Molly's Heart

by Marianne Spitzer

  Jenny rolled her eyes behind Mrs. Willoughby’s back. “Yes, ma’am, the sandwiches are made, and the cookies are on the dining room table. I used your grandmother’s plate exactly the way you asked. Everything is ready.”

  “I want you to check everything again. I want more than ready; I want perfect. This meeting is crucial.”

  “Aren’t they all?” Jenny mumbled under her breath.

  Alberta Willoughby, ignoring her housekeeper, fluttered around the house checking for dust, out of place bric-a-brac, and scuffs on the floor. Standing with her hands on her hips, she shrugged and said, “I suppose this is the best I can expect from hired help.”

  Jenny, hearing her employer’s remark, signed and said a silent prayer for strength. If not for the excellent salary Mr. Willoughby paid her, she would tell the nasty woman what she thought of her. She whispered a second prayer asking for forgiveness for having unkind thoughts. She breathed a sigh of relief when a visitor knocked on the front door. Visitors always changed Mrs. Willoughby’s personality from harsh to near pleasant.

  Jenny opened the front door and invited Henrietta and Eloise into the parlor after taking their coats. “Please have a seat. Mrs. Willoughby will be here momentarily. May I get you some tea?”

  “No thank you,” Henrietta and Eloise said at the same time. Henrietta added, “We’ll wait for the others.”

  “Very good.” Jenny hurried out of the room when she heard another knock at the door. Within minutes, the rest of the guests arrived. Rachel Reynolds, Minnie Masters, and Edna Karson joined Henrietta and Eloise in the parlor. Alberta breezed into the room her purple skirts swishing around her.

  “Thank you for coming today, Ladies. I have tea, coffee, sandwiches, and cookies. Please, come into the dining room and help yourselves to a plate and then we can sit and discuss my idea for improving our town. The five women filled plates and took their cups of tea or coffee back to the parlor and sat while Alberta began her rant.

  “As you all know, I love this town. I was the first to suggest we all work to close the saloon. It seems as if Silas Underwood took care of that matter for us. Word around church yesterday was that he set the kitchen on fire while cooking. Since he is now in jail, I believe we need to focus on another problem facing our town. While Underwood and the saloon are no longer a problem, three women in this town are.”

  Rachel, the pastor’s wife, abhorred gossip and needed to stop Alberta before she involved the other women. “Now, Alberta, I know every woman in this town, and there aren’t any that fit your description. I don’t think you should spread gossip.”

  “It’s not gossip, but fact. Three women who worked for Underwood are now living in this town walking around among the good citizens. Who knows what trouble could start.”

  “Tsk, tsk, it is a terrible situation,” Edna agreed. “What should we do?”

  “We must force them all to leave town. We can march down to the seamstress shop and insist they leave on the next train. I will pay for their tickets. We cannot allow trollops to walk freely next to the good citizens of our town,” Alberta continued.

  “Wait, are you including Molly Sullivan in your accusation? Molly never did anything to warrant being labeled a trollop. I believe you should stop this right now,” Rachel insisted.

  Alberta and Edna continued to voice their opinions while Rachel, Henrietta, and Minnie did their best to stop them. Eloise, the quietest of their group, finally spoke up.

  “Alberta,” Eloise began. “I think you are missing a very important fact here. Molly Sullivan is a decent person. I know her from the seamstress shop. She worked to support herself only playing the piano and singing at Underwood’s. She is friends with Sarah Bowen. Sarah is an upstanding citizen and married to a lawyer. I am sure they are good customers at the bank.”

  Alberta laughed. “What if they are? I can see that Morton listens to our side. I know my husband better than any of you. His customers take second place to me.”

  Eloise’s anger boiled to the surface. “Alberta, I think there is something you’re not considering. Sarah, Molly and Celia Paddon are good friends.”

  “Celia left town. She isn’t part of this discussion.”

  “I believe she should be a part. She left town to marry a rancher in Wyoming. Giles Bowen had the man investigated. He’s one of the richest men in the area. Celia will share that wealth.”

  Alberta grumbled and dropped onto the settee. “Why should I care if Celia is married to a rich man or a poor man? It doesn’t matter here.”

  “I disagree. It matters greatly, and I am sure it will to your husband as well. If I remember what Celia told me, her father and your husband opened the bank together, and her father was the senior partner.”

  “Yes, what of it? He’s dead.”

  “I know, but he did have a controlling interest in the bank. Celia inherited everything from her parents. She is now the senior, although silent, partner in the bank and has controlling interest. Will your husband be happy to hear from her about this? Celia could hire someone to oversee her assets. I don’t believe your husband would like that. I heard he wanted to run for mayor.”

  “Is that a threat,” Alberta spat.

  “Of course not,” Eloise smiled. “I only want you to think about the repercussions of your decision to force Molly and her friends out of town.”

  The ladies all spoke at the same time, and everyone decided it was time to leave. They thanked Alberta for the lovely tea and that they’d see her at the quilting circle.

  The only one to remain behind was Alberta’s best friend, Edna. When the door closed on the last guest, Edna turned to Alberta and asked, “What do we do now?”

  Alberta smiled, “We come up with a new plan. Underwood was our first cause. We’ll continue with him. What does one wear to a trial? You and I will attend the trial on Wednesday morning.”

  Henrietta took Eloise’s arm after leaving the tea and said, “I’m proud of you. I never heard you speak up that way before. Alberta isn’t going to cause any trouble. She may think she can push her husband around at home, but the bank is his life. He’ll keep her in line.”

  “I hope he does. I’m not sure what got into me. I never speak up, but Molly has been good to me. You’re my dearest friend, and she helped save your life. She made wonderful suggestions about my new wardrobe. I worried people might laugh at me when I put away my widow’s dresses, but with Molly’s additions, I looked like a lady.”

  “Of course, you did. You’re always a lady. You took a big step today. The only person that has ever disagreed with Alberta is me. Let’s walk to the shop and let Sarah and Molly know what Alberta had in store for them. She may try and think of something else.”

  “Do you think she can cause trouble for Sarah and Molly? The only woman in town that will blindly follow her is Edna Karson,” Eloise worried.

  “If she does, they have enough friends to help them deal with them. We won’t allow those young women to get hurt.”

  “I remember when the town was more afraid of you than anyone else,” Eloise smiled.

  “They still should be, my dear.” Henrietta laughed.

  ~ * ~

  Ben knocked on Judge Magarey’s office door.

  “Come in, sit, my clerk is having lunch. What have you learned?” The judge said motioning to the chairs near his large wooden desk.

  Ben pulled a chair closer to the judge’s desk and reported, “I rode out to Roy Greiner’s to ask about Boots. Roy hasn’t seen him since before he attempted to break into Mrs. Bowen’s shop. He owns the man a month’s wages. Boots may come back for it. Luke Tremble also works for Roy. I told him he has the authority to arrest Boots. Roy said Boots’ name is Al Smith.”

  “Good. As it stands, Willis is an accomplice to a possible abduction and robbery. Underwood hired Boots and Willis which makes them accomplices in the planning of the abduction. Willis also gave us the information which should be considered. Underwood faces a great deal of time in prison.
”

  “Willis is an idiot. He believes that he and Boots had the right to abduct Miss Lucy and Miss Rose because they belong to Underwood,” Ben suggested.

  “Being stupid is not a defense. He’ll serve a long sentence, too. Depending on what I learn during the trial, I may reduce his sentence. I would like to have this Boots fella here to stand trial. Do what you can to find him.”

  “Sure thing, Judge. I know being an idiot is no excuse for committing a crime, but Willis did tell us about Boots. I heard Underwood try and threaten him to shut up about the crime. By Wednesday, Willis may decide to listen.”

  “I could speak to him here in my office and give him his sentence. If he agrees to tell us about Underwood and Boots, I could go easier on him. With his confession, it will be harder for Underwood and Boots to lie.”

  “Divide and conquer. What if we don’t find Boots?”

  “Underwood still confessed in front of you and me. He’s going to prison. Bring Willis here this afternoon before Underwood can do more harm.”

  Ben stood, “I’ll do that as soon as I make sure Joseph can stay with Underwood. I don’t want him left alone. He has too many friends that might try and break him out. With Luke back at Roy’s, it leaves me a bit thin.”

  “I’ll be here all afternoon, bring him as soon as you can.”

  Ben nodded and walked out of the office closing the door behind him.

  Chapter 11

  Molly and Rose were busy sewing in the back room while Sarah rearranged a few of the readymade dresses in the showroom at the front of the shop when Henrietta and Eloise arrived.

  “Good afternoon, Sarah,” Eloise said. “You missed an interesting tea this afternoon.”

  “I wasn’t invited to tea.”

  “It’s a good thing you weren’t,” Henrietta stated. “It was at Alberta Willoughby’s, and her new cause was to try and force Molly and her houseguests out of town.”

  “That’s terrible. What happened?” Sarah asked.

  “Of all people, Eloise spoke up reminding Alberta that you and Molly are close friends with Celia and Celia owns controlling interest in the bank. It suddenly occurred to Alberta that her husband would not be happy with her if she caused trouble for either of you.”

  Sarah hugged Eloise, “Thank you. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to know I have friends like you.”

  Molly stood in the doorway wiping tears from her eyes. “Thank you for standing up for me, but will the people in town ever accept me?”

  “They already have, my dear,” Henrietta stated. “The only woman there that agreed with Alberta was Edna Karson. She and Alberta have been close friends since they first met. I’d ignore them. They were trying to shut down the saloon, and since it’s gone, they needed a new cause. They will find another.”

  Molly wiped her tears and did her best to smile while fighting her worries.

  Henrietta wrapped her in a hug. “Don’t you worry young lady. People fear me more than Alberta Willoughby, and you are my dear friend. Nothing will change that.”

  Molly’s smile reached her eyes when she looked at her friends. “Thank you, I will do my best.”

  Rose hurried from the back room. “Someone is knocking at the back door. I’m afraid to open it. What if it’s that man who escaped?”

  Henrietta stormed through to the back door and pulled it open. “If you think you’re going to abduct those young women, you have to go through me first.”

  A very surprised Louis Masters raised his eyebrows. “Hello, Henrietta, I’m here to deliver Sarah’s fabric order.”

  “Sorry, Louis. They need to stay safe. I wanted to help.”

  “I understand.” He looked around Henrietta to Sarah and asked. “Where would you like this crate?”

  “Right here,” Sarah showed Louis to a spot near her fabric shelves.

  Louis said his goodbyes to the ladies and stopped just before leaving. “Oh, Molly, I nearly forgot,” he said and pulled a thick envelope from his pocket. “This letter arrived for you this morning.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Masters,” Molly said taking the envelope. When she closed the door behind him, she looked at Rose. “It’s from Mrs. Brutherington.”

  Rose clapped her hands and gushed, “Do you think she accepted me as a bride?”

  Sarah laughed. “This seems to be the day for brides. Molly, do you want to look at the letter or find the fabric for your wedding gown. I ordered several bolts of elegant fabrics with the holidays in mind, but your wedding gown comes first.”

  “Wedding gown? Is there something you didn’t tell me?” Henrietta asked.

  “I’m sorry,” Molly blushed. “Ben asked me to marry him last night. We’re getting married the Sunday after Christmas. He plans to speak to Pastor Reynolds today.”

  Eloise and Henrietta both hugged Molly at the same time. “Why don’t you look for your fabric first. Then you can have tea and read your letter.”

  Molly agreed.

  Sarah opened the crate and removed the protective paper. “I have three bolts of satin, one blue, one green, and one dark pink.”

  “Oh,” Molly said looking at the fabric Sarah unpacked. “I can’t use those. They’re the expensive satins. A pretty cotton dress will work perfectly.”

  “Nonsense,” Henrietta insisted looking at Sarah. “Help her choose the best fabric. Her dress is my wedding gift to her.” She turned and looked at Molly. “No argument from you, my dear.”

  “All right, thank you. Green is my favorite color but Ben says he loves blue. I’m not sure which to choose.”

  “I have a suggestion,” Sarah said. “When we made Celia’s wedding gown, you told me you would never wear a white dress since you thought the town might laugh at you. I thought Ben might propose and I ordered this just in case.” She pulled another bolt of fabric wrapped separately in more paper. When she uncovered the fabric, Molly’s hand flew to her mouth.

  “Oh, I couldn’t. I know the cost, and it’s too much even as a gift.”

  “Nonsense,” Henrietta insisted again.

  Sarah carefully lifted the bolt of the highest quality ivory satin from the crate and two rolls of intricate lace which matched the fabric. “You will be the most beautiful bride Gentle Falls has ever seen.”

  Molly sat and clutched her hands to her chest. “I never thought I would have close friends much less people that loved me the way you do. How can I ever thank you?”

  Henrietta smiled, “Be happy and have a houseful of babies I can spoil. I miss my boys and grandchildren. I’d love to spoil yours.”

  Molly blushed brightly. “I’ll do my best.”

  Sarah wrapped the ivory satin and lace in the paper and set it on the top shelf in her workshop. “That’s settled, we’re using the ivory. I ordered a new fashion book. If you choose a style, we’ll copy it, and you’ll also be the most stylish bride.”

  “Oh, no, I don’t like the new styles. I prefer a fuller skirt. When you measure me for the dress, leave a bit of room. I’m not putting on a tight corset. I want to walk and breathe on my wedding day,” Molly insisted.

  “I promise,” Sarah laughed. “It’s your dress and your wedding day.”

  “One more thing,” Sarah continued. “I ordered this inch-wide red satin ribbon. I love the bow Nell hung on the restaurant door and I thought we’d make some smaller bows to sell and give one to each lady who ordered a dress for the dance as a thank you and Christmas gift. They would look lovely on a Christmas tree but the shop is too small for a tree. We can decorate with the bows and hang them in the front window.”

  “Please let me help. I’d love to sew the bows,” Rose offered.

  “Of course, thank you. Well, that’s settled. What’s next?”

  Rose spoke quietly to Molly, “Can we read the letter now?”

  “Oh my, the letter from Mrs. Brutherington. Of course, forgive me. I nearly forgot in my excitement. Where’s Lucy? I know she’ll want to hear this, too.”

  Sarah called upstai
rs, and Lucy joined the enthusiastic group.

  Molly opened the envelope and explained that Mrs. Brutherington understood Rose’s quandary since Molly had been in the same a few weeks previous. “Oh, she says you are perfect for her services and sent a copy of the most recent paper.

  She handed the paper to Rose and continued, “She states she circled several possibilities but that you are free to write to any of the gentlemen. You’re to send your first letter along with the recommendations to her, and she will forward the letter or letters. After that, you can write the man directly. It’s what she told me, too. She also says to be sure to mention Lucy in your first letter. Men don’t like to think women tried to fool them.”

  “Oh, I will, but how do I find three people who will recommend me?” Rose asked fighting worried tears.

  “I will be the first,” Sarah insisted. “Nell and Cal will write one as will Rachel Reynolds, I’m sure.”

  Henrietta added, “If that isn’t enough, I will be pleased to send one.”

  “Thank you all,” Rose said.

  “I’ll run up and prepare tea while you look for your perfect man,” Lucy suggested.

  Rose opened the paper. “Oh, there are four ads circled.”

  “Read them, please,” Molly said.

  Rose nodded. “The first is a widower with four children. I don’t think that is best for me.”

  The other women agreed.

  “The next sounds nice, but he’s a pastor. I would hate for someone to recognize me and ruin his position. People can be cruel and unforgiving at times.” She continued. “This man is a blacksmith and runs the local livery, but he’s forty years old.” Rose bit her lip.

  Molly spoke up,” You have the entire paper to choose from. Mrs. Brutherington likes to pick the men who are also the best providers. If a man appeals to you, I think you should choose him.”

  Rose’s eyes widened. “The last one sound interesting. He’s twenty-six and owns a cattle ranch in the Montana Territory. The ranch is large in area, but he’s slowly building his stock. He says he has a large home because it was his parents’ home. He lives there alone now since his father passed, his brother started his own ranch, and his mother lives with his sister and her husband. He said he isn’t rich but more than capable of providing for a wife and family. He’s a God-fearing man and attends services each Sunday. All he requires is a God-fearing wife with a steady temperament. What do you think?”