Ellen: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides

by Rachel Wesson

  The rest of the day passed quickly. Ellen was surprised to find just how much she had missed teaching the children. Their innocent questions and inquiring minds kept her too busy to think about her own problems. Well, almost.

  Chapter 19

  “You all right, Son?”

  “Yes, Ma.” Samuel said automatically as he pushed the meal around his plate. He wasn’t hungry but his ma didn’t hold with wasting food.

  “You going to play with that or eat it?” his brother teased.

  “You eat it.” He moved the plate so fast to Aaron it nearly landed in his brother’s lap. Leaving everyone at the table staring at him in stunned silence, he muttered his apologies and left.

  He was in the barn some time later when his ma arrived carrying a cup of coffee and some pie. If he’d been in a better mood, he’d have smiled. His ma’s answer for any problem was a slice of pie. Pity it wouldn’t work in this case.

  “Don’t know what’s got into you, Son, but it has to stop. Nothing ever came of letting our problems fester. So out with it. Who is she?”

  Samuel nearly dropped the coffee his ma had just handed him. He couldn’t look her in the face, worried she would read his mind.

  “No one, Ma. The sun’s got to your head. Where would I meet a girl?”

  “You talk away, Son, but you got that look.”

  “What look, Ma?”

  “That look a man gets when he wants something and thinks he can’t have it. Your girl got herself a man already?”

  Samuel looked at his ma who was standing looking up at his face, her hands on her hips. She looked ready to do battle.

  “Ma, I haven’t got a girl and there’s no man involved. Do you think I would go after someone else’s woman? What sort of man do you take me for?”

  “A hot-blooded male. It’s not like there are plenty of pickings out here. There are about twenty men in Clover Springs for every woman.”

  “I know that, Ma.” He caught her eyeing him with a different look in her eyes. “What?”

  “Maybe Mary is right. You should write to that woman Daniel Sullivan used when he was looking for a bride.”

  Samuel nearly choked.

  “Ma, I don’t want a bride.”

  “Course you do, son. I’m your ma and I know best. It’s long past time since both you and Aaron should be hitched. At your age, your pa was father to you boys. Come on inside.”

  “I got work to do here.”

  “You been working all day. Inside now. We can write the letter together. I know you aren’t too good with writing so I’ll do it for you.”

  Samuel’s temper got the better of him as he hissed. “Why don’t you marry her and all?”

  “Samuel Armstrong Higgins, don't you take that tone with me.”

  “Sorry, Ma, but I don’t need you to write any letters. I don’t want a bride from Boston. I know who I love.” Darn it anyway, what did he have to go and say that for. His mother’s face creased with a smile so wide you could have lit up the dark night sky.

  “I knew it. You do got woman troubles. So who is it?”

  “No one, Ma. Leave me be, please.”

  “Oh don’t tell me you have Ida Hawthorn in your sights. I know I’m your ma and I should accept anyone you choose but not her.”

  Samuel was tempted to tell his ma she was right but he couldn’t.

  “No, Ma, it’s not Ida Hawthorn. That’s all I’m saying.” Samuel leaned down and kissed his mother on the cheek. He loved the little woman to death. She had been the rock in his life from the moment his pa had been murdered.

  If he closed his eyes, he could go back to that time when they were a proper family. They didn’t have much money but there was love in abundance. His pa told them stories while his ma served up hot apple pie. Even then pie had figured a lot in their lives. You could have helped him. Instead you hid like a girl. You let him die.

  “Go on back to the house ma before you catch a chill. I got to get this stuff done before we head into town for the meeting.”

  His ma’s eyes looked suspiciously watery. Ma never cried so he had to be mistaken. She was just upset you wouldn’t tell her about the girl. He adored his ma, but he didn’t want to see the look of shock on her face when he told her who he wanted as a wife. He guessed she would think he was aiming too high too. He’d see her tonight. She was bound to be at the town meeting supporting Father Molloy.

  Chapter 20

  Ellen looked around the packed church. Was he here? He’d support the orphanage wouldn’t he? She couldn’t see him as she walked to her seat in the front row. She rubbed her palms nervously on her dress. Feelings were running high as evidenced by the commentary going on around her.

  “We don’t need any more orphans. Since they first arrived, we’ve had a train robbery, a kidnapping, shoot outs and a trial involving gangs.”

  “Mrs. Shaw, that is hardly fair. Katie Sullivan wasn’t responsible for the train robbery, she was a passenger. Emer Shipley didn’t ask the Bainstreet Gang to come to Clover Springs.” Reverend Timmons gripped the stand. “I am sure Laura Kelley didn’t want to be kidnapped.”

  The crowd murmured.

  “I ain’t saying anything about those women. They all are pretty and brighten up this town.” The audience laughed as Charlie Stanton became redder realizing what he said. “But we ain’t comparing apples and apples. You’re talking bout taking in a bunch of brats no one else wants. They aren’t going to bring anything good to this town. Soon they’ll have our children thieving and getting into all sorts of devilment. We don’t need that sort here.” Charlie sat back down to loud clapping.

  Ellen sat on her hands. She was biting the inside of her mouth afraid she would lose her temper. As the school teacher, she couldn’t do that. She fidgeted so much Katie poked her in the ribs.

  Ida Hawthorn was next to stand. “I appreciate what you are trying to do Reverend. Giving those poor unwanted children a home is the Christian thing to do.”

  Ellen nearly swallowed her own tongue. Ida Hawthorn was agreeing with them. She saw Laura exchange a look with Emer. They were just as surprised as she was.

  “But is it Christian to ask the good folk of Clover Springs to put their own lives as risk?”

  What? How could children hurt adults?

  “Miss Hawthorn, I am not following your line of argument.” Reverend Timmons’s disapproving tone made Miss Hawthorn blanch slightly. But then she threw back her shoulders and stood straighter.

  “Can you guarantee these children won’t carry diseases? We don’t know where they’ve lived, who their parents were, what activities they have been involved in…” Miss Hawthorn fanned her face. “I do not think it’s fair to expect our town to take in just anyone.”

  “So you agree it’s our Christian duty to provide a home for orphans?” Reverend Tim said sweetly.

  “Yes, Reverend, of course.” Miss Hawthorn simpered.

  “But only those who can provide character references, proof of good health and confirmation they haven’t been the victims of hideous crimes.” Reverend Tim’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

  “Well, no…of course not. That’s not what I meant.”

  “I think, Miss Hawthorn, you should give more consideration to engaging your brain when you next open your mouth.”

  “Reverend Timmons.” The deep note of censure caused the Reverend to blush from his neck to his ears at Mrs. Grey’s intervention.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Grey.” Miss Hawthorn managed to send a grateful look toward Mrs. Grey followed by a glare at the Reverend.

  “Don’t thank me, I agree with him. I just don’t see the need to address your obvious shortcomings so publicly.” The crowd laughed but grew silent as the older woman glared at them. Ellen watched the older woman fondly as she moved to stand at the front of the church. The crowd grew silent as Mrs. Grey addressed them.

  “I lived in this town since it was barely more than a dirt road connecting a few properties. Like many of you, I was not
born in America but came here to have a better life. I was lucky to have parents who believed in doing right by their children. They were God fearing people. I lived through the war that threatened to tear this country apart. The war created thousands of orphans every night of the four long years it lasted.” Mrs. Grey surveyed the crowd. Ellen looked around her. Most people sat straighter as if to show they were listening. “Orphans have made a valuable contribution to our town. We have a wonderful town nurse, a gifted teacher, a mother who has opened her home to orphans and a store keeper known as much for her kindness as her ability to win an argument.”

  Ellen poked Katie giving her a wide smile, as people around them laughed.

  “We were doing just fine before those lot arrived.” Ma Kelley shouted from the crowd.

  The Reverend opened his mouth but with a look from Mrs. Grey he closed it again.

  “Mrs. Kelley, you are the perfect example of what these young ladies have achieved. Before young Laura arrived in town you were an ailing cripple confined to your home. Now, look at you. You manage to come to town and have your voice heard. Often.”

  Ellen laughed along with the rest of the town as Ma Kelley turned purple.

  “I’ll not stay to be insulted, Lorena Grey. You aren’t the leader of this town.”

  “No, I’m not. But neither are you. This town is a democracy and as such the issue of whether we build an orphanage or not should be decided by a vote.”

  “Who’s going to pay for it?” Charlie Stanton asked, his loud voice booming.

  “That’s what I’d like to know too. I don’t mind who comes to live here but I ain’t paying for them. I got my own children to feed and clothe. It’s not cheap you know.”

  “Yes, Mr. Simpson, we know but perhaps if you didn’t add to your brood every summer, your dollars would stretch further.” The townspeople laughed loudly as Mr. and Mrs. Simpson blushed furiously.

  “Oh, Mrs. Grey now don’t start lecturing me again. You do that every time you come out to see us.”

  “I do that because every time I visit you have a new baby.”

  “You should stop visiting then.” A man shouted causing more amusement. Even Mrs. Grey smiled. She took a deep breath before continuing.

  “Everyone deserves a home. A place filled with happiness and loved ones. But real life isn’t like that and for many children having a roof over their head and a full belly is more than they can hope for. There are orphanages all over the country. Some are better than others.”

  “So send the kids to one of them. You don’t need to bring them here.”

  “Yes, we do, Mr. Stanton. The children we want to provide for are not suitable for other types of homes.”

  “Why, what’s wrong with them.”

  “Some of them look like me.” A boy’s voice came from the back of the church.

  Silence descended on the crowd as Ben limped his way to the top of the podium. Ellen had to turn her face away. She knew Ben didn’t limp that badly anymore.

  “You all know me, but just in case, my name is Ben and I lived in one of them homes. I couldn’t walk properly so nobody wanted to adopt me. When people who wanted a child came to the orphanage I was hidden away with the other undesirables.”

  Laura came forward to stand beside Ben, her arm around his shoulders. “Ben was lucky. He didn’t live there long. Other children are not as fortunate.” Laura took a deep breath. “I too was badly treated but not because I limped. I was different. I wrote with my left hand until it was tied behind my back. I soon learnt to write with my other hand. Regular canings will do that for you. I grew up in that place and when I left I married the first man who I thought was kind. We all know how that ended up.” Laura took a moment before adding. “How many of you people sitting here would have had a different start in life if someone had cared enough to make a difference?”

  “My children might still be alive if there was somewhere safe for them to go.” Frank’s deep voice filled the hall. “I know some of you people might not want the likes of me around but we all God’s children. Nobody should spend their childhood in irons or at the mercy of cruel masters.”

  “Indians killed my husband leaving me with two young boys. If it weren’t for the generosity of Mr. Sullivan, may God rest his soul, my boys would have ended up living on the streets.” Mrs. Higgins stood looking around the room.

  Ellen tried to smile at Samuel sitting by his mother, but his eyes only held hers briefly before he looked away, his face turning crimson. He can’t be embarrassed about his background. Everyone knows the Higgins have worked hard to repay the Sullivans.

  “Most everyone in this room can remember going to bed hungry. We got to do something to help these young’uns.” Some of the crowd clapped as Mrs. Higgins took her seat.

  “I’m sorry but I don’t have time to listen to sob stories. I got work to do.” Charlie Stanton stood and headed toward the exit but found his way out blocked by Nandita.

  “Clover Springs gave me and my little ones a home. You people saved our lives when the soldiers wanted to force us onto the reservation. My people died on that reservation from disease, starvation and ill-treatment. We have to help stop the dying.”

  “Not all of us wanted your type here.” Charlie Stanton’s hateful words made Nandita take a step back. Frank moved forward to put an arm around his wife, glaring at Charlie who blanched in return. He turned back to face the crowd. Ellen was pleased to see the majority of the townspeople were eyeing Stanton with contempt.

  “I aint got money to give to no one.” Stanton repeated, although his voice was less belligerent this time. The mutterings in the hall grew in volume.

  “Wait. I have money.” Ben limped over to the glass jar standing on a desk to one side. The coins chinked as they hit the edges.

  “So do I.” Various people surged forward to donate coins to the jar.

  “I don’t have any spare coins but I got a strong back and some spare lumber. I’ll help build the house.”

  “I make beautiful quilts. Forgive me for being proud, Reverend.”

  “No forgiveness necessary for speaking the truth, Mrs. Nelson. The children would love to sleep under your quilts.” Reverend Timmons moved back to the stand as they all listened to various people offering lumber, supplies, sewing and labor.

  “I am delighted at the charity on display tonight but we still need to take a vote. All those in favor of building the orphanage, please raise your right hands.”

  “Before we vote Reverend, can you promise we won’t be forced to pay. I feel sorry for those kids, but I got a mortgage and a family of my own. Times are tough.”

  “I guarantee it, Tom. Nobody will have to part with any cash.”

  “I’ll help with the labor and so will my two sons.” Tom Turner crossed his arms, nodding his head at the same time.

  “That’s the spirit, Tom. Now can we vote?” Reverend Timmons asked as Ellen looked around the room. The majority of people were holding up their right hands. She almost laughed aloud when she saw Callie Nelson give her husband a dig in the ribs making him raise his hand too. The women of Clover Springs may not have the vote in legal elections but they were showing their support here.

  “I am pleased to say the decision is final. Clover Springs orphanage will go ahead.”

  “What you going to call it?”

  “I don’t know, Mrs. Nelson. Do you have a suggestion?”

  “I think you ask young Ben to name it. It was him who made me vote yes. He is a fine young man. A real credit to this town.”

  Ellen’s eyes filled with tears. She couldn’t look at Ben as she knew they would tip over.

  “I think it should be called Hope House. No matter what you got in life, nobody can take away hope.”

  The crowd clapped as Mary hugged Ben closer.

  Chapter 21

  Reverend Timmons took the stand once more as Mrs. Grey sat down. “Does anyone have any other questions?”

  “Where are we going to build
the orphanage?”

  “Pa said he’d give us the land to build it. Didn’t you, Pa?”

  “Yes, Son. I did. There are a couple of locations but I want to discuss them with Father Molloy and Reverend Timmons.”

  “Why can’t you tell us today? Some of us might not want these…people living near us.”

  “I’ll do what I want with my land Mrs. Kelley. I suggest you think about getting home now. You have had a lot of exertion for an invalid.”

  The crowd laughed again at Mrs. Kelley’s expense. Katie sent a quick look at Paul but he was smiling too, his arm around Laura holding her close. It never ceased to amaze her that the shy, kind young man was related to Ma Kelley.

  “Why don’t the ladies continue this discussion at their quilting meeting tomorrow evening. Mary Sullivan has offered to host it due to the numbers expected to attend. We’ll leave the men to decide on the location and other details.” Reverend Timmons tried his best to bring the meeting to a close.

  “Aw I thought we were going to get invited too. I love Mrs. Higgins’s pies.” The look on Tom’s face made people laugh once more.

  “If you donate a two day’s labor to building the orphanage, Tom Turner, I will bake you pies for a week.”

  “Done.” Tom sat back rubbing his stomach.

  “We could have an auction and bid on things we want in exchange for cash or labor. Tom here could bid on M-Ma’s pies.”

  “You leave me out of this. I already got a deal with your ma.”

  “Samuel, that sounds like a good idea. What would you like to see being auctioned?” Reverend Timmons asked.

  Samuel Higgins shifted from one foot to another. Katie followed his gaze to Ellen. He likes her.

  “I don’t know Reverend. I w-was thinking of maybe a dance with the l-lady of your choice.”

  Katie sent a glare at two women who laughed as he stuttered. Come on Samuel. You can do it. She glanced quickly at Ellen just in time to catch her glaring at the same women. Hmmm, her sister wasn’t immune to Samuel’s attraction either. So I was right about them.