Wilma and Mrs. Grey laughed.
“Seems you too still got to work on your communication. Which is it to be yes or no?”
“You best listen to my wife to be.” Samuel said.
“I want to surprise Katie tomorrow. It’s the Fourth of July and she loves the celebrations. Is that okay?” Ellen looked at Samuel.
He kissed her lightly on the nose. “Works for me but not a minute longer. I don’t want Charlie Stanton stealing you from under my nose.”
Ellen’s mouth turned down in distaste.
“Wilma, why don’t we sit down under those trees over there and have a cup of tea. I think we deserve it.”
“You two behave. We will be just over there.” Wilma gestured to the spot where Mrs. Grey was headed. “Remember you is the school teacher, Miss Ellen. You have a reputation to consider.”
Ellen and Samuel looked at each other before they burst out laughing.
Chapter 43
Independence Day started early. All the women were up preparing food and drink while the men got the chores done. The animals didn’t care it was a day of celebration. Katie sang as she moved around her kitchen making last minute alternations.
“You sound happy, Ma.”
“That’s because I am. Aren’t you?”
“Do I look pretty?” Ella swirled around in her new party dress. She looked like a princess. Katie exchanged a loving glance with her husband. They heard the store door and then Ellen’s voice carried up the stairs.
“Anyone serving today or it is help yourself?”
“Patience, darling sister. Some of us have a party to get ready for.”
She came to a sudden stop at the vision before her. Her sister was caught up in Samuel Higgins’s arms. Katie coughed causing them to break apart.
“Sorry, Mrs. Sullivan, but I just can’t resist her.” Samuel grinned.
“Try, Mr. Higgins. There are children in the house.”
“Ma, he was only kissing Aunt Ellen. That’s what people do when they are in love.” The look Ella sent her ma made the adults laugh.
“Katie, Samuel has something to ask you. Be nice.” Ellen kissed Samuel’s cheek before taking Ella’s hand and pulling her toward the candy.
“Mrs. Sullivan, as Ellen’s father isn’t here I was hoping you would give your consent to our wedding.”
“Mr. Higgins. I am already married.”
“What? Oh yes sorry, I m-meant …”
“I know. I was only teasing. Of course, I would. Ellen would marry you anyway but thank you for asking.”
“She’s amazing, isn’t she?”
They watched as Ellen helped Ella choose some candy, her red scarred hand contrasting sharply with the child’s perfect skin.
“You both are.” Overcome with emotion, Katie squeezed Samuel’s arm causing him to grimace in pain. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I forgot.”
“I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time. Seems most people can’t forget. Ma included.”
Katie forced herself to hold Samuel’s gaze. From one side, it was impossible to see the legacy of the fire but from the other, his skin was one massive angry red mass. His eye remained closed. Doc wasn’t sure he would ever regain his full sight in that eye.
“Mrs. H is one of the bravest people I know. She just needs a bit of time to get over almost losing her son. Until you are a parent yourself, you won’t ever understand that fear. Be patient with her.”
“Ellen was right. You are very smart.”
“Ellen called me smart? Are you sure?”
“Stop that, Katie. I can be nice when I want to be you know.”
They all laughed including Ella, although it was doubtful she understood why.
“What are you all doing standing about? We have a party to get to.”
“Yes, Daniel, we do. Come on, everyone. Let’s go see Clover Springs celebrate another great year of being free.”
Epilogue
Two months later, Church Service
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for staying after the service today. We have a couple of announcements to make and would appreciate your patience.”
The congregation murmured following Reverend Timmons’s announcement. The children sighed loudly. Ellen smiled. She understood their impatience to get outside. Not only was it a beautiful early Fall day but it was also the grand re-opening of Hope House. The school children had been talking about the party all week. To have to wait another few minutes was torture.
Ellen sat as close to Samuel as circumstance allowed. She hadn’t stopped smiling since their wedding, two weeks ago. Married life was everything she had wished for and so much more. She glanced at Samuel but his attention was focused on Rev Tim.
“As many of you know, Father Molloy had decided to stay in Clover Springs. “
The word had caught Ellen’s attention. She glanced quickly at Father Molloy but he was looking at the Reverend. She caught Katie’s gaze, her sister’s expression showing she was shocked too.
“Unfortunately for Clover Springs, Father Molloy has been recalled to Boston. He assures me he will only be visiting and his intention is to return to Clover Springs and make our town his permanent home. Please join me in praying for his safe journey and quick return.”
Ellen bowed her head but the prayers wouldn’t come. She didn’t want Father Molloy to leave. How could he return to Boston after the way he had been treated? What would Hope House do without him?
“Who is going to run that orphanage now? We don’t want those kids left unattended?” Charlie Stanton’s belligerent tone rung clear through the Church.
“Sit down please Mr. Stanton and allow me to continue.” Reverend Timmons glared at the man until he sat down. “As I was saying, Father Molloy intends to return but in the meantime we need to secure more help for Hope House. Miss Wilma does an amazing job of looking after the children. We hope she agrees to continue in her current role. But she will require additional help.”
“We don’t want any more strangers in this town, Reverend. “ Mrs. Shaw said loudly. Ellen was dismayed to see many people were nodding their heads in agreement.
“The majority of strangers who have arrived in our town have only benefited our town. I hope to see many more arrive in my lifetime. Clover Springs is booming as a result of the people who have joined our parish. Long may it continue.” Reverend Timmons smiled down at various members of his parish. “The town council met late last night to agree to our proposal and it is with delight I ask Father Molloy to tell you what was decided.” Rev Tim held out his hand to Father Molloy as if to help him move to the stand to make his speech.
Ellen swallowed a lump in her throat. Father Molloy seemed to have aged in the time he had come to Clover Springs. The fire at Hope House had taken its toll on him along with, she guessed, the summons to return to Boston. Because it had to be an order. Father Molloy had said often enough he didn’t want to leave.
Ellen looked around the congregation. It seemed everyone sat straighter in their seats, all attention now fixed on Father Molloy.
“Thank you, Reverend and thank you to all of you here today who made my stay in Clover Springs so pleasant. I will leave with many happy memories. I am delighted to see Hope House re-opening before I go. Rosa and John will be very happy living there with Miss Wilma as will the other children who will arrive in the near future.”
Father Molloy took a breath before continuing. “As you know there is a lot of work involved in running any home. Miss Wilma, as capable as she is, cannot do everything. She was involved in the discussions regarding the future of Hope House and is in full agreement with our plans on moving forward.”
Ellen looked toward Wilma who had taken to attending regular church services following the fire. She was smiling as usual. Whatever the future held, Wilma was happy and for that Ellen was grateful.
“As we all know, Clover Springs owes a debt to one of our young people sitting here today. If it was
n’t for his heroic actions, we would have lost two of our precious congregation. Young Rosa and Miss Ellen. The town council asked me to take this opportunity to once more thank Samuel Higgins for his bravery on the night of the fire. Samuel, could you make your way to the front of the Church and bring your pretty wife with you please.”
The heat rushed to Ellen’s face as all eyes seemed to turn in her direction. She took Samuel’s arm but wasn’t sure whether she was supporting him as her legs shook the whole way. Samuel couldn’t use his stick, there wasn’t sufficient space in the church aisles, so leaned on her slightly. It took a while for them to reach Father Molloy but nobody spoke. Father Molloy shook both of their hands as he turned them to face the congregation. Ellen’s stomach roiled. Samuel hated people staring at him. He was very conscious of his facial injuries and the fact that his injured arm and legs meant he couldn’t provide for his family. At the moment she was still working as a teacher but Samuel was adamant he would find a job to support his family, even if it meant leaving Clover Springs. Something she didn’t want to consider.
“Samuel went to amazing lengths to secure the love of his young lady.” Father Molloy joked causing Samuel’s face to turn redder. “Irish cailin’s are known for leading their beaus a merry dance but one might say a fire was a touch too far.”
The crowd laughed again as Father Molloy winked at Ellen. Father Molloy coughed once before continuing. “All jokes aside, it took great courage not only to enter the burning building to rescue the girls but also to fight as hard as Samuel has in his bid to be able to walk. My sources inform me Miss Wilma and Mrs. Grey may claim some of the credit for all he has achieved. Ellen showed true bravery by rescuing Rosa. Had it not been for her presence of mind, the outcome could have been very different.”
Ellen wiped a tear away. The last thing she wanted to do was cry in front of everyone. Father Molloy motioned for Bertram Shaw to come forward. Ellen watched as the child moved very slowly toward them, his face as white as the cloth on the communion table.
“I am very sorry for the part I played in the fire.”
“Thank you Bertram.” Ellen said.
Father Molloy coughed and gave the child a stern look.
“I… I agreed to come and work for you every Saturday from now until Christmas.” The surly look had returned to his face telling Ellen he hadn’t agreed but someone had made him. She guessed it was Father Molloy and Rev. Timmons as Mrs. Shaw wouldn’t have done it. But what did he mean, he would work for her on a Saturday. School was closed then.
“Thank you Bertram but as school is closed on a Saturday, your offer, while appreciated, is declined.”
“But I’m not going to be working in the ….”
“Thank you Master Shaw. You may retake your seat.” Father Molloy interrupted hastily. The child returned to his seat quickly.
Ellen exchanged a puzzled look with Samuel. What was going on?
“Ellen and Samuel, we would like you two to take on the running of the orphanage.”
Ellen’s mouth dropped open. The look on Samuel’s face mirrored her shock.
“Before you say anything, Ellen, we know you already have a full time job at the school. Miss Wilma can run things during the day. Samuel has already shown his gift with making children feel safe and secure. We, the town council and I, believe that you and Samuel will provide the children of Hope House with a secure and happy home.”
“Thank you, Father. Thank you everyone. I will have to discuss this with my wife before we can make a decision.”
Ellen’s glance at Samuel proved her suspicions were correct. He was going to turn them down. His insistence on earning a living wouldn’t allow him take a role such as the one on offer.”
“Wonderful. Well don’t take too long. You can give us your answer after the official opening party. Speaking of which, I think its about time we all headed that way now. Do you agree?”
Cheers of joy met the priest’s words. The congregation filed out of the church and walked in the direction of the new orphanage building. Soon the only people who remained in the church were Ellen and Samuel together with their families and Father Molloy.
“Samuel, before you make your mind up you should listen to what Davy Sullivan has to say.” Father Molloy indicated they all take a seat.
“Samuel, this is difficult but it has to be said. There is no future for you on the ranch.”
Samuel took a sharp intake of breath causing Ellen to take his hand. Her skirts hid her action as she squeezed his fingers showing her support. Whatever happened, all that mattered was they were together. Ma Higgins started to sob loudly, causing Ma Sullivan to put her arm around her shoulders.
“Davy get on with it, you’re upsetting everyone.” Mary hissed.
“Sorry. I don’t do speeches very well. I should have let Mary do it.” He smiled at his wife before looking back at Samuel. “Samuel, you are like a brother to me. You always have been. Marrying Ellen, whom Mary views like a sister, has made you an even bigger part of the family. For that reason and in payment for all your years of hard work, I had a friend of Lawrence’s draw this up.” He handed Samuel some papers. Samuel looked at them before handing them over to Ellen. His reading had improved somewhat but wearing an eye patch didn’t help.
Ellen glanced at the papers. Raising her head, she looked at Davy.
“You are giving us some land?”
“Not just any land, Ellen. Davy, I mean the whole Sullivan family are giving you and Samuel the land next to Hope House.” Mary said smiling. “ We want you to build a house of your own and have space for some horses. The children love the animals and it makes sense to have them close. With time you will be self sufficient. “
“But….” Ellen started to speak but Mary interrupted her.
“Lawrence drew up an agreement with the town council. The positions at Hope House come with a small salary. Between that and the small farming space, you won’t need to work as a teacher if you decide to, well when you fall…” Mary’s embarrassment at discussing such an intimate topic in church and in front of the men, made her cheeks glow rosily.
“What Miss Mary is trying to say, is you can give up working when the babies come.” Wilma said, hands on hips. “Don’t know why you are going so red Miss Mary. Ain’t like everyone here don’t knows where babies come from.”
“Yes Miss Wilma. Thank you.” Father Molloy said making Wilma open her mouth only to shut it again quickly.
Ellen looked at Samuel before looking at all their family and friends.
“We don’t know what to say do we Samuel?”
“Say yes. I’m starving.” Davy said causing Mary to hit him lightly on the arm.
Samuel stood. He moved away slightly from Ellen. She knew he wanted to show he was independent.
“I am very grateful to all of you for your kind gesture. I know you mean well and you are acting in good faith.”
Ellen twisted her hands in her skirt. He was going to decline. His fierce pride would prevent them from taking the one chance to allow them stay in Clover Springs. He hated living off her wages, he would think the town had come together to give him charity. She prayed hard he would see it for what it was. A just award for several years of back breaking labor.
Much as she disagreed with him, she would have to support him. He was her husband and if he decided they had to move to the city where there was a chance of some sort of employment, she would follow him. She wasn’t about to lose him now.
Samuel took a step toward her, holding his hand out to pull her close again. He put his good arm around her waist before turning to address their family and friends. Ellen saw her own fears reflected in their eyes. She screwed her eyes shut in a bid to stop the tears from falling. She didn’t want to embarrass herself or her husband by crying. That would come later.
“The best day of my life was the day Ellen agreed to marry me. When I took the vows in church I swore to love and protect her, and to share my life with her until de
ath do us part. Ellen’s happiness means everything to me. As you know I have been thinking about leaving Clover Springs to seek employment in the big cities. There must be something a one eyed, one armed illiterate ex ranch hand can do, right?”
His gentle squeeze on her waist told her to be silent and not to react to his statement. Fighting her instinct to tell him he was so much more than the man he described, she stayed silent.
“Ellen and I thank you for your generosity, Davy.”
Ellen bit her lip. A quick glance at her sister, showed her Katie was fighting back tears. How would they survive apart? She couldn’t say anything or look anywhere other than the floor. The silence grew uncomfortable as everyone stared at Samuel.
“Ellen and I would be delighted to accept.”
Ellen sagged against him as he pulled her closer, kissing her hair.
“Thank goodness for that. I don’t think the sheriff would take too kindly to me beating sense into an injured man!”
Davy’s joke cleared the tension immediately as everyone moved forward to hug them. When they finally left them alone with instructions not to be long in following them, Ellen turned back to her husband. Taking his face in her hands, she looked up into his good eye.
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Are you asking me if my dream was to settle down as a piece farmer with a passel full of someone else’s children?”
“Samuel, stop joking. This is serious.”
He looked down at her, his love shining out of his face.
“I am serious. My dream came true the day you said yes. I can handle anything with you at my side. You will make a wonderful mother to those children and it will give you plenty of practice for when our own little ones come along.”
“Are you saying I need practice Mr. Higgins?”
“No ma’am.” He smiled down at her before taking her in his arms and kissing her soundly.
It was some time before they made their way to the party at Hope House. The new orphanage was bigger and brighter than the previous one. Surrounded by her friends and family with her husband at her side, Ellen’s happiness was complete. Then she saw Katie was still crying. Moving quickly to her sisters side, she hugged her. “What’s with the tears? Is it because of Father Molloy?”
Ellen: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Page 16