Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  “It was the only solution to her problem,” he stated.

  Harriet observed him and listened. She astutely read between the lines of his speech. He married Kathy, then came over here to interrogate her best friend about her? He surely didn’t appear a love-smitten bridegroom! He made their union sound like a deal of some kind! Something odd was going on. Had he tricked her during a moment of terror and confusion? To her, Jurrell didn’t seem the marrying kind. “Is Kathy all right?”

  “She’s fine, Mrs. Pullen. We’ll be staying in Dray’s cabin tonight. I thought I’d take some supper over there. Naturally we need to talk and get acquainted. You can see her tomorrow after I leave. She’s still unsettled about this afternoon. She needs privacy and rest.”

  Considering they were married, there was nothing Harriet could say. But this wasn’t like her Kathy! She prepared two bowls of stew, placing them on plates with baked bread. “Coffee?” she inquired.

  “No need. I’ll borrow some wine from Dray’s stock. Thanks, Mrs. Pullen. See you in the morning.” He strolled out with their meal.

  Outside, Landis paused to give Moore a similar explanation, who was as surprised as Harriet. Yet, he agreed it was the best solution for all concerned, aware it wasn’t a regular marriage. Moore promised to protect Kathy until Landis’s return.

  Kathy tried to keep her eyes off of her new husband as he served their meal and poured two glasses of wine, but she was too aware of him and their privacy. When he was seated, he held up his glass and murmured, “To my golden torment, Kathryn Jurrell.”

  Kathy ignored his playful taunt. “If you find any clue about my father, you’ll let me know immediately?”

  “Absolutely, Mrs. Jurrell,” he agreed, grinning roguishly.

  “Stop calling me that,” she scolded his mocking manner.

  “You best get used to it; that is the reason for our little ruse.”

  “Why did you really marry me, Landis?” she asked seriously.

  “You know why, Kat,” he replied, eyes locking on her face. “But I’m not quite certain why you agreed.”

  “You know why,” she echoed his words.

  “Do I?” he challenged, smiling provocatively.

  “Yes, for your name,” she alleged, dismayed by his mockery.

  “And no other reason?” he nonchalantly continued.

  “Revenge!” she snapped to shock him.

  He chuckled merrily. “Can you afford it’s price?”

  “Does it have one?” she debated saucily.

  “Always, love, always,” he huskily murmured.

  The meal passed in stony silence. Kathy retired to the other room, to toss restlessly on Dray’s bed until fatigue claimed her. Landis quietly entered the room, to stand over her and study her. For the first time since this drama began, he couldn’t decide if he had made a terrible mistake or the wisest decision in his life. It all depended on Kathy and Jake. He went to his bedroll and finally fell asleep.

  Five

  When Kathy awoke, she found herself alone. Realizing how late it was, she hurriedly straightened the cabin and headed to the eating tent. Landis wasn’t in sight. Kathy wondered how to explain this weird situation to Harriet. How had she taken the astonishing news? “Sorry I’m so late. What can I do to help, Harriet?” Kathy asked from behind the busy woman. What had she gotten herself into?

  Harried turned and smiled. “You look chipper this morning,” she said, waiting for Kathy to open the confusing subject.

  “What smells so good?” she asked, coming forward to the stove, stalling noticably.

  “Apple pies again. The men seem to love them, so I thought I would cook more tonight,” she replied, continuing with her task at hand.

  “You can hardly blame them. I bet they haven’t had dessert since they’ve been here. Plus, your cooking is the best I’ve tasted, including my mother’s. Did Mr. Moore say anything about my absence last night and this morning?” she gingerly began.

  “He understood,” Harriet replied. “I can’t believe you’re married,” she blurted out, unable to contain her curiosity.

  “That makes two of us,” Kathy responded in a tone which Harriet found perplexing. “Where’s Landis?”

  Harriet warily glanced at her. “He left after breakfast.”

  “Left?” she echoed incredulously. “But…” She stammered, then declared uneasily, “Oh, yes, he said he was leaving at first light. In the excitement, I forgot. Any coffee left?” she changed the topic.

  “Kathy, do you want to talk about it?” Harriet invited.

  “No. Yes. I’m still confused, Harriet. We’re not really married; we didn’t…sleep together last night,” she rashly confessed.

  “But you are married to him, Kathy,” Harriet reasoned.

  “Just until he locates my father,” she vowed nervously.

  “What if Landis isn’t satisfied with a pretense?” she asked.

  Kathy blushed, then said, “He has no choice. In name only was his idea,” she carelessly divulged. “I should be grateful to him, but he’s so infuriating and arrogant. It sounded logical yesterday.”

  When Harriet felt compelled to reveal her conversation with Landis, Kathy was stunned. “Why would he question you about me?”

  “I don’t know, dear. Perhaps he’s curious about his new wife.”

  “But I’m not his wife,” she argued anxiously.

  Harriet smiled encouragingly, dropping the rankling subject. They could discuss it again later, when Kathy was calmer.

  As Kathy sipped her coffee, she realized she hadn’t learned anything about Landis Jurrell. He might never show up again! She didn’t know where he was, how long he’d be away, how he earned his money, where he lived, nothing! At least playing the happy bride would guard her privacy and survival. If only he could locate her father soon. But what would Landis expect for his assistance? When the time came, could she walk away from him? She was impatient in less than a day! She couldn’t sit idle. But, what else could she do? She felt helpless, trapped. When she voiced her frustration, Harriet suggested she ask Moore’s men to help her.

  “That wouldn’t help me any. They only work nearby. If my father was still in this area or had spent any time here, they would know about him. Since they don’t, he’s somewhere inland or gone. In such case, what good are those lumberjacks’ help? If Landis can’t find him, I’ll decide what to do about leaving or staying.”

  “You might consider staying?” she exclaimed, that news stunning her. Did Landis Jurrell have anything to do with her new plans? She had no right to ask or to interfere, much as she wanted to give Kathy some motherly advice. Until she asked, it was improper to offer.

  Later, the men came pouring into the supper tent like water rushing over a cascade. Their off-color jokes ceased the moment they entered the tent. Their friendliness and good humor were impossible to ignore. As Kathy served their meal, they chatted with her, congratulating her marriage and telling amusing stories about the prospectors and the local Indians. It was difficult to remain somber when surrounded by such gaiety and courtesy. When supper was over, the two women were surprised by the tokens of appreciation left on the tables at several places: small golden nuggets.

  Finding them as she cleared the tables, Kathy squealed in delight, “Look, Harriet! Gold!” She collected the twelve pieces of shiny rock and handed them to Harriet. “You take them. With these added to your purse, it won’t be long before you can build a proper cabin for your children. Besides,” she mirthfully remarked, “I bet those apple pies inspired such generosity. I’ve never seen such excitement and glowing faces. If I were you, I would buy some supplies from Moore and bake some to sell to the other men around here. There’s no telling what they would pay for such a treat.”

  Harriet’s eyes lightened with enthusiasm and deep thought. “You’re right, Kathy. I’ll do it! I’ll ask Moore if it’s all right first.”

  “How could be possibly say no? If he does, you could threaten to go into business f
or yourself. That should change his mind instantly. Wait a minute!” she exclaimed. “Why not save everything they pay you until you have enough to build a cabin, then cook food to sell? You could easily earn enough to send for your children within a few months. I’ll help you get started. I’ll put up the money for the cabin. By the time I’m ready to leave, you’ll have enough to repay me.”

  “I couldn’t let you do that, Kathy,” she argued softly, yet a dreamy look came to her eyes as she pondered this incredible plan.

  “Why not?” Kathy inquired with a brilliant smile. “If the money is invested in a log cabin, it can’t be stolen. Besides, a cabin would allow us some safety and privacy. it’s the perfect solution for both of us. I’m going to do it!” she announced as if the whole matter was settled right then and there. “I’m going to hire Moore in the morning.”

  Harriet speculated on these optimistic plans. Kathy was right; it was an excellent compromise. “It’s a wild scheme, but I love it! Count me in,” she hastily agreed before she could change her mind.

  When Harriet tried to divide the gold nuggets, Kathy refused to accept any. “Save them for buying goods for our new home. If we make a list of the items most urgently needed, we could order them when the next ship arrives. By the time the cabin’s ready and the supplies arrive, we’ll have enough money. If not, I’ll cover the expenses.”

  “I can’t let you squander your savings, Kathy. It isn’t fair to take advantage of you. Are you forgetting you covered my passage?”

  “Don’t be silly, Harriet. I have just as much to gain with these investments as you do.” Harriet couldn’t disagree with that logic. “Later, I’ll have the money for ship passage by selling you our cabin. It’s perfect: your children arrive and I depart…”

  “Oh, Kathy, I can hardly wait. Once we have the cabin, it’ll make this place seem more like home. But I hope you’ll stay on with us. I’ve become quite fond of you.” She didn’t ask, what about Landis?

  The two females were so full of suspense and hopes that they could hardly settle down to get to sleep that night. They talked and planned far into the chilly night. By necessity, Kathy prevented any conversation about Landis Jurrell. She acted as if she had put him completely out of her mind, which she had not.

  After breakfast, Kathy asked Moore to linger. Suspecting she wanted to discuss Landis or his hasty departure, he did with undisguised reluctance. They sat at the front table as Harriet left them alone.

  “Mr. Moore, you seem annoyed with me. Because I neglected my duties? I don’t expect to be paid for any days I don’t perform my tasks. Harriet did both chores so she should also receive my day’s pay.”

  “Is this what you wanted to discuss with me?” he speculated.

  “No. I want to hire you to build me and Harriet a cabin. If you can’t, then who do I see about such a job?”

  Landis hadn’t mentioned building a home; he had a cabin near Dawson. Moore wondered why a man would leave his new bride in a place like this, rather than take her home with him. “Wood and labor are terribly expensive here,” he politely commented on her farfetched suggestion in an indulgent manner, noting she had excluded Landis.

  She looked him straight in the eye and stated matter-of-factly, “There are men starving out there on the beach. Surely some of them could be hired to build my cabin for a reasonable rate. As for the lumber and supplies, I’ll pay whatever amount you say is fair. You strike me as an honest, dependable man.”

  To quickly end the conversation, he sighed and informed her, “A cabin from start to finish would cost you…” He became silent to assess the amount of work and materials required. Just to humor the girl, he declared, “A sturdy cabin would cost you about five hundred dollars.” He fully expected her to start weeping in disappointment or to cry out in shock.

  Instead, Kathy tacitly mulled over that large amount and his patronizing attitude. “It couldn’t possibly be done for…say three or four hundred dollars?” she debated. She needed money to carry on her search, cash for furnishings, and money for food and winter fuel. She waited while he refigured his blunt declaration. Did he hope she would quit and leave? Perhaps he didn’t need or couldn’t afford two cooks.

  “I suppose it could be done for…say three-fifty at rock bottom. Do you realize how long it will take you and Mrs. Pullen to earn that kind of money? By then, cabins will be costing six hundred to build,” he announced, trying to awaken her from her dreaming.

  He was astounded when she withdrew a velvet purse from her dress pocket and counted out three hundred and fifty dollars. She calmly met his disbelieving gaze and stated, “Begin our cabin as soon as possible. We would like to move in before winter. I can manage only fifty more dollars. If that isn’t enough, can you take the rest from my future earnings? I promise to remain here and work hard until the debt’s paid. I won’t be unreliable again. Is it a deal?”

  “Landis didn’t say anything about a cabin. Did he give you this money to hire me?” he asked before thinking. Odd, since Landis had been in a big rush to leave the morning after their hasty marriage! A cabin bespoke a permanent stay. Why two homes?

  His boldness shocked Kathy. “This money is mine. He left early; we didn’t have time to discuss it. Does that affect your decision?”

  “I have to admit this cash and your suggestion caught me by surprise,” he meekly explained, even more puzzled. “Are you sure you want to build a cabin here?”

  “Yes. I would appreciate it if you don’t tell Harriet how much it costs. Then, I can sell her my half for what she can afford.”

  Moore studied her intently. She surely was a mystery! This situation with Landis didn’t make any sense. He wondered if her change of heart had anything to do with Landis’s black mood before leaving. He shrugged and agreed to serious consideration of her terms. He picked up the money and shoved it into his pocket, saying he would let her know something definite by tonight. After all, his cooks needed a place to live comfortably, privately, and safely.

  She smiled indulgently and commented, “That’s fine with me, sir. I appreciate all you’ve done for me and Harriet.”

  He looked back at the defiant face of Kathy Jurrell and asked, “Do you still plan to work for me?” From that fat purse, she obviously didn’t need to labor this hard, and she had a wealthy husband!

  “Unless you prefer not to keep me, I’ll be staying here while Landis searches for my father.”

  “Landis is looking for your father? Why didn’t you go with him?” he innocently questioned.

  “He said it was too dangerous and rugged where he was going.”

  “What if your father can’t be located? What then?”

  “I don’t know. I wish there was something I could do.”

  “There’s a Mounty outpost along the White Pass about twelve miles over the boundary, called Log Cabin. Landis will probably start there.” The trail between here and there was mighty treacherous.

  “I’ll have some news for you tonight. See you later, Mrs. Jurrell.”

  Following supper, Moore informed Kathy of his favorable decision concerning her cabin. He said he had hired four men to cut the lumber and five men to do the construction. He stated a completion date of only three weeks. Kathy and Harriet were ecstatic. Kathy and Moore shook hands and the deal was settled.

  Within a few days, a new cabin was underway near the edge of the dense line of spruce trees. Moore had staked out that particular spot because of the protection the trees offered against winter winds and drifting snows. Each morning the two women watched the men performing their varying labors. Each night in the supply tent, they chatted happily. Once the lumberjacks learned of their plans, golden tokens appeared more frequently on the wooden tables.

  Moore also agreed to allow Harriet to buy supplies from him to bake pies and cakes to sell. When the next ship came, she promised to order her own supplies and replace his. Surprisingly, the men paid outrageous amounts for the sweets. Harriet’s little purse steadily fattened. The men
, learning of her sewing skills, hired her to repair old clothes and to alter new winter garments to fit. Kathy wondered where Harriet found the time and energy to accomplish so much.

  As for Kathy, she spent her days and evenings either helping Harriet or watching the steady progress of her cabin. The hard work had a favorable effect on her character and body. She became more self-assured and resilient; her body grew sleek and hard. She learned about Alaska and life itself from the amicable, earthy men each night as they related tales and information which she would one day find useful. Kathy shoved fears of Marc from her mind. She couldn’t ignore Landis, for his reality was forced on her each day with questions and remarks. Yet, she learned to play her marital role exceedingly well. How she wished he would return, at least with word about Jake.

  Slowly a new pattern settled in on Moore’s little group; they appeared a family unit. After supper, the men would help the two women clear away the dishes, then sit around the tables. Once the chores were completed, they would often sing songs or play games. Within those first three weeks, the men had become so fond of the two women that they watched over them like mother and sister. The entire settlement quickly discovered these two women were not to be accosted in any form or fashion. In such a kindred arrangement, the women relaxed and bloomed, knowing they had nothing to fear anymore, inevitably adapting to this new way of life.

  During that third week, the cabin was finished. The Wind Rover anchored with their supplies and furnishings, plus a sturdy lock for their door. Straw and ticking were brought ashore to make their beds. Their stove was carefully unloaded and delivered. The last of their supplies and goods landed in Griff’s boat under his watchful eye.

  When everything was in its place, the women halted in the center of the cabin to gaze around. Joyous tears clouded Kathy’s eyes as they touched on heartwarming gifts from their friends. The cabin was a square of eighteen by eighteen feet. There were three shuttered windows for light and ventilation. Moore had constructed a small wooden opening in the bathcloset to simplify the emptying of water from the tub.