Heart of Gold

by Robin Lee Hatcher

  This surprised her. Mining for gold didn’t seem a gentlemanly profession, and Joe Burkette seemed a gentleman. But then, society was quite different here in the West, a truth she had best accept.

  “Perhaps I might take you for a buggy ride tomorrow afternoon. I’d like to show you my mining claim, if you’re interested.”

  The image of Alice Jackson and her son—along with Matthew Dubois—popped into Shannon’s mind. She’d seen them that morning, sitting in the last pew. That the effort to attend church had taken its toll upon Alice had been obvious to Shannon, as had Matthew’s concern for his sister. She supposed a man could not be all bad if he could care so much for his family. Perhaps she’d judged him too harshly when they first met. Her father seemed to believe so.

  “Miss Adair?”

  She shook her head, returning her attention to Joe Burkette. “It’s a kind invitation, sir, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to accept.” Reaching the parsonage, she released his arm. “You see, I’m helping to care for a member of our congregation who is ill. I shall be quite occupied most days with my nursing duties.”

  “Then perhaps another time.” He sounded disgruntled, as if he wasn’t used to being refused.

  She smiled, hoping to soften her refusal. “Yes, perhaps another time.”

  Joe took a step back, tipped his hat again, and then wished her a good day before walking away.

  How odd. She should have felt sharp disappointment that she couldn’t accept his invitation. It was ages and ages since a handsome young man—with all of his limbs intact—had called upon her. And Mr. Burkette was certainly both handsome and young. It also wasn’t as if she had no curiosity to see a mining claim. She did.

  And yet she wasn’t disappointed.

  Nor was it Joe’s image that lingered in her mind as she turned and entered the parsonage.

  Dearest Katie,

  I pray that you and your mother are doing well. I was informed yesterday that a major battle has taken place in Cold Harbor. I hope against hope that the news is wrong, that General Lee has not been pushed south as far as Spotsylvania. You promised you would write often, and I watch with anticipation for a letter from you so that I might know you are well and safe.

  Father and I have been in Grand Coeur for two weeks. We have settled into the parsonage and have hired an Oriental woman, a Christian, to cook and clean for us. Her name is Sun Jie. Her husband, Wu Lok, owns the mercantile where we do most of our shopping. We were advised that he is the most honest merchant in town, and he seems to have the best prices as well. They live in a section of Grand Coeur known as Chinatown. I find myself quite fond of Sun Jie, and I am fascinated by her stories of China. In appearance, she looks to be no more than thirteen, but she is almost my own age.

  In my last letter, I shared that I wasn’t sure what I would do with my time and that I missed helping Dr. Crenshaw. It seems that God was watching as I wrote those words, for He has sent me to care for a woman who is, according to the local physician, dying. Her name is Alice Jackson, and she is a widow with a nine-year-old son. Mrs. Jackson came to Grand Coeur soon after our own arrival to live with her brother. She told me she expects us to become good friends, but I do not see how that would be possible. She is a Unionist. Her husband was killed fighting for the Yankees. If he had not died before Benjamin, it could have been her husband who shot my fiancé. How can there be friendship between two women who support such different causes?

  I also took an instant dislike to her brother. Mr. Dubois stated in our first conversation that he does not care who wins the war, that it makes little difference to him. Can you imagine? But Father does not seem bothered by this man’s point of view. In fact, I believe he thinks rather highly of Mr. Dubois. Heaven knows why.

  A sudden image in her mind of Matthew caused Shannon to pause in her writing. It was tempting to describe him to her dear friend— tall, dark hair, blue eyes, firm jaw, broad shoulders, muscular arms, large hands. But why would she when he meant nothing to her? Better to think on someone who could mean something to her.

  I have also made the acquaintance of a gentleman from North Carolina. His name is Joe Burkette, and he owns and operates the livery stable in Grand Coeur. His grandfather knew my grandparents. I believe he has taken an interest in me. Perhaps I shall write more about him in the future.

  I will continue to watch for a letter from you. I pray that the tides will turn soon for the Confederacy.

  Your devoted friend,

  Shannon Adair

  11

  “You don’t go wandering off today,” Matthew said to Todd as the boy finished the last of the hotcakes on his plate.

  “I won’t.”

  “Let your ma rest and listen to Miss Adair.”

  “I will.”

  “And keep Nugget out from underfoot.”

  “All right.”

  His words were his sister’s fault. Last week he’d been grateful for Shannon’s offer to help care for Alice, but he hadn’t worried if the boy would cause her any trouble. Now that the thought of marrying had taken hold of him, it seemed of paramount importance that Shannon like the boy, that she find him well behaved and obedient.

  It might be better if Matthew worried more about her liking him.

  A knock sounded at the front door.

  “I’ll open it,” Todd said as he sprang up from his chair.

  Matthew ran the fingers of one hand through his hair, then strode out of the kitchen at a slower pace than his nephew. Shannon was already standing in the entry hall when he got there. She didn’t glance his way as she removed the lightweight shawl from her shoulders and draped it over the coatrack near the door.

  “Good morning, Miss Adair.”

  Now she looked in his direction. “Good morning, Mr. Dubois.”

  Then she leaned toward the boy, a smile bowing her mouth. “Good morning, Master Todd.”

  “Mornin’.”

  She straightened, her gaze returning to Matthew. “I hope Mrs.

  Jackson had a good night.”

  “She seems well rested,” he answered. “And her appetite was better this morning.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” She set her reticule on a nearby table. “Any special instructions for me?”

  He shook his head.

  “Then I shall go up to her.” She moved toward the staircase.

  He tried to think of something more to say, but his mind had gone blank. He’d never given any thought to courting a woman before. He didn’t know the first thing about wooing and winning a wife.

  “Miss Adair?”

  She glanced back at him.

  “I hope you know how much we appreciate your offer to help. We would be lost without you.”

  In response, she gave him a brief nod. It would have been nice if she’d smiled at him the way she’d smiled at Todd.

  Giving his head a mental shake, he set his hat on his head, said, “See you tonight,” to the boy, and left the house.

  The town was coming to life as he made his way down the hillside toward the Wells, Fargo office. Merchants were opening the shops.

  Miners were heading up into the hills. Dogs without masters left their sleeping places and began searching for food wherever they could steal or beg for it. A freight wagon lumbered its way along Main Street. Several saddle horses stood near hitching posts, snoozing while swishing their tails. On a morning like this, it was hard to believe gunfire could erupt right in the center of town or that one miner could murder another over a gold claim. Grand Coeur seemed almost bucolic.

  When Matthew entered the office a short while later, he saw William behind the counter, helping a customer. Matthew removed his hat and hung it on a hook on the wall.

  “We’ll get that telegram sent right away, Sheriff,” William said.

  Curious to see the man who represented law and order in this gold camp, Matthew remained where he was—and was taken by surprise when the sheriff turned around. “Dickson?”

  “As I liv
e and breathe. Matt Dubois. It is you. I heard there was a new Wells, Fargo agent, but I didn’t believe it could be the same Dubois I knew. Had to come see for myself.”

  Matthew laughed as the old friends moved toward each other. He clasped the sheriff ’s upper arms. “And I can’t believe it’s you, Jack. I heard you were shot dead in Virginia City a couple years back.”

  “Shot.” Jack mirrored Matthew’s action, holding his arms tight. “But not dead.”

  “You don’t know how glad I am to know it. And to find you here in Idaho Territory.”

  “What about you?” Jack cocked an eyebrow. “Never thought I’d see the day you’d give up driving.”

  “Makes two of us.” He released his grip and took a step back. “It’s just for the summer.”

  “Where are you staying?”

  “The company’s got a house up the hill.” He pointed in the general direction. “My sister and nephew are with me, so I needed a place big enough for them.”

  “Full of surprises, aren’t you, Matt? I never knew you had any family left.”

  Matthew shrugged. What could he say? That he was a poor excuse for a brother?

  “I’d better get back to the jail. Had a bit of trouble at one of the saloons last night, and I’ve got more men in the cells than usual. But don’t be a stranger. Stop by and we’ll catch up.”

  “Why don’t you come to supper some night? Alice would like to meet you, and I know the boy would think it special to have the sheriff of Grand Coeur sitting at the supper table. Let me find out what day would be best, and I’ll let you know.”

  “Be my pleasure. I’m not one to turn down a home-cooked meal.”

  Jack tugged his hat farther down on his forehead. “Right good to see you, Matt. Right good.” He glanced toward the counter again. “Thanks, Bill. Let me know when you get an answer.”

  “I’ll do that,” William replied seconds before the door closed behind Jack.

  Amazing how seeing his old friend improved Matthew’s spirits. Maybe the time spent in Grand Coeur wouldn’t be as bad as he’d once thought. And if he really hoped to get Miss Adair to marry him, he’d better be thankful Jack Dickson wasn’t a churchgoing man or he might have some serious competition for her affections. Jack definitely had a way with the ladies.

  Alice was having one of her good days. The kind of day that was too few and far between anymore. Her heart beat steadily, her breathing was unlabored, her stomach without pain. In fact, she felt well enough to come downstairs and eat lunch with Todd and Shannon at the dining room table.

  “I think when we’re done I’d like to go outside and sit on the porch,” she said before taking another bite of her sandwich. “Oh, that is so good.”

  Shannon laughed softly. “That’s the third time you’ve said so. I am quite certain it isn’t that good.”

  “But it is. Still, you should know that I told my brother we can’t have you go on caring for me and cooking. I’ve asked him to find us a cook. Although I’m certain we shall not find anyone who makes a sandwich as tasty as this. Or your fried chicken either. Especially since we can’t pay very much for a servant.”

  “Father hired a Chinese girl to come in to cook and clean at the parsonage during the week. Her wages are quite reasonable, he said. Perhaps Sun Jie knows someone in her community who could cook for you. Would you like me to ask her?”

  “Would you? That would be most helpful.”

  “I’ll be happy to ask. Sun Jie and her husband are Christians, and she talks as if they know everyone in Chinatown. I’m sure she’ll know of someone suitable.”

  There was something different about Shannon today, Alice thought. What was it? Then it came to her. There was a noticeable absence of underlying resentment. That’s what it was. She seemed to have forgotten—at least temporarily—that Alice’s husband had been a Union soldier. That Alice was related to “the enemy.” That was good. Shannon wasn’t simply doing her Christian duty or utilizing her training as a nurse. They were making progress toward becoming friends. And Alice so wanted that to be true before she died.

  “I’ll tell Matthew to speak to you about it.” She pushed the now empty plate away from her.

  Shannon rose from her chair and came around to Alice’s side of the table. “Todd, would you fetch a blanket for your mother? We don’t want her taking a chill while she’s outdoors. And a pillow, please.”

  “Sure.” Her son jumped to his feet and tossed a grin in Alice’s direction. “I’ll get ’em, Ma.”

  Shannon offered the crook of her arm to aid Alice to her feet, then the two women walked slowly out to the veranda and around to the sunny side where Alice sat on one of the wooden chairs waiting there. Soon Todd reappeared, blanket and pillow in his arms. First the pillow went behind Alice’s back, and afterward Shannon tucked the blanket snugly around her legs.

  Alice took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air. “Heavenly,” she whispered.

  “Todd,” Shannon said, “will you stay with your mother while I take care of the dishes?”

  “Sure.” He sank to the floor of the porch.

  “I won’t be long,” Shannon added before walking away.

  Nugget scampered around the corner of the veranda and hopped onto Todd’s lap. The puppy’s paws hit her son’s chest and his tongue swiped his face again and again. Todd laughed as he tried to escape the uninvited bath. Nugget’s tail wagged back and forth like a metronome in a frenzy.

  Watching them, Alice laughed too. It felt good to laugh, to feel an ordinary pleasure in life, to forget that there were too few of these kinds of moments left to her. Ah, but that thought was sad, and she didn’t want to be sad today.

  “Stop it, Nugget!” Todd protested, still laughing, proving he really didn’t mind.

  The puppy ignored him anyway.

  “Here,” Alice said. “Give him to me. Before long, he’ll be too big to sit in anyone’s lap. Look at those paws. When he grows into them, look out.”

  Todd stood, pup in arms, and placed Nugget in her lap. Alice pressed her face against the puppy’s soft coat on the back of his neck and rubbed her forehead back and forth. The fur tickled her nose, and again she laughed, the sweetness of this day, this moment, bursting within her a second time.

  Thank You, God. Thank You. Thank You.

  From the corner of the house, Shannon observed Alice, Todd, and the puppy. Though the tenderness of the scene made her smile, at the same time unshed tears of sorrow caused the threesome to swim before her eyes.

  There were things she, as someone who’d learned how to nurse the sick and dying, could do to ease the pain of Alice Jackson’s moving from this life into the next, but there was nothing she or any physician could do to stop it from happening. She hated the helplessness she felt at such moments. Alice shouldn’t have to die at such a young age. She shouldn’t have to leave her son an orphan.

  I’ve seen too much death already. Too much death.

  God’s will be done. That’s what her father would tell her. And Shannon truly did want God’s will. Only she would much prefer that

  His will wasn’t so difficult at times. She felt a twinge of guilt, realizing that what she wanted was for His will not to be difficult for her. She’d seen too much death.

  Forgive me, Lord. I don’t want to be selfish, to think only of myself. Help me to be more like Father, to serve and not want to be served.

  “How is she?”

  Her heart raced as she glanced over her shoulder, her prayer forgotten in an instant. Matthew stood mere inches away, and she was all too aware of his height and breadth. Though no later than one o’clock, there was already a shadow beneath the skin of his clean-shaven face. Would it feel rough beneath her fingertips if she touched it? An almost overwhelming desire to discover the answer swept over her. Swallowing hard, she turned toward Alice again, answering in a whisper, “She seems stronger today.”

  “Good. I’m glad you think so. I thought so too.”

  It seemed an
eternity, but at last he moved a step or two away. Her breathing eased.

  “I won’t disturb her,” he said in a way that caused a shiver to run up her spine.

  She heard his footsteps carry him back into the house, and almost without conscious thought she followed after him. He looked surprised at the sight of her entering the kitchen. Feeling the need for a reason to be there, she hurried to explain, “Mr. Dubois, your sister mentioned that you want to find a cook.”

  “Yes.”

  She took a moment to tell him about Sun Jie and her husband. When he seemed unconcerned that she was recommending a servant from Chinatown, relief swept over her. Though why she should feel relieved was a puzzle to her.

  “Maybe I could stop by and speak to Sun Jie on my way back to the office,” Matthew suggested. “Would she be at the parsonage now?”

  “Yes, she’s there.”

  He set his hat over his dark hair. “Thanks. I’ll talk to her.” He paused, then added, “I appreciate all you’re doing for Alice, Miss Adair.”

  “I’m glad I could be of service.”

  Wordlessly, he continued to look at her, something unspoken swirling in his eyes. Nerves tumbled in her belly.

  “You’ve been a godsend,” he said at last, sincerity in his gentle voice.

  Unable to speak, she shook her head, the compliment making her uncomfortable for some reason. He made her uncomfortable for some reason.

  “I’ll see you tonight.” He turned on his heel and left the house.

  Matthew was halfway to the Wells, Fargo office before he remembered he’d intended to stop at the parsonage first. Something about Shannon’s expression, about the green of her eyes, about the way she’d looked at him as she stood in the kitchen, had made him forget everything else. Including speaking to his sister about Jack Dickson joining them for supper later in the week. Couldn’t do that without hiring a cook. Couldn’t expect Shannon to prepare a meal for not only his family but a guest too. Besides, he’d just as soon Jack didn’t meet Shannon Adair anytime soon.