to its long straight look, and headed for Mr. Johnson's office. Dear God, what is going to happen now?
Nervously she knocked on the office door, she took several deep breaths. Voices could be heard within, loud voices. “Enter.” Jenny slowly opened the door, finding the two gentlemen staring at her. She gulped the bile that filled her throat.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, Miss Barstow, it appears we have a problem.” Jenny took the chair that was offered opposite Mr. Murphy. He sat looking cocky and confident as usual, which made her even more nervous.
“I want you both to understand the severity of what has happened,” Mr. Johnson began. “Contractors with unpaid invoices from the city can cause a lot of rumors and unnecessary gossip. All invoices must be paid on time. Not only does this ensure the smooth operation of the city offices, but it keeps the contractors happy.” Both Jenny and Mr. Murphy remained silent. She looked at him, wondering what he had said before she arrived. She didn't have to wait long.
“Mr. Murphy has explained to me that the invoices were misplaced accidentally. He also added that the responsibility for this was his and his alone.” Jenny's head jerked unconsciously in his direction. “Of course, being head of the department, all responsibility is his. This goes without saying. Miss Barstow I would like you to assure me that there are no other lost invoices.”
Jenny did not know what to say. How could she possibly know if there were other invoices? Was Mr. Johnson accusing her of losing them? What should she say? Mr. Murphy interrupted.
“I assure you that any invoices outstanding will be taken care of immediately, Mr. Johnson. I and I alone, am responsible for what happens in my office. Miss Barstow is an excellent employee.” Mr. Johnson noticed that neither of them was taking the blame, but he also noticed that neither was pointing a finger at the other. This impressed him. Perhaps there was hope for the two to work together. This would make his life much easier, no pressure from the Lord Provost. Not to mention the smooth running of the city accounts, which he and he alone was responsible for.
“Very well. I just want to remind you that this is an election year. You of all people must realize, Mr. Murphy, that the Lord Provost would be most upset to hear any rumors about unpaid contractors. It does not bode well for his position. Make sure it does not happen again.” He turned and took his seat behind his desk. “You may both leave, and thank you.”
Jenny and Mr. Murphy stood, and left the office. They walked in silence back to the office at the end of the hall that they occupied. Jenny would not look in his direction. He strolled cockily through the hallway. Jenny entered first and she remained standing.
“Just what did you tell Mr. Johnson? I think you have some explaining to do, Mr. Murphy.” Ian was surprised at the demanding tone coming from his assistant. He didn't think she had it in her. Perhaps he had underestimated her.
“I told him exactly what you heard, that I and I alone was responsible.” Ian sat behind his desk. His demeanor was cavalier at best, which made Jenny even more infuriated. She stood hands on hips, feet apart and chest heaving, her expression was furious.
“Yes, you were responsible. You put those invoices in my desk. I know you did. How many more have you hidden in this office? I demand an explanation. I won't be dismissed without a fight, Mr. Murphy!” Jenny was livid. She spoke the words before she realized they were out of her mouth. Ian was surprised that she was actually accusing him. He didn't think she would see through his deceit quite so quickly.
“Miss Barstow, have you not figured it out yet? No one is going to dismiss you. You do most of the work in this office and that is exactly how I like it. I intend to keep this job for the next three years and you are my ticket to success. Your job is secure.” Jenny stared at him open mouthed. Did she hear him correctly? She was his �
�ticket to success’?
“I am shocked to hear you admit the truth.” She gulped air. Her entire body was trembling with rage. “You should be ashamed of yourself!”
“Miss Barstow, calm down. I have just assured you that your position is safe and this should be your only concern.”
“But, if you expect me to stay and protect you for the next three years, you are going to be honest with me. Now, how many other surprises do you have in store for me?” With that Ian laughed out loud. He looked at her for a few moments as if contemplating his next more, then he took his keys and opened the bottom drawer. With a flick of his hand, he invited her to look in his desk.
Jenny looked at the stack of unopened envelopes. She could not believe her eyes.
“You asked for the truth, Miss Barstow and the truth you shall have. However, I want you to swear your allegiance to me right now. I could have had you fired this morning, but I didn't. Now that we understand each other, you must swear to me that whatever happens in this office remains between us. You do your job and I make sure you keep it.”
“Why should I protect you? I am the one that should have had this job in the first place.” Jenny didn't like where this was going.
“Trust me, one word from me and you would be gone. I will tell Mr. Johnson that you neglected your job and that I was covering for you. Don't think he wouldn't believe me. Just remember who my uncle is.” Jenny realized she was up against a brick wall with nowhere to go. She wanted this job. No, she thought, she needed this job. Ian Murphy was offering her a way to keep working here and perhaps a new, more honest relationship.
“All right, Mr. Murphy. You have my word. Now what are we going to do about this?” Jenny lifted all of the envelopes from the drawer.
“You are going to pay them all right now. I have already told Mr. Johnson that I had a few more invoices ready to pay that were late. I also assured him it would not happen again.”