Chapter 10

Erica found her way back into the church where oddly she felt safe and not because of God's presence. She walked around the church, looking and making a mental note of structual damage and eventually found the organ. She sat on the seat and touched it gently.

"Can you play?" came the voice of Father Phillip.

The suddenness of his voice made Erica jump.

"I used to play" she replied, "but its been a while and I'm not sure how I would be now."

"Why not give it a go. There's a hymnal in the cupboard right next to you and there's no-one here so you can play to your heart's content." Father Phillip said encouringly.

"Are you sure it would not disturb anyone, because I'd love to have a go?" Erica asked.

"Of course, please go ahead. I'll leave and give you privacy."

After Father Phillip left, Erica found the hymnal, opened it and put in on the music stand. She didn't care what the hymn was; she just started to pump the pressure bellows and began to play the hymn in front of her. She gasped as she heard the familiar sound and with her heart beating fast she continued to play the hymn to the end. When she had finished she took in one great gulp of air and let it out, holding back tears that were welling in her eyes.

She took another look in the cupboard and found some music of Bach. His 'Sheep May Safely Graze Cantata'. Erica placed it on the music stand and took a deep breath and began. Although the organ was quite old the sound it gave out rang throughout the church, which brought a flow of tears from Erica which she was unable to stop, but with determination continued to play the piece to the end.

….

One week later Adam received confirmation that Miss Pearce was indeed responsible for the $5,000 donation sent to Adam for the restorations of the church and school in Virginia City. Her appearance shows her to be about 5ft 4" tall, brown hair and green eyes. More than that Mr. Welles from the Bank of New York would not divulge. Adam sent back a telegram thanking him for his help.

'Brown hair, but she was blonde when at the Ponderosa; which was the true colour?' Adam thought. 'Why would she want to hide her identity? I need to find her and discover what is going on here. She has so irritated me with her performance but now I find I have a need to protect her. I must find her.'

…

"There is a need for an organist to play for our church concert in two weeks time. Our organist has been taken ill and we have been left without music. Now you did ask if there was anything you could do for us." Father Phillip entreated.

"But to play in front of people when I haven't played for such a long time."

"Your playing sounded most beautiful and I have no concerns as to your ability Miss Adams."

"Please call me Erica. I would be delighted to give it a go Father Phillip. It's an opportunity I wouldn't miss, even with my own nervousness. Very well, lets sit down and you tell me all that has been organised for this concert," Erica said with eagerness.

The following week Erica had organised a programme for the concert and was having them printed and distributed around the town. Also she had organised the children into a choir with such good ensemble singing. There was one boy, Ramone, who she discovered was a boy soprano and was coaching him in singing Schubert's Ave Maria.

Erica herself had also been asked to sing, but what to sing. Something simple but effective. A quartet was decided upon and she was rehearsing with three others chosen from amongst the church choir as Father Phillip entered the church.

"It all seems to be going to plan, thanks to you Erica. I'm so grateful to you. You have worked so hard with everyone."

"I've enjoyed it very much, a rare treat for me, but will be glad when its performed at the end of the week." Erica responded with a smile. "We'll just finish with this last hymn and then go home for a well-earned rest." …..

The time was about six in the early evening and a pleasantly warm one at that. Erica walked behind the rectory and up the hill where she had seen wild flowers growing. She stooped and picked a load then sat down and pulled off all the petals, as she had done many times before. Pulled her skirt into an apron shape, stood up and started to scatter them, while talking to the elements and crying at the same time.

Father Phillip had noticed her from the back parlour as she had walked up the hill and felt remorseful at having watched her and wondered what this little ritual was all about.

….

"Adam, here's something we should go to." Ben announced as he came in through the front door. "A church concert. I saw this poster in town. The concerts over in Winslow, only a couple of days travel. We could do with some singing, which has not been heard this side of the Sierras before." Ben read out the notice. "A CONCERT IS TO BE HELD AT ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, WINSLOW, ON SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER AT 3 PM. A stunning new organist and singer named Erica Adams will be performing and transfixing the audience around her."

This announcement caught Adam's attention and made him look up. His face in deep concentration. Then after a few moments he said, "Well it sounds good, and we owe ourselves time to relax, but we can't just go off for a few days."

"Sure you can," Hoss said. "Would do you both good. You could sure use a break from the ranch right now. Especially you Adam. This culture trip is just what you could do with."

"I agree," said Joe, hastily. "Ever since Mary Kelly was here and left, you have been like bears with sore heads and we have had to endure the brunt of it."

"Yeah, I think its time you put that matter behind you and enjoyed yourselves for a change." Hoss said in agreement.

"Yes, I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. Ok," Ben said, "we'll get going in the morning and take our time getting there."

"So with that resolved, I'm off to bed" Adam stated as he walked up the stairs and disappeared into his room.

…

Erica had just completed working on the programme for the concert and felt it was going to be a big success for Father Phillip and the church. Also, it had given her great satisfaction and pleasure with her involvement. The thought of having to move on the day following the concert made her feel unhappy, but for her plans to go forward, she could not stay there.

….

Ben and Adam had arrived in Woodville looking for somewhere to eat and stay the night before moving on to Winslow. They entered a fine looking eating house and ordered two steaks with all that went with it. They heard other patrons talking about how the eating house should get another piano player. 'He should never have let her go. She was too good to be true. It brought a little class to this place.' The waiter brought their order and was just about to leave them alone to enjoy it when Adam asked.

"It seems everyone is talking about a piano player who used to work here?"

"That's right. Wonderful she was. Played highbrow stuff, you know Chopin and the like. Brought in a heck of a lot of customers. They just liked to listen to the music. Nothing like that ever happened in this town before and never likely to again."

"What happened to her?" Ben enquired.

"She was here just two weeks and said she had to move on. Business to conduct."

"Did she have a name" Adam asked.

"Uh yes, Mary Pearce, I think it was" the waiter said. "Anything else I can get you gents?"

"Just coffee in a little while, thanks."

Adam looked at Ben and vice versa. They were both thinking the same thing.

"If its her, then she was definitely playing a game with us." When I get my hands on her I'll..."

"Keep calm Adam" Ben said trying to keep himself calm also. "We have no proof it's the same girl. Let's eat and relax and start afresh in the morning. We should reach Winslow, what, about midday?"

"Yes, that's about right Pa. I need to hear some decent music. It might just do the trick to pacify my anger."

…..

They arrived in Winslow on the 19th. Booked into the hotel and settled into their rooms.

"I'm going over to the Church and speak with the Father there to see if he can throw some light on our quarry." Adam told his Pa from the door of his room.

"Ok son. I'll stay here and rest up a bit before dinner."

"Right Pa. See you later."