Eva and the Irishman

by Janne E Toivonen

  As the favorite fell backward on his arse and flopped into a heap on the filthy floor, the crowd looked shocked. Liam’s knock-out was clean and easy. He didn’t get a scratch, other than abraded knuckles. The silence in the room was stunning.

  The referee held up Liam's arm in victory, and the crowd reluctantly clapped for the surprise winner. Liam heard his eejit managers yell, “The ‘Iron Fist’ does it again.”

  Liam made much more money than he thought he would, but he was no fool. Not every fight would go this way. Eventually, he would get battered again like he did in his first fights. At least Dolly and Annie would breathe a sigh of relief upon his return tonight.

  Liam collected his winnings from Jimmy, and a few men in the crowd patted him on the back. Liam reluctantly stayed for a pint with his elated managers.

  When Liam made his way out the back door to leave, he looked around for Shaughnessy. He spotted him in the same corner, but got a different reaction from him than earlier in the night. Shaughnessy quickly broke eye contact in a seemingly submissive way. This pleased Liam, but he gave the dangerous snake no look of satisfaction. Shaughnessy, he concluded, was by no means less treacherous. He could be seeing Liam in a whole new light, not just as some eejit who once luckily got the upper hand, but Liam knew he must always be vigilant.

  ~~~

  Liam had had his first three fight nights and won a good deal of money. He hid it in the storage shed behind the house, slipping it in a crock behind some old unused, dust-covered ones on a shelf, so it blended right in.

  “Liam,” Annie fretted when he came home. Dolly was cleaning and bandaging his knuckles. “Not every fight is goin’ to go like these first three. Do ye not know—”

  “Annie, I’m not a giant eejit.”

  “Really now, it only takes a wee eejit to get into this dangerous business.”

  Liam laughed. So did Annie.

  “I’m scared for ye, too,” Dolly chimed in. She tied off a strip of clean cloth around his salve-covered knuckles.

  “It’s not as though I’m plannin’ on doin’ this forever, ladies. Have some faith in me.”

  “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Liam—” Annie said.

  “I know I can’t stay here forever,” Liam said. “So right now, I’m savin’ as much as I can from the fightin’. We’ll eventually have to leave and we’ll need money to do that.”

  “As much as I love our plans together,” Dolly added, “I feel as though it’s all gettin’ so risky.”

  “And so is what you and I are doin’ … out of wedlock,” Liam said. “If my mother finds out when she gets back, we’ll all be out on the street in the blink of an eye. This fightin’ is a quick and easy way to make as much money as possible so we can leave as fast as possible. I’m not givin’ you up because it may be risky.”

  ~~~

  The next day, Annie went to her sister’s for the afternoon. Liam took the opportunity to broach a much-needed-to-be-broached subject with Dolly.

  “We can’t ever let my parents find out about us for as long as we’re here, Dee,” he said, using a sweet nickname for her on occasion. “I’ve also decided on something that will secure our future financially, without my father’s money. I need to talk about that tonight at supper with both you and Annie.”

  Over the last two weeks, Liam had charted out what he, Dolly, and Annie needed to do to set up a life completely free of his parents’ control. Yes, he was using his father’s prestige and money now, but that would end in a year or two. At that point, Liam could graduate from medical school, which he had decided he wanted to do.

  That night at supper in the cozy kitchen, Liam laid out his entire agenda.

  “If I start this fall at the School for Surgeons, I can be done in two years. Dolly, ye’d work here, and Annie would watch over ye for me while I’m gone. That's if ye’re willin’, Annie. It would put your job at great risk, knowing of my subterfuge.”

  “I’ll do what I have to, Liam,” Annie said. “I see ye so happy, and ye’re actually plannin’ a future for yerself.” She reached for his hand across the kitchen table. “I can’t say it doesn’t scare the bejesus out o’ me, though.”

  “I’m plannin’ a future with Dolly—and you,” he said to Annie. “I was thinkin’—if Dolly and I immigrate to America,” he glanced at Dolly, whose eyes widened as he reached for her hand, “you’d be followin’ us when we’re settled.”

  “How do ye suggest I do that, and with what money?” Annie asked.

  “I’m makin’ a killin’ with this fightin’, and I’ll put some away in an account for ye. It’ll be enough for ye to live off and then buy yer passage to New York and points beyond, to wherever we’ve settled.”

  “Jesus God, son, ye’ve been plannin’, haven’t ye?” Annie said.

  Liam gave her a toothy grin.

  Dolly sat dumbfounded, mouth half open. Liam reached over, put a finger under her chin and gently pushed her mouth closed. She snapped out of her trance to slap Liam’s hand playfully.

  ~~~

  Dolly’s knees shook, hidden by her skirt as Mrs. Dady’s eyes unabashedly scrutinized her entire body. “Ye are a wee thing. Well, you seem to have kept up the house since you started.”

  Dolly stood in front of Mrs. Dady in the dining room at breakfast, neatly dressed and coiffed with a starched white cap covering her head. Annie was right next to her for moral support, and also because Mrs. Dady required her there, too.

  Mrs. Dady addressed Dolly. “The silver’s polished and there’s no dust anywhere—Dolly. That is your name, isn’t it, girl?” Mrs. Dady said condescendingly.

  “Yes, mum.” Dolly answered respectfully. “Thank you, mum.”

  Satisfied, Mrs. Dady dismissed them and thickly buttered a piece of toast. Dolly noticed that Mr. Dady was completely disengaged from what was happening. He was busy scanning the morning newspaper next to his plateful of fried eggs and sausage.

  Dolly and Annie curtsied and retreated to the kitchen. As the swinging door came to a closed halt, both breathed a sigh of relief. They didn't dare to utter a sound for several minutes as they cleaned up the pots and pans from breakfast.

  The story they had given the Dadys was that Dolly was an orphaned girl from Londonderry, living with poor relations since her grandmother had died. No longer needed to care for her grandmother, Dolly was looking for employment. One of Annie’s friends knew of and highly recommended Dolly. Thank God, Mrs. Dady was lazy enough, Annie said, not to check further.

  ~~~

  A short time after the women left for the kitchen, Liam entered the dining room for breakfast in a coat, vest and tie, shaved, and hair combed. He hid as his mother interviewed Dolly. He sat down at the place setting Annie had put on the table as per his request. His plan was in full swing.

  “Good morning, Mother. Good morning, Father,” Liam said politely.

  His father looked up from his newspaper, peering over his bifocals. “I wondered who the place setting was for,” he said.

  “I’ve done quite an amount of thinking since you’ve been gone,” Liam said. “I’m announcing to you that I’ve applied to and been accepted at the Royal School for Surgeons in Edinburgh, having passed all the entrance examinations with distinction. I’m starting in the fall.” He was using his best and most proper grammar. He had adopted the working-class way of speaking over the years.

  “I know where the school is,” Father said. “I suppose you want funding. I’m happy to give it to you if you are willing to work as a company physician when you earn your degree.”

  “I am at that, Father.” It was a lie.

  “What’s this change all about, then?”

  Liam knew his father wanted him to grovel. He kept a straight face. “I realize I need to do something other than wander aimlessly as I have been. I know you and Mother would be happy to have your son a doctor.”

  His parents remained aloof but seemed adequately convinced that their son finally had come to his senses.

&nb
sp; Father made brief eye contact with his son. “All right then. Give me the bill and I’ll have my accountant send the school the fees for this year. You’ll need an expense account set up for room, board, and texts.” He spoke evenly. “Set that up today and I’ll have the bank manager put in an appropriate amount. I’ll send him a note from work this morning. You may go to the bank after dinner.”

  “Thank you, Father,” Liam said with gratitude. He put some sausages and an egg on his plate and poured a cup of coffee. He ate heartily as he watched his parents sit in their own little worlds. He smiled inside as his plan for his emancipation began to move rapidly forward.

  Chapter 10

  Eva and her family got ready to travel the three hours by wagon to Rauma for juhannus. The Mattsons had gone on ahead separately, so Eva’s parents could have this wagon to leave earlier to get Pappa home. She had cried in the night about how it ended with Eino and wondered if it wasn’t her fault that he was drinking and so angry. Her remorse weighed on her like a granite boulder as she put the chairs and benches, food, and other belongings in the back of the wagon. She went into the house to see if everyone was ready.

  “Eva,” her mother said, “you seem sad this morning.”

  She grasped her mother’s arm to escort her out the front door. “It’s just that everything’s gone wrong with Eino. He and Victor had a fight and I’m just sad he’s angry with me. He’s left the farm. I guess he liked me, too.” Not liked me, he outright loved me. “Now, I’m with Victor.” She continued to walk her mother out to the wagon.

  Mamma sighed. “He needs to learn to cope with that disappointment, but it looks as though he is not. I feel bad saying it, but maybe it’s just as well he’s left. He and his brother would be at odds, and you would be in the middle.”

  Eva didn’t want to tell her mother she’d already been in the middle the day before. She tried to rid herself of her feelings of remorse. “I shouldn’t let it ruin my good time today, and now everyone will know of my engagement.” That thought made her feel a little better. She went into her mother’s arms and rested her head on her shoulder, wishing this whole thing had happened differently.

  “Do not feel guilty, my daughter. Eino made decisions on his own. Victor is a fine choice. Be happy.” She put her hand on Eva’s face.

  Her mother’s assurances made her feel much better. She felt herself relax as she helped her mother onto the wagon.

  Everyone was smartly dressed in their traditional costumes. Liisa and Aili had their picnic baskets with cold ham, bread and butter, smoked salmon, beet and carrot salad, and pastries for dessert. Each basket also had napkins, forks, and other accessories for a nice picnic.

  On the way, butterflies danced in Eva’s belly. She was betrothed, and no one in town knew it yet. She was wondering how Olga, who was a long-time admirer and classmate of Victor’s, would take the news.

  ~~~

  It turned out to be a glorious, warm summer day with a soft breeze and plenty of sun for the winter-weary people of the north. The Maki family pulled up to the festival site to unload their benches, blankets, and picnic baskets. Greetings from old friends could be heard across the field. Eva jumped down from the wagon, happy to be done with the slow ride, scanning the field for Victor. She caught a glimpse of a body hurdling towards her from her right. A happy and out-of-breath Victor scooped her up, twirled her around, and kissed her passionately on the mouth. People nearby cheered, but Eva could see that Pastor Salmi, of the Lutheran Church hosting the festival, was not pleased.

  Eva, thrilled and embarrassed at the same time, blushed hotly as she looked at the crowd around her. Eva overheard Victor’s mother say to his father, “Jacob, I just saw Pastor Salmi’s reaction to Victor’s and Eva’s greeting, the little bastard.”

  Victor’s father smiled at his wife’s protectiveness and said, “Now Maria, that’s not very Christian of you.”

  “I’ll have you know, Satan is more Christian than August Salmi.” She put her hand over her mouth and giggled, turning a bright crimson.

  He laughed and took her hand. Grinning, they walked from their spot in the shade of a mountain ash at the edge of the festival field. Victor and Hannes helped Eva’s parents bring their things to the shady spot while Pappa Mattson drove the wagon to the spot where the horses would have shade, hay, and water.

  Soon, Eva and Liisa found friends to talk to, and Hannes began to pester Aili, just as Eino had pestered Eva at that age. Eva had a circle of girls listening intently to her story of how she and Victor were now promised to each other. Most were happy for her, but Olga Koskinen walked away from the circle of chirpy girls.

  ~~~

  Standing near the cluster of girls, Victor watched Olga walk away. He had always known of Olga’s strong feelings for him, even though he had told her recently he was most definitely staying on the farm and not coming to town, and that marriage was not in the future for them. He knew her love for him had made her willing to accept that arrangement to be with him only when he wanted. And now that he was engaged, he could no longer come around to see her. He decided to talk with her if it were at all possible, figuring he owed her an explanation. Eva was busy with her friends, so he sidled over to Olga. “Olga, I am truly sorry that things didn’t work out between you and me. I think you will have no trouble finding a man who wants to marry you. You are a very pretty girl, and a good man will be proud to have you.” Though he spoke with kindness, he adopted an air of aloofness, in case Eva looked over at them. He didn’t want her to see anything but friendship between him and Olga.

  “Apparently, she’s no longer a ‘little sister’ to you, as you have always claimed, but it’s good of you to come to me and explain. Eva is lucky to have you.”

  Olga’s expression was neutral as she spoke, but he knew she was hurt by the news. Thank God, she wasn’t making a scene. He glanced back at Eva and she waved. He smiled at her and winked.

  “Now,” he said scanning the grounds, “who can we find for you, Olga?”

  Olga turned to look at the crowd with him, but her cheeks were burning red. He knew it bothered her that he was putting on this show for Eva. But what could Olga do? She would never go to Eva. The whole city would know that she’d been carrying on out of wedlock.

  As Victor scanned the ground, he heard a gregarious familiar voice carrying over the noisy crowd. It was Vilho Hautala, the young, handsome, bachelor blacksmith. He was a grand fellow with many friends. Everyone loved Vilho. It was common knowledge he had recently begun the search for a wife to help with the house and small farm behind his blacksmith shop. But, everyone knew what Vilho truly wanted was somebody to love him and have his children. A lot of children, he’d been heard to say enthusiastically.

  As the big, blond, wide-shouldered Finn walked toward them, Victor leaned toward Olga. "Hmmm? What do you think? He’s quite handsome, doesn’t drink much, and he’s looking for a pretty wife, like you.”

  “I don’t know, Victor. I don’t know him well. And I don’t like the show you are putting on.”

  Victor ignored her dislike of his display. “Vilho and I are very good friends. He comes from a good, kind family, he makes an excellent living, and he’s looking directly at you.”

  “Really?” Her interest in Vilho seemed to pique as she took another look.

  “What a perfect day to spend getting to know each other.” Victor waved Vilho over.

  He smiled at seeing his friend. “Victor, my good friend, who is this pretty girl you are talking to? I just heard you are going to marry Eva Maki.” As Vilho spoke, he had his eyes glued on Olga who was acting demure. He seemed immediately smitten with her.

  “Hello, Vilho,” Victor said. “This is a good friend of mine. May I introduce Miss Olga Koskinen? Olga, may I present Mr. Vilho Hautala?”

  Olga’s face was beet red, but she offered her hand to shake Vilho's. Being a dashing young Finn, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

  “It is my pleasure, Miss Koskinen
. May I offer you a cup of coffee?”

  “Why of course.” She smiled and tucked her hand under his proffered arm and walked off with him. She looked back at Victor, but only for a discrete moment. The message was one that only he could read. Yes, you are marrying Eva, but you will always be mine, her eyes told him.

  Victor was proud of the show he’d put on for Eva. Though he was quite rattled at Olga’s last glance, he attempted to hide his discomfort as he watched the new couple walk away. It was the beginning of their new life together, he was sure.

  As Victor stood contemplating his single-handed matchmaking, Eva walked up to him. She had a big smile on her face. “You are the best person I know,” she said. “I could see that you were letting Olga down gently. And introducing her to Vilho was a very sweet thing to do.”

  “Not to mention for Vilho, who just snagged the prettiest girl in this town, thanks to me.” Victor smiled at Eva. “I did feel badly for her. She was so in love with me, and I had to break her heart because I love this other girl,” he prattled on.

  “Oh, shut up, Mr. Ladies’ Man,” Eva teased and grabbed his proffered arm. “Let’s go around and see everything. I’m hungry.”

  “I’ll have you know, I am no ladies’ man. I snagged the prettiest country girl, and everyone knows it.” He smiled and put his free hand on hers.

  “Let’s go, I want to show you off,” Eva said, giving him a sweet side-glance.

  Victor felt himself relax as he saw that Eva hadn’t noticed anything between him and Olga. He realized that he must have been holding his breath the whole time he’d been breaking things off with Olga. Still, he wasn’t sure he had done the right thing. Olga had been his no-strings-attached plaything at his beck and call since he was sixteen.

  ~~~

  Victor brought Eva to a coffee table covered with all kinds of desserts. They each took a small plate of cream pastries and cup of coffee and sat near the juhannus bonfire. Among the growing crowd, they ate convivially, sitting close, in their own little world, almost oblivious to the chatter as people passed. Eva decided to ask him a question.