Lindsay’s face had taken on a look of sheer pride. “I had the distinct honor of working under Holly Anne for a while, and she is as you described her.” She smiled at Angelica, seeming to recall happy times from her past.
“Wait just a minute.” Kaitlyn shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. “You worked under one of the most prestigious seamstresses around and you’ve kept that quiet?”
Laughing, Lindsay said, “You don’t hardly let me get a word in when you’re around, Kaitlyn.”
Sighing dramatically and frowning, Kaitlyn said, “You shouldn’t sit on news like that.”
“Why?” Lindsay stared at her, her expression guarded.
“Because I suddenly find myself in need of a new dress.” Kaitlyn straightened her back, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Elly stared at Lindsay, waiting for her friend to accept the work. She wondered if her hesitation stemmed from the accusations from the town busybodies and her not wanting to be judged by the women of the town. If she was associated with a house of iniquities, she may have difficulty finding work while she waited for a perfect match.
Drawing in a shuddering breath, Lindsay nodded and said, “Have you already picked a color?”
Cheeks blooming, Kaitlyn said, “White.”
Chapter Thirteen
Elly watched the women in front of her, still uncertain why Lindsay looked like her heart was breaking. She stared at her, hoping to catch her attention when her hand felt the crumpled envelope in her skirt pocket. Pulling it out, she smoothed the rough creases as the women around her fell completely silent. Looking up, she saw a mixture of hope and hesitation.
Smiling, she said, “This is our first letter, from a fellow named Holden Jamieson.” The women leaned forward, their expressions mirroring the conflicting emotions that Elly felt.
“Well, read it!” Kaitlyn's eyes were wide with anticipation.
Her hands shaking, Elly thought of her Alexander as she drew the folded paper from the envelope, fervently hoping that the man was worthy of one of the lovely women in front of her. She’d been entrusted with finding them the perfect mate, the thought making her feel a little nauseous. She read aloud the neat, precisely written words, her heart pounding as she spoke.
“Dear Ms. Bates,
My cattle ranch is located near Fort Laramie in Wyoming. I own a big spread, but the work is hard and the days are long. I need a wife, preferably before winter sets in. I’ll do my best to provide well for her and keep her safe. I’m taller than most and stronger than some. I’m twenty-five years old and have brown hair and blue eyes. I’d consider myself homely, but my means to support myself is steady. Winters here would not be lean for my wife, and I promise to provide all the necessities without hesitation. I’m looking for a practical woman who believes in being the wife defined in Ephesians. I’ve never been married and don’t have children, though I hope to have them to help around the ranch.
Sincerely,
Holden Jamieson”
Elly looked up, feeling the weight of excitement and uncertainty mingling in her stomach. “What do you ladies think?” The silence around her felt heavy and she held her breath, waiting for a response.
“He didn’t say how old he wanted his wife to be.” Kaitlyn looked at Lindsay as she spoke, grinning broadly, despite the scowl that Lindsay sent her way.
“Do they normally say what age they want?” Angelica glanced at Elly, confusion playing across her features.
Shaking her head, Elly said, “I don’t think so.” She looked around, struggling to read the faces in front of her.
Lindsay looked uncomfortable while Kaitlyn looked ecstatic. Angelica had a faraway expression that was guarded.
“I think he sounds like a nice, practical man,” Elly said.
“He’s never been married and has a large cattle ranch. He sounds like what you’re looking for, Kaitlyn.” Lindsay’s voice was low, like her throat felt tight. She looked calm now, but her fingers gripped the edge of her seat hard enough to turn her knuckles white.
“I’ll pass on that, but thank you for being so sweet.” Kaitlyn grinned like a child with a cookie. “I don’t think I’m quite ready to leave town. Meeting Seth has made me consider staying right here. I think he’s taken a fancy to me, and I want to get to know him better.”
Elly saw moisture glisten in Lindsay's eyes for the faintest moment, brief enough to make her doubt what she’d seen. Elly’s pulse thrummed with concern as she stared at the woman who hadn’t seemed truly vulnerable until that moment. She looked like her heart was breaking, leaving Elly feeling helpless.
Lindsay rose to her feet and left the room, the door clanging shut behind her.
“Why do you pick on her so?” Elly rose, her temper thrumming through her veins.
Shaking her head slightly, Kaitlyn said, “I don’t know what you mean.”
The door clanged again, the sound of boots clomping through the entryway echoing into the parlor. Elly turned stiffly, expecting trouble but seeing Thea instead. Her face beamed with pride as she held up her bundle of hunting success.
“Oh, no! You can’t bring that stuff into the house, Thea!” Kaitlyn stomped toward the girl, one arm raised as she emphatically pointed toward the door. “Outside with that mess, and don’t let me see any part of what comes between now and putting that meat into the stew pot!” Kaitlyn’s head shook in disapproval as she followed Thea from the room.
Elly sighed deeply when the spectacle was out of sight, wondering for the first time if she’d be able to handle living in a house full of spirited women. Remembering that she wasn’t alone, Elly faced Angelica, surprised to see the woman grinning. As she watched, Angelica’s features softened into a full smile, then a melodious laugh. Unable to stop herself, Elly felt the laughter easing the tension between her shoulders.
“Never a dull moment here, is there?” Angelica wiped her eyes as she spoke, seeming to be making an effort to regain her composure.
“No, not at all.” The smile on Elly’s face felt more natural than it had in months, lending her a small bit of hope that she’d be able to find true happiness again.
“I quite like that.” Angelica’s cheeks bloomed rosy pink.
“Me, too, I think.” Seeing Angelica looking relaxed and at home made Elly thankful that she’d taken a chance on boarding mail-order brides. The weight of responsibility felt heavier now that she’d come to care for the women. The thought that she might not make perfect matches caused her heart to beat a little faster with worry.
“Are you alright?”
Angelica hovered near Elly, taking on the same overprotective nature that the other women displayed. Her brows furrowed with concern as she continued to stare at Elly.
“I’m fine. Please don’t worry one bit.” Smiling and straightening to her full petite stature, Elly felt grateful when the door clanged again. “I’d better go keep the peace between Thea and Kaitlyn. Please, make yourself comfortable and I’ll be right back.”
Elly’s back stiffened as she neared the entryway, the sight of Mrs. Murphy standing in her boarding house after the disparaging words she’d spoken earlier making it necessary for her to bite back an unpleasant greeting. “Hello, Mrs. Murphy. What brings you to my home?”
Mrs. Murphy raised her chin, looking down at Elly through her spectacles. “You mean to your place of business?” Her tone weighed heavily of her disapproval. “I have a telegram for one of the young ladies who also conducts business here.” She gripped a paper in her hands, her lips pursed tightly.
Elly gasped. “I can assure you that none of my boarders are conducting business here!”
The door clanged behind Mrs. Murphy and Thea walked in, dragging mud in with her as her bootsteps fell heavily. “Speak for yourself. Would you like to buy meat?” Thea stood close to Mrs. Murphy as the woman shrieked and backed away. Thea stepped around the women and walked toward the kitchen, glancing over her shoulder to wink at Elly as Kaitlyn flew past her.
Stifling a
laugh, Elly returned her gaze to the visibly agitated woman. “If you’ll give me the message, I’ll be happy to pass it along for you.”
“No, thank you.” Pursing her lips, Mrs. Murphy glared at Elly a moment. “I must place it directly in the recipient’s hands.” Opening the paper and holding it so that Elly couldn’t see the contents, she said, “I must speak with Angelica Lauren Truman.”
Footsteps pounded on the wooden floor as Angelica rounded the corner, one hand clutching her stomach as her face visibly paled. Sounding breathless, she said, “I’ll take that.”
“Don’t you wish for me to read it for you, dear?” Mrs. Murphy held the telegram tightly in front of her, one corner of her lips turned up in a smirk.
“No, I can read it for myself!” Angelica snatched the paper from her hands and hurried from the room.
“I guess not everyone was raised with manners, but then again, that probably is common in your line of work.”
Elly sighed, staring at the back of Mrs. Murphy’s head as the woman spun and left with a noisy huff, leaving the front door wide open. The woman stepped quickly to the right as she descended the stairs, swirling skirts brushing up against Lindsay’s arm as she passed her.
“Lindsay, what are you doing just sitting out here on the steps?” Elly sunk down next to her friend.
Wiping her cheeks, Lindsay drew in a shuddering breath and let it out slowly. “I’ve come to a decision.”
Lindsay’s eyes were rimmed in red, giving Elly a start. Her friend had proven to be fierce and determined. Seeing the pain etched on her face took Elly’s breath. Unsure what to say, she swallowed hard. “What’s wrong, Lindsay?”
Shaking her head, she said, “It doesn’t matter.” She sniffled, turning to grip Elly’s arm. “I know I didn’t come here to be a mail-order bride, but I’d like to be the first to marry.”
“No.” Elly shook her head, fighting the nausea that was creeping up. “You can’t.” She’d spoken so softly that Elly wasn’t certain Lindsay had heard her.
Gripping her arm tighter, Lindsay said, “I must.”
They both turned as the door banged shut behind them. “What did Thea do to Angelica?” Kaitlyn’s lips were pursed disapprovingly.
“What are you talking about?” Lindsay stood, glancing back questioningly at Elly.
Shaking her head as she briskly ascended the stairs, Elly said, “I thought everyone was fine. What happened?”
“She’s pacing and pale and won’t talk to anyone. I told Thea to keep her little hobby to herself.”
Elly pushed past Kaitlyn, ignoring the indignant look Kaitlyn shot her. Thea stood inside the entryway, wringing her hands.
“I’m sorry, Elly.”
“Shh. It’s alright, Thea. Go wash up, and I’ll see what’s going on.” Elly hurried toward the kitchen, stopping short when she saw Angelica open the door to the stove, shoving her letter deep inside and staring at it as it burned. She had her arms crossed over her chest like she was cold as she stood close to the fire. Too close.
“Come, please.” Elly patted Angelica’s shoulder and said, “Please, your skirts are too close to the flames.” She gently tugged Angelica’s arm, guiding her to sit at the table. Shock and terror competed for a place on Angelica’s fine features, her scar pink in comparison to her pale face. Elly poured her a glass of water and said, “Here, take a drink.”
Angelica did as instructed, putting the glass down carefully, but not before Elly saw the tremble in the young woman’s hands.
“Please tell me what’s wrong.” Elly waited for Angelica to speak, her fear growing. When she did finally speak, the strength and resolve in her tone took Elly by surprise.
“I’m ready to be Holden Jamieson’s bride.” She looked up at Elly, blinking back tears as she waited for an answer.
Elly heard footsteps behind her and turned. Kaitlyn and Lindsay stood side by side in the doorway. Elly studied Lindsay’s face, unsure how to respond until she gave a slight nod of acceptance.
“Alright, Angelica. You’ll be our first ever Mail-Order Bride.”
Afterword
Thank you for reading Mail Order Matriarch! Follow Elly’s story as she successfully matches the Brides of Burlington County! Angelica’s journey continues in Mail Order Mismatch. Preorder your copy today!
Mail Order Mismatch
Mail Order Mismatch
Prologue
Angelica Truman’s hand clung to Elly’s arm as they watched the porter load Angelica’s trunk onto the train, her heart beating hard with sadness and excitement in equal measures. She was going to become a bride, and if everything went well, she’d leave her past behind for good. Looking over at Elly, she swallowed hard and tried to smile.
“What’s wrong?” Elly’s concerned face peered at her beneath a colorful hat, the only concession she’d made since donning her widow’s garb. “If you’ve changed your mind, you don’t have to go. We’ll find you the perfect match.”
Angelica looked down, trying to blink back the sudden sheen of tears that she hadn’t expected to come. Finding acceptance and safety with Elly and the other ladies at the boarding house for mail-order brides had been a blessing she hadn't expected. And her groom, Holden Jamieson seemed like the perfect match. He mentioned in his letter that he was homely, and she hoped fervently that he wouldn’t mind the jagged scar trailing along her face.
Shaking her head slightly, Angelica said, “It just occurred to me that I’ll miss the birth of your babe. I wish I could meet her, but I know Holden is the right match for me.”
Patting her hand, Elly said, “I will miss you terribly. We’ll write to each other, and if you need to come home, I’ll help you get back.”
A tear slipped down Angelica’s cheek, the trail of moisture making her scar itch. Swiping at it and resettling her blonde waves to cover it, she cleared her throat before attempting to speak. She hadn’t expected to feel like Burlington County had become home, especially after the frosty reception she received when she’d first arrived at Moorestown.
“Thank you, Elly.” Angelica stared down at Elly’s full, black skirt and tried to ignore the pang of sadness she felt swelling up. “I pray I’ll see you again, but I hope this groom agrees to marry me once he sees me in person.
Elly gasped. “Why wouldn’t he? You’re one of the most darling women I’ve ever met.”
Sniffling, Angelica averted her eyes. “Because of this.” She ran her fingers along her jawline, shuddering when she recalled the night that left her scarred for life.
Elly looked up at Angelica and smiled. “You’re beautiful, for many reasons. When you feel comfortable and relaxed, that’s when your real beauty shines through. Holden will love you for that or he’s not the right man to cherish you like you deserve.”
Knots formed in Angelica’s stomach. She had one chance to make this right or her whole world would collapse in on her. A sudden thought took her breath away. “Elly, promise me something!” She took a calming breath, trying to ease the panic out of her voice when she spoke again. “Please.”
Alarm had replaced Elly’s look of nostalgia. “What’s wrong?”
“If someone comes looking for me, promise me that you won’t tell them where I’ve gone.”
Elly gripped her arm tightly as if she was afraid to let her go. “What exactly is going on?”
“Ma’am, we’re boarding the train now.” The porter nodded his head respectfully, then disappeared behind the throng of passengers pushing their way onto the train.
Turning back to Elly, she smiled and said, “It’s not anything to worry about. Please promise me!”
Elly nodded as a man’s arm jostled her, her hands moving quickly to her abdomen as she tried to dodge the growing crowd. “I promise.”
Tears slipped down Angelica’s cheeks again, reminding her how much she had come to care for her newfound friends in such a short time. “I’ll miss you terribly.”
Elly smiled, blinking back tears as she raised her
chin stoically. “I’ll miss you, too! I’ll write to you!”
“Me, too!” Angelica paused long enough to take one long look at Elly before the momentum of the other passengers boarding pushed her forward. From behind her, she could hear Elly’s farewell, the last comfort of home fading in the frantic beginning of her journey to her new life as Holden Jamieson’s bride.
Also by Amelia St. James
A Billion Reasons to Run
Sweet Christmas Engagement
Yellow Rose of Christmas
Mail-Order Matriarch Page 7