Eleanor

by Rachel Wesson

  “Is something bad going to happen, Miss Ellen?” Rosa asked quietly.

  “No, darling. I promise it has nothing to do with the orphanage. You are all safe here,” Ellen reassured them.

  The guilt hit her in waves as one by one the children relaxed. The poor little darlings had been so worried and she hadn’t tried to reassure them. What type of mother was she?

  Chapter 43

  “Thank you all for coming this evening. I know you were all worried by my tears earlier but I is fine now. Or at least I will be,” Wilma reassured them. She looked at Zack, who came to sit beside her. He put his arm around her and she was grateful for his support. Father Molloy sat on her other side.

  “This man is Zack. We met some years ago and then more recently in Denver,” Wilma explained. She told them her story and that of her daughter and granddaughters. When she finished, the room was deathly silent apart from the occasional sniffle.

  “Oh, Wilma, you poor dear, you have been through horrors,” Laura said, sniffing back tears.

  “Yes, Laura. I hope you don’t hold it against me for not telling you. I just couldn’t bear to speak of my daughter.”

  Laura got up and went over to kiss Wilma on the cheek. “I will never hold anything against you. You are as close to me as any mother could be. I love you. I just wish you got to see Solace before…”

  Wilma gulped. She didn’t want to break down again. The time for tears was later, in private. “Thank you, sweetheart. I will see her again when the time comes but now I need to go to Denver. I want to bring my grandbabies home.”

  “What ages are the girls?” Samuel asked.

  “Coming up for seven. They are such sweet children, too, although rather quiet. But I guess you can’t blame them. Not after all they have been through,” Zack explained.

  “Why didn’t you tell Wilma the story when she was in Denver? She could have met the children then,” Ellen said, her suspicious tone making Wilma’s eyes widen.

  “Ellen, this man has reunited me with my family. Years ago, he saved my life and the cost to him was horrific. Please don’t use that tone.”

  “Sorry, Wilma, Zack. I’m afraid all the upset today has caused me to forget my manners,” Ellen apologized again.

  “It’s quite all right and it’s a fair question. I had my suspicions when Wilma came to Denver. I recognized her from years ago and then when she told her story it reminded me of a story my ex-wife had told me. Solace had changed her name to Sarah but she was found not too far from the plantation Wilma had been living on. There were a lot of unanswered questions. Rather than risk breaking Wilma’s heart again, I wanted to be sure before I said anything.”

  “You did right. We can’t thank you enough for what you have done for our Wilma,” Father Molloy added quietly. “But why not bring the children with you?”

  “I didn’t want to raise their hopes as they have been through so much already. I was almost one hundred percent certain Wilma would want them but…”

  “There is no question about me wanting them,” Wilma interrupted sharply. “Both of them are my flesh and blood. I am going to bring them home and never let them out of my sight again. Ever.”

  “Well, we might have something to say about that, Wilma. At their age, they should be in school.” Laura’s comment made them laugh and helped reduce the tension a little.

  “So what about you, Zack, what are your plans?”

  “Trust you, Mrs. Grey, to be so direct. I am sure that is between Wilma and Zack,” Paul Kelley protested.

  “I don’t mind answering. Thing is, I have never been able to get Wilma out of my head. Not since that time I gave her the cup of water. She was so brave and so beautiful.”

  “Stop it, you is talking rubbish.”

  “No, Wilma, it’s true. Every word. I tried to find you but it was impossible. I met my wife and got married but it was doomed to failure from the start. We split up a while back. Then I heard of Clara, Eliza Jane’s mother’s mission to reunite slaves, so I thought that would be a good place to be. Someday, maybe Wilma would come looking for someone.”

  “You mean you was waiting for me? All that time?”

  “Sure was. I am a patient man.” Zack sent Wilma a look filled with love.

  Ellen coughed. “Maybe the rest of us should retire to the sitting room and leave Wilma and Zack to talk?”

  “Let them go to the living room. I need more coffee. And some cookies,” Father Molloy exclaimed making everyone but Wilma and Zack laugh. They were too engrossed in each other to notice. Father Molloy tapped Wilma gently on the arm, but she was so shocked she almost leaped out of her skin.

  “What do you do that for?”

  “You were too busy staring into your man’s eyes you didn’t hear our plans. Go on, the two of you. We are busy in here and you obviously need to talk,” Father Molloy ordered.

  Flustered, Wilma got up and went into the sitting room without saying another word. Zack followed but as he reached the kitchen door he turned back.

  “I just want to reassure you that I love Wilma with all my heart and never would do anything to hurt her. I am overwhelmed by how much love you have all shown for her. It is quite something to see, especially given the difference in our races.”

  “We don’t see color or race here, only human beings,” Father Molloy answered.

  “I wish the whole world was like that, Father.” With that Zack closed the door.

  Chapter 44

  Ellen handed out hankies to Laura and Mrs. Grey while Paul boiled more water for fresh coffee. Father Molloy was the first to speak. “Do you want some company on your trip to Denver, Mrs. Grey?”

  “Yes, please, Father. I would like to introduce you to someone very special to me. A man called Sammy and his family.”

  “Mrs. Grey, don’t tell us you have a new man in your life as well,” Samuel said teasingly.

  Ellen watched as Mrs. Grey’s face turned pink from the base of her neck to the tips of her ears.

  “Samuel Higgins mind your manners,” Mrs. Grey spluttered. “Sammy was a slave on my father’s planation.”

  Ellen nearly stopped breathing. “You owned slaves?”

  “No, but my father did. It’s not something I am happy about, but I guess it’s time it was out in the open.”

  “Does he not hate you? After all, your family kept him and his family as property,” Ellen asked not wanting to hurt Mrs. Grey, but her curiosity getting the better of her.

  “I think Mrs. Grey may have been somewhat involved in his escape,” Father Molloy added.

  “Wilma told you already.” Mrs. Grey looked at Father Molloy in disbelief.

  “No, dear Mrs. Grey, Wilma hasn’t said a word. I suspected for a long time you had been involved somehow with the Underground Railway. You come from the south yet your attitude is a lot different to that of your contemporaries. Little Beaver adores you and he is a good judge of character.”

  “He does?”

  “Yes, he does and so do we. Now where is that coffee, Paul Kelley?” Father Molloy asked. “I am dying of thirst over here.”

  Ellen sat down because, if she hadn’t, she would have fallen over. Today was a day for shocks. No two ways about it. Only then did she remember Eleanor.

  “I should go check on Eleanor. Rosa said Gary helped teach school today,” Ellen said.

  “Yes he did. I happened to be at the school when young Tilly came to get me. Gary was helping her and from what I could see they got on just fine.”

  “Is that a twinkle in your eye, Father Molloy? You wouldn’t be doing a bit of matchmaking now, would you?”

  “I am a Catholic priest, Ellen Higgins. We don’t do matchmaking.”

  “And I am the Queen of England.”

  Ellen’s retort made them all laugh. Samuel leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She was lucky to live among such wonderful people. Would Gary and Eleanor be the next couple to get wed in Clover Springs or would Zack and Wilma beat them to the altar?


  Chapter 45

  Later that evening, Gary and Eleanor called to the orphanage. Mrs. Grey introduced them to Zack and told them why he had come to Clover Springs. In turn, Eleanor told everyone present about her past. Ellen didn’t say a word, she was too overwhelmed by the events of the day.

  “Do you think Eliza Jane could help me find my mama? Or maybe some of her family?” Eleanor asked.

  “I am sure she could. She will certainly try her best,” Zack confirmed.

  It was agreed they should all travel to Denver as soon as possible rather than wait for Doc Erin to return. Wilma was keen to meet her grandchildren and Eleanor wanted to ask Eliza Jane personally if she could help her search for her family. Gary insisted on going with Eleanor so Samuel offered to mind the saloon.

  “Don’t take too much notice of Murph. He just likes to talk,” Gary warned him.

  “Murph would be better doing more praying and less drinking,” Father Molloy muttered.

  “Are you still coming to Denver, Father Grumpy?” Mrs. Grey asked making everyone laugh.

  “I will, if you behave yourself, Mrs. Grey.” The priest’s response resulted in more laughter.

  It was decided they would travel at the weekend. Ellen and Laura would share teaching duty to allow Eleanor time to go to Denver.

  On the train, Eleanor sat beside Gary, her hand entwined in his. She still couldn’t believe just how much her life had changed since coming to Clover Springs. Not only had she found a wonderful man who loved her and offered her a future, but she had found real friends. These people totally accepted her for who she was. And just to add to everything, they had vowed to help her find her mama. Maybe her mama was dead but she could have other family, brothers or sisters, maybe nieces and nephews.

  She looked with fondness at Wilma. If she found her mama, she would love her to be like the older woman. Wilma sat beside Zack, her face a mixture of delight and apprehension. Wilma was worried how her two grandchildren would react to her. She was also dealing with the grief of Solace’s death. It was one thing assuming your child was dead, it was another having it confirmed.

  Mrs. Grey smiled at her as Eleanor’s gaze reached her. She had told them all about Sammy and how he had taught her how to care for horses. He’d been one of her father’s most valuable slaves but Mrs. Grey hadn’t hesitated to help him escape all those years ago. Sammy had a family now and had insisted Mrs. Grey get to know them all. He was adamant, they wouldn’t exist but for her actions when she was younger. Eleanor thought Mrs. Grey was so brave. It was one thing for a slave to run away, they had to try to gain their freedom. But for a white woman to go against her family and her society, that took real courage. She wished David, the US doctor Mrs. Grey had loved had survived the war too.

  “Do you think Wilma’s grandchildren will come back to Clover Springs with her, Mrs. Grey?”

  “I certainly hope so but who knows. Those poor children have been through an awful lot already.”

  “We need to convince them. Everyone should move to Clover Springs,” Jane said with conviction making the others laugh. Eleanor squeezed her friend’s hand. She had really bonded with Jane and was hoping she would settle in the small town. She was returning to Denver to see her family and also Reverend Douglass. Wilma was still hopeful the young couple would be able to get past the trauma of Jane’s attack at the hands of some white boys.

  “What will happen to Rosa and John if Wilma has her grandchildren living with her? Won’t they get upset?”

  Mrs. Grey’s facial expression told Eleanor she shared her concern but she made no comment. Eleanor guessed the older woman didn’t think the train was the right place to discuss it.

  She was probably right. She settled back in the hard seat trying to get comfortable. She might as well try and get some sleep. It would be hours before they reached their destination.

  Chapter 46

  Mrs. Grey had booked them all into the same hotel as the one she and Wilma had used on their last trip. Eleanor couldn’t help thinking she did that on purpose to upset the hotel manager who seemed to believe black people should stay at different accommodation. But he was enough of a businessman to accept the large booking and the resulting amount of dollars. Eleanor liked her hotel room. She had offered to share with Jane but her friend preferred to go home and stay with her aunt, Eliza Jane. Zack was also staying at his home, leaving Father Molloy, Wilma, Mrs. Grey, herself and Gary to stay at the hotel.

  Father Molloy had gone for a walk to find the nearby church. Wilma had claimed tiredness and had gone to lie down. Eleanor understood the older woman needed to prepare herself for meeting her grandchildren. Gary had gone with Zack to bring Jane home. That left Mrs. Grey and Eleanor to enjoy afternoon tea.

  “Are you glad you came to Denver Eleanor?”

  ‘Yes Mrs. Grey. Wilma thinks some of these people may be able to help me find my mama’s family. Of course I’ve been told she is dead but maybe that was another lie.”

  “It could very well be the case. There was a lot of heartache surrounding that period, on all sides.” Mrs. Grey looked pensive. “War isn’t black and white. There were good and bad fighting for both the North and South.”

  “But you are glad the North won aren’t you?

  “I am but with reservations. If you spend a little time in Denver, you will see life for our black friends isn’t a bed of roses,” Mrs. Grey said sadly. “They are not treated as equals. Until the world sees people for who they are rather than their nationality, color or religion, we will never have won anything.” Mrs. Grey stirred her coffee, her mind miles away.

  Eleanor stayed quiet not wanting to interrupt the other woman.

  “I am sorry Eleanor, I find it hard seeing how Sammy and his family are living. Yet he thinks he is comfortable.”

  “Well if he is happy and healthy Mrs. Grey isn’t that a good thing? You can’t rescue everyone. Not even you and Wilma are that good.”

  Mrs. Grey smiled at Eleanor, her kind eyes lit up. “You are a very sensible young lady, Eleanor. A real credit to your family even though they are too bigoted to see it.”

  “Mrs. Grey, what do you think will happen? Do you think Wilma’s grandchildren will come back with us? Will she marry Zack?”

  Mrs. Grey laughed out loud.

  “Who knows child what Wilma will do about Zack. I can’t imagine our Wilma playing the role of a little housewife but then there is a real connection between her and Zack. I guess time will tell. As for the grandchildren, yes I think Wilma will bring them home with her. Once she sees them, she won’t ever let them go.”

  “Why does that make you sad?”

  “Sad? I am not sad, Eleanor, at least not for Wilma and her family. It’s wonderful and I am thrilled for my friend. She deserves to be happy. I am just a little concerned about the effect on Rosa and John. They look on her as a granny. They may feel a bit pushed out. I know Wilma will do her best not to let that happen but…”

  Eleanor didn’t get a chance to reply as Gary walked into the dining room.

  “What are my two favorite ladies talking about? Me I hope?”

  “Go away with you Mr. Barrett. Favorite lady indeed. You barely knew my name last month.” Mrs. Grey stood up, smoothing down her dress, her smile showing them she was teasing. “I am going to lie down for a bit. I will see you two later.”

  Chapter 47

  That evening they all enjoyed a party hosted by Eliza Jane. Eleanor and Gary were welcomed along with the rest of their group. They weren’t present when Wilma met her granddaughters for the first time, everyone having decided it was fairer to the girls to let that happen in private. But later on, a beaming Wilma arrived with a little girl holding onto each hand. The smiles of the three of them told Eleanor everything would work out well. A couple of times during the evening she caught Gary glancing at her, a speculative expression on his face. But there was no time to ask him what was on his mind. She was too busy being introduced to Sammy and his extended fam
ily and then to Reverend Douglass. She was relieved to see the man seemed to share Jane’s feelings. They might be alright too if he took his time to coax her through her recovery.

  All too soon it was time for them to go back to the hotel. Eleanor was disappointed as Gary didn’t manage to snatch a few minutes alone with her. He seemed deep in thought and she couldn’t help but wonder had the trip to the black community made him questions his feelings for her.

  The next morning, she woke bright and early despite having tossed and turned for much of the night. Looking in the mirror, she tried slapping her cheeks to bring some color to their whitewashed appearance. She looked dreadful. If only Gary could see her now.

  As if she had summoned him, a knock on her door alerted her to Gary’s presence. He had suggested they take a walk around Denver. She could only stare at him when he explained he wanted to buy her an engagement ring. All her worries from the night before had been for nothing. She’d protested but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Nothing was too good for her as far as he was concerned.

  As they walked, he told her he’d been talking to Paul Kelley about building a house on a plot nearer the school. Gary currently lived above the saloon but he wouldn’t hear of Eleanor living there.

  “Can you imagine Mrs. Shaw and Ma Kelley if they knew the schoolteacher was living over a saloon. I can just hear them now praying for your salvation.”

  Eleanor giggled. She couldn’t help but think the women would have a lot more on their mind if they found out her background. She put her arm through Gary’s, enjoying the sensation of his touch and his smell. He was such a kind man and so well educated too through his book reading. They visited some book shops and he presented her with a couple of small presents. Her favorite being the book Little Women by Louisa Mae Alcott.