Friday? How were they supposed to manage until then? She had some money, but staying in the boarding house for the next five days would eat into her savings very quickly.
Chapter 25
Katie frowned. Her fiancé didn’t seem too bothered about how she would manage. All he could do was order her around. Find a preacher indeed. What about how are you doing for money or where are you staying? Men! She wasn’t expecting declarations of love. It wasn’t that type of marriage, but surely some consideration for their comfort was to be expected. She glanced at the telegram again, her sense of unease making her uncomfortable. Well, there was nothing she could do about it now. He was coming to get married and she best go book the preacher.
She had spotted the white church the first day when Daniel had shown them around the town. Daniel. She couldn’t think of him now. She walked purposely up to the church, climbed three steps and walked in. It wasn’t a bit like the Catholic churches she was used to. There was no holy water for her to dip her finger in, but she still crossed herself. She walked in slowly, taking note of the absence of pictures of Our Lady and crucifixes. In their place were a couple of plain crosses and the heavenly smell of wild flowers. Contrary to what her uncle had said, her heels didn’t catch fire as she walked further into the building. She didn’t spot the preacher at first. He was kneeling on the floor.
“Excuse me, sir?” What did you call a preacher?
To her dismay, he bumped his head as he scrambled off the floor.
“Oh, I am so sorry. Are you hurt?” She rushed forward, only to come to a sudden stop as the man in front of her burst out laughing.
“I am so clumsy. My wife says I fall over my own feet. I am fine, dear. You are new in town. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you or your family? What’s your name, child?”
“Katie, I mean Kathleen O’Callaghan. Sir.”
“Nice to meet you, Katie. I am Reverend Timmons. Timothy Timmons. My mother, God rest her, wasn’t very original.”
Katie stared at the old man with the twinkly eyes. He reminded her of Father Molloy. His smile lit up his eyes, but she couldn’t imagine Father Molloy laughing and telling jokes. In the house of God.
“What can I do for you, Katie?”
“I have to get married. On Friday. To a man,” Katie burst out. Oh Lord, why did I have to say that?
“I assume the man knows he is getting married?” Reverend Timmons laughed, but stopped as the tears filled Katie’s eyes.
“Why don’t you sit down here, child, and tell me your story.”
“My story?” Katie rubbed her eyes impatiently. She didn’t know why she was crying.
“We all have a story, and I have a feeling yours is mighty interesting. In fact, if you have time, why don’t we go back to the house? Mrs. Timmons was making molasses cookies when I came out this morning. Should be done by now.” He patted his stomach. “You would be doing me a favor. She can’t tell me off for eating them if I have a guest with me.”
Katie nodded, struggling to get her emotions under control. She needed to talk to someone. Ellen was too young. She followed the Reverend into the little house set back from the church. It was small but pretty. The walls had been freshly washed white, she guessed at the same time as the church. She followed the Reverend in the front door, listening as he called out to his wife.
The delicious smell coming from the kitchen caused her stomach to rumble. The Reverend laughed as she blushed.
“Judith, come meet Miss Katie O’Callaghan. I told her you made cookies and she insisted on calling in to try some.” He winked at Katie as she put a hand to her mouth, trying not to laugh.
“You old fool. I am not about to fall for that one. No doubt he told you I wouldn’t let him have a cookie. Nice to meet you, Katie.”
Katie nodded at the older woman. She looked older than her husband, but her eyes sparkled in a similar way. The loving look they exchanged as Mrs. Timmons had teased her husband increased Katie’s sense of unease. She wanted her husband to look at her in the same light. Would he?
She dragged her concentration back to Mrs. Timmons, who was still chattering away. “Why don’t you take a seat in the parlor? I will bring you in some coffee and cookies. Just for you, mind. Don’t let this old chestnut have any.”
“Just one, my dearest, you know I can’t resist your baking.”
Mrs. Timmons laughed her way back toward the kitchen. Katie took a seat in the parlor. It was rather threadbare, and she noted some neat patching on the cushions. There were no religious pictures decorating the walls such as those you would find in a priest’s house.
She wondered how many other lost souls had been counseled in this room. Lost souls? Isn’t that just what she would become if she didn’t get married in her faith in a proper church by a real priest?
“Don’t look so frightened, child. I am not going to bite. Why don’t you tell me what has you so worried looking? I am a good listener. Kind of goes with the job.”
“I am not sure where to begin.” Katie looked at her hands. She was sure he wouldn’t look too kindly at her if he knew she was here to marry a man she hadn’t met. Also, she was catholic. What if he threw her out the door? She looked up and found him staring at her, his eyes a mixture of concern and something else. Pity? She didn’t want anyone’s pity.
“I find it best to start at the beginning. First, though, please have a cookie and some coffee. Most stories are best told on a full stomach.”
Katie took a bite, although the last thing she felt like doing was eating. Her stomach was turning so fast, she felt dizzy. Oh, it was no good. She put the cookie and coffee down and stood up.
“I’m sorry, Reverend, I shouldn’t be here. I need to go now.”
“Sit down, child. You need to talk to someone. Why not me?”
Years of doing what she was told made her sit down again. She started talking, and once she got going, she didn’t stop until the end.
“So there you have it. I am to marry a man who sent for me by post.” She waited for the hail and brimstones to start falling, but instead they sat in silence. A full minute passed before she could look at the Reverend. He seemed to be deep in thought. Katie stood.
“I guess you want me to leave now.”
“Why would I do that? We have a wedding to plan.”
Katie sat. “You mean you will do it? Even though I am not a member of your congregation?”
“Child, I believe that God has sent you to Clover Springs for a reason.”
“But you don’t think less of me for marrying a man I haven’t met?”
“Katie O’Callaghan, you seem a fine young woman. You are doing a great job of looking after your younger sister just as your parents asked of you. You have been honest with me. Perhaps I would prefer you had a chance to meet Mr. Cassidy, maybe even be courting him for a while to make sure this marriage was a good match for both of you, but I have to be realistic. There are few single, decent women in these parts. In fact, there are few women, period. Our men have to resort to certain measures to find brides. I am very glad you came to Clover Springs. I hope you and Mr. Cassidy will be happy and will settle in these parts.”
“But I was raised a Catholic.”
“That doesn’t bother me none. I get the impression you would rather get married than wait for Father Cleary to arrive. He does visit every month or so. But… well, perhaps I best say nothing.”
“Father Cleary wouldn’t approve of me marrying a stranger.” Katie scowled.
“I think it would be more the fact he wouldn’t approve of you marrying outside your faith. Father Cleary is a very fair-minded individual, but he is what I would call traditional.”
“I don’t want to wait any longer than I have to.”
‘I will perform the service, child. No issue with that, provided you assure me you are happy to proceed.” Reverend Timmons looked at her sternly. “I believe marriage is forever, so any doubts you may have should be dealt with before you take your
vows.”
“I want to be married as soon as possible. No doubt about that.” Katie tried to ignore the voice in her head. Lying to a Reverend wasn’t as bad as lying to a real priest. Was it?
Reverend Timmons stood up, a smile once more brightening his face. “I shall see you on Friday at noon. Don’t forget to bring your witnesses.”
At Katie’s blank stare, he laughed. “In order for your marriage to be legal, you must have two witnesses to sign for you. I can bring Mrs. Timmons along. She loves a good wedding. Mrs. Sullivan will also be happy to oblige. The women of Clover Springs are no different than women anywhere else. They love the chance to get all dressed up in their finery.
Katie thanked the kindly couple and walked back to the boarding house, her steps much lighter. Everything was going to work out just fine. Then she noticed the position of the sun. It was nearly lunchtime. Hurrying, she hoped Ellen had stirred the stew.
Chapter 26
Katie sat down, glad to take the weight off her feet, but she was too worked up to relax. She looked around, spotting a mending basket stored behind a chair. She went over, lifted it up and decided to help Mrs. Sullivan. Sewing always relaxed her, although mending wasn’t her favorite activity. She preferred making things from scratch.
She took out a shirt, it smelt of Daniel. She inhaled deeply, holding the material closer. He was everything she had dreamed of finding in a man. Kind, caring and funny. Handsome, too. She couldn’t forget that. She straightened up her needle, ready to sew in some missing buttons. She tried hard to concentrate on her fiancé. But no matter how many ways she tried to dress it up, the fact remained that he had left her and Ellen to survive alone in a new town. Okay, he didn’t know about Ellen, but that made it worse, not better. As far he knew, Katie was alone. He hadn’t mentioned money either. Surely he could have found a way to be in Clover Springs quicker? Maybe he had decided against getting married. What would she do then? I’d be free. I could marry someone I loved. Katie shook her head. Thinking that way only led to more heartache.
Later, Mrs. Sullivan made her way downstairs for a little while, complimenting Ellen and Katie on their hard work. They sat at the table drinking milk.
“The place looks wonderful. I have never seen it so clean.” Mrs. Sullivan looked around, her pleasure evident by the way her eyes sparkled.
“Looks good, don’t it Ma? And no offense, but the food has been great, too.”
“Typical man. Thinking of his stomach.” Mrs. Sullivan’s tone told them she wasn’t annoyed at her son’s teasing.
“Katie’s getting married on Friday.”
Katie almost groaned out loud. What did Ellen have to go and announce that for? She stared at the table, not wanting to look at Daniel’s face. She could feel his eyes on her. She took a couple of deep breathes before saying, “Mr. Cassidy sent me a telegram. He will arrive on Friday. I have spoken to Reverend Timmons. He is happy to marry us, but we will need some witnesses. Mrs. Timmons has agreed to be one and I was hoping you would agree to be the other.” Katie looked at Mrs. Sullivan, noting the fact that the lady was staring at her son. Katie followed her gaze, but as soon as her eyes met Daniel’s, he turned and stalked out of the room. She looked back at the table, her hands twisting in her lap.
“Why can’t I be a witness?” Ellen said, seemingly unaware of the currents in the room.
“You are too young, child. I will be happy to be your witness, Katie. Are you sure you want me to be?”
Katie knew by the way Mrs. Sullivan was looking at her that her question asked a lot more. She nodded her head, not trusting her voice to sound normal. She didn’t want to upset Ellen any more. The young girl had cried when she first told her about the telegram. She didn’t want to leave Clover Springs. If truth be told, neither did Katie.
Daniel stomped down the main street, a thunderous mask on his face. He barely noticed people as he marched by. Married on Friday. How could she go ahead with getting wed to a man she knew nothing about? She doesn’t know you either. He kicked at the dust. No woman had got under his skin the way Katie O’Callaghan had. Not only was she physically attractive, but she was good company too. She made him laugh even when her temper was stirring. She was kind and thoughtful. She was also as stubborn as Betsy, the old mule his father had given him when he was a boy. Betsy would kick anyone who came near her. Why did she have to go marry this Cassidy? He needed a wife. Why not marry him instead? He needed a drink. No, that was the way of fools. What he needed was some physical labor to tire him out and take his mind off a woman with violet eyes and hair the color of black silk. He headed to the livery. Old George always welcomed a hand with the animals.
Daniel rubbed the horse down, enjoying the comfort the black horse gave him. I must be loony. Standing here talking to a horse, telling him all about some girl. Katie wasn’t just another girl, though. She was the first woman he had met to make a real impact on him. He found himself racing through the chores to spend time with her. Any excuse and he was back in the house just to see her for a few seconds. She must think I live under Ma’s skirts.
He’d been brought up properly and therefore, another man’s bride was off limits. But even the knowledge she belonged to someone else didn’t stop him behaving like a lovesick puppy. Maybe that banker had been right. It was time for him to find a wife. Katie had come out west as a mail order bride. He should speak to her about how to go about getting someone like her for himself. But he didn’t want someone else. He wanted her.
He muttered something, causing old George to stare at him.
“What?”
“Don’t be glaring at me, young Sullivan. I’m not the source of your problems. Why don’t you go see Davy? He has plenty of work for you to do. Hard labor works best for what ails you, son.”
“There’s nothing ailing me.”
“You keep telling yourself that. We, that horse and myself, know better. I’m not so old that I can’t remember the effect of a pretty face. The whole town is talking about the young’uns staying at your ma’s house. They be mighty pretty.”
“One of them is still a kid. There isn’t such a shortage of women that men need to start leering over a child.”
“No need to bite my head off. Get yourself out to Davy’s, lad, and cool off.”
Daniel stamped outside, mounted and took off for his brother’s ranch. Old George was right. Some hard labor would take his mind off his problems and his brother always needed an extra pair of hands. Daniel cheered up somewhat. Mrs. Higgins might even have baked today. His stomach rumbled in anticipation.
Chapter 27
Katie was too restless to go to bed. Ellen was fast asleep and she guessed Mrs. Sullivan was, too. She had retired to her room some time ago, leaving Katie to clear up the kitchen. To be fair, Katie had insisted she needed to keep busy rather than dwell on her wedding. If she stopped working, she would start thinking about Mam and Daddy. They wouldn’t approve of her plans.
The door banged. He was back. Katie scrubbed the gleaming pot, hoping he wouldn’t come into the kitchen.
“Any coffee left, Ma? Oh, it’s you.”
Katie smarted at the disappointment in his tone.
“Sorry, I didn’t think anyone would want some this late. I will make up a fresh batch.”
“Why are you doing it?”
“Making fresh coffee? You can make it yourself if you want to.”
“You know that’s not what I meant.”
Katie didn’t dare turn around to look at him. “Mr. Sullivan, it’s not any of your business what I do.”
“No, I guess that’s true. It isn’t. But I can’t understand why a girl like you feels the need to marry a stranger. I need a wife, but that doesn’t mean I am going to send for one by mail.”
“Why?”
“Cause I would have to know whether I like her or not. You can’t tell that from a letter.”
Katie knew she should leave the room, but curiosity got the better of her.
“Wh
y do you have to get married?”
“Oh, that. The banker fella I met with seems to think that cowboys are a poor investment. He reckons I need a wife or I will hightail it off into the sunset.”
Katie laughed at the expression on his face.
“It’s not a laughing matter. If I haven’t got a wife in a month’s time, the bank won’t give me the loan I need to buy the store. Mr. Brook will have to sell to someone else.”
“I can’t see you working in a store.” Katie frowned as he scowled.
“So you are another one who thinks I am just a stupid cowboy?”
“No, not at all. You just look, I mean your body is…” Katie’s cheeks heated up. She risked a quick glance at his face to read amusement and something else in his eyes. She got even more flustered. “Oh, it’s late and I need to be up early. Please excuse me.” Heavens, he is going to think I am so forward. Mentioning his body. Of all things you could do, Katie O Callaghan.
“Of course. Don’t let me keep you.” Daniel stood as she went to leave through the kitchen door.
“Excuse me,” she said.
He didn’t move, but simply stood looking down at her. She didn’t want to look up at him, but her eyes didn’t obey. They were locked on his. Once more she felt the connection between them. Her body swayed closer to his, her eyes drawn to his lips. She wondered what it would feel like if he were to kiss her. He took a step closer.
“Katie.”
He put his two hands on either side of her face and gently brought his lips down to graze hers. His scent was intoxicating. She wanted to move closer, for his lips to…
Mr. Cassidy. Oh my, what am I doing?
Startled, she pushed him away. She couldn’t say anything, but ran through the door. How could she have let herself down like that? An engaged woman kissing another man. Mam would turn in her grave.
Daniel stood where she had left him. It had felt so right holding her in his arms. Sure, he knew he was attracted to her, but it was more than that. There had been plenty of pretty saloon girls he found attractive. He could still smell her scent. This was different, and not just because of her innocence. That was obvious based on the reaction to his kiss. When she had moved closer, it had taken all his self control not to deepen the kiss. He wondered if she tasted as good as she smelled. He had resisted the urge to mold her body to his, to show her the effect she had on him. He wanted her to respond to his kiss, to open her mouth under his. By God, he had never wanted a woman as much as this one. He couldn’t stand by and let her marry another man. You can’t stop her. Nobody not even Ma would agree to you stealing another man’s bride.
Katie: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 1 Page 9
