by Karen Cogan
Collin nodded. “I’ll go up and wash.”
His father did not like to be kept waiting.
Just before eight o’clock, Collin made his way to the formal dining room. The long polished table gleamed. The silver serving pieces and silverware were a definite contrast to Mrs. McGee’s informal table settings.
The elder McAllister turned from the sideboard, where he had been pouring a glass of sherry, and peered at his son. His face was as composed as that of a poker player, giving Collin no hint of his thoughts. He studied Collin for a moment. “Would you like a glass of sherry with dinner?”
It had been quite some time since Collin had had a drink. And he wanted to keep his senses sharp. “No, thank you. Maybe later.”
His father nodded and gestured to the table. “Please sit down. I hope your trip was pleasant.”
“It was long,” Collin admitted.
James cracked a smile. “Ah, but not as long by train as it would have been by coach.”
Collin nodded agreement. “And more comfortable by rail.” Collin asked his father about expansion plans for the railroad as Peters deftly served them braised potatoes and thinly carved beef.
“We’re moving it west. Pretty soon you’ll be able to take it anywhere you’d want to go.” Now that he was started on a subject that interested him, Father continued talking about the railroads.
Collin enjoyed the expertly prepared meal. A holiday pudding of smooth chocolate and cream followed.
“I know you’re tired, and I won’t keep you up long, but I’d like to go to the study and have a talk,” his father said when they finished eating.
All through Collin’s life, the study had been where his father had summoned him when he wanted to reprove his actions. Collin had developed a distaste for the room. His experience in Silverton had changed all that. Though he was ashamed of his behavior before he left this house he was not ashamed of anything he’d done since. For the first time in his life, he felt no dread of confrontation, only curiosity over what they might discuss. He followed his father, treading across the plush carpets on their way to the study.
They faced each other.
His father lit a cigar and, for the first time, offered one to his son.
Touched by the gesture, Collin accepted.
“Tell me about Silverton, what you’ve done, what you’ve learned,” James invited.
Collin enjoyed recounting his experience in the mine. He could not help bragging a little about the savings he’d acquired and about Kathleen. He left out any mention of Martin.
His father listened raptly, asking a question from time to time. When Collin finished, his father let a slow smile spread onto his face. “I’ll admit that I’ve kept in contact with the foreman of your mine. I gave him a railroad job once, and he owed me a favor. I don’t mind telling you, son, that I’m proud of the way you’ve applied yourself. Jorgins had only good things to say about you. He told me that you were one of the last ones to be let go when the mine closed.”
“Making my own way was a challenge at first. But after a while, I enjoyed making my own money instead of spending someone else’s.” He grinned sheepishly at his father.
To his surprise, Father’s eyes grew misty, though he wasn’t a man given to emotion. He leaned forward. “I was hoping for this change in you. It’s good to have you back, matured and ready to take over the business someday. We can spend the next couple of weeks going over the books. I want you to move back here and learn all you can about the railroad.”
“I’d be happy to learn all you can teach. But I can’t move back right away. I’ve made an investment in Silverton, one I thought I might need, to provide for myself and the taking of a wife.” He colored slightly at the reference to Kathleen.
“What sort of investment?” his father asked.
“The Neigold brothers have sold their mines. I bought into a share of a new company. I think we’ll find enough good gold ore at level seven to bring Silverton back to prosperity, at least for a while. I plan to oversee my investment and see if it proves out.”
James chuckled. “I admire your ambition. We’ll work here the next three weeks, and then you can go back to Silverton for a while, woo that nice young lady, and oversee your investment. I’ll come out for a visit when I can get away.”
Collin stood half a head above his squarely built father, a father who no longer seemed intimidating. He’d seen a new side to the man tonight, a side that was mortal like himself, growing older, and longing for reconciliation with his only son. And now that the reconciliation was complete, the relationship would no longer be boy to man, but man to man.
They shook hands before Collin went up to bed. As he passed his grandfather’s portrait that hung in the upper hall, he felt proud to be connected to this line of men. He was glad he had not thrown it all away. Someday, God willing, he would pass this empire on to his own son.
Kathleen had admitted that she loved him. It gave him enormous pleasure to know that he had beaten Martin in the pursuit of her hand.
He frowned as he got ready for bed. He would have to be on guard against “accidents.” He doubted Martin would be a gracious loser.
Martin was capable of doing evil things. He’d already proved he had no compunction about taking on anybody who got in his way.
Collin suspected he had escaped further assault attempts only because Martin knew Kathleen’s suspicions had been raised. She wasn’t gullible enough to believe that continued attacks would be coincidence.
He shook off the feeling of ill-omen. Nothing would dampen his spirits tonight. He had won his father’s esteem. And the future with the woman he loved looked bright. He fell into an exhausted sleep with a smile on his face.
12
Kathleen locked the store early on Christmas Eve. It had been a slow day with only a handful of customers.
Vic was nowhere in sight, having gone off to celebrate.
Kathleen had invited him home for supper only to have him mumble an apology about having other plans.
She hurried along the street glad to escape the loneliness of the store. She looked forward to being home where she and Papa would share a hot meal before their traditional reading of the Christmas story. She hung her coat in the hallway and listened.
Papa wasn’t alone.
Martin’s voice drifted from the bedroom.
Her anticipation of a relaxing evening was replaced by a sinking feeling. She would have to share Christmas Eve with Martin. If he proposed again she would have to ruin his evening as well as her own.
She stepped in to greet them.
Martin had brought a gift of wine. And judging by the men’s jovial laughter, they had already been enjoying the gift. The first order of business was to get some supper into them before the wine went to their heads.
She heated a batch of venison stew and a pan of cornbread. They took their meal in Papa’s bedroom, which, to Kathleen’s relief, spared her from being alone with Martin. She had her first bite of food raised half-way to her mouth when Papa happily announced that he had accepted an engagement on her behalf.
“He came by to ask you to a dinner party at the Neigold house on New Year’s Eve.” Papa gestured at Martin. “One of the brothers sings opera. I’d go along if I could get around on this leg.” Papa gave his offending limb a withering look.
Though the doctor said he was progressing amazingly well, it would still be another month before he could get about on a crutch.
Kathleen set down her fork and stared at her Papa. “I’d planned to spend New Year’s Eve here with you.”
Papa waved a bite of potato. “I don’t mind. Martin assures me it’s a day party and you’ll be back by nightfall. Otherwise I’d worry about you traveling Stony Pass Trail in the dark.”
“It’s an honor to be invited,” Martin added. “And since I hear they’re selling out, it might be the last party they have here.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about the Neigold brothers.”
Kathleen still felt uncertain. She dared not encourage Martin. Then again, the trip back might be just the right opportunity to tell him they could never be more than friends. “All right. I’ll admit I’d like to meet them. But I do want to spend New Year’s Eve here at home.”
“And you shall.” Martin raised his glass and smiled at her.
She felt a stab of guilt in knowing she was about to destroy his dream of spending their lifetimes together. Her heart belonged to Collin.
“How were things at the store?” Papa asked, bringing her thoughts back to the present.
“Slow. We only had two customers all afternoon. I’m worried about Vic. He started his drinking early and kept going on about how it was dark and he hadn’t seen a thing. I can only guess he was talking about that man found dead in the alley last night. A customer said the sheriff thought it was one of the bank robbers who got away, though he couldn’t imagine why the man had come back to town.”
Martin’s fingers tightened around his glass. “So Vic was in the alley last night?”
“I guess he passed by on his way home from the saloon. I told him if he saw anything he ought to tell the sheriff. But he got nervous and said he didn’t have anything to say. I think he knows something, but he’s afraid to talk.” Kathleen sighed. “I don’t know what to think of Vic sometimes.”
Martin studied the ruby liquid in his glass. “I can’t think what he could know. Probably he was too drunk to remember anything about last night and dreamed up this story about seeing something just to make himself feel important.”
Kathleen remembered Vic’s pale face and the way his hands had shaken. “I don’t know. He seemed pretty upset.”
Martin gave a mirthless laugh. “Trust me. He won’t remember anything about it in the morning.”
When they finished eating, he helped Kathleen gather up the dishes. He followed her into the kitchen, where he stood at her elbow and made her nervous as she scraped the plates and put them in the dishpan to soak.
“I know you want to spend the rest of the evening with your father. But I have a Christmas gift for you. Will you see me to the door?”
Kathleen stared at him, embarrassment staining her cheeks. “I didn’t think about gifts. I’m afraid I don’t have anything for you.”
It wasn’t entirely true about the gifts, for she had spent several hours knitting mufflers and socks for Papa and Collin. She had simply not thought of Martin. She wished he had not thought of her.
“I didn’t get this present because I wanted one from you,” he said. He took her elbow and steered her to the door. He took his coat from the hook and reached into the pocket, withdrawing a small velvet covered box and handing it to Kathleen.
She felt a sudden panic about what it might contain.
“Go on. Open it.”
She took a deep breath and lifted the lid, relieved to see a gleaming gold locket on a chain. “It’s beautiful. But I’m sure it’s far too expensive. I wouldn’t dare wear it.”
“Of course you will. It will look lovely around your beautiful neck.”
“Really, Martin, it’s too much,” she pleaded, wishing she knew a tactful way to make him take it back.
He closed her hand around the box. “Not for you, it’s not. Maybe soon, you’ll have a picture you want to put inside.” He shrugged into his coat and went out the door.
She deposited the box in a drawer and retrieved the presents for her father. She thought of Collin’s gifts tucked carefully away in tissue paper. She hoped he would hurry home to receive them.
They passed a quiet Christmas, celebrating with a dinner of roast pheasant.
Maggie was purring in Kathleen’s lap as they sat in Papa’s room. After a saucer of milk and scraps of pheasant, a warm lap was all she needed to be content.
The next few days were sunny and cold. New Year’s Eve dawned with bright blue skies and no hint of any threatening gray clouds that might warn of a blizzard.
Kathleen rose and took care of her morning chores. Then, just before Martin was to arrive, she styled her hair in a high chignon and dressed in a black velvet dress with a dainty crocheted collar and cuffs. She threaded a matching velvet ribbon through her chignon and studied her reflection in the mirror. Her smile faded as she remembered the locket sitting in her bureau. Surely, Martin would expect her to wear it.
She put her hand on the drawer and debated. Finally, she decided to wear it for the sake of his feelings. But only for today. By evening, he would have to understand that she could not accept either his gifts or his proposal.
They set off at mid-morning for the trip up the trail.
Martin had brought his buggy, polished to a high shine at the livery, and his matched pair of jet black horses. He hoisted Kathleen onto the narrow wooden seat. When he climbed aboard, she had to sit so close to him that their thighs pressed together. But only for today.
They exchanged pleasant conversation as he turned the horses towards Green Mountain. Though she remained tense, waiting for him to bring up their relationship, Martin seemed content to talk about everything from the weather to his smart business decisions. “You know, I’ve been forced to shut down the stamp mill. Not enough business. It won’t hurt me, though. I have the money to buy property in Ouray. They’re still mining there and people are coming in. It takes more than bad times to put Martin Long under. I’m a survivor, Kathleen. Don’t you forget that.”
“I’m sure you are.” She gave him a quick look, wondering at the bitterness in his tone.
He gave the buggy lines an abrupt snap. “When life tries to cheat you, you’ve got to cheat it right back.”
“I know it was a disappointment to shut down the mill. But it sounds like your good planning will see you through. And you never know. Mining may not be over.”
They rode in silence for a while.
Kathleen didn’t mention that she’d heard more than one person wonder aloud about what kept Martin afloat. It was not as though he had been frugal. He was known for his expensive tastes, fine dining, and fashionable dress. And with the closing of the stamp mill, it was a mystery how he stayed in cash.
He seemed to snap out of his reflections. “You’ll like the Neigolds. They’re the most colorful characters for miles around.”
“I’m sure I will.”
Martin was right. Along with the other ten guests, Kathleen was swept into a festive spirit as soon as she entered their house. She would never have guessed they had fallen on hard times if she had not already been told. The food was a fine German feast that the brothers had taken pride in preparing.
After dinner they entertained their guests by dressing in their native Knickerbocker pants and powdered wigs and putting on an opera. The brothers sang and played the piano.
But Gustave, who had been a professional opera singer, thrilled Kathleen with his fine voice.
When it was time to leave, all the guests thanked them for the fine wine and food and the Turkish tobacco that the men had enjoyed.
Kathleen felt an admiration for their ability to enjoy life and extend enjoyment to others in spite of their difficulties. She shivered and pulled the buggy blanket up to her chin as they began the journey home.
The late afternoon sun looked anemic in the paling blue sky. It would be good to get home and settle in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa. And the experience of the afternoon would give her plenty to keep Papa amused for a while.
They descended Stony Pass Trail.
Martin watched her. “Did you have a good time?”
“A wonderful time. I’ll never forget it. Thank you for asking me.”
�
��I feel exactly the same.”
“What would you think of moving to Ouray?”
“Ouray. Why would I move there?” Kathleen asked.
“I’ll want to oversee the property I plan to buy. Maybe make some more investments in the area. You could close down the store. There’s not much to keep us here.”
Kathleen swallowed hard. The moment had come. “Martin, I’ve had a really good time with you. I’m glad we’ve gotten to know each other. But I think it’s only fair to let you know that I don’t see a future for us. I like you, but I’m not in love with you.”
Nothing could have prepared her for the cold fury that swept across his face. “All the time I’ve taken, the courting I’ve done, is not enough for you?”
“All the courting in the world can’t make someone fall in love,” she said.
Martin halted the buggy right at the crossing of Blair Street. “It’s McAllister, isn’t it? That no-account Irishman has got you bewitched. What’s he done to deserve you, to deserve anything?” The bitter venom in his voice made her shiver.
“You can leave Collin out of this,” she said. “What is between me and Collin has nothing to do with you and me.”
“Sure it doesn’t,” his voice dripped with sarcasm. “You expect me to believe that you wouldn’t have had me if he hadn’t come into the picture?”
“That’s right. I’m thinking right now that we have very little in common.”
He poked his finger at her. “You listen here, lady. I work hard for what I want, and I always get it. You’re not marrying McAllister. You’re marrying me.”
Kathleen threw off the blanket and climbed down from the buggy. “I guess this is one time you’re not going to get what you want.”
His hard glare pierced, but he left her abruptly after seeing her to the door.
She thought he might come inside after her and was relieved when he did not. What she had intended to be a gentle let-down had become such a bitter parting.
She mentioned none of this to Papa. He would find out soon enough where her affections lay and she didn’t want to hear his opinion on the matter.