“You and the Missus are welcome to stay but I don’t have any provisions. What I had, I ate hours ago. There is a small fire though and plenty of wood.”
“Robbie, I can’t stay here with you. My mam and Gran would kill me never mind what Father Devine would say,” Nora whispered.
“Thank you kindly but I know my missus wants to get home,” Robbie replied to the livery owner,
Nora glared at Robbie but he just grinned back.
“Why did you tell that man we were married?” Nora asked, once they were outside.
“I didn’t, he assumed we were and I didn’t set him right. Would you prefer to explain why a single woman is traipsing the streets with the likes of me?”
Nora didn’t reply. What could she say? He was only trying to protect her. She didn’t want to be any man’s missus but if she had to be someone’s, Robbie would fit the bill quite nicely.
Chapter 32
The storm was worsening with more snow falling. Nora’s chin was resting on a big slab of snow that had stuck to her coat, her face was raw from pieces of ice scratching it and she had never been so cold. She stumbled a couple of times, which made Robbie hold her even closer.
Robbie looked around, all the open premises were crowded and most of them were saloons. He knew Nora wouldn’t set foot in a place like that. A proper young lady wouldn’t be seen in a drinking establishment regardless of what the weather was like. A coffee shop was the next best option but they were full to bursting as well. There had to be somewhere else.
“There’s a church up ahead. We need to seek shelter in there.”
“Is it Catholic?”
“Does that matter?” He stared into her eyes seeing her indecision. Just as he was about to argue, she gave in.
“Guess not.”
They followed a group of others into the church where they met a frazzled looking rector. “Please come in and get warm by the stove. Yes, move along.”
There weren’t as many people as he’d expected. The rector and his friends had set up urns of hot drinks as well as some food and, more importantly, warm water.
The reek of unwashed bodies was difficult to ignore, but it was wonderful to be out of the snow and biting winds. He pulled a dazed looking Nora closer to the stove. He held her hands gently as he unraveled the layers she had used to keep them warm. She squirmed as he attempted to rub them.
“I have to rub them gently to get the blood flowing again. Same with your feet. Here, sit down and I will take your boots off.”
She didn’t argue, a fact that worried him more than anything else. He pulled off her boots, noting the holes in the soles. At least she had stuffed them with newspaper, which provided a little protection. Someone handed him some tepid water and he washed them gently.
“You should be looking after yourself,” she managed.
“I’m in a better state than you. I have proper boots.” He smiled up at her, thinking how brave she’d been. Her feet must be horribly painful, yet she hadn’t moaned once. “What happened to your new shoes?”
“I didn’t want to ruin them.”
He was tempted to make a sarcastic reply but didn’t. He could understand her trying to keep new things nice, but not at the expense of her health.
“I shouldn’t be in here,” she said looking around, but Robbie didn’t hear her, he had moved away. She guessed he was checking on their surroundings. She hoped he was going to bring back some food. Her stomach rumbled and she regretted leaving her breakfast uneaten. An elderly man in a long black robe heard her comment.
“Why child? Everyone is welcome here.”
“I’m Catholic, Father, I mean, Reverend. Sorry I don’t know what to call you.”
“Harry. That’s my name. I don’t stand on ceremony. Good job your husband was with you to look out for you. There will be many dead by the time this is over.”
“Why aren’t more people coming in?” Nora asked.
“I guess they may think they wouldn’t be welcome. I heard one lady say some places are charging people to sleep on their floors.”
“But some wouldn’t have money for that. The lads didn’t get any work yesterday due to the rain,” Nora said.
“Well, if they come in here, we don’t have much, but they are welcome to share.”
Harry, as he called himself, moved away toward some other folk. Robbie returned some time later.
“Where were you?” she asked, hating the panicky sound in her voice.
“I went to help get some more wood for the fire. Their supplies are running low so we’re trying to work out what to do.”
“I thought you had gone back to the others,” she said.
“And leave you alone?” Robbie replied quickly but seemed to regret saying it as his face flushed and he looked away. “The weather is worse. The snow is coming down thicker than any I’ve ever seen.”
Nora didn’t comment. She couldn’t. All of a sudden she wanted to cry. How would her mam and gran manage in this weather? Was her brother Charlie alright? Someone said there had been train derailments. Was he hurt? Or worse? She sniffled despite herself. Immediately, Robbie turned his face toward her. “What is it?”
“Nothing.”
“Nora, tell me.”
“I was just wondering how my brother was. He’s out there somewhere. He works on the railroad.”
“If he’s anything like you, he will be fine. Now stay where you are. I am going to get us some tea and something to eat if I can manage it.”
Nora sat and waited. She couldn’t have stood if she wanted to. All her energy was gone. All she wanted to do was sleep, but she forced herself to keep her eyes open.
Chapter 33
Charlie Doherty, unaware his sister was so worried about him, was trekking through the snow trying to reach a stranded train. The original idea had been to help get the train moving but as they got closer and the snow came down heavier than before, Charlie swore he wasn’t going anywhere but inside the train carriage. Fortunately, someone had kept the stove fire burning but they were running out of fuel. Charlie turned to his mate Derek and pointed at the wooden seats. “We got to break them down for the fire.”
“The boss won’t like that.” Derek’s tone spoke volumes.
“He’ll like it even less if those rich folks die. Can you see the papers?” Charlie urged him on.
A woman told him off when he started hitting the chair with an axe, but to his surprise her husband reprimanded her.
“He’s using his common sense. Otherwise, my dear, you are going to freeze to death.”
The look on the lady’s face would have been funny if the situation weren’t so serious. Charlie exchanged a look with the gentleman. It was obvious the man knew just how grave the situation was, unlike some of his fellow passengers who sat around complaining about the railroad having forsaken them.
Charlie listened to their whining but didn’t make any comment. It didn’t do to get on the wrong side of the rich, especially when in their eyes you were nothing but an Irish Paddy. As he worked, he wondered what it would be like to sit around all day. He figured he’d get bored fairly quick.
“Any idea how far the closest town or village is?”
The rich man who had berated his wife asked him in a low voice. Charlie guessed he didn’t want to alarm his fellow passengers.
“Twenty miles that way, sir, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You won’t last long. Not in this weather.”
“So what do you suggest? Stay here? We have no food or water.”
“You can melt snow to drink. I’ve lived without food for a few days, it won’t kill you. But the cold will.”
To his surprise, the gentleman laughed.
“Just what I like. An honest man not afraid to speak his mind. So tell me? What are you doing here? You weren’t on the train, were you?’
“No, sir, I was part of the group sent to rescue you.”
“Only the two of you?”
“No, sir, there were mor
e of us but we got split up in the storm. Derek and I are the only ones who made it. So far, that is.”
The man looked appalled but he didn’t comment. Instead, he asked Charlie if he didn’t have another coat. “You don’t look very warm?”
“No, sir, we traveled light.” Charlie smiled to show he was joking rather than being smart. The businessman returned his smile before making his way down the carriage. He returned sometime later carrying a small case.
“Inside, you will find a change of clothes. Not likely to fit you comfortably, but at least you will be dry. There may be something for your friend as well.”
Charlie was touched by the man’s gesture.
“Thank you kindly, sir. But why are you helping me? You’re English, aren’t you?”
“So? Does that make me a monster?”
Charlie’s cheeks burned.
“Sorry, lad, I didn’t mean to be rude. Not everyone in my country hates those from yours. I hope that is the same in Ireland.”
Charlie didn’t answer. He couldn’t, as he didn’t want to be rude. He didn’t know one Irish person who admitted to liking an Englishman.
“Go on, go get changed. You’ll find a corner somewhere. We can’t upset the ladies.”
Charlie nodded, poking Derek and indicating he should follow him. Once he was changed and dry he returned. The business man grinned.
“Sorry, old chap, but you look like someone off the stage or a boy going to school in his father’s clothes.”
“I don’t mind, sir, they are warmer than mine ever were. Thank you again.”
“Think nothing of it.”
Charlie continued to chop up wooden seats until there were no more. Derek had already started on the car paneling and the wall ornaments in the unused cars. Most of the passengers had survived the initial crash and were gathered in one car. The driver, fireman, and other fatalities had been gathered together in another car. There was nothing that could be done for them other than to offer prayers for their souls.
As he worked, Charlie prayed for his parents and his siblings. Nora, in particular, who was the most likely to be caught out in the storm. His thoughts spread to his cousin Jamie and friends who worked in the factories. He hoped they had the sense to stay at work rather than try to make their way home.
Chapter 34
Erin had commandeered the hotel and turned it into something resembling a hospital. It wasn’t just frozen patients they had to worry about but those with injuries caused by flying debris. Those cut by bricks or roof tiles struggled to reach the hospitals. Erin treated as many as she could, instructing fellow guests on how to bandage wounds.
Mick, Aaron and some other volunteers braved the storm to bring back those in desperate need of shelter. Erin could see Lily was nervous but determined to do all she could to help.
“We need to treat those in danger of losing their limbs very carefully. The usual remedy of large amounts of whiskey doesn’t work. All it does is give the patient false bravery and they will head back into the storm or it will send them to sleep. Neither option will prevent amputation.” Erin paused to give Lily a chance to process what she had said.
“So what do we do?”
“We need to warm them up, but gently. The best, most efficient way is to give them a tepid bath, but you can see why we won’t have that option. So bed baths will have to suffice. Get a bowl of tepid water and start with the worst affected. Their ears, hands, and feet,” Erin instructed.
“Why tepid and not hot?’
“You don’t want them to heat up too fast…” Erin paused to consider a patient. The poor man had fallen into a deep snow drift and had been there for hours before being rescued. His chance of survival was almost zero. She moved to the next patient, a child. She and Lily removed the rags covering the poor boy’s feet. Gently, Lily washed him while Erin examined his feet. As she worked, Erin thought of the Dohertys. Out of all of them, they were in the most danger given their lack of proper housing.
When a new patient arrived in dire need of medical attention, Lily went to fetch Doc Erin. Erin saw Lily gesturing to her but she had to finish what she was doing. Her patients needed to eat and the horrible little manager was trying to prevent that happening. Ignoring him, she ordered what seemed like an army of staff to provide more food. The manager of the hotel was almost incandescent with rage, started screaming at her about it being his hotel.
Erin didn’t scream back and her tone was sufficient to silence him for a couple of seconds until he started again.
Alicia walked into the middle of the fray. She was dressed in the most amazing dress Erin had ever seen. She looked so beautiful many of the kitchen staff stopped to stare at her.
“Mr. Floyd, a moment, please.”
The manager looked completely flustered to have been caught ranting by one of his more esteemed guests. Erin hid a smile at Alicia’s haughty manner. She was acting very much like a rich society hostess.
“I just wanted you to know how grateful I am to you and your staff for opening your hotel in this way. Your charity and wish to serve your common man is commendable. I know you wouldn’t dream of asking but I will, of course, cover some of the expenses you have incurred.”
Erin exchanged a look with Lily and had to turn away to stop herself from laughing at the expression of bewilderment and something resembling fear on the manager’s face. But Alicia hadn’t finished.
“I will be writing to Mr. Prentice, the owner of this fine establishment, and offering him my congratulations at employing such wonderful staff. Now, perhaps you could follow me. I am sure there are vacant rooms where some of these poor unfortunates can sleep.”
“You want me to put these…people in our best rooms?”
Erin almost felt sorry for the man, now he looked so white he might pass out.
“Why yes, of course. We wouldn’t want to leave empty beds when so many are in need now, would we?”
Alicia walked out of the kitchens, her attitude that of someone who expected to be obeyed without question. Only Erin saw her wink at them.
“That poor man, I could feel sorry for him. He doesn’t know what you and Miss Alicia are like when you get together,” Lily commented.
“Save your pity for those who need it. That imbecile should be sent out to sit in the snow for an hour. He may be more considerate to those in need of help.”
“Here, here,” a buxom cook said. “I don’t know who you ladies are but I reckon you were sent to us for a reason. Now, what say I make you some hot soup and sandwiches before the pair of you fall over.”
Erin’s stomach rumbled reminding her it had been a long time since dinner the night before but she didn’t have time to eat. Before she could say anything Lily answered for both of them.
“Thank you, Mrs.…”
“Murphy.”
“Mrs. Murphy, my name is Lily and this is Doc Erin.”
“A real doctor? But you’re a woman.”
“Yes, Mrs. Murphy, on both counts. I am also a New Yorker. Soup would be lovely. I don’t have time to eat sandwiches but can you make sure Lily does. I don’t want her falling over on me.”
“Yes, Doc. Anything you want you just ask. Fancy me meeting a real woman doctor.” The cook went off mumbling to herself.
Chapter 35
Most people went to bed thinking, like Erin, that the storm would be over by the morning. In fact, the opposite was true. The blizzard was back and, if anything, it was worse than the day before. But many were determined to get to work.
“Erin, you need breakfast. It was late when you went to bed last night and judging by your face, you paced the length of your suite,” Alicia said.
“I couldn’t sleep. I’m worried about Carmel and the others,” Erin mumbled as she looked out the window at the scene of devastation below.
Alicia put her arm around Erin’s shoulders. “They will be fine. Now eat and drink and then you can head back to your patients. I’ll mind the boys and Michelle. Lily is m
ore valuable to you right now than I am.”
“I don't know, Alicia, if you ever want to give up managing your own mine you could always train as a nurse.”
The grimace on Alicia’s face was enough to make Erin smile. Her friend was not a fan of blood, although she had done her duty the day before putting aside her weak stomach in the face of so much suffering. But someone had to mind the children and it made sense for it to be Alicia. Aaron was useful carrying the heavier patients and, also, his strong presence helped keep people in line.
Erin drank quickly and then headed downstairs. She’d asked Alicia to let Lily sleep for a while longer. She deserved her rest after having worked so hard and diligently the previous day. Lily had a lovely way with people, so she was able to settle even the most anxious patient. She would make a good nurse if that was the route she decided to take.
Aaron was already working when she reached the lobby. She watched him for a couple of minutes as he helped the worst affected eat and drink. If Mrs. Higgins could see him now, her chest would burst with pride for her son. Aaron Higgins had the physique of a rancher and the combination of his height and well-developed muscles could be intimidating to some. But he was as gentle as a lamb with those who were in danger of losing feet or hands from frostbite.
If only she could get the worst affected patients to a hospital, but given the weather and the amount of snow built up around the hotel, that wasn’t an option. What she needed was a sleigh like the one Davy Sullivan had bought his wife, Mary, for Christmas. But it was pointless standing there wanting things that were back in Clover Springs. She could only do the best with what she had.
She made her rounds, examining each patient. Thankfully, there were many who would recover completely with no lasting ill effects from the storm. There were some who were ready to go home now but without a home to go to. Erin couldn’t justify sending these poor people, dressed in rags, back out in the treacherous weather.
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