Mary: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 2 Read online

  Mary

  Clover Springs Mail Order Brides

  Rachel Wesson

  Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Epilogue

  Also by Rachel Wesson

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Copyright 2016© Rachel Wesson

  License Notes

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This is a fictional work and although based on real life events, all characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Chapter 1

  The young girl turned to wave one last time before she stepped into the buggy. The driver clicked the reins and they were off. Tears blurring her vision, Mary continued to wave her chest aching as the buggy disappeared from view.

  Moving away from the window, she slumped in the chair, tears flowing down her face. Cathy was gone. They would never again live together as a family. She clamped her mouth shut, wishing she was alone to cry properly. It had been bad enough when Katie left to become a mail order bride but that was nothing to the loss she had just suffered.

  The nun turned from the window. “Control yourself, Miss Ryan. The Johnston’s are comfortable and your sister will want for nothing. It is the best result for everyone.”

  Mary raised her swollen eyes to meet those of the Mother Superior. The color of the cold eyes gazing back at her almost matched that of her habit.

  “Don’t look at me that way. What did you expect me to do?”

  “Nothing, Mother Superior.” Mary’s monotone voice hid her anger. You could have tried harder to find a family willing to take both of us. You didn’t have to send my only family to New York.

  “You look like you have something to say, child. Tell me, don’t be afraid.”

  Mary’s jaw clenched. She knew when she was being baited. She had learned the hard way that the nun standing in front of her was at her most dangerous when she appeared to care. It wasn’t a trap she would fall into again. “Please, may I be excused? I have some chores to attend to.” Mary sank into something between a bow and a curtsey, her eyes not meeting those of her tormentor. She gazed at the floor.

  “You may go but be sure to give some thought to your plans for when you leave. Our duty to provide you with a home ends with your 18th birthday.”

  Mary backed out of the room. She closed the door silently behind her and slid to the floor in a heap. Mam, why did you ever decide to come to this horrible place? We could have been happy at home. At least we would have been together. She was so caught up in her grief, she didn’t hear the nun appear.

  “Mary, sweet child, do not take on so. Catherine will be happy. The Johnston’s are nice people. They will look after her.”

  Mary looked up at the kindly face of Sister Una. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. What on earth possessed her to become a nun? She wasn’t treated much better by the Mother Superior than the orphans, yet she never once complained. She was always happy, kind and loving to the unfortunates who arrived at St. Margaret’s Home for Orphans. Mary took the nun’s hand and got to her feet. She brushed her skirt down and wiped her face.

  “Why don’t you go check on the younger children? They should be about finished now. Make sure their hands and faces are washed up for lunch.”

  “Can’t risk a repeat of yesterday.” Mary shuddered.

  Sister Una shook her head, her eyes clouded with sadness, her hands clutched together as if she was praying. “What happened yesterday was awful. Sister Josephine wasn’t feeling herself.”

  “The little ones didn’t do anything. That old witch caned them for nothing and made us all watch. How can you say she was ill? She hit them so hard, she drew blood. She enjoyed it. She always does.” Bile rose in Mary’s stomach as she replayed the horrible scene in her mind. Corporal punishment had played its part in the Irish education system. Yesterday was the first time she had seen such savagery. Sister Joseph had accused eight-year-old twins of stealing. When they didn’t admit the theft, she had caned them in front of the assembled children. Their hands were left raw and bleeding.

  “Mary, control yourself. We may not agree with the actions of our elders and betters, but it is not our place to judge them.”

  “God said to mind the children. You know he did Sister Una. It’s there in the bible for everyone to see.” Mary argued but stopped. What was the point? Nobody was going to listen to an orphan. The local community didn’t care what happened to the residents of St. Margaret’s. Nobody did. Mother Superior was right. Cathy was lucky. She had escaped. It will be my turn next.

  Chapter 2

  The whole Sullivan clan sat around the large dining table. Davy was hosting dinner today. They all traveled out to the ranch following Sunday Service. Davy’s wonderful cook, Mrs. Higgins, excelled herself. Katie wondered if she would be willing to give her some cookery lessons. She could cook basic dishes, but seeing Daniel’s reaction to the food served today made her think a couple of lessons from Mrs. Higgins wouldn’t go amiss.

  “So Davy, how is life treating you out here all on your lonesome?” Ma asked.

  “Don’t have time to be thinking about much, Ma. By the time I have all the chores done, I’m so tired I fall into bed often without taking my boots off.” Everyone laughed. Katie had grown very fond of Davy. He was always respectful to her. He treated Ellen like a little sister and the young girl adored him.

  He wasn’t married. Daniel had talked about a fiancé who had died some time ago. Davy hadn’t been interested in anyone since, but a couple of times at previous family dinners, Katie had found him looking at her and Daniel with a peculiar expression on his face. Earlier, he asked Daniel if he and Katie could stay behind after the rest of the family went home. He wanted to talk to them about something.

  Dinner went on for hours as it always did when the Sullivan clan got together. There was so much to catch up on. Elizabeth and her family lived near them in town but they barely saw each other. They were all busy with the day-to-day businesses. Ma’s boarding house was nearly always full. Ma kept saying how she couldn’t cope without Ellen’s help.

  Katie rubbed her belly. Life was so good. She was so happy, sometimes she was afraid something bad would happen. Daniel didn’t take her fears seriously
. As far as he was concerned, they had all the bad luck that was due to them when she nearly married Mr. Cassidy.

  Finally Ma and the others left, leaving Katie and Daniel alone with Davy. Katie noticed his eyes darted around the room. He looked nervous but he couldn’t be. There was only the three of them there.

  “Thank you for staying behind. I really needed to speak to you and I couldn’t do this in front of Ma. She would get too excited and take over everything.”

  Katie looked curiously at Daniel. Take over what? But her husband just stared at his brother.

  “I need a wife. I can’t promise to love her but I will be nice and respectful. She’ll have a good life here on the ranch. Mrs. Higgins isn’t going anywhere. She reckons it’s about time I got myself a wife.” Davy sat back, a pained expression on his face.

  Katie rubbed her hands together, a huge smile on her face. “I know the perfect girl. Her name is Mary Ryan and she is one of my best friends. She came over on the ship with us from Galway. She hates Boston. This is just wonderful.

  “But how do you know this friend of yours will be willing to marry?”

  “She’ll take one look at you, Davy, and hightail it back to Boston.” Daniel laughed but shut up quickly at the glare he received from Katie.

  “I can’t make any promises, Davy, as these things don’t always run smoothly.”

  Daniel opened his mouth to say something but Katie’s kick on his shin was enough to silence him. “I can promise that a sweeter girl you won’t ever meet. Why don’t you write to Mary and ask her to come?”

  “What would I say? Will you write it for me?”

  “No I won’t write it but I will help you. You can tell her why you want a wife.”

  “He needs someone to keep him warm at night.”

  “Daniel! You are not helping.” Katie stammered, blushing intensely. Her brother-in-law would know Daniel was joking but it was still inappropriate.

  “Don’t mind him, Katie. He’s always been the family joker.”

  Dear Miss Ryan

  This is a difficult letter to write, given as we have never met. But Katie, my new sister-in-law has spoken a lot about you. She only has good things to say.

  I live just outside Clover Springs on the ranch my Pa started when he first came to Colorado Territory. It’s a busy life but a good one. I like working outdoors. To relax, I like to read. Katie said you did, too. Maybe we can compare notes on the books we have both enjoyed.

  The house is too big for me alone. It was built for a family. It would be nice to hear children running around in it once more. I would love a son to pass the ranch onto.

  It would also be nice to have some company, especially in the long winter months. I can’t promise you love and romance. Instead I offer security. My family will never go hungry or lack shelter as long as I have my health.

  I hope you are open to coming to Clover Springs and becoming my wife.

  Yours sincerely, Davy Sullivan

  Davy stared at the paper before handing it over to Katie. She couldn’t hide her smile as she read the contents.

  “What’s wrong with it?” He asked, crossing his arms.

  “Nothing, really.” Katie’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

  “But?” Davy was tempted to snatch the letter back but that would be rude.

  “Did you have to put in the bit about romance? You might just fall in love with her.”

  Davy shook his head. “There’s no room in my life for love. No point in setting her up for disappointment.”

  He caught the glance Katie threw Daniel but he didn’t want to say anything more. The less talk about romance the better, as far as he was concerned.

  “When do you think she will get here? Assuming she agrees.”

  Katie looked at Daniel before replying. “About a month or so. I will post this as soon as we get back to town.”

  Davy stood watching Katie and Daniel drive off into the night. He stayed long after their wagon disappeared into the horizon. In a couple of months, he could be married. Life as he knew it would change forever.

  Chapter 3

  Mary worked even harder than before hoping physical exhaustion would help her sleep at night, instead of weeping over the loss of her sister. So far it wasn’t working. One evening, she was sweeping and dusting the large hall when Mother Superior came out of her office, dragging a child behind her.

  “Mary, take this heathen to the scullery and give him a good wash. Burn his clothes. He is so dirty, you cannot…Ouch!”

  Mary bit her lip trying not to laugh at the image unfolding in front of her. Mother Superior was almost dancing as she hopped from one foot to the other. “You little ruffian. How dare you kick a lady!”

  “I didn’t kick you. You fell over my foot.” The boy stammered, his eyes widening at the look on the nun’s face. Mary moved quickly, gathering the boy to her and rushing toward the kitchen. “I will send Sister Ursula to you Mother Superior. She can take a look at your ankle while I see to the boy.” She didn’t give the woman a chance to respond, opening the door to the lower floors and pushing the child through.

  “You’re hurting me. Get off.” The boy shook Mary’s hand off. “You didn’t have to hold me so tight.”

  Mary spotted the tear filled eyes despite his tone. He’s scared, poor little mite. “What’s your name?”

  The boy didn’t answer, just stood there rubbing his wrist.

  “I’m Mary Ryan. I’m an orphan just like you.”

  “I ain’t no orphan. My ma and pa are still alive. They just left me here for a bit. They are coming back to collect me.” He didn’t look at her as he spoke but focused on a spot just over her shoulder. Her heart melted. The poor child was in denial. How could his parents still be alive and he look as neglected as he did? Sure, there were children starving in Boston but she sensed this one had been living alone for a few days at least. He smelled as if he had taken shelter in the sewer.

  “Well, we best get you cleaned up before they get back. What’s your Ma going to say if she sees you in this state?” Mary said cheerfully, not missing the incredulous look he gave her. She could see he wasn’t sure if she believed him or not but two could play this game. “So are you going to tell me your name or will I call you Blackie?”

  “Ben.” The child stared at the floor. “I don’t like baths.”

  Mary hid her smile behind her hand. “It will be over before you know it. If you are good, you can have a sugar cookie afterwards.”

  The child’s eyes lit up as he licked his lips. “A whole cookie just for me? This is a great place to live.”

  Mary shrugged her shoulders. Now wasn’t the time to correct him. He was better off believing that for as long as he could. Reality would hit sooner or later. As they walked toward the scullery, the boy’s limp became more pronounced. “Would you like me to carry you, Ben?”

  “No. I can walk.” Ben stood taller but his pain was evident from the way his mouth tightened. “I ain’t no cripple.”

  “I didn’t say you were but you look tired. Now, why don’t you sit for a while until I get the bath ready? I want to get you some new clothes too.”

  “I want to keep these ones. Ma gave them to me.” He held onto his rags tightly. Mary thought quickly. “Why don’t you give them to me so I can wash them? Once they have dried, you can have them back.”

  Ben nodded. Mary helped him undress, her heart breaking as she noted the numerous scars across his back. Someone had beat the child and often. Fresh marks mixed with faded. Who would mistreat a child so badly? Would he fare any better here at St. Margaret’s? With a deep sigh, she washed him as gently as she could. At first he shrank away from her touch but by the time the bath finished, he let her wash and cut his hair. She had to cut it quite close to his head but at least he wouldn’t be shaved. With his new clothes and haircut he looked even younger. Mary couldn’t resist giving him a cuddle. She put her arms around him. At first, he held himself stiffly but as she caressed his hair, h
e whimpered and hugged her back.

  After a while she took his hand and led him to the kitchen. “You sit there. I will get you a glass of milk and that cookie I promised you. But first have some of this stew. Cook made it yesterday. It’s good.”

  Ben shoveled the food into his mouth, causing Mary to wonder when he last ate. “Go slowly, child, or else you will be sick.” She chided him gently. He slowed down but held onto his plate as if afraid someone would take it. She put the cookie on the plate in front of him before pouring herself a coffee. She took advantage of the empty kitchen to sit awhile. Her back ached from the chores she had finished before Ben arrived.

  “Did your Ma leave you here?” he asked.

  “No, Ben. Mam and Daddy died on the boat. We came over from Ireland but only Cathy and I made it to America.”

  “Where’s Cathy? Does she live her too?”

  Mary shook her head, fighting not to lose control. “She did before she was adopted. She left a few days ago.”

  He looked up at her before staring back at his plate.

  “Ma and Pa aren’t coming back,” he whispered as he took a bite of the cookie. “They didn’t want me no more. Said I would be a bur… well, it don’t matter. I’ll follow them.”

  “Where did they go?” Mary desperately wanted to hug him close but she didn’t want to move for fear of upsetting him.

  “Montana. Pa is going to have a farm with horses and all. Ma and my brothers have to help him build a house.” Ben sniffed. “I told Pa I could work but he laughed. It wasn’t a happy laugh. I don’t think he believed me. It’s ‘cause I got a bad leg. But that don’t stop me being a good worker.”

  Mary moved around to sit beside him as soon as his first tear hit the plate. When he didn’t flinch, she took a risk by pulling him onto her knee. They cried together for a while before Cook found them.

  “There you are. Mother Superior has been looking for you, Mary. Oh, who is this?”

  Mary stood putting the young boy down on the ground but kept her arm around his shoulders. “This is Ben. He is going to stay with us for a while.” She winked at cook, hoping to get the message across that the child was uncertain about living here.