The Christmas Will (O'Brian Brothers Book 1)

by A. S. McGowan

  In the heart of downtown Boston, he entered the jewelry store. He approached the counter and seeing the rings on display, he gave a low whistle. Diamonds of all shapes and sizes sparkled in their black velvet display. He didn’t want to get something elaborate, but he knew he had to get her something for the ceremony. The diamonds were too big for a fake marriage or too small he was sure would insult.

  Moving to the next display, a ring caught his eyes. The emerald and diamonds seemed to call to him. The emerald was a small square cut and the diamonds almost unnoticeable. He remembered the story she told him of the train robbery and losing the emerald and diamond ring that had been her mothers. This ring could not replace the sentimental value of that ring, but he hoped it would bring her a bit of happiness. Before he could change his mind or over think it too much; he paid for the ring and left the store. Walking back to the carriage he noted the white fluffy clouds drifting overhead. They created a carefree mood John found annoying.

  With everything finished he had nothing to do but wait till the next morning. A jumble of nerves, he preferred the solitude of his room and had sent for his dinner to be brought up to him. The tray sat on the table. A large portion of food still on his plate. Normally his appetite could consume more than what the plate held. Tonight, though he merely picked at his food before giving up and leaving the tray sitting.

  His thoughts turned to his former client. Would a man of his wealth be sentenced the same as a man of lesser means? He always heard that justice was blind but, justice was a fickle biased creature. He knew had William only killed Ester’s mother, justice would not care on wit. As it was William had also killed the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Woods and that alone might ensure some justice. For now, though the man was locked behind bars and could not harm Ester. That had to be good enough.

  Chapter 22

  Stepping out of the carriage the cold wind blew about him. John simply stood staring at the front of the school. Just inside was the woman that would in a very short time be his wife. In an attempt to gain control of his emotions, he filled his lungs with the biting cold. Rubbing the tension from the back of his neck, he continued to stare at the building. Woods Academy for Proper Young Ladies was scrawled across the sign. It ate at him that Ester had lost so much because of mistakes made by other people. She deserved so much more.

  No use stalling any further. With his gut tied in knots he headed inside the school. Mrs. Wong greeted him with a scowl on her weathered face. He wasn’t sure if it was him, Ester or her soon to be unemployed status that caused her sourly expression. Not saying a word, he let her lead him to Ester’s private quarters.

  Stepping inside he was greeted by Mr. Magill and a room overflowing with flowers. Everywhere he looked he vases covered any available space. White and blue flowers rose up out of each vase. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to try and create a festive atmosphere.

  “I wasn’t sure if you would really show up,” Mr. Magill announced holding out his hand.

  “Well I am here,” John answered shaking the man’s hand. “Where is Ester?”

  “Ester is with the other ladies inside her bedroom getting ready. Would you care for a drink while we wait?”

  “That sounds like a splendid idea.”

  He spent the next half hour talking business dealings with Mr. Magill. He learned that earlier that morning, Ester had signed the papers that finalized the sell of the building that had housed the school. It was unclear what the new owners planned to do with the building. Or how Mr. Magill had managed to find a buyer so quickly. A sound had him turning around towards the door to Ester’s bedroom.

  He was shocked to see Lady Wellington standing there. She was a beautiful woman standing there in all her regal glory. She met his eyes and smiled. She stepped out of the doorway and allowed Mary to exit the room behind her. Mary was dressed in a similar fashion with her hair piled high on her head in an intricate design. She looked nothing like the Mary he had met. This woman could pass for a society lady. Two beautiful ladies were now staring at him. He felt like a criminal under their censorship. Where was Ester?

  It didn’t take long before Ester swept into the room. The green silk dress rustled as she walked. Her hair was piled high and in just an intricate design as the other two ladies.

  The air immediately left his lungs in a hard, burning whoosh. Ester was…

  She was…

  Exquisite. Breathtakingly beautiful.

  What was he doing? This woman deserved a real wedding with a real marriage.

  However, they were here because of him. He knew it was entirely his fault. He had done his job as he was hired to do. Yet he felt a responsibility for the situation Ester was in. He would make it right. Pushing his misgiving down, he couldn’t untangle his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to put one foot in front of the other.

  He racked his brain trying to find the right words. “Ester. I…” Disgusted with his own clumsiness, he forced a smile and tried again. “You look…lovely.” For a man who hunted down criminals, he felt very tongue-tied in the presence of this particular woman.

  Blushing, she lowered her gaze to the floor and sighed. His heart pounded against his ribs. This woman was the picture of beauty and grace. He wiped his palms on the front of his pants. He was surprised to find they were shaking.

  She lifted her gaze and met his. “You look wonderful too.” Her voice shook as she spoke, and the blush deepened.

  As if by design Reverend Dempsey entered the room. His expression was stern as he looked at the group gathered. He clutched his bible tightly in his right hand. “This is highly unusual but since the young man has gotten head of himself, I agreed to do this.”

  “A head of himself?” Ester asked. Confusion etched across her lovely face.

  “Let’s not get into that right now.” He pulled her flush against him. “Shall we begin?”

  The Reverend Dempsey opened his bible as the rest of the group took their places. Mr. Magill stood to his left and Mary and Lady Wellington stood to Ester’s right. He felt rootless and adrift. Nothing at all like himself. It was a strange feeling and he was unsure how to process it.

  When he was younger and thought of marriage, he thought he would marry in the same church he was christened in. Surrounded by his large family and abundance of friends. Yet he stood in this small room with a Protestant reverend officiating and only three other people present.

  ***

  Ester stood with her hands clutched together at her waist. It took all her will power to not fidget. Fidgeting was not very ladylike but a habit she fought hard to control when she was overwhelmed. At this moment she was very overwhelmed. She was getting married to a man she barely knew. Worse yet in a dress that wasn’t even her own. Looking down, she studied the green silk of the dress. So lovely and elegant. She would forever be grateful to Lady Wellington for offering such a kind gesture.

  “Dearly beloved. We have gathered here today in the presence of God to witness the union of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony.” Reverend Dempsey began. “John will you have this woman to love, honor and protect in sickness and in health? Forsaking all others and remain united to her until death do you part?”

  “I do.”

  “Ester do you take this man to be your husband to love, honor and obey in sickness and in health. Forsaking all others and remain united to him until death do you part?”

  “I do.” Her voice barely a whisper. A lump formed in her throat and tears threated to break free.

  “Is there a ring?” the reverend asked.

  Her heart dropped. John had left yesterday to make the preparations for their wedding today. She knew though that this was a name only marriage. There was no way he had taken the time to get a ring. Until this moment she hadn’t realized how important it was to her to have a ring. She wanted a ring though. The tears were battling harder now to break free. No, she would not cry. Not over something as silly as a ring.

  “Yes, there is a ri
ng. “John said as he reached into his jacket pocket. “Ester I remembered you telling me about the ring that belonged to your mother. You were so upset about it being stolen.” He pulled the ring out of his pocket and held it out for her to see. “I know it is not the same, but I saw this one and thought you would find it suitable.”

  She looked at the ring held between his thumb and index finger. The square cut emerald and the small diamonds. It was similar enough to her mother’s ring. She clamped her hand over her mouth. This kind sweet man standing in front of her was more than she deserved. Not only had he listened to her but he thought enough to get her this ring. Unable to hold back the tears won their battle and flowed unashamed down her cheeks.

  John took her trembling hand and slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfect. It was as if it had been made just for her. For a moment she almost felt this would be a real marriage. After all the ring was a symbol to the world that she belonged to this man. A bit starry eyed, she met his gaze as the reverend pronounced them husband wife. His lips met hers in a gentle chaste kiss. Nothing at all like the way he kissed her that night he came back after attacking Charles. She pushed the thought of Charles from her mind. She would not let him ruin this day.

  Chapter 23

  After the ceremony, Lady Wellington left the private quarters for a few moments. When she returned the kitchen maid was following her carrying in a tray with a coffee urn and small china cups. She placed them on the sideboard, then stood waiting.

  “Please bring in the cake and dessert plates.”

  “Yes ma’am. Where would you like them placed?”

  “Set them on the sideboard with the coffee please.”

  For the next few minutes, Ester watched as her friend took command of everything. She had not realized that Lady Wellington had went beyond just loaning her and Mary a dress and decorating with flowers. It was now apparent that the woman had also taken care of the reception part of the wedding as well. Reaching up she wiped fresh tears away with her finger tips.

  “How are you feeling?” John’s voice came from behind her.

  “I don’t know. It is all so much right now.” She gave a sweeping motion with her hand to indicate the room. “I didn’t expect Lady Wellington to go to so much trouble. In fact, I didn’t expect her to ever speak to me again.”

  “I get the impression that the Baroness is a truly kind-hearted God-fearing woman.” He wrapped his arms around her.

  She leaned back against him. His warmth was much welcomed. It was too intimate and familiar. Had they not just married she would not allow even this simple of a gesture. As it was, she was his wife now and she planned to simply enjoy this one moment of comfort he was offering her. In no time, Lady Wellington was calling them forward to cut and serve the cake. Once the cake had been eaten and coffee served, she sat with the two women while John went outside with Mr. Magill.

  “I don’t think I have ever attended a more lovely wedding than this one,” Lady Wellington declared.

  More lovely wedding? The wedding was a name only marriage. Not to mention it had taken place in the sitting room of her private quarters in a school she was forced to sell in light of the scandal of her past leaking out. Then add it that it was performed by a reverend that no one knew. How can one find that lovely? Turning to face Lady Wellington she lifted one eyebrow.

  “I know you don’t think so but I do. I have attend many over the top weddings where everything is done for show. It is not about the love of the couple involved but about putting on a show for the masses.” She lifted her coffee cup and took a sip before continuing. “You my dear Ester are trying so hard to be a part of a world I was born into. A world I would love to leave behind. Trust me sometimes simpler is better.”

  “A world you would love to leave behind. Why would anyone who is part of polite society wish to leave it behind?” She was beginning to think that Lady Wellington belonged in the asylum instead of sweet innocent Sophia.

  “My dear, I was married off to my husband when I was sixteen years old. I am only nineteen now. Yet because I have been married for three years and not produced a single heir people gossip. There is much responsibility placed upon ladies of polite society. Sometimes I wish I could just be the wife of a good Christian man.”

  Ester had never thought of it that way. The pressures placed upon her, she had always felt were because of her birth. That she had to be perfect because she didn’t truly belong. She never thought that a lady born into polite society would have the same responsibilities and the stress would be just as hard. Maybe her friend had a point. Simpler was better in some cases. At least here today, her wedding was a bit her own. It was not controlled by Mrs. Chesterfield and her not the bride but a mere prop.

  ***

  Standing outside, he held his wool coat tight against the biting wind. The sky had turned a dreary gray and small snowflakes began to fall softly to the ground. He tried to focus on what the older man was saying but his mind kept returning to the fact that Ester was now his wife. He had long given up on the idea of marriage. His encounters with the female species left him jaded. Ester was proof though that good, kind, compassionate ladies still existed.

  “Ester is a good woman. She didn’t deserve the treatment she has received throughout her life.” Mr. Magill said as he lit his pipe.

  “I agree. No one should be judged for anything but their own actions alone. Sadly, the world does not feel the same way.”

  “No, it doesn’t.” He took a drag off his pipe and blew it out. The smoke billowed up and danced around the falling snowflakes.

  John turned and stared out at the street. Horse drawn carriages moved down the street, carrying passengers to destinations unknown. Women moved about herding well-behaved children. Men hustling about their daily business. All oblivious to the tension building up inside the man standing there watching them. The scene was idyllic and bespoke of the hustle and bustle of a large city. Sometimes he dreamed of living some where smaller. Somewhere where everyone knew everyone, and life moved at a slower pace. Yet when they left Boston, they would head to New York for a week then head to Chicago.

  He was grateful and beyond words earlier when Lady Wellington had handed him money and informed him that he was to take Ester to New York. Ester of course had tried to decline the money. Lady Wellington waved off her refusals and insisted it was a gift. One she would not take no for an answer on. So this evening they would board the train to New York. The timing would allow him to be back in Chicago in time for Christmas with his family.

  Thinking about Christmas with his family a pang of guilt shot through him. Here he was newly married, and he would be leaving his bride alone on Christmas day. He tried to think of a way in which she could be with him for Christmas but came up short. There was no way he could take a temporary wife home to his family. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the thoughts of the holiday out of his mind. He would deal with that later.

  Later that evening he sat inside the private sleeper car, reading the newspaper. Ester sat working on some needlepoint task. The only sound was that of the train moving down the track. They had spoke briefly about nothing of importance then fell into a comfortable silence.

  He turned the page and began reading a story written up about the intentions of new amendments to the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. With country awaiting the president elect to take office, tensions are mounting. There have been talks of some states wanting to secede from the Union. John couldn’t wrap his mind around what the future would hold if that was to happen. He hoped that those in Washington were able to elevate the tensions and come to an appropriate compromise.

  “Anything interesting?” Ester asked as she looked up from her needlepoint.

  Setting the newspaper down, he shook his head. “Just more of the usual.”

  “I have heard talk of some of what is happening. Do you think we are headed for a war?”

  When he looked at her, he didn’t see any fear in her expression. Just simple curi
osity. No, this woman wasn’t like so many he had met in his life. She more like his mother than anything. She wasn’t given to flights of fancy, nor did she shy away from reality. She met everything head on. It was just another of her many qualities that admired. “I am not sure,” he said answering her. It was the truth he was unsure what would come of the current state of the country.

  “Let’s speak of more pleasant things,” she said as she sat her needlepoint down. “Tell me of your family.”

  “My family?” He wasn’t sure what she wanted to know. He had told her bits and pieces about his life during their many conversations. “What would you like to know?”

  “Well you did say there were ten boys. Are you the oldest? Or youngest?”

  “David is the oldest, then there is me, followed by Matthew, Michael, James and Jonah are twins, then there is Patrick. After Patrick came Craig and Connor who are also twins, then t here is Gage.” Naming all of his brothers and their birth orders drove home just how many times his mother had given birth. It drove home just what a strong woman she is, and the thought warmed him. He truly was blessed.