Love Blooms in a Blizzard

Chapter 1

Monday morning dawned in Carson City with a solemn warning. Loud thunder rumbled through the majestic mountains and woke its citizens from their slumber. The week was starting the same as the previous one, cold and wet. The tumultuous weather was now beginning to be more than a mere nuisance, turning more treacherous by the hour. It was getting to be a drudgery trying to complete daily chores and several businesses had been closed for two days awaiting the inevitable, hoping in vain desperation the storm would soon wear itself out. Those that had lived in the territory for a while though knew it was only getting started.

Each year winter sneaked in on its own schedule, its own terms and for months thereafter, reminded the residents of the Nevada Territory of its dominance, its sheer power. For the most part, the people took the harsh winters in stride. With the exception of those seeking their fortune in the silver mines, most of the territory’s citizens had ventured from the east and had been accustomed to the cold snows of New England. Some years, though, they had been tested to their very core by the extraordinary fierceness of the snow and strong winds of the Sierras. More than one had been beaten by the land’s harshness and had chosen the sunny coasts of California but others had refused to be defeated. The unpredictability made for a tension-filled, much discussed, autumn. Folks diligently watched the skies for signs that winter was coming. Eventually though, they had grown accustomed to spending weeks on end without seeing the sun and it only made spring more welcome. Working with Mother Nature, instead of fighting her, made their lives more easy and comfortable.

A constant pelting had been blanketing Carson City for the past week and the ominous clouds overhead showed no sign of mercy. The rain was merely the caveat of what was to come and had already brought a drastic decline in temperature.

In between the loud booms of thunder, an eerie stillness hung heavily in the tall evergreens as if they were waiting patiently for the onslaught to begin. They had stood for eons, defiant and proud, as if reaching for the sky. It wasn’t something they looked forward to each winter but they were defenseless against the assault. They knew. It was getting late and winter was coming sooner than expected. Late October could fool even the hardiest of mountain men but not them. They were honored witnesses for the unexpected souls that dared to take the chance. So many unforeseen evils were waiting around each turn in the road and they saw every one of them but their voices were silenced by Mother Nature herself.

Mankind thought he could control this vast land but in reality, his dominance was quite limited. Mother Nature would never relinquish her talon-like hold. She was firmly in power. Even she didn’t remember how long she had been the master and she knew that the frailty of mankind was no match for her fury. They were all at her mercy, of which she showed precious little.

With its vast silver mines, the Nevada Territory had acquired its share of prospectors. Few had been prepared for the harsh winters but they learned to adapt and thrive. Its lush land, teeming with timber, made it invaluable to early settlers. It was a hard, unforgiving land but it was also willing to share its many treasures with anyone that chose to conform to its complex personality.

A storm was coming. Its smell was carried on the wind and in each drop of rain. It wouldn’t be long now. For the past several days, the residents of Carson City had been warned. Ready or not, here I come.

Except for a few cowboys looking for a place to wait out the storm, the normal bustling streets were similar to a ghost town. It was not a good time for man nor beast to be outside in such perilous conditions.

The Anaconda Stage Depot was warm and cozy against the early morning downpour. Clay Mint had owned the depot for years. He had come to Carson City with a dozen drovers from Montana. The cattle drive had been long and hard. Several drovers had been killed during the drive and he had second thoughts about that particular line of work. After collecting his pay, he noticed the rundown building beside the saloon and saw his opportunity to put down roots. In a manner of months, he had breathed new life into the old structure. After a lot of sweat, and several smashed fingers, he revived the neglected building into a stage depot and a large room for himself. He hired the old cook from the cattle drive to cook for the passengers and take care of the horses.

Five passengers waited inside the small depot, contemplating the journey ahead. No one seemed to be in a hurry to leave the comfortable surroundings for the crowded stagecoach but they knew it was inevitable. It would be their new home for the day. Weather permitting, they would have a quick lunch at the White Oak Station and after changing horses, reach Virginia City by nightfall. Even on normal days, it could be a tiresome journey. Squeezed inside a stage with a bunch of strangers certainly could test the patience of anyone and a storm could have ones nerves on ends in no time. In the warm months, the heat had made more than one passenger testy.

These travelers were noticeably anxious about leaving their pleasant surroundings for the worrisome journey they were facing. The stage would not be so inviting. It would be both cold and cramped. More than likely, it would be a rough journey ahead but there were either unperturbed or naïve by the storms’ threat. Either way, they might all repent of their foolishness before they arrived at their destination. So they all sat in silence, as if pondering the possibility of returning to the safety of the hotel until the clouds cleared.

Jake Cross and his wife Sally were huddled close to the pot-bellied stove. As much as she was enjoying the heat from the old stove, Sally would be happy to get home. It had been a wonderful trip to see her new granddaughter but the coldness was seeping into her bones, its icy fingers gripping mercilessly. She was getting too old to be traipsing around the territory in this kind of weather. She wasn’t as young as she pretended and her now aching joints were reminding her of that fact. It had been worth it of course, to see the sweet, chubby face of her precious granddaughter, as well as her daughter. She would never admit to Jake that she was homesick though. He had been apprehensive about the trip but had let her have her way again. She would always love him for that.

It had been two years since her daughter had married and moved to Sacramento. Missing her terribly, Sally had cried for weeks after she had gone. After the telegram telling them they were now grandparents, she had begged Jake to take her to see them. She had lived in Virginia City her entire life and knew the uncanny nature of the winters in the Sierras but her desire to see her babies in Sacramento was greater than any premonition. Even as she was enjoying the warmth of California, she couldn’t shake the feeling of what was brewing back home. She had recognized the signs before they left. Mother Nature was sure to have a surprise for them when they returned.

Jake, ever sensible, had tried in vain to convince his wife to put off the journey until spring but she had insisted on meeting her first grandchild now and like always, he had succumbed to her pleadings. He wished he had the fortitude to deny her sometimes-foolish requests but he loved her too much to disappoint her. They were both happy and in the end, it was all that mattered. She had been his salvation, a beacon in his darkest hour. She had simply loved him for who he was, a man that had been kicked around by the world but was desperately looking for love.

Jake was only three years old when his parents died and after being passed from family to family, he had spent most of his youth in a Christian orphanage in Kansas City. When he turned seventeen years old, he left the orphanage and started life on his own. After trying his hand as a ranch hand for a number of years, he decided to try his luck in the west. His hard work finally paid off and he bought the spread he now operated with his wife and son. When he met Sally, it was a gift from heaven. He couldn’t ask for more.

Seeing Iris and his precious, new granddaughter, Rose, had been wonderful. He, too, had missed his only daughter and was glad that Sally had urged him to go. Holding the tiny bundle by the fireplace each night before he retired had warmed his soul better than any ember. It wasn’t always easy to pry her out of her doting Grandma’s hands but he looked for every opportunity. It had soon become his evening ritual to rock her while Iris and Sally washed supper dishes. More than once, he had noticed his son-in-law, Tim, smiling at the serene picture. If only Iris and Tim lived closer.

Now, sitting in the old station, he was worried. The constant rain troubled him. He knew the power of the Sierras and to test that power could prove to be very foolish. More than once, he had contemplated staying the week in Carson City, hoping the storm would wear itself out before producing any menacing snowfall but there were things that needed to be done back at their ranch. Even though his spread was quite small in comparison to the larger ones like the Spotted Pony, it kept him and his son, Will, busy. He was confident that Will could handle it on his own in normal weather conditions but he didn’t know what kind of problems the weather was causing in Virginia City. He wanted to be safely home before the full force of the storm hit. He took a deep breath and silently prayed for a safe return.

A short, rotund man sat off in a corner by himself playing solitaire and drinking from a small flask he kept inside his thick wool coat. Burt Collins seemed both nervous and annoyed by the delay. A worn saddlebag lay in his lap. He fingered the straps absentmindedly. Glancing around the room, he looked at each of his traveling companions. What was so vitally important that had prompted them to brave the harsh ride that lay ahead? His own task seemed rather insignificant now, when only a few days ago it had appeared quite imperative. He had been chosen by the members of the bank board to deliver a letter to the Virginia City Cattlemen’s Bank and he had felt honored that he had been entrusted with the important endeavor. He took a gold watch from his vest pocket and frowned. The stage should have left ten minutes ago. Would they cancel the trip? He took another sip from the flask and wiped a trickle of sweat from his brow.

He was vice-president of the San Francisco Savings & Trust and he wore his new position with both pride and dignity. It was a bittersweet accomplishment though. Sadness had filled his heart knowing his sweet Isabel would never share his joy. A woman with a kinder soul had never been born. He had never understood what she had seen in him but she had loved him and he had been ecstatic.

Losing her had placed a stone in his heart that he had never been quite able to remove. She had gone to the bank to help Mrs. Stiltner with an audit and a team of horses had been spooked by a sudden clap of thunder. Crashing through the large plate window, the wagon had taken her life and a large portion of his as well. He grimaced at the memory of that horrible day. Too many times, he had relived the terrible event, reminding himself that his beloved wife wouldn’t have wanted him to suffer such torment on her behalf but he had been unable to get past it. A cold shiver shot through him. Taking the flask from his pocket, he took another sip. Leaning back in his chair, he waited like the rest of the passengers.

Katherine Tinsdale brushed a stray lock of blond hair back under her red hat. She was happy to be leaving Carson City. Her life wasn’t what she had envisioned when she left Virginia City ten years ago. Singing at the Lucky Lady Saloon in San Antonio six nights a week had produced nothing but leers from the men and sneers from the women. The small pittance she made barely covered the rent on the small room above Lacey’s Gun & Saddle Shop and she had taken in some sewing to make ends meet. The rose-colored glasses had long ago faded and she now accepted the fact that her dream of being a famous singer would never be realized. She had been in so many towns over the past decade, hoping each was ‘the one.’ However, in the end, she had picked up the remaining fragments of her dying dream and moved on to the next one until she finally accepted the bitter reality. It wasn’t meant to be.

More than one man had showed genuine interest in her but she had successfully pushed them away. Now she was alone and the dream was shattered. This would be her last trip. She was going back to Virginia City. Back home. Singing in saloons had finally drained her of both her dignity and her voice. There were times now when her voice was nothing more than a whisper. She wasn’t sure what she would find back in Virginia City but she doubted it had changed much since she had left. At first, she had been troubled that her father would not welcome her back. She had written him so many letters over the years but she have never amassed the courage to mail any of them. Joseph Tinsdale had never understood his daughters’ desire to be a singer, telling her bluntly she was being foolish. She knew she had disappointed him when she left but she had been determined to become famous and see the world. Now she would swallow her pride and admit that he had been right. If he would let her.

Katherine had managed to put aside enough money to start a small dress shop. It would be hard work but she knew there weren’t many choices left. Her mama had taught her to sew as a child and she had made dresses for the girls in the various saloons where she had worked. More than once, she noticed the tailored dress on the dark haired woman that sat quietly reading across the room. Those were the kinds of dresses she wanted to make, not the frilly degrading dresses she herself had worn on many occasions.

Inside her small velvet handbag was the letter from Alma Miller. The two friends had kept in touch over the years. Alma’s letters had followed her wherever she went, each one ending with a brief note about her father. When she had written to Alma a month ago telling her she was returning to Virginia City, Alma had responded with excitement. She had seen Joseph at church a few days after receiving Katherine’s letter and had told him the news. She had written back to Katherine telling her that her father had broken down and cried. It seemed like an omen that everything would be alright. A tear slid down one cheek and she closed her eyes. She didn’t know what the future held for her but she was thankful for the chance to start anew.

Eve Dalton took a deep breath and sighed softly. She had spent the past half hour staring at the same page. Accepting defeat, she closed the book and laid it in her lap. Her thoughts were too jumbled to focus on the literary works of William Shakespeare. She could sense the anxiety of the other passengers. The torrent of rain had everyone worried about the trip. Should they wait for clearer skies? Having lived in San Francisco her entire life, she was used to the rain but deep down, she knew this was different. The cold blast of air that had stung her cheeks when she opened the door of the hotel earlier that morning told her they were in for an unpleasant trip. Was it a mistake leaving her home in San Francisco to come to a new world? She had been so sure of herself when she had left.

Since her mother Marilyn had passed away, Eve had felt a restlessness she couldn’t explain. She remembered stories her mother had told her about Nevada. Marilyn, herself, had lived there only a couple of years before she finally admitted to herself that she couldn’t take the climate any longer and had moved to San Francisco. She had never been happy in Virginia City. Resentment had blossomed in her young heart against her husband for bringing her to the godforsaken land. Born in Charleston, she had been entwined in its social life and was unaccustomed to the solitary life as a rancher’s wife. When she met the soft-spoken cousin of her best friend, Diana, at the Appleton’s Christmas party, she had been smitten at first glance. He had never hidden the fact that he was from Nevada and intended to return there but she had been confident that she could sweet talk him into remaining in Charleston. They had been married less than a week when he announced they were leaving for Virginia City and after days of pleading in vain to stay in South Carolina, Marilyn relented. The trip had been long and the enormity of the west had both amazed and scared the young bride.

Marilyn had related several harried tales about the winters she had endured. Sitting on the sands with the cool Pacific Ocean lapping at her feet, Eve had listened intently to her mother’s voice as she told her all about the horrible, savage winds and blinding snow.

Marilyn finally accepted defeat. She had had enough of the harsh life in the vast wilderness. Trying unsuccessfully to persuade her husband to leave Nevada, she simply packed as much as she could cram into several suitcases and after taking half of the funds from her husbands’ bank account, had taken the stage to the coastal city in California. She had only been in San Francisco a few weeks when she discovered she was with child. Briefly, she thought about returning to Virginia City but she was convinced the savage frontier wasn’t the place in which to raise her precious child.

Marilyn used almost all of her money to purchase and renovate a hotel and she had never left San Francisco.

Eve had tried to imagine what it was like, trying to paint a picture in her mind. Surely, it wasn’t as bad as her mother had led her to believe. She, herself, had rarely traveled far from San Francisco, content on her studies and spending time with her friends but she couldn’t bring herself to believe any place was that horrible. Living in California, she had never seen snow and the thought of it intrigued her. It sounded beautiful and peaceful.

Eve wasn’t sure what to do with her life after her mother died and after a friend showed her an advertisement in the San Francisco Chronicle for employment as a teacher in Virginia City, she could think of nothing else. It seemed to be calling to her and she couldn’t resist. She sent her teaching credentials and said a silent prayer.

With trembling fingers, she had opened the telegram a week later and was ecstatic when she read that the job was hers if she was still interested. She re-read it several times to make sure she wasn’t mistaken. Before leaving the telegraph office, she had sent a return telegram to Matthew Lambert, accepting his offer. Her new life in Virginia City would soon be a reality.

The slamming of the front door made her jump. She chided herself for being so on edge. Why hadn’t they left yet? She glanced around the room. Surely, all of the passengers were here. She placed her book inside her small embroidered satchel. The station was warm but she felt a whiff of cold air. She noticed the woman across the room looking at her. She smiled and nodded politely.

The man in the stuffy suit sitting in the corner seemed to have been dogging her every step since she had left San Francisco. At each new station when she had changed stages, he had boarded the same one as she. He seemed uncomfortable, forever grasping his saddlebag as if his very life depended upon it. Whatever his mission was, it seemed of dire importance. At each new station, he would sit quietly by himself, sipping from the flask in his pocket as if it contained the courage he needed.

Eve had seen him many times in San Francisco but she knew nothing about him, save the fact he worked at the bank. He always seemed to be in a hurry, walking with his head looking to the ground as if couldn’t look folks in the eye. He seemed to have a tortured soul and although she didn’t know why, she felt a tinge of sorrow for him.

Eve pulled her wool cloak closer and shivered involuntarily. She wasn’t accustomed to the cold. San Francisco definitely had its wet weather but the temperature was more than tolerable. Was she cut out for the snows in Virginia City? She had certainly pondered the sanity of traveling this late in the year. She had heard about her imprudence from her friends. Most of them had thought her crazy when she told them about the job offer. Surely, there were schools in San Francisco that needed a teacher with her impeccable qualifications. How could she tell them what was going on inside her heart? They could never understand the pull from this unknown territory. She had finally told them she needed a fresh start and although they didn’t agree with it, they accepted the fact that she was leaving. Amid tears, she had said her goodbyes and wondered if she would ever see them again. She was about to turn the page to a new chapter in her life.

Tom Ellis entered the depot and shook off the rain from his hat. He looked around the room at his waiting passengers. Tom had worked for the Anaconda Stage Line for a dozen years. He had been out in the most ungodly of weather conditions but the menacing storm clouds now overhead bothered him. He didn’t like what he saw. The stretch along the Sierra Nevada Mountains was particularly worrisome. He had experienced it on more than one occasion and he had come out on the rough end of the stick each time. He was getting too old to challenge it now. He was tired and beaten from the rough ride and he was ready to silently slink off to Texas. He had put aside some money and at the end of the month, he planned to retire to a little farm in Galveston. Too many winters had been spent chilled to the bone and he planned on a warm climate in which to retire.

Could you put me some hot coffee in here? He asked, handing an extra canteen to Clay. It looks like it’s going to get pretty chilly before we reach the White Oak.

Sure. Clay said. He took the canteen from Tom and poured the black steaming liquid inside. I’ve got some extra blankets and a sack of sandwiches for the passengers. He reached overhead, pulled down several woolen blankets, and laid them on the table. I don’t mind telling you, I don’t envy you or them on this trip. Maybe you ought to wait it out a few days, Tom.

Nah. The longer we wait, the worse it will be. He replied, remembering the time he and a couple of passengers spent several days in a cave after a surprise snowstorm caught them halfway to the White Oak Station. The faint scar above his right eye was a constant reminder of the danger of accepting the challenge of the Sierra’s. The human body was far too fragile for such a dare. The snow won’t be too far off. I don’t want to be caught in that again. As soon as my last passenger settles up at the hotel, we’ll be on our way. I hope to see ‘Ol Charley by noon.

Clay grinned. Tell that ornery cuss I said hello.

Will do. Tom replied, slapping Clay on the back.

The door opened and inside stepped the final traveler. He stood out amongst the other passengers. Dressed entirely in black, he looked a bit dangerous. He took off his hat and slapped it against his coat, raindrops leaving their mark. Raven colored curls kissed the top of his shoulders and a neatly trimmed beard covered the lower half of his face. His expensively tailored clothes belied his true profession. A colt seemed perfectly at home, tied low on his right leg. In his left hand, was a uniquely crafted rifle. He looked around the room at the waiting passengers, waiving to Jake and Sally Cross. His eyes traveled next to the dark haired woman, a stranger but pretty nonetheless. Very few women missed his admiring eyes. Women were God’s gift to the first lonely man and the tradition had continued. No two were exactly alike and as much as their physical bodies were of various shapes and sizes, their spirit and intellect varied as well. At the end of the day, he had to admit, they all intrigued him.

The blond sitting behind Sally seemed familiar but he couldn’t place her. She was sitting too far from him to see her face clearly and her red hat with black feathers partially hid her face. He frowned.

It was going to be close quarters inside the stage with the six of them. He walked over to Tom. Sorry, I’m late. He said, shaking his friends’ hand. Poor Clive was running the hotel by himself this morning. I swear I don’t know how he does it.

Tom grinned. Don’t you dare feel sorry for him, Adam. He said. I’ve tried talking him into hiring more help but you know how picky he is. Wants to do everything himself, as if nobody else could possibly do it right.

Adam smiled. Yep, that’s Clive.

He’ll never change. He likes the madness. Tom said, anxiously glancing around the room. Well, we’d better get going.

Adam noticed the worried look on Tom’s face. It could be an interesting ride. Do you think we should wait a day or so? He asked. Tom had more experience that anyone he knew and if he was worried, Adam knew there was a good reason.

Tom shook his head. I think we’ll by alright. He turned to face his remaining fare. Folks, I’m your stage driver, Tom Ellis. The stage is ready to leave but let me warn you. This could be a rough trip, so if any of you want to wait for the storm to clear, now is the time to say so.

The five passengers exchanged glances and then looked at Tom.

Adam took a deep breath. I guess you have your answer, my friend.

They were all determined to get to Virginia City and they weren’t about to let Mother Nature stop them.

Ok. Tom said. Let’s all get going.

Adam inhaled deeply, not quite certain they were making the right decision.

Where’s your baggage? Tom asked.

I put my saddle bag atop the stage with the rest. He replied.

The little group obediently followed their driver out into the cold, wet morning. Several took a glance back towards the comfortable haven they were leaving and even though there were reservations among them, none was voiced. Each had their own reasons for wanting to get on to their destination.

Jake helped Sally into the stage and climbed inside beside her. Katherine and Eve were helped inside by Adam. Bert quickly seated himself beside Eve and held onto his saddlebag with both hands. Eve felt squished but said nothing, wishing she had now taken the seat beside the couple.

Tom handed the extra blankets and sandwiches to Adam. It’s going to be rough going. Hopefully, we will only be stopping at the next station long enough to change horses. Clay packed some sandwiches, so that will have to do. With any luck, we’ll make it to White Oak a little after noon.

Adam tipped his hat. Godspeed.

Amen. Tom echoed the sentiment.

Adam took the supplies and smiled wanly. If you need any help up there, don’t hesitate to let me know. He said. I can handle the stage if you need me.

Thanks, Adam. Tom nodded and climbed atop the stage. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer. He said. We’re going to need all the help we can get.

Adam climbed inside the crowded stage and squirmed, trying to make himself as comfortable as possible in the crowded stage.

Glancing at the thunderheads, Tom took a deep breath and pulled his stampede strings tightly under his chin. Taking the reins in his hands, he nudged the horses. Boys, I’m sorry to be doing this to you but we have a run to make. Let’s take it slow and easy.

The horses took their cue. They slowly pulled the stage onto the road and started into a small gallop. Carson City soon became a dot on the horizon. Ahead lay Virginia City, but what lay in between was a mystery.

Chapter 2

The coach was warmer than Eve had imagined it would be. Perhaps it was the body heat from the other passengers. She closed her eyes and imagined what Virginia City would look like. Certainly different from the bustle of San Francisco. She was looking forward to starting her new job.

Do you think we’ll make it by nightfall?