by Mercy Levy
“Barnabas Flynn is graduating from Harvard Law and that mousy girl he had been dating is a thing of the past. The door is wide open for you Lexi and all you have to do is flash those baby blues. He will undoubtedly have a place in Boston society and you will be by his side.” Mrs. Winter clapped her hands in excitement.
“I’m tired of being showed like a girl for sale. Barnabas is a nice boy but he has little to offer in the way of travel and adventure.”
“Good luck finding a man on your own Lexi. You may as well be one of those mail order brides who head West with dreams of life on the frontier. Your sisters have done well for themselves thorough marriage and I’ve no doubt you will do the same.” Mrs. Winter had a serious look on her face, which meant she was determined. “Macy has your hair iron warming and she’ll deliver it to your room. I’ve had the peach and ivory dress laid out with your high boots.”
Lexi stood up from the table. “I’d best be getting ready. I have a show to put on and I don’t want to disappoint.” As Lexi walked out she grabbed the newspaper that her father had discarded. She wanted to check out the mail order bride advertisements that her Mother spoke of. She marched up to her bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Lexi primped and pulled her corset tight. The thought of going west grew more intriguing with each ringlet she formed and every time she applied rouge to her cheeks. A woman who called herself “The Preacher’s Wife” was looking for refined women to save men in West Texas from loneliness. Hmm, Lexi thought it was at least something to think about as she endured the afternoon at Mrs. Flynn’s.
Chapter Two
Barnabas Flynn began courting Lexi immediately after they had tea with their Mothers. As he droned on about tort law, Lexi planned her escape to Texas. She had been in touch with an agent of “The Preacher’s Wife”, who was actually the preacher’s widow. Maxine had time on her hands after her husband’s death and noticed the lack of women in the area. Men headed west to stake claims and forgot to take wives with them. That’s where she came in as a solution to their problem. A man who wrangled cattle seemed a better choice than one who babbles on about the law. There was another thing about Barnabas that Lexi didn’t like; he was skinny with a pointy nose. His eyes were dark and his glare made her nervous. Lexi wanted a cowboy with kind eyes.
Lexi lied about needing to make a trip to the post office so she could stop in to see Mr. Burgess, Maxine’s agent. She had met with him on several occasions and he had told Lexi that she would make an ideal mail-order bride. Lexi poked her head in his office.
“Lexi Winter.” Mr. Burgess popped up from behind his desk and welcomed her with a huge grin. “You are just the girl I wanted to see today. I received word today that an arrangement is available that suits you perfectly. Mr. John Stark lost his pregnant wife and unborn child to fever and he is anxious to marry again.”
“That’s the news I’ve been waiting to hear but I’m still worried about what to say to my parents.”
“In my experience, a letter will suffice. Send another when you are happy and settled. Over time they will warm to the idea and when you begin having children they’ll be thrilled that their daughter has found happiness.”
“Do you know if he’s a handsome man?” Lexi asked.
“I told Maxine that you were beautiful and she paired you with someone who is apparently easy on the eyes.”
“I don’t put the highest priority on looks but it does make things easier.”
“Splendid; travel is arranged by Maxine in Garvey Texas and she’s ready to receive you as soon as possible.”
“Receive me?” Lexi was taken aback. “You make it sound like I am a package to be delivered,” she said only half-jokingly.
“I won’t tell you that this isn’t a business but you can trust Maxine Kendall. She’s a Christian woman who truly cares for the ranch owners and the women she brings to town. I work as her agent because I know she has a good heart, which can’t be said for all arrangers of situation like this.”
“Thank you for easing my concerns. I don’t know why but I trust you Mr. Burgess and I read people well. Will I have a chaperone on journey?”
“You won’t have a chaperone but you won’t be alone. Mamie and Karen will be going to Texas as well to be brides and I’m sure you will get on fine. They’re both your age and it would mean you’d have friends when you arrive in Garvey. It would be ideal if their homesteads were close to yours so you can rely on each other when homesickness sets in,” Mr. Burgess said.
“Good to hear. I’ll be ready at week’s end if that’s not too soon. Any final advice.”
“You’re brave to make this bold leap. Maxine will have plenty of advice for you when you arrive in Garvey. The women in Texas aren’t concerned with fancy shoes and high-button collars like you’re wearing today. I suppose those types of things don’t impress the cows that you’ll be milking.”
Lexi chuckled. “If that was meant to scare me off, Mr. Burgess, it didn’t work. I’m looking forward to the farm animals and living in the Wild West.” Lexi didn’t consider herself naïve but she didn’t realize how different life on the range would be.
****
Lexi hurried home and went straight to her room to pack her bag. She felt like a criminal for sneaking away but if she proposed the idea of going to Texas to her parent’s they would surely not allow her to go. Mr. and Mrs. Winter would be too busy with their others daughters and grandchildren to even notice they were gone. She would stash her bag underneath her bed before it was time to leave and leave a note, which she started.
Dearest Mother and Father,
I have travelled west to seek adventure as a mail order bride. I have made the decision after careful consideration. My life is not fulfilled here in Boston. I am not like my sisters and will not be satisfied being a wife and mother as they are. Please know that my decision is no part a lack of love for you. I have been provided with every advantage and given unconditional love by you both. I will miss you both and contact you once I am settled with my husband John. Please do not try to find me because I want to be free to discover my own destiny.
With Love and Respect,
Lexi
She read it over and stashed it away until it was time to leave. The following days with her parents were exceptional. It was as if they knew of her plan and were trying her to change her mind. Mr. Winter took his nose out of his newspaper to engage Lexi in conversation, which he rarely did before. Mrs. Winter made sure that Lexi had her favorite strawberry jam each morning for breakfast. Lexi almost changed her mind about leaving until she discovered why her parents were being so accommodating.
“Lexi dear,” Mrs. Winter said as she smothered jam on a slice of warm bread. “I heard news, which I can no longer contain. You’re Father and I agree that it’s time you know.”
Lexi’s eyes widened. “I can’t wait to hear the news. I can see by your smile that it’s something I’ll like hearing.”
“Barnabas Flynn is ready to make you his wife. He even came to Mr. Winter for permission.”
Mr. Winter chimed in, “He did and I said yes. Your Mother and I will have done it – married all our girls to respectable gentleman.”
Lexi nearly choked on her bread but managed to regain her composure. “Wow that is news. When is this proposal to take place?”
“Tomorrow evening after the chamber concert, which will be attended by both families and half of Boston society. Tell me you’re just as happy as I about the arrangement.”
Lexi sat quiet for a moment and realized that she would have to make her escape before the concert. “I am happy but nervous about the arrangement.” Lexi wasn’t talking about a marriage to Barnabas but her impending journey to Garvey Texas.
Chapter Three
Lexi, Mamie and Karen became friends from the moment they stepped on the train out of Boston. Mr. Burgess was there to see them off that evening and Maxine Kendall would be waiting for them in Texas. The journey would take more than two
weeks and include locomotive, carriage and ferry. They were on the last leg of their journey which was overland in a stage coach.
“I see you’re changed your dress and arranged your hair Lexi,” Mamie said. “John Stark is going to think he’s lost in a dream when he sees you. You seem fit for Boston society and the range will be lucky to have you.”
Mamie was the daughter of a cobbler and wasn’t leaving much behind. She was dowdy in comparison to Lexi with sharp features and red hair. While they were travelling she allowed Karen to add fringe by cutting her hair. It was meant to distract from her large nose but it didn’t work out quite that way and she was left looking more unfortunate than when they started. Despite her appearance, Mamie became like a sister to Lexi.
“We left a place where too much concern is placed on appearance and social status. Mel will be overjoyed when he finds you are clever and kind,” Lexi said. “I have worries about John and that he’s still suffering from the loss of his wife and child.”
“Have you noticed, Ladies that the landscape changes as we approach Texas?” Karen asked.
“I have and I like it. Boston smelled of fish and the dampness put me in a foul mood during the winter months. There isn’t much green but I like the openness,” Lexi commented.
“Always the optimist Lexi; I’m put off by the vastness because it looks lonely. I miss Boston already and my parents especially.” Karen shed a tear.
Karen was the youngest of the three girls and perhaps not old enough to have made such a life altering decision. She had brown hair and freckles. Lexi thought of her of a younger sister and hoped that she would be o.k. in Garvey with her new husband.
“I’m going to close my eyes and when I awake, we should be in Garvey. Before I rest, I want you both to know what a pleasure it was to take this journey with you. I hope we can remain friends once we settle into our lives as pioneer wives.”
****
Lexi felt the coach stop and heard voices which signaled to her that she had reached Garvey. Before climbing out, Lexi peered through the window to see a woman who was likely Mrs. Maxine Kindle. Behind her were three men who looked anxious and bewildered, which was how Lexi was feeling. Her blue eyes darted among three men and only one had the kind of kind eyes she dreamed of. Lexi crossed her fingers and hoped it was John Stark. The girls stepped down from the coach with the help of the driver and Maxine waved them over.
“My girls have arrived. I love when a plan comes together. So often one or two of the girls get cold feet but I find Mr. Burgess excellent at calming fears.” Maxine was a plush woman with a jolly demeanor that put Lexi at ease. Even Karen seemed relieved that she was in good hands and smiled, which was a good sign.
Maxine introduced the other girls first and Lexi ignored everything because her focus was on John and his on her.
“Finally; Lexi Winter, I would like to introduce you to John Stark.”
John walked over to Lexi and removed his brown leather hat. He had a generous tuft of black hair and John lifted Lexi’s hand to kiss it. A cowboy with manners – she was impressed. John’s green eyes were like no other Lexi had ever seen and they were focused on her blue ones. They were kind yet they seemed shrouded in a sadness that was difficult to look at. Lexi felt a sudden urge to rid his eyes of sadness and they hadn’t done more than say hello.
“My job is done – kidding, I will be like a mother to each and every one of you. I call myself The Preacher’s Wife because my dearly departed husband taught me how to counsel. I know that a leap like you are taking might come across some turbulent waters but every union does.”
John picked up Lexi’s bag and headed for his wagon. The sun was hot on her woolen dress and she realized that most of her clothes would be inappropriate to wear in Texas. John helped Lexi up as he tossed her bag in the back.
“I’m hoping you didn’t pack anything breakable.” John’s grin showed his natural white teeth.
“No, no. I hardly packed anything because I was told that much of what I had wouldn’t be useful in Texas.”
As they rode, Lexi noticed John’s chiseled jaw line and the way he confidently held the reins of his two horse team.
“As you know, I didn’t see myself getting a mail order bride. I lost my wife and unborn son and I found myself alone with few options. Do you have any ranch experience?” No sooner had the words escaped his mouth then John laughed. “I know you don’t. You’re a refined lady from the East.”
“I was raised to be refined but I always knew I was meant for something else. Learning about life on the ranch is something I look forward to.” Lexi coughed.
“That’s good news. Are you ill Lexi?” John asked.
“No; I’m just not accustomed to the dust, which will take time to get used to.”
“Dr. Remsen is available if you need to get some sort of elixir. He and his wife are friends and they helped me when Grace was ill. She was my wife.”
“It’s good to know John. Thank you for your concern.”
“I’ll show you the kitchen when we arrive home and show you the root cellar which is well stocked. My sister Jane has been helping me out and she will show you around. Her husband Jeb is anxious to have her back and they will be happy that I got a wife. That’s a funny thought.”
“What’s that?” Lexi asked.
“You’re going to be my wife. I hope we at can at least tolerate one another,” John joked.
“So far. I think it can be done.” Lexi coughed again. It didn’t worry her but she knew she had to control it in front of John. He didn’t expect his new wife to be sickly.
Lexi and John continued through the golden grass lands until she saw a crooked farmhouse in the distance. It was askew on its foundation but it was circled with blue flowers and appeared well-tended.
“There it is – home.” John smiled and Lexi did too. So far things exceeded her expectation and she hadn’t even set foot in her new home.
Chapter Four
John had work in the barn to take care of so Lexi was left with Jane who appeared happy to have the help. Lexi found herself in a strange kitchen having just met her husband – the man she was going to spend the remainder of her days with. Her head was spinning.
“Hello Lexi.” Jane offered her hand and shook it firmly. “When my brother said he was getting a mail order bride, I was skeptical. I saw your natural smile and lovely blue eyes when you walked through and I realized that you may just be the one. I thought that after Grace he would be a bachelor for the rest of his days.”
“The One?” Lexi asked.
“The one to lift John out of the doldrums. It was unbelievably difficult for him when Grace and the baby died and I feared he would never find another wife. You look nothing like Grace who had intense green eyes but you share her calm demeanor. I’m happy you have come to Garvey to relieve me of my sisterly duties so I can go back to my home and husband, Jeb.”
“I’m sure that I can learn to cook in a kitchen like this,” Lexi said with little confidence.
“I hope you can cook because John expends a lot of energy and having three substantial meals is important to him. You can cook – right Lexi?”
“In all honestly Jane, I haven’t done much but I watched our cook back in Boston and I’m sure that it’s something I can pick up,”
Jane laughed. “You have no idea what you’re doing but as you said – you’ll figure it out.”
They both laughed and Jane started to show Lexi around the large country kitchen, which was much different than the one the cook used back home. It was quickly apparent to Jane that Lexi had no idea what she was doing. Jane said it was fine because there was room left for improvement and she told Lexi that John would eat anything.
“With stew on the stove and biscuits in the oven, I feel confident that I can return home,” Jane chirped.
“I wish you were staying a few more days but it’s good to know you live nearby. Do you have children Jane?” Lexi asked.
Jane was sil
ent but the ends of her mouth curled up. “I’m bursting with news, Lexi and I have to tell someone. I’m with child.” Jane threw open her arms and welcomed Lexi for a hug.
“Fabulous news. I assume you’ve told your husband and John.”
“No Lexi, I was waiting until I returned back to the ranch to tell Jeb and I haven’t told John because I thought it would remind him of his lost child who he only heard cry for a moment.”
“I hardly know your brother but I’m sure he would be thrilled for you and Jeb,” Lexi insisted. “I thought his son was born still?”
“No, he lived for a moment. John was not in the room but he heard JJ’s faint cry before Dr. Remsen came out with the sad news.”
“Well, enough sadness. I think you should hurry home to Jeb and share the news. John should be back from the barn soon and it’s time I get to know my husband.
****
Lexi was so tired from her journey that she fell asleep on the front porch. The biscuits were left warming in the over and the stew was simmering on the stove. She was alerted when she heard John clomping quickly up the stairs.
“Fire, Lexi, run away from the house,” John screamed as Lexi wiped the drool from her mouth. A nasty side effect from an afternoon nap.
Lexi ran and the next thing she knew, John was tossing a pan of flaming biscuits from the porch. It was a good thing he was still wearing the gloves. It took Lexi a moment until she realized that her first dinner in Texas was a disaster. Flames weren’t obvious and she hoped there was no major damage to the house.
“Well, you sure know how to make an entrance,” Johns said jokingly. His smile was a hint towards his good nature.
“So sorry, I hope the stew is salvageable. I had Jane’s help with that before she left for home.”
“We’ll manage Lexi. No one was hurt and I’m not that hungry anyway.” John laughed and he sat down on the dusty path next to Lexi. “Jane showed you around the house so you know where things are. I imagine it’ll take some time before this place feels like home and feel free to arrange things as you see fit. I set you up in the room with me but if that seems too much too soon than you can let me know.”