Sorcha: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides

by Rachel Wesson

  After another sleepless night, Sorcha woke up with a headache. Why did I tell the girls I would take them into town? Sighing deeply, she got out of bed moving slowly around the kitchen. She didn’t speak to Brian. He looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face but she ignored him.

  He left as soon as he was finished. The girls spoke softly, as if afraid of disturbing her. She finished her chores quickly before going outside. The wagon was hitched up waiting for her. Brian stood holding the reins. He looked at her expectantly.

  “Thank you.”

  His lips twitched as if he was going to laugh but her glare made him turn away instead. She climbed into the wagon, barely waited for the girls to take their seats and rode off without looking back. Maybe a dose of his own medicine would make him get some sense!

  Chapter 36

  The girls chattered together as they drove into town. Soon they were at the store.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Petersen. I am Katie Sullivan, Mary’s friend. I was at your wedding but I am not sure you remember me.”

  “Please call me Sorcha. I feel like I know you already. Mary spoke so much about you at the orphanage.”

  “Would you like some tea, Sorcha? Daniel can mind the store and I am parched.” Katie saw the sorrow in the younger girl’s eyes. Her heart lurched as memories surfaced of the way she had felt coming to marry Mr. Cassidy. She was determined to help Sorcha settle in.

  “I would but I have the girls with me.”

  Katie didn’t hide her surprise. “Isn’t Jenny going to school? I thought that was why you were in town so early. She missed a lot, you know. She needs to catch up.”

  Sorcha glanced away from the kind eyes looking at her. What could she say? She didn’t want to be disloyal to her husband but it was wrong for him to keep Jenny from school.

  “Pa don’t want me to go to school. He can teach me.”

  Sorcha hadn’t realized Jenny had heard Katie whispering.

  “Of course your Pa knows you need schooling, Jenny. What on earth gave her that idea?”

  Sorcha gave Katie a look, bringing a flush to the other woman’s cheeks. Moving toward the counter, Katie fetched some peppermint sticks. “Jenny, why don’t you take Meggie into the sitting room and play a little while we have a cup of tea?” Delighted, Jenny took her sister and the candy, leaving the two adults to walk toward the kitchen alone.

  “Does Mr. Petersen really not want the child in school?”

  Sorcha shook her head not trusting herself to speak. The tears were threatening again and she didn’t want to cry in front of Katie. Mary had said her friend was kind but still.

  “Why would a father not want his child educated? Is it because she’s a girl? Some people believe it’s not important for females, but I couldn’t run the shop if I didn’t know my letters and math.”

  “I don’t know, Mrs. Sullivan, I mean, Katie. My husband doesn’t say much.”

  Katie poured the tea a look of sympathy on her face. “I assume Mary told you I was a mail order bride too. Although it wasn’t Daniel who sent for me.”

  “Yes, she told me the story. It was very romantic.”

  “Maybe it seems that way now, but living it was a totally different story. I was terrified. I don’t mean to pry Sorcha but if you ever want to talk, I’m here. I won’t tell anyone, not even Mary, unless you want me to.”

  Sorcha stared, her mouth dry as she battled the temptation to spill her troubles.

  “I don’t know Mr. Petersen very well but he seems like a fair man. Is he treating you well?”

  Sorcha looked at the table.

  “Oh, you poor darling.” Katie took Sorcha’s hand. She lost the battle.

  “He’s not unkind. He doesn’t beat me or starve me but, well…” Sorcha played with her hands. “He sleeps in the barn every night.” She whispered.

  “Is that all? Oh my dear, he is just being a gentleman. He is waiting for you two to get to know each other first.

  “Oh, I’m not complaining about that. I didn’t mean … he is just so unpredictable. Sometimes, he can be very kind and sweet. Other times, he is so angry, he makes me nervous. He doesn’t really say anything, apart from telling me what the children can’t do. Jenny told me roast chicken was his favorite meal and he planned to kill the hen the night I arrived, so I did and I cooked it and it was his best layer. Then Jenny nearly got bitten by a snake when I took her to the creek. Yesterday, well I don’t know what I did wrong yesterday. I think he’s sorry he married me.” Sorcha burst out before the tears flooded down her cheeks. Katie held her in her arms but she couldn’t stop. She sobbed her heart out until she couldn’t cry anymore.

  “I’m so sorry. What must you think of me?”

  “I think you are a young woman thrown into a situation that is far different from one you dreamed about. Mary told me you were a romantic. You saw the best in everyone and life was all roses.

  “She said that?” Sorcha hiccupped. “My Granny used to tell me stories about Ireland. I should have known better than to believe in happily ever after. I grew up listening to stories about doomed lovers. Granny’s favorite was the story of Fionn MacCool when he was an old man. Grainne, his very young fiancée, fell in love with Diarmuid. They eloped but didn’t live happily ever after. Fionn chased them down and Diarmuid died. I should have listened. Granny was trying to tell me that life wasn’t about happy endings.”

  “I don’t think things are that bad, are they?” Katie’s smile was warm but her eyes were wary.

  Sorcha didn’t answer the obvious question. She continued talking as if Katie hadn’t said anything. “When I was hungry or the other kids were mean, she used them to take my mind off things. She told me over and over again that life never works out happy, yet I believed I could be different. I am so stupid.”

  “Everyone wants a happy ever after, Sorcha. My Mam used to say every cloud had a silver lining. It’s only been a few days. You and Brian have to get to know one another. His wife Abby and their little boy haven’t been dead that long.”

  “I know he just wants someone to keep house and look after the girls. He was crystal clear in his letter. I was stupid to think he meant otherwise.”

  “People don’t always know what they want. Sometimes what they think and what God has in mind for them are two totally different things. If you want some advice, I would say start the way you mean to go on. You know school would benefit Jenny. She would be happier and it would help get over the loss of her Mam. Take her to see Miss Freeman. She’s the new teacher. She hasn’t been in town long either. She lives with Mrs. Grey, so I am sure she would welcome some younger company.”

  “Mrs. Grey? Isn’t that the lady who doesn’t like us Irish?”

  “Mrs. Grey is the reason I am still alive. She saved my baby too. I wouldn’t say we are best of friends now but I think she is mellowing.” Katie smiled but her eyes were full of sadness. “There is a reason why Mrs. Grey believes so poorly of the Irish but that is not my story to tell. Oh my, is that the time? Daniel will think I got lost.”

  Sorcha stood up so quickly, she knocked the tea cup over. “I’m sorry. I’m not normally clumsy.

  “Don’t worry. It’s not broken. No harm done.”

  “Come downstairs, Jenny and let’s see if we can find you a new dress. Mrs. Shaw dropped off some dresses yesterday. Her granddaughters have outgrown them.” Katie gently picked up baby Ella who was still sleeping. She snuggled closer to her mother’s shoulder. Katie held her other hand out to Jenny.

  “I don’t want someone else’s old clothes. I have a dress.”

  “Jenny Petersen, do not speak to Mrs. Sullivan like that. What do you say?”

  “Sorry, Mrs. Sullivan.”

  Sorcha warmed at the look of approval Katie shot her before she turned her attention to Jenny. “If you had let me finish Jenny, I was going to say, one of the dresses had never been worn. I think it is just your size as well. Shall we have a look?”

  Jenny flushed slightly b
efore saying “yes please” softly and taking Katie’s hand as she led her downstairs.

  Chapter 37

  Sorcha picked up Meggie, taking her to the sink to wash her sticky hands and face. Then she quickly followed Katie downstairs. She came to a sudden stop at the transformation in her stepdaughter. The new dress highlighted her coloring, making her look prettier than ever. “Oh my. Wait till your Pa sees you.”

  “Do you think he will like it?” Jenny turned this way and that trying to see her reflection in the window.

  “I think he would love it but should you keep it for church on Sunday.”

  “No point, we don’t go to church no more. Pa told Reverend Timmons it was the chores that kept him home. But it’s not that. God took Ma and Pa doesn’t like him anymore.”

  Sorcha knew Jenny had no idea of the shock her words had brought on the women before her.

  “Did Mrs. Shaw bring in any other dresses in Jenny’s size, Katie?”

  Katie pulled out three but they discarded two of them almost immediately. The dull patterns would do nothing for anyone’s mood. The third one, while worn, would be perfect for day to day wear.

  Katie was still rummaging and with a whoop of delight, she produced some garments for Meggie. “Oh, look. She will be a cutie in this one.”

  Sorcha charged her purchases to her husband’s account. It was time to put her mark on this family.

  They walked down the boardwalk in the direction of the pretty little school house. She knew from Mary’s letters it was a recent addition to the town. The school bell rang just as they arrived. They were nearly knocked over by children flying out of the school. Sorcha saw a young stern looking woman at the top of the steps. She approached with caution. People in authority had always intimidated Sorcha, even if they were only a few years older.

  “Miss Freeman? My name is Sorcha Matth…. I mean Petersen. This is Jenny and her sister Meggie. I was wondering if I could speak to you about Jenny returning to school.”

  “Pa won’t like this at all.” Jenny kicked the ground. Sorcha ignored both the child and Miss Freeman’s raised eyebrows. “I believe schooling is important for all children. I’m sure you agree, Miss Freeman.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Petersen. Why don’t you come inside out of the sun? Jenny can show me if she knows how to read and write

  “I ain’t stupid. Of course I can read and write. I used to go to school every day. Ma… my real ma made me.” The fight had gone out of the child’s tone as she turned away from the adults. They exchanged a look before Miss Freeman bent down. Putting a finger under Jenny’s chin, she forced her to look up. “We don’t use the word ain’t.”

  The teacher’s tone, while kind, was also firm. She won’t take any nonsense.

  “I don’t believe any child is stupid. Some have more learning than others but everyone has a gift. Now why don’t you take a reader and show me where you are at?”

  Sorcha waited while Miss. Freeman tested Jenny. She could see the child was enjoying the attention, regardless of what she said about not wanting to go to school. She had to convince Brian he was wrong. Children needed an education but also time with other children to learn, play and just be… normal. Once Miss. Freeman was finished testing Jenny, the child ran outside to play taking Meggie with her, leaving Sorcha alone with the teacher.

  “Your daughter is very bright.”

  “Thank you. She’s my step daughter. Her Ma and brother were killed last year. In the floods.”

  “Oh my. I’m so sorry.” Tears filled the teacher’s eyes. Sorcha looked away to give the lady a few minutes to compose herself.

  “My husband is protective. Understandable, I suppose, but I can’t see what harm she could come to in school. Education is important. Especially for girls.”

  Miss Freeman took her arm as she led her out of the school. “I am so pleased to hear you say that. Far too many people believe a woman has no requirement for learning. But with attitudes like yours, maybe that will change. I will look for Jenny on Monday.”

  “She’ll be here. Good afternoon, Miss Freeman.”

  Chapter 38

  Sorcha called Jenny and they set off for home. The girls were silent leaving her room to think of what she would say to Brian. She ran the conversation over and over in her head but nothing sounded right. As they rounded the bend and saw the house in the distance, Jenny spoke softly.

  “It’s no use, Sorcha. Pa ain’t going to let me go to school.”

  “You want to go, don’t you?”

  “More than anything.” Jenny’s eager eyes stared back at Sorcha.

  “I will speak to your Pa when the time is right. Don’t say a word.”

  The girl blanched. “You mean lie…to Pa?”

  Sorcha fidgeted with the reins. “No, of course not.” She modulated her tone. “I just want to pick the right time to discuss it. Let me try please.”

  But she didn’t get a chance. As soon as they arrived back at the house, Brian walked out of the barn.

  “Sorcha, I have to go to Denver. Cal Sutton, one of my richest clients, sent one of his boys for me. He arrived a few hours ago but I had to wait on you to come back.”

  “Sorry. I got delayed visiting with Katie and baby Ella.”

  “No need to apologize. You weren’t to know. You will be safe here. Frank said he will call by every couple of days to check on you.

  “Could we not stay with Mary?” Sorcha regretted asking as soon as she spoke.

  “I don’t like being indebted to people. The Sullivan’s have been good to us. You will be fine here. There is sufficient food and you can hitch up the wagon if you need to get to town.”

  Sorcha smiled despite herself. She was proud of what she had learned in the short time she’d been Brian’s wife. Not his real wife. He still slept in the barn.

  She stood watching as he readied himself for the trip. He said goodbye to the girls, giving both of them a big hug. They cried but the promise of a present cheered them up no end.

  Finally, he was ready to go. She stood waiting to see if she would get a hug too. Her heart beat so rapidly as he came closer, she thought she would faint. Biting her lip, she gazed up at him. “Take care, Sorcha. See you soon.” He bent as if to kiss her but at the last minute he touched his lips to her forehead. She clenched her fists, as the desire to pull him down into an embrace almost overtook her. Then he was gone.

  Gathering the weeping children to her, she walked slowly back to the house. The day passed slowly. The children behaved badly. She was hard pushed to keep her temper in check. Finally, they fell asleep and she collapsed on the bed, thinking sleep would come easy.

  But it didn’t. And the next few days dragged by slowly as well. Soon it was Monday. Sorcha hitched up the wagon and drove Jenny to school. Jenny wasn’t happy. She wanted to walk, not take a ride in the wagon. After some hesitation and arguments from Jenny, Sorcha agreed to let her walk home from school.

  She wished Brian could see how proud and confident Jenny looked as she walked up the school steps. But maybe it was best he didn’t. He might not have agreed with her decision. Well, he wasn’t here. She was in charge of the girls now.

  Chapter 39

  Something woke Sorcha. She listened to the night sounds, her heart racing. You are being silly. It’s not the first time you’ve been alone in the house. She heard the barn door squeak. Looking out the window, she could only see the shadow of the building. The sky was overcast. Why couldn’t the moon be clear and give me some light?

  Maybe Brian was home. He was probably hungry. Rising, she put a blanket around her shoulders and headed out toward the barn. She called his name but he didn’t answer. Maybe he didn’t hear me.

  She pushed the door open but the barn was in darkness. A horse nickered but it wasn’t a sound of distress. Turning, she headed back toward the house. Must have imagined it.

  But then she heard the cry. Shivers went down her back. It sounded like a baby. She whirled around, her eyes getti
ng used to the dark. She could make out a couple of shadows.

  “Who’s there?”

  Nobody answered. She took a step toward the figure. They must be desperate to be traveling in this weather with a baby.

  “Please don’t be frightened. Just tell me who you are. My name is Sorcha Petersen.”

  “Nandita. I sorry. I had to take shelter for the baby. We no touch anything. Will leave at first light.”

  Sorcha gasped, her fear reflected in the chocolate brown eyes staring back at her. The girl looked half starved and had been hit quite recently if the bruising on her face was anything to go by. She held her baby close to her chest. There were two other children standing behind her.

  Sorcha spoke without thinking. “Please come into the house. The fire is warm and I have some stew on the stove. You look frozen, not to mention hungry.”

  The girl didn’t move.

  “Please. It will be okay. My husband isn’t here. It is just us.” Sorcha spoke slowly, wondering how much English the woman understood given her broken speech.

  The Indian seemed to consider Sorcha’s plan before saying something to the children. They moved slowly towards Sorcha. She had to resist the urge to gather them to her. They looked so frightened.

  “Come on, little ones. We will be warmer in the house.”

  Chapter 40

  The sad little group followed Sorcha as she made her way back to the house. She poked the fire, causing the blaze to throw more heat into the room. “Please sit. Would you like some coffee? I can make hot milk for the children.”

  “We will not take your food.”

  “Please do. We have plenty.”

  The children looked toward Nandita, their eyes huge. She sighed before giving her assent. Sorcha poured some milk into a pan before putting it on the stove to heat. She also put some biscuits into the warmer before checking the stew. It was still warm.