A Bride For Luke Read online

  A Bride For Luke

  Proxy Bride Series

  Book 36

  By

  Caroline Clemmons

  Copyright © 2020 by Caroline Clemmons

  Cover design by Virginia McKevitt

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Epilogue

  Look for these upcoming books

  About Caroline Clemmons

  Chapter One

  Boston, 1875

  Maeve Kelly wondered what had been bothering her cousin, Sinead Fennelly, the past two days. Sunday was Maeve’s only day off from her job at the laundry. Today, her cousin’s strange behavior prevented relaxation. She sensed her cousin’s mood meant something dire threatened.

  Perhaps Sinead’s husband, Declan, wanted Maeve out of the flat immediately. Sinead had invited Maeve to come to America from Ireland and stay with her until she had a permanent place to live. Surly Declan made no secret of the fact he didn’t approve of Maeve’s presence with them—even though she paid rent for the privilege.

  When she could stand it no longer, Maeve sat beside her cousin, who was mending clothes. “All right, I know something is wrong. Tell me what’s bothering you.”

  Sinead pulled a handkerchief from her cuff and dabbed it to her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Mae. I’m in bits about what’s happening. When I asked—no, I insisted—you come here and stay with us, I never dreamed this would come about.”

  Maeve’s breath caught in her throat. “What do you mean?”

  “Weel, I’m expecting a babe in just over five months.”

  Maeve grabbed her cousin’s hand in both of hers. “That’s wonderful. Surely that’s not what has you in bits.”

  Sinead shook her head. “We’re both thrilled about the baby. Declan says this tenement is no place to bring up a child and I agree.”

  “As do I. This isn’t a fit place for adults. I pity the poor children who live here.”

  Actually, she pitied all of the beings who lived here. So many places wouldn’t rent to the Irish. Most businesses wouldn’t hire anyone Irish, so those that did paid poor wages. That attitude forced people like her cousin—and her—to cram into a poorly maintained building that housed too many discouraged souls. For most, there was no way out.

  “You see, Declan has made arrangements to go into partnership with his brother Sean in his wagon works. We’ll live with Sean and his wife in Cambridge until we find a place of our own.”

  “That’s wonderful for you. Mayhap there won’t be so much dislike of the Irish in Cambridge.” But, where did that leave Maeve? Out on the street, that’s where.

  “W-We plan to leave at the end of the week.” She dabbed at her eyes again. “I’m sorry, Mae. When I encouraged you to come I had no idea we’d move off and leave you. Rent’s paid until the end of the month. You’ll have time to find another place or get someone to share this one with you. You might even decide to marry Rowan. I know he fancies you and he has a steady job and isn’t a slave to the drink.”

  Heart pounding and head spinning, Maeve pasted a false smile on her face. “Don’t you worry about me, my dear cousin. I’ll be fine. ’Tis happy I am for you.”

  Which was true—she was happy her favorite cousin would have a better place to raise her family. She hoped Declan wouldn’t be so sour once he had a better place to live and work. Of one thing she was certain. She had no intention of marrying Rowan Murphy and living here forever.

  Other single women lived in the building. Several women at the laundry where she worked were single. She’d talk to them and see if one was looking for a new place to live.

  The next day at work Maeve hung a shirt on the line. Working at the laundry was unpleasant but she was glad to have any job. Still, when she’d left Ireland, she had envisioned a far better life than this.

  Beside her, Orla Kehoe stretched then rubbed at her lower back. “I don’t think I could keep at this much longer. ‘Tis lucky I am my sister Ciara wants me to come live with her.”

  As she reached for another wet shirt, Maeve envied her friend. “I’ve no idea what I’m going to do. You know my cousin’s husband never welcomed me. Now that Sinead is expecting, she and Declan are moving.”

  “I thought something was troubling you today. How can they manage that?” Orla gathered more clothes pins.

  “Declan’s brother will let them live with him in Cambridge and work in the wagon works. They’re leaving at the end of the week. The rent’s paid up until the first. I asked around at the tenement and here but I’ve had no luck atall finding someone to share the flat with me. I had hoped you would be willing to share with me.”

  “You should come to Wyoming with me. There’s a shortage of women there and you wouldn’t have any trouble finding a husband.”

  She smiled at her cheerful friend. Orla was still quite lovely in spite of the hard work she did here.

  “There’s a wee bit of difficulty, Orla, you dreamer. I have no money for my fare. I’ve no idea where this Wyoming place is. I have no money to live on until—make that if—I found a husband.”

  “Aye, you let me think on it. Wyoming Territory is west of here a long distance. But, it’s on the rail line and we’d ride the train all the way. You should know Wyoming has fierce cold in the winter. Ciara said it’s no worse than here in our flat the way the wind whips between the buildings. And, the cold creeps in the windows and around doors. She lived in our tenement when she first arrived and worked here so she knows our conditions.”

  “How did she escape?” She caught herself too late and looked around to see if anyone else heard. “I mean how did she manage to leave?”

  Orla laughed. “You had it right with escape. Her son Luke is a blessing. He went west and sent for her as soon as he was settled. ‘Twas less than a year. He started as deputy now he’s in line for the sheriff’s job.”

  “And does she live with your nephew?”

  “No, both live in a fine boarding house where she helps with the cooking. She’s a grand cook and loves being in the kitchen. ‘Tis she who’s sending me the fare to come to Wyoming. You see, her husband sails as an officer on a merchant ship and sends most of his wages to her.”

  “Compared to me she’s rich.”

  “Aye, to me as well. She could have used it for a better place to live but she’s saving so they can buy a cottage with a garden plot when my brother-in-law retires. ‘Tis guilty I feel she’s using some to pay my way there. There’s even a room in the boarding house where I can live and I can work in the kitchen with her.”

  Maeve heaved a sigh. “Indoors, not freezing your fingers off hanging wet clothes on the line? And, in a nice boarding house. Sounds heavenly.”

  Orla scooped up the empty basket. “Right you are, dearie. You let me think on your situation and we’ll figure out your escape.”

  Walking into
the laundry for more clothes to hang in the cold, Maeve could think of nothing but searching for a way to save herself. So far, she hadn’t come up with a solution. Her throat clogged and her stomach pained her all the time now. She didn’t make enough at the laundry to pay the rent and buy food on her own.

  She’d searched for someone who’d share a place. The few she’d found didn’t want a staid, respectable roommate. She didn’t want the other kind. What was she to do?

  ***

  Luke Sullivan proudly pinned his sheriff’s badge to his jacket. This was a step up and he was lucky to be given the opportunity. His good fortune was choosing Howard City as a place to live.

  Mayor George Price clapped him on the back. “Being sheriff at twenty-five is quite an accomplishment, Luke. We’re proud of you.”

  Luke examined his thumb where the pin had stuck when the mayor thumped his shoulder. “Thank you, Mayor. I’ll work hard to keep Howard City a safe and desirable place to live.”

  “Have all the confidence in the world in you.” The portly mayor hitched up his pants. “Reckon I’ll run along and let you get on with sheriffin’. You need anything you let me know.”

  Luke watched the mayor depart with his strange gait that was more waddle than walk. He knew the mayor didn’t really want to be bothered by a sheriff’s requests. By contrast, Luke had meant each word and would work hard to keep the town clean and safe. Now, though, he was going to the boardinghouse for supper. Since Ma had come, the food there was grand.

  There were no prisoners in jail now, so he and his deputy, Buck Argo, locked up the office and strolled toward the boarding house.

  Buck pulled his coat collar up around his neck against the cold. “Sure is better food since your mother came to the boarding house.”

  “The place is all right but I feel strange having a room there. Seems out of the ordinary to board where Ma lives and works.”

  Buck rubbed his chin.“I can see how it might, but I still say we’re lucky your mother is here.”

  “Maybe I should find a small house for sale. You know, something not too big or costly?”

  “I heard the Denton family is pulling out to head for Oregon.” Shaking his head, Buck said, “Makes me wonder about those who can’t settle and are always looking for a better place.”

  Luke laughed. “Isn’t that what we did? You only came from Pennsylvania but I came from Ireland.”

  Almost stopping in his tracks, Buck joined in his laughter. “Reckon you’re right and that is what we’ve done. I’m through being a rolling stone. I’m staying here and getting all mossy.”

  Luke coming from Ireland to Boston was because of his family. Da was sure they should make the move and Luke had agreed. Folks in Boston didn’t like the Irish, though. They couldn’t even find a respectable flat to rent. Right away Luke decided to find a place where a man—or woman—was judged for how they treated others. Not where they were born or by their last name.

  In Wyoming, he’d found the town of Howard City fit his needs. The friendly folks appealed to him and he quickly found a job as deputy sheriff. Soon as he could he sent for Ma. She declared she loved being here. When the sheriff decided to retire, Luke was able to step into the position.

  Now, they were sending for Aunt Orla. She was one of Luke’s favorite relatives and doted on him. He looked forward to having her here. Ma was especially eager for her sister to arrive.

  When his aunt moved to Howard City, she’d be companionship for Ma. Then, Luke would have less family responsibility. He’d be able to live the life of a carefree bachelor again.

  Chapter Two

  “Until you mentioned the idea, I’d never heard of a proxy bride, Orla. What have you planned?”

  “I’ll explain again, Maeve. The way it works is you have someone stand in for my nephew here. He’ll have someone stand in for you there. Then the two of you will be married to one another.”

  Maeve raised her hand dismissively. “I understand that part. That’s what you’ve said since we first talked about it.”

  Maeve found the idea incredulous. “What worries me is how can that be legal with us not even in the same place?”

  Uh oh, Orla wore a stern expression. She must be thoroughly vexed at Maeve’s reluctance to fall easily in with her plans.

  “Well, it is. Lots of couples use a proxy wedding as a way to protect the bride’s name while she travels. Though you’ll be traveling with me, you could go alone and not be frowned at because you’ll be married. Proxy also makes certain the bride doesn’t jilt the groom and keep the fare he sends.”

  “Oh, wouldn’t that be a terrible trick to play on a man? I can believe a scheming woman might do that. I’m still not sure this is what I should do.”

  She twisted her handkerchief in her hands. “Oh, but I really have no other choice, do I? Are you certain your nephew is getting a proxy wedding in this Wyoming place?”

  Her friend took Maeve’s hand. “I’ve arranged everything for you. Really, dearie, ‘tis too late to back out now. In Wyoming Luke is getting wed to you. All you have to do is come along and trust me.”

  “Oh, but I do trust you, Orla. I know you’d never lie to me or knowingly steer me wrong. But, I’m not sure you’ve been told the truth.”

  “Maeve, quit worrying. You don’t think for a minute Father Patrick would take part if it wasn’t legal, do you? You’ll be as married as if Luke had been here.”

  “Aye, you’re right and I’ll stop worrying. If Father Patrick’s performing the ceremony then I’m sure I can take part.”

  The two of them walked to the church where the priest greeted them. He talked to Maeve for a few minutes on the duties of a wife. Awkward as it felt, she listened. The janitor stood in for the groom and Orla and the woman arranging flowers acted as witnesses. Orla provided a ring when the time came. The kind gesture touched Maeve and made her tear up, but she didn’t shed the tears.

  In only a few minutes, her life was changed forever. Certainly this wasn’t the wedding of her dreams. She’d visualized a small wedding with her in a new dress and the groom beside her. There’d be flowers and a small reception with a nice dinner and cake.

  Stop this, for there is no call to pity your situation. At least she wasn’t living on the streets. Orla’s sister was a kind woman to provide her fare. Luke must be eager to marry for his mother to be so generous.

  When she did laundry in the future the work would be for her family. She didn’t expect anything fancy but hoped Luke’s house was well-constructed. The tenement in which she’d been living was like ice this winter and she been told it was an oven in summer.

  Orla directed the drayman to the station with her and Maeve riding in the wagon. Maeve had a trunk and two suitcases she’d brought with her from Ireland that included family possessions. She’d sold most everything when her parents died. Wishing she could save more, she’d managed to keep a few special things. She carried a small valise containing a change of clothes, a book, and some hastily purchased food for the trip.

  When they arrived at the station they checked their luggage except for the valise each carried. Maeve watched the crowd bustling hither and yon. Memories of her arrival in Boston were resurrected. Some travelers appeared excited, others tired and cranky. Or, worried.

  Exhausted and worried fit her. She’d worked in the laundry until yesterday evening. Since her rent had run out four days ago, Orla had arranged for her to stay with her in a flat she shared with a family. Maeve had spent the last few nights sleeping in an upholstered armchair while Orla slept on a lumpy couch.

  The kindly woman took Maeve’s hand. “Come on, Mrs. Sullivan. We’ve barely time to get our train.”

  Hearing someone call her by her new name seemed odd. “I’m hurrying. Goodness, Orla, I don’t feel atall like a new bride. Mayhap that will change when we reach Wyoming.”

  ***

  Hands fisted at his hips, Luke faced his mother. “You did what?” Surely he’d misunderstood.

&nbs
p; “You heard right enough, son. You bought a house, now you need a wife to manage it for you. ‘Tis time you were settling down and starting a family.”

  “I’m ‘managing’ my house very well without help, thank you. You had no right to make arrangements without consulting me, Ma.”

  Ma didn’t back down from his anger. “I’ve given up on you finding a bride on your own. Not that there’s many in town to choose from. You must agree because you never take out a nice girl.”

  “Maybe I don’t like nice girls. Has that occurred to you? There are a couple of gals at the Lucky Chance Saloon who’d be happy to help me with my house.”

  Ma threatened him with a fist near his chin. “Aye, talk like that and I’ll box your ears even if I have to stand on a chair to reach them. You don’t want a loose skirt for the mother of your children.”

  “I wasn’t planning to have children for a few more years. I’d like to be carefree for a while longer.”

  “And, I’d like grandchildren before I’m too old to see them. And, to know when you come in from a hard day’s work you have a hot meal waiting for you. And, to know you have a nice woman to talk to of an evening.” She gave him the sorrowful look that always defeated him and his father.

  No, no, don’t look at her eyes. He couldn’t weaken. “Ma, you’re not that old. You know I love you and Aunt Orla. Please don’t ask this of me.”

  “Lucas Brady Sullivan, this young woman is on her way here now. She believes she’s married to you. She is married to you. Now you have to get married to her.”

  “It’s a fool way to wed, us not even in the same place.” He crossed his arms over his chest. In spite of that, he sensed his resolve slipping inch by inch under Ma’s scrutiny. “Probably not even legal and binding.”

  “Yes, ‘tis for I checked before I sent her the train fare.” Ma’s eyes widened and she put her fingers over her mouth.

  If that didn’t beat everything? “You? You’re paying her way here? Ma, have you lost your mind? Your savings are for you and Da to buy a nice place when he retires from the sea. I understand sending for Aunt Orla but how could you spend it bringing a woman you’ve never met?”