Mail Order Bride: The Irish Runaway Read online

  “Sorry Ma’am, won’t happen again.”

  Hooking a thumb over her shoulder Shannon asked, “And what did he mean, lucky fella who gets me?”

  “It’s the hotel Ma’am. It's well known for mail order brides.”

  “You think I’m a mail order bride?”

  Looking her over, the youngster asked, “Well ain’t ya?”

  “Never mind, you just keep those eyes of yours on the road and don’t get me killed.”

  Now moving from the harbour and into the outskirts of the city, Shannon was relieved to see the horse’s speed slow. Wondering if it was because of her words or change of scenery, she felt herself start to enjoy the ride. Remembering back to the last time she’s been on buggy like this, she thought of the time Connor and her had taken her father’s for a joyride.

  “So who was he--back at the docks?”

  “Michael, he’s my brother.”

  “And you are?”

  “Stanley, but people call me Stan,” he smiled and flicked the reins.

  “So, how long have you been living here, Stan?” Shannon asked, watching as he expertly cut his way through the slower moving city traffic.

  “All my life I suppose. Came over when I was a baby, I don’t remember much about Ireland. San Francisco’s my home now”

  “Many in your family?”

  “Six. Michael’s the eldest and I come second from bottom,” Stanley answered in a distracted way. Looking forward ahead, he caught sight of something of great interest to him. “You see that, Ma’am?”

  Looking to where the young lad was pointing, Shannon saw a large buggy go by them in the opposite direction.

  “That’s James Murphy, one of the wealthiest men here. Came here with nothing and made himself a fortune. I’m going to be like him one day.”

  Watching the buggy disappear, Shannon turned and cried out. Grabbing the reins in time, she pulled the horse to a stop just as a woman stood in its path. Looking at the shocked face that looked back at them, it wasn’t long before the woman found her voice.

  “You maniac, you could have killed me!”

  “Sorry Ma'am, I didn’t see you there,” Stanley apologized.

  “You didn’t see me, are you blind boy?”

  Watching bend down to pick up her brolly and purse, Shannon could see she wasn’t going to leave it at that. Charging toward Stanley, she stood to her full height and cracked him on the arm with her umbrella. “You could have killed me, you young fool. The way you were driving this thing you’d almost think you’d stolen it. Maybe I should call the law on you, boy?”

  Shannon watched as a few passers-by stopped on the sidewalk. Fearing the situation might escalate, she jumped from her seat and joined the woman on the street. “It wasn’t his fault it was mine, Ma’am. Forgive him; he was only doing me a favour. I’d just got news that my husband was seriously hurt in an accident. We were rushing over there right now.”

  “Accident?”

  “Yes, Ma’am, a fire. He’s in a bad way,” Stanley added.

  “Your husband?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.” Shannon clutched her handkerchief to her eyes and sobbed into it.

  “Oh my. What are you thinking, boy? Get down here this very instant and help this young lady.”

  Blowing her nose, Shannon felt Stanley put an arm around her and steer her back to her side of the buggy. Climbing in and sitting down, she felt a reassuring hand take hold of hers.

  “I do hope he’s OK.”

  Wiping away a tear, Shannon forced a smile. “I hope so too, thank you.”

  “And you. If I ever see you charging down the street again like a maniac; you’ll be in a world of trouble young man.”

  Climbing back on board and letting her step back out of the way, Stanley took off at a quick trot. “I won’t, Ma’am, and thank you.”

  Putting her handkerchief away, Shannon repeated what Stanley had said. “Fire?”

  “It was the first thing that came to mind, Ma’am.”

  “And if she’d said anything about not seeing smoke?”

  “Hadn’t really thought of that,” he smiled.

  Shannon shook her head and put her handkerchief away, “Well it worked, thankfully.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am. You won’t tell anyone about this, will you?”

  “No. But next time keep your eyes on the road, Stanley. I don’t think your brother would be too happy knowing this is how you’re ferrying his customers around.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” Stanley said, not taking his eyes off the road.

  Smiling to herself that he’d learned his lesson, she paid more attention to the sights and sounds of San Francisco. Watching couples strolling together, she tried to picture herself in their shoes. Would she be the same in a few weeks she wondered. Lost in a fantasy that made her smile to herself, she felt the buggy slow and turn to the edge of the street. Pulling up tight to the sidewalk, she heard Stanley say, “This is it, Miss.”

  Looking at the large hotel that loomed high above her, Shannon found herself leaning back to take in the view. Coming back down to street level, she found Stanley had come around to her side and was waiting for her. Holding up his hand, he helped her down until she’d found her footing. Wondering if Dominic was nearby and could see her, she quickly fixed and flattened down her dress. Looking to Stanley she found him smile at her.

  “Michael was right.”

  “About what,” she asked, taking out her fare and handing it over.

  “He’s a lucky fella.”

  “Let’s just hope he’s happy to see me, Stanley.”

  “He’d be crazy not to.”

  Giving his hand a squeeze, she smiled and left him. Walking up the steps of the hotel, she hoped that their near accident earlier would be the only drama she’d face this day.

  Chapter 9

  Standing at the hotel reception desk, Shannon rang the bell and waited.

  “Yes, Ma’am?”

  “I came in yesterday. Mary Matthews is my name. Have there been any messages left for me?”

  Watching the attendant go through the pigeon holes and sort through the morning mail, he returned and shook his head. “Afraid not, Ma’am.”

  “Thank you. You will let me know as soon as something comes in, won’t you?”

  Smiling back, he nodded. “I’m here all day; you’ll be the first to know.”

  Shannon stood in the lobby and wondered what next to do with herself. Not feeling very hungry due to her nerves, she fought the urge to skip breakfast. Maybe being among the hustle and bustle of a busy dining area would take her mind off things, she thought. Making her way to the dining area, she was met at the entrance.

  “Breakfast for two, Ma’am?”

  “No, I’m dining alone this morning.”

  “Very well.”

  Following in step behind the waiter, she was led to a corner table. Helping her with her seat, he handed her a menu and promised to return. Now left to herself she gazed around the room and took in the other diners. Other than herself there was only one other woman dining alone. The rest were filled with couples. Thinking over what Stanley had said the previous day, it was easy to see why this hotel was known for its mail order brides. Everywhere she looked she could see relationships in their various stages. Going from the first encounters where the two sat in an awkward silence, to the couples who looked as if they’d been together all their lives, it was all here. Wondering where she’d fit in in that scale, she found the waiter return and flip open his notebook.

  “And what would you like Ma’am?”

  “Just tea please.”

  “I can’t tempt you with anything else?”

  “Tea will be fine for now. Thanks.”

  Left alone and wondering what she’d do with the rest of her day, Shannon turned her attention to the window beside her. From what she’d seen of San Francisco it seemed to be a bustling city in the making. Remembering back to the stories she’d heard on the pad
dle steamer, she could see that those stories weren’t an exaggeration. Hearing of its growth from a small town, she gazed at the building work that was going on and wondered if it would ever grow to the size of New York. Wondering what Connor would have thought of the place, she turned hearing the clink of fine china placed on the table.

  Smiling at her the waiter said, “If you need anything more…”

  “That’s fine. Thank you.”

  On her own again, Shannon got to the task of sweetening her tea and gazed at the street outside. Wondering when she’d hear anything of Dominic, she watched a small carriage pull up outside. Waiting until the space ahead was clear, it slotted into place at the entrance of the hotel and a man climbed out. Turning and closing the door shut, he paused for a moment and laughed back at the carriage. Wondering what the joke was, Shannon watched as a woman leaned her head out and kissed him. Holding her head in his hands, he kept the kiss going even as the carriage started to move away. Letting it go when he couldn’t keep up, he laughed once more and waved her off. Now standing outside her window, Shannon watched as he paused and turned her way. Wondering what to do next and embarrassed for being caught watching, she stared open mouth as he gave her a bow. Feeling her face blush and seeing him laugh at her reaction; she quickly turned her attention back to drinking her tea and hoped no one else saw what happened.

  *****

  “Oh, Miss Matthews.”

  Pausing at the hotel’s front door, Shannon held the handle and looked behind her. Forgetting her new identity for a moment, she watched as the receptionist she’d been speaking to earlier came running her way.

  “I’m glad, I caught you before you left, Ma’am.”

  “Is everything OK?”

  “You were asking if there were any messages left for you-”

  “And?”

  “The gentleman you were looking for is here-”

  Shannon scanned the faces of the men nearby. “He is, where?”

  “He’s in the day room, Ma’am. I tried finding you and-”

  “That’s OK, thank you.”

  “He’s right this way.”

  Following behind in a quick trot, Shannon hoped he hadn’t been waiting long. The last thing she needed now was making a bad first impression. Pausing to look at herself in a nearby mirror, Shannon tied back a loose piece of hair and fixed her dress. Catching up again with the attendant she found him smiling at her.

  “You need a moment?”

  “I think I’ve left him waiting long enough. Where is he?”

  “Over in the corner, Ma’am, the seat over there with its back to us.”

  Seeing the seat and thanking him again, Shannon headed there as quickly as she could. Weaving her way around the chairs and tables that were placed around the room, she paused behind the seat and took a deep breath. Wondering how their first conversation would go, she’d made sure to rehearse it many times on the boat. Going over all the details Dominic had written about, she’d made sure she had answers to any questions he might ask. Feeling confident about her performance, she cleared her throat and announced her presence. Seeing the man stand up and turn to her, Shannon felt like she’d been punched in the stomach. Standing in front of her was the man she’d seen at the window.

  “You?” Shannon said, not believing her eyes.

  “I could say the same about you, peeping tom,” Dominic grinned and gave her a wink.

  Looking at his shifting stance, Shannon could see that he’d had a few drinks in him. Three weeks she’d spent on a boat to come to this. Her skin crawled at the thought.

  “Welcome to San Francisco,” he said, bending down to take a glass from the table. Saluting her with it, he knocked it back and smiled.

  “By the way your hair, I might have a few drinks inside me--but it’s not black.”

  “Looks like we’re both turned out as a surprise to each other,” Shannon replied. At first feeling like fleeing the scene, she found her anger hold back her tears. “I mightn’t be your wife, but don’t you think it’s a bit early for drinking?”

  “Early? I’d say this is late my dear, but then I have been drinking all night. Care to join me?” he asked, drunkenly.

  “You think this is a joke? Leading me on and making me come across the country when you haven’t got the slightest intention of marriage.”

  “What put that idea in your head? If the right lady came along-”

  “What, like the one that left in the carriage?”

  “Her? She was only a friend I met last night. Come to think of it now, I don’t know what her name was--Grace or something. Never mind, please sit,” Dominic said and pointed to the seat opposite him.

  “You’re a pig, you know that? It’s men like you that-”

  “Feisty little thing, aren’t you Mary. From reading your letters you didn’t come across like this. I was expecting a church mouse, please sit.”

  Shannon stood in angry silence and stared him down. The last thing she going to do was sit down with this man. It was bad enough sharing the same air as him. Looking at him as he took the seat he’d offered her, she could see him look her over. Seeing him look at her like a piece of meat, she picked up a nearby vase and pulled the flowers from it. Walking over, she threw the contents of it over him. “You filthy pig.” Not waiting for his reply, she stormed off. Now seeing through eyes filled with tears, Shannon heard him call after her.

  “I take it that’s no on the drink then.”

  Knowing that he’d probably take great relish in seeing her crying, she pushed past a couple in the doorway. Rushing through the reception area and feeling like all eyes of the hotel were on her; she covered her face and ran the stairs to her room. Once inside, Shannon locked the door and threw herself on her bed. Now knowing no one could see her, she cried her heart out into her pillow.

  Chapter 10

  Dominic put his hands to his temples and fought against the fireworks that were going off inside his head. Lying on his back, he allowed his eyes to get accustomed to the brightness of the room and focused on the ceiling fan that spun over his bed. Feeling like he was going to be sick, he put the back of his hand to his mouth and fought to control the volcano that threatened to erupt. Closing his eyes again and taking a few deep breaths to calm it, he stared at the ceiling again and tried to keep his focus there. Realizing that he couldn’t stay that way forever, he rolled over on his side and took in his surroundings. Wondering where he was for a moment, he caught sight of a monogram on a nearby towel. Realizing that he hadn’t made it out of the hotel, he replayed the last few hours over in his mind and groaned. Not just for the fool he’d made of himself, but also the strain he was putting on a brain that was functioning way below par. Thinking back to the last moments before he blacked out, he distinctly remembered William carry him to his bed. Before that there was her, Mary Matthews, the red head who wasn’t supposed to be a red head. Wondering if it was all some crazed alcohol fuelled dream, he touched his waistcoat and still felt it damp. Having trouble piecing together their conversation, the one thing that had stood out in his mind was the contents of a vase being thrown over him. Cursing his stupidity, he covered his eyes and berated himself.

  “You fool, Dominic, you stupid, stupid, fool.”

  Remembering his last moments with Mary and knowing he had to put things right, he finally got the courage to stand on his feet. Standing with only a slight wobble at first, he found his stomach looking for his attention once more. Still in a fragile state, his body hadn’t been impressed with his sudden movements. Gripping a nearby table for support, he ran to the bathroom just in time. Allowing his stomach to get its contents out of the way, he stood up and looked at the face that looked back at him. Looking far from its best, he stared into the mirror in front of him and wondered how he’d got in this condition. Dominic knew if asked he could come up with a dozen reasons, but none would be the truth. There was only one reason he’d come to the hotel in the condition he had, it was fear. Fear of meeti
ng a woman who he knew wasn’t right for him. Fear that’s he’d not told her weeks ago that he’d chickened out. And fear of getting married. Looking back at him was a man who was scared, but hadn’t the guts to come out and say it. He’d turned up drunk wanting to repulse her enough that she’d run for the hills. But the joke had been on him. Expecting to meet a church mouse, he’d met a woman who looked like more than a fair match for him. That, and she was beautiful. Remembering the last thing she’d said to him, Dominic ran to his room and searched frantically for his boots.

  *****

  Not feeling hungry for breakfast and ashamed to show her face, Shannon stared at the packed bag that sat by the door and wondered what her next move would be. Far from home and without a friend to call on, there was very little that came to mind. Trying her best to focus on something she could do, she found her mind constantly distracted by him. Thinking back to the moment when she had the vase in her hand, she’d scared herself with how close she’d come to smashing it over his head. ‘Redheads and their temper,’ her brother had teased her. Growing up with a prankster of a brother, he’d found out what it was like to be on the receiving end of her wrath. Remembering the look on Dominic’s face, she found herself smile a little. It was only a small victory against what she’d suffered, but she’d take it for now. “You’d be proud of me Connor,” she smiled. “He didn’t know what hit him.” Turning to the door on hearing it being knocked on, Shannon ignored it. Thinking that it might be Dominic,’ it rapped again and a voice she knew spoke on the other side.

  “Miss--Miss Mathews?”

  “Yes?”

  Going to the door and pulling it open a crack, she found the hotel’s receptionist standing there. “I’m sorry to disturb, Ma’am.”

  “Yes?”

  “Well, it’s this.” Reaching out with his hand, he held out what looked like a note. “I was asked to pass on this message to you.”

  Refusing to take it, Shannon asked, “Is it from him?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “I don’t want it, thank you,” she said, getting ready to close the door.

  “I’m sorry Ma’am, but he was most insistent that you take it.”