Eleanor

by Rachel Wesson

  “Are you always this direct, Laura?”

  “No, I used to be a lot worse.” Laura smiled.

  “I am here about Wilma. She is fine but you should know she collapsed yesterday.”

  Panic filled Laura's eyes. “Wilma? She couldn't. What’s wrong with her? Did she catch something from the children? Are they sick too?”

  “Please calm down, Laura. From what Mrs. Grey has told me about your own heart condition, you shouldn’t get too excited. Wilma will be fine. You can come back into town with me to visit her if you like. I called to see if you could tell me anything that will help me to find a way to make her better.

  “What do you mean? I don’t know much about doctoring.”

  “I didn't mean in that way. Why don't you sit down? I believe Wilma is exhausted. I have asked her to slow down. She does more work than most women in their early twenties. So there is a physical reason for why she collapsed. She needs to rest more and lose some weight.”

  “Yes, I have been telling her that for ages. She takes on way too much. But then when I was sick she minded my baby.”

  “And she loved doing it. She sees your baby as her grandchild. That is partly why I came to speak to you in private. How much do you know of Wilma's past?”

  A guarded look came over Laura's face. Erin hastened to reassure her.

  “I am not asking out of nosiness. From some of the things Wilma has said recently, to me and to Father Molloy and others, I believe she is running from something. Not physically running but there is something disturbing her sleep. Maybe memories of some past issue. I need to know as much as possible about her in order to help. I will not repeat it to anyone. I promise.”

  Laura sat in silence, her eyes glued to Erin as if weighing up whether she could trust her or not.

  “Laura, if it helps, I heard the gossip about how you came to Clover Springs. About Coleman and the others. I don't judge anyone. I am sure you heard about me.”

  “I heard you wanted to kill your husband.” Laura spoke softly. “Not Mick, the other one.”

  Although she hated talking about Anthony, her first husband, now was the time for honesty. “Yes, I did.”

  “I did too. I think I would have if it weren’t for Wilma,” Laura said quietly. “I know I would have died if she hadn't saved me. I owe her everything.”

  “Tell me how you got to know her.”

  Erin listened as Laura told her about her past life before she came to Clover Springs. In a way, some of her story reminded her of Mollie only Laura had been older and had actually married her abuser. Laura described Wilma as a sort of guardian angel doing what she did best. Protecting the girls as much as she could from the abusive life they lived.

  “So you believe Wilma worked in one of these houses too?”

  It took Laura a long time to answer.

  “I don't know for certain. We never discussed it. But I knew she had been there a long time. She understood what the other girls were going through. She was tough on them, they complained to the police after my husband was killed. They said she was abusive. But she wasn’t. She was trying to protect them by not allowing them to drink themselves to death. I did wonder but who knows? She certainly had been in my husband’s service for some number of years.”

  “Did she ever speak to you about her days as a slave?”

  Laura shook her head but Erin believed she was holding something back.

  “Nothing at all?”

  “Just this one time. I'd been beaten very badly. I thought I was going to die. I wanted to. But Wilma refused to let me. She told me to fight back. Someone could own your body but nobody but you owned your soul. I screamed at her. I asked her what would she know about it? And then she showed me.”

  Laura couldn’t go on. Erin let her cry and then gave her time to compose herself.

  “I never saw anything like those marks. She didn't tell me why she had them. She never showed them to me again.”

  Erin suspected the marks were on Wilma's back. She had never seen the woman undressed.

  “Do you think her time as a slave is affecting her now?” Laura's eyes were full of disbelief.

  “I don't know, Laura, but she said she wasn’t sleeping. She told Father Molloy it was the new pills I gave her but they should be helping her to sleep. She said she had bad dreams. I know I often dreamed of Anthony in those first weeks after he died. I was sure he was coming back for me.”

  “I did too. Maybe Wilma is worried someone from her past will come for her. Slavery is gone now, they wouldn't be able to take her away.”

  “Yes, but sometimes our minds don't always see the truth.” Erin stood up. “I promised Mrs. Higgins I would call in for coffee. Will you join us?”

  “I will in a while. I just want to get a meal ready for Paul. Please don't go back to Clover Springs without me. I want to check on Wilma for myself. She's been like a mother to me for a long time now. I couldn’t bear if anything were to happen to her.”

  Erin wondered if Wilma had any idea how many people believed she had saved their lives. She doubted the older woman knew just how highly people thought of her.

  She headed back to the Sullivan ranch where she had an enjoyable visit with Mary and Mrs. Higgins. She told the two ladies about Wilma and both expressed their concern for the patient. Little Beaver put his head around the door to say he was off. He would ride one of Davy’s horses back to town. Once Laura arrived, Erin drove them both back to Clover Springs laden with pies and other things, including a book. Mary thought Wilma might like to read it while she was resting. She should really check on the new teacher but that visit would have to wait until another day.

  Chapter 13

  Laura’s visit with Wilma didn’t go very well. It was obvious she had been crying when Erin spoke to her.

  “She didn’t talk to me. Barely one sentence in that whole time. I talked about everything I could think of. The baby, Paul, and even my mother-in-law. Speaking about Mrs. Kelley is usually enough to get Wilma all fired up but she didn’t even remark on it today. You said she was going to get better. When?”

  Erin knew Laura wasn’t really angry with her but frustrated with the fact her friend, no, her family member was ill.

  “Wilma hasn’t been ill for long, Laura, you have to be patient. She will be the same as usual in a couple of weeks or so.”

  “Do you really believe that?”

  “Yes, Laura, I do,” Erin said without adding provided we get some luck and a lot of prayers. Laura followed Erin downstairs. Lily had said she would sit with Wilma for a while.

  Father Molloy was waiting in the kitchen. He knew there was no change in Wilma but he wanted to speak to Laura and Ellen about the new school teacher.

  “Ladies, I have some good news to put a little smile back on those faces. I found a new school teacher. Her name is Miss Templeton and she comes highly recommended.”

  “Oh, that is wonderful, Father Molloy. Wilma will…” Ellen’s voice trailed off.

  “Wilma will be delighted just as soon as she knows.” Erin said firmly. “Now tell us more about Miss Templeton, Father, where is she from? What brings her to Clover Springs? What age is she?”

  “Erin, are you sure you are not Mary Sullivan in disguise? I never thought anyone could ask as many questions as quick as Mary but you now hold the record,” Father Molloy said, his eyes telling her he knew what she was doing and approved.

  Everyone laughed at the teasing and for a couple of minutes the kitchen was just like it was when Wilma was present.

  “I am not sure what age Miss Templeton is, I would guess about your age Ellen. She travelled here from Britain. She recently lost her father, his death having a negative impact on her family situation. She studied at Cheltenham Ladies College so is well educated. She seems to be of good character and moral standing too. I like her although she is quiet and rather shy.”

  “She won’t stay that way for long. Not with us two chatting to her all day long.” Ellen said smili
ng at Laura. “Wonder how long it will be before she gets married?”

  “Married? She has only just arrived,” Erin replied.

  “Yes, but if she is as lovely as she sounds, she won’t stay single for long. Not around here,” Ellen said firmly.

  Erin caught a look of sadness in Father Molloy’s eyes. Wilma wasn’t the only one keeping secrets. Neither Laura nor Ellen seemed to notice so Erin kept her thoughts to herself.

  “I best be getting home or my husband will be out looking for a new wife,” Erin joked as she stood up. She was dying for a hug from Mick and a kiss from Michelle. After such a long and trying day, she was thrilled she had a family of her own to go home to. She was lucky.

  Mick was waiting for her when she got home. He gave her a hug, holding her close as she struggled to maintain her composure. Seeing Wilma laid low had taken more of a toll on her than she’d realized. Mick wrapped his arm around her waist as he escorted her in to see their daughter. Michelle was thriving. She was sleeping with her thumb in her mouth.

  “She’s just gorgeous, isn’t she?” Erin whispered.

  “She is when she is asleep. She wasn’t too happy earlier I can tell you.” Mick pouted. “I think she prefers when her ma is here to put her to bed.”

  “Well, if today is anything to go by, she best get used to her pa. I am exhausted.”

  “I got your bath ready. You just go and relax. Dinner is ready whenever you want to eat.”

  “I don’t know why I got so lucky. But I am glad you married me.”

  “I am too, darlin’, more than I can ever say.” He proceeded to kiss her showing her how much he cared. Soon the bath was the last thing on either of their minds.

  Sometime later, Mick cradled Erin in his arms. “What’s wrong, darling?”

  “I don’t know if I should go to New York. Don’t be mad.”

  He sat up in the bed, looking at her. “I won’t be angry but why? I thought you really wanted to go.”

  “I do. I get the feeling something is wrong with Mrs. Doherty. She was good to me and I want to make sure she is all right. But Wilma needs me here.”

  “But you said Wilma’s troubles weren’t of a medical nature, at least not that you could cure.”

  “Yes, but she’s my friend and what if I am wrong? What if it is something medical and if I am in New York…”

  “Doc will deal with it just as he did when you were away studying. Mrs. Grey is here and Emer Shipley. You are a wonderful doctor but even you need a vacation.”

  Erin smiled a wickedly beautiful smile. “It’s our honeymoon.”

  “Yes, me darling, it is. Personally, I think I am worth spending time with.”

  “Well, if you continue to kiss me like that, maybe I could agree.”

  He tickled her as she burst into giggles. “I love Doc Erin but it would be nice to spend time with Erin Quinn for a little bit.”

  “Mmmm.”

  “We can be a real family—just you, me and Michelle.”

  “What about Lily? She’s been helping out at the orphanage.”

  “Someone else can do that. Lily is coming with us. I am not leaving her here with Ma Kelley and her cronies on the warpath.”

  Erin pulled him closer to her and kissed him. “I love your big heart, Mick Quinn. Come here and let me show you how much.”

  Chapter 14

  Gary couldn’t get the picture of the new teacher out of his head. There was something really sad and suspicious about her being in Clover Springs. She walked and talked like a real lady and had the fancy clothes, but what would her type be doing teaching school in Clover Springs of all places? He could see her working as a governess, but even then, she would be a bit overdressed.

  He wanted to ask Father Molloy but the priest hadn’t been near the saloon since the new teacher arrived. If Doc Erin was not busy with tending Wilma and packing for New York, she would have invited the teacher to dinner. He polished some glasses before replacing them on the shelf.

  “Did you hear one of your people arrived in town?”

  “My people, Murph? I wasn’t aware of any family members visiting Clover Springs.”

  “Not a relation. But she’s British.” Murph’s face looked like he had just bitten into something rotten.

  “How do you know?”

  “Someone told me she went to college in Cheltenham. That’s in England. They used to have some fine horse racing there until some guy bought the land and stopped it. He hated horses. Imagine a British man hating horse racing.”

  Gary worked away, only half listening to Murph who could talk the back legs off a donkey. “Anyway, I know it’s in Britain. She sounds British too.”

  “You’ve spoken to her?”

  Murph turned red. “Not really. I was behind her in the queue in the store. Katie Sullivan took so long talking to her I forgot what I went in to buy.”

  Gary smiled. Murph would forget his own head if it wasn’t attached to his neck. “I hope you won’t hold the fact she is British against her. She has come to teach the children. Father Molloy says she is highly qualified.”

  “Did he? And he an Irishman!”

  “Murph, since when did your nationality determine whether you were good or bad at something? Give her a chance, will you?”

  Murph muttered into his drink. Gary didn’t listen as he’d heard enough. Although he’d told Father Molloy that Murph didn’t mean it, his constant harping on about all English people being a curse on society got a bit wearing at times.

  “Wonder how long she’ll last?”

  “In Clover Springs? I imagine a while as the school keeps expanding.”

  “No, dummy. As a single woman. She’s quite a looker if you go for the dark eyes and hair. Prefer a blonde myself.” Murph burped loudly before draining his glass.

  Gary busied himself cleaning another shelf. He didn’t want to think about the pretty school teacher.

  He didn’t get much of a chance to stop thinking about Miss Templeton as the whole town was talking about her. He had only come out to the store for some flour and other store items and a group of men were outside, talking.

  “I heard her father was a duke, that would make her a real lady.” Charlie Staunton pushed out his chest. “I am going to ask her to the dance. She will be used to real gentlemen.”

  “Won’t have much interest in you then, will she?” Daniel Sullivan joked making the other men laugh.

  “You take that back. You are only a thick Irish paddy who wouldn’t recognize a gentleman if he stood in front of you.”

  “Watch it, Staunton, or you won’t be doing any standing anywhere. Nobody insults my pa and gets away with it. Yes, he was Irish but unlike some around here, he didn’t lack intelligence or manners.” Daniel’s reply made Staunton’s cheeks redden but he stayed quiet. Daniel was known to be mild mannered until it came to his family. Then he would fight tougher than the rest of them.

  “What’s the daughter of an English lord doing in Clover Springs? She could have gone to New York. Isn’t that where the rich live?” a friend of Staunton’s asked.

  “Seems suspicious to me. Why would any member of a rich and titled family be working as a teacher? I reckon she just made the whole thing up.”

  “That’s enough. Nobody knows Miss Templeton’s background, but she is new to our town and deserves some respect and courtesy.” Gary surprised himself most of all by speaking out. Usually, he kept his opinions to himself.

  “You would say that given she is one of yours.”

  Gary glared at the cowboy. “If in that pea-sized brain of yours you think the fact she appears to be British means she warrants better treatment, you are mistaken. Every lady, be they nobly born or not, deserves a man’s courtesy and respect. Didn’t your mother teach you anything?”

  “I never knew my ma.”

  Gary turned his back on the conversation just in time to see Miss Templeton walking away, her cheeks crimson. She must have heard the conversation or at least part of it. He wa
lked faster to catch up with her.

  “My apologies, Miss Templeton. The men didn’t mean any harm.”

  She gave him a dirty look but didn’t say a word.

  “I am sorry. You weren’t supposed to hear them.” Why was he apologizing? He hadn’t said anything.

  “You mean you would have continued to gossip about my person in private. I expected such behavior from a bunch of old women but…” She stopped talking. He suspected she was too emotional to finish her sentence.

  He twirled his hat in his hands for a couple of seconds. “I am sincerely sorry you heard any of it. Clover Springs is a small place and the arrival of any new face, especially if I may be so bold as to say a young, attractive lady, will be the subject of conversation.”

  She glanced back at the group of men. “Should I give them the real facts of my life to date?”

  “I wouldn’t. What they will make up will be far more interesting,” he joked, hoping to make her smile but it didn’t. “What I mean is you should not have to explain yourself to anyone.”

  “Thank you, mister…”

  “Gary Barrett, ma’am.” He made a half bow as he introduced himself.

  “Thank you, Mr. Barrett. I believe you are trying to be kind.”

  The look on her face plainly said she thought he was failing but before he could say anything else, he was dismissed with a rather cold tone.

  “Good day.”

  He stood looking after her as she continued her journey down the street.

  “Good morning, Gary. I see you met our new teacher. She will be a wonderful addition to Clover Springs.”

  “Yes, Father, if she stays.”

  The older man looked perplexed. “She has only just arrived. Is she thinking of leaving already?”

  “Seems she may have overhead some unfortunate gossip this morning.”

  Father Molloy’s eyes darkened. “What type of gossip? Why would anyone want to talk about a respectable young lady?”