by Rebel Carter
“A double wedding?” Mary felt faint at the announcement. She turned away and looked back out the window. All of her happiness at escaping this, of getting out from under her mother’s thumb for her own life suddenly felt precarious. A double wedding meant that her wedding was not her own, it was her mother’s. Sarah James would not be out of her life or even a safe distance away, she would be right beside her and Mary could not take the thought.
“But why would we do such a thing?” she asked, her voice coming out higher than she anticipated. She winced and twisted her fingers in her skirts knowing that her mother would most assuredly catch the misstep.
“And why would we not?” Her mother asked from behind her, Mary wrapped her arms around herself hearing the approaching footsteps. “Such a thing is precisely what we need to make this town our home for good.”
“But I thought you meant to move on after I was married?” She turned then to face her mother. “You have been pushing me ever forward on the stipulation that it would free you to do as you pleased. I thought you meant to move to New York City when I was married off?”
Sarah James waved a hand. “Yes, that was the plan, but now things have changed. Why would I leave, even for a city so grand as New York, when I have Mister Rutherford wanting me for a wife?”
“And what do you know of the man? Why would he wish to be married so quickly?”
“Why?” Sarah James shook her head at her daughter. “As a man of his influence, he requires a skilled lady in his home when it comes to matters of business and entertaining. As you know, I was an asset to your father in his business dealings. The pair of us made a wonderful team. Everyone in San Antonio knew that, now didn’t they, dear?” Mary didn’t miss the inflection her mother took on at the end, or the meaningful look she gave her daughter.
Sarah James was skilled at playing hostess but only with a seasoned staff on hand. The woman had little understanding of business, much more inclined to pursuing the newest fashion periodicals than sitting with her husband as he pored over new business contracts. Mary had sat with her father and listened to him, tried to soak in the knowledge he gave her.
“Pay me mind and it will secure your future one-day, darling Minnie. You have a sharp mind.”
But her mother on the other hand had thought them boring and stuffy, waving the pair of them off as she left for another social engagement. Mary hadn’t minded her mother’s absence then; her father was pleasant enough company and there had always been a snifter of brandy when they spent time together.
Mary raised an eyebrow at her mother. “You are aiming to give Mister Rutherford business help?”
“Yes, of course. Like any good wife and partner, and as I said, I had done so for years with your father, now isn’t that right?” This time there was no mistaking her mother’s sharp tone. Mary was to fall in line and support her mother’s story and immediately so.
“Ah, yes, yes of course. You always did help Papa when there were important decisions to be made,” Mary acquiesced.
Sarah James nodded approvingly at her. “Perfect, darling I knew it was just your memory, the frontier does make you so forgetful, now isn’t that right?”
Mary nodded. “Yes, of course, you’re right.”
“Now then, as I was saying on the matter of the double wedding. We can plan it post haste and spare no expense. I already have my mind set on a new dress, I am thinking perhaps velvet, there are so many becoming designs as of late for a woman of my age. I shall head to the nearest modiste at once for a fitting. The food will also be top quality as well, we must make sure Mister Rutherford understands we are women of means and will settle for nothing less if he hopes to keep your Mama close.”
Mary furrowed her brow. “But I thought-didn’t you say that we must be frugal with our spending? And my simple dress?” she asked, shocked by her mother’s sudden change in tack. “I thought--”
“Mister Pierce will be able to pay for it all,” Sarah James interrupted.
Mary’s eyes widened at her mother’s words. “What?”
“Your soon to be husband will, of course, pay for the entire thing.” Her mother gave her a quizzical look. “You did write him back haven’t you?”
“Yes, of course, but what do you mean he will pay for it? Why would he do that?”
“To please his new family.”
Mary gaped at her mother. “But we have not even received his response yet. For all we know he has chosen another woman to respond to. How can you already be so sure that he has chosen us?”
“Because, I, in my infinite wisdom, have taken care of it. When I went asking after him, I made sure the newspaper office would not forward on any other responses. Only yours has made it through to the young man.”
“How did you manage that?”
“It was quite simple really. The delightful young woman that ruins the office came up with the idea all on her own. Have you met her? Rosemary was her name. I could not think of a more delightful woman in all of Gold Sky. She and I are of quite the same mind, you know? I must introduce you to her at once. We will have her over once you’re all settled and we are out of these horrid rooms.” She looked around her with a disgusted sniff.
Mary didn’t think the boarding house was the height of comfort, but it was nice enough. Nothing horrid about them, but she kept her mouth shut and nodded stiffly. She knew that it was all arranged between her and Alex beforehand and for that she was happy. If it had not been, she did not know if she would have been able to carry on otherwise. The thought of an unsuspecting groom falling prey to her mother’s mechanisms had her stomach roiling---she paused at that.
Mister Rutherford.
The man seemed affable enough. He had certainly gotten her the time alone she had so desperately needed and wanted. Mary had no reason to think poorly of him, and her mother was pulling the wool right over his eyes proclaiming that she was in possession of a head for business. The man would be marrying a stranger.
“Now then, I am off to the modiste to get my measurements taken. Come along as well, dear. We can have them begin your dress and see if there has been a new letter for you as well.” Sarah James strode towards the door. “Let’s be off then.”
Mary followed behind on numb feet. She could not think of Mister Rutherford or what would happen when he found out the truth. The most important thing now was to take care that she kept to her plans with Alex. Whatever actions her mother chose now would not, and could not affect her, even if it meant abandoning Mister Rutherford to her mother’s designs.
Chapter 7
Mary slipped from the dress shop with a barely restrained sigh. It had been a trying morning at her mother’s side. She glanced towards the shop windows and shook her head when she caught sight of her mother standing before a selection of materials--velvet and silk. Mary did not miss how her mother had chosen only the most sumptuous and expensive fabrics for herself while her daughter's dress was to be made of a sturdy and plain cotton trimmed with a simple lace.
The dress Mary would wear could double as a Sunday dress, and it was far more suited to her taste than anything her mother would choose for herself. Her mother’s decision to use their meager wealth on herself was a blessing as Mary would now be able to wear her wedding dress happily. She had only played ignorant when it came to her mother’s allocation of their resources. It had all been too convenient that Mary was to wear the simple dress while her mother chose only the most luxurious trappings for herself.
It was all just as well. Mary saw the marriage as simply a means to an end, and not a happy occasion, she reminded herself. The flutter in her heart told her otherwise, as did the attraction she felt for Alex. Mary found it difficult not to think the woman beautiful, smart and strong, the mix of it intoxicating to her in a way that left her wanting more.
She sighed, shaking her head at the whole predicament and continued on towards the newspaper office. She had been given leave to check with Miss Rosemary in regard to a reply from ‘Mis
ter Pierce.’She bit her lip when the newspaper windows came into sight. Would she have to pretend with this Miss Rosemary?
Her mother had described the woman as being like-minded. The prospect of a woman akin to her mother made her frown, but she wiped the expression from her face as she came to the front door. She could not let her feelings be revealed, not this close to the goal she had for herself. Taking in a deep breath Mary reached out and opened the door.
“Hello?” she called out upon entering the office. She glanced around the office noting the desks in a row, the stacks of paperwork and the sight of a printing press at the far end of the room greeted her. It was exactly the same as when she had visited that morning, except that instead of bustling activity and writers furiously working, the room was empty and silent. She hesitated, wondering if she should wait in the office or if she should return.
Mary continued forward and stopped in front of the press. She hadn’t been able to get close to it earlier when it had been hard at work printing that afternoon’s edition. She moved closer to it now, never having seen one up close and leaned forward looking at the machine in earnest.
“Lovely machine, isn’t it?” A voice asked, startling her, and Mary muffled a curse as she spun around to see a blonde woman striding towards her. The woman was lovely, she wore a gorgeous blue wool dress lined with pearl buttons and a pale pink lace at the cuffs and bustle. Her hair was swept up from her face, a pearl hair comb held her hair in place though the fine accessory shared its place with a pencil tucked behind her ear.
“You must be Mary! How are you dear? My name is Rosemary.”
“Ah, I’m well, but how do you know who I am?” Mary forced herself to stand where she was and not shrink away from a woman she knew to be like her mother.
“Alex stopped by and informed me that a Titian haired beauty would be coming my way,” the woman replied with a wink. “I’m terribly sorry that I missed you this morning, dear. I heard about you from the other reporters though and they had much to say about you.”
“They did?”
“Oh yes, my dear. They said you were lovely! Now your mother on the other hand.” Rosemary’s lips pulled down in a frown. “That woman is...interesting to say the least. Spirited and all that.”
Mary laughed. “Yes, that is one way of putting it. You spoke with her earlier?”
“I did, I did. I also spoke to Alex and she informed me of your little arrangement. Not to worry, I am firmly in support of your decision. I must say that I entirely understand your decision to, ah, make your own way in the world.”
‘You do?” she asked in surprise.
“Oh, yes, your mother is...a woman with ideas that serve only herself. You need not fear me. I am on your and Alex’s side. Please do not be scared.” Miss Rosemary held out a hand to her and gave her a reassuring smile. “I know it’s frightful for you right now, but I am not the kind of woman I led your mother to believe.”
Mary relaxed and let out a nervous laugh. “Oh, I don’t mean to look scared it’s just that she said you were like her and I didn’t know what to think.”
“Come and sit for a moment? I was just making a cup of tea. I can pour you one if you like.”
“That would be lovely. I’ve been at the dress shop all morning and I could use a cup of tea to calm myself.”
“Already fitting you for a dress, is she?” Rosemary asked, leading Mary over to a side table where a steaming pot of tea sat. She poured them each a cup and gestured towards one of the chairs at the table. “Please sit. You must be exhausted; she was in quite a state of excitement this morning asking after Alex’s holdings.”
“Thank you.” Mary sank into the seat with a grateful sigh and took the cup from Rosemary. She sipped at her tea for a moment and Rosemary settled in across from her, waiting for her to speak. “Yes, she was very excited this morning. She’s even begun an order for herself.”
“Herself?” Miss Rosemary raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, she means to marry one of the newly arrived bankers. It will be a double wedding,” Mary informed her.
“Oh no.”
“Oh yes.” Mary gave her a wry smile and took another sip of her tea. “Although, I have a plan to get away from that. I cannot be married with my mother beside me, you see.”
Miss Rosemary nodded. “I understand entirely. The whole thing seems over the top.”
“Such is my mother’s way.”
“You poor dear. I am so glad you met Alex the way that you did. She is beside herself with excitement over you and your coming nuptials.”
“She is?” Mary asked in surprise. She leaned forward eagerly for more news. “How do you mean?” She had thought this was all business and strictly from the kindness of Alex’s giving heart, not an event the woman would be excited over.
“Well, how can she not be excited to get a bride and a baby in such short order.”
Mary jerked in surprise. “You know about the baby?”
“Yes, I do, but I have not told a soul. Even if I did it would not matter here. Babies are a blessing on the frontier, and we greet each of them with joy and happiness. You will not be looked down upon for it.”
Mary felt like the floor had opened up beneath her, the curious sense of falling overtaking her suddenly. How had she been living for months with her mother telling her how precarious her life was, how suddenly she was on borrowed time and that once her condition became apparent no one of good standing would want her near.
And here Miss Rosemary was telling her that life in Gold Sky offered something entirely different for her and her child.
They need not run and hide the birth, nor her method of conception. A baby would be welcomed, not reviled.
A shuddering breath escaped her at the news and she nearly laughed. Instead she sank back in her chair with a nod at Rosemary. “That’s very kind of you to say,” she whispered.
“I just cannot wait for the wedding! It will be a lovely affair, you’ll see. The town of Gold Sky knows how to care for its own and that is what you are now.” The other woman beamed at her and gave her hand a squeeze. Mary blinked back tears and smiled at her.
“That’s so kind of you to say. Thank you.” Her voice was soft, and she had to look away, lest she burst into tears. She had been without an anchor since her father passed away but now here was a place that she could tether herself to and find peace. “Everyone here has been so kind to me even after my deplorable behavior when first arriving.”
Miss Rosemary reached across the table and put a hand over hers. “We all do things we are not proud of, dear. That is not the summation of your character but only a look at who you were in that moment. You do not have to let it define you if you do not wish it to.”
“I know that but…” Mary swallowed hard and shook her head. “It’s difficult to understand it. I have been scared for so long, and anxious as well. I do not know how to set things right, not truly.”
“You are speaking of how you treated someone?”
“Yes, Violet Shield, well, now Baptiste. I was silent on matters when I should have spoken out. She did not deserve the treatment she suffered from my mother or myself. Not over a man, and to be truthful not over anything. It was terrible how she was nearly ruined.”
“Ah, that.” Miss Rosemary nodded and then said, “Do you know what I have learned from such situations?”
“No, what?”
“That when you treat a person badly, it is not because of what they have done but what is wrong in here,” She tapped a finger against her chest. “And that once you realize that, you can truly make amends.”
“And how do I make amends?”
“You ask for forgiveness of course, dear. Plain and simple. You are not the only one to ever commit such an act and you shall not be the last. I myself was a doer of such animosity.”
Mary looked at her in surprise. “You? But you’re so kind and warm.”
“People can be both,” Rosemary replied with a little shrug and s
ipped her tea. “People have the capacity for great kindness and mercy as well as ugliness. It depends on our hearts and where they are in that moment. I have chosen to fix mine and in doing so have been able to rectify my actions.”
“But how?”
“I apologized.”
“That's it?”
Miss Rosemary smiled at her. “I sincerely and honestly apologized. I made no excuses and asked for forgiveness. I was lucky to be given that grace by those I wronged. I cherish them and their friendships to this day.”
Mary chewed on her bottom lip in consideration. “I must apologize to Violet at once.”
“It would do you a world of good, dear.”
She pushed away from the table and nodded, already making for the door. “You are right, I will find her and lay my heart bare.”
“But do not forget your letter from our dear Alex!” Miss Rosemary called out, holding a letter above her head. “Your mother will be expecting you to return with it in hand.”
“Oh! You’re right!” Mary rushed back to grab the letter but not before she bent low and hugged Rosemary tightly. “Thank you for your advice and for listening to me. You have been a godsend to me. I will never forget it.”
Rosemary hugged her back. “My pleasure, Mary. And welcome to Gold Sky.”
Mary sat at her writing desk that night and stared at the letter with a considerate look. She had thought the letter might be full of nothing, or at the very least a play at a fake correspondence should her mother look it over, but it was not.
The letter was well and truly written. It was a look into Alex’s mind and heart. She asked her what her favorite foods were, how she came to like the Montana Territory, and what she thought she might like to do when this was all over.
“What does your future look like? Your perfect day? Tell me. Mine consists of a late rise, breakfast of a rasher of bacon and a strawberry shortcake piled high with summer sweet strawberries.”
