Laura: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 5

by Rachel Wesson

  “Miss Murphy, sorry, I shouldn’t be here, but I had to tell you. I can’t stay in school.”

  He couldn’t look at her while talking to her, but shifted from foot to foot.

  “Why?”

  “Mrs. Shaw told Pa he’d get no more work from her if he kept us in school. He doesn’t have enough customers to tell her to get lost, but I think he would if he could. Pa doesn’t like a woman telling him what to do.”

  “Thank you for coming, Steven.”

  “I like you as a teacher. I don’t care what Mrs. Shaw says. Yesterday was fun.”

  He was gone before Laura could react.

  “This is all my fault, isn’t it, Laura? I couldn’t keep my big mouth shut.”

  “Hush up, Ben. This isn’t anyone’s fault. We don’t know why Mrs. Shaw has seen it fit to stop children coming to school. It could be for any number of reasons.”

  My past, my hair, my gift or just simply me.

  “Why don’t we continue our lessons? I prepared a quiz for you with prizes for the best answers. Who wants to go first?”

  The three children and Little Beaver stared at her.

  “Why don’t you go and tell Mrs. Shaw she’s wrong?” Little Beaver asked.

  “People believe what they want to. You can’t change their minds.”

  “You can try. You said yesterday education opens our minds. Were you telling lies?”

  “No, of course not.” Laura spoke too sharply. “I apologize, Little Beaver. My tone was uncalled for.”

  He crossed his arms, looking older than he was. For a second, Laura could see him as an Indian brave of years gone past, so fierce was his expression.

  “You are afraid of this woman. She is too powerful for you.”

  “No. She isn’t powerful.”

  “So why are you letting her win without even trying to fight her?”

  Laura stood, looking at the four faces staring back at her. Why was she not doing anything? All her life, she had fought back to some extent—until Johnny. He had taken everything from her. It was time to take back her self-respect.

  “Little Beaver, watch the children. Teach them math or something. I won’t be long.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  Laura strode out of the school and off to find Mrs. Shaw. She had no idea where to find the lady in question, so she decided to go to the store. Pushing the door open, she found a group of ladies. Given the sudden silence and Katie’s red face, she guessed they had been discussing her.

  “Mrs. Shaw, I believe you have an issue with how I run my classroom.” Laura went straight in on the attack. It wouldn’t do any good to show this bully she was scared of her. Bullies fed on feeling powerful and in control.

  “Well? Are you going to tell me what the issue is? If I know, maybe I can resolve it and return to teaching the children.”

  “I don’t have to explain myself to you. You should never have been put in charge of a room full of children. Nobody knows anything about you. You could be anyone.”

  “I know Miss Murphy, and I vouched for her character,” Katie said loudly.

  “Yes, well, we all know that you have lower standards than we would like, Mrs. Sullivan.” Mrs. Shaw’s younger companion sniggered at her own remark.

  Katie glared so hard, Laura thought her eyes would burst out of their sockets.

  “Miss Hawthorn, please try your best to remain civil. I know it is difficult for you.”

  Laura had to fight not to smile as Katie’s sarcasm hit home. So this was the woman Mrs. Kelley had picked out for Paul. No wonder he had run away. Not only was she older, but her pinched little face and cold eyes made her look mean. Laura Murphy, you shouldn’t judge anyone by how they look.

  Laura looked at the group of women, examining each one. Any open attack would have them circling the wagons and retreating for protection. She had to find another approach.

  “I apologize, Mrs. Shaw.” Good, that got their attention. “I was under the impression nobody else was available to teach school. The children would, of course, greatly benefit from your teaching. Would you like me to leave the copy of the lesson plans I prepared, or would you prefer to use your own?”

  “Pardon? I am not going to teach. I have… things to do.”

  Laura pretended to be confused. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you wanted to teach. Who would you have run the school instead?” She caught a glimpse of amusement on Katie’s face.

  “I would like to hear the answer to that question, too.”

  Laura looked at the older woman who had walked into the store.

  “Mrs. Grey, you know how I feel about this… woman. I spoke to Mrs. Kelley only yesterday. We discussed her lack of credentials. We don’t even know if she can read or write. She didn’t read a book at any point during the day yesterday but seemed to rely on her memory for everything.”

  “Is this true, Miss Murphy?”

  “I can read and write, but yes, I didn’t use any books. I had everything stored in my head before class started.”

  “Did the children enjoy their lessons? Did they make any progress? Although it would be hard to judge anyone on the basis of one day.”

  “The children told me they had fun,” Laura murmured.

  “Fun! School isn’t supposed to be entertainment. They are there to learn and work hard.”

  “I agree, Mrs. Shaw.”

  “You do?” Mrs. Shaw looked totally confused as Laura smiled and nodded.

  “Yes, of course. I believe children can have fun while learning. In fact, I would go so far as to say they would remember more if we made lessons less boring.”

  “I agree, Miss Murphy. It can be hard to concentrate in this heat. A lot of the children are already tired by the time they have walked to school. I remember falling asleep over my books more than once,” Mrs. Grey smiled.

  “Me too,” Katie chimed in.

  “No, this simply won’t do. You don’t understand, Lorena. Bertram told me she didn’t open one book. How can you teach children anything without books? She also struggled to control the class. They kept laughing.”

  In response to Mrs. Grey’s questioning look, Laura responded quietly. “I did have a discipline issue, but I believe that problem is now taken care of.”

  “See, she admits she lost control. What sort of teacher is she?” Mrs. Shaw looked at the other ladies, but they didn’t seem to be as openly supportive as before.

  They looked to Mrs. Grey, who in turn was looking at Laura.

  “Why didn’t you cane the child in question, Miss Murphy?”

  Despite herself, Laura flinched at the thought of beating a child. It was something she could never do.

  “Laura attended the same orphanage as Mary, Sorcha and Ben. She saw many beatings and other examples of child cruelty. Having seen the effects of that firsthand, I doubt Miss Murphy could inflict it on a child,” Katie answered.

  Laura sent her a relieved glance, which was intercepted by Mrs. Grey.

  “I sent the child in question to the corner. Initially, he refused to go, but in the end, he did. I do not believe he would defy me as openly as before. I am not suggesting he has turned into a well-mannered young man. His grammar skills match those of his behavior.” Laura didn’t miss the gleam of approval in Mrs. Grey’s eyes. Emboldened, she continued, “With time and perhaps a lot of patience, I think progress could be made.”

  “I like your common sense approach. I think you should go back to teaching school, Miss Murphy.”

  Laura sighed a little too loudly, causing a small titter of laughter. But it wasn’t aimed in a nasty way.

  “Wait, what about her not using books? She can’t teach without them,” Mrs. Shaw whined.

  “Perhaps you should leave the teaching to Miss Murphy and spend some time putting your own house in order. Excuse us, ladies. I have some other business to attend to.” Mrs. Grey walked out of the store. As she got to the door, she turned back. “Miss Murphy, are you coming or not? I’d like to hear m
ore about this amazing mind of yours.”

  Laura almost laughed aloud as the other ladies stared, open-mouthed. She let the store door close behind her.

  “Thank you for what you did in the store, Mrs. Grey.”

  “Small minds can be mean and nasty. So can their children. I never had any time for Bertram Shaw. He is a bully, just like his mother.” Mrs. Grey eyed her speculatively. Laura wanted to bite her knuckle but resisted by folding her hands under her arms. “I met a doctor who could memorize whole text books just by reading them once.”

  Laura couldn’t hide her surprise. “Like me?”

  “Yes, my dear. Just like you, although believe me, he wasn’t blessed with your good looks. He was a fine man. A gifted doctor.”

  They walked toward the direction of the school.

  “It’s an easier gift for a man to deal with. But it is a gift you have. I think it is wonderful you are using it to help children learn. Only with more education and understanding of all types of people will our great country thrive. Have a good day, Miss Murphy.”

  Mrs. Grey kept walking this time, leaving Laura in the middle of the street with her mouth hanging open.

  Chapter 27

  “Morning, Katie. Laura told me what happened in the store yesterday.” Mary faltered, her eyes darting from Katie to Emer.

  Katie coughed. She hated to be the bearer of bad news, but it was time to tell Laura.

  “Father Molloy sent a telegram. We need to warn Laura.”

  Mary gestured her inside. “I’ll go call her. Go into the sitting room. Mrs. H was up with the larks this morning.”

  “Something smells very good,” Katie said, more for something to say in an attempt to lift the charged atmosphere.

  Laura entered the sitting room closely followed by Mary.

  “Katie, Emer, what’s wrong?”

  Katie saw the alarm and tension in her friend’s face.

  “Yes, it’s trouble, Laura. Your friend came to see Father Molloy again, so he wanted to know if you had married. Seems some man called Coleman has been asking questions about you.”

  Laura paled as she stared at Katie. Katie moved to take Laura’s hand and led her gently to the couch, forcing her to sit down. “Laura, darling, don’t be afraid. Nobody is going to hurt you in Clover Springs.”

  “Who’s threatening Miss Murphy? If it’s that Bertram Shaw, I’ll put him over my knee and cane him myself.”

  Katie and Emer exchanged a quick look as Paul Kelley and Davy came into the room.

  “Sorry for intruding, ladies. Davy asked me to put up some shelves in his office. I didn’t mean to listen in on your conversation, but I was hoping to speak to Miss Murphy. Now I won’t leave until I find out what’s wrong.”

  Katie opened her mouth but closed it again once she saw Emer eyeing Paul. She had a gleam in her eyes and a smile on her face.

  “Miss Murphy has to get married. As soon as possible. Her life could be in danger.”

  “She’ll marry me. I won’t let anyone hurt her.”

  “Well said, Kelley, but perhaps you should ask her rather than tell us?” Davy winked at Paul, who colored considerably.

  The poor man. He obviously forgot we were all here.

  She couldn’t breathe. Coleman was looking for her. Why? Her stomach was all knotted up. What could she do? She didn’t want to leave Clover Springs. She had grown to love the town and its people in the short time she’d been here. She held her belly as the pain shot through her. For the first time, she had found somewhere she belonged. She was happy. Why was life so unfair?

  “Miss Murphy, listen to me. You have no choice. Marry me. I love you. I will wait however long it takes for you to believe in me. In us.”

  She forced herself to look at him. She could see he believed what he was saying, but could she take the chance? What if her instinct was wrong? Again. She didn’t think she’d survive another marriage like her first. He took her hand and pulled her into the corner of the room. The others started talking loudly amongst themselves in a rather obvious attempt to convince her they weren’t watching every second of their exchange.

  “I’m not him,” he whispered so nobody else could hear him. “Our marriage will be in name only.”

  Her head jerked up at that.

  “Not forever, I hope.” He caressed her hand gently. “I’ll wait until you are ready. I want you to love me even though I love you enough for the both of us. Stay in Clover Springs. Marry me.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping for a voice of reason, but there was only silence.

  “Laura, I promise I will never do or say anything to hurt you. I will keep you safe. Open your eyes and look at me.”

  She stared up at him. He was kind and patient. He was strong and resourceful, honest and… “Yes.”

  “Yes you will stay, or yes you will marry me?”

  “Both.” She smiled up at him shyly.

  He embraced her, lifting her off her feet and twirling her in the air. She burst out laughing. The pain in her stomach had disappeared.

  “She said yes!” he shouted over to their friends, who had given them a little space.

  “We guessed,” Davy said drily, making everyone laugh.

  Emer walked toward them, engulfing Paul in a hug. “It’s about time,” she whispered. “Now, go see Reverend Timmons before she gets spooked again.”

  Chapter 28

  “You are not marrying her. Take her back to the Sullivans’.”

  “Ma, watch your tone. I am going to marry Miss Murphy and we are going to live here. This is my homestead, not yours.”

  “So you are going to throw your crippled old ma out on the street. All because some floozy caught your eye.”

  “Ma, keep a respectful tongue in your head. Miss Murphy is going to be my wife.”

  “Paul, take me back to the Sullivans’. Please. Your ma is entitled to her opinion. This was a mistake.” Laura moved to leave, but Paul put his hand out to stop her.

  “Ma, this is my place. I picked Laura as my wife. You are welcome to live here if you accept her and treat her properly.” Paul sent what he hoped was a smile of reassurance in Laura’s direction before turning his full gaze on his ma. “Ma, apologize to Miss Murphy and we will forget about this little outburst.”

  “Well, I—”

  “Ma. I mean it. Miss Murphy has had enough to deal with. As soon as we are married, this home will be her sanctuary. Somewhere she will be free. Nobody, not even you, is going to stop me from providing that for her.”

  “The rumors must be true. You have cast some sort of spell on my boy, madam. I will not let you have him.”

  Laura took a step back from the vindictiveness in the older woman’s eyes. For a supposedly frail housebound lady, she had a strong voice and an even stronger will. She kicked herself for thinking this would be different. Why would any mother want their child involved with her? She mightn’t like Mrs. Kelley’s attitude, but she couldn’t blame her for wanting to protect Paul.

  “I want to go now,” Laura said quietly to Paul before removing his hold from her arm. “Your ma has made her feelings clear. Good afternoon, Mrs. Kelley.”

  “Good riddance.”

  Laura didn’t acknowledge the response, deciding it best to pretend she hadn’t heard her. She didn’t look at Paul, but she knew he was angry. She had seen him holding himself in check when his ma launched into her rant. She admired him for standing up for her, but he deserved a better life than the one she could offer. He would be a good father and husband. She didn’t want to picture him with anyone other than her and certainly not Miss Hawthorn. She was so like Ma Kelley, they could be mistaken for mother and daughter.

  “Laura, stay where you are. Ma, I love you and respect you as my mother, but do not make me chose between you and the woman I love. I will marry Laura.”

  “Not under my roof you won’t.”

  Paul couldn’t look at Laura. He was transfixed by the look of satisfaction on his mother’s face.<
br />
  “Yes, you heard me. This is my homestead and my land. I made your father put my name on the deed. You never thought to check, you imbecile. You just assumed it was yours. And I let you.” Ma Kelley cackled so loudly, Paul wondered if she had lost her sanity.

  “I won’t see you marry that trollop.”

  Taking a deep breath, Paul moved to Laura’s side. “Let me escort you to the wagon.”

  He took a grip of her arm and pushed her toward the door.

  “That’s it. Throw her off my property.”

  “She’s leaving, Ma, and so am I.”

  “What?” Both women spoke at once.

  “Paul, don’t do this. I’m not worth it,” Laura said quietly. His heart twisted at the tears in her eyes, but he was proud of the fact she hadn’t cried in front of his mother.

  “You heard her. She isn’t fit to be a Kelley.”

  Paul moved about the cabin, quickly gathering a couple of items.

  “Goodbye, Ma.”

  Without as much as a backward look, he steered Laura out the door and toward the wagon. His mother screeched and screamed behind them, but he ignored her. She had ruled his life for years.

  “I’m sorry, Laura. I shouldn’t have brought you here. My mother is… her sanity is questionable.”

  “You should go back in and fix things with your ma. You can’t walk away from all this.” Laura threw her arms out, gesturing to the land.

  He held his gaze to hers. “I am not throwing anyway anything of value. I told you, I love you. I am going to marry you. I have a job with the Sullivans and somewhere to stay, too. I am a good carpenter.”

  Laura stood, transfixed. He could see the questions in her eyes. Was he seriously going to walk away from his family and land for her? Could he really love her that much? Yes and yes, my darling.

  “Laura, look at me. I can see your doubts as if you spoke them out loud. We are going to have a long and happy life together. I don’t care what happened in your past, or what secrets you have yet to tell me. All I know is I love you and I think you care for me. In time, I hope you will come to trust your feelings. And to trust me with your heart.” He moved to hold her gently by the shoulders, drawing her closer to him. “Now let’s go ask Reverend Timmons to bring the wedding forward. Let’s get married tomorrow. We don’t need to worry about appearances. By the time Ma is done, the whole town will know you cast a spell on me.”