“You’ll be a granny one day, too. The boys will marry.”
“Aaron and Samuel came to see me yesterday. They are planning on going to California. They want to have their own place rather than work for anyone. Don’t get me wrong, they love Mr. Davy, but it’s not the same as having your own place.”
“Oh, Mrs. H. No wonder you’re upset.” Mary hugged the older woman, who had started crying again. “Are you going with them?”
“No, Miss Mary. I’m too old to go traipsing off into the sunset. I got my roots here. I just wish my boys felt like that, too.” Mrs. H took a deep breath. “Look at me crying like a baby when there’s work to be done. Don’t mind me, Miss Mary. I got a family just like you said with you, Mr. Davy and little Cathy. I should be saying prayers of thanks.”
Mary let Mrs. H get busy around the kitchen. Could there be a way to let the boys stay in Clover Springs? Wasn’t there land available? Maybe the boys could put in a claim under the Homestead Act. Mary wasn’t quite sure how that worked. Davy would know. Maybe Lawrence Shipley could help. She didn’t say anything to Mrs. H. There was no point in getting her hopes up yet.
Chapter 8
Boston
The interview with the police took some time. Laura was glad Father Molloy had insisted on sitting with her. He had been so good to her, letting her stay with him and Mrs. Raines. His housekeeper had fussed over her as if she were a newborn babe.
Father Molloy hadn’t let her out of his sight. Maybe he’s afraid I’ll run off. The police hadn’t been happy when he said he was staying with her. He was only able to do so because the police chief was a member of his congregation. Over and over Laura protested her innocence. She insisted time and again her only role in the business was as Johnny’s wife. She hadn’t worked as a saloon girl. She did have an unusual gift and had used it to help Johnny win at cards. At first, the police had been skeptical, so she asked Father Molloy for a copy of his Bible and handed it to the police officer.
“Here, pick a reading.”
“Any one?” The policeman exchanged a look with Father Molloy.
“Yes, any one.”
He took his time choosing one and then handed the open page to Father Molloy.
“Laura, he’s chosen John 14.”
Laura closed her eyes. After a couple of seconds, she started reciting the exact verse the officer had picked. The two men stared at her. She kept going until Father Molloy told her to stop.
“You learnt the whole Bible by rote?” The policeman’s tone was skeptical, but Laura was used to that reaction.
“No, I can do it with any book I’ve read. That’s why Johnny married me. He knew I could memorize anything. It was helpful when he was playing cards.”
“So you admit you used your…gift, I think you called it, to help him cheat.”
Laura looked at her feet. “Yes, sir.”
“Officer, that’s enough. You and I both see how this situation happened. If Laura didn’t help her husband, he would beat her senseless.”
How did Father Molloy know that? She hadn’t told him anything.
“You have your witnesses confirming what Laura said. We need to leave now. I have booked Miss Murphy on a train to Colorado. “
“We can’t allow that, Father. We are investigating a murder. There is also the fact Peter Coleman is involved somehow. He’s someone we want behind bars.”
“This Mr. Coleman is the reason there are rumors her life could be in jeopardy should she remain in Boston. Frankly, this young lady has suffered enough.”
“But Father—”
“Enough. We are leaving now.” Father Molloy stood and, taking Laura’s arm, half pulled, half helped her to her feet. “Come on, Laura, it’s time to go. We will miss the train otherwise.”
Laura followed Father Murphy silently, but her mind was working fast. Coleman was after her. Why? What could he want with her? What Johnny wanted. She came to a sudden stop. She couldn’t go to Clover Springs, not if that man was following her.
Father Molloy handed her a small satchel. “Mrs. Raines, my housekeeper, packed some things for you. Your clothes weren’t, ahem, suitable, so she picked up some other items. She also packed you some sandwiches, fruit and some water. There is a little cash in there, too, in case you need it.
Laura took the bag, tears pricking her eyes. She rubbed them away, hating to show any sign of weakness.
“How did you know about Johnny, Father?”
“The doctors told me about the bruises and other injuries on your body. Wilma told me the rest.”
Laura stopped walking. “You spoke to Wilma. Is she okay? Is she safe?”
Father Molloy’s mouth turned down into a frown. “She is safe for now. She refused to let me help her. She said it was too dangerous. She told me to tell you she was free and would see you again someday.” Father Molloy looked around them and then spoke again, but this time he whispered. “Wilma said Mr. Coleman has put up a reward for information about you. She said you have to get out of Boston as soon as possible. She doesn’t trust anyone, does she?”
Laura shook her head, too miserable to speak. So it was true. She wasn’t free. Johnny was dead but Coleman was waiting to enslave her in the same way.
“Wilma wouldn’t see you because the police want to speak to her. I told her it would be best for her to give herself up, but she didn’t think the police would believe she was not involved in Johnny’s schemes. She did work for him and the other girls have spoken about her harsh treatment of them.”
“She wasn’t harsh. She protected me as much as she could. Yes, she shouted at the other girls, but only when they drank too much or wouldn’t take a bath. She put herself between Johnny and those girls more often than I can count.”
Father Molloy listened to Laura, but he didn’t reply. He started walking once more. Laura had to walk fast to catch up with him.
“You don’t think she was wrong to run, do you?”
“No, Laura. Her coloring alone makes her a target, never mind her occupation. I’m afraid not everyone remembers what they read in the Bible.”
All too soon, they reached the station. Father Molloy saw her onto a car and waited for her to get settled in the seat.
“Tell the girls I will see them someday,” he said, his voice slightly shaky.
“Father, I can’t go to Clover Springs. What if that man follows me? I could bring danger to the girls.”
Father Molloy looked grave. “I’ve thought about that, Laura, but I still believe you are safer there than anywhere else. The girls have good men who will all help protect you. Coleman will lose interest.”
Laura wanted to believe him. She hoped he was right. There was something else she needed to know, too. It was now or never.
“Father, after seeing my gift, do you believe I am what they say?” Laura whispered after looking around her to make sure nobody could hear them.
“Laura, you have a gift. That is all. You are no more a witch than I am Satan. Put aside all of that nonsense and grab this second chance with both hands. You have a full and useful life ahead of you.”
Laura couldn’t speak; her throat was clogged with unshed tears. Without thinking, she stood up and threw her arms around the priest to hug him. He hugged her back quickly before coughing and moving away. He nodded to her as he left the car. His eyes were watery, and she could have sworn he was about to cry. She stood watching as he walked away down the platform until he disappeared from view. Only then did she take her seat. He was right. This was her fresh start. She sent up a quick prayer of thanks for Father Molloy and his housekeeper. Then she asked God to keep Wilma safe and look after her. Maybe someday they would meet again and she’d be able to repay her for everything she’d done. Finally, she prayed very hard nobody would follow her.
Chapter 9
Clover Springs
“About time you came home. We’ve been waiting for ages. Ida cooked you a fine cake.”
Paul groaned. He’d had a long da
y and wasn’t in the mood for exchanging pleasantries with the Hawthorns.
“Sorry, Ma, it was busy out there today. Good evening, Miss Hawthorn.” He looked around. “Did you come out here alone?”
Was she blushing?
“Miss Hawthorn’s father dropped her over, but I said you would drive her home. It’s about time you two spent some time together. After all, it’s only a matter of time before an announcement is made.”
“Ma.” Paul had to stop himself from saying anything else. He didn’t want to embarrass their guest but he had to take control of this situation now. “I’m afraid I will have to take you home now, Miss Hawthorn. I have business in town and it will be too late to drop you home after.”
“Paul, you haven’t eaten.”
“I ate at the Sullivans. Now, are you ready, Miss Hawthorn?”
They drove in silence to the Hawthorn residence. Just as they pulled up outside, Paul cleared his throat. “Miss Hawthorn, I have something to say to you.”
Her face flushed with what looked suspiciously like pleasure. His stomach dipped as he stammered. He hated to hurt anyone, but this had to be said.
“Miss Hawthorn, it may have come to your attention that my mother and your parents seem to think we are going to form a…partnership.”
Her eyebrows rose, presumably at his use of the word partnership. He had to continue.
“I apologize, but I do not wish to enter into this…agreement. My heart lies elsewhere. I am sure a lovely woman like yourself has many suitors and will understand.”
She just sat and gawped at him, not saying anything. The silence grew uncomfortable. “Miss Hawthorn, perhaps it would be best for you to go inside. Your father is waiting.”
Still she sat. He was starting to wonder if he would have to pull her off the wagon when the door to the house opened and Pa Hawthorn came out.
“That you, Ida?”
Miss Hawthorn didn’t react to her father’s question, leaving Paul to answer for both of them.
“Yes, Mr. Hawthorn. I brought Miss Hawthorn back from her visit with Ma.”
“Want to come in for coffee, son?”
“No thank you, Mr. Hawthorn. I have some urgent business in town.” Paul jumped down from the wagon and walked around to help Miss Hawthorn down. She still hadn’t said anything. He tipped his hat at both of them and left, resisting the urge to push the horses into a fast trot.
I’m going to kill Ma.
He headed into town to cool off. If he went home now, he would have words with his mother. One thing his pa had told him was not to speak in anger. It had a way of coming back to bite you in the behind. He took his time trying to decide how best to handle his ma and her interference in his marriage plans. He pulled up outside the doctor’s office just as Emer was leaving.
“Evening, Miss Emer, can I give you a ride home?”
“No thank you, Paul. I am going to the store. Walk with me?”
He nodded before climbing down and securing the horses.
“Do you have any news for me, Miss Emer? I don’t mean to sound desperate, but I got to get married fast.”
At Emer’s look, he continued despite his embarrassment. “When I got home today, Ma had Miss Hawthorn waiting. With a cake.”
“Do you not like cake?”
“I love cake. Oh, you’re teasing me, aren’t you?”
Emer laughed. “Sorry, Paul, I wasn’t being mean. Sounds like your ma wants you to marry Miss Hawthorn and is doing everything in her power to make it happen.”
“She is, and I don’t know what else to do but bring home a bride. She won’t take no for an answer. I think Miss Hawthorn shares her hopes.” Paul turned his full gaze on Emer. “Can you do something to hurry up the whole process, Miss Emer?”
“I’m working on it, but these things take time. In the meantime, you have to set your mother straight. It won’t be fair bringing a bride to your home if your mother is set against her from the start.”
“Thank you, Miss Emer. You’re right. I have to tackle Ma. Wish me luck.”
Chapter 10
Laura huddled closer to the seat. All feeling below her waist had been lost long ago. Nobody ever said the car benches were so hard. She moved, trying to get more comfortable. Her shoulder ached, but in a way, the pain was comforting. She was free. From him. He’d never hurt her again.
Neither would any other men. She was done with love. Father Molloy told her she would have to marry again, if only for security. Colorado wasn’t a state ready for a single woman, and there was a chance Coleman would come after her. They’d only met once, so the further she got from Boston the less of a threat she believed him to be.
She certainly wasn’t going to get married because some stranger she had met once might chase after her. She’d never give another man control again. She wasn’t going to fall in love again. But then you won’t have children. She bit her lip.
Her eyes stayed on the ground, not wanting to get into a conversation with the other passengers. She could feel their eyes staring at her. Were they looking at her because she was a woman travelling alone or because they recognized her? How could they recognize you? It’s not like you are the only woman ever to have red hair. Stop being paranoid.
The news articles had been a shock. Father Molloy had done his best to keep them from her, but she was bound to see them. She was glad Mrs. Raines had left the paper on the table.
Closing her eyes, she reviewed the article word for word. She was painted as a fallen woman. What had the reporter called her? The red haired Irish lonesome dove. She wasn’t Irish. She wasn’t what they called her either, not that anyone would care. Or believe her. Fact checking obviously wasn’t high on the list of priorities at the paper. Recalling what she had read about Johnny’s death in black and white print brought home the horror of that night. She shivered again.
“Are you all right Mrs.? Would you like some water?”
Laura opened her eyes to find an older woman staring, her eyes full of concern. She pulled her shawl closer around her shoulders, forgetting she was properly dressed in the suitable clothes picked out by Mrs. Raines. Her sore arm shrieked in protest. She sucked in her breath as the pain made her feel faint. She had to wait a few seconds to respond to the woman, which only served to make her more concerned.
“Mrs., are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
“Had a death in the family, have you? It’s difficult now, dearie, but the pain will pass. I know; I’ve buried two husbands and four children. Babies they were. Not suited to coming out West, but try telling that to a man like George Ranshaw. He was my last husband. He thought he could find gold in the water. Silly old coot. Still, he was kind to me. Was yours?”
“Pardon?”
“The man you lost, was he kind to you?”
Laura almost vomited. How did this woman know about Johnny?
“Sorry, dearie, but with the ring and you wearing black, I assumed you were a widow just like myself.” The woman pushed her hair out of her face, leaving a trail of cinders across it. Laura watched the black mark; it looked like the woman had whiskers.
“Oh dear, I’ve offended you. I jumped to assumptions. I’m so sorry. Judith, that’s my daughter, she’s always telling me to mind my own business. She says I talk too much. No idea why she’d think that.”
Despite herself, Laura wanted to laugh at the confused expression on the lady’s face. She didn’t know anything and didn’t mean any harm. It was a natural conclusion.
“He was killed. In an accident.”
Laura glanced out the window, not wanting the woman to read the truth in her face. Being shot was an accident, wasn’t it? Nobody plans to die like that, do they?
“Oh dearie. You poor thing. And so young, too.”
Laura flinched as the woman took her hand. The sober expression on the other woman’s face changed to one of understanding.
“Didn’t treat you too well, did he?” The woman p
atted her hand. “You can see that by the way you flinched when I took your hand. May God forgive me, but maybe his death was a blessing. You are young and beautiful. There will be other men.”
Laura jerked her hand back, tucking it into her lap. “No, there won’t. I’ll never marry again.”
“You say that now, dearie, but just you wait. The right man is just around the next station. You mark my words. You were born to be happy.”
That’s how I know you’re wrong. I wasn’t supposed to be born at all. My mother didn’t want me. She left me on a doorstep without even giving me a name.
Laura wished she could tell the old woman why she was wrong, but she didn’t.
“I’m sorry, I’m very tired. I might take a nap.”
“Yes, dearie, you look peaky. You mark my words, though. Life will look up for you. Yes, it will.”
Laura closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. She didn’t open them when the other woman said goodbye as the train pulled into a station. It didn’t do to let anyone get close. She hadn’t trusted anyone, not fully. She was fond of Sorcha and Mary, but even with them, she had been withdrawn. Johnny was the first person she had trusted completely. She’d told him everything. Her fears, her hopes and her dreams. She cringed, remembering how he had laughed when she said she wanted a little boy and a girl.
A few hours later, she opened her eyes. She had drifted off and, for once, her nightmares hadn’t been bad enough to wake her. She looked out the window. There wasn’t much to see, only prairie. It was so different to Boston. She missed the smell of the sea. That was all she missed.
What was Clover Springs like? What would she do when she got there? Father Molloy had told her to stop fretting. The girls would look after her. But would they? Bit late to be thinking that way, wasn’t it?
Chapter 11
Clover Springs
Laura: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 5 Page 4
