Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) (7 page)

Chapter 8

Constance woke early. Today was the day she’d be in Apalachicola. Her old fears came at her. Especially after she looked in the mirror. Her hair was wilder than normal. She ran her brush through her pale red hair until it relented and allowed her to pin it into a fashionable braided bun.

She pinched her cheeks as she remembered Roberta showing her months ago. There did seem to be life in her green eyes. For that, she would thank E. Ferris for booking her passage on the sailing vessel. She’d miss Captain Gordon and Stubby as they had been nothing but kind and supportive to her.

They were the closest thing she’d had to family since her father had passed away. She shoved away the fears and packed her satchel. She stared down at her dress and wished she’d paid more attention to her clothes.

She did have money left. Perhaps she could find a dress more fitting for meeting her intended. After sending one last look around the cabin to make sure she’d packed everything, she went out the door to a new life. What had the Captain said, “Journeys end in lovers meeting.”

The hardened old sailor who’d called her a Jonah met her in the hall. “Ya cost me a trip to Cuba.”

Constance backed away from him. Then shoved her mousy side away and stood her ground. “The captain told me we’d not be going to Cuba before we set sail. You knew that. I don’t appreciate your sneering. Please get out of my way. I want to see Apalachicola as we dock.”

He sneered anyway. “Not like you’ll be getting off the Queen’s ship. Not much of a dock. And if the tide ain’t high enough they’ll have to row you to shore.
Journeys end
carries a deep keel.”

She shoved past him and made her way to the deck. Finding the captain, she went and stood by his side. “Are we almost there?”

He smiled and pointed to a cluster of buildings. “That’s Apalachicola. Sits where the river and bay meet. The name loosely means ‘land of the friendly people.’ Sorry, I won’t be able to get you in proper. Tide’s too shallow, but I’ll have my best boys row you to the dock and help you ashore.”

Her throat closed on her as tears formed in her eyes. She started to speak but had to stop.

He put an arm around her. “You’ve been a treasure; I’ll always remember you. If I had a daughter, I think she’d be just like you.” He gave her a quick squeeze and then resumed his Captain’s stature as he barked orders to the crew.

Captain Gordon pointed to Stubby. “He’ll be overseeing the crew that takes you to shore.”

She nodded, turned to go, and then ran to him and hugged him. “Thank you for looking after me. You’ve helped me come alive.”

He tilted her head so she could see his eyes. “Miss Constance Penny, you are a delight. Remember that and don’t let anyone steal that from you. Go with God, daughter.”

Tears blurred her eyes as she made her way down to Stubby.

The thrumming steam engine quieted, the ship stopped, and she heard the huge anchor drop heavily into the sea.

Constance looked at Stubby.

He took her satchel and helped her into a small boat. “Stay put and we’ll gently lower you to the water. Then a couple of my best will row you to shore.”

“Thank you, Stubby.” Her voice caught.

The old salt turned away and wiped his arm across his face. Turning back, he took her hand. “You’re a jewel, Constance. Don’t let anyone treat you wrong. Choose the man you marry wisely. He needs to be worthy of you and a good man who will love and take care of you. I’ll be praying for you, girl.”

She kissed his hand. Her tears flowed as he gently pulled it from her. Soon the little boat descended to the water. Two able bodied men climbed down ropes to drop in and began rowing her to shore.

They stopped by a low dock and helped her onto the land. After weeks at sea, her legs rebelled at having to walk on sturdy land. One of the men handed her satchel to her and smiled.

“Takes a while to get sea legs, and then another while to get your land legs back. You’ll do fine miss. You were the talk of the crew.”

Suddenly she thought of the other passengers. “What of the other passengers?”

“Oh, Captain wanted you safely ashore ahead of them. He don’t trust that one guy. Shady fella if you ask us. Have a good journey, Miss.”

And they were gone. She was once again alone and on a dock in a city, she knew nothing about. The warm feelings she’d had with Stubby and Captain Gordon fled as if a storm had blown them away.

Chills crept down her spine. She looked toward the buildings and began the long walk down the pier. Men tended to boats. Mostly fishing boats, she figured. A few made comments but most were busy.

She surveyed the men at the end of the dock, wondering of E. Ferris was here to meet her. But by his letter, he didn’t expect her for another week. Clouds scudded in from the gulf and covered the sun and its warmth. It might be Florida, but the wind held a definite chill.

The smell of fish was overpowering. To her right, she saw a stately home overlooking the waters. How lovely to live in such a place. A far cry from the dark bricked tenements she’d known as home in Lawrence, but the meager wages from the factory had supported little else.

She pondered her next move when she saw a small café on the corner. She stepped onto the sidewalk, had to reach out to get the support on the wall of a big building, and then walked on. She laughed at being wobbly on dry land because it wasn’t moving.

A man was just leaving the café and held the door for her. She scooted in, fighting her old feelings of wanting to be invisible. Mad at herself, she turned to the man. “Thank you.”

He smiled and let the door close.

Hmm. Well, he had a light build and sandy brown hair. Could he be E. Ferris? At least he’d been kind. Bolstered by her courage and that she’d used her voice and not that of a mouse, she sat at one of the tables, set her satchel down, and rubbed her left leg. Port leg, she laughed to herself.

A young waitress came over to her. “What can I get you?”

“Coffee.”

“Right up. You’re new here aren’t you?”

“Yes, I just came in on the
Journeys end.
” Constance understood why her legs were hurting. She could barely make out the ship and hadn’t realized how far the dock had been from the café.

Tapping the tag on her chest, the waitress grinned. “I’m Jenny. My mother owns the café.”

Shaking the hand offered, her heart glowed with warmth. “I’m Constance.” She didn’t think the girl needed a last name. Jenny hadn’t offered hers.

“Let me get you that coffee.” She rushed to the counter and grabbed a cup.

Constance breathed a sigh of accomplishment. She was going to set her own course instead of being run over by life. She had enough money, thanks to E. Ferris, to buy some new clothes and find a room for at least a month.

She had to admit, he had been more than generous, but she wasn’t going to marry just anyone. Even if she’d agreed to come to meet him, they still had to approve of one another. She was sure that must be how the mail-order bride thing worked. She’d been afraid to ask questions when she’d picked the paper up at Roberta’s.

With a grin, she took a sip of the coffee Jenny had set before her. Yes, she was on her way to making a life for herself. She thought of the prayers she’d said on the ship. More than she’d ever prayed in her life except maybe before her daddy had died.

A moment of doubt afflicted her as she considered how little good the prayers had done for her parents. They were dead and she was alone. She took another sip and let the warm liquid soothe her.

Today was a different day. She was a different woman. Both Stubby and the captain had said she was worthy. A treasure and a jewel. That was how she needed to see herself. Perhaps God saw her that way, too. She’d have to buy a Bible and search it out.

Finished with her coffee, she waved Jenny over.

The girl came to her. However, Jenny didn’t really look any younger than herself. “I was wondering, is there a hotel or boarding house near?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, the widow McCreedy has one. It’s not far and she’d love to rent to a fine young woman such as yourself.”

“Thank you and is there a dress shop nearby.”

“Just down the street. Not a lot of selection, but you can always go to Ferris and Sons and order one if you don’t find what you like.”

Startled at the name of Ferris, Constance hoped she hadn’t given away anything, but Jenny had left to get another order.

Drawing in a deep breath, she decided to seek out the room first. Then she could explore the town. So, Ferris and Sons owned a building and a large store. Well, he must have some money.

Why wasn’t he married? Jenny was a delightful young woman. Why didn’t he like her? What was wrong with him? He had money so why did he have to resort to a mail-order bride? She got up to leave, but the heavens opened and poured sheets of rain.

###

Drake stared out the office window at the pouring rain. A gloomy day that for once didn’t match his mood. Last night, the dinner with Kimberly had changed him. She liked him, he could tell that, and he was certainly smitten by her charm and looks.

He drummed a pencil against the mahogany desk, stared out the window, and thought of Kimberly. His gaze tripped over the calendar and his good feelings crashed to the days. By his note, he had less than a week before Constance arrived.

Sadness gripped him. What was he to do? Worse, what had he done? Just when he finally met someone who could make his heart sing, he would have to deal with his huge mistake. Not knowing what to do, he rose and paced the office. What would Father do? He traversed the office floor with the disconcerting knowledge that Father would have never sent off for a woman to be his wife.

Drake had seen how close his parents were. How their love for one another never varied. He huffed out a breath. He needed to get out of the office. Take a walk. Anything to get away from the calendar and the doom it proclaimed.

He grabbed his coat and umbrella and left the office. He told his secretary, Jane, that he’d be back later. At least, he’d learned her name. Took him a week, but he was learning who the store’s employees were.

After flaring the umbrella, he stepped outside. The rain poured. He regretted skipping breakfast. Seeing Kimberly. But what would he say to her?
I like you, Kimberly, and perhaps could even grow to love you, but I have this small problem. I’ve ordered a wife, and she’ll be here in a week.

Miss Penny was probably an ugly, mean woman. What would he say to her? Drake continued to walk not even caring where he went. But as if his feet knew his heart, he saw that he was at the docks.

He didn’t even want to look at the ships. They were out of his reach now. Mother, the store, Kimberly and Constance Penny all had their hooks in him. For a brief moment, Drake considered leaving Apalachicola. To just disappear, barter with the owner of
The Sea Wind
and sail her to places unknown.

The air cooled. With a shrug, Drake turned and walked to the café. A coffee would be good. He strode inside and sat at the counter.

Jenny came over to him. “Cold isn’t it? Can I get you a coffee, Drake?”

He nodded and surveyed those in the small café. Most he knew but there was one he didn’t. A young woman with pale red hair sat at the table by the window. She was staring outside. Drake followed her gaze and saw the tall mast of a sailing vessel.

Probably
The Sea Wind
.

Jenny set the cup down. “
Journeys end
docked early this morning. Three passengers got off. Always makes me wonder what they want in this town.”

His heart thumped. She was here. His gaze slipped to the young woman alone at the table. She must be Constance Penny. Had to be her.

“Something wrong with the coffee?” Jenny wiped the counter.

“What? Oh, no.” He thought about asking Jenny if she knew who the woman was. But then thought better of it. He wasn’t ready to meet her. Not yet.

Jenny slipped his bill beside his cup. “I see you looking at her. She’s pretty and nice. Her name, is Constance. She didn’t give me her last name though.”

Sunshine eased between the clouds and brightened the day, but it would take more than that to ease his situation. He sat as if frozen.

The bell over the door to the café rang.

Drake turned.

Kimberly smiled and walked to him. “Well, I didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Ferris.”

Drake’s gaze slid to the young woman. Her shoulders went rigid, and she turned to look at him.

He returned his gaze to Kimberly. “I do get thirsty and hungry. I’m not chained to the office.” Not yet, he told himself.

Kimberly laughed. “Will you be home for dinner tonight, or will I have to warm it for you, again?”

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the light leave Constance’ face before she turned to the window.

“I’ll be home.”

Kimberly’s lips turned to a pout. “What’s the matter, Drake? I expected you to ask to buy me breakfast?”

With relief, he saw that Constance relaxed her rigid shoulders.