Ophelia (Bride Brigade Book 4)

by Caroline Clemmons

  “As do I.” She slipped into the house and leaned against the closed door.

  Rachel struck a pose. “My, you look dazed by love.” The other girl linked her arm with Ophelia’s. “Dinner is ready.”

  Chapter Nine

  Monday, Ophelia decided to visit Angeline. She gathered her purse and parasol and told Lydia her destination. How she loved her new life. Soon she’d be wed to the kindest man she’d ever known.

  Gray skies hung in the southwest, but overhead wispy white clouds dotted the blue. A sharp breeze pushed against her but she was unworried. If she was caught in a shower, a little rain wouldn’t hurt her brown cotton dress.

  Passing the businesses, she saw Elias toss a man to the ground in front of the saloon. She’d never seen Elias angry and the look on his face frightened her. He jerked the man up by his clothes and twisted the man’s arm behind his back. The fellow’s face was battered and his shirt torn. Pushing him, Elias headed toward the sheriff’s office.

  Frozen by the sight, she stood in the shadows of an overhanging roof. Soon Adam emerged from his office. Elias followed, still shoving the man ahead of him. They entered Judge Hunter’s office.

  Edging forward, Ophelia waited to see what would happen. In a few minutes, Elias shoved the man out the door then followed. Adam stood beside Elias.

  Elias yelled, “Don’t ever let me set eyes on you again or I’ll kill you.”

  Adam put a restraining hand on Elias’ arm, but said, “If I see you in town again, I’ll arrest you.”

  The man mounted a sad looking horse and dug his heels into the animal’s sides.

  Elias said, “I swear I felt like killing the bastard. How dare he come into my saloon after what he’s done.”

  “You’ve got what you needed from him. Good riddance, I say.”

  The two men strode back to the saloon.

  Rooted to her place in shock, Ophelia couldn’t believe the man she’d thought was kind and gentle had acted as he had and threatened worse. When she’d recovered enough to walk, she hurried to the parsonage’s back door. When Angeline invited her inside, Ophelia collapsed on a kitchen chair.

  “Ophelia? You’re pale as a sheet. What’s happened?” Angeline brought her a glass of water.

  She took a sip but the drink did nothing to calm her. Too many questions whirled in her mind.

  “Oh, Angeline, I’m not sure of anything any longer.” She told her friend what she’d just seen. “I don’t know what to think. I thought I’d escaped a brutal father and had a loving, gentle fiancé. He was anything but gentle and loving just now.”

  “I wish Grady were here. He has such a high opinion of Elias. There has to be a logical explanation.”

  She rubbed her temples to ease the pounding in her head. “Perhaps, but I can’t think of one.”

  “You should ask Elias. Let him explain.”

  “What if he reacts the way he did to that man?”

  “He won’t. Give him a chance.”

  “I-I will. But not right now. I have a megrim and need to go back to Lydia’s and lie down.” She’d never had a megrim before in her life, but her head was pounding and she thought that must be the cause.

  Angeline laid a hand on her shoulder. “You should lie down here. You don’t appear well enough to walk to Lydia’s.”

  “No, I can manage. I’ll rest better in my room there and you have things to do here. I hear Matthew calling for you and he’ll need your attention.”

  She stood and walked to the door. Her world had tipped on its axis. Walking as fast as she could, she had to stop and catch her breath.

  Dr. Gaston was arriving home and spotted her. “Miss Shipp, you’re ill. Let me help you to my office.”

  Grateful, she accepted his aid. “I seem to be dizzy and my head is pounding. I’ve never before experienced this feeling.”

  He guided her into his office and coaxed her to sit in his examination room. “Tell me what has you so upset.”

  She bit her lip. How could she tell him what she’d witnessed? “You won’t tell anyone?”

  “Of course not. Whatever a patient tells a doctor is private.” He gave her a strange look.

  Hastening unless he thought she had serious health issues, she explained what she’d seen. “My father was a brutish man who beat me. I… I thought I’d found a kind, gentle fiancé who would never act that way.”

  “I assure you Elias would never hit a woman or a child. I’ve just returned from visiting a patient in the countryside so I missed the altercation. I’m sure there’s a rational explanation. In the meantime, let me give you something for your headache.”

  “This is so embarrassing.”

  He turned to study her critically. “Do you feel the need of something to calm your nerves?”

  She waved a hand. “No, I’ll be fine once I get to Lydia’s and can lie down.”

  “Nonsense, you’ve had a shock. No need to feel awkward.” He rose and walked to a doorway. “Mom, can you walk Ophelia back to Lydia’s. She’s feeling a little dizzy from a megrim.”

  Angered, Ophelia hissed, “You said you wouldn’t tell.”

  He smiled and handed her am envelope of pills. “Nor did I. Everyone knows women get a megrim occasionally. When you get to your room, take one of these and put a cool cloth on your eyes and forehead.”

  Sophie came in carrying her purse and wearing her hat. “Ophelia, I’m so sorry you’re not well. I’ve wanted a visit with Lydia, so I’ll just walk with you. If you need me, I’ll provide a steadying hand. If not, we can talk.”

  “Dr. Gaston, um, I don’t have my purse with me as I didn’t think I’d need it. May I pay you tomorrow?”

  “Anytime. I’ll be here.”

  “Thank you for your help. Sophie, I appreciate your help, too.”

  She and her friend walked slowly toward Lydia’s. The bright sunlight hurt her eyes and her stomach threatened upheaval. The gray skies had become darker.

  Sophie linked her arm with Ophelia’s. “I believe we’re in for a storm. I hope Lydia offers me tea. Good day for it, don’t you agree?”

  ***

  Ophelia climbed to her room and took one of the pills Dr. Gaston had sent with her. As per his instructions, she lay down with a cool, wet cloth on her eyes and forehead. Thunder rumbled overhead, matching her mood.

  She must have dozed because she woke to a rap on the door. “Yes?”

  Rachel peeked in. “Your fiancé is here.”

  “I don’t want to see anyone right now.”

  “He’s quite insistent that he see you right away. He appears upset. Can’t you come down and put the man out of his misery?”

  “I suppose I might as well get this over with.” She didn’t bother to tidy her hair, merely straightened her dress and followed Rachel.

  “You don’t sound like yourself. I’ll be interested to hear the story after you’ve spoken to your fiancé.”

  “As I’ll be interested to hear his story.”

  Elias’ jacket was splattered with raindrops. “I’m sorry to intrude, but Grady came to see me. Please let me explain.”

  “We can’t very well go outside in the garden. Perhaps Lydia will let us use her office. I’ll ask her.”

  “Thank you.” He waited hat in hand.

  “She said we’re welcome to speak in there.” She led the way.

  He closed the door behind him as he followed her.

  She sat in one of the upholstered armchairs. “I had no idea you ever acted that way, Elias. I was so shocked, I think seeing that gave me such a turn I had some kind of spell. Dr. Gaston saw me weaving and guided me into his office.”

  “My dear Ophelia, I’m so sorry you saw me at my worst but you’ll understand once I explain.” He reached for her hand.

  Reluctantly, she let him link their fingers. “All right, tell me what happened.”

  “Remember how upset you were when you saw that man abusing Brutus? Imagine how much angrier you’d have been if the victim had been
two young boys.”

  She gasped. “That man hurt children?”

  “He’d abandoned his two sons. I found them wandering the roadway outside town. They were hungry and dirty. They had no shoes and their clothes were nothing more than rags. Their father had been gone a week—a week—and they’d had almost nothing to eat so they had struck out for town. After getting the details, I’ve been looking for their father—if you could call such a man him that—when he walked into my saloon as if he hadn’t a care in the world.”

  Tears gathered in her eyes and she pulled his hand into her lap. “What about the boys? Are they safe?”

  “Yes, they’re in a children’s home. But that was a week ago and he hadn’t been home to check on them yet. They’re seven and nine and could have starved for all he knew or cared. Today, I made the father sign over their guardianship to me so he no longer has any claim on them.”

  “Elias, forgive me for doubting you. You know what my father was like. I-I couldn’t imagine you being so angry.”

  He pulled her onto his lap. “I know your background would cause my behavior to frighten you.” He caressed her face. “I promise you, Ophelia, that I would never strike you or a child.”

  Elias closed his eyes and leaned his head against her. “Ashamed as it makes me, I could easily have killed that man for what he’d done to his sons. I went mad with anger and disgust.”

  “Oh, if I’d known, I’d have used my parasol on him. Instead I just froze inside.”

  “In my anger, I didn’t even know your saw what happened. Adam knew the situation and had been helping me try to locate the man. After the man agreed to give me guardianship, we took him to Judge Hunter to prepare the papers.”

  “So, the boys will never have to worry about that man again?”

  “Never.” He kissed her gently.

  Sighing, she leaned her head on his shoulder. “You are the man I thought you were, Elias. I realize you occasionally have to be stern and forceful at the saloon. I was just so surprised to see such anger on your face.”

  Caressing her hair, he kissed her cheek. “Surely you know you’ve no reason to be frightened of me. By now you should realize you have me wrapped around your lovely little finger.”

  She sat up and kissed him. “I rather like that idea, Elias. Does that mean you do my bidding?”

  His lovely brown eyes twinkled. “Anything. Don’t we share a dog now?”

  She giggled. “Yes, we do, although I rather think you and Mrs. Mendoza are the chief owners.”

  “No, when we’re wed, he’ll be your faithful companion. Along with me, that is.”

  “Thank you for coming through the rain to offer an explanation.” She brushed his hair from his forehead. “I do love you, you know.”

  He pressed his lips to hers once more. “And I love you.”

  She grinned at him. “And Brutus, right?”

  “With Brutus, I’d say it’s more what I’d call ‘like’ than ‘love’ so far. He’s growing on me, though.”

  ***

  On Tuesday, Lydia hugged her arms as she paced her office. What was wrong with her lately? Seeing all these couples must have turned her brain to mush. No, she had to admit she was jealous.

  Her life with William had been wonderful. Although they both regretted there had been no children, they’d been happy. Now that she was alone, she grieved not only for him, but for her lost future happiness.

  Worse, the chance for a happy and fulfilling future was just beyond grasp. Damn Adam for having such stiff-backed pride he wouldn’t marry a wealthy woman when he only had a sheriff’s pay. What did she care who had more money?

  Ophelia’s comment about her office appearing like a shrine to her late husband had hit her hard. Was that how Adam saw the office? With rising fury, she removed William’s paraphernalia from the walls and stacked the items on a chair.

  When she stopped, only her late husband’s portrait remained. She’d move it to another place but the weight meant she’d need help. This room was going to be hers from now on.

  She donned her hat and gloves and struck out for the mercantile.

  Josephine looked up from straightening shelves. “Hello, Lydia. Can I help you with something?”

  She gestured to the painting hung high over the counter. “I want that large landscape. Did James Boyd paint that?”

  “Sure did.” Michael reached up to the wall over the counter and removed the painting of bluebonnets and paintbrush against the green hills.

  Josephine joined her near the long front counter. “We also have several smaller canvases he left with us. He’s quite talented, isn’t he?”

  “May I see the others? I need three or four smaller pictures.” If she was losing her mind she might as well do so thoroughly.

  Josephine spread six smaller canvases of various sizes across the counter. “We’re fortunate Mr. Boyd provides frames, too.”

  Lydia picked up one. “Why, this is of my home. I definitely want this one.” She laid it aside. “And, this one of the cactus in bloom is good. Oh, this one of yucca is nice, too.”

  She stood trying to decide which would look best in her office. “I’ll take them all. Can you deliver these and the large one to me later?”

  Michael set the first on brown paper and wrapped it carefully. “I’ll bring them right away if you wish.” He sent a wide smile toward Josephine. “That’s only one of the nice things about Josephine being my partner here. I can leave without closing the store.”

  “Thank you, both of you. I’ll go back and finish rearranging.” Just wait until that stubborn Sheriff Adam Penders stopped by to chat. He was in for a big surprise.

  Michael arrived a half hour later with the paintings. Ignoring the curious young women, she showed him into her office.

  He peered around the room. “Quite a change in here. Shall I hang this large one for you? It’s too heavy for you to manage alone.”

  “If you’d be kind enough to remove William’s portrait, that’s where I want the new painting to go. I’m moving William to the ballroom. Mr. Ramirez will help me, but I appreciate your willingness to hang the landscape.”

  After he’d done so, he stood back. “Looks good in here. About time you took over this office for yourself.”

  She couldn’t hide her surprise. “You approve? I didn’t know if people would think I was ungrateful or a bad wife for making this room my own.”

  “Lydia, no one who knows you could accuse you of being either of those. Everyone who met the two of you is aware you and William were in love and happily married. But, he’s been gone three years and you’re still a young woman. You need to move on, remarry, have a family.”

  She fought tears. “I would love to. He’s just so proud and stubborn.” She hadn’t intended to utter the last. From inside her cuff, she pulled her handkerchief.

  “I know who you mean and you’re right. Stubbornest cuss I know. I have a feeling he’ll change his mind. Now, anything else I can do here to help?”

  She dabbed at her eyes. “You’ve helped more than you know, Michael. Thank you.”

  Chapter Ten

  Ophelia decided to call on Elias at the saloon to see what his business included. She donned her new-to-her blue Swiss muslin dress. The sleeves ended below her elbow in a ruffle covering lace ruffles. Matching lace trimmed the sweetheart neckline. After setting the matching hat on her head, she ran down the stairs.

  She poked her head into Lydia’s office. “I’m going for a walk before supper. Should I get you anything while I’m out?”

  Her hostess stood surveying the new paintings on her office wall. “Thank you for asking, but nothing today. Lovely day for a stroll though.”

  As Ophelia ambled toward the saloon, she admired the blue sky overhead that she never tired of seeing. A few puffy, white clouds looked like cotton wool. The seemingly ever-present breeze from the southwest pushed at her skirts and hair.

  She smiled at Bart Tucker as she passed him. “Good day, Mr
. Tucker.”

  He tipped his hat. “Good day, Miss Shipp.”

  Her heart filled with happiness. She fit in here and others at least considered her enough of the community to recall her name.

  Crossing the main street, she made her way to the saloon. She stopped. Did a lady enter a saloon? Perhaps she could peek in and catch Elias’ attention.

  She strode to the green swinging doors and peered into the saloon, curious to take in everything. That must be Mr. Dixon behind the high bar. She inched closer to the doors to get a glimpse of the entire room.

  A tall blonde woman sashayed in view and Ophelia froze in shock. The woman wore a short red skirt that stopped above her knees and a black corset on the outside of her dress. Her low top almost showed all she had to offer. Stockings of black net covered her long legs.

  While Ophelia stared, another woman dressed the same way sauntered up to Deputy Stanton and slid her arm around his shoulders. Although Ophelia couldn’t hear what the woman said, her slanted eyes and the salacious smile she gave the deputy appeared filled with invitation. The woman must be a harlot and she worked for Elias.

  No! Ophelia couldn’t be a part of this sort of life. Elias came around the corner as if from another room. He spoke to the woman and man and to each person he encountered before he made eye contact with Ophelia.

  Seeing his surprise didn’t stop her. She turned and hurried toward Lydia’s.

  Behind her, he called, “Ophelia? Wait, please.”

  Shaking her head, she increased her speed.

  Only a few feet from Lydia’s, Elias caught up with her and grabbed her arm. “Wait, Ophelia, and let me explain.”

  Fighting tears, she turned away from him. “How can you explain away what I saw? Those women were only half dressed and one was almost draped across the deputy. Did she take him into a back room?”

  He ran his hands up and down her arms. “Surely you know I would have nothing to do with running a brothel. I thought you knew me better than that.”

  She refused to meet his gaze. “I did too, but I know what I saw. Please let me go. People are staring at us and I need to get to Lydia’s before I embarrass myself by collapsing in tears.”