Ellen: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides

by Rachel Wesson

  “Mrs. Shaw, Little Beaver is deputy sheriff in this town. That means we all should obey his orders if he sees fit to make one. The sheriff gave him that job so I suggest if you have objections, you direct them to him.”

  “Well, of all the barefaced cheek. You are barely out of braids, young lady. How dare you speak to your elders and betters like that.”

  The red mist descended and Ellen lost her battle with her temper. “You may be my elder by more than a few years, but you are certainly not my better. If you paid more attention to your own child and spent less time poking your nose in where it wasn’t wanted, we wouldn’t be standing here arguing. If you are the mother you claim to be, why aren’t you at the doctor’s office with your son.”

  “I left him with the doctor.”

  “Exactly. You left your child. The boy you claim to love, who just had the fright of his life. What was more important than comforting him?” Ellen pretended to think as Mrs. Shaw shifted from one foot to another. “Oh yes, you felt your time was better spent hassling the man who helped your child with no thoughts for his own comfort. The Indian you say you despise is the reason Bertram will face no more than slight discomfort in the coming days. I suggest you apologize at once before you go to your son. He needs you.”

  Ellen hadn’t seen the small crowd of onlookers who had gathered around her, the sheriff among them. He started clapping and a few more people joined in. Mrs. Shaw looked as uncomfortable as Ellen felt.

  “Well said, school teacher.” The sheriff walked closer to the two ladies. “Mrs. Shaw, I don’t expect you will apologize but if you don’t leave now, I will arrest you for public disorder. Wouldn’t do you any harm to spend a couple of hours in jail.”

  “Sheriff…you wouldn’t.” Mrs. Shaw gasped

  “Oh, yes, I would. I am sick of the small minded comments about the best deputy I have had in years. I am sure he has better things to do than to mind your little br—”

  Ellen’s cough stopped the sheriff in mid tirade.

  “Well, I—I don’t know what to say.”

  “Always a first time for everything. Good day, Mrs. Shaw. Come on folks, nothing to see here. Let’s all get back to our own lives and let our pretty school teacher carry on doing what she does best. Educating our children.”

  Ellen stood shaking as Mrs. Shaw sent her a baleful look before marching off down the street.

  “Thank you, Miss Ellen.”

  Ellen turned to the brown eyed man standing beside her. The look of sadness on his face pierced her heart. “I am so sorry you have to deal with people like her.”

  “We too, have people whose hearts are full of bitterness. They cannot be happy. I feel sorry for her child. He will never know true love.”

  True love. Oh what have I done? Samuel wanted to speak to me and I ran out on him.

  “Wilma, could you wait for me? I want to take John and Rosa home first. But then, I want to ride out to the Sullivan’s. Mary will be worried after what happened earlier.”

  “I can tell Miss Mary.” Wilma smiled no doubt thinking she was saving Ellen a trip. But she had to go. She needed an excuse to see Samuel.

  “I know, Wilma, but I wanted to thank her for making the children so welcome. I won’t be long.”

  “Okay, Miss Ellen, I will clean up the school house while I be waiting. You take your time.”

  Ellen almost ran with the children back to the boarding house. She left them with Father Molloy before going up to her bedroom to check her hair and face. She almost changed but that would have drawn more attention to herself. Wilma wasn’t stupid. She would know something was up.

  “I will be back later, Father Molloy. “

  Ellen didn’t wait for a reply but hurried back to Wilma. Now that she had found the courage to speak to Samuel, she didn’t want to lose it again by taking too long to find him.

  “That woman is a nasty piece. And I met some really horrible types in my time. Oh, yes sir, I did.”

  “Don’t let Mrs. Shaw ruin your impression of Clover Springs. She wasn’t always this bad. In fact, Mrs. Grey was more scary. But the years have mellowed her. Mrs. Shaw is getting worse.”

  “What happened to her man?”

  “Mr. Shaw. Nothing, why?”

  “Why don’t he keep her under control? He needs to tighten the reins on that one.”

  Ellen giggled at the thought of Mr. Shaw trying to control his wife.

  “What I say that’s so funny?”

  “Oh, Wilma, wait till you meet Mr. Shaw. You will see then.”

  Wilma chattered away as they rode out to the Sullivan’s. It was a lovely evening, warm but not too hot. Perfect for a romantic stroll. Ellen blushed at her thoughts. She turned away from Wilma, not wanting to have to explain herself.

  “Are you coming in to see Mary?”

  “No, Miss Ellen. I want to check on Miss Laura. Doc told her to take it easy, but that girl don’t know how to listen. God gave her two ears for a reason but she ain’t found out how to use them yet.”

  “Give her my love. I will see her soon for lunch.”

  “Will do, Miss Ellen. See you tomorrow.”

  Wilma walked off in the direction of Laura’s house. Ellen stared after the older woman, her courage having taken flight. She bit her lip. What would she say?

  “Are you going to sit there all night or come in for coffee?” Mary teased as she stood on the porch, Cathy in her arms.

  “Sorry, I was miles away.”

  “Thinking of someone special?” Mary had a glint in her eye.

  “Unless you consider Mrs. Shaw special.”

  Mary’s smile was replaced instantly with a frown. “What did that old witch do now? I am telling you, someone has to bring her into line. She is way out of control.”

  “Calm down, Mary. The sheriff put her in her place. He threatened to put her in jail if she didn’t go home.”

  Mary burst out laughing. “Oh, I wish I had seen her face. Good for him.” Mary took Ellen’s arm as they walked into the house. “So what brings you out here? Not that I ain’t glad to see you but twice in one day?”

  “I thought you might want to know if Bertram Shaw was alright.”

  “Is that the only reason?”

  Ellen couldn’t look at Mary. She was sure her friend could read her thoughts. She knows.

  “Well, I thought I would thank Samuel for today as well. He was wonderful with the children.”

  “He’s out in the barn at the moment. Why don’t I go put the kettle on to boil and you go talk to him. When you are done, you can both come in for coffee and some of Mrs. H’s cookies. She baked more after the children ate all the ones from this morning.”

  “I need to thank her too.” Ellen made a move toward the kitchen but Mary blocked her way.

  “Go see Samuel first. Mrs. H can join us for coffee.” Mary reached over to push a stray hair out of Ellen’s eyes. “Go on. He won’t bite.”

  Ellen squeezed her friend’s hand in response before walking slowly in the direction of the barn. What would she say? Sorry didn’t seem enough.

  Chapter 28

  Ellen pushed open the barn door hoping Samuel was alone. He was, but he didn’t look up when she walked in. He must have heard her. She watched him working for a couple of seconds trying to gather courage.

  “Samuel, I...” Ellen’s mouth went dry as she tried to find the words. “I wanted to say I was sorry.”

  “Don’t matter. You were right to go.” he continued working and didn’t look up at her.

  She moved closer to the stall, reaching out to pet Daisy on the nose. It was fitting he would be working on the horse he had first taught her to ride on. This horse shared their history of friendship. Was she wrong thinking he might want something more?

  “Samuel, please look at me. I know you are busy but I wanted to say thank you for today.”

  “You’ve said it, now you can go.”

  “Samuel Higgins, don’t you dare be rude to me. I deserve better
than that.”

  Samuel froze. Ellen bit her lip waiting for his response. He turned so slowly, making her stomach turn over so fast, she thought she would have to run for the privy.

  “You deserve? You told me your reputation meant more to you than anything else. What about that now? What would Mrs. Shaw say if she knew you were in a barn with a ranch hand? Alone.”

  He took a step closer and then another one. Ellen stopped breathing, her eyes glued to his. The air crackled between them.

  “What if she saw me do this?”

  Without another word, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard. Before she could react, he let her go so suddenly, she almost fell. He didn’t look at her, she guessed he was ashamed of stealing a kiss.

  “I don’t care what Mrs. Shaw thinks.” She said, her voice sounding breathless. She couldn’t take her eyes off his as his pupils darkened. She leaned in toward him and kissed him gently. “I’m sorry for hurting your feelings. I wasn’t thinking straight. Forgive me?”

  “Ellen, I’ve m-missed you so much when you went away. I don’t think I realized until you had left, how much you mean to me.”

  Slowly, he pushed the tendrils of hair away from her face, as his gaze trailed to her parted lips. He’d dreamed of kissing her so many times, but it had been even better than he imagined. He wanted to do it again. She closed her eyes but didn’t pull away from him. Taking this as an invitation, his mouth lowered to hers. She was so soft, snuggled up against him. The kiss lasted but a couple of seconds before he reluctantly pulled away. Cupping her face in his hands, he leaned his forehead against hers.

  “Are you going to stay in Clover Springs?

  Ellen leaned her head against his shoulders. “Are you asking me too?”

  He heard her question. Now was the time to tell her he loved her and wanted to make her his wife. He opened his mouth but he couldn’t say anything. “Ellen, I…” He tried but her tongue darted out to wet her lips turning his thoughts to mush.

  She wetted her lips, tasting him. Her stomach twisted into knots as the look in his eyes brought a rush of heat to her face. She knew she should push him away. It wasn’t proper, him holding her so close. Any moment, someone could come in and see them entwined. But she couldn’t move. She wanted him to kiss her again. She raised her eyes to his, watching as his gaze swept over her face from her eyes to her lips and back. His eyes darkened as he uttered a moan before pressing his lips firmly against hers. He held her close for a couple of seconds before releasing her. Her breath came thick and fast matching his.

  “I have to go back inside. Someone may find us.”

  “Let m-me talk to Katie and Daniel. Tell them about us.”

  She shook her head, unable to speak.

  “Why? You ashamed of me?”

  Surprised, she jerked her head up and bumped his chin.

  “Why on earth would you think that?”

  “Well, you being a school teacher and all.”

  “That has nothing to do with it. I just…I can’t tell Katie. She still thinks I am going back to university. I have to find a way to break it to her.”

  He moved away putting distance between them.

  “I’m not some schoolboy, Ellen. I won’t sneak around. I want everyone to know about us. I’m serious.”

  “I know. I just need a little time. Please.”

  Some of her hair had fallen across her face. Pushing it out of her eyes gently, he grazed his lips across her forehead.

  “Don’t take too long.” He smiled sadly before walking away.

  She watched him until he disappeared from view. What was she going to do?

  Chapter 29

  “Will you be ready in time for the official opening?”

  Samuel nearly dropped the tool he was using at the sound of her voice. He hadn’t seen her since she had come to the Sullivan ranch. He wasn’t sure if she was avoiding him on purpose or whether she was just busy.

  He climbed down, hoping the wind wasn’t blowing in her direction. He didn’t smell too sweet after hours working in the unseasonably hot weather.

  “Sure looks that way, Ellen.” He knew he was staring but he couldn’t help it. He coughed and looked away. He’d been staring at her like a love struck young pup.

  “Would you like a tour?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Ellen seemed to enjoy the guided tour, marveling at how quickly boards and studs were transformed into the orphanage.

  The kitchen had a sink with a pump, an icebox and matching pie safe. The black stove glistened.

  “I see your ma has been here.” Ellen pointed at the gleaming kitchen.

  “Yes, she certainly was. You would think it was her home the way she fussed over everything. She organized the cellar too, despite my telling her Miss Wilma might want to do that herself.”

  “I don’t think Wilma minds, do you? They seem to have become fast friends.”

  Samuel nodded.

  “When will it be ready?” Ellen asked, standing so close to him, he struggled to keep his mind on her question.

  “By tomorrow, the roof will be on, the doors and windows set and the stone hearth ready to use. Wilma and the children will move in the night before the official opening. Father Molloy and Reverend Timmons said that should be on Sunday after services. The day after the auction.”

  “You have all worked very hard. The children are so excited. I think Father Molloy is looking forward to being in his own place. Ma Sullivan is lovely but she keeps fussing around him. He says she is worse than Mrs. Raines.”

  “I guess it’s only because she cares.” He stared at her wishing he could find a way to convince her to stay in Clover Springs and marry him. He coughed again trying to build up courage.

  A look of concern crossed her face. “Samuel, are you thirsty? We made some lemonade. I put more sugar in. You know just the way you like it.”

  “Thank you, Ellen.” Her hand was so small and dainty compared to his. No sign of calluses on her lily-white fingers. She had the hands of a lady not a homesteader. Her touch sent shudders down his spine. He couldn’t bear being so close to her, yet he didn’t want to leave her side.

  “You look lovely today.” He said wishing he had the words to say something more flowery. Something befitting a teacher.

  “In this old dress?” She looked up at him, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Are you teasing me, Samuel Higgins?”

  “No, ma’am. You’d look beautiful even if you wore a burlap sack.”

  She blushed prettily. He ached to hold her but that wouldn’t be seemly.

  “I should let you get back to work.” She said, but he sensed she was reluctant to leave.

  “Ellen, I…” He looked at his hands. He had to ask her now.

  “Yes, Samuel?”

  “I was just wondering what your plans are? I m-mean are you staying in Clover Springs?”

  “I don’t know.” She spoke so softly he had to move closer in order to hear her. She smelt of roses.

  “What would make ….”

  “Hey, you two, stop lollygagging. Hope House won’t build itself you know.” Charlie Stanton said rudely.

  Samuel balled his fists as the man came to stand beside them.

  “Morning, Miss O’Callaghan. Fine day, isn’t it? I was wondering if you had a minute. I want to talk to you about Emily. Excuse us, Higgins.”

  Samuel stood, watching as Charlie practically dragged Ellen away in the direction of the school house. Stop them. Ask her to the dance. Ask her to stay and marry you.

  Ellen could have kicked Charlie Stanton out of pure frustration. Not only was the man putting his unwelcome hands on her, but he had interrupted her talk with Samuel. It had sounded like Samuel was going to ask her something. But what?

  Using her best schoolmarm glare, she looked down her nose at the pot-bellied man standing too close to her. His rumpled clothes strained so much he seemed to be in danger of popping a button any second. He rubbed a sweat stained sleeve over h
is shiny forehead and stubble covered jaw before putting his hand back on her arm. She couldn’t stop her body shuddering in protest.

  “Mr. Stanton, I can walk without your assistance. Please remove your arm.” She knew she was being testy, but really. Of all the nerve.

  “My apologies, Miss O’Callaghan. I was only being neighborly. I didn’t mean any offense.” Charlie coughed. “My daughter, Emily, is real upset coming home from school. She says some of the children have been picking on her. She said Jenny Petersen was really mean to her. I couldn’t expect Mrs. Kelley to do anything as she is very friendly with Mrs. Petersen. But you are a professional.”

  Ellen moved a little further away from Mr. Stanton. He made her feel very uncomfortable. He looked at her like she wasn’t wearing a stitch of clothing.

  “Mr. Stanton, I couldn’t imagine Jenny Petersen being anything less than kind. For example, she often brings in extra food and gives it to other children at lunchtime.”

  “I hope you are not insinuating my children are begging for meals, Miss O’Callaghan.” He stopped walking so suddenly, Ellen found herself a couple of steps further along the street.

  “Perhaps your daughter is a little hungry. She is growing up really fast.”

  “Perhaps when you are married and have children of your own, I will pay heed to your opinion. Good day, Miss O’Callaghan.”

  Ellen stood clenching her hands as the man stalked off. She couldn’t believe he had the gall to accuse Jenny Petersen of being unkind. It was thanks to Jenny and Sorcha, the Stanton children got enough to eat.

  Chapter 30

  Samuel whistled as he rode into town. His ma had sent him to see if there were some of the items she had requested at the store. She was determined to make her pies win the baking competition the ladies had set up. The money raised would be split between the winners and a fund to be used to help the orphans out.

  He had decided to go and see Ellen to tell her they needed to tell everyone they were courting. He had enjoyed their stolen kisses but he wanted more. He wanted to make Ellen his wife. If that meant he had to travel to Boulder with her, then so be it. He’d do whatever it took to make Ellen the new Mrs. Higgins.