Vancouver- City of Adventurers. Ch. # XXI

 Vancouver- City of adventurers

                                     CH. # XXI - What lies ahead

          It was a Sunday morning in early December. The Mac Adams brothers rose later today. They had accomplished much at their brickyard and decided to take  their ease on this Sunny day.

         They dressed for the day. Ian had acquired a black broadcloth coat and a white shirt for services. A quick polish to his boots and he would feel less like the janitor that walked into the church during services. Laura didn’t mind, but he did.

            Jim and Ian walked over to Lowry’s for an early breakfast. John Lowry was just getting things started, but sat with them for coffee.

 

            “Things are going well for you lads at the Brick yard?”
 asked John.

              “They are John,” said Jim. “We hope in a month or so to get the operation under way.”

 

              “Well, you lads have put in a lot of work so far,” said John. “I will start putting the word out among customers, that you will be ready for business in the new year.”

            “Thanks, John,” said Jim. “ I know a lot of businessmen eat here. It would be a help to us.”

 

               They ordered their usual mountain of pancakes with quarts of maple syrup for breakfast. Laura was off that morning getting ready for services at Christchurch Cathedral.

               “I am off for church in a bit, Jim.” said Ian “ What have you got planned for the day?”

 

               “Well, I think I will stop by the construction supplier.” said Jim.  “I’d like to get a few loads of dirt and sand delivered to the yard. That and a few bags of mortar mix and lime would have us ready when we get going. I would also like to buy a masonry drill. I think today, I will ride up to the yard and set those hinges and metal doors in place for the lower fire box and upper drying chamber for the kiln.”

 

                 “That sounds ambitious,” said Ian. “I wish I were there to help.”

 

                    “Nah, this is a one-man job,” said Jim. “And you have more important matters to attend to, taking care of my lovely sister-in-law to be.”

                      “Aye, Laura does like attending services,” said Ian. “I still struggle with these clerics preaching hell-fire and damnation to a congregation of the most law abiding and decent people in Vancouver. You would think they would lighten up a bit now and then.”

 

                      “It is who they are, I think,” said Jim. ”Evangelists and preachers have never been known for their humor.”

 

                      “Wel, let’s set about our day,” said Ian.

                       The brothers parted with a wave and set off for their day.

 

                       Jim saddled up his mare and rode over to the construction supply end, of the Hudson Bay Store. He arranged for the dirt, sand mortar mix and lime to be delivered. He paid the man cash from their dwindling supply. The masonry drill, he took with him. 

                        The ride up along the Fraser was pleasant. The air was cool, but the shining sun warmed his face. A light breeze was drifting in from the Ocean, redolent of salt and seaweed. It gave a pleasant tickle to his nose.

                        At the yard, he inspected their kiln dome. A few bricks had sagged in the dome mold. He tapped them back into place. Over all, he was pleased with their efforts. Using the masonry drill, he made holes in the brick facings, There, he fastened in the hinges for the metal doors.

 

                         The iron monger had sone a good job. The doors for the fire box below and the drying racks above were light and durable. They would serve well to contain the heat form the drying and firing process. He seated and attached them. That done, he knocked the hand poured bricks from their molds and tidied up the yard. He fetched Ian’s fishing pole and decided to catch a few salmon for dinner. It was a pleasant day for him, to idle on the banks of the Fraser and watch the mighty river flow by.

 

                        Back in Vancouver, Ian had met Laura outside her home. She walked over to the Cathedral Peter and Selkirk joined them.

                        “Good morning, Peter and Selkirk,” Ian nodded.

                         “And to you, Ian,” said Peter. “Sure, you are beginning to look like one of the fine business men attending services,” said Peter, in a mirthful tone.” For Laura had told him about the clothing issue.

 

                         “Aye, there is some fable about making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Ian. “ I want people to know that Laura has captured a man of respect in the community.”

                           “They already have that,” said Peter. “You and Jim have earned the respect of all present, with your hard work and determination. There are also a few who speak well of your ability to knock the odd knucklehead out like a light,” Peter said smiling.

 

                            “There will be no more of that,” said Laura. “Gentlemen don’t brawl in taverns.”

                             Ian could only sigh and offer the first of eleven thousand “Yes, dears” to come.

 

                                 The church community filed into their seats. The good Reverend, in his sermon, launched into another lecture on morality and piety in their daily life.

 

                                  “Does the man not know that the best that the community has to offer sit right here in front of him?” Ian asked in a whisper.

                                    “Shush, Ian,” whispered Laura. ”He is probably talking about you and Jim,” she said with an impish smile.

 

                                      All around them, the future weave of the great socio-economic tapestry of Vancouver was being fashioned by fate and happenstance.

 Young Selkirk Sadler would soon reach manhood. He would marry early and sire a son named Maurice. He would also found and open his own brick yard, using many of the lessons he had learned from the Mac Adams brothers.

Selkirk’s son,  Maurice,  would grow and eventually court the young Phelan toddler sitting across the aisle. He and  Patricia would marry and start a clan of Sadlers who would anchor the family line throughout the twentieth century. The match would cement a merger of several business families, like the Mac Adams & Phelans and Sadlers, that would prosper together and become part of the vibrant economic matrix of modern-day Vancouver.

 

 But, all of that lay in the future. The fates rarely revealed themselves to the current inhabitants of the planet.

 

                                 After services, Ian and Laura walked along Georgia Street. They talked of plans to find a place for themselves and all of the many things they hoped for in the future.

 

                               “Sure, I hope that we have several bairns,” said Ian.

                                “Several?” asked Laura in mock horror. “Wouldn’t just a few be okay?”

                                “Aye, I suppose.” said Ian. ”However many we have, I will enjoy raising them with you.”

                                 They held hands and walked on air.

                                  The café, run by the godless American expatriates, was open. They dined leisurely, enjoying being together on a fine sunny day.

                                    “Ian? I would like to have you and Jim for supper next Sunday evening. It would be nice for all of us to get together and talk like a family,” said Laura.

                                     “Great,” said Ian. ”Jim adores you. He is also becoming rather fond of young Selkir as a workmate. Peter of course has both of our appreciation, for all of the help he has given us.”

                                      “Good,” said Laura. “My mother taught me how to turn out a very nice roast of beef. Potatoes, gravy and corn should fill out even all of you hearty eaters. An apple pie of course would sweeten the end of the meal.”

                                      “Sure, you have me hungry already,” said Ian.

 

                                   After dinner, the couple walked, hand in hand, back to Laura’s home. “Good night, Laura,” said Ian. ”It has been a fine day spending time with you.”

                                   Laura smiled, leaned in and kissed Ian lightly. “Yes, it has Mr. Mac Adams.” Then she was off.

                                     Ian, startled by the kiss, smiled all of the way back to his and Jim’s  place.

                                     The brothers talked for a time, exchanging information. Jim showed Ian the Salmon he had caught.

                                     “I think I will wrap these up and drop them off at Lowry’s in the morning,” said Jim. “John can keep some and sae the rest for dinner.”

                                       “That reminds me,” said Ian. “The future Mrs. Mac Admas has invited us for super next Sunday, with her family.”

                                     That would be grand, Ian” said Jim. “ I will look forward to that meal all week.”

                                    -30-  ( 1,515 words)  Joseph Xavier Martin