Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) (2 page)

If Drake didn’t have to help at the store, he’d hop the next freighter and travel the world, but Father’s ultimatum had grounded him.

“You need to marry a good woman. Once you do, since you want no part of the store, I’ll give you your inheritance. I’ll give the bulk of my estate to your brothers. Find a wife, Ethan. Then I’ll give you the freedom you want.”

A wife?

Drake Ferris wasn’t meant to stay in one place or with one woman. He’d toyed with all the belles of Apalachicola. None were worthy of marriage. He found them to be silly women who talked of homes, parties, and babies.

He needed a woman with courage. One who wasn’t afraid to strike out on her own and see the world. He’d not told anyone that he’d placed an ad in the
Grooms’ Gazette
. He figured if nothing else, he’d marry the girl and collect his fortune. Then he’d pay her off, and he’d leave to explore the world.

He stared at the blue sky and wondered why he couldn’t have been born a century or two earlier. He could have discovered unknown lands. Now, things were changing too fast, and he was being left behind.

Drake scanned the bay waters and spotted the tall sails of old McGregor’s vessel,
The Sea Wind
. As a boy, he’d helped sail the ship and spent summers working for the old man when he could get away from the store and his father.

The steamships had ended the days of the old sailing vessels. Some of the ships had been outfitted for steam, others put in dry dock, and others torn apart for salvage. He’d heard that
The Sea Wind
was destined for salvage.

The world was closing in on him. He hoped someone would answer his ad.

And soon.

Chapter 2

Constance shoved her ragged brown skirt into the satchel. Her heart plummeted at the thought of meeting E. Ferris with such a limited wardrobe. Although, he had sent her ample funds for her trip to Florida, perhaps after she arrived, she could find a dress becoming of a woman meeting her intended. She shoved the extra money inside her reticule and hurried out the door.

E. Ferris had arranged her passage on a sailing vessel from Boston to Apalachicola, Florida. She wondered why she couldn’t have traveled by train, but the idea of sailing on a ship excited her. After all, she’d once been free and brave on a boat. Maybe she could recapture that independence on another one.

She grabbed her bag, a pity that all she had in the world could fit in the worn satchel. It wasn’t much for a young woman of twenty-four on her way to meet her husband-to-be.

The fact that he still signed everything E. Ferris puzzled her. Was that what he wanted her to call him?
E. how would you like to take me to dinner tonight? Oh, E. that is a beautiful wedding ring.
She laughed at her silly thoughts.

She stepped outside and sunshine greeted her while fear tinged with excitement sent her heart rate soaring. The town buzzed with early morning traffic. Dodging fast walking men and a spattering of women, Constance managed to get to the trolley to take her to the train station.

Trembling, she walked to the ticket office. “I need a ticket to Boston.” With a sigh, she hoped the attendant had heard her weak attempt to get his attention.

He kept his head down.

Wanting only to run away, Constance held her fears at bay and tapped on the counter.

The young man looked up and smiled. “Yes.”

“A ticket to Boston, please.” She slid the amount it said on the wall toward him.

He tore off a ticket, gave it to her, and took her money. “Better get to the track quick or all the best seats will be taken. Have a good trip.”

“Thank you.”

Her confidence bolstered, she held her head high and made her way to the train. A crowd waited. She didn’t like to be in large groups of people. Even with her coworkers at the factory, she’d always asked to work in the station off to the side.

Determined for a better life, she held her ground and didn’t retreat. She was on her way to Florida. To E. Ferris. She had considered replying to him with C. Penny, but she hadn’t. No, dutiful to the last, she’d signed her name.

“All aboard!”

Constance scrambled onto the train and took a seat near a window. If she could see outside, she’d feel less confined. She hoped no one would sit beside her, but just as she thought it, a rather large man with a bulbous red nose chose to burden the poor seat beside her.

She didn’t like the way he looked at her and turned away to stare out the window. She trembled as she saw his reflection and felt the cushion jostle her as he scooted closer. He smelled. Fear swallowed her. She held her breath, grabbed her satchel, and put it between them.

“That goes in the bins, pretty lady.” He slurred his words, leered at her, and reached for her bag.

“No. Get away from me.” She cringed at her meek whimper.

He laughed mockingly. “Scared little bird aren’t you?”

Yes, I am
. She turned from him and tried to control her trembling and tears. Fortunately, the conductor came to take the tickets, glared at the man seated by her, and told him to move to an empty seat four rows back.

The man shook his head. “I like this seat. This view.”

With one swift move, the conductor hauled him out of the seat and tossed him down the aisle. “You’ll do as I say, or I’ll see that you’re kicked off the train. You’re a troublemaker. Seen you before harassing the ladies. Now get.”

The conductor turned to her and smiled. “I’ll keep a watch to make sure he doesn’t bother you again.”

Constance clutched her satchel to her chest. “Thank you.”

She had to stop acting like a frightened mouse. She always attracted men like that. Probably because they knew she’d do nothing but cower in her seat until someone intervened. As a result, she’d spent most of her life working in the factory and hiding in her little apartment.

Soon, the clickety-clack of the train rumbling over the tracks calmed her, and she stopped shaking. She settled in her seat and watched the scenery. Trees shouted glory with their bright leaves of red and gold interspersed with stubborn pines that remained green.

The season was changing. She could feel it in the air. She stared at her reflection in the window. Oh, if she could only catch hold of the mystery and change herself. Shed the numb leaves of a woman alone and unwanted. A woman frightened of her own shadow. A woman who already felt like the dead of winter.

“E. Ferris, I hope you’re a kind and understanding man.” She laid her head against the window and wondered what he must be like. Maybe he had fair hair, warm brown eyes, and was not a terribly big man.

She feared large and powerful men. Surely, God wouldn’t lead her to one of them. Her, E. Ferris would be kind and love to read. Of course, he would have bookshelves full of books. Together, they’d sit by the fire and read of great adventures.

Closing her eyes, she pictured her future husband and fell asleep.

###

Drake stared at the letter, just as he’d done every night since he’d received it. She was coming. Constance Penny. Well, soon he’d get his inheritance. She seemed desperate enough to travel from Massachusetts to come and marry him after only one correspondence.

He wondered what she must be like. Why couldn’t she find a man in Lawrence? What was wrong with her? He snorted, what was wrong with him? To resort to a mail-order bride in the 1890s was ludicrous.

He’d not told anyone of her coming. He feared that his father would disqualify her as a suitable wife. Father wanted him to settle down and work in the store. Well, that wasn’t going to happen.

No, Drake Ferris wasn’t made to settle down. Flexing his arms, he rose and paced around his room. His heart beat with a desire for adventure. None of the women he’d met believed that was something to be desired. He was sure Constance Penny would be like them. She just wanted security. He could give her that.

The moon brightened his room. He went to the window and looked for Orion’s Belt, the North Star, and the Big Dipper. He knew how to steer by the stars at night and the sun at day using a sextant. He’d been made for the sea. Not to be chained behind a counter in a store.

Mother knew his heart. She’d tried to persuade Father to let him go. But Evan Ferris would have no part of his first born son leaving the family.

Drake definitely took after his grandfather on his mother’s side. When they got together with her relatives, he’d hear hushed rumors of black sheep uncles who took to pirating. Not that he wanted to be a pirate, but the sea had always held his heart.

His thoughts went back to the mail-order bride’s letter. A tinge of regret struck him. He’d sent her passage on a sailing vessel. In October, the seas could be rough. He’d probably see a scared, frightened, and seasick woman totter off the ship when it docked.

He could have had her come by train, but if a woman was going to marry him, she better like the sea or be willing to let him go. She’d have to be like the women in the day of the whalers like in
Moby Dick
, where they waited for their men to come home and then saw them leave again.

He tossed the letter on his desk. Not like he intended to love her. He’d care for her, see that she was comfortable. But he had no intention of being tied down to a home on land and a job in a store.

Any woman who would resort to being a mail-order bride had to be desperate. She’d take what he offered. She’d marry him to have security. After they were wed and he received his share of the inheritance, she could take the life he offered or leave him. It didn’t matter. His life was set. A life at sea.

He lay back on his bed, hoping to dream of adventures on the sea.
 

Chapter 3

“Drake! Get up and get down here. We need you at the store today.”

Drake shoved away the covers. A quick glance at the sun let him know he’d slept well past breakfast. “Coming, Edwin.”

If he didn’t need that inheritance, he’d be out of here.
The store
. It’s all his family ever cared about. We need new shelves. We have to stock the shelves. We need to order stock. On and on it went.

After dressing, he trotted down the stairs in time to see Edwin and Edgar putting on their suit jackets. Drake shook his head. “You two ever miss a day?”

Edwin thumped him on the chest. “You’re two years older than me, but you act like an overgrown boy. Don’t you think it’s time you took life seriously?”

Drake shoved him back. “If I took it real serious, I’d be gone. I’d be—”

“Yeah, we know, sailing the seas. Those days are gone, Drake. Time to set aside that name and take up your given name, Ethan.” Edgar, the youngest, was the tallest and thinnest of the brothers as he’d not yet filled out.

Headed for the kitchen, Drake shrugged off his brothers and their advice. He was nothing like them.

“We need you at the store to stock the shelves. Dad ordered a huge amount and it will take all three of us.” Edwin’s command followed Drake to the breakfast table.

Mother frowned. “Why didn’t you get up earlier?” Carrying her cup of coffee, she patted his shoulder and walked around him to sit down. “I saved you some eggs and bacon. You can get it yourself. I’m tired today.”

Drake looked at her. She did look pale. “Are you feeling all right?”

“Oh, yes. Just getting older, I suppose.” She took a sip, and then looked him in the eye. “Son, your father and I are worried about you. Edgar and Edwin are passing you by. Life is passing you by. You have no wife, no vocation, although you could have a part in Ferris and Sons.”

He got up and found the breakfast she’d saved for him. Sitting back down, he took her hand. “I’ll be fine, Mother. I have plans. They just don’t include the store. I can’t be tied down that way.”

She sighed. “I’m sorry. I am afraid you have inherited more than your dark hair and blue eyes from my side of the family. From the moment you changed your name to Drake, I knew you wanted the sea.” She moved near him and stared into his eyes. “Be a good man, Drake. My family is rife with pirates and gunrunners. Whatever you have to do, stay on the Lord’s path. I do want to see you in heaven.”

Her words unsettled him. A feeling he wasn’t use to. “Don’t talk that way. You have a lot of years left.”

She leaned back in her chair. “That I might. My Aunt Lizzie lived to the ripe old age of ninety-four.” Her gaze penetrated his soul. “But we must all be ready. No one knows the number of days the Lord has marked on His hand for us. I just ask that you keep the Lord in your heart no matter where you are.”

The Lord?
Drake had thought little about religion. He’d even stopped going to church with the family. He’d rather be on the docks working on the boats. His mother kept her intense gaze on him. Unable to look away or shrug it off, he nodded. “I will, Mother.”

“Good. That’s all I ask. I know you believe you weren’t made or destined to work in the store. I tried to tell your father, but then you know how bullheaded he can be.” She pointed at him. “You got that from your father and his side of the family. I’m afraid our family heritages have dealt you a hard, but what may prove to be an interesting, life.”

He grinned at her. “I’ll take it. I like who I am. Who I will be. You wait and see, I’ll make you and Father proud.”

“Have you found a girl?”

“No.” Drake kept the telegram and letters a secret. He didn’t want anyone telling him that it was wrong. This was his life and his way to get what he wanted.

“You will. I hope you have a happy life, Drake. You always seem so moody and brooding like the sea you love so much.”

He grinned. “That’s from you isn’t it?”

She paused with her coffee cup halfway to her lips. “Yes, it is. I love the sea, too.” She set the cup down and stared deep into his eyes. “The ocean is a hard mistress, Drake. You’d do better to find a woman who is warm and loving. One that would calm that wild streak you have. But it is your life to explore and figure out.”

“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll be fine.” Finished eating, he rose and kissed her on the forehead.

She caught his hand. “Drake, keep the Lord in your heart. That’s what I want most for you.”

He patted his chest. “I will. I better go help Edgar and Edwin before Father disowns me.” He rushed out of the room and grabbed his jacket.

Mother worried him. She didn’t seem herself. Shaking off his concern, he left the house and walked the mile to the store. The fresh air helped clear his mind except for her words about keeping the Lord in his heart. They wouldn’t leave him. He’d thought little about religion and wasn’t even sure if the Lord was in his heart.

He reached the big two-story building, pushed the nagging thoughts from him, and went inside.

Father eyed him with disappointment. “You should have been here hours ago. Your brothers are in the back with the order. Go help them.”

“Yes, sir.” Drake tamped down the ire that rose inside him. Father had little use for him. In fact, about as much use as Drake had for the business.

He stepped through the back doors to the warehouse and shook his head. Edgar and Edwin had as much sense as lost geese.

“I see you two are busy making a mess of things.”             

His brothers looked at him and glared. “About time you got here, Ethan.” Edwin stood up and shook the invoice in his hand.

Drake looked over the situation. He had a gift for seeing what needed to be done and commanding others to do it. Something his brothers lacked.

“Edwin, get the cart. Edgar, separate the goods by sections. Did either of you check to see what we needed on the floor?”

Edgar shook his head. “Ah, Drake. Why do you get to come late and order us around?” He kicked an emptied crate out of his way. “Hate to admit it though, you’re usually right.”

“I’m the oldest. It’s my privilege.”

Edwin grinned. “I’ll check and be back quick so the old man doesn’t get mad.” He grabbed a pencil and sheet of paper and left.

After setting down the packing order, Edgar pulled Drake’s arm and pointed to two crates. “Sit for a minute?”

Drake eyed him curiously. “All right.” After they sat down, he nodded at his brother. “What’s on your mind?”

With a shy grin, Edgar pulled a small box from his coat. “I’m going to ask Tess for her hand in marriage.”

“Congratulations, brother.”

“You think it’s all right? I am the youngest.”

Drake grinned. “Sure it’s all right. You’re of age. She’s a lucky gal.”

“I haven’t told Mother or Father.” He looked down and gulped. “Tess wants to move to Jacksonville. Her parents are there. She’s staying with her aunt, Mrs. McCreedy. We met and fell in love.”

“Tess, I don’t think I’ve met her.” Drake didn’t like the sound of his brother leaving. That would make it harder on his father and possibly affect his bid for freedom. The happiness he felt for his brother began to erode.

“She’s a wonderful girl. Woman.” Edgar blushed.

“Make sure you have a long engagement. That way you’ll know if she’s right for you.” Drake’s heart lurched. He wasn’t thinking of his brother, only his own needs. Pushing away his nagging conscience, Drake got up and started sorting the items in the nearest open crate. “We better get these checked off. I’ll call them out to you.”

Edgar nodded, but the light in his eyes had dimmed. “Right.”

Keep the Lord in your heart.

Despite his attempts to stop them, Mother’s words hounded Drake the rest of the afternoon.

###

Constance left the train and entered the confusion of Boston. She stood, holding her bag, in the midst of a moving throng. Crowds flowed around her as if she were a lonely island in the middle of a river.

The ship was to leave tomorrow, but the ticket said she could board beforehand. Her mind whirled with the busyness of those milling about her. She closed her eyes for a brief moment to stop the droning buzz in her mind.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and walked to a street where she could find a hackney carriage to take her to the docks. The train conductor had taken her under his wing and been kind enough to tell her where she would need to go.

She noticed he’d tried to hide his shock when she told him she was to sail to Florida. Yet, that part of her journey was the one she looked forward to. She’d been brave and alive on the old boat on the way to America. Perhaps, she hoped she could find the courage she once had.

With her heart in her throat, she stepped to the curb and held up a hand. It had worked for the last three people she’d watched, but hackney after hackney passed her by as if she were invisible.

“You want to do it like this.” An older woman stepped out and waved.

The first carriage to come near, stopped.

“For you my dear. You have to stand up for what you want in this world. Otherwise, it will roll right over you. Stand up and don’t be afraid.” With that, the woman walked across the street.

The driver glared at her. “Well, where to miss?”

She handed him the address and stepped inside the buggy.

He shut the door, leaving her alone with her fears and doubts.

What was she doing? E. Ferris, what kind of man are you? Why couldn’t he find a wife? Of course, she mentally erased the last question, as she hadn’t been able to find a husband either. Perhaps they would make a good pair. Two lonely people unsuited to anyone else but right for each other.

She sighed and leaned back against the cushioned seat. The clip-clop of the horse’s hooves mimicked the mocking voice in her head that repeated, “You’re doomed. You’re doomed.”

Constance closed her eyes and put her hands to her ears. “Stop!”

The carriage slowed to a halt.

She groaned. Now she would have to share the ride with another.

Soon, the driver came to her window. “The paper you gave me said the docks.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“What did you shout stop for then?”

She put her hands to her mouth. Had she said that aloud? By the angry look on the man’s face, she must have. She swallowed hard and sat up straight. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t talking to you.”

His gaze left her. “There ain’t nobody else in there with you, lady. I’ll be taking you to the docks.” Shaking his head and muttering, he left her.

Embarrassed, she slunk back in her seat. “Oh, God, help me be quiet.” It bothered her that she’d shouted aloud. She had better learn to be normal if E. Ferris was going to marry her. She doubted he’d want a crazy woman who barely spoke louder than a mouse but could yell at imaginary voices.

Feeling helpless and hopeless, Constance stared out the window just as they passed a church. The gleaming white steeple stood out against the dark buildings and bright blue sky. Her heart quickened.

Father had tried to tell her about faith. About a God that was good. But she hadn’t seen much of that goodness in her life. Maybe she was due some. Perhaps passing by the church had been another sign. She lowered her head and folded her hands.

“God, help me.” She waited to pray more, but that was all she could think of to say. Besides, she’d hardly stepped inside the church and figured God didn’t owe her much. She hoped He could do something for her.

The carriage slowed and came to a stop.

She shuddered. She didn’t think she’d shouted this time. She cringed at the sound of the driver’s approaching steps.

“Here you are. By the address you gave me, I’d say your ship is at the end of the docks.” He pulled open the door for her and then helped her step down from the carriage. He kept a smile plastered on his face.

At first, she wondered what had come over him. He hadn’t been so nice before. Seeing his hand out, she realized he wanted his fare and a tip. She rummaged in her reticule and came up with enough for the fare and a little extra.

He nodded and got back onto the hackney. He paused. “Miss, take care. There are rough men on these docks. God go with ye.” He lightly snapped the reins over the horse and left her.

Constance stood on the side of the street. She breathed in the salt air mixed with trash and sewage and coughed. She stared down the long dock that the driver had pointed out. Far away, she spotted the tall mast of a sailing vessel.

She stared at the ticket. The vessel that would take her to Florida was named
Journeys end
. Clutching her bag to her chest, she started the long walk down the pier and kept her gaze locked on the mast.

A burly sailor bumped into her, turned, and sneered at her with a toothless smile. “Little angel, you come for me?” He laughed with an evil hiss.

Fear twisted inside her. She stood unable to move.

He stared at her, sidled next to her, and expelled a breath odorous with food and rotten teeth. “Come on, honey. Old Johnny knows just what you need.”