Bought by the Lone Cowboy

by E. Walsh

  “A mail order bride...” Eleanor took on a look of disbelief. She had no idea, but now couldn’t wait to spread the news through the gossip mill at church. “How on earth did he do that?”

  Dr. Kane shrugged as he packed his bag. “He just put a notice in the newspaper and lo and behold, a wife appeared.”

  “I wonder if I could do that for Jess? Get him a fancy lady from the east? But why would someone like that want to come here.”

  “I don’t know Eleanor, but I hear it is all the rage in Texas and Arizona, where women are not abundant.”

  “How would I do that, Doc? Put an ad in a paper back east?”

  “You just go down to Western Union and send a wire and the money to cover the ad.” He gave her a stern look. “You do not need to ride a buckboard into town, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  She took on a pleading look. “Would you do it for me, Doc?”

  Dr. Kane knew he had opened a can of worms. “Well, now, I don’t know...”

  Eleanor plucked her handbag off the nightstand and dug inside until she came out with a five dollar gold piece. She forced it in the doctor’s hand. “Please, Doc, I can’t continue taking care of my brother’s daughter.”

  He took the money with a sigh. He had known Eleanor since they were children. He knew better than to argue. “All right, but don’t you tell anyone I did this.”

  “I won’t,” she said merrily. She took a piece of stationary from the nightstand and a short pencil. She dabbed the leaded end to her tongue and gave him a smile. “So, what shall we write?”

  * * *

  Chapter Five

  Talk of Mary had brought back painful memories for Jess Johnson. As he lay in bed, he saw her face in his mind. It transported him to many years ago when he and his new bride had travelled to Willow Springs in search of a better life.

  Mary had poor lungs and the city air had compounded the problem. When Jess read about land for sale in Oklahoma, he felt their prayers had been answered.

  The good air would make Mary feel better and now they had their little baby, Eve. But the journey had been long and arduous and instead of feeling better, Mary felt worse.

  She was pregnant again and soon Lucy arrived. Mary improved but was not up the workings of a farm.

  Jess had taken that on himself while Mary looked after the children and their home. The cabin still wasn’t finished as Jess struggled with taming the land and building shelter for his family.

  He found himself crying. It was easier to blame God than himself but in these quiet moments, he wondered had he pushed her too far.

  Another pregnancy had ended in the birth of a stillborn son. It was the beginning of the end for Mary. Nothing brought her joy and every day she visited their baby’s grave.

  Even the following year with the birth of another baby girl, Nancy, brought her no joy. She went into a steady decline.

  While the corn harvest provided them with their own food and something to sell, Jess was losing Mary. She wasn’t eating and when Nancy was just 3 years old, she had passed away.

  The guilt of losing his wife and blaming himself made Jess a difficult man at times.

  His daughters learned to adjust to his moods and the only brightness came when they visited their Aunt Eleanor and her family.

  There, they could be children, playing and having fun. But laughter and joy at home, made Jess snappy so they found places to play where they have their own fun.

  While Eve remembered their mother, it was more difficult for Lucy who only had memories of Mary being sick and in bed all the time and Nancy had forgotten her.

  Jess never spoke of her so there was nothing to keep her memory alive.

  Why did Eleanor have to bring her up again? Didn’t she understand how he felt? But then he realized how could she, Harry was still alive and she just wanted him to have what she and Harry had.

  A partnership grounded in love and mutual respect. If such women existed, who would take him on with three children? He was 30 years old and was tired and worn. He never allowed himself to just enjoy life. He worked from dawn till dusk.

  The only break was on a Sunday when Eleanor insisted on them being together. When Harry had called in, he knew it was Eleanor fretting about him and worried in case he was annoyed with her. That was Eleanor, always concerned for others.

  He finally fell asleep with his mind wrestling from one thought to another. Part of him was afraid to want someone for the girls, what if they were mean to them and made the girls unhappy.

  They had been through enough. He couldn’t carry any more guilt. He saw how Harry was with his children and envied that relationship, but then Harry had Eleanor, who was strong in between pregnancies. They had followed Jess and Mary to Willow Springs.

  Jess woke with the sun. He got ready for his day on the farm. But for some reason, he was feeling different. It was a strange feeling.

  He was actually feeling better within himself. Eve and Lucy were already awake and for the first time, he kissed their heads as he headed out. They looked at each other, perplexed by his behavior.

  “Goodbye father. We’ll come to see you after school and bring you some food,” Eve called after him.

  “Very good. See you later.” Off Jess went about his business. Yes, he had made a decision to be gentler towards his daughters. After all, they took care of him and they deserved to be spoken to gently.

  They had lost their mother but there was no need for them to lose him too. He took a detour to Mary’s grave and to their son, Jessie. He knelt by Mary’s grave and spoke to her.

  “My sweet precious Mary, I am at a crossroads. Eleanor wants me to marry again for the sake of our girls. She says they need a woman in their lives, someone who is theirs, to teach them how to be young ladies and be there for any problems they have that a man can’t deal with. I don’t know what to do. Part of me feels she is right but then another part of me resists.”

  And then for the first time in years, he prayed, “Lord, you know how I’ve been and I’ve been quite angry with You. I know I should trust Your way and it is not my place to understand or question You but if You and Mary could guide me I would be most grateful. Please grant me patience and understanding with my girls. I would like to be more like Harry.” He opened one eye and glanced upward. “You may be too busy to bother with me, it’s okay.”

  Then the most bizarre thing happened. Jess felt like the heat from the sun had focused itself on his face. He felt warm and felt this warm sensation go through his body.

  It was a tingling sensation and felt good. He had for the longest time hardened himself against emotions.

  If you don’t feel, you can’t be hurt was his philosophy.

  It had hurt him too much to lose Mary and before her, their son. But now he felt peaceful.

  He felt connected to something bigger than himself.

  He had no idea of how the next few days would change his life forever.

  * * *

  Chapter Six

  Sarah McIntosh was on her way to God knows where. She had never been so bold in her life. What was going to face her on arrival? What would she do when she turned up?

  After all, she hadn’t sent word of her impending arrival? She considered herself a pioneer, venturing into a new world to make her own way.

  Although she had changed the story in her head because after all, it was her father’s money she had. But she didn’t bother with the details. She was a woman of the world. What could possibly go wrong?

  The innocence of youth! Sarah attracted attention wherever she went and her train ride was no different. She was the only woman travelling alone and sitting in the first class carriage, she wasn’t at the loss of companionship.

  She had arrived in Willow Springs, feeling dusty and dirty after her journey. There was no easy way for a young lady to travel.

  A gentleman helped her with a bag and she clicked her fingers for a porter to take her bag. She looked around; men were admiring her an
d their female companions walking them away rather briskly. It was a rather quaint little place.

  “Is someone meeting you, Miss?” the porter asked, ready to take her bag wherever she wanted to go. He had never attended to someone so beautiful before.

  “No, there is not. Is there a hotel where I may stay?”

  “Yes, ma’am, follow me. We have The Grand Hotel. It’s not far.”

  She followed him. She would need to find Jess Johnson, but before that, a bath and good rest were required so she could look her best for her husband to be.

  Entering the hotel, she was disappointed to find it not quite as grand as the name suggested but it looked clean. The man at the desk smartened himself up when he saw her. She was a very elegant sight to behold.

  “Welcome to Willow Springs, Miss. I’m the proprietor, Conrad Baines, at your disposal.” He waved a chubby hand at a young boy who was sweeping up the lobby. “Tommy, take the lady’s bag to our finest room, room 25.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Baines. I am in need of a bath also. The train journey is not good for one’s cleanliness.”

  “I will arrange to have a tub with hot water brought to your room, Miss,” he said, coming around the desk. “How long will you be staying with us?”

  “I’m really not sure.” She followed Baines up the stairs of the Grand Hotel, which was anything but. She tried to keep an open mind, but the only thought ringing in her ears was, “Oh Lord, what have I done?”

  *

  Alone at last in her bedroom, Sarah took in its efforts to be a jewel in a dusty bowl. She looked out the window and saw the jail house.

  She would visit the Sheriff and get the background on Jess Johnson. She was very pleased with herself for thinking like this. Best to know the lion before entering its den.

  She wondered if her parents had noticed that she was gone. She smiled thinking about her father having a conniption fit at her leaving. It was high time he realized she was a woman with a mind of her own and she wasn’t going to marry a fool like Bernard Hughes no matter how much money he had.

  After her bath and rest, she was feeling like herself again. Refreshed and smelling of lavender. Putting on her finest dress, she got herself ready to go to see the Sheriff.

  When he saw Sarah coming down the stairs, Baines felt his old heart skip a beat. He called to her from behind the desk. “Going out, Miss? Might you need an escort?”

  “I’m quite capable, Mr. Baines, but thank you. I would like directions to the Sheriff’s office.”

  A look of concern washed over his face. “I hope there’s nothing amiss, ma’am.”

  “Oh no,” she said with a smile. “Just an inquiry.”

  Baines sighed and forced a smile. He nodded toward the dining room across the lobby. “As luck would have it, ma’am, Sheriff Andrews is in the dining room having his dinner.” He started around the desk. “Right this way.”

  Sarah followed him the ten feet to the dining room and graciously sent him on his way. Sheriff Andrews was not hard to spot as he was the only diner there.

  Sarah approached him with her chin held high and waited for him to look up from his meal and acknowledge her. When his eyes didn’t leave his plate, she cleared her throat in a ladylike manner and said, “Excuse me, Sheriff, I need a moment of your time, if you please.”

  “I’m on my dinner break,” he said with a mouthful of beans. “Unless somebody is robbing the bank or dying in the street, I aim to complete my meal. You can come to the jailhouse in an hour, if you please.” He grunted the words at her without looking up.

  “Well, I’d rather speak to you now, if you don’t mind.” No man was going to delay her plan. She sat across from him without waiting for an invite. His mouth hung open when he looked up at her. He had never seen anything like her. He quickly put down the knife and fork and wiped his grizzled moustache on a napkin.

  “Sorry, ma’am, my sincerest apologies.” He mustered a smile and rolled his eyes at the plate. “I get a bit grouchy when I ain’t had my evening meal. What can I help you with?”

  “I was hoping to inquire about Jess Johnson?”

  “Jess Johnson? Why, Jess is a good man, a widower, lives on a farm a few miles east of town. He has three little girls he’s raising all alone...” The smile wilted and he narrowed his eyes at her. “Has he done something to you, Miss? That surely wouldn’t be like Jess. It wouldn’t be like him at all.”

  Sarah quickly waved her hands at the thought. “Oh goodness me, no, he’s done nothing wrong. I just need to find him. Could you take me to his farm tomorrow?”

  “Well, ma’am, I may not be much of a sheriff, but I sure ain’t no delivery service.”

  She giggled and swatted a hand at him. “Oh, please, I’m sure you are a fine lawman. That’s why I asked. I’d feel ever so much safer having you escort me to Mr. Johnson’s farm.” And she smiled at him and tilted her head. She knew no man could resist her charms.

  He blushed and rolled his eyes again. “Well, I reckon a ride out of town might do me some good. Yes, ma’am, I’ll take you to him first thing tomorrow.”

  She smiled and he smiled back. As she gathered her handbag and gloves, she asked, “One more thing, Sheriff, do you know how old his children are?”

  “I’m not sure on their exact ages. Three little girls, not too old, don’t think. Why do you ask?”

  “I was just told that Mr. Johnson might be in need of assistance with his children,” she said, getting up from the table, away from the smell of the red beans on the sheriff’s plate. “Very good then. Thank you, sir. Shall we meet out front around 8 in the morning?”

  “Yes, ma’am, that’ll work just fine.” He watched her until she left the room, then went back to his dinner. He had to wonder what such a fine lady would want with a dusty farmer like Jess Johnson. He’d get his wife to ask Eleanor Wickett the next Sunday at church.

  * * *

  Chapter Seven

  The following morning, right on time, the Sheriff was waiting for Sarah out front of the hotel in a buckboard. When she emerged from the hotel, Conrad Baines came out right behind her with her suitcase in hand.

  The Sheriff jumped down to help her up while Baines loaded the suitcase in the back. Baines came around to wish her well. Sarah smiled sweetly and handed him a five dollar gold piece for a tip. Baines looked momentarily offended, but then put the gold piece in his vest and skipped a little as he went back inside.

  The Sheriff climbed aboard and snapped the reins to head the horses out of town. He spoke sideways to her. “My wife tells me the Johnson children are aged 8, 7 and 5, all girls.”

  “All girls? Oh my...” Sarah was feeling giddy as she bounced in the hard seat next to the sheriff. She leaned over and whispered like she was about to share a great secret. “You know, Sheriff, I’m here to marry Jess Johnson.”

  That got the Sheriff’s attention. He couldn’t help but frown at her. “Does he know that?” Before she could answer, he asked the next question that popped through his mind. “Pardon my nosiness, Miss, but what is a young woman like you doing that for? Surely you have plenty of suitors.”

  “Yes, indeed I do, Sheriff. But my father won’t let me make my own choice so I’ve come to marry Mr. Johnson.”

  “Well, I wish you luck,” he said, chuckling to himself. “You’ll need it.”

  “Why on earth would you say that?”

  “Look, ma’am, Jeff is a good man, but he’s had a hard time since his wife died. I’m just not sure how much he’s gonna like this surprise, regardless of how pretty it may be.”

  “What are his kids like?” Sarah asked. “Does he have family nearby?”

  “His kids are nice, very polite, they go to school with my grandkids. His sister Eleanor and her husband Harry live on the next farm over from Jess. Are you sure I shouldn’t take you there instead?”

  She thought about it for a moment, then set her jaw and looked at the trail ahead. “No, Sheriff, take me directly to Jess Johnson.” “Well, we
’re coming up on his land now. He may out on the fields so we’ll keep a look-out.”

  Then the Sheriff saw Jess, a hundred yards away, swinging a scythe through a patch of wheat.

  * * *

  Chapter Eight

  Jess took off his hat and held it over his eyes to shield out the sun when he saw a horse and buggy coming towards him. He rarely got visitors, especially riding a buckboard. He wondered if something had happened the girls or Eleanor. He dropped the scythe and tugged off his gloves as the buckboard neared. He soon recognized the Sheriff as the driver, but didn’t recognize the woman riding with him.

  “Sheriff,” Jess said, taking off his hat to mop his forehead with a rag. “What brings you this way?”

  “This young lady asked me to bring her out to see you, Jess,” the Sheriff said. He raised his bushy eyebrows and couldn’t help but smile. “Seems she has designs on you.”

  Jess set the hat on his head and let his eyes go from the sheriff’s grinning face to the beautiful woman sitting beside him. He stuttered when he spoke. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”

  “Why she’s here to marry you, Jess,” the sheriff said, clearly enjoying the moment.

  “But I... I’m sorry, Miss, do I know you?”

  “Jess, this is Miss Sarah McIntosh from Savannah, Georgia! She is here to marry you.”

  “Does she speak, Sheriff?” Jess said, shaking his head. “Or have you brung me a mute?”

  “Oh, she can talk a blue streak.” He turned to Sarah. “Go on, Miss McIntosh, show Jess how well you can speak.”

  “Now hold on a dang minute,” Jess said, waving his hands in the air. “I don’t mean no offense, ma’am, but I don’t know you from Adam. And I sure ain’t looking to get married.”

  “I saw your advertisement in the Savannah newspaper, Mr. Johnson, and rather than writing I just came here. Look, is this not you?”