Beth_Bride of Massachusetts Read online

  Genevieve nodded, as if she approved of his thinking.

  “We make all kinds of pretty things there. Beautiful fabric for dresses and we’re starting to make some ready to wear men’s clothing, too,” he added.

  “That sounds nice, Uncle George. But why is it so far away from home? Are we going to have to move here?” Harriet’s voice shook, and George patted her head and tried to alleviate her concern.

  “No, honey. We won’t be moving here. We may come visit from time to time, but our home is in Montana. I had an uncle who died a few years ago and left me his factory, so that’s why we’re here.”

  George’s father had been one of two sons. While he moved west to build a life for himself, his brother Henry stayed in Lawrence and grew a prosperous textile business. George initially had planned to sell both the building and the business, but after touring the mill and learning more about what went on there, he decided to wait and better understand the business before selling. He discovered that he found the textile business fascinating and quite profitable.Over the past few years, some of the ideas and changes that he’d implemented had tripled the size of the company. It was now bursting at the seams and he needed to expand. This Brown Textile Mill, if it was salvageable, could be an ideal solution.

  * * *

  Five hours later, the train pulled into Lawrence and George helped the girls off and kept an eye on them while he retrieved their luggage. Mandy was there to greet them, and he introduced her to the girls then loaded their bags into the buggy she’d driven to the station.

  “Do you have a last name?” Harriet asked seriously as she shook the woman’s hand. Mandy smiled as she spoke to both girls.

  “Yes, my last name is Johnson. Your uncle wanted you to call me Miss Johnson, but I insisted on Miss Mandy.”

  “Good, that’s much nicer,” Harriet agreed and then added, “And you may call me Harry.”

  “Very good, Harry.”

  “And you can call me Genny, if you like,” Genevieve said.

  George could tell that both girls were comfortable with his housekeeper and he was glad for it. Mandy Johnson was a welcoming, pleasant woman and he knew the girls would be well cared for while he was out at the factory. Mandy had worked for him since he’d inherited the mill and took over his uncle’s home.

  He helped the girls into the back of the buggy. Mandy sat in the passenger seat, and he took the reins and drove the short distance home. They were there in less than ten minutes and while Mandy led the girls inside, he collected their luggage and brought it in.

  His stomach grumbled as he stepped inside and the smell of something cooking drifted his way. It was almost six and he knew the girls must be hungry, too. They hadn’t eaten since noon and the food on the train wasn’t anything special. Mandy smiled knowingly at him and then addressed the girls,

  “I’ll show you two to your rooms, and then as soon as you all get settled, dinner will be waiting for you. I have a nice roast chicken and potatoes and if you still have room after that, there’s apple pie, too.”

  “Thank you, Mandy. That all sounds perfect,” George said gratefully.

  As Mandy led the girls up the stairs, George followed with their bags. Their dinner smelled amazing and he hoped that either Beth or her mother would be able to do the same for them, in Montana. He smiled, thinking of Beth’s letter to him. He’d had other letters, from equally attractive women, but something about Beth’s letter pulled at him. He could recall it almost word for word.

  Dear Mr. Montgomery,

  My name is Beth Mitchell and I am very interested in being your wife. I am 22 years old and was recently working as a seamstress at the Brown Textile Mill, which burned down. Along with 100 other women, we have lost our jobs and there is no other work to be found. I wasn’t a very good seamstress, but I think I could make you a good wife. I am honest and caring, quiet of nature and I enjoy being around small children. I do have one request, howeve,r and I hope you will see this as a benefit. My mother also lost her job over a year ago and my sister and I have been helping to support her. I will happily marry you if you allow my mother to move with us. She is very kind and calm and she is also wonderful with children of all ages. I hope you will agree that this could be an advantage for your girls.

  With great respect,

  Beth

  He suspected that most men would have likely been put off by her request that her mother join her, but he actually did see it as an advantage. More than anything, he wanted to provide the girls with a stable and loving home, and by having her mother join them, he would be giving them both a mother and grandmotherly figure as they had no other living grandparents. They were due to meet the two women for lunch the next day and he was hopeful that she would be as she described in her letter.

  Chapter Four

  “Are you nervous? You must be. I’m nervous for you,” Beth’s sister India asked as she brushed Beth’s hair, gathered the sides up and pinned them in place with a set of silver combs. Once they were secured, she let the rest of her hair settle and fall down her back. “There. You look lovely.”

  “Thank you. And yes, of course I’m nervous. How could I not be? You know this is the very last thing I want to be doing, and yet it’s so important that he agree that we should be married. There are no other options.”

  India sighed. “I know. It’s the same for me. I’m excited about the adventure of it all, but I always dreamed that I’d fall in love some day and get married. Not like this.”

  Beth frowned. “I never dreamed about getting married. If I’m being perfectly honest, I don’t really see the appeal of it. I’d prefer to be independent, to do what I please and perhaps run a business of my own.”

  “Yes, I could see you doing that. But it takes money, which we have none of.”

  “I know. I should be grateful that this man is even willing to consider taking both of us. I will have to be on my very best behavior.”

  India smiled. “Yes, you will. Keep your opinions to yourself. Smile and nod and be agreeable. Just act like Mother and you’ll be fine.”

  “I will. That is good advice.”

  “It’s good that she is going with you. She can kick you under the table if you mess up.”

  Beth chuckled. “Maybe I should just let her do all the talking. Her personality is exactly what he is looking for.”

  “Don’t be silly. Just be yourself, sort of. Be really nice to his children. That might be the best approach.”

  Beth bit her lip. The children were what she was most worried about. She had no experience with them at all. What if they didn’t like her?

  “Are you ready to go, honey?” Her mother stood in the doorway, dressed in her Sunday best. She was wearing a pale blue dress that had seen better days, but was still neat and clean and flattered her blonde hair, which was the same shade as Beth’s. Her mother had been a beauty once and Beth was grateful that people often said that she resembled her. India had more of their father’s coloring, with her dark brown hair and eyes.

  “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.” Beth stood and smoothed the front of her navy blue dress. It was a simple dress, but well made and it made her skin glow. It was her favorite among her few choices. She found her coat, and then she and her mother made their way down Canal Street and a few blocks over to Union where the restaurant was that they were to meet George and the children.

  It was just about noon as they walked through the door of Sherman’s and gave their name to the host, an older gentleman with snow white hair, who was at the front desk.

  “You’re part of the Montgomery party? Right this way please.” He led them to the back of the restaurant and to a round table in the corner, where two young girls and a handsome man with dark hair and bright eyes were sitting. The man stood as they approached.

  “Miss Mitchell? And Mrs. Mitchell?” he asked as he held out his hand to greet them.

  “Yes. It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Montgomery. Please, call me Beth,�
�� she said as she shook his hand. It was a large hand, and he had a firm grip. He shook her mother’s as well.

  “And I am Claudia,” her mother said.

  “A pleasure to meet you as well. Please, you both must call me George, and this is Harriet.” He gestured toward a small girl who looked about five, with long, light brown hair and big eyes. “She likes to be called Harry, and her sister, Genevieve, goes by Genny. Say hello, girls.”

  “Hello,” they both said in unison.

  “Please, have a seat. We just arrived a few moments ago.” He sat back down and they sat as well, with her mother sitting next to the girls and Beth next to George. Beth opened her menu and then glanced sideways at George while he was studying his menu.

  He had thick, dark hair, a strong nose and jaw with a small nick near his chin. She wondered if he’d cut himself shaving. It was a bit disconcerting that he was so handsome. She hadn’t expected that.

  He smiled at something one of the girls said and Beth caught her breath. His face lit up when he smiled and he was even more attractive. She frowned at the thought. That was the last thing she needed to worry about. She glanced toward the girls and was a bit surprised to discover that they were both studying her intently. She swallowed nervously and then smiled at them.

  “Have you girls been here before?” she asked tentatively.

  “To Lawrence or to this restaurant?” Genny asked.

  “Well, either, I suppose.”

  “We just arrived in Lawrence yesterday, so we’ve never been to this restaurant before,” Genny said.

  Beth nodded, not sure what to say next.

  “We’ve never been to a restaurant,” Harry added.

  “Well, that’s not so surprising. I’ve only been to a few myself,” Beth admitted and was relieved to see a fleeting smile cross the young girl’s face.

  “Uncle George said this is the best restaurant in Lawrence,” Genny said.

  “It is,” George confirmed. “Best food in town, except for Mandy’s cooking, of course.”

  “Who is Mandy?” Beth’s mother asked.

  “She’s our housekeeper and cook. It’s a good thing, too, or we’d all go hungry.”

  “Beth is a very good cook,” her mother said proudly and Beth almost choked on the sip of water she’d just taken. Her mother was flat-out fibbing. “I taught her everything I know and I’ve been told that I am an excellent cook.” That at least was true.

  “I can only hope that someday I’ll be as good as she is. She is a much better cook than I am,” Beth admitted and then jumped when she felt a sharp kick under the table.

  “Beth is far too modest,” her mother said sweetly.

  “That is an admirable quality.” George smiled her way, and Beth stared down at her menu and bit her lip. The less she said, the better, apparently.

  The waiter returned a moment later and took their orders. The women all ordered chicken pot pies and George chose the roast beef special. Bread and butter arrived a moment later and while they ate, George told them about his business in Lawrence and his intention to possibly purchase the fire-damaged mill.

  “I’m hoping, given the condition of the building, that I might pick it up for a reasonable cost. It will, of course, take the better part of the next six months to rebuild.”

  “That’s where we all worked,” Beth said. “I hope you do pick it up for next to nothing. The owner is a horrible man. There are rumors that he set the fire himself,” she said mildly, forcing herself not to get too excited and let her fury show. She wanted to make Bob Brown pay for what he’d done to all of them if, in fact, he had deliberately set that fire. If he did it, she wanted him to suffer, to rot in jail as a payback for how his selfish actions had hurt so many.

  George looked at her curiously and she regretted her impulsive statement. Her mother never would have blurted that out. She had to remember to behave as her mother would, to stay calm.

  “Hm. I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting the fellow, but I have heard he’s not the most respected individual. I’m not sure what he would have hoped to gain by burning down the building, though. It doesn’t seem very likely.”

  “I wouldn’t know about that. People do strange things sometimes, don’t they?” she said and smiled sweetly.

  “They do indeed.” George looked thoughtful, as if he was about to say something when the waiter arrived with their meals. He served them, and they all started eating and the girls entertained them with their first impression of George’s house.

  “It’s so big! Almost as big as Uncle George’s house in Montana and that’s the biggest house in the world, I think,” Harriet said excitedly.

  “I’m sure it’s not even close to the biggest in the world,” Genevieve said with all the wisdom of an older eight-year-old. “It is big, though. We each have our own room and even Miss Mandy lives there, too, at the other side of the house.”

  “Do you want to come and see it?” Harriet asked.

  “We’d love to,” Beth assured her. She had to admit, she was curious to see the house, especially since the girls said it was so big. Most homes in the area were smaller and there were many apartment buildings that housed the mill workers. It was a relief to hear it. It sounded as though George Montgomery would indeed be able to support them all. Beth realized how worried she’d been for so long. It was still stressful worrying that he still might decide not to go through with the marriage. It had to happen. Beth refused to consider the possibility that it might not.

  “That’s actually a good idea. If you two ladies are able to, perhaps you could come by tomorrow afternoon to spend some time with the girls? I’m going to be at the Mill most of the day and it would be a good chance for you all to get to know each other better.”

  “We can go to the park!” Harriet exclaimed.

  Beth smiled. “We could certainly take a walk down to the park. If that is all right with your uncle, of course.”

  George hesitated for just a moment. “Of course you can go to the park. See if Miss Mandy would like to go, too. She might enjoy getting out for a walk.”

  With that settled, they all chatted easily as they finished their meals. George paid the bill when it came and after they all walked outside, he turned to Beth with a thoughtful expression.

  “It’s been a pleasure meeting both of you. It occurred to me, since you know this Bob Brown, that it might be helpful to have you join me for my meeting with him in two days’ time. Given what you shared earlier, I would welcome your impressions on whether he is being truthful with me. If you don’t mind, that is.”

  Beth both loved and hated the idea. She welcomed being there with George as an equal of sorts. She was curious to see if she could learn anything new that might incriminate him, but she also worried a bit that Bob Brown could potentially ruin her chances with George too, if he let his opinion of her slip. But she didn’t really have a choice in the matter. How could she refuse?

  “Of course I don’t mind. I’m not good at sewing, but I’ve often thought I could be good at business. I’d love to accompany you and pay close attention to everything.”

  “Splendid. The girls will see the two of you tomorrow, then, and I will come by the next morning at a quarter to ten.”

  George and the girls turned to leave, and Beth and her mother started walking in the opposite direction toward their respective apartments.

  “I think that went well,” her mother said as soon as they were far enough away to speak freely.

  “Overall, I agree. But, Mother, what were you thinking, telling the man I’m a good cook? He’ll be expecting a level of quality I am not capable of.”

  “Beth, anyone can cook. You’re a smart girl and cooking is all about following directions. As long as you pay attention, you’ll do just fine.”

  “I suppose.” Beth wasn’t so sure. But, at least she would have her mother with her so she could ask for help if she needed it.

  “I think it’s lovely that he’s having us over tomor
row to meet the girls. I’m sure it’s very important to him that we all get along,” her mother added.

  “I’m a bit nervous about that,” Beth admitted

  “Don’t be silly. You’ll be fine. They are nice girls, very sweet.”

  “They did seem pleasant enough,” Beth agreed. Maybe the girls would accept her. She hoped so.

  * * *

  The girls amused George as the three of them walked the short distance home. He really hadn’t known what to expect, but the lunch had gone about as well as he supposed that it could.

  Beth intrigued him. She was far prettier than he had expected from the photograph that she’d sent. That was a surprise. He was curious to get to know her better.

  She wasn’t quite as she’d described. He’d seen the flash of fire as she talked about the mill owner and he wondered if she realized what an expressive face she had. More than once, he’d noticed her seem to literally bite her tongue—on the verge of saying something and then simply smiling instead. In those moments, she resembled her mother, who barely said a word, but smiled and nodded throughout their conversation and had the kindest eyes he’d ever seen. He could tell that the girls were immediately drawn to the calm, sweet woman. Yes, he was definitely looking forward to getting to know her daughter better. Was she more like her mother? Or were the glimpses of passion he’d seen more her natural nature?

  “What did you think of Miss Mitchell, girls?” he asked.

  “She’s coming to see us, and said she will take us to the park. She seems nice, Uncle George!” Harriet said enthusiastically.

  “I think it’s too soon to tell. We just met her, after all. Her mother was really nice, though.” Genevieve was a bit more cautious.

  “Yes, Mrs. Mitchell is a lovely woman. And tomorrow, you’ll have the chance to spend more time with both of them.”

  “Will you be there at all, too?” Genevieve asked.

  George thought about that for a moment. “Possibly, if I get through what I need to do tomorrow, I might be home before they leave.”