Barnabas Pike
Player: Flip
Posted August 1, 2021
The first rays of the rising sun filtered through the trees and engulfed the small camp site where Emeline and Barnabas Pike sat at the fire, the aroma of coffee mingling with the scent of the pines, vegetation, and the crisp clean mountain air. There were birds singing in the trees, the final hoot of an owl before the night was completely gone, and in the distance, the scream of an eagle hunting his prey. There were no doors slamming, no pumps creaking, none of the familiar sounds of Kalispell, now left behind.
The surrey had been a good choice. It was big enough to carry everything they needed, which really wasn't much. a tent, blankets, food stuffs, water, guns and ammunition and a spare wheel tied to the rear. It was comfortable, which was important for the time that they would be using it. Pike was glad to be away, the bonus, having Em at his side. Out here it was like he could relax, tho actually his senses were heightened, as he always said, they were guests out here in the wilderness. He carried one of his pistols in his waistband because one never knew.
"Coffee's good out here, some differ'nt than to home. Well, the Lickskillet, fer now." He observed. The bacon in the pan was starting to sizzle, it's scent blending with the others, but not offensive to the senses, almost complimentary. "You sleep good?" He asked. Quiet mornings, it would be like this on the ranch for a while, untill there were children about, cattle, horses, hands working along side of him. But for now, the morning was refreshing. "Reckon we'll put some miles behind us taday, should be fair goin'."
"I slept really well," Emeline commented as she flipped the bacon, working to get it crisp without burning it. "It was almost too quiet, though," she chuckled, "you get accustomed to the noises in the city." Leaning over, she kissed his cheek. "But I was warm and comfortable, and now I'm ready to take on the day! Well, once breakfast is done." Then she laughed. "I don't know if I can cook for only two, though, I'm so accustomed to cooking for dozens."
"Now I can put on the feed bag with the best of 'em, but dozens?" He quipped.
Suddenly, she held her finger to her lips, then pointed. "Looks like we might have some guests!" A couple of raccoons were venturing toward them, attracted by the aromas.
"Now ya know, they'll be after that bacon, they get half a chance." He warned, although he was sure that she was well aware of of how raccoons were when there was food of any kind around. His eyes darted to the pack containing the food, but it was secured well enough and he could scare them off if they went after it. "Fine thing ta have guests, yessir, a fine thing, 'cept fer poachers." He laughed at his own musing.
"So once't we eat, I'll hitch up the team, figger they've grazed a plenty already. While your gettin' the camp ready ta break, I'll check hooves, an' wheel, makin' sure we're good, then I'll be back to lend a hand to take 'er down and help fold it up and put away." He wondered how close the bandits would come to man and his fire.
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Character: Emeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 1, 2021
"Oh, they'd better not try to steal your breakfast!" Emeline laughed, brandishing the spatula. "I'll give them what-for if they do!"
Sure, they were curious little critters that likely hadn't had many encounters with humans, but she was pretty sure that loud shouting would ward them off if they got too close. And if they didn't, more drastic measures might be necessary.
As Barnabas laid out the plans for the morning, she scooted the bacon to the side of the pan, then cracked some eggs into the other side, tossing the shells to the raccoons. "There you are, friends, enjoy!"
It only took a few minutes to scramble the eggs and then dish them onto plates with the bacon, and as she relaxed and started eating, she observed, "You're right, there's something about being out in the open like this that makes everything seem...fresher and brighter."
"Yep, just about anything is better out here, like this, cain't be sure but I'm thinkin' it's all about the air. You know, lack 'o civilized smells that cloud up the freshness. Take our place, ain't no civilized smells yet. Will be, it's what happens with animals and humans in an area, I guess." He was just rambling on about this difference, when he smiled. "I do go on. We'll make good time today."
There was a plan, and yes, there was a good distance to go which would take days to reach, but it would be the look on her face when they reached their first destination that he was looking forward to. Kalispell was so small and the land so big and wide open out here. He loved the mountains, but he also loved the flatland as well. He felt they had the best of both worlds with their place by the falls.
He took the last bite of bacon, looked at his bride and smiled. "Welp, guess I'll get her hitched, we ain't gettin' nowhere a sittin' here."
They were both of a mind that they could take time to dawdle when they reached their destination, and the only way to do that was to be efficient and organized, something that Emeline could do well. As soon as they both got up, their visitors scampered away, and Emeline made quick work of washing up and repacking.
In no time they were on the road again, with Emeline happily chatting about her time growing up in Illinois and getting the Lickskillet established.
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Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: Flip
Posted August 4, 2021
"I reckon maybe thirty miles a day, on average." He said in answer to her question about how far they' had come, and how fast. "Loads light enough, trail's been real good so far. Them to draft hosses 'er pretty tough, and with proper care an' all, they'll get us where we're goin' shore 'nough. Least that's the plan." It had been in his mind to do since before the wedding. The mapping, the obtaining the surrey and supplies for the trip had been the focal point for him, not that he ignored her, or the job. He had to keep it all very quiet. Em was, he had discovered, intuitive? Well, she could ferret out something going on, so he had to work at it to keep his plan a secret.
It was noon of the fourth day out when they had stopped to eat a bite. To Pike this was heaven. Em and him out in the wild country, seemingly without a care in the world, which in actuality could not have been farther from the truth. Barnabas had plenty on his mind, Indians being the least of his concerns. Health of the horses was number one on the list, and he paid particular attention to them. Condition of the surrey, he had picked a light carriage for the trip on purpose, but it too, was a risk. But so far, so good.
He was about to say something to her when he spotted a rabbit who had stopped in it's tracks to look at the two humans. "Em, there's a rabbit, maybe 20 yards to your left." Both of course were armed, it was wild country after all, and there was always some sort of danger present, and her desire to hunt, well the animal had come to her, and rabbit stew sounded pretty good, if she made the shot. "Careful, easy does it getting that rifle up."
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Character: Emeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 5, 2021
Emeline nodded silently as the rabbit was pointed out, slowly taking the rifle from Barnabas. She'd done some hunting, but it had been a while, so she wasn't too sure of her skill, especially with and unfamiliar weapon. At least they weren't going to starve if she missed.
Bringing the weapon up, she took careful aim, but then muttered, "But Barnabas, he's so cute! Can't we keep him?"
Then she squeezed the trigger, causing the rabbit to jump. But as he leapt up and spun, he tumbled back and went limp, falling to the dirt in a motionless heap.
"No pet bunny," Emeline sighed, handing the rifle back. "Build me a fire and I'll cook you a rabbit!"
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Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: Flip
Posted August 1, 2021
"Nope, no bunny rabbit pet. Nice shot by the way." Since they had yet to start the noon meal, it seemed to be a good idea, fresh rabbit. He stood, "I'll fetch it and then get the fire started." He said nothing about cleaning it, wasn't his kill. It seemed to him that she would be well versed in cleaning of the animal if she'd done any hunting at all. 'Funny,' He thought, she had never talked about hunting, he just assumed
He brought the animal in laid it on a rock and went to building a fire. First he cleared a space, then the ring of rocks before the kindling and then the wood to get it all going. Deadfalls, chunks of limb, dried bark and dried brush were everywhere making it simple to get a fire going in short order. They would be nooning longer than he expected, but, being in no real hurry, Pike didn't mind.
Reaching his first destination was important, and time could be made up in either starting a bit earlier, or traveling a bit longer. Summer days were longer so they would make good time regardless, so it was really of little concern that they spend more time than usual with the mid-day meal. And she was beaming at her kill. He had learned that she could shoot, that in itself might be necessary at some point. One never knew.
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Character: Emeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 6, 2021
While it wasn't her favorite thing to do, Emeline was proficient in cleaning the rabbit, pleased at her shot. "It was just luck," she explained when he praised her. Next time probably wouldn't be so accurate, but she was at least a decent shot. "We might have to have turnips next time!"
Laughing, she finished with the cleaning, then cut away what meat she could, threading chunks onto a twig then seasoning it with salt and carefully selected spices from the small store she'd packed. This was suspended over the fire with rocks that kept the meat from the flames. Along with this, she put some chopped potatoes and carrots, and put them over the fire as well...there would be no pans to worry about cleaning!
While the meat was cooking, she moved several yards from the camp and buried the skin and entrails.
"Should only be but a few minutes," she announced, turning the spits, taking care not to drop anything into the fire. "Hopefully it won't be charred!"
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Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: Flip
Posted August 6, 2021
"Nah, not with both of us eyein' it." He said with a smile. "I'd say we're makin' good time. An' we're seein' some purdy country ta boot! Reckon we'll be a few days afore we're at the first stop we can make. We dropped south some, crossin' a piece of Utah Territory right now." Holding out on her about the 'surprise' destination, just didn't seem fair any longer. We should reach Oregon several days after that." He smiled wide.
"Which means, you and I'll be lookin' at the Pacific Ocean from the City of Portland. Yep, an' that's where we'll catch us a steamer goin' south as far as San Francisco. After thet, wall, I surely got no idea what'll happen, 'cept I figger we'll be takin' us a train ride. How's all thet sound?"
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Character: Emeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 8, 2021
"Utah?" Her thoughts started drifting to the places she'd heard of, fantastical rock formations and lush canyons...beauty beyond description...
But as she was leaning to turn the skewers, her head finally caught up with what he had said.
"Oregon?" she looked up, beaming, "the ocean?" Her grin widened. "San Francisco?"
Thrilled and excited, she jumped up and hugged him tightly, laughing. Well, she jumped up, over the fire, knocking the skewers into the coals and dirt and setting the hem of her skirt on fire!
"Oh! OH! Goodness!" Dancing away from Barnabas (and inadvertently back over the fire again), she peeled out of the offending skirts, left to stand in her bloomers and boots...
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Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: Flip
Posted August 9, 2021
Barnabas was on his feet but before he could do anything the burning skirt was laying in the dirt one moment and gone in the next! He stopped mid-stride and looked at the now ruined meal of fresh rabbit, smoldering.
"Reckon it'll be jerky then." He kidded her. "Now, cain't say as I mind you standin' there like thet, but maybe you best change over to trousers, might even be a bit more comfortable." He suggested. "And yes we're crossing the tip of Utah Territory in a southerly direction to take us into Oregon."
"Once there, in Portland, we'll sell off the rig and board on one o' them steamships to sail on down to San Francisco. So you'lll be seein' all the ocean ya want, that's fer shore, darlin'." He went on. "In Portland ya kin send a wire ta Clara if ya like, 'er write her a letter. Which ever you want. Letter'd have more room."
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Character: Emeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 10, 2021
"Reckon it'll be jerky then." He kidded her. "Now, cain't say as I mind you standin' there like thet, but maybe you best change over to trousers, might even be a bit more comfortable." He suggested. "And yes we're crossing the tip of Utah Territory in a southerly direction to take us into Oregon."
"Maybe I wanted an excuse to wear trousers?" Shrugging, Emeline grinned, reaching quickly to retrieve the skewers...maybe they could be rinsed and salvaged. Of course, pants were more practical, and she knew he wouldn't have objected if she'd wanted to wear them, not that she would ever dream of such a thing in public! Ladies didn't do such things...well, except for the likes of Addy Chappel, who was a lady in her own odd sort of way!
"Once there, in Portland, we'll sell off the rig and board on one o' them steamships to sail on down to San Francisco. So you'lll be seein' all the ocean ya want, that's fer shore, darlin'." He went on. "In Portland ya kin send a wire ta Clara if ya like, 'er write her a letter. Which ever you want. Letter'd have more room."
"Oh, Barnabas, it's going to be so grand!" Emeline was beaming, still in her bloomers, holding somewhat charred and dusty bunny skewers. "And food without dirt!" Holding the skewers away from her so she didn't stain Barnabas' shirt, she kissed his cheek then headed to the creek to rinse the food.
"Look, now, you won't be getting this kind of cuisine in San Francisco!"
Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: @[Flip]
Posted August 11, 2021
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"Yep, I know. An' I'll dearly miss it, but, I'll get by." He joked in a mournful tone. There were still a ways, actually quite a ways from Portland, though there would be several of stops along the way. Stops in towns where they could re-supply, bathe, get fresh clothing, at least one new skirt.
"Now I hear tell Portland's home to maybe three 'er four thousand good souls by now. Big city. Probably too big for us. Been around since the 30's an' 40's fur tappers and such. So she's come a long ways since then." He explained. He had never been there, but he knew men who had from his days in Virginia City Nevada, and some since who had either been there, or had lived there. "Be an experience, one of a few we'll have on this trip."
Character: Emmeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 13, 2021
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"The more experiences, the better." Laughing, Emeline shrugged. "Well, setting myself on fire is one I could do without!" If she was right, once they got home, there wouldn't be any trips like this for a very long time...not only would they have the ranch to see after, but she wasn't keen on traveling with small children, and she was planning on having dozens! Besides, this was the only chance they'd have for just the two of them.
"I don't really know much about Portland, but I've heard that San Francisco can be pretty wild. Are we going to the Barbary Coast?" She'd read something about that particular area a while back, but she didn't remember what it was about. "I can't wait to see the ocean, and to sail on it...do you suppose we'll see whales?"
Something else she found hard to believe...fish so large as it was rumored whales were. But as much as she'd love to see them, there was a lingering worry that they might be attacked and sunk by a whale!
Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: @[Flip]
Posted August 13, 2021
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"Ah, the Barbary Coast, has a dangerous sound to it, don't it?" He grinned, "Well I reckon we just might go see it at that. I mean since we'll be there anyway, we oughtta see as much as we can." There would be a great deal to do in San Francisco, but he was not prepared to discount the time they would be in Portland.
There would be the sale of the rig and most everything on it, buying of new clothes, they couldn't very well be traipsing all over either Portland or San Francisco looking like the way they would look upon their arrival. He had planned for all of this well before hand, including the steamship. One left every week they had told him via telegram.
There was a standing reservation in for a hotel in both cities since no one could predict when they might arrive in either place. The wilderness could be unpredictable weather and travel wise. but they had n\made excellent time with little trouble.
"So, how's yer friends in Kalispell gonna react to yer havin' been to the big cities of the west coast?" He asked, good naturedly.
Character: Emmeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 15, 2021
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"Oh, I'm sure they'll be insanely jealous, and will think me a 'woman-about-town'!" Laughing, she danced a little circle in her trousers. "And I'll tell them all this is the new fashion in the big cities and see what happens!"
The pants were fine for the trail, maybe even better than a skirt, and would do at a trading outpost, but Emeline would prefer not to be seen in them, so she'd buy some material the next chance she got, it would only take a couple days to sew, since it wasn't as if there was anything else she could be doing on the trail.
"Maybe I can find some new foods to try, something they've never had before?" Of course, she have to be discerning, people didn't like anything too far from the norm, but she was certain they'd come across a few things she could try.
Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: @[Flip]
Posted August 16, 2021
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"I'd hardly think of you as a woman about town, any town fer that matter." He offered. "Folks think a woman in trousers is somehow not real ladylike, but I say, you wear what works fer what yer doin'. Dresses 'er all fine and dandy that's a fact, an' I figger most men appreciate a woman in a dress. I do, especialy you. Granted though, trousers surely ain't the norm."
"As far as new foods, well, so long as they don't do harm to us, I don't mind a tall." He continued, agreeing with the notion there just might be foods he'd not tried out on the range, as it was fair from a prairie landscape where they were. Open country, yes, but trees were also in abundance.
Character: Emmeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 17, 2021
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"I'll admit, there are some things I've heard of that are...dubious, but I doubt I could get the ingredients anyway. I've heard that the snails they use are different from the ones in the garden, and I don't know how I'd get them all the way from France anyway."
She couldn't remember what it was called, but it was some sort of delicacy in Paris, served with garlic herbed butter. Maybe there would be a place in San Francisco where they could try it, although she was a little skeptical on the idea, but you never knew until you tried!
"Of course, I won't be doing as much with the cafe, and I doubt a bunch of cowboys would be interested in fancy dining...now, desserts, that's something else! Everyone likes sweets and is willing to try something new." She might even look into getting a proper cook book and trying a recipe that was actually written down!
Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: @[Flip]
Posted August 17, 2021
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"Guess maybe we'll sorta haveta wait on some'a that exotic food then. 'course now French snails, wall that might jest interest some'a folks in town, tho I'd think maybe the Belle St. Regis, 'er the White Rose'd be interested in 'em. But most hands 'er beef an' beans types, maybe spuds if ya got 'em." He was saying he watched her. "Now cookin' books, there's some ideas that'd likely work for ya."
There was another night camping ahead, then some small towns before the next mountain range. That had already dropped out of the Rocky Mountains, skirted the Blue Mountains and rolled on through the smaller of the range, mostly foothills and open land. Ahead, the Cascade Range and on to Portland. He had a map of trails and so far it had been accurate.
"Up ahead's the Cascade Range, but accordin' to ma map, well, there's more one trail through 'em. So we'll be jest fine." He smiled as he looked at her. She had been a real trooper on this adventure, and from this trip he knew he could take her anywhere, do anything under the sun, and she would be ready for whatever challenge awaited them. "From then on, time in the city, time to relax and enjoy some comforts before we board the steamer. So, whaddya think Em? Beats sittin' around in Kalispell, tho we'll get that a plenty."
Character: Emeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 18, 2021
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The scenery on this side of the Rockies was different than the eastern side, so even the prairies had their own sort of beauty. Of course, it was early Summer, and wildflowers were responding to the warming weather, creating blankets of color, and casting heady scents into the air. Emeline loved it, and was enjoying this 'roughing it' part of their trip, taking the time to keep a journal, prepare letters to post when they got to civilization, and making a skirt from some material she'd bought at a homestead they had passed.
All-in-all it was a pleasant trip so far, and it gave them a chance to get to know each other in a way that they wouldn't have been able to at home, or in town.
"As much as I've enjoyed the time on the trail," she admitted, "I'll be happy to have some comforts, and the chance to see what Portland has to offer. Of course, I'll have to mind my manners and behave, but I suppose I can handle that. I'd have to embarrass you!"
Laughing, she added, "You know, I've never really been on a vacation before, there was always a purpose to travel. I have to say, I like this!"
Character: Barnabas Pike
Player: @[Flip]
Posted August 18, 2021
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"Embarrass me? You? That'd take some doin'! It' just a bigger town's all. Has folks like you an me, some richer, some poorer. Has more to offer in the way 'o comforts and sech like. less to offer like peace an quite, open spaces like home. Nice to visit though. Not sure about livin' there though." He offered.
He might be more prepared for the big city life than she was, though too, it had been some time since he had experienced life in Virginia City, Nevada. No matter, it wasn't a case of who would be better at it, it was about enjoying the place while they were there.
"Vacation,heard about them. Also takin' trip for a reason, but enjoyin' the time away from wherever an' whatever.Thet you're enjoying' this foray away from home is the best part. I had hoped you'd enjoy it. Hope things are goin' well back to town, that Speed an' thet kid Charley are makin' out okay. 'spose you have a concern 'er two about how Clara's makin' out at the Lickskillet as well as with thet new husband. But, they'll all be there when we get back and we'll hear all the news, includin' how the hospital land trade's been workin' out."
Character: Emeline Pike
Player: Bongo
Posted August 19, 2021
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"I suppose that's true." Nodding, Emeline smiled. "Can't let worry ruin good times, and there's nothing we can do about what might be happening back home." Home... That was a good word to call it, and it was good to have a place she truly considered that now. "Besides, you're right, we left good people in charge, and even if Clara needs to close the cafe, that's not a problem." After all, she wasn't dependent on that income anymore, not that she didn't enjoy it.
"I do hope good sense prevails, though, and the hospital and orphanage get the go-ahead. That said, I'm glad to be away from the politics, it makes me so angry!" Nothing they could do now, Kalispell was on its own, without them!
"I suppose I could live in a city," she mused, "there are advantages, conveniences, but I really do like a smaller town, where you know most folks, and where you stand. And the falls are so beautiful." You couldn't get that sort of peaceful scenery in town.
"See, now yer talkin'! Them falls'd be hard to replace, even in the finest of cities. Be it 'Frisco, 'er Great Falls, 'er any of 'em. All seem to have their good points, and a mess'a drawbacks. But then so does Kalispell, jest on a smaller scale." He explained. "Now you take ol' Dick Orr, maybe we got us maybe a half dozen of 'em like that. Big city's got a hunderd 'er more, an' worse. Ares 'er all spread out. Oh, we could make out there alright, jest wouldn't be the same."
Experience had be a good teacher for his time on the Comstock in Nevada. There had been all kinds to deal with up there on Sun Mountain. Good and bad, rich and poor. However, the place had it's good side as well. He had enjoyed most of his time there, made some good friends and a some enemies as well, same as Kalispell which was on a smaller scale.
"We got us a ways to go yet, and some high times ahead. Never did make it to 'Frisco, meant too, jest never quite got around to it. So both'a us are in for a treat when we get that, as if this Portland won't be somethin' special. Good times ahead girl, good times."
"Ah, so we can discover the glories of San Francisco together!" While the idea of Barnabas acting as a guide, to show her the highlights, Emeline was pleased that they could discover things together...it added a level of unpredictability as they bumbled through the city together!
"It's going to be so much fun, and I can find something nice for Clara. She wants a dress, and that's fine, but I want to get her something special. I don't know what, yet, but I'll know when I see it." She had some ideas for herself, but she'd wait until she had a chance to look around, after all, she might find something she hadn't even thought of!
"I promise not to go crazy, though, nothing like a piano or organ...that would be hard to fit in my trunk!"
"Well, 'course you know we'll sell off the team and surrey in Portland, so havin' a trunk ta tote around might be a bit of hardship." Barnabas said with a smile. "An' they got no place for a piana 'er organ, 'cept maybe the church. But then they got one, so maybe somethin' a bit smaller might be good. I do understand that fetchin' her somethin' more'n a dress'd be nice. Dresses get worn out, 'er some folks leave 'em put up an' never really wear 'em." He shook his head.
It thinking of San Francisco he had made an open reservation for rooms at the newly built, year old Palace Hotel. He'd never been there, but it was said to be the best hotel in the city famous for grand hotels. The Silver mined in Nevada had built the city with it's grandeur as a number of the Nevada Silver Barons were now living there, as were a host of investors in the Comstock Lode.
"Reckon this ol' cowhand's got him a surprise or two left for ya. We'll shuck these duds in Portland and get ourselves new. Head ta toe. Not too many, we'll be gettin' more in 'Frisco as the need arises."
"Oh, goodness, Mr. Pike, are you trying to get me out of my clothes?" Laughing, Emeline gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I can't say I'd mind."
She blushed hotly as she leaned back to enjoy the scenery before they got to Portland, and civilization. "It will certainly be an experience, to shop in a proper store in a city. I promise not to get too carried away." After all, fashions such as bustles had little practical application, and she had no intention to become idle simply because she was married. "Although...I may look at a new hat, with plenty of feathers, and maybe a bird...in a nest."
She gave no indication of whether she was serious or not.
Barnabas simply looked at her and smiled through her discourse about fashion and hats, knowing that she would get what she wanted, it was the way of things, and he was not concerned in the least. Barnabas Pike was prepared for this journey and the expenses involved. Though it had not come to her attention as to how this was all going to be paid for, yet.
"I reckon as you'll get what it is you want and need to feel as though you belong there." He began. "Heard oncet, clothes make the man, an' welp, I been where the way I'm dressed don't hardly fit in with them that we'll be rubbin' elbows with. So you wanna birds nest on yer head? You get one. Believe that sortta thing is poplar theses days. Then you'll fit right in." He was serious about that, as he wanted her to be comfortable in whatever setting they found themselves.
"Oh, good heavens, no!" Emeline hadn't expected him to call her bluff, and she shook her head, laughing. "It isn't at all practical, and I have no intention of pretending that something is...good...just because it's a fashion somewhere where women have nothing better to do with their lives besides creating absurd fashions!"
It was a pretty harsh declaration, but Emeline had never been one to be taken in by fashion, and silly hats and bustles had no place in a life where you had to put in honest labor to get by, or just to maintain a house and run herd on children. And honestly, she thought that life was far more rewarding when you had something to show for your efforts. Besides, they had a new house and business, so there were better ways to spend money.
"We'll see, though, I might find something nice for church." And the rare occasion when there was a formal sort of occasion, such as a wedding. "Of course, you never know, once I see something, I might just lose any good sense!"
Barnabas looked at her with the ever present grin and said; "I figger you'll do what ya want about sech things, an' a'course it'll pretty much depend on where we are when ya come ta yer decision of what to wear an' how ta wear it. Portland, well, we'll jest be there a day 'er so. Long enough ta get outfiffed fer the steamship trip..
"Frisco? Now that'll be a differn't story all tagether. She's a pretty highfalutin' town, but you 'll see that when we get there and i 'spose you'll come ta see the way of things there. 'course, folks don't much appreciate it bein' called Frisco. Word is, they prefer San Francisco. Somethin' I need to rememeber." He thought perhaps it was probably past time to tell her where they were headed on this trip. "After thet, we'll be on board the railroad. That'll get us inta Nevada, and then the V&T'll carry us up ta Virginia City. Got some business to attend to up there that needs ta be done in person. But it'll be a grand time, fer shore."
"Really? Virginia City?" Another place she didn't know much about, except that it was where Barnabas was from...well, most recently, anyway, as he'd traveled and lived over a better part of the west. "I'd love to see the mine there, I've heard so much about it, and I've never been in one." Most people had never been in a mine, and she rather thought that most people didn't even think about it, but then, most people didn't own one.
"What's it like inside? Is it hot? Cold? Can you see the gold glittering on the walls?" Her imagination was having a field day! "I can't imagine how dark it must be." Then she frowned. "Are there bugs?" Of course, there would be bugs, there were bugs everywhere, right? And in the dark isolation of a cave, they might have a chance to grow big and ugly, if you could even see them in the dark!
"Oh, but it's not a cave, right? It's tunnels that have been dug into a mountain, right? I can't imagine the work that would take." But then, there were train tunnels carved all the way through mountains, an amazing feat of work!