“Thank you, Jericho. I’ll see you again. I may show up at your Wednesday meeting. Is it at the café?”
“Yes, do come. And bring that darling baby with you. We all love baby Charlotte.”
“I will. Thank you.” Bridgette left the carpentry shop and braced herself. She might as well go and tell Sterling. That was one thing they had promised one another. They wouldn’t keep secrets. Bridgette did well with the promise. Her Bounty Brigade and Bridal Registry were minor exceptions. She did tell of her plans, but only after she’d made them. Why, just yesterday, she got word of three more men who wanted to join the Bounty Brigade.”
***
Preacher Brett Gentry left the small parsonage the town had built him. While it was only a one-room house, it was plenty of room for him. He kept it clean as he felt it was his duty. A good fireplace, bed, and table with a few shelves and a stove fit in the room. But for one person, it was big enough.
At times, he’d thought about asking Bridgette to find him a mail-order bride. He was at a place in his life that having a good woman at his side would make him happy. But he held back. He had nothing to give her but a one-room house and a church that would take up most of his time.
He did love the town of Shirleyville and its citizens. God had changed him from the wild outlaw to a man of the Word. Not a day went by that Brett didn’t thank the Lord for saving him and taking him out of the outlaw way of life.
That was one reason he so enjoyed helping Bridgette with her projects. The woman was a genius, if not a brilliant schemer. Who else could come up with the idea of enticing men to give themselves up so that she could split their bounty? Then as their lawyer, for a fee, she represented them and got them lighter sentences. But Bridgette wasn’t finished and came up with her matchmaking scheme, Bridgette’s Bridal Registry, where she found them mail-order brides to help the men stay out of jail.
Brett had to laugh at the beautiful schemer. Sterling, mayor of Shirleyville and her husband, had his hands full trying to keep up with her. The mayor tried to corral her, but nothing and no one would keep Bridgette fenced in.
Brett sat in his one chair and looked out the window. His house faced The Gilded Lady Saloon and was a constant reminder of the grace of God that had pulled him out of the wild lifestyle of his past.
Francesca had let it slip that there was a new mail-order bride in town. Brett grinned. Francesca couldn’t help herself. She somehow always knew what was going on in town, and she’d just about bust a corset if she couldn’t tell someone.
She was happily married now. Pierre turned out to be a decent enough fellow. Even if he still acted as if he were rich royalty from France, and everyone knew he wasn’t. Still, Pierre loved Francesca, and she loved him. Brett was glad that everything had worked out for them.
In fact, most of Bridgette’s matchmaking schemes had worked out despite her plans. But they had worked out, and the couples appeared to be happy.
Tired of sitting in his house alone, Brett walked to the church and opened the doors. He liked to let the people know that he was always ready to welcome them in. He took his Bible and settled down on the front pew to read the Word.
Even now, the Word of God came alive. He could read a verse over twenty times, and the next time he read it, the words would come alive to him, and make his heart beat fast with a deeper understanding of the things of the Lord.
So far, he’d never met a woman who could entice him to want to share the time he spent with the Lord. It would take a special woman. One filled with grace and the love of God. But for now, he wasn’t looking.
Right now, he was busy ministering to the people of Solomon’s Valley. Thanks to Florence, the church had a day of abundance in the Spring and Fall after church. Folks would bring whatever they had that they didn’t need and share with others.
Many people had been helped. Brett had encouraged the church to help Florence and Jay as they’d taken in four orphans after disease struck the mines. Brett read from the Word and prayed for the people in his flock and those who should be included. Slowly, they were coming in.
Brett shut the Bible and went to look out the window. He was restless today. Unusual for him. He closed the church door and locked it. He needed dinner in town today. Somedays, he needed to talk to people.
He never thought of himself as lonely, but today, he felt it. Maybe it was the first beginnings of fall with winter behind it. The land was starkly beautiful in the winter but cold and lonely. Brett was tired of being alone. So, for now, he’d go and see who he could find to eat dinner with.
Walking down the path to the street, Brett waved to Francesca and Pierre. They were on their way to the swing at the park by the pond. Every day the two of them sat on the swing like newlyweds.
Brett was happy for them, but for some reason today, it set off that feeling of loneliness. Yes, he knew the Word said it was better if you didn’t marry. That is if you ministered the Word. But on the other hand, the Bible also said it wasn’t good for man to live alone.
Still, he just didn’t know if he was ready to think about marrying a woman. He decided to go to the hotel dining room and avoid the café. Glory Calhoun was a woman looking to find someone to marry, and she ruled the café as if it were her personal hunting territory. Not that Brett didn’t like her, but she wasn’t his type. Plus, he didn’t think she’d be a good pastor’s wife.
So, he settled for the safest place to have dinner. Alone, but in the company of other diners.
He seated himself near the window as Bret had become quite the people-watcher. He knew most of the people of Shirleyville and the surrounding area. And watching them, he could see if they were happy or troubled. Bret took his duty as shepherd of the flock seriously.
Like the time he’d noticed Doug Godfrey and his wife sitting at the pond. Bret had sensed something wasn’t right. Talking to them, he discovered that Doug wanted to retire and go to Florida.
They talked with each other, and by the time Bret left, they had decided to make the move. A month later, Chad had come to take Doug’s place as land agent, and the couple moved to Florida.
Bret didn’t take any pride in their decision. They had made it on their own. He’d just been there to help them open. Bret missed them but was happy to get a letter that said they loved the warm temperatures and fishing in the gulf.
That was the part Bret loved about his vocation. Calling really. While in prison, he’d been introduced to the wonders of Jesus, and soon, he had asked the Lord into his heart and life. There wasn’t a day that Bret regretted that decision.
He’d just ordered when a young woman he’d not seen before walked into the diner. She sat at the first table as if she felt out of place. Though dressed nicely, he could see that her skirt was worn.
Brett instantly liked her. He was drawn to her and wanted to know who she was. The idea that she could be one of Bridgette’s mail-order brides crossed his mind, but he hadn’t seen any new young men in town.
He’d have to ask Francesca. Then Bret thought better of it. That Francesca had trouble with gossip was common knowledge. He would be doing her a disservice to encourage her. Still, she was better than a newspaper.
The young woman sat with her back to him so he could study her without having to be careful. She was of slight build. Dark hair. Timid if he had to guess. She sat up straight and ate in a mannerly fashion. She appeared to be from a good family.
He wondered why she was here. No one ate with her, and she didn’t appear to be looking for anyone.
Bret finished his meal and thought about introducing himself, but she got up and left the cafe.
Too late. He’d waited too long. Was that why he was still single? Not that he’d seen anyone who he’d thought about marrying before. But this woman had caught his eye and attention. He hoped there would be another time.
Yet, if she was one of Bridgette’s mail-order brides, he didn’t want to get in between one of her matches.
Better yet, if he t
alked to Bridgette and asked her to send off for a mail-order bride for him. It was an odd way to find a wife, but the town had three who had done that, and their marriages were working out.
Years ago, Judge Taggert had sent off for a bride after he got tired of being alone. His wife and daughter had died of the fever, and he stayed alone for several years. After getting tired of being alone, the judge had put out an advertisement for a bride, and Rachel had come with ten children in tow.
Brett laughed to himself. That had to have been a sight. The town didn’t have a train then, and all those children had piled out of a stagecoach. But they were another couple who were happy and doing well. Amy and Zebulon were another mail-order success story.
Leaving the hotel, Bret decided the next time he saw Bridgette, he’d ask her to find him a bride.
Chapter 4
Evalyn awoke the next morning, ready for the day. She left the hotel and walked out into the street. Today, she was going to explore the quaint town. Although small, she could see that it was growing and heard hammering from the carpentry shop on the street behind her as well as on two new buildings going up nearby.
She liked the idea of joining a city that was growing. The small town that she’d come from hadn’t been and many people left. Some to go west and others east to return to family they’d left years ago.
This was a wild time. Recessions had shut down banks while drought and rough weather had plundered countless small farmers. She’s seen that in her small area of Ohio. A man or family could only go so long without making any money for clothes and shoes for the family much less food.
Yet she’d also seen the large cities where the poor had flocked. Worse were the poor in the cities who were unable to move out. Evalyn clutched her reticule and again was happy to hear the envelope that held her advance.
That Bridgette had said the hotel was paid for was a great relief. At least, she had a place to stay, and she had enough money to eat in the dining room for some time. Evalyn looked at her worn skirt.
She did need to visit the dress shop that Bridgette had suggested. A couple of new outfits were needed. Evalyn also planned to look for work. She could work until her groom showed up.
Thinking of marrying an unknown man did trouble her. Yet, she hadn’t had much of a choice. Here, she had the opportunity to find work and a man of her own choosing. Bridgette had said that she didn’t have to marry the one chosen for her.
Evalyn stepped aside so two men could pass her on the boardwalk. They paid her little mind. But then, that was how her life had been. She’d lived in the shadows. Few strangers would talk to her. Even people she knew back home would pass her by.
At times, Evalyn wondered if she were invisible. She would have to work on just what caused her to be passed by. Of course, she chided herself, she never reached out to welcome others near her. She always waited until she was spoken to. The thought that her invisibility was of her own making was new, but the idea of its truth spoke to her heart.
She drew in a breath and prayed for courage. Evalyn purposed to reach out and welcome one person a day. One was a start anyway. Perhaps a good man would notice her, and she wouldn’t have to wait for her mail-order groom.
Forcing her head up and eyes straight ahead, she walked across the street toward the dress shop. It was well past ten, so the store should be open. Evalyn wondered why she was so nervous about even going to a dress shop.
Then again, few people in town were walking alone. The women all had a man beside them. Most of the men were alone, but they didn’t need to be protected like women. The street was bustling with business. Evalyn liked to see that.
She went to the dress shop and opened the door. A bell above announced her arrival in the empty store. There didn’t seem to be any other customers in the small shop.
A woman came from the back room. “Hello, I’m Francesca Monluc. How can I help you?”
Evalyn cleared her throat of nervousness. “I need a couple of new outfits. As you can see, my skirt is badly worn.”
“Think nothing of it. I have the perfect item for you.” Francesca led her to the shelves along the wall. She pulled out a barely yellow blouse and a pretty calico skirt with beautiful floral patterns of light blue and yellow.”
Evalyn nodded. “Maybe something a little nicer.”
“Very well.” The shop owner smiled and went toward the front of the store. “I have this lovely skirt in blue and dark red. I think the red may favor your coloring. I also have a blouse and vest.”
“Those would be perfect.”
Francesca eyed her and took her to the other side of the store. “I see you need a new coat. I have these.”
Evalyn loved them. Not only were they warm, but pretty. She looked for the price. Not seeing it, she prayed for strength and told Francesca she would take the outfit and the coat.
Francesca held up the items. “I do have another skirt and blouse that would look lovely on you. I could cut you a deal since you bought these items.”
Evalyn smiled. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.” She pulled her money from the reticule. She had quite a bit left, at least enough to last her until she found a job.
After paying, she looked Francesca in the eye. “Do you know of anyone who needs help? I am looking for work.”
Francesca wrapped the items. “Let me think. Perhaps the café. Maybe the general store. I heard that Earl’s son is now working for Del in the carpentry shop.” The woman smiled at her. “Are you planning on staying here in Shirleyville?”
“Yes, I am.” Evalyn tried on the clothes and was happy with her purchase.
Francesca wrapped her things. “I would be happy to show you around town. Perhaps for lunch?”
Evalyn smiled. “Thank you, I would appreciate that. I’m Evalyn Ladd. Right now, I’m staying at the hotel.”
Francesca raised an eyebrow. “I hope the clerk gave you the room with a beautiful view of the mountain.”
Evalyn nodded. “Yes, he did. It’s such a lovely view to wake up to in the morning.”
“Yes, it is. Well, I see it is close to lunch, would you like to go now? We can stop by the hotel and drop your items off in your room.”
“That would be wonderful. Yes, I am hungry for lunch and friendship.”
Francesca smiled and called out to the curtain separating the store from her living quarters. “Pierre, I’m going to lunch with a friend. Watch the store for me.”
A handsome man came from behind the curtains. “Have fun, dear.” He smiled at Evalyn. “Nice to meet you. I hope you’ll come back. We design our clothes and buy the best materials.”
Evalyn nodded. “I can see that. I am very happy with my purchase.”
Francesca held the door for her. “Let’s go. The dining room gets busy at noon.”
Evalyn took her packages and walked with Francesca to the hotel. She liked the shop owner and was happy to have someone to eat lunch with. Evalyn wasn’t sure when she’d see Bridgette again.
After a short walk to her room, Evalyn left her packages and followed Francesca to the dining room, where the waiter suggested the table near the window.
Evalyn didn’t mind, although she usually wanted to be near the back where she would be inconspicuous.
Francesca ordered stew. “I love their beef stew. So, filling on a cold day. Those clouds look like they could bring snow. Where are you from, Evalyn?”
“Ohio, near Cincinnati.” Evalyn didn’t feel like revealing her misfortunes. “How long have you had the dress shop?”
“Three years. I was originally from New Orleans.” Francesca stopped talking as if she had her own painful experiences. After a moment, Francesca looked at her. “Did you come to meet someone?”
Evalyn contemplated the answer. “In a way. I don’t know who they are, though.”
Looking satisfied, Francesca sat back in her chair and sipped her coffee. After setting her cup down, she stared at Evalyn. “You came as a mail-order bride?”
&nb
sp; Hating to admit it, but not seeing any other answer, Evalyn nodded. “Yes. Bridgette Merritt arranged it for me.”
“Yes, I can guess. Bridgette’s Bridal Registry. There are several mail-order brides in this town.”
“Bridgette was telling me of the success of the mail-order marriages.” Evalyn smiled, hoping to be reassured.
“Yes. They have worked out. It’s because of Hannah’s mail-order marriage that I found my husband, Pierre.”
“Oh, were you a mail-order bride, too.”
“No, but, well, it’s a confusing story. Anyway, Pierre and I are happily married now. Have you met your groom?”
Evalyn frowned. “Not yet. I met with Bridgette, and she assured me my stay in the hotel was paid for. But she wasn’t sure when I would meet the groom. Do you know who he might be?”
Francesca gave her a sympathetic smile. “No, I can’t say that I do. However, you do know that your groom is more than likely an ex-outlaw fresh out of prison, don’t you?”
Evalyn felt the blood drain from her face. “An outlaw?”
“Ex. All of Brigette’s mail-order brides have married such men. And they all have done well and stayed out of trouble. They’re really good men, and the wives are very happy.”
“Oh, dear. I had no idea. Why wouldn’t she tell me? Although, she did say they were seeking a second chance at life.”
Francesca straightened her skirt. “I think the answer is obvious. Would you have come to Shirleyville if you knew what you were getting?”
“Perhaps not. Do you think I should confront Bridgette with what you’ve told me? I just don’t think I can marry an outlaw. I was thinking more of a kind and gentle man. Maybe a store owner. A man of letters and business.”
Francesca shook her head. “That would be up to you, but all the marriages have worked out. I’m sorry if I’ve disturbed you.”
Really? Evalyn wondered why Francesca would tell her the news. After all, who wouldn’t be disturbed to find out they’ve been betrothed to an outlaw? Evalyn squared her shoulders and bolstered her courage, what little she had left, and stared at the shop owner.
Evalyn Page 3