Chapter 21

Preston followed the others down into the mine. After fifty feet, they turned to the right to a room he remembered from years ago. When the mine started, the two families had carved out a room to stay in. There were bunk beds, chairs, a few tables, and divans.

Like old times, they settled in to wait out the storm. There was a stove and wood beside it, and some food in a nearby pantry. Preston thought back to good times. He, his brothers and sisters, and Millie had been happy. His parents and the Burnetts spent time laughing and playing games.

Millie. Thinking back to how close they'd been, he realized he'd let her down when he went to Boston. He should have at least written to her. Still, she wasn't married or engaged. There was hope that his dreams could come true.

Now, he couldn't wait for the blizzard to blow itself out. No one knew how long it would last. Some were gone in hours, others days. Preston sat and watched. Father and Burnett sat at one of the tables. They talked in low voices as they went over the opened ledgers. Occasionally, one of the men would laugh. Other times, one or both would bang a fist on the table.

The two managers sat in a corner, cringing whenever Jeremiah or Raul glared at them. Their feet were tied together, and they'd been warned not to move.

Bored, Preston got up and went into the mine. Farther down the mine, there were two tunnels. Over one, The Chadwick. Burnett over the other one. Going down the Chadwick, Preston came to another tunnel with no name above it.

He grabbed a torch and went down the tunnel. He didn't remember it being here before. Some of the cutting looked fresh. It ran between the two tunnels. Maybe the two managers had carved it out for themselves.

After looking at the names of the men working the mines, Father remarked about how many names he didn't know and how many he had hired were no longer on the books. Mullins and Vander had taken over the mine for their own purposes and profit.

Preston made his way back to the room and sat down at the table beside his father. "Did either of you know of a third tunnel between the Chadwick and Burnett?"

Father stared at him and shook his head. "No, you're sure?"

"Yes. It goes between our two tunnels."

Burnett growled. "We've been fools. There is no telling how long they have been mining their tunnel for gain. Well, it stops now." He looked at Jeremiah. "Our feud stops too. I can see how they used our differences to keep us apart and prevent us from coming to the mine. I'm sorry, Jeremiah. I know I was stubborn and ornery."

Jeremiah nodded. "I'm sorry, too. I can't believe we allowed this. We've got a lot of work to do." Father glanced at Preston. "I'll expect you to go back as soon as the blizzard allows. Take the prisoners to the sheriff. We can get them on claim jumping and take out their bank accounts. I want you to do all you can for your mother. I will hire new workers and let go of those I can't trust."

Preston clapped a hand on his father's shoulder. "You can count on me. I'm sure Frank will come down and help. He was the one looking into things."

Burnett cleared his throat. "Would you look in on Millie for me? Fritz is going to stay and help me with things here."

"Sure, I'd be happy to. Millie and I have some things to talk about." Now, he just needed the blizzard to stop.

***

Millie sat with her elbows on the table and her head resting on her hands, staring out the window. "I think the snow has stopped."

Always prim and proper, Candace woke up with half her hair sticking up. "You sure?"

Millie held back a laugh, stood up, and walked to the door. There was blue sky to the west. She opened the door and stepped outside. It was cold, and snow was piled up on the other side of the street. "I think we can go home now."

Corinthia ran to stand beside her and handed Millie her coat. "Yes, I think you're right. That was a quick storm. Do you think your driver will come back to the clothing store?"

"I'm sure he would. Want to see if we can walk to your shop?"

Corinthia looked back. "Candace. We're going to my clothing store."

Stretching, Candace looked around and nodded. "I'm going to stay here for a little while."

It didn't take them long to get to Corinthia's; in minutes, they were inside. Millie looked around. "Is it all right if I wait here for Edward?"

"Sure. Make yourself at home. I have a divan in the back if you want to lie down and rest."

"No, I'm restless. All the talk about Preston and finding the right man has made me want to go to him. I feel like he is the one for me. I always felt that way growing up. I'd dream about when we were married. Does that seem silly to you?"

"No, I was there too, remember?" Corinthia went to her. "I'd love it if we were sisters-in-law."

"I hope our fathers make peace so we can enjoy each other's company."

Corinthia grinned. "I do what I want, anyway. But it would be nice to have Father's blessing." She hugged Millie. "I'll be praying that Preston has the sense to marry you. He's a good man, Millie, and I think a good match for you."

There was a knock on the door. It was Edward waving for her.

"There's Edward. I'm going to get home before the weather turns on us again. Thank you, Corinthia." Millie ran out the door. "Edward. I hope you were warm during the blizzard."

"I was. I stayed in the livery with the horses and talked to Dave." He helped her into the sleigh and drove them home.

Father was still gone. She worried about him and sent up a silent prayer. Being in the mountains, it would be harder for them to drive tonight. She hoped tomorrow he'd get home. And bring Preston with him.