A Treasure Concealed

by Tracie Peterson

  Emily walked slowly back to the burial site. She saw the fresh mound of dirt and small wooden cross that marked her mother’s grave. Her father had made that cross just this morning. She stared down at it for a long time.

  Nyola Carver

  b. 1840 d. 1895

  Such a small showing for the life of such a good woman. Would anyone who found this grave in the future wonder at the person buried there? Would anyone guess that she had been a strong woman of God with a generous heart and loving nature? Emily sank to her knees and reached out to trace her mother’s name.

  “I wondered where you’d gotten off to.”

  She looked up to find Caeden watching her from a little ways off.

  “I had to be alone—to think.”

  “And what did you figure out?” He stepped to where she was on her knees and squatted down.

  Face-to-face she could see the dark intensity of his eyes. “I haven’t figured out anything. I asked the marshal if he’d arrested Kirk Davies, but he told me there wasn’t any evidence that he had set the fire.”

  “That does make it hard. Unless the man confesses or brags around town about it, it would be hard to make a charge stick.”

  Emily drew off her scarf and tied it around the cross. She hated that the grave looked so plain and had no flowers. At least the red scarf would add a little color.

  For a time neither of them spoke, but finally Caeden broke the silence. “I’m really sorry about your mother, Emily. I know what it is to lose a mother. You can be proud that your mother died knowing how very loved she was. You and your father treated her so well.”

  “How did you say your mother died?”

  The question seemed to surprise him. He looked at Emily for a moment, then dropped his gaze to the ground. “I believe it was from a broken heart. She’d borne up under my father’s tirades and criticism all of her married life. She was never good enough as far as he was concerned. It didn’t matter that she was a gracious hostess and loving mother. It didn’t matter that she never let a bad word about him leave her mouth. He killed her the same as Davies killed your mother.”

  “Why was he like that?” Emily knew the topic was painful to him, but she felt almost an urgency to pose the question.

  “Because he only cared about himself. He drank too much, raged too much, and demanded his own way—too much. Archibald Thibault cared only about himself and the money he could make. He took mistresses, robbed entire families of their fortunes, and crushed the businesses of his rivals. He was a hard and ruthless man . . . and I will always hate him.”

  “But why did he drink so much? Did something happen to him that he drank to forget? Was he in pain?”

  “I honestly have no idea. And frankly it doesn’t matter. He hurt everyone with his drinking, and knowing the reason he drank wouldn’t make it right.”

  She heard the anger and bitterness in his tone. Her mother had always said that hatred ate a person up from the inside out. It would eventually taint how they looked at life and would separate them from God.

  “It’s because of him,” Caeden continued, “that I want nothing to do with marriage and family. I couldn’t bear to imagine myself turning out like him.”

  “But you’re nothing like that.” She met his gaze and forced a weak smile. “You’re a good man. You care about the people around you. You would never strive to hurt people that way. Not only that, but you don’t drink.”

  “Maybe not right now, but who’s to say what I might become, given the responsibilities of a wife and family?” He shook his head and stood. “I couldn’t bear it if I caused that kind of pain.”

  Emily too got to her feet. “But don’t you see? The fact that you care about not causing pain makes me confident that you could never be that way. You took your traits from your mother. Her faith and love taught you to look at life differently. You’ll make someone a wonderful husband one day.” She hadn’t meant to say as much as she did. Would he think her forward, perhaps suggesting they might have a future together?

  She lowered her gaze to the cross once more. “I should find my father.” She didn’t wait to hear his response but made her way to Millie’s.

  Caeden watched her go. He wanted to say something about her comment—wanted to question her as to whether she was implying that he might make her a wonderful husband. Her mother’s words were ever on his mind, yet surely Emily wasn’t suggesting anything along those lines. She had never thrown herself at him or acted as some young ladies do when trying to get the attention of a possible suitor.

  “Thibault!”

  He turned around and found the marshal making his way toward him. Caeden didn’t reply. The marshal closed the distance and reached inside his coat. “Been lookin’ for you. This came for you in Utica.” He thrust an envelope into Caeden’s hands.

  It was from Bishop Arnold. He stiffened. Dealing with that man and his nonsense was far from Caeden’s desires. “Thank you.”

  “I wonder if I might talk to you a minute.”

  Nodding, Caeden stuffed the letter into his inside coat pocket. “What can I do for you?”

  “I was wondering how much longer you’ll be in the area.”

  “Not long. A week, maybe two. The other members of this geological team are to meet up with me in Havre by the first of December. I figure to get there plenty ahead of time to finish putting my records in order.”

  The marshal stroked his mustache, and while Caeden had shaved clean that morning, the action almost compelled him to scratch under his nose. “I’m worried about the Carvers. This has been a hard blow, and they are both convinced that Kirk Davies is responsible.”

  “Well, he seems the only likely suspect.” Caeden shoved his hands into his pockets. “The man did threaten them, and he wanted to force Henry Carver to turn over his mining claim. Seems to me it would at least bear checking into.”

  The marshal stiffened, and his expression turned stern. “And I will. I know my job. I’m just wondering if maybe you could keep an eye on Mr. Carver and his daughter. Especially the daughter. She seems all worked up about this, and I worry she’ll try to take it on herself.”

  Caeden nodded. He was worried about the same thing. He knew she carried a pistol with her all the time, and now with what had happened, Caeden wasn’t at all doubtful that Emily might use it on Davies.

  “I’ll stick around as long as I can.”

  “Thank you. That’s all I ask. I’m heading back to Utica. I was told Kirk Davies took an old shack not far from town. I intend to pay him a visit. If anything else happens here, get word to me as soon as possible.”

  Caeden wondered at the man’s ability to help from so far away but said nothing. He waited until the marshal had gone before pulling Arnold’s letter out of his pocket. He ripped it open and read the first few lines. His anger mounted with each additional line.

  I managed to learn from your uncle that you are in the area of Great Falls. I will be in Great Falls, Montana, on the twelfth of November. I will expect to meet with you there at the railroad hotel. We have a great deal of business to discuss, and it’s imperative that you join me. Time is of the utmost importance.

  It was signed Bishop Arnold and dated the thirtieth of September. No doubt the boardinghouse where Caeden had taken residence in Great Falls had forwarded the letter to Utica. He had given them that destination should any mail come for him.

  Caeden stuffed the letter back into the envelope, determined to ignore the summons. He had very little use for his father’s former business associate. He knew Arnold was desperate to get Thibault’s money to help fund his political ambitions. He was also desperate to marry his daughter to Caeden.

  Caeden’s first thought was to ignore Arnold’s summons, but then he wondered if the man wouldn’t just follow him to Utica and then to Yogo City. Of course, that would require a great deal of effort on Arnold’s part. However, he was making a trip all the way to Montana, so the effort had already been made. Apparently Arnold was despe
rate enough to hunt Caeden down, and that only served to cause greater concern. If only he could get a wire off to his uncle and question what was going on. But that would require a ride to Utica. Unless, of course, he could pay the marshal to take care of it.

  Either way, it was going to be an unwanted interference in his plans.

  9

  The days seemed to drag by and grow colder. Caeden knew he would soon have to leave if he were to meet Arnold in Great Falls, but he didn’t feel he could leave with the Carvers’ future still so uncertain. Emily had spent several nights with Millie, but Henry continued to share the tent with Caeden. Not that he minded, but it wasn’t a permanent solution, and no one knew this better than Henry.

  When they’d awakened that morning, Henry had muttered something about getting a tent of his own, which gave Caeden a thought. Since he was heading back to Washington, DC, he could just leave his tent behind. He’d explain to Henry that he had no use for it. Surely the old man would see the sense in that.

  Caeden was still shaving and contemplating how he would approach the matter when he heard the sound of men and horses approaching. He quickly finished his task and dried his face before going in search of the noise.

  To his surprise, as well as Henry and Emily’s, it appeared that the men of Yogo had decided to bring the Carvers a new cabin. Well, not so new. They had managed to put the small, well-worn cabin on two large sledges. Where they’d ever come up with those was a mystery. There were two teams of horses with four large draft animals to a team.

  Henry was the first to greet them. “What’s all this?”

  Jake Hoover led the way. “How do, Henry—Miss Emily. Millie reminded me that we have dozens of these old shacks just sitting around empty. Figured we might as well bring one to you as to let it go on unused. Where’d you like to have it?”

  For a moment it looked like Henry might refuse the offer, but Caeden was relieved to hear him accept. At least he and Emily would have a roof over their heads.

  “Let’s set it up in front of where the old cabin was.” Henry pointed to an area that had been worn down from people coming and going.

  “You heard him, boys,” Jake said, turning back to help.

  Caeden stepped forward. “What can I do?”

  “Nothing just yet. We’ll get the cabin in place, and then we’ll have to get it off the sledges. And Millie’s bringing up a wagonload of goods. We’ll need your help with all the unloading.”

  Caeden stood beside Henry and Emily, watching the men maneuver the teams. It took nearly an hour before they had the cabin positioned where Henry wanted it. After that the real work began.

  “All right, now,” Jake said, “it’s gonna take all of us to get it unloaded off the sledges, but it won’t take long.”

  All the while Emily stood off to one side, watching in silence. Caeden couldn’t help noticing her. Since the funeral she hadn’t bothered to wear her multiple, shapeless layers. Instead she wore a simple wool skirt, blouse, and shawl. All three had been gifts from one of the men, whose wife had died the summer before.

  I wonder if she’s ever had anything new.

  The thought surprised him. He remembered his sisters and their shopping sprees. They would return home from several days in New York City and insist on showing off their new clothes immediately. Caeden tried to imagine Emily in a new gown of pink silk. He thought she’d look very nice in pink. Perhaps a pale shade of rose. He decided then and there that when he was in Great Falls, he would buy her some new clothes. He didn’t really care whether others would think such a gesture appropriate. He would do what his heart was telling him.

  “All right, boys,” Jake declared. “Let’s get this thing set in place.” The men, including Caeden, took their places, while Jake explained how they would go about the unloading process.

  After wresting the cabin from the sledges, the men stood back to survey their work. Jake had been right; it had taken very little time to unload the cabin. The men were still congratulating themselves when Caeden saw Emily make her way inside. He couldn’t stop himself from joining her there.

  “What do you think?” He looked around the single empty room.

  “I’m not sure what to think,” she said, shaking her head. “It certainly will be better than sleeping outside under the stars.” She smiled, and Caeden smiled back. “I’m very touched that the men thought to do this,” she said.

  “They seem a good bunch. I heard one of them say they took up a collection of goods to help furnish the place, and Millie’s bringing it up. For folks who have so little, they are very generous.”

  “Most of the people I’ve met in mining towns have been good folks. There aren’t always a lot of hours to socialize, but there’s always a sense of community—of neighbor helping neighbor.” She walked to one of the empty window spaces. “We’ll need to board this up to keep out the cold and the critters.”

  “That shouldn’t be too hard.”

  She shook her head. “No, not too hard.”

  “Has your father decided if the old stove still works?”

  She nodded. “He said with just a little work it will be fine. And if not, I’m sure he’ll figure out something. I haven’t minded cooking outdoors, but when the snows come it will be much more difficult.”

  “Are you certain you can’t talk him into wintering in a town? Even Utica would afford you better supplies and comforts.”

  “But there’s no gold to be mined in Utica,” she replied, her tone dispirited. “There’d be no work for either of us in that small of a place, and without work there’d be no money for supplies and comforts.”

  “I wish your father would let me give him the funds he needs. I have more than enough.”

  “He’s too proud for that.” Emily moved back toward the only door. “He likes to see to things himself. Frankly, I’m surprised he’s been willing to accept the help everyone has offered today.”

  “Perhaps he sees where pride has gotten him in the past.” Caeden followed her outside. There was no chance for her to respond as Henry Carver joined them just then.

  “Well, what do you think, daughter? Will it get us by?”

  Emily touched her father’s arm. “It will suit us just fine. We’ll need to board up the window, since there’s no glass or oilcloth to use. And we’ll need to get that old stove moved over.”

  “The fellows are going to do that just now. I was coming to get Caeden in case we need the extra hand.”

  “I’m happy to help.” Caeden glanced toward the western skies and noted the gathering clouds. “Looks like some weather is moving in.”

  “It’s going to snow,” Jake Hoover said, coming up behind them. “We’d best get busy. We need to have this place in order before a storm moves in and causes us all grief.”

  They worked for the better part of the morning assembling everything. Three of the men, including Henry, cleaned up the old stove and made certain it was working, while some of the others brought in very rough pieces of furniture.

  By the time everything was arranged, the one-room cabin looked adequate, but certainly nothing more. Caeden remembered how his stables back home were in much better shape. Larger too. He pushed aside the thought. It wasn’t helpful to compare this little cabin to the previous one, nor to any of his property in Albany. Obviously this was the best that could be done for now. Even so, it bothered him a great deal to see Emily looking so pleased. All of her life she’d had to settle for whatever little bit came her way, be it clothing or housing. Caeden frowned as he realized how obsessed he was with providing better for her. What was happening to him?

  The men gathered outside, and when Jake mentioned he was heading to Great Falls the next day, Caeden announced his own plans.

  “I’ll be leaving soon myself. I have an appointment in Great Falls, and then I’m to meet the rest of the geological team and head back to Washington.”

  Henry looked at Caeden and nodded. “It’s been nice havin’ you around, but I know yo
u have your responsibilities. You’re always welcome to come back anytime.”

  Caeden caught sight of Emily’s face. She looked upset. Was it because of his announcement? He didn’t want to think that he was the cause. After all, she’d known all along he would be going as soon as his work was completed.

  “We could just ride over together,” Jake offered.

  “I can’t go right away. I still have some loose ends to tie up.” Caeden glanced again at Emily, but she’d disappeared back into the cabin. “I’ll be taking my horse back to the stable in Utica and then catching the stage, but thank you for the offer.”

  Jake shrugged. “Company on the trail is always nice, but certainly not necessary.” He extended his hand to Henry. “I’ll be back around in a month or so.”

  Henry shook his hand. “Be glad to see you then. You’re always welcome here too.”

  One by one the men left. No doubt they would return to their endless search for riches. Caeden couldn’t imagine living the life they lived. He liked moving about and having his freedom, but there were far too many unknown factors in the lives of these men.

  “You’ve made some good friends here, Mr. Carver.”

  “Now, Caeden, I thought we agreed you’d call me Henry. Don’t go gettin’ all formal just because you have to go.”

  “Henry.” Caeden smiled. “The folks around here are very generous. I must say I’ve never seen such good will. Seems strange that folks who have next to nothing should be so willing to part with it in order to help someone else.”

  “That’s been my experience in every place I’ve ever lived,” Henry replied. “I think poor folks are always giving to one another. They appreciate the situation better than someone who has great wealth. Still, it’s hard to be on the receiving end.”