Lucky Creek Lady

by Shirley Kennedy

  * * * *

  The next morning, before Laurie went to work, she heard a knock and found her neighbor, Agatha Harrison, standing at the back door. Laurie invited her in, always happy to see her. The loss of little Ruthie had been a terrible blow, but strong woman that she was, Agatha had bravely held together and carried on. Over a cup of coffee, she said, “I hoped to catch you before you went to the mine this morning. Wait till you hear…”

  Laurie listened as Agatha described the meeting she’d attended the night before. A group of determined ladies had gathered at the church. As solid citizens of Lucky Creek, they were disturbed at all that was wrong with the town. The lawlessness and high rate of crime, the muddy streets, the lack of cultural events, along with the disgrace of Mein Street with its drunkenness, lewd behavior, and only God knew what other debaucheries that went on every night. “At last we’re taking some action. We formed the Association for the Improvement, Beautification, and Enlightenment of Lucky Creek, and tonight we’re holding the first official meeting. We very much want you to join us, Laurie. Ada and your mother, too.”

  Laurie had never given any thought to the subject but agreed that it was a fine idea. “I don’t know what I can do, but I’d be happy to come to the meeting.”

  Agatha beamed. “That’s wonderful. We need more women like you. You’re a born leader. You may have your hands full with the mine, but if you can spare the time, you can do a world of good for our community.”

  Agatha left soon after. As Laurie drove up to the mine, she couldn’t get over her surprise. She, a born leader? She’d never thought of herself in any such way. All her life she’d been a follower, never thinking for herself, always content with others telling her what to do. But now? Definitely she’d be there.

  Entering the office, she wondered what she would say to Darcy. What would he say to her? Why did it matter? They’d go on as before, friendly enough but restrained, two people who worked together and that was all. And yet, wouldn’t it be wonderful if he told her he’d thought about it and changed his mind? I love you, Laurie. Brandon be damned, you’re mine now, and I want you to marry me.

  But she found the office empty except for Tom. He smiled when he saw her. “Looks like Darcy won’t be around for the next few days. He got real busy at the Atlas.”

  So, Darcy wouldn’t be here? Fine. She had work to do and would not allow the likes of Darcy McKenna to ruin her day. The time went by swiftly as she immersed herself in time sheets, checking deliveries, solving small grievances among the miners. At the end of the shift when she headed for home, she drove the curricle at a slow pace, grateful she at last had time to think about something other than work. Such a pretty ride. Usually she had so much on her mind she hardly noticed the squirrels, porcupines, and all sorts of little creatures that occasionally scampered across the road. Bigger creatures crossed her path, too, like deer, and an occasional lumbering moose or elk. Each morning, a chorus of awakening birds serenaded her as she drove up the mountain. In the evening, another chorus entertained her as the birds settled in for the night. And when she lifted her eyes to beyond the tall conifers, the majestic, snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevadas loomed above in all their splendor.

  She wouldn’t find anything like this in Philadelphia. She hadn’t thought she would, but when she moved back, she’d miss this spectacular scenery. But was Philadelphia still her home? Why would she want to go back there? Certainly not for Brandon. She didn’t hate Lucky Creek anymore. In fact, Agatha’s invitation to join the new association had set her to thinking. Lucky Creek should have an opera house, and what about a library? The town should also have a decent courthouse, along with an honest judge who wouldn’t take bribes. She could do a lot to help. She wanted to help. What would her life be like if she returned to Philadelphia? She could wear fancy clothes, give elegant teas, attend boring parties where white-gloved beaux would treat her as if she didn’t have a brain in her head. Not so in Lucky Creek, where each day brought new challenges, new excitement. She knew her job at the mine, did it well, and they all respected her. And she loved working there, being a part of it all.

  I am not going back to Philadelphia. I like it here, and I’m going to stay.

  And then there was Darcy. She laughed aloud. We’ll see about that. Touching the reins to the horses’ backs, she gave a decisive nod to herself as she continued guiding the curricle down the mountain.

  Chapter 20

  Early one morning, Darcy was riding Champ along the upper part of Mein Street when he came upon a line of pack mules, loaded and ready to move out. A dozen men milled about, including several Miwok Indian guides he recognized. “What’s going on, Elki?” he called to a guide who worked for him from time to time.

  A small man, heavily muscled, the Indian usually wore an impassive expression on his face and had little to say. Not this morning. He walked to where Darcy had pulled Champ to a halt. “We go to find Lost Lake,” he said in a voice loaded with scorn. He spat with contempt on the ground. “Fools.”

  Hard to believe, but this must be Hugh’s expedition. The man was crazier than he thought. Not his business, though. He was about to move on when he spotted Hugh Sinclair walking toward him, Brandon Cooper directly behind. Something in Hugh’s walk reminded him of a strutting peacock, all cocky and arrogant. When he got close, he looked up at Darcy with a sneer on his face and remarked, “If it isn’t McKenna. Come to see us off?” Without waiting for a reply, he turned to Brandon. “You’ve met my friend, Darcy McKenna, have you not? Mr. McKenna’s a self-made man. Born in West Virginia, weren’t you, Darcy? Spent your boyhood in a coal mine?”

  Darcy refused to recognize Hugh’s laughable attempt to demean him. He swung off his horse and looked the idiot in the eye. “What the hell are you doing, Hugh? Don’t tell me you actually expect to find a lake covered in gold.”

  Hugh’s laugh brimmed with confidence. “You’re a good man, Darcy, but you see only what’s under your nose. Like most men, your foresight is limited, whereas I… Well, I don’t wish to brag, but I’m a man of vision. I see things you don’t. I know things you don’t.”

  “Hugh’s right.” Brandon clapped his newfound friend and partner on the back. “Nothing can stop us. I have every confidence in our success.”

  Darcy didn’t tolerate fools easily, but he would try one more time. “Winter’s coming. We could get our first snow any day now. You might want to reconsider. Rumors about Lost Lake have been floating around for years, none of them verified, none of them—”

  “My good man,” Brandon interrupted, “I’ve no wish to insult you, but your somewhat narrow and, if I may say so, ignorant opinion, will get us nowhere.” He addressed Hugh. “Let’s not waste time. Shall we be off? Good day, Mr. McKenna.”

  In silence, Darcy watched the two walk away. He knew a losing battle when he saw one. The poor fools. At least he’d tried.

  * * * *

  Although Laurie tried to persuade her to come, Elizabeth had no interest in the first meeting of the Association for the Improvement, Beautification, and Enlightenment of Lucky Creek. Why waste her time when she’d soon be returning to Philadelphia? “And why should you girls want to join?” she asked Laurie and Ada. “We’ll be gone soon, so why waste your time?”

  As yet, neither daughter had informed Elizabeth of her decision to remain in Lucky Creek. Despite declaring her everlasting love and devotion to Kenvern, Ada hadn’t worked up enough courage to deal Mother what would surely prove a devastating blow. Laurie wanted to tell her and get it over with, but she hesitated to add to Mother’s constant, growing worry over Hugh. Before leaving on his expedition, he’d come to say goodbye, brimming with confidence he’d return with riches beyond their wildest dreams. Elizabeth had her doubts. Her beloved son had left on a trek through an unknown wilderness with little protection against the weather, wild animals, savage Indians, horrible accidents, and God knew what. She wouldn’t r
est until he was back safely.

  Despite Elizabeth’s objections, both Laurie and Ada decided to attend the meeting. Independent though she’d become, Laurie knew better than to drive the streets of Lucky Creek after dark. Much too dangerous with the lawlessness that still existed in this town. Kenvern Trenowden gladly volunteered to drive her and Ada to the church where the ladies were meeting. He picked them up in his new wagon marked TRENOWDEN BROTHERS DRY GOODS STORE. Laurie climbed in by herself, then watched with concealed amusement while Kenvern assisted Ada up to the wagon seat, cautiously handling her as if she were a delicate porcelain doll. Eyelids all fluttery, Ada didn’t mind a bit. Laurie’s heart lifted just watching them. In the few weeks Kenvern had taken lessons, he’d gone from hesitant and unsure of himself to confident and poised, an on-the-rise entrepreneur whose business was already prospering.

  The meeting went beyond Laurie’s most optimistic expectations. It seemed every respectable, upstanding, God-fearing woman in town had chosen to attend, and that included the esteemed hotel owner, Mrs. Lucille Wagner, whom the association voted president by popular acclaim. Immediate needs were discussed. Fix the terrible streets. Hold honest elections. Build a courthouse. Beyond that, ambitious, far-reaching concepts flew thick and fast. Lucky Creek should be officially incorporated into a town, the sooner the better. Why not change the town’s name to something more dignified than an accidental gold discovery? The town must expand beyond serving the drunken miners who crowded the streets each night. It could serve as a mining hub as well as an important mining supply center. Why couldn’t they have downtown festivals and special events? And most important of all, hadn’t they had enough of vigilante justice and crooked officials who accepted bribes? Laurie joined the fervent chorus of women who leaped to their feet, shouting, “Yes we have. Enough is enough.” Before the evening ended, she’d volunteered for two committees: Rename the Town and Elect A New sheriff.

  Inspired by the ladies’ positive attitude and buoyant enthusiasm, the sisters agreed the time had come to be honest with Mother. After Kenvern dropped them off, they found Elizabeth sitting in the parlor waiting up for them. Ada went first. In a steady, sure voice, she gently explained, “I’ve been wanting to tell you for the longest time and didn’t have the nerve, but I can’t put it off any longer. Mother, Kenvern and I have fallen in love. He wants to marry me, and I’ve said yes. From now on my home is here, in Lucky Creek. I can only hope you understand and forgive me because I’m not ever, ever going back to Philadelphia.”

  Before Elizabeth could answer, Laurie joined in. “I’m not going back either. I never thought I’d say this, but I love living in Lucky Creek. Tonight, I joined the association that will work to make it better, and so did Ada.”

  Elizabeth didn’t look all that surprised. After heaving a resigned sigh, she asked, “What about Brandon Cooper? You don’t think—”

  “No, I don’t think,” Laurie replied with a trace of laughter in her voice. “I wish him well, but we are totally, completely done.”

  “What about Darcy McKenna?”

  What about him? Laurie was asking the same question herself. “I love him, Mother. That’s all I can tell you.” What else could she say? All she knew was, the very sound of his name caused her heart to turn over in response. She must talk to him, and soon.

  Ada spoke up in that new, self-assured voice she had. “Why must you go back, Mother? Why not stay here and be with your family?”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Elizabeth said with a firm shake of her head. “Once Hugh comes back, he’ll be wanting to get out of this place and go back where we belong. That’s what he told me, and that’s what we’ll do.”

  Laurie knew better than to argue. We’ll see about that, she thought to herself, but kindly didn’t say.

  * * * *

  Nearly three weeks had passed since Hugh and Brandon’s expedition had headed out. Darcy had pretty much put it out of his mind. With two mines to run, and the discovery of the new gold vein at the Monarch, he had more than enough to keep him busy. As much as he could, he’d put Laurie Sinclair out of his head. He was good at that. Maybe those long, mind-numbing hours he’d spent in the coal mine had trained him well. Only at night, when he lay in bed listening to the sounds of revelry from below, did he ache with longing for the only woman he’d ever loved or could love. The woman he valued and cherished. The woman he’d lay down his life for if the need arose.

  Darcy was hard at work at his Atlas Mine when he received a message from Doc Hansen. Elki, the Miwok guide, and two other guides had staggered into town half dead and starving. They’d been taken to the hospital where Elki had asked to see Mr. McKenna. Darcy rushed to see him. What a shock to find his Indian friend lying flat in bed, thin and gaunt, so weak he could hardly talk. Darcy had to bend low to hear him. “We were lost the whole time,” Elki whispered. “No more food. Gang of Paiute stole mules and horses.”

  “What about Sinclair and Cooper?” Darcy asked.

  “In bad shape. They need help. Mr. Sinclair said send rescue party.”

  Darcy clamped Elki’s shoulder. “Get well, my friend. We’ll find them.”

  He left the hospital with a sole purpose in mind: organize a party to rescue the remains of Hugh Sinclair’s ill-fated expedition. He wasted no time contemplating whether Hugh and Brandon deserved to be rescued. They were two men lost in the wilderness who needed help, and in Lucky Creek, when help was asked for, help would be given. Brock Dominick, the Hudson brothers, they’d all want to pitch in. By early tomorrow at the latest, the rescue mission would be ready to go.

  * * * *

  Upon hearing the bad news about Hugh, Elizabeth sank into a state of despair. Laurie kept trying to console her. “I’m sure he’s still alive,” she kept saying. “The rescue party will surely find them in time.” For herself, she wasn’t so sure. According to the Indian who’d brought the message, Hugh and Brandon were trapped in their tent in deep snow with little to eat and a scant supply of firewood. How could they possibly survive? More than once, she sent up a heartfelt prayer that both would be found in time and return safely. Now she knew for certain she was done with Brandon Cooper forever. If he died, her heart would not be broken. She’d mourn for him as she would for any friend, but nothing more. When she thought about Hugh, a deep anxiety overcame her. Even now, despite the terrible things he’d done, she remembered the good things about him and ignored the bad.

  She might have known Darcy McKenna would be the one who organized the rescue party and led the way as it began its treacherous journey into the mountains. Busy though he was, he was the kind of man who put others first, another reason why her love for Darcy had grown to the point where stupid pride would no longer prevent her from telling him so.

  As soon as he returns.

  * * * *

  Mercifully, the snow stopped shortly after the expedition’s survivors staggered back to town, enabling the rescue party to follow their tracks to where Hugh and Brandon were stranded. After a three-day trek, the rescuers came upon the pitiful remains of Hugh’s expedition, one small tent with the blackened remains of a campfire in front. Accompanied by Brock, Darcy approached the tent and yelled a greeting. They were met by an ominous silence. No one came out to greet the rescue party. Fearing the worst, Darcy lifted the flap and stepped inside, Brock behind him. In the dimness, he made out two bodies, each lying beneath a pile of blankets. “Looks like they’re both gone,” he said as he squatted beside the one on the right. He placed his hand on what he expected to be an ice-cold forehead and jerked it back when the man’s eyes suddenly opened. Despite the heavy growth of beard and the red-veined eyes that stared at him with mad desperation, he saw who it was. “This one’s alive. It’s Brandon Cooper.”

  Brock squatted by the body on the other side and looked closely. “This one’s Hugh, all right, but he didn’t make it. He’s gone.”

  Brandon stirred a
nd tried to lift a hand. “Save me,” he feebly whispered, his hand dropping limply to his side.

  Darcy patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you out of here.” Hugh dead. The once-arrogant Brandon Cooper begging for rescue. How the mighty had fallen, but Darcy had no desire to gloat. Right now, all he could focus on was getting Brandon to Doc Hansen’s hospital as soon as possible and carrying the remains of Hugh Sinclair back to his family.

  Chapter 21

  For the second time within months, Laurie stood beside a grave in the small cemetery overlooking the town. As the minister read a eulogy, she looked out at the good-sized crowd. Not as many as had gathered for Father’s funeral, but a respectable number, nonetheless. Mother should be pleased. Despite her grief, she’d held together better than Laurie expected and would notice how many had come to mourn her son.

  Laurie hadn’t noticed Darcy at first, but there he stood on the other side of the grave on the fringe of the crowd. Their gazes locked. She should be listening to the minister, but she couldn’t pull her eyes away from the man who overwhelmingly occupied her thoughts. She hadn’t had a chance to speak to him since he’d returned from the rescue mission. She must speak to him now. Judging from the urgent way he was looking at her, he wanted to speak to her.

  “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…”

  The minister finished his eulogy. The last handful of dirt was tossed in the grave. Standing with her daughters, Mother graciously accepted condolences from mourners passing by.

  At first, Laurie couldn’t break away, what with people offering their hands, murmuring how sorry they were about her brother. Finally, when the last of the mourners began to leave, she saw Darcy still waiting for her. She walked toward him, aware she didn’t look her best in the borrowed black dress, but it didn’t matter. He started walking toward her, eyes intent upon her. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save him,” he said when they met.