Ophelia (Bride Brigade Book 4)

by Caroline Clemmons

  Tears shone in the boy’s eyes. He slapped at the bedding with his hands hitting on either side of his legs. “There’re too many rules here. It’s hard to remember all of ’em.” He swiped at his eyes with his sleeve. “But I’m trying real hard, honest, and so’s John.”

  “Good man.” Elias shook Darius’ hand. “Here’s a good rule to remember: Just because you think something in your head doesn’t mean you have to speak it.”

  Elias put his hand at her waist. “Miss Shipp and I have to go now, but I’ll look forward to seeing you again in a couple of weeks.”

  Darius nodded and sat watching them.

  “Goodbye, Darius.” She gave the boy a little wave as they left his room.

  She and Elias went downstairs to join Sophie.

  Sophie stood when she saw them step off the stairs. “Thought that was you two coming down. I guess you met Darius going to his room.”

  Elias nodded as he pressed Ophelia’s hand. “I’ll wave at Mrs. Parr to let her know we’re leaving and ask Mr. Allsup to bring the buggy around front.

  Ophelia sat beside Sophie to wait for Elias. “Thank you for coming, Sophie. I know you don’t like to leave Tarnation.”

  “But, I do love seeing this place. I’m so proud of Elias for founding the home.”

  “Don’t you wish you could take a bunch of children home with you?”

  Sophie’s laughter startled Ophelia. “Ah, yes. Especially the first time you’re here. I suspect that’s why Lydia didn’t come. So hard for her to resist.”

  “She has her hands full with Rachel, Lorraine, Prudence, and me. Perhaps when we’re all settled, she and the sheriff will marry and she can adopt children if she wishes.”

  “Sadly, that probably won’t happen. That man is proud and stubborn. I do love him like a son, but sometimes I want to shake some sense into him.” She held her hands as if she were shaking someone.

  Ophelia agreed. Lydia was beautiful and in love with the sheriff. From appearances, he was in love with Lydia. How could he let his pride keep them both from being happy?

  Elias returned and they climbed into the buggy.

  As soon as they were on their way, Ophelia scooted closer to Elias. “Tell me about your childhood.”

  He grinned at her. “I was a boy.”

  “That explains everything, does it? You know I meant in more detail. Where did you grow up?”

  He glanced over his shoulder and she followed his gaze. Sophie was sound asleep.

  “I don’t usually talk about my past, but since I’ve asked you to be my wife, I’ll share. Be forewarned.”

  “I’m listening.”

  He gulped and appeared to find speaking difficult. “Ophelia, my mother was a harlot. I was born in a brothel in St. Louis. When I was eight, she died and I was turned out on the street.”

  Her heart broke for the little boy he’d been. She touched his arm. “Oh, you must have been so frightened. And, to lose your mother and your home at once must have been traumatic.”

  “You can understand how anything remotely like a brothel is repugnant to me. I’d never have anything to do with that life.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.” She scooted nearer him. “How could an eight-year-old survive?”

  He shrugged and looked straight ahead. “I ran errands, I stole, I slept in doorways or crates. All the time I kept up my guard against other homeless boys.”

  Others? She wrapped her arms around herself to prevent enfolding him and offering solace and comfort. “But you’d grow out of your clothes, and how could you keep warm in winter?”

  “With difficulty.” He glanced her way. Pain etched his skin. “There’s a seedy underworld I’m glad you’ve escaped knowing. In exchange for picking pockets and stealing, a man named Stillman gave several of us a place to sleep, meager food, and a few clothes. Horrid as that sounds, having a place to stay was a relief.”

  “I’m sure it was but I’m grateful you weren’t in the elements during winter. How did you escape that life?”

  “I learned to play cards. Remember I told you I have a mathematical mind and can keep track of the cards played. Usually, I win. When I was fourteen, I won a large amount and decided I could leave Stillman. He’d have killed me if he’d known I was leaving, so I had to get out of town fast.”

  “How? Were you able to take your possessions?”

  He snorted a laugh. “What possessions? You’re right, I had accrued a few odds and ends, but I left them. All I took was a picture of my mother and a Bible that had been hers. I bought a valise and two sets of clothes. Then, I boarded a riverboat.”

  “Oh, I’ve heard of riverboat gamblers. Is that what you were?”

  “Until I won a large amount from a man who was a poor loser. He threatened to kill me to get back his money. Friends warned me and I moved on. I drifted for a while and that’s when I ended up in Colorado in the saloon I mentioned.”

  “You’ve led a dangerous but amazing life. I’m surprised you turned out so well.”

  “Thank you. Ophelia, I want to know about your father and your life in Virginia. I shared with you, please do the same with me.”

  She shuddered. “I hate talking about my past as much as you do. I know I owe you an explanation, especially after what Celia said. I shouldn’t have mentioned my pa to her, but she seemed so alone.”

  “I agree she does.”

  “My pa is a man with a bad temper. He takes parts of the Bible literally and ignores other parts. He believes in spare the rod and spoil the child. He also believes a wife should be subservient to her husband.”

  “I don’t believe anywhere in the Bible encourages a man to beat his daughter.”

  “Or his wife. Mama tried to leave Pa once but he beat her so badly she was afraid to try again. One day after he’d beaten her, she lay down on the bed and refused to get up. She told me she was tired of living like that and didn’t want to go on.”

  “Did she change her mind? I mean, she still had a daughter to raise. How old were you?”

  “I was twelve. My two brothers had left home. Mama never left her bed again and she died a week later. Pa took no responsibility for her passing.”

  “Your brothers?”

  “They weren’t quite as bad as Pa, but they were plenty mean and hated Pa. They came for Mama’s funeral but wouldn’t even come to the house afterward. Neither one invited me to come live with him.”

  “So you were trapped.”

  “Yes. Pa gave me more chores to do than there was time to do them. At the least thing, he flew into a rage. Then he’d make me take off my blouse and he’d tie my hands together around a post in the barn. He had a whip he’d take to me.”

  His face reddened with anger. “A whip with you tied up? Damn the man. Wasn’t there anyone who’d help you?”

  “Jo tried. Her father was the sheriff, but he said a man has a right to discipline his child and that the law couldn’t do anything.”

  “So you suffered. How often did this happen?”

  “Sometimes a week would go by with nothing, other times a couple of times a week. I never knew what would set him off. He was getting worse, though, so that the beatings were more often and lasted longer.”

  “What finally led you to leave?”

  “I kept paper on my sheet in case he were to hit me that day. I didn’t want to stain the sheet with blood. One day I saw Lydia’s advertisement. I tore it out and put it in my pocket. Guess I was thinking about the ad because after I milked the cow I stumbled on the way to the house and spilt part of the bucket.”

  “Doesn’t seem like a big thing.”

  “There was still plenty left for us, but Pa went into one of his rages. He beat me so badly that I was unconscious for a while. I don’t know how long, but when I came to I was on my stomach on the barn floor. He’d untied me and thrown my shirt beside me. I don’t know how long I’d been there. I half-walked, half crawled to the house. I saw him in the distance plowing the field.”

 
“Did you get treatment for your back?”

  “From whom? I packed a suitcase and took off for Jo’s. She was having troubles of her own. I barely got there, Elias. She packed a suitcase and helped me get to the train station. We were afraid we’d be recognized and stopped. We hid until the train was about to pull out and then climbed on board. Jo told the conductor we’d been running late and hadn’t had time to get our tickets. He sold them to us.”

  “She’s a good friend. I’m glad you had her to help you. Ophelia, I hope I never meet your father. I’m afraid of what I’d do if I did.”

  “No chance of that. He’s mean, Elias, but he’s also stingy and I doubt he’d spend the money to find me. I don’t know how much he makes from the farm, but I know he doesn’t spend any on the house or clothes. The barn is real nice but the house looks as if a good wind would topple it.”

  “Heard about people like that. One man’s wife and kids moved into the barn until he’d fix up their house.”

  “That’s funny. I’ll bet he didn’t beat them, though, or they’d have been afraid to challenge him like that.”

  “You’re probably right. I don’t think many men beat anyone in their family.”

  She took a deep breath. “There’s something else, something bad. I stole eight dollars from a can he kept in the cupboard. I know that was wrong, but I needed money for the train and a room until I could find a job in case Lydia didn’t accept me.”

  “Eight dollars after slaving as you did doesn’t seem like much.”

  “When we’re married, would you let me have that much to send back to him?”

  He stared at her. “After what he’s done to you, you want to repay his eight dollars? Of course I will, my precious Ophelia, if that will ease your mind.”

  “It would. I don’t want him to be able to say anything against me. I didn’t know how else to get away.”

  “I’m glad you’re here. I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy.”

  By this time, they were back in Tarnation. He stopped in front of Lydia’s and set the brake. After hopping down, he came around to help her descend.

  “Goodbye, Sophie. Thanks for being chaperone so I could see the children’s home.”

  Sophie stretched. “I enjoyed the trip. I’ll see you later, dear.”

  He walked Ophelia slowly to the front door. “Thank you for going with me.”

  “Thank you for showing me the children’s home. I wish I could have brought several of them home with me. Still, seeing the home was a good experience.”

  He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I look forward to a time I can spend more time kissing you.”

  Her blue eyes twinkled. “That sounds intriguing.”

  He grinned then jogged to the buggy. She went inside and climbed to her room.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ophelia spotted Cassandra waiting for her at the top of the stairway.

  Her friend asked, “Nice day?”

  “Lovely, but I think I should run up and down the steps several times to compensate for all the sitting I’ve done.” She told her friend about the day’s experiences while she removed her hat and stashed her parasol in the corner. They laughed when she described Darius’ stomping and cursing.

  Ophelia couldn’t stop laughing. “Little boys. They’re as perplexing as the grown up males.”

  “Agreed. Goodness, I had no idea there was such a place nearby. Was it hard to leave the children there?”

  Wistfully, Ophelia recalled how much she’d identified with Celia and Darius and his brother John. “Very difficult, especially for one girl and two little boys. I wish I could have brought them home, but…,” she grimaced, “I remembered I don’t actually have a home, do I?”

  “You will when you and Elias Kendrick marry. When is the wedding?”

  “A week from Saturday.”

  Cassandra crossed her arms. “If you’re waiting for Sam and me, forget it. He’s not going to accept my explanation and I’m not sure about his.”

  “Of course you are and he will accept yours. Give him time. You’re perfect for one another.”

  Cassandra’s face crumpled and she covered her mouth with her hand. Tears coursed down her cheeks. “I never thought I could love a man the way I love him. I know he loves me, but he’s so stubborn.”

  Ophelia hugged her friend. “Aren’t all men? Now stop thinking about Sam and let’s see what’s for supper.”

  Ophelia felt a dozen times worldlier than she had when she had left Virginia. She was still the same person yet she’d had so many new experiences that she had changed. Not outwardly, except for her new clothes, but she’d stretched her mind and added experiences.

  She’d seen parts of the country she’d only read about at school. Met people who were very different from anyone she’d known before. Stayed in this beautiful home with other young women near her age. How could she not have changed?

  ***

  On Thursday, Lydia’s household became busy with wedding and reception plans.

  Ophelia weaved leaves in a circle for a wreath. “I’m so happy Cassandra and Sam worked things out and will be married.”

  Rachel made a similar wreath. “I knew he’d come around sooner or later. I don’t think Cassandra’s nerves could have stood later, though.”

  Prudence polished silver. “Imagine sending for her younger brother without her knowing. What a kind gesture.”

  By time for the wedding, Ophelia was as nervous as a bride herself. As maid of honor, she was wearing an emerald green foulard dress. The wedding would be followed by a reception in Lydia’s ballroom, as it had for the other two brides.

  In her mind, Ophelia had planned her own wedding. She’d wear her pink dress and the necklace Elias gave her with her grandmother’s earrings. Perhaps Lydia would let her cut pink roses from her garden for a bouquet. She was caught up in her daydreams when Adam called for them.

  During Cassandra’s wedding, she couldn’t keep from meeting Elias’ gaze. He was so handsome, dressed in his dark brown suit that complimented his reddish brown hair. She returned his smile, hoping those in the congregation would think the expression was for everyone.

  At the wedding reception in the ballroom of Lydia’s home, Ophelia stood near the bride to greet guests.

  Almost first in line was Cassandra’s brother. “Hello, Trenton. I’m so pleased you could be here to walk your sister down the aisle.”

  “Me, too. Cassie’s married to a fine man. I’m gonna help train his horses.”

  “Good for you.”

  Trenton moved on and Ophelia greeted the next person and next until there were no more in line.

  Once Cassandra and Sam had escaped, Ophelia stacked a set of used plates. “That was a nice wedding and reception.”

  Rachel carried a load of cups. “That it was, and especially so because Sam sent for Trenton. Wasn’t that a nice gesture?”

  After the last dish had been washed, dried, and put into the cupboard, Ophelia escaped to her room. She’d miss having Cassandra next door. They’d grown close, especially since Jo had married.

  What kind of life would she have as a saloon owner’s wife? He’d promised to be home evenings with her. That might mean he’d make less money.

  She hoped not, although the money wasn’t important to her. Elias had expenses with the children’s home and the opera house plus his employees. She didn’t want to be a burden but would she be? He must think they’d have enough money or he wouldn’t have suggested the changes to his routine.

  In her heart, she believed Elias loved her. But, would he resent her later and consider her a liability? She needed to talk to him about these things.

  Sunday afternoon, she was happy for the opportunity when he called on her. “I’m glad you asked me for a walk. I wanted to reassure myself of some things in private.”

  “You sound so serious, Ophelia. Why don’t we turn right and move a street over? We’ll meet fewer people.” He guided her the way he’
d mentioned.

  “Thank you for understanding. I’ve been worrying that in time you’ll come to resent my taking you away from the business you’ve worked so hard to establish. Perhaps we can reach a compromise that will be less restrictive on your time.”

  He patted her hand. “You’re a treasure, Ophelia. No compromise is necessary. I’ve thought about this a great deal. I want a normal life with a loving wife and children. My plan is to be a good husband and father, and that means spending time with my family.”

  “So, you’re sure you didn’t make this decision simply because I’m… well, I guess a good word for me is unsophisticated?”

  “Before you arrived here, I hadn’t planned to marry right now—just someday in the near future. But, I already had these plans in mind for whenever I wed. That’s why I built my house and fenced in the yard so small children could play there—even though Brutus appears to think it’s for him.”

  “That’s a load off my mind. But, don’t you need to be on hand in the evening to prevent trouble?”

  “Bill is more than a bartender. I pay him a percentage of the profit. His background is similar to mine, that is, what little he’s revealed.”

  “He has sons. Doesn’t his wife object to the amount of time he spends at work?”

  “His wife died several years ago, leaving him and his two sons, Ronnie and Virgil. Actually they’re his nephews he’s raising. Bill doesn’t like to be at home in the evening because it reminds him of how much he misses his wife. On his evenings off, he hangs around the saloon.”

  “And can he spot someone cheating at cards as you do? Or keep track of how many drinks each patron has? Or head off a fight or argument?”

  “He and his boys do. Bill is a quiet man but Ronnie and Virgil are the types who never meet a stranger. Customers respond well to them.”

  She frowned and wondered if the Dixon men could really do as well as Elias. “That’s good, but they’re not you.”