Chapter 2: Chapter Two

The miles were hot and dusty, blurring under the stagecoach. Elaine grimaced as the wheels hit a deep chuckhole. Her back ached, her buttocks were bruised, her head hurt and her legs were cramping. But never had she felt so close to being happy.

The day before, Dolly had been wed and presently was enjoying a New York honeymoon. The wedding had been beautiful, filled with fresh flowers, blushing cheeks and promised vows. Elaine hoped that her friend's new life would prove marvelous and fulfilling.

During the ceremony, she had found herself wishing for love of her own. Certainly a foolish dream. Men were only interested in what she could give them, nothing more. However, her friend had found a man who loved her.

Kenneth and Dolly did look so happy together. Oh, stop thinking about them. She admonished herself. Wanting something that will never be is hopeless. I must look forward to the natural life waiting me on the farm. I can't remember the last time I was tired from a honest day's work.

While hours passed and Bodie, California drew ever closer, her thoughts turned to what she had left behind. The abusive father and the false family whom never raised a hand to help her. She hated them. Even in Ohio and ten years ago, they continued haunting her midnight dreams. Often, she would awake in a cold sweat, convinced that her father would show up to sell her into slavery again.

Old anger rose in her chest, bringing tears to her eyes.

Despite ten years, forgetfulness hadn't been granted. Fifteen had been far too young for such a life as the one chosen for her. Being married off to an abusive drunk would have been preferable. At least then, she would have only a single man to deal with each night. Dolly had suggested forgetting the past but that was easier said than done.

A half-day's travel later, Bodie came into view, just a dismal speck on the dusty horizon. Clapboard buildings lined a single street, leading into an empty, vast landscape. Tumbleweed blew between the hitching rails, chased by the occasional barking dog. Canvas tents spread out around for several yards where a few miners had staked a claim. Distant golden hills could be seen and snow-capped peaks rose beyond.

The stagecoach pulled up next to the station, a one-room cabin dwarfed by the general store to its left. Elaine stepped from the coach and looked around with interest. The first thing she noticed was an absence of bawdy houses. There was one saloon across the street but that was the filthy extent. Bodie was a clean town and good-natured with nary a disagreeable person in sight.

Carrying a small suitcase, she trudged up the general store's front steps. She was greeted by rows of bright shelves filled with canned goods and dried meats. Fabrics lined the left wall along with all kinds of notions. Buttons, thread, scissors and miners' sewing kits were available for the taking. Barrels of crackers, pickles, candy and popcorn sat out in the middle, waiting for eager, little hands to savor their delights.

Behind the counter stood a pleasant young woman. “Good morning, ma'am. Are ya just off the stage?”

"Yes, I am.”

The smiling woman came out from behind the counter, showing off a heavily pregnant belly. “My name is Becky. My husband and I own this store. Is there anything I can help ya with today?”

"Perhaps you can help me. I am searching for a James Cinder, the owner of the Bodie general store. Would that be your husband?”

"James is in the back room. May I ask what your business is with him?”

"I was sent by Mr Lee Harrison.”

"Ahh, we knew Lee very well before he left. Wait one moment and I'll get my husband. Help yourself to a pickle or cracker.”

Uncomfortable, Elaine shifted from foot to foot. Soon, the couple reappeared together from the back room. James Cinder was a plain, thin man but his face was kind and looked helpful. He strode forward, wiping his hands on a white apron.

"Hello there, ma'am. Your name wouldn't be Elaine Bower, now would it?”

She accepted his hand. “Yes, sir, that is my name. Lee Harrison sold me his old farm and told me to find you. I have the land deed if proof is required.”

"Not at all, he sent a telegram explaining your situation, being a widow and all. Please accept my condolences, Mrs Bower.”

"Th...thank you.” she replied, a bit confused but went with the charade.

"Well, if you would like to go with Becky, she'll pour you a glass of cool lemonade. I have your livestock out back and I'll load up your buckboard. Mr. Harrison sent along a list of the supplies you'll be needing.”

"You are more than kind, Mr. Cinder. I appreciate your help.”

"It's nothing to help out a new neighbor. I'll only be a few minutes and then I'll get someone to take you out to the Harrison farm. It's only a few miles from here.”

"Again, you have my thanks.”

Becky led her through the store and into the couple's living quarters. The wife was sweet and warm which was acutely uncomfortable for Elaine. This atmosphere was much too normal and innocent to put her at ease. Small talk was not her speed. She was accustomed to rowdy men and painted girls. Here she found herself sitting across from a pregnant, married woman. Becky Cinder's domestic life could have been hers for that matter if given a chance.

Elaine was beyond relieved when Cinder returned, announcing that the buckboard was ready. Bidding goodbye to his wife, she followed him outside. A gray gelding stood hitched to a weather-beaten buckboard which was filled with boxes and sacks. Squawking chickens protested from a large crate. A young man was tying a tan milk cow onto the back.

Elaine withdrew four gold coins from her reticule. “This should cover my bill, Mr. Cinder.”

"Thank ya, Missus.” Mr. Cinder said, “I got young Jim Hawkins here from the livery stable to drive you out to your farm. He's a good lad.”

Elaine regarded her lanky, travel companion. Young Jim was more boy than man but he had promise. She judged his age to be about sixteen. An inexperienced, nervous and awkward boy was a familiar sight. One which brought back fond memories.

The gray gelding stepped lightly into a trot and Bodie faded behind within a billowing dust cloud.

The ride became greener and more lush as the miles passed along. Jim kept quiet the whole time, leaving Elaine time for her own thoughts. The mountain peaks grew sharper against the clear sky. An eagle passed overhead, crying out with its piercing call. Elaine's heart soared with the magnificent bird.

Ahead, the trail took a turn around a rocky outcrop. The hills gave way to a stunning valley. Dense greenery and pine trees bordered a blue river winding its way through a rocky mountain pass. The white peaks were close enough to reach out and touch.

"Could we stop for a moment, Jim?”

He stopped the horse and nodded towards the view. “Perty, ain't it, Mrs Bower? I like to come here sometimes when I need to be alone. Get some peace that way.”

"Do you like to read?”

"Yes, ma'am, I do but there ain't many books to be had around here.”

"Books are expensive but I brought four with me. Perhaps you would like to borrow one?”

"I thank ya kindly, Mrs Bower. I'll take ya up on that offer, if ya ain't joshing me none.”

"I wouldn't make jokes about books. They have given me an escape from a lot of hard times.”

He was staring at her now. “I've never met anybody who didn't laugh when I said I like to read. You're very smart, Missus Elaine...and pretty too.”

She ducked her head, hiding from his puppy eyes. “Well, I guess we should be moving on, don't you?”

With a flick of the reins, Jim signaled the gelding to walk onward. Elaine toyed with her bonnet, unsure what had just happened. She had zero romantic interest in the young man but he did look at her with a respectful gaze.

So far, the widow lie had brought advantages already.

In time, Harrison's cabin and barn came into view, set in a grassy meadow. Jagged mountains rose on three sides, narrowing into a fertile canyon. The river flowed beyond, not more than a quarter mile from the farm. A large paddock snaked out from the barn, bordered by dark woods.

Tears burned Elaine's eyes as the buckboard came to a halt. She was home at last. Jim jumped down and untied the cow while she walked toward the cabin. The path was overgrown and the brown weeds rustled dryly against her skirt. The structure itself was well-built, albeit a little rundown. Nothing that a whitewashing and some weeding wouldn't fix.

Two steps led to a covered front porch. A weathered rocking chair swayed in the wind. She lifted the iron door latch and stepped inside. A large space greeted her. Lee had put work into this little home. Hardwood boards had been laid over the original dirt foundation. In addition, he had built a stone fireplace and added three glass windows.

The cabin contained a main room and one small bedroom. A second door opened out to an icehouse. A plain bedframe and straw mattress had been left behind along with a kerosene lamp, its glass broken but still functional. For cooking, she would have to use the fireplace. A cast-iron pot hung over the hearth, ready for use. A table and two chairs sat in the corner.

Elaine took off her feathered red hat and laid it upon the table. She must write Lee soon and thank him once more. He had been the second miracle person in her twenty-six years. Julia Bulette had been the first, giving her a cultured education and opening up new worlds. She hoped that life would only get better from here.

Jim tapped at the door. “Mrs Bower? I've finished unloading the buckboard aside from cookin' staples and yer suitcase. Can I bring those inside for ya?”

Snapping out of her daydreams, she walked quickly to open the door for him. “Thank you very much, Jim. Here, let me take the flour sack from you. The rest can be put on the table.”

He set the box and suitcase on the table. Taking his hat off, he stood there, looking shy. With a smile, she opened her suitcase and withdrew the four books. She laid them side by side on the table.

"You can choose one to borrow, if you'd like, Jim.”

"Thank ya, Missus.”

His fingers drifted over the titles before picking up The Three Musketeers. He leafed through the pages, his eyes lighting up. He looked about to devour the book for dinner.

That one is my favorite,” Elaine said. “My friend, Julia, gave that volume to me last Christmas. It's a rousing adventure tale published in 1844 by a Frenchman. Alexandre Dumas is quite a talented writer.”

"I will take good care of this book, Missus. I thank ya for yer kindness. Um...I know yer a widow and this ain't good manners but I got something to ask ya. In three months after the fall harvest, the preacher is coming by Bodie. Would ya like to attend services with me?”

"Oh, I do not attend church. I've tried a few times but the people were cold. I've been alone for a long time and worship the Lord in my own way.”

His face fell. “I see but there's a get-together afterwards. Womenfolk bring food and there's a bit of dancing. I figured ya might like getting to know your neighbors. But if ya ain't interested...”

"Actually, I would like to go, Jim. You are correct. I need to make new friends here, if I can. I would be pleased to accompany you to the festivities and meet my new neighbors.”

A bright grin stretched his face. “I'll come by to pick you up?”

"I think it would be best if I rode the horse into town on that day,” she said, trying to let him down gently. “You are a kind person, Jim, and I appreciate it. But I have just arrived and won't have time for a relationship. You understand?”

His smile evaporated but he recovered quickly. “I hope we can still be friends. Thank you for the book. I'll see ya at the party then. Good day, ma'am.”

From the doorway, Elaine watched young Jim ride away. She had never been asked to be courted before. Men took what they wanted from her without asking. Her job had always been to submit and not struggle against their will. She hadn't ever been given a choice before. Even though Jim was too young and awkward to catch her eye, he was a kind soul.

Lee had been clever, setting her up as a widow. Through his telegram, he had truly given her a clean slate to write upon. She intended to enjoy the chance for new friends. She hoped that her dream of a country life would suit her and peace would be right around the corner.