Mona Hodgson

by Too Rich for a Bride

  But they didn’t feel the same way about her. She’d given them no reason to. Her heart had deceived her, and them. She’d seen the raised noses, heard the whispers and the gossip. She’d felt the cold shoulders on the boardwalk and in the pews. The church wouldn’t choose her. And if she agreed to marry Tucker, they wouldn’t choose him either. They could only see his choice for a wife as bad judgment. An undesirable quality for a spiritual leader.

  She wouldn’t stand in the way of his calling. Tucker Raines was a preacher from his hat to his boots. Being a pastor coursed through his veins just as freely as being a family man did. But he couldn’t form a family with her and pastor a church here in Cripple Creek.

  “I can’t.”

  She wasn’t sure what hurt her most—the reality of those two simple words, or seeing the pain etched in Tucker’s eyes.

  Tucker blinked hard against the stunned disbelief. When he opened his eyes again, nothing had changed. Ida still sat on the bench beside him, shaking her head. But the tenderness in her royal blue eyes said yes.

  Had he missed something? He was certain she felt the same.

  Just moments ago, she’d said she loved him. He’d seen the joy on her face when he told her he was staying in Cripple Creek. She’d blushed when he mentioned courting.

  “I can’t.”

  “If you’re worried about my family, don’t. My parents and Willow already know how I feel about you.” He glanced down at the ring box. “This ring belonged to my grandmother. Christmas morning at my aunt’s house, my mother asked about the pretty girl with the flying hatpin and gave me the ring.”

  “She remembered me from the depot?”

  “You’re unforgettable, Miss Ida Sinclair.” Tucker closed the jewelry box and set it inside his new hat. He was sure God had purposed for him to shepherd the people of the First Congregational Church. Had he been wrong about God’s plans for him and Ida? He had if she didn’t want to be a pastor’s wife.

  “You don’t want to be married to a preacher?”

  Ida stood and moved down toward the creek, and he followed her. Not that there was much to the creek this time of year. It was frozen solid.

  “It’s not the preacher, Tucker. It’s the preacher’s church.” Ida brushed a curl back from her face. “God has forgiven me for the grief I’ve caused. But even if the people in the church could forgive me, they won’t approve of a businesswoman with connections to scoundrels in the role of the pastor’s wife. They won’t let you do what you were born to do.”

  “I think you’re wrong.”

  She bit her bottom lip and turned toward the path that led to the gate.

  He drew in a deep breath. “Promise me you’ll pray about it.”

  “I have.” She looked at him one last time, then walked away.

  He hated to let her go, but he too needed time to think and pray.

  FORTY-THREE

  da sat with Hattie on one side and Faith on the other in Morgan and Kat’s new carriage. She wanted to hear Tucker preach that morning and witness the voting, but she didn’t want to distract him from the life of ministry God had set before him here in Cripple Creek.

  When Morgan and Kat stopped by the boardinghouse on their way to the church, Hattie rounded up Ida and Faith to ride with her. “What a fine way to start a new year of Sundays,” she’d said.

  So on this third day of January, the carriage wheels slapped the slushy ground, headed for the house of worship. If Hattie sensed the latest tempest inside Ida, she hadn’t let on. And neither had Kat, who sat contentedly in front of them beside her husband. Bright sunlight reflected off a fresh blanket of snow that covered the ground and the trees. The sunny skies overhead mocked the storm churning in her heart.

  Five days had passed since Tucker’s proposal of marriage. Those five days had felt like five months, despite Hattie doing everything in her power to keep Ida busy since she’d become unemployed. They’d mended aprons and darned socks for the Sisters of Mercy. They’d cleaned all the windows of the boardinghouse, inside and out, and even waxed the hardwood floor. If Ida expected to get any rest, she either needed to find another job or a new place to live. If the latter, she’d definitely miss her landlady’s unpredictable company.

  In the past few days, she’d talked to Hattie about everything from fashion to furniture, but she hadn’t said anything of substance to the older woman. Nothing about her love for Tucker and his love for her.

  Perhaps she should have. Sharing such feelings with the motherly landlady had worked out well for Kat and Nell. But Ida hadn’t even told her own sisters what had transpired at the creek on Tuesday. She needed to sort out her feelings, and it suited her best to keep her turbulent emotions between her and God.

  If things were different … if there was any hope of building a life with Tucker, she’d be the first one to spill the beans.

  “It’ll all work out, dear.” Hattie winked at Ida and patted her knee. “You’ll see.”

  Leaning toward her maternal companion, Ida whispered, “You know?”

  “I’m not sure if I know what you think I know, but …” Hattie cupped her mouth as if that might help lower the volume of her speech. “I know you and Tucker love one another. Plain as a stick in the snow the night of Morgan’s concert.”

  Ida nodded, remembering. But memories wouldn’t help her let go of the preaching ice man. Why would God bring her to the point where she could believe she was part of His plan for Tucker’s life, only to lead her and Tucker in different directions?

  Hattie tapped Ida’s shoulder, bringing Ida’s thoughts back to the current carriage ride. “Just remember this, dear—you’d make a fine pastor’s wife.” Her silver-gray eyes twinkled with dreaminess.

  Nearly an hour and a half later, Ida stood in the third row between her sisters while the congregation sang the last stanza of the benediction hymn—“More About Jesus.”

  More of His love who died for me.

  While everyone else sank onto their pews, Reverend Taggart walked toward the pulpit.

  Tucker closed his Bible and accepted the balding man’s handshake. “Reverend, if you don’t mind, I have something I need to say to the good folks of the First Congregational Church before they vote on me as their candidate for pastor.”

  Nodding, the reverend removed his spectacles and returned to the front row.

  Tucker gripped the top of the wooden pulpit and straightened to his full height. “It has been my privilege to bring God’s Word to you this morning and in the past. And I count it an honor that you would consider me to follow in Reverend Taggart’s footsteps as your shepherd.”

  When the reverend started to stand to begin the voting, Tucker held up his hand to stop him. “Many of you have come to know me through my ice deliveries to your homes and businesses. But there’s something crucially important you need to know about me before you make the decision to call me to be your new pastor. Some folks believe that what I’m about to share with you may sway you to continue your search for a suitable pastor.”

  Ida’s breath caught. This was about her.

  Whispers rolled over the pews like waves, and Ida wanted to slip to the ground and crawl out the door. But it was too late. Instead, she sat up straight. She gazed up at Tucker, who looked directly into her soul. Or so it seemed. The twinkle in his eyes hinted her name was on the tip of his tongue.

  She reached for Kat’s hand on one side and Nell’s on the other. Their warmth told her words hadn’t been necessary between them. Her sisters knew about the love and the squall bubbling up inside her.

  She searched Tucker’s brown eyes for any hint that he knew or cared that he was throwing away his opportunity to settle down as the pastor of the First Congregational Church. He held her gaze, and his voice rang out strong and clear while he continued his speech.

  “The woman I love and who loves me has refused my proposal of marriage. She admits she loves me, but insists we cannot marry. Apparently, she feels she is a sinner who, while not be
yond salvation, is beyond forgiveness or acceptance by this body.” He looked out over the assembly. “I know this young woman’s heart, and I intend to make her my wife. If you have it in you to believe her sincerity and to embrace her as the wife of your pastor, then I would be proud to serve this church. Otherwise, I have an ice business to run.”

  Tucker stepped out from behind the pulpit and held his hand out to her. “Miss Ida Sinclair and I will be waiting outside while you vote.”

  Ida prayed she wouldn’t trip as she stepped out of the pew and met him in the aisle. She joined her hand to his, forcing herself to resist her desire to embrace him then and there, in front of God and everybody. She fairly skipped to the rear of the church with him and out the door. On the steps, Ida could only look into Tucker’s eyes and wonder if this was all a dream.

  Very few minutes passed before the door opened and a hunched man with sprigs of white hair on his head invited them back inside. Ida kept a solid hold on Tucker’s forearm as they walked up the center aisle to the front of the church.

  Reverend Taggart’s voice rose above a flurry of applause. “I know you have backup plans in place, Mr. Raines, but this congregation has asked me to assure you that other plans won’t be necessary. We all wish to invite you to be the next pastor and hope to be invited to your wedding.”

  The relief and longing she glimpsed in Tucker’s brown eyes rivaled her own. “That’s good news,” he declared.

  Ida nodded, refusing to divert her attention from the man she loved.

  As the congregation paraded by their new pastor at the door, they all stopped to thank him, and the ladies gave Ida hugs.

  When the last parishioner had left and Reverend Taggart had bidden them farewell, Tucker looked into Ida’s face. “Well, then?”

  “Reverend Raines,” Ida said, smiling uncontrollably, “it seems to me a proper courtship would include at least one more buggy ride.”

  “I figured as much. I rented a proper carriage for the occasion, and I know of a perfect destination.” He held his arm out to her and she hooked her hand at his elbow, letting him guide her down the church steps, feeling like royalty.

  Moments later, Tucker helped Ida up into the seat of the white carriage, then took his place at the reins right beside her.

  Before Ida could count all her blessings, she and Tucker passed through the gate onto the Raines property. Tucker directed the horse across the open pasture and up to the highest spot, overlooking the creek. There, he jumped to the ground. He escorted Ida from her perch and down to the plain plank bench between the two dormant willow saplings.

  As soon as she was seated, Tucker dropped to one knee in the snow. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the familiar little box.

  Her breath whooshed out on a sweet sigh.

  “Now that we have your concern out of the way, I will ask you again.” Tucker opened the box to display the little gold ring with the leaves and the diamond. “Will you, Miss Ida Sinclair, do me the honor of sharing my life as my wife?”

  Ida fought for a breath, worried the man she loved would misinterpret the delay as indecision. Even to her, it seemed an eternity before she blurted out, “Yes!”

  FORTY-FOUR

  early one month later, Ida pressed the bodice of the wedding gown she wore against her mother’s corset. Something old. Spinning like a princess, she backed up to the newest arrival to Hattie’s Boardinghouse. “Can you close this up for me?”

  “I’d be happy to help.” Willow’s voice carried a satiny lilt as she began sliding the silk-covered buttons through their loops.

  Tucker’s sister had arrived on the early train six days ago, just in time for the Sunday morning service—a true vision of God’s amazing grace and emotional healing.

  “You said your sister designed your gown?” Willow asked.

  Ida nodded, taking care not to muss the fine job Kat had done pinning her hair up into a French twist. “Our youngest sister, Vivian, designed the dress, and our aunt Alma did the sewing.” Ida drew in a deep breath when Willow reached the buttons at her upper back.

  “So Vivian and your aunt are still in Maine?”

  “They are, but Vivian will join us here in Cripple Creek in the summer,” Nell said from where she sat on the bed, polishing Ida’s white boots.

  “Four sisters.” Willow’s fingers stilled. “I’ve wished for a sister nearly all of my life—since the day I first picked up a doll.” She resumed her task. “Not that I haven’t grown accustomed to my little brother, mind you.”

  Turning to face Willow, nearly five years her senior, Ida grasped her hands. Tucker’s sister shared the same dark brown hair color, but her eyes were green, not brown. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She pulled Willow into a tender embrace.

  “What Ida didn’t tell you is if you are her sister, you’re our sister too.” Nell’s voice was as warm as the kindness filling her eyes.

  “And don’t forget about me.” Faith held up the bouquet of dried roses and a pine bough she’d been arranging.

  “Six sisters.” Ida glanced at the dressing table where Hattie stood, adding the final touches to Kat’s auburn curls. “And a mother hen.”

  Hattie cackled and all five sisters of the heart joined in.

  “And …” Ida pointed a playful finger at Willow. “You’re older than I am, so you get to be the big sister.”

  Willow shook her head. “Oh, no you don’t. Big sister to one brother is enough of a distinction for me.”

  The weeks since Tucker’s declaration of love in front of the congregation had been feverish and glorious. And today she would wed the man of her dreams—a man who loved God with all his heart and allowed that love to spill over into his affection for her.

  “Speaking of my brother, I hear you have a new job.”

  Kat tugged a ripple out of the top of her skirt. “You’re going back to work?”

  Ida nodded, taking care not to upset her curls. “As the new office manager for the Raines Ice Company. Otis will manage the deliveries, and I’ll keep the books. In the spring, we’ll open a showroom where I can sell iceboxes.”

  A smile lit Nell’s aqua blue eyes. “The man does have great taste. A wife and savvy businesswoman in one package.” The slap of horse hoofs on the road below drew Nell to the window. She turned back toward Ida. “Your carriage awaits, Fair Princess, and Boney has the reins.”

  “Boney?” Willow scrunched her forehead.

  “Boney Hughes.” Kat’s voice exuded admiration for the man. “He’s an old miner who keeps his wings hidden, but he’s always ready for action.”

  “One of Cripple Creek’s many colorful characters.” Ida smoothed the lace that covered the skirt of her gown.

  “You should stay in town, dear. Cripple Creek offers an abundance to inspire your drawing.” Hattie started for the doorway, then flung more words over her shoulder. “And I like having you here.”

  Ida gently lifted her skirts while her sisters, blood and otherwise, followed her out of the room and down the staircase. Within a few dizzying moments, Ida sat surrounded by women she loved in a carriage that transported them to the First Congregational Church of Cripple Creek.

  While Morgan played the piano, Ida stood in the vestibule with her hand resting on Judson’s forearm. The doors at the back of the sanctuary opened and the wedding march began.

  Judson looked at her and smiled. “Shall we?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” Ida made herself take slow steps up the aisle so she could capture every moment of the bedazzling walk toward her future with Tucker Raines.

  Will and Laurel Raines stood at a front pew beside Naomi Bernard and her four sons. Hattie, Boney, and Faith crowded the pew on the other side of the aisle.

  Ida’s attendants—Kat, Nell, and Willow—faced her, beaming warm smiles while Otis Bernard did the same from the other side of the pastor, where he waited for Morgan and Judson to join him. Her preaching ice man stood front and center with Pastor Frank Mercer, h
is father’s friend from the sanitorium.

  As soon as Ida and Judson had cleared the front pew, Tucker took two quick steps toward them. He extended his hand to her, and when their hands joined, she gazed up at him. Staring into her beloved’s adoring brown eyes, she breathed a prayer of thanksgiving that God had included her in His plans for the Reverend Tucker Raines.

  READERS GUIDE

  Which of the Sinclair sisters do you identify with most? feisty, stubborn Kat? gentle, romantic Nell? ambitious, determined Ida? What about that sister draws you?

  One of Ida’s defining characteristics—and her defining struggle—is her ambition and drive to succeed as a businesswoman. What is good about Ida’s ambition? What’s bad about it? How does it lead her into making material wealth her highest goal?

  If Ida struggles with her ambition, what does Tucker struggle with? guilt over Sam’s death and Willow’s melancholia? His need for his father to forgive him? his purpose in Cripple Creek? What do his particular struggles say about him as a person?

  Why do the people of Cripple Creek look down on Mollie O’Bryan and, by association, Ida? How does Ida respond to this, and how is she able to convince herself for so long that what she’s doing is acceptable?

  Mollie O’Bryan is a historical figure who lived in Cripple Creek at the time this story takes place. Ignoring her fictionalized personality and behavior, what do you think of Mollie’s accomplishments as a businesswoman in an 1896 mining town? What qualities do you imagine she must have possessed in life that made it possible for her to become a successful businesswoman in this era?

  Ida distrusts most men, assuming they either want something from her or want to put her in her “place.” Many of the men she meets, both in Portland and in Cripple Creek, reinforce her distrust. Do you share her feelings toward men at all? Have you encountered any men like the ones who shattered Ida’s trust or been discriminated against because of your gender? How does Ida’s distrust cause her to lash out at men who mean her well, like Tucker or Judson?