“I luff to go. I tink it grand, too,” she said. She smiled at him.
“I enjoyed how ye rolled that ‘r’,” he teased her.
“You vant Ellen to come, too?” Eva asked with raised eyebrows. “Sees still mix up ’bout you. It maybe get bad now, vit baby.”
“I risk the chance of losin’ the ground we’ve made together if I don’t include her. I think she’s gonna be fine in the long run. I don’t want to give up.”
“You have kind heart in you, like angel,” Eva said. She picked up Liam’s hand and kissed it.
He smiled. “I don’t feel like an angel, and it doesn’t take one to get along with Ellen. She’s fightin’ to keep her father’s memory. She knows I love ye now and it scares her. I don’t blame her.”
They sat quietly, rocking and sipping their lemonades.
“I like yust sittink vit you bedder den sex,” Eva said.
He looked at her and laughed. “Is that a compliment?”
“My Eenliss is terdible. I mean I like you all a time.” She giggled at herself.
“I can say for certain that your ‘Eenliss’ has improved greatly since we met.”
“You not yokink me?” She appeared uncertain.
Feigning insult, he said, “I would never yoke with you.”
She didn’t answer, just punched him playfully in the arm.
“Eva, I love every part of you,” he said, rubbing the spot she hit, “including your ‘Eenliss.’ It’s very endearing. That means it’s a part of you that makes you sweet and dear.”
She smiled. “Den, tank you.” She leaned her head on the head rest and rocked back and forth, seeming content.
~~~
On Wednesday morning, Liam and Eva with Ellen in tow, caught the nine o’clock train bound for Duluth. The naturalization ceremony was scheduled for one o’clock. Ellen was beside herself with excitement at traveling on the train. She bounded up the passenger car steps like a deer.
“Liam, you are so handsome in your summer suit,” Ellen said as the three found a seat and settled in for the ride to Duluth. “Mamma, you are verdy pretty. I heard you throw up this morning.”
“Be quiet,” Eva admonished her. She spoke in Finnish. “You cannot chatter about that on the train. It’s very private.” The train left the station, chugging. “I know you are excited, but you must be private.”
“I don’t know vhy you are doing … dat … in the morning,” Ellen whispered into Eva’s ear.
“Doing what? I tell you at home.”
“Ve yust left. How am I gonna vait dat lonk now?” While she was quite Americanized, Ellen always spoke to her mother in either full Finnish or the immigrant-Finn’s mixed language “Finglish.”
Eva spoke in Finn again, under the din of the passengers, “You stop now!” But Eva, who was in high spirits, could not stay perturbed with Ellen for long. She tried to hold back a smile, but couldn’t, especially when Ellen sported a ridiculous toothy grin.
~~~
Liam watched Ellen and Eva in covert amusement during the conversation, marveling at Ellen's intelligence and quick wit. She’s nine now, he thought. What will she be like at eighteen? He didn’t want to think about it. He was still amazed and a wee bit intimidated at suddenly attempting parenthood. He felt like he was continually walking on eggshells.
Eva and Liam sat in the forward-facing seat, cuddled up and cozy, at least as far as decorum in public would allow. Liam felt dozy as the rocking movement of the train lulled him hypnotically. The heat of the July day didn’t help, but it did not affect his general disposition. He felt his life moving in a good direction. The big stickler now was Sheridan McKay, the fight syndicate boss he ran from, whom he knew was not one to let go a grudge. Liam still surreptitiously scouted the street whenever he ventured from home or the hospital. He knew he probably should tell Ed Murphy. Liam had a feeling Ed would have an idea of what to do. Liam knew of the Irish Catholics’ propensity to be of service to one another overtly or otherwise. This was the case in Ireland as well, where the group lived under duress from the government and was treated like second-class citizens by the Brits and the pro-Brit Protestants. Even if they didn’t belong to any of the anti-British political groups, the vast majority of Irish were strong supporters of Home Rule.
Ellen got up from her seat and moved about the passenger car. “There are a lot of trees over here, too, like our town,” Ellen blurted from six rows up. She hopped to the other side of the car. “Look, Mamma, another farm. How many cows are there? A hundred at least,” she said with amazement. “See the people vavink? Hello, people!” she yelled, vigorously waving back. She spent the next several minutes bouncing from empty seat to empty seat to see all that she could.
When she made her way to the seat facing Liam and Eva, Ellen miraculously sat still for several moments, intently studying her mother and Liam. Eva looked at her with scolding eyes and affection. Liam looked at her with subdued hilarity. Watching her face, he could see her brain buzzing like electric lines along the street.
“What are ye thinkin’ about, Ellen?” he asked.
“Are you and Mamma getting married now that you are hav— “
“Ellen!” Eva barked under her breath. She spoke in Finnish once again, scolding her daughter for not listening. “I said to keep quiet about that!”
“Look at you two. You are smashed togedder. Dere’s not even room for a piece of paper right dere.” Ellen pointed to the lack of space between their arms and thighs.
When Ellen stopped talking, the passengers in the car were silent. Previously, their chatter had been constant background noise. Liam looked at Eva. She was crimson from the neck up. He did not dare look at the other passengers.
As Eva looked at her grinning, impetuous child, she began to titter. It grew to an uncontrollable giggle. Liam looked at Eva, embarrassed that she, too, was drawing unneeded attention. Eva pulled out her handkerchief to wipe her tears and blow her nose.
~~~
It was a long ride to Duluth for Eva, but not because of the distance. At their arrival, Ellen ran ahead and bounded off the train like an antelope. Liam grabbed the bag packed with their lunch from the overhead rack, and he and Eva went into the lunch room at the station. Ellen soon followed.
“Perhaps a full stomach will settle ye,” Liam said to Ellen. They found a table with a shaded window and an awning. “I’ll get some drinks. Coffee, Eva?”
“I like root beer float.”
“Me, too,” Ellen said, licking her lips. “Please,” she added when Eva stared at her.
“Two root beer floats and one coffee it is.” Liam walked to the counter.
“Ellen, I want you to behave when we are at the ceremony. This is special for Liam. Do you understand me?” Eva spoke in Finn and gave her daughter another serious gaze. “I still want you to have fun. Just don’t be such a Villi Ruusu.”
“You are not happy with me, I can tell, Mamma,” Ellen responded in Finn. “When you call me villi ruusu like that, you think I’m being naughty.”
“You are a smart girl, Ellen.”
“Mamma, I’m sorry. I will be good for the ceremony.”
Liam returned with three root beer floats. He looked from mother to daughter, then back to Eva. Eva’s eyes said “She’s under control, finally.” Liam gave her a half smile, unseen by Ellen. At least Eva hoped so.
“Have ye been in Duluth before, Ellen?” Liam asked.
“Vhen I vas liddle. Ve came here to have dis … vhat you are doink today. I tink I vas four.” Ellen looked at her mother for clarification.
Eva nodded her head as she inhaled her root beer float in near ecstasy. Liam passed out the ham sandwiches they brought.
There was still time before the ceremony after lunch, so they went for a walk.
“This town is a port for the iron ore that comes from Mesabi, and the lumber from up north,” Liam said as they walked down to the docks. “The train tracks go right down to the water so the cars can load ore onto giant barges to trave
l Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. Then it goes to points east and the steel mills of eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. I think much of the lumber still goes west for expandin’ towns and cities to build houses and such.”
They continued walking to the docks to see the iron ore barges.
“Look, sign at tavern,” Eva said in English. “Dat says ‘fiss boil.’ It smells good!” The air was permeated with wood smoke and cooking fish. “I tink dey cook outside on open fire."
“Let’s come down later for a meal before we go back home,” Liam suggested.
“Dis is a big lake,” Ellen said, her eyes wide. “My teacher says it is called ‘Gitchee Goomy’ by the Indians. Dat’s funny, isn’t it?” Ellen laughed at herself, then grasped Eva’s hand as they headed back to the city hall.
~~~
It was ten ’til one when Liam, Eva, and Ellen arrived at the city courthouse. Liam felt a little nervous. He didn’t know what to expect. It was also a milestone in his life, taking on a new country and way of life. They walked through the big, white double doors and followed the posted arrows to a large room that looked to be an auditorium, most likely for city hall meetings. The double-folding wooden auditorium chairs were lined up around the walls. A few rows were set up in the front center for the citizen candidates to sit. A podium and several chairs were set up on the raised platform used as a stage.
“I remember ve vere here, yust like dis,” Eva told Liam. “I didn’t know vhat anybody vas sayink. Ve took lil test ’bout America before and sent in a mail. Den ve come here.”
“I had to do the same thing,” Liam said.
“Ve took Eenliss test, too. Not you, I know.”
As Liam took her hand, he noticed her turning inward. He watched her for many moments. “Eva, where’d ye go? Are ye back … there again?”
She looked deep into his eyes, back into the present. “Yes. I vas remember being here. But I not gonna talk. Dis you day.”
The announcement was made that the ceremony was about to commence.
“I guess that means me,” Liam said. He squeezed Eva’s hand and winked at Ellen. He took his place, sitting with two dozen other inductees from the region. Ellen and Eva sat on the side where he could see them. Liam smiled at a well-behaved Ellen, who kneeled on her chair to see Liam better.
Two government representatives gave short speeches welcoming the candidates. They impressed what an important step the candidates were taking and what a special privilege it was to become a citizen “of these United States.”
“Will the candidates please stand and raise your right hands.”
The official led the group in the oath … “I will defend the Constitution of the United States of America …”
~~~
Eva watched Liam. She realized how much everything had changed since she had left her family in Finland. She knew much more English than she did in 1897. Although she was still grieving Victor and the loss of the life she thought she had had with him, she now felt it was possible to be content. She was realizing that she could live life not so timidly, but with confidence. She was taking her strength back. It was a good feeling. Unexpected things had happened. She hadn’t expected Victor would die, and she hadn’t expected a stranger would arrive and end up becoming her lover and the father of her second child. A lover was one thing, but that lover was becoming her love. The thought was strangely frightening one moment, and beautiful and exciting the next.
Eva was brought back to the present when she heard the official say to the candidates, “Welcome and congratulations. You are now citizens of the United States of America.” The audience applauded. As each person's name was called, they went up to the stage to receive their naturalization certificate.
As the ceremony ended, someone announced there was coffee and refreshments to be had. Eva stood up to find Liam heading towards her with his certificate of naturalization in hand. He had a big smile and walked straight into her arms, kissing her long and sweet.
During refreshments, aside from some pleasant chatting amongst the new citizens and their guests, the room was fairly quiet. Liam gave Eva another kiss.
“Will you two stop kissing?” Ellen said with irritation. She spoke in Finnish. “Everyone is looking at you,”
“You will stop right now, Ellen Franciina Mattson,” Eva hissed, also in Finnish. “I won’t have you ruin this outing for Liam.”
“I don’t want to, but I’m just missing my Pappa right now.”
“I’m sorry you are,” Eva said. She squatted next to Ellen.
“You don’t miss him?” Ellen said, also in Finnish. This was a serious conversation.
“Of course, I do, but your Pappa, as much as we love him, is not here anymore.”
Little tears streamed from Ellen’s eyes. Eva took Ellen by the shoulders and pulled her close.
Eva whispered in her ear, “We can’t change that, Ellen, but we can remember him well and love him in our hearts. That way he will always be with you. He will be with me, even if I get married again.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise. When you were born, it was a very special time between your Pappa and me. I’ll always remember that.”
Eva stood and watched Ellen for several moments. She glanced at Liam. Ellen walked to the refreshment table to pick out a cookie.
“I don’t think this is quite over, Eva, but I do think she’s making progress.”
“I am sad she is not happy.”
“Let’s not give up. Please,” Liam implored. “Perhaps tonight you can tell me what was said just then. If it was private though, I’ll respect that.”
“It vas good.”
~~~
As planned, the three went back to the waterfront tavern and had the fish boil. The afternoon was hot but overcast. The docks had a strong fish smell. Luckily, a westerly breeze blew most of it away. They sat down at a table out front with a view of the lake, and were soon served. The soup had been simmering for hours. Liam thought lunch seemed so long ago.
Eva had a second bowl and more bread and butter, much to the amusement of Liam. He hadn’t been with Dolly in this stage of pregnancy, so it was new to him how a woman behaved in this condition.
“This is what it means when ye say ‘eatin’ for two’ now?” he asked. He got a shy smile from Eva.
Experiencing Eva pregnant was heartwarming for Liam. It was also bittersweet, because it brought up images of Dolly. His feelings must have shown on his face because he felt a hand on his cheek, soft and loving. Eva said nothing. She smiled softly at him, inching herself a little closer to him on the bench. He didn’t want to tell her of his fears for her and her well-being as her pregnancy would progress. He was especially fearful of the thought of stairs. How am I going to get through it?
~~~
On the train back north, Ellen fell asleep sprawled across both Liam and her mother. Eva carried the bigger bulk of Ellen, whose head was on Eva’s chest. Ellen’s legs were across Liam’s lap. Liam was drowsy but awake. He assumed the same was true for Eva, but when he turned his head to see if she was asleep on his shoulder, it stirred her. They smiled at each other.
“Perhaps we should take her places more often. It tires her out,” Liam joked. He paused a few moments, then looked deep into Eva’s eyes.
“What you gonna say?” she asked. “You look at me funny.”
“Will ye marry me, Eva?”
She looked at him, “Yes, Liam I vill. I tink ve bedder.” They kissed as best they could around their bulky lounger.
“Won’t Ellen …” Liam was thinking that Ellen would want to hear the news.
“I am avake. I heard,” Ellen said. Her eyes were still closed and a furrowed brow appeared. “I tink my Mamma is happy again.”
“What about you?” Liam asked.
Ellen opened her eyes. She showed Liam her own version of the intense blue eyes she inherited from her mother. “I’m fine. I get a Step-Pappa.”
“Are ye sure ye�
��re ready?”
“I am all right about it. You told me not to forget my first Pappa. Dat’s vhen I started to like you. I have to think about everytink, still.”
“Fair enough,” Liam answered.
He could see out of the corner of his eye that Ellen was gazing at him. She’s still ambivalent. I wish I could help, but it is her journey. I won’t push and I’ll be there when she needs me.
Chapter 11
Mid-July was hot and humid in the North Country. It was eleven in the morning on the fifteenth in 1902, and Liam’s wedding day. He was standing at the altar, ready for Eva to walk down the aisle at the Finnish Lutheran Church of Virginia, Minnesota. Ed Murphy was there with him as his Best Man. Liam's collar seemed a little tight. Saimi had starched and ironed his best white shirt that morning while Eva was in the middle of morning sickness out in the privy. Liam had stood over her in an attempt to comfort her. He hadn’t felt very helpful until he brought her inside later for some hardtack to settle her stomach.
He smoothed his lapel. He was wearing his new lightweight summer suit, pale gray in color. Eva wouldn’t let him cut his hair. She had grown accustomed to it curling around his ears and falling in his face when they made love. “Verdy sexy,” she would whisper, running her fingers through the dark tresses.
Liam had written to Annie that he was getting married again and wished she could share this with him. She had been at the first wedding, the one he and Dolly had behind his parents’ backs. Everythin’s changed. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up in Minnesota marryin’ a northern beauty, and I didn’t expect to be an instant father. As he glanced at the faces in the congregation, stone-faced and quiet, Liam was pining for his mother figure Annie MacDonald. Saimi Laivo, of course, had been very kind and caring towards him. He was fond of her and very grateful for that kindness. But she wasn’t his Annie. Liam had started writing Annie shortly after his arrival in Minnesota at the suggestion of Ed Murphy. Her first correspondence was full of gratitude and great relief that he was alive.
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