Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) (9 page)

Chapter 11

Constance’s heart jolted when Drake rose from his chair and left. Her gaze at him was rewarded with a nod. Then she turned her attention to Finn, who was telling her another story about Chicago. She wondered if there was a city the man hadn’t visited.

She tried to listen, but once Drake left, all she’d wanted to do was go back to her room at the boarding house. Gently, she put her napkin to her mouth and then set it on her plate.

“I hope you don’t mind. Today has been a big day for me and I am tired.”

Finn buttered another roll. “You’re right. I might stay and look at the sights. Do you think you can make it back to your room by yourself?”

She read between his words. He didn’t think she was of any more use and not worth escorting her to the boarding house. Of course, he hadn’t met her to walk her to the hotel either. “I’ll be fine. Thank you for dinner.”

He continued to sit as she stood.

After pulling a cigar from his pocket, he rose as if it were an imposition. “It was my pleasure, Constance. My business dictates that I’ll be here for some time. Stop in if you want to join me for dinner again. Good night.”

Feeling summarily dismissed, Constance grabbed her reticule and started for the door. She passed by Tess and her fiancé. With a start, she remembered Edwin Ferris. He must be E. Ferris, yet, as she passed their table, he made no attempt to stop her.

Her timid, fearful mouse self, tried to rise up inside her. With faltering steps, she left the dining room and made it outside the hotel. Clearly, E. Ferris had chosen to reject her and not even given her the courtesy of telling her so.

You’re a jewel
.

Stubby’s words gave her some strength, but were they true? No one else seemed to think so. She recalled the deep stares Drake had sent her way. Did he know that Edwin had sent for her and now rejected her?

Cool winds swept over her and caused her to wrap her shawl around her. She should have taken her coat, but it was so shabby and sported several moth-eaten holes that she’d chosen the shawl instead.

Regrets. She was full of them. Sorry, she’d come. Sorry, she’d eaten dinner with Finn. Sorry, she’d brought a flimsy shawl when she clearly needed a warm coat. Would serve her right if she came down with a dreadful cold.

Who would care?

Why God? Why bring me all the way here to Florida if my life is to be the same as it was in Lawrence? She could add that to her regret list.

The moon came out from behind a cloud and shone brightly on her path.

Constance stopped and marveled at its size and light. An omen? A message from God that all would be taken care of? Perhaps. Then again, perhaps she’d spent too much time with Stubby and his superstitions.

You’re a jewel.

“I hope so, Stubby. I hope somebody sees me that way.” Tired and cold, she sped to the boarding house.

Throwing open the door, she bolted into the warmth and rubbed her arms.

Alice poked at the flames in the fireplace. “My lands, girl. You must be freezing. Come sit here by the fire.”

Constance offered no resistance. She needed the warmth as well as the company.

With a kindly glance, the older woman brought her a blanket. “Tomorrow, you go shopping and get yourself a proper coat. This might be Florida, but that shawl will not keep you warm.”

After wrapping the blanket around herself, Constance nodded. “I intend to do just that.”

Alice touched her shoulder. “If you don’t have enough funds, let me know. I have some money set aside to help others. My husband and I decided early in our marriage that we’d keep a Samaritan fund for just such occasions.”

Constance melted in the woman’s kindness. “I believe I have enough. But thank you for the kind offer.”

“You just let me know, dear. Now, how would you like a cup of hot cocoa? You know the Aztecs used the drink two thousand years ago as a medicine.” She winked. “I think they were right. I drink it every night before I retire.”

“Sounds lovely, thank you.” Constance relaxed against the chair’s soft cushion. Alice ran more than a boarding house; she ran a home. For that, Constance was grateful. Just what she needed at the moment.

Her thoughts drifted to the haphazard prayer she’d thrown into the sky. Perhaps God was watching out for her.

You’re a jewel.

This time, she didn’t question the words but let them settle in her heart. Accepted them. Believed them. Yes, she was a jewel. And she wasn’t alone. She had been brought here for a reason.

Even if E. Ferris wanted nothing to do with her, she’d stay. She’d make a home for herself in this town. Yes, she was a jewel.

###

Drake strode into the cold night air. It chilled him, but he didn’t care. It wasn’t his comfort that he was concerned about. Tonight, he needed to make things clear to Kimberly. To himself. Watching Constance, he knew he owed her an explanation.

First, he needed to speak to Kimberly. He wasn’t sure what his mother’s caretaker wanted, but if she was serious about him, he needed to set her straight. Tonight.

An owl hooted.

Looking forward, Drake walked purposefully to his house. He hoped Mother was gaining strength. He wondered if Kimberly would stay on once he told her he wasn’t free.

Taking the steps by twos, Drake was almost to the door when it opened.

Kimberly stood, holding the door and staring at him.

He nodded at her. “I need to talk with you.”

“I was leaving. Dinner is in the oven. I waited. I—” Her voice shook as tears flowed down her cheeks.

He took her hand. “Come back inside. I have something I need to tell you. Explain to you.”

She glanced to the side but shook her head. “Don’t toy with me, Drake. I thought you cared for me. I thought we had something together.”

“It’s too cold out here. Please, talk to me in the parlor.”

She pulled her hand from him and rubbed her arms. “All right, though by the look in your eyes, I can already tell I’m not going to like it.”

He followed her into the house and to the parlor. “Please, sit.”

As if bracing for bad news, her usual smile faded to a frown. “Say it quick. I have to get up early to make breakfast.”

Drake’s heart jarred from the jab she’d thrown. “I need to be honest with you. Before I met you, I corresponded with a woman to come to Florida. To be my wife. I didn’t know you then. How I wish I had. Things may have been—”

“I get the picture. Thanks but no thanks, right?” She rose from the divan and walked past him.

He caught her hand. “Don’t leave like this.”

She whirled to face him. “Like what, Drake? Like I have just been told I lost you? Like my dreams have just been shattered? Because that is what has happened to me. I realize you must have your reasons, but right now, I need to go and cry my eyes out and somehow come back here tomorrow morning like everything is fine.”

“I didn’t know you when I sent for her.”

She backed away from him. “Who is she?”

“Constance Penny. She arrived a week early.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Look, I’m sorry. The truth is, you wouldn’t want me. I don’t want to be tied down—”

“That’s not what I felt. Who are you, Drake? I’ve put up with your moods. Tried to reach you through those brooding eyes of yours. What is it you want from me?”

He reached out to her.

She shoved his hand away. “I know you never promised me anything. Not in words anyway. But who am I competing with? I doubt it’s this Constance Penny. What is it, Drake?”

He stared at her. “My freedom.”

She matched his gaze. “So why order a woman?”

“That’s my business.”

“You’re cold, Drake. Ice cold.” She put on her coat. “I think I should thank you for this night. I no doubt would have been a miserable woman married to you. I’m grateful that you’ve allowed me to escape such a fate. God help, Constance Penny.”

She whirled out of his reach and ran out of the house.

He let her go. He’d hurt her. Without meaning to, he’d hurt her and made it worse by trying to tell her why. He watched her run down the steps and into the night.

What of Constance?

Drake slumped on the divan. Kimberly was right. She may have been hurt, but at least they weren’t married and she relegated to waiting for him to come home from the sea. He’d enjoyed Kimberly’s company. The coy games they’d played with one another. But as he thought of her, his heart had really not been touched. She was a nice young woman. Pretty for sure, but not someone he would have wanted to be married to. Not someone he’d come home to.

With Constance, he would set the rules for their engagement properly and promptly. He needed to let her know who he was and soon. Wasn’t fair to make her wonder and fear that she’d been rejected.

He see to it that she was taken care of and never had to worry about money or security. He owed her that but nothing more. He had his dreams, and he was going to follow them.

Chapter 12

Drake woke from a fitful sleep. He jumped out of bed and dressed. He truly hadn’t wanted to hurt Kimberly in any way. He could let her enjoy a morning without seeing him. Perhaps that would lessen her pain. He’d grab something from the café.

Leaving the house well before anyone was up gave him time to enjoy the quiet of the morning. He’d not had the opportunity before, as he was usually the last one awake. He thought about stopping in to see about Mother but didn’t want a run in with his father.

Cold wind greeted his walk even though it appeared it would be a cloudless day. He strode down the docks and watched as ships were already coming in with their early morning catches.

He stared out to sea and smiled at seeing
The Sea Wind
. Her old skipper kept her far out in the bay to avoid running her aground. Drake recaptured his dreams of standing at her helm and running her before the wind.

Free, with no one to think of or worry about. Just the ship, the wind, and the sea. He stopped walking and stared at the waters lapping the docks. Soon his dreams would be realized.

Today, he’d see Constance. Let her know that he was E. Ferris. Ask her to marry him. And then see that Father owned up to his promise.

But for now, he needed a cup of coffee and then he’d see to the store. Being in charge and in his father’s office, he’d found working in the old building not nearly as tedious as when he’d been in the stockroom or worse out on the floor helping customers.

He pushed open the café door, nodded to Jenny, and sat at his customary table in the back. “Coffee, black as night and an egg plate with the works.”

Jenny poured his coffee and rushed to dish out other orders.

With cup to his lips, Drake refrained from the next sip as Kimberly walked in the café. She glanced at him and sat at the counter with her back to him.

Probably for the best, he decided. He could go and offer to pay for her breakfast, but he didn’t want a scene in front of the town gossips. Jenny and her mother kept everyone informed of everyone else’s business.

Jenny brought his breakfast, cocked her head toward Kimberly, and stared him in the eye. “Want me to tell her you’re back here?”

“Not this morning. I have a busy day ahead of me.”

“I see.” Jenny left and in minutes was talking with Kimberly.

Drake frowned. Well, that was that. Now the whole town would know that he’d sent for a mail-order bride. His pride wounded, he longed for the open sea. If only he’d seen McGregor,
The Sea Wind’s
captain, he’d ask to go out with him, but it had been months since he’d seen the old man. With a jolt, Drake hoped he was still alive and hadn’t already sold the ship for scrap.

He ate breakfast with his eyes on Kimberly. She didn’t look his way once. Not even when she paid and walked out the door. He supposed she was going to his house to see about Mother. Just as well that she didn’t want to talk to him anymore. It wasn’t like he had any words with which to comfort her.

Finished eating, he paid and left for the store. At least he had a place to go. He unlocked the doors and entered the quiet old building. Father had poured his life into the store. He had loyal customers who brought in their children to do business. They loved his father.

Even the employees talked about Evan Ferris as if he were a beloved grandfather. What would they have to say about him? Not much, he feared, although his brothers had won over the hearts of customers and employees, he’d remained aloof and kept himself apart from them.

His secretary knocked and entered the room.

“Wonderful day isn’t it, Mr. Ferris?”

He turned to her and smiled. “Yes, it is.”

“I heard your father was coming back today. I have missed him.” She hung up her coat and busied herself with making coffee and tidying up the office even though she kept it in immaculate form.

Drake felt the wonderful day slide to not so great. Father hadn’t told him he was coming back today. While that meant his mother must be doing well, it meant he’d be thrown into the back with his brothers or out on the floor.

He sat behind the big desk, organized what he’d do for the day, and dreaded the moment Father walked through the door. In the meantime, he made an order for seed and one for material. He’d overheard a woman complaining that it had been at least a month since the store had new dressmaking fabric in stock.

Well, at least he had listened like a businessman and made an order that would make at least one customer happy. He walked into the storeroom and saw Edwin and Edgar busy loading carts to take out front.

“Hey, Drake. Come to see how the little people work?” Edgar grinned at him.

“I wasn’t sure if you were here or not.”

Edwin punched him in the shoulder. “We are always here. It’s you that goes missing.”

“Guess so. Is Father coming in today?”

They both looked at him and shrugged.

Edgar hoisted a bag of seed onto the cart. “He didn’t say anything to me. But then it’s not like he ever does. Personally, I think he forgets he has three sons.”

Drake grimaced. He never knew Edgar felt slighted.

Edwin smirked. “Get over yourself, Gar. You’re his favorite and you know it.”

Edgar grinned. “I guess so. After all, I’m Mother’s favorite too. And the cutest, smartest—”

“Now, I take exception to most of that. Drake is Mother’s favorite and I’m the smartest.” Edwin grinned and threw a fake punch at his younger brother.

Drake cleared his throat to gain some control over them. “Jane said she thought he was coming in.”

“Well, I guess you’ll find out. Me and Edwin have plenty to do with the customers and backroom. You keep on doing what you’ve been doing, big brother. The store looks great, and Father will be pleased.”

Drake left them, walked the store, and then went back to the office. Father might applaud his efforts, but then Drake didn’t want him to think he’d changed his mind about working in the store. And that was not in his plans.

###

Constance woke not knowing what she was going to do. One thing she knew she would not do and that was meet Finn for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or ever for that matter. The man was up to no good where she was concerned.

Now for E. Ferris, she didn’t have a very good feeling about him either. Edwin had sat with his brother and fiancé and not given her a moment’s notice. He acted as if he hadn’t any idea who she might be and didn’t owe her a thing.

She thought about sending another wire just in case there was another E. Ferris running around. But in talking with Alice, she’d learned that Evan was the father of the clan and had three sons, Drake, Edgar and Edwin.

Groaning, she rolled over and decided she should get up and see what the day had for her. She grinned. How unlike her former self. She used to like to lie in bed on her days off, read a book, and hide from the world.

Now, she was someone. The voyage at sea had changed her. Given her a chance. Anyway, she’d thrown her mousy-self overboard. Well, for the most part. At times, it tried to squeak its way past her, but she’d found her courage.

No longer would she consider herself useless and unworthy.
You’re a jewel. A treasure
. She’d be forever grateful for Stubby and Captain Gordon. Their kindness had unleashed the lion in her.

She shuddered to think what would have happened to her last night if it hadn’t been so. With a light heart, she prayed to the Lord. She now knew God was real and cared for her. She would never be alone again.

On the other hand, what she was going to do had her puzzled. She’d not thought past marrying E. Ferris. Well, so much for that. Perhaps Alice had some ideas. Still, she felt deep inside her that she needed to see E. Ferris and finalize their letters. Whether he had changed his mind or not, she needed to know for sure.

After dressing and readying for the day, she trotted down the stairs and smiled at seeing Tess.

“Oh, Constance, you are just the person I was looking for. I thought if you had nothing better to do, I’d show you around Apalachicola today. The sun is shining and it looks to be a gorgeous day.”

“I’d love to. Have you had breakfast yet?”

“No, and I’m famished.” She giggled. “Edgar gets on to me that I eat like a horse. I don’t care. I’m hungry.”

They bid Alice goodbye and walked to the café.

Jenny welcomed them in, smiling. “Hey, girls. I’ve got some news for you two. Concerns your future brother-in-law Tess.”

Constance felt herself shrink.

Jenny poured them a coffee. “Drake and Kimberly are no longer together.”

Tess smirked. “I didn’t know they had ever been together.”

“If you’d seen the look on Kimberly’s face the other day and then this morning, you’d know I was right.”

Constance remained quiet. She didn’t know Drake, although, she had seen him watching her the other night with Finn, almost as if he were protecting her. Almost. Who was she kidding? She’d seen him that first day with a woman. Must be the Kimberly, Jenny was talking about. And they had looked like they were interested in one another.

“I just came for breakfast, Jenny. I’m sure that’s all Constance wants too.” Tess grinned at her.

After they had finished eating, Tess took her aside. “I am sorry about Jenny. She loves to gossip. She was trained by her mother. Drake is a dream, but trust me, he’s moody as they come. Loves the sea and no one else.”

Constance considered her friend’s words. “I came here by sea. On a sailing ship named the
Journeys end
. I have to admit; I love the ocean. I didn’t even get seasick. Poor Finn Briggs couldn’t eat a thing.”

Tess laughed. “I bet that was fun. The ocean scares me. Alice lost her husband to the sea.”

“Yes, she told me. But she still loves the ocean.”

Tess eyed her. “Yes, but she loves it from land.”

“True. So, what wonders does Apalachicola have for me to see?”

“Let’s start down Market Street.”

Constance followed and enjoyed the tour.

Tess pointed to the Chestnut Cemetery. “We have two very important men from our town. One was Dr. Alvin Chapman. He was a renowned botanist and died just a year ago. Then we had Dr. John Gorrie. Years ago, he saved many from a bout of yellow fever. He even invented a machine to cool rooms and make ice. But his dreams to patent an ice machine were never realized and he died a broken man. So sad when dreams are shattered.”

“Yes, I would think so.” Constance shivered. What of her dreams to find a man to love her and recognize her as a jewel and a treasure? E. Ferris had so far refused to come forward. He had to know she was here.

Tess pointed out the Oman house and told her of the cotton industry and how important it used to be. After a full day of walking around the town, they headed back to the boarding house. Constance still didn’t know what she would do.

They turned down the street and up the sidewalk to the house.

Constance held back.

Drake sat on the porch, his eyes on her.