A Beauty Refined

by Tracie Peterson

  “I can well imagine.”

  “She said someday we’re going to make a trip to England. That’s where she grew up.”

  Ian nodded. “That would be fun and very educational.”

  They continued their walk, with Kenny talking about various houses. Ian marveled at the things the boy knew. Perhaps one day he would be an architect, even though he thought for the moment he wanted to be a lapidary. When they finally reached their destination, Ian paused.

  “This place belongs to some friends of mine,” he told Kenny. “They raise and rent out horses. They don’t know you, but they know me, so I will just tell them you are a good friend of mine—because you are.” He ruffled the boy’s blond hair.

  “And I won’t say anything,” Kenny replied in a most sober tone. “Not one word.”

  “We call these weathering piles,” a man explained to Frederick Von Bergen. “The rock and clay are dug up and then piled here. In a matter of months it will deteriorate and the clay will become crumbly. After this the soil can be processed and the sapphires retrieved.”

  Frederick noted a man loading up dirt in a mule-drawn ore cart. “I notice that your equipment is still primitive here. I heard that over at the American mine they are modernizing with steam and pneumatic drills, as well as electrified hauling and lights. Why is it this mine continues in such a state?”

  The man nodded. “We prefer it this way. The men we’ve hired understand it, and it makes us a better profit.”

  “And these men who work the mines—how much do you pay them?” Frederick pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed his neck. The day was quite warm.

  “They are paid a standard wage of three dollars per day. Most are experienced in some form of mining. You must understand that across this state alone there are opportunities for the mining of gold, silver, copper, and much more. Almost every young Montana man has tried his hand at some form of mining.”

  “And how is it you keep the men from robbing you blind?” Frederick took off his hat and wiped his forehead. The breeze felt good against his balding head. “It would obviously be easy enough to slip stones into their pockets.”

  “That has always been of great concern. Charles Gadsden, our mining supervisor, whom you will meet tomorrow, has battled that issue successfully. He realizes that it is human nature to desire wealth, and the sapphires are clearly quite valuable. The men believe it a right, of sorts, to take the occasional stone. However, Gadsden oversees all of the sluice cleanup, which takes place four times a day. He also makes the men empty their pockets at the end of the day. It’s all very carefully watched, and the men know what is expected.”

  “Speaking of men, I haven’t seen many workers.”

  The man looked momentarily uncomfortable. “Right now we are not processing stone as much as we have in previous years.”

  “And why is that?” Frederick had already heard some talk about the local farmers filing suit against the mine and wanted to know more. He glanced at Lord Putnam, still rather angry that the man had told him nothing about the legal troubles. Putnam didn’t seem to notice.

  “In looking over the entire mining operation, you must realize that for every ton of rock processed, we retrieve only a few carats of sapphires. Therefore, once the dike rock is processed, we are left with a massive amount of tailings, or slums, as it is often called. These slums must be disposed of, and for a long time they were simply deposited at the east end of the mine. The waste water from the sluices washed down through this area and took much of the slums into the river. That in turn caused problems downstream as the irrigation ditches began to fill with the slums. The farmers are afraid it will ruin their ditches and harm their crops. Not only that, but the ranchers fear the effects on their livestock.”

  “And so they’ve filed suit against the mine?”

  The man nodded. “I see you have heard at least in part what has happened. The Fergus County Court granted an injunction last year and put a stop to the dumping. However, our manager, Mr. Gadsden, realized that rather than fight in the courts, he would prove the situation to be no threat. In fact, he hoped to prove just the opposite. Mr. Gadsden arranged to purchase a nearby ranch—some five hundred sixty acres. It adjoins the mining land on the east. He had the fields planted earlier this spring in oats, alfalfa, and various vegetables. Next he created a shifting trap to remove larger tailing pieces. Then he ordered the remaining finer slums to be applied to the planted fields. You see, he and his wife have gardens in which the slums are spread, and the growth of their vegetables has been quite successful for several years. I’ll be happy to show you the fields, and you will see for yourself that the crops being grown there are doing quite well. He also has livestock grazing in other areas, and they too are doing very well. He intends to have the court send witnesses to see for themselves that the slums are quite beneficial.”

  “But until then, you are not able to operate at any real capacity.” Frederick hadn’t known this until their arrival. The situation infuriated him, and he let Lord Putnam know his feelings in no uncertain terms.

  “We are continuing to work with fewer men,” the man explained. “Mr. Gadsden has solved the issue of the tailings, and it’s just a matter of time until the courts see the truth for themselves. Meanwhile, we are doing what we can and believe we will soon be operating at full capacity.”

  “Yes, but that may be of no use to me. I need stones now. Perhaps I should speak to the Americans regarding their operations.”

  Lord Putnam stepped forward at this point. “I assured Graf Von Bergen that we would still be able to meet his needs. The owners in England assured me that Mr. Gadsden would cooperate.”

  “Of course.” The man glanced over each shoulder before lowering his voice. “We are not quite so idle here as you might imagine.”

  Frederick smiled. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. I would hate for my trip to have been a waste of effort.” He made a mental note to send a message to Mr. Thompson. He wasn’t about to wait until he knew the full extent of the situation with the English. Wherever he procured them, he needed to know the stones could be had and that he would be able to have them at a very low price.

  “Why, Ian, I must say I’m surprised to see you,” Phoebe said as she descended the hotel stairs. “When I received your invitation to ride, I was just planning to take a walk down to the lake.”

  “Kenny’s watering the horses at the lake as we speak.” Ian turned his hat in his hands. “He’s waiting there and is quite anxious that you should join us.”

  “It sounds wonderful. I appreciate that you waited for me to change my clothes.” Phoebe now wore an American-style riding costume complete with split skirt. She had already been told that sidesaddles were unavailable at the hotel, and while she had tried riding astride on a few other occasions, she had never had the proper outfit to make it much of a success.

  “You look quite lovely,” Ian commented.

  “Thank you. I spied this outfit when I was in town with my maid. Knowing Vater would be busy, I had thought riding would be a wonderful way to occupy my time. The management informed me, however, that they don’t have any sidesaddles. So I decided it would be best to Americanize my wardrobe.”

  Ian smiled. “American styles suit you quite well. Although I will say, there are women here in the West who don trousers for such outings. Personally I wouldn’t recommend that style. It’s far too . . . well . . . revealing.” He momentarily looked away as if embarrassed.

  “Well, if you’re ready . . .” Ian offered her his arm, and Phoebe put her gloved hand lightly atop it. They made the leisurely stroll down to the lake, where Kenny awaited them with three saddled horses.

  “Miss Phoebe!” He waved as they approached. “Look at our horses. Aren’t they great?”

  “They look quite fine. Thank you for inviting me to join you on this ride.”

  “You’re welcome. It was Ian’s idea, but I thought it was a real good one.” He handed all but one of the set
s of reins to Ian. “This red one is the one I’m riding,” Kenny told her. “She’s an old mare that’s real gentle. That way I can ride by myself.”

  Phoebe smiled. “It’s always nice to have a gentle mount.”

  “Yours is easy-natured as well,” Ian told her as he assisted her into the saddle. “I had no idea of your capability. The stable hand assured me he has a most obedient nature.”

  Phoebe patted the neck of the beautiful dapple-gray. “He’s lovely. I am quite an accomplished rider, but since I’m unfamiliar with the territory, a compliant horse seems wise.” She glanced at the black Ian had chosen for himself. “Your mount is quite handsome.”

  “This gelding and I are good friends,” Ian admitted. He handed Phoebe her reins, then assisted Kenny onto the back of his horse. Finally, he climbed atop his own mount and smiled. “He knows better than to act up.”

  Ian headed the horses away from the lake and down a small dirt road. Phoebe took in the scenery of rolling hills and distant mountains and smiled at the scent of honeysuckle in the air. Kenny chattered on about a dozen different things. The boy seemed quite intelligent and knew a great deal about the surroundings.

  Phoebe tried to keep her mind on the things Ian told her about the area. Even so, she found herself constantly wondering about her mother. She hadn’t returned to the cottage all week, and Phoebe feared something might have happened to her. She had wanted to ask the hotel manager of her whereabouts but decided it was too risky. Should he say something later to her father, then Phoebe would have to explain, and that might cause problems. And given her father’s telegram, there would already be problems enough.

  “So have you enjoyed your week of leisure?” Ian asked.

  Phoebe glanced at him and nodded. “I have. I find this state agrees with me. I like the dry climate and the brilliance of the sun. However, I must admit I am getting a little bored. I have read all of the books I brought with me and have started those that the hotel offers. I’ve never been one for fancy needlework, and I have no artistic talents, so my choices are limited.”

  “We need to teach her how to fish,” Ian told Kenny.

  The boy nodded enthusiastically. “And swim.”

  “That’s right. We still have that possibility,” Ian offered.

  Phoebe met his gaze and felt her heart skip a beat. He hadn’t shaved, and the stubbly growth of facial hair gave him a daring and untamed look. Her father would call him a barbarian, but Phoebe thought him the handsomest man she’d ever met.

  “I have to admit the water frightens me.” She tore her gaze from Ian and looked at Kenny with a smile. “I suppose that’s because I’ve not had much experience with it. We live close to the river, but my dealings with it have been few.”

  “Everybody should learn how to swim,” Ian interjected. “You never know when it might come in handy, especially living by a river. Besides, it’s just plain fun and is becoming the national pastime.”

  “Well, I suppose, given I am in the perfect place to learn, I shall have to oblige Kenny and come watch to see how it’s done.”

  “Watch? No. We’ll get you out there participating,” Ian said, laughing. “There’s nothing like experience to teach a person quickly.”

  They rode for another half hour before Ian headed them back to the small lake behind the hotel. They dismounted, and Kenny all but danced in circles waiting for Ian to untie the bag that held their treats. Ian tossed Kenny a blanket to spread on the ground.

  “We don’t want Miss Phoebe’s pretty riding clothes to get grass-stained,” he told the boy.

  Phoebe felt her cheeks flush at the comment. So Ian thought her outfit pretty. The idea pleased her greatly.

  “Where do you want to sit, Miss Phoebe?” Kenny asked, wrestling the blanket.

  “I’m happy to sit wherever you think we should.”

  Kenny nodded. There weren’t too many trees surrounding the lake, but a large cottonwood was nearby, and it was under the spread of its leafy branches that he chose to place their blanket. Phoebe thought it quite perfect.

  In fact, everything was perfect, and she found herself hoping the day would go on and on, even though the sun was moving ever to the west. Kenny made her laugh with his antics as he described his entanglement while trying to climb a tree. Phoebe found the boy most amusing. He seemed always happy—so positively delighted with the world and everything in it. When they finally settled onto the blanket with the food, Phoebe thought she too was happier than she’d been in some time. She credited the company and the fact that Ian had been able to take her mind off her worried thoughts.

  “You seem to have enjoyed yourself,” Ian commented. “Perhaps you would be interested in another outing with us.”

  “Of course.” Phoebe tried not to sound too excited. It would be most embarrassing if the handsome and broad-shouldered Mr. Harper thought her overenthusiastic—even if that was the way she felt. “As I said, I’ve been quite bored. What did you have in mind?”

  “Fourth of July is next week.”

  Phoebe nodded. “I realize that.”

  He chuckled. “I’m sorry. I forget that you are probably not all that familiar with why that date is special to us.” He looked at Kenny. “Do you want to tell Miss Phoebe why we celebrate the Fourth of July?”

  Kenny jumped up on his knees. “That’s our independence day. We fought the British and won our freedom to be a new nation.”

  Phoebe nodded, suddenly remembering that she had heard about the significance of that day while in New York. “Of course. How silly of me to have forgotten.”

  “Well, in Helena,” Ian continued, “there will be a big celebration. Parades and games, food and rodeos. I wondered if maybe you would like to accompany me, and Kenny, of course, and spend the day celebrating.”

  Kenny nodded. “You can celebrate even if you aren’t American.”

  Phoebe laughed. “It sounds marvelous. I heard some cowboys speak of rodeos when I was on the train. I wondered at the time if I should have the chance to see one. I would love to join you.”

  They continued discussing their plans for that day, but Phoebe’s mind was already on what she would wear and how marvelous it would be to spend the day in Ian’s company.

  After they’d enjoyed the snack packed for them by Ian’s mother, Kenny decided to explore. While he sought adventure on the far side of the lake, Ian stretched out in the sun.

  “I hope we haven’t kept you from anything important,” Ian said. “I realize this wasn’t much of a supper, but I’m certain you can get a tray sent to your room if you’re still hungry later on.”

  “I’m fine.” Phoebe couldn’t help but notice the deep blue of his eyes. She found that she wanted to know everything about him. “Tell me about your family. I know your mother works here and that you are a lapidary, but little else.”

  “My father is dead. My older brother too. We were all in the lapidary business. Father had a real talent for cutting stones of every kind, as did his father before him. He came from Holland to this country when he was a young man. He worked for a time in Chicago, but then he met my mother while she was visiting relatives. One thing led to another, and when he learned she was from Montana, he decided to move west.”

  Ian put his hands behind his head. “They married soon after, and Father set up business here in Helena. For a time we not only had the jewelry shop but sold other things as well. After my father and Edgar died, however, it was too much to run by myself—even with my mother’s help. I made the decision to sell the store inventory and moved the lapidary shop and jewelry to a little house next door to my mother’s house. I don’t sell as much jewelry as we used to, but I’m happy with the business.

  “Besides all of that, I have three sisters who married and moved to various locations. They now have a bevy of children, and my mother likes to travel from time to time to see her grandchildren.” He smiled. “We live quite comfortably. Father was good to arrange things so Mother wouldn’t want for anything.
”

  “Then why does she work here?”

  “She loves it. She would come here and work even if they didn’t pay her. She said it’s just too sad to sit around the empty house, even with me next door. When they reopened the resort and she heard they were looking for a head baker, she thought it would be amusing to apply. Once they tasted the food she was capable of creating, they were happy to hire her on. I didn’t like the idea of her having to work in the middle of the night, however, so they arranged it so that Mother leaves her instructions for the next day’s baked goods and others prepare it and begin the baking. Mother comes in the mornings and often stays much too late in the evening, but she is truly happiest when she’s busy.”

  Phoebe thought it amazing that the woman worked because she wanted to, but then she supposed she could understand. At home Phoebe was often bored, despite the parties and social obligations. Perhaps lonely was a better way to describe it.

  “What about your wife?” The question seemed to surprise Ian. He looked away rather quickly, and Phoebe immediately regretted asking.

  “She died ten years ago in childbirth.”

  Phoebe frowned. “I am sorry. That must have been very hard for you.”

  He nodded. “It was.”

  For several minutes neither one said anything more. Phoebe could finally no longer bear the silence. “I’m sure Kenny has been a comfort.”

  As if on cue the boy came running. “Look what I found!” He all but collided into Ian, who had jumped to his feet. “It’s a blue butterfly.”

  “It is indeed.”

  Phoebe rose, having a strong feeling that their party had come to an end. She admired the butterfly, then watched as Kenny released him to fly away.

  She offered him a smile. “It’s wonderful that you could catch him and not hurt him.”

  Kenny shrugged. “You just have to be gentle.” He beamed her a smile. “That’s what Grandma Harper taught me. She can catch just about anything—even snakes.”