Reclaimed Love: Banished Saga, Book Two (23 page)

He collapsed onto the chair, staring at the two coffins. “How I will miss you,” he whispered to his friends. He rose to speak to the portly man for a moment.

“Sir, can you deliver them to Mrs. Egan’s on Platte Street in Centerville? We will wake them from there.” At the man’s nod, Gabriel hurried toward St. James’s Hospital to search for Ronan.

He walked down Main Street in a daze, barely noticing the men loitering outside the bars. He turned right onto Galena where the rich scent of sesame seed oil and exotic smells of garlic, chili peppers and ginger filled the air and tantalized him, causing him to emerge from his trancelike walk and notice his surroundings. Miners and businessmen formed a constant flow of customers in and out of laundries. Men and women scurried to and fro from the Chinese groceries and herbalist pharmacies, in search of fresh produce and alternative remedies to common health ailments. The noodle shops were filled to capacity. Gabriel continued toward Idaho Street, turned left and approached the hospital at the corner of Silver Street.

Upon his arrival at St. James’s Hospital, he entered under an arched doorway with a large cross overhead. He spoke with an orderly, who found a nurse dressed in a nun’s habit.

“I don’t have time to show you the way. He’s up there,” the nun said pointing toward the stairs. “Second floor.”

Gabriel took the well-lit stairs two at a time, ignoring the antiseptic smell, and paused when he arrived at the top. He decided to peer into each room in the hopes of seeing Ronan. Finally, at the fifth room, he saw him in the far bed near the window.

“Ronan,” Gabriel murmured as he sat by his bed. Ronan opened his eyes, his head swaddled in crisp white bandages. A large bruise marred one side of his face, continuing down to his neck. He wore a white gown and was tucked into a bed with white sheets. Five other men shared the room with Ronan, and Gabriel gave thanks that Ronan was situated near the window. Small wooden trays that could be wheeled to any bedside stood in one corner of the room. A sink, pitcher and towel rack were in the far corner to the right side of the door. The whitewashed walls nearly blinded Gabriel in their intensity, the bright May sunlight streaming in with no curtains covering the windows.

“Gabriel,” Ronan rasped as he squinted at him. “Where have you been?”

“I had no idea you were alive. We were told you were dead.”

“Matthew? Liam?” he asked. “They won’t tell me where they are. Are they here? Is Liam at home with Amelia? They haven’t visited me either.”

Gabriel cleared his throat. “Ronan, they died,” Gabriel said in as gentle a manner as possible. “They…”

“They couldn’t have!”

“We were told they were crushed by the falling rock,” Gabriel whispered.

“They can’t be dead. Not Liam. Not with a new baby. What is Amelia going to do?”

“I don’t know.”

“The Hibernians will help her some,” Ronan said, his eyes roaming over the room as though his mind were racing. “But she needs to marry again. Needs protection for herself and the children.”

“She’s a long way from considering that, Ronan.” Gabriel massaged the back of his neck. “How long ’til they let you out of here?”

“I don’t know. I still get dizzy if I sit up fast, and I see double.”

“You’re concussed?” At Ronan’s nod, Gabriel said, “I’d think they’d let you home to recover.”

“It’s not just that, Gabe. I can’t feel my legs. I … I can’t really remember, but I think I was thrown against something sharp, my back burned and then nothing.” Ronan turned fiery brown eyes toward Gabriel. “I never thought I’d never feel nothing ever again.”

“Ronan,” Gabriel said. “Maybe they’re wrong.”

“They’ve had a team of doctors in, and they all agree,” Ronan said. “And how am I to be paying for the hospital?”

“We’ll take up a collection,” Gabriel said. “And I’ve some money put aside. We’ll take care of you, Ronan.”

“How will I be anything but a burden?”

“We’ll think of something,” Gabriel murmured. “As for me, I best be getting back to warn Amelia as she is expecting three caskets for the wake today.”

“I wish I could be there.”

“I’d rather have you here than trussed up by Duggan in a casket.” Gabriel squeezed Ronan’s shoulder as Gabe rose to leave. “I’ll be by tomorrow, if not sooner. Do you need anything?” At Ronan’s weary shake of his head, Gabriel attempted a half smile and departed.

***

“AMELIA.” GABRIEL PAUSED. “Amelia, I need a moment before the wake begins.” He glanced around, noted the living room cleared to make space for the caskets.

“Gabriel, I don’t have time for a chat now. I must finish cleaning and preparing for the guests who will arrive.”

“They can wait. Sit,” Gabriel commanded, pushing gently onto her shoulder so she sat in one of the few remaining chairs. “I have news, and I am sorry to upset you.”

“Gabriel?”

“I went to Duggan’s, like you asked, and was brought into the room with the coffins.” He gripped her hand as she struggled not to cry. “There were only two. It appears Ronan survived the blast but no one bothered to inform us.”

“Ronan survived?” At his quick nod a flush rose up her neck. “Are you sure just Ronan?”

“Positive.”

“How are you positive?”

“I looked in the caskets, Amelia,” Gabriel said with a grimace. “I saw Matthew and … Liam.” He gripped her hand as tears dripped down her cheeks.

“How fortunate for Ronan.”

“Amelia!” Gabriel admonished. “Yes, he is fortunate, though he is most likely a cripple. And while you have every right to mourn Liam, I hope you will never wish anyone dead.”

At this Amelia crumpled, curling into herself and sobbing. “I’m sorry. I just want Liam.”

He pulled her into his embrace. “I know, Amelia, I know,” Gabriel cooed, gently caressing her back.

Eventually her crying stopped, and she swiped her cheeks with erratic, brusque movements. She rose, moving to the kitchen to prepare for the mourners.

Gabriel became distracted with the arrival of the undertakers from Duggan’s. They placed the two caskets in the living room, filling the entire living area. So, as mourners trickled into the room, they paused in front of each casket to say a prayer and then moved toward the dining room.

The women, carrying food, immediately headed toward the kitchen and conversed with Amelia. Gabriel smiled toward those he knew, nodded to those he didn’t and stood in the only free space in the living room near the bookshelf. A keg was sent from the brewer under the Hall, and soon all had a glass in their hands. Toasts were made to Liam and Matthew, the Irish, all miners and the AOH. John McNamara’s fiddler arrived and began to play soul-achingly mournful music. Soon the house was bursting with people and had overflowed to the street.

Gabriel imagined to himself what Liam or Matthew would have said had they heard such music and half smiled.
For God’s sake, man, do you want more than the two dead an’ gone with that depressing music? Sure’n you could find another way to keep the priest occupied.
Gabriel heard Liam’s voice as though he were standing next to him. He wandered outside to escape the oppressive atmosphere inside the house.

“Gavriel!” Nicholas cried, launching himself at Gabriel’s legs.

Gabriel picked him up, cuddling him as the young boy shivered. He stroked Nicholas’s uncontrollable curls in an attempt to soothe him.

“What’s the matter, little man?”

“I want Da,” Nicholas said through his tears.

“I know, Nicholas.” Gabriel hitched him a bit on his hip, moving through the crowd outside. He walked up and down the street, ignoring the pitying stares of the Egans’ neighbors as he attempted to calm Nicholas. A soft breeze blew, the warm spring weather a harbinger of hot summer days to come.

“Where is he?”

“He’s in heaven, little man. Looking down on you, making sure you’re all right.”

“But I want him here,” Nicholas wailed.

“I know, Nicholas.” Gabriel sighed and pulled him close for a hug. “I want him here too. But he is with Uncle Matthew too. And they won’t be coming back to us,” Gabriel said in a raspy voice as he fought tears.

“Why did they have to go away?”

“I don’t know, Nicholas. I don’t know.”

Nicholas whimpered in his arms but eventually settled and fell asleep.

Gabriel walked around the mingling crowds, nodding to the few men he knew. Most would be from the mines, although some he recognized from the pubs.

“Gabe!” Larry said as he clasped him on the shoulder. “Sorry to be late.”

Gabriel half smiled toward Larry, Morgan and Niall. They were formally dressed in suits, waistcoats and ties with no sign of wood dust. “Thanks for coming. It will mean a lot to Amelia.”

“Who’s the wee chap?” Niall asked.

Gabriel twisted around a bit so they could see Nicholas. “This is Liam and Amelia’s son, Nicholas.”

“Poor creature looks worn out,” Niall said. He reached out to stroke Nicholas’s back in a soft caress, not waking him.

“What would you expect?” Morgan said. He nodded his thanks as a pint was passed to him. “Good turnout,” he murmured around his first sip.

“Yes, though I think it is mandated by the Miner’s Union that they all show for the wakes and funerals of the deceased,” Gabriel said.

“Makes sense,” Larry whispered. “They never know when it will be their turn.”

“How are things at the Thornton?”

He saw the three of them exchange a long glance. “Testy,” Morgan said after a few moments. “Jeffers is none pleased with you.”

“He knew I’d be out.”

“Well, there’s a difference between askin’ to be away and tellin’ the man you’ll be out, Gabe. You could’ve used a bit more tact with the man,” Niall said with a frown.

“I’ll explain when I am back. Work extra hours to make up the time,” Gabriel said.

“We’ll do what we can to calm the man down, but he’s been on a tirade lately. Seems we’re behind schedule, and you not being in isn’t helping. By the way, Harvey’s back,” Larry said. He waved to an acquaintance before turning to watch Gabriel with a frown.

“That’s good.”

Morgan shook his head. “Maybe not for you, Gabe. Come back to work as soon as you can. Jeffers can be mean, and you don’t want to get on his bad side.”

Gabriel nodded.

“Who’s keeping vigil?” Niall asked.

“I will,” Gabriel said.

“You know these things go on for two or three days, Gabe?” Larry asked. “You can’t be out that long. Be here today. Come back for the funeral, but don’t miss so much work.”

“I will do what I must to honor my friends.”

Niall grunted. “Loyalty is good, Gabe, but not if you sacrifice your future for it.” He nodded to Larry and Morgan. “We should pay our respects to the widow.” They clapped Gabriel on the back as they moved into the house.

***

May 3, 1901

My darling Gabriel,

Please forgive my recent silence. I know I have not written as often as I should have, and I worry that you will fear I have had a change of heart. Nothing could be further from the truth. Life has become increasingly difficult in Boston, and I can no longer envision a future here.

I have news for you, darling, and I believe from your recent letter that this is news you will rejoice in. Colin and I will travel to Montana after my convention with Sophronia and Aunt Betsy in May. We will leave Minneapolis on the 6th of June and travel to Butte. Will you meet me at the train station? I can no longer bear our separation and want to be with you.

I miss you, my darling. It is hard to believe that, soon, our separation will be at an end.

Ever Yours,

Clarissa

CHAPTER 20

“SAV, WHY ARE WE in the front parlor?” I asked.

Bright light streamed in the front windows, a nice change from the dim family parlor in my aunt and uncle’s house. However, no amount of sunlight would convert the parlor into a pleasant room with the imposing rosewood furniture polished to a high sheen preventing any true sense of welcome. Savannah had seated us in matching taupe-colored striped silk and satin chairs near the fireplace. They were situated far from the open door with an overflowing tea tray set in front of us on a low table.

Savannah waved away the question. “Keep your voice down, Rissa,” she commanded. “I don’t want Jonas to know you are already here.” Her strawberry-blond hair shone today, and her yellow day dress enhanced her skin’s subtle glow. I wondered for a moment what could have brought about the change but then focused on our conversation.

“Why?”

“Because there is much to gossip about.”

“Sav, I really don’t feel like idle gossip about faceless society matrons,” I complained, unable to hide my exhaustion before the upcoming trip to Minneapolis.

“I think gossiping about you will keep us plenty busy,” Savannah said with a quick smile. “So, are you are going to marry Cameron?”

“No, of course not. What I don’t understand, Sav, is why he’s insistent on marrying me. Why does Mrs. Smythe like him?”

“What is the greatest motivator in life, Rissa?”

“Love?”

“No, not for those with honor, for the rest?”

“Power?”

“Yes, and money,” Savannah said.

“But I have no money.”

“So you think.”

“Sav, please tell me what you know.”

“We have, or I should say, you have and I had, dowries. Set up by our grandparents. To ensure that we would make good matches. When our mothers made disastrous marriages, in their opinion, they wanted to ensure that we could marry well and restore family honor.”

“But why didn’t we know about it until now?”

“They decided our parents would never be able to determine a good match having descended too far from the upper class. Therefore they set out to choose our ideal husbands.”

“What?”

“It’s no coincidence Jonas and I met at their house for tea,” Savannah said with an irate sniff. “They arranged the entire thing. And Jonas only became wealthier with my dowry.”