Involved: Day 14

Word Count: 84,004

Summary of Events:

Charlotte watched Ira and Violet's things get packed in anticipation of going to Georgetown before setting out in the company of her brother Neil and Pastor Carrington, a former circuit minister who'd had to quit because of a back injury, who was going to take on a pastoral role in Georgetown if the people desired. Samuel arrived at the Annesley home for supper and discovered that the lovely Mrs. Preston had a younger sister who was — based on her self-identification as Miss — unmarried, but she didn't seem attracted to him at first glance. Charlotte was getting ready for bed when a wagon train arrived from Denver with supplies and donations for the miners — prompted by the miners who attended her father's church having told their coworkers about the troubles in Denver until the whole city had begun a collection campaign; as Pastor Carrington had been out late visiting with Kelly at the jail, Charlotte was eager to hear if he had more details on what all was in the wagon train, thus she waited eagerly at the top of the stairs while Mr. Annesley opened the door . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

“Did he start talking or something?” Mr. Annesley asked in his warm, kind, grandfatherly tone.

“No,” Pastor Carrington said, sounding disappointed. “I just got warmed up and gave him an extra-long sermon on hope, and then I prayed for a long time. The sheriff was rather annoyed with me.”

“Considering he’s not a Christian man I’m not surprised,” Mr. Annesley said.

“Nor I,” Pastor Carrington agreed. “I’m actually surprised he let me stay as long as he did without trying to kick me out.”

“Well, we can thank God for small mercies,” Mr. Annesley said.

“We most certainly can,” Pastor Carrington said.

The two men lapsed into silence as the candlelight came closer to the stairwell. Charlotte watched them advance up, warmly illuminated by the light and an interesting contrast.

Mr. Annesley’s hair had more grey in it than Pastor Carrington’s — owing to the fact that he was several years older — but yet Pastor Carrington was the one labouring up the stairs on account of his back, which was still sore.

“So you did see them,” Pastor Carrington said, looking at Charlotte as he and Mr. Annesley reached the top of the stairs.

“Yes,” Charlotte replied. “How much are they bringing?”

“I’m not sure,” Pastor Carrington replied. “The bulk is foodstuffs, there’s even a couple dozen head of cattle at the rear a rancher offered to give everyone some fresh meat.”

“Oh my,” Charlotte said.

“The troopers guarding the front wagon said there’s almost fifty thousand dollars in cash donations in the front wagon,” Pastor Carrington added. “The rest is goods.”

“That means everyone in Denver gave a dollar at least,” Neil said, startling Charlotte, who hadn’t realised he’d come and joined them.

“And considering there’s significantly less people receiving the money I’m estimating we could see every family with a thousand dollars,” Pastor Carrington said.

“That would last them a long while,” Mr. Annesley said. “But I hope they’re willing to not just help Kelly’s men.”

“Why?” Neil asked.

“Yes, Kelly’s men aren’t working,” Mr. Annesley said. “So they do need the most help, but there are other miners, particularly those who work for the Silver Slopes company, who are hardly making half the wage Kelly paid his men, and those men and their families are struggling too.”

“Well, with how much was brought in the terms of foodstuffs I’m sure that there will be more than enough to stock everyone’s larder,” Neil said.

Pastor Carrington nodded.

“And I don’t see Silver Slopes handing out raises anytime soon,” Mr. Annesley said, looking sorrowful.

“Are their men here being paid what their men at Denver are?” Neil asked.

“I have no idea,” Mr. Annesley replied. “But I’ll tell you what they’re being paid is a terrible pittance a single man would be hard-pressed to thrive on.”

“A shame,” Pastor Carrington said, shaking his head.

“And when the sun comes out,” Mr. Annesley said. “The sight of Valentine Allison makes the blood of any respectable man boil. Strutting around in colourful suits like a peacock. That’s a man only God can humble.”