Always

by Jessie Rose Case

  Elizabeth took her time, she went over each of the banks accounts twice and verified their loses. Then checked the business accounts ledgers for income and debts. Then checked the takings and deposits. Then the loans taken and conferred with Mr. Bell when something seemed unclear and she made a number of notes. After several pots of coffee and a break for a sandwich. She turned to Mr. Bell.

  She felt tired mentally it was very draining. “How much did the towns folk lose?” she asked him.

  “In total about $40,000 in all the personal accounts.”

  “And the other ranches and farms?” Mr. Bell looked uncomfortable. “About $200,000 in total.”

  Elizabeth sat for a moment and looked out of the window. “I will want to see those accounts Mr. Bell.”

  He looked confidently at her. He was most impressed. For such a young woman, she was prepared, business like, asked the right questions and knew what she needed to know.

  “How much of the Mortgages did people lose?”

  He went back to being uncomfortable again. “$183,000“

  “That’s not insured either is it?” He shook his head. “So those people were what? Homeless unless they made up the money your bank lost. Which we both know would not be impossible.”

  He didn’t say anything. Just sat there. They both knew the answer to that. She looked out the window remembering the times her father had spoken of how important a town was to this community.

  “Did you bring any transfer cheques with you?” Elizabeth asked him.

  “Yes,” he replied, Elizabeth nodded.

  “Did it ever cross your mind that I might say no Mr. Bell?” she asked him.

  “From what my predecessor told me. No. Not if your you’re father’s daughter.” He told her kindly. Elizabeth nodded and pointed in the direction of the dining room.

  “Did they know that?”

  “No.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “Between you and I, there was never a question of us not helping Mr. Bell. What I wrote on my note I meant. I will need simple contracts drawn up. Come, let us join the others then.”

  Elizabeth rose from her chair. Opened the door and walked to the dining room. Elizabeth asked Anna to let the gentlemen know she was back. Black Dog her shadow. Anna came back with fresh coffee. The men had been scattered about the dining room, parlour and outside.

  “Gentleman if you’re ready.” She asked them as they filled back in to join her. They all took their seats.

  “So let me be clear, the town is bankrupt, every business, every family is finished, unless we can cover the loses somehow, is that right?” she asked them. She wanted to make sure they understood that she knew the situation clearly.

  “Yes.” Both Mr. Bell and Mayor Green replied. The others nodded.

  Elizabeth looked around the table at each man in turn. She’d known most of them all her life. Finally coming to rest with White Dove. Elizabeth realised she had several choices here. She could make or break this town. She took a deep breath.

  “A dead town is no good to any of us,” she told them. “I could let it die and wait for others to take your places.” There were several intakes of breath. “But, that takes time and I’m not inclined to find new friends.” She smiled at them. “Our family has a long tradition with Brownsville and I personally have many friends there. So, I will cover the town losses.” There were a lot of relieved men around the table, exhales of breath, some laughter and slapping of backs. Then they stopped and there was an expectant silence.

  “Which ones Elizabeth?” Mr. Bell asked her. Elizabeth looked directly at him. “I will cover them all Mr. Bell.” She told him. To their stunned silence.

  “I want the Doctors loss covered immediately. And the personal accounts of the towns people. They will be interest free loans that the bank will cover in time Mr. Bell. I require you to draw down the funds from our New York office. The Mortgages will also be free of interest. But we must find a way to ensure that payment covers the losses and with the businesses there will be conditions to the loans gentleman.”

  Elizabeth opened her note book.

  “Mr. Bell, from this point forward, the Bank here will align with our Bank in New York. All funds will be kept separately and invested as required. It will be the Banks policy to hold an account at our New York Bank and transfer all private holdings immediately. A float will only be carried directly by the Bank here, all deposits and withdrawals will be covered by the businesses of the town in the first instance. No deposit money will be held here in future in excess of $10,000. Any requests for more than the agreed amount will have to be by order.

  Second, the church revenue is also to be covered in a similar fashion if the preacher agrees, and one 10th of all income will be driven to maintaining and the upkeep of the Church. The Pastor looked surprised then delighted. She wasn’t a church goer.

  Third, for the term of the loans, no person or business will be able to borrow against their holdings without my consent.

  Fourth, personal loan periods will be at a rate that can be actually repay, not set by the bank, and Mr. Bell, the bank will not be making a profit on these loans.

  Fifth, Forgoing Mr. Brenna for a moment. Business loans will be paid in accordance to their previous business accounts.

  Sixth. The outlaying ranches and farms will be covered for both their personal accounts and their loans. No child, woman, man or stock goes hungry here. The same conditions remain. All profits including mine, will pay the 15% required to the Bank.

  Seventh. All business profits will contribute 15% of their net profit to the maintenance of the town. 5% For repairs and works. 5% to repay the loans until completed and 5% to the Bank. When the loads are completed 10% will go to the Bank. The additional 5% will go to the needy. In time, Mr. Bell will be our insurance. The money held elsewhere.

  Eight. Mr. Brenner, should you wish me to cover your losses, I will on one condition and you may not like it.” She told him. He looked interested at her. “You will release your indentured women. Only those who choose to work for you freely, for a contracted price and duration will do so, they will also have a buyout clause. You will have the Doctor visit your ladies weekly. Rooms and the house will be clean, so will the women. You will set up an account for each of your ladies with Mr. Bell. There will be a savings scheme put in place. The more they earn, the more you put away for when they leave you. Mr. Bell will ensure that the money is paid in accordance to the work sheets they provide him. They are to be taught how to count and how to read. If they are unhappy, they can express it.

  Your personal loses. I am happy to discuss this and as you are new to our town, the Bank will set a rate in line with everyone else.”

  Nine. All personal Bank accounts will be replaced dollar for dollar.

  There were shocked expressions and silence around the table.

  “Well gentleman, do you each agree? And Mayor Green do you agree on behalf of the town?” she asked them. Each man round the table, in turn, gave their agreement. All that is until it was Mr. Brenner’s turn.

  “Ms. Trelawney you drive a hard bargain, I stand to lose a great deal of money on my ladies if I do as you ask.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Possibly. You could always invest in men?”

  There was a shocked silence around the room. Elizabeth tried not smile. It had slipped out unintentionally. Mr Brenner however, she knew, came from New Orleans. Men in that trade often did very well, she’d heard said many times in the coffee houses. The women talked and she’d listened. And she wondered, how well Mr. Brenner knew that personally. Elizabeth smiled this time.

  He had a fire in his eyes and a question on his tongue.

  “Would that interest you Ms. Trelawney?” There were a number of shocked glances.

  “I believe Mr Brenner a lady should have the choice of how she lives her life.” She hadn’t answered him directly, but the words held true for both their statements. And Mr. Brenner, you will lose a lot more if I do not cover your losses. I do not
agree with indentured workers. Its slavery.” Elizabeth responded.

  There was an embarrassed silence around the table.

  Suddenly Mr. Brenner appeared to remember he had a very bad hand at a poker table. He laughed out loud and banged the table.

  “How right you are mam. I will take a personal loan on one condition, you are a partner and it’s not just a financial loan. It would only be fair.”

  Elizabeth raised both eyebrows at him. “I will not gain from another’s pain Mr. Brenner, should you agreed and before you do……” Elizabeth lent forward and placed both hands on the table in front of her. “Know this. If I find that you have no honour, I will break you.” She told him calmly. Mr. Brenner returned her gaze.

  “Yes, I believe you would.”

  She sat back in her chair. “Well then, we are agreed, Mayor Green you are our legal man, draw up the papers with Mr. Bell. Mr. Bell write me a credit cheque for $750,000 and request the financial value to be made available from my New York business account. That should be enough to settle everyone’s account.”

  Carl choked on his lemonade. Jake slapped him on the back.

  Elizabeth looked over at him for a moment, then carried on. “Sheriff I would like you the Mayor and Preacher, to oversee the money transfers in person at the Bank. And explain that cash will no longer be a big deposit at the towns Bank to people in light of the Bank robbery but transferred and accessible with time. Short term cash requirements will always be covered and time needed for large withdrawals.”

  The Sheriff blew out a huge sigh of relief and Mr. Bell and Mayor Green, couldn’t stop thanking her. Jeff Brenner sat in silence. Elizabeth turned to White Dove.

  “Are you ok with this?” Jeff Brenner appeared to watch the exchange with fascination.

  White Dove smiled. “It’s your money and means little really.” Mr. Bell wrote the Cheque and passed it to her.

  Elizabeth checked and signed it and gave it back to him. “And the interest Ms. Trelawney for the towns people’s money?” He asked. Elizabeth looked at him.

  “None, we are all victims here Mr Bell, they will be repaid with the profit allowance as outlined earlier from the towns profits. Oh and gentleman, I do not want the town folks knowing it was the Double T who helped them. Mr. Bell you will tell them we had insurance. And in future, we will.”

  Elizabeth got up and went to Mr. Jenkins. He’d been silently crying. She hated to see a man so full of life brought so low. She took his hand and offered reassurances for him and Mrs. Jenkins. That she would come soon with some of Anna’s cake and have tea. He rallied a little after that. She looked over at Anna, who quickly took her place.

  She moved to the head of the table and shook hands with each of the men in turn. As she came to Mayor Green he told her wiping a tear. “You could have owned this town you know.” Elizabeth smiled, “I have a town, I don’t need to own it Mayor Green.” He nodded and thanked her. Jeff Brenner the last man standing.

  He came forward and took her hand and held it.

  “Have you ever been to New Orleans?” he asked her. Elizabeth smiled and nodded. She had twice, with her Aunt. He nodded back at her with a wink.

  “Taken their delights?” he asked.

  Elizabeth smiled. He nodded. “That explains much. I came from nothing and worked every day I can remember. Doing something’s I’d sooner forget many times. But it got me my own life and what I have here. Not many would have done what you have today, without taking a cut or ruining others Ms. Trelawney. I am very grateful and will not forget your kindness.” He told her bending to kiss her hand.

  “Mr Brenner, I may not like the business’ you’re in but I’m a practical woman. The Double T needs the town, as much as the town needs us. My men like the ladies. They like to drink and they like to gamble. All of which, are at in your places. I want my men happy and healthy. It was not a hard decision to make. Good day and safe journey.”

  He appeared to let her hand go reluctantly and followed the others out. Elizabeth went with them. Carl followed her to the door and watched them leave.

  “That was an awful lot of money Elizabeth.” He said to her, still shocked.

  “Yes, but it’s a loan and we’ll get it back many times over, unlike our own loses. It’s just as well I transferred what I did, but we’ll get that back too with interest in time.” She told him.

  “Can you cover such a sum.” Carl looked worried and embarrassed. She turned to look at him and smiled. Clearly Carl had no idea and she smiled at him. He liked her for her.

  “You really don’t know us at all, do you Carl?” She said laughing and walked out into the sunshine. He was truly her friend. He cared for them because he liked them.

  Carl turned back to Jake. “What did I say?”

  “Don’t you know lad?” Jake asked him putting his hand on his shoulder. “The Double T, is not the only thing the Trelawney’s own. They also have a lot of investments back East and in other countries. Mining and such. Land. Gold. Steel.”

  “I knew the family had money.” Carl answered. He wasn’t ignorant, he could see that.

  “Money?” Jake laughed and slapped him on the back, and started to walk away.

  “Carl, Esa’s worth millions, many many millions, the protection she has from Black Dog and the braves, it’s not just for Dull Knifes benefit.”

  Carl stared after him in disbelief, he was staggered. But she lived here? With the dirt, poor plumbing and water from a well. The reality hit him. What had he been thinking? This woman was way out of his league. He shook his head and went in search of work.

  ***

  A week later, Pastor Jones and Mayor Green came out to see Elizabeth. They confirmed that all the accounts had been settled and her plans put in place. They thanked her again, stayed for lunch and then left. The Pastor tried to get her to come to services. She politely declined. Telling him she believed in God and worshiped him in her own way. Mayor Green offered her a seat on the Town Council. Elizabeth declined that too. Thanking him. She told him the Towns affairs were their own and she meant it.

  During that time the work had been heavy. She dealt with the usual cables and sent her replies to her various business interests. Caught up on the financials and news. Looked for new opportunities and made enquiries. The usual round of pasture, stock movement and feeding. News that her sheep and pigs were on their way pleased her no end. With job’s to be done and work to be handed out, time flew by. Her one disappointment was Carl. He hadn’t come to the house much and kept to himself. She gathered he’d been shocked by the amount of money she’d handed over.

  Finishing her last cable and packing in her pouch for the telegraph she went looking for Jake. “Jake my sheep and pigs will be here the day after tomorrow. Are the pens ready?”

  He nodded. “Aye lass their ready.”

  “Have you seen Carl lately?”

  “I thought you knew lass. He asked to take a look at the high pasture ready for the new stock. He’s been gone for some time, I don’t expect he’ll be back for several more days, anything wrong?”

  She smiled and shook her head. “No, just wondered thanks.”

  Men were sent to meet the trail bringing the sheep and pigs. The herders had brought dogs to help them. Horses it turned out were of little use but they eventually got them home.

  Ben came home three days later. Carried across his saddle. He’d died on the trip home. They had picked up the new stock and were on their way back. A snake had spooked his horse and he’d fallen. He landed hard, hitting his head on a rock. He never regained consciousness. It was a stupid accident and nothing could be done.

  When White Dove saw him, she was destroyed. Elizabeth went to her and they cried and hugged each other.

  Elizabeth sent three riders from the Double T, one to the village, one to get Carl and one for the preacher.

  Bens funeral took place two days later. It was a large affair. Food and drink laid on. The preacher led the ceremony and Ben was laid to rest n
ext to her father and mother.

  The prominent members of the tribe came out in force as tradition expected. Dull Knife, along with both Red Wolf and Running Elk and their wives, amongst them. The funeral took on an Indian theme. The traditional death songs were sung by the women. White Dove cut her hair and bordered on hysteria.

  As much as Elizabeth tried to comfort her. It was not enough. And in her grief White Dove chose to return to the village with Dull Knife and be with her family. Elizabeth felt betrayed and alone in so many ways but accepted her decision.

  The Town also came out in force. All the prominent Town Council arrived one after the other. All the business owners including Mr. Brennen, along with several of Elizabeth’s school friends including Caroline and her family. Jeb, his sisters and Vera. They all spoke kindly of Ben and gave their condolences to both her and White Dove.

  Carl heard the conversations. Most were kindly, offering condolences and support. A few not so much. Elizabeth’s financial position now that she was on her own, was of interest to many. He didn’t like the talk and sort out the Mayor. He told him of his concerns and pointed in the direction of those involving themselves in her business. He reassured him he’d deal with it.