Finding Nelly Page 4

  But two of the men were particularly interesting to Nelly. They were smart, funny, humble, and extremely ambitious, just like herself. They also seemed to not judge Nelly for everything she’d been through, and slowly but surely, Nelly began growing attached to them. The only thing that was going to separate the two was who was going to make her feel safe. Security was a big must for Nelly, as she had only come to discover herself.

  The back-and-forth writing became a large part of Nelly’s life. She’d often daydream about them both, trying to imagine their lives together. She was smart enough to know she had to support herself for now, so she made sure it didn’t interfere with her work, as actors could fall as quickly as they rose with someone ready to take their place. But she was hopeful again. And for the first time, she felt truly in control of her life.

  “Nelly, are you sure you aren’t falling in love and aren’t telling us a thing about it?” said one of her colleagues one evening as they were changing backstage after a performance. One of the few she called friend and meant it.

  “Falling in love with whom? I think you’ve got me mistaken for someone else,” Nelly said, a broad, knowing smile on her face.

  “We are women, and we know when one of ours has fallen in love.”

  Friends, true friends, were few and far between in the business, but she had a couple. Finally, she could help herself no longer and opened up. “Love? Is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met?” she said at last.

  Her friend just cocked her head and stared. “Now you’re confusing me. Tell me everything! I knew it. You’ve been off. Not in a bad way!” she corrected quickly. “But you seem lighter…more hopeful. You’re enjoying your fans more. Talking to them and stuff. So who is it? You’re actually in love?”

  “Yes. I’m in love. I can’t explain how it’s possible, and maybe I’m fooling myself as I never set out to be in love just yet, but I have to tell you how it all started.” And she did, telling her friend everything.

  “And you’ve narrowed it down? To one man?”

  “You make it sound like a chess move. But maybe that’s what it is. I’ve….we’ve, thought about it a lot.”

  “Well? What’s his name? What does he do?”

  “His name is Simon. He just proposed for me to come out and take the next step.” From all the letters they’d exchanged over the months, Simon came off as a standup man who would be a good fit for the future she imagined for herself. She would leave this life behind, and heal her mind, heart, and soul with a new beginning.

  She could leave the flash and excitement behind where it deserved to be.

  Chapter Seven

  “So, you did all this behind my back? That hurts, like a kick in the backside,” Luther laughed, chugging back the rest of his glass.

  “Oh, shut up Luther,” then turning to Simon, Mildred continued, “I think what my tired husband meant to say is that he is happy for you. We all are.”

  “Thank you, Mildred.”

  “So, when do we get the chance to meet the actress? I still can’t wrap my head around the decision to marry an actress. How do you think she’ll handle the work around the orchard?”

  Luther had a valid point, one that’d been troubling Simon for a while. But that didn’t seem to be an issue when the two were exchanging letters. Simon was curious about Nelly’s honesty and transparency. The last thing he wanted was for them to have any misunderstandings. So he tried to be as honest as he could as well.

  “She seems eager to learn. We all start at some point.” Simon answered. “And she’s on her way.” He smiled.

  “I can’t wait to see her,” said Mildred. “No offence, but it really gets tiring being the only women living on the farm. I need a companion to gossip with about you two,” Martha joked. “But for now,” she continued, standing up and looking at her husband. “I’m tired, and it’s been a long day. I think it’s time for us to retire for the night. Goodnight, Simon.” Luther joined her and Simon nodded at them both, quickly returning to his thoughts as they walked off hand in hand.

  He took off his shoes, putting his feet up on the table as he leaned back, considering. After his proposal to meet, she’d written that she just needed a few weeks to tie some things up, then she’d be on her way. And she was coming.

  It was really happening.

  Simon thought about Luther’s concern about his soon-to-be actress bride. Life on the farm wasn’t easy. It required a lot of work and perseverance. But, as he already told his friends, the most important thing was Nelly’s attitude. She was willing to learn. Of course, things were always easier said than done. But he had confidence she was up for it. He tried to be quite careful in explaining how his life might be different from what she was used to. She seemed excited for it, which surprised him, but calmed his nerves at the same time. She was a real lady and used to the trappings of such.

  He knew a thing or two about life in show business as his parents used to take him to theatres when he and his sister were little. Actors were a busy lot. And for them to churn out the kind of work they did, it required a lot of mental fortitude. She had to be tough, that he knew he could count on.

  He dug his fingers into his breast pocket, pulling out a well folded photo of Nelly and opened it up. Simon couldn’t deny her beauty. He now understood why Nelly’s career took off the way it did. Apart from being hardworking and dedicated, she was without a shred of a doubt the fairest of them all. Unfortunately, being fair and famous came with its fair share of drawbacks, Simon thought while still glancing at the picture in his hands.

  Nelly was famous, and with fame came a lot of fanfare and admiration. She’d been around that for the better part of her life. How was she going to make the adjustment to the boring life on the farm? As excited as she seems, how will she adjust to a boring guy like me? The work was hard, busy work, sure, but tedious and monotonous. And he didn’t have much to offer in the way of excitement compared to her social life out east. And yet, they’d made a strong connection from the start. At least, being a wife would mean less responsibility than the long work he put in. But what a change from the life she knew. He worried she wasn’t ready for it. To give all that up. And for me.

  Could it really work? He’d find out soon, and he felt good thinking about the potential, at least. Such a change for him, but he welcomed this one. His life had gone through so much change in the past, he almost wanted none of it. But a wife? Like Nelly? This change is going to move me in a direction I want.

  It wasn’t long before they would meet face to face. He knew his friends supported his decision, which helped ease his mind. Mildred was also Nelly’s number one supporter. She even warned her husband Luther from interfering with Simon’s courting, telling him to give them space to get to know each other for the first couple weeks. The last thing Luther wanted was to get on Mildred’s bad side. He adored his lovely wife, and with good reason; Mildred was as smart as she was hardworking. The jokes they played on each other would have to wait.

  Finally, Simon called it a night and left to go inside to try to give his persistent worrying a rest.

  Just a few more days.

  The day finally came, and Luther was at the porch bright and early waiting for him.

  “I see you bothered to wash up,” said Simon. “I’m grateful for that, as I’m sure your wife was too.”

  “The lady of the house told me to look my best. And as you already know, her word is final.”

  “As it should be, my friend. You got a good one. Mildred loves you, brother.”

  “And I don’t deserve it.”

  “I mean, she does have to put up with you.”

  Luther laughed. “Yeah, yeah. Ok, let’s got get your future actress wife. I don’t think a pretty woman like her is used to waiting, so we don’t want to be late.”

  They left and Simon looked back over his shoulder at his property. The orchard was growing, and his few workers were toiling hard already in the morning hour throughout
the rest of the fields and land. The few cattle he had had been quite the investment, but it would certainly pay off in time, too. With his hands full, he once again wondered about the abrupt change of life for his future bride. An actress, used to a better life, he thought. They would live comfortably, no doubt, but country life was different from city life.

  “So, Mildred is not here. You can be frank with me. Do you think marrying the actress is a bad idea? Did I pick the right one? Be completely honest. I know you’ve been supportive, but I’ve also seen those looks you have. Just tell me the truth.”

  Luther smiled and for a moment he kept on looking ahead. Simon had known him a long time. He figured Luther was looking for the right words to say to him.

  “You know you can tell me anything, brother,” Simon prodded.

  “Look,” Luther finally said with a long sigh, sitting back against the bench, “it’s not that I disapprove. All I ever want for you is nothing short of happiness. And you seem excited about it, and I also know you don’t just trust anyone. From the looks of it, you do love this lady and that’s all that matters. But she is an actress, and a famous one for that matter. You of all people know how hard things can get around here. But more than that, it’s a big turnaround for her. I just want you to be aware and be careful. Who knows…” he trailed off.

  “Go ahead,” said Simon.

  “Well, who knows why or what state she’s in. Yes, I know,” Luther preempted, “she’s told you why, and that’s fine. But, the other woman, it did seem like you had more in common from what you said. I actually think Nelly sounds great. It’s nothing else. I just want you knowing it could be a rough start. At first. That’s all.”

  “I do, and trust me, I thought long and hard about it too. And hey, remember, this was your idea.”

  “Yes sir. And I stand by it. You know what you’re doing. You too may just be perfect for each other. Though the lives you live may be different from what the other’s used to, you do sound a lot alike, and I’ll bet you have far more in common with who you both are.”

  “You’re starting to sound like Mildred.”

  Thankfully, the train station wasn’t that far from the orchard. So, the two men didn’t have to worry about being away for long. Mildred was left in charge and needless to say, she always did an incredible job.

  Most of the people they encountered were coming from the train station and heading into town, while a few were heading there to collect their loved ones. There were many carriages as well as carts carrying vegetables and animal produce. There was a lot of noise and smoke, and everyone seemed focused to accomplish their mission and leave as quickly as possible.

  Once they got to the main station, Simon and Luther moved off to the side. This is it, I’m meeting my future bride.

  There were a lot of people around and for a moment, the two friends thought it was going to be virtually impossible to locate her.

  But it didn’t take long for Simon to spot Nelly. At first, it almost felt as though some higher power told him to look that way, and so he did. And there she was. Nelly didn’t wear any makeup but still looked like a million bucks. She was dressed in a simple dress and flat shoes. Luther caught a glimpse of Nelly after she’d come down from the carriage and removed his cap, giving her a slight bow.

  “Welcome, my lady.” Simon said with all the civility he could muster. She was striking, even more so in person. His breath momentarily caught as he took her in. Dressed simply, yet she commanded presence more than any other woman around them without trying to. She was beautiful, poised, and had the look of someone happy to be where she was. It pleased him. She is even more stunning in person, he thought.

  And she looked…humble. Not what he’d expected, although he hadn’t been sure what he expected. Just that she did not seem full of herself, despite her natural beauty. What little he knew about actresses, she didn’t seem taken with that part of her, either. There was nothing about her that said she was too good to be here. So far, she matched his impressions of her in her letters.

  And yet, he felt suddenly, vastly unworthy. He didn’t know what it was, but he felt below her station.

  But one thing was certain, he couldn’t draw his eyes from her, and he was sure his heart could be heard by everyone around him.

  Was this what love felt like? It was invigorating and frightful all at once.

  Chapter Eight

  Nelly stepped off the train and the first eyes hers met were Simon’s. She blushed immediately. The fact that he was standing upright in clean haberdashery with his hat off showed just how refined he was. Besides his well-mannered traits, Simon was very handsome. Even the photos he sent her didn’t do him any justice. Her breath caught.

  After taking a moment to take a few deep breaths to compose herself, Nelly picked up her suitcase and started walking towards Simon, who rushed towards her and offered to carry the luggage for her after introducing himself.

  “Please, allow me.” Simon said politely.

  “Thank you very much.” Nelly said as she handed over her suitcase. He seemed, well, as nervous as her. She hadn’t been that nervous until just now. But she could tell he was watching her without trying to be obvious. Had her looks displeased him? Let him down, somehow? There’s your lack of confidence again, Nelly. Not everything is personal. Maybe he likes what he sees, just relax! she told herself.

  Putting it out of her mind, she looked at his friend and the three stood together, awkwardly silent for a moment.

  “Oh, forgive me. This is Luther, my old friend and partner at the orchard I told you about,” Simon said, trying his best not to appear timid.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady.” Luther greeted Nelly with a slight bow.

  At that point, Nelly was most impressed with countrymen and how polite they were. Nelly was fed up with how city men were proud and walked around as though they deserved the love of any woman they fancied. That’s why Nelly never bothered giving them her attention, at least, whenever she could help it. Not for lack of them trying. Besides, she harbored a fear against the men in show business. The last thing Nelly wanted was to be hurt the way her mother was hurt two decades ago. At best, they’d leave you. At worst, they’d take advantage of you and more. She’d seen it happen. And her trust was on guard, always.

  Her mother had taught her so much, many of the lessons intentional. And many not. But she loved her dearly and had paid attention.

  Helping her up onto the seat, Nelly’s heart beat even faster as she felt his strong hand envelop hers. The first few minutes were spent in quiet, but as far as she could tell, he appeared as comfortable with it as her. At least she hoped.

  Nelly remembered just how beautiful the scenery was when she first visited this part of the country as a foster child. Little had changed since then. She felt at peace taking it all in.

  “Enjoying the view?” Simon said, finally breaking the silence.

  “As a matter of fact, I am. I didn’t think I was ever going to come back here. My acting career was taking up most of my time and it wasn’t fair.”

  “Well, we all need a break at some point. And, just so we are clear, I am glad to officially meet you at last. You look very beautiful, my lady.”

  And there it was again, the southern discipline. Nelly heard the gossip about how southern men made great husbands, but she’d never known for herself until now. To say she was impressed would’ve been an understatement. That tells you the men in your imagination hasn’t been a fair assesment, she thought to herself.

  “Thank you,” Nelly said, blushing, “you’re a very handsome man yourself.” It felt forward to say it, yet their correspondence had drawn them close enough to say it.

  They continued to enjoy the short trip and Nelly found herself stealing glances at her soon-to-be husband, assuming she passed the test. Or he, hers, for that matter. Oh, who are you fooling, Nelly? Look at him! Listen to him! He’s perfect.

  Finally, the three of them arrived at the hotel wher
e Nelly would stay while they got to know each other more first. And being the gentleman that he was, Simon had taken care of all the bills for the time Nelly was going to be around. Nelly was uncomfortable with that since she had money of her own. Nor was she used to someone else taking care of her. But Simon had already made a decision, and she figured it rude to deny him it if that’s what he wanted. Marriage would be about partnership; she’d have to get used to it. And learn not to be so prideful.

  Simon was the first one to get down, and just like before, he offered his hand to her. He then led her to the check-in and made sure they’d taken her to the room. Simon and Luther were supposed to return the following day so that he could escort her to the orchard for the very first time. Nelly couldn’t hide her excitement.

  After Nelly left to her room to unpack, Simon ordered a nice meal for them both and waited downstairs.

  The people he knew in town were happy to see him start this chapter of his life. They’d gotten to know his story and agreed he needed companionship. If it were odd to do so through an ad, well, it had happened before, and no one said anything about it.

  Having nothing else left to do, Luther excused himself. Before taking his leave, Luther promised to handle all of Simon’s tasks for the day.

  “I owe you big time, my friend,” Simon thanked Luther.

  “No. You don’t owe me anything. Take your time. That’s what brothers do. They look out for each other.”

  “Thank you.”

  Afterwards, Simon returned to the hotel to find Nelly seated by the table looking like she belonged already.

  “I’ve only been here a minute. Have you already ordered?” she asked.

  “Yes, I have. Hope that’s okay? Chicken stew.”

  Nelly blushed for a moment. He remembers my favorite dish, she thought, staring at the handsome man taking a seat across from her. There was chemistry for sure. At least for me. What about him? Nelly looked around at all the patrons. She felt like a stranger, and that she didn’t fit in. At least not yet. She’d traveled a lot but was used to the city. Everyone seemed to know each other here, aside from obvious travelers.