Katie: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 1

by Rachel Wesson

  As he locked up on Saturday evening, Mr. Brook insisted she take a seat and share a coffee and some cake with him. He wanted to celebrate record takings.

  “I wish I had thought of employing someone like you sooner. It’s amazing how many men required goods every day this week. Usually I see them once or twice a month.” He smiled at Katie. “It won’t be long before you have more marriage offers than you can shake a stick at. Best not let Daniel know, he will insist you leave.”

  “It’s not Daniel I’m worried about.” Katie wished she could swallow the words as soon as she said them. “Oh, is that the time? Mrs. Sullivan will have dinner waiting.” Katie took her shawl from the back of the door but Mr. Brook wasn’t going to let her get away that easily.

  “Do you want to explain that comment or shall I guess?” When Katie didn’t reply, he sighed. “Am I right in thinking you heard what Mrs. Grey has been saying?”

  Katie nodded. “Aye, but she is only saying what others are thinking.”

  “Is that a fact? Do you know the people of Clover Springs that well?”

  His sarcasm confused her. “Well, no, but surely they are like any small town. People gossip. You must have noticed that there haven’t been any new orders for dresses and the ones I had were cancelled. All but one for Mrs. Murray, but I think Mrs. Sullivan is a close friend of hers.”

  “Yes, some gossip, but what is news today is history tomorrow. After everything you have been through, are you going to let one woman’s actions change your destiny?”

  “I don’t know what that is anymore.”

  “Katie, you told me you came to America to find a new life. A better one where people mattered regardless of their background, their nationality or the color of their skin.”

  Katie nodded.

  “So why are you letting one cranky old woman dictate how you live your life or, more to the point perhaps, mine?”

  “How is Mrs. Grey running your life?”

  “I am an old man, Katie. I don’t know how much time I have left. “ Katie tried to protest but he stopped her with a look. “I want to spend that time with my daughter and grandchildren. I can’t do that unless I sell the store.”

  “Oh.”

  “I could sell to someone else. In fact, Mrs. Grey has expressed interest.”

  Katie didn’t bother to hide her surprise. “What would she want with a store? I can’t imagine her working behind the counter.”

  They exchanged looks before bursting into laughter at the idea. Then they fell silent.

  “Power hungry people are everywhere. They don’t have to be landed gentry or occupying forces to want control over people. Mrs. Grey is lonely and bored. Her children have grown up and left. What else can she do but meddle in things that don’t concern her. Call me sentimental but I can’t bear the thoughts of this place ending up in her hands.” Mr. Brook stayed quiet for a couple of seconds but Katie didn’t feel she could say anything. He sighed loudly. “But given the situation, I might have to take her offer.”

  “You can’t do that. Then she’s won. She’s not going to give credit to Mrs. Kaufman or allow Mrs. Landers to pay off her bill with eggs and milk.”

  “What do you suggest I do? Work here until I die? Hold on for Daniel to raise the cash he needs?”

  Katie realized too late what Mr. Brook was trying to do. She stood, her tone reflecting the regret in her eyes. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Brook. You deserve to go live with your family. You are a lovely man but I can’t help you.”

  “Can’t or won’t, Katie?”

  Katie didn’t answer but closed the door quietly behind her. His question rang in her ears the whole way home.

  Chapter 38

  She stood looking around the kitchen thinking how much she would miss it. The boarding house was a real home not like her Uncle’s mansion in Boston.

  Parting from Daddy had been bad, but leaving here would be worse. She loved Daniel with every fiber of her being, but she had to leave. Despite what Mr. Brook and Mrs. Sullivan thought, it was for the best. She didn’t like letting Mrs. Grey win, but it wasn’t her future on the line. She couldn’t risk Daniel getting caught in the crossfire.

  Katie jumped at the sound of the door banging. Please don’t let it be him.

  “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you” Daniel looked at her, but the question in his eyes made her stare at the floor. He reached out to take her hand. “I’ve missed you. Marry me, Katie.”

  The heat of his touch seared her whole body while his words made her heart want to leap out of her chest. Yes, her heart answered, but she couldn’t say the words. Her head knew it was wrong. She loved him too much.

  She jerked her hand from his and stood back slightly, trying to put as much distance between them as possible.

  “I can’t stay, Daniel.”

  “Okay. Then marry me and I will go with you to Ireland. “ He leaned in toward her.

  “Ireland? You can’t do that. Your ma would be devastated. Besides, you love it here.”

  “I love you, Katie O’Callaghan. Where you go, I go.”

  “Don’t make this harder. Please.” Katie swallowed hard. Was he serious about leaving?

  “Katie, I’m not the one being ornery.” He moved closer, gripping her upper arms, bringing his head down toward hers. She gazed at his lips drawing closer and closed her eyes. Just one more kiss couldn’t hurt.

  The kiss was fierce, more savage than any other kiss they had shared. It was as if he was marking her his, yet behind it she sensed his desperation to prove he loved her. She yielded to him, showing him just how much she shared his feelings. After a few minutes, they broke apart, both breathing heavily.

  “You can’t leave me now, Katie.”

  “I have to. Don’t you see? If I stay, I will ruin your life.”

  He pulled her closer, cupping her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. “Losing you will ruin my life. If you leave, I will follow you. I won’t let you go.”

  “Mrs. Grey said…”

  Daniel cursed. “Sorry, but what has this got to do with her? I love you and you love me. Don’t you?”

  She couldn’t lie, not when she was looking into his eyes. She tried to escape, but his grip tightened. With a sigh, she gave up. “Yes, I love you. More than anything in this world.”

  “Yes. Now you just have to marry me. Then we can have the future we deserve and Mrs. Grey can …”

  “Daniel!”

  “Sorry, but that woman would try the patience of God himself.”

  Katie giggled before looking up into his eyes. “Kiss me again please.”

  “With pleasure, Ma’am.” He bent his head, his lips teasing hers. She thought she would burst with happiness.

  After a few minutes, she finally came up for air. “Daniel, I don’t want to leave Clover Springs.”

  “That’s good as neither do I. I’d miss Ma’s cooking.”

  Katie poked him in the ribs but couldn’t resist laughing too.

  “I love you, Daniel Sullivan.”

  Chapter 39

  Katie strove to calm her stomach that churned like a new batch of butter. Her hands fluttered over the new dress. It fit her like a glove. She never owned anything as beautiful before. She couldn’t stop admiring her reflection even though vanity was a sin.

  “You look beautiful, Katie.” Ellen said softly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

  “You do, too.” Katie gave her sister a hug, not caring if her dress got a little wrinkled. She couldn’t bear it if her sister starting crying. She wouldn’t be able to hold the tears back much longer herself.

  There was a knock at the door and Mrs. Sullivan entered.

  “Oh my word, aren’t you as pretty as a picture.”

  “Thank you so much for the lending of your dress. It fits perfectly.”

  Mrs. Sullivan took Katie’s hands in hers. Her husky tone suggested she too was struggling not to give in to the waterworks. “I hope you are as happy in
your marriage as I was in mine. Daniel is a good man. He will make a fine husband, and you, my darling girl, will make him the best wife ever.”

  “Do you really believe that? What about what Mrs. Grey said?”

  A stony look marred Mrs. Sullivan’s pretty face. “You leave that old crone for me to deal with. May God forgive me, but I might just indulge my wish to give her a good slap one of these fine days.”

  Katie and Ellen laughed aloud at the idea of Mrs. Sullivan slapping anyone, least of all another fine upstanding member of the small Clover Springs community.

  “Now, Ellen, are you going to tell Katie or shall I?”

  “Tell me what?” Katie’s mouth tightened with concern for her sister. Ellen’s eyes were full of mischief. “What?”

  Katie tried to keep her tone low, but she was getting frustrated. She can’t be upset or worried while her eyes are dancing in her head like that.

  “Come on now, girls. The men are waiting. Ellen, tell your sister and let’s be off.”

  Katie looked at Ellen, her stomach churning even more. She couldn’t help worrying, despite the mischievous look Ellen exchanged with Mrs. Sullivan.

  “I’m not coming with you to the store. I am staying here with Mrs. Sullivan.”

  Katie opened her mouth to protest, but the look on her sister’s face stopped her. “Katie, you have always put other people first. Now is your time for happiness. You and Daniel deserve to start your life together alone. You don’t want your sister ruining all those romantic evenings. Mrs. Sullivan needs some help in the boarding house and I will be able to go back to school during the day. It’s the ideal solution for everyone.”

  Katie hugged Ellen first and then Mrs. Sullivan. “I am so lucky to have both of you in my life. Thank you, Mrs. Sullivan.”

  “Katie, do you think you could stop calling me Mrs. Sullivan and start calling me Ma like Daniel does?”

  “Yes, Ma.” Katie smiled as the two women left the room.

  Katie glanced once more in the mirror. She imagined she could see her mother at her shoulder smiling at her. “I will be happy, Mam. Just you see.”

  She left the boarding house. “Please let me walk you.” Daniel’s brother, Davy, smiled before turning Katie toward the church. “Reverend Timmons came last night to say Father Cleary was in town. He is going to marry you.”

  Katie’s step faltered. Mam, you sent the priest, didn’t you? It was your way to give us your blessing. She looked up to the sky feeling a wave of love sweeping through her body. Her knees buckled as her nerves tingled with emotion. Davy’s arm at her side helped her walk the couple of steps up and into the building.

  The familiar smell of incense brought her immediately back to her childhood and memories of herself, Liam, and the rest of her family heading into church. She struggled but failed to stop the tears flowing. She wished she was in Galway with Daddy beside her to give her away. But then you wouldn’t have met Daniel. He was her future.

  Through the mist of the tears and her veil, she saw the figure of Daniel and his attendants at the top of the church. Ellen and Mrs. Sullivan took their places in the front pews. A few of the inhabitants of Clover Springs were also present. Katie barely noticed. Daniel had turned to look as she made her way toward the top of the Church. She looked at him, relieved to see her own feelings reflected in the way he gazed at her.

  “Dearly beloved…”

  Katie didn’t hear the words of the service. She was so caught up in her emotions, Daniel had to press her hand to remind her to say her vows.

  She tensed when he asked the congregation if there was any reason why they could not be wed. This was it. Now her bubble of happiness would burst. But nothing happened. Before she knew it, the priest had announced that Daniel should kiss his bride. She almost exploded with happiness. They were married. At last.

  She shivered as goose bumps appeared all over her body as Daniel gently removed the veil and leaned forward for their first kiss as man and wife. His lips were soft but insistent. Later, the kiss promised. She smiled, nodding slightly. His eyes darkened with desire, causing her legs to weaken. She wished they were alone and not in God’s house so he could kiss her properly.

  All too soon, it was over, and taking her hand, her new husband walked her out of the church and toward their new life. Together.

  Epilogue

  Clover Springs, eight months later

  Katie rubbed her bump as the baby kicked her again. She waddled over to the rocking chair, glad to take the weight off her feet for a few minutes. She picked up the letter, wondering what Mary had thought of her suggestion.

  She smiled in delight before calling out to Daniel. He came running up the stairs from their store. “What’s wrong? Is it the baby?”

  “No, darling. It’s way too early yet.” She waved the letter at him, feeling a little guilty for causing the worried frown on his face. She didn’t know who was more nervous about the upcoming birth, her or Daniel.

  “Mary Ryan said yes. She is coming to Clover Springs. Catherine is happy with her new family, so Mary thinks it is time she moved on with her life. I hope she likes Davy.”

  “Everyone likes Davy. He’s almost as nice as me.” Daniel smiled down at his wife. “It was a great idea you had to act as a referee for the men in town for Mrs. Gantley. At least none of her other brides will arrive in town ready to marry a murderer.”

  “Oh, you. Mr. Cassidy wasn’t a murderer.” Katie pushed her finger into her husband’s stomach. “Remember, if it wasn’t for that varmint writing for a bride, I wouldn’t be here.”

  Daniel stroked his chin. “True, I must remember to send him a Christmas gift to say thank you. I believe they don’t get many of them in the Texan jail he now calls home.”

  Katie shivered. Despite the fact that Daniel was joking, it was still a rather touchy subject. She would never forget just how close she came to danger. At night, she often woke up drenched in sweat, having dreamt Virgil Cassidy was nearby. He had been hung shortly after their wedding. Montis had been sentenced to five years hard labor for living off the proceeds of the crime.

  After the publicity of the trial, more people were aware she had come to Clover Springs as a mail order bride. Rather than look down on her, the townsfolk had been overcome with curiosity. A number of the men had approached her or Daniel asking if she could help them find brides. At Daniel’s suggestion, she had written to Mrs. Gantley, offering to be a referee for the men from Clover Springs. Mrs. Gantley, after apologizing for the danger she had unwittingly placed Katie in, agreed with her suggestion. Between the two of them they had already arranged for a couple of mail order weddings to be held in Clover Springs. Now it was the turn of her brother-in-law and her best friend. She hoped Mary would like Clover Springs as much as she did. The town was special. It was home.

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  About the Author

  Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m Irish, living in Dublin with my three children, two boys and a girl.

  I love to read. As I tell my kids, it is the easiest way to escape into a whole different world. You can go to absolutely any country, century or world you wish without leaving home. My mom used to tell me that she would regularly have to take away a flashlight when I was younger so that I would go to sleep on a school night.

  My mom also used to say that if we were going on holidays, the first thing in my suitcase were my books. That was a long time before e-book readers!

  I read a lot of books and absolutely love anything set in the old West. When I was a child, I loved to watch Little House on the Prairie. Nellie Oleson was my favorite character. I also admit to watching Dr Quinn- Medicine Woman lol.

  I love when readers make contact with me either via Facebook or through my website. I am flattered when they make suggestions on topics I should cover in future books. Without my readers, I wouldn’t be living my dream. Thank you. 

/>   Acknowledgments

  This book wouldn’t have been possible without the help of so many people. In particular I would like to thank authors Cindy Caldwell, Ashley Merrick and Leighann Dobbs for encouraging a girl from Dublin to fulfill her dream of writing about the old West. Kirsten Osborne deserves a special mention, for not accepting any excuses when I complained about getting the book done!

  Thanks to Erin Dameron-Hill for my fantastic covers. Erin is a gifted artist who makes my characters come to life. My incredible editors ,Cissie Patterson and Cindy Caldwell, without whom this book wouldn’t shine.

  The ladies from Pioneer Hearts who volunteered to proofread my book. Special thanks go to Nancy Cowan, Marlene Larsen, Janet Lessley, Cindy Nipper,Denise Cervantes , Elysia Solich and Maxine Brittain. These ladies all spotted errors (mine) that had slipped through.

  Kirsten Osborne, Cassie Hayes and the incredible group of people who make up Pioneer Hearts, a Facebook group for authors and readers of Historical Western Romance. Come join us for games, prizes, exclusive content, and first looks at the latest releases of your favorite historical western authors. https://www.facebook.com/groups/pioneerhearts/‬‬

  Last, but by no means least, huge thanks and love to my husband and three children. My kids know when Mom is in the middle of a book dinner may be late, burnt or, as is often the case, both. Clothes may be hard to find and the house may look like it was burgled. My family are my world.

  Also by Rachel Wesson