Ophelia (Bride Brigade Book 4)

by Caroline Clemmons

  He didn’t appear to think badly of her and his expression remained cheerful. “Then I think you’ll enjoy tonight. Lonnie Granger and a couple of helpers do the cooking and Lonnie’s wife Martha waits tables. If they’re especially busy, then Mrs. Ramirez helps Martha. The menu usually offers only two choices, but the food is good.”

  They reached Granger’s Café and went inside. A large woman showed them to a table near the back. “Here you are, Elias. Tonight is ham or chicken.”

  After helping her with her chair, he took the seat beside her instead of across from her. “Which do you prefer, Ophelia?”

  “Ham with milk to drink.”

  “I’ll have the same thing, Martha.” When the waitress had gone, he asked, “Giving up coffee at night?”

  Wishing she didn’t blush so easily, she sensed the heat of a blush creep across her face. “Not entirely. Before I came here, I milked our cow every day so we always had fresh milk. I’m used to drinking milk with supper. At Lydia’s we have water and coffee. I know she’d serve me milk if I asked, but I hate to make a fuss when she’s been so kind to us.”

  “How did she find you—rather, how did you find her?”

  She turned toward Elias’ handsome face. “That’s a rather amazing story. I came across the advertisement Lydia placed in the Richmond newspaper. Jo and I were almost too late to be included, but Lydia’s such a kind person. I-I was ill and fainted at her feet. I guess she couldn’t turn us away after that.”

  Martha set in front of them plates heaped with thick ham slices, string beans, sweet potatoes, and corn plus two large glasses of milk. She soon returned with two bowls of peach cobbler and a small pitcher of cream.

  When she’d gone, Elias leaned forward with concern etched on his face. “You were ill? In what way?”

  She couldn’t reveal the real reason she fainted or how badly she’d been hurt. At least she no longer worried about her kidneys. Though still painful, her ribs were healing.

  She gave a flick of her wrist to dismiss his concern. “Oh, nothing permanent. I rested on the train and I’m fine now.” She had to change the subject. “You must come here often since Martha knows you by name.”

  He appeared to relax and offered a wide grin. “It’s a small town. I’d wager she knows everyone’s name. And, I’d bet she knew your name before I introduced you.”

  Puzzled as to how, she admitted that the café would be a beehive of news. “She wasn’t at the dance. I suppose the café was open then.”

  “Open six days a week, closed on Sunday. I imagine she saw you at church. She and Lonnie don’t make services every week, but attend most of the time.”

  “You’re probably right about church. We certainly stand out with seven of us traipsing after Lydia as if she were the pied piper. In fact, Lydia has that effect on us and we do whatever she asks.”

  “So do I.” He chuckled. “I’d wager the same is true for most people in town. When William was alive, he was a forceful man and people turned to him for leadership. Now that he’s gone, we look to Lydia almost as much.”

  “She’s a wonderful person. I like the church here, too. Reverend McIntyre is a nice man.”

  “You have no idea how good he is. I hope he stays here permanently. He helps the community as well as church members.”

  “Lydia said you help the community, too.”

  He appeared surprised but pleased. “That’s nice to hear. I suppose she means the opera house.”

  She teased, “I doubt she’s familiar with the saloon. Deputy Stanton said you run the cleanest, most orderly saloon he’s ever seen.”

  Again, he seemed happy with the comment. “Nice of him. I don’t allow cheating, fights, drunks, or loud arguments. The Golden Eagle is a place for men to come have a drink and visit with friends, then go home.”

  “That sounds logical. My, these sweet potatoes are delicious. They taste as if they have a candy-like syrup on them.”

  “They do for a fact. Martha calls them candied sweet potatoes and says her mother made them. I first ate something like these in Atlanta.”

  A small pitcher of cream accompanied the peach cobbler.

  Ophelia poured a small amount over her dish then sampled the result. “I thought nothing could taste better than the sweet potatoes, but this cobbler tops the meal.”

  When she’d consumed every bite, she sighed.

  Elias leaned toward her. “Would you like anything else?”

  “My food was delectable. I couldn’t eat another bite.”

  A broad grin split his face. “Me, either. Shall we go then? We can take our time and walk off the meal.”

  “Elias, we’d have to march for miles and miles to work off this meal, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

  Signaling Martha with a nod, he left money on the table. They strolled toward the door.

  Chapter Four

  Outside the café, Ophelia stopped and gazed toward the west. “Look at the sky. I love the sunsets here. Jo and I can see the sunrise from our window at Lydia’s. I go into the garden to watch the sunset.”

  “Guess I take them for granted. I’m usually working at sunset and not awake yet at sunrise.”

  “That’s a shame, but you do have successful businesses to keep going.” Still, his statement shocked her because he’d underlined a vast difference in their lifestyles.

  He greeted a couple they met. A man across the street called out and waved.

  She glanced up at his handsome profile. “I guess you know everyone in town.”

  “Yes, this is a close-knit community. Each of us tends to mingle with everyone else. True not all the bachelors were invited to Lydia’s events, but most were. In addition to those who showed up, Lydia spoke to others to find out if they were interested or explain why they weren’t included.”

  “Oh, I wonder what she told the ones who weren’t included, don’t you? She is so tactful, though, she likely convinced them they didn’t want to attend.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised.” As they stepped onto the porch, he took her hands. “Ophelia, I’ve enjoyed our time this evening. I hope you’ll go out with me again.”

  “I’d enjoy that, Elias. Thank you for a lovely evening.” She thought he was going to kiss her and she wanted him to do so.

  He leaned down as if to kiss her cheek as she turned her face toward him. His lips brushed hers.

  Embarrassment engulfed her. What must he think of her? “I-I apologize, Elias. I don’t know why I moved when I did.”

  He smiled, his dark eyes hooded. “My pleasure. May I do that again?”

  In answer, she tilted her face to meet his lips. This time his kiss began as gentle but progressed to a firm embrace. He broke the kiss and cradled her to his chest.

  Exhaling, he stepped away but he caressed her face and tucked a tendril behind her ear. “You’re a precious woman who deserves to be prized. I promise I’ll treasure you, Ophelia.”

  “Thank you, Elias. I’ll hope to see you again soon.” She dashed inside and closed the door before she weakened and threw herself into his arms again. Was hers a schoolgirl crush or was she falling in love with Elias? To be treasured by him would be a perfect life.

  ***

  Ophelia didn’t have to be self-conscious attending the opera house’s opening performance with Mr. Kozlov. No need to worry about wearing the same dress. She was free to absorb the atmosphere.

  Red colored everything from the seats to the curtains to the boxes. Gold embellished rails and carvings. She spotted Lydia and Adam in a box covered with elaborate gold carvings. Later, she saw Elias and Jo. As much as she wished she were with Elias, she didn’t think she was dressed to sit in a box seat. Better to be grateful she was seated on the floor level with a man who expected nothing from her but her company.

  Miss Chitwood’s performance mesmerized Ophelia. The performer’s dark green dress was dotted with glittering stones and they were in her dark red hair. Her voice was like an angel’s.

  At i
ntermission, she asked Mr. Kozlov, “Do you think those are genuine diamonds she’s wearing in her hair and on her dress?”

  He shook his head thoughtfully. “I believe they are crystals. Wearing diamonds would be very dangerous as she travels. But, I am not a good judge of women’s clothes or of jewels.”

  “The effect is striking and her voice is glorious. Did you hear many of this kind of program in Poland?”

  He chuckled and made a slashing sign with his hand. “None. Natka and I lived on neighboring farms far away from cities where this type of entertainment would be available.” A dreamy expression spread over his face. “When I am able to send for her, she will enjoy this place.”

  Ophelia sympathized with the couple forced so far apart. “I suppose the travel will cost a lot of money. You must let me pay for tonight’s ticket.” She hoped she had enough money left to make good her offer.

  He met her gaze and shook his head. “Mr. Kendrick gave me tickets because I work for him at his house and he was pleased. Even if that were not true, I would never let you pay. You’re correct, though, that the cost of Natka’s tickets will be expensive. Each time I am making progress, the price goes up or I have an emergency. Last winter I fell and broke my arm and couldn’t work for several weeks.” He told her how much he needed.

  The sum was staggering in her opinion. She was so sorry for him and for Natka. “How frustrating that must be. We ought to think of a way to get the tickets. If I were her, I would be very sad to be apart.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I am sad, too. I had hoped to bring her here before winter comes. Since coming here three years ago I always have work here and I like these people.”

  Intermission ended and Geraldine Chitwood appeared for the second half of the performance. Once again, Ophelia let herself be transported by the songstress’ lovely voice.

  In her room back at Lydia’s, she wondered how her father and others could find fault with the function she’d attended tonight. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about Pa and what he would think or say? She was fortunate to be free of him yet she couldn’t help the fear that he might find her. She vowed that if he did, she’d be strong and stand up to him. Could she, though?

  You’re being silly. Pa would never spend the money to travel here. And, how would he even know where to look?

  Stop thinking about Pa.

  Stop thinking about Possum Corners.

  Stop thinking about the past.

  Jo came in and they talked about the evening as they readied for bed. After the lamp was out, Ophelia pondered her fascination with Elias Kendrick. How did a woman know if she was in love? Who could she ask?

  ***

  On Wednesday, Elias called on her with another gift.

  “You’re being far too kind, Elias.” She unwrapped the box to find three beautiful handkerchiefs.

  She took out one and held it in her hands. Delicate lace edged the linen. “Oh, how lovely. I’ve never owned anything so fine.”

  His soft brown eyes met her gaze. “You should have only the finest of everything, Ophelia.” His manner was almost shy, which was another surprise. “I wonder if you’d like to go for a walk with me.”

  Happiness spread through her like batter on a warm skillet. “I’d like that. Let me get my bonnet and I’ll be right down.”

  She hurried to tuck the handkerchiefs into a drawer and retrieve her straw bonnet. She touched up her braid and set the hat on her head. With a sigh she decided there was nothing else she could do to improve her looks.

  She and Elias strolled toward town, her hand properly on his arm. Main Street was where most businesses were located and also several homes.

  Elias guided her. “Do the dirt streets bother you?”

  “Not at all but I suppose they’re a problem in rainy weather. The town seems to be growing. Mr. Koslov said he has steady work.”

  “You had a nice time with him?” Was that a hint of jealousy she heard in his voice?

  “I enjoyed the evening. Miss Chitwood was wonderful, wasn’t she? Did you know Mr. Kozlov is saving to bring his fiancée here? Coming from Poland to Texas is very expensive.” She told him how much the tickets would cost.

  He whistled through his teeth. “That’s a lot. I wasn’t aware he was saving for her trip.”

  “They’ve been sweethearts since they were children and lived on neighboring farms. So that will be another young couple in Tarnation.”

  “Good, we need more people our age here. Have you looked over the town?”

  “Just the mercantile and the church. I’ve no reason to go anywhere else. Tell me about the businesses as we pass them.”

  He nodded toward an empty building. “We had a lawyer there but he moved to Fort Worth.” He gestured to another small business. “Judge Hunter is retired but keeps an office there. He fills in when someone needs legal work.”

  Next was a pleasant home with a swinging sign hanging at the street. “As you can see, Doctor Riley Gaston lives there. His office and treatment rooms are in front and he lives in back and upstairs. His mother, Sophie, lives with him. But, then I know you are well acquainted with her.”

  “Sophie came with Lydia to Virginia and is such a nice person. She’s the one who convinced Lydia to recruit us young women. That’s why Lydia insisted Sophie help chaperone.”

  He chuckled. “Well, I’ll be. I didn’t know why Sophie went with Lydia. Guess she was afraid Riley would leave too.”

  “Sophie is very settled here in Tarnation and doesn’t want to leave. Apparently her son had threatened to move to Fort Worth and she was afraid he would.”

  “Naw, he may have complained but I don’t believe he would have left.” He patted her hand where it lay on his arm and smiled at her. “Still, I’m certainly glad Lydia brought you here.”

  She returned his smile. “I am too. Tarnation will make a nice home. All the girls like the town and want to stay here. When we arrived, I was afraid a couple of them might dislike such a small, isolated place. Thanks goodness, I was wrong.”

  “How do you get along with the other young women?”

  “We’ve become like sisters. I’ve always wanted one, and now I have six. Of course I’m closer to Jo…Josephine. We’ve been friends since we were six.”

  They strolled with him pointing out homes and businesses. At the church, they turned around to retrace their steps. A dust devil whirled ahead of them. On the horizon, dark clouds gathered.

  “Looks as if we’re going to have rain soon. Those clouds are boiling up pretty fast.”

  “Then I’d regret not having boardwalk all the along the street. We’ll reach Lydia’s before the rain hits, though, and I hope you’ll have time to get to the saloon.”

  He frowned as he looked at the sky. “I don’t know, Ophelia, we’d better walk a bit faster. I don’t want you caught in a storm. There’s lightning in those clouds and that makes being outside dangerous.”

  The breeze turned forceful, molding her dress to her. She held on to her bonnet. “Oh, my. This came up fast, didn’t it?” They reached Lydia’s porch.

  “Take care, my sweet Ophelia.” He kissed her lips and opened the door for her to enter. “I’ll see you later this week.” He jogged across the road and toward the saloon as fat drops of rain fell.

  Thunder and a crack of lightning sounded as if the bolt struck nearby. Following that, a deluge fell. Hurrying to peer through the window, Ophelia watched until Elias was safely inside the saloon. She wondered what the interior of a saloon was like. Perhaps someday she’d peek over the swinging doors.

  ***

  Elias was fortunate he reached the saloon before the worst of the rain hit. Those in the saloon weren’t likely to leave until the rain lightened. For the same reason, he doubted new patrons would be arriving for the evening. A close lightning strike silenced most of the chatter. Several men stood at the window and watched the clouds as if afraid of a tornado.

  Elias raised his voice so everyone could hear him. “Gentl
emen, the house is buying a round of drinks for us poor fellows marooned by the weather.”

  His announcement had the desired effect and lively conversation resumed. He nodded to Bill and then walked among the customers. He had a friendly word at each table and along the bar. He asked the bartender, “How many has Tom had today?”

  Bill held up five fingers. That was the limit they’d set for Tom on one visit.

  Elias clapped Tom on the shoulder. “Tom, this is your last drink today. Where’s James?”

  Unable to control his drinking, Tom depended on his brother to get him home and sober him up for any work they had painting houses. In addition, James painted landscapes and portraits to stretch his income. Poor guy had his hands full with a brother like Tom to wrangle.

  “Reckon he’ll be ’long. Paintin’ pichers t’day. Got some nice uns he’s gonna put in Buchanan’s store.”

  “I’ve seen his work and he’s very good. I bought one of his landscapes for my house.”

  Tom toasted him with his final drink then tossed back the liquid.

  He would have kept going backward and hit the floor if Elias hadn’t grabbed him. “Why don’t you sit over here until James shows up for you? He might be late today because of the weather.”

  Elias signaled Rhonda, one of his waitresses. “Bring Tom some coffee while he waits for his brother.”

  Chapter Five

  Later in the week, Elias called on Ophelia again. This time he brought her the journal. “I thought you might like to take another walk with me. No rain clouds today.”

  “I’ll need my bonnet and I’ll change dresses. I’ll only be five minutes, I promise.”

  He settled back in the chair. “Take your time, I’ll be right here.”

  She carried the journal as she hurried up the stairs. He watched to see which room was hers. The corner room, but he didn’t know more.

  Rachel approached him. “Mrs. Murphy wants to know if you’d like tea.”

  “No, Miss Ross, but please thank her for me if you will.”

  Prudence brought him the Tarnation newspaper. “Something to read while you wait.”