The Golden Bride

by Kimberley Woodhouse

  “May I?” The huskiness of his voice made her heart skip.

  She gave him a slight nod, not entirely sure that she understood what he was asking, but she hoped it—

  “Olivia.” He whispered her name and put his arms around her waist. Then time stood still as he captured her lips with his own.

  Never in all her years had she felt such fire inside of her and a longing for more.

  Joseph pulled back and put his forehead to hers. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now.”

  Heat filled her face. “I’m glad you did.”

  He stepped back a pace and took her hand in his. “I must be honest with you, Olivia. I’d like nothing more than to kiss you again, but I shall refer to the manners of a gentleman and ask you to accompany me on a walk instead. Shall we?”

  Thankful for his good judgment, Olivia smiled. “I’d love to.”

  As he led her down the hill, she couldn’t keep the smile from her face. She wanted him to kiss her again. And soon.

  The afternoon had been so absolutely perfect, Olivia felt like she was floating. It didn’t even matter that her new boots needed breaking in and her feet were sore. It didn’t matter that she needed to do a million things tomorrow. It didn’t even matter that horrible things were going on in their city. Tonight she just wanted to revel in the feeling of … love. Yes, she was in love. She put a finger to her lips. When Joseph had kissed her, she thought she was on her way to heaven.

  Sitting on the settee in their parlor, she unhooked her new boots, and memories of the day washed over her. She’d felt a little guilty at first because she’d never found much pleasure in marital intimacy with Hezekiah. She didn’t even feel much excitement when he kissed her, they’d gotten married so fast. But she figured that would come with time.

  Now she knew it was very different than what she’d imagined. Something had been ignited within her, and it made her heart feel like it might burst. Now that she had a taste of love, she longed to get married again. Everything seemed so much brighter now. She couldn’t wait to see Joseph again. And to be honest, she couldn’t wait until he kissed her again, a thought that followed her around and made her blush.

  With a sigh, she went to her room to put away her new bonnet, shawl, and boots and to change out of her new dress. Joseph had complimented her several times, and it made her feel like she was a queen.

  Pulling her nightdress over her head, she decided to snuggle in her bed with her mother’s journal. It would be a couple of hours before Daniel was done in the restaurant. That would give her a lot of time to soak in her mother’s words. She’d only had the chance to read a few entries before now, and she longed for more. Instead of hurting her heart—which she had expected because it would remind her of the loss of Mama—the journal had helped to bring her healing. It made her feel like she’d gotten to know her mother just a little better, and she felt connected to her in a way she hadn’t before.

  She opened the leather-bound book and picked up at her bookmark.

  March 28, 1829

  Our beautiful baby girl was born yesterday. God has so greatly blessed us. For so many years, I thought I wouldn’t be able to have more children, and then we were given a precious daughter. I spent most of yesterday sleeping (as the birth wore me out) and, when I was awake, praying over this new gift from God. We don’t live in easy times, and life out here is especially hard. There aren’t many white people and certainly no other children. The Mexicans are good people but shy away from us still after all these years. But Daniel has already claimed protection over his baby sister. He loves to hold her and talk to her. I pray that they have a close relationship.

  Horatio is out visiting some of the sick in the village today. His face when he’d discovered I’d delivered a girl was one of pure joy. He looked so out of place—his big hulking frame holding our tiny little baby—but it also looked so right. I love that man so much. I pray every day for each of our children’s future spouses. That they would know true love like their father and me. And that they would wish to serve the Lord with all their hearts.

  I’m still quite weary and need to feed our little one. Prayerfully, tomorrow we will settle on a name for our little princess.

  Olivia set the book down in her lap. Her parents had always shown her love—they’d been so very dear to her—but reading Mama’s words that were all about her at the beginning of life … it made her want to cry.

  “Oh, Mama. I miss you.” She closed her eyes and talked to the room. “I wish you were here to talk to about so many things. I wish you could be here to see me get married and to have children. You would have made the best grandmother.” The thought made Olivia smile. “But I’m sure Daniel will be a wonderful uncle someday.”

  She wished she could thank her mother for saving the precious treasures in the box. Especially the journals. Nothing could ever replace such prized documents. She’d learned so much about herself and her relationship with God while she’d read the testimonies on the pages.

  Closing the book, she sat up on the edge of the bed and threw the covers off. She couldn’t allow the legacy to die. She should go to the mercantile tomorrow and purchase her own journal and start recording her thoughts about what she was learning, just like Mary Elizabeth and Faith. She could write about all that she’d already been through and how she’d overcome her negativity and fear. As the days went on, she could write about her own family and how God saw them through the tough times.

  Impassioned with her new challenge, thoughts raced through her mind. Why should she wait? She went to the desk and pulled out a piece of paper. Dipping her quill into the inkwell, she wanted to get all her thoughts and feelings from the day recorded so one day future generations could read about Olivia Livingston Brighton and Joseph Sawyer.

  The man sat at his desk and watched Banister enter the room. He steepled his fingers and waited for George to approach.

  “Good evening, sir.”

  “And to you, Banister.”

  “You sent for me?”

  “Indeed.” He stood. “I think that very soon it will be time for me to reveal myself as the great benefactor of the city.”

  Banister raised an eyebrow.

  “I’ve commissioned two grand hotels to be built and also a very stately brick building that I will eventually donate to be used as the city hall. Let’s keep my identity a secret for right now, but we can get the word out about how I (the anonymous patron) want to see the very best for our city and think it’s only reasonable to help establish good and decent businesses all the while supporting the needs of our government. I’ll even pay for substantial ads to be placed in the large newspapers across the country, inviting good and decent folk to come to San Francisco and build businesses. What if we were to offer … let’s say fifty dollars to each businessman to come here and start up a legitimate business that I approve? We need banks, we need laundries, we need hotels, restaurants, lumberyards, mills, dairies, grocers, you name it.”

  “That’s extremely generous, sir.” Banister nodded. “And would make you even more of a mystery and fascination for the people. Everyone will want to know who the benefactor is. They’ll all worship this man before they even know who he is.” A slow smile spread across his face. “It’s a genius plan.”

  “And let’s not forget it will show my heart for making this city great. All the while, we have three other buildings being built to help accommodate our other businesses. No one will be the wiser.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  “Then, when the time is right, I’ll show myself—humbly of course—and perhaps even become a senator once California gains her statehood. I can be beloved in the people’s eyes. Doing good at every turn. There will be no need for anyone to suspect anything else.”

  Joseph sat back in the carriage and thought back on the day. He didn’t want to wait any longer. Why couldn’t he just declare himself to Olivia? He shook his head and chuckled to himself. Probably because it would scare her
away. It had taken months for them to get to this place. And just because he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with this woman didn’t mean that she felt the same way. Yet.

  That’s why they always said that patience was a virtue. Whoever they were. He’d heard it quoted hundreds of times. Maybe he should pray for it, because patience was not his strong suit.

  The carriage rocked over the rough road, but Joseph didn’t mind. The driver was going to drop him off at home, where he planned to write Olivia a letter. Maybe over time, he could woo her with not only his presence but with his words. Daniel was already quite supportive of the relationship, and Joseph hoped that by this time next year he could be married. When his new house was finished, he’d show it to her and get her input on furniture and decorations. He wanted her involved in every area of his life. It was so exciting to be in love!

  The carriage rolled to a stop and he hopped out. “Thanks, James.”

  The driver waved and turned the carriage back into town. Pretty soon Joseph needed to purchase one of his own because he hoped to be able to take Olivia out more often.

  He took the steps two at a time up to his door, but then his heart sank as he went to put the key into the lock. Another note was tacked to the door. Joseph closed his eyes as he tore it down. Perhaps it wasn’t what he feared. But as he opened the paper, his heart sank:

  Told you to watch your back.

  You didn’t listen.

  Now you have a decision to make.

  Or we’ll go after the pretty little waitress.

  Wadding up the paper in his hands, Joseph wanted to hit something. Who was threatening him? George? His employer? Someone else?

  There was no question that he’d messed up somewhere. And now he’d put Olivia at risk. What was he supposed to do? Put her in danger by continuing to court her? Or stay away and risk hurting her and their tenuous relationship? His gut told him that this could very well be the end of his dreams. Normally, a man who didn’t scare, Joseph didn’t like idle threats. But this time was different. This time they’d involved Olivia.

  He unlocked his door and stormed in. One thing was certain, he needed to change his disguise. Perhaps even rent a room somewhere else so that when he was done watching the happenings on Pacific Street, he could return there.

  As he mulled over all his options, Joseph couldn’t bear the thought of not spending time with Olivia anymore. But he also didn’t want her in danger because of him. Then again, if he wasn’t around her, he couldn’t protect her. Maybe he needed to let Daniel know so that they could figure out a plan.

  And the police. Joseph should bring the note to the police captain. Nodding, he hoped he was making the correct decision.

  Lord, I need Your wisdom and guidance because I have no idea what to do. I love Olivia, and I don’t want her hurt. But I also know more is at stake. We don’t know how many lives are in danger. Help us to figure this out. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

  After he’d sent a note to Daniel, Joseph went to the barn behind the restaurant and waited for his friend. It didn’t take long for Daniel to appear, and Joseph told him everything about the notes and his concern for Olivia.

  “Has anything else happened other than the notes?” His friend crossed his arms over his chest and paced the floor.

  “No.”

  “So no action has been taken on them?”

  “No. Not yet.”

  “Do you have any idea who would write them?”

  “It’s not George, even though he would be my first guess. He’s never seen me when I’ve been following him. And I know George’s handwriting from the city council meetings.” He pointed to the wrinkled paper in his hand. “This isn’t it, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t someone who’s working for him. Like that big man who basically accused me of snooping that night in the alley.” He sat on a bale of hay. “Should we tell Olivia?”

  Daniel shook his head. “I’m not the best person to be giving advice, because she’s my sister and my first instinct is to lock her up so she can’t be hurt. We both know that I can’t do that. I think our best bet for right now is to continue as normal, but one of us should try to always have an eye on Olivia. She already never leaves the building without one of us and is well aware of the dangers of San Francisco. I don’t think it would change what she’d be doing anyway. The only difference I can think of is in the dining room. I don’t often keep track of her in there when it’s so busy. If you don’t mind spending more time here during meal times, that might help us protect her.”

  “I can do that. I want to spend more time with her anyway.” Joseph nodded. “And in the meantime, I’ve already decided to rent a room somewhere else. I’ll change my disguise and be more careful. I’m going to take the notes to Captain Fallon and see what we can do. But the man’s hands are probably too tied up with everything else he has to deal with. Crime is rampant across the city, as you well know.”

  Daniel let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry that all this is happening. I wish we could just snap our fingers and clean up the mess in this town, but we can’t. And I know you’ll do your best to protect Olivia. I will too. But we also know there are a lot of other lives at stake.” He ran a hand through his hair. “This scares me, though. It makes me worry for my sister and for you.”

  “But God is bigger than all this. We know that. I have to keep telling myself that. Otherwise, I’d be on the next ship out of here. I just couldn’t bear for anything to happen to Olivia.”

  “I know you care for her, Joseph. That makes me happy, and it also helps me feel a bit safer, because at least two of us are working to keep her safe.”

  “I do care for her. A lot. In fact … I love her.”

  Daniel’s eyes widened. Then he walked over and slapped Joseph on the back. “That makes me very happy. Now don’t let me down. And don’t let anything happen to my sister. I’m relying on you.”

  Olivia walked toward a table where an absolutely stunning woman sat. Her pink dress was made from shiny satin and was covered in ruffles of lace and other frills that Olivia had never seen. The matching hat was a masterpiece all its own.

  Feeling a bit frumpy in her worn day dress and apron, Olivia smoothed the skirt and headed for the table to take the woman’s order. It had been ages since she’d been around another woman.

  Charlie thrust a hand toward her as she passed. When she stopped, he motioned her close. “Don’t you know who she is?” His whispered words were raspy and harsh.

  Olivia frowned. “No. Should I?”

  “She’s a madam! You can’t go near her. She shouldn’t even be in here.”

  Olivia felt her eyebrows rise at the revelation, but Charlie could be wrong, couldn’t he? “She’s a customer, and I don’t know anything about her occupation. I think I should give her the benefit of the doubt, don’t you?”

  Charlie crossed his arms over his chest. “No, I don’t.”

  “How do you know who or what she does anyway?”

  He sputtered for a moment and then narrowed his eyes. “Everybody knows who she is. I was just trying to warn ya. I wouldn’t want yer reputation sullied.”

  She softened her expression and gave him a smile. “I appreciate you looking out for me, Charlie, but I don’t think it’s a problem. We don’t judge our customers.” She patted his arm and walked away.

  “Maybe you should.” His muttered words followed her.

  While she’d never had to deal with anyone of that profession before, this wasn’t exactly a situation that she’d ever discussed with Daniel. What would he think about this? He had gone to check on the restaurant that was under construction, and she wished he would hurry back. Not that she was worried about handling the situation, but she couldn’t stand to think that she might bring embarrassment to him by not doing it correctly. Would they lose customers if they served this woman? Of course, the rules of society didn’t matter much in San Francisco. People did pretty much as they pleased.

  Olivia shot
a prayer heavenward. It didn’t matter what people thought. She was supposed to love her neighbor as herself. Jesus commanded it. The best thing she could do right now was treat this woman with respect and show her God’s love. With a nod to bolster herself, she walked straight up to the table and pasted on a smile. “Good morning. What can I get you today? Our special is roast beef.”

  The masterpiece of a hat lifted, and Olivia noticed red-rimmed eyes. Her heart ached for this woman—whoever she was.

  “I’ll take the special. And some coffee, please.” She lowered her head back down.

  “Of course. I’ll be right back.” All the way to the kitchen, she debated what she should do. The woman was obviously troubled. And if Charlie was correct and the woman was … well … an actual madam, then what could Olivia possibly do to help her? She knew nothing of that world.

  When she had the woman’s plate in hand, she grabbed a coffee pot and went back to serve her. “Here we are.” She placed the food in front of the guest and poured a cup of coffee. As she stood there, she searched for words to say. “I’m Olivia,” she blurted out.

  Those red-rimmed eyes looked up at her. A slight smile lifted the woman’s lips. “I’m Julia.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Julia. Can I get you anything else? Perhaps a piece of pie?”

  Julia blinked several times. “I’m fine for now. But thank you.”

  “Are you sure? We make the best pies in the city.” For some reason, she felt she couldn’t leave just yet. But how did she keep the woman talking?

  “I’ve heard that.” Julia looked down to her plate and then back up. “Apple pie would be lovely. Thank you.”

  Not knowing what else to do, Olivia went back to the kitchen to fetch the pie. Plenty of other tables needed her attention, but she felt such a prodding to speak to Julia, and she had no idea why. Grabbing a plate of apple pie, she headed back toward the dining room. Lord, help me, because I don’t know what I’m doing, but I definitely feel You’re nudging me.