Growing up, feed sacks and old skirts were her only towels. How terrible that her pa hadn’t provided better for his family. There had to have been money from the sale of his crops.
Why couldn’t she stop comparing this life with her old one?
Brutus shook himself again, but this time she had enveloped him in the towel. He licked her face as she dried him. “Good boy, Brutus. Can you run for me and finish drying your fur?”
Elias patted his thighs. “Come on, boy, let’s play.”
Brutus bounded after him and they raced around the back yard. Sunshine through limbs of large trees created a lace-work pattern on the grass. She rose and tipped the tub’s water into a row of hedge plants. Elias appeared to be tiring, but a squirrel darted across the lawn and captured Brutus’ attention. He chased the squirrel that was much faster and scampered up a tree.
Elias took the washtub and hung it on a nail in the screened-in porch. “I suspect this will be needed again soon. I hope he and Silkie get along.”
Happiness shot through her. “Oh, Elias, does that mean you’ll let Brutus inside your home?”
Brutus sat beneath a tree, focused on the squirrel high above.
Elias stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. “I think that’s best, don’t you? Summers are too hot and winters too cold for him to be outside all the time. I hope Mrs. Martinez agrees.”
“She appears so kind, I’m sure she won’t mind. At least, I hope she won’t.”
He tugged her braid. “If she does, I’m blaming you.”
She laughed at the comical expression on his face.
Chapter Seven
On the Saturday of the variety show, Ophelia studied her reflection in the mirror. She could hardly believe the difference a beautiful dress made. Thank heavens, Cassandra had given her the gown and accessories to match. For the first time in her life, she had lovely clothes and somewhere to wear them.
She practiced walking in her new shoes on the long upstairs hallway. The shoes that matched her gown were too large but she was determined to wear them.
Rachel studied her. “Very smooth glide, especially considering we stuffed newspaper in the toes.”
“I’ve never worn anything this fine. Cassandra even gave me the jewelry that matches.”
Cassandra stood in the doorway of her room. “Far as I know the stones aren’t real but they do sparkle in the light.”
Rachel stepped forward. “You’d better practice on the stairs. Getting to Mr. Kendrick’s box will require walking up and then down stairs.”
With her hand on the banister, Ophelia walked down the staircase. She let out a sigh when she reached the parlor.
Lorraine had watched her descend. “Not bad at all. I couldn’t tell the shoes are too large. You’re naturally graceful so you’ll do fine.”
Ophelia practiced gliding across the room. “I hope I don’t embarrass Elias.”
Cassandra had followed her to the parlor. “Don’t be silly, Ophelia. He’ll be the envy of everyone there.”
Ophelia turned and hugged the other woman. “Thank you so much for the dress and everything. I’m sorry you and Sam are on the outs, but I’m sure things will work out.”
Cassandra sank onto a chair. “I’m not so sure.”
The doorbell rang.
Rachel peeked out the window then motioned the others to sit. She turned Ophelia and fluffed her skirts. “Ophelia, you stand right there so he gets the full effect of your ensemble. He’ll probably pass out on the spot.” Rachel went to answer the door.
Ophelia shook her head at Rachel’s comment. “I hope not. That would end the evening.”
Elias strolled into the parlor and halted, his mouth agape.
Rachel passed by him and giggled. “Close your mouth, Mr. Kendrick.”
With a smile, he quickly recovered his apparent surprise and stretched his hand toward Ophelia. “My, you look a vision this evening. Shall we go?”
His obvious admiration increased her heart beat. He appeared so handsome, yet he’d chosen her as his evening’s partner. Without his bowler on, his reddish brown hair was neat and perfectly groomed. Something about this man attracted her irrationally but she didn’t care. From all the possibilities, he’d asked her to accompany him.
This evening, Ophelia carried a fan loaned her by Rachel. In her new-to-her finery, Ophelia was aware of her elegant appearance. How fortunate she had such kind friends. Once more, she gave thanks that Lydia had rescued her and Jo.
On the porch, she spotted his buggy. “Oh, we aren’t walking?”
“I thought you might enjoy riding instead. I’m glad I did, for your dress is too fine for our dusty streets and boardwalks.” He helped her onto the seat before hurrying around to the other side.
“We had a bit of a disaster today at rehearsal. The magician’s box had a spring malfunction and spoiled one of his tricks. I hope everything works smoothly tonight.”
“I’m looking forward to the performance, Elias. Will there be as many people in attendance as for Miss Chitwood’s appearance?”
“Probably not. I saw Lydia and Adam go into the café so I suppose they’ll be there. I was surprised several of the young women were still at Lydia’s.”
“Cassandra and Sam have had a spat. No, more than that—an argument that might end their relationship. Rachel is waiting for Mr. Evans and Prudence for Dr. Gaston to call. Lorraine is going with… oh, my, I’ve forgotten his name. I wish Cassandra would sit with Lydia and Adam, but she won’t.”
“I’m confident she and Sam will work out their problems.”
She smoothed her hand across her skirt. “Cassandra gave me this dress and a couple of others. She has two trunks of lovely gowns, but they’re not well suited for western life so she shared.”
“That’s kind of her, but you’d look nice in anything. Still, her sharing was generous.”
“Which makes me scold myself. When we first met, I thought she was snobbish, but now I know she was just unsure of herself. In fact, she’s quite generous and kind.”
“I confess I’m more interested in you, Ophelia. You should have closets of fine dresses to compliment your natural beauty and grace.”
“You’re flattering me, but thank you. Hearing nice things is always pleasant.”
“Not flattery, my dear, but the truth. Ah, here we are.” He handed the reins to Mr. Zubicki before he left the buggy. Elias helped her down, careful to keep her skirts away from the road’s dirt.
She scanned the opera house exterior. “Golden Crescent Opera House is a glorious name. I remember you have crescents painted in gold throughout.”
“Very observant of you. I doubt one in ten notices the crescents and makes a connection.” He guided her through the crowd, greeting some and nodding to others.
Her eyes honed in on the pasteboard at the entrance announcing Riccini’s Traveling Variety Acts. She tried to remember the names on the bill but excitement pushed them from her mind. The theater’s bright red décor with bursts of gold chrysanthemums made her think of exotic places, yet here it was in Tarnation, Texas and not New York or San Francisco or Europe.
Once they’d climbed the stairs and she was seated, she relaxed on the thickly upholstered chair. Curved cherry arms had upholstered arm pads. The box was planned to accommodate four, but Elias rearranged the furniture so his place was close to hers in the center.
She looked out on the crowd and the beautifully decorated theater. “I love the bright colors even though my dress clashes with the red. You’ve created an elegant place for everyone to enjoy. Jo told me about the low prices at the back downstairs so everyone can afford to attend.”
“That’s my plan. I want anyone who wishes to be able to afford a seat.”
“I see across the way that Lydia and Adam have arrived and Sophie with them. Cassandra is no doubt regretting her refusal to accompany them tonight.”
“I have to admit I’m happy we have this box to ourselves. Friends are nice, but I prefer t
ime alone with you.” He gestured at the crowd below. “If you can call this alone.”
“No one can hear what we say to one another, even though we’re not sharing anything that would make a difference if someone else heard.”
He took her hand in his. “Do you prefer the box to sitting downstairs?”
“I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve already become spoiled. I was so thrilled just to attend Miss Chitwood’s performance. Now I’m glorying in how much better this is.”
He chuckled. “I should hope you prefer the box. I chose for myself the one which provides the best view of the stage.”
The lights at the sides were lowered and the curtains opened. A man in a garishly checked green suit stepped to center stage.
He raised his hands as if quieting an already quiet crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to Riccini’s Traveling Variety Acts. You’ll be amazed and delighted with what you’re about to see. To open the evening festivities may I present the Flying Gambini Brothers?”
He stepped back then exited as five men in scandalously tight white clothes ran onstage. They immediately tumbled, climbed and leaped from one to the other. They even formed a pyramid three people high as part of the act. How limber and strong they were.
When the Gambini brothers left the stage, she turned to Elias. “I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them. Do you suppose they really are brothers?”
“I’m told there are three brothers and two cousins who are brothers, both sets named Gambini. I’m glad you’re enjoying the show.”
The next act was a comedy skit featuring two men dressed in ill-fitting and outlandish clothes. Ophelia laughed at the ridiculous jokes the two actors told. Several had double meanings, to which the men in the audience roared with laughter.
“How many acts are there?” she asked when the comedians left the stage.
“Two more. You’ll notice one of the comedians is the announcer. In a traveling troupe everyone has several jobs.”
“I imagine that’s necessary to make ends meet. They’re entertaining, but theirs is not a life I’d enjoy.”
“You plan on staying put?”
“Tarnation is my home now and I intend to live here forever.” She hoped that was true and that she could remain here.
He chuckled. “Must be that stagecoach ride.”
Smiling, she shook her head. “That would do it, wouldn’t it? But, I like Tarnation and want to sink roots here deep enough for generations.”
“Nice to hear.” She thought Elias would have said more but the curtains opened.
In the center of the stage stood a tall box that reminded Ophelia of a bright red privy. A man in green and white striped pants and green jacket gestured to the box. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present my assistant.” He opened the door but the box was empty. He banged on the box sides and back and stomped on the bottom.
“I’m sure she’s here somewhere.” He pretended to search around the stage. “Perhaps I overlooked her.” He opened the box’s door again and a lovely woman stepped out.
The audience laughed, cheered, and clapped.
Ophelia couldn’t stop her gasp at the woman’s scandalously short silver skirt and low blue- spangled top but she clapped with the others. She glanced at Elias to see if he was staring at the woman but he watched her instead.
He leaned forward. “Her costume is to misdirect attention from the magician’s sleight of hand.”
She nodded and said, “Oh.” What a naïve and backwards woman he must think her. Still, she was shocked at the woman’s scanty apparel.
Pushing aside her opinion, she watched carefully to catch the magician in the act of deception. Apparently that was impossible. His tricks mystified her.
When the act ended, she turned to Elias. “I intended to concentrate on his hands, but I kept getting caught up in the tricks and was distracted.”
“He wouldn’t last long in his profession if you could see what he was doing behind the scenes.”
When the curtains opened again, a blond man and red-haired woman stood near a piano. He wore evening dress and she a lovely iridescent blue gown with black lace trim. A dark-haired man seated at the piano also wore evening dress.
The pianist played a refrain and the duo broke into song. Not nearly as accomplished as Miss Chitwood had been, they were quite pleasant nonetheless. They sang for at least half an hour, perhaps longer.
When they took their bows and the lights brightened, Ophelia sighed. “That was wonderful. Thank you for bringing me tonight.”
“Sharing an experience increases the pleasure. Thank you for letting me be your escort.” He nodded at the crowd below. “Would you like to sit here while the theater clears or do you prefer weaving through the throng?”
“Let’s sit here for a while. You can tell me about your inspiration for this opera house.”
Elias thought about his answer. Should he tell her he’d sneaked into one when he was ten? “I first saw an opera house in Denver many years ago. I was only a boy really, but I was mesmerized and wanted to own one someday. At the time my chances were slim, but I vowed I’d achieve my goal.”
“You’re quite young to have accomplished so much, Elias. I’m impressed at your diligence and hard work. All this can’t have been easy.”
Memories haunted him, but he shook them off and smiled. “I’ve enjoyed bringing theater to Tarnation. I told you we have trouble booking acts because we don’t have a railway. Several of us are trying to attract a railroad company to include us on their expansion.”
“That would definitely help the town grow.” She tilted her head. “I like it now, though. I’m not certain how much growth would be good.” She waved her collapsed fan as if to dismiss her comment. “I know the merchants would benefit from the railway, so forgive my sentiment.”
“I understand what you mean. We have a clean town with very little crime. Growth brings in all kinds of people, good and bad. I run a strict saloon but with growth, competitors will crop up with lower standards.”
“I hate to see anything unpleasant happen. Other than Josephine being assaulted and the same man being involved in the attempted bank robbery, I’ve seen nothing out of place here. I understand Cassandra punched a drunk outside the saloon, though.”
“Tom Boyd. He’s a habitual drunk. We limit his drinks, but one day he must have been drinking on his own before he came in. Immediately I asked him to leave, but he stumbled into your friend.” He chuckled. “Half a dozen of us were all set to rescue her, but she didn’t need our help.”
“So she said and showed the rest of us what she’d done to protect herself. Her father had taught her defense moves.” The lights downstairs dimmed and went out. Only the lantern in their box and a couple on the stage still burned. She hoped the one on the stairs remained on.
“Sounds like she had a good father. Every woman should know how to protect herself.”
“I agree and now I do.” She wondered how her father would have reacted had she used those defenses on him. Wishing her life had been different, she stared into the darkened theater.
Elias cupped Ophelia’s precious face. “Come now, you’ve grown too solemn. I wanted to entertain you and bring you cheer.”
She met his gaze and smiled. “You have. I’ve enjoyed each of our outings, not just tonight.”
He spoke with puzzled sincerity, “You’re an amazing woman, Ophelia. I truly believe you were as happy taking a walk as coming here tonight.”
“Of course. Oh, I admit I found the performance exciting and amusing. I liked our walks and our dinner because you went out of your way to spend time just with me. For a busy man such as you are, time is a precious commodity. I’m honored you were willing to divert some of your time to be with me.”
“Nothing could please me more.” He slid to one knee. “Ophelia Shipp, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears sprang into her eyes. “Elias, I would be pleased to marry you.”
<
br /> Mightily relieved, he stood and pulled her into his arms. “My precious Ophelia. I do love you.” He kissed her before she could answer.
She clung to him. He would have liked to sweep her off her feet and make love to her right here. He had too much respect for her to sully her reputation and he had no way of knowing who was still in the theater. Certainly his manager, Jim Baxter, and the janitor, Nicolai Santini, would be around somewhere.
With reluctance, he broke the embrace. “My precious, we must leave to protect your reputation. If we’re too far behind the others, they’ll speculate on our actions.”
She looked at him with such adoration. “I know you’re right, but I love being in your arms.”
He was humbled to his core. “I love holding you. Someday soon we’ll be together whenever we wish.” He guided her down the stairs. “Do you want to set a date?”
“I do, but there are other weddings pending and I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. May I check and tell you later?”
“Of course. I’ll see you in church tomorrow and again during the week.”
“You must tell me what dates are best for you. I know there are many demands on your time.”
“I’m at your disposal, my precious Ophelia.”
Several people stood outside chatting. He and Ophelia threaded through them to the buggy Fabian Dubicki held for them.
Elias clapped him on the shoulder. “Good man, Dubicki. Did you catch much of the show?”
He laughed as he nodded. “I saw all of it because I’m a fast man on my feet. I ran both ways. Thanks for the ticket.”
Elias helped Ophelia into the buggy then clambered up himself. He clicked the reins and they headed toward Lydia’s.
She laid her hand on his. “Elias, you give away a lot of tickets. You’re very generous.”
Her praise embarrassed him. “Aw, people appreciate a little recognition once in a while.”
In front of the Harrison home, he pulled on the brake. He’d swear he was suffering an attack of the grippe. His stomach clenched and roiled and his breath stuck in his throat.
Ophelia (Bride Brigade Book 4) Page 7
