Chapter 55 – Monday's Plan (long)
Monday morning came early. Charlotte was up with the sun. She had heard Wynn and Dee come back to the row house the previous night. She quickly got up and dressed. She checked and both Wynn and Dee were still sleeping so she headed to town to help Abigail after leaving a note for the boys. When she got to the cafe, she saw that the lights in the kitchen were on, so she knocked on the side door. Abigail quickly greeted her. Clara and Mary Graves were already there helping. Charlotte insisted that Mary sit and rest as she was obviously pregnant. They talked about what needed to be done and each set about their tasks. At one point, Bill came over to see what was going on. Charlotte poured him a cup of coffee and indicated that she wanted to talk.
"What's up?" Bill asked when they were seated in the dining room.
"I have been thinking." Charlotte said. "I know that Faith had expressed some concern about putting a few of the patients in a medical tent, so I was thinking what if we put a couple of those families in Gowen's old house. I also noticed that there were at least three spaces that could be fixed up into apartments for a family. I think that it is important to get them settled and back into a routine as soon as possible."
"I couldn't agree more." Bill said. "I think that using the space we have to the best of our ability would be better. I think that there are also a couple of abandoned cabins near town. They may need a little bit of work, but it wouldn't take much to get families settled. I think that the best thing is to first get them out of the schoolhouse and do something. I think that we need to talk to Wynn and Abigail. I know from Jack's plan that there were twelve families at the settlement, which included ten of the men at the mine. There was one older widow whose son-in-law worked at the mine and then there were two single mothers, one had her estranged husband at the mine and the other I think her oldest child worked at the mine. I think that there were a total of seven children. So what are our numbers."
"Well, we have two new widows." Charlotte said. "One with a child. That leaves ten families that worked at the mine. That also leaves us twelve single men that worked at the mine, not a hard count, but at least somewhere to start. We can work on getting a hard count, it wouldn't be that hard to do."
"Don't forget Lucy Benson." Bill said. "Her home was destroyed and she was injured, so I brought her back here. I don't know what her plans are, but I think we figure her into things until we learn otherwise. I don't think that she has other family, but we would need to talk to her."
"I was going to ask you about her." Charlotte said.
"Let's just say I owe her." Bill said.
Charlotte looked at Bill.
"Fine." Bill said. "I knew her father. I always tried to look after Lucy and her mother after their father was killed by Jake Garrison. I lost touch for a while, but after we arrested the Garrison's I wanted to let Lucy and her mother know that Jake Garrison was dead. I used some contacts to find her, but it took some time. I got the wire where she was the day before the landslide. I took off to talk to Lucy. When I got there, a flash flood had wreaked havoc on the farm where Lucy was living near Albert Falls. I rescued her and brought her back after she told me that her mother had passed away a few years ago. She was renting the farm until she figured out what she wanted to do. I don't want to talk about it. Let's just focus on what we have in front of us. We need to figure out housing and get everyone back to some sort of routine."
"Good plan." Charlotte said. "So we need to figure out what the mine owners are going to do and what each family/person is planning on doing. But, I think that we need to get through the burial today and then deal with things tomorrow. I also think that we need to have a clear plan from the mine before we are able to move forward."
"Agreed." Bill said. "Burial first. I also think that Wynn was going to have Dee gather more information about the mine owners and what their plans are. We need to sit down with Wynn and Abigail to make a plan."
"Maybe we can talk to Wynn later today." Charlotte said.
"I heard my name." Wynn said coming in from the kitchen.
"We were just talking about a plan moving forward." Bill said. "We agreed that there needs to be more information, but also that each family/person has a decision to make – stay or leave. If they are going to stay, then it will be a matter of finding housing for people. We just don't have enough information to move forward at this point. As much as I would like to get people back to normal as possible, we need more information before we can move forward."
"Sounds like you have been busy." Wynn said. "Let's get through today and see what more information we can gather before we start talking to people about housing."
"Agreed." Bill and Charlotte both said.
"Now." Wynn said. "Let's go eat the breakfast that Clara has made for us."
The trio of Bill, Charlotte and Wynn, got back up and headed to the kitchen. They sat with Dee and ate together, while the other women were busy getting a large breakfast ready for those staying at the saloon. Trays also needed to be made up to take to the injured at the infirmary and schoolhouse. Once Wynn and Charlotte were done, they started helping. Bill let them know that he was going to ride out and check on a couple of the farmers and a few other things. Dee offered to ride out with Bill. He wanted to do something and also wanted to get more familiar with the area.
"Don't forget about the wood." Abigail said to Dee.
"I won't." Dee said. "If there are any messages for me. I will deal with them when I get back or they can go to Dad."
With that Bill and Dee headed out to check on things. Wynn and Charlotte gathered up the food that was heading to the schoolhouse and also left. About that time, Cody came down looking for breakfast. Clara made him a plate and then Mary Graves sat with him for a moment.
"Cody." Mary said. "I know that there is no school today and that you and some of the boys were looking forward to playing, but I was wondering if you would be able to gather up all the school boys. I would like your help with a project. Please get the group to gather on the porch of the cafe as soon as their mothers will let them. Also if you can get the older boys from the settlement to join you that would be great."
"What are we doing?" Cody asked.
"I will explain when you have all the boys." Mary said. "Can you do that for me?"
Cody nodded and then looked at Abigail who nodded that he could leave. Abigail looked at Clara and then Mary, but didn't say anything. She wasn't sure what Mary had planned, but if it kept the boys busy and out of trouble, then she was all for it. Charlotte and Wynn returned to the cafe. Wynn was going to take the food to the infirmary.
"Charlotte." Mary said. "Can you stay for a moment?"
"Sure." Charlotte said. "What is up?"
"I have sent Cody to gather all the school age boys and bring them back here." Mary said. "I was hoping that you would help supervise a project."
"Sure." Charlotte said. "What are they doing?"
"I overheard Bill talking about moving some people into Gowen's old house." Mary said. "I also know that there are a couple of empty apartments in town. They all need a good cleaning. There is also wood that needs to be gathered. I have another idea, but I need to talk to Abigail first."
"I will get the boys going on gathering wood." Charlotte said. "I also think that some of the older girls would be good to pull in to help clean. I think that the boys would be good to help move things, but I think that we need to include the girls."
"Yeah." Mary said. "I was thinking that the girls could help, but I know that Cat was having Emily and Anna gather the girls to help her with a project this morning."
"What is Cat doing?" Abigail asked.
"Some of us mothers were talking." Mary said. "Many of us have clothes that our children have outgrown or just need a little sewing done to fit. Cat was going to have each mother go through their things to see what could be donated. She was going to have the girls help with sorting and repairing things. Then we were going to see what the new families could use. Many of them don't have much. We were also looking at more than just children's clothes. Many of us still have clothes from our husbands that are just sitting in a closet. Cat and I agree that it would be better if someone could use them. I don't mean you have to part with a special shirt or something like that, but something is better than what they have."
"That is a wonderful idea." Abigail said. "I think I have a few dresses that I can donate. I also have a whole trunk of things from Noah and Peter. I have already pulled the special things that I want to keep."
"I agree that is a good idea." Charlotte said. "Just be careful. When I was out at the settlement with Jack before. Well, let's just say that these are proud people and I don't think that they want to be looked at as a charity case. I think if you include them in the project, they might view it differently. Just a thought."
"Cat and I talked about that." Mary said. "We agree and if they are reluctant, we will let them know that this is what Hope Valley does when someone needs something. We also thought it would be a way to show them that we care about our neighbors."
"As long as you are careful." Charlotte said.
Mary nodded.
"Abigail." Clara said. "I was wondering if I might go help Cat, she might need another seamstress."
"Okay." Abigail said. "But see if Molly Sullivan can come help here at the cafe. Also talk to Dottie and Rosemary about helping. Also see if Dottie has anything from the shop that she is willing to donate. I know that she is just getting going, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. You can take some of the things I am going to send later or have one of the girls come get them."
"I will thank you." Clara said, taking off her apron and heading out.
It wasn't long and the ladies heard the sound of running on the boardwalk. They knew that Cody had gathered the boys. Mary and Charlotte headed out to greet them. Mary knew all the Hope Valley boys, but there were five that she didn't know. She figured they were from the settlement. Charlotte quickly had the boys take a seat. They were looking between Mary and Charlotte. Mary nodded for Charlotte to take charge since she was going to be helping.
"Alright." Charlotte said. "Most of you know who I am, but for those that don't, I am Mrs Thornton. I am Mountie Jack's mother. I recognize most of you, but forgive me if I don't remember all your names. But I also see some new faces. What is your name? (pointing to the oldest boy)"
"I am Wyatt." He said. "These are my brothers William and Wesley."
"How old are you boys?" Charlotte asked.
"I am seventeen, ma'am." Wyatt said. "I worked in the mine. William is eight and Wesley is five."
"Well welcome." Charlotte said. "Are you able to work?"
"Yes ma'am." Wyatt said. "I just had a few scraps, but Nurse Carter said I was fine."
"Very well." Charlotte said. "And who are you two (point to the other two boys)."
"I am Harper and I am ten." He said. "This is my cousin Jonah and he is nine."
"Thank you all." Mary said. "I want you boys to get into two groups. Wyatt, you and your brothers can stay together if you want. Caleb and Miles will join them as well. I want Gabe to lead the other group. Please make sure that the groups are fairly even. Now before we get going, Mrs Thornton has a few things to say. I just want to say that you all need to be aware of your surroundings. It is still muddy and I don't think we need to make a mess. I also want you all to work together and make sure that everyone is included. I know that you all don't know each other well, but this is a chance to get to know each other."
"Wyatt." Charlotte said. "I assume you can handle a wagon?"
"Yes, ma'am." Wyatt said.
"Good." Charlotte said. "You will have one and Gabe will have the other."
"Yes, ma'am." Gabe said.
"We will get them from the livery and then we are going to go gather firewood for the town." Charlotte said. "I also believe that Mr Coulter might have some scrap wood for us to pick up. Gabe, I want you and your group to head there first. We will unload all of the wood behind the jail, but don't add it to what Mountie Jack has already stacked. I want it stacked separately, it will be for use by anyone who needs it. There are a lot of extra things that need to be done and I want everyone on their best behavior today."
"Yes, ma'am." The chorus of boys.
"Alright." Charlotte said. "Let's head to the livery."
Charlotte leads the group of boys through town. They were able to get two wagons. Gabe and his group headed to the sawmill and the other group headed to the clearing to gather wood. Charlotte also planned on having the boys gather sticks as well. It didn't take long and the boys were happily gathering firewood. Charlotte was glad for something to do and it helped that she was able to keep the children out from under foot and doing something to help. She knew that they would rather be playing, but she wanted them to learn that chores came first, just like she taught her boys. Charlotte figured that after they gathered wood, she would let them go play for a bit.
Cat and Clara had the girls helping to gather clothes that were being donated. They wanted to make sure everything was washed and in good repair. Molly arrived at the cafe to help. It was mid-morning when some of the mothers from the settlement came over to the cafe.
"Welcome." Abigail greeted them. "I am sorry that I haven't gotten a chance to meet you all yet, but I am Abigail Stanton, mayor and owner of the cafe. What can I do for you ladies this morning?"
"First, I am Wilma Larson." She said. "I want to thank you for rescuing my little Maggie. I hope that Mountie Jack is doing better."
"Yes." Abigail said. "Jack is doing much better. Glad that Maggie is good. Who else do you have with you?"
"Mona Weaver."
"Cynthia Bell"
"Ann Grady"
"Nice to meet you all." Abigail said.
"I know that the Mounties went out to dig the graves for this evening." Wilma said. "I also know that a number of the boys took off to help with something, so we are wondering what we can do to help. You have all been so kind to us, we want to help."
"That is so kind of you." Abigail said. "We have a couple of things that need to be done, if you are willing to help. Have a seat and I will get some tea and we can talk."
Abigail headed back to the kitchen, got tea going and also grabbed Mary to come talk to the women. Mary headed out first and introduced herself. Elizabeth also happened to be in the kitchen when Abigail went back and invited her to join them. Elizabeth declined because she and Jack needed to talk. Abigail understood. Instead, Molly joined the group in the dining room. They talked about what each of the women were good at and where they wanted to help. Abigail and Mary let the women know that the boys were off gathering firewood and the girls were working on clothes that had been donated for the settlers. It was agreed that the cleaning could wait until the next day since it was more important to get food made and laundry done.
Ann Grady agreed to help Abigail at the cafe, since she was a wonderful cook. The other women agreed that they could help with the clothes and laundry. They were also glad that Charlotte seemed to have the boys under control. Mary and Molly took Wilma, Cynthia and Mona to gather laundry and they were going to head to the row houses to work on that. Abigail and Ann were busy chatting and working when Dee and Bill came back to the cafe. Abigail made the introductions. Dee asked for his dad and was informed that he was working either out of the old mining office or Abigail's office. Dee headed off to deal with that. Bill asked where he could help. Abigail asked him to go update Jack and then he could help in the kitchen if he wanted. Bill headed upstairs to talk to Jack.
Once the boys had gathered the wood, unloaded and stacked it near the jail. Charlotte asked that they check in with their parents before heading to the field by the row houses to play and reminded them they also had schoolwork to do. She didn't want them in town underfoot if the men were going to be building the platforms over by the schoolhouse. Once the boys had taken off, Wyatt was left standing there.
"Ma'am" Wyatt said.
"Yes, son." Charlotte said.
"Thank you for letting me go with my brothers." Wyatt said. "They were a little shy about helping, but I think that they will be fine to play with other boys now. I was wondering if there was more work for me to do. I am used to working and earning for my family since my Pa passed away last year."
"That is honorable of you." Charlotte said. "Can I ask you a few questions?"
"What would you like to know?" Wyatt asked.
"I was wondering if you finished your schooling?" Charlotte asked. "You seem like a very bright boy and I was wondering what you wanted to do in the future?"
"Ma'am." Wyatt said. "With all due respect, schooling will have to wait. My family needs my paycheck. I was finished with regular school when Pa got hurt and I had to go to work. I wanted to go on to more school, I even had the opportunity. I made a choice that needed to be made. There was a time that I even wanted to be a Mountie, but my family needs me more. I hope that you understand."
"No, I get it." Charlotte said. "My Jack felt the same way when his father was killed in the line of duty. Personally, I think education is the most important thing. I was a teacher and grew up in a very poor community. The best thing that I did was learn to read and write. I also think that the Mounties would be honored to have you. If you are serious about the Mounties, you might want to talk to Deputy Commissioner Wynn Delaney who is here in town right now. I think that you should finish your schooling. I think that your mother would understand. I also think that Hope Valley might be a place to help you all with that. Please think about it. I will support you either way and I know that others will as well. But for right now, how about you not worry about working and enjoy yourself. What do you like to do?"
"I wish I could read a book." Wyatt said. "Ma says we don't have money to spend on books, so I haven't gotten to read for fun in a while. I would like to read something more challenging."
"I think that I can help you with that." Charlotte said. "Come with me."
Charlotte took Wyatt to the schoolhouse and they entered the back storage area. She lit the lantern and watched as Wyatt's eyes got really big at the sight of all the books.
"I think that it would be okay if you borrowed a few books." Charlotte said.
"I couldn't." Wyatt said.
"It is okay." Charlotte said. "My daughter-in-law is the teacher and many of these books are hers or were donated to the school. She also has others at her house, but if you see something that you like, feel free. I will let her know. I am sure that she would be okay with you borrowing some books as long as you are in Hope Valley."
Pastor Frank heard noise in the store room and came to see who was in there. When he saw that it was Charlotte, he wasn't concerned. He looked at the boy with her and nodded to Charlotte.
"Oh, Pastor Frank." Charlotte said. "This is Wyatt and I am going to let him borrow a few books. He told me that he likes to read and doesn't have any books right now."
"That is fine." Pastor Frank said. "I am sure that Mrs Thornton wouldn't mind. If you need help please let me know. She lets students borrow books all the time. There is another boy who is finished with school that borrows books as well."
"Thank you." Wyatt said.
Charlotte helped Wyatt find two advanced books and assured him that it was okay that he borrowed them. Charlotte wrote down which two books that he took and left the note tacked to the store room shelf. Wyatt was overjoyed. He let Charlotte know that he was going to go watch the younger boys in the field while he read.
"Please keep an eye on the younger boys." Charlotte said. "I don't want them underfoot, but I also understand that many will have chores at home."
"I promise I will make sure things are done." Wyatt said.
After Wyatt left, Charlotte headed back to the cafe. She wanted to let Elizabeth know about Wyatt borrowing a couple of books and also talk to both Jack and Elizabeth if there was something that they could do to help Wyatt and his family. Charlotte knew that the Mounties were always looking for good men. Charlotte hated to see a child give up their education because they were needed to work. She wished that children like Wyatt, who were obviously very bright, were able to have a future if they wanted. She knew that it would be easier if Wyatt's mother had a job and Charlotte felt that Hope Valley was just the place to make that happen.
