by Faye Sonja
He used his looks to take advantage of people and he was cold and ruthless behind the eyes that lured many to their demise. Brendan couldn’t change his appearance, but he would never be like his father and he’d spend his lifetime proving that. To Brendan, the fact he was handsome was a curse.
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4
Better Times
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“No… My son won’t be here to meet you,
as he was married on Sunday just passed.”
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Emma settled into her room. She washed and tidied her hair for her supper with Brendan, and put on a clean skirt of deep blue and a white shirt with lace frills at the neck and wrists. Her favorite outfit.
She wondered what her sister Ada would bring her to wear for her wedding. She hoped it wasn’t too fancy; she preferred simple lines with classic features like soft lace and embroidered flowers. It would need to be high at the neck and long at the sleeve. It needed to cover her shame.
The thought of anyone, even her sisters, seeing her scarred skin made her feel ill. To have to think about them seeing her scars, to have to look at them herself; to relive the horror of the six months in the women’s prison…she shuddered and suddenly felt cold.
She worked her relaxation words through her head, forcing herself to be calm, to block it out. Just the way she’d been shown in jail until it was over and they’d finished with her. The one thing that got her through each day, each terror-filled, disgusting day, was knowing he loved her and would marry her for her sacrifice to keep his poor cousin out of jail.
That was all a lie. Then the only work she could get after being in prison was working back in that awful place and cleaning the filth of alcohol, ash, and oftentimes blood…this was his gift to her. This was the thing he thought made up for the lies, the hurt, the betrayal of him marrying the prostitute Emma had kept out of jail for him.
She didn’t even want to utter his name. Didn’t want to think about him being a person. He was not even close to being human after what he’d put her through, and yet she had worked there again. She’d had to; they needed the money for education and for savings.
One thing the three sisters knew, once their so-called father had ditched them for a new wife with younger daughters he no longer had to pay to work in his bakery, was that they were always getting out of Salt Lake City. They’d done that.
Emma knew she had a lot to be proud of, and she had a lot to offer. She refused to let the ghosts of her past overrule her future. She’d been through the worst things already; nothing that happened in a marriage to Brendan Radcliffe could be any worse. This was the chance God was giving her.
Emma intended to make the most of it no matter what. She hoped she never had to see Barnaby, but as he was to be her brother-in-law she knew she couldn’t avoid it forever. She’d have to spend time with his wife as well; Emma prayed that God would give her the presence of mind to see the good in this woman.
Did she even know that Barnaby had sent for Emma to come as his wife? Actually, Emma had paid her own way. Barnaby insisted he’d pay her back as a new business venture of his had taken all his cash. He’d begged her not to tell Miss Kitty. It was clear to her that he’d never intended on marriage or risking any of his money.
But, Emma intended to write Miss Kitty right away and make sure he was struck off her list as a suitable gentlemen to be wed. A man like him could bring down a business like Miss Kitty’s Traveling Hearts Agency. She knew there was evil in the world, she knew for sure, but it still made her wonder what type of man would have a young woman come here when he had no intention of marrying her.
What type of person could play with emotions like that? Emma knew all too well what type of person would do that, unfortunately. Men who wanted to exploit young women and put them in a position of servitude for their own profit.
She hoped against hope that Barnaby was not a man like that, because she was to marry his brother and she simply couldn’t abide the thought of anyone being used in such a manner and she wouldn’t stand for it. It disgusted her. She would fight Barnaby all the way if he intended to lure ladies here with false promises just to have them forced into prostitution to survive.
A knock came on the door of her room and Emma brushed down her skirts and checked her hair one more time. She prayed Brendan would like her enough by the end of the night to not call off the wedding; though she knew he wanted to make up for his brother’s shortcomings, this was still an impulsive decision on his part.
Emma opened the door and Maggie stood there smiling. She’d changed into a beautiful deep blue dress and bonnet.
“Brendan has asked me to fetch you and accompany you both to dinner for the sake of propriety.”
Emma wasn’t expecting him to be taking this all quite so seriously. “I hadn’t expected, given this most unusual situation, that he’d be so formal.”
“How this wedding has come about is no reason for you not to be treated with respect and consideration.”
Emma smiled. “I should love your company, Maggie.” She stepped out the door and hooked her arm in the older woman’s. “I know you’re busy, but I wonder would you be able to spend a few hours in the morning to meet my sisters and help prepare for the wedding?”
“I’ll make time. I’m honored.”
“As I don’t have my own mother, it would mean so much to me.”
“Come along. We need to get you back for an early night. We’ve a big day tomorrow.”
* * *
When Emma woke up she took a few seconds to recall where she was and why. This was her wedding day and her sisters would be here by eight. She threw back the covers. What was the time? Had she overslept? The small brass clock on the sideboard said it was six in the morning.
Time enough for a cup of tea and perhaps a small bite of toast. Her meal last night with Brendan and Maggie was delightful. They talked and laughed and Emma felt she’d be a very good fit into the family. Brendan had a burning desire to be successful and prove himself.
Emma wasn’t sure who he was trying to prove himself to, but she understood what it was like to feel like you fell short all the time. She was very fortunate that she’d come here and not married Barnaby. By all accounts he was not the man for her and she was very suspect about his business practices.
Brendan owned the local tavern and Barnaby owned the saloon. The tavern was to be a clean and wholesome place to do business, eat, bring a family, or have some entertainment. That was Brendan’s dream. Emma hoped he could do it, but from her experience men were willing to spend a lot more money doing the wrong thing than they were doing the right thing.
He believed in his ability to make the tavern a success, and she’d do what she could to help. Emma couldn’t bring herself to tell him about her time in prison and the fact that she’d been accused of being a prostitute back in Salt Lake City. She would tell him, but last night wasn’t the right time.
Then there was all the drama surrounding Ada and the man she’d pushed over and been accused of killing. Ada and Emma had both run off and left him lying there, because he’d tried to have his way with Ada, and Emma had arrived just as her sister had pushed him and he’d lost his balance.
Emma had been out of prison only a month and the thought of going back made her want to end her life instead. So they ran, and Emma hid at Miss Kitty’s and Ada went to marry Bobby. Luckily it was proven that Ada and Emma had nothing to do with the man’s death, but Emma had been deathly scared for a while.
This conversation needed to happen in private, when she could explain all that happened to her before she went to prison and why. She was so far away from Salt Lake City she didn’t want to bring the bad memories into her new life, so she’d rather just forget that part of her life. Certainly for today.
A tap came to the door. “It’s Maggie, dear. If you’re awake, I’ve brought te
a and toast.” Maggie’s voice was quiet through the door.
Emma opened the door and smiled at her. “Perfect. Thank you so much. I can’t believe this is happening; my wedding day is finally here.”
Maggie carried the tray in and set it down on the small table. “The rest of your life starts today, my girl. Look to the future.”
“I certainly am. I’ll be a good wife to Brendan, I promise, Maggie.”
“It won’t be easy, Emma. He’s a complex beast inside.”
“I understand.” Emma really did understand. No one knew the real her on the inside, except for God, and she wasn’t sure anyone ever would.
“I’ll have breakfast with you and then go to see the church will be organized; by that time your sisters should be here and I’ll come back to greet them and show them to their room.”
“I’m so excited, I don’t think I can keep food in my stomach.”
“Nonsense, girl. You need to put some meat on those bones.” Maggie handed her a heavy slice of toast laden with butter and jam. “Eat. Eat.”
The toast was lovely and the hot tea helped calm her nerves. Maggie left to see to the church. This was really happening. By four o’clock today she’d be Mrs. Emma Radcliffe. She’d actually be someone, and she’d belong somewhere.
She knew she was lucky to have found a family with Ada and Anna, but never knowing her parents or how she’d ended up at an orphanage preyed on her mind.
This was why she’d strived to be loved and to belong to another. She was tired of being a burden on others and the one time she’d made an independent decision for her future, she’d ended up being more of a burden on her sisters than ever. Not this time.
This time the good Lord had finally shown her what his plan was and by holding strong to her faith, he’d revealed that she was to marry Brendan and build an establishment for the good of the town. Perhaps she could help other women make the most of themselves and show them they always had worth.
Emma took a deep breath and clasped her hands together. No more awful past. Today was about the future.
* * *
5
Wedding Day
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“No… My son won’t be here to meet you,
as he was married on Sunday just passed.”
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“Oh, Ada…this is the most perfect gown. I can never repay…” Emma couldn’t explain the emotions swirling inside her. Her long satin dress, overlaid with lace, was simple and elegant. It covered her neck and shoulders enough to not have to worry about the scars.
It even had ruffles and bunching in the right places to give her the look of having a figure, instead of the straight up and down lines her body made.
Emma almost felt pretty with her long hair piled on her head and studded with fresh flowers, and a long lace veil falling from the back. To have her sisters here and her future mother-in-law, well, it meant so much.
Despite not having her birth family, she had the very best family in the world.
Ada hugged Emma tight. “You owe me nothing. We’re sisters. Anna, doesn’t she look perfect?”
Ada let go and Emma turned to Anna, who had tears rolling down her face. “She’s just so beautiful.”
“My word, Lass. If Brendan ain’t the proudest groom in the world today, the birds can’t fly.” Maggie clasped her hands together and smiled.
They were being polite, of course. Emma knew her looks could never be classed as real beauty but she had to admit she did feel wonderful. She’d pale in comparison to her most handsome groom though, but then, so would anyone, really. Emma focused on all the good things about this day and not the things that might be negative.
“Is it time yet?” Emma wanted to get the wedding part done and begin her new life as Mrs. Radcliffe. She was slightly nervous that Barnaby would be there. It was a little difficult to know what to say to him.
Ada and Anna had both been surprised to hear of the way things had unfolded, but they both said that they’d gotten through the unorthodox to have very happy marriages and they were sure Emma would do the same.
She was about to go and find out. With her family at her side, and Maggie, Emma had never been so happy. Her wedding day was more than she could ever have dreamed of. “Let’s go. Do you two go first or behind me?” Emma had no clue on the protocol.
Anna smiled. “I’ll go first, and Ada can attend to your train and veil as your matron of honor.”
“Shall I walk to Brendan on my own then?” Emma wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but she certainly didn’t have a father to give her away.
“Never mind that, Emma. I’ll be proud to walk with you and take you to my son.” Maggie smiled. She looked so lovely in a deep burgundy velvet dress.
“Won’t people talk? It’s not traditional.” Emma didn’t want Maggie to be looked down upon.
“Who cares? They know me well enough to know I do what’s right for me and not everyone else.”
“Then I’d be very happy because I’m sure my nerves will get the better of me.” Emma let out a sigh of relief; she didn’t have to walk to Brendan alone.
“Well, let’s go because I know Brendan’s nerves will be working him up.” Maggie held out her arm and Emma linked hers through it.
Ada and Anna got the door and they stepped out ofthe room set aside for the bridal party and onto the front porch of the church. At least it’d be a quiet wedding; Emma was sure Brendan would want this day to pass unnoticed. The best looking man in the town, probably the state, marrying plain Jane Emma from Salt Lake City. Not something he’d want shouted from the hill tops.
Anna stepped in front and she looked so pretty. Her dress was about as plain and simple as you could get, and the same with Ada’s. She knew that being out front, with the birthmark on her face, was something Anna would never have done before. Marriage and Idaho had been so good for her. The beauty inside Anna radiated like a beacon and her smile lit up the room.
Maggie waited beside her while Ada straightened out the flowing train of Emma’s dress. Ada wasn’t trying to hide her beautifully generous figure these days. She clearly had a husband who loved her shape and Emma could tell her sister had a newfound confidence within herself because of that.
Emma took a deep breath; she could only wish that marriage would have that effect on her. But her sisters had married for love in the end, and Emma wasn’t. She was certain that she could come to love Brendan rather easily, but she couldn’t expect more than a respectful fondness from him. He brought much more to this partnership than she did. Tonight she’d tell him of her time in prison and how she got there.
It was only right to be honest and if he wanted to end things at any stage, then he still could. This was the most nerve wracking moment of her life. The organ music started and Anna stepped into the church scattering red rose petals as she went.
Maggie squeezed her arm. “C’mon, Lass. Let’s not keep him waiting any longer.”
Emma swallowed and her mouth was dry. She prayed right there that this was the right thing to do and walked in slow steps beside Maggie, who had a huge grin on her face.
Emma heard a collective gasp when they entered and she looked up to see the church pews were full of people. Her face burned hot, and then she caught sight of Brendan waiting for her. His eyes shone, and his smile never faltered. He looked like he thought his bride was the most beautiful woman in the world. He could act, and of course he’d have to pretend he was here for love in front of all these people.
A man was never seen to be forced to marriage unless…anyway, she couldn’t think about such things here in the house of God and on her wedding day. A man stood beside Brendan, and she wondered who he was. Perhaps an uncle or something. This was it. Emma walked slowly towards her husband-to-be and her smile was hard to budge.
She’d pretend this was her fairy tale wedding and Brendan her handso
me prince who loved her dearly. It was just a pity he wasn’t getting the fairest maiden in the land.
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So that was it. He was a married man. Yesterday morning he’d awoken with absolutely no prospects of being married ever, and today he was wed. He’d never forget the beautiful bride as she came towards him in her gown and veil. He couldn’t stop himself staring at how delicate she looked, and those shining brown eyes he’d been taken in by right from the start.
This was a woman he wanted to work hard for and protect all the days of her life, should God be willing. Something about Emma had etched itself into his heart and he never wanted to think about not being with her. Brendan’s romantic side had long been a source of ridicule with his father and his brother Barnaby. But he didn’t care anymore.
This woman had been sent here for a reason and Brendan believed his prayer for something good and right to prevail over his brother’s outright ungodliness had been answered. Emma was here for Brendan. She was sent by the Lord to help Brendan make his life endeavors successful. No matter what anyone said, he intended to be the best husband to her that he could.
No, he held her arm in his and introduced her to all his friends and his business associates. His mother had never had such a smile on her face and his scoundrel of a brother was nowhere to be seen. He wasn’t sorry Barnaby wasn’t there; in fact, he thought it might be one of the only decent things his brother had ever done, to save Emma to embarrassment of having to face up to him and his wife today.
The man who stood with him today was the sheriff of Black Creek. A hard man and one trying to bring as much Godliness to this city as Brendan was. They’d been firm friends for years, and Brendan respected him enough to be the only person he wanted as his witness on his wedding day.