He lifted a small forkful of food to his mouth and nodded at her to begin.
“Papa, I know you have a desire for me to marry Sam, and he has asked for my hand.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Delphinia. When’s the weddin’ to be? Maybe I’ll be well enough to attend,” he said excitedly.
“There won’t be a wedding. At least not a wedding between Sam and me,” she answered.
“What do you mean? You’re confusing me,” he said, slapping the fork on his tray.
“There’s no need to get upset. I’m going to explain, if you’ll just eat and let me talk,” she admonished. “Sam has asked for my hand, but I could never marry a man unless he’s a Christian. Sam doesn’t believe in God. Besides, Papa, I don’t love Sam. I love Jonathan Wilshire. I have to admit that I was swayed by Sam’s good looks and kind ways and that it was nice to be escorted about the city and have his attention. But that’s not love. A marriage between us would be doomed for failure.”
“You can’t be sure of that. You just said he’s good and kind, and you enjoy his company. I don’t want you livin’ out your days workin’ like your mama, always unhappy and wishin’ for more,” he said.
“Just because Mama was unhappy some of the time doesn’t mean she would have changed things. She loved you, Pa, and that’s where a woman belongs. With the man she loves. You’ve got to understand that I could never love Sam. Not unless he turned to the Lord, and then I’m not sure. He’s hardened his heart against God. Why, he told me he wouldn’t even allow his children to be brought up as Christians. You know I couldn’t turn my back on God like that,” she responded adamantly.
“I understand what you’re saying, and I know you’re right. I guess I’m just being selfish again. I want you to have all the things I could never give your mother, even if you don’t want them.”
“Don’t you see, she had the most important things: a family that loved her and the love of our Savior. That’s all any of us really need to be happy,” she said, leaning down and placing a kiss on his cheek.
Chapter 17
When Sam returned later in the afternoon, Delphinia was sitting on the front porch, enjoying the cool breeze and silently thanking God for the afternoon discussion with her father and his agreement that she return to Kansas.
“I thought you’d be in tending to your father,” Sam said with no other greeting.
“I just came out. He’s asleep, and I wanted some fresh air,” she answered defensively.
“Good, then we can have our talk,” he rebutted, sitting down and moving the chair closer.
“There’s really nothing further to say, Sam. I can’t marry you. I’ve explained that I could never marry a non-Christian, and besides, I’m in love with Jonathan Wilshire,” she said, leaning back in her chair in an effort to place a little more distance between them.
“As I recall, you weren’t quite so sure of your love for that Wilshire fellow when I kissed you on this very porch.”
“I’m not going to defend myself or my actions to you, but I hope you’ll believe and accept my decision in this matter. It will make life easier for all three of us,” she responded, hoping to ease the tension between them.
“I think your pa will have something to say about this. I’ve already asked for your hand, and he as much as promised it. So you see, the decision really hasn’t been made yet,” he answered with a smug look on his face.
“I’ve discussed the matter fully with my father, Sam. He is in agreement that I should follow my heart and return to Kansas. He was unaware of your disbelief in God, as much as I was. There is no doubt in my mind that I could not be happily married to a non-Christian. The Bible warns Christians about being unequally yoked—”
“Don’t start quoting Scripture to me. That’s the last thing I want to hear. What I want to know is how you talked your father into allowing you to return to Kansas,” he interrupted.
“I’ve already explained, and he realizes the folly of my marrying someone like you. He may have discussed the fact that he thought a marriage between us would be good, but you deceived him, too. I’m not sure it was intentional, since you find faith in God so unimportant. I would rather believe you did not set out to mislead either of us. I’d prefer you didn’t upset my father by discussing this further, but you’re the doctor. Do as you see fit,” she said, hearing the small bell at her father’s bedside and rising to go to his room.
“Stay here. I’ll see to him,” Sam said, standing and picking up his bag.
She did not move from the chair, but it was not long before Sam returned. Leaning against the thick rail that surrounded the porch, he looked down at her, his eyes filled with sadness.
“We could be happy, you know. If I’m willing to overlook your foolish beliefs and allow you to practice your Christian rituals, why is it so difficult for you to think our marriage wouldn’t work?” he asked.
“That’s exactly why—because you don’t believe. It would always be a struggle between us. I want to be able to share my love of the Lord with my husband and raise my children to know God. I want God to be the head of our house, and that could never happen if I were married to you,” she answered.
“You’ve done a good job of convincing your father. I found no allegiance from him when we talked. I guess there’s nothing more to say, except that I love you, and if you change your mind, we can forget this conversation ever took place,” he said and walked into the house.
Delphinia remained, not wanting to discuss the matter further. When she was sure Sam had gone upstairs, she went to her father’s room.
“I wondered if you’d gone to bed without a good-night kiss for me,” he said, watching her enter the room.
“No, I’d not do that,” she replied, straightening the sheet and pulling the woolen blanket up around his chest. “How are you feeling this evening?”
“Not too bad,” he answered. “I talked with Sam.”
“I know. He told me,” she said, sitting down beside him.
“He’s not happy with either of us. Maybe one day he’ll open his heart to the Lord. If not, I suppose someday he may find a woman who thinks as he does. I have something I’d like for you to do tomorrow,” he said, taking her hand.
“I’ll try,” she answered.
“I want you to go to town,” he instructed, pulling a small leather pouch from beneath his pillow. “I’d like for you to purchase your wedding gown here in Denver City. I know I can’t attend the ceremony, but it would give me great pleasure to see you in your wedding dress. Would you consider doing that?”
“You don’t need to spend your money on a wedding gown, Pa. I have a dress that will do,” she answered.
“Always trying to look out for everyone else, aren’t ya? I can afford to buy you a dress, and it would give me great pleasure. Now, will you do that for me? Mrs. O’Mallie has agreed to go with you. Quite enthusiastically, I might add,” he said with a smile.
“If it would please you, I’ll go shopping with Mrs. O’Mallie. Did you and Mrs. O’Mallie decide when this shopping trip is to take place?” she inquired, plumping his pillow.
“Tomorrow morning, just as soon as the shops are open. She said she’d come over for you, and I told her you’d be ready,” he answered.
“Pretty sure of yourself, weren’t you?” she asked, letting out a chuckle.
“I know you pretty well, girl. You wouldn’t deny an old man his dying wish.”
“Don’t talk like that, please,” she said, shaking her head.
“It’s better to face the facts. We both know I’m not long for this world. You mustn’t get sad on me. After all, it’s you who gave me hope, knowing I’d be seeing you and your mother again one day. You just keep thinking on that and forget this dying business,” he said and then waved his hand, gesturing for her to leave the room. “You get off to bed now. You need your rest for all that shopping you’re going to do tomorrow, and I need my sleep.”
She leaned down and placed a
kiss on his cheek. “I’ll stop in before I go tomorrow. You sleep well,” she said, departing for her own room.
Delphinia took care in dressing, wanting to look her best when she visited the shops in Denver City. Just as she was tying on her bonnet, Frances O’Mallie arrived. The older woman was so excited at the prospect of purchasing a wedding dress, she talked nonstop from the time she entered the house until they reached the door of the first small shop.
The store owner was a lovely woman, delighted to see her first customers of the day. It was immediately obvious to her that these women were going to make purchases, and she needed the business. Mrs. O’Mallie instantly took charge, asking to see what fabrics and laces the woman had in stock, fingering each item with a knowledge that surprised Delphinia. Taking her assignment seriously, the older woman inquired about how long it would take to make the dress, how many yards of fabric for each of the patterns they had viewed, and the exact cost for everything from the tiny buttons to the lace trimming. Just when the clerk was sure the women were ready to make their decision, Mrs. O’Mallie took Delphinia by the elbow and said, “Come, my dear, we must check the other stores.”
Opening the door to exit, she informed the store owner, “We’ll be back unless we find something more to our liking.”
Delphinia, somewhat stunned by Mrs. O’Mallie’s actions, was quick to tell her she particularly liked one of the patterns and wanted to discuss it further.
“Tut, tut, don’t you worry. These merchants always need business, and it’s good to know what the competition has to offer,” she said, ushering Delphinia into a shop with beautiful gold lettering on the windows proclaiming the finest needlework west of the Mississippi.
“Lucy Blodgett owns this place,” Mrs. O’Mallie whispered. “She can be real hard to deal with, but her sign on the window is true. She does the finest needlework I’ve ever seen. Just let me do the talking,” she instructed.
The brass bell over the front door announced their entry, and the women observed Lucy Blodgett making her way from the back room of the shop.
“Mornin’, Lucy. This is Delphinia Hughes. She’s out here from Kansas looking for a wedding dress, and I told her you do the handsomest needlework in these parts,” Mrs. O’Mallie praised.
“Good morning to you, Frances. Nice to make your acquaintance, Miss Hughes. Why don’t you ladies come back and have a seat. I find it much more expeditious to discuss just what my customer is here for and then proceed to show you my line of goods.” She smiled, leading them toward four elegant walnut chairs that encircled a matching table.
Flitting through patterns that were neatly stacked on a shelf, she produced five different styles. “Why don’t you look at these while I get us some tea?” she offered.
“She knows how to run a business, wouldn’t you say?” Mrs. O’Mallie asked, thoroughly enjoying the opulent surroundings.
“It would appear that way, but are you sure this shop isn’t too expensive?” Delphinia questioned.
“We’ll see, we’ll see,” the older woman replied, pushing the patterns toward the younger woman. “I rather like this one.”
“Here we are, tea and some biscuits,” Miss Blodgett said, placing a tray in the middle of the table. “Why don’t you pour for us, Frances, and I’ll visit with Miss Hughes.”
Mrs. O’Mallie was glad to oblige. The silver tea service and china cups seemed exactly what should be used while discussing wedding gowns with Miss Lucy Blodgett. Delphinia’s escort sat back and had her tea and biscuits, not missing a word that passed between the other women.
“How long would it take for you to complete the gown?” Delphinia asked, having finally settled on one of the patterns.
“At a minimum, three weeks. I have many orders to fill, and once I give my word that a purchase will be ready, I am never late. Isn’t that right, Frances?”
“Absolutely,” said Mrs. O’Mallie, wiping the crumbs from her mouth and taking a swallow of tea.
“Well, I’m sorry to have taken your time, Miss Blodgett, but I must leave for Kansas within the week. My father wanted me to purchase a gown here in Denver City so he might see it before I depart. It appears that isn’t going to be possible,” Delphinia said, rising from the chair.
“I’m sorry, too, Miss Hughes. You’re a lovely young woman, and I could make you into a beautiful bride,” Miss Blodgett replied. “You’ll not find a seamstress in this city who can make you a wedding gown within the week, I’m sorry to say,” she continued as Mrs. O’Mallie and Delphinia tied their bonnets, preparing to leave.
“We appreciate your time, Lucy,” Mrs. O’Mallie said as they walked out of the store and walked toward another shop down the street.
The two women had walked as far as the livery stable when they heard Lucy Blodgett calling and observed her motioning them to return.
“Lucy Blodgett, I’ve never seen you make such a spectacle of yourself,” Mrs. O’Mallie said, feigning surprise.
“I’ve been making a fool of myself for years, Frances. At least whenever I felt there was cause to do so,” she answered with a smile. “Come back into the shop. I just may be able to solve your problem, Miss Hughes,” she said, leading Delphinia to the rear of the store and into her workroom.
“Stand right here,” she said, placing Delphinia along the wall opposite her cutting table. Moving across the room, Miss Blodgett walked to a closet and removed a hanger that was draped with a sheet. In one dramatic swoop, she pulled off the sheet, revealing a beautiful white gown that absolutely took Delphinia’s breath away.
“Oh, Miss Blodgett, it’s beautiful…truly beautiful,” Delphinia said, staring at the creation. Walking toward the dress, she reached out and touched the tiny beads that had been sewn in an intricate pattern on the bodice. The long sleeves were made of a delicate lace that matched the overlay of the floor-length skirt, flowing into a short train.
“It appears to be just about your size, I would guess,” Miss Blodgett replied, ignoring the compliment.
“Perhaps a mite big,” Mrs. O’Mallie responded.
“Well, certainly nothing a good seamstress couldn’t remedy in short order,” the shop owner replied rather curtly.
“What difference does it make?” Delphinia interrupted, exasperated that the two women were arguing over alterations on a wedding dress that had been made for another bride.
“That’s why I called you back to the shop,” Miss Blodgett responded, looking at Delphinia as if she were dim-witted. “This dress is available.”
“Available? How could it be available?” she asked, stunned by the remark.
“I hesitate to tell you why for fear you’ll not want the dress, but with all the folks Mrs. O’Mallie knows, I’m sure she’d find out soon enough anyway. This is the dress I made for Mary Sullivan’s daughter, Estelle,” Miss Blodgett began.
“Ah yes,” Mrs. O’Mallie said, nodding her head in recognition.
“Estelle Sullivan was to be married last Sunday afternoon. Her intended made a little money mining for gold, but his claim went dry. They decided to settle in California, so he went out in June to look at some possible investments. Two weeks before the wedding, she got a letter saying that he had married a California woman and wouldn’t be returning. Her dress had been ready for two months. Her future husband even picked the pattern,” she commented in disgust.
“Would it bother you to wear a dress that had been made for another who met with misfortune?” Mrs. O’Mallie asked.
“I don’t think so,” Delphinia answered. “It’s so pretty, and it’s never been worn. Would they be willing to sell it, do you think?”
“It’s mine,” Miss Blodgett said. “Estelle was so devastated, and Mary doesn’t have the money to pay for a dress her daughter will never wear. I told them I’d take it apart and use the pieces for another gown. Would you like to try it on, Miss Hughes?”
“Oh yes, I’d love to,” she said, the excitement evident in her voice. “Unless you think it would m
ake Estelle and her mother unhappy.”
“I don’t think they would mind a bit under the circumstances. Besides, your marriage won’t even take place in Denver City,” she responded.
“Then I’d like very much to see how it fits.”
By the time they left the shop, Delphinia had purchased a properly fitted wedding dress, a matching veil, and a pair of shoes. Miss Blodgett was good to her word. She was able to stitch a few well-hidden tucks, and the dress fit like it had been made for Delphinia. Mrs. O’Mallie was pleased because she had been able to convince Lucy to lower the price on the premise she was selling “previously purchased goods.” That statement had caused a bit of a riff between the two older women, but eventually they came to terms. Delphinia, however, thought the dress was worth every cent of the original asking price.
The older women agreed that Delphinia made quite a spectacle in her finery, both feeling like they had championed a special cause.
Mrs. O’Mallie helped carry the purchases into the house and then bid Delphinia a quick farewell, knowing she would need to hurry with dinner preparations.
“Thank you again for all your assistance,” Delphinia called after her as the older woman bustled out the back door.
Delphinia heard the jingle of her father’s bedside bell and quickly hastened to his bedroom. “I thought I heard voices,” he said, holding out his hand to beckon her forward. “Did you and Mrs. O’Mallie have success with your shopping?”
“Oh, Pa, we did! I purchased the most beautiful gown you could ever imagine. I know that God led me to it,” she said, smiling as she proceeded to give him a detailed report of their shopping excursion.
“I’m looking forward to having you model it for me after dinner this evening,” he said. “I wonder if Mrs. O’Mallie thinks she or God should have credit for leading you to that gown,” he said with a small chuckle.
“I don’t think she’d mind giving God some praise as long as she gets credit for Miss Blodgett’s lowering the price,” she answered, which caused them both to smile in appreciation of their neighbor’s love of a bargain.
Threads of Love Page 14