by Jim Cox
Scar grinned. “I haven’t made any plans for dinner. Eating with your folks will be fine. And Liz, I did buy some fancy duds today. I had no doubts you’d have something planned for the evening.” Liz smiled.
“Let me see what you bought, Bart. I want to make sure it goes with my dress.”
“I dropped it off at the hotel’s laundry to be pressed and delivered by six o’clock. But if it’s any help, I bought a formal black suit with all of the matching accessories.”
“You’ll look handsome in it, sweetheart.”
Later when Liz and Scar appeared at the top of the stairs, the room was full of guests milling about. Captain Willard was standing nearby when they reached the lobby floor, so he gathered them and started the introductions. Over an hour later the captain and the Double D folks entered the dining room.
During the meal, Mrs. Douglas asked, “What did you men do today? What kept you busy while we were shopping?”
“We spent a couple hours of our day at the newspaper office. Bart came up with the idea we need a newspaper in Flat Peaks and that Jake would make a good editor. Don’t you agree?” Douglas asked.
“That’s a great idea, Bart,” Mrs. Douglas said with enthusiasm. “I’ve been wondering what kind of work he would be suited for him now that he has his leg problem.”
Liz jumped in. “I believe he’ll be receptive to the idea. He’s talked to me several times about Flat Peaks needing a newspaper.” After some thought, she asked, “Where will the paper shop be located, Papa?”
“That’s up to him, but I’ll suggest he build on the vacant ground beside Jenny’s café. I’m sure the land can be bought.”
“I imagine Rebecca will like the plan,” the captain interjected. “They can live in Flat Peaks after they’re married. She can continue to teach.” All faces became sober. “What’s wrong? Won’t they be living in Flat Peaks?”
Mr. Douglas answered, “The wedding is off, Captain. Jake says he’s not fit to marry anyone and won’t ask her.”
They considered the news for a few minutes before Scar changed the subject. “Did you women get all of your dress shopping done today?”
“No,” Liz answered. “Mamma bought all of hers, but I didn’t. I didn’t choose my dress for the ball, but I have it narrowed down to three. I’ll get the dress tomorrow.”
Later, when Liz and Scar were visiting with some other guests in the lobby, Governor Routt approached Scar and asked if he was available for breakfast. He said he and President Hayes wanted to speak with him. They were to meet in the dining room at six thirty.
Scar was on his second cup when the president and governor walked in at six fifteen. After a bit of small talk, the President began. “Scar, Governor Routt has brought me up to date on the assignment he’s offered you. I was skeptical at first, you being so young, but after talking with several competent men about your qualifications, I’ve changed my mind. I think you’re the perfect man to fill the post of Director of Indian Affairs for Colorado.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“It’s no reflection on you, Scar, but I’ve asked the governor to put your appointment on hold until the political squabbles in Washington are smoothed out.” Scar looked blank.
“Maybe you’d better tell him what you’re up against at this time, Mr. President.”
“We’ve tried to keep it low-key, but the election last November created nothing but controversy. I actually lost the vote, Scar, both the popular vote and the electoral vote.”
“I don’t understand, Mr. President. If Mr. Tilden of New York won both the popular and electoral vote, how was it possible for you to become the president?”
“There’re lots of people asking the same question. Tilden won the popular vote, there’s no question about that, and when the electoral votes were counted, he received one hundred and eighty-four, and I had one hundred and sixty-five. However, there were twenty disputed electoral votes not included in the count. The Republicans tried to declare Oregon’s democratic electoral votes illegal, but the Democrats wouldn’t concede, so an informal deal was struck. The Democrats agreed to award me the twenty votes in contention, making me the nation’s president, if the Republicans would agree to a total withdrawal of federal troops from the Southern states, ending Reconstruction, and effectively restoring a great deal of power to the south.” Scar gave an understanding nod.
“Now, as to the reason I want to put your appointment on hold. At the present time, there’s a movement within Congress to take back all of the land originally granted exclusively to the Indians and put them all in reservations. This pressure is because of the gold and silver that’s been discovered in their mountains. I don’t have much influence at the present time to eliminate this movement, but hopefully, within a few months I’ll have more people ready to support me, and we can put this kind of thinking behind us. That’s when we’ll need you, Scar. Just sit tight.”
Governor Routt spoke up. “In the meantime, we’ll keep you on the state marshal’s payroll, Scar. I want you to be available on short notice. There’s no telling when matters might heat up, or you’ll be needed to conduct negotiations. You can work for the Double D, too, if you want.”
Scar gave his agreement to the arrangements and was leaving when the president called him back. “I have four theater tickets for tonight’s performance I’m unable to use. Would you like them?”
»»•««
“Are you sure you remembered the tickets, Bart?” Liz asked as they sat waiting for their meal to come. They were having an early dinner with Liz’s parents before going to the theater. Scar pulled the tickets from his coat pocket, waving them for her to see.
Fresh coffee was being poured after their meal when Liz brought up a new subject. “We were shopping for ranch gifts today when we went into a fabric shop. I’ve never seen so many bolts of beautiful material.” Scar caught the fast glimpse Liz gave her mother.
“Yes,” said Mrs. Douglas, “but what got my attention was the sewing machine. Did you know it takes twelve women sewing by hand to keep up with a woman on that machine?”
Mr. Douglas looked at Scar with a slight smile before answering his wife’s question. “I didn’t know that, dear.”
Liz continued, “Think how many dresses Betty could turn out with one.”
There was a minute or two of silence before Mr. Douglas asked, “When will it be delivered?”
“What do you mean?”
“I know you and Liz have something up your sleeves. Why don’t you let us in on the plan?”
“We were thinking, Papa, that while you’re building Jake’s newspaper building, you might as well build a dress shop for Betty.”
Scar caught his father-in-law’s eye and said with a grin, “She’s your daughter, Mr. Douglas. I’ll let you handle the situation.”
Mr. Douglas looked across the table. Both of the women had wide smiles. “How large would her shop need to be?” he asked.
»»•««
At two o’clock the following afternoon, the dedication was set to begin. The former territory of Colorado was already an official part of the union. Congress had made it a state on the first day of August in 1876. The dedication would take place two blocks north of the hotel in a city park, so Scar, Liz, and Mr. and Mrs. Douglas walked to it. Benches had been set up to seat more than five hundred people. The dignitaries were seated on a five-foot-high platform facing the spectators. A cold breeze was blowing, causing most in attendance to wear coats.
Governor Routt welcomed everyone with a few words and introduced former President Grant who spoke for nearly an hour. President Hayes was then introduced. His speech was inspiring, offering hope for the future. He outlined many practices and programs that needed to be implemented in the new land, citing the Women’s Rights Movement and the railroad grid, which must ensure service to all parts of the country, as examples of needed progress. He addressed the bruises the terrible Civil War still had on the land and spoke of new inventions that would
be coming, providing people with a better way of life. His words were well received. He paused several times as he received long standing ovations.
The event concluded at five o’clock, but many in attendance stood around afterward discussing the President’s comments. As the Double D folks were walking back to the hotel, Liz had an exciting thought. Tomorrow night is the statehood ball.
Liz and her mother started getting ready around five o’clock, a couple of hours before the event was to begin. The men had dressed and waited in the lobby before going back up to their rooms for their wives at seven. The men agreed the wait was well worth it. Both women looked lovely. Their red hair was swooped up and piled high in a disarray of curls. High-heeled shoes accentuated their height. Their gowns, of the latest style, were perfectly designed for their tall, shapely bodies. Both women wore tight-fitting gowns with long trains, trimmed with pleated ruffles, bows, and buttons. Both necklines were square, showing a bit of cleavage. Liz’s dress and attire were a shade of green. Mrs. Douglas’ was dark blue. They wore opera length gloves.
“Do I look acceptable to go to a ball, Bart?” Liz asked when her husband entered their room.
“Honey, you look good enough to eat,” Scar responded. “I think I’ll take a bite of you right now,” he said with a smile. With that, he went to her, pulled her tightly into his arms, and gave her a lingering kiss.
»»•««
The ball was marvelous. The large hotel lobby had been turned into an exquisite ballroom with circulating waiters serving various kinds of drinks and finger foods. President Hayes, his predecessor, President Grant, and Governor Routt, along with their wives, stood in a receiving line at the head of the room greeting guests. The line was long and moved slowly. On the adjacent side of the room was a large orchestra. However, the music had to compete with conversations. The central area, under the chandelier, had been left to accommodate dancing. Tables and chairs lined the perimeter. The men wore formal attire with black-tailed suits, and the women were decked out in elegant floor-length gowns and lavish hairstyles. Many of the women wore exquisite jewelry that encouraged one to speculate about its value.
As the Double D group passed through the receiving line, Scar introduced his wife and her parents. The dignitaries, both men and women, smiled as they surveyed the two Double D ranch couples from head to toe. “It’s time I’m getting to know you better,” Governor Routt addressed the women. “Scar has told me a lot about the Double D, but I’d like to learn more. Perhaps I could find out more while dancing,” he said, turning to face the women. “Would one of you lovely ladies be willing to extend me a dance later on?”
“Which lady are you asking, sir?” Scar asked.
The governor was caught off guard a little but quickly recovered. With raised eyebrows, he answered. “Both…I’m asking both. It would be my pleasure to dance with each of you,” he said, his eyes smiling.
“Of course,” Mrs. Douglas answered. “I’d be honored.” Liz gave her agreement with a smile and nod. Only Governor Routt saw the glare in his wife’s eyes.
When the receiving time was over, Governor Routt got the crowd’s attention and asked for the dance floor to be cleared. President Hayes and his wife then came forward and took the floor alone, dancing to a pre-selected waltz. After a minute or so, the president waved President Grant and Governor Routt and their wives to the floor. A short time later, he waved everyone forward. The floor was soon jammed with people.
The rest of the evening was delightful. Both Liz and her mother were kept busy dancing. Not only did they each dance with the governor, as he’d promised, but also with President Hayes and former President Grant. As each one danced with Liz, they remarked on her husband’s character and the outstanding contribution he’d already made to the state of Colorado. They also thanked her for the support she’d given the new state.
After Liz and Mrs. Douglas had finished their dancing with the dignitaries, Mrs. Douglas and Scar were conversing with the governor and presidents when she asked to give her opinion on women’s rights and the Indian situation. Her answers seemed to impress the three men and President Hayes noted that he should have her in his cabinet. Liz and Mrs. Douglas danced with the governor and presidents a few times, but the most enjoyable part of the women’s evening was when they danced with their husbands. Once toward the end of the evening, while the couples were resting at a table, Mrs. Douglas rose and asked Scar, “Would you dance with me? I haven’t danced with you since we were traveling in Captain’s Willard’s wagon train to Colorado.”
“It would be my pleasure, Mrs. Douglas,” Scar answered.
As he twirled her across the floor, she said, “You haven’t lost the dancing skills your mother taught you, Bart.”
“Thank you, ma’am. It’s easy to dance with you. You seem to be floating.”
Mrs. Douglas stopped and stood, looking into his eyes. “I can’t express how much you mean to us, Bart, both to Herb and me. We are so proud of you. You are the son we were never able to have, but more than that, you treat our daughter with respect and love. It may not always seem so, but she respects you and will do most anything you ask of her. You’re her love, Bart. Never doubt it.”
Scar stood speechless for a long second. “Thank you for those kind words, Mrs. Douglas. They mean a lot to me. What you said goes both ways. You and Mr. Douglas have shaped my life and made me what I am today. I probably wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for you. I’d never been able to make it on my own. I’d most likely have taken a road resulting in a terrible life. You’re my in-laws, but more than that. You’re also my parents…you raised me. I’ll be forever grateful.” Scar paused and then continued, “As for Liz, I can’t imagine a life without her. She means everything to me. It’s good to hear you say she respects and supports me, but I respect her, too, Mrs. Douglas. I’ll always ask for her judgment in matters. I only hope I can provide her with the life she deserves someday.”
“You already have,” Mrs. Douglas said. Scar reached for her elbow and led her back to their table.
Liz and her father noticed Scar and Mrs. Douglas’ watery eyes when they returned, but the matter was left alone.
The night finally came to an end a little past midnight. The Double D couples paid their respects to Governor Routt and the presidents, expressed their gratitude, and said what a wonderful time they’d had. Then they excused themselves and went to their rooms.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Conditions on the return trip to Flat Peaks were much nicer. A couple of rains had cooled things off and settled the dust. The stage curtains could be raised, showing off the mountains’ beautiful horizon a mile or so north. The foothill’s fall foliage of yellow, orange, and red leaves was tucked against the green pine trees.
The stage left Denver at daybreak, and though their past week’s city life had started early and ended much later than their accustomed bedtimes, the Double D group all remained awake. During the journey, Liz and her mother rested their heads on their husbands’ shoulders thinking about the activities of the past few days. The elegant atmosphere of the hotel, the fashionable demeanor of the women, the theater experience, the presidents’ speeches, and the festivities at the ball. Douglas’ thoughts were on the plans for the two buildings he’d be constructing come spring, the ordering of the printing press, and Jake’s apprenticeship.
They were brought back to the present when the stage wheel fell into a hole, jostling them about. However, it wasn’t long before their thoughts returned to Denver. Scar had his head leaned back on the seat cushion with his hat pulled down over his eyes thinking about President Hayes’ words of encouragement during the speech at the statehood dedication. The president had said the country was growing at an unprecedented rate, with people migrating in from many foreign lands, and that all must learn to live with a population of different cultures, races, and beliefs, offering the new arrivals the same freedom and economic opportunities as the established populous. And he included in the
populous the Native American tribes, the recently freed slaves, and the women of the land. The president went on to say for the country to survive the centuries of tomorrow, the esteemed men and women of this great land must be willing to step forward and serve in the governing process, fighting for the rights of all. He said it was imperative people live their lives according to the principles and laws established by Almighty God, and the laws of the land must support those beliefs. He emphasized the fact there would be periods of struggle and setbacks, but the new way of governing must be endured with eyes on the future, so a better way of life could be passed down to the next generation…and the next…and the next.
Three days later, in late afternoon, their buggy crossed the bridge at the Double D homestead. As they pulled up to the porch to unload their luggage, the front door opened and the whole clan came running out. There was a lot of hugging. Someone asked if they had a good time on their trip.
“We had a great time,” said Mr. Douglas, “but I’m glad to be home.”
“That goes for me, too,” Mrs. Douglas said.
Sleep came early to the four travelers.
»»•««
It was the middle of November, four months since Jake’s beating by the railroad bullies. His leg was well along in the healing process. However, it was still unknown if the bone fragments had returned to their proper place. He wore a leather brace around the injury, which allowed him to move about quite efficiently on crutches. His attitude had improved considerably since he was able to be up and about, but he still had moments of depression, feeling as though his life was in shambles. Rebecca had been faithful about coming to the ranch at first but slowly slacked off in her visits. She was downhearted because Jake never talked about marriage as he had before his leg was broken. In fact, they seemed to have very little in common anymore. She felt like an outsider when at the ranch and had a feeling something was going on between him and Betty. His eyes lit up every time Betty walked into the room.
