Orphan Train Brides

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Are there lots of things?”

  “Not too many to finish in time. Nothing you have to do except tell me which dress you want to wear for the wedding.”

  Abigail clapped her hands. “The blue one is my favorite. Tammie has a blue one too. We can be twins.”

  She touched the tip of her sweet daughter’s nose with a fingertip. “I’m going to wear a blue dress, so we’ll be triplets.”

  Abigail ran to Calvin’s room. “What are you going to wear to Mama’s wedding?”

  Calvin shrugged. “Whatever Mama tells me to wear. Us men don’t care that much about clothes.”

  Merry suppressed a laugh. Her son identified with Blake as if they were the same age. She was glad Calvin admired his soon-to-be father and had chosen him as a role model.

  She wrote her list and would cross things off as she accomplished them. Doing so gave her a sense of completion—when everything on the list was crossed out, she’d have achieved her daily goal. In addition, she’d be as prepared as she could for her wedding. At least physically, but how was she to prepare her mind and heart?

  The answer was, she couldn’t. Simply put, there was no way she could get ready for an experience as foreign to her as riding a shooting star.

  Abigail tugged at her sleeve. “Mama, you still look sad.”

  She pulled her daughter onto her lap. “Oh, no, sweetheart. So much is happening my mind can’t take it all in.”

  Abigail pondered. “I don’t know anything about getting married. You should ask Grandma to help. I’ll bet she can tell you.”

  “Of course, that’s a wonderful idea.” She set Abigail on her feet and then stood. “Would you like to go play or come to the parlor with me?”

  “I’m going to play house with Mary Elizabeth but I needed my dolly.”

  “Have fun with your friends.”

  When Abigail had gone outside, Merry pocketed her list, picked up Tammie, and went to the parlor. Blake’s mother, who had insisted she call her Ma, sat with Mrs. Adams, Letitia, and Eunice. They were engrossed in what appeared to be companionable conversation.

  “Ladies, I’m going to the emporium for a few things for the reception. Do either of you need anything?”

  She received a no from each woman.

  “Ma, would you like to come along?”

  Ma smiled at the ladies near her then looked at Merry. “I’m enjoying visiting with these ladies and resting up from my trip. I hope you won’t mind if I wait and go with you another time. Perhaps you’d like to leave Tammie with me.” She held out her arms and Tammie reached for her.

  “That’s a good girl, come to Grandma.” Ma cradled Tammie in her lap.

  “Thank you, Ma. This will make my trip easier and faster.”

  Merry was actually glad she could go on this errand alone. When she’d reviewed her nightwear, she realized she had nothing suitable for a wedding night. She hoped no one would see her choose what she wanted.

  Even though this was not a typical marriage, Blake had insisted he wanted a real marriage in every way. That meant he would see her tonight and the nights to come as she came to bed.

  At the emporium, she thought she could swoop in, pick out a pretty nightgown, and go home. No sooner was she inside than Jane Dorchester, one of the owners, came over. At least it wasn’t Sam Randall from the boardinghouse. She waved at him then looked away so he wouldn’t come to help her.

  Jane said, “I understand you’re engaged. Roy and I are happy for you. What can I help you with today?”

  As quietly as she could, Merry said, “A nightgown.”

  Jane gestured to the right and spoke as if announcing to the entire town. “Nightgowns are right over here. I’ll bet you want something special for your wedding night and honeymoon.”

  She turned her back to the two men who worked there. “We’re not going on a honeymoon. I just need something new to wear at night. Those I have are worn and no longer pretty.”

  “How about this one to tempt your groom?” Jane held up a daring gown that was all but transparent and dipped very low in front and back.

  Merry’s face heated in a blush. “No, um, don’t you have something more, um, modest?”

  Jane’s eyes sparkled. “No need to be embarrassed, dear. After all, you want to appeal to your husband. Well, look at this one of lawn.”

  Merry held this offering. “The lace would be scratchy for sleeping.” She handed it back to Jane. “I had in mind something with ribbon trim and maybe a ruffle on the bottom.”

  The store owner sighed, as if she thought Merry was hard to please. “This cambric gown is lovely. No ruffle but the tucks at the top should be flattering. Blue ribbon bows add a nice touch.”

  “That’s what I want. Do you have another like it or similar?”

  Jane pulled another garment from the stack in the cupboard. This gown resembled the one Merry had chosen.

  Jane asked, “How do you like this one?”

  “Perfect. I’ll take both of them.”

  Merry wished Sam Randall weren’t listening to this conversation. Not that he was eavesdropping, but he was working so close that he couldn’t help hearing Jane’s loud voice. His living at the boardinghouse caused Merry to feel differently than she did about Roy Dorchester.

  She paid for her purchase and left.

  When she’d returned from the emporium and checked on the children, she pressed her dress. After growing up wearing rags cut down from Ruby Bird’s cast offs, she enjoyed pretty clothes. Although she hadn’t a large selection of garments, those she had were flattering to her and of good quality.

  The dress she’d chosen for her wedding had a deep blue faille skirt. The top’s long basque apron had satin pleats underneath and was several shades lighter than the skirt. White duchesse lace edged the square neck and the three-quarter sleeves.

  Blake has seen he wear it once to church. He’d complimented her then. Having something to wear that she knew appealed to him created a pleasant sensation.

  Oh, bother, she was already trying to please her husband and they weren’t married yet.

  Chapter Sixteen

  All day Thursday, Merry had been on edge. The other residents were as excited as if she were really their kin.

  Abigail was flower girl and Calvin was giving her away. In Polly’s absence, Jessie was matron of honor. Hector served as best man. Merry and Ma had talked and decided Tammie was too young to be a flower girl with Abigail.

  Jessie clutched a small bouquet. “Blake and Hector organized the parlor into rows of seating with an open center aisle. The preacher and his wife are here and ready to start the ceremony. That other man, Mr. Ecclestone, is in the parlor, too.”

  Merry didn’t want Mr. Ecclestone at her wedding. Just the same, he was here. He’d know they were really married, wouldn’t he?

  Tammie was usually such a pleasant child. When she saw that Abigail had a basket of flowers, she started crying.

  “Want flowers,” she wailed.

  Ma said, “Come sit with me, Tammie.”

  Instead, Tammie sat on the floor, sobbing.

  Abigail begged, “Please, Mama, let Tammie walk with me.”

  “If we can find something suitable for her to carry.” She bent down. “Tammie, do you remember when we practiced and Abigail tossed flower petals on the floor?”

  Tammie nodded but Merry was not reassured.

  “Will you do just like Abigail does with her rose petals?”

  The little girl looked at her sister. “Yeth.”

  Merry had misgivings but wanted all three children to participate in the wedding. She took out her handkerchief and dried her youngest child’s face. Usually Tammie was a good child but she had her own way of doing things.

  Elvira rooted around the storeroom and found a small basket Tammie could use. Abigail gave her younger sister half her rose petals. Appeased, Tammie smiled.

  Elvira said, “You’d better get on the way before that man changes his mind.”

&
nbsp; “You’re right. Is everyone ready now? Ma, we’ll wait until you’re seated at the front.”

  When Ma and Elvira had found seats, Mrs. Jones played Mendelssohn on the piano.

  Jessie stood in front of Merry. “Go on girls. Walk slowly and toss your petals on the floor in front of where you’re walking.”

  Their floral scent drifted back to Merry and blended with the fragrance of the bouquet of roses and daisies she carried.

  Abigail glided just as they’d practiced and dropped rose petals as she proceeded down the aisle.

  Tammie, on the other hand, chose to throw the flowers on those attending. She did so by the handful and added, “Whee.” Then she stopped to sort through the basket as if looking for something.

  Blake’s face contorted with barely suppressed laughter and chuckles filled the room.

  Jessie tried to urge Tammie and Abigail forward by putting a hand on Abigail’s shoulder.

  Abigail turned around and said, “Mama, Aunt Jessie pushed me.”

  Jessie gave Merry a horrified glance then shrugged.

  Calvin looked up at Merry and shook his head.

  Merry motioned the girls to move. Eventually, she surrendered and said, “Tammie, Abigail, keep walking to where Papa is standing. Remember what we practiced.”

  Abigail said, “Come on, Tammie.”

  Both girls resumed tossing the rose petals. Jessie followed them and then Merry and Calvin walked toward the small lectern set in the doorway of Blake’s office. Reverend Jones stood behind the portable lectern and Blake and Hector stood near.

  When Blake made eye contact, she realized his eyes held more than humor. He gazed at her as if she were a precious gift. Her legs dissolved and she had to rely on Calvin to keep from falling.

  Jessie guided Abigail and Tammie to one side. Calvin and she stopped beside Blake.

  Tammie twirled around and then plopped on the floor as if dizzy. Abigail set down her basket and helped Tammie stand up. “We’re s’posed to stand here by Aunt Jessie ’til this is over. ’Member how you saw us practice?”

  Tammie toyed with her hair bow until it was lopsided and dangling. “Yeth, I ’member now.”

  Reverend Jones asked, “Who gives this woman in marriage?”

  Looking as if he would burst with pride, Calvin announced in a firm, clear voice, “My sisters and I do.” Then he gave her hand to Blake before he sat beside his new grandma.

  The preacher smiled at Merry, his eyes twinkling as he went through the wedding vows.

  When it came her time, he asked, “Do you, Mercedes Murphy Bird, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, forsaking all others and cleaving only unto him, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and obey until death do us part.”

  Her voice quavered as shaky as she was when she answered, “I do.”

  She’d just promised to obey him when she had no intention of obeying any man as if she were a child unable to think for herself. This wasn’t what she’d intended, but hope for the future blossomed in her heart. Perhaps someday Blake would come to care for her. In the meantime, she trusted him to keep his word.

  Reverend Jones turned toward Blake. “Do you, Blake George Woolf, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, forsaking all others and cleaving only unto her, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”

  Blake’s strong baritone reassured her. “I do.”

  The preacher asked, “Do you have the ring?”

  Hector handed Blake a ring then Blake took Merry’s hand. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  Merry gazed down at the gold band on the third finger of her left hand. She was married to this handsome man her children already adored. If she were honest, she shared their opinion.

  Reverend Jones smiled at Blake. “You may kiss the bride.”

  He turned toward her. She sensed this ceremony had deeply affected him as it had her. Yet, when he kissed her, his lips barely brushed hers.

  When they touched, a tingle flowed through her body. She couldn’t keep her mind from the coming night.

  The preacher said, “Please face the guests.” When they’d turned, he announced, “I present Mr. and Mrs. Blake Woolf.”

  He held up his hands for attention. “I’ve been asked to tell you that there is a reception in the dining room.”

  She and Blake hurried down the aisle and led the way to the dining room.

  Elvira and her helper, Delbert Loving, had slipped out of the ceremony early and were ready to help guests with cake and punch.

  During the reception, Mr. Ecclestone cornered Merry and Blake. “I see that you’ve fulfilled the requirements for keeping the three children you accepted from the orphan train. Odd, I don’t see your sister and her groom and family.”

  Merry tried not to snarl. “My sister, her husband, and the children are on a trip.”

  He rubbed his hands together. “Of course, a honeymoon. I should have thought of that. I’m surprised the children accompanied them.”

  Merry neither confirmed nor denied his assumption. “Would you care for more cake, Mr. Ecclestone?”

  Merry turned to her husband. “I should toss my bouquet.”

  Blake tapped a spoon against a glass. “Get ready to catch the bride’s bouquet.”

  Merry grinned and tossed.

  Miss Cross caught the flowers. “Oh, my goodness.”

  Blake chuckled in Merry’s ear. “Well aimed, my dear wife.”

  “Now I need to get the children to bed.”

  “I’ll help. Shall we start with Tammie?” He scooped up the child and tickled her tummy.

  When she stopped laughing, she patted his face. “My papa.”

  “That’s right, Tammie. Now I’m your papa and Abigail’s and Calvin’s.” He carried her to the owner’s suite.

  Merry followed with Calvin and Abigail. “That went well, don’t you think? You did a wonderful job of escorting me, Calvin.”

  Abigail pulled at Merry’s skirt. “What about me, Mama?”

  Merry met Blake’s gaze. “You were the best flower girl I’ve ever had. Children, it’s past your bedtime. We’ve had a busy day, so I know you’re tired.”

  Blake passed Tammie to Merry. “All right if I tuck in Calvin and you take the girls?”

  Calvin said, “Aw, no one has to put me to bed. I can do it myself.”

  Merry smiled at her son. “Of course you can, but parents enjoy saying a special goodnight to their children.”

  Calvin’s face registered surprise. “You do?”

  Blake loosened his tie as he led the way to Calvin’s room. “You don’t want me to miss my first opportunity to be your papa, do you?”

  With a genuine smile on his face, Calvin hurried toward his room. “No, ’course not.”

  Merry got the girls into their nightgowns and tucked them into bed. She’d yet to get a small bed for Tammie but vowed to do so this coming week. Surely there would be fewer distractions after tonight.

  She thought of one distraction she didn’t mind—her handsome husband. How fortunate she was to have Blake and her three children. They were a family, perfect if only Blake cared for her as much as she’d come to care for him.

  Why not admit it? She’d fallen in love with the man who was now her husband. Surely there was nothing wrong with that.

  When the children were tucked in and asleep, she joined Blake on the couch of the suite’s sitting room.

  He tilted his head toward the main part of the hotel. “Sounds as if the reception is still in progress. I’m sorry Polly wasn’t back in time to take part in the ceremony.”

  “Thank goodness we had a telegram from them and they’re all right. You know, it occurred to me John knows the secrets of everyone in town, yet he never gossips.”

  “That’s a good thing. You sure you’re
content to miss the rest of the reception?”

  “I’m glad we’re in here. The evening was lovely, even with Tammie’s spontaneous variations to the way we rehearsed. Thank you, Blake, for insuring the children remained here.”

  “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. You know I didn’t want to commit right now but this seems right. In fact, let me show you the surprise I arranged for you.”

  He scooped her into his arms and carried her to their bedroom. “Not exactly over the threshold but serves the purpose here.”

  Merry stared around her and inhaled the heavenly fragrance. “This is like being in a garden.”

  Garlands of flowers were strung from bedpost to bedpost, from the furniture, and the curtain rods. Vases of flowers were on every surface. Rose petals were scattered from the doorway to the bed and across the pillows and the turned back sheets.

  He bowed. “Our own leafy bower, created just for you. Not that I did the work, you must know, but Myrtle Smith from the florist shop and Bea Upton commandeered the Bushnell women and sneaked in during the reception.”

  “That you arranged this for me means so much. I was afraid you had regrets.”

  He caressed her cheek. “Marrying you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  She searched his face with her gaze. “Can you mean that? I’ve worried so that you were feeling trapped for doing your good deed.”

  He chuckled and pulled her close. “You think I married you to do a good deed? Have you forgotten I couldn’t stop watching you whenever we were in the same room? I couldn’t stop thinking about you no matter where we were.”

  Could she have heard him correctly? “Blake, I admit I’m as enamored of you as the children are.”

  He leaned back and raised his eyebrows. “But not in the same way, I hope?”

  She smiled and traced a finger across his mouth. “No, not in the least the same way. My feelings are of a far different nature.”

  He kissed her temple then looked into her eyes. “Tell me how.”

  “When you’re near like this, my brain disconnects and my limbs turn wobbly. I can’t help needing your arms around me.”

  “That’s good to hear because I definitely want you near me for the rest of our lives. I’ve fallen in love with you, Merry Woolf. I hope someday you can learn to feel the same way about me.”