Mail Order Victoria

by Caroline Clemmons

  Mail-Order Victoria

  Widows, Brides and Secret Babies Series

  Book 7

  By

  Caroline Clemmons

  Cover by Black Widow Designs

  (Virginia McKevitt)

  Copyright © 2020 by Caroline Clemmons

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  About Caroline Clemmons

  Chapter One

  Atlanta, Georgia 1875

  Victoria Bailey clutched her precious daughter to her. “You will never take Regina from me.”

  Her father-in-law, Peter Bailey, smiled in the annoying and patronizing way of his. “My dear, any judge will see that Regina will be much better off being looked after by two prominent grandparents with considerable resources over a widowed mother with little or no income.”

  Victoria shook her head. “No, she belongs with me. Neither of you would ever love her as much as I can—as I do. There is no price on a mother’s love.”

  Her mother-in-law, Esther, reached for Regina but Victoria moved away quickly.

  Esther tried again. “Now, you don’t want this dragged out in court, do you? Think of the humiliation a public trial will bring. Having the judge award us custody in front of a courtroom of people that include reporters will make you the target of shame.”

  “I’ve nothing to be ashamed of and you know it. Whatever you’re concocting will be based on lies.”

  Peter looked at his wife. “We’ll see, won’t we, Mother?” He turned to Victoria. “We’ll go for now but don’t think we won’t return. Get Regina’s clothes and toys packed for her move to our home. As soon as we talk to the judge, we’ll be back with a court order.”

  She didn’t think that was the way a legitimate child custody trial would be handled but she wasn’t certain. One thing she knew, her in-laws would not rest until they had Regina. In addition, Victoria was positive the Baileys would find a way to turn her out of the home in which she and her husband had lived.

  When her in-laws had left, she put Regina in her perambulator and pushed the baby carriage to visit her friend Diana Price two doors down the street.

  Diana invited her into her home. “Dear Victoria, you look as if all the cares of the world weigh on your shoulders. But, when I was cutting roses a few minutes ago I saw your in-laws leave. I suspect they’re responsible for your pale face and the haunted look in your eyes. Come have a seat while you tell me about your troubles.”

  Victoria fought tears as she sat in the nearest chair. “They say they’ll get a court order and I’ll have to surrender Regina to them. Oh, Diana, I’m afraid they’ll succeed.”

  Diana rang for tea and sat near Victoria. “You’re a wonderful mother, but with their money they probably will. All they have to do is find a greedy judge who’ll take their bribe. I don’t have a high opinion of those two and expect they know more than one office holder who takes bribes. I suspect they’ve used them before.”

  Victoria’s chest constricted as if a vise held her in its grip. “I have to get out of Atlanta immediately, but how and where? I don’t have much money and nowhere to run.”

  “I could loan you enough to get away.”

  Her friend’s offer soothed her somewhat but Victoria remained in a terrible quandary. “That’s generous of you but I don’t know where to go. Or what I’d do when I got there or how I’d repay you. No, but I have to think of Regina’s welfare.”

  “Do you have cousins who would shelter you?”

  She shook her head. “My parents were each only children. I don’t know of anyone—not even distant kin.”

  Diana reached over to pat Victoria’s hand. “Hear me out before you say anything. I’ve been thinking about your situation and I remember this matchmaker my cousin Felicity used. She keeps urging me to do the same and I may. If you travel somewhere and remarry, your in-laws won’t know how to find you.”

  “Remarry? Paul’s only been gone two months. Even though I believe he only married me to spite his parents, remarrying so soon would be scandalous.”

  “To whom?” Diana raised her eyebrows and widened her lovely brown eyes. “You’ll simply disappear and won’t be here for anyone to snub. While it’s true you won’t be in love with someone else—yours will be a marriage of convenience with a man who wants a wife. My cousin Felicity is really happy with the man she wed.”

  Victoria hated the idea but couldn’t think of a better option. Actually, she couldn’t think of any other option. Panic had her stomach roiling and her muscles cramping.

  Her head pounded as if a blacksmith hammered his anvil inside. She couldn’t continue in this state of fear. Instead, she had to do something without delay.

  “Tell me the matchmaker’s address. I’m too desperate to turn down any chance to leave Atlanta with Regina safely in my care.”

  “Fortunately, she lives only about a mile from us.” Diana rose and went to her writing desk. She opened a drawer and took out a sheet of paper.

  Referring to a letter she’d removed from an envelope, Diana wrote on the paper then handed it to her. “Here’s the address. You won’t have any trouble finding her house.”

  Victoria studied the writing. “I think I know where this is and I’ll go there now. There’s no time to waste. I expect my in-laws back to steal Regina no later than noon tomorrow.”

  Diana hugged her briefly. “Godspeed, my friend. If you do leave, promise you’ll let me know your new address.”

  “I will because I am leaving for somewhere, Diana. Thank you for your friendship.”

  The soft breeze failed to soothe Victoria. She recognized the part of town in which the matchmaker lived. The homes were nicer than hers—though she thought of the house as hers, her in-laws actually owned her home. She found the correct house and was surprised a matchmaker lived there.

  The red brick home was built in the Federal style with white columns in front. A small brass plate was attached to the fence pillar. The first line said Mercedes McCormick and the second line read Matches Made In Heaven.

  “That described what she needed. Her first marriage wasn’t made in heaven but perhaps the next one would be better. She pushed the perambulator up the walk and maneuvered it up the steps to the porch.

  “Regina, here we go. I hope we’re not sorry.” She rang the bell.

  A smiling woman in her forties opened the door. Her brown hair was neatly coiffed into a bun at her nape. She was wearing an elegant burgundy taffeta dress trimmed in silver lace.

  “Come in. Have you come about finding your groom?”

  Victoria was so upset she was almost tongue-tied. “I-I’m not sure but I think so. Do you have someone who might accept a widow with a child?”

  “I’m Mercedes McCormick. Come to my office and let’s discuss your situation while I search my requests for a bride.”

  Victoria followed Mrs. McCormick through a beautifully appointed parlor and into an equally lux
urious office. She took the seat the matchmaker indicated.

  Mrs. McCormick sat at her desk. “Now tell me about yourself and why you’ve come.”

  Victoria told her about being widowed. “I’m twenty-four and grew up in Atlanta. My parents have passed on and I was an only child. My late husband’s parents have vowed to take my daughter from me. They never approved of the marriage and have the money to accomplish what they’ve promised to do. I must get away before they achieve their goal.” Regina fussed so Victoria pushed the perambulator back and forth with one hand to quiet her daughter.

  “My, that does sound like an emergency.” The woman appeared to study her for a moment. Then, she seemed to make up her mind. “Hmm, I remember one letter… let me see, where is it?”

  Mrs. McCormick shuffled the stacks of papers on her desk until she grasped one. “Here it is. This man sent the fare and he wants someone immediately.” She handed the letter to Victoria.

  Dear Mrs. McCormick,

  My friend Darrel Runnels gave me your name and address. My wife died six months ago and I am in dire need of a wife to cook and clean and keep house. I own a ranch and live slightly over a half hour from town by buggy. I’m thirty and have been told I’m nice looking but can’t say I agree. At least my face won’t scare the woman you send when she arrives.

  The house is sturdy and a nice size with six bedrooms. The water pump is at the sink. I’m not the wealthiest man in Texas but I have enough in the bank to be secure. My wife will have whatever she needs and most of what she wants. My three ranch hands eat in the house but sleep in the bunkhouse. She’ll have to cook enough for them to share with us.

  I’m sending the fare with this letter so you can send someone right away. I don’t want to waste time writing back and forth. We can get acquainted after we’re married. Please send me a telegram to let me know when she’ll arrive and her name. She’ll take the train to New Braunfels, Texas and I’ll meet her there. We’ll be married then make the drive to the ranch.

  Sincerely

  Gregory Hardy

  The Slanted H Ranch

  Ordinary, Texas,

  Victoria didn’t know what to think. She reread the letter. He wanted someone right away, which fit her needs. On the other hand, he didn’t sound… well, cultured.

  She looked at Mercedes. “Is this typical of the letters you receive?”

  The matchmaker smiled. “Much nicer than most, especially those from West of the Mississippi River. Men are a different breed out there, but they prize being a gentleman toward a woman. I was impressed by Mr. Hardy’s letter and the fact that he has a large home.”

  She looked through the remaining papers on her desk. “He included a letter from his minister in which the reverend vouched for Mr. Hardy’s character. Also, Mr. Hardy sent plenty of cash for food and incidentals on the trip—not all men are that thoughtful or generous.”

  Reassured, Victoria decided to accept. “I wonder when I could leave. I suppose I can take a cab to the train station and learn when the trains leave.” She really spoke more to herself than to Mrs. McCormick.

  The matchmaker opened a drawer and extracted a train schedule. “Let’s see.” She ran her fingertip down the page. “Going west there’re several times you can choose. One train is at seven in the morning, one at noon, one at six, and so forth. I’m sure you realize you’ll have to change trains along the way.”

  “I can be ready by seven in the morning. It’s hard with a toddler but necessary that we leave as soon as possible. Wait—is there a late train this evening?”

  Surprise widened the matchmaker’s eyes. “Why, yes. There’s one at nine o’clock.”

  She glanced at her lapel watch. “The time is eleven now so that wouldn’t give you much time.”

  “I’ll manage since it means escaping with my daughter. How does getting my ticket work?”

  Mrs. McCormick’s smile reassured Victoria. “I’ll meet you at the train station at half past eight. I’ll have your ticket then. I always ask that brides let me know how they’re doing and if they’re satisfied with their match.”

  Victoria stood and offered her hand. “I’ll write you. Thank you for your help. I can’t thank you enough. I’ll see you this evening.”

  On the way home from the matchmaker’s Victoria arranged for a drayman to call at half past six. That was earlier than she needed but she wanted to make certain she didn’t miss the train. She’d pack as much as her two trunks would hold.

  When she returned home Victoria packed as rapidly as possible. She made up sandwiches and included crackers and things Regina could eat. She also packed apple juice and water in jars. Even though Mr. Hardy had included funds for eating on the train or at stops, she wanted to save what she could.

  Besides, she’d heard bad things about food available at the depots. She couldn’t take a chance on upsetting Regina’s digestion. The train dining cars were supposed to be elegant and the food cooked well but expensive. She planned to start with her food and switch to the dining car later.

  As if she knew something was changing, Regina continued being fussy. Normally, she was a happy and well-behaved child.

  She lifted her daughter to her arms. “You’ll love living on a ranch, Regina. I’ll bet you can have a horse when you’re older. I’ll bet there will be chickens and cows and kittens and dogs.”

  Regina stopped sniffling. “Dog goes woof woof.”

  “That’s right. Kittens go meow.” Now that Regina was placated, Victoria returned her daughter to her toys.

  She left the trunk the toys would go into open until the last moment. Concentrating on what to take meant heartbreaking choices. Better to take the things she hoped to save than baby things.

  In a large valise she put Regina’s a few changes of clothes and all her diapers. That left only enough room for one change of clothing for her. She found an oilcloth bag Paul had used when he went sailing. That would be suitable for wet diapers.

  Traveling with a toddler was going to be difficult. She’d manage same as others did. At least she was riding a train and not a covered wagon or stagecoach.

  Chapter Two

  New Braunfels, Texas, Monday morning

  Greg Hardy parked the wagon in the shade and gave the team of horses some oats. Tired and not at his best, he strode into the New Braunfels train station. Since his wife, Cora, had died, he’d had more than he could handle. Mrs. Jennings had helped some, like today, but she couldn’t help often enough to solve his problems.

  He wondered if he’d be pleased with his mail-order bride. He hoped she’d be more likable than the two women who’d been dogging him since his wife had died. Neither Melba Dean nor Nora Adams came close to what he wanted in a woman.

  In spite of the fact he’d been as gentlemanly as he could he was near to losing his temper. He didn’t want any more surprise visits with a cake or a pie. The food was welcome, but not with the strings that came attached. His marriage would settle that problem.

  The clock in the depot said he was a little early.

  He sauntered up to the counter. “Is the incoming train on time?”

  The station master glanced at the clock. “Far as I know. They send word if there’s a major delay. She ought to be rounding the bend in about ten minutes.”

  Greg drifted outside to the platform. He saw another man waiting that he recognized but he couldn’t recall the man’s name. He nodded. “Good morning.”

  “Nice day.” The other man looked uncomfortable. Probably couldn’t remember Greg’s name either.

  Greg walked to the end of the platform. He wasn’t patient at waiting. Coming to town today meant losing time he needed to be at his ranch.

  At least with a wife to take charge of the house he could concentrate on discovering who was up to mischief. The last couple of weeks there had been too many incidents. Fences cut and cows missing were the work of someone who wanted him to go bust.

  By golly, he wasn’t going to fail. He was going to find the
son of a gun responsible and see him in jail. If only he had a clue to who the culprit was he’d know what to do. As it stood, he had no idea. He hadn’t had a falling out with anyone, didn’t know of anyone who hated him, and didn’t have any enemies he could name.

  A train whistle captured his attention. He stood in the shade while the train pulled into the station and stopped. Only a few people got off. He searched for a likely mail-order bride.

  The other man greeted a woman and two children when they left the train. He lifted one of the children and tousled the hair of the other as they walked to a buggy. A man who carried a salesman’s case walked toward the hotel.

  That left an exhausted-looking woman carrying a baby. Naw, that couldn’t be her, not with a child.

  The conductor set a fancy baby buggy on the platform for her. “Here you are, Mrs. Bailey. Take care of that little charmer.”

  Her face lit with a smile that reduced the signs of fatigue. “Thank you so much for your help.”

  She set the child into the buggy and pushed it toward him. “Are you Mr. Hardy?”

  He shifted from one foot to the other almost tongue-tied. “I am. If you’re Mrs. Victoria Bailey, I wasn’t expecting you to have a baby.”

  The woman—Victoria—was one of the prettiest he’d ever seen. Red hair, though. Likely had a temper.

  She sent him a no nonsense glare. “You didn’t give me a chance to inform you. I left Atlanta the day I was told of your need for a wife. Does this mean you’ve changed your mind?”

  He shook his head. “No, give me your claim tickets and I’ll collect your luggage. I never saw such a fancy baby carriage before.”

  “A perambulator is what the store called it. It was ordered from London. Regina and I have used it frequently for our walks. I brought it to use as a bed until one could be obtained for her. That and the fact it’s so nice I hated to abandon it.”

  There went more money. “I sure hadn’t counted on you having a baby. I reckon we’d better get her a bed while we’re in town. The preacher is expecting us in about thirty minutes so we should go to the church first.”