Ellen: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Read online

  Shame swept through Ellen as she caught the look of surprise on Katie’s face. She hadn’t been very attentive to her nephew or Ella for that matter. That was something she needed to fix starting now.

  Danny was wet so she quickly changed him. He seemed to smile at her but she knew it was probably just wind. He looked like his father.

  “You are a sweet little thing aren’t you? Are you going to be as much of a handful as your big sister?”

  “I’m not a handful, Auntie Ellen. You are mean. Why don’t you go back to wherever you went?”

  “Ella Lorena Sullivan. Don’t speak to your aunt like that.”

  Ella pouted causing Ellen to hand Danny to his ma. Bending down, she held her arms out to Ella.

  “I have been mean haven’t I? I’m sorry, Ella. I will try harder to be nice.”

  She hid her smile at the gloating look her niece sent Katie.

  “You have to make it up to me before I will be your friend again.” Ella lisped through the gap in her front teeth.

  Ellen and Katie exchanged looks before Ellen asked.

  “What do I need to do, Miss Sullivan?”

  “I love peppermint sticks and stories.”

  Katie coughed.

  Ellen took Ella’s hand. “How about you and me go on a picnic? If that’s okay with your mam?” Ellen glanced quickly at Katie who nodded her assent. “We can take a basket with food and some peppermint sticks and the new book I got for you.”

  “You got me a book? Really. What’s it called?”

  “If you ask your ma nicely, you can come with me back to the boarding house and find out.”

  Ellen had to choke back tears as Ella flung her arms around her legs. “I’m glad you came home, Auntie Ellen.”

  Ellen hugged her back. “Me too, Ella.”

  Chapter 8

  “Good afternoon, Katie, and a fine day it is.”

  Katie dropped the tin she’d been holding as she heard the voice from her past.

  “Father Molloy, what are you doing here?”

  “Isn’t that a fine way to treat your long lost friend? Where’s my hug and a nice hot cup of tea? Did you not get me letter?”

  “No, Father. I haven’t heard a word from you since I wrote to tell you Laura was recovering from her ordeal.” Katie hugged the priest and kissed him on the cheek. “But it’s so nice to see you. This has been the week for surprises. Ellen arrived the other day from Boulder. We weren’t expecting her either. Come in and sit down. You must be exhausted.”

  “Now, that’s better. You are a sight for sore eyes, Katie Sullivan.” The priest wiped his eye but Katie pretended not to notice. She was having a hard time stopping the tears from flowing too. It took her a minute or so to see he hadn’t come alone. Two pairs of brown eyes stared up at her.

  “Hello there and who might you be?”

  The children shrank back from her, hiding themselves in the priest’s robes. Katie’s eyes met those of the priest. His expression broke her heart as his sadness conveyed the message these children were unwanted.

  “Daniel, can you come out here please.” Katie walked toward the back of the store making a show of shouting for her husband. In reality she was fighting to get her feelings together. Those children had been through enough without her scaring them further. “Sorry Father, I don’t know where he’s got to. I’ll just shut up the store and escort you and the children over to Ma’s boarding house. You must be tired after your journey. We will have a cup of tea and something to eat over there.”

  “That sounds grand Katie. See children, I told you we were going to meet a fine lady. She has a little girl about your age.”

  “Ella is coming up on four now. Danny, my baby, is two months old. What age are you?”

  The children didn’t speak. Katie cast a worried look at Father Molloy but he shook his head.

  “I bet you are hungry. Don’t tell my daughter I did this as I never let her have candy before a meal. But, just this once, it won’t hurt will it?”

  Katie handed both children a peppermint stick. Carrying Danny on her hip, she led the little group out of the store, locking the door behind her.

  “This is a fine town, Katie.”

  “It is Father. Mary and Sorcha are going to be so happy to see you. We might see Emer. She’s the town nurse now, although since she had the twins she only works part-time.”

  “Emer Matthews. Well I’ll be. How is Laura Murphy?”

  “Laura is Mrs. Kelley now. She married Paul a few months back just before she got kidnapped.”

  “Kidnapped! I think you best put that kettle on and fill me in on what’s been happening around here. I thought she would be safe in Clover Springs.”

  “It’s not Clover Springs, Father. If you ask the townsfolk, they’ll tell you it’s the orphans who keep bringing trouble to visit.” She smiled widely to show she was teasing. “Laura is safe thanks in part to your warning. Coleman is dead, killed by Laura’s husband. Paul Kelley is a fine man. Come on Father, we will go to Ma’s boarding house and get you and the children settled there.”

  “With a name like Kelley sure, what else would he be? What area of Ireland does he come from?”

  “Father Molloy, I’ve missed you so much. He’s not Irish, at least not as far as I know.”

  “Well, with a name like Kelley, he must have Irish blood in him somewhere. I am looking forward to meeting him. I can’t wait to see the rest of the girls and of course, young Ben.”

  They walked in silence for a bit, the children clinging to Father Molloy’s hands. Katie couldn’t help looking at them. They were simply the nicest looking kids she’d ever seen. She was dying to know their story.

  “Here we are, Father.” Katie pushed open the door. “Ma, are you here?”

  “Afternoon Katie, come in. I’m in the kitchen. Ellen and my granddaughter have gone for a picnic.”

  “Ma, I have guests for you.”

  “Katie darling couldn’t you have given me some warning. I am not fit for… Oh excuse me Father. I didn’t expect to see a priest.” Martha ran one hand over her hair while rubbing the other in her white apron.

  “Please don’t put yourself out. I surprised Katie by turning up unannounced. Seems my letter went astray. I am very happy to finally put a face to your fine name. Katie has told me so much about you and your family, Mrs. Sullivan.”

  “It is lovely to meet you too, Father. I’ve heard a lot about you from Katie and the other girls.”

  “I hope they didn’t tell you all my bad habits.”

  “Maybe not all of them, but I know you are a man with a fondness for apple pies.”

  At that the priest’s stomach rumbled making the adults laugh. Katie noticed the children remained stone faced. She gestured to her mother-in-law, who hadn’t seen Father Molloy’s charges.

  “Good morning children. I hope your train journey wasn’t too long. Are you hungry?”

  The children exchanged a look before the boy nodded. The girl just stared mutely.

  “Katie, take our guests up to the green and blue rooms. Father, you can wash up and then come down to the dining room. I just finished making some stew.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Sullivan. One room will be plenty. Rosa and John don’t like to sleep alone.”

  “Then we shall make up a pallet on the floor of your room.” Mrs. Sullivan bent down so she could speak to the children at their level. “Clover Springs is a lovely town and we adore children. You two are going to be happy here. If you need anything, you just ask. Okay?”

  Katie watched as the children looked to Father Molloy who nodded. Only then did the boy reply. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  Leaving Danny with her mother-in-law, Katie ran back to check on the store as Father Molloy and the children got settled in their room. Daniel had returned and was managing the store just fine. Katie arrived back at the boarding house as Father Molloy and the children sat down to eat.

  “Daniel is watching the store so I am free to sit w
ith you. I can’t wait to find out all the news. How is Nellie?” Katie smiled wistfully as she remembered the cook who had worked for their aunt and uncle when they first arrived in Boston. Her father’s brother and his wife treated Katie and Ellen like unpaid servants. Nellie, their cook had looked after her and Ellen. She didn’t know how they would have survived without the kind hearted older woman.

  Katie had introduced her to the lady who owned the mail order bride agency. Once Katie and Ellen were on their way to Colorado, Nellie had left Katie’s uncles employment without a backward glance.

  “She’s in great form. She loves working for Mrs. Gantley. She told me to tell you to watch out for Indians.”

  They both giggled as the children looked on. Ma Sullivan came back in carrying apple pie and cream. “What’s so funny?”

  “Nellie told Father Molloy to keep an eye out for Indians. I wish she could come here. I would have Little Beaver meet her at the train wearing his war paint.”

  “I would like to meet your friend Nellie.” Ma smiled at Father Molloy. “She has some funny ideas about Clover Springs. The Indians are our friends. Little Beaver helped rescue Laura from that awful man.”

  “Back in Boston, it is difficult to believe all Indians aren’t savages. People are still talking about the Meeker and Alma massacre. There is so much hatred in this world.” Father Molloy said, his voice heavy with sadness.

  Chapter 9

  Ellen enjoyed the walk over to the Petersen’s. Meggie and Ella played as she spent some time with Sorcha and her baby.

  “Isn’t it romantic, the President getting married in the White House? I wonder if June second will be made a holiday.”

  “You are always such a dreamer, Sorcha. She’s only twenty-one and President Cleveland is almost fifty.”

  “She may be young but by all accounts it’s a love match. Nothing wrong in marrying a man a few years older than you.” Sorcha’s tone suggested she had taken offence at Ellen’s remark.

  “Sorcha, Brian isn’t twice your age.” Ellen decided to change the conversation. “Seems everyone had babies when I was away.” Ellen joked as she watched Sorcha feed her son.

  “The population of Clover Springs is expanding rapidly. Thank goodness I only had one though. I don’t know how Emer copes with twins.”

  “I guess not having other children helps. You have Meggie and Jenny. How did they react to their new brother?”

  “They love him, although Meggie did act up a little bit when he first arrived. She’s better now. How are you settling in?”

  “It’s nice being home.” Ellen answered wondering how she could change the subject. “How’s Ben?”

  “Oh, Ellen, you should see him. He is walking so much better. It’s amazing how well he’s doing. He follows Little Beaver around everywhere. The girls gave him a new name. Little Shadow.” Sorcha picked up Brian Joseph and put him over her shoulder, tapping his back. “He’s a bit sad about the Higgins boys leaving but I guess he’ll get over that in time.”

  Ellen tried to breathe and swallow at the same time. Leaving? Where was he going?

  “Funny as you would think he was used to the boys being away on cattle drives. But California is so far away.”

  “California? Why? For what?”

  “I think they want to work in the mines. Mrs. Higgins is very upset. I guess she thought they would stay in Colorado.” Sorcha said.

  “Mining for gold? Have they lost their minds? The only people getting rich now are those who own the mines. They are about thirty years too late!”

  “Keep your hair on Ellen. I didn’t say I agreed with them. I was just passing on the news.”

  Ellen bit the inside of her lip. “Sorry Sorcha, I didn’t mean to get angry with you. But haven’t they read the papers. The death rates in mining are really high. Every newspaper you pick up has a report on some tragedy.” Ellen stopped talking realizing Sorcha was staring at her with a speculative look in her eye.

  “I didn’t realize you thought so highly of Aaron and Samuel.”

  “They were good to me when we first came to Clover Springs. Ma Sullivan brought me out to the ranch to give Katie and Daniel some time together. They taught me to ride and stuff.”

  “Mmm.”

  “What does that mean?” Ellen didn’t look at Sorcha. She was sure her friend could see her love for Samuel written all over her face.

  “Ellen, does Katie know about this?”

  “About their plans to go mining?” Ellen chose to deliberately misunderstand Sorcha. “I’ve no idea. She hasn’t mentioned it.”

  Ellen stood up, desperate now to get back to town. She couldn’t believe she’d been considering staying in Clover Springs and he was leaving. Of all the luck.

  “I best take Ella home. Katie will be wondering where we got to. Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Sorcha.”

  “It’s great to see you back where you belong. Clover Springs has missed you, Ellen. Laura is a wonderful teacher but we were worried who would take over once she has the baby. Now you are back, we can rest easy.”

  Ellen didn’t comment. Maybe she should go back to Boulder after all.

  After giving Sorcha, the girls and young BJ as his sisters had nicknamed him a cuddle, she walked down the road, holding Ella’s hand as she tried to get her thoughts together.

  “You’re quiet, Auntie Ellen.”

  “Just thinking, Ella.”

  “Do you want a baby too? Is that why you’re sad?”

  Ellen burst out laughing.

  “Me want a baby? Whatever gave you that idea?”

  “Everyone else has a new one even Mam. Mrs. Shipley has two. Maybe she could give you one? Probably the boy as girl babies are much nicer.” Ella screwed up her nose as she spoke.

  “Thank you, Ella but I don’t think Emer would agree. I am sure both Louis and Grace are beautiful.”

  Ella skipped down the trail leaving Ellen walking after her.

  California. Of all the half brained ideas she’d heard of. He wasn’t some boy with a hankering to explore the world but a grown man. If he was standing in front of her, she’d shake him.

  Chapter 10

  Father Molloy sat back in his chair, one hand rubbing his stomach. “You’re an excellent cook, Mrs. Sullivan. Thank you for the lovely meal.”

  “I am glad you enjoyed it, Father. The young ladies have spoken a lot about the things you did for them. I am very grateful for your kindness.”

  “It doesn’t cost anything to be kind, Mrs. Sullivan.”

  “You won’t recognize Ben, Father. He still limps but it is not as pronounced as it was when he first came here. He has filled out too. Mrs. H is fattening him up.”

  “Bertha is an incredible cook. Make sure Mary invites you to dinner Father.” Ma Sullivan fussed around the priest making sure his tea cup was full.

  Ellen returned to the boarding house as Katie and Father Molloy were getting up from dinner. Katie looked up as her sister and daughter came into the dining area.

  “Father Molloy, what are you doing here?”

  She gave the priest a kiss on his cheek.

  “Ellen O'Callaghan, you are all grown up. I don't think I would have recognized you if I met you on the street. And who is this fine young lady?”

  “My name is Ella, I am nearly four.” Ella smiled up at the priest.

  “Nice to meet you, Miss Ella. You are as pretty as a picture.” Father Molloy held out his hand. Ella shook it while blushing furiously.

  Turning her attention to the children, Ella asked John. “Who are you?” Before the children could answer she looked back to the priest. “Are you their pa?”

  Everyone laughed as Father Molloy's cheeks turned red.

  “Ella, this is Father Molloy. He's a priest. He and the children came to visit Clover Springs.” Katie said to her daughter.

  “Why?” Ella asked.

  “Ella, don't be rude please.” Katie glanced at Father Molloy but he seemed amused. “Why don't you take Rosa a
nd John to your room to see your toys?”

  “I have a new doll. Would you like to see it? You can hold her if you like but you have to promise to be careful.” Ella addressed Rosa but she didn't say anything. Instead she moved closer to her brother. Ella looked at him for a few seconds before saying,

  “I don’t have anything for boys to play with. Unless you like books?”

  John nodded but looked to Father Molloy for guidance. As he turned, Katie caught sight of what looked like burn marks on his neck. Ellen’s swift intake of breath meant she’d seen them too. They didn’t say anything.

  The priest smiled gently as he nodded. Only then did Rosa and John follow Ella out of the room.

  “Oh Father, those poor children. They look so sad.” Ellen said. “What happened to John’s neck?”

  Father Molloy stirred his cup of tea. The silence in the room was deafening. Katie had to sit on her hands, while her foot tapped waiting for a response to Ellen’s question. Ellen stared at the priest.

  “The children were abandoned. We believe, from what they have told us, their mother was white but their father was black. John said his father died but we don’t know for certain. He said his mother used to cry a lot and get very angry. When she got annoyed, she used to beat the children.”

  “Their mother made those marks?” Katie’s shock was mirrored on the faces of the other adults.

  “Some of them certainly. I never met the woman so I have no proof other than John’s story. Rosa won’t talk about it. I imagine there were other problems.” Father Molloy’s face flushed crimson as he fidgeted on his seat. “The children’s coloring means they are not likely to be adopted. Unfortunately, neither the black or white community want them.”

  “We’ll keep them here.” Ellen said causing Ma Sullivan to glace at her quickly. She didn’t answer the question lurking on her face.

  “I was hoping for a solution like that. But aren’t you a little young not to mention unmarried to take on children?”

  “I didn’t mean me personally, Father. There are lots of families in Clover Springs. I am sure someone would open their hearts to those two gorgeous creatures.”