A Ready Made Family (Mail-Order Brides 6)

by Annie Boone

  “I know it was wrong of me not to write first, but seeing as I’m already here, perhaps we could get better acquainted.”

  “Mrs.—“

  “Graves. Emily Graves.”

  “Mrs. Graves. I certainly wish you had written, not because you don’t seem lovely and I am truly sorry for the loss of your husband. My sincere sympathy to your children, as well. I did have another woman answer my ad, and well, I married her just last week.”

  I felt my heart slip straight into my stomach and land with a thud. “Oh.” I said meekly. “I see. Well congratulations to the two of you.”

  “I am so sorry, but please understand that if you or the children ever need anything medically I am happy to help,” he said brightly as he handed me the torn out page from the newspaper.

  I accepted the ad from him, and nodded glumly. There was nothing more to say other than, “I am truly sorry for wasting your time.”

  “You didn’t waste any of my time, Mrs. Graves. It was very nice to meet you and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.”

  I thanked the doctor again and avoided eye contact with his mother as I left the office. It was a shame that Dr. Watson was already married. He truly seemed like a good man. He had been polite and kind in a somewhat embarrassing situation.

  ***

  The second man was not as easy to track down, but I managed to ask just the right questions to the right people to discover that he had lunch every day at the restaurant below our hotel. Word was that he dined daily at one o’clock in the afternoon.

  It was already after twelve, so I had just enough time to freshen up in my room before going downstairs. When I entered the restaurant I spotted Vance Gifford right away. He had his head down, his gaze on his soup, as he dipped a crust of bread into the broth. Even from across the room I could see how piercing blue his eyes were, and I felt butterflies in my stomach flutter.

  “Lunch for one?” the restaurant hostess asked when I indicated I was there to be seated.

  “Actually, I’m meeting Mr. Gifford. He’s there at the table in the corner,” I smiled confidently.

  She furrowed her brow, clearly not believing my lie.

  “Thank you, I’ll just make my way over there now,” I said.

  She nodded her head as I walked away to meet the handsome Mr. Gifford.

  I pushed my hair into place and smoothed my skirt as I approached his table. When I stood beside him, he didn’t look up. I wasn’t sure he even knew I was there.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Gifford?” My voice was shaker than I would have liked, but I smiled warmly as he looked up at me, locking those dark blue eyes on mine. They were mesmerizing and I couldn’t look away. He didn’t say anything, just stared, and I felt myself stammering. “My name is Emily Graves. I—” I went to pull the ad out of my bag, when he stopped me.

  “If you’re selling something, I’m not interested,” he gruffly interrupted.

  “No, oh no, not at all. I just wanted to, um, speak to you.” I fished for the ad and pulled it out of my bag. My hand was shaking and the ad was beyond crumpled. He looked down at the paper.

  “Sorry, whoever sent you was mistaken. The position has been filled.”

  “Position?” I responded in question. That was one way of defining a wife, I supposed.

  “Yes, over at the mill. I hired a guy last week. So you can tell your brother or husband or whoever you’re here representing that the job is no longer available.”

  “I think you have been mistaken.”

  “No, I think you have. I work hard all day and this is my one hour of peace. Can I just enjoy the remainder of my lunch without a sales pitch?”

  “I’m sorry to have bothered you, sir,” I said. I felt my eyes sting with the onset of frustrated and embarrassed tears. I turned and rushed out before he could utter another hateful word.

  When I got back to my room I allowed myself to cry for the first time since I put this plan into motion. Two rejections. Maybe I was better off without the second man. He was so rude, I’m sure he would have scared the children.

  I didn’t have the heart to seek out Mr. Sawyer, the rancher’s son, this afternoon. I decided to start fresh tomorrow. Perhaps today was just an unlucky day. Tomorrow was a new beginning.

  Chapter Seven

  The morning dawned bright and full of promise. My disappointing rejections from the previous day were pushed as far back as I could push them. I had prayed fervently before I went to sleep the night before that God would speak to me and lead me in the right direction. I was hoping this morning that this was the road that would inevitably lead to our happily-ever-after.

  I was up and dressed before the children so that I could be on my way as soon as they were off to school. I hurried them when they finally got up and was lucky that they followed instructions better than usual.

  The Sawyer ranch was my destination today while the children were in school. It was too far out of town for me to walk and I didn’t have a horse or a buggy at my disposal. I was referred to a man who could take me out to the Sawyer ranch. His charge for the trip was reasonable in my estimation and considering he was my only option on short notice I hired him immediately when he said he could do it.

  If this didn’t work out, then I would have to review my options and potentially change courses. I suppose I could find work, but there would always be the fear of Miss Lily showing up to take the children back—or worse, having me arrested for kidnapping.

  I pushed those dark, ugly thoughts out of my mind and tried to remain positive. My faith should help me remain positive, though in the back of my mind I knew that what I had done was a sin. I had done it for the right reasons, but breaking the law no matter the circumstances was still a sin.

  “Here you are ma’am,” my driver said as he pulled the wagon over to the side of the road. “This road here leads to the ranch. It’s about a quarter of a mile’s walk. You’ll see the main house, it’s white with a big front porch.”

  I paid him what we had agreed upon, and he helped me out of the wagon. When he pulled away, and the trail of dust kicked up behind him from the horses, I suddenly felt very alone. I hadn’t thought this through. If this went well, that was wonderful, but if it went the way the first to had, I didn’t even have a way to get home.

  Again, I pushed those negative thoughts away and held my head high as I ventured down the road. By the time I reached the house, I was sweaty from the heat, and my skirt was covered in dust. But there was no turning back, I had to keep going.

  The house was beautiful, and the ranch in the back was breathtaking. The horses were out grazing and I looked at California in a new light for the first time. This was possibly a place where I could truly make a home.

  I knocked on the door and waited as the sound of light footsteps from behind the door drew closer. The wooden door swung open and a very pretty older woman stood looking at me. She smiled slightly and tilted her head a bit to the side.

  “Hello, can I help you?” she asked.

  “Hello. Is this the Sawyer ranch?” I responded.

  The woman knitted her brow. “Yes,” she answered with a bit of uncertainty.

  I sighed with relief that the first hurdle was behind me. I had made it to the right place.

  “I’m just going to get right to the point,” I said to take her questions away immediately. Hopefully, my honesty would win me something. I already had the ad in my hand, and I held it up to show it to her.

  Her eyes went to the square of paper and she nodded slightly and she looked back up at my face.

  “My name is Emily Graves. I’m from New York, and I have two children. I lost my husband in a horse accident a few years back, and well, I came across this ad.”

  The woman’s eyes seemed to ignite with happiness. “Yes! That’s my son, Henry. Do come in, come in. Did you say New York? How exciting! Can I fetch you some tea?”

  I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. “Yes, Mrs.
Sawyer, tea sounds lovely.”

  ***

  Mrs. Sawyer was a jewel. I fell in love with her almost right away. She had a bubbly personality and she told the most entertaining stories about the ranch and California.

  “When I first came to this ranch, you wouldn’t believe the state of this house!” she exclaimed. “William’s parents had died only months apart before we married and he had let the place go. I spent a month just cleaning the dust away!”

  “Oh my, you must have been dreadfully tired after all that,” I replied.

  “I thought I was near my own deathbed,” she declared. “The most horrible part was when I realized he had the money to hire enough housekeepers to get the job done in a day. He failed to share that information with me, though. I’m telling you the truth when I say I almost divorced that scoundrel right then and there.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Sawyer!” I laughed. “What a story! Did he just not see what you were doing?”

  “He was so focused on running the ranch that he had no clue what was going on in the house. I see that now, but at the time I was mad as a hornet!” she laughed. “And please call me Ina. Mrs. Sawyer is much too formal.”

  I agreed and continued to chat and build a bond.

  “Did I mention that Henry is out with his father, in a business meeting?” she asked.

  I nodded and replied, “You did mention that he would be back shortly, but you didn’t tell me he was with your husband. I hope I get to meet him, too.”

  “You will, my dear, and you will love him,” she said with a wink. “I have finally taught him how to behave in polite company. Hopefully your first experience with my husband will be more pleasant than mine was. I doubt he will expect you to clean his house.” She dissolved into laughter and I joined her.

  The Sawyer home was furnished in the latest designs and fabrics. Some of their pieces were even nicer than what Phillip had sold back in New York. It was clear that this family did not want for anything. I was impressed with her impeccable taste.

  “In all seriousness, Emily, I must tell you that William has made this ranch what it is today. Thirty-five years ago when he took it over it was nothing more than a medium sized farm. I worked side by side with him through the years and I have loved every minute of it.” Ina Sawyer had a twinkle in her eye, but there was a determined look on her face that wasn’t always evident.

  She was a delight, but it was also clear that she had a strict work ethic and that everything they owned was due to her and her husband’s blood, sweat, and tears. I admired that and hoped I would have a similar story to tell someday. Perhaps I would add value alongside her son.

  At last, the front door opened, and two men entered the entry hall. Ina ran over, whispered something to the men, then turned around to introduce them to me. “Emily Graves, this is my husband, William Sawyer. And this,” she gave her son a nudge so he would step forward. “This is our son, Henry.”

  “I’m very pleased to meet you, Miss Graves,” Mr. Sawyer said, with a deep grin on his face.

  I bowed my head to him with a smile. “Likewise, sir,” I replied. I didn’t correct him that I was Mrs. Graves, not Miss Graves. I decided that he would hear my story and learn about my marital status soon enough.

  Then Henry finally stuck his hand out with a reluctant scowl on his face. When I took it, he only gripped my fingers and it was clear he didn’t really want to touch me. I also noticed how quickly he wiped his hand on his handkerchief after we let go of each other. I pretended I didn’t see, but I was quite offended.

  Ina poured more tea, and the four of us sat together in the well-appointed parlor.

  “Emily, dear, why don’t you share with the men the story of what brings you to California,” Ina requested.

  “I have come to Sacramento for a new start,” I began. “My husband was killed in a horse accident a couple of years ago. I have two children and we needed to get away from the pain of the tragedy.”

  “I’m so sorry for your loss, Emily,” responded William. “It must be quite difficult to raise two children alone.”

  “We’re managing. Thank you for your thoughts, William.” I smiled at him to let him see that I was a hopeful person who was trying to take care of my children. “It’s important to me that I do all I can to give my children a good life. That’s why I’m here in California.”

  “What a wonderful mother you must be,” said Ina. “Don’t you agree, Henry? What a selfless thing for a mother to do for her family.”

  “Of course,” Henry responded weakly. It was apparent to me that he was barely paying attention.

  I continued with my story and tried to sound sincere since things seemed to be going well with Henry’s parents. “I realized that I’ve missed being married. I loved my husband and am looking for that kind of love again. Partnership, shared goals, and companionship is also something I feel I need in my life. I want to be in love again and I want to be married.”

  I stole a look at Henry and he was unaffected by my words. His parents looked at each other and winked.

  “And so I saw this advertisement in the paper and I had to come as soon as I saw it.” I continued, hoping to pull Henry into the conversation. “I do apologize that I didn’t write first. I actually didn’t even see the ad until I was already here.”

  “Don’t fret about that, Emily. We’re just glad you’re here now,” William responded warmly.

  Ina Sawyer supported her husband’s statement with a pronounced head nod. “William is right, dear. We’re glad you’re here. And I’m wondering when I’m going to meet those little rascals of yours.”

  William chuckled and intercepted so I didn’t have to answer. “First things first, Ina.”

  She batted her eyes at him and nodded that she would let him have his way this time.

  Henry cleared his throat loudly. I looked at him quickly. I had almost forgotten he was even in the room with us.

  “Emily? Would you care to bring your tea with me to the porch?” he said dispassionately.

  “Certainly, Henry. I’d love some fresh air.”

  We had barely gotten seated in the swing when Ina showed up.

  “I have a bit of gardening to do on my flower beds on the side of the porch. Don’t mind me!” she said cheerily.

  She must have felt that we needed a chaperone, but I didn’t mind at all. It was actually comforting having her a few yards away.

  “So, life on the ranch must be exciting,” I offered to Henry.

  “Not in the least. I’m more of a business man. I don’t see why father insists that I manually run this ranch. We have more than enough money to hire help.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. There must be some sort of satisfaction in tending your own land.”

  “No, there’s not. I wish I could find a way to divert my father’s attention so I can get away and do what I want to do. I actually despise getting dirty. It was always my dream to be a banker. I bet you had a nice cushy life in New York.”

  “My husband passed away, I wouldn’t describe our trials since his departure as cushy.” The words flew out of my mouth faster than I had time to mind them. “Forgive me. It’s been a rough few years.”

  “It’s quite all right. I understand.” He stroked his chin, and I noticed how clean shaven he was. He had blond hair like me, but brown eyes. I recalled the piercing blue eyes of Mr. Gifford. I also recalled how nasty he had been, and decided brown eyes and a smile was better than captivating blue eyes and a serious frown any day.

  “I really should be getting back into town. The children will be getting out of school soon, and I don’t want them to arrive at our hotel without me there. They will be alarmed.”

  “That’s surely expensive, staying in a hotel each night,” he noted.

  Boy, you’re not kidding, I thought. I was already watching every penny to make sure our money didn’t run out.

  “Well, hopefully it won’t be too much longer before we can get a place and get more settled in.”
/>   “Do you have a ride back?”

  “No…” I admitted feeling the blush rise in my cheeks. “I’m afraid I didn't think that far ahead.”

  “I’ll be happy to take you back. My father can come with us if you like. I wouldn’t want to tarnish your reputation.”

  “That would be most appreciated.”

  The ride back proved to be interesting. From the way Henry and his father spoke to each other it was clear Henry was not your typical rancher. He seemed to have a sense of entitlement that I did not admire. But when he offered to court me, I really felt I had no other choice but to accept.

  We parted ways with the promise that he would return tomorrow evening for supper down at the restaurant. The children would join us. I knew they would be excited. I wished I was able to be excited.

  Henry was reasonably good looking, very wealthy, and apparently willing—but something wasn’t right. I could feel it. I didn’t know what to do about it or how to figure it out, so I decided to let things happen. If something was wrong, it would come out. Sooner rather than later, I hoped.

  Chapter Eight

  The children did seem to like Henry. He joked with them and told them stories that they enjoyed. He had definitely taken some things from his mother. He couldn’t be all bad, could he?

  Despite how much laughter he brought to the children’s lives, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about him. Perhaps it was how accepting he had been of me when the first two candidates were a complete waste of time. Perhaps it was that he was so unwelcoming and cold when we first met. He was a true gentleman, pulling chairs out for me, tipping his hat, and paying for our meal that first night.

  But there was a little voice whispering to me this was not the right relationship for us. I knew I would continue to see him until I figured out what he was all about. There was too much at stake to walk away before I knew for sure.

  Our courtship continued and the second Saturday after I had first met the Sawyer family, I took my children to meet Ina and William. Ina had been dying to meet them and she was beside herself when we finally got there.