Beth_Bride of Massachusetts

by Ashley Merrick

  She was going to wear the same dress that her mother had worn for her wedding many years ago. It was a simple, creamy white gown and it fit beautifully. Beth felt her eyes well up as her mother fastened the back of the dress and helped her to arrange her hair. She caught a glimpse of her mother’s face in the mirror and saw that her eyes were wet, too.

  “You look so beautiful. He’s a lucky man.”

  “I just wish it was real,” Beth sighed.

  Her mother looked at her quietly for a moment and then said, “It is real.”

  Beth smiled. She knew her mother was just trying to make the best of an unusual situation.

  “I know, and we are lucky. It will be a good day.”

  “Of course it will. Let’s go.” She took Beth’s hand and pulled her in for a quick hug.

  The girls came running into the room and stopped short when they saw the sad expressions on their faces.

  “Is everything all right?” Genevieve asked.

  Beth dabbed at her eyes with a soft cloth. “Yes, honey. Everything is just fine. Let’s go to a wedding.”

  Beth’s mother helped her to climb into the buggy and then settled the girls in the back seat. Beth let her mother drive as she was too nervous to focus. When they reached the church, it was packed and the butterflies in Beth’s stomach started to dance furiously. A tall, dashingly handsome man with dark hair and a pretty blonde woman and little boy walked over and introduced himself to them.

  “You must be Beth, and Mrs. Mitchell. I’m Ricky Donovan, and this is my wife Sarah and son Andrew. George asked if I wouldn’t mind walking you down the aisle.”

  “Oh? I hadn’t even thought about that,” Beth admitted.

  “There’s a lot to coordinate for a wedding,” Sarah said with a friendly smile.

  “Thank you so much. I’d be honored to have you walk me down the aisle,” Beth said.

  “And we have room in our pew for you and the girls,” Sarah said to Beth’s mother.

  Sarah led them off while Ricky walked with Beth into the very back of the church and they waited for the music to begin.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve done this before. Just follow me,” Ricky whispered to her. His words had a calming effect and Beth felt herself relax just a little. A few moments later, the music began. He took her by the arm and they walked side by side, into the main church area then slowly down the aisle.

  Beth recognized a few familiar faces as she walked. She caught a glimpse of Annabelle’s long blonde hair and Maeve’s curls. Colleen was sitting on the aisle and smiled as she passed by. Her eyes fell on her mother, sitting near the front, with the girls and Sarah. Her eyes were shining bright with hope and Beth fought back the wetness again as their eyes met. Even when one wasn’t in love, weddings still brought out all kinds of emotions.

  And then she saw George, standing next to a man she guessed was Jason, his other close friend and Maeve’s husband. His eyes met hers and she swallowed hard. She was about to marry this man.

  He smiled at her and a sense of calm swept over her. Ricky led her to where the pastor was standing and George stepped forward, so that they were facing each other. The pastor started talking and Beth repeated the vows when he prompted her to do so. George slipped a ring onto her finger and she did the same with the ring Ricky had handed to her at the last moment.

  “And with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. George Montgomery, you may kiss your bride,” the pastor said.

  George leaned in and his lips brushed lightly against Beth’s. The sensation was nice, but too short and the moment was over in a flash.

  George led her over to where the girls and Beth’s mother were sitting and they stayed for the short service that followed. When the service ended, everyone waited for George and Beth to exit first and then the congregation followed, with people paying their respects as they exited. George introduced Beth and her mother to everyone. They met all of the Donovan family and their wives, most of whom had come as mail-order brides from Boston.

  Once everyone was outside, George, Beth, her mother and the girls headed home and all of their friends followed. Beth changed out of her wedding dress as soon as she got home so that she wouldn’t ruin it bringing the food out. She put on one of her favorite dresses and joined her mother and Naomi Donovan in the kitchen. Those two quickly recognized that they were kindred spirits and worked well together getting all the food out with Beth and a few of the girls’ help. Colleen’s husband David brought his guitar and was playing music that was so good, it sounded like they had hired a professional.

  “Everyone, please take a plate and help yourself,” George called out. The party went on for several hours and Beth was surprised by how much fun she had, considering that she didn’t really know anyone. But all the Donovan’s were friendly and quickly made her and her mother feel at home.

  “You’re so lucky to live here,” Annabelle said as she nibbled on a piece of cheese and looked longingly at the array of cakes and pies.

  “I know. I feel very lucky,” Beth agreed as she cut herself a slice of apple pie and a sliver of the cake that Annabelle had brought. “It’s my wedding so I’m going to indulge,” she laughed. “Are you sure I can’t cut you a piece? Your cake looks wonderful.”

  Annabelle hesitated. “Well, maybe just a sliver would be all right.”

  Beth grinned and cut her a small piece of cake. It really was delicious. Annabelle took a bite too, but then put the plate down when Ben Donovan walked her way. Beth had met Ben at the church, too, and thought she remembered George saying that he was one of the few single brothers. Annabelle’s face lit up when he stopped to say hello to both of them.

  “If you’ll both excuse me,” Beth said and wandered off so the two of them could chat privately. She wasn’t sure if Ben wanted that, but she thought Annabelle might appreciate it.

  George appeared at her side, holding a plate with two pieces of pie on it.

  “Are you having fun, Mrs. Montgomery?” he asked.

  “Yes, it’s been a wonderful day. You couldn’t decide?” she asked, looking at his dueling pie slices, one apple and one blueberry.

  “Why choose when both are available?” he said with a grin.

  “You have nice friends,” she said, glancing at several of the Donovan wives who were chatting with Naomi and Beth’s mother.

  “I do,” he agreed. “This is a great place to live. You’ll see.”

  Beth noticed that Ricky was waving at them. “I think you’re wanted over there,” she said.

  “Oh, looks like I am. I will see you in a bit.” He wandered off to where Ricky and several Donovan brothers were gathered and looked like they were in deep discussion.

  Beth joined her mother and the other girls. Colleen and Sarah were both wearing the most gorgeous dresses. Sarah’s was a rich purple and Colleen’s a hunter green that set off her dark hair beautifully.

  “I couldn’t help but admire both of your dresses,” she said to them.

  “Thank you. Colleen made hers. She’s very talented,” Sarah said.

  “Sarah is just as talented as I am. She made hers, too,” Colleen said with a chuckle.

  “Well, I am even more impressed, then. I used to work in a factory as a seamstress and it was a job I really wasn’t suited for. My sewing skills are nothing like the two of you.”

  They all continued to chat for the better part of a few hours before people slowly started to leave. It was nearly six by the time everyone left. Beth helped her mother finish cleaning up before they played cards with the girls for a bit then helped them get ready to go to bed. Once they were tucked in, they joined George in the library and a moment later, Beth’s mother excused herself to go to bed.

  “I’m worn out. You young people stay up and enjoy yourselves.” When she left, Beth curled up in a cozy chair that faced the wood stove and let the warm heat wash over her. She was utterly exhausted. It had been a long and eventful day.

  “She’s not the o
nly one that’s worn out,” George said with a chuckle as Beth realized her eyes had drifted shut. They felt so heavy.

  “I know. I am tired. It was a wonderful day, though. I think that things went about as well as they could, don’t you?”

  George looked at her thoughtfully. “Yes, I do. You and your mother did a great job with all of the food.”

  “We had some help. Naomi and the other girls brought things over yesterday.”

  “Yes, but you baked all of those pies yourself, right? And helped your mother to roast the chickens?”

  “Well, yes, we did,” she said.

  “And your food was delicious. I was hoping you could cook, but I wasn’t sure. I’ve grown spoiled with Mandy’s cooking.”

  “My mother is a very good cook, too,” Beth said.

  “Yes, I can see that. It seems as though you might be, too.”

  Beth smiled. “I’m not quite at my mother’s level yet, but I am getting better.”

  “I noticed you talking with Colleen and Sarah for some time. They’re wonderful girls and would make great friends for you.”

  Beth smiled. “I agree. I like all of the girls I’ve met so far, actually. We spoke a bit about their sewing skills and my lack of them,” she admitted. “They’re both gifted at sewing.” A thought occurred to her then and an idea that excited her.

  “George, what do you do with all the fabric that your factories make?”

  He looked at her in surprise at the shift in the conversation.

  “We mostly sell it to places like the mercantile who sell it by the yard, or other factories who make ready-to-wear clothing. That’s actually a growing market for us.”

  “I thought that it might be. Have you considered doing some of the sewing work, too? You could build another business here that could buy your material and turn it into beautiful clothing.”

  “I’ve considered the idea, but there are more single women on the east coast, so that’s why I’m expanding there.”

  “What if you hired married women? You could have them work from home even, like Colleen and Sarah if they were interested and someone could coordinate and pick up the projects they work on.”

  “Someone like you, perhaps?” George said with a smile. “That’s actually not a bad idea.”

  “I’m not very good at sewing, but I think I could be good at coordinating an effort like this. I think that I might really like it, too.”

  “It could be fun for you, and something you could do while the girls are in school.” George looked thoughtful. “Let me think about this and figure out a way to make it work.”

  Beth yawned and felt her eyes growing heavy again.

  “I think I need to head to bed,” she said.

  George stood and held out his hand to help her up from her chair. She took it and smiled. “Thank you. Suddenly, I have no energy left. Good night.”

  “Good night, Mrs. Montgomery.” He leaned in and Beth felt a few butterflies take flight as she wondered how it might feel if he kissed her again and it wasn’t so short this time. But, he dropped a kiss on her forehead instead and she turned to go to bed, feeling sleepy and mildly disappointed about where that kiss had landed.

  * * *

  George lay in bed that night thinking about his wedding day and his new wife. He also thought about the conversation they’d just had and her idea to start a new business using local married women to sew. That idea prompted others and he grew excited thinking about the possibilities.

  He also considered his feelings for his new wife. He’d known almost immediately upon meeting her that she wasn’t quite as she described herself. He’d thought that he wanted someone more like her mother—calm and sweet, who was good with the children and who wouldn’t bother him, so he could come and go as he pleased.

  But, he was finding that he was enjoying himself more when Beth was with him. She was smart and lively and she was interested in his business. Genuinely interested and eager to help build it with him.

  He chuckled to himself. Obviously someone up there knew better than he did as to what he needed in a wife. He wasn’t totally sure, but he sometimes sensed that Beth might possibly find him a little bit attractive, too. That was something he hadn’t been looking for, and while he found Beth’s photograph pleasant enough, when he met her in person, he was surprised by how much more attractive he found her. She was a very pretty girl and the girls liked her, which was important, too. Maybe, just possibly, this could turn into a real marriage, if that’s what Beth wanted.

  Chapter Twenty

  A few days later, Beth decided to take a drive into town mid-day to pick up some groceries at the mercantile. She asked her mother if she wanted to join her, but she declined.

  “I have a bit of a headache. I think I might just lie down for a short while. But would you mind doing me a favor and pick up some more white thread? I have a sock I need to mend, and I don’t think I will have enough.”

  “Of course.”

  Beth set off and enjoyed the ride into town. She was used to driving the buggy now and the horses recognized her. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and bright, and she was in a good mood as she walked into the mercantile after tying the horses up outside first.

  Both Hannah and Annabelle were behind the counter. Hannah was at the register making change for a customer while Annabelle was smiling up at another customer. It was a sly smile, flirtatious and even a bit brazen as Beth was surprised to see her lightly touch his arm. She handed him something in a bag and as he turned to bring it to the register, Beth had another surprise when she saw his face and heard a familiar laugh. It was George, and Annabelle was flirting shamelessly with him. He didn’t seem to mind it, either.

  Hannah saw Beth before George did and Beth noticed that she shot Annabelle a sharp look and then loudly said, “Look who’s here. George’s new wife, Beth!”

  Annabelle scowled and turned away, suddenly busy with something on a lower counter. George broke into a huge smile when he saw her. “This is a nice surprise. I stopped in to pick up one of Hannah’s famous pumpkin pies to bring home for dessert tonight. I was going to surprise you, but now you know.”

  “I love pumpkin pie,” Beth said softly as George handed Hannah money for the pie. She quickly gave him his change.

  “I know you do. That’s why I picked one up for us. The girls like it, too. I have to get back to the office, but I’ll see you at home later.” He walked off and Beth wandered off to the fabric section to get the thread that her mother had requested. The white thread was low to the ground, so Beth had to kneel down to get a good look at it. While she was looking at the different options, she suddenly heard slightly raised voices, one petulant and one angry.

  “It’s completely inappropriate for you to flirt with George Montgomery that way. He’s a married man!”

  “I didn’t mean anything by it. Besides, he’s only just married and everyone knows it’s not a love match. I think George and I could be really good together. It feels like there is a spark there.”

  “If George wanted to be with you, he would never have married someone else,” Hannah said firmly.

  “I don’t know about that. I was too shy before. I didn’t let him know I was interested.”

  “Well, I like Beth and if you want to keep your job here, you will not behave like that again, with any married men. Not in my store.”

  “Fine. I won’t flirt in the store.”

  Beth heard the sound of feet stomping off and waited a few more minutes before standing and making her way to the register with the thread and a bag each of flour and sugar. Hannah looked contrite when she saw her and realized she may have overheard her conversation with Annabelle.

  “I’m really sorry for her behavior. I don’t know what’s gotten into her,” Hannah said.

  “I thought she was going to be a friend,” Beth said sadly.

  “You don’t need friends like that. I’m tempted to fire her.”

  “Please don’t do that on my acc
ount,” Beth said.

  “Well, she’s been warned. I won’t tolerate that kind of behavior.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate that.” Beth went to hand Hannah money and she said, “No need, I already charged it to George’s account.” She smiled and then asked, “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” Beth took the bag from Hannah and then left.

  On the ride home, she couldn’t help picturing the scene in the mercantile—Annabelle flirting and George seeming to enjoy the attention. Would he rather be with someone like her? Annabelle was very pretty and charming. Instead, he was stuck with her. Or was he? They hadn’t consummated their marriage. It could still be annulled, she supposed. The thought was a depressing one.

  Her mother was up and around when Beth returned home and said that she was feeling much better. The headache was gone. Beth got busy in the kitchen, getting dinner ready and needing to get her mind off what she’d seen earlier. She was equally troubled that Annabelle had obviously pretended that she wanted to be her friend when all the while, she just wanted to learn more about the woman who was about to marry George. She obviously didn’t consider her suitable or any kind of a real threat or she wouldn’t have flirted the way she did. Beth couldn’t imagine what kind of woman would try to steal another woman’s husband. None of her friends, certainly.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Something was bothering Beth. She wasn’t herself at dinner, George noticed. She was much quieter than usual, more like her mother. As much as George liked Beth’s mother, he’d grown to appreciate the fact that she wasn’t like her very much at all. She hardly said a word at dinner and although she agreed to a small slice of the pumpkin pie that he’d brought home, he noticed that she only took a few bites before saying she was too full to finish it. He had never seen her leave a scrap of dessert behind before.