“In answer to the gentleman’s question, we aim to secure sponsorships from the audience and other members of the public. We hope in time to engage some teachers who can teach the children new skills to enable them to become self-sufficient members of society. We will also run education programs on the dangers of drinking to excess but we will not impose a requirement on our guests to be teatotallers. We want to help people to be happy, not miserable.”
“And what plans do you have for the orphans? Are they to be adopted or grow up in your asylum?”
Lily grabbed the podium in front of her. Charlie willed her to be careful not to antagonize her audience but to choose her words with care. He knew she would be alright as she took a deep breath giving herself time to frame the answer.
“Our sanctuary is not, and never will be, an asylum. I apologize if I caused your confusion,” Lily smiled very sweetly. “We would prefer to have the orphans adopted where possible as we believe all children deserve a happy home. But that is not always possible. Both Mr. Prentice and I have close ties to the Clover Springs community. As you may be aware, there is a shortage of decent women willing to travel west. We already have some mail order brides living and working in Clover Springs. We could add to that number, should the girls wish to travel when they come of age. There is always work for well-educated young men, but maybe we could also start a new service for mail order husbands?”
The audience laughed again as Charlie guessed had been Lily’s intention. He was so proud of the way she held herself and kept calm, he could burst. What was he thinking? He had no right to be. She wasn’t his sister, mother nor his wife. Charlie blinked rapidly. But she could be. Would she marry him? What could he offer such an accomplished young lady? His job on the railroads was steady work, but hardly at the same level as the admirers Lily could attract now given how confidant she was, never mind her clothes.
He was so caught up in staring at her, he didn’t see the man approach him until he was standing in front of him.
“Excuse me young man, but don’t you work for the railroad?”
Charlie nodded, his attempt to answer having failed. He suddenly recognized the man standing in front of him. It was the British man who had offered him and Derek his clothes when they found the stranded train.
“I believe I may owe you and your friend my life and that of my wife. I have tried to find you, but the bosses at the railroad seem rather less than forthcoming when it comes to giving out information. I don’t even know your name.”
“It’s Charlie Doherty, sir. But I didn’t do anything. It was my job.”
“Ainsley Harrington.” The man held out his hand to shake Charlie’s hand. “Yes you did, young man. You showed integrity, bravery and what’s lacking in most people: ordinary common sense. In fact, a man of your character would fit very well into my organization. Have you ever considered changing employment?”
Charlie looked at the man helplessly. He knew he looked like a right fool but nobody had ever asked him that particular question before. He wasn’t sure how to answer.
“I appreciate your loyalty to your current employer but perhaps you would consider at least talking to me. This is my card. Call my secretary at your earliest convenience and we will discuss it further.”
Charlie looked at the card; the man was a lawyer. What type of job could he offer him?
“Thank you sir. But I wouldn’t want to be wasting your time.”
“You won’t be. You’re a sharp man, Charlie Doherty. A quick thinker. I assume you can read and write?”
“Yes sir.”
“I believe you could be just the man I need. Now, I’ll let you get back to the matter in hand and see how much money your young lady has raised.”
“My young…oh no, but you’re mistaken. Miss Green is simply a friend of mine.”
“Really?” the man said, looking doubtful. Then he said goodnight and left Charlie to his thoughts.
The man was obviously wealthy but what did he want with the likes of him? He could read and write for sure but work in an office? For a lawyer? He wasn’t at all certain that was where his talents lay.
The evening was a success—anyone could see that. The donations poured in. They raised well over five thousand dollars, excluding the value of Alicia’s tiara, with promises of more. Lily could hardly believe it. She stared at the pile of cash and jewelry on the table in Mr. Prentice’s office. She knew she should be happier than ever but her heart felt like it was broken.
Chapter 45
Lily looked around at the large group gathered in the hotel lobby. She had agreed not to go to the train station, as it would be too busy. Nobody wanted to cry in public and there would be plenty of tears.
Lily sniffed as she said goodbye to Nora, Alicia, Aaron and the children. She hugged baby Michelle close whispering into her ear. “No matter what, you ever need me, I will be there.”
Then she gave Doc Erin a big hug and finally was left in front of Mick. She went into his arms readily, not bothering to hide her tears.
“Thank you so much for what you and Doc Erin did for me. I will never forget it.”
“Don’t speak like we ain’t going to see each other again Lily, we expect you to come visiting.”
“Maybe you and Erin can come here?”
“I love you Lily but if I’m honest, I am not in a big rush to come back to New York. I’m a country boy at heart.”
Lily hugged him close again. The fact she was able to do so showed her how much she had recovered already.
She stood watching as the families staying behind said their goodbyes. Even though Carmel, Ruth and her husband Joe were joining Nora shortly, the women were still in floods of tears. Robbie stood by Nora protectively, but even his usual, unflappable self seemed upset by all the tears.
Lily walked over to where Mr. Prentice stood and held onto his arm, as much for support for her as for him.
“Thank you, Lily dear. This is much harder than I imagined.”
“Robbie will do you proud in Clover Springs, Mr. P. You’ll have to travel out there to see how he is settling in. Think of what adventures you will have.”
“I think I might land in jail if I meet up with the awful Mrs. Kelley you were telling me about.”
“Don’t mention her. Hopefully she will have gone hunting for gold or something by the time you get around to visiting. I wouldn’t wish that woman on my worst nightmare.”
“Not even on Ned Duffy?”
She cracked the tiniest smile. “I might have made an exception for him.”
Lily shook her head. She turned her attention back to the crowd. Doc Erin was with Sadie, and Lily walked over to join them.
“Lily, Doc Erin has given me the go ahead to travel. It means we can leave by the end of the month.”
“Are you going to get married here or in Clover Springs?” Erin asked.
“Clover Springs, Doc Erin. We hope your friend, the priest, will marry us. Neither of us want to have anything to do with Father Devine, not after what he did to Jamie.”
“I am sure Father Molloy will be delighted. He likes nothing better than a wedding.”
“Good thing, it looks as if he will be getting plenty of practice. With Nora and Robbie, Lizzie and Jamie and you and Tommy,” Lily said.
“What of you Lily? Are you going to make an honest man out of Charlie Doherty?” Michael Byrne shouted.
Lily’s cheeks heated up. She looked up to catch the man in question staring at her. She glanced away and once she recovered her composure looked back at Sadie’s face. “There is nothing between me and Charlie Doherty.”
Sadie and Erin exchanged a look and both started laughing. They stopped when she glared at them but only for a second before they started again.
“Me thinks the lady doth protest too much,” Erin quoted.
“I don’t know what you’ve been drinking. He hasn’t even asked me to share a coffee never mind a life.” Lily retorted then covered her mouth with her han
ds. She’d spoken loudly and he’d heard. She knew he had by the look in his eyes. Darn it anyway, he was coming over. Where would she go? She stood up but in her haste, tripped over her dress and would have fallen but for him catching her.
“See how the women love falling into my arms?” he joked as he helped her stand. Flustered she glared at him, hoping he would leave but he stood there.
“Doc Erin, before you travel could I please ask for your help?” he asked.
Erin looked as confused as Lily felt. She glanced at Charlie’s face, he was staring at her.
“In the absence of Lily’s father, could I please ask your permission to court your friend?”
Doc Erin laughed and stood up.
“Don’t you be trying to get me involved, Charlie Doherty. You’re old enough to ask Lily out and she is an independent woman. Sadie, I will see you in a month or so. Remember to do what I told you.”
“Yes, Doc Erin.”
“Charlie, are you going to give me a hug to say goodbye? Promise me you will put your gran, mam and da on the train just as soon as your da gets finished with his eye appointments?”
“I will Doc Erin, thank you for everything you did.”
“Charlie, fair heart never won fair lady.”
Lily could have slapped Erin. Why was she quoting literature again?
Charlie heard the message Doc Erin gave him loud and clear. He had to make a grand gesture to convince Lily he was serious. The people she loved were moving toward the exit. It was now or never. Without giving it much thought, he jumped onto a table.
“Ladies and gentlemen, before you make your final farewells, I would like your attention for a quick minute.”
“Charlie Doherty, get down off of that. Yer making a show of the Dohertys.”
“You ain’t seen nothing yet Gran.” He blew her a kiss, then turned to face the ashen faced woman he loved. “Lily Green, I apologize sincerely for hurting you with my careless talk. I am head over heels in love with you and wish nothing more than for you to share my life. Please say you will.”
“Charlie get down, please,” she begged.
“Not until you say yes.”
“You can’t bully her into marrying you, you big eejit,” Jamie said laughing.
“I’m desperate. I can’t live without Lily Green.” Putting his hands on his heart, he painted a picture of a desperate man. He looked at Lily under his lashes and saw that she was smiling.
“Please Lily, say yes and put us all out of our misery. Charlie will hound you for hours just like he did us that Christmas when he wanted a football,” Ruth chimed in.
“Mam you can’t compare the love of my life to an old football.”
Charlie watched his mam go scarlet before Lily’s voice cut across the laughter.
“Charlie please get down and let our friends get to the station. They’ll miss their train.”
“Not till you say yes.”
“Charlie Doherty get down now or I will never agree to courtin’ you.”
Charlie jumped down so fast he fell over and more or less rolled to Lily’s feet.
“There you go Lily. That’s exactly where he belongs.”
Charlie sent Tommy Carpenter a dirty look as he and Jamie nearly fell down laughing at him. Lily helped him up.
“Quite the contrary, Mr. Carpenter. I expect him to stand tall at my side. We are equals after all.”
Carmel Doherty started clapping. “Well not that I ever needed convincing you were the right girl for Charlie, but I have to say your attitude does you proud. Marriage is tough enough without setting out as you mean to go on. Welcome to the family love.”
Lily bowed in acknowledgment to the older woman, her cheeks bright red. They went redder still as Charlie leaned in to capture a kiss. The first of many, he hoped.
Epilogue
Two months later
The hotel seemed so empty now all the patients had recovered and returned home. Lily sat in the lobby reading Erin’s latest letter. There was trouble in Clover Springs. Mary’s long lost sister, Cathy, had turned up but it wasn’t the joyous occasion it should have been. From reading between the lines, Lily knew Erin was very worried. She wished she were there, maybe she could help. On a good note, Father Molloy was in his element planning weddings for Wilma, Nora and the others who should be arriving shortly.
She closed her eyes conjuring up images of Wilma, Mrs. Grey and all the residents she missed. Still, she had made the right decision to stay in New York.
She had moved into a smaller suite than the one she had shared with the Quinns. Mr. P wanted her living at the hotel or at his home for security reasons. He didn’t want her living at the sanctuary, not that it was habitable just yet. He was worried once she lived there, she may never get a night off. He said it was important to protect her health, as she wouldn’t be able to help those the sanctuary catered for if she fell ill.
She rubbed her neck. The tension of the last few days were making her muscles feel like ropes. Charlie was getting impatient as she refused to set a date for their wedding. She didn’t want to marry in haste. Much as she found him fascinating and attractive, there was a lot from her past she still had to work through. Not just her either. He refused to discuss it other than to say it didn’t matter; none of what had happened had been her fault.
Maybe she was worrying over nothing. When he kissed her, she got shivers down her spine and her body responded to him in a way it never had. He created such new and lovely sensations; it was becoming very difficult not to take him to her bed. But she was determined not to take that step. She wanted to be married properly before they shared everything.
Her muscles stung as her thoughts moved to getting married. The local priests had refused outright to consider the service. She wanted to believe they were protesting out of some moral code, but she tended to believe it was because they knew she was partly responsible for closing down Ned Duffy. They were also lacking in encouragement for the sanctuary after she’d refused to insist every visitor was a baptized Catholic. Who was she to force any religious opinions onto anyone?
Mr. P backed her up, but the situation was becoming intolerable. And Charlie was working long hours in his new job. He had left the railroad and was now working for Harrington Law and Investigative Services. From what she could make out, he was like a Pinkerton agent. His boss, the man who claimed Charlie had saved his life on the train, required information and he paid Charlie to find out what he needed.
“There you are, beautiful. What’s with the frown?”
She gave her lips up to Charlie’s kiss and held his hand as he took a seat beside her.
“I was just reading Erin’s latest letter. They have some trouble in Clover Springs. I wish I could help.”
“Darling, they will sort it out and besides, you are needed here. But if you ever want to go back for a visit, I will take you. It doesn’t take that long to reach Clover Springs. The railroads are improving daily.”
Before Lily could comment, Mr. P came in, closely followed by an older man. He looked like a priest. Lily immediately let Charlie’s hand go but he took it back and held it tighter. She smiled. He was right, they weren’t doing anything wrong.
“Lily, Charlie, thank goodness you are both here. I meant to ring ahead but I got over excited. Let’s ring for some champagne.”
“Now?” Lily exchanged a quick glance with Charlie who shrugged. Letting go of his hand, she went over and rang the bell. It took seconds for the waiter to arrive and take their order.
“Forgive me Father, I forgot to introduce you. Where are my manners? Lily Green, Charlie Doherty, please meet Father Thomas Nelson.”
“Pleased to meet you Father Nelson.” Charlie held out his hand, which the priest shook before taking Lily’s hand in his and kissing it.
Taken aback, she stared up into his face, his size and stature making her feel like a dwarf. “My dear Miss Green, I am honored to make your acquaintance. It seems like I have been waiting weeks to
meet you but it has in fact only been days. My friend, Father Molloy, has written to me and told me all about you.”
Feeling faint, Lily grabbed for Charlie’s hand.
“Miss Green, you look upset. Please sit down. I didn’t mean to frighten you with my enthusiasm.”
“My fiancée has been working too hard lately Father, we have been telling her to slow down,” Charlie said.
“I have heard all about your good works. In fact, that is part of the reason I am here today. I would like us to work more closely together.”
“You would?” Lily asked, her voice sounding weak. “But Father Devine…”
“Has been moved on to another parish. I am taking over this parish with immediate effect. I wrote to tell my friend Father Molloy, how I miss him. He was my mentor you know when I first became a priest. Long before you were born. Anyway, I wrote to tell him my news and his letter came back by return post. He must have written it as soon as he read mine. He was glowing in his praise of you Miss Green. Seems your friends have taken word of your work here back to Colorado.”
Lily moved so Charlie, who had taken a seat beside her, supported her weight.
“Please forgive us Father for our seeming lack of enthusiasm. May I be frank?”
“By all means, but could you wait until Mr. Prentice pours the champagne? I must admit to feeling very cheeky! I never get to drink the stuff and I am rather partial.”
Lily smiled at the confession. It made the priest seem so much more human.
Charlie grinned at the priest. He could see why Lily was confused. He was as different from Father Devine as night from day. But he reminded Charlie of Father McKenna, their old priest.
“Do you by any chance know Father McKenna?”
“Yes son, I do. Another fine priest. He is working back at home now. Emigrated to Ireland a few years back. Seems happy from what he writes, although the political situation leaves a lot to be desired. Still, we must go where God thinks fit.”
New York Hope Page 13