A Bride For Luke Read online

  “Because there’s nothing more important than your future, that’s how. I wrote your da about my plan and that the girl’s on her way. He’ll be relieved to learn you’ve wed a nice Irish girl.”

  “You’ve no proof she’s nice. She might be a thief for all you know. Probably bamboozled sweet Aunt Orla. You know how soft-hearted your sister is. Probably fell for this woman’s sob story.”

  Ma puffed out her considerable chest. “Oh, now there’s where you’re wrong. Orla worked with Maeve at the laundry and they lived in the same terrible tenement. You remember what it was like. The poor girl was being left high and dry by her kin and had naught to live on. Her salary wasn’t enough to pay rent in that awful place even though she was a hard worker.”

  “Ma—”

  “No more argument, son. The preacher is expecting us in thirty minutes.” She reached for her coat and donned the garment.

  “What?”

  She latched onto his arm as if afraid he’d bolt. “Aye, there’s no time to dally. My sister and your wife arrive tomorrow.”

  ***

  Nervously twisting her wedding band, Maeve gazed at the landscape. She and Orla took turns sitting next to the window. “Sparse grass where there’s no snow, isn’t there?”

  Orla leaned forward to peer through the glass. “Aye, I don’t think they can raise many cows on these fields.”

  A man across from them chuckled. “Pardon me, ladies, but I couldn’t help overhearing. You have it right and a lot of acres are required per cow in Wyoming Territory. When he first introduces cattle to the land, a rancher can have a cow every twenty acres. The next year it takes twenty-five acres. After that, he needs to keep his herd to one cow per forty acres.”

  Orla put her hand at her throat. “My word, our little farm in Ireland was only forty acres.”

  “I’ll wager you had better grass than this.” He gestured at the window.

  She said, “Aye, our fields were deep green for most of the year. ‘Tis a shock to see such barren land. No, I don’t mean barren, I mean fields with different growth than I’m accustomed to seeing.”

  Maeve stared at the mountains in the distance. “Lovely mountains and they look as if they’re nearby. Will we come to them before Howard City?”

  The man gestured toward the mountains in discussion. “You watch, it will appear we get no closer to them than we are now. You’ve caught our community between snows, which is why there are only patches here and there. We often have snow into May and even June.”

  Maeve looked at her hands and quit fiddling with her ring. At this rate she was going to wear out the metal before she ever saw her new husband. “My, I’m not sure our clothing will be warm enough.”

  Orla patted her hand. “We’ll make do.”

  “Howard City is where I’m headed. We’re almost to town. You have family there?”

  Orla nodded. “My sister and nephew—he’s the sheriff.”

  “Luke Sullivan? Fine young man.” He tipped his hat. “I’m Virgil Taggart. I have a ranch not far from town.”

  “I’m Orla Kehoe. This is Luke’s wife, Maeve Sullivan.”

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance, ladies. You’ll find our community friendly. Is, um, Mr. Kehoe already in town?”

  Maeve would have sworn Orla blushed. “I’m a widow these two years.”

  “My condolences, Mrs. Kehoe. My own wife passed away three years ago and I know how sad it is to lose a spouse.”

  “Aye, it has been, especially since my sister Ciara left Boston to come here. Life should be better now. She has a place for me at the boarding house helping her cook. I’ll have a room there, too.”

  “Nice place. They serve dinners to folks in town, you know, like a restaurant. Good food there.”

  “Ciara is a grand cook and taught me. There’s only four years between us, me being the youngest.”

  “I believe I’ve met your sister. The food has improved a lot since she arrived.”

  Maeve laid her hand on Orla’s sleeve. “Look, the first buildings of town.” She leaned near her friend and whispered, “I’m in bits, Orla. What if he doesn’t like me? What if he didn’t want me?”

  Her heart pounded while she struggled for breath. What if she didn’t like him? What if he was a dour man like Declan or a bully?

  Orla squeezed her hand. “Everything will be all right. You said you’d trust me, remember? Now, breathe.”

  Maeve took a slow breath and fought for calm. She did trust Orla. Besides, there was no way to change her mind now. She had sealed her fate in Boston.

  Chapter Three

  Luke stood with his mother on the train platform. He was still angry he’d been put in this position. He loved his mother and his aunt, but they had no right to make decisions for him. All the same, he’d caved in and done as Ma asked. He’d promised Da that he’d take care of Ma and see to her happiness. That he’d let her manipulate him made him angry at himself.

  Ma bounced up and down on her toes. “There she is, there’s Orla.” Ma waved her handkerchief. “Orla, over here.”

  She turned to him. “Oh, look at the lovely woman with her.”

  His aunt was accompanied by a startlingly attractive woman. Was this his wife? Her chestnut hair was unbound and hung thick and curling on her shoulders. Her clothes were simple and shabby but appeared neat considering her travels—and not nearly warm enough.

  Ma and Aunt Orla hugged one another and both chattered at the same time. The young woman—Maeve was her name—stood shyly a foot back from his aunt. Her eyes were slate blue, the color of the sky when it’s first darkening for a storm.

  He supposed she didn’t know what to say. He didn’t either so he stood there like the fool he felt.

  Aunt Orla stopped and pulled Maeve forward. “What am I thinking? Ciara, this is your daughter-in-law, Maeve. Maeve, meet my sister Ciara and your husband, Luke.”

  Ma hugged Maeve. “I’m so glad you’re here. Welcome to the family.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Sullivan.”

  Ma patted Maeve’s arm. “Now, you call me Ciara or Ma.”

  He didn’t know what was expected of him. Before Maeve could answer, he extended his hand. “If you give me your baggage tickets, I’ll take care of them.”

  Both women dug in their purses for the tickets. Maeve handed the claim tags to him.

  To Ma, she said, “I apologize for my hair being down like this. While I was sleeping on the train the pins came out and my others are in one of my cases. I want to thank you for sending me the fare. You’ve no idea how much it means to me.”

  He’d bet. He trudged to the baggage claim wondering why he hadn’t planned ahead. Wasn’t like him not to but he’d have to get help to get the luggage. When he spotted a familiar face, he signaled. “Otto, will you haul this pile of luggage for me?”

  Otto Bergman picked up a trunk. “Everything goes to the boarding house?”

  “No, and now I’ve gotten them mixed up.” He turned to call for help.

  Maeve was beside him and gestured. “These two and this trunk go to the sheriff’s home. The others go to the boarding house.”

  Otto’s eyes bugged out. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  He’d better squelch gossip right now. “Otto, you haven’t met my wife. Maeve, Otto Bergman is our local drayman and does odd jobs.”

  “Ma’am.” Otto nodded with a slight bow.

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Bergman.”

  Otto smiled wider than Luke had ever seen him. “No one calls me that, Mrs. Sullivan. I’m just plain Otto.” He hefted a trunk into his wagon.

  Luke took her valise and set it with the two cases then offered his arm. “Now that Otto’s taking care of the baggage, shall we walk home and get out of the cold? The house is only a few blocks.”

  “Walking on firm ground is welcome.”

  “I remember the train’s swaying. Once we get the luggage inside, we can go to the boarding house to eat.”

  “That sounds nice. Oh
, but I don’t mind cooking if you’d prefer.”

  Nice to know she didn’t expect fancy treatment. “Not your first night here. Residents at the boarding house will want to meet you, especially since they know Ma and me. I’m sorry, but that’s a small town for you. Everyone knows your business.”

  “Aye, like our village in Limerick. News went from one end to the other like lightning. There were no secrets.”

  He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “Ah, but if they were secrets, you wouldn’t know, would you?”

  She grinned at him and her eyes sparkled. “That’s true. Mayhap there were some. Not in my family, though.”

  “You still have family there?”

  “Aye, but I’m an only child and once my parents died, I sold up and came to America. My cousin Sinead had been after me to come stay with her until I found a job that paid enough for me to live on.”

  “So what happened?”

  “After I arrived her husband made arrangements for them to move to Cambridge and live with his brother. I had to find somewhere else to live. Orla arranged for me to sleep on a chair where she was sleeping on a couch. The family that let us sleep there was desperate for money, you see. They had too many children to feed.”

  He was aghast. “Do you mean my Aunt Orla has been sleeping on a couch in someone else’s flat?”

  “Aye, ‘tis sorry I am to tell you it was a lumpy couch with no privacy atall and only one thin blanket for cover. The flat was like ice so she used her coat over her to add warmth. Pay at the laundry was very low. You may remember how hard it is for Irish to find a job or a place to live in Boston. We were afraid to ask for a raise in salary for fear of losing our job. Poor as it was, there were plenty of women willing to step into our position.”

  “I remember the ‘No Irish Need Apply’ signs. Infuriating but getting angry does no good. That’s why I left. Da’s gone to sea most of the time so Ma coming here makes no difference to him. Although he doesn’t get to see her he’s glad she has a decent place to live and plenty of food.”

  “Orla said he’s going to move here when he retires in a year or two.”

  “That’s what Da plans.”

  “Sending my train fare set back her savings. I don’t know how to make it up to her. I’ll try to think of a way to repay her without costing you.”

  Her attitude mollified him. Perhaps she wasn’t money hungry. “She told me the expense was worthwhile to have me married so don’t worry.” He stopped at the white wooden gate. “Here we are at our home.”

  She stood as if taking in each detail. Resting her gloved hands on the picket fence, she gazed several minutes before she spoke. “Sure and isn’t this a lovely cottage?”

  He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath until she spoke. Why he cared what she thought he didn’t know, but her opinion mattered. He joined her in admiring his home.

  The dark gray paint on the walls with white trim showed a respectable dwelling in good repair. Green shutters brightened the home’s exterior. The wide porch had a bench swing at one end. He intended to add a couple of chairs before summer.

  So far the trees Mr. Denton had planted five years ago had reached only ten or fifteen feet. One day they’d be tall and offer plentiful shade. Luke couldn’t help being proud of his home. He hadn’t planned to marry yet, but he was glad he at least had a decent place to bring his new wife.

  “Sure and you must be very proud of such a grand place to live.” She sounded wistful.

  He wondered what her home in Ireland had been like. He was glad he’d started fires in the fireplaces and kitchen stove to offer a warm welcome. “Wait until you see the inside before you judge. The place is only five years old. I bought it from a family going to Oregon. They sold me some of the furniture but not enough. I’ve been making do, but I imagine you’ll want more things right away.”

  “I’ll not be a spendthrift so don’t think otherwise,” she snapped. “Oh, here comes Otto.”

  “He must have delivered Aunt Orla’s luggage first. Let’s get the house open so he can unload.” He guided her up the steps and unlocked the door.

  “I believe this is traditional.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her across the threshold. For a tall woman, she didn’t weigh as much as he had expected.

  When he set her down, she straightened her clothes. “Thank you. I feel more like a bride now. The odd way we married didn’t seem real.”

  He’d not considered how she viewed the proxy wedding. “I thought the same. Now you’re here, I feel more a husband.”

  Otto’s appearance with a trunk caused Luke to gesture toward the larger bedroom. “This way.”

  Before he lugged the trunk, Otto had set the two bags on the porch and Luke grabbed them. “I’ll bring the two bags.” He led the way to the bedroom he and Maeve would share.

  She grabbed the valise and followed. When he caught her eye, she blushed. He supposed she was thinking of the coming night when they’d consummate their marriage. Since he’d first seen her, the approaching bedtime was on his mind.

  Otto left and Luke turned to Maeve. “I’ve left you most of the drawers in the chest and space in the wardrobe. Follow me and I’ll show you through the house. I don’t mean it’s big enough for you to need an escort.”

  She smiled. “You’ve a right to be proud of your home, Luke. So far, it’s lovely. I’d appreciate a guided tour.”

  The sound of his name on her lips surprised and pleased him. Her Irish brogue was still strong. The lilt and musical quality of her voice was gratifying. He’d bet she could sing.

  “There’s no furniture in the other two bedrooms. You can see the parlor is sparsely furnished. The Denton family had to leave heavy pieces like the china cabinet and kitchen table. I felt sorry for them, for I could tell Mrs. Denton was in bits about leaving some of the things.”

  Maeve ran her fingers over the carving on the china cabinet. “I’ll bet this was a family piece. How sad they had to part with it. I know how difficult doing so is.”

  “Ah, yes, I guess you recently went through that chore. Did you have help?”

  “A bit from a neighbor. Truthfully, I think she only wanted first choice at the things I was getting rid of. Some I sold and others I gave away. ‘Twas easier to part with dear things if I knew they were going to someone who’d appreciate and care for them.”

  He thought her sentimental expression was foolish. “Ma fretted when we left Ireland. I can’t understand why a person would put such store in old pieces. People matter but belongings are just things to be used or discarded.”

  She stared at him. “Have you nothing you care about? A portrait of your ma or da? A possession that has been in your family for generations?”

  “Ma has a few things from hers and Da’s families but I don’t know or care what they are. As far as I’m concerned, they’re useless.”

  “If they make her happy, then that’s a good enough reason to save them. Have you no feeling for your family?”

  What nerve she had. “Of course I have. I’ve worked hard to find a place where I wanted to live and bring Ma and eventually Da. That’s why I say people matter, not a few gewgaws.”

  Her mouth clamped into a line, she strode to the cook stove. “My, ‘tis a fine range, far better than I’ve ever used. I hope I can learn how to cook with it.”

  He was glad she’d changed the subject. “Ma can show you. Mrs. Denton said there’re instructions here somewhere but I haven’t run across them.”

  “How long have you lived in this house?” She opened cupboard doors and drawers.

  “Took possession about four weeks ago. I admit I haven’t used the range yet. I eat at the boarding house or at the jail if there’re prisoners.”

  She continued inspecting the kitchen. “Do you often have people in custody?”

  “Only a few drunks, mostly on Friday or Saturday night. My deputy and I take turns staying the night. The previous sheriff—his name was Wes Hayes—and I have kept
the undesirables out of town. Before Wes came to Broken Wheel, the place was rough with railroad workers and miners scaring good folks. Before the railroad, there were just a few businesses and not many more houses. Now about two thousand people live here.”

  He took a deep breath. “We’d best get to the boarding house or they’ll have stopped serving dinner.”

  “Certainly, if you give me a few minutes I’ll find my hair pins and restore my hairstyle.”

  He liked the way her hair curled and bounced on her shoulders. “Why not leave it for now? Everyone knows you’ve just arrived after a long trip and won’t be judging you.”

  “If you believe first impressions don’t count, you’re not paying attention. Every woman there will be weighing me and looking for faults. You may not have courted me proper, but I won’t have anyone criticizing your choice of wife. I’ll try to always be presentable and courteous in public. This will only take a minute.” She turned retreated to the bedroom.

  She was soon at his side with her hair twisted in a knot at her neck and a few curls spilling down one side under her shabby hat. Looked nice but was a lot better down. He should have insisted.

  With a smile, she laid her hand on his arm. “Shall we go?”

  “Right. We’re only a block from the boarding house. I always walk.”

  “Of course, it sounds but a wee stretch of the legs. I look forward to seeing the place where Orla will live and work. She’s had such a sad life since her husband died. ‘Tis happy I am she’ll have a nice place to stay with pleasant work.”

  “I had no idea she was living in someone else’s flat. How long had that been going on?”

  “I’m not certain. I arrived in Boston three months ago and she was there. Apparently the landlord raised the rent on that dilapidated firetrap and Orla couldn’t quite make her pay stretch. When she’d used up her savings, she had to move in with the Nolan family.”

  “I’d like to get my hands on the landlord.”

  “Aye, but you’d have to stand in a long line. Padraic Nolan worked hard and couldn’t get ahead. He’ll miss the bit Orla paid him. Imagine raising six children in two bedrooms. The children slept four in one bed and the two younger ones shared a crib.”