Eleanor

by Rachel Wesson

  Eleanor

  Rachel Wesson

  Contents

  Character List

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Epilogue

  Historical Note

  Introduction to Trails of The Heart

  Acknowledgments

  Also by Rachel Wesson

  Character List

  Clover Springs Main Characters:

  Father Molloy - Clover Springs Catholic Priest

  Mrs. Grey- town icon and nurse

  Wilma - ex-slave now running Orphanage

  Little Beaver - Deputy Sheriff - married to Asha

  Samuel Higgins - In charge of Orphanage with Ellen, his wife, and Wilma their friend.

  Ellen Higgins - school teacher, wife of Samuel, mother of Jake

  Mrs. Higgins - Samuel and Aaron’s widowed ma who works and lives at Sullivan Ranch

  Doc Erin - recently arrived doctor now married to Mick and mother of adopted daughter Michelle.

  Mick Quinn- Civil War veteran - doc’s husband and father to orphan Michelle

  Lily Green - ex bordello worker now minding baby Michelle

  Laura Kelley - teacher - married to Paul Kelley

  Ma Kelley - hated widow - mother of Paul Kelley but everyone calls her Ma Kelley.

  Martha Sullivan — runs boarding house - widowed mother of Daniel, Davy and Elizabeth

  Daniel Sullivan - owns store , married to Katie, parents to Ella and Danny

  Davy Sullivan - married to Mary, parents to Cathy and adopted son Ben

  Gary Barrett - saloon owner

  Cookie - Civil War veteran saved Mick Quinn’s life

  Sheriff Willis

  Chapter 1

  Clover Springs, February 1888

  “Wilma, why did you let me talk you into this crazy plan?” Father Molloy said as they stood shivering at the train station. They had volunteered to meet the first group of girls arriving to Clover Springs under Mrs. Grey’s new scheme. Mrs. Grey would have been there, too, but she was feeling a little under the weather. She had arranged for some single ladies to come and stay at Martha Sullivan’s boarding house with a view to working in Clover Springs. In time, they would start courting, get married, and hopefully, might be interested in adopting an orphan. It was one of the plans the town had decided on to try and find homes for all the orphans.

  “You are just as excited as a little child at Christmas. You stop your bellyaching. We don’t want to put the women off. If they see your frowning face, they may just turn back to Boston.” Wilma gave Father Molloy’s arm a rub.

  She knew he was concerned about the latest scheme. The sheer number of men at the station proved he may have reason to worry. She didn’t blame the men, the women coming represented a chance for them to marry and have a family of their own. The issue was there were only six ladies on the train and there were about ten men standing in the station for every lady. She wished she had thought of asking Little Beaver or Sheriff Willis to accompany them.

  The train whistled as it came into the station. Wilma carefully watched each person who alighted from the train. The people she knew got a warm hug, the ones she recognized from around town got a wave. A young woman got off the train and Wilma took a step towards her but stopped. Whomever she was, she wasn’t here as a mail-order bride. Her clothes and bearing were those of a rich person. Wilma wondered who she was and why she was in Clover Springs. Judging by her appearance, she had probably come to visit Alicia or perhaps was a friend of the Shipley family. She turned to ask Father Molloy, but he had moved up a little on the platform. She walked toward him but when she turned to look for the young woman, she had gone. Making a mental note to ask Father Molloy about the stranger, she went back to the task in hand. Where were Mrs. Grey’s six single ladies?

  When nobody else seemed to be getting off, she asked the conductor if he had seen a group of six ladies.

  “No, ma’am, but I only got on at the last stop. The previous guy was sick. This is not my regular train. I will go ask the fireman if he knows anything.”

  Wilma waited.

  Father Molloy came to join her. “Wilma, what did he say?”

  “He hasn’t seen a group of ladies. But he just joined the train. He’s gone to speak to the fireman.”

  The men who had been waiting for the women got restless. “Where’s the gals you promised us, Father?”

  “Nobody promised you anything. Now go home before I tell Davy Sullivan you been bothering a priest,” Wilma replied, her tone warning them not to mess with her. She wasn’t in the mood. She had better things to be doing like a mountain of laundry for the orphans.

  The fireman came back with the conductor. “Are you two looking for the single ladies?”

  Wilma nodded.

  “Only five joined the train. One got sick and stayed behind in Boston. The rest of them got off in Denver. They seemed to think they would fare just as well there.”

  Wilma looked at Father Molloy to see her shock mirrored on his face. The town had paid for the rail tickets for the young ladies and they hadn’t even sent a telegram to let them know. What was the world coming to? Were there no decent people left?

  She took Father Molloy’s arm and made their way back to the orphanage in silence. Father Molloy didn’t say a word as was his way. He always said if you couldn’t say something nice, then say nothing at all. She could have spoken volumes but respected his need for quiet. He left her at the orphanage, declining an offer of coffee. It was only when he’d gone, she remembered the girl from the train.

  She went into the kitchen feeling tired. Rosa was in there already.

  “Miss Wilma, ain’t I ever goin’ to be adopted like Tilly was?”

  “I don't know, Rosa. We don't want to split up you and John and most families only want one child. You is fine here with us though, ain’t ya? You is happy?”

  “I suppose.”

  Wilma sat down and indicated to Rosa she come sit on her lap. “Come on child, you tell ole Wilma what happened.”

  “We was at school and some of the children were talking about Doc Erin and how she adopted Michelle. Tilly was adopted by the Reverend and Steven and Harry were adopted by Miss Alicia. Bertram said it just showed what he knew all along. Ain’t nobody ever goin’ to adopt no black child. Ever.”

  Wilma took a deep breath. Doc Erin had told her to count backwards when her temper started rising. There was nothing guaranteed to make her angry faster than young Master Shaw. That child needed a lesson and nobody seemed to be able to give it to him. He'd been respo
nsible for the fire that hurt Mr. Samuel and Miss Ellen. He'd scared poor Rosa half to death and despite working every Saturday at the orphanage for about a year, he hadn't changed a bit. Father Molloy and Little Beaver thought being in close proximity to the other children and away from his mother might teach him a thing or two. But it hadn’t worked.

  “You listen to me, child, not that Shaw boy. He don't know nothin'.” Wilma took a deep breath and crossed her fingers. She had made a pact a long time ago never to lie to children if she could help it. She wasn’t about to start now, so she picked her words carefully. “You and John have a lovely home here with us. I couldn’t love you more if I was your real grandma.”

  Rosa looked at Wilma quizzically. “Are you a grandma?”

  “Is who a grandma?” Ellen walked into the kitchen carrying her son Jake in her arms. “I think this little one is getting teeth. His cheeks are so red.”

  “I got something that will help him with that.” Wilma stood up, grateful to be able to avoid Rosa's questions. “Now, little miss, why don't you go out and play with your friends?”

  “Yes, Wilma.”

  The two adults watched her go. After she closed the door behind her, Ellen looked to Wilma for an explanation.

  “What's wrong with Rosa? She was rather quiet in school. Is she coming down with something?”

  “Nope. It's that Shaw boy. Honestly, I wish his ma would pack up and move somewhere else and take him with her.”

  “What has Bertram done now?” Ellen asked.

  “Seems he been telling Rosa that nobody will ever adopt her and John. They will have to live here forever.”

  Ellen didn't comment which in a way made Wilma angrier. “I know it is probably true but he is still cruel. I never thought I could hate a child but he...”

  “Wilma, go lie down. You need to be careful. Remember what Doc Erin said about you resting more.”

  Wilma huffed and puffed as she went to her room. Only when the door was closed, did she let the tears come. Was she a grandma? She had no idea.

  Chapter 2

  Eleanor Templeton walked down the street trying not to feel despondent. It was her own fault nobody was waiting for her at the train station. She wasn’t due to arrive for another week. But she had to leave Boston, she couldn’t bear the stares, some of sympathy and some not so pleasant any longer. She made her way toward the church. The priest always lived near the church, so it was as good a point as any.

  The town was a lot smaller than she’d expected. Was she mad coming here? Perhaps she should have chosen a bigger city like Chicago where she could have got lost in the crowd. She walked faster, as fast as her skirts would allow her. People—men mainly—were staring at her, making her uncomfortable. She was so busy worrying about the other people, she didn’t see the man until it was too late.

  “Excuse me, ma’am.”

  Eleanor sprang back from him as if burnt. She couldn’t breathe but stared at his hand still on her arm. He flushed slightly as he took his hand away.

  “Apologies, ma’am, I thought you were going to fall.”

  She made the mistake of looking at his face. His wide blue eyes stared back at her, frank admiration in their depths. He looked concerned as if worried she was going to scream or worse, faint in a heap at his feet. She was made of sterner stuff than that.

  “My apologies, sir. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

  “You’re English.” He grinned at her. “I’m from London myself. Been in the States a few years now. How is the old country?”

  Eleanor bit her tongue wondering how to reply. In England, strangers didn’t speak to ladies, particularly if they were alone. But then well brought up young ladies wouldn’t be walking down the street without a chaperone.

  “Where were you going? You’re a stranger to these parts. Maybe I can escort you the rest of your way?” the stranger asked.

  “That won’t be necessary.” Eleanor’s cold tone wiped the smile off his face. She hadn’t meant to be rude. She tried to repair the damage. “Thank you for your kind thought.”

  She saw the church behind him, but before she could move, she heard a voice behind her.

  “Morning, Gary. Ma’am.”

  “Morning, Father Molloy. I would introduce you but I don’t know the young lady’s name.”

  Eleanor’s stomach heaved. What would the priest think of her standing in the middle of the boardwalk with a strange man? It was hardly a good first impression. She turned to look at him expecting to see censure in his gaze. Instead, she saw a warm smile.

  “Good morning, ma’am. You are new to town. Can I be of assistance?”

  “Yes, Father, my name is Eleanor Templeton. You were expecting me but not for another week.”

  “Miss Templeton. Our new teacher. How delightful. Please come with me. I am sure you are gasping for a cup of coffee after your journey. Pity I didn’t know you were on the train. I was just at the station myself.” Father Molloy smiled at her.

  Eleanor stared while the man called Gary laughed.

  “I don’t think Miss Templeton is used to priests being so nice, Father. She’s English and we don’t get many like you back in England.” Gary turned his focus to her. “It was nice meeting you, Miss Templeton. I look forward to getting to know you better.”

  With a tip of his hat he was gone, leaving her alone with Father Molloy.

  “English? Well, you have come a far distance, haven’t you? Come inside and we will get us a nice cup of coffee.”

  Father Molloy took her bag despite her protests she could carry it and together they walked to his house beside the church. Eleanor had to fight the urge to look behind her to see if Gary was watching. She wondered what his surname was before correcting her train of thoughts. She’d come here to teach. She wasn’t interested in anything else.

  Gary walked back toward the saloon wondering why the young lady was in Clover Springs. He hadn’t noticed her until she’d walked into him. He’d been surprised to see the fear and apprehension in her gaze when he looked in her eyes. She was obviously well off. It wasn’t just her clothes but her accent spoke of class and breeding. What would make an English woman travel all this way to teach school in a small town like this? He loved living here but it wasn’t exactly the type of place one yearned to live in.

  He’d met a lot of women in his time—from all walks of life—but nobody had made a first impression like Miss Templeton. She intrigued him which was unusual as he didn’t usually have time for women. But then, at the mines, there weren’t many decent women around. Some of the men had wives with them but the majority of the workers were single just like him. Unlike him, they liked to blow off steam when they weren’t working. They spent their wages in the saloons and houses of ill repute.

  Until Dickinson had come and ruined everything, he’d been happy. Dickinson had gone and he had his saloon back, running just the way he liked it but it wasn’t the same. He wanted something more. It would be nice to have a wife and in time some children. But with single women rarer than hen’s teeth, he wasn’t sure that would ever happen.

  Chapter 3

  Father Molloy looked up from his desk to the young woman sitting in front of him. “Your references are wonderful.”

  “Thank you, Father,” she replied politely.

  He continued to study her wondering if she would volunteer more about herself, but she just stared back at him. He coughed, trying to buy a couple of minutes. He had to ask her but he wasn’t sure how to frame the question without seeming very rude.

  “Yes, Father?”

  “Sorry, Miss Templeton, but I am rather curious. I am aware of the reputation of Cheltenham Ladies College. I would have thought there were many vacancies for governesses with your credentials in Britain. Why come to America? But more specifically, what brings you to Clover Springs?”

  “You advertised for a teacher. I am fully qualified so I applied for the position. You confirmed it yourself by post.”

  “Yes,
I am aware of that. I am just wondering why you came here? A lady with your background and qualifications could find a position most anywhere in the country.”

  Her look pierced him right through the heart. “I think we both know that is not the truth, Father. I suspect you are trying to be kind.”

  Kind? Why would she think he was being kind?

  “Miss Templeton, we have only just met, and I know it is rather impertinent for me to suggest you trust me when you know nothing about me. I am very fond of our little town. I believe it to be the best place in the world bar Ireland, of course.” He laughed but fell silent when she didn’t join him. “Please tell me your story.”

  “Father, do you not read the papers?” she responded tartly.

  He didn’t retaliate, sensing her rudeness was covering a deep hurt. He waited but she seemed intent on staying silent until he answered.

  “Sometimes, but I am not always up to date.”

  “The reason I accepted the position is quite simple, Father. You were the only one to offer me employment. I guess you did fewer checks than some other people in your situation.”

  “Checks?” Father Molloy swallowed hard. What had he opened Clover Springs up to now?