Posted July 6, 2022
"Well, I suppose I can do with some excitement," she sighed, looking up at him, "it's all been so drool!" Then she laughed and kissed the back of his hand. "I don't mind excitement, so long as it's not too exciting. Of course, I'm with the man who can keep me the safest, so I'm not worried on that account."
She knew conditions in Virginia City and the Comstock would be far different from here, probably something between San Francisco and Kalispell.
"I really am excited to see it, and the mine. It's so important to you, I have very high expectations!"
Posted July 7, 2022
"I wouldn't exactly say that the mine is all that important to me, not so much as you. But, I do need to see about this corporation I'm a part of. This Consolidated Virginia, it's under control of the "Bonanza Firm" owned by Mackay, Fair, Flood, and O'Brien, so it's on the up and up for sure." He said with a smile.
"Now about this excitement, we'll likely see some, it's not near as wild and woolly as it was, even when I was there. But it's not tame neither. There's likely still a hundred and ten saloons, but then too, there's the International Hotel where we'll be staying. A grand place, much like this but not near as big, five-six stories I believe, if memory serves. A lot to see up there, and quite a bit to do. But she sits on the side of a mountain, so it could be a bit much as well." He recalled the steep east-west side streets, Even north south streets were not flat.
Posted July 8, 2022
"I'm sure once they hear you're back in town, all the hooligans will high-tail it out!" Emeline laughed. "And if that alone doesn't work, all you have to do is let them know your feisty wife is pregnant, cranky and has a derringer!"
She was accustomed to rowdy, so that didn't bother her, and she knew that Barnabas would keep a close eye on her. "And the International Hotel sounds grand, I can't wait to see it! I've heard that Virginia City is built on the side of a hill." Another aspect that should be different from a town like Kalispell.
"And don't you worry, I think I'll find plenty if shopping to keep me busy while you are in your meetings!"
Posted July 8, 2022
"I kind of doubt many would remember me that well, oh some of the mining men I had dealt with and maybe a bartender or two, a couple shop keepers, but hooligans? They come and the go, love." He said considering the transient population of worker and miners, as well as the run of the mill no accounts.
"Yes the International is the place to stay in town, and it certainly is built on the side of a hill, but for all the tunneling, and shafts under her, she's steady as the rock she sits on." He smiled at her mention of shopping while he attended to business.
"My advice to you is that things will be more expensive up there, but I figure you'll see for yourself, though there are dress makers, craftsmen of every description with things far sale. Things you may find no place else on earth. But I will make time for us, and we can see the sights together." He was there to make an appearance, to check on his assets, and to make permanent the transfer of his incoming funds to L.H. Hershfield & Brothers Banking House in Helena.
"But time I believe is of the essence with your condition, and heading north will actually be the priority now. So perhaps a week, but no more. Do you agree?" He asked as serious as he had ever been.
Posted July 9, 2022
"There's time...we can play it by ear." She'd been through this before and knew what to expect, and besides the morning sickness, which should pass soon, she was sure she had a couple months before she really wanted to be home, and she didn't want to rush things.
"But a week in Virginia City should be fine, so long as you can get done what you need, and I get a proper tour of a mine!" Getting home from there should only be a few days, and in an odd way, she regretted the honeymoon being over, even though she was looking forward to being in her own home!
Posted July 9, 2022
"Not to worry love, I'll be sure to get you down the shaft and actually set foot in a drift."He grinned, "That's a horizontal underground opening that follows the length of the vein or rock formation. Now, that's providing 'they' let you go down, but it shouldn't be a problem."
"Now as to getting done what is needed, that should actually take no time at all, just papers which need to be signed and then we're on our own, so I'll see to it that's done as quickly as possible. There should be a meeting of course, and it should go quickly, unless I miss my guess."I know that you'll say you won't mind, but the noise, from the constant working of the stamp mills, whistles at all hours day and night. Virginia City goes twenty-four hours a day with mining operations, and saloon business. You'll see."
Posted July 11, 2022
Some of the commotion likely wouldn't bother her too much, since she lived in town, but she hadn't considered the stamp mills.
"I've heard it said that those stamp mills can be heard for miles around, and they never stop."
She couldn't imagine how annoying that would be, and had to wonder how everyone didn't go mad!
"Do they at least pause for the Sabbath? Surely they respect the Lord's Day, the Day of Rest?"
Posted July 12, 2022
"A mining town, well, that's a different animal, Em." He began, "They work around the clock, three hundred sixty-five days a year. As far as the sabbath, they have churches, a number of them, and they have several services each Sunday." He smiled, "Truth is, after a while you don't really hear the stamp mills, it just becomes a part of the life on the hill. Whistles, bells, all of it, including gunfire on occasion, though that may have tapered off some."
"If it bothers you, and it might, we'll be there just long enough to take care of business and maybe a few other things, then get off Sun Mountain and head for home." He added, "How's that sound?"
Posted July 16, 2022
"It sounds perfect! We've no specific time table, so we can do what we want, when we want, and I can stuff cotton balls in my ears if need be." She gave him a teasing look. "Practice for after we've been married for a while!"
It was true that the schedule was flexible, but she really did want to explore Virginia City, as much as she could, and she hoped they didn't have to cut their time short on her account.
"I guess I'd better start packing. I think I can ship some things home, I don't think I need all these dresses." Two or three would do her, in all honesty, but since she'd gathered quite a few in her shopping, bring a few more than that. "Then I have an excuse to do more shopping!" Well, maybe for more practical things, like linens and dishes!
Posted July 16, 2022
"You know that thought that might be the case." Barnabas said, "It has been a grand time here in San Francisco, and I am glad we were able to come to share it together."
"Now, about Virginia city, shopping is going to be expensive, just so you're not taken by surprise, prices up there reflect the shipping costs, 'cuz they grow nothing but rocks up there." He informed her, "So you pack accordingly, less of course, would be better for the eventual trip back to Kalispell. I'll head down and take care of things with Bill, or whoever is on duty should he not be available." He kissed her on the cheek and smiled, be a hell of a good time, Missus Pike!"