Mary: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 2

by Rachel Wesson

  Mary’s stomach rumbled, as she smelled the distinctive flavor of cinnamon. She couldn’t remember the last time she had eaten a decent meal. Sandwiches didn’t count. “I should say a bath but I’m starving.” As if to emphasize the point, Mary’s stomach grumbled again. The girls both giggled.

  Mary offered to help but Katie insisted she had everything under control. She directed Mary to her room where a jug of warm water and a towel meant she could clean her face and hands before eating. She came back downstairs to find Daniel already sitting at the table.

  “Please make yourself at home, Miss Ryan. We are very pleased to have you.” Daniel smiled before reaching for the biscuits Katie placed on the table.

  “Thank you.” Mary sat and looked at the mountain of food on her plate. She no longer felt hungry but she forced herself to start eating as soon as Katie sat down. The food smelled delicious but Mary’s nerves were getting the better of her. Why did I agree to wait? It would have been easier to get married as soon as I got off the train.

  Chapter 13

  The next morning Katie accompanied Mary to the Church. The rest of the Sullivan family were waiting outside, an anxious expression on their faces. Mary spotted the look Daniel exchanged with Katie. What was going on? Where was the groom?

  “Miss Ryan, I am afraid, well that is to say, actually…” Daniel stammered to a stop with a begging look at his wife.

  Katie put her arms around Mary’s shoulders. “What my tongue tied husband is trying to say is that Davy has been slightly delayed. He will be here any minute. Why don’t we go back to the store and have a cup of tea while we are waiting?”

  “Has he changed his mind?” He couldn’t be cruel enough to leave me standing in my wedding dress in the middle of the street. Could he?

  “Mary, this is totally out of character. He should be here any minute. Daniel is going to go look for him.”

  Mary looked around in panic but then realized how foolish she was. Any man on the street could be Davy. She didn’t even have a photograph of her intended. Shoulders slumping, she turned to leave.

  “Wait, he’s here. He’s coming. Look.”

  They all looked in the direction Elizabeth was pointing. Mary saw a horse racing toward them. Instinctively, she took a step backwards. The rider jumped off almost before the horse stopped. Mary’s heart stopped. Or at least she thought it did. His green eyes stared at her but it was his smell that hit her first. Good Lord but he stank to high heaven! Before she could open her mouth, Martha Sullivan started shouting at her son.

  “Davy. What on earth do you mean showing up at Church looking and smelling like a pigsty. It’s your wedding day. What must poor Miss Ryan think of us?”

  Davy didn’t look at his mother; his eyes were still glued to Mary’s.

  “I apologize, Miss Ryan. One of my cows delivered calves and I couldn’t leave her. It was twins you see and they weren’t coming out properly. “ At the collective intake of breath Davy looked down, obviously embarrassed. “Um, what I mean to say is that the mama needed my help. If I had stayed to wash and change, you would have thought I stood you up.”

  Mary couldn’t say anything. She was struggling not to breathe for fear the smell would cause her to bring up breakfast. She stared at him.

  “Although I’m guessing you would have preferred to meet me after a bath?”

  The grin he gave her warmed her heart. It reminded her of a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. She nodded. He smiled back, causing goose bumps to appear all over her arms. “Oh my.” She put her hand up to her mouth to prevent any more words from spilling out. Davy’s mother mistook her gesture believing she was about to get sick.

  “Davy Sullivan you get yourself a wash and change of clothes. Reverend Timmons will perform the marriage later if he doesn’t have anything else on. Reverend?” She turned to look for the Reverend but he had already beaten a hasty retreat back into the church.

  “The smell was too bad Ma, he’s gone into hiding.” The few guests laughed at Daniel’s words but quickly dispersed when Katie and her mother-in-law glared at them.

  Mary didn’t notice. She was staring up at Davy, who was still apologizing.

  “You look beautiful, Miss Ryan. Mary.”

  She couldn’t reply, the sound of his voice and the look in his eyes made her want to swoon. Swoon indeed. That’s for rich ladies whose corsets are too tight. It’s time I showed this town what I am made of. “I think it’s mighty fine of you to stay with your animal. She must have been frightened to death.”

  “She is happier now it’s over. I’ll show you the babies later.”

  Mary nodded.

  “Now I best go get a bath. I hope I haven’t ruined your day, Miss Ryan.”

  “Mary.” She corrected gently. “I think you’ve shown me life will never be dull around you, Mr. Sullivan.”

  “Davy.” He smiled back before nodding and turning on his heel, whistling as he walked away.

  Mary stared after him until she heard Katie giggling. “Come on, little Miss star struck. Let’s go and have the Irish answer to any crisis.”

  “A whiskey?” Daniel said, not quite hiding the hopeful look in his eyes.

  “A nice cup of tea.” Katie put her arm around Mary’s shoulders, as if sensing she needed the support to make her feet move. Put one foot in front of the other. Left, right, left, right.

  Chapter 14

  Davy tried his best to block out his ma’s voice. He’d let everyone down by arriving at the church stinking to kingdom come. But what could he do? If he hadn’t stayed with the cow, the calves may have died. He couldn’t afford to take that chance. Not even for a stunning blonde. Had Katie mentioned how gorgeous her friend was? He couldn’t remember. She wasn’t classically beautiful. Her nose was a little too big and her chin stuck out slightly but her hazy sea green eyes sucked him in from the moment he set eyes on her. The men in Boston must be blind. He scrubbed his neck and behind his ears. Without a by your leave, his Ma entered the room and dumped a bucket of cold water over his head.

  “Ma!”

  “Hope that knocks some sense into you. I have never been so embarrassed in all my life. Thank God your father isn’t here to witness this.”

  Davy opened one eye to see his mother standing beside the bathtub with her hands on her hips. It had been a long time since he had seen her so riled up. He started to laugh.

  “What’s so funny might I ask?”

  Davy couldn’t answer. He tried not to laugh. Snorting, he tried to escape under the water.

  “Did that cow kick your head when you were delivering those calves? You seem to have lost your mind.”

  “Ma, get out of here and let me get dressed.”

  ‘I’m going but you listen to me, David Sullivan. You get yourself dressed and over to that Church. I wouldn’t blame the poor girl if she took the next train out of here.”

  Chapter 15

  Mary sat half listening to Katie and the others as they chatted. She knew they were trying to take her mind off the fiasco this morning but it was all she could think of. Well, not all. He was so handsome. She never dreamed a man like that would even look in her direction. Well, he didn’t, did he? He sent for you because he needs a wife. Her skin tingled as she thought of how tall he was, how muscular his arms looked. He was every inch a cowboy.

  She had seen the way he looked at her. Her hands shook. For the first time, it dawned on her she would have to go home alone with him. Would he expect her to share his bed tonight? Maybe he would be kind enough to give them some time to get to know each other. She knew very little about what happened between husband and wife. Mam had always said it was time enough to learn before she got married. Now time had run out and Mam wasn’t around to explain. No point in heading down that road, she would be in floods of tears before too long. She had to concentrate on the present. Maybe Katie would tell her. Mary had seen the private looks Katie and Daniel had exchanged when they thought nobody else was looking. Th
ey were obviously very happy together. Would she and Davy be like that? A knock at the door startled them all. Katie stood to answer while Mary wiped her hands down the sides of her dress. She recognized his voice. Is he here to cancel the wedding? Her heart fluttered but thankfully she didn’t have time to wonder if it was worry the wedding would be cancelled or anticipation of a future beside Davy.

  “Miss Ryan, I apologize for this morning. I hope you still intend to go through with the ceremony.”

  Mary stood. “I agreed to be your wife.”

  “Well, yes, of course. Shall we go?”

  Mary panicked. She wished she had the guts to ask him to wait for a couple of weeks to marry until she got to know him better. But where would she stay? The boarding house was full. Katie would offer her a room but that wouldn’t be fair. She had enough on her plate with the store, the coming baby, and not to mention the fact that she hadn’t been married long herself. No, there was nothing for it. She had to get married today.

  She stood up just as Daniel came over to her. “I would be honored to give you away. I know we just met but Katie has told me so much about you. I feel like I already know you.”

  “Thank you.” Mary couldn’t say anything else. Her mouth had gone so dry she wondered if she would be able to answer the priest. The priest. Where was he? She hadn’t seen him this morning.

  Chapter 16

  Walking slowly, Daniel pointed out places of interest in the town but Mary wasn’t listening. Her stomach was going round and round and she struggled to not give into her instinct to flee. As the church loomed over them, she stopped.

  “Are you alright, Miss Ryan?”

  Mary didn’t respond immediately. She needed a minute to compose herself. She had dreamed of her wedding but it was nothing like her dream. Her Mam and daddy weren’t there. She was in a strange town about to marry a man she had only exchanged a few words with.

  “Miss Ryan, please don’t look so worried. My brother is one of the kindest men I know. He messed up this morning, but surely the fact he wouldn’t leave an animal to suffer alone gives some indication as to the type of man he is?” Mary couldn’t say anything. She opened her mouth but nothing happened. “He will be nice to you and, in time, I hope you are as happy as I am with Katie.”

  “Thank you, Daniel. Katie is a lucky woman.” Mary finally found her voice.

  “I think I am the lucky one, Miss Ryan. Now shall we go inside?”

  They walked slowly up the steps and into the church. Where was the holy water? The smell of incense? The priest?

  Davy turned to look at the vision gliding up the aisle. She seemed to be floating not walking. Her eyes were glued to the floor, her pale face a stark contrast to her dark green gown. She’s petrified. Davy took a step toward her, causing her to look up. Her eyes, full of fear and trepidation, made him want to reassure her. It would all be fine. He wasn’t going to make a nuisance of himself. They might be getting wed today but, for the time being, it would be in name only. He wasn’t going to jump on the poor girl the second he got her home. Was that what she was thinking? How would you know? She’s a stranger. He took her hand and rubbed it gently, trying to show her he understood her fear. She glanced up at him and gave him a half smile. She had spunk.

  The wedding ceremony passed in blur. One minute she was walking down the aisle as Mary Ryan, and the next thing, her husband was told to kiss her. Mary looked up shyly at her groom. She didn’t have long to wonder about the kiss as his lips met hers. It wasn’t a long kiss, thank goodness, as the effect made her want to swoon again. She liked the feel of his lips on hers and missed them when he moved away. He took her arm and they turned to face their friends and family. She couldn’t help smiling.

  The wedding breakfast, although it was now nearer teatime, was held in a café just down the street from the church. Davy didn’t leave her side. She was surprised at the number of people who had turned up from the wedding. It seemed her husband and his family were well respected in the town. Her husband. Mrs. Mary Sullivan. It sounded right.

  As if he could read her mind, Davy looked into her eyes. “How are you feeling, Mrs. Sullivan?”

  “Fine, thank you, Mr. Sullivan.”

  He laughed. She liked the sound of his laughter and the fact he had a sense of humor. Mam always said to avoid moody or mean men. He didn’t seem to be either given his laughter and the number of guests at the meal. She hoped people would forgive her for not remembering their names. After her long journey and sleepless night last night, she was tired.

  “Are you ready to go home, Mary?”

  “Yes, please.” She said, smiling shyly.

  To some good-natured teasing, they said their goodbyes. The guests escorted them to Davy’s wagon. Katie hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. “Everything will work out. I promise.” She whispered into Mary’s ear before stepping back to link arms with Daniel.

  “I hope you will call me Ma as well. Katie does and I love it. You are very welcome to our family, Mary. Mrs. Higgins will look after you. She is a wonderful cook. I have put a basket of foodstuffs and other necessaries in the back of the wagon to tide you over until you get settled.” Martha gave Mary a warm hug.

  “Thank you very much, Mrs. Sullivan, I mean, Ma.” Mary returned the older woman’s hug. She was about to climb into the wagon when Davy came over to assist her. “Wrap this around your legs, we don’t want you getting cold on the way home.”

  It was really nice to have someone so considerate for her comfort. Mary took the blanket eagerly. She was shivering but whether that was from being cold or scared, she wasn’t going to think about.

  Chapter 17

  After saying their goodbyes, the wagon rolled off toward home. She clasped her hands on her lap trying to calm her nerves. She wished Davy would say something but he seemed to be thinking. Looking up, she saw the stars shining brightly. Mam, if you are up there, please help me.

  “Lovely night, isn’t it?”

  “The stars are so bright out here. Do you live far from town?”

  “About an hour or so. Do you know how to ride?”

  “A horse?”

  “Well, unless they ride cattle in Ireland.” Davy laughed, but at her silence, he stopped. “Yes, a horse.”

  Mary cursed her stupidity. “I’m a fast learner.”

  They continued in silence for a bit. Say something? Anything? When it became apparent she would have to make conversation, she said, “Your Mam is very thoughtful. Who is Mrs. Higgins?”

  “Mrs. Higgins is my cook. She is the best housekeeper in the whole of Colorado territory. Wait till you taste her cooking.”

  “You have a housekeeper?”

  Davy nodded.

  “Oh.”

  “What?”

  “I thought, well, I mean I assumed…”

  “Go on, girl, spit it out.” Davy smiled at her before turning his attention back to the road ahead.

  “Most men who order brides want housekeepers or cooks.”

  “I already have a housekeeper who is a great cook.”

  So why do you want a bride? Mary was dying to ask but maybe she didn’t want to know the answer.

  Davy shifted in the seat, uncomfortable at the turn of the conversation. He thought Katie would have told her about Mrs. Higgins. If he had wanted a cook, he could employ one. He wanted a wife for companionship. Someone to keep him warm at night. He wanted a family. It seemed obvious to him but he didn’t want to spell it out now. His new bride was as skittish as a colt.

  “Mrs. Higgins would have come to town for the wedding but she’s been feeling a little under the weather. I told her to rest. In fact, I ordered her to bed. Told her I would fire her if she set foot in town.”

  “Oh, the poor woman. You probably frightened her to death.”

  Davy burst out laughing. “Not likely. You haven’t met Mrs. Higgins. If anything, she is the one who frightens me.” He sensed Mary didn’t believe him but she would find out for herself. The thought of
Mrs. Higgins being frightened of anyone, least of all himself, made him smile. The woman was the bravest person he knew. Hadn’t she defended her homestead against a band of murdering Indians almost single handedly? She hadn’t fallen to pieces when her husband was shot dead at her side. Thankfully the army had arrived in time before she had run out of ammunition. But not before she had avenged Mr. Higgins. Davy had met her shortly afterwards. She had come to Clover Springs with her twin boys and Ma had employed her straight away. The boys, Aaron and Samuel, had grown up with the Sullivan clan and were almost like brothers.

  He glanced at Mary, who sat stiffly by his side. Now wasn’t the time to tell her how Mrs. Higgins came to Clover Springs. In his experience, most folk from the East were terrified of Indians.

  Chapter 18

  He spotted the ranch in the distance. He sighed contentedly. He was a lucky man. He had a nice house but the woman beside him was going to turn it into a home. He found himself picturing the kids they might have. Dark haired boys and blonde haired girls. How many would they have?

  “Are we nearly there? I thought I saw lights up ahead.”

  “Yes, Mary. Almost home. How are you feeling?”

  “Fine.”

  “Really? If I were in your shoes, I would feel a little scared.” He silently cursed the minute the words were out of his mouth as her whole body stiffened at the implication.

  “Do I have reason to be apprehensive?” She blinked rapidly.

  “No. What I meant was… Well, I can’t imagine going to live somewhere I had never seen. I was trying to be understanding but I messed up. I’m sorry.”

  Mary made a suspicious sound.

  “Are you laughing or crying?”

  “Laughing. Sorry.”