Mail Order Celeste

by Elissa Strati

  While Henry had been talking Miranda's scattered thoughts had coalesced and she now knew exactly what actions she planned to take next. Nodding decisively she reached out her hand and poured herself a cup of tea.

  “Why don't you grab a cup for yourself and come back so we can talk while I eat these delicious sandwiches you've prepared for me. There seems to be enough for you to enjoy as well. We have plans to make, and need nourishment!”

  Henry gave a stiff bow and left the room as quickly as propriety would allow, while Miranda sat down at her dressing table, leaving the chair for Henry upon his return. Her first step must be to go to the bank and get a letter of credit to give to the bank at Green River. She would also take a draft of enough to cover her train fare, which would be quite dear, she knew, because of the distance involved. She would also need pin money for meals and necessities along the way. She might regret the expenditure later, but planned to travel in one of the Pullman cars as far as she could, since she was having to travel alone. Sally, the maid she and Celeste had shared for so many years, had been one of the first economies their new stepmother had incorporated to cement her hand on the reins of the household.

  “I see no need for a grown woman to have someone waiting on her hand and foot when she is not even contributing to the household,” Harriet had declared

  Although she had originally planned to ask Sally to travel with her out west, Miranda had been unsure, at that stage in her correspondence, whether a proposal would, in fact, be forthcoming, so had not yet made her plans. Instead, Miranda had helped Sally find a new position that was very much to her satisfaction.

  Miranda’s friend Penelope had been thrilled to have the chance to engage Sally, whom she’d also known and adored since childhood. Penelope and her husband had recently welcomed their first child and Penelope had complained to Miranda that her present maid wanted nothing to do with the child and was becoming quite careless. Sally had been equally delighted to have the opportunity to care for a baby again.

  And traveling without Sally brought up the question of the train schedule. She would want to find the most direct route to Green River and with all the new railroads opening, schedules changed frequently. Henry had slipped back into the room and looked uncomfortable at the thought of sitting with his mistress, now that she was grown up. She and Celeste had sat in the kitchen with Henry and Mrs. Flowers many a time in their childhoods, but as they grew up more formal manners prevailed.

  “Oh, Henry, do grab a sandwich and some tea—may I pour for you?” He handed her the cup and she proceeded to fill it, surprising him by remembering he took one teaspoon of sugar but neither lemon nor milk.

  “Henry, please do not stand on ceremony. You have been like an uncle to me my whole life. We need to make plans and you cannot eat standing up. What are your plans now?”

  He looked down at his shoes then up at her, tears in his eyes.

  “Miss Miranda, I should have been retired several years ago, but only remained for you and your sister once your mother died. Mr. Belden has always been generous to me, but the devotion in this household has always been to you ladies. I have put aside enough for my retirement and plan to live with my sister and nephew in the country.”

  Suddenly he was blushing furiously.

  “Mrs. Flowers has agreed to marry me, and we will have our own cottage on my nephew's farm. My son has also offered to have us stay with him, and we certainly plan to visit, but James is homesteading and I'm afraid I'm somewhat spoiled by the amenities here in the east.”

  Sparkles of happy tears brightened Miranda's eyes and she exclaimed in pleasure.

  “In fact, we were hoping you would return now so you could witness our wedding before you leave. He glanced meaningfully at the trunk and boxes which were tucked somewhat out of sight behind the wardrobe.”

  “It does not appear as if Harriet got in to my room while I was gone?” she said questioningly.

  “No, Miss,” replied Henry. “Mrs. Flowers suggested Sally must have gone off with the extra key and promised to reacquire it before Madame returned. Of course that was before she’d been dismissed as well.

  “If you look through the house you may find one or two articles missing that Mrs. Flowers and I took the liberty of putting aside for you and your sister, knowing they were of no interest to your father but had been treasured by your mother. Your father is aware of this—it was with his approval. In fact, it was his suggestion.”

  They had both been eating as they talked and had finished everything on the tray, to Miranda's surprise. It made her sad to think this was the last time she might have a chance to take tea with her dear Henry.

  “How much time do I have?” asked Miranda.

  “They just left this morning, so at least until tomorrow evening but perhaps a day or two longer.”

  “Then I must find out how quickly I can be aboard a train to take me west.”

  Her mind jumped to the reason her sister had fled.

  “I cannot believe the audacity of that woman to strike someone else's child!”

  “Yes, the mark of her hand was plain on little Samantha's cheek, but the sweet baby did not even make a sound. I was relieved Miss Celeste had the means to escape so rapidly. In fact, I have the train schedule here that we used to arrange your sister's transport.”

  “Oh, you must have been reading my thoughts! Have you a suggestion on which I should take?”

  “I would say the latest you should safely take is this one which leaves mid-afternoon tomorrow. It is the same one your sister took as it has the most direct connections. That will give you time to do any shopping or banking you need to and perhaps even to visit one or two of your friends to say goodbye.”

  He added shyly, “I'm hoping that will also give you the opportunity to join us tomorrow morning to witness our wedding, and join us in a light repast before you depart. I was quite relieved to discover that you had arrived on today’s morning train!”

  “I begin to regret spending the extra days with Amy, but knowing now that I probably won't ever see her again I am just as glad that I spent the time with her, although it cuts my remaining time here so short. I guess the first thing we must do is go to the bank. Then we can go to the train station—I am presuming on you. Are you free to join me?”

  “In fact, your father specifically entrusted you to my care. I know you have not had the opportunity to read his letter yet and might wish to do so now before we begin our errands.”

  The Letter

  Henry rose and, gathering the dishes, took the tray back to the kitchen. Miranda removed the letter opener from the drawer of her writing desk. She patted the desk lightly. She would miss this little piece of furniture. It had been her mother’s. She must remember to pack its contents, at least.

  ~~~

  My dearest, darling daughter, Miranda,

  It is with heavy heart that I pen this letter. Henry was kind enough to explain why your sister departed so abruptly. Frankly, I am appalled and, had I known, I would have funded her trip happily.

  I regret I had no idea exactly what was going on in this household, under my nose. I wish I could explain to you both what is happening in our lives, but I am constrained by other circumstances to keep my counsel at this time.

  You have made me aware that you are corresponding with a gentleman with the object of possible matrimony. I learned from Henry that you are now affianced, and wish you my very best. If for any reason things do not work out for you, do not hesitate to contact me through Henry or at my club. In fact, please do so if you need anything at all.

  Please know that it breaks my heart that I will not be there to meet, approve, and present you to your new groom. I can only hope that he will make you happy and treat you like the princess you are.

  You may not be aware that your mother had her own income from her grandfather's estate, and maintained the control of it under the terms of his will. Upon her death, you and your sister became the beneficiaries of this compete
nce. I will have our solicitor contact you in Green River once you are settled, to discuss the terms of the bequest. However, I strongly urge you not to share with your husband the news of your inheritance until you have been married for at least a year and are convinced he is all that you hoped him to be. Should things not work out, then leave him and come back home. You will always be welcome, even if I am not able to keep you in your own home at this time.

  Things escalated too rapidly for me to be able to discuss with you in person what I could share, and now it is just as well that we did not talk as I am convinced I could not have kept this secret which is not my own. I must again apologize for being so mysterious, and pray that you will not discuss this with anyone, other than your sister.

  I have enclosed a draft for the two of you which may help get you settled into new homes, especially should you choose not to marry at once. I encourage you to go west and meet the gentleman, but not necessarily marry him right away. I have made enquiries and your young man is of good character, as is his brother.

  Although not as sophisticated as an eastern city, Green River is held to be a very tolerable town with an excellent location and good climate. It is a good place for you to be at this time.

  Write me at my club should you need anything and to let me know how you and Celeste fare. I miss you already but wish every happiness for you both.

  Your loving father,

  William Samuel Belden

  ~~~

  The enclosed bank draft was for $1,000. Miranda sat in shock both at the size of the check and all the mystery hinted at in her father's letter. She could not imagine what on earth could be going on now that required such secrecy, but recalled that he had been involved in highly confidential matters during the war.

  She remembered him standing stiffly in his uniform as he kissed them goodbye. After he came home she had heard him still referred to as “Colonel” on several occasions. Her mother had cautioned her never to speak of the gentlemen who came to visit her father, nor of any of the details she may have inadvertently overheard. She had been too concerned with her mother’s health at the time for most of them to mean anything to her, but looking back she realized some of the people who visited were less than savory.

  No wonder he had encouraged his girls to practice self-defense! And she’d thought it was just because Celeste was having to travel unescorted through the city. Besides, despite Mother’s illness, they’d had a wonderful time and become closer than ever before.

  This was all so baffling, but nothing in his letter indicated he was not going to stay married to Harriet, the harridan who was making life a hell for everyone. In fact, her papa was encouraging her to leave.

  Miranda had always loved her father, although he had become somewhat distant over the years, and she decided to trust his advice. She looked up as Henry returned to the room. Indicating the letter, she asked, “Did he share any of this with you?”

  An odd look flashed across Henry's face before it returned to his normally passive mien.

  “I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to say, Miss,” he replied stoically.

  Startled at the response she looked upon Henry with a new respect. He clearly knew a great deal more than he was letting on.

  “You are fortunate that it is I and not my sister to whom you are saying that.”

  Henry’s sudden grin lit up the room. “You don’t know how relieved I am that it is so,” he agreed.

  CHAPTER 3 – Chip

  Get Me to the Church

  “I have to tell you honestly, I was a lot worried about who was going to be stepping off that train, considering my brother really liked her. I love my brother but he and I are not quite of the same mindset when it comes to women. And he is quite taken with your sister.”

  Chip grinned broadly, adding, “And I think I would like to see him taken by your sister. After all, you just said that your sister was in love with the man in the letters. That certainly was not me. But here I am still in need of a wife and here you are, in need of a home. So, what do you say? Will you marry me? We're here at the church so you might as well.”

  So intent had Celeste been on the conversation, that she had not paid much attention to the surrounding as they had driven through. She had an impression of broad, dusty streets, a number of storefronts giving way to houses, and now a reasonably-sized wooden church which stood in front of her.

  A tall man, from his appearance probably Chip’s brother, came hurrying over to them, his eyes on Samantha. His face had a worried look.

  “Are you sure this is the right woman?” he asked his brother.

  “Actually,” drawled Chip, and paused to phrase his response.

  “No! No I am not the ‘right woman,’” replied Celeste. “That is what I've been trying to tell your brother the whole way over here. It is my sister who was to come as his betrothed. And it is my sister whose letters I have transcribed for you!” she snapped, and she glared at the man staring at her.

  “I have it on Chip’s authority that you wrote all those letters to my sister, and, having talked with him, I believe him fully. Miranda is expecting the man who wrote to her, not this slick charmer sitting next to me.”

  “Vixen,” Chip laughed heartily and snuck his arm around Celeste’s waist, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Brother, you did it. This is the woman I want to marry. You may have her sister.”

  “But,” he sputtered, “I am not looking for a bride!”

  “Well it seems you will have one, as she is likely arriving on the next train.”

  A man clad in a suit came out in time to hear the end of the conversation. Carefully schooling his face to remain neutral, he strode over and offered a hand to Celeste.

  “How do you do,” he said. “I am Reverend Joseph Adam Richardson of the Green River Church; most people around here just call me Pastor Joe and I'd be honored if you would do the same. Welcome to Green River!

  “Perhaps you would like to come in and refresh yourself? My wife has been waiting to meet you and give you an opportunity to rest for a few minutes and perhaps change into a wedding gown. We have had a few mail order brides join us over the past several years.

  “After you've had an opportunity to refresh yourself, perhaps we can sit and talk for a few minutes to be sure this is what you really wish to do, since marriage is a very large step.”

  At last, thought Celeste, the voice of reason!

  Voices of Reason

  “How do you do,” she replied. “I am Mrs. Clark. I’m afraid you were all expecting my sister, Miranda Belden, whom I expect to arrive within a day or two. I hesitate to ask your wife to put herself out, but I would be most grateful for some water and a chance to attend to my daughter.”

  Reverend Joe was near enough to understand Celeste was referring to the odor emanating from Samantha, who clearly needed her diapers changed. He laughed and reached up to take the child, whom Celeste surrendered to him. Meanwhile, Chip had hopped down from the other side of the buggy, handed the reins to his brother, and come around ready to assist Celeste in her descent.

  Mrs. Richardson had been standing just inside the door of the church and now came out to take the child from her husband.

  “My dear,” she said, “you come with me back to the house and we will let the gentleman sort things out on this end while we take care of this beautiful little moppet and get you some refreshment as well.”

  She hustled Celeste and Samantha away so rapidly, that full introductions had not been performed, and Sylvester Hardwick was still shaking his head, unsure what had just happened, and what on earth was going on. The woman to whom he had written had a calm and orderly mind, and hadn’t seemed temperamental or excitable in the least!

  He clung to this thought, hoping things would straighten themselves out quickly. Chip finished hitching the horse to the rail and started to follow the men back to Pastor Joe's office.

  Celeste followed the pastor's wife, totally bemused by the events of the last few minutes, b
ut most especially by that side hug and kiss on her cheek. Even as an affectionate rather than romantic gesture, she could still feel the tingle on her face and ribs where he had touched her. And of the warmth of his hand as he had assisted her down from the carriage.

  She vaguely remember those feelings from when her husband had been courting her and even into her marriage, although as he apparently made one bad investment after another, it seemed he became more consumed in business and less attentive to her. From what her friends said, this decrease in affection was not uncommon by the second year of marriage, but she had missed the warm closeness of their first year, and his loving attentiveness while she was expecting Samantha.

  Aware he was disappointed that their first child was not a son, her own rapture with motherhood must have hidden from her his gradually cooling affections. But she didn't have time to dwell on that right now. Too much was happening all around her.

  They had only moved a few steps when she called out, “I will need my valise. It has Samantha's supplies in it.”

  Nodding briskly at her husband, Mrs. Richardson said, “See that it is brought to me, please.”

  The pastor smiled and said to his lovely wife, “It will be with you in a trice, my dear.”

  Then he looked at Chip, who grinned and grabbed not just the bag but the baby buggy, following the women into the house. They hurried into the kitchen and on through, into the hall, and into a small bedroom. Handing Samantha back to Celeste, Mrs. Richardson said, “Hold tight and I will be right back with some towels,” and dashed off to get them.

  Laying several of them on the bed she then indicated with a nod that this was where the child could be changed. Chip set the bag down on the floor where Mrs. Richardson pointed, parking the buggy next to it, and then left in compliance with her hands which were making shooing motions for him to leave.