Golden Stagecoach

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Aunt Jane said, while preparing a stew, "That's very nice of you to say Joel. We're happy to have you. We only have two bedrooms so you will have to sleep in the girl's room. We've made a bed for you and you'll have your own chest of drawers."

  Joel heard the front door open and a man's voice said, "Where are my two little girls and one big girl?" The twins jumped down and ran to their father. Joel was dreading meeting the father. He walked around the corner into the kitchen. His smile vanished when he saw Joel. Then it reappeared very quickly, but Joel had caught the slight very clearly. Carl Blake sat down and quizzed Joel pretending he cared. Joel intended to keep his nose clean and he did.

  -IV-

  1870

  Joel Stanten, now eighteen, lived over the stage coach office. The ten years spent at Aunt Jane's were relatively uneventful. He'd done what his father had told him to do. He glued the back cover of the bible; he gave Aunt Jane one poke of dust after one year; and after that he found a better hiding place for the remainder of the gold.

  Joel began school in 1862 and completed eight years of study. His father told him to learn and that is what he did best. He worked hard and saved his money. Now it was time to say good bye to Denver and go back east to college.

  At the train station a tearful good bye was witnessed by friends and strangers alike. The 'Old Man' at the stage office was like a father to Joel. Now he cried like a baby. The twins, who had teased and tormented him, hugged and bawled their eyes out. Aunt Jane wiped her nose and dabbed her eyes trying to look happy. Even Carl, who mellowed out after a year when the gold dust hit his desk, shook his hand wishing him well.

  Joel with the contents of the saddle bags and his bible boarded the train for Boston. After the train departed, Joel upgraded his accommodations to a sleeping berth. He found himself alone in his new compartment. He lay down and reflected on the last ten years. His father had told him he must wait until he was twenty five before he could read the note hidden in the bible. By now Joel had put two and two together thinking the note was a map to the gold. However, Joel was content with what he had. And what he had was more than enough to complete college and start a business, if he so desired.

  The time spent in Golden and Denver was never a happy one. Well, how could it when both parents are dead and gone, living with an aunt and two girls younger than him; who were always tormenting him. Life was anything but a bed of roses. Joel did what he was told to do. His jobs were firewood and sweep the porch and pathway to the house. He also kept his things neat and tidy. His bible always rested under his pillow.

  It is common for bad dreams when a child has a traumatic event happens. Joel was no exception. The 'Yellow Tooth' man visited him most every night. By the time he turned sixteen, the bad dreams were mostly gone. The one highlight was Bessie. She was the quiet one of the two. Beth seemed like more of a daddy's girl with Bessie more feminine; like her mother.

  Bessie and Joel seemed to share in the same likes and dislikes. They spent time discussing books they'd read. In school Bessie had a hard time with arithmetic. That subject came easy to Joel. He helped her and listened when he had a problem, which was rare. With Joel being two years older, Joel's eyes strayed to girls his own age. However, Joel was focused on education, work and not making a fool of himself. He really didn't have any time for girls.

  He lay on his bed listening to the train cross the joints. Each colicky- clack meat that much closer to college and a new life. He took out the letter from Boston Tech and read it again. He liked the greeting, "Dear Mr. Joel Stanten…" and it went on to say they would be happy to have him as a student. Joel felt his parents would be proud of him at this stage in life. But once again, he still had a long ways to go. He had plans, big plans. He'd learned that big buildings were being built out of steel, not wood. Joel Blake from Golden, Colorado had plans to own a steel mill.

  1875

  Boston, Massachusetts

  Joel sat at the Boston Commons with a never ending smile on his face. In his hand he held his graduation certificate from Boston Tech. The name would change in 1906 to MIT.

  The day was lovely. Spring had come in with a flourish of sunshine and flowers to brighten up anyone's days. Everything that he'd wanted to happen, happened. He graduated with honors, but no family to congratulate him was there on the big day. That was okay with him. He'd been mostly alone since his parents had died. Now at age twenty three he was a full grown man that women stopped and starred at. He wondered where he got his height from as both his parents were not tall. Now he was just over 6 foot tall and well built. Joel was thinking about a mate.

  Sure he'd made some friends at school, but they weren't the type to go out and have dinner with. Joel was mostly all business and the students from his school were rich kids or war veterans.

  Joel was still grinning when a lovely blonde haired girl walked boldly up, stood in front with a coy smile on her face. Joel looked her in the eye and some recognition nagged at him, but he couldn't place her. She was dressed in a pale yellow spring outfit with a matching umbrella and white shoes. Then it hit him between the eyes: Bessie Blake from Denver.

  Joel jumped saying her name. He snatched his hat off and gave her a beautiful smile and hello. Bessie said, "I cheated and followed you from your school. You looked so happy I didn't want to disturb you. Congratulations on your graduation."

  "Bessie, I'm so happy to see you. Why are you here in Boston? No, that is not polite to ask. Sorry about that. Never mind why you are here, please sit down and tell me news of our family."

  Once seated Bessie said, "Beth got married to some rancher guy who had struck it rich gold mining. I wanted an education like you desired. No, I didn't intentionally follow you to Boston Joel. This just seems like the best place to receive an education. I've enrolled at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley. It's a long ways from here, but I came here first by train from home."

  Joel was looking at her rather intensely sensing something more was coming. One thing he did know was he felt pleased she was here today of all days. It was like fortune was seeking him out. Bessie was staring at the ground not meeting his eyes. He reached out and lifted her chin up slowly turning her face to him. He looked into her blue eyes seeing a little moisture developing. He said, "Bessie I'm so happy you’re here today. Let's go have something to eat. I'm starving."

  She smiled showing her lovely white teeth and said, "I'd like that Joel; I really would." They stood up, she took his arm and they strolled out of the park like the couple they would soon be.

  Joel knew his way around Boston and they took a carriage to the wharf area. Soon they were settled in at a nice table looking at the hustle and bustle of the waterfront. Bessie was a little taken aback at the activity going on. Joel couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was beautiful and his insides were a mess of knots and such things that affect a man with a lovely woman.

  Bessie was very conscience of what Joel was doing. She was a little embarrassed, but had decided long ago he was her man. She also knew it was up to her to make it happen. She said, "Joel what are your plans now?"

  Joel would have normally been evasive at inquiries but with Bessie he felt he should share with her some of his plans. He said, "I have a meeting with the bankers tomorrow. I'm traveling to Pennsylvania to meet some men about building a steel mill."

  Bessie looked like she was baffled and didn't understand what he was talking about. Joel saw the confused look and continued to help explain his plan. "Big cities are coming faster than we can build structures to hold them. Steel is the building structure of the future. The area around a town called Bethlehem, Pennsylvania holds the most promising area to manufacture steel. I want to own and operate a steel mill Bessie. Also, I want us to see more of each other if you would like. You have four years of college ahead of you and that would give me the time to establish a business."

  They ordered lunch and Bessie never remembered eating. She was shocked that it happened so quickly. She simply wasn't prepared for
this giant leap as a couple. It was everything she wanted in life: a husband who was successful and a passel of kids would be just fine with her.

  After lunch he ordered coffee and she had lemonade. He looked across the table deep into her eyes. She tried to hold his stare of grey eyes but failed. With her hand on a glass of lemonade, he reached over and took her hand off the glass. His hand felt like fire in hers. A shot of passion ran up her arm down to the pit of her stomach. He too felt the power that was building between them. He said, "Bessie, I've dreamed of this moment I would find a girl like you. It seems like God is repaying me for taking my parent's from me when I was but a mere child. Let's take a walk around the dock area and you can tell me all about back home."

  Once outside Bessie felt better. At least she could breathe, whereas sitting at the table, if felt like she was holding her breath. She took his arm again and they slowly walked down the dock area dodging fish nets, boxes of freight, and ropes everywhere that threatened to trip if you weren't careful. Joel deftly led her safely to a place where they could sit on some wooden boxes and watch the workers. She said, "My mother is fine. She sends her love for you. Daddy is now the president of the bank and thinks he is very important," she giggled. Beth is happy, but living far away out of town and seems lonely. She is with child now so that should keep her busy very soon."

  "What about you Bessie? I know you love to learn like I do, but do you have a plan of sorts?"

  "Well," as she looked into his eyes that pulled you into his soul, "I thought I might be a teacher." They were sitting very close together on a box meant for one. Joel reached over and took her small hand into his left hand. He lifted her hand up and placed it under his nose. He took a deep breath and then placed his lips on the palm. Bessie thought she was about to feint or pass out. With her left hand she loosened her white bow around her neck for room to breathe. Joel was in his own world with her flower fragrance from her lily white hand.

  He said, "I remember the day I came into your house. You and your sister were sitting in the kitchen. You were the silent one. I really don't like loud or talkative women. I prefer the quiet ones, but I'm looking for a woman I can share my thoughts with and dreams. I think you're the one for me; if you'll have me."

  Bessie's head was spinning in circles. She was holding his hand now just to keep from falling off the wooden box. My god, she thought, I just met him after all these years and now he's asking me to marry him. She had to stand up; which she did. However she never let go of his hand. She stood in front of him looking down into his smiling face.

  With unfounded courage she said, "Joel, we only just met about three hours ago. Now you're asking me to marry you? I really can't think straight right now. I hear the sounds of boat horns and workers swearing a blue streak while I stand her looking down at my cousin who is asking for my hand. Lord have mercy on me. My first thought is to run back home and the next thought is to have you stand up and hold me."

  "I can do that my sweet Bessie," said Joel. He jumped up and took her in his arms. This was his first time to hold a woman, any woman, including his mother. He never remembered hugging his mother. Now this frail woman in his arms felt like he might break her if he squeezed too hard. Her hand took away the sunhat which she tossed onto the wooden box. Then she laid her head on his chest to hear his heart beat. She felt his strong arms around her. It was like being in the Lord's arms, she thought: strong and warm. There was nothing on this earth that could hurt her when she was in his arms. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. With one hand she used her handkerchief to wipe the tears away.

  Joel, who had no idea about women, knew they could cry at the drop of a hat. Like most men he felt helpless when a woman cried. Especially when it was his future wife, he hoped. He said, "Bessie are you alright?"

  "Yes, I'm fine Joel. These are tears of happiness. I would like you to take me back to my rooming house now. This has been an emotional day. My heart says yes, I'd love to marry you but I need some time before I can give you my answer."

  "I understand Bessie. Let's have lunch tomorrow after I've had my meeting with the bankers. Now let me take you to your rooming house."

  -V-

  Joel met the President at 10 am in his office. They'd met some years earlier when Joel came in to deposit some gold dust. Also, he'd rented a deposit box for his stash of gold. Joel estimated he had about 35 pounds of gold dust in reserve. In his account he had over $3000 dollars. His business that morning was to borrow against his reserve of gold. He'd studied economics at Boston Tech to use the banks money; never your own if you can help it.

  Now Joel sat across from Mr. Raleigh Whitehaven. He was a very distinguished looking man of early fifties. He said, after the preliminary weather talk out of the way, "Joel, as you well know the country is in a crisis right now. Some banks are failing due to the railroad investments. Fortunately this bank is solvent, but we're not long on cash. How much are we talking about here Joel and what will you use for collateral?"

  Joel watched Raleigh light up a big fat cigar. Joel knew he was being toyed with so he went double what he thought he might need. He said, "I'll need $100,000 to start with. I have 20 pounds of gold for collateral. I can get more if necessary."

  Raleigh listened without expression mulling over what he thought about such a large amount of money. He said, "A steel mill huh?" Next he sat his cigar in a large brass tray and continued saying, "We could swing the deal Joel, if we could double the collateral to 40 pounds of gold."

  Joel thought about it, taking in the massive desk, dark wood paneling, shelves filled with leather bound classics and a portrait of Lincoln hanging prominently on the wall opposite his desk. Joel said, "You got a deal Raleigh. But first I'm going back to my home town and get married. Then when I come back we'll sign the papers."

  Raleigh stood up signaling the meeting was over. That was fine with Joel. He wanted out of the foul smelling office soonest he could. After he was gone, Raleigh thought about the gold. Where did this young upstart get the gold? It was obvious he got it from Denver or thereabouts. He wondered if the kid had more gold stashed somewhere. It was going to cost more than $100,000 to construct a steel mill. He gave a holler to his secretary. He came in as if he'd been standing at the door waiting to be called. Raleigh said, "Get me a Pinkerton man Henry."

  On the morning of the next day Joel woke up very happy. He jumped out of bed at his rooming house and made for the outhouse. It was warm out and held a promise of another lovely spring day. After washing up a little he went down to breakfast. All of his roommates noted the smile that never ended coming from the tenet that'd lived with them for the last five years. After breakfast he went to a bathhouse. When he came out he smelled like lavender. He quickly walked down the street to the haberdasher. After what seemed forever, he found an outfit befitting the day. He paid the worn out man and left to find a carriage to see the banker.

  After leaving the awful smelling bank, he flagged down a carriage to go see his, hopefully, future wife.

  She lived not far from the capital on Park Street. He told the driver to wait and up the stairs to the front door he went two at a time. After knocking on the door, a middle aged woman, with a snarly look on her face, asked what he was selling. He took off his hat and asked for Bessie who came flying down the stairs behind the woman.

  She side stepped the old maid and smiling at Joel, took his arm leading him down the stairs. Once in the open top carriage, he said, "I apologize for my strong smell. The bath house drenched me with lavender." She laughed and her eyes found his. He had a grin, but not a smug look on his face.

  She said, "I didn't sleep well last night," she looked around her not noticing the leafy green trees. "But I wonder Joel is the offer still there or have you changed your mind?"

  "Oh my no, I've not changed my mind dear Bessie. I more than ever want us to marry and be a family. I think we should take the train to Denver and get married back there with your family. What do you think?"

  "Jo
el Stanten! I've not said yes or no to your proposal. I'm a woman give me a little time to think about it. Besides I'm hungry. I want some meat and potatoes. After lunch I'll give you my answer," she coyly said.

  Joel sitting across from her suddenly moved to sit beside her. He put his arm around her and nuzzled her cute little ear hidden by her blonde curls. He whispered, "I've loved you for a long time Bessie dear. I just didn't realize it till I saw you in the park. Now don't tell me you were just looking for an old friend to talk to. Nor do I think you just came to Boston on a whim. I think, my dear Bessie, we'll have a wonderful life."

  Lunch was at the Alexandra Hotel. They had pot roast and potatoes just like back home. The real surprise was when Joel ordered a bottle of red wine. Neither one had ever drank wine before so it was a laughable experience. After two glasses each, they both got the giggles. Then Joel sobered up and said, "Okay Bessie Blake do you have an answer for me? I promise to be faithful and love you forever."

  Bessie was still giggling from the wine. She looked at him and said, "Of course I will silly Joel. And yes, let's go back to Denver so we can be with our family."

  Joel gave off a big sigh, and then he said, "Let's go shopping my dear Bessie."

  They strolled down the street until they came to a Jewelry store. After walking in ringing the over door bell, an old man came out with a nice smile on his face. He said, "Welcome young people. I'm afraid my inventory is a little low because of the hard times, but I can order something special if you can't find what you're looking for."

  "We are going to be married. We'd like to look at some diamond rings sir," said Joel.

  "My name is Amos Blessing. Please call me Amos. I'll show you what I have." He pulled a tray out that had five diamond rings to choose from. Neither one had any idea what was nice or not nice. However, one ring seemed to sparkle more than the others. Bessie tried it on. Her hand was shaking and she looked at Joel and said, "I'm so nervous. What do you think about this one?"