Lorraine

by Caroline Clemmons

  Lorraine

  Caroline Clemmons

  Copyright 2017 Caroline Clemmons

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  Chapter One

  April 5, 1873 in a small town near Richmond, Virginia

  Lorraine Stuart’s nails dug into the palms of her fisted hands. How many times had she listened to this same tirade? Chin up, she refused to show any sign of weakness.

  Her father, Colin Stuart, droned on, “No man wants a woman who keeps her nose in a book or scribbles useless words on paper. Bad enough your red hair correctly suggests to would-be suitors that you have a hot temper.”

  He held up a hand to stop her protest. “Helping your mother with her flower garden is not enough to make you a lady. Face it, Lorraine, you’ve become into a spinster with no prospects.”

  She held her back straight, resisting the tendency to curl her shoulders forward in despair. “Twenty-four is not too old to marry, Father. I’m sure I’ll find someone in due course.”

  His face displayed his disgust with her. “Pah! You’ll marry the man I’ve chosen. James Weston has agreed to accept you and is even willing to let you bring some of your books.”

  Good heavens, not that odious man. Taking a step back, she faced her father and fought to stand her ground. “How kind of him after he’s worked two wives to death from exhaustion. And when would I have time to read with his five horde of terrors running rampant? No, thank you.”

  Her father’s stone-gray eyes had grown icy. “Don’t listen to rumors. This isn’t a request, Lorraine. I’ve promised you to Weston. You’ll marry on May 10th.”

  Without consulting her, he’d already betrothed her to a man she disliked? “Father, how could you? I’m not a… a horse you sell to a neighbor. I’m a person and I won’t marry Mr. Weston.”

  He narrowed his eyes and pointed a finger at her. “While you live under my roof you’ll abide by my dictates. You’ll marry him, and you’ll be grateful for the opportunity.”

  She stood motionless as her father spun on his heels and left the room. Grateful? How could you command someone’s gratitude?

  She hadn’t yet saved enough from the sales of her articles to move out on her own. Her meager salary from the library hardly amounted to enough to mention. Desperate, she gazed around the room.

  Her mother, Abby Stuart, took her hand. “Don’t despair, dear. I may have a solution.”

  Allowing her sweet mother to lead her, Lorraine went into the kitchen. Her mother always understood and comforted her. The scents lingering from their supper reminded her of the companionship she and her mother shared in household chores.

  “Sit down and I’ll get you a cup of tea before we discuss another option.” Her mother busied herself pouring hot water into the teapot and gathering cups while the brew steeped. Lastly, she pulled a paper from the cupboard and showed it to Lorraine. Circled was an advertisement.

  “Young women of good character desiring to go west for the purpose of marriage may apply for an interview between ten and four o’clock in the afternoon from April 5th to 10th at the Grand Hotel, Richmond, care of Mrs. Lydia Harrison.”

  Lorraine read then re-read the item. “She held interviews today. I’ll go tomorrow and learn what this involves.”

  Her mother patted her hand. “Keep in mind that you don’t have to go with this Mrs. Harrison if you don’t like what she says.” Several dark red curls had escaped from her bun and bobbled around her face as she shook her head. “From my point of view, even the unknown is better than James Weston.”

  Lorraine clasped the newspaper to her. “I agree wholeheartedly. Why doesn’t Father understand that?”

  Waiting for the tea to steep, her mother sat across from her. “Don’t be too harsh in your opinion of him, dear. He’s thinking of your future after we’re gone. You need your own home, someone to be a companion, and children to care for you when you’re elderly.”

  Lorraine’s reaction was skepticism. “How can he imagine Mr. Weston fits that description? People say both of his wives died from exhaustion and overwork. I don’t wish to be number three, to say nothing of his wild children. The greatest reason is the fact I don’t like the repulsive man.”

  Her mother poured the steaming brew into their cups. “I’m sure you could tame the children and win their love, but I doubt anyone can change James Weston.”

  Mother added milk to her cup. “He believes women should do all the work around the house without a maid or help from him. That includes duties usually carried out by the man of the family. I’ve never cared for him even though your father considers him a good friend.”

  “Does Father know your opinion of Mr. Weston?”

  Her mother waved away the question. “He does, but you must remember he believes we women are silly, brainless creatures whose opinions don’t matter.”

  Lorraine shook her head and frowned. “How have you tolerated his narrow-minded views for thirty years?”

  Her mother sighed. “It helps that I love him a great deal. We do agree on most subjects.” When she smiled, humor’s light danced in her green eyes so like Lorraine’s. “I admit there are times I’d very much like to apply my skillet to the side of his head.”

  “This must be one of those times if you’re willing to help me escape.”

  Her mother took Lorraine’s hand in both of hers. “My dearest daughter, I’m always on your side. I want to you to be happy, but I don’t believe the key to your happiness lies in our area.”

  After a gentle squeeze, she released Lorraine’s hand. “Of course, there’s no guarantee the men you’d meet through this Mrs. Harrison would be any better than James Weston. Dear, you can always come home if things become unpleasant. Perhaps by then your father will have given up on you marrying James Weston or the man will have found someone else to wed.”

  “I’ll go see this woman tomorrow. I hope this is legitimate and that she has a place for me.”

  Her mother caressed her cheek. “What will I do without you here each day? I’ll miss you more than you can know.”

  The idea of leaving her dear mother created an ache in her chest. “I’ll write.” She forced a laugh. “You know I’ll do that. Perhaps you can visit when I’m settled. That is, if I’m selected.”

  The next morning, Lorraine left home as usual for her post as head of the library. She arrived as her co-worker, Essie Miller, unlocked the door. The other woman’s broad smile welcomed her. The building was one volunteers had reclaimed after the war’s devastation. They’d scoured the city for books and had built a small but growing collection.

  Essie assessed her up and down. “Goodness, you’re dressed fit to meet the queen.” She laughed. “If we had a queen, that is.”

  Lorraine smoothed a hand down the front of her blue muslin. “I have an appointment this morning. I hope you won’t mind taking care of the library on your own for an hour or two.”

  “Of course not.” Essie’s cheerful face sobered. “I hope nothing’s wrong.”

  “Merely business and I’ll return as soon as possible. If those Weston twins come in while I’m gone, nail their shoes to the floor.”

  Lorraine left to the sound of Essie’s laughter. If selected to go to west, she’d miss her co-work
er and friend. Should Lorraine have mentioned the advertisement to her? Essie had a beau who’d been calling on her for a year and she insisted she was happy with the situation. No point in stirring up unrest.

  At the Grand Hotel, Lorraine took her place in a short line outside Mrs. Harrison’s suite. She removed her gloves long enough to wipe her clammy hands with a handkerchief. At last, her turn came.

  The elegant suite was nicer than anything Lorraine had ever seen. She forced herself not to gape as she took the seat to which her hostess gestured. A woman not much older than she was took charge. She wore lavender silk and her dark hair glistened.

  She smiled, lighting her lovely features as in a fine painting. “I’m Lydia Harrison and these ladies are Sophie Gaston and Rachel Ross. Why don’t you introduce yourself and tell us why you wish to go to Texas?”

  Lorraine took a deep breath and launched into the explanation of her dilemma. Her hands shook so badly she had to clasp them in her lap. When she’d finished, the three women exchanged meaningful glances.

  Mrs. Harrison’s smile broadened. “I’d like for you to accompany us. You’ll stay in my home until you decide to marry. Through receptions and balls, you’ll have the opportunity to meet eligible men Sophie and I have deemed suitable. She and I have given this matter careful consideration. We believe each of the bachelors we’ve invited is trustworthy and someone with whom you could go on a picnic, a stroll, or a short buggy ride without apprehension.”

  “I’m relieved to be chosen, Mrs. Harrison.” That was an understatement. Elated would be a better description.

  “You must call me Lydia and address Sophie and Rachel by their first names. We’ll be good friends before we reach Tarnation. If you wish to move to the hotel, you’re welcome. I plan to ask four young women to come back with us and I’ve reserved two rooms on this floor. Rachel is the first chosen and is in one. You’re free to use the other until we depart on the tenth.”

  “Since I work at the library, I’ll need to give my co-worker and the town council a chance to replace me. If they’re in agreement, I’d like to join you here in the hotel right away.”

  A slight dip of Lydia’s head acknowledged Lorraine’s statement. “That will be fine.”

  “Would you tell me something about Tarnation and Texas?”

  “The town of Tarnation is in North Central Texas at the edge of the Palo Pinto Mountains. They’re nothing like the Smokey Mountains, but are more like steep hills covered in small trees and brush. Our town is small and dusty, but it’s growing. It’s friendly and a good place to live.”

  Sophie leaned forward. “Currently there are a good many bachelors and no single women for them to marry. My son is the town doctor and he’s threatened to move to Fort Worth in order to meet a nice woman and marry. I implored Lydia to do something to save our town—and my peace of mind.”

  Lydia looked at her friend before focusing on Lorraine. “There are numerous other women, but they’re married or are widows too old to remarry. Two of our bachelors have already moved away.”

  “And you’re choosing only four to go back with you?”

  Lydia waved a hand dismissively. “Correct. We’ve talked to numerous young women, but I’m only inviting those I’m certain will be an asset to our community.”

  That statement ignited a warm glow inside Lorraine. “Then I must thank you again for selecting me.”

  Lydia’s smile increased her beauty. “We’ll travel in comfort by private railcar to Fort Worth, Texas. I must warn you the trip from there to Tarnation by stagecoach is most unpleasant.”

  Lorraine placed her hand at her throat. “Is there danger of robbery or Indian attacks?”

  “No, the only Indians we’ll encounter are friendly. The stage has a guard who protects the passengers. However, there are bone-jarring ruts on rough roads, insects, and more dust than you would believe.”

  Lorraine shook her head. “I’m not that easily discouraged. I’m excited about the trip and the opportunity. While I’ll miss my mother a great deal, I’m eager to arrive in my new home.”

  Sophie took Lorraine’s hand. “I sense you and your mother are close. Perhaps you’d like to bring her to meet us and ease her mind about your leaving.”

  Relief wrapped around Lorraine. “You’re considerate to think of including her. I’ll certainly take advantage of your offer.” She checked the time on her lapel watch. “Now, I’d better go turn in my resignation as head librarian.”

  After parting with the other three women, Lorraine hurried to the library. She found Essie lecturing the Weston twins. Each of the two boys stood with his arms crossed and a mulish expression on his dirty face.

  One—she couldn’t tell them apart—glared at her. “Pa said you’re gonna be our new mama, but we don’t need no woman bossin’ us around.”

  Thank heavens she didn’t have to tackle taming these young hellions. She smiled at the boys. “You needn’t worry. I won’t be marrying your father.”

  The other twin screwed up his face. “How come? What’s wrong with him?”

  Lorraine crossed her fingers behind her back and lied. “Nothing is wrong with your father, but I don’t love him. I’m not marrying unless I fall in love with a man.”

  One twin nudged the other. “Let’s tell Pa.”

  They thundered out of the building at a run.

  Essie heaved a sigh. “I’m not sorry they’ve left. Where did they get the horrid idea you were marrying their father?”

  Lorraine fisted her hands at her hips. “Because my father told Mr. Weston I would marry him in a month.”

  Essie’s eyes widened and she clasped her hands at her chest. “Oh, Lorraine, that’s awful. You know what people say about his other wives. How would you survive?”

  “Don’t worry, I’m not giving in to my father’s edict. Instead, I’m going to Texas with several women.” She explained the arrangement to her friend.

  Essie sat behind the desk. “Goodness, that’s a lot to take in on short notice. What will I do without you?”

  “You’ll be fine, but I will miss you. I hope the town council will replace me quickly. Can you think of anyone who would like the job?”

  “As a matter of fact, I can. Only last week Mamie Haney asked me to consider her if we ever needed another person working here.”

  A weight lifted from Lorraine’s shoulders. “That’s a relief. Knowing Mamie can fill my vacancy reduces my guilt at leaving you to handle things on your own. I admit my loyalty to you and the library is the only reason I’ve been hesitant to fully rejoice in the chance I have.”

  “Although I’ll miss your friendship and working with you, I’m glad you’ll have this opportunity.” Essie shuddered. “Euww, Mr. Weston.”

  “I’m excited and terrified at the same time. I can’t stay here and continue to argue with my father and I’m definitely not willing to give in to him. The thought of marriage to James Weston and having him touch me makes me shudder, too.”

  Once Lorraine was home, she shared the details with her mother while she quickly packed her clothes into a trunk. “I told Lydia Harrison I’d come there in the morning. She said she’d love to meet you if you’d like to accompany me.”

  “That would relieve my mind considerably.” Tears in her eyes, her mother hugged her. “I hate for us to part, especially for you to settle that distance from your father and me. You’ve brought me such joy and I’m so proud of you.”

  “Hearing that means more to me than I can convey. I’ll carry your love with me wherever I go.”

  Chapter Two

  Lorraine closed her book to gaze out the private rail car’s window. “This is a lovely way to travel.”

  Seated beside her, the blond named Prudence sighed and leaned back against the plush upholstery. “I never imagined travel on a train could be like this.”

  “I’m sure it usually isn’t. From what I’ve read, Texas will be markedly different than what we’ve seen this far. I found the Palo Pinto Mountain
s on a map, but not Tarnation.”

  Prudence folded her hands in her lap. “I suppose it’s too small to be included, like the village where I lived. But, I’ll be more comfortable in a small town than in one like Richmond or in St. Louis where we had that long layover.”

  “I don’t mind whether Tarnation is large or small as long as I find either a man I want to marry or a place where I can be independent.”

  Concern shadowed Prudence’s face. “Lorraine, being on your own is awfully hard. Success depends on how well those around you accept you.”

  Wondering what had happened to the other girl, Lorraine patted her hand. “With Lydia’s help, we have a chance to succeed at whatever we choose. We’re very fortunate.”

  ***

  After a bone-breaking stage ride, Lorraine was convinced they must surely have traveled to the ends of the earth by now. Dust covered everyone and everything inside the coach. Her backside was probably bruised from their bouncing over the rough roads.

  They descended a frightening slope with only a steep incline dropping far below on one side and solid mountain rock rising sharply on the other. When she peered out her window, none of the road was visible. Quickly, she looked away. Did anyone ever go over the side?

  Lydia peered out the stage’s window. “Oh, I recognize where we are. We’ll be in Tarnation soon.”

  Sophie patted her face with her handkerchief. “Thank goodness. I don’t mean this as a complaint, but I’m about to expire from heat and thirst plus I would dearly love a bath. I vow never to leave Tarnation again, and this time I mean it!”

  Lorraine closed her book. “I’m sure each of us shares your eagerness for the trip to end. I have to admit that as lovely as the train ride was, I won’t miss this last part of the journey.”

  Lydia perked up and waved her hand out the vehicle’s window. “Isn’t this nice? We have a welcoming committee.”

  When the stage stopped, exiting took longer than Lorraine wished. Nine women in wide skirts who’d been crammed into one conveyance along with valises and food baskets had to allow for stiffness. The weary occupants unfolded and cautiously stepped from the large vehicle.