Rosemary looked up from the Kitchen table when she heard Clara's bedroom door open. She was pleased Clara was finally venturing out; she had barely left the room since the visit they received from Sam Madison, a lawyer. Although Clara had known about Abigail Stanton, she had thought no one knew about her; it was a secret she had guarded closely. Having Sam Madison arrive and talk openly about her marriage had stunned Clara. As Sam continued her story, telling her about the upcoming trial and that the accident was no accident, Clara was shattered.
As Clara's footsteps approached the kitchen, Rosemary quickly turned over the newspaper she had been reading. The news of the trial in Coal Valley had finally made the papers in Benson Hills. Rosemary knew she would hold some of the blame if Clara didn't go to Coal Valley and the widows lost the trial. If Clara was going to go, she had to go no later than tomorrow morning.
Rosemary thought back to the night of Sam's visit, the pain it had caused Clara, and fresh waves of guilt washed over her; she should have told Clara what she knew.
As Sam spoke, Rosemary sat next to Clara, trying to provide comfort. When Clara made the connection between her friends, Elizabeth and Nathan and Abigail Stanton, Rosemary felt her tense. Clara had stiffened next to her and withdrew her hand from Rosemary's. Clara's eyes had been full of betrayal when she glanced at her, and Rosemary's heart clenched at the pain she had caused her friend.
Rosemary had seen Sam out and had gone to find Clara, stepping back into the living room, Clara wasn't anywhere. She approached Clara's bedroom and saw it was closed, but she could hear her crying through it.
"Clara, can I do anything for you?"
"I think you have done enough, Rosemary. I trusted you, and you betrayed me."
"I'm so sorry, Clara; I thought I was doing the right thing by checking to see the kind of person Abigail was before I told you. Please forgive me," Rosemary implored.
"Please, just leave me alone, Rosemary." Clara needed time to think about everything Sam had told her. She needed to work through her renewed grief at knowing Peter's death had been preventable. Clara also needed to decide what to do about Sam's request she testify in the trial about Peter's safety concerns, which would mean exposing her secret to his Mother. Sam had promised not to mention Clara to Abigail if Clara didn't come forward.
Rosemary had stood outside Clara's rooms for a few more minutes before realising it was no use; she wouldn't get any more response. Sitting back on the lounge before the fire, she picked up the letter Sam had left with all the details of the trial in Coal Valley. There wasn't much time for Clara to decide if they were going to be there in time; there was no way Rosemary would let Clara go to Coal Valley alone.
Rosemary smiled carefully at her friend, when she came into the room, "Good afternoon, Clara; how are you? Can I get you some coffee or something to eat?" Rosemary jumped up as she spoke, rushing to the stove and reaching for the coffee pot.
Rosemary stood with the pot in her hand, waiting for a response, Clara's face was unreadable, and she wasn't sure what to expect.
"Coffee would be lovely; I have a lot to do."
Rosemary opened her mouth, then closed it quickly, pouring the coffee silently. She was desperate to know what Clara meant by that, but now wasn't the time to ask her. If Clara wanted her to know, she would tell her.
The man stood, reading the news of the trial about to be held in Coal Valley. It was an interesting case; if the widows won, the Mine would have to be shut down. If the Mine were to shut down, there would be a lot of men needing work, and if his plans went ahead, it just so happens he would need a lot of men. A win for the widows could mean a win for him. Maybe it was time for a trip.
Clara took a sip of her coffee, using her cup to hide her smile. She knew Rosemary was dying to ask her about a million questions and was struggling to hold back. Clara had a lot of time to think over the last day and realised Rosemary had only the best intentions when she revealed her secret to her friends in Coal Valley. Clara knew she had to honour Peter and go to Coal Valley and testify. Whatever Abigail Stanton thought of her or said to her, she could take it.
"Alright, Clara, I can't take it anymore. Are you still mad at me?" Rosemary burst out.
"No, I am not still mad at you, and I am sorry if I overreacted; it was just such a shock." Clara reached out and took Rosemary's hand, "I know you had my best interest at heart, but from now on, no more secrets, okay?"
"Okay," Rosemary agreed quickly. Biting her lip, she held herself back from asking Clara what she planned to do; she was determined to support her friend quietly.
Clara laughed as she watched Rosemary struggle, "Rosemary, I have decided to go to Coal Valley, and I have to go tomorrow morning on the early train."
"Don't you mean we have to go? There is no way I am letting you go there alone," Rosemary exclaimed.
"I can't ask you to do that, Rosemary." Clara's heart soared, she would give anything to have her friend's support, but it was too much to ask her.
"You aren't asking, I am offering, and I won't take no for an answer." Rosemary's smile was wide; I cannot let you go and testify on your own."
Rosemary and Clara had to rush to get everything done. They arranged for time off from work and left their house key so someone could check in on their flat; they packed clothes and purchased tickets for the train to Coal Valley. Clara sent a telegram to Sam Madison to let her know she would be coming, but nothing more than that. Rosemary sent word to Colleen Parks, Nathan's sister they were leaving Town. Rosemary had hoped to catch up with her before they left, but they or Colleen had been working.
Finally, they were ready to depart; they rushed onto the train the following day and found their seats just as the Conductor called for final boarding. Out of breath, they watched as the train left for Coal Valley. As they travelled, Rosemary told Clara all about her trip to Benson Hills from Hamilton, meeting Elizabeth Thatcher, and joining her on the journey. Rosemary also talked about Nathan Grant and Gabriel Kinslow. Rosemary wanted Clara to feel she knew Nathan and Elizabeth before she got to Coal Valley, to know she wouldn't be her only ally in the Town.
Rosemary glanced over at Clara, hoping she was okay; she had been very subdued for most of the trip. She watched Clara pull documents out of her purse, a frown on her face as she read them.
"Those papers seem to be upsetting you, Clara. Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine, Rosemary," Clara said, handing them to her. "Take a look; I hope some of them help with the case; if we aren't too late, of course."
Rosemary looked at the sheaf of papers; the first was the Marriage Certificate for Peter and Clara, and the second was a report of some kind.
"What's the second document Clara, this report from Mr Sweeney?"
"I am not sure; I am not even sure it's important. I found it when I went to look for the original Marriage Certificate. It mentions Coal Valley and the Mine, and even though I am sure she has already seen it, I thought I should bring it with me and let Sam look at it anyway."
"I think you're right; it's better to have it and not need it." Rosemary returned the papers to Clara; "you make sure to keep them safe."
Abigail's hand shook as she picked up her teacup to take a sip, placing it back in the saucer quickly; she hoped no one had noticed. Glancing at her breakfast companions, she realised only Sam had.
"It's going to be okay, Abigail. I shouldn't have worried you as I did." Sam regretted showing anger at Judge Harshaw when she returned from seeing him the night before. Sam was still angry and concerned. She had gone to the Saloon to introduce herself to the Judge and found out he was in his room, drinking with Henry Gowan and his Lawyer Mr Gentry. She didn't have any proof they were doing anything wrong; however, if they weren't, why hide away upstairs? She had returned to the Cafe, slamming the door shut, giving away her feelings to Abigail when she should have stayed silent.
"I have every faith in you, Sam," Abigail replied, looking around the table, she smiled at the others sitting with them. "I have every faith in you and Bill also Nathan," she said as she patted his hand.
"That's nice to hear, Abigail; we won't let you down." Bill smiled fondly at Abigail, unaware of the smiles from the others at the table. It was clear to everyone he was very taken with her, and despite thinking he was playing it cool; he wasn't hiding it very well. Abigail may be the only person with no idea how he felt about her.
Nathan smiled at Elizabeth, who was grinning back at him; he wondered if he had ever been that bad at hiding his feelings for her. He was glad they had progressed in their relationship, and others knew, so he didn't have to hide anymore. There was only the matter of why he was in Coal Valley, and he was determined to tell her everything the moment the trial was over.
"It's time." Sam stood, gathering her paperwork, "I believe we are going to win this case; we have the evidence, the witnesses and the truth on our side."
Abigail heard Sam's words and bowed her head, sending a silent prayer to Heaven she was right. With a final word to Noah and Peter, promising to see justice done, she stood and followed the others to the Saloon where Judge Harshaw would hear their case.
Clara stood, tears welling in her eyes, "why did I wait so long to go to Coal Valley? I've let Peter down." Clara couldn't believe they had missed the stage to Coal Valley; what would they do?
"Clara, it isn't your fault the train was late; we will have to make other arrangements to get from the station to Coal Valley; there must be another option."
"I can't miss the trial, Rosemary; I need to be there. I feel it."
Rosemary looked at Clara; in her distress, she wasn't thinking clearly, unable to see a solution. "Let me look into it for us, Clara; you stay here with our things. I promise I will find a way to get us there."
As Rosemary hurried off to search for a way to get them to Coal Valley, Clara put her head down, letting the tears fall. The last thing she wanted was to get there late and let everyone down. What would Abigail Stanton think of her if she didn't make it there in time? Should she even bother? What if she was the reason the Mine stayed open? What if it was her fault the men continued working there, and there was another tragedy, more men died?
"Stop crying, Clara; It's going to be okay; I have a solution." Rosemary kneeled in front of her friend, passing her a handkerchief. "A man is travelling through Coal Valley on his way to deliver some goods in Brookfield, and he has space for us on his wagon. He is leaving now, so we have to hurry."
The two women rushed toward the wagon; Clara was thrilled there was a solution for them.
"Mr Sweeney, can you repeat that, please?" Sam couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"I found no safety violations in the Mine in Coal Valley." Mr Sweeney glanced briefly at the table where Henry Gowan and Mr Gentry sat before staring defiantly at her.
"Mr Sweeney, that is contrary to what you have previously stated and your written report. It is..." Sam continued forcefully.
Judge Harshaw interrupted, "Miss Madison, can you produce the safety report which contains this information? The report submitted by the mining company sustains what Mr Sweeney has stated."
"As you know, your honour, we have been unable to locate the report; we relied on Mr Sweeney to testify in person to what he wrote." Sam stood before the Judge, eyes flashing with anger at Mr Sweeney. "Mr Sweeney, would you mind explaining to the court why you have changed your story and are lying under oath."
"Miss Madison, what proof do you have to support that statement?" Mr Gentry demanded as he leapt to his feet.
"Every conversation we have had, every statement he has made until this point," Sam responded to Mr Gentry, without looking at him, still staring at Joseph Sweeney. "How did they get to you? What did they offer you?"
"Miss Madison, you are out of line!" roared Judge Harshaw, "this is your witness. You chose to put Mr Sweeney on the stand; deal with it."
"Yes, your honour," Sam agreed. Turning to Mr Sweeney, she stared at him, her eyes fierce and asked, "Mr Sweeney, how much did the Mining company pay you to change your story."
The Courtroom erupted, Mr Sweeny protested, Mr Gentry leapt to his feet objecting, and the Townspeople all talked at once. Bill Avery was on his feet, shouting and pointing at Joseph Sweeney and the Mining company, his words lost amongst all the others. Judge Harshaw repeatedly banged his gavel on the table to restore order to the room. Abigail sat, stunned.
"Miss Madison, I suggest you take a short break to get your side under control. I will not tolerate this behaviour in my court." Judge Harshaw said when the room finally quieted. "Unless you have new evidence to present, when we return in 30 minutes, I will be ready to hear your closing arguments."
Sam tried to stop Joseph Sweeney as he walked from the witness stand, but he refused to acknowledge her. Recognising it was no good to try and stop him, she walked to where Abigail and Bill sat, leaned toward them, and whispered, "let's go to the Cafe; we need to talk."
As the cafe door closed behind Molly, the group were silent; Sam, Bill, and Abigail, at the front of the room, stood facing Florence, Cat and Molly. Elizabeth and Nathan had come with the group but stood off to the side, unsure what they could do to help.
"I'll take the stand; I can tell them what I found at the Mine," Bill spoke as he stalked around the Cafe, unable to remain still.
"Thank you, Bill, but no one will believe you are impartial; I appreciate the offer, but it won't work," Sam stated calmly.
"Put me on the stand. I can tell them what Noah said about Mr Sweeney's report at the time, show that it is different than what he is saying now," Abigail offered.
"Thank you, but the same applies to you. Unless we prove that Mr Sweeney has changed what he said in his report, our hands are tied." Sam smiled at the group, "I will have to prove our case during closing arguments, and I will."
Sam saw the look Florence and Molly exchanged, but she couldn't let their doubts stop her. She was a good lawyer, no, she was an excellent lawyer, and she would not fail the widows or the Town.
The man stood looking around the Courtroom, shocked. For a small town, Coal Valley sure had a lot of excitement. He remained passive as the room exploded around him. He watched Mr Sweeney; the man was clearly lying through his teeth. He had seen him at the Saloon last night and watched as the two men from the Mining Company whispered to him over drinks. He hadn't realised what was happening at the time; if he had, he would have warned the Lawyer. Sam Madison had done an excellent job on the case, but you can't fight lies and corruption you didn't know about until it was too late.
He decided to take a walk around the Town while it was quiet; most people had decided to stay inside, not willing to give up their seats to the front row drama unfolding. The Town was quaint, he thought; he could see areas of improvement and where expansion would help everyone. He was more interested than ever to know the outcome of the case. He could see himself in Coal Valley, but not if the Mine stayed open. As he stepped forward to continue his look around Town, he saw a wagon rushing into Town, pulling up at the coach stop. Curious he walked over to see what the hurry was.
Rosemary and Clara had a bumpy ride into Coal Valley; the wagon driver had taken their instructions to hurry to heart and had barely slowed for corners. As they rode into the Town of Coal Valley, Rosemary looked around; it was deserted, where was everyone? Where was the Courthouse?
Thanking the Driver profusely, they jumped from the wagon, setting their cases down at the Stagecoach stop. The Driver nodded and set off again, his pace a lot slower this time.
"Where is everyone, Rosemary? Can you see the Courthouse?"
"No, Clara, I can't, and I can't imagine where everyone is?"
"Can I help you, Ladies?"
Rosemary turned to see an attractive dark-haired man standing behind them. He had a handsome face, and his smile made his eyes crinkle. There was something about him she couldn't put her finger on, but she didn't have time to worry about what that was.
"We are looking for the Courthouse, sir; I must find Sam Madison; I have to see her immediately," Clara explained, still breathless from their trip. She could barely contain her anxiety about being too late.
"Well, I happen to know exactly where Sam Madison is. Would you let me escort you?"
"And you are?" asked Rosemary, still unsettled by the stranger.
"Leeland Coulter, Maam, people call me Lee," he said, extending his hand to her, introducing himself. "If you will follow me, I don't believe there is much time to catch her before she needs to be back before Judge Harshaw."
"Rosemary LeVeaux," she responded, grasping his hand. As their hands touched, Rosemary felt a shiver run through her; she had never reacted that way to any man. Her eyes shot up to his and found he was staring at her, his eyes curious, and she knew he felt it too.
"We need to hurry, please," Clara burst out. "I'm sorry, Mr Coulter, I don't mean to be rude, but this is very important."
"Of course, I am sorry, Miss ...," Lee trailed off as he started leading them to the Cafe, looking for her name.
"Clara Stanton, pleased to meet you," she said, hurrying after him.
Rosemary saw Lee Coulter's eyebrows shoot up at Clara's name and knew he recognised it.
"Okay, Clara Stanton, let me take you to Miss Madison."
Sam took a deep breath; they were out of time and had nothing left except her closing argument.
"Alright, we need to get back; Judge Harshaw hates to be kept waiting."
The group stood for a moment, watching her, so she smiled confidently, "It won't be long before we are back here, celebrating. Let's go."
Before the group could head out, the door opened, and a strange man and two women walked inside.
"Rosemary, what are you doing here?" Elizabeth cried out, rushing to her friend, and throwing her arms around her. After a glance and nod to Bill, Nathan joined her, trying to keep the attention on their small group.
While the crowd was distracted by Rosemary and Elizabeth reuniting, Lee took the opportunity to direct Clara to Sam Madison.
"Clara, I am so glad you made it, although I am not sure I haven't wasted your trip." Sam hurriedly told Clara about Mr Sweeney's change in testimony, explaining that it was unlikely Clara would have to take the stand. Without proof to support her statements of what Peter had told her, it was unlikely to sway the Judge.
"I found this, Sam. Do you think it could help?" Clara asked as she showed Sam the document she had found.
"Where did you find this?" Sam said, scanning the document quickly, her eyes lighting up.
"Peter had put it away; I found it with our Marriage Certificate."
"Come," Sam said, taking her arm, smiling broadly, "you have to come with me right now." Sam rushed Clara out the door, a befuddled group following behind her.
Lee didn't follow, remaining behind with the lovely Ms LeVeaux and her companions. Hands in his pockets, he listened as Rosemary explained to her friends about the last-minute dash to Town. Miss Madison apparently thought it would help to hear from someone outside of Coal Valley who had been told of the safety breaches.
Lee looked up as a man approached him; he knew who he was, Bill Avery, the Inspector who had brought the case against the Mining company. He knew Bill had noticed his recent arrival in Town; the man missed nothing. Neither did the Mountie who was standing with Rosemary and the woman who knew her; he had been keeping an eye on Lee since he walked through the door.
"Bill Avery, and you are?"
"Leland Coulter, Lee," he said, taking Bill's hand and shaking it.
"You and your companions seem to have created quite a stir; Sam seemed excited. What was that about."
"I'm afraid I can't help you, Mr Avery; I don't know these Ladies, just helped them locate Sam Madison. I think I'll head back to the Saloon; I am interested in discovering what Mrs Stanton had that excited Miss Madison so much."
"Stanton?" Bill asked, "Mrs Stanton?"
"I believe that was the young Ladies name, yes."
Bill looked at Nathan, Elizabeth and the young blonde lady, "we need to get back to the Saloon. I need to know what is happening."
"Right behind you, Bill," Nathan said. "Rosemary, we need to go to the Saloon; that's where the court case is happening. It's almost over, and it isn't looking good."
"Let's introduce ourselves on the way," Nathan said to the gentlemen talking to Bill, pleased when he didn't argue, just nodded, and held the door wide for them to exit the Cafe.
The five of them entered the Courthouse quietly; Sam was already talking to the Judge. Bill left the others standing at the back of the Saloon and crept up the aisle to sit beside Abigail, behind Sam and the mysterious Mrs Stanton.
"Judge Harshaw, as you stated before our break, I needed to present new evidence or commence closing arguments," Sam said confidently. "I would like to call a new witness to the stand."
"She can't do this, Judge. It's too late now to be bringing in new witnesses that aren't on the witness list," Mr Gentry sputtered.
"I will decide that not you, Mr Gentry, sit down." Judge Harshaw spoke, his voice and face severe as he stared him down. Once Mr Gentry had regained his seat, he turned to Sam, "Why should I allow this new witness, Miss Madison?"
"I believe this witness can prove Mr Sweeney lied under oath about what was in his original safety report."
"The safety report has already been reviewed and discussed; Mr Sweeney has testified to it." Mr Gentry interjected.
"How can she prove that, Miss Madison?" he asked, ignoring Mr Gentry's statement.
"By providing us with the original safety report, signed by Mr Sweeney himself. You will find the contents are very different to the copy submitted by the Mining company and spoken of by Mr Sweeney in this Courtroom."
Judge Harshaw looked to the back of the room and called out, "Constable, would you please ensure Mr Sweeney remains with us?"
"Of course, your Honour," Nathan responded, moving to stand behind Mr Sweeney. Nathan placed himself between him and the door, pleased to note that Mr Sweeney, who had been in the process of rising from his chair, sat back down without a murmur.
"Very well, I will allow you to submit the document to me, and then I will decide about the new witness," Judge Harshaw said, holding out his hand for it.
There was silence in the Courtroom as the Judge reviewed the two safety reports, holding them side by side to compare.
"Interesting, Miss Madison. Very interesting. I believe I would like to hear from your new witness."
Sam squeezed Clara's arm encouragingly as she helped her to the witness seat, where she was sworn in.
Judge Harshaw looked at Clara and could see her nervousness; he smiled at her before asking his first question. "What was your relationship to the man who gave you this safety report, Mr Peter Stanton?"
"I was his wife; my name is Mrs Clara Stanton."
No one had been expecting that response; the gasps and whispers from the people in the Courtroom had Judge Harshaw reaching for his gavel. Once calm had returned, he continued to question Clara regarding the report.
Throughout her testimony, Clara gave clear, articulate responses, answering as best she could with the information she had from Peter. As she spoke, she glanced around the room, avoiding eye contact with the woman who she assumed was Peter's Mother. What a shock this must be for her.
After her testimony, the Judge was quiet for a few moments, contemplating what he had heard and read. Finally, looking at the crowd, tense with anticipation of his findings, he said, "I am ready to announce my verdict."
Looking toward Henry Gowan and Mr Gentry, he said, "I believe that Pacific Northwest Mining Company knew about the safety breaches in Coal Valley. I believe the Company ignored them because it would impact their profits. I believe because of their greed, over forty good men died needlessly. I hold the Company wholly responsible for their deaths and find in favour of the widows of Coal Valley."
The Courtroom erupted with cheers of joy; they had won. Nothing would bring their loved ones back; they knew that, but at least the Mining company couldn't hurt anyone else.
Judge Harshaw let the crowd go on longer than usual before continuing. Staring into Henry Gowan's angry face, he said, "I would like to hold you personally responsible for what happened in this Town, but as an employee, I cannot." Glancing to the back of the Courtroom, the Judge nodded to Nathan, who stepped forward and took Mr Sweeney by the arm. "Mr Sweeney, I hold you fully responsible, for your actions and you will face charges of perjury, falsifying documents, and whatever else I can charge you with."
"Mr Gentry, please Telegram your employer and tell them the Mine is closed, effective immediately, never to re-open. Also, tell them I am awarding the largest claim for damages in my power to do so, to be shared equally amongst the widows of Coal Valley." Judge Harshaw looked at Sam and nodded once before slamming his gavel down on the table, sealing his decision and closing the trial.
Abigail had barely heard Judge Harshaw's decision; her head was buzzing with the young woman's words, 'I was his wife; my name is Mrs Clara Stanton. Mrs Clara Stanton...His wife... his wife... his wife.' How had she not known, how could he have not told her? Why had Clara Stanton not come forward before now?
"Are you alright, Abigail? I am sorry I couldn't tell you about Clara; I wasn't sure she would come. I didn't even know she had the safety report. I had asked her to come and talk as a widow who hadn't lived in Coal Valley." Sam was rushing her words, her explanation, but she could tell by Abigail's face she was shocked.
"I'm fine, Sam," Abigail responded, still unable to look away from Clara Stanton. She watched as the beautiful young woman looked up, sadness in her eyes, but more than that, guilt, fear, and loneliness. The fear made Abigail rise and walk toward Clara, where she sat at the table near Sam. The loneliness made her reach out and pull Clara into her arms, hugging her as the young woman sobbed on her shoulder.
Elizabeth felt tears in her eyes as she watched Abigail hold Clara, smiling at Rosemary, who stepped beside her and wrapped an arm around her. The friends watched the Stanton widows, understanding that words were unnecessary and that a family was forming, where each had been alone before.
