by Leah Atwood
Celeste Hawthorne and he were engaged, the wedding planned for March. In January, her family decided to move further west, and she chose to follow them, rather than remain in Tarling and marry him. There was no other option besides calling off the wedding. At first he’d been heartbroken, but then he got to thinking. Had he truly loved her, wouldn’t he have fought for her to stay? Or offered to sell the mercantile and move with her? Neither of which he’d done. No, he hadn’t loved her. In hindsight, he could see that clearly.
Then there was Polly Lund. Every man in town had wanted to court her at some point. Vivacious, carefree and beautiful with her gleaming red hair and expressive green eyes, she made whoever she was talking to feel as though there were no one else in the world. Vain though it was, Eli had floated on a cloud for their entire courtship, unable to believe that, of all the men in town, she had chosen him. They were engaged in May and set a July date for the wedding.
July fourth, Independence Day, a traveling medicine show came through town. What fun the town had between celebrating America’s independence and indulging in the entertainment the medicine show offered. Eli’s enjoyment had been quickly swept away when, on July tenth, the medicine show left. To his complete and utter surprise, Polly had left also, leaving him for the medicine show ‘doctor’. He’d been so angry and humiliated at first.
The scandal it had caused! That’s when the murmurs and whispers had started. The pitiful looks. The not-so-subtle suggestions. Everyone tried to goad him into saying something bad about Polly, but he couldn’t. As the days and weeks passed, the fury faded, replaced by profound relief he’d been spared marriage to such a flighty woman.
Considering his past record, he probably was crazy to be marrying a woman he’d never met. Then again, he was going to send away for one of those mail-order brides, so this wasn’t much different. He knew the first two fiancées and look how those turned out. Besides, Cora wasn’t exactly a stranger. She was Widow Anderson’s niece. Too bad he hadn’t lived in Tarling when Cora had last visited her aunt. Then he could conjure up an image of her that wasn’t a figment of his imagination. Widow Anderson described her as beautiful, but she was her niece, so there had to be a bias there, beyond the fact it had been a number of years since the two had seen each other.
“Doesn’t matter,” he said out loud, to no one in particular. All he wanted was a wife with whom he could share his life and affections. As long as they were compatible, he was confident love would come in time. From the little contact he’d had with Cora, and from what Widow Anderson had told him, he believed Cora and he could make a nice life together.
He gathered the footstool and remaining boughs of pine before moving over to the windowfront. There, he hung more of the evergreen branches, creating a festive appearance on the outside of his store. The inside of the mercantile and his living quarters, above and behind the store, were already decorated, much more so than previous years. In fact, there was a small possibility he may have gone overboard in his enthusiasm, but he wanted Cora to like her new home.
Her happiness meant everything to him. Just thinking of what her life must be like broke his heart. In a way, he was glad Widow Anderson hadn’t gone into further details about what Cora’s life was like. He wasn’t sure he could have handled it, or waited for her to arrive. As it was, he was tempted to take the train and go bring her back to Tarling himself, but Widow Anderson had convinced him that wouldn’t be wise. It would have caused trouble with Jed, which would have placed Cora in an uncomfortable position.
So he bided his time and stayed in Tarling. Overall, less than three months had passed since that day he rescued Widow Anderson, but it seemed like a lifetime. Today, the wait would pay off. In a few hours, he would make his way to the depot and stand by Widow Anderson as they waited for Cora’s arrival on the train.
A shiver flowed through him as a bitter wind blew through the street. He put the last touches on the exterior décor, then returned inside. Not a single customer had come in since nine o’clock, probably all staying in from the elements. Taking advantage of the empty store, he went to the kitchen and poured a cup of the still-hot coffee. The heat seeping through the mug felt good against his cold hands. Several minutes later, the sound of jingling bells alerted him to customers in the store. He gulped the remaining sips of coffee and went back to the front.
The mayor was standing at the counter. “You look like a man anxious for the train to arrive,” he teased.
“I am.” Eli grinned, anticipating the meeting with Cora.
“The whole town is rooting for you.” Mayor Buckley smiled, the kind that gave off warmth and kindness.
Moments like these made Eli grateful he’d returned to Tarling. He’d lived here as a child, but his parents had moved them to Ohio after several bad years of crops forced them to sell their farm. After their parents perished in that awful blizzard, Merilee and he decided to return. In his heart, this community had never stopped being home, and he was glad to be back.
“Cora will be the one. I know it,” he replied to the Mayor. He felt his face heat with a flush. Everyone in Tarling knew he’d be getting a bride today. Well, she’d be arriving today, but he didn’t know what day they would marry. They’d mutually decided it would be before the end of the year, but would discuss the exact day upon her arrival. If he had a say, he would exchange vows with her today, but he didn’t want to rush Cora. In the meantime, she would reside with her aunt.
Chapter Four
A grimace stained Cora’s face as she looked around at the other passengers on the train. She knew her clothing was shabby but hadn’t realized how much so until observing what the other passengers wore. Even though she wore her best dress, it was lackluster in appearance, faded and so thin, the cold air would blow right through the fabric if not for her coat which, thankfully, hid the pitiful nature of her dress.
The traveling coat was the finest piece of attire she’d ever worn, let alone had the privilege of owning. Made from light tan wool, it was trimmed at the sleeves, hem, and lapels with luxurious velvet which was several shades of brown darker than the wool. Even the buttons were lined with a soft material. Wrapped in its folds, she hadn’t known such warmth in years. She looked like high society on the outside, but she knew it was only a façade.
On the inside, she was still the same poor, insecure Cora. She wondered that she’d even had the nerve to leave her Pa and not tell him her plans. It pained her, but it was for the best. If he knew, he’d only find a way to stop her or follow. She stopped her thoughts. Her decision had been bold and quick—she wouldn’t, couldn’t, look back.
She tugged at the coat’s lapel, more from nervousness than for any practical purpose. A mild smile came to her mouth. Her coat had been a parting gift from the Gill’s, the owners of the mercantile which employed her. At first she had insisted that it was too extravagant of a gift, but soon accepted their generosity. After all, she did need a new coat, and she had spent so much of her time at work, gazing at the garment with longing, knowing it was more than she could ever have afforded. The Gill’s had been good employers, hiring her even when they hadn’t needed the help. They never told her that, but Cora knew when charity was being given and when one’s belly constantly grumbled for food, one soon learned how to discard pride. Having the semblance of a job did help ease the embarrassment of the created position, and she had done her best to earn what little she made.
The train began to slow, bringing screeches of metal and billows of smoke. Excitement rose within her, almost erasing the anxious flutters in her stomach. Soon, she would be reunited with Aunt Patricia and meet Eli. She hoped she didn’t disappoint him and vowed to do everything she could to be a good wife.
Short of tolerating drunkenness and slovenliness, that is. Before she’d left her rundown little home, she’d vowed she would never again live in squalor. Too long, she’d lived like that. She didn’t need fancy or expensive things, but she wanted a tidy life. God had blessed her with a
new beginning and she planned to make the best of it.
One by one, the passengers disembarked. Cora was wedged between two families, the parents of which were wrangling young children fidgeting with pent up energy. After several minutes, she stepped off the train and onto the platform. Scanning the crowd, she spotted Aunt Patricia waving her arm in a quick motion and a grin spread across her face. Then she saw the man next to her aunt. Time stood still and her heart skipped a beat. If that was Eli Farley, he was anything but average. Why, he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen.
Reality of what was happening struck her, and she became rooted to her spot, unable to move her feet. Her brain couldn’t seem to send a message to her feet. Aunt Patricia and the man continued to approach her. Was the smile still on her face? Her mind had become completely addlepated.
“Cora, my dear, I’m so happy you are here.” Aunt Patricia brought her into a wide embrace, squeezing her back into her senses. Releasing the embrace, her aunt stepped back and gave her a look. “You look beautiful, all grown up.”
“I’m glad to be here.” She cast a shy glance toward the man, who had remained back a pace, presumably to allow for aunt and niece to have their reunion.
Now he came forward, an arm extended. “Eli Farley.”
“Nice to meet you, Eli.” There was no need to introduce herself since her identity was obvious from Aunt Patricia’s greeting. Accepting his hand, a warm flush rose to her cheeks when he lifted her hand and brushed a light kiss against her gloved knuckles.
“Dear, I hate to leave you so quickly after your arrival, but I must get to my meeting of the ladies’ guild. Eli will take care of your trunks and show you around town until my meeting is over in about an hour.” Aunt Patricia kissed her cheek then scampered off.
Cora stood, looking after her, in disbelief that her aunt would leave so abruptly. The action hurt her and made her wonder if maybe her aunt hadn’t really wanted her here. But this had all been her idea and set-up.
“Don’t mind your aunt,” Eli spoke up, his voice soft and soothing.
Looking up, she saw understanding in his eyes and knew that, somehow, he was reading her thoughts. She tried to speak, but a lump was lodged in her throat.
“She is ecstatic that you are here. I don’t know who was more excited; her or I.” He winked. “I’ll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell.”
“Okay,” she answered, more of a question than a statement. The exchange was odd, her arrival not exactly as she’d expected.
“Your aunt, Widow Anderson as the town knows her, doesn’t really have a meeting. This is her way of allowing us time together to become acquainted. She thinks she’s sly, but forgot that the meetings are held at Tatum’s restaurant, which I happen to know is closed today.” He laughed lightly, small creases formed around his eyes.
Cora tilted her head, trying to comprehend everything. “Then why didn’t she just say so?”
“We’ve learned not to question her ways. We simply go along with them.”
The affection in his voice when speaking of her aunt gave Cora assurance that Eli Farley was a good man. If she hadn’t already believed so from her aunt’s endorsement, meeting him in person confirmed it. Some things a person knew simply by having contact with someone. A peace settled over her and she dismissed the hurt. Eli’s explanation was plausible and knowing her aunt, it probably was true. Besides, Aunt Patricia had been genuinely pleased to see her. In her overawed state, she was just too sensitive.
“What shall we do now?” She looked at Eli, uncertain what should happen next.
“First, let me arrange to have your trunks delivered to your aunt’s house. Then, if you would like, I can give you a tour of Tarling and show you the mercantile. Tim Walton is there now, looking after things while I’m out.”
She ducked her head, embarrassment taking over. Certain things were more difficult to overcome. “I have no trunks, only this bag.” All she owned was able to fit inside a small valise. She nibbled at her bottom lip, ashamed that she had so little.
Eli lifted her chin with a single finger and when she looked up, kind eyes bore into her. “There’s no shame in what you’ve experienced in life.”
She still couldn’t speak through the emotions choking her. If she didn’t gather her wits, Eli would think her daft.
“I’m sure this is all a lot to take in. Perhaps you’d like to have some hot tea before I show you the town?” he asked.
“Yes,” she managed to say. “That would be lovely.”
He lifted her bag with one hand and he crooked his other arm, offering it to her. She slipped her arm through and he led the way, down the street. Sucking in a deep breath, she resolved once again to move beyond her nervous jitters and look forward to the future, leaving the past behind.
Chapter Five
Eli’s heart was no longer his own. The moment he laid eyes on Cora, his heart belonged to her. There was an instant connection there that he wished to explore. It went beyond her beauty though beautiful she was. Her silky blonde hair was pulled back and fashioned in a simple knot. High cheekbones were more pronounced than they should be, but did not distract from her appearance. She was wafer thin though, much more so than he had expected, probably because she’d not had a solid diet in years. He would make sure she never went hungry again.
He stood at the oven, warming some stew for a mid-day meal while the water heated for tea. When he’d asked if she were hungry, she’d said no, but he had heard the growls erupting from her stomach. If he ate something, maybe she would feel comfortable also eating.
She was trying to portray a brave front, but he could see through it to her skittishness. Not that he blamed her. He was a mite anxious himself and he wasn’t the one moving from his home. Her life was changing more from this soon-to-be marriage than his was. What could he do to put her at ease? He wished to assure her that he would protect and take care of her, that she no longer had anything to worry about. More than that, he desired to take away the shame her poverty apparently caused.
He hadn’t missed the look of complete humiliation in her eyes when she’d told him she had no trunks, only a bag. Or the fear of disdain when she removed her coat to expose a dress so worn that it was barely fit to be called a dress. And when she removed her gloves, he saw the hands that looked older than hands belonging to a woman twenty and four years of age should. From years of hard work, no doubt.
His lips twisted, anger suffusing through him at thoughts of her father. The man didn’t even deserve that title. No one should treat their child in such a way. A parent should love and nurture their child, teach them the value of hard work, but not force them into a life of virtual servitude simply because the parent is too lazy. Before he could let his outrage toward her father show, he grabbed the teapot and poured water into two cups, taking two consecutive deep breaths to calm his outrage. It took a lot to raise his ire to that point, but mistreatment of women and children were at the top of the quick-to-anger-him list.
“Can I help with anything?” Cora asked, her voice sounding stronger now.
“Just relax for a spell. I imagine the trip and all the changes can be tiring.” He ladled some stew into a bowl and carried it over to her, along with a cup of hot tea. “This stew will go bad if it’s not finished today. I went ahead and fixed you a bowl in case you changed your mind.”
She eyed the bowl with greed, placing a hand over her midsection when it grumbled again. After laughing nervously, she told him, “Thank you. I guess I was hungrier than I realized.”
“Go ahead and eat. There’s more yet in the pot, so have your fill.” Returning to the oven and counter, he grabbed his bowl of stew and cup of tea then took a seat at the table sitting across from her. He gave her several minutes to consume some of her food before resuming the conversation. “What are your first impressions of Tarling?”
“From the little I’ve seen, it appears to be a darling town. The way everyone greeted each other as we walked her
e was very sweet and welcoming. I look forward to meeting people.” Her face lit up, a faint smile appearing.
“Your aunt will be introducing you to everyone in no time at all. You might regret saying that,” he teased on a light note.
They finished eating and Cora stood, picking up the empty dishes from the table. He began to object, but she cut him off. “Let me clean the dishes, please. I need to feel useful.”
He heard the plea in her voice and conceded, suspecting, more than anything, she simply needed something to keep her hands from being idle. “When you are done, I’ll show you the store and the stockroom. I imagine your aunt will be knocking at the door soon.”
Cora cleaned the dishes, scrubbing them with precision care. Giving her some space, he left the kitchen and went to the storefront. He did a quick inventory of the ready-made dresses and pulled down two of the prettiest ones in stock, both made from serviceable calico. The first one was a darker green color, perfect for the Christmas season. The second was a mauve that he chose simply because he thought the color would look nice on Cora.
“She’s got you wrapped around her little finger already, eh?” Tim Walton, a young man who sometimes helped out at the store, walked over and flashed a mischievous smile.
“No, not like you think,” Eli answered, trying not to frown. “I’m marking these two out of the inventory. If anyone asks, tell them Widow Anderson purchased them.” It was a small fib, but he wanted Cora to accept them and he didn’t figure she would take them from him.
“Why would anyone ask?” Tim questioned.
Blowing out a breath, Eli remembered why he didn’t cotton to lying. It weaved a web he didn’t want tangled in. “I don’t know,” he hissed. “Just saying in case they do.”
His helper gave him a startled look. “Okay. I’ll be dusting the shelves if there is nothing else you’d like me to do.”