Westward the Dream (21 page)

“You might as well give up on telling Ted not to worry,” Anna told Kiernan as she placed the tray of cake on a nearby serving table. Victoria did likewise with her tray of coffee and china.

“Well, I just can't see that it gains a fellow much ground,” Kiernan replied. “A transcontinental railroad is mighty important to this state. I can't see them lettin' it go for the likes of a freight road.”

Ted nodded. “I know that sounds reasonable, but you haven't been a part of their meetings. There are so many issues I can't see eye to eye with. Issues that may well make or break this railroad.”

“Ted,” Anna said, reaching out to touch his shoulder, “we're supposed to be celebrating. You are ruining our good nature with your doom and gloom. Come now, can't we at least pretend that all is well and that your railroad is off to a good start?”

Ted sighed. “I suppose you're right. I don't mean to cast dispersions.” He smiled at Kiernan and Victoria and reached up to pat Anna's hand. “Every cloud has its brighter lining, right?”

Kiernan chuckled, but deep inside he knew only too well how fickle the railroad business could be. He understood his friend's concerns and he knew they were valid. The real problem wouldn't be in maintaining enthusiasm for the project; it would be in seeing that project continue to stay an elephant, instead of being redesigned into something far more easily managed.

23

Charles Crocker resigned his position with the Central Pacific board in order to sign a four hundred thousand dollar contract to construct the first eighteen miles of track. The choice was seen as a means of avoiding any future legal backfire, but the fact that his brother Edward took over the position made the move almost humorous. Nevertheless, Edward's background as an engineer and lawyer made him a tremendous asset to the board, as he was already handling all of the Central Pacific's legal affairs. Still, many perceived this as Charlie's way of keeping a hand in.

However, with his position resigned, Crocker was finally free to move ahead with the contract. He immediately set about the task of hiring supervisors and crews to get to the actual task of laying track and boasted that the Central Pacific would soon see real progress.

Kiernan was happy to find himself promoted from store clerk to crew boss. He felt a sense of awe and pride that Crocker would offer him such an important position. He had already convinced himself that even if Crocker offered him nothing more than the job of digger, Kiernan would take it. The pay would be better, and Kiernan could feel more confident about the duties. Working in the store had proved to be acceptable, even beneficial, but it wasn't at all what Kiernan desired for his future.

Because Crocker sublet the construction work to several local firms, there were many supervisors and bosses to answer to, and Crocker found himself quite preoccupied with the details of building the railroad. It didn't matter that he'd never had experience with such a responsibility—his charm and quick wit seemed to keep arguments and protests at bay, and because he was an intelligent man, Crocker was more than willing to learn. And with over two hundred men now employed to build a railroad, Crocker's education was a daily issue.

With this in mind, Kiernan didn't worry about sending a note to Charlie requesting he come to the track site. Kiernan had found a troublesome complication to their progress and figured it was best to get the details out in the open as soon as possible.

“You said it was important,” Crocker said, dismounting his horse.

“Aye, and it is.” Kiernan came forward to greet the man. “Ya can see here for yarself, we've hit a snag in our progress.” Kiernan led him to where the men were even now trying to grade out a road. “The topsoil runs for a foot, sometimes two, then we hit what might as well be concrete. The stuff is as hard as granite.”

Crocker stepped into the newly dug ditch and squatted down to see the matter for himself. “Is it like this all along the way?”

“Aye. I've already been talkin' to some of the other gangs. This is goin' to double the time needed to make the road.”

“Double the cost, too, if I know anything about anything,” Crocker said in complete frustration. He stood and dusted off the crusty bits of rock and sand. “This isn't how I envisioned it.”

Kiernan waited for him to climb back out of the ditch before continuing with his concerns. “The weather is warmin' a bit, and the miners who've signed on to work are headin' back out to the mines. Nobody cares about seein' this through.”

“Don't I know it,” Charlie said, shaking his head. “Kiernan, we've got to figure out a way to get reliable workers in here. Men who will work for little pay and long hours and not be lured away by stories of gold. Otherwise, this railroad will be nothing but dreams on paper.”

Kiernan fully appreciated his boss's concern. He knew Ted felt the same way. “At least yar makin' good progress in the river,” Kiernan offered.

It was true that the great pile-driving hammers were sinking mammoth thirty-foot pilings into the riverbed at the rate of seven a day. Soon an impressive railroad bridge would span the American River, and this would surely bolster the spirits of those who considered the railroad an impossible feat.

“They want me to go to Donner Pass and oversee the construction there,” Charlie said after a long silence. “I want you to come with me.”

Kiernan knew his expression revealed his surprise. “Me? And why would ya be wantin' me?”

“You already know Doc Strong and you know the area. Ted told me you were a part of one of their surveying teams and that the territory would be very similar to what you've already worked on back east.”

“Whoa now. For sure it ain't the same as back east. The mountains there were not to be compared with what we'd be up against at Donner Pass. As I recall, that area has a history of killin' people off by its very nature.”

“It's a harsh land, but the railroad must be built through it. The board is sending me, and I'm asking you to come with me. I need you, O'Connor. You have experience and expertise in blasting and tunneling. Judah estimates we'll need eighteen tunnels before we ever make it from one side of the Sierras to the other. You are the one to help me see this accomplished.” Then, almost as an afterthought, Crocker added, “I'll double your pay.”

Even without this enticement, Kiernan realized the tremendous opportunity to prove himself. He felt a pride in the fact that Crocker had chosen him for the job. The only problem was that he would no doubt have to leave Victoria behind. He couldn't see dragging her back to Dutch Flat when she so loved Sacramento. To do so would be nothing short of heartless. Still, having his income doubled would be a benefit to both of them—maybe even to his family in Ireland.

“How long will ya need me there?”

Crocker shrugged. “There's just no telling. I feel certain, however, that the process will take a whole lot longer without you helping to see it through.”

Kiernan drew a deep breath and exhaled rather loudly. “Give me some time to think on it,” he said, knowing even as he did so that his decision was pretty much made for him. It was an offer too tempting to pass up.

Crocker smiled. “I know you'll see things my way.”

“I'm so glad you've come for a visit,” Victoria said as Anna Judah stepped into the small two-room apartment.

“I was busy all morning with errands and thought some time in quiet conversation with you would do me well,” Anna explained.

“I can fix us some tea, if you like,” Victoria offered. She glanced around at the shoddy furnishings and wished she had something better to offer her friend.

“No, don't bother. I can't stay long. Just come sit with me and share what news there is to tell.”

Victoria followed Anna to the tiny threadbare sofa. “I haven't much news that you aren't already privy to.”

Anna removed her bonnet and smiled. “Then we shall just talk of the day. What have you been busying yourself with?”

Victoria thought for a moment. “I went down to Charlie's store and helped with the counter for an hour this morning. Kiernan thought it would be all right, and Charlie needed the help. He's going to sell the place off, Kiernan said.” She paused and considered whether or not to continue. “I wish I could invest in it. He's selling portions off to his clerks, and I would truly love to talk to him about buying in.”

“Why don't you?” Anna asked. “It would be perfectly acceptable work for you. That is, if you want to work elsewhere. I'm sure your duties here are enough to keep you occupied.”

Victoria looked away. How could she explain that the emptiness of the house only seemed to magnify her homesickness and the fact that she had no child to mother? “Sometimes this place is too empty. I do the things that are required of me, but while I see to those tasks, I have too much time in which to think.”

Anna nodded sympathetically. “And sometimes that is more of a burden than too much work.”

“It certainly can be.”

Victoria knew Anna would understand, but she hated even speaking aloud the details of her longing.

“Are you still missing your family?” Anna finally asked.

Victoria nodded. “I think of them often. I worry about them, what with the war and all. It seems that we know so little about what's going on in the East. I read of familiar places—towns I know from childhood—suffering from the ravages of battle. I realize those places are forever changed by the cruelties of this war. I haven't heard from my mother or father in ever so long, and while I presume upon their safety in Russia, I still fear for them.”

“Of course you do,” Anna replied. “Who in your position would not?”

“Still, it seems silly. There is nothing to be gained by worry.” Victoria smiled rather sheepishly and ducked her head down. “Of course, I've not yet been able to convince myself of the truth in that.”

Anna reached out and patted Victoria's hand. “You mustn't fret. I'm sure they are fine.”

Victoria looked up and met Anna's compassionate gaze. “I hope so.”

“I shall change the subject as a means of proving my confidence in their well-being. I am, as you must know, more concerned with how you are. I've worried about you ever since you visited me and learned of Li's pregnancy.”

Victoria felt the blood drain from her face. “It's just so hard,” she murmured.

“I know.”

Anna's compassion overwhelmed Victoria. Anna was the one person with whom she could plead her case and be assured of full understanding. Anna had never been able to give Ted a child, and she would understand the longing in Victoria's heart.

“Victoria, I know your heart. I've never stopped wanting a child of my own, but God has always had other plans for me. I can't say I like it, but I am resigned to it. At least for now.”

“Well, I'm not!” Victoria burst out before she could stop herself. “I'm not resigned at all. I'm angry and worried, and I simply cannot find acceptance for this circumstance.”

“I wasn't suggesting that resignation be acceptance,” Anna continued. “You are young, and there are many chances yet for you and Kiernan to have a baby. I merely spoke for myself. Ted is a wonderful man. He has given me more than I could have ever asked. We have had a good life together, and I've learned that he is my portion in full. I find that in seeing this, my contentment is so much greater. I am only suggesting that you draw attention to what you have rather than what you don't have. God may one day make both of us mothers, but we must be prepared for the fact that He also might not.”

“But I can't imagine never being a mother. I know Kiernan wants children, and I feel so inadequate because I can't provide him with the son he desires.” Victoria felt her emotions giving way. Her eyes filled with tears. “I can't help but think it will one day come between us.”

“It doesn't have to,” Anna said earnestly. “Ted and I have discussed the matter at length. Perhaps you and Kiernan should do the same. It's important to talk about your fears. You should let Kiernan know how you feel and find out how he feels as well.”

“But I know how he feels. I see it when he spies a mother with a baby in her arms. I know he's saddened as each month passes by and we are still without a child.”

“Perhaps these are more your own feelings than his,” Anna suggested. “After all, have you spoken with him on the matter?”