Stunned silence hit the room as all eyes swiveled to Laura.
Chapter 14
“Mine, Father? I haven’t been near Boston. How did I get the blame?”
“Now Laura, don’t be getting all fiery with me. I didn’t say it was a bad thing, did I? I’ve been meaning to come for years. A visit from your friend, Wilma hastened my plans.” Father Molloy picked at his trousers.
“Is she alright? I haven’t heard a word from her, since I wrote to her to tell her about the Coleman business.” Laura’s concern for her friend made her voice shake.
“You’ll see her soon enough if you agree to my proposal.” Father Molloy said, his tone serious.
“What proposal, Father.” Mary asked, the rest of the women looking at him curiously.
“I’d like you to open an orphanage in Clover Springs.”
Stunned silence greeted the priest’s words.
“You’re not going to send Mother Superior here? If you do, I am telling you now. I am moving to Canada or maybe Australia. I mean it, Father. I won’t have anything to do with that witch.”
“Calm down, Mary, don’t go upsetting Father Molloy. He wouldn’t bring her here. Sure you wouldn’t, Father?”
Despite her confident words, Ellen saw Katie’s fingers were crossed.
Father Molloy sighed. “Relax, ladies. There is no fear of Mother Superior joining us. I was hoping Mrs. Raines, my housekeeper, would but she has elected to join her sister.”
“Mrs. Raines? What? Sorry, I’m not following.” Mary’s confusion was shared by the rest of the group given the looks on their faces.
Ellen looked at the priest, surprised to find his eyes suspiciously bright.
“You’re not in Clover Springs just for a visit, are you Father?”
“No, Ellen. Well, hopefully not. You all told me I was welcome here and I took you up on your offer. You better have meant it.” Father Molloy smiled at the room, but his smile didn’t remove the sadness from his eyes. His shoulders were stooped and he seemed to have got smaller than when they all lived in Boston. “I’ve had what you might call a disagreement with the archbishop. He didn’t like what he called my unwanted involvement with the orphanage. It wasn’t the only thing he had an issue with. He wasn’t too fond of my visits to Wilma and her friends either.”
“What do you mean her friends?” Laura’s suspicious tone charged the tense atmosphere.
“Wilma has been helping some young ladies who lost their way. I offered some of the worst cases temporary shelter. Mrs. Raines was there the whole time. But it seems my actions are not those you would expect from a priest. So…”
“Hold on a minute. Your boss had a problem with you helping people. Isn’t that what you are supposed to be doing?”
“Yes, Emer. I believe that is exactly what God expects from Christians. But it doesn’t matter anymore. My boss, as you call him, and I have parted company. He has made it very clear. He doesn’t want me anywhere near a church—be that here or in Boston.”
“Have you written to the Pope? Surely he would commend you for your work?”
“No, Katie, I haven’t. It is hardly worth putting pen to paper.”
“Well I think it is. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you, Father. You helped all of us in different ways but the result every time was a massive improvement in our lives. How on earth could any Christian see a problem with that?” Katie’s temper made her voice shake. Ellen wanted to give her a hug but she was sitting too far away. Nobody spoke. Ellen guessed they were all reflecting on the ways their individual lives had improved thanks to the kind old priest.
“This Archbishop guy is a friend of the lady at the orphanage, isn’t he?”
All eyes turned to Emer. They swung back to the priest who didn’t answer. He didn’t have to.
“You helping us is exactly what got you into trouble isn’t it, Father? Sounds to me like the pair of them have been planning this for some time and just wanted an excuse.”
“It doesn’t matter, Emer, whether you are right or wrong. All that matters now is the children and Wilma. She has to leave Boston too.”
“Has she upset the Mother Superior too?” Emer rolled her eyes.
“I’m guessing she’s upset the new Coleman?” Laura put her hands on her stomach. “If she’s been helping girls get to Father Molloy she is bound to have made some enemies among the men who controlled them. Is that right?”
“Yes, Laura.”
“I don’t care who has upset who. Wilma, Mrs. Raines, Cook, Nellie and whomever else you want to come are welcome in Clover Springs. Most of all you, Father Molloy. We’re delighted you are here to stay.” Katie moved to hug the old man, quickly followed by every lady in the room.
“Hey, any of those cuddles going to be spared for me?” Davy walked into the room closely followed by Paul, Lawrence, Daniel, Brian and the Higgins boys.
Ellen gripped the back of the chair she had been standing behind. Her knuckles whitened as she fought the urge to run. Lifting her gaze, she met his sapphire blue eyes. He smiled sending a shiver through her. The conversation dulled to a faint murmur. She held his gaze as he walked toward her.
“N-nice to see you came for a visit.” He said, his ears turning crimson. “Have you been out to see Daisy yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Would you like to see her now? We could take the little girl out with us, let the adults talk.”
Adults? He did still see her as a child. Despite the insult, she found herself saying yes. The thought of spending some time with him was too tempting to decline.
“I would like that, Samuel.”
Chapter 15
Steady. She only agreed to see her old horse. Yes, but it’s a start. He’d seen her frown at his suggestion of taking the young girl with them but didn’t understand what he had done to upset her. He didn’t dwell on it for long. She’d said yes and he’d get her alone for a bit. Well, Rosa would be there but she didn’t count. She was too young to pay any attention to Ellen and him.
“Rosa, would you like to come with us? Samuel taught me to ride my first horse when I first came to Clover Springs. Her name is Daisy. She’s old now. We could give her some sugar?”
He watched as Rosa looked to the priest first before taking Ellen’s hand. She was gentle with the little girl. The Ellen he’d known would have pulled the girl’s arm out of her socket in a bid to get to the stables faster. This woman was different. Of course she’s different. She’s not a kid in braids now.
Ben and another boy he didn’t know came running toward the house from the barn, but when they saw them, they grinned before turning back in the direction from where they came. He guessed the boy was the little girl’s brother given their distinctive coloring. He noticed Rosa held onto Ellen’s hand tightly.
“Don’t be scared little darling. We won’t let the animals hurt you.” He wasn’t prepared for what the child did next. Burying her head in Ellen’s skirts, her screams summoned her brother. John took one look at his sister before kicking Samuel in the ankle. Despite his wearing boots, the kick hurt.
He had to hold the child back by placing his hand on his head as the boy’s feet continued to lash out.
“Calm down, son, I didn’t do anything to your sister except talk to her.”
The boy continued to rail against his hand. He looked to Ellen for help.
“John, stop it. Samuel didn’t do anything. Listen to me. Stop kicking now.” She looked at Samuel. “Let him go.”
Samuel did as he was told but took a step back just in case.
“John, Samuel didn’t hurt Rosa. He didn’t mean to scare her. He told her the animals wouldn’t hurt her.”
“She ain’t scared of animals.” John blurted. “It’s men like him she don’t like.”
“John, Samuel wouldn’t lay a finger on Rosa. He is one of the kindest men I know.”
Samuel couldn’t help it, his chest puffed out and he stood taller hearing her praise him. Then h
e realized she was looking at him, waiting for him to do something.
“John, Rosa, I am very sorry if I scared you.” He looked at Ellen. She was beautiful when she smiled. “Will we go in and see Daisy or do you want to take Rosa back?”
“What would you like to do Rosa? Go back in or see Daisy?”
The little girl didn’t say anything but pointed at the stables.
“Guess she wants to see Daisy.”
Samuel led the group toward the horse, grabbing two apples from the store they kept for horse treats. “Here, John, you can feed Daisy too.” The youngster caught one apple as Samuel held the second one out to Rosa. She took her time but his patience was repaid when she gave him a hesitant smile. He was rewarded by an even bigger one from Ellen. It was all he could do not to run a ring around the stables hollering for joy. Who knew having kids around could help win the approval of a lady?
Daisy’s big brown eyes watched them as they approached her stall. Ellen explained to Rosa how to approach a horse. The little girl was fascinated by Daisy and showed no fear. She even allowed the horse to eat the apple from her hand.
“Isn’t it horrible she fears a human more than a large animal?” He whispered to Ellen.
“Katie says they have been badly treated their entire lives. How could anyone do that?”
He leaned closer to wipe away a stray tear running down her cheek.
“We won’t let anyone treat them badly here.”
She smelled so good. He ached to pull her into his arms and hug her tight but that would be inappropriate. He cleared his throat trying to summon the courage to ask her to take a walk with him. Before he could say anything, Rosa began pulling at Ellen’s skirt and pointing back at the house.
“I think she wants to go back.” He heard himself saying. “Maybe we should all go in and have some pie. Do you like apple pie little one?”
Rosa’s brown eyes filled with tears. He looked up helplessly at Ellen.
“Come on Rosa, let’s go find John.”
John was with Little Beaver, tending to an injured horse. Rosa seemed happier to be near her brother.
“Does the priest being here make you miss Boston?”
“The sun never looked this bright in Boston.” Ellen said looking at the sky. “We didn’t live there very long. Our aunt and uncle didn’t treat us like family so I am not sorry we lost contact with them. I miss the smell of the sea. It used to remind me of home.”
“Home? You mean Ireland?”
“Yes, Ireland. It’s funny, the draw it has on me even after all these years. In Boston, if I closed my eyes, I could imagine I never left.”
“Do you want to go home to Ireland?” He asked softly.
She hesitated before answering him.
“Ireland isn’t my home anymore.” She whispered taking a step closer to him. Was it his imagination or had she just shown she liked him. Not as a brother but maybe as…
“Ellen, I…” He rubbed his hands on his pants.
“Yes, Samuel.”
He looked down at her face trying to read her feelings. Maybe it would be better to give her some time. “I best be getting back to work.”
He walked away. He could feel her staring at him. Probably thinking I’m an idiot. You are too.
Chapter 16
Ellen watched as Samuel walked away hoping he would turn back and ask her whatever he had planned to ask. But he didn’t. He kept walking.
Why wouldn’t he? In his eyes, I am still a child. She balled her fists, determined not to let tears of frustration run down her cheeks. What did she have to do to show him she was all grown up now?
The children were happy and safe with Little Beaver, so she reluctantly returned to the house where a heated discussion was taking place. Glancing around, she was aware of all the happy couples. The men sat beside their wives drinking coffee. Daniel had his arm around Katie’s shoulder and Paul Kelley was buzzing around Laura like a bee. Loneliness ate at her despite being surrounded by her family and friends. She wanted to be like them. To have someone who loved her just for her, not because she was a sibling or friend or related by marriage. She dragged her mind away from such melancholy thoughts to concentrate on the subject being discussed.
“Davy, Father Molloy wants to stay in Clover Springs and build an orphanage.”
“An orphanage? Here? Why?”
“Never mind why. Just tell him we can help him.” Mary flushed again as everyone stared. “Sorry, Davy. I didn’t mean to be sharp. It’s just too horrible. Father Molloy has been thrown out of the church and it’s all our fault. He got in trouble for helping us.”
“It’s not your fault, Mary. I take full responsibility for my actions. I knew the Archbishop disapproved of my actions but I didn’t stop. I played with fire and I got burnt.”
“Can everyone slow down a bit please? Katie, perhaps you could explain. I’ve a feeling I might need some more pie.” Davy smiled as he helped himself.
“I heard that, Mr. Davy. There’s no need dragging my pie into this mess.”
“Mrs. Higgins. You haven’t met Father Molloy have you?’
“No. Can’t say I have but I thought you were a friend of Miss Mary. You made her cry.”
“Ma, everyone makes Mary cry. No offence, Davy.” Aaron nodded to Davy. At Davy’s dirty look, Aaron mumbled something about having work to do and left.
“Katie, can you please tell me why my wife is so upset.”
“Mother Superior and the Archbishop have falsely accused Father Molloy of behaving as he shouldn’t. So he had to leave Boston. He would like to live here in Clover Springs.”
“Don’t see any problem with that.” Davy muttered his mouth full of pie.
“He wants to open a small orphanage for children for whom it is difficult to find homes.”
“What type of kids can’t find homes?”
“Those of mixed race.”
Davy coughed and spluttered as the pie went down the wrong way.
“You want to bring kids like that here?”
“Davy Sullivan, it’s a good thing your mother stayed in town. She would hit you with one of my stew pots if she heard you say something like that.” Mrs. Higgins made no attempt to hide her disapproval.
“Don’t get all riled up, woman. Kids are all the same to me but you know the rest of the town don’t feel the same way. You saw the trouble there was last year when Nandita and her family came to stay. I’m betting one of the reasons her and Frank haven’t had children is down to how the townsfolk would react.”
“Davy, since when have you cared so much about what other people think?”
“I don’t give a …”
“Davy.” Mary’s shocked voice made her husband’s cheeks redden.
“Davy is right. This isn’t a simple issue. We cannot just open an orphanage in town. We have to speak to Reverend Timmons, Doc, Sherriff and the other town elders. If we approach this correctly, we are bound to be more successful.” Lawrence’s voice of reason gained him a big smile from his wife.
“What about Father Molloy and the children?”
“What children? Are you saying you already brought some kids with you? Despite there being no place to take them?”
“Yes, Mr. Sullivan. I did. I didn’t have much of a choice to be honest. Although to be frank, your mother has been very accommodating.”
Davy shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He wasn’t the only one. Ellen imagined everyone felt uneasy given they were sitting in his home and two of the orphans were playing in his barn. As if on cue, they heard little voices coming across the yard and into the house.
“Do you think we could ride him when he gets better?”
“Yes, little Raven. I will teach you and Miss Jewel to ride him. But only if you promise to listen to me.”
“Yes, Little Beaver, sir, we’ll listen.”
The voices ceased as the children realized the adults were all watching them silently. Rosa ran to Father Molloy and hid her face in his
shoulder. John came to her side, rubbing his hand on her hair.
“Did you have fun outside, John?”
“Yes, Miss Ellen we did. The horse is hurt but little Beaver is going to make him all better. Then he is going to let us ride him.” John’s voice trailed off as he looked from face to face. “You don’t want us here either do you?”
All eyes seemed to turn on Davy who squirmed. Ben moved slowly forward, taking John’s hand, and almost pulling him across the room to face Davy.
“John, this is Davy Sullivan. This is his home and his land. He’s my pa now. He adopted me from the orphanage. He won’t let them send you anywhere.”
The silence was deafening.
“Pa?” Ben’s voice faltered as John tried to pull away.
“Of course I won’t, Ben. So tell me, John, how do you like horses? If you are going to ride one, you got to learn to look after it.”
“You mean I can stay?”
“Yes, John. You are all welcome to stay with us. At least until we find something more permanent.” Davy coughed causing Mary to lean over and hit him on the back, maybe a hint harder than she needed to. She finished off by kissing him on the cheek.
“Took your time.” She whispered, but it was loud enough for them all to hear. Everyone started to laugh apart from the children who looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.
Chapter 17
I can’t ask to court her when I have nothing. You could if Aaron would agree to Ma funding the claim. Can’t you do it yourself?
Samuel kicked the barn door in frustration at the path his thoughts had taken.
“Hey relax, what did the door ever do to you?”
At the look he gave him, his brother backed away with his hands in the air. “Samuel Higgins, you got Ma’s temper when she’s overheating from the kitchen stove. You better fix whatever’s ailing you. Otherwise, one of us is going to fix it for you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. I’m your brother. I’ve got eyes in my head. I see the way you look at her.”
Ellen: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Page 5