“Ben, look at me now. Put any thoughts like that out of your head. Mary and her husband will be lucky to have a son like you.”
Ben didn’t say anything but shifted closer to her. She put her arm around him. At least Granny had loved her. Ben, unfortunately, didn’t know the meaning of the word until he met Mary. He’d lost her soon afterwards.
Sorcha squinted out the window trying to see her groom. He was her prince charming, her happy ever after. They would grow old together, surrounded by children and grandchildren. She would be respectable. He said he didn’t want more children. She ignored the little voice in her head. He couldn’t mean it. Why look for a bride?
She giggled at the sight of Mary wearing a blindfold. “Look Ben, do you see Mary waiting for us?”
The screech of the train brakes meant she didn’t hear Ben’s reply. She took his hand and moved to the door. Pushing it open, she let Ben get out first before following closely behind him. Her heart was beating so fast, she became dizzy. She held onto Ben tightly as if using him as a shield between her and the life that awaited her.
She spotted a tall man striding toward her. Was this Mr. Petersen? He held out his hand but she just stared at him for a couple of seconds.
“Miss Matthews?”
Sorcha nodded before swallowing hard. She struggled to speak but her words came out as a whisper. “Mr. Petersen?”
“No, sorry, Miss. I’m Davy Sullivan, Mary’s husband. This must be Ben. Thank you for looking after him on the journey.” Davy looked around him for a minute. Was he looking for Mr. Petersen? She stared around too but didn’t see anyone looking as nervous as she was. She tried to focus on what Mary’s husband was saying.
“Why don’t you both come with me? Mary can’t wait to see you. She’s over there with Katie, my sister in law. Petersen will find us, he may have gone to get your bags.”
“I have everything I own right here, Mr. Sullivan. Perhaps he was delayed.” Sorcha knew she wasn’t succeeding in hiding her fear.
“No, he’s here alright. I saw him not five minutes ago. Please come with us. Katie can’t wait to hear how Nellie is.”
At the mention of Nellie, Sorcha smiled brightly. She had only met Nellie a few times but she reminded her of her granny. “Nellie told Cook to tell me to watch out for Indians. She crossed herself when I said I couldn’t wait to meet some.”
Davy laughed loudly, causing a few people to stare in their direction. Sorcha relaxed slightly. If Mr. Petersen was half as nice as Mary’s husband, she would be very happy.
Davy bent down to be closer to the boy. “You must be Ben. I’m very pleased to meet you. Mary has told me lots about you.” The boy stood taller. “She doesn’t know you are coming, Ben. She thinks I’ve bought her some new books. I didn’t tell her the Nuns let you come to live with us. She is going to be so happy.”
The child’s face lit up with the biggest smile. Sorcha’s eyes filled with tears. She gave Ben a quick hug before pushing him gently toward Davy.
“Come on, son. Let’s go over to meet your new Ma.”
Chapter 11
Sorcha walked slightly ahead, wanting to see Mary’s reaction to the surprise. For the moment, all thoughts of Mr. Petersen went out of her head.
“Miss Matthews, would you mind taking off Mary’s blindfold, please?” Davy and Ben exchanged grins.
“Sorcha, I am so glad you are here. Sorry about my husband. He has an odd sense of humor. I don’t know what you thought you were doing Davy…” Mary turned toward her husband but stopped talking to stare at Davy and Ben.
“Oh my. Ben, what are you doing here?”
Sorcha watched as Mary bent down to give the child a big hug. Tears ran down her friend’s face. She wasn’t the only one.
“Go on son, give your new Ma a hug.” Davy said to Ben.
“Ma? You mean… Ben is …”
Sorcha sighed loudly as Davy put his arm around Mary, kissing her on the cheek. “That’s right. Ben is coming to live with us. Now stop fussing, woman, and take your son to the church. We need to find Petersen for Miss Matthews. We have a wedding to get to.” Davy was nearly knocked off his feet as his wife gave him a huge hug.
Sorcha’s stomach hit her boots. Mr. Petersen. She looked around her and spotted a man standing some distance away. He was fiddling with his collar, his attention on the two girls with him. He had to be waiting for her.
She moved toward him, leaving Mary chattering behind her. She wiped her hands down the side of her cloak, counting backwards in Irish as Granny had taught her. Granny said it was impossible to worry when you concentrated hard.
She faltered slightly as she walked down the platform. The man was huge, not only tall but also very broad. Her gaze dropped to his large hands, the tanned fingers covered in nasty looking scars. She flinched wondering how he had been hurt so badly.
He hadn’t noticed her until she was almost standing beside him. “Mr. Petersen?” Her voice shook almost as much as the hand she held out. His eyes widened when he looked at her but he didn’t smile. He closed his eyes for a moment, not before she’d seen the pain and torment in their depths. Sorcha’s heart beat faster. She had to make a big effort not to turn back and run to Mary. Her friend had her own family. This man and the girls were going to be hers.
The two girls were so different. The toddler was smiling at her but the older girl looked like she was going to spit. Oh, I will have my work cut out there. Best start as I mean to go on. She willed her feet to stand still as he took her outstretched hand. Mesmerized, she watched his giant palm take hers. She looked even smaller compared to him. They would be laughed at if they walked down the main street. She wished she was ten years older but then she wouldn’t be in Clover Springs.
Chapter 12
She raised her eyes to his, surprised to find him also staring at their joined hands.
“I am Brian Petersen and this is my daughter Jenny –she’s 9 and Meggie is 3.” His voice was nice, quieter than she expected.
“Nice to meet you.” Sorcha gave his hand a quick shake but he didn’t let go. Electricity charged the air between them, causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand up. Flustered, she waited for him to break contact but several seconds passed. She risked looking up at him. He seemed to have had a similar reaction to hers, if the shocked look in his eyes was anything to go by. Dimly, she became aware of the children scrutinizing her. She pulled her hand loose before turning to the children.
She wanted to give Jenny a hug but the girl took a step back. Deciding she needed time to adjust, Sorcha turned her attention to Meggie squirming in her father’s arms. “Aren’t you a cute little thing?” The toddler beamed up at Sorcha, holding out her arms for a hug.
“Your children are beautiful, Mr. Petersen.”
“Aye. They take after their Ma.”
Uncomfortable silence followed his remark. Sorcha trembled with jealousy? It couldn’t be. She didn’t even know his first wife. Not liking how she was feeling, she tried again with Jenny. “You are very pretty, Jenny. I like your dress.”
“Don’t lie. You know it’s too small for me but Ma made it. My real Ma.”
Sorcha looked at her soon to be husband for some guidance on how to react but he stared at the ground. Jenny eyed her warily. She knew the child was hurting. It hadn’t been that long since her Ma had died.
“Yes, it is a little short but it is still very pretty. Your Ma was an excellent seamstress. Do you enjoy sewing?”
Jenny appeared to have lost the ability to speak. Sorcha pretended she had answered positively.
“Great. Maybe you can teach me. I put the needle in my finger every time I try to sew something. My friend Mary, I mean, Mrs. Sullivan over there. She used to help me when we lived in Boston.”
“Does your Ma live in Boston?” Jenny asked.
Sorcha’s stomach roiled. Why did a simple question about her parents upset her so much? “No Jenny, she doesn’t. I haven’t seen my Ma for a very long time.�
� Determinedly pushing all negative thoughts out of her mind, Sorcha stuck a smile on her face. It turned into a genuine one as she spotted Ben coming toward her. “Ah Ben, meet Jenny and Meggie Petersen. Girls, this is Ben. He’s come to live with Mrs. Sullivan.”
“Yeah, I got a new Ma just like you did.” Ben smiled, happiness radiating from every pore.
Jenny stuck closer to her Pa. “I don’t need or want a new Ma.”
Sorcha bit the inside of her cheek.
“That’s a horrible thing to say. Sorcha is the best. Well, not as good as my new Ma, but just about. She is kind and she tells amazing stories about warriors and kings and magic.”
Sorcha could have hugged Ben but it wasn’t the right moment. She saw Jenny’s interest was piqued, although the girl pretended otherwise. “Tsh, you boys are all the same. I don’t want to know about wars or fighting or any of that stuff.”
“Yeah, you girls are boring. She tells stories about princesses and queens and all too. In fact, she should tell you about the king’s daughters. Their evil stepmother turned them into swans.”
“That’s enough, Ben.” Sorcha said hastily as Jenny’s face paled. Ben stuck his tongue out at Jenny before turning back to Sorcha. “Sorry, but she should be nice. She’s getting a great Ma.”
Chapter 13
Tears threatened again as Sorcha hugged Ben. His loyalty was so unexpected, it almost pushed her over the edge. But she wasn’t going to her wedding with tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Do you mind if I just talk to Mary for a couple of minutes? I didn’t really get the chance as she was naturally excited about Ben coming.” Sorcha asked, her voice shaking, but didn’t wait for an answer. She hadn’t promised to obey him yet. “Come on, Ben.” She moved toward Mary, half dragging Ben behind her.
“Sorcha, darling. Thank you so much. I can’t believe Ben is here. Finally.” Mary wiped tears away.
“Don’t look so scared. Being married is the best thing that ever happened to me.” Sorcha let Mary take her arm, as her friend whispered, “Brian Petersen is a nice man and Jenny is such a character.”
She’s a character, all right. She hates me.
“And who could resist little Meggie? She makes me want to grab her and run. Isn’t she just gorgeous?”
Sorcha couldn’t help but smile. Mary hadn’t changed. She still spoke a thousand words a minute. She heard the cough behind her at the same time Mary stopped talking. Her soon to be husband was standing, his discomfort obvious as he played with the hat in his hands.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Sullivan, but time is moving on. I don’t want to keep Reverend Timmons waiting.”
He looked everywhere but at her. This wasn’t going at all according to her dreams. She looked to Mary, hoping her friend might rescue her, but her attention was once more fixed on Ben.
“Mary, are you coming to the wedding?”
“Isn’t that a silly question? Of course I am coming. You don’t think you would get married alone. I am sorry, Mr. Petersen, but Reverend Timmons can wait a few more minutes. A girl only gets married once and Sorcha needs to freshen up.”
Sorcha bit back a giggle as her groom just stared.
“We will meet you at the church in, say, thirty minutes.” Mary didn’t give him a chance to agree but took Sorcha’s arm and marched her down the platform. “Honestly, men haven’t a clue about weddings, do they darling? Katie, you remember me talking about her, don’t you? She’s offered you the use of her home. The ranch being too far away. She went on ahead to heat up some water. You don’t have time for a bath but you can clean up a little.” Mary paused before adding. “I don’t know how to thank you for bringing Ben out here. I can’t believe my husband kept it a secret. I am such a lucky woman.”
Sorcha walked, letting Mary chatter. She glanced behind her a couple of times. Mr. Petersen had stood staring after them for a few minutes before he had given in and followed them. She wondered if he was used to getting his own way. She watched how his children reacted to him. They didn’t appear to be frightened or badly treated. Meggie was giggling and even Jenny looked brighter.
Please God, let this marriage work.
Chapter 14
They reached the store and went through to the back, where Katie had not only warmed up water but prepared a small snack as well.
“I remember the food on the train wasn’t much. I bet you are rather nervous, but a little snack will help settle your stomach.” Katie took Sorcha’s black jacket. “It is so nice to finally meet you in person. Mary’s told me a lot about you. I hope you will be as happy in Clover Springs as we are.”
Sorcha sat. She couldn’t speak. Her emotions were all over the place. The reality of meeting the man she would marry had fallen so far short of how she imagined it would be. Once a dreamer always a dreamer. She took a small bit of the sandwich but her stomach turned over. She pushed the plate away. “I’m sorry, but I think I am going to be sick.”
“Oh, you poor love. You look scared to death. Mr. Petersen is a fine man. You will be grand.” Katie took her hand and patted it while Mary poured a glass of water.
“Drink this. We know how you feel. Both of us were mail order brides too.”
Sorcha didn’t believe they understood. True they had married virtual strangers but they hadn’t also inherited a family. You’re too young to be a mother to a 9-year old. Laura’s words replayed over and over. She wanted the voice to stop. Standing too quickly, she let the dizziness take over and sank to the floor. She came round to find herself lying on the couch. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t move. Just relax for a few minutes. Sorcha, everything will work out for the best. Trust in God. He brought you here for a reason.”
“I’m too young. Laura was right. Those children need a proper Ma.”
“Laura can go jump. I’ve seen you with the young ones in the orphanage. You are exactly what Jenny and Meggie need. Those girls lost more than their ma and brother, they lost their freedom. Mr. Petersen barely lets them out of his sight. They need you, Sorcha, just as much, if not more, than you need them.”
Sorcha hoped Mary was right. She stood up slowly.
“Let’s get to the church. I don’t want to keep him waiting.”
Katie returned to the room, carrying a small bunch of flowers and a pretty shawl. “I know it’s not a wedding dress but it will go well with what you are wearing.”
“It’s beautiful. You can burn that hideous jacket. No more reminders of the orphanage. Put on the pretty shawl, Sorcha.” Mary instructed, a fierce look in her eyes.
Sorcha handed the dark jacket over to Mary and placed the fine shawl around her shoulders. It was very soft.
“Davy asked if he could give you away.” Mary smiled at her. “He wants to thank you for taking such good care of our son.”
Sorcha wished she could swallow the frog in her throat. Everyone was so kind. She followed Katie and Mary downstairs. Ben grinned when he saw her. “You look good.”
Davy burst out laughing, cuffing Ben gently. “Guess your new Pa will have to teach you some lessons on how to speak to ladies, young man.”
“I said she looked good. What’s wrong with that?”
Everyone laughed.
“The expression you are looking for is beautiful. Every woman looks beautiful on her wedding day.”
“Oh.” Ben kicked at the ground, his ears and face crimson.
Mary put her arm across his shoulders. “Come on love, let’s get going. Reverend Timmons won’t wait forever.”
Chapter 15
The group of them walked slowly across the town, reaching the church in a few minutes. The Petersen girls were sitting in the first pew, their father speaking to the Reverend. Davy held Sorcha’s arm as the others took their seats. She walked slowly up the aisle to where Mr. Petersen waited.
The Reverend smiled but her face was frozen. She stared at the floor the whole way through the ceremony. She would have missed her vows if her groom hadn’t gently squeezed
her finger. Looking up at him, she was surprised to see pity and sadness in his eyes. She wanted him to swing her into his arms and declare undying love. Just like they did in the stories. She squeezed her eyes shut in a vain attempt to stop a tear escaping.
He had stared as she walked down the aisle, her eyes fixed to the floor. Being tiny and delicate, she looked much younger than eighteen, not to mention fragile too. A cloak of desperation surrounded her. She would look more at home at a funeral given the expression on her face. Was it too late to stop the ceremony?
He could feel her shivering as she stood beside him. Why had he agreed to marry the girl? Because you need a wife. Why marry a child then?
Closing his eyes, he forced the negative thoughts away. His mind flew back to his first wedding. Abby had been shaking too, but she was excited not scared. They had grown up together and married as soon as their parents agreed they could. The church had been packed with her friends and family. Everyone loved Abby. Why was she taken? Why not him instead? He deserved to die. She didn’t.
What if something were to happen to the girl standing beside him? That thought sent a shudder through him. He’d been wrong to put another innocent at risk. Desperately, he glanced around. He had to stop the service. Now.
He risked a glance at her. Big mistake, she was staring back up at him. Her eyes widened a little. She was still terrified but she also looked… hopeful, maybe a little trusting. Oh dear God, she must think this was the start of a good life. Maybe it was better than she was used to. Life in an orphanage couldn’t be fun. What was it the Sullivan wives had said? Something about the nuns holding her background against her.
Dimly, he realized Reverend Timmons was clearing his throat. He looked at him, wondering why he was staring at him.
“I pronounce you man and wife. Again.” Reverend Timmons whispered.
Sorcha: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Page 3