Erin

by Rachel Wesson

  “Well, I guess Alicia has learned a few things. Part of her making Aaron dress nicely was so they would assume he be the boss. But woe betide them if she finds bad working conditions for the miners or, worse, children working in her mine. The men in charge will be out on their butts quicker than you can say jackrabbit.”

  “Quite right too,” Father Molloy agreed. “I wonder if Alicia and Aaron will continue to live here in Clover Springs or move nearer to the mine.”

  “Leave Clover Springs? Over my dead body is they going up them mountains. No fit place for young boys to grow up surrounded by miners. They need their friends, their school and...”

  “Their Wilma with baked cookies.” Father Molloy knew Wilma had taken the orphans to her heart just as much as she had taken Alicia. He hoped for her sake Alicia and Aaron decided to stay on the homestead. They could afford to live in luxury anywhere they wanted once they had been married twelve months. They would gain full control of her inheritance then.

  “Alicia is coming back. We been talking and she wants to use some of her money to make Clover Springs even better. We need to find another teacher and build a bigger school and...” Her voice trailed off. Surprised she had stopped in full flow, Father Molloy looked up. “You look tired. Why are you not sleeping? What you worried about now? The Red Feathers?”

  “Wilma, this is why I come see you to talk. You seem to read my mind better than most anyone else. I admit I am very concerned.”

  Wilma took a seat, resting her chin on her hands as she gave him her full attention. He sighed as he tried to frame his thoughts in the least judgmental way possible.

  “I know some men like to have a drink. And I know they have certain...”

  “They got an itch that needs to be scratched,” Wilma supplied making him smile.

  “Not sure I would put it quite like that but yes. I want everyone to feel welcome in Clover Springs. But I don't believe we need something like that establishment. I want to find a way to close it down but without a huge fuss. I do not want to either embarrass the men who visit, but more importantly the women who work there.”

  “That’s what makes you different from a lot of religious men. Some of the clergymen I’ve encountered would have spoken out against any man who frequented the Red Feathers from the altar at services. “

  “Well, I might have been tempted to say a few words about the owner,” Father Molloy admitted reminding himself he should find a confessor. But that could wait until he sorted out this latest problem.

  “What can I do to help you?”

  “I was wondering if you had spoken to the ladies, the ones working there.” Father Molloy pulled at his collar, it felt very tight all of a sudden.

  Wilma gave him a knowing look. “You know I have, Father. I made it my business to show those girls they have a friend in Clover Springs if they ever need a shoulder to cry on. Makes me sick to my stomach to see how some folk treat them. Some folk need to concentrate more on your sermons.”

  Father Molloy’s mind went blank. He looked at her for an explanation.

  “You know those ones where you can't judge other people and we should all love one another. See I have been listening.”

  “Now don’t you get all fired up on me, Wilma.”

  “I ain’t gettin’ fired up.” Wilma stared at him and then shrugged her shoulders. “Okay, maybe a little. Its only they be so young. I was telling Miss... I mean Alicia there is one girl who reminds me of Tilly, the orphan you both rescued on the train. Mollie, the girl from the Red Feathers only be about a year or so older than Tilly.”

  Father Molloy struggled to keep his temper under control. It was one thing for ladies in their twenties to be working in these establishments, it was quite another for young girls to be forced into that line of work. There was no doubt in his mind they hadn't become a woman of the night out of choice.

  “You tried talking to the sheriff?”

  “Yes, but his hands are tied. Dickinson hasn't broken any laws, least none which we know about.” Wilma said before taking a minute to calm herself. “You bet he has done all sorts of things. Men like him, they don't care about no laws. All they see is dollar signs.”

  Father Molloy saw Wilma fighting back tears. He could only imagine the horrors this brave beautiful old woman had seen in her lifetime. He was sorry he had brought back bad memories but the reality was he needed Wilma's help. There was no way he could get the Red Feathers ladies to speak to him like they would to Wilma.

  “Why they let him open that house here anyway?” Wilma’s angry tone highlighted her frustration. “We should have stopped that happening as soon as he took his dirty a...”

  Father Molloy coughed just in time.

  Wilma gave him a grin before she corrected herself. “Feet out of the train and said he was staying. He looked like an oily rat right from that first day.”

  “Mrs. Shaw thought he was charming. As indeed did Miss Hawthorn. He even tried to charm Mrs. Grey.” Father Molloy said.

  “Well, Lorena Ella Grey didn’t fall for his pitter patter and neither did I. As for those other two ladies, do you think we could convince Dickinson to take them with him when he does leave?”

  Despite himself, Father Molloy laughed. “Wilma, you are going to get me into trouble for agreeing with sentiments like that. I will pray on it.”

  “You do that, Father. Maybe another wedding might happen. Mr. Dickinson could marry Miss Hawthorn and live happily ever after somewhere else. Australia might be far enough.”

  Father Molloy left the orphanage with a smile on his face. The situation with Dickinson had troubled him. He felt better after talking with Wilma. He mostly always did.

  Chapter 4

  Mick finally got the opportunity to visit the town. He wanted to see the Red Feathers for himself. It was located right next to the saloon and it’d been some time since he had a decent drink. Cookie didn’t like alcohol so it was pointless trying to get him into a saloon when they were traveling.

  He tied his horse to one of the hitching posts and walked down the street toward the saloon. Even if you didn’t know the Red Feathers existed, nobody could claim they didn’t know from looking at it the type of house it was. The building itself was painted bright red with what he supposed were white feathers painted here and there. It would have looked out of place in most towns but particularly in the quiet town of Clover Springs. As he walked by a couple of scantily clad ladies came out onto the veranda.

  “New in town, cowboy? My name’s Lily. What’s yours?”

  Mick didn’t answer her question, he simply nodded in acknowledgement as he walked by.

  “You ever get lonely, sugar, you be sure to call in. I know how to put a smile on your face.” Lily said as he passed. “I’ll join her,” another girl called out.

  Mick had been to some disreputable towns but even he was shocked by how forward Lily and her friends were. He wondered what Father Molloy and Reverend Timmons made of them. Pushing the door of the saloon open, he headed inside. Davy had given him a warning to watch himself but he hadn’t said anything about Mick trying to find out more. If there was anywhere in town where he’d find the information he needed, it was from Gary the barkeep at the saloon.

  Instead of Gary, a new face stood behind the bar. He wore a sullen expression and seemed to think paying customers were a hindrance. Mick looked around.

  “Where’s Gary?”

  “Who’s asking?”

  “Me,” Mick answered staring at the barkeep. He wasn’t about to be intimidated by the scrawny little upstart.

  “Gary left town. He had people to see.”

  That was odd. Gary had no family and was quite happy in Clover Springs. The presence of the saloon was accepted by the majority of the townsfolk because Gary was an honest man. He didn’t allow girls or gambling and closed up every Sunday. Some had said they’d seen him in Church. The barkeep was lying but why.

  Mick decided now was not the time.

  “Don’
t matter none. I guess I’ll catch up with him the next time I’m visiting. Right now, I could do with a beer.”

  He flicked a coin on the counter. The barkeep didn’t smile but handed him a beer before going back to shining glasses. Mick knew he was being watched. He turned casually to look around. A couple of cowboys he didn’t recognize were playing cards at one table. In the center was a pile of money.

  A couple of other men were in deep conversation toward the back. They looked like they’d walked off some of the wanted posters he saw when he checked in with various sheriffs on his way back from Virginia.

  Mick took his beer and sat down at an empty table. No wonder the boss was worried. This place had changed completely. He heard a door open upstairs followed by a stinging slap. A woman cried out but not one of the men in the bar moved a muscle. The door banged and still the men sat.

  Mick held the glass so tightly he thought it might snap. His instinct was to go upstairs and find out what was going on but Davy’s warning rang in his ears. He knew some men hit women as a matter of course but he didn’t agree with it. Still if it was someone’s wife, he couldn’t intervene. The law said it was up to the husband to do as he saw fit.

  He needed to get out of here. He’d find some of the men who he used to drink with when Gary was around and find out what was going on. As he sat at the table, a few more men he didn’t recognize came in. One went to the bar, the other made for the stairs. A couple of suggestive comments told Mick exactly what happened up there.

  He drained his glass, stood up and walked out without looking at anyone. Putting his hat on his head, he moved slowly toward the door. He still felt the eyes on the back of his neck, yet nobody seemed to have looked up from their cards or their conversation.

  Deciding it was best to head back to the Sullivan ranch, he mounted his horse. He would talk to Grattan and the other cowboys he had often shared drinks with but not today. He would come back to town during the day and see what other changes had happened. This wasn’t the Clover Springs he loved. No wonder Davy was concerned.

  Chapter 5

  Alicia helped Wilma bring the food to the table. Both had insisted Ellen rest. Father Molloy dished out some potatoes onto his plate before passing the bowl to Daniel. Katie had gone out to check the children were all playing nicely. Tilly and a few of the older orphans were looking after all the children so the adults could eat in peace.

  Alicia and Mrs. Grey had decided it was better to bring up the conversation about the women after they had finished their meal. Men were much more biddable when they had a full stomach.

  “That was a beautiful meal, ladies. Wilma and Mrs. H cooking for us, we were definitely eating like kings.”

  “Yes, but why? What’s the catch?”

  “Aaron Higgins, why does there have to be a catch?” Mrs. Grey asked him pretending to be annoyed.

  “I know my wife and she is up to something. You got that look on your face too Mrs. Grey. The one you get when you want us to do something.” Aaron pretended to study the other ladies faces. “Katie doesn’t know anything and neither does Ellen. Ma might as I still can’t read her face. Wilma is as curious as I am and fit to burst.”

  “Mr. Aaron, I got patience.”

  “And that is the first lie of the evening.”

  Wilma pretended to hit Aaron with her apron while Alicia poked him in the side. She knew he was teasing but this was serious. Mrs. Grey was nervous enough and in turn she was feeling a little anxious. How would her new friends react to her making suggestions for improving Clover Springs? She knew Wilma was on her side but hoped the other ladies wouldn’t be annoyed.

  “Mrs. Grey had a wonderful idea the other day. It actually works very well with something I was discussing with Wilma.” Alicia took a deep breath. “I think we are all agreed Clover Springs could do with some improvements. We definitely need a bigger school and another school teacher. Aaron and myself would be willing to meet the costs if you agree to proceed.”

  “I am?” At a poke from Alicia, Aaron nodded. “I guess I am.”

  Everyone smiled.

  “Alicia, this is wonderful news. I was so worried about how Laura would cope on her own if I become too unwell to teach. If we had another teacher, it would be perfect.” Ellen said nodding her head.

  “It wouldn’t take long to build onto the school either. We could hold a school raising instead of a barn raising. That would be fun,” Katie said, her eyes shining with excitement.

  “So, has Mrs. Grey a new teacher picked out? Was that her idea?”

  Alicia looked to see if Mrs. Grey wanted to answer but her friend looked rather uncomfortable.

  “No, not yet. We would have to advertise for the teacher. Mrs. Grey had another idea. She wants to put it before the town meeting tonight.

  “Can’t you give us a little hint?”

  “Aaron Higgins, will you please behave. You are embarrassing Mrs. Higgins.”

  “Ma’s used to me, Wilma.”

  “I think she meant me, darling.” Alicia pointed at herself. The room erupted in laughter once more. Alicia was so happy. Surrounded by a loving husband, family and friends with two sons in the next room. How different it all was from when she’d first arrived. All the more reason to help Mrs. Grey now.

  “We best go. The meeting will finish before we get there,” Katie said as they took their leave of Ellen. She had elected to stay home with the children telling the others to fill her in on the news tomorrow.

  “Good evening everyone, thank you very much for coming to the town meeting. Before we proceed with the usual business, Mrs. Grey has asked for a couple of minutes of your time.”

  “What she going to lecture us about this time?”

  “Mr. Staunton, please take a seat. The sooner we start the quicker the meeting.”

  Charlie took his seat and Mrs. Grey stood up only to sit straight back down again. “Alicia, could you speak for me please?”

  Alicia stood. “Mrs. Grey thought, and I agree, it would be a good idea to invite some single women to come live in Clover Springs.”

  At the murmurs of surprise, Alicia quickly clarified her thoughts. “You may have heard of Mr. Mercer, he’s the man setting up all the railway restaurants. He employs women of good character on a minimum one year contract. In addition to their salary, he provides board and lodging. In return they agree not to get married for the year.”

  “I like your idea of bringing single women to Clover Springs.” Daniel yelped as Katie hit him. “I didn’t mean it like that, you know you are the only woman for me.”

  “I am, because if you so much as look at another woman, Daniel Sullivan, I will kill you myself.”

  “She loves me so much, what can I say?”

  Everyone laughed at the antics knowing Daniel and Katie were as much in love as they had been when they first got married.

  “Why don’t you explain what you mean, Daniel?” Father Molloy suggested.

  “The town is growing but we need more growth quicker. We would all benefit from more people living here.”

  “You mean the store's profits would go through the roof. How much money do you Sullivans need?”

  “There is no need to be nasty, Mr. Staunton,” Mrs. Grey chided the man who muttered grumpily under his breath.

  “We don't want to turn this town into another Leadville. I want my children to grow up somewhere safe. Clover Springs was a nice place for decent folk to settle down. Or at least it was until the Red Feathers opened.” Daniel said.

  The murmuring among the crowd got rather noisy making Father Molloy call for quiet.

  “It’s the children that made me think about this. We have so many orphans now. If we could increase the number of people living here, that should help.” Mrs. Grey had finally found her voice.

  “It should but I am still at a loss as to how a bunch of single ladies can help us. They can’t adopt and...” Reverend Timmons looked confused.

  “They could if they get married af
ter the initial twelve months. Most of the young ladies answering the advertisements are likely to want to marry at some point.”

  “We all know enough about those types of advertisements,” Charlie Staunton taunted.

  “No, it is not like Coleman or, indeed, Mr. Oaks. This one seems to be legitimate. They have to live in chaperoned quarters – I was thinking Martha Sullivan's boarding house would be perfect for that. In return for bed and lodgings, they will abide by the rules which includes only courting in the front parlor.”

  “So, you are going to pay them and provide food and lodgings. How would this make anyone money?” Charlie Staunton fiddled with his large mustache.

  “The girls would work behind the counter in various establishments. I for one would like to see a book shop in Clover Springs, a bigger hospital, a clothes shop, a hotel and a restaurant.”

  “Someone could make money setting up a coffee shop near the railway. The passengers who are traveling through would be willing to spend a few dollars on some home cooked pies and proper hot coffee,” Father Molloy added.

  “Says a man who has spent more time than he ever wanted to traveling back and forward to Boston.”

  Father Molloy smiled at the teasing.

  “Having single eligible females is likely to bring a lot of menfolk to the town. There might be trouble,” the sheriff added.

  “But you and Little Beaver can handle that can’t you, Sheriff Willis?”

  Alicia caught the way the sheriff’s chest swelled in response to the implied compliment. Hmm maybe Mrs. Grey has an admirer. She could get her happy ever after, after all.

  “Father Molloy, what do you think of our idea?”

  “In theory, I think it is wonderful. In practice, we would need to be careful. I love Clover Springs. We already have an issue with the one saloon and house of ill repute currently here. I think if the town grows too quickly then we may end up with more problems.” The priest stopped talking and looked around the room as if he could see answers on the faces before him.