From Highlands to Homecoming by Margaret P.

(With thanks to Terri Derr and Anna Orr for their patience and advice.)

Chapter 29: The Boom (Words: 3,017)

Murdoch drove cattle direct to Sacramento in July. The deal offered by Moses Stein had been too good to turn down. He also committed to another Sacramento drive in late October, in addition to the regular one to San Francisco in September. At these prices he told himself, he would be silly to pass up the opportunity. By July he was beginning to have second thoughts. If he kept this up he would run his herds down to nothing and it would be a hard road to recovery. He would agree to nothing more until winter; when the season was over he would take a long hard look at everything and plan ahead.

At the very heart of the goldfields, Sacramento was booming. The new carefully-designed city on the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers looked likely to become more important than New Helvetia or any other previously established settlement in the area. The town's development had been astutely handled by John Sutter Junior and colleagues, although interestingly it did not have the support of Sutter Senior. Apparently Sacramento was even being considered as a possible site for a state capital; or so Murdoch was told by several influential citizens when he arrived. After explaining the town's many virtues, they pressed him to meet with the governor to discuss the possibility and promote their case.

"You are one of the largest landowners in the San Joaquin Valley, and may I say one of the most highly respected, sir. I would welcome your opinion on the subject." The governor offered Murdoch a cigar from his own private supply and sat back to listen to what he had to say as though Murdoch was a man of importance. Murdoch was both flattered and concerned by this treatment.

Always in the past his Californio neighbours, Don Domingo Allende Rivera and Don Frederigo Caldera Palmero had enjoyed the ear of the governors. Now under American rule, politicians seemed to be by-passing them as they looked increasingly to more recent settlers. Murdoch was alarmed by some of the rhetoric and legislation that was fast making the Indian and California-born Mexican populations into second class citizens. He expressed as much to the governor, who listened politely, but asked that he confine himself to the topic under discussion. "California is headed towards statehood. A state needs a capital, and towns vie for the privilege. Which of those I have mentioned, would you consider most suitable, Lancer and why?"

Murdoch emerged from the meeting with mixed feelings. The governor had shown genuine interest in his views about the location of a new state capital and the economic development of the area, but he had clearly not wished to discuss social concerns. Was he a man, who would make decisions according to political expediency regardless of the rights and wrongs of the matter? Murdoch hoped not. He had expected joining the United States to bring California greater opportunities, not laws that gave some men more rights than others or worked against local traditions. Murdoch was worried by what he saw as political support for attitudes that would disadvantage his own wife and son.

The situation did not improve over the next few months, but summer was a busy time at the ranch and Murdoch had little time to think about anything else. In addition to the cattle drives there was the calving, weaning and branding, and the daily movement of the cattle to new pasture. The planting and harvesting of feed crops was also done at this time, along with a myriad of general maintenance activities, which continued throughout the year. Murdoch was on the go from daybreak to sundown, and had very little energy left by the end of each day.

"Murdoch, wake up." Maria nudged him with her foot. He had got down on the floor with Johnny to read him his bedtime story, because the book was so large and the boy had wanted to look closely at every picture. It was easier on the floor. Once finished, however, Maria had taken their son off to bed, and Murdoch had relaxed a moment with his head resting on the sofa. He must have dozed off.

"Sarah has been telling me about a grand fiesta planned for September in San Francisco. She and Daniel are going, and I thought we could too."

Murdoch made a few enquiries and discovered city merchants and other commercial interests had grouped together to host an open-air ball in Portsmouth Square. It was being held soon after he would be in town with the cattle drive. If Maria travelled with the Johnsons he could meet them there and spend a week in San Francisco with her before returning to Lancer. Like Murdoch, Daniel had made quite extraordinary profits during the past few months and as a result he had expanded his business from a simple mercantile into a more impressive emporium of general goods. He now also employed staff, who could be trusted to manage the business while he and Sarah were away. The two couples decided to take one of Estella's younger daughters with them as nursemaid to help look after the children.

"Magdalena can help me dress." Maria climbed into bed next to Murdoch and snuggled down. "And stay with the children while we attend the ball. If we take her with us, we will have so much more freedom to enjoy ourselves." She reached out and Murdoch blew out the candle.

By September the opportunities for all kinds of enjoyment were clearly increasing in San Francisco on a daily basis; the city was abuzz with activity. After disposing of his cattle and paying his men, Murdoch crossed Portsmouth Square to reach the Grand Hotel. He could see men busily erecting stands and seating and putting up lanterns in readiness for the following night's festivities.

Murdoch approached the hotel desk and asked if Mrs Lancer had checked in. Following the clerk's directions, he found her with Magdalena, busily unpacking. Magdalena stood on a chair, hanging up her mistress's gown from the top of the wardrobe to ensure the creases fell out before the ball. Johnny played on the floor with a hat box. Murdoch had booked two adjoining rooms as he had been too late to reserve a suite. He and Maria would be in one and Magdalena would stay with Johnny and little Catherine Johnson in the other. Sarah and Daniel were across the hall.

Grabbing Maria loosely from behind, he kissed her quick and then flopped down on the bed, bouncing a little to test out the springs. He snatched an extra pillow from the other side of the bed and stuffed it behind his head. Swinging his legs up off the floor, he stretched out enjoying the luxury of a soft mattress after two weeks sleeping on the ground. Maria tapped his boots as she passed, and he moved them obediently off the bedspread.

Johnny crawled to the brass bed-end and pulled himself upright. Edging his way around, he used his father's overhanging feet and the side of the bed as support until he was level with Murdoch's chest. Then he tried to scramble up. Murdoch helped him over the side and jiggled the little boy up and down with his tummy muscles. Johnny squealed with laughter.

"This is the life." Murdoch ruffled his son's hair as Johnny settled down to play with Murdoch's shirt buttons.

Maria smiled at the scene in front of her. Then she leaned over Murdoch and removed his gun from its holster. He made a grab for her but she skittered away. She put the Colt out of reach on the dresser. Grinning, Murdoch transferred his hat to his son's head and stuffed yet another pillow behind his own. "I've just seen Alfred. He has invited us all to stay with him and Charlotte, if this is not to your liking."

"That is kind, but I would prefer to meet Charlotte before becoming her house guest. I'm sure Sarah would feel the same. Maybe next time." Maria put her nightgown down at the head of the bed where her pillows used to be.

The Lancers dined with the Johnsons that evening and the next day Murdoch and Maria left Johnny with Magdalena and went to explore the town. Maria had never seen such a place before, and Murdoch was amazed at the progress since his last visit.

"Those buildings didn't even exist in May. It was just vacant land."

"Look there's a jeweller's. Shall we go inside?"

Murdoch bowed to the inevitable and opened the door for his wife. The shop sold more than just jewellery. There were clocks and watches and exquisite trinket and jewellery boxes made of china, inlaid wood or precious metals. While Maria monopolised the time of the shop girl, Murdoch examined the timepieces.

"A very nice clock that. Ebony case made locally by a cabinet maker recently arrived, highly skilled and contracted exclusively to this establishment, sir." Mr Greenspan, the shop owner, opened the front of the case to show Murdoch the workings inside.

"The movement is English-made I see. I like the subsidiary dials for seconds and dates. I presume it's an eight day movement?"

"Yes indeed, sir. Made by one of London's most skilled craftsmen. Clearly you know your clocks."

"I've had some experience. I've not seen a longcase as fine as this for some time. How much?"

Murdoch bought the grandfather clock. It would be delivered within the month. He also purchased sapphire and gold drop earrings with a matching pendant for his wife. Maria was ecstatic. "Thank you, mi amor. They will go with my gown perfectly."

The sapphire blue gown with black Spanish lace had been made especially for the event from Chinese silk ordered by Sarah from one of the many catalogues now regularly received by the emporium. She had ordered a flattering patterned peach-coloured silk for herself. The women had been frantically trying to finish their gowns right up to the day before they left for San Francisco.

Both ladies looked beautiful as they were accompanied through the cordon to the main reception area. Several gentlemen turned their way, but thought better of it when they spotted their escorts. Alfred Burke hailed them from where he stood with others on the south side of the square.

"Over here." Alfred raised his hat to be sure they could see him. "Now for the benefit of the ladies, I shall introduce everyone: Murdoch and Maria Lancer and Daniel and Sarah Johnson from the San Joaquin Valley; Will and Anne McIntyre and Harry and Clarissa Jackson, newly resident here in San Francisco, but originally from Boston; and of course my lovely wife, Charlotte."

Leaving Maria and Sarah in the company of their friends, Murdoch and Daniel went to get drinks. Daniel was already on his way back with the wines when Murdoch, carrying the beers, was blocked by a group of prosperous-looking Americans.

A corpulent gentleman with mutton-chop whiskers stuck his fingers in his waist coat and rocked on his heels. "Well my dear, it looks like it will be an entertaining evening."

"I would be happier if we didn't have to mix with foreigners and riff raff." His wife surveyed the crowds before her with obvious disdain.

"Don't you worry, ma'am. Laws are already in the pipeline to ensure California stays American." A thinner man bowed with an unctuous smile. "The Mexicans will be encouraged to move back to Mexico and the Indians will be kept to the areas of no use. I admit the influx of Orientals is somewhat out of hand at the moment, but given time the government will resolve that issue too."

"And in the meantime my daughters and I must lower our standards and rub shoulders with women like that."

Murdoch's eyes followed the direction of her fan. Maria was introducing Don and Doña Caldera to the McIntyres. "If you will excuse me, ma'am, I would like to join my wife and our friends. Oh, and you needn't worry about 'rubbing shoulders' with those particular ladies. They are not known for lowering their standards."

Murdoch bowed as he passed. He caught a glimpse of the woman's consternation when she grasped his meaning, but he was already out of ear shot before she or her companions could think of a response. He smiled with grim satisfaction and made light of the encounter when chatting casually with Alfred and Daniel later. He opted not to mention it to Maria. The orchestra, having warmed up their instruments with gentle background music, began to play tunes that invited its audience to dance. Maria, who loved to dance, could not be refused.

They were in the middle of their second waltz together when it happened. Murdoch's back gave out. One minute he was fine and the next he was doubled over grabbing at Maria for support. She helped him off the dance floor as Will McIntyre went in search of medical assistance.

"And what have we here." Dr Hector Campbell broke through the wall of concerned friends and curious by-standers to reach the patient.

Murdoch gazed at a pair of hairy knees and a hem of green and blue tartan. "It's my back. It's happened before, but not since I was a lad. At the time the doctor said it was due to my growing too rapidly and the muscles not keeping up."

"Do I detect the burr of a fellow Scot—a Highlander no less?" Campbell pressed and prodded Murdoch's back. "Well now, I think…Yes, I think I agree with my learned colleague, and I think I can put you to rights. Not here though. Best get you to my office."

Maria made a move to follow.

"No, Madam, stay. You will be of no use to your husband and an event such as this has too few ladies to spare one so bonny. Stay and give your smiles to other men while I work my magic."

Murdoch was not quite sure he agreed with that sentiment, but he waved Maria away and told her to remain at the ball. He would return as soon as he could.

Dr Campbell came from Argyllshire. He had not long arrived and was thoroughly enjoying himself, shocking the natives by wearing his kilt. He made Murdoch lie down on his examination table and proceeded to entertain him with his full history as he applied hot and cold compresses to Murdoch's back. After about half an hour of this, he began to massage the affected area. Then he manipulated various limbs until quite unexpectedly Murdoch felt something click and his back was back to normal.

"I will provide you with some exercises to strengthen your muscles. Too much sitting on a horse I suspect, but a man of your height is always at risk of such problems."

The two men returned to the ball and parted company. Murdoch scanned the crowd and eventually saw Jackson's head sticking up above the rest.

"Where are the others?" he asked as he joined Jackson and Burke.

"Our wives are prettifying, yours is on the dance floor along with the McIntyres and Johnsons." Alfred pointed to where Maria was dancing with a tall man, well-dressed in Western-style. He was about the same age as Murdoch and was clearly enjoying his partner's company.

Jackson blew a smoke ring into the air and winked at Burke. "You should have seen the place once you'd gone, Lancer. Lining up to dance with her they were. I can tell you now I won't be leaving Clarissa alone. In fact if she and Charlotte don't come back soon, Burke, I think we should go looking for them."

The dance came to an end and Murdoch expected the man to escort Maria back, but they stayed where they were, talking, and when the orchestra struck up again, the fellow raised his arms in readiness to continue. Maria was all smiles as she put her hand into his and they joined the throng circling the dance floor once again.

"Now that's not on." Murdoch frowned. "Who is he?"

"No idea." Burke shrugged and exhaled a cloud of smoke from his cigar. "But that will be the third dance. I'd cut in if I—"

Murdoch did not hear the last part of what Burke said, because he was already striding across the dance floor, dodging couples as they swirled around him.

Murdoch tapped the man on the shoulder. "You will excuse me, sir. I am recovered, and I would like to dance with my wife."

The stranger stopped dancing and released Maria. "Ah, you'll be Lancer, then."

With pleased surprise, Maria hugged Murdoch and slipped her arm through his. "Murdoch, I'd like you to meet Thurstan Cole, recently arrived here from New Orleans, originally from London."

"Mr Cole." Murdoch shook hands, appraising the man's appearance and bearing. His grip was strong and he returned Murdoch's gaze with a hint of arrogant amusement.

"Thank you, Lancer. I am grateful for the opportunity to dance with the most beautiful creature here." Cole kissed Maria's hand. His eyes never left hers and Maria glowed in response. The Englishman tipped his hat to Murdoch and exited the dance floor.

The ball continued until after midnight. The Lancers strolled back to the hotel with the Johnsons by the light of a half moon. They were almost there when Murdoch happened to glance through the open doors of a saloon. Cole was seated at a card table, playing poker with a number of other men. Murdoch's eyes stayed on him until they passed. Cole examined his hand and threw chips into the centre of the table. He appeared in control of the game. A gambler—that would account for him being so smooth; such men often were. But Murdoch had encountered gamblers before; none bothered him as this man did. Why? He could not work it out, but some sixth sense told him Thurston Cole was not to be trusted. With luck their paths would not cross again.

Notes:

1. The ball in San Francisco is make-believe; however, most of the other aspects of this chapter that sound like historical fact are actual events or attitudes of the time.

2. Greenspan jewellers were mentioned in The Little Darling of the Sierras Series 2, Episode 12.

3. Murdoch put his back out again in Devil's Blessing Series 1, Episode 26.