Chapter 27
She remembered the route to town. The long walk would give her time to shed her tears and get her emotions under control. Her sister was happy and she didn’t want to ruin that. It was best she leave. As the sun moved higher in the sky, she was glad of the shelter from the cottonwoods.
By the time she arrived in town, she was tired and thirsty. She looked around for a café but could only see a general store. She walked toward it, confident the owner would give her directions to a café. Pushing open the door, she was delighted to find a young woman behind the till. The storekeeper was talking to a young child. Before she got to speak to her, another woman came in the door behind her. Her pregnant form filled the doorway.
“Morning, Sorcha. No, you’re not Sorcha? Sorry, the sun was in my eyes. Oh, my. You’re Emer, aren’t you?”
“Mary, take a seat before you fall over and leave our visitor alone.” The storekeeper turned to Emer. “Please excuse my friend and sister- in- law. She could chat for Ireland.”
“Mary and Katie. Father Molloy’s girls,” Emer said looking from one to the other. “He described you both to me.”
“I so wish he could have come with you. Did you bring Sorcha with you?” Mary asked as she took the seat Katie brought out to her.
Emer looked around the store as she tried to keep her voice steady. “Sorcha had chores so I thought I would take a walk into town.”
“Hmm. Did you think the Petersens would steal your stuff?”
Emer tugged at her skirts, trying to hide her satchel, as Katie continued to stare at her.
“You’re right. Sorcha isn’t coming. I have to leave. I can’t stay here. I got up early and came to town before she woke up.”
“Why?” Katie moved closer. “Sorcha has spoken of nothing but your visit for the last few weeks. Why are you leaving?”
“I don’t have to explain myself. I just came in to ask where I could find breakfast.”
“Emer, you might as well give up. I may talk for Ireland but Katie—well, let’s just say she should have been a lawman. There’s no way she is going to let you just leave without an explanation. Sorcha deserves better.”
Emer flushed crimson at the criticism. Why did the women’s opinions matter? If they knew where you came from, they wouldn’t even speak to you. You have to protect Sorcha. Leave now. She had only taken one step when Mary spoke again.
“Emer, wait. Please.” Mary looked to Katie. “Where’s Daniel? Could he take over the store? I am dying for a cup of tea. Emer can fill us in then.”
“No, I can’t. I have to …” Emer couldn’t finish as Mary glared at her. “One cup of tea and then I am going.”
“Daniel, I am taking these two ladies upstairs for a cup of tea. Mind the store, will you?” Katie didn’t wait for an answer from her husband. “Ella, take your pan with you. Ladies, please follow me. Emer, would you mind walking behind Mary? She is a little awkward on the stairs.”
“What she means is, I am like a beached whale. I hate being this fat. It is so uncomfortable.”
Despite the whine, Mary looked very happy. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled.
Emer couldn’t smile back. The feeling of dread in her stomach was too much. She looked around but it was too late. She couldn’t run now. Father Molloy had told her how these ladies looked out for the women who moved to Clover Springs as mail order brides. They knew Sorcha very well, better than she did. Maybe they could tell her how to tell her sister their mother was a thief, outlaw and common criminal.
Katie and Mary kept up a steady stream of conversation while the kettle boiled. It wasn’t until the tea was ready and they were all sitting eating cake that the attention came back to Emer.
“So, do you want to tell us why you are running away and leaving Sorcha broken-hearted?”
Emer looked from one to the other. She could only see concern and a little curiosity in their eyes. Neither seemed the type to judge. But she couldn’t be sure. It wasn’t just her the truth affected. What about Sorcha and her family?
Mary took Emer’s hand in hers. “Why don’t I tell you what little I know? It might make it easier for you.”
Emer didn’t answer but that didn’t stop Mary.
“I shared a room with Sorcha at the orphanage. She had been there for some years when Cathy and I arrived. Cathy is my sister. We came over from Ireland but our parents didn’t survive the trip. Anyway, the nuns took us in. Sorcha showed us how to survive.”
“Was it that bad?” Emer’s curiosity overcame her decision to stay quiet. “Sorcha said she didn’t like the nun in charge.”
“It wasn’t all bad. There were some lovely nuns and some bad ones. Just like anywhere, really. I was lonely. Not only had I lost my parents but I was also losing my sister. Sorcha tried her best to keep my spirits up.” Mary took a sip of tea before continuing. “Your sister is the type that always sees the positive in everything. She’s a dreamer. Always has her head in the clouds.”
Emer twisted her fingers in her hands. Was Mary being critical of her sister? Why did she care? She had only just met Sorcha. Mary and Katie knew her better than she did. But she’s my sister.
“Don’t look so cross, Emer. I am not being critical, just trying to explain. It’s how she survived the horrors of the past few years. Sorcha believes in fairytales and happy ever after. When she first came here... well, let’s just say her expectations almost ruined things for her.”
“What Mary means is Sorcha believes the best in everyone. She told us she hoped you would bring your mother with you so that the three of you would be a family. You leaving will destroy her.”
Emer choked on her tea, leaving her gasping for air. The ladies fussed over her for a few minutes. Finally, she had recovered enough to speak.
“Believe me, our ma is no fairytale. Sorcha is best left believing what she told herself years ago.” Emer stood up. “I have to go. I should never have come here.”
Chapter 28
Katie watched the young woman who looked so much like Sorcha. She sensed Emer was hiding more than just who their mother was. Emer tried to appear hard but her eyes were so full of pain. Katie wanted to make it go away.
“Emer, please sit down. You can’t leave Clover Springs today anyway. The train leaves tomorrow. Believe me when I say that anything you tell us will stay between us. Mary has known Sorcha for years. I only got to know her when she came to live here late last year. She is a lovely woman with a huge heart. I have grown to love her like Mary does. We only want to protect her. Like you are trying to. Let us help you. Both of you.”
Katie stared at Emer, willing the young girl to believe her. Emer glanced up but then stared back at her hands. Mary went to speak but a look from Katie had her close her mouth again.
Katie let the silence continue, sensing a battle was taking place inside the girl’s head. She needed to speak to someone but she was obviously not used to trusting people.
“Did you tell Father Molloy the truth about your mother?”
“Yes.” Emer still didn’t look up from her hands.
“What did he say?”
Emer’s head shot up, her eyes lit up with temper. “He told me to show her respect. No matter what she did, she was still my ma. But she isn’t. I never want to see that woman again. Sorcha was lucky.”
Katie fought the urge to drag the girl into her arms. She sensed the girl would retreat again behind the mask of indifference she seemed to have mastered.
“It sounds like your ma didn’t treat you the way you think children should be treated. Maybe she had troubles of her own.”
“She did. Lots of them. Men were her downfall. Different faces but all the same type.”
“What about your pa? Sorcha doesn’t talk about him much.”
“He’s dead. Or at least I think he is. Ma said he was. But then Ma is a good storyteller.”
“Emer, does your ma know you are in Clover Springs?” Mary spoke quietly.
“No. I didn’t
leave a note.” Emer stood. The bitterness in Emer’s tone made Katie want to cry.
Emer moved closer to the stairs. “Thank you for the tea. I understand you are Sorcha’s friends. But believe me, my sister is better off without me or Ma. Coming here was a mistake.”
Katie stood and moved quickly to block the exit.
“Emer, you leaving is the biggest mistake of all. Whatever your story, it doesn’t matter. Sorcha doesn’t care what you had to do to survive.” Katie reached out to touch the young girl’s shoulder. “All Sorcha wants is a real family. She’s talked about you for so long. Please give her a chance. I promise, nobody will stop you leaving if you still decide to take that train.”
“You can stay with me on the ranch if that makes things easier for you.” Mary piped up. “I could do with some female company.”
Emer stayed silent but the fact she hadn’t moved closer to the door was a good sign.
“Emer, go and stay with Mary. At least then you and Sorcha can talk freely. If things get too heated, you have an escape. Staying in Sorcha’s home probably put more pressure on the situation. You two are sisters but you are also strangers.”
“I can’t,” Emer whispered. “The truth will destroy her.”
“No, it won’t. Sorcha may be a dreamer but she survived the orphanage. She came here and married a complete stranger and overnight became the mother of two young girls. She saved Jenny’s life when she had measles last year. Your sister may not look strong, but she is. The same as you.”
Katie studied Emer, watching her reaction to what Mary had just said. She saw her friend’s words had hit home. But the fear was still there.
“Emer, whatever is in your history, you, too, are strong. We can only imagine what trials you had to go through to find Sorcha, yet you did. Surely you owe it to both of you to give it a chance. Just how bad can it be?”
Katie watched Emer’s face, trying to read her thoughts. It was uncanny how similar she looked to Sorcha. But Sorcha was an open book. One look at her face and you knew exactly what she was thinking or feeling. Something or someone had hurt Emer so badly, she tried hard not to show any emotion.
“Twenty-four hours. That’s all we are asking. Please. If not for yourself, do it for Sorcha. She deserves to know.” Katie insisted.
“I can’t tell her. Not everything.” Emer’s whisper was so low, Katie had to step toward her to hear it.
“You decide how much you tell her. But don’t leave like this.”
Katie patted the girl’s shoulder and this time she didn’t pull away.
“Why don’t I cook up some lunch? Sorcha is bound to come looking for you shortly. You can talk up here. The store will keep myself and Daniel occupied. Mary can take a nap.”
“I don’t need a nap.”
“Doc said you had to rest more, so you take a nap.”
Katie caught the smile flit across Emer’s face at the banter between herself and Mary. Behind the mask, she would bet her last dollar there was a lovely girl in there somewhere.
Chapter 29
Lawrence sat at his desk, the papers he should be reading on a pile on his desk. She had only been gone a week and he felt like a hole had been ripped in of his life.
He had spent the last few days socializing at as many events as his mother could fit in the diary. He had met countless suitable women but not one came close to Emer. The girls his mother approved of were all the same. They came from good families and were well brought-up. For goodness sake, the way his mother described them, she could be talking about horses and bloodlines.
He stood up then sat back down again. What was he going to do? Emer wouldn’t be happy living in Denver. She would hate the social life the wife of a banker had to maintain. So why not go to Clover Springs? Maybe it was time to figure out for himself what life had to offer. Connors could run the Denver office in his sleep. What about Mitchell? And Mother?
He had to get rid of his mother. Surely, it was time she went back to Boston. Maybe she’d take Mitchell with her?
A knock on his door interrupted his musings.
“Sorry, Sir, but could you sign some papers for me, please?”
“Come in, Connors. Take a seat and let’s have some coffee. It’s not busy out there, is it?”
“No, Sir.”
Lawrence glanced through the paperwork his head cashier had brought in.
“Anything out of the ordinary?”
“There is one, Sir. The man wants to expand his store. Mr. Shipley declined the advance.”
Mitchell. What was he doing making decisions? Lawrence opened the file, spreading the papers on his desk.
“What makes you think my esteemed cousin was wrong?”
Connors reddened slightly.
“Sorry, Connors, that came out wrong. It sounded like I already agreed with Mitchell. For the record, I think you have the makings of a fine bank manager. So please, take a seat and tell me why you think we should grant…” Lawrence glanced at the file, “Mr. Murphy, this loan.”
“Mr. Murphy has owned a small store for about ten years. The store is always clean, well stocked and his customers rate him very highly. In fact, a number of them have been asking him to introduce more lines of stock. His current premise’s lack of space is adversely affecting his ability to increase profits.”
Lawrence leaned closer, listening to Connors. Why would Mitchell turn down such a client? It didn’t make financial sense.
“His account has always been kept in credit. He has made many investments—small ones, but in a large number of different assets. I believe he will make a success of running a larger premises.”
“So why doesn’t he cash in these smaller investments and use the funds to buy the property he needs?”
“I asked him that. It seems there are some penalty clauses in place should he cash the investments in early. He is willing to do so but reluctant. He would prefer to take out a loan and pay the interest.”
“He believes the interest will be less than the cost of breaking the investment?”
“Yes, Sir, and so do I. I have made some calculations and the figures add up.”
“Did you explain all this to Mitchell?”
Silence greeted him. Lawrence looked up to find Connors staring at him. “Well?”
“I tried, Sir. Mr. Shipley wasn’t interested.”
Lawrence bit back a curse. His cousin shared his mother’s beliefs. Only a certain type of client was welcome at Shipley’s.
Well, he was in charge and as far as he was concerned, the only type of client he wanted at the bank were honest ones. Hardworking men who would succeed and whose business would add profit to their bottom line.
He signed the papers and gave them back to Connors. “Can you please ask Mr. Murphy to come in and meet with me? Shipley’s Bank would be delighted to help him finance his bigger store.”
“Thank you, Mr. Shipley.”
“No, thank you, Connors. I will see to it you get a bonus as well. In fact, I want you to receive a bonus for every new business deal you introduce to the bank.”
Connors beamed. “Thank you, Sir. The missus will be pleased. With another one on the way, she worries.”
“Another one? Congratulations, Connors. Soon you will be needing to move to a bigger property, too.”
Lawrence enjoyed a cup of coffee with Connors before the man was called back to the front desk. Taking his hat, he whistled as he left the office. He strolled past Mr. Murphy’s store, seeing for himself what Connors had seen.
Mother and Mitchell would be furious to find he had extended credit to the store owner but he didn’t care. In fact, if he were honest, it added to his good humor.
“Lawrence, you arrogant…”
“Careful, Mitchell. You may burst a blood vessel if you don’t get a hold of your temper.”
“Does your mother know what you have done?”
Lawrence stood. “I have no idea why you are so upset.”
“You introduce a bonus s
cheme for the employees and overturn my decisions and you have no idea why…”
“What is going on? You know I will not tolerate scenes in front of hotel staff or servants.”
Lawrence groaned as his mother entered the room.
“Good evening, Dorothea. I apologize for upsetting you. I am rather upset.”
“That is an understatement. What have you done now, Lawrence?” His mother’s blue eyes pierced him.
“Thanks, Mother. Why do you always blame me when Mitchell gets upset?”
“Usually, you are the cause. Will one of you please tell me what is going on?”
“It is nothing for you to worry about, Mother.”
“Don’t take that tone with me, Lawrence. You run the branch but you are not a shareholder. Last time I looked, I was. Mitchell, what happened?”
Lawrence caught the gloating look on his cousin’s face. He wanted to punch it off but that wouldn’t endear him to his mother.
“Not only has Lawrence overturned a decision I made on a loan sanction but he has also introduced a bonus scheme for the employees. All without consulting me.”
“He doesn’t need to consult you, Mitchell.” His mother poured herself a drink before taking a seat.
Surprised at his mother’s response, Lawrence couldn’t resist sending a gloating look at his cousin.
“You can wipe that smirk off your face, Lawrence. While you may not have to consult Mitchell, you do have to ask permission from your father or myself.”
“Mother, I am in charge of the Denver branch. I make the decisions as I see fit.”
“Some decisions, Lawrence, but introducing a bonus scheme?”
“It makes sense, Mother. The cashiers meet our customers on a daily basis. They know what deals the clients are involved in. They see the amounts of investments and withdrawals being made. Incentivizing them to pick up new accounts for the branch makes sense.”
“Yes, I agree. It does, provided they are paid only for quality leads. You should have discussed it with us first but I think your father would agree.”
Emer: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Page 9
