Laura: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 5 Read online

  Laura

  Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 5

  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

  Epilogue

  Also By Rachel Wesson

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2016 by Rachel Wesson

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Chapter 1

  Boston 1885

  It’s more likely he’ll be ugly, smell bad, and want a slave, not a wife.

  The words she had said to Mary that night at the orphanage, when she first told her she’d decided to become a mail order bride, haunted Laura. They hadn’t been true. Mary was happily married to an amazing, kind man. The last letter she’d had at the orphanage suggested Sorcha, too, was happy. Laura wondered if it would have worked out as well if Sorcha had not been a believer in happily ever after.

  She chewed her knuckle, a habit the nuns had tried and failed to rid her of.

  “Laura Murphy, land sakes, girl, will you stop lollygagging and put your back into it?” Wilma gave her a shove as her eyes sent Laura a warning.

  Laura pushed the red curls out of her eyes, looking frantically around the room for the reason for Wilma’s warning. Then she saw him.

  “There’s my favorite girl. Ready for tonight?”

  Laura kept the smile plastered to her face, her teeth clenched, willing her body not to shrink from his touch. He kissed her cheek, whistling as he looked around the room.

  “Looks great, doesn’t it? An improvement on the last place.”

  Laura nodded, knowing he wasn’t asking her opinion. She studied him under her eyelashes as he walked around the new premises. He looked like a Greek god from one of her books. His charm and boyish good looks were what had attracted her to him in the first place. She’d been running errands for the cook when she’d bumped into him. Literally. He had helped her to her feet, apologizing profusely for knocking her over. She had fallen in love with him the moment he’d treated her like a real person.

  She didn’t like the look of the man with him. He looked at her as if she was a wild animal and she was his prey. Instinctively, she moved closer to Johnny, although he scared her, too. The devil you know and all that. She didn’t look in Wilma’s direction. Was this man the reason her friend seemed to be more nervous than usual?

  “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Johnny?” The man’s voice made her body tremble causing Johnny to glance at her. She smiled, hoping it would stop her husband from commenting on her terror. The man smiled back, but it only served to highlight the gruesome scar on the right side of his face. His skin was puckered around his eye, as if the blade had gotten stuck. She knew she shouldn’t be staring, but her eyes wouldn’t move away.

  “This is Lee, my wife and secret weapon. With her on my side, I can’t lose.”

  “I’ve heard of a rabbit’s foot or a four leaf clover, but a woman?” The man closed the distance between them and took her hand. She itched to grab it back, but her sense of self-preservation kicked in. She held herself steady as he kissed her hand as if she was a lady in a Shakespearian drama.

  “Good evening, Lee. I can see why Johnny’s smitten by you. I am looking forward to seeing a lot more of you.” He grinned at her as his eyes raked over her body. She took her hand and pulled her wrap closer, but it seemed only to heighten his amusement. She almost gagged as he moved, sending a wave of his musk cologne over her. “Johnny asked me to stay tonight to see how he runs things. We may be working closely together in the future. I shall see you soon. Very soon.”

  The man walked away, leaving Laura staring after him. She tried to fight the terror engulfing her. There were people all around her, and yet she felt as if she was alone in the room with this stranger. Johnny hadn’t even told her his name.

  “Are you ready?” His question caught her attention. She smiled wider even though her cheeks hurt at the effort.

  “Yes, Johnny. Wilma taught me the new game.”

  “Good.” He moved closer to her again, putting his arm around her waist, closing the distance between them. She could smell cigars and whiskey. “You won’t let me lose tonight, will you, darling?”

  “No, Johnny.” Her voice rose slightly as he pinched her waist. He was clever. He never marked her or any of the girls anywhere the customers would see. “Johnny, who was that man?”

  “Why? Did you see something you liked?” His grip tightened and it took every ounce of restraint not to call out in pain.

  “Of course not, Johnny.” She simpered up to him, playing the part of adoring wife to perfection. She’d had plenty of practice pretending to be madly in love with him. She had thought she loved him once, but he had taken that love and stomped all over it. Not that she would admit it. She caressed his cheek. “I just wondered how he was going to be working with you.”

  “Coleman’s got a couple of saloons and a few other businesses. He’s big, Lee, with plenty of contacts and deals to pass my way.”

  “He looks…dangerous.” Laura couldn’t help voicing her fear, although her comment caused Johnny to stiffen.

  “Are you saying you think I can’t handle him?”

  “No, not at all. I know you are man enough for anyone. I just don’t like the look of him. His scar frightened me.” She fluttered her eyelashes. She didn’t have to pretend to be scared.

  “You’ll get used to it. Now, forget about him. I got you a new dress. You’ll like it. It’s green, to match your eyes. I know you got talents, Lee, but it don’t hurt to make the most of your other God-given assets.” His leery gaze rested on her chest, causing her stomach to roil. Not again. Please. His eyes narrowed as they sought out her face. She’d forgotten to thank him.

  Her mouth went dry as she scrambled to react as he expected. Otherwise, he would make her pay later. In all sorts of different ways. “Thank you, Johnny. You are so kind.” She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek, but he turned, forcing her to meet his lips. She kissed him lightly before moving away. Not too quickly or he would get angry.

  “Thank you, Johnny darling. If you don’t mind, I’ll go on up. I want to bathe and change for tonight.” She forced herself to open the package he had given her. As she suspected, it was beautiful. Green silk—he could afford the best. But she knew without looking that the neckline would be low cut and the sleeves almost non-existent. Johnny didn�
��t fully believe in her gift. He believed in hedging his bets.

  “I’d love to join you, but I have other business to attend to. See you later, witch.” Her insides roiled as he called her that hated name, but she forced herself not to flinch from him. Any sign of weakness would excite him. The night ahead would be torture enough without inviting trouble.

  Why didn’t I take the job with Mr. Shepherd? She almost laughed at the thought that the old man was once the scariest thing she and Sorcha had to worry about. If only Sorcha could see her now. She always said her gift would be the making of her. Somehow, Laura didn’t think she meant it like this.

  Tears pricked her eyes as she made her way upstairs. The luxurious quarters only lasted as far as the customers went. Aside from the rooms used for entertaining private customers, most of the rooms above the salon were bare boards and plainly furnished. She was luckier than the other girls. She got a room to herself while they had to share with one or two others. Her room was nicely furnished with a big double bed in the center. The wallpapered walls and rugs on the floor gave the room a veneer of respectability.

  This caused resentment and added to the reasons the other girls shunned her. Some were scared of her. She’d heard them muttering about witches. Others were jealous. She was Johnny’s girl and they wanted him for themselves. If only they knew. If she never saw Johnny again, she would die happy.

  Wilma came in to help her bathe and dress. “What’s got into you today, Lee? You can’t afford to make him angry. Not again.”

  “I don’t know how much longer I can take this, Wilma. I hate seeing all those men lose so much money. Night after night.”

  “You don’t make those men come into the saloon, darling. You’re not responsible. It’s their choice to drink and lose money at cards. That’s between them and God. You have to look after yourself. You of all people know what the master is capable of.”

  “Why do you call him the master?”

  Wilma stayed silent for a few minutes as she dressed Laura’s hair. “You know the answer. It’s the same reason I call you Lee. It’s easier to call him that all the time than to forget it once. I don’t want him hitting me ever again.”

  Compassion overwhelmed Laura. Compared to Wilma, she was lucky. The other woman had lived her whole life as a servant to men just like Johnny. If rumors were true, she had worked as a saloon girl herself back in her early years. She could be harsh and strict and the majority of the working girls hated her. She insisted they bathe regularly and get checked over by the doctor. She wouldn’t let them drink to excess, either. Laura had been wary of her when they’d first met, but over time she had seen the reasons for Wilma’s behavior. Everything she did was for the protection of the girls.

  Not that she was beyond giving a girl a slap, but it was usually for good reason. She didn’t stand for thieving, drinking or bullying. She had been protective of Laura from the start. It was Wilma who had held her after every beating. She had massaged her battered body, rubbing a special salve into the bruises, to help them heal faster. Laura knew she’d have lost her sanity if it were not for this woman.

  Johnny didn’t know of their friendship. Nobody did; it was too dangerous. Johnny trusted Wilma with most, if not all, of his secrets. To keep that trust, Wilma was often cruel and harsh with Laura in the presence of the other girls. It was only in the privacy of Laura’s bedroom where she revealed her true character.

  “Wilma, what do you know about Coleman?”

  Wilma stilled but didn’t turn her face toward Laura.

  “I take it you know him. Is he as dangerous as he looks?”

  Wilma took Laura’s arm.

  “Lee, listen to me. You got to do your best tonight. Johnny’s taken a string of losses and he is itching to make someone pay. Coleman’s not his business partner. He’s one of the men Johnny owes money to. The master knows he’s in deep this time and that makes him angrier than ever. He’s looking for a scapegoat. You can’t let that be you. Your body has only just healed from the last time.”

  Wilma hugged Laura close. Laura let herself sink into the woman’s embrace, although she was careful not to mess up her hair. She didn’t want Johnny taking his temper out on her friend.

  “I don’t know how much longer I can live like this, Wilma. I’m not strong like you.”

  “You are; you just don’t believe it, darling. Listen to me, Laura.”

  Laura’s surprise at being called by her real name must have shown because Wilma laughed, her white teeth shining.

  “It’s a much prettier name than Lee.” Wilma looked at her seriously now. “Johnny has gotten involved with some unsavory characters before, but Coleman and his friends make the last lot look like choir boys. He’s nervous and scared. That makes him more dangerous than usual. So be careful.”

  “You, too, Wilma. If I ever get out of here, I am taking you with me.”

  Wilma looked at her sadly. “I ain’t never going to be able to leave this life, Laura, and we both know it.” Wilma pulled Laura to her feet. She walked around her, fixing her dress and hair just so. She opened the door to the bedroom, saying in a loud voice, “I don’t know why the master wastes his money on you, girl. That dress must have cost a lot of dollars and you can’t even smile. Have I not taught you anything, Lee?”

  Laura caught the wink Wilma gave her before she pushed her out the door. Taking a deep breath, she walked slowly down the stairs, ignoring the daggered looks the other girls gave her. She guessed they were jealous of the dress, whereas she felt naked walking into the packed saloon. Seeing Johnny looking up at her from the bar, she quickly plastered a smile on her face. Like Wilma, she had a role to play in the nightmare she was immersed in. Unlike her friend, she was going to get out of here one day, no matter the cost.

  Chapter 2

  Clover Springs

  Paul Kelley paced back and forth outside the clinic. He moved his hat from one hand to the other, taking quick breaths as he moved toward the door and then away again.

  The door opened as Emer pushed her head out.

  “Have you made up your mind yet?”

  “Sorry, Mrs. Shipley. I have business to see to.” Paul turned to leave but stopped as she laughed.

  “Paul Kelley, stop dithering and come inside. Doc can see you if you’re too embarrassed to be seen by a nurse.”

  Paul flushed. “No, it’s not anything like that. I just—well, I wanted… Oh, heck, this is hard.”

  “Come in and have some coffee. My sister dropped off some cookies on her way to the store.”

  Paul kept his hat in his hands as he made his way into the clinic. He wiped his head with his forearm but it didn’t help much. It seemed way too hot in the room.

  “Paul, will you sit down? I don’t bite.” Emer poured some tea, placing the cup in front of him and the cookies on a plate in the center of the table.

  “No, you don’t. You’re a wonderful woman, Mrs. Shipley.” Paul’s head jerked up as he realized what he had just said. He stood up so quickly the table rattled and some of the coffee flew out of the cups. He was a clumsy fool. He had to get out of here now before he made a total idiot of himself.

  “Paul, please sit down. Whatever is wrong, Doc will be able to help you. I have seen a lot, so there is very little that would offend or shock me.”

  Paul reddened again, although he didn’t think his cheeks could be so hot. “Mrs. Shipley, I need your help. I was wondering if you could help me write a letter. I want to find myself a bride. I’m not too good with writing.”

  Emer coughed as she tried to hold back a laugh. Of all the things she had imagined, this wasn’t one of them. She immediately felt guilty. She had assumed from the man’s nervousness he was suffering from a more intimate complaint.

  “Paul, you know I would do anything to help anyone, but I don’t know much about finding a bride. My sister and her friends were the mail order brides in Clover Springs.”

  “Yeah, I know, Mrs. Shipley. But, well, I never spoke to
them like I’ve spoken to you. You’re real easy to speak to. You don’t seem like one of them ladies.”

  Emer burst out laughing as Paul realized what he’d said.

  “Oh, heck, Mrs. Shipley, I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Paul. You’re right. I am not like any lady. So could you please stop calling me Mrs. Shipley? I keep expecting Lawrence’s mother to appear, and believe me, that’s a lady you never want to meet.” Emer smiled, trying to make him relax. “Call me Emer or Miss Emer, if you prefer.”

  Paul sat down again and seemed to relax a little.

  “Why don’t you tell me why you want a wife?” Emer kicked herself as he went red again. “I mean, what qualities are you looking for in the woman you want to marry?”

  “Qualities?” Paul asked, his confused expression making him look even younger. If she hadn’t treated him herself, she would never believe that the man in front of her had volunteered to go up against the Bainstreet gang. For all his youth, he was a brave man. Apart from when it comes to talking to a real lady.

  “I guess I haven’t really thought about it much. I mean, I’ve thought about getting a wife. I’d like her to be pretty, like you and your sister. My ma had blonde hair when she was younger. She’s a good woman. Went to church every week until she got ill and had to take to her bed. She reads the Bible every night. You’d like her.”

  Emer wasn’t sure she would. She’d heard a little about Mrs. Kelley and it hadn’t been favorable. In her view, a Christian woman wasn’t someone who just read the Bible and attended church. But she wasn’t about to start talking religion with Paul, much less go against his beloved mother. Instead, she drank her tea and ate a cookie.

  “You need to be a bit more specific, I guess. You can’t put an ad in the paper asking for a girl with blonde hair.” She smiled to take the sting out of her words. “What other traits would you like your new wife to have?”

  “Well, I’d like her to have a kind heart like yours, Mrs.—sorry, Miss Emer. I wouldn’t want her working in town, though. Ma and I have a nice little place. It needs a woman’s touch. Been nobody to see to things since Ma took to the bed a couple of years back. She tries, but she gets tired real easy. I am not much good with housework. Maybe that’s why she wants me to marry Ida Hawthorn.” His lips curled with distaste.