Chapter 24

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1904

Days later, Ellie and her father sat in the Ashburys’ large sitting room reiterating all that they had experienced to Marshal Shelton and the mayor. Father seemed no worse for the wear. Even so, Ellie never wanted to have an “adventure” like that again.

“We tracked the rest of them to the west and then back to town.” Marshal Shelton leaned back in his chair. “One of them had a lame horse and had to walk the last mile or so. I tracked him right to the place where he lived with his folks. It was Jimmy Hutchins.”

“Jimmy?” The Judge frowned. “I’ve had him in my court a couple of times on petty thefts, but that was when he was just twelve or thirteen. I’d hoped since I hadn’t seen him in years that maybe he got in with the right bunch and was doing better.”

The sadness in the Judge’s voice touched Ellie. If only the young man had realized he had such a wonderful friend in his corner, how different his life might have been.

The marshal shrugged. “He’s not a bad fella, but easily influenced. I told him it would go better on him if he’d say who else was involved. His father demanded he do so, and Jimmy told me the whole story.”

“So they really thought they could change James Hill’s decision on the railroad by taking his son?” Marvella gave a little huff and shook her head. “Madness!”

Sir Theophilus perked his ears at this and gave a yip.

Ellie laughed. Sir Theophilus was as determined to put in his two cents as his mistress was.

Father put down his cup of coffee. “I think their fears just got the better of them.”

That he could be so understanding of those who had treated him so ill was wonderful. He’d softened in so many ways since coming to faith in God. Ellie didn’t even try to hide her pride in him.

Father’s tone was gentle as he went on. “When faced with losing their livelihoods and having to move away, they grew desperate to find another answer.”

“Breaking the law is never the answer.” The marshal crossed his arms over his chest. “We’ve rounded everybody up and put them in jail. It was Alvin Wallace who hit Louis Hill over the head. A man named Clarence Woodbury hit you, Mr. Briggs. He’s no older than Jimmy. Just eighteen. Never been in trouble before and cried when he told me what he’d done. Asked if you were all right.”

“I don’t want to press charges against anyone,” Father told them. “Especially given it’s the boy’s first offense.”

“I would advise we address it in court and show mercy there.” The Judge nodded to the marshal. “He needs to be frightened enough to never do anything like this again.”

Father seemed to consider this for a moment, then nodded. “I trust that you know best, Judge.”

“In this matter, I do. I’ve seen many a young man let off with warnings only to return to nefarious deeds. We’ll let him sit in jail, see what it’s like without his freedom, and ponder what he did. He’s not the type to take it lightly. I taught his Sunday school class when he was just a boy. He can be saved. I feel confident of this.”

“The Judge is an excellent discerner of people’s character.” Marvella held up the silver coffee pot. “As I am an excellent discerner of empty coffee cups. Marshal, would you care for more?”

The marshal put his cup forward. “The best coffee in the world can be had at this house. Even better than that served at the Conrad’s.”

Marvella beamed. “Thank you, Marshal.” She poured him a cup and looked to Ellie. “What of you, my dear? More tea?”

Ellie shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

“I do hope you learned your lesson about sneaking off as you did.” Marvella shook her head. “You worried the life out of me. I was so afraid of what might happen to you.”

“As was I.”

Ellie looked to find Carter in the doorway.

The butler stood at his side. “Mr. Brunswick, ma’am.”

“Oh, Carter, do come in.” Mrs. Ashbury waved him forward.

Father sighed. “I think Ellie knows the worry she caused everyone.”

Was he upset with her? But no. One look at his face told her he was teasing.

He looked at those gathered there. “She isn’t generally so willful, but given the situation, I think she can be excused.”

Laughter echoed in the room.

“Well, before she decides to run off and do something else entirely too dangerous”—Carter dropped to one knee in front of her—“I want to ask her something.”

What...? Was this what she thought it was? One look at Carter’s face told her it was exactly what she thought it was. Giddiness filled her, and it was all she could do to just sit there and not jump into his arms. “I’m listening.”

He grinned and produced a ring from his pocket. “Miss Briggs—”

“Ellie.” Oh, Lord ... this man. This wonderful man ... “Call me Ellie.”

His smile lit up her insides. “Ellie, I’ve long prayed for a wife knowing that God had the perfect woman out there somewhere. We might have had a rocky start, but the longer I am in your presence, the more I love you. Will you marry me?”

Before she could answer, Sir Theophilus jumped from the sofa and began dancing around Carter. Barking, the little scamp raced back and forth in the short space between Ellie and Carter.

Marvella drew her hands together over her heart. “I think he’s encouraging you to say yes, my dear. He loves to see people happy, as do I.”

Ellie laughed and met Carter’s gaze. The love there took her breath away. She gave him a teasing look. “Well, it just so happens I’ve fallen in love with you as well, Mr. Brunswick.”

“Carter.”

Oh, what that man’s grin did to her!

“Carter.I would be happy to marry you.”

He slipped the ring on her finger, and the others applauded. Marvella, of course, launched into a lecture.

“You must both always put God at the center of your marriage. Seek Him first, and everything else will fall into place. The Judge and I have found this to be of the utmost importance. It never fails when something goes wrong. If we don’t seek God on the matter first, things only become more difficult.”

Ellie caught Carter’s eye. He looked as ready as she was to burst into laughter.

As though Marvella sensed the impending hilarity, she pinned Ellie’s fiancé with a firm look. “Carter, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I trust that your mother and father have taught you this very secret. Although calling it a secret really isn’t the right word.”

“Marvella.” The Judge gave her a stern look, a single brow raised. “I believe Carter is entitled to kiss his fiancée before receiving your chastisement.”

Marvella sniffed. “I’m not chastising, but advising, Milton. I just want them to...” She pursed her lips, gave her husband a nod, then turned to Carter. “Go ahead, if you must.” Her lips twitched. “Kiss her.”

Carter rose and drew Ellie up with him, pulling her into his arms and kissing her gently. Ellie wrapped her arms around his neck, not caring that they had an audience. Carter made her feel such joy that she could hardly contain herself.

The kiss ended almost as soon as it had begun, but Ellie had no desire to leave Carter’s arms. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. “I love you, Carter. I felt it coming on gradually, and it terrified me. So many things weren’t what they needed to be. Not the least of all, me. But now, by God’s grace, I will be a good wife to you.”

“And I’m seeking God’s direction to be a good husband to you. We’ll have our share of arguments and troubles, I’m sure. However, like Mrs. Ashbury pointed out, if we put God at the center of our lives, there shouldn’t be anything we can’t overcome.”

“Agreed.” Ellie stretched up on tiptoe, and Carter, seeing what she was doing, bent his lips to hers. She kissed him, not caring that it was a brazen thing to do in front of her father and the others.

She could have remained there in his arms, but Sir Theophilus was jumping up against her skirt. She broke her hold on Carter and reached down to pick up the little dog. “You, sir, have very poor timing.”

The others laughed as Ellie took a seat with the dog in her lap. “However, I have come to enjoy your company.” She scratched the pup under the chin and then let him bounce back to Marvella.

“Well, you two have many things to discuss.” Marvella picked up Sir Theophilus and snuggled him close. “Wedding plans are not easy to master, but I’m sure I speak for the Judge when I say that we are at your disposal. Carter’s mother will want to be a part of the planning as well.”

“Mother already managed weddings for my two sisters.” Carter took a seat beside Ellie. “She told me she would abide by whatever we decided.”

Marvella put on her best regal look. “Well, it will take at least six months to plan out a grand wedding. Of course, that will put us into the winter months, which can completely alter even the tiniest of details. My roses, for example, won’t be available for your bouquet, and the wedding carriages will have to be enclosed.”

“I don’t believe I want to wait six months.” Ellie looked to Carter. “Do you?”

He shook his head. “Not on your life.”

“Well, you need to find a place to live.” Marvella was not to be deterred. “That is always of the utmost concern.”

Carter grinned. “Father is gifting me land for my birthday. I kind of figured we’d build our own house. Ellie can plan out what she wants that way.”

Marvella inclined her head. “But again, that will take time.”

Father piped up. “We’re about to move into that very large Hennessy house. I see no reason you two newlyweds couldn’t live there until you figure out what you want and build your own house.”

What a wonderful idea! Ellie squeezed Carter’s hand. “How would that suit you, Carter? We could have the entire west wing to ourselves.”

“Sounds accommodating.” He smiled. “As long as you’re there, I can be happy.”

Ellie gave a firm nod. “I really don’t have much interest in waiting long at all. As you know, I’m a woman who likes to get things accomplished.”

“What are you suggesting, Ellie?” Carter’s expression and tone betrayed his amusement.

“Well, it’s just that the roses are in full bloom in Marvella’s garden. It would be the perfect spot in which to get married. And the Judge is right here. Perhaps he could marry us right away.” She looked to the Judge and smiled. “Is that possible, Judge Ashbury?”

“More than possible. I’d be honored to unite the two of you.”

“Oh, this is so very exciting!” Marvella clapped. “I can put it all together immediately. Just tell me what you would like and who you want here. I’ll send my staff out with the invitations and get Cook a list of foods for the wedding breakfast.”

Ellie laughed. “I thought I might be able to count on you, Mrs. Ashbury.” She looked back to the Judge. “When might you have a free day, Judge?”

“I have nothing on the docket for Monday the eighteenth. Would that be soon enough?”

Returning her gaze to Carter’s blue eyes, so full of love, Ellie smiled. “Well? What say you?”

“I say a week from Monday sounds perfect.”

“I’ll figure out all of the particulars with Mrs. Ashbury and let you know the details.” Ellie turned back to the gathering. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find a wedding dress.”

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1904

On the Saturday before the wedding, Ellie and her father officially took possession of the Hennessy house. Mrs. Ashbury had paid her staff to clean the place from top to bottom and arrange things in such a way as to accommodate the newlyweds, as well as Mr. Briggs and his conservation work.

Marvella even surprised them by putting a staff in place after sending word to her friends that she had immediate need for a cook, a housekeeper, a lady’s maid, and a butler. She assured Ellie that if she didn’t like the people chosen, Marvella would arrange for their dismissal and the hiring of others.

The final surprise was a partial remodeling of the room Ellie had chosen for her and Carter. When Marvella learned which room it was, she sent workers in to remake the room into a fitting bridal suite. Ellie had to admit, she was impressed. Even now as she walked into the massive room, she marveled at all that had been accomplished in just a few days.

How had Marvella done it? She’d had the walls papered and the trim painted, as well as the floor polished, the marble fireplace cleaned, and new draperies hung. There was a large, four-poster bed with new bedding and pillows, homey and inviting. She’d also arranged some of the left-behind furniture in the room so that there was a sitting area in front of the fire and a desk and chair in the corner.

It all suited Ellie’s tastes perfectly. She wasn’t at all sure what Carter would think of it, but as Marvella had told her, it could always be changed to suit any desires they might have.

The older woman hadn’t excluded Ellie’s father either. She had refreshed his room as well as the library. He was pleased with the house and tried to insist Marvella allow him to pay her. But, as they both were learning, Marvella was not one to be insisted into anything she didn’t want to do.

Why, she’d even provided Ellie’s wedding dress. Having no daughter of her own, Marvella gave Ellie her wedding gown. True, Marvella and the Judge had married in 1864, when he came home on a Christmas pass during the war, so it was very much out of fashion. But Marvella called in her dressmaker.

The woman altered the dress, creating something elegant.

Ellie had been very touched that Marvella would gift her the dress. The ivory satin-and-lace creation must have been very dear to her, as she had seen to its meticulous care all these years.

A knock sounded on her open door. Ellie found her father gazing in. “I’m sure you’re readying yourself for bed, but I wondered if you had a moment.”

“Of course, Father. What do you need?”

“I wanted to tell you that I’ve made some plans. I hope you won’t mind.” He stepped into the room. “I tend to think you won’t.”

She smiled and went to him. “Whatever have you been up to now?”

“I’m going back to New York after the wedding. George invited me to come and stay with him prior to our trip to Washington. He has a group of wealthy friends he thinks we should speak to about the national park. I thought how appropriate it would be to do so following the wedding. It will allow you and Carter to have nearly two months on your own before I return from the East. So that is going to be my wedding gift to you.”

Two months? On their own? “That is very generous. Are you sure you want to do this?”

“George and I talked about it before I was taken. I was trying to come up with a way to tell you that wouldn’t cause you to feel abandoned.”

Ellie took his hands in hers. “I’m sorry I made you feel that you had to take me with you everywhere. It truly never dawned on me that you might like to be among your friends without your daughter traipsing behind you. What a bother.”

“No, you were never a bother. After your mother died, you were all that kept me going. Now, however, I believe we are both able to see our individual ways. God has done that for us.”

“I agree, and I will be just fine. You go and enjoy your trip. Do the things that are important to you. I’ll be here.”

He smiled. “You have always been here. No daughter has been more cherished or loved.” He hugged her close and kissed the top of her head.

MONDAY, JULY 18, 1904

It was actually happening!

Ellie peered through her veil, gaze fixed on Carter as she walked beside her father. She couldn’t hold back the tears as Father lifted her veil and kissed her forehead, then placed her hand in Carter’s.

Stepping back, Father stood with the other guests.

Ellie gripped Carter’s hand and turned to face Judge Ashbury. He gave her a grandfatherly smile and opened his Bible. His rich voice rang out. “Dear friends, we have come here together to join Eleanor and Carter in holy matrimony...”

A lump formed in her throat. What a wonder God was. What a blessing He’d given her in Carter. And all these people who had become a part of her. So many wonderful changes had come to her life. She would have a home instead of being on the road, wandering from one place to another. She would have a husband to love and cherish. And the greatest change of all, she was now a child of God. The God of the universe had chosen her for His own, and for the first time since her mother died, Ellie felt whole again.

The Judge cleared his throat. “Carter, repeat after me. I, Carter, take thee, Eleanor—”

“Ellie.”

The Judge stopped and she gave him a smile. “Not Eleanor”—she met Carter’s loving gaze—“Ellie.”

The Judge smiled, nodded, and began again. “Carter, repeat after me. I, Carter, take thee, Ellie, to be my lawfully wedded wife.”

Carter’s grin widened, and Ellie couldn’t hold back a laugh. He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “I, Carter, take thee, Ellie...”