Mary: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 2

by Rachel Wesson

  Chapter 8

  Mary looked up from the newspaper another traveler had left behind. She didn’t understand all of the political commentary, but thank goodness she had arrived in the USA before President Arthur signed the Immigration Act into law. She wouldn’t have been able to afford to enter America. Maybe that would have been a good thing. Her parents might still be alive and they would be together.

  Mary read more of the paper in an effort to distract her thoughts of family and home. Ireland was miles away. She wondered whether the Act would have been made law if President Garfield had not been assassinated and Arthur had remained vice president. President Garfield’s killer had been hanged. What would make someone kill a man simply because he was President?

  Mary forced the negative thoughts from her mind as she stared out the window. Clover Springs must be close, the conductor had said they would arrive shortly. Katie had gotten her happy ever after. Maybe the same thing was in store for Mary. Don’t be setting yourself up for a fall. You aren’t a bit like Katie O Callaghan. She is brave, strong willed and gorgeous. Only James thought you were pretty. James. Why did she have to think of him now? He hadn’t wanted her. Well, not for marriage. He just wanted to sow his wild oats.

  A man of property didn’t marry the likes of Mary Ryan. If she closed her eyes she could still hear Angela laughing. Angela, the young lady of the house had been highly amused when she realized her young maid had fallen in love with her brother. She had teased Mary something wicked when she realized the servant had been stupid enough to believe James’s lies about the future they could have together. Thank God she hadn’t given in to his demands to lie with him. Being poor was one thing but being disgraced was something else entirely.

  Katie hadn’t spoken of James. Mary didn’t know whether that was because the other girl didn’t know or because she didn’t want to hurt her feelings. It suited Mary, as she never wanted to think of her life in Ireland again. It was much too painful. Why are you torturing yourself thinking of him today then? You should be looking forward to your new life. A rancher’s wife. She wondered what she would have to do? She could milk a cow. Well, sort of. The one time she had tried it; the cow hadn’t kicked her so that was a good sign. She pushed the blonde hair out of her eyes, avoiding eye contact with the one other passenger in the train car. He had tried to speak to her earlier but it wasn’t seemly for a young girl travelling alone to speak to a man.

  Her stomach churned and despite counting backwards she couldn’t relax. Would he be waiting at the station?

  Chapter 9

  Katie sighed looking at the clock again. The minutes were going by so slowly. She drummed her hands on the counter top willing the train to move faster.

  As if to mirror her impatience, the baby started kicking. Katie smiled. Her life was completely different to what she had expected when she left Ireland. She had anticipated a life with her aunt and uncle but what she had now was so much better. She was happy, surrounded by her new family and friends. Her aunt and uncle had nobody but she didn’t feel guilty. They hadn’t made any effort to contact Ellen or herself never mind apologize. She wasn’t going to waste time thinking about them. They were best left in the past.

  Looking around the store, she almost burst with pride. Mr. Brook would be so happy if he could see this place now. Katie had helped Daniel reorganize the mercantile. They had widened the range of stock they carried. It was sensible given the number of folk arriving by train. Some settled in Clover Springs, while others stayed for a few days before moving on with their journey.

  Daniel had started keeping some items that miners would need. If they had met one person who believed they would strike gold or silver in the mountains, they had met another dozen. Katie shook her head. She was glad her man didn’t have the need to go digging for gold. It was a dangerous activity.

  Katie braced herself as the store door opened and in walked Mrs. Grey. The cantankerous old biddy hadn’t mellowed in her attitude toward Katie. She simply ignored her as much as possible, which suited Katie fine. Daniel, on the other hand, felt slighted every time Mrs. Grey was rude to his wife.

  “Morning, Mrs. Grey. Beautiful day, isn’t it?”

  “Rather cold, if you ask me, but then it depends on what you are used to.” Mrs. Grey looked everywhere but at Katie. “Here is my list. Please tell Mr. Sullivan that he missed several items on the last one yet charged me. I do not appreciate that.”

  Katie gasped trying to get a hold on her temper. She would love to throw the old biddy out on her ear. Being a store owners wife came with responsibilities. Daniel couldn’t afford to lose customers, not even this spiteful old …

  “Mrs. Grey, I thought I heard you. How are you today? Would you like a cookie? Katie baked them specially for … Ow.” Daniel stumbled at Katie’s kick.

  For goodness sake, don’t tell the old gossip about Mary. She has enough to contend with. Katie glared at her husband hoping he had got the message.

  Daniel stuttered going slightly red as Mrs. Grey stared at him pointedly.

  “I don’t want any cookies, thank you. As I said to the girl…’

  “What girl? Oh, you mean my wife.” At Daniel’s tone, it was Mrs. Grey’s turn to look slightly uncomfortable.

  “Yes, of course. Anyway, here is my list. I was overcharged the last time. Please do not let that happen again or I shall have to take my business elsewhere.” Mrs. Grey glared at Daniel, but he continued smiling.

  “If you feel you were overcharged or missing items, can you point out what these were? Katie, she’s a wizard at keeping records you know, will go back over the ledger itemizing your last order and we can correct any mistakes.”

  Katie turned away, this time unable to hide her satisfaction as Mrs. Grey’s demeanor crumbled in front of both of them. Take that, you old bat.

  “Do you expect me to believe you keep a record of every item you sell in this store to every customer?” Despite her tone, the old lady’s hands shook slightly.

  Daniel smiled, but his eyes remained cold. “Only for special customers such as yourself, Mrs. Grey.” Daniel took the ledger down and made to look at it. “What items did you say you were missing?”

  Mrs. Grey stammered and looked at the floor before taking a deep breath. She spoke quickly.

  “Oh, it was only a few small things. Don’t concern yourself, Mr. Sullivan. I am sure it won’t happen again. I must rush. I have to go see about …oh, yes, the harvest festival. Here is my list. Good day to you both” Mrs. Grey almost fell in her haste to get out of the shop.

  Katie waited until she was safely down the street before she burst out laughing. “Daniel Sullivan, you should be ashamed of yourself. That poor old woman....”

  “Save your pity for someone who deserves it. That conniving old witch needs to learn that not everyone cares about her money. Let her take her business elsewhere. It would be no loss.”

  “Oh, ignore her darling. She is obviously very unhappy. She must have had some hardship in her life to turn her that bitter.”

  “Katie Sullivan, what did I do to deserve you?” Before Katie could stop him, he grabbed her and kissed her soundly. Torn between letting the kiss develop and what a customer would say if they walked in on top of them, Katie eventually pulled away.

  “Daniel, it’s the middle of the day.”

  “What better time to kiss my wife and tell her I love her.”

  “What if someone walked in and saw us? Mrs. Grey would be scandalized.”

  “Maybe I should kiss her. Do you think it would put a smile on her face?”

  Katie swatted him with her dust cloth. “Don’t you go kissing any other woman, mister.”

  Daniel kissed her again. “There’s only one woman for me, Mrs. Sullivan. Attractive as Mrs. Grey is…” Daniel waggled his eyebrows suggestively. They both burst out laughing.

  The store door opened admitting Ma and Ellen. “You seem in high spirits.” Ma said, beaming at the both of them.

  “I
t’s a beautiful day, I am married to a gorgeous woman and I have the best Ma in the world. Why wouldn’t I be happy?” Daniel danced a jig.

  “Have you been drinking, Daniel Sullivan?” Ma Sullivan looked at her son, pretending to be suspicious. “Just because you are a married man doesn’t mean I can’t take the switch to you?”

  Daniel took a hold of his mother and swung her around, causing more laughter as his mother demanded to be put down.

  Chapter 10

  Katie watched as Ellen wandered over to the fabric section. Her sister’s hand stroked some lovely blue material, a longing expression on her face. “It’s the harvest festival soon. Will you be dancing with anyone in particular, Ellen?” Katie teased her younger sister, watching in amusement as the girl’s cheeks turned crimson.

  “Katie Sullivan, leave her be. Ellen will tell us the name of her beau when the time is right.”

  Katie chuckled as her sister’s cheeks turned even redder. There was nothing like young love. “Ellen, why don’t we make you a new dress? Ma told me how helpful you’ve been. Consider this a reward.”

  “Katie, really? You’re the best sister a girl could have.”

  “How’s Davy? Is he looking forward to Mary arriving?” Katie asked Ma, as she fingered different bolts of material. Daniel had escaped to the back of the store leaving the women to chat.

  “I think he is, but he is trying not to be. Davy hasn’t been the same since Tilly died. I hope your friend isn’t expecting a lot.”

  “Mary is a practical girl. She knows what being a mail order bride entails, although I might have written a little of the love I found.”

  Ma gave Katie a hug, which she returned gratefully. She was very fond of her mother-in-law. She knew she would ensure Mary felt part of the family, too. Katie glanced at the clock. Were those hands ever going to move?

  “Mrs. Shaw suggested we ask Reverend Tim to insist the festival be dry. She doesn’t want a repeat of last year.”

  “Can’t really blame her.” Katie looked in her sister’s direction to check she wasn’t listening. “ The poor woman didn’t know where to look when Mr. Shaw fell over in the street. I’m not sure he’d listen. Noah would have a fit. The saloon is always full to bursting during the festivals. I think that’s one argument the Reverend is going to lose.” Katie looked at the clock again before drawing her sister back into the conversation. “Ellen, if you pick out the material, I will get the dress cut out before the train gets here.”

  “This one, Katie.” The girl showed them some yellow calico.

  “Don’t you think the dusty pink would go better with your coloring?” Ma held the pink up to Ellen’s face. “The yellow will make you paler than usual. What do you think, Katie?”

  “The pink would be my choice, too, but Ellen has to wear it.”

  “No, the pink is fine. I need to look my absolute best.”

  Ma and Katie exchanged a look before they both burst out laughing.

  “It’s not funny.” Ellen stamped her foot. “Ellie Dambridge is prettier than me. I just know he will ask her to dance.” Ellen ran out the door before the adults could stop her.

  Katie moved to follow, but Ma got there first. “You wait for your friend, I’ll go.”

  Chapter 11

  Mary took a handkerchief from her reticule and tried her best to remove the worst of the soot and cinders from her face. Thankfully Davy wasn’t meeting her. She must look a sight. Katie had warned her about the dirt so she was wearing one of her oldest dresses. She looked out the window, excitement fighting nerves as she got her first glimpse of her new home. Clover Springs was just as Katie described it in her letters. She could see the white church in the distance. She would get married there tomorrow. She looked around curiously. There were quite a few people walking around. Was Davy one of them?

  One man was sweeping the boardwalk around the entrance to what looked like a saloon. Mary shuddered. She had heard stories of other orphans ending up working in places like those. She couldn’t imagine having to do that to survive. Is marrying a stranger a better concept? He isn’t really a stranger. Katie knows him and she wouldn’t encourage me to marry someone who wasn’t respectable. What about love? What about it? Didn’t work out too well for you the last time did it?

  Mary started praying. Please let it work out Father. I know you know best but I would be grateful if my husband is... . Could she really ask for a handsome husband? Maybe one with his own teeth who didn’t smell too bad. Mary smiled sadly. It was a bit late wishing he was this or that now. She would be married tomorrow. All she could do now was pray he would be kind to her.

  The train shuddered to a stop and she could see Katie waiting impatiently on the platform. Excited, she grabbed her satchel bag, fixed her hat one last time and exited the train.

  “I am so glad to see you. I missed you.” Katie’s eyes shone with unshed tears.

  “I missed you too. I want to hug you but I don’t want to hurt you.” Mary eyed Katie’s stomach.

  “Come here and say hello properly.” Katie pulled her close.

  Mary couldn’t breathe from the hug Katie gave her. She smiled. Everything was going to be fine. No matter what lay ahead, Katie would help her. She listened as her friend chattered about the rest of the family.

  “You’ll see Ellen later, she’s minding the boarding house at the moment. Ma, that’s what I call Daniel’s mother, is at my house boiling water for your bath. Daniel is minding the store. “

  “And Davy?”

  “I don’t know where he is but I am sure he will turn up later. He probably got held up on the ranch. “

  “What’s it like?”

  “Big. You could walk around it but it would take forever. Davy will have to get you a horse. Can you ride? “

  Mary shook her head.

  “Me neither but Daniel has promised to teach me after the little one arrives. Although when I will have time for horse riding is another matter. Honestly, there aren’t enough hours in the day as it is.” Katie didn’t pause for breath. Mary guessed it was her friend’s attempt to keep her wedding nerves at bay.

  “Did you get my last letter? The one where I told you I had started a dressmaking business? I didn’t expect to be so busy. Turns out I don’t make that many dresses but I do a lot of mending. There just aren’t enough women in Clover Springs to keep up.”

  Mary held onto Katie’s arm as they walked down the street toward the mercantile. She looked around with interest at the clapboard buildings lining both sides of the street. The majority were freshly painted, giving the whole town a clean feel. The main thoroughfare was busy with several wagons bumping along. She guessed the town wasn’t usually this busy; the arrival of the train would generate extra traffic. She spotted a team of oxen dragging a wagon loaded with goods and wondered where it was going. There were a lot of people walking around too. Some children were chasing hoops down the street, running in and out behind the wagons. “It’s a pretty town, isn’t it?” Mary looked around her.

  “It is and the people are lovely. Well, for the most part. I am not too fond of Mrs. Grey and the feeling is mutual.”

  “Is she the one who doesn’t like you because you’re Irish? Can’t understand that myself. How can you hate a whole nation of people?”

  Katie shrugged her shoulders. “You will see when you meet Mrs. Grey. I know Father Molloy told us that you can find good in anybody but he hasn’t met her. “The girls giggled. “How is Nellie getting on with Mrs. Gantley? I wish she would come here but she says she is too old to be a pioneer. You would think I expected her to go digging for gold. With her cooking skills, she’d be snapped up as a bride out here.”

  “Maybe that’s what she is afraid of.” Mary laughed. “Nellie is in great form. She comes to see Cook quite regularly. She said Mrs. Gantley was concerned about you. She feels very guilty about what happened.”

  “I told her over and over that wasn’t her fault. Doesn’t she read my letters?”

  �
�She did send you out here…”

  “She did and I will be forever grateful. I have never been so happy. I am sure it will be the same for you, Mary.”

  Mary didn’t believe her. Life never worked out the way she expected. If it had, she would still have her Mam, daddy and two sisters. Instead she was standing in the middle of the Wild West about to marry a man she hadn’t set eyes on.

  Chapter 12

  Using her handkerchief to cover her mouth and nose from the worst of the dust stirred up by the traffic, she was glad when they arrived at the store. A handsome man was serving a lady wearing a fine calico dress. Mary fingered her own gown, wishing it wasn’t quite as old and dirty. Don’t be silly. That woman hasn’t travelled half way across the country on a smelly old train. “This is our home.” Katie beamed with happiness, her eyes glowing with pride. “The handsome man behind the counter is my husband, Daniel.”

  Daniel looked up, flashing a smile at both of them before returning his attention to his customer. Mary looked around her. Every available space was filled with goods. There were barrels of what she assumed were flour and other essentials lining one wall. The shelves above bulged with everything from bolts of material to canned goods. She guessed the heavy items for farming were stored out back, as they would take up too much valuable retail space. She spotted jars of candy on the counter and her mouth watered. What she wouldn’t give now for a peppermint stick. Her breath must stink after all the travelling.

  Mary followed Katie through the back of the store into the living quarters. There was a kitchen and living room downstairs. She guessed the stairs led to the bedrooms.

  “Would you like to eat or have a bath first?” Katie asked before picking up the note on the kitchen table. “Ma has the water ready for your bath.”