Chapter 34
“Good morning, Mrs. Sullivan. Isn’t that a shocking turn of events at the church? I do hope you are all right. I am sure you felt it was your God given duty to provide a roof to those two girls. Although, I fear your charity may have been misplaced. Clover Springs doesn’t need the likes of them stopping by. Hopefully they will leave our little town as soon as the next train arrives.”
“Hello, Mrs. Grey. Why thank you for your consideration of my health.” Martha Sullivan struggled to make her voice friendly. Truth be told, Mrs. Grey was the last person Mrs. Sullivan wanted to meet today. That woman had a nose for gossip and always turned up when she was least wanted. She had to be careful though as she eyed the woman dressed, as usual, in her best finery. She couldn’t afford to make any enemies, especially one as formidable as this. Mr. Grey owned half the town and his wife seemed to believe this gave her permission to treat everyone else badly. Being so wealthy, she could do what she liked in town and nobody would say anything to stop her. Martha didn’t like bullies, not even when they were dressed in the guise of respectable old ladies. “I am enjoying having the O’Callaghan sisters as guests. They are welcome to stay as long as they like, although I fear you are right. They may just leave on the next train. There aren’t many opportunities for single girls in Clover Springs. Ellen could help teach the younger children if the Reverend goes ahead with his plan for the new school, but Katie would need to pay her way.” Martha took a deep breath. She didn’t like to ask for favors, but this was for those dear girls. Lord knows they needed as much help as she could give them. “I don’t suppose you have heard yet, but Katie is an excellent seamstress. Mr. Brook has kindly allowed her to use his premises. She will have a desk over in that corner and will be available for all sorts of sewing work from mending to making new dresses. Please tell your friends. Katie is a hard worker with plenty of experience.”
“I wouldn’t be recommending that … that girl to any of my friends. If you ask me, she should be working in the…” Mrs. Grey looked around her before dropping her tone to a conspiratorial whisper, “saloon, not trying to pass herself off as a respectable woman. What type of lady sells herself in marriage to a man she has never met?”
“Mrs. Grey!” Martha was so shocked, she didn’t make an effort to control her tone.
“Don’t use that tone with me, Mrs. Sullivan. You and I both know that Montis Cassidy sent that girl money and a train ticket to come out to these parts in order to get married. He as good as bought her. She, the little heathen, saw fit to drag her innocent sister with her. Although given she shares parentage, perhaps she was hoping for a similar arrangement with the nearest available man.”
“Mrs. Grey, Ellen is barely more than a child and not of an age to get married. Please tell me that is not what you believe. I think Miss O’Callaghan showed true strength of character. She doesn’t have a family to take care of her and this was the only way she felt she could look after herself and her sister. Doesn’t every woman have the right to her own home, a husband, and, with God’s love, a family?”
“God didn’t mean for you to enter into a marriage contract with a stranger, least of all a murderer.”
“Now that is totally unfair. It wasn’t Miss O’Callaghan’s intended who murdered poor Mr. Smithson, but his brother’s gang. He is hardly responsible, and even if he was, Miss O’Callaghan is completely innocent.”
“You can believe what you like, Mrs. Sullivan, but let me tell you that these Irish immigrants are not to be trusted. They are all liars and cheats. Every last one of them.”
Martha Sullivan clenched her fists. She wanted nothing better than to take Mrs. Grey by her fur lined collar and throw her out the store door, but that wouldn’t be seemly or fitting for a grown woman in her 40s.
Taking a deep breath, Mrs. Sullivan counted to ten before saying sweetly, “Mrs. Grey, let me remind you that my dear departed father-in-law, and founder of this town, was an Irish immigrant.”
She had the satisfaction of seeing Mrs. Grey go pale.
“Well, of course I didn’t mean…”
“I know exactly what you meant, Mrs. Grey. Now please excuse me. I have chores to attend to. Good day.”
Martha Sullivan didn’t wait for a response but strode out of the store. She didn’t trust herself not to rise to the bait should Mrs. Grey wish to impart any more of her opinions. She was only thankful that the girls hadn’t overhead what had been said. They had suffered enough already.
Katie held herself close against the wall of the store, hoping that the ladies wouldn’t come looking at the cloth. She had come in hoping to speak some more to Mr. Brook about how to advertise her new services. She had dipped behind a couple of bales when she saw Mrs. Grey enter the store. She didn’t want to speak to anyone right now, especially not someone who had been so unfriendly since her arrival. She hadn’t understood what she had done to upset the old woman, but now she knew. Mrs. Grey didn’t like her because she was Irish. Katie couldn’t do anything about that, but it didn’t stop her feeling worse.
Her heart sang as she listened to Mrs. Sullivan defend her honor. At least someone thought good of her. The smile slid from her face. Mrs. Sullivan may have defended her to Mrs. Grey, but how would she feel if she knew Daniel had kissed her? Being his mother, she would think Katie had led him astray.
She considered what the older woman had said about her being a mail order bride. Is that what the other townspeople believed? That she was no better than a common … Katie couldn’t bring herself to finish that thought. It was enough she had ruined her own life. A girl’s reputation meant everything. She had promised Daddy she would look after Ellen. She’d failed. Not only had she destroyed the O’Callaghan name but she’d nearly got her sister killed in the process. She may not be able to save herself, but she was darn well sure her little sister wasn’t going to suffer as a result of her impulsiveness.
She would find a way to get her sister home. Back to their father. He would keep her safe.
Chapter 35
Daniel paced up and down the room.
“Why don’t you just ask her to marry you and be done with it?” his mother said, smiling as his eyes widened and he came to a sudden halt.
“How did you know?”
“Daniel, you’re my son. A poor mother I’d be if I didn’t recognize when my son was in love. She is a fine girl. I approve. Now what are you waiting for?”
“It don’t seem right. She was going to marry …”
“That was a mistake and we both know it. I think it was God’s way to bring Katie and Ellen to Clover Springs. You need a wife and she needs a husband. Even better the two of you have feelings for one another. It’s wonderful.” Mrs. Sullivan beamed.
Daniel scratched his head. Could he ask her? What would she say?
“Stop hanging about here and go and ask her. Before she gets a chance to make any more plans. She has just come in. I think you will find her in the dining room setting the table.”
Mrs. Sullivan walked away, leaving Daniel staring after her. He took a deep breath and walked into the dining room. Katie was there, but she looked as if she had been crying.
“Katie, what is it? You look upset.”
Katie impatiently brushed away her tears. “’Tis nothing. I got something in my eye.” Katie stared down at the table. The silence grew awkward. “I didn’t get a chance to ask you. Did you catch them?”
Daniel shook his head. “We were sent home. The Texas rangers have taken over the search. They didn’t want those with no experience ruining their chance of catching those varmints.” Daniel swallowed hard. “Katie, could I speak to you?”
“That’s what we are doing now, isn’t it?” she said, a teasing smile on her face, but her eyes were wary.
“Will you marry me?” At her silence, he continued. “I need a wife and you need a husband and so I …”
“So you thought you would ask me, as I am bound to be desperate? After all, who would travel ha
lfway across the country to marry a man she hadn’t met?” Katie couldn’t continue, the tears making her lose her voice.
Daniel stood and stared. What on earth just happened? He’d asked the women he loved to marry him and she thought he was trying to insult her.
“Katie, wait. I didn’t mean it…”
“Go away, Daniel. I don’t need your pity or anyone else’s. I know what people are saying about me.”
“Katie, I don’t have a clue what you are talking about. All I care about is this. I love you and I want you to be my wife.”
Katie’s heart soared. He loved her. All her dreams had come true. She could have her happily ever after. She looked up into his face and saw the love shining out of his eyes. Her legs melted and she had to grab the chair back to stop herself from falling over.
He as good as bought her. Mrs. Grey’s horrible words rang through her head. Staying here with Daniel would ruin his life. He needed his neighbors to help him grow his business. He had to be honest, law abiding and free from all suspicion. Otherwise people wouldn’t trade with him. He couldn’t afford to be associated with a common… She couldn’t bring herself to finish that thought.
A choked sob broke from her lips. She couldn’t bear to live without him, yet she knew she must. He wouldn’t entertain gossip. He would tell her to rise above it, that nobody would let a nasty rumor prevent them from shopping at a good store. Men were like that. They didn’t credit women with much influence, but she knew better. In a household, it was usually the lady of the house who held the purse strings. The ladies of the town would follow Mrs. Grey’s lead. His business would be destroyed. He would lose everything. Katie hung her head. She knew this time she was beat.
“I’m sorry, Daniel, but I don’t feel the same about you.” She stared at the floor, knowing if she looked at him, he would see her true feelings. “I have decided to take Ellen back to Ireland. As soon as I can make the money to cover the train fares, we are leaving for Boston.”
It took every ounce of strength she possessed to walk out of the room and leave him behind. Once the door was closed, she ran to her room and, throwing herself on the bed, finally gave way to the tears.
Daniel stood in the dining room, his shocked gaze on the closed door. Ireland? She had told him enough about what happened over there to know she had to be desperate to go back. He couldn’t believe she didn’t have feelings for him. Her response to his kiss had told him differently. He started to go after her and then stopped. Maybe it had all been too much for her. He should have given her more time to get over the events of the last week. It must have been a huge shock finding out you were about to marry into a family of thieving varmints. Reluctantly, he decided not to go after her. There were chores to do and they weren’t going to wait for anyone.
Chapter 36
Katie stopped outside the kitchen door. Taking a deep breath, she pushed it open hoping he wouldn’t be inside. He wasn’t. She filled the kettle intent on making coffee. After the sleepless night, she needed something to keep her awake. Mrs. Sullivan appeared and the look she gave Katie made her heart sink.
“Why?”
Katie steeled herself to respond. “Why what?” She didn’t look at the older woman but concentrated on making breakfast.
“Katie, I may be biased but Daniel is a good man. He’s strong, healthy and thinks the world of you. I thought you had feelings for him too. It certainly appeared that way the other night.”
Katie’s cheeks burned. Mrs. Sullivan must have seen their kiss. She swallowed hard. Should she explain?
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Sullivan, but it is best for everyone if we go home. To Galway.”
Mrs. Sullivan spluttered. “To Ireland? I thought Daniel got that part wrong. You told me you wouldn’t ever go back. There was nothing for you there. What’s changed?” Mrs. Sullivan took the kettle out of Katie’s shaking hands. “Come sit down. Tell me the truth. Why are you breaking my boy’s heart?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t explain. It is just for the best. I am not good for Daniel.” Katie twisted a napkin in her hands. She couldn’t look at Daniel’s mother. “ I’ve made a mess of everything. Coming out west was a mistake.”
“Nonsense. Running away is the mistake. I thought more of you, Katie O’Callaghan. I may not have known you long but you struck me as someone who was brave, fearless and determined to stand by her loved ones. But at the first hint of trouble, you are running off home.”
“I’m not running anywhere.” Katie protested, sitting up straighter.
“Really? That’s what it looks like from where I’m sitting.” Mrs. Sullivan stood and looked down at Katie, her eyes filled with sadness. Her tone softened. “Trust me, Katie. You won’t find happiness until you face your fears. Stand up for yourself. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for my son. He will lose everything he ever dreamed of and more if you get on that train.”
Katie sat up straight until Mrs. Sullivan closed the door behind her. Then she let the tears fall as she laid her head on the table. She didn’t want to hurt Daniel or his family but it was best she leave.
Other people’s opinions are none of your business. Her mam’s Irish lilt filled her head. She had always said that phrase if anyone had said anything bad about their family, particularly Liam. Her mam hadn’t been prepared to walk away from her home to suit someone else.
She had been running since the day her Mam died. When would she stop? Maybe Mrs. Sullivan was right. It was time to make a stand. Her Mam had stood up to a regiment of soldiers. Mrs. Grey was only one woman.
Katie gulped down her coffee before heading to her room to change and do her hair more elegantly. She was going to show Mrs. Grey what Irish women were made of.
Mr. Brook was pleased to see her. He poured her a cup of coffee as she started cleaning the area she would work in. She had brought in two dresses to display her work, one a regular day dress but the second was the one that grabbed the women’s attention. It may not have turned heads in Boston, but to the women of Clover Springs, it looked as if it had been imported from Paris. Mr. Brook introduced her to everyone, explaining she was from Boston where she had acquired vast experience as a seamstress. Katie wasn’t sure she agreed with his description – after all she had only sewn a couple of dresses for her aunt but he convinced her it was all part of the sales routine. It worked. By the end of the first week, she had an order for a new dress, a shirt waist and more mending projects than she could expect to complete. The latter came from the steady stream of male customers. Mr. Brook smiled knowingly as one man after the other made a point of talking to Miss O’Callaghan personally.
The day flew by. Katie scarcely had time to think, let alone sit. Her feet ached by the time, Mr. Brook pulled the blind down and locked the door. It was good for her though, as it meant by the time she got back to the boarding house, she was so worn out she would sleep soundly. Well, most of the night anyway. Ellen wasn’t speaking to her, being angry at the thought of leaving Clover Springs. Daniel hadn’t come back. She guessed he was working out on Davy’s ranch. She missed him dreadfully but she couldn’t blame him for being angry.
Daniel couldn’t remember the last time he had worked so hard. But no matter how tired he got, he couldn’t sleep. Images of Katie kept him awake. He was annoyed she had turned him down. He didn’t understand why but it wasn’t that keeping him awake. He had a feeling he had messed up somehow. That there was part of the puzzle he was missing. Did Katie want him to follow her to Ireland? Did she think that he wouldn’t be prepared to live in Galway? True, he preferred to stay in Clover Springs but he wasn’t going to lose Katie. He would follow her anywhere. He thought about going back to town to speak to her but his Ma had suggested he wait. She thought it would be good to give Katie time. She hadn’t clarified what Katie was doing but his Ma knew more about women than he did. He had to trust her on this one but his patience was wearing thin.
Chapter 37
Everything was going so well, Katie started
to think there was a chance she could stay in Clover Springs. She would have her own business and maybe with time, the man of her dreams. If he ever spoke to her again. Friday morning, the shop bell tinkled as another customer entered the store. She looked up with a smile only to come face to face with Mrs. Grey.
“It’s true then. You are working here?”
Although phrased as a question, Katie guessed the woman didn’t want an answer. She took a deep breath before speaking.
“Good morning, Mrs. Grey. Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Katie noted the surprise in the other woman’s eyes with satisfaction. Take that you old bat. She turned away slightly to compose herself.
“I don’t need anything. I just wanted to see for myself. I can’t believe you have the audacity to show yourself in public.”
“I don’t have anything to hide. I came to Colorado thinking I was getting married. That didn’t work out. I have to provide for myself and Ellen so I took a job. I am using the talents God gave me to earn a decent living. What’s wrong with that?”
Katie felt stronger as the other woman took a few seconds to reply. She isn’t used to people talking back at her.
“Don’t get too comfortable, Miss. I know your type and we don’t need or want the likes of you in Clover Springs.”
Katie couldn’t help shaking at the venom directed at her. She watched silently as the older woman stalked out of the store. Then she sat down before her legs gave way.
It didn’t take long before Mrs. Grey’s influence became apparent. Dress orders were cancelled throughout the day on the flimsiest of excuses. Katie’s hopes for the future dwindled. She thought she hid her disappointment well. She stuck a smile on her face as she helped Mr. Brook deal with regular mercantile customers.
Katie: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 1 Page 13
