| |
THAT NIGHTMARE OF HER last night in the Klondike was six months ago.
Marie was casually dressed for travel. The morning wind from the bay was swirling strands of Black hair coming loose from her pulled back bun tied with a braided scarf. She was thankful she decided not to wear a hat on such a blustery day.
Marie pulled her waist jacket closer together to cover her open-neck blouse. She hitched up her long pale blue skirt with her other hand holding the valise, enabling a longer stride. Eager to get out of the cold weather, Marie was trying not to pay attention to the looks from the men she passed. She knew a beautiful tall woman with dark features and golden eyes, scurrying with a huge white dog by her side, would soon be a topic for discussion.
Marie blew in the door of Barry Mc Lerie’s offices, knowing his attractive brother Steve was not there.
Steve was the promoter and mining engineer who raised the investment money for their three mining operations in the Klondike. He was out today looking at new mining equipment.
“Our engineer in Juneau reported in this morning. Our operations have moved a significant amount of gold in this last month. They are continuing to find more!” Barry said as she entered his office.
“Have you any newer information from the Pinkerton’s about Soupy’s sister?” Marie learned last week that the Pinkerton’s traced Soupy’s Sister Amelia to the Hawaiian Islands. Amelia was a Doctor, forbidden to practice in London by the Apothecaries Society, and moved to Hawaii where she was accepted by Queen Liliʻuokalani before a group of sugar planters overthrew the Monarchy 1893, forcing the Queen to abdicate. Amelia moved her practice to Maui’s an outer Island to escape prosecution after participating in reinstating the Queen.
In Pinkerton’s report, Marie read that they were unsure if Amelia was alive after the recent flu epidemic. Communications to the outer islands were slow.
Barry passed the newest report across his desktop to her.
Barry, Is the information about her husband and son in here?”
“Yes, unfortunately, it’s sad news; Pinkerton’s conclusion is that they both died in the Klondike during the winter of 96.’
Marie had told both brothers yesterday about that brutal winter. Steve’s comment about delicate women screamed with male chauvinism.
They had been spending time together. Marie enjoyed the theatrical performances at the Baldwin theater; Steve was her escort. It was convenient since she was residing at the Baldwin Hotel.
Marie appreciated the attention Steve provided her but knew it was an odd match. His urban lifestyle was what she walked away from. He probably never got his handmade leather shoes muddy, let alone sleep within a tent or kill a man...
Her upbringing taught her not to mention the latter.
Since she left the Yukon, her impeccable manors had returned. Perhaps, Steve thought of her as the debutante she once was, not the flashy saloon singer she had recently been?
Marie liked and trusted the brothers. Barry was married to Alice; they had two beautiful children, Becky and Allen. Allen, the oldest boy, told Marie it was his job to look after Becky.
She also liked the way Steve doted on the children when he claimed to be a confirmed bachelor. It made her lonesome for her family in New York. As wealthy as she had become, she wasn’t quite ready to face her Father.
Marie reread Pinkerton’s report, confirming the death of Amelia’s husband and their son. It would be sad news to deliver to Amelia. It was time to leave, complete her promise to Soupy, and take care of his sister. Her second reason was Steve. Marie sensed; He was becoming enamored with her.
“Barry, I’ve completed my travel arrangement. I’m booked on the ‘Star Of India, ‘sailing this afternoon to fulfill my promise to Soupy and hand over Amelia’s shares of the gold mines.” Marie said while gathering up the papers Barry had prepared for Amelia to sign added them to her valise.
“I thought the sailing was not until next week?”
“The schedule moved up due to weather. Please say goodbye to everyone for me. I plan to send your children some presents during my travels. If that’s okay with you?”
“Yes, of course, it will disappoint Alice you are leaving so soon.”
Alice, Barry’s wife, was a born matchmaker. Trying to persuade her to stay in San Francisco, Steve was her objective. She thought they were the perfect couple. Alice didn’t know about her Father’s ill-fated matchmaking. It was definitely time to leave before Victorian society could try again to control her life.
“We will worry about you traveling alone,” Barry said with concern. Women weren’t supposed to travel independently—it was out of the norm in today’s society.
“I will not be alone,” Marie answered while scratching Moon’s large ear.