by Rye Hart
“Have you seen a photograph of this man? I mean to prove he’s not an eighty-five year old man looking for a young wife?”
“Eden you are worse than papa,” Rose huffed.
She took out a small photograph of a handsome young man from her pocket. Still, I had my doubts.
“How do you plan on getting there?” I asked her.
“Well I plan to leave on the last train out the night that mama and papa have planned my birthday party,” she made it sound so simple.
I looked at her in disbelief. “You have truly lost your mind Rose. There is no way you can get out of this house with the party mama and papa have planned for you.”
“Oh but that’s where you come in Eden,” she winked conspiratorially.
“Oh no, you’re not getting me into this Rose,” I told her firmly.
“Oh Eden you have no idea what it’s like to have a man closer to my age who wants to marry me. Not an old man like Matthew who only wants me to be a mother to his children and help out on the farm. I wasn’t meant to be a farmer’s wife Eden. I was meant for something better than this life and I’m going to have it,” she said.
“But Rose what about papa? Don’t you realize how badly your plan with hurt him?”
Rose smiled and shrugged as if she didn’t care. She saw this as a way out of New York, and I realized the only thing for me to do was to help her.
“What do you want me to do Rose?” I sighed.
“Mama and papa have planned quite an event. There will be so much commotion here that no one will notice that I’ve slipped out until it’s too late,” she started.
From the bottom of the stairs we heard mama’s voice calling up. “Rose! Eden! Come on girls it’s time to get up.”
I opened the door and called down to her, “Be right down mama.”
I looked at Rose. “We’d better get downstairs but we will talk about this again later.”
As I headed out the door Rose grabbed my arm, “Not a word of this to anyone.”
I pulled my arm from her grasp. “Who do you think I’m going to tell?”
Chapter Two
Downstairs in the kitchen, Matthew Duggan was having a cup of coffee with papa. As Rose came into the room he stood and Rose briefly acknowledged him.
“Please sit Mr. Duggan, you don’t have to stand up whenever I walk into the room,” Rose said, with a hint of irritation.
Papa looked at her. “Sarah Rose that’s a sign of respect. You don’t see too many of the young men here do that these days.”
“Oh papa you’re so old fashioned,” Rose said, rolling her eyes.
Papa gave her a look that said he’d deal with her later. For now, he turned his attention back to Matthew who was placing his hat back on his head. “Leaving so soon Matthew?” papa asked.
“I’m afraid so Liam, I have to get these deliveries done. I’ve had a long enough break, but as always it is a pleasure.”
He looked at mama. “Mary, thank you so much for the fresh bread. The boys practically fight over it.”
“Don’t mention it Matthew, I’m happy to make extra for you and the boys,” mama said with a smile.
Matthew then turned his attention to Rose and me. “It’s been a pleasure Miss Eden, Miss Rose.”
I nodded and saw Rose did the same as papa followed him out the door. With papa out of the room mama looked at Rose.
“Rose, you really shouldn’t have said what you did. Your father is doing what he feels is best for you. He wants to see you have a secure future.”
Knowing that she wouldn’t be able to keep her mouth shut much longer and not wanting to shout at her mother, Rose simply nodded and left the room.
Nothing more was spoken about the morning’s events and Rose went off to her job at Miss Lillian’s dress shop. Though Rose was no seamstress, she did have the ability to sew the fine bead work on the gowns that we in fashion this season. Miss Lillian’s gowns were worn by the elite in society and Rose took pride in seeing them parade through town in her beadwork. I worked as a secretary on the other side of town for the law firm of Curtis and Baldwin. .
As I was heading out the door Mama stopped me. “Eden, do you think you could ask Mr. Curtis to stop by after work tonight? Your father wants him to look over some papers.”
“If he likes I can take them to work with me and have him look at them there?” I offered.
“No, your father wants to meet with him here.”
“Yes, mama,” I said, getting the distinct feeling that this request had something to do with Mr. Duggan’s approaching proposal.
On the home from work that afternoon, I passed a newspaper stand that held copies of Mrs. Stillman’s Mail Order Brides. One of the pages of advertisements was flipped open and I stopped to take a look, my curiosity piqued. As I leaned over to scan the page, I felt as if I was being watched. I quickly stood and smoothed my skirts as I caught the eye of Natalie Ferncliff, the town gossip.
Lord knows what she would say after seeing me read the ads. I had to think of something and fast. I turned and smiled at her.
“Afternoon Miss Ferncliff. Can you believe what they have now? Mail order brides! I tell you it’s like buying cattle at auction! Where is the romance and courtship?” I rambled, knowing that I was laying it on pretty thick.
I shook my head and walked away before Natalie Ferncliff could answer. I spent the rest of the walk home trying to see things from Rose’s perspective. Matthew Duggan was a nice man, but he was old, by our standards. He was forty, but his work and the strain of raising three boys without a wife made him look years older. His blonde hair had turned all white and around the edges of his blue eyes, you could catch a glimpse of what made him attractive twenty years ago. Now he just looked old and tired. Maybe Rose was right. There was a big world out there with much to be seen and done. As I was contemplating Rose’s plan, I came upon the house, noting that Mr. Curtis’ carriage was already parked out front. I slipped in the back door so as not to interrupt the meeting. Mama spotted me as she was bringing coffee from the kitchen.
“Eden, I’m so glad you are here. Mr. Curtis needs you to witness a document.”
I followed her into the dining room and smiled when I saw Mr. Curtis.
“Ah, there you are Eden. We need you to witness this document if you don’t mind.”
I walked over to the table and looked at the paper. Papa put his hand over the printing as he signed the bottom then handed the pen to me. I looked at Mr. Curtis.
“Don’t I have to read what I am a witness to?” I asked innocently.
Mr. Curtis smiled. “Someone has been paying attention,” he said with pride. “Yes of course. Liam, let Eden read the document she is signing her name to.”
Papa lifted his hand and I looked at the document; it was a marriage contract for Rose to marry Matthew. I looked at Mr. Curtis than at papa.
“Papa I can’t sign this. I mean I will not sign this,” I said shakily.
He looked at me with shock that turned quickly to anger. “Eden Ciara O’Bannon, you dare to disobey me?”
I looked at him and for the first time in my life I stood up to papa. “I’m sorry papa, I just can’t do this. I can’t sign something like that. It’s not what Rose wants.’’
I ran up the stairs and to my room and closed the door. I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t condemn Rose to a life with a man she didn’t love. There was a tap on the door and I heard mama’s voice.
“Eden? Eden? Are you alright?”
I slowly made my way to the door and opened it. Mama could see I was crying as she put her arm around and walked back into the room.
“Why don’t we just sit down and talk about this?” she suggested.
“Mama there’s nothing to talk about. I will not sign that paper,” I said, defying my parents for the second time today.
“But why? It’s for your sister’s happiness, for her future.”
I looked at my mama. I couldn’t understand how she could agree
to something like this.
“Mama, don’t you understand Rose wants a different future? She wants a young man that she chooses to enjoy life with, she wants the romance, the shared interests. Can’t you understand?”
Mama looked at me and offered a small smile. “I do understand Eden. I know all those feelings and longings; I had them once myself. I was much like Rose at that age. I was in love with a handsome young man-“ she stopped when she saw the shock on my face.
“But what happened? Why didn’t you marry him?” I finally found my voice to ask.
“Well his family didn’t approve of me and had him sent back to England.”
“Oh,” was all I could think to say. All of my life I never saw my parents as being anything but just that: my parents. Of course, they’d been young once too. Maybe mama did understand.
“I heard later that he married the daughter of a lord as his parents had wished.” There was a sadness in her eyes and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. I knew in my heart that had made a happy life with papa but what if she could’ve chosen something different for herself? “Mama we all have to make our own choices,” I said softly.
She put her hand gently on my cheek. “I know dear but you also have to have to trust that we are doing the right thing for both you and Rose.”
She gently kissed my forehead. “You’ll understand when it’s your turn.”
She left the room and I just stood there in shock. What did she mean when it was my turn? Suddenly that mail order bride newspaper didn’t sound so bad. I walked over to the window and looked out. The days were getting longer and the bells of Saint John’s were ringing the eight o’clock hour. Was I destined to also be given in marriage to a man who papa felt worthy? I began to see why Rose did what she did and almost wished I had the nerve to leave like her.
Nothing was said at the supper table that night and though I was allowed to sit with my family, papa wouldn’t look at me. For the first time in my life I felt like a stranger in my own home.
The next evening after I had gotten ready for bed, I sat in my room looking at a copy of Mrs. Stillman’s Mail Order Brides that I had picked up on a whim on my way home from work. There were so many advertisements from men from all over the country seeking wives. I placed the paper under my pillow when a heard a knock on my door.
“Eden?” Rose called.
I had to tell her what papa was up to. I opened the door and pulled her into my room.
“Does anyone know you’re up here?” I whispered.
“Don’t be silly Eden, no one cares.”
I looked at her. “You didn’t hear about what happened earlier this evening did you?”
“Oh that, mama said you and papa had an argument. Though I admit it’s a bit unusual for you, it doesn’t seem like anything to worry about,” she said dismissively.
“An argument? Oh Rose he wanted me to sign and witness the marriage contract for you and Matthew Duggan. It was set to be given to you as a birthday gift.”
The smile left her face as she looked at me.
“I was afraid he would do something like this. Eden I need your to do me a favor.”
“If I can, I will,” I promised.
“I need you to send a wire first thing in the morning to Jason. Tell him I am leaving tomorrow for Colorado.”
“Leaving tomorrow?” I said, taken aback.
“I have to do it now Eden, the longer I stay here, the closer I get to being sold off like a head of cattle. ”
I didn’t know what to say. Rose was leaving tomorrow and I’d probably never see her again. I was filled with sorrow and regret.
“Oh I wish there was another way Rose,” I said, though I knew there wasn’t.
“There is no other way Eden. I don’t want to leave, but if I stay papa will force me into a marriage I don’t want.”
She was right. I nodded and tears threatened to spill from my eyes. Not only was I going to miss my sister, but I knew my turn to be married off would come sooner than later.
“I’ll miss you Eden, but I promise I’ll send for you as soon as Jason and I have settled .I won’t let papa do the same thing to you,” she said as if reading my thoughts.
She hugged me as we both started to cry. We knew this would be the last time we would see each other for who knows how long. Within a few minutes she slipped out the door and off to her room.
Early the next morning I sent the wire knowing I would not see Rose that evening at supper. Papa looked for her but to no avail. He asked me to tell him where she was but I claimed to know nothing. I wouldn’t let him drag her back. A few months later, Rose sent word to me that she and Jason were married and I asked her to let mama and papa know for mama’s sake. A week later a letter came for them with no return address.
Dear Mom and Papa,
I’m sorry if I caused you to worry but I just couldn’t marry Matthew. I wanted to see more of life than New York. I hope you can forgive me and know I love you both. Give my love to Eden and tell her I miss her. Love, Rose
Mama looked at papa, her eyes filling with tears. “You drove her away Liam! You and your old fashioned ways!”
Papa looked at her, stunned. Never in their twenty five years of marriage had she ever raised her voice to him.
“Eden go to your room,” he said softly.
I looked at him and mama shouted, “You’ll lose this one next Liam. And if that happens, I’ll leave too!”
On my way to work the next morning I stopped at the post office and checked my box. There was a letter in it from Rose I rushed out of the post office and sat on the nearby bench. I began to read the letter, hungry for information on my sister.
Dear Eden,
I hope you are well. I’m doing fine and wanted to tell you that you are going to be an aunt. I would love to have you come out and stay with me until the baby comes. If you can make the arrangements, it would be a great comfort to me. I know it’s a lot to ask and if you can’t I’ll understand. I miss you my dear sister.
Love, Rose
Rose was going to have a baby! Now that she was with child, there was no way that papa could force her to come back. That night at supper, I broke the news to my parents.
It took quite a bit of convincing on my part but, papa finally agreed after a few days of lengthy discussions with mama. Within a week, I was ready for my long journey to Colorado. Mama was at the train station to see me off while papa remained at home. As the train pulled away from the station, I settled in near the window and opened a book.
Chapter Three
Eden decided to make a journal of her trip; something she would be able to look back on and enjoy in later years. Sitting in the dining car, she wrote of her journey thus far and felt a pair of eyes on her.
“Excuse me for staring but are you a writer?” a young man asked. “I mean I see you are taking notes.”
“No, I’m just keeping a journal of my visit to my sister in Colorado,” I answered politely.
“That’s a beautiful place,” he says with a smile. “I’ve been there many times.”
“This is my first time away from my home in New York,” I admitted.
“I promise you will enjoy it. May I sit down?” the man asked.
Though I didn’t know this man from Adam, he seemed pleasant enough and we were surrounded by a train car full of people. “Yes, do sit,” I said.
He sat across from me and a waitress came over and smiled. He looked at me. “Would you like to order something?” he asked.
“Just coffee please,” I said to the waitress.
“Two coffees,” he said and the waitress shuffled off to fetch our drinks.
I looked at him, at once eager to know more about him. “Are you from Colorado?” I asked.
I suddenly realized I hadn’t even introduced myself to him. I extended my hand and said, “I’m sorry, I seemed to have forgotten my manners. I’m Eden O’Bannon.”
He gently took my hand in his and the touch of his palm mad
e my nerves hum. “A pleasure to meet you Eden O’Bannon, I’m Clayton Reeves.
“So tell me Miss Eden, where are you from?” he asked.
“From upstate New York. And you Mr. Reeves?”
“I was born in Boston, my grandfather was in the newspaper business. My father married the boss’ daughter and kept the business running after grandfather passed.”
“And are you are following the family business?”
“No, not it that sense. I started my own publishing firm.”
He took out a card from his jacket pocket and handed it to me.
“Reeves Publishing,” I read aloud
“If that journal your writing is half as interesting as I believe it will be, maybe we can make a deal,” he said with a smile.
I looked at my writing tablet then back to him.
“Well that’s very kind of you but I don’t think that anyone would be interested in my ramblings.”
“Oh you’d be surprised Miss Eden.”
The waitress came over with the coffee and I put the journal away.
Clayton looked over at me still smiling. “So tell me, what made a young lady from New York leave the east coast for Colorado?”
“Well as I said, I am going to see my older sister Rose. She’s having a baby in November and asked me to come out and be with her for the birth.”
”And how did Rose come to find herself out west?” he asked, placing his elbows on the table and leaning in to hear more. I shrugged my shoulders and took a sip of my coffee. “She was a mail order bride,” I said matter-of-factly.
“A mail order bride? Now that would be an interesting story,” he mused.
“Mr. Reeves are you fishing for a story?” I asked, trying to mask my disappointment. Clayton was a very attractive man and I’d been hoping that his interest was in me. Not wanting to put myself through any more humiliation, I stood and excused myself, feigning exhaustion.
After six days on the train, the last leg of my trip to Colorado was to be by stagecoach. During those next few days, I made the acquaintance of a Mrs. Clara Palmer. She was a delightful lady of eighty years who had more vitality than some women half her age. I enjoyed her company immensely and told her the story of my travels. It was late afternoon when the stagecoach arrived in Colorado Springs. I stepped off the coach and heard my name.
