Mail Order Beatrice

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Here’s the letter and an envelope. If you take this to town, find out what the fare is and then include that plus enough for meals and such. Be sure you include enough she can eat in the dining car. I’ve heard those depot meals are dangerous. Reckon they’ll need a recommendation from the preacher.”

  “Now you’re talking.” Grandpa read the letter. “You don’t tell enough about your looks but she’ll be able to see from the photograph. I’ll take care of this first thing tomorrow.”

  Tate watched his grandfather meander toward his bedroom. He sure hoped his mail-order wife would know how to keep these blasted ranch records. This was his least favorite chore. He’d rather muck out horse stalls as do any record keeping.

  In spite of his dislike of the job, he kept precise accounts. Breeding records were important, especially for the stock he wanted to sell. She’d have to do a good job or she couldn’t take over that chore.

  Now that he’d gotten down to writing the letter, he let his mind conjure up pictures of what his wife might be like. What color hair would she have? He was partial to redheads with brown eyes. Maybe she’d be a real dainty woman, one that didn’t hardly come up to his shoulder. And, she’d be used to attending socials and fancy parties so she knew exactly how to host dinner parties that would please and impress their friends.

  This being married might not turn out to be so bad after all.

  Chapter Three

  Attie was feeding Wade when Hannah rapped softly. “Attie, it’s Hannah Jensen.”

  “Come in, Hannah.”

  Hannah tiptoed into the room. “Oh, he is the most precious thing I ever saw. And, he’s so tiny. How old is he?”

  “He’s six weeks old. He was so small I was afraid he wouldn’t live but he seems to be doing real well now. I love him so much I can’t believe it.” She figured he was too tiny because she hadn’t had proper nourishment and rest when she was carrying him.

  “I’ll bet he grows real fast.” She pulled a slip of paper from her pocket. “I brought that address for the matchmaker. She’s a few streets over in a fancy part of town but it’s not too far to walk even carrying your baby.”

  “Have you already been there?”

  “Yes, I’m set to leave as soon as he writes back to let me know he’ll have me. I sure hope he doesn’t turn me down.”

  “Oh, I do, too, Hannah, but I can’t imagine why he would. I was hoping I could find someone right off. How long ago did you get this man’s name?”

  “Well, I just mailed the letter two weeks ago. I don’t reckon there’s been time for him to get my letter and write back. I’m sure hopeful, though. That Meredith never misses a chance to insult me because I’ve used a matchmaker.”

  “Don’t worry. When you’re happily married and living in your new home, Meredith will still be here and a sour spinster.”

  Hannah appeared worried. “I hope he writes soon. I only have enough money for three more months.”

  Attie’s stomach muscles clenched at the mention of money. “I don’t have that much. I’ll go first thing in the morning and see—” she looked at the slip of paper, “Mrs. McCormick. Will you give me directions to find her?”

  “Of course. I’ll write them out for you.” She took the slip of paper and wrote on the back then returned it to Attie.

  Attie finished feeding Wade and burped him, then put him in the drawer-bassinet. “I’ll need to launder diapers tomorrow when I return. Travel with a baby is hard. At least he’s been really good.”

  “How long has your husband been dead?”

  Riding the stage here she’d planned out a story. “Since six months before Wade was born. He didn’t even know I was expecting. He didn’t leave me any money and I had to live with my father and brother. Made my Pa mad but my brother is real sweet. I named the baby after my brother, Wade.”

  “At least your brother is nice and gave you some money. My parents gave me enough for what they thought was six months but things cost a lot more than they realized.”

  Attie agreed with that comment. “Everything really seems high. I hadn’t counted on the boardinghouse costing this much. I sure am glad you’re friendly instead of like Meredith. ”

  “Thank you, Attie. I’m glad we’re room neighbors. Well, I reckon I’d better let you get some rest so you can look your best to visit Mrs. McCormick. You call me if you need anything, anything at all, you hear?”

  “Thank you for your help, Hannah. You don’t know how nice it is to find a friendly person when I don’t know a soul.”

  The next morning after breakfast and feeding Wade, she changed into her other dress. She followed Hannah’s directions. She wondered if she’d made a wrong turn when she saw the fancy houses. Then, she remembered Hannah said it was a wealthy area. She found the street and number Hannah had written down so this had to be the right house.

  Sure enough, the fence’s brick pillar at the street held a brass plate with Mercedes McCormick on the first line. Underneath in slightly smaller print she saw Matches Made in Heaven. The last was exactly what she hoped she’d find.

  She carried Wade up the steps and turned the ringer. The door was opened by a smiling woman of middle age who wore a beautiful yellow dress trimmed in dark green braid. “Won’t you come in? I’m Mrs. Mercedes McCormick. My, what a lovely child but so young.”

  “Thank you. I’m Beatrice Bishop and this is my son, Wade, who is six weeks old. Hannah Jensen gave me your name. I wondered if there are any grooms who would accept a widow with a baby.”

  “Come to my office and we’ll search for the perfect one.” She led the way through a lovely parlor and to a beautiful office.

  In awe, Attie would have enjoyed looking at the fine furnishings and décor but she followed her hostess.

  “Sit down, won’t you? Let’s scoot this chair so you can let the baby sleep in it.”

  “Thank you. I was afraid to lay him on my lap.”

  “I have a new letter right here that came yesterday.” She looked through a stack of papers while humming to herself.

  Attie was tired from the walk. Her recent journey had left her almost sick with fatigue. With a sigh, she realized she was simply tired and had been for too long.

  As if sensing her thoughts, Mrs. McCormick looked up. Her lovely brown eyes held sympathy. “You must be exhausted, dear. I didn’t see a cab so I guess you walked here.” She rang a bell.

  A maid appeared.

  “Della, we’d like tea and sandwiches suitable for a nursing mother. Oh, and some of those cookies I like so much.”

  Apprehension gripped Attie. “Please, I don’t want to be any trouble.”

  The matchmaker’s warm smile reassured her. “I’m sure you don’t and you aren’t. I usually have tea about now. Tell me about yourself while we wait for our refreshment.”

  “I’m from a little town southeast of here called Mud Flat. There aren’t any paved streets, you see.” Attie related the story she’d concocted and prayed it sounded more believable to Mrs. McCormick than it did to her.

  She couldn’t seem to stop talking, which happened when she was nervous. “Ma died when I was ten and Pa took to drinking even more than ever. My brother, Wade, and I took care of the animals and tried to keep a garden. Mostly we raised potatoes and beans. Pa and Wade farmed cotton enough to scrape by and pay for Pa’s liquor. My brother is two years older than me, but he’s lame from an accident. Once when Pa was drinking, he drove the wagon over Wade’s leg at the ankle. Pa wouldn’t have the doctor out to splint the ankle. Instead, Pa did it himself with Ma’s help. Never did heal right so my brother limps. I know it pains him but he never complains.”

  The maid wheeled in a wooden cart which contained tea with a plate of cookies and one of tiny sandwiches on bread sliced thin and with the crust removed. The china and silver were so delicate Attie was afraid to touch them. She’d never seen anything so glamorous as this place.

  “Thank you, Della.” Mrs. McCormick poured tea and passed the sandw
iches. “Please eat as much as you can. You have to keep up your strength for your journey.”

  Attie took a sandwich and sampled it. The taste was delicious and so… she couldn’t think what except light enough to float. She identified something sweet and creamy like a soft cheese. When she finished the first, she had another sandwich and then another.

  She’d never realized how much better tea would taste from china. The dainty cup was almost translucent. Heavens, she hoped she didn’t break anything.

  The matchmaker ate the last bite of her cookie. “Now let me find that letter I received yesterday. Oh, here it is.” She handed it to Attie along with a photo.

  Attie looked at the photo and then read the letter and read it again. She couldn’t stop a puzzled frown from her forehead. “He doesn’t mention anything about a widow or a child. He sounds real nice, though, and he’s handsome.”

  “The letter from his minister stressed what a fine, loving family this was even though his parents and grandmother have passed on. Now there’s only Tate Merritt and his grandfather. The letter also stressed what a good grandson Tate is and how he treats his grandfather with humor but also respect. That’s what made me think of Mr. Merritt. One who was brought up in that atmosphere would naturally be receptive to someone like you.”

  If she only knew what kind of woman Attie was the matchmaker wouldn’t be so nice to her. “I would love more than anything to be a part of that kind of family. Mine was never like that but especially not after Ma died. In fact, I don’t even know anyone like that. I’d sure like to get acquainted with him. How many letters do you think that would take?”

  “Apparently this man doesn’t expect to correspond with his bride because he sent the fare and instructions to reach him by train and stage.”

  Hope rose in her breast. “So, if you think he’d have me I could leave right away?”

  Mrs. McCormick’s kindly smile reassured Attie. “I wouldn’t have let you read the letter unless I thought he would like you. Right now we’re deciding whether or not you would like him.”

  Attie felt a huge weight lifted from her. “Yes, I would. How soon can I leave?”

  Mrs. McCormick opened a drawer and withdrew a train schedule. “You’ll need a Moses basket or something to have for the baby while you travel.”

  Attie felt stupid and inexperienced, which she was. Not so much stupid as unaware of the way the world outside Mud Flats lived. “I don’t know what kind of basket you mean. I do need something to keep him in. On the stage I was afraid I’d fall asleep and drop him. I used my shawl to wrap around both of us so he couldn’t fall.”

  The matchmaker smiled. “Women have been doing that for thousands of years.” She ran her finger down the schedule. “There’s a train tomorrow at ten. Will that work?”

  “Yes, that will be perfect. Um… where would I find one of those baskets?”

  The matchmaker rang the bell again. When the maid appeared, Mrs. McCormick said, “Della, would you ask Horace to bring the carriage to the front? Then, would you accompany Mrs. Bishop to shop for a Moses basket for her baby. She’ll probably need more diapers and a few more baby things. I imagine she could use a couple of dresses and boots to wear on the ranch when she arrives. I believe Mr. Merritt included sufficient cash.”

  Attie glanced at her best dress. The blue color was faded and there were frayed spots on the cuffs and hem. She sensed the heat of a flush creep across her face.

  The matchmaker came around and patted her shoulder. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, Mrs. Bishop. The groom sent adequate funds. Here’s the note that was folded in with the cash.”

  Enclosed is enough for her to get what she needs for the ranch. Stout shoes or boots are necessary. She might want to get a couple of dresses or doodads, books, or yarn or whatever.

  Grandpa

  Gratitude had Attie almost in tears but she was able to smile. “This truly must be a nice pair of men. They’re sure not stingy.”

  “Since you’re new to Atlanta, Della will show you where to get what you need for you and for your baby. I’ll save out the money for the fare and meals so you know you can spend what’s left on clothes and boots. Della will help you. I often depend on her because she’s really good at this sort of thing.”

  “That’s kind of you both. What time do I come here in the morning?”

  “I’ll come with my driver to the Bide-A-While Boardinghouse to pick you up about half past eight. That will give us plenty of time to get to the train station and get your ticket.”

  “I can’t thank you enough, Mrs. McCormick. You’re so kind.”

  Attie knew she could float to the carriage if Della wasn’t along. The driver waited to assist them into the buggy’s cab before he climbed onto the bench. Attie settled back against the tufted leather seats in luxury.

  “This is so much more comfortable than the stage.” No sooner had she spoken than she wished she hadn’t. Why let Della know how backward she was? Gran used to say if people think you’re stupid don’t open your mouth and prove them right.

  Della’s smile was reassuring. “Mrs. McCormick suggested we get the basket first unless you object.”

  “She suggested I put myself in your hands.” The ride pleased Wade and he slept soundly.

  How was she going to feed him in public? On the stage she’d used her shawl as a shield. She supposed she could do the same again but she wasn’t comfortable baring herself in front of others.

  As if she’d read her mind, Della said, “Horace will wait or keep driving while you feed your baby if the need arises. Please let me know so I can arrange for your privacy.”

  “Thank you. I was worrying about that very thing. He likes motion but he’ll need to eat in a little over an hour.”

  The carriage driver parked at the side of a large department store several stories high. Della got out and held Wade while Horace helped Attie to the ground. Horace paid a young man to watch the carriage then followed them.

  “Is Mrs. McCormick so helpful to all the hopeful brides who consult her?”

  “Every two or three months for the six years I’ve worked for her she’s had me assist someone. Not everyone lives in an area where what they need is available. Others don’t have the funds until the groom supplies it for them. She’s a wonderful woman of great generosity. Neither Horace nor I would ever leave her employ.”

  Attie was swept along with her guide through aisles displaying things she’d never seen. They stopped in a baby department. Beautiful cribs, cradles, carriages, and every item a baby could ever possibly use surrounded her. She had no idea most of the things existed.

  Della held up a basket shaped like the half-shell of a peanut but with a hood extending far enough to protect a baby’s face. The woven sides were slightly flexible but firm enough to prevent a baby from rolling out. A pillow like pad formed a mattress.

  “You see it looks similar to something Moses might have lain in among the rushes where he was taken from the water. Well, except there’s no pitch on the bottom to make it watertight.” Della chuckled at her joke. “Even with the slight hood, these handles will help when you have to carry him. They collapse when you aren’t using them so this doubles as a carrier and as a bassinet.”

  Attie wished she’d had something like that on the way to Atlanta. “This will be very helpful on the train and stage.”

  Della nodded at a salesperson. “Milady has decided to take this. She requires diapers, dresses, and sacques for the young mister.”

  Della selected things and acted as if she was showing them to Attie for her approval. In fact, Attie was so awed by all the choices that she would have nodded at anything Della displayed for her. Scanning the other shoppers in fine attire, Attie stuck out like a weed in a flower garden. She wished she could stand behind something so no one could see her.

  She lost track of her spending by the time they had moved on to the ladies shoes. Carrying all they’d purchased so far, Horace trailed silently. Della continue
d the same charade and Attie was fitted for sturdy work boots and a dressy pair of high button kid boots. Della selected silk hosiery for dressing up and heavier knit stockings for daily wear. While those were being wrapped Attie tried to count up how much she’d spent.

  Pretending to move Wade to her other shoulder, she leaned near Della’s ear. “I’m not sure I have enough money for both pairs of boots.”

  Della said, “Don’t worry, I’m keeping track. There’s still enough for two dresses and a new petticoat. Your groom was very generous.”

  Della carefully stacked the footwear among the other parcels Horace carried.

  In the dress department, there wasn’t time for her to have anything sewn by the seamstresses. Fortunately, a few completed dresses were available in Attie’s size. She chose a blue with white lace sewn from the neck to a Vee at the waist. Long sleeves ended in cuffs. Although it was simple, it fit her idea of what a ranch wife would wear. The second one she chose was lavender trimmed in cream lace made in a similar style. Both buttoned in front so she could feed Wade. The white petticoat was similar to hers but not worn thin.

  Horace’s arms were loaded so Della carried the box containing the dresses as they left the store. Attie felt like a queen with an entourage as they went to the carriage. The entire process had taken only an hour.

  They’d finished just in time. Wade gnawed his fists and emitted the little noises that let her know he was hungry and would soon fuss.

  Della closed the shades on the carriage. “Do you knit or crochet?”

  Attie quickly put Wade to her breast and let him suckle. “Both. Oh, I should have bought yarn and needles, shouldn’t I? Since I was carrying Wade, I could only handle one valise. His diapers, his change of clothes, and one change of clothes for me filled my carpetbag.”

  “What do you do with the soiled diapers?”

  “My brother made me an oiled cloth bag to store them until I could launder them. I’ll do laundry this afternoon.” There were so many things she didn’t know. She should have purchased another valise to hold the things she bought today.