Ellen: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides

by Rachel Wesson

  He stopped whistling as he spotted two of the worst gossips up ahead. He prayed Mrs. Shaw and Miss Hawthorn hadn’t noticed him ride into town. With Paul Kelley off the market, Miss Hawthorn seemed to have set her cap for him. Or Aaron. In fact, any single man would do.

  But it wasn’t going to be him. It was yet another reason for the town to know about him and Ellen. He couldn’t stand gossipy women and Ida Hawthorn was gaining a reputation as a worse gossip than Mrs. Shaw. That was saying something.

  He removed his hat, nodded his head to the ladies and then walked purposefully on. As he walked he passed the school house. Ellen would be inside. He had to fight the urge to wander inside. What excuse could he use to enter a classroom? He was a little old for learning.

  Laura is teaching you. You could ask Ellen for help too. That would work really well. Miss Ellen, seeing as you are so smart and beautiful, could you please spare some time to teach an idiot like me? So attractive. She should jump at the change to marry you.

  Samuel continued walking his good mood having evaporated. He almost collided with Father Molloy only moving out of his way at the very last minutes. Startled the priest looked at him.

  “Samuel, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, Father. I am so sorry. My mind was elsewhere.”

  “Along with your good humor by the look on your face. Can I help?”

  “No, Father. Thank you.”

  “Why not take a walk with me? I am not too sure of my sense of direction. I was trying to find Reverend Timmons’ house.”

  “Father, excuse me for saying so but is that the best you can do? Everyone knows the Reverend lives beside the church and you can’t really miss it. It’s that big white building over there with the bell at the top.”

  Father Molloy smiled widely. “You got me. I was speaking to your mother.”

  “Ma. I should have known. What did she have to say?” Samuel adjusted his tone slightly at the disapproval in the older man’s face. He wasn’t usually rude, just the thought of his mother interfering where she wasn’t wanted got to him. “Sorry, Father. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. I just wish ma would leave things as they are.”

  “Pull your horns in, lad, she is just worried about you. She says you need a wife. I’m inclined to agree with her, if only to restore a smile to your handsome face.” The priest looked at him closely as if wondering if he should continue. “I know Mrs. Gantley made a mistake with Katie but she is a fine woman. She gave Nellie a job you know. Nellie being the servant who helped Katie and…well, you don’t really need to know all that. Suffice it to say, Mrs. Gantley is an expert at providing brides for eligible grooms.”

  “Father, this isn’t about Mrs. Gantley. I am sure she is a fine woman. But I don’t need help finding a bride. The woman I want lives here in Clover Springs.”

  “I knew it, oh, why don’t you just ask her?”

  Both men exchanged a look before turning to Mrs. Shaw who wore a beaming smile. On someone else it might be attractive, but Samuel thought she looked like a vulture about to pounce.

  Samuel knew now what the expression your stomach fell like a rock meant. The last woman on earth he would marry had overhead his conversation with the priest. He stared at the ladies as his neck and face heated up.

  “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure.” Father Molloy spoke up to cover the awkward silence.

  “Mrs. Shaw and this is Miss Ida Hawthorn whom I believe was the subject of your conversation."

  Samuel squeezed his eyes shut hoping he could disappear. When that didn’t work, he looked around him, frantically. He had to get away.

  Miss Hawthorn tried to put her arm through his. He moved away so quickly he nearly knocked Father Molloy to the ground. Ida laughed and Samuel had to shove his hands in his pockets to avoid putting them over his ears. Her laugh was louder than screeching kids.

  How was he going to get out of this one. She’s attracting a crowd. Desperate to avoid any more misunderstandings, he tried to speak but nothing clear came out. He stammered and stuttered but couldn’t make a sentence. He balled his hands into fists.

  When he was a child being teased at school for being stupid, he used to stammer. It had only made the teasing worse. The doc told his ma it was likely the effects of seeing his dad killed by Indians. Samuel didn’t know for sure what caused it. He needed to speak and he had to get the words out. He looked at the priest for help hoping and praying the man would do something.

  Father Molloy bowed to Mrs. Shaw and Miss Hawthorn.

  “Why don’t you join me for a bit of tea? I was just about to go home to the boarding house. Mrs. Sullivan lays out a fine afternoon tea with cakes. You two can tell me more about Clover Springs. I believe you have lived here a long time. Maybe Samuel can join us later?”

  Samuel’s ears went red, not with embarrassment but with anger and frustration.

  Just as he thought things couldn’t get any worse, the school bell rang announcing school was over for the day. The children tumbled out of the school house. It wouldn’t be long before Ellen followed them. The last thing he wanted to happen was for Ellen to catch him in conversation with Miss Hawthorn. Mumbling an apology to Father Molloy he did the only thing he could do. He ran for his horse. He had to get out of Clover Springs now before it was all too late. He caught Mrs. Shaw’s baleful look but he didn’t care. He wasn’t going to end up engaged to Miss Hawthorn, no matter what these ladies thought they had heard. Hopefully, Father Molloy would be able to rectify the situation.

  He was still panting when he arrived back at the ranch.

  “Where’s Ma’s ingredients? I thought you went to the store. Don’t tell me you forgot them?”

  Samuel couldn’t speak, his heart was still hammering.

  “She will go mad. She was counting on you. She wants to win first prize.”

  Darn it anyway. He had forgotten to go to the store.

  “Samuel, what’s got into you? I know you’re disorganized but it isn’t like you to be moody.”

  “It’s Ma. She told Father Molloy I need a wife, he asked me about it in town. Ida Hawthorn heard him and thinks I want to marry her.”

  Aaron burst out laughing causing Davy and Paul Kelley to saunter over to them to find out what was going on.

  “Ida Hawthorn thinks Samuel proposed.”

  “Oh boy, you got your hands full there.” Paul held his sides from laughing. “Sorry, where’s my manners? I should say congratulations.”

  “Now wait, you don’t understand. I don’t want to marry Ida Hawthorn.”

  “So how come she thinks you do?”

  “I told Father Molloy, the woman I wanted to marry lived in Clover Springs. Miss Hawthorn, well, she was nearby and heard what I said. Somehow, she thought I was talking about her.”

  The three men stared at him for a few seconds before bursting into more fits of laughter.

  “It’s not funny.”

  “Oh, yes it is.”

  “Not from where I’m standing. What if the woman I do want to marry gets wind of this?”

  “Never mind that. How are you going to explain to Pa Hawthorn you proposed to his daughter and now intend leaving her standing at the altar?”

  “I never…” Samuel raked his fingers through his hair, “oh bother.”

  Chapter 31

  “Why are you looking so glum? Nobody is allowed to be unhappy today.” Katie teased her sister. Ellen tried to smile but failed miserably.

  “Remember what Mam used to say? A problem shared is a problem solved.” Katie said.

  “Not this one. “Ellen muttered. “Oh, ignore me, Katie. Where’s Ella?”

  “She’s changing her dress again. Ma Sullivan and Mrs. Grey both made her a new dress for today. She can’t decide which one she likes most. I suggested she wear one to the auction and the second to the dance tonight.”

  “Good idea. Otherwise, you risk upsetting one of the ladies.”

  Katie linked her arm though Ellen’s. “So tell me, w
ho are you hoping will bid on your lunch basket?”

  Ellen held her breath, hoping her cheeks wouldn’t burst into flames. She didn’t want to tempt fate.

  “I have a couple of men in mind.”

  “Ellen O’Callaghan. What would Mrs. Grey say if she heard you saying something so scandalous?”

  “Mrs. Grey would say carry on, Ellen. If you live as long as I do, that’s far too long to be tied to the wrong man.”

  Ellen and Katie exchanged sheepish glances. They hadn’t heard the older woman come into the store.

  “I keep telling Daniel he has to fix that bell.” Katie muttered. “I best go find Ella.”

  Katie picked up her skirts and fled in the direction of her living quarters.

  “So what young man has caught your eye, young lady? I thought you had settled on going to university. Miss Rippon isn’t married, is she?”

  “You know she isn’t. I don’t know, Mrs. Grey. Miss Rippon seems happy, and I know it’s a huge honor being a university lecturer, especially for a woman. But…”

  “It might not be the right choice for you?”

  Ellen nodded miserably.

  “Ellen, I’ve known you a few years now. You have grown from a pale faced child who wouldn’t say boo to a goose into a lovely young woman. You have a maturity far beyond your years. But, and I am only saying this because I love you, you are far too hard on yourself. You don’t have to live the dream if that dream has turned into a nightmare.” Mrs. Grey sat down, taking her fan out of her reticule and flapping it up and down. “I was young once too. I thought I would never leave home and live my dream. My father told me it was the wrong decision. I didn’t listen.”

  “Do you regret it?”

  The look of sadness on Mrs. Grey’s face made Ellen want to cry.

  “No, Ellen. I can’t say I do. My father was wrong in that respect. Becoming a nurse was all that mattered to me at that time. But the price I paid for my dream was very high. It cost me my future.”

  Ellen waited for the old woman to compose herself.

  “Ellen, make sure you choose your dream for the right reasons. Regardless of what decision you make now, to return to Boulder or stay in Clover Springs, you will pay a price. Living your life to please other people will not make you happy, Ellen. Be true to yourself, my dear girl.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Grey.” The older woman patted Ellen’s hand. A few seconds ticked by in silence. Each woman caught up in her own thoughts.

  “What time is it? If there is one thing I cannot abide it is being late.”

  Ellen smiled behind her tears. Mrs. Grey was back to normal.

  Chapter 32

  By the time they arrived at the village green, most of the townsfolk were already enjoying themselves.

  “Ellen, look how many people have turned out for the auction. We should make a lot of money for the Hope House fund.”

  Ellen scanned the crowd as Katie talked. She couldn’t see him but he would be here today. He had to be. The thoughts of having to eat lunch with another man made her stomach roil. Why had Samuel come up with this silly idea?

  Glancing around, she was aware again of all the happy couples surrounding her. Mary and Davy Sullivan were chatting with Lawrence and Emer Shipley, each holding one of their twins. Further along the street, she spotted Sorcha and Brian Petersen exchanging a loving look. A wave of loneliness threatened to overwhelm her. She was being silly. How could she be lonely on such a beautiful day surrounded by family and friends?

  “Ladies and Gentlemen. If I could please have your attention.” Reverend Timmons addressed the crowd. “Today, as most of you know, we are trying to raise some funds for Hope House. The home is almost finished thanks to the kindness and generosity of the people of Clover Springs.”

  “Why do you need more money then?” Charlie Stanton asked.

  Ellen shuddered, she had never liked Charlie Stanton but she disliked him even more since she had come back to town. He seemed to follow her around. Every time she turned he was there. He had lost his wife some time last year and rumor had it he was looking for a replacement. It won’t be me.

  “Children, as you well know, Charlie, require clothes, food and other commodities. Unless you are personally going to pay for these needs, I suggest you let the fundraising begin.”

  Some in the crowd laughed at the look on Charlie’s face but Ellen didn’t. He had a real nasty streak and she wouldn’t trust him as far as she could throw him. It didn’t do any good to antagonize people like Charlie Stanton. Like a rattler, you never knew when they would strike back with force.

  “Now let’s continue. Samuel Higgins suggested we hold an auction. Some of the young and not so young ladies of the town have put together a picnic lunch. The gentlemen are asked to bid for the pleasure of enjoying the lady’s company while you eat lunch.”

  “Can I bid for the company but not eat the food?”

  Ellen watched Daniel. Her brother-in-law’s face grew red as the crowd laughed.

  “No, what I mean is, I wouldn’t swap my Mrs. for any amount of money but I would rather eat Mrs. H’s lunch.”

  The crowd roared with laughter once more as Katie pretended to chase after Daniel with a stick in her hand.

  “Daniel O’Sullivan, you might want to take a vow of silence for a wee while until your wife calms down.” Reverend Timmons looked around the crowd smiling broadly. “Given Mrs. Sullivan’s rather legendary temper, that may take a while.”

  The crowd erupted once more as Davy patted Daniel on the back.

  Where was he? Ellen tried to keep calm and enjoy the banter around her. The auction started with Tom Turner bidding on, and winning, Mrs. Higgins basket. Next up was Mrs. Grey. The town was surprised when the sheriff bid and won her basket. Ellen was really pleased, especially when Mrs. Grey’s face lit up as the sheriff bowed before her. She watched as the older couple walked off to enjoy their lunch.

  The results of the next few auctions were a foregone conclusion as Davy, Paul and Lawrence bid on their wives offerings. Lawrence made the crowd laugh by muttering loudly about the fact of eating Emer’s cooking was a statement of love.

  “Your lunch auction must be coming up shortly, Miss O’Callaghan. I think I might put in a bid myself.”

  Ellen glared at Charlie Stanton. “Thank you, Mr. Stanton, but I believe my cooking would not be to your liking.”

  “Ah, you can learn to cook. You do yourself a disservice, Miss O’Callaghan.” Charlie took a step closer to her, leaning his head down so only she would hear his next words. “You are a fine figure of a woman, Ellen.”

  Ellen’s stomach roiled as she had to hold herself together. Her fingers itched to slap him across the face.

  “Please leave me alone, Mr. Stanton. Your attention is neither flattering nor appreciated.”

  “Don’t get uppity with me. As soon as we’re wed, I’ll put manners on you.”

  She was too stunned to reply. He tipped his hat to her as someone called his attention. There were now people within hearing range. His tone changed as he said, “I look forward to our lunch, Miss O’Callaghan.”

  She could barely breath. The audacity of the man. How dare he treat her with such familiarity.

  Ellen itched to leave but she didn’t want to draw attention to herself. She counted backwards, forwards, in tens and even hundreds trying to keep her stomach calm. There were only two baskets left, Ida Hawthorns and hers.

  “Afternoon, Miss O’Callaghan.”

  Ellen groaned silently. Her day was rapidly going from bad to worse. She turned to greet the woman speaking to her. “Afternoon, Mrs. Kelley, Miss Hawthorn.”

  “I have to say this auction idea has been fun.”

  “Yes, it has.” Ellen gritted her teeth in a bid to remain polite. She was certain Mrs. Kelley hadn’t come over to her just to make small talk. She had never bothered to speak to Ellen prior to her leaving for Boulder. There had to be some other reason.

  “So who are you hoping bids
on your lunch basket?” Ida Hawthorn asked.

  “I don’t have anyone in mind.” She tried to keep her face expressionless to hide the lie. “The children asked me to take part. They helped prepare the food basket.”

  “Really?”

  The hair on the back of Ellen’s neck rose in response to the disbelief in Ida’s tone. What did these two want with her?

  “Who would you like to have lunch with?” she asked in as sweet a voice as she could muster.

  “Samuel of course. Between you and me, he has already declared his intentions.” Ida preened in front of Ellen.

  “I was talking with Miss Hawthorn and we both heard him tell that Priest friend of yours.” Mrs. Kelley crossed her arms over her ample bosom, her eyes never leaving Ellen’s face. Ellen thought she saw more than a hint of malice in her gaze. What had she ever done to Mrs. Kelley to generate this level of antagonism?

  “Samuel Higgins.” Ellen couldn’t keep the disbelief from her tone as her gaze swung from Mrs. Kelley to Ida and back again. Ida’s grin nearly split her face in half.

  “There’s no other Samuel is there? I know he has his…problem. But you don’t need brains to homestead, do you?” Ida whined, her nasal-toned voice getting on Ellen’s nerves.

  “Samuel doesn’t have a problem. He is really smart and kind and oh…excuse me…” Ellen picked up her skirt and ran, breathing as best she could given the restraints of her corset. She didn’t care what anyone thought of her. She had to get away from those women, the auction and maybe even Clover Springs.

  She was so intent on leaving the women and auction behind her, she didn’t pay attention to the path in front of her. Her foot hit a loose board and suddenly she was falling. Straight into the arms of the cause of her distress.

  “Ellen, are you alright?” He looked her straight in the face. “You’re upset. Who did this?”

  “I am not upset. I got something in my eye. Thank you for helping me.” Ellen pulled free of him and started to walk away. He reached for her elbow.