Suffrage and Suitors

by Noelle, Jo

  “Yoo-hoo.” She called the men’s attention to her. “My husband won’t let me buy a new dress, so I’m just making do with the best I’ve got.” She held the side seams of the skirt and twisted to and fro as if showing off a fancy dress. “Isn’t that right, Prickly Bear?”

  He pointedly ignored her. “Women don’t really want the vote, or at least, the vast majority don’t. To subject our state to the petticoat rule is an abomination.”

  Benita stood in front of him. “Votes for women. Votes for women.” Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was insistent.

  Finally, Eugene, exasperated and red with anger, jumped off the box and chased her to the dry goods store down the street.

  A man called toward him, “Run, run, Prickly Bear!” sending laughs through the crowd.

  Millie wished Archie would run off too. She was surprised that he was willing to spend a fortune to beat the vote for suffrage. She conjectured why he might. There were a lot of women in Creede who had a very different value system from his. Their vote might greatly reduce his influence. She hoped so.

  “Thank you,” Julianne said behind her as Edwin delivered more cookies. He also delivered a chunk of beef and fat to Spitz.

  “The poll will close in less than an hour,” he said. “Do you think this will be enough, or should I plan another batch?”

  Millie looked at the line. It had thinned out. “I think this will hold us. Thank you, Edwin. This has allowed us to stay.” It had been a long day. Her back and shoulders ached from leaning over to hand out cookies, and she had eaten way too many of them herself. She hoped it was worth it. Just then, she heard a soft growl from beneath the wagon.

  Mr. Helm walked over and flipped a silver dollar in the air. Spitz’s growl became louder, and Helm kicked dirt at the dog, causing him to bark and snap at the man.

  “He’s a good judge of character, and he doesn’t like you much. Did you want something?” Millie smiled tautly at him.

  “My boss would like to buy a cookie.”

  “I’m sorry.” Millie eyed the flashy coin like the many that had been used today to buy votes. Well, she couldn’t be bought. “These cookies aren’t for sale.” Millie noted that Edwin suddenly became tense like he was ready to jump into a scrap. Spitz had inched out from under the wagon, the ruff of his neck was standing straight up as he continued his low growl.

  “In that case, we’ll each take two.” He looked up at Millie, daring her not to give them to him.

  Millie handed him two. That had been the deal all day. “The gift of a cookie isn’t dependent on whether or not the men vote our way. Or even whether or not we like you.”

  “And two for the road?” His voice sounded demanding, harsher than a moment ago.

  Millie would not be bullied. “Just two. That’s the limit. Good evening.” Then she turned her back on him and her attention to new voters as they arrived.

  “Reverend Bing,” Julianne yelled down the road, waving. “Have you come to vote?”

  Mr. Helm harrumphed and walked back to Archie’s carriage. When he was a good ways away, Spitz returned to his watch under the wagon.

  Soon, the line was gone, the poll was closed, and Edwin and Callum helped the women clean up.

  Mama M was standing near the back of the wagon as Callum and Edwin harnessed the horse. “I think that turned out right well.”

  “I wish I could be more optimistic. I wonder how many people were swayed by Mr. Grady’s silver.”

  “Oh, not too many. They may have taken his money, but they didn’t take his advice, as far as I could tell. I might have dipped behind the voting curtain a time or twenty to see how the vote was going. I also watched as they were counting votes. I’d say there were plenty of men around about who see things the way you do.”

  “Thank you for what you said to the voters. I think it made them reconsider. I’m so glad you could be here today.”

  “You heard that, did you?” Mama M placed her finger across her lips, then added, “Seemed the fair thing to do. I’m glad to be here too. What a time in history. My job for you was to be here to encourage you to go ahead with your rally. That’s done.”

  “Will you stay around for the outcome of the vote?” Millie said.

  “I think I will. I have another job to do, and it isn’t over yet and won’t be until Saturday.”

  “Our wedding?” Millie asked. “I’m so glad you’ll get to see Edwin marry.”

  “I am too, and I hope it really happens.” There was a little laughter in Mama M’s voice.

  At her words, Millie could feel her face fall even as her emotions did.

  “Now, don’t you worry. I shouldn’t have said that. Ignore it. It’s hard when you know a thing or two, but you’re not supposed to say. Everything is a choice until the deal is done—or the vows said in this case.” Mama M patted Millie’s hand.

  Edwin cleared his throat. “Millie, may I have a minute of your time before you leave?”

  Millie nodded and followed Edwin a few steps away. She noticed that it wouldn’t be a private conversation, though ,since Mama M also followed him and stood behind him when they stopped.

  “I received a wire from my family. They’ve decided to move to Colorado.” He handed her the paper to read for herself.

  “Your family is coming?” Millie said aloud, then looked straight into Edwin’s eyes. “We’ll have to stop the wedding.”

  “What did you say?” Mama M asked.

  “What’d you say, lassie?” Edwin said at the same time.

  Mama M threw her hands in the air and began complaining, not quite under her breath. “It wasn’t my job to steer you toward my son. You had two fine choices. Of course, you made the obvious choice, the better choice for sure. There’ll be a wedding between the two of you. Sooner or later. I’d like to call you daughter, but I’ll wait on that seein’s how you both . . . well, molasses in a snowstorm is breakneck compared to the likes of you two.”

  “I’m right here, Mam, listening to every rambling word you say,” Edwin said.

  Millie was stunned by his comment. “Wait. You can hear her?” she asked.

  “You can too?” Edwin replied, his eyes wide.

  “Yes.” Millie looked at Mama M.

  “Fine. Yes. You can both see me. My little secret is out. And since you’re not getting married, I’ll be back when I’m good and ready.” She disappeared.

  “She didn’t let me finish,” Millie said, stepping within a foot of Edwin. She slipped her hands around his waist and laid her head on his chest, giving him a little squeeze. When she tipped her head up, she said, “I think we should wait a few weeks for your family to arrive. I’d love to have them attend our wedding.”

  Callum stepped up behind Millie and cleared his throat, speaking to Edwin over her. “Proper courting will be once a week on Sunday evenings until the wedding.” He nodded once and escorted Millie to the front of the wagon to go home.

  Edwin

  It was a crisp fall morning when Edwin rolled the newspaper and tied yellow ribbon around it, making sure the bold headline was showing. It was a gift for Millie. He hoped she hadn’t heard the news yet. The Denver Post newspaper had just come in on the morning train, and Edwin rushed to take it up to Bachelor. He’d stop by the Creede Candle to see if they had a similar story too. It wasn’t Sunday, and he wasn’t going to their home for courting per se, but he did hope for a special welcome.

  As he walked out of the newspaper office, Byron Cromwell approached. “I thought I’d catch you. If you have a minute?”

  “I suppose I do,” Edwin replied.

  “The money was deposited from Mr. Grady into your account. As I understand the requirements of the court case, it was done with only one minute to spare.”

  Edwin stared. He thought he understood what he’d just heard. It had seemed such a long shot. “You mean he actually paid?”

  “Yes, he did, making you a very rich man.”

  It seemed like someone else’s life. Edwin
didn’t know what to think of that. “I’d rather that part not be known. I don’t want folks thinking differently about me.”

  “I handled the transaction myself,” Byron said. “I won’t share that information. Let me know how I can be of service.”

  “Thank you.” Edwin knew if he didn’t want others to think differently of him, he couldn’t think differently of himself. But how could he not? He could get the tables and chairs to reopen that part of his business. And he’d buy a carriage to drive Millie in. That’s it. All other decisions could wait. It would take some time to get used to not worrying about money. In the meantime, he’d take his mind off of it.

  He rolled the second newspaper and tied it with the other ribbon he’d brought. Even if Millie had heard the news, he wanted her to have the newspapers as mementos.

  Finally, he stood outside the door to the Bings’ home. Millie opened it, and he tucked the newspapers under his arm to remove his hat.

  “Well, this is an unexpected surprise,” Millie said.

  Behind her, Callum called out, “Not to me.”

  She stepped back and invited Edwin inside.

  “I have something for you,” he said, handing her the newspapers.

  She set them on the kitchen table and read the headlines as she pulled the end of the first bow.

  “Women Win the Vote!” she read. Then her eyes scanned down the page. “By six thousand votes.” She untied the other paper and read that headline too. “Creede: Let Women Vote.”

  “Thank you.” Tears were in her eyes and her arms reached out for Edwin, but then her eyes slipped over to Callum.

  “Oh, fine.” He turned his back long enough for Millie to hug Edwin and for Edwin to kiss her lightly.

  “Will you stay for dinner?” Millie asked.

  “I have to get back for the next meal. I’ll see you again on Sunday.”

  Millie stood at the door and waved goodbye. Edwin could hardly wait for the day when she stood at their home and waved to him.

  ***

  Edwin snapped his pocket watch closed. The train station was quiet. A few people milled around as he did, waiting for the morning train to bring goods or people. Ab Helm walked from person to person. When he sidled up to Edwin, he said, “You’d think someone would be at the station looking out for unsuspecting women. We’ve had a lot of abductions, and it don’t seem like KC is going to do anything about it. Maybe we need to elect a new sheriff.”

  “And would you be the person we need?” Edwin asked. He knew Ab was new to town, so Ab’s concern felt a little flat. What he’d see of the man made Edwin think Ab wasn’t the caring type.

  Without replying, the man walked away to talk to someone new.

  It had been three long weeks since the election and the postponement of his wedding ceremony. He popped open the watch again and read the face. It had only been a minute since he’d last read the time. The morning train was now late by nine minutes. Not unusual but not welcome today. His family was arriving, and he was getting married as soon as he could get them all to Bachelor. Every minute it was late postponed both of those events.

  It pulled into the station in a cloud of dirty gray smoke, a squeal, and a gasp as it came to a stop. His sisters wasted no time getting off. They were so altered. Rhona looked as he remembered Aileen, and Aileen had a mature, almost regal, air about her. Their clothes were worn and faded, reminding him of his duty to them. He’d intended to whisk them away to Bachelor for the wedding, but they might want to stop in the boarding house before that.

  Aileen rose to her toes and threw her arms around Edwin. “I thought I’d never see my little Winnywin again.”

  He bit back a retort about using his nickname, knowing it would only encourage her to continue. “I love you. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.” He drew his other sisters to him in succession. “It’s my wedding day. Would you like to freshen up before going to the chapel?”

  “Heavens, yes. Then we’d like to meet the bride. Then we’ll be ready to go to the wedding.” It was just like Isla to line out the demands. She was outspoken but had a clear head on her shoulders and made quick decisions. Oh, it was grand to have family here.

  “Come over to the Hearth and Home. You can take a bath and get ready before we go. The wedding is at eleven-thirty. I bought some ready-made dresses since I didn’t know what you’d have with you, but bring whatever you’d like.”

  As they passed the mercantile, Willie Meeks walked out.

  “Willie,” Edwin called, and the boy trotted over. “Do you have time to take a message to Miss Bing for me?”

  Willie looked askance at him. “Is it a good message or a bad message? If it’s good, I’ve got plenty of time.”

  “It’s good—the best. Please tell her that my family has arrived, and I’ll be in Bachelor to introduce them soon.”

  “Yes, sir. And congratulations.” Willey tipped his hat three times. “Miss. Miss. Miss.” And then he left.

  ***

  Callum, well, Reverend Bing today, sat in the front of the chapel, looking calm and unhurried. Edwin on the other hand, felt like he was barefoot in a cactus patch, his nerves a little on edge. He knew the moment he saw Millie, his heart would be at rest, and his world would right itself.

  The door squeaked open, and Edwin hoped to see her walking toward him, but it was always new guests arriving to witness the wedding instead. The Fontaines were first to arrive followed by the Jacksons and Morgans. Each time the door cracked, Edwin’s heart stuttered, and he held his breath. He thought he was going to expire if this didn’t get started soon.

  Edwin lost count of how many had come, but many people stood around the sides. The little church filled with scores of people who loved Millie.

  The door opened again, and Edwin anxiously looked for Millie to arrive. His sisters had assured him that they’d have her there on time, and he’d believed them though in all his born days, he’d never known them to be on time to anything. Instead, Sterling McCormick walked into the church, took off his hat, and nodded to Edwin. The back of the chapel was filled to the corners, and Sterling went to the front to find a seat. An easy smile was on the man’s face. Edwin wondered if he came to show there were no hard feelings. There truly didn’t seem to be.

  The door swung open again, and Edwin saw his youngest sister, Rhona, step through. Callum was on his feet, moving toward the open door. He would escort Millie to the front before he performed the wedding. This was it.

  The congregation stood, and Edwin craned his neck to look around the mass. Where was Millie? Next came Isla, and Reverend Bing slipped out the door. Aileen came in, and then he saw his Millie on Callum’s arm, stepping over the threshold. His heart beat like a thousand drums, like stormy waves that crashed against the shores of Scotland.

  They walked up the short aisle. Then Reverend Bing placed Millie’s hands on top of Edwin’s upturned palms. Warmth shot through him. His thumbs curved over her soft skin.

  The congregation sat, all except Sterling McCormick, who Edwin could see over Millie’s left shoulder. McCormick’s eyes stared straight ahead, seemingly locked on Edwin’s oldest sister Aileen. Edwin noticed that Aileen had a similar dopey expression directed toward Sterling as well, which sent a niggle of irritation into Edwin. Was the man already taken with his sister? Thankfully, Hugh Fontaine slapped Sterling on the back to break the spell and tugged on his coat to help him sit.

  Callum laughed under his hand as he said, “Good luck with that, Edwin.”

  Yeah, Edwin knew he’d probably worn a dopy expression whenever he looked at Callum’s sister too. His gaze pulled back to his Millie. Her face glowed with joy. It humbled him to think that she found happiness with him. Her eyes sparkled as if it was a pleasure for her to look at him. She was a precious gift, and he vowed within himself to work all his days, with every breath, to keep that joy and pleasure in her.

  Reverend Bing asked Millie if she chose Edwin of her own free will to live as husband and wife. The simple
“I do” and the smile on her lips made him feel as if he was suddenly alive, a new man. His heart skittered in his chest—oh, how he loved Millie.

  Reverend Bing turned his attention to Edwin next. “Edwin McRae, do you pledge your body to the protection of Millie Bing? Your strength and work to provide for her? Your arms to serve her?”

  Edwin had never heard vows like the ones Reverend Bing was asking, but they were all things he wanted to do. He’d gladly pledge them. When Callum paused, Edwin said, “I do.”

  Instead of pronouncing their marriage, Reverend Bing continued. “Do you pledge all your worldly possessions to her care? Your home for her comfort? Your future to her and any children who may come into your home?”

  Again there was a pause. Edwin wondered if this was the time for him to respond. When Callum lifted his eyebrows, Edwin said, “I do.”

  Reverend Bing began another list, and Edwin heard a few whispers and snickers behind him. This was not the regular ceremony. “Do you pledge your heart to provide her peace and tranquility? Your soul to comfort her?”

  Edwin wondered for a moment if he wanted Callum for a brother-in-law. Millie’s hands, still in his, squeezed softly. Yes, to have her, he would accept Callum as family too.

  At the next pause, he said, “I do.”

  This time Millie shot her brother a fierce look. “Now, or else.”

  Callum chuckled but caught his breath when Millie began leaning toward Edwin.

  Millie’s lips were half a breath away from his when he heard Reverend Bing hurriedly say, “Inowpronounceyouhusbandandwife.”

  Her soft lips pressed to Edwin’s, and his whole world was just in her kiss. Until he heard the laughter from the congregation.

  “Barely made it, Callum,” Doctor JT called out.

  “Well done, Millie,” Julianne said.

  Edwin tucked Millie’s hand in the crook of his elbow and faced the crowd. For just a blink, Edwin saw his mam and pa smiling back at him. Mam blew him a kiss, and his pa tipped his hat. Then Edwin led Millie to his carriage and helped her in.