Mail Order Celeste

by Elissa Strati

  Celeste read through it, looked up at her sister, and then read through it again.

  “So I no longer need consider myself destitute.”

  “If I understood Henry’s hints, you never were. I believe it was a ploy of Mr. Grey’s to force you home for your own protection. He believed you were at risk on your own and Father was still trying to get back from California. You need neither to work nor to marry, unless you wish.”

  Celeste smiled brilliantly.

  “I needn’t depend on Chip to take care of me!”

  Miranda looked at her, confused.

  “I mean,” explained Celeste, “if I were to marry Chip, it would be for love, not just because I needed to be dependent on another for food and shelter. If I’d married him under those circumstances, having grown up as we have, I was terrified I’d grow to resent him, having to be dependent on him for my every stitch of clothing and my pin money.

  “Of course I guess that is true in most marriages! The man provides for his family and the woman runs the household. It was true with Ralph, except I felt more of an equal partner as my dowry was part of our marital assets.”

  Miranda brightened.

  “I never thought of it that way, but you are right! Of course we are both accustomed to think of ourselves as equal to anyone at all,” she laughed.

  “But of course my own desire to wed is because I want a family of my own before I become too old to have one. I very much envied you and your husband your daughter, and wanted the same for myself.”

  “Well we now both have that option,” declared Celeste, “and all thanks to our Grandfather.”

  “Actually, thanks to Grandmother! Father left me a packet of papers with the letter which showed the terms of the trust she set up for her daughter and female descendants. You are quite welcome to peruse them at your leisure.”

  “Would I be able to understand them? I haven’t studied the law as you have.”

  “Your Latin is every bit as good as mine, and so is your mind. You might not be familiar with the style but I doubt you’d have trouble following the meaning.”

  Both of them said silent prayers of thanks for the fine education they’d received at Our Lady of Mercy under the supervision of Father Flanagan’s sister, Mother Superior Evangeline.

  “But,” mused Celeste, “that still leaves the question of whether I can love Chip the way I did Ralph—and still do. He’s been a part of my life for most of it, not just the period we were married, and I can see him every day in little things Samantha does.”

  Arrangements

  It took several days of discussions to work out the details, but it was finally decided that the sisters would rent Chip’s house. It was too large for him on his own and he wasn’t really able to take care of it because of his work schedule. He truly was putting in that much time to keep his paperwork up to date, Celeste discovered. Chip would move into Sylvester’s town house, into his own suite of rooms, and Sylvester’s housekeeper would have two men to mother and feed.

  Although it was too far out of town for most daily help to cope with, a full-time, live-in housekeeper was soon acquired. A young widow with an infant of her own was thrilled to be able to find so perfect a circumstance, and Celeste had been impressed with the immaculate cleanliness of Mrs. Oliver’s tiny flat when she’d stopped by to interview her at the recommendation of Sheriff McNamara, who was continuing to keep an eye on the ladies for their father. It was hoped that the information in the press would discourage the puppet master who had directed the Krause Gang from pursuing the family further.

  The property was actually a small horse ranch, breeding and caring for the draft horses which pulled the lumber wagons. Seeing the stables and equipage, all a good distance from the family home, Celeste finally understood why Chip had tried to put a saddle horse between the shafts of the surrey. He had no carriage horse, and the draft horses were far too large!

  That omission was soon rectified with a trip to the Tri-Brand Ranch to purchase some saddle horses and a carriage horse from Mrs. Barnett, Mary, who managed the Rocking R Stables. Chip also introduced them to her husband, Charles Barnett, from whom Chip had obtained his dog, Big Red, who had been named by Mary’s daughter, Chrissy.

  Samantha had joined them on this venture and Chrissy had introduced her to the current crop of puppies. A fat yellow pup had immediately come over to Samantha and overset her unsteady balance, then proceeding to lick her face. Sammie squealed in delight, wrapped her chubby arms around the squirming bundle, and named it Buh-Cup, which her doting mother correctly interpreted to mean Buttercup. Buttercup also came home with them.

  ~~~

  In addition, it was agreed, Celeste was to work for Hardwick Lumber in the glass-fronted office on Main Street, which also functioned as a hardware store, and Miranda would join Sylvester daily in his law offices, located on the ground floor of his house, with its own entrance from the street. He already had a law clerk and amanuensis, so the proprieties were observed. Most days, Celeste drove the carriage to Sylvester’s to drop off Miranda and then went on to “her” office where one of the store clerks dropped the carriage at the livery stables.

  ~~~

  They did make one more addition to the household when a young girl, the daughter of a ranch hand, became orphaned at the Tri-Brand. Cindy Lou had herself suggested to Mary Barnett that she go to work for Mrs. Clark to watch Sammie and little Bobbie Oliver “so Mrs. Oliver could get some work done.”

  “Little pitchers!” had commented Mary, laughing, realizing the child had overheard the ladies chatting about what a lot of work it was to keep up with toddlers. And Cindy Lou clearly adored Samantha.

  Cindy Lou and Chrissy were good friends and Mary had planned to simply add the girl to her own household, but Cindy Lou had insisted and, Celeste admitted, Mrs. Oliver was grateful for the help, and so was she. And Cindy Lou was a delight to have around.

  ~~~

  And all this time the couples were courting, going for buggy rides, enjoying picnics, attending church together—they’d agreed to split their time between the two churches, much as Mrs. Henderson, the school teacher did.

  CHAPTER 9 – End of a Chapter

  Captured

  Arresting an entire gang was big news. As always, John Grey stepped completely out of the picture to protect the secrecy of his agency, and threw Colonel William Belden to the press. William, of course, was very careful to include all of the local law enforcement agents who had been involved, pointing to them as the true heroes and putting them in front of rotogravure cameras in their splendid uniforms, hiding himself as much in the background as possible. However, he had been a war hero and thus became fine fodder for the press.

  All of the rumors about Ralph Clark resurfaced, but he now emerged as a knight in shining armor who had been cut down in the prime of life trying to protect his family from the depredations of an evil band of thieves and murderers. The fact that this interpretation was entirely true was irrelevant to the press. This was the best story and the readers loved it. Celeste became the brave widow and mother who had suffered grievously, and an especially flattering photograph, of her with her husband in attendance at some event, was proudly displayed alongside florid tributes to her virtues.

  Socially, her tattered reputation, that Celeste had been completely unaware was in shreds, was now resurrected, and her erstwhile friends were dismayed to find she was no longer in the city. At the time of the earlier events Celeste had been too busy helping care for her dying mother, coping with her funeral, and, finally, dealing with the death of her husband and its aftermath, to be concerned with social niceties beyond her immediate circumstances. And, being in mourning, she didn’t attend any functions.

  Fortunately she had never received the cut direct and even that might not have broken through to her awareness, so focused had she been on simply trying to care for her child in the midst of all the tragedy in her life. Now those same gossips were busy trying to resurrect their own pos
itions, claiming to have had inside knowledge and that they were in on the plot to see her safe.

  An intrepid reporter had discovered William’s most recent trip had been to California at the time Ralph was killed. Speculation that his beautiful daughters were now in San Francisco enjoying high society in the Golden City became mantra, and then established fact, in the minds of those who claimed to be in the know.

  William Makes Plans

  The trial was over and harsh justice served. Few grieved for the villain.

  Although William remained a dashing and mysterious person, he was no longer newsworthy and was allowed to fade from the limelight. He found he could stomach few but his closest friends, knowing the more casual acquaintances had cheerfully slandered his daughter, relishing the scandal of her husband’s dramatic death.

  He used mourning as an excuse to avoid social engagements, and was, in fact, still very much mourning his wife who had been helpmeet and partner as well as his only confidant when involved in work for John and his Department. He continued his work although more and more he found himself turning things over to his partners and reducing his holdings in some arenas, although expanding in others.

  Most of his travels sent him west.

  He met John Grey at their club one evening, planning to enjoy dinner and each other’s company, and, contemplating the tip of his cigar, shared his plans.

  “Celeste has asked me to sell her house and furniture, enumerating those pieces she wishes shipped out to her.” He flashed John a grin. “Most of what she gave Henry to sell is actually not wanted.”

  “Nonetheless, I am glad she is able to make that decision without dire circumstances forcing her hand.”

  Both men nodded their agreement and William continued.

  “I’ve also decided to sell my house.”

  John’s brows shot up in query.

  “You know it is not a family estate, and rather than having sentimental value to me, I find it is somewhat haunted. I think Estelle is trying to encourage me to move on.

  “In fact, I am selling out of my partnership and plan to move west, to Green River, Kansas, to be near my daughters. The town is well served by the railroads so I can still travel as needed for business, but not as far. I have almost no interests east of the Mississippi at this point!”

  John sat back, nursing his own cigar, pondering what he’d been told. The two men had long been friends and knew each other’s patterns. After a few minutes, John sat up and nodded abruptly.

  “Splendid decision! I don’t have anyone in your area. The nearest office is in Chicago. And of course you will have Frank McNamara to back you up. He’s the sheriff there now, you know!”

  “Yes, I do know. He’s been keeping an eye out for my daughters just in case the mastermind behind this plot hasn’t realized I genuinely have no knowledge about the gold.”

  ~~~

  He had reacquired a few of his servants. Alvin, the houseboy, now served him as valet, footman, and even, on rare occasions, butler, when he had fun being referred to as Nevins.

  “I can call you Nevins or Mr. Nevins all the time, if you’d prefer,” commented William.

  “It wouldn’t feel right, somehow, Colonel Belden. After all, Henry was Henry his entire career, rather than Williams!”

  “Ah, you’re too young to remember. His mother was the housekeeper here until she retired and he grew up in the house. Of course he was called Henry until he became the butler, but his name is nearly the same as mine and my wife quickly became frustrated. Whether she would call out “William” or “Williams” both of us would respond. The third time that happened, she said, ‘You are William and he is Henry and that is that.’ And so it was. And still is!”

  “You still miss him, sir.”

  “Very astute of you, Alvin! Yes, we grew up together, although he is a bit older. He is a friend.”

  “It is good to have friends and family, sir.” Alvin looked a bit wistful.

  “Do you have any family, Alvin?”

  “No, sir, just my sister and she is out in Texas, homesteading.”

  “If I were to decide to move west, would you wish to continue to work for me?”

  “Yes, sir! I would be most honored, sir!” His face shone with pleasure at the notion.

  ~~~

  William reflected that he’d be very sorry to lose Mrs. Sommers, who had taken over the kitchen and, with the aid of a daily help, managed the whole house. She was a wonderful and inventive cook, and could provide as equally excellent plain cooking as the latest in French cuisine. And the poor woman only had him and staff to cook for. Well, she’d certainly have no trouble securing another position, and he’d be sure to write her a glowing reference.

  “Has Alvin mentioned my plan to move west?” he asked her.

  “He has sir, and that he’s going with you. Not to be presumptuous sir, but have you made arrangements for staff in Kansas? Only, I have no one but myself to think of, and I was thinking you’d not likely find fine French cooking in the hinterlands.”

  “Is there anyone else in the household planning to come with me?” he asked quizzically.

  “Well, young Alice, who does for me daily, was really looking for a live-in position as she’s on her own as well. Although I doubt we’d be able to keep her long, unless she makes up her mind to have Alvin.”

  “You don’t think Alvin might have something to say about that?”

  “He’s a man, sir.”

  He thought for a moment and nodded. Alice was rather comely and he already suspected Alvin was smitten.

  “Very well, let’s start making arrangements.”

  Apologies to Celeste from Henry

  Shortly after moving to town, William invited Celeste to join him for lunch. After eating they had strolled to the town square and sat on a bench under a shade tree.

  “Henry asked me to apologize to you for allowing you to believe any wrong of your husband,” said her father. “I insisted he not tell you the truth because you needed to act naturally in front of Harriet, and I feared you would not have been able to do so. You, my darling, have a very open countenance and wear your heart on your sleeve.”

  Celeste met his gaze. “I had trouble refraining from displaying my repugnance even in the name of social graces. It is probably as well I did not know.”

  She thought back.

  “Henry was careful to tell me not to believe everything I saw and that things were not what they seemed. The more I pondered on what he had said, the more I began to understand that you must be working again. Harriet simply isn’t your type. I really could not imagine any scenario in which you would ask such a horrible person to be your wife. And I'm sure that diamond was rather expensive but it was the gaudiest piece of jewelry I have ever seen. You have much better taste than that,” she laughed.

  “Yes, Harriet selected that herself. I would have said the woman’s taste was all in her mouth, but I also had to watch her eat during the time we were together. That woman has no taste at all.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, she seemed pretty fond of you.”

  Apologies from the Secret Service

  John Grey came in person to apologize to both women for the inconvenience and risk to which they had been exposed, but especially to Celeste, for all the heartache, albeit unintentional, he had caused her. He was now investigating who had started the rumors about Ralph which had caused her friends to drop her.

  She had laughed at that. Her closest friends had never even hinted at any social issues, and she had just lost her mother at the time, and was in deep mourning, so was unaware she was also being cut. She didn't go out anyway. And she and Miranda had laughed heartily at the newspaper clippings John had brought them, casting them as heroines in a dime novel.

  “I know you will want to share these with your daughter when she is older,” he said gravely, handing Celeste the stories about Ralph.

  Just glancing at the headline, Celeste had to clench her teeth to avoid bursting into t
ears. Using the time it took to carefully place the clippings into the folder in which John had brought them, to compose herself, Celeste took a slow, deep breathe, and, tears shining, replied, “Thank you for discovering the truth. I could never accept as true that Ralph could have behaved so badly as to leave us destitute.”

  A shadow crossed John’s face. “I had to ignore the pain I knew it would cause you. It had been my hope to direct focus away from you and provide you with protection from that vicious gang. I deeply regret my efforts were not enough to save Ralph. He came to my attention too late to intervene.”

  “I could have wished to be included up front rather than lied to, but cannot say I might not have inadvertently blundered in my efforts to keep the secret. Although I gather it was my action in fleeing which triggered Harriet’s rampage.”

  “Seeing how you and your sister handled yourselves, and knowing how well female agents are working for the Pinkertons, I may have to reassess my position on their usefulness within my own agency. But my own powers are limited to my division. Nonetheless, if you wish to act unofficially as your father does from time to time, I would be delighted to have either of you ladies as part of my force!”

  With new husbands and new lives on the horizon, neither wished to commit to government service. Nonetheless, he asked her to be on the alert for any information which might lead to discovering who had started the rumors about Ralph.

  “The hearsay, rumor, and speculation cost the life of a very fine young man and have caused a great deal of disruption in your lives. Ralph’s good sense in contacting Henry, who was able to alert me, made us aware of the danger, but I so much regret we were not able to protect him in time. The Krause Gang did not operate on its own. Karl was too much on the dark in too many areas to have been in charge. And while Karl Krause himself had, in fact, seen William at Gettysburg, he certainly never saw him involved with the heist gang, but had only been told he was.”