Angeline (Bride Brigade Book 2)

by Caroline Clemmons

  “I just have a knack for a few things. You do too.”

  Surprised, she stared at her roommate. “Me, what?”

  “A lot of people are talking about how nice you are. I heard several people at church whispering your virtues.”

  Angeline rolled her eyes. “That will soon change, won’t it?”

  Cassandra tightened an ear screw. “You’re nice, Angeline. No matter what else happens, that’s a fact.”

  Angeline sensed tears welling. “Thank you, but don’t be so kind or you’ll make me cry. You know how weepy I get.”

  Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Don’t I ever? Go on downstairs and wait for your gentleman.”

  Elias Kendrick arrived soon after she entered the parlor. Everything about him spoke of money. He offered his arm. “Shall we go?”

  They strolled toward the café. He was just under six feet and a sharp dresser. Other couples ahead and behind them were heading toward the same destination.

  Searching for conversation, she said, “The café will be crowded this evening.”

  “They bring in extra tables and chairs, but there’ll be a line waiting to be seated. I hope we get there early enough for a table without delay.”

  “I’m sure you’re eager to get to the opera house. Do you have to go backstage or do any of the chores associated with a performance?”

  He grinned broadly. “Nothing. I’m fortunate enough to have hired Jim Baxter and he manages everything.”

  At the café, they were shown to a tiny table in a corner. Nearby, Josephine sat with the man who owned the mercantile. She and Josephine exchanged smiles.

  Mr. Kendrick said, “There’s only one choice on nights like this so that speeds service. Martha is the woman who seated us and she’s half of the couple who owns the café. Her husband Lonnie is the main cook.

  “Is this the only place in town to dine?”

  He tugged at his ear. “Well, we serve a few dishes at the saloon, but this is the only place for ladies.”

  She couldn’t think of what to say after that. Certainly, she was in no position to look down on someone who owned a saloon. Fortunately, their food arrived.

  She picked up her fork. “My, this smells delicious.”

  He cut into his meat. “They do pretty well, but then so does Mrs. Murphy.”

  “Oh, yes, she is a wonder. She intimidates me, but she definitely is a good cook.”

  A line had formed at the door.

  She needed to get conversation flowing. Years of helping with her parent social events had prepared her. Get the other person talking about himself. “How did you decide to build the opera house?”

  His face came alive with interest. “People complained there was no entertainment in Tarnation except for the occasional event hosted by Lydia. Even then, not many people could attend. I thought an opera house with a wide variety of acts would be a good addition to our community.”

  “You’re right. I love the theater. I plan to make Tarnation my home so whether there was an opera house or not wouldn’t affect my decision to stay. I’m so glad you’ve built one, though.”

  “Glad to know you’re here to stay. We’re fortunate Lydia had the idea to recruit young women for Tarnation. We need young families.”

  Angeline chuckled. “Actually, I think Sophie Gaston is responsible. She was afraid her son would move to Fort Worth and she wanted to keep him here.”

  “Well, it may work. I saw him leave just now with one of the young ladies of the Bride Brigade.”

  “Isn’t that a ridiculous name? Makes us sound like a military campaign.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “When Lydia Harrison makes up her mind to do something, it takes on the similarities of one. She is very organized and not easily dissuaded.”

  She offered a genuine smile. “I hope you don’t believe you’re telling me something I haven’t learned firsthand.”

  He laid his cutlery across his plate. “I guess you have at that. Are you ready to leave?”

  “Yes, we shouldn’t tie up the table since we’ve finished our meal.”

  They left the café and strolled the short distance to the Golden Crescent Opera House. The walk was interrupted a dozen times by people wanting to speak to her escort. He appeared very well-liked.

  Marquee lanterns illuminated the entrance. Bright gold chrysanthemums decorated a red background at each side of the Chinese-styled entrance. In the lobby an easel held a large likeness of Geraldine Chitwood.

  “Oh, she’s beautiful.”

  “Wait until you see her in person. We were lucky to get her. Jim spoke to her at the perfect time. He’s already signed her for next year, too.”

  As they went further inside, she gazed around. “What a surprise. The interior is so much larger than I guessed and quite tastefully decorated to give the right touch of opulence without overdoing it.”

  Her comment obviously pleased him. “I’m glad you approve. I’m proud of this place. I don’t apologize for owning a saloon even though some may look down on me for that. The saloon allows me the money to do other things, things I never could have managed otherwise.”

  “You’ve done a wonderful service here, Mr. Kendrick. I noticed that you priced the tickets so that everyone can afford to attend. That’s kind of you, for everyone would strive to come.”

  “I want every person who wishes to be here able to buy a ticket. My box is up this way.” He guided her up a curved staircase and to a box at the front of the theater.

  She allowed him to seat her. “How lovely. This is the perfect spot to see a performance.”

  “I priced the boxes at a premium, but they’re all sold for the season. The front seats on the first floor are a little pricier too, but those at the back are quite low as you mentioned. With the acoustics as they are, even those in the back row can hear.”

  “This is perfect. Although I wish I’d chosen a different ensemble. I clash with all the gorgeous reds.”

  “You look lovely, Miss Chandler. I’m sure I’m the envy of other men tonight.”

  “Oh, there’s Lydia and the sheriff and Mrs. Gaston. I’m trying to conceal the fact I’m gawking but it’s lovely to see several people I know in the audience.”

  “People watching is fun, isn’t it? A hobby I enjoy myself.” He gestured to men lowering the lights. “The man under Lydia’s box is Jim Baxter, the manager. He gives free admission to the men who help him.”

  She couldn’t help looking for the minister. But if everyone in town was at the performance then who would look after Matthew? She hoped someone so that Reverend McIntyre could attend.

  The curtain opened and a man stepped on stage and sat at a grand piano.

  Mr. Kendrick whispered, “That’s Mr. Laurence, Miss Chitwood’s accompanist.”

  As soon as the pianist was seated, Geraldine Chitwood came on stage in a stunning green gown studded with crystals. A diamond necklace graced her throat and Angeline thought there were diamonds in her elegantly styled red hair. The crowd applauded wildly.

  The pianist played and the crowd quieted. When Miss Chitwood sang, not a person moved or spoke. Throughout her lengthy performance, Miss Chitwood stopped only twice to sip from a glass of water.

  Angeline was mesmerized. She’d heard performers in great halls over the eastern half of the nation and in London. Never had she enjoyed any concert more than this one in a tiny Texas town.

  When the entertainment was over, Angeline stood. “Thank you so much for inviting me, Mr. Kendrick. This was positively magical.”

  They were besieged by people telling them how wonderful the evening had been and asking about future attractions. Once they were on the street and walking toward Lydia’s, Angeline took a deep breath and opened her fan.

  “One thing I can’t figure out is a way to cool the place properly. With dirt roads to combat, we can’t book anyone for the months of bad weather when it would be more pleasant inside the theater.”

  “I was so enchanted I didn’t notice
I was overheated until Miss Chitwood left the stage. I could have used my fan if I hadn’t been so enraptured with her voice.”

  “Did you expect to find something like this in Tarnation?”

  “Never. Are all your performances this spectacular?”

  He laughed. “Don’t I wish they were? We have a variety. In two weeks, we’ll have a group of acrobats. Two weeks after that, a Shakespeare company will appear and some of our residents will join as actors for small parts.”

  “That is varied. I suppose by the end of the season every person has seen his or her favorite type of show.”

  He nodded. “Precisely my intention. I usually enjoy them all.”

  “I’m sure most people will. Just because one isn’t a favorite doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy seeing it.”

  “This is only our second season so Jim and I are still learning. Maybe by next year we’ll have figured out a way to cool the place.”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  They’d arrived at Lydia’s. Although he was an excellent escort, she didn’t feel he was at all attracted to her any more than she was to him. Still, if he’d asked her, she would have accepted if he still wanted her after learning of her predicament.

  “Well, here we are back at Lydia’s.” He escorted her to the door. “Thank you for coming with me tonight.”

  “Thank you for a lovely evening.” What did he expect from her?

  He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Goodnight, Miss Chandler.”

  “Goodnight, Mr. Kendrick.” She opened the door before he turned away.

  In spite of the fact there was no special attraction, she glided to her room feeling much happier than she had in several months. Now she harbored hope for her future and that of her child. Why spending the evening with a man to whom she wasn’t attracted could imbue her with this sensation, she had no idea. Perhaps she’d finally forgiven herself just as Reverend McIntyre had instructed.

  Monday morning after Josephine had left for her job at the mercantile, Lydia announced that the following Friday evening would be a ball to which everyone in town was invited. “Not everyone will attend, of course, but there will be a crowd. We have a lot to do this week. This evening we’ll have dancing lessons and practice.”

  “What about days?”

  “I’m enlisting some of you to help with decorations. Also, the ballroom and the room we use for ladies to refresh themselves must receive extra cleaning. Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Greenberg will let you know where help is needed.”

  She looked at her. “Angeline, you may feel free to carry on with visiting the sick and elderly. Of course, Josephine will be working at the mercantile each day. Mr. Ramirez will be sprucing up the gardens and could use the help of anyone who prefers working outdoors. The rest of us will be making decorations, polishing silver, and giving the place a close inspection.”

  Lorraine raised her hand. “I love gardening. Perhaps I could help Mr. Ramirez.”

  Lydia nodded. “Good but with your fair coloring, be sure to protect your skin. If you don’t have work gloves and a sunbonnet, I can loan you mine.”

  Angeline hurried to complete her visits so she could help this afternoon. She also wanted to complete her gray foulard dress for the party. With only twenty-five cents to her name, she deliberated whether she might use a portion on trim for the dress.

  At the home of Mrs. Eppes, she made tea for the kindly woman.

  “What’s new at Bridge Brigade headquarters?”

  She set the teacup beside the kind lady. “There’s a ball on Friday evening. Will you come?”

  “Pshaw, not for me, but thanks for the invitation. What are you wearing?”

  Angeline picked up her own cup. “I’m sewing a gray foulard dress from fabric I bought at the mercantile.”

  “I used to love sewing. Tell me the design.”

  Angeline set down her cup and explained with gestures.

  Mrs. Eppes regarded her quizzically. “How are you trimming it?”

  “Well, I don’t really have any trim except a little black velvet I can either use as a collar or binding around the cuffs.”

  Mrs. Eppes pointed toward the back of the house. “Go into my bedroom and bring me the big box that has large roses on it and carry it to the kitchen.”

  Angeline did as requested and set the box on the table beside Mrs. Eppes’ chair.

  Her hostess rummaged in the carton. “Let’s go through this. I can’t sew now. Arthritis is a problem, plus I don’t see as well as I used to. My stitches have to be too large. Ah, here’s what I wanted.”

  The older woman pulled out a bundle of ribbon and lace. “These are odds and ends. Hmph, this lace needs a good bluing to bring back the white. Well, you take this box with you.”

  Angeline was astounded. “All of it? That’s so much, Mrs. Eppes.”

  “Like I said, I can’t sew anymore. Hate to see it go to waste.”

  Her new friend’s generosity buoyed her spirits. “Oh, thank you so much. You’re such a dear friend, Mrs. Eppes. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness in letting me visit and now giving me this.”

  “Bless you, child. You’ve brightened my days since you’ve come to our town. I know the man who marries you will be getting a wonderful wife.”

  Angeline’s eyes welled with tears. She leaned over and kissed Mrs. Eppes’ cheek. “Meeting you was my lucky day.” Then she tidied up the kitchen from their tea. “Is there anything else I can do for you while I’m here?”

  “No, Mrs. Querado comes tomorrow.”

  “Then I’d better go and do my share at Lydia’s so I can sew on my dress later. Maybe I’ll have it finished for the ball and then wear it for church Sunday.”

  On the walk back to Lydia’s, Angeline couldn’t believe her luck. She was glad she hadn’t stopped by the store on the way to Mrs. Eppes’. Now she still had her coins for an emergency. A very small one.

  Back in her room, she deposited the box on the bed and started sorting.

  Cassandra came in. “Did I see you carrying a large box?”

  “Mrs. Eppes, bless her heart, gave me all these trims. Even buttons. There’s enough for both of us if you want to make something for yourself. Oh, your clothes are so elegant and plentiful, you don’t need anything else, do you?”

  Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Women always need more clothes, Angeline. I don’t intend to sew mine, though I’ll be happy to help you.”

  “Oh, well, someone might want to share them. At any rate, I have all I need to trim the gray dress.”

  Angeline knew how to do the dances Lydia wanted all the girls to learn, so she helped each evening. Sophie Gaston played piano and Lydia and the girls danced their hearts out.

  Thursday evening as they prepared for bed, Cassandra said, “We’ve really set this house ringing to the rafters with laughter and silliness.”

  “I’ve had such fun this week. And my dress is finished. All I have to do is press it tomorrow and it’s ready to wear.”

  “You did a really nice job on the trim. White lace and black ribbon makes it dressier. Lucky for you to be given that box.”

  “Extremely. Thank you for your help. I didn’t know about tapes to tie and allow for expansion. You know so much about everything.”

  Cassandra slipped on her nightgown. “No, I know a little about a lot of things. Glad I could help. Now, I’m dead on my dancing feet. Goodnight.”

  Angeline crawled into bed and sighed. She’d have a new dress for the ball. She only hoped she’d have at least one or two partners.

  On Friday, she didn’t visit any of her friends around town. Lydia kept her busy with preparations for the ball. Though she didn’t mention the fact to anyone, she thought calling it a ball was a bit far-fetched. Tonight would be a nice party in a ballroom, but not what she thought of as a ball. Nevertheless, girls dashed to their rooms to get ready.

  Chapter Six

  Angeline admired Cassandra’s blue dress she hadn’t worn while Ang
eline had known her.

  “Your dress makes your eyes look even brighter. That’s a great choice for the ball.”

  After checking her hair one last time, Cassandra turned. “Yours looks even nicer since you’ve pressed it. My word, you look as if an exclusive dressmaker stitched that for you.”

  “Let’s face it, we look breathtaking.” Angeline felt lovely, even though her stomach was developing a definite bump.

  Cassandra tilted her head as if in thought. “I hear men’s footsteps in the hall. Shall we go or make an entrance?”

  “I believe we’d better go act as hostesses as instructed. After all Lydia’s done for us I sure don’t want to disappoint her.”

  They joined those filing into the ballroom. Musicians on the small stage tuned their instruments, except the pianist.

  Cassandra said, “Oh, we have musicians instead of Sophie. I wonder who they are?”

  “The man with the banjo is Fabian Dubicki who owns the livery stable. Colin Gallagher playing the violin is really a carpenter. His wife takes care of the minister’s little boy part time. Brendan Callahan who owns the furniture store is at the piano. The man with the guitar is Vance Wood who works as a cowboy for Martin Traveland.”

  Cassandra stared at her. “My stars, you sound as if you’ve lived here all your life.”

  “I barely met Mr. Wood when I saw him at the mercantile while visiting Josephine. I don’t know Mr. Callahan but I recognize him from his wife’s description. I’ve met the others during the time we’ve been here on my walks around town.”

  “And visiting people right and left. I have to say you’re fitting in better than any of us except Josephine. She’s met a lot of people too.”

  Angeline squeezed her friend’s arm. “You should come with me to visit sometime. You might love it as much as I do.”

  “Uh uh, I’ll just keep waiting for Prince Charming to sweep me off my feet and into a life of luxury.”

  She nudged Cassandra’s arm. “Oh, here he comes now.”

  Cassandra sighed. “No, that’s Prince Too Charming But Broke.”

  The rancher approached them and bowed. “Good evening, ladies. You’re both looking lovely.”