“Ophelia, I’m not going to apologize for my occupation but you have a wrong idea of what goes on in the saloon.”
She pulled away from him. “Good day, Elias.”
Inside the house she hurried to Lydia’s office, hoping her hostess was still there. She rapped on the door.
“Yes, come in.” Lydia looked up from account ledgers and rose. “Oh, my, Ophelia, what’s wrong?” She came to guide Ophelia to a chair then sat beside her.
Hiccupping her sobs, Ophelia tried to explain. Tugging a handkerchief from her sleeve, she realized it was one Elias had given her and that only increased her sorrow. “I wanted to surprise Elias and went to the saloon. Since I agreed to marry him, I-I thought I should take an interest and see what his business is like.”
Lydia grasped Ophelia’s hand. “Oh, my dear. That was a mistake, wasn’t it?”
“I suppose you can imagine. There were two women who wore scanty and suggestive clothes. He said there’s nothing wrong going on, but that’s not how things looked.”
“Your life has been sheltered I know, but those girls aren’t whores. At least not in the saloon. What they do after work is not Elias’ concern.”
“It is if they use contacts they make there to… to work as a harlot.”
“Well, I don’t believe they do. I suppose they’re much like the magician’s assistant. Men enjoy looking at pretty women.”
“Ha. Do you believe they look but don’t touch? I won’t be an accessory to that lifestyle, Lydia. I won’t help degrade those women.”
“Let Elias explain. He’s a good man.”
“I know he is and a hard worker.” She pressed a hand to her forehead. “I’m just so upset and confused. I’m going to my room. If he asks for me, I’m not receiving callers.”
“That’s not fair, dear. Every man deserves a chance to explain himself.”
“Maybe so, but not right now.”
“Ophelia, has it occurred to you that you’re being as judgmental as your father?”
Shock shot through Ophelia. If she hadn’t been sitting, she would have fallen. “The last thing I ever want is to be like Pa.”
“Then think about what I’ve said. There’s another side to Elias and you need to get to know him better.”
“If you say so, Lydia. I know you have our best interest at heart. I’ll think over what you’ve said.”
She rose and hurried up the back stairs to avoid the others. In her room, she flung herself across the bed and let the tears flow.
***
The next day, Ophelia walked to the church to speak to the preacher.
Angeline opened the door with Matthew on her hip. “Ophelia, how nice to see you. You look upset. Is something wrong?”
She tickled Matthew’s tummy. “While it’s nice to see you and Matthew, I came to talk with your husband. Is it possible to see him now?”
Angeline slid Matthew into his highchair. “Of course. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
Soon, Angeline was back. “Grady said for you to come back to his office. You’ll have privacy there.”
“Thank you.” Ophelia hurried before she lost her nerve.
The pastor rose. “Come in, Ophelia, and have a seat. What brings you here today?”
She took a deep breath. “I think I’ve fallen in love with the wrong man.”
Grady leaned back in his chair. “Tell me what makes you think that?”
She launched into her experience at the saloon and her suspicions about the women who worked there.
“Given what I understand about your background, I can understand why you were shocked. You’ve misjudged Elias, though.”
“But those women….”
“Let me tell you some things about Elias. You know every town in the west—probably any other area—has a saloon. They can be lawless places where all kinds of vices prevail.
Grady leaned back and tented his hands on his flat abdomen. “When Elias built his saloon, he let everyone know that the Golden Eagle was a place where there would be no brawls, no loud arguments, no cheating, no lawbreaking of any kind. He made sure that all the patrons knew the women were waitresses and it was all right to look as long as no one touched.”
“Then why have them?”
Grady smiled at her. “Men being the creatures we are like to look at pretty women. For some it reminds them of what they hope to find someday to marry. For others, of someone they left behind. A few lust after the women, but that type probably lusts after those they see in church or anywhere else. You can’t police a man’s mind, after all.”
“Are you defending the way those two women dress, rather their lack of clothing?”
He held up his hand. “I’m not defending or accusing. Let me tell you something else. Those women have dreams and sensitivities the same as any other woman. In spite of the way some in town react toward them, Elias treats them as if they are decent, important people. He arranged for me to hold a church service there at eight every Sunday. Rhonda, Dessie, the bartender, assistant bartender, and a few patrons attend.”
“He mentioned that you hold service, but he gave the impression it was your idea.”
“Because he’s a good man. The saloon serves a purpose, Ophelia. It’s the men’s meeting hall where all the news is traded, where men can relax and smoke or cuss without their wives or mothers complaining. Gambling goes on, but Elias is a good enough card player that he can spot a cheat and removes any man who tries from the saloon with an invitation to leave town or meet the sheriff.”
“Yes, he mentioned he doesn’t allow drunks, even though Mr. Boyd is one.”
He scrubbed a hand across his face. “Poor Tom has no control over his drinking, but he and his brother show up every Sunday at eight. Elias set limits and then makes Tom drink coffee until his brother comes for him.”
“I feel sorry for the brother who has to care for him.”
“If you knew them, you’d feel sorry for both of them. For Tom, telling him not to drink is like asking him not to breathe. A stronger man might be able to fight the compulsion, but Tom’s unable to resist. The call of alcohol is like a sickness. But, that’s not what you came to talk about.”
“No, I wanted to know if I’m wrong to love Elias.” She shook her head and stared at the corner. “The way he lives is so different than I’ve been raised. I sure don’t hold with all the things my father believes, but hearing his preacher all these years has left an impression that’s hard to overcome.”
“If you’re asking me if Elias is wicked, my answer it definitively no. No one is all good or all bad, Ophelia, but Elias Kendrick is one of the best men I know. He wants to make this town a better place for families. In doing so, he wants a wife and family for himself. I hope you’re able to see him for what he is.”
“Thank you for talking with me, Grady. I know you’re a good man and a good minister. If you think Elias is also a good man, then I believe you. Maybe I overreacted when I saw the saloon. I’d been told that anyone who went in one, let alone owned one, was going to Hell. Falling in love with a man who not only owns a saloon but an opera house too was a shock to my beliefs.”
Grady raised his eyebrows. “I can imagine. I hope I’ve eased your mind.”
“You have. Thank you. I’ll just say hello to Angeline and then go.” She rose and went back to the kitchen.
Angeline looked up from preparing a meal. “Everything all right now?”
“Your husband is very kind. I’m glad I came and that he talked to me. Now, how are you feeling?”
She looked down at her expanding waistline. “Other than being big as a cow, I feel great.”
“You’re not that large. I’m so happy for you, Angeline. Grady and Matthew are fortunate to have you.”
“I’m fortunate to have them. Do you have time for a cup of coffee?”
“No, I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving so I’d better get back.” She hugged her friend. “Take care of yourself. I’ll come back when I’m b
etter company.”
***
Lydia looked up when Prudence admitted Adam to the office. He took one step inside the door and stopped. He stared around the room.
He crossed his arms and glared. “Lydia Jane, what the hell have you done?”
She squared her chin. “I’ve made a few changes.”
“A few?” He gestured to the walls. “What did you do with William’s portrait? With his things?”
“Adam, you know I loved William. When he died, I thought I would too. But I didn’t and I think enough time has passed that I should get on with my life.”
He took a step forward. “Get on with your life? How does changing this room affect getting on with your life?”
“One of the girls mentioned this looked like a shrine to a dead hero. I realized she was right. I’ve grieved enough. I’ll always love William, but there’s room in my heart for others. I’m still young enough to love another man and have his children.”
“You’ve lost your mind. Are you going to put yourself on the market like the young women you brought here?”
“And I ask you what’s to keep me from just that?” She stood and glared at him. “You know very well who I want to marry, you stubborn man.” Pointing a finger at him, she continued, “But take heed, Adam Penders. I don’t intend to grow old alone and childless. If you won’t marry me, I’ll find someone who will.”
He looked poleaxed. “Lydia Jane, I swear I don’t know what’s come over you. You know how much William helped me, mentored me. I’d feel like I was being disloyal to his memory.”
“Disloyal? Did he or did he not ask you to look after me? Are you too dense to realize he meant for you to marry me?”
He stood with his hands on his hips. “That’s not what he said. ‘Look after’ does not mean marry. Sleeping with you would be like cuckolding him.”
“Cuckolding a man who’s been dead three years?” She wanted to stamp her foot but she didn’t. “Ohhhh, you make me so angry. You may intend to live a lonely life and grow old without a wife to comfort you now and in your old age or children to carry on your name, but that’s not the life I want.”
His face reddened and his jaw set. “Fine, then find some lily-livered no-account and marry him. Let him steal all the money William left you and leave you penniless.”
“Oh, and maybe then you’d be willing to marry me, Sheriff.” She threw a ledger at him.
He jumped backward. “Ow. If you’re going to get violent, I’m leaving.”
In answer, she yelled, “Get out!” and threw another ledger at him and then another as he closed the door behind him.
Embarrassed at her childish behavior, she crossed her arms on her desk and rested her head on them. What had come over her to be so bold as to practically beg Adam to marry her? He was probably wondering what William had ever seen in her.
But she was serious about this. If he wouldn’t marry her by the time the last of the young women was wed, she would look elsewhere. There had to be a man for her.
***
On Tuesday, Elias met Lydia at the bench by the mercantile. “I want to take Ophelia when I visit the home tomorrow. She’s hardly speaking to me. I’m sure if she saw the home she’d relent. Could you put in a good word for me?”
“You know I try never to meddle.” When he rolled his eyes, she blushed. “All right, I’ll insist she give you this chance. I do believe I was wrong about your suitability if you’re willing to make a few concessions.”
“Such as?”
“Perhaps you could encourage Rhonda and Dessie to marry one of the men who has… um, courted them.”
“Ahead of you there, Lydia. Both are engaged. I won’t replace them. I’ve hired Bill’s other nephew to help in the bar.”
Lydia exhaled a sigh. “Then you’re removing obstacles. I’ll let you tell her about the changes, but I’ll encourage her to accompany you to the children’s home.”
“We’ll need a chaperone and I wonder if you’d consent to go with us.”
Shaking her head, Lydia hugged her arms and huddled over her lap. “I can’t go back—not yet unless I can bring them all home with me. Elias, I might be able to go there in a few months, but not… not right now. Perhaps Sophie Gaston would go.”
He took her hand and gave a gentle squeeze. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Although I don’t understand what difference a few months will make, you’ve only to tell me when you’re ready to go again.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry I can’t explain more.” She rose. “Good morning.”
He sat watching her hurry toward her home. Although he couldn’t be sure, he had a hunch what the problem was. Maybe he should do a little matchmaking himself.
Standing, he strolled toward the Harrison home. When he’d been shown inside, stated his mission, and was seated in the parlor, he waited for Ophelia to appear. She came from the direction of the kitchen and he stood to greet her.
Wearing a plain housedress, she was radiant and beautiful as ever but her posture was stiff. “You wanted to see me?” She sat on the sofa near where he’d been and folded her hands in her lap.
He resumed his place and hoped she couldn’t hear his heart pounding. She had none of the artifice of more sophisticated women. No pretense or coy wiles, just honesty. Unfortunately, right now her attitude toward him was cool. “I’d like to invite you to accompany me to view a project of mine on Wednesday.”
“I’m not sure, Elias. I’d have to get Lydia’s permission.”
“Don’t worry, she’s already approved the outing. Since we’ll be most of the day, I’ll provide a chaperone.”
She frowned and looked at him with question in her beautiful blue eyes. “A chaperone? Are you going to tell me what this trip involves?”
Mischief kept him intentionally withholding details. “Do you like surprises?”
She tilted her head and gave him a speculative glance. “Only nice ones.”
He offered what he hoped was a friendly smile. “Then I guarantee you’ll love this destination. We’ll need to leave about nine o’clock on Wednesday morning and won’t return until about three or four in the afternoon.”
“My goodness. Now you have my curiosity piqued. I’ll be on pins and needles until Wednesday morning.”
“Time I let you return to whatever I interrupted.” He stood but kissed her hand. Although delicately shaped, he felt calluses on the underside testifying to her hard work. She deserved to learn to play and he wanted to be her teacher, confidant, and lover. He wanted to marry this gentle woman and make her his life’s partner.
Chapter Eleven
After Elias left Lydia’s, he strode to the Gaston home. Since the front was Dr. Riley Gaston’s office and treatment rooms, Elias went to the back and knocked.
Sophie Gaston came to the door. “Why, Elias, come in and tell me what’s brought you here this morning.”
She poured him a cup of coffee which she set on the kitchen table. “Sit down and we’ll have a nice talk.”
He took a sip of the coffee. “Ah, perfect brew. I’ve come to ask a major favor. Miss Shipp will be accompanying me on Wednesday to visit the home. I need a chaperone to go with us.”
She slumped in her chair. “Elias, my bones are just now recovering from that stage ride. When I arrived home, I swore I’d never again set foot outside Tarnation.”
“This won’t be like that rattling stage. I’ll have the two-seat rig with good springs and we’ll be on as good a road as there is in this part of the country. You can sleep in the back seat if you become bored.”
“And what kind of a chaperone sleeps?” She slapped the table. “Oh, all right. I see you need someone our shy Ophelia knows and who will reassure her. I’ll go, but you’ll owe me a big favor in return one of these days.”
He’d concede Mrs. Gaston anything if she’d agree. “I’ll be happy to reciprocate. We’ll pick you up at nine o’clock on Wednesday.”
The kind woman leaned back and laughed. “Son,
I can tell you’re new to this way of doing things. You pick up the chaperone before you call for the young lady.”
He hoped he wasn’t blushing, but heat spread across his face. “Right. I’ve never courted a woman. Courting one properly will take some learning.”
On the way to his house, he made fun of himself for wanting a proper woman and marriage. What a change for him. Wouldn’t his mother be laughing at him now?
***
Ophelia dressed in her blue Swiss muslin again for her outing with Elias. She was waiting by the door when he arrived Wednesday morning. She wore her hat and carried a navy shawl and white parasol.
He offered his arm. “You look ready for anything that comes your way.”
“Lydia encouraged me to come and said I’d be happy I did. I’ve been ready ages because I’ve been so curious to see what your surprise is. Oh, hello, Sophie. How nice of you to chaperone.”
“Against my will, but I’m sure you know Elias is a charmer. Besides, I look forward to spending time with you again, Ophelia.”
Elias pretended to be offended. “What about me? Don’t I count?”
She laughed at him. “You count, but not as much as Ophelia. Take that and put it in your pipe.”
“Don’t have a pipe. Guess I’ll just mull on it. Lovely day for our outing.”
Ophelia’s stomach was in knots. She wanted to be mad at Elias but she couldn’t help hoping he explained away her disappointment in the saloon. She’d decided to follow the pastor’s advice. “I can’t believe how much different the sky appears in Texas. As if that bright blue goes forever.”
For the next two hours, Elias and Ophelia chatted. At first, he kept conversation light and avoided serious talk. She wanted to ask him about the saloon, but hated to with Sophie in the back seat.
With a glance behind him, Elias said, “I want to explain about the saloon, Ophelia. I don’t apologize for owning that business but I see how things might have looked to you. Deputy Stanton and Rhonda—that’s the woman you saw talking to him—are engaged and had just announced they were getting married. The other woman, Dessie, is marrying Slim Redding, he’s Sam Drummond’s foreman.”
Ophelia (Bride Brigade Book 4) Page 10
