Mail-Order Mismatch: Brides of Burlington County, Book Two

by Amelia St. James

  “What is it?” Tilly crowded closer.

  “I’m not sure.” She picked up the package, holding it close to her chest for a moment before gently untying it and pulling back the paper to reveal satiny white fabric. She stood and held up the gown, resting it against her body as she smiled through her tears. A small card fluttered to the ground near her feet.

  Tilly leaned down to retrieve it, a look of wonder on her face. She handed it over before reaching out to touch the delicate flowers embroidered on the neckline. “What does the card say?”

  “A little love goes a long way.” It was signed by Lindsay. Angelica bit her lip to stop the tears from flowing. Her friend must have worked long hours after everyone had retired to bed to hide such a lovely project.

  She stepped into the dress carefully, reveling in how the silky fabric felt against her skin.

  “What a lovely wedding dress! I’ve never seen one more beautiful!” Tilly helped Angelica with the buttons, revealing a perfectly fitted masterpiece, despite never having been measured by Lindsay.

  She’d nearly forgotten about her scar, dressed up so beautifully on her special day. The sentiment behind her friend’s gift made her feel loved and cared for by the women at Elly’s place, despite the miles between them. Smiling, she said, “It’s a one of a kind.”

  Facing her, Tilly said, “So are you.” She grinned. “Now let’s arrange your hair and be ready for your groom.”

  Chapter Four

  Holden paced the church grounds, restless to stop wasting time. He’d been gone from the ranch long enough, not planning on doing more than meeting his prospective bride and delivering her safely to his sister’s house. Now he was waiting for a wedding. His wedding.

  He let out the breath he’d been holding, turning when he heard the steady gait of a horse and rider coming behind him. His brother-in-law, Preacher Paul, was returning.

  “Howdy, brother. Didn’t expect to see you still here.” Paul carefully dismounted his gentle gray mare one-handed, his pinned up shirtsleeve flopping at his right side as he dropped to the ground awkwardly.

  “Hi, Paul.” Holden put his hands on his hips, feigning lightness he didn’t quite feel. “I need your help with something. My prospective bride and I would like to get married.” He ignored Paul’s sharp look. “Tonight.”

  “Listen, Holden, I’ve got no place to say anything as you’re a grown man, but don’t you think it’s a little fast? After all, you just met the woman a few hours ago, didn’t you?”

  “Paul, she’s my mail-order bride. We already knew the marriage would be fast and uneventful. Tonight’s as good a time as any.”

  Paul brushed his hand off on his pants, frowning as he stared into the distance. After a long moment, he spoke. “How do you know she’s who you’ll want to be married to for the rest of your life?”

  “Paul, I’ve prayed about this, asking God to send me the right woman. I’m not looking for a woman to fall madly in love with. I’m looking for a faithful wife who will work hard and be loyal.”

  “And how do you know you won’t regret marrying for those reasons?”

  Holden shoved his hands into his pockets, trying hard to maintain his patience. “How could a man regret marrying someone who will be faithful? Do you see many men eager to leave their faithful wives, Paul?”

  “Just your father.”

  Holden held back the growl that threatened to burst forth from the back of his throat. His Pa abandoning his mother was a sore subject. One he’d likely not get over in his lifetime. “Paul, you know better than to even bring that up.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” He rubbed his eyes. “Despite my best efforts, another woman has gone to work at Hog Ranch. I don’t think I have to tell you the kind of life those women endure once they’re employed there, and the servicemen who frequent that place aren’t concerned about their souls.” He shook his head. “It makes me sick to my stomach that I can’t stop it.”

  Holden shifted uncomfortably. He’d never given much thought to how the women got to be in that position, but it didn’t seem right to pry into another person’s business because you disagree with their life-choices. “Listen, Paul, Angelica wants to get married today and head to the ranch. I know it seems a little rushed, but I think respecting her wishes will go a long way toward starting the marriage off on the right foot.”

  Paul’s forehead creased as he studied Holden’s face. “Why do you think she’s in such a hurry? Most women I know want to take things at a reasonable pace. At least know a man longer than a day before committing to him for a lifetime.”

  “I don’t know, but she’s already come this far, and she’s not of a mind to delay it. We both know what we’re getting into.” Holden waited, smiling when Paul finally nodded his acceptance.

  “Alright, I’ll perform the wedding. But can you two at least wait long enough for me to open the church and light some candles?”

  “I’ll help.” Holden grinned, somewhat surprised that Paul had agreed to perform the wedding ceremony. He’d come to recognize that when his brother-in-law’s mood turned somber, he usually needed space to overcome it on his own. “I’ll unsaddle your horse and give her some grain, then come on in to help set up.”

  Paul hesitated a moment, and Holden was certain the man he thought of as a brother was going to deny his help, but he again surprised him with a nod. A grin broke out on Holden’s face, though he quickly turned to hide it.

  “Don’t think I’ve grown soft, Holden. Your sister would have me sleeping on a church pew for a month of Sundays if I stood in the way of your happiness,” Paul called after him.

  Holden laughed, pleased that Paul’s mood had turned back to his normally good-natured self. “I won’t let on to Tilly that you have gone soft.” The church door closed firmly behind Paul, the banging sound signaling the conversation was over.

  Efficient with livestock, Holden had the mare rubbed down and fed quickly, and spent some time mucking out the stalls. Though he didn’t want to smell like a barn on his wedding day, Paul often denied help when he had the option, not wanting to be seen as lacking since he’d lost his right arm fighting in the war.

  Holden never saw him as less of a man, and knew Tilly didn’t either, but helping them felt good. He couldn’t imagine what kind of pain Paul had gone through, and maybe still went through on a daily basis, and Tilly had hinted that bad dreams haunted the man of faith.

  Feeling a little somber himself, Holden walked the field behind the small church, breathing deeply to settle the pent-up energy inside him. He needed to keep busy; that was just who he was. But the unsettled feeling plaguing him had reared up when Paul had mentioned his father.

  Abandoning his mother for another woman when Holden was not quite twelve had left him the man of the house long before he had been ready for it. He had to learn fast what it meant to be a man without really having one around to guide him.

  He sought work, rather than finishing his education. Paul’s father had taken a liking to him after hiring him on to work on his fishing crew, and at a few years older, Paul had often felt like a big brother. In time, they’d become inseparable.

  Though he’d had a hard time accepting that his best friend had married his sister, he could see now that they were a perfect match. Tilly’s happy, gentle spirit had a soothing effect on Paul after the war had changed him. In turn, Paul’s progressive ideals about women’s rights had made Tilly beam with pride more than once.

  Tilly wasn’t one to ruminate, but Holden could imagine that watching their mother struggle to raise them both in Boston without her husband had made a lasting impression on his younger sister. Tilly was feisty and hard-working, but she’d been known to speak up for what she believed in, even if her opinion went against the grain.

  That she supported his unconventional route to marriage had meant a lot to him, but seeing her actually accept Angelica with kindness made him proud.

  Candlelight shone through the windows of the church, ur
ging Holden to head back. He picked a handful of wildflowers from the field, only then considering that he should have planned ahead and sent for a ring for his bride.

  He pulled the church door open, somewhat startled by the different lighting. It occurred to him that he’d never been inside the building outside of the Sunday morning services, and the change was significant. Without the bright morning sunlight, the room was cast in shadows by the flickering candlelight.

  Paul stood behind the lectern, a solemn look on his face. “Are you ready for this? To vow your life to someone you know nothing about?”

  Holden’s heart hammered against his chest. It felt more real, more permanent here in the house of the Lord. He knew he’d honor his marriage vows, no matter how difficult. “I’m ready, Paul. If she’ll have me, I’ll do right by her.” He held the flowers at his side, careful not to fidget so much that he knocked the petals off. The nervous feeling that had been building continued to grow, deepening when Paul spoke again.

  “I just spoke to Tilly. The women are ready and will be along shortly.” Paul’s deep voice seemed to project clear around the church, echoing slightly.

  Holden’s throat felt dry. He heard footsteps on the stairs just before the door opened wide, his bride standing in the doorway in a long, white dress. A glow of sunlight danced off her blonde waves, some of which had been piled high on her head. Her soft brown eyes met his gaze, and his heartbeat picked up for an entirely different reason.

  He smiled as she walked toward him, remembering the flowers gripped in his sweaty palm. He wanted to tell her she looked beautiful, but he’d never told a woman that before and wasn’t sure that church was the place for such words. Instead, he held out the flowers and said, “These are for you.”

  She smiled her gratitude, taking the wildflowers in hands that shook a little. Her hand brushed his, and he wondered how she would feel if he took her hand in his.

  “Angelica. Holden. Are you prepared to commit your lives to each other before God?”

  “I am.” His bride spoke without hesitation.

  “I am.” Holden tried not to stare at her soft brown eyes, instead focusing on Paul as he opened his Bible.

  Paul cleared his throat as he flipped through the well-worn pages, causing Holden to wonder if the man was stalling. He’d clearly memorized most of the Bible, often quoting it. “Ephesians describes marriage well. Rather than give my own interpretation, I will read to you what has been ordained by God.” Paul continued on, reading verse after verse as Angelica seemed to relax. Tilly stood off to the side, her smile infectious.

  “Holden, do you vow to love Angelica as you love yourself, giving yourself to her as Christ gave himself for the church?”

  Holden let the seriousness of the words wash over him. He looked at Angelica as she turned to face him fully, her scar pink and shadowed in the flickering light. He reached up, gently tracing it with his fingertips. Tears sprang to her eyes, igniting his protectiveness for her. Throat tight, he firmly said, “I do.”

  “And Angelica, do you vow to submit to Holden in reverence of Christ?”

  “I do.” His bride looked at him, somber and beautiful. Her pink lips trembled slightly, the only indication she gave that she was nervous.

  “Please join hands as we pray.”

  Holden’s hand met Angelica’s, gently holding her soft fingers in his calloused palm. Her thumb stroked the back of his hand, making it difficult for him to focus on Paul’s prayer.

  When he had finished praying, he closed his Bible and placed it on the lectern before smiling faintly. “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson. You may kiss your bride, Holden.”

  Angelica’s cheeks bloomed, visible even in the dim room. He hadn’t given much thought to their first kiss, but there in front of his sister and Paul, it felt entirely too intrusive. He leaned forward, her floral scent distracting him as he tried not to stare openly at her lips. He kissed her cheek instead, the warmth of her skin leaving him wanting more.

  A flicker of confusion crossed Angelica’s face, but she quickly turned at Tilly’s happy exclamation. “Welcome to the family, Angelica!”

  Tilly reached forward and hugged his bride as if they had been friends for years, confirming for him how genuinely his sister had accepted his mail-order bride. He had his own accepting to do, and didn’t want to get it wrong. Loving her would come in time, but showing her his respect would be his first priority.

  “We’d better get along now, if we’re going to make it safely to the ranch before dark.” Holden nodded his thanks to Paul, clasping Angelica’s hand in his as they left the small church to begin their new life together.

  Chapter Five

  Angelica ducked her head as they walked down the church steps, hand-in-hand. She hoped she could hide her embarrassment that Holden didn’t want to kiss her, but her heart hurt. The man’s body heat warmed her through her dress, causing her cheeks to tingle.

  “You alright?” Holden’s blue eyes reflected light from the late afternoon sun, showing a myriad of colors she hadn’t noticed before.

  “I’m alright.” She raised the flowers in her other hand, smiling graciously. “Thank you for thinking of such a thing. The flowers were a nice touch.”

  Holden squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t have a ring for you. I’ll see to it that you have one soon.”

  She nodded. Not one to want fancy things, she almost protested but considered that she shouldn’t deny him the opportunity to show that she belonged to him. “How long will it take us to get to the ranch?”

  “Not terribly long. We will be at the edge of my property in about a half hour, and to the ranch house in about another half hour.”

  Her eyes widened. “Your property is that large?”

  Holden cleared his throat, his expression bordering on embarrassment. “It is, but I’ve been blessed beyond what I ever expected, and it seems wise to invest in the land now while cattle prices are doing so well.”

  Tilly breezed past them, calling over her shoulder, “Since you’re insistent that you have to head home tonight, at least let me pack up some provisions for your evening meal!” She disappeared into her home, the sound of pots clanking soon following.

  Holden let go of Angelica’s hand to tend to the horses, leaving her feeling like something was missing. Her palm had never felt so bare. Tucking her arms around herself in a hug, she felt out of place without a task to focus on.

  The delicate embroidery beneath her fingers felt like love. Moving her arms, she examined the fine details, sliding her fingernail delicately along the life-like blueberry blossoms. The small white flowers reminded her of home, and Lindsay’s gift once again brought tears to her eyes.

  She had found instructions inside the paper wrapper detailing how to turn the wedding dress into a Sunday dress, but Angelica couldn’t stand the thought of changing it. Ever practical, it felt like a betrayal to her roots, but she hoped to see a daughter wed in it one day.

  Thinking about having a child in the safety of marriage to Holden brought tears to her eyes once again. She gently swiped at them, hoping to hide them, rather than feel compelled to explain them.

  “You alright, Mrs. Jamieson?” Paul stood nearby, his unnoticed presence making her heart skip a beat.

  Stammering, Angelica said, “I’m just fine.” She took in a shaky breath, trying not to notice the concern etched on Paul’s face. He looked at her as if he could see her soul, making her shift uncomfortably. She disliked feeling exposed, but Paul’s scrutiny felt more like worry than anything else. His eyes held the haunted look war left behind, and though she tried not to show she’d noticed, he’d lost his arm. After all he’d obviously been through, he was concerned for her.

  Smiling warmly, she said, “Thank you for performing the ceremony, Preacher.”

  “You’re family now. Please call me Paul.” He glanced down at his sleeve, his gaze shifting up to hers after a heartbeat. “I’m more of a Paul than a Preacher, anyhow, and cer
tainly not a fisherman anymore.”

  Angelica felt her throat tighten as she considered his words. He’d opened up to her; she was sure of it. She just wasn’t sure why. “Life does turn out a whole lot differently than planned, doesn’t it?”

  “It does, kind of like being tossed around by the tide.” Paul’s expression was grim, as if he was seeing things he’d rather not say.

  Angelica nodded, her heart heavy as she said, “Thankfully, we serve the Fisher of Men.”

  Paul’s smile started in his eyes before lighting up his face. He stared down at his feet before meeting her gaze. “You’re absolutely right. I needed to hear that today.”

  Though it was brief, Angelica was almost certain she saw a sheen of moisture in the preacher’s eyes. He was a man burdened by many things, and she would certainly keep him in her prayers.

  “Needed to hear what?” Holden neared, resting his hands comfortably on Angelica’s shoulders as he stood behind her. His presence made her heart skip a beat, and she wondered if that would only worsen as their relationship grew.

  She turned and smiled up at him, taken aback by his nearness. “We’re just talking about the Bible. It is nice to have such a lovely church to call home here.”

  Holden’s hands gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “I was hesitant when Paul wanted to bring Tilly to join me out here, but the wild land needed a little gentling. I think they’ve done a fine job of it, too.”

  Soft laughter erupted behind them. “You sure you don’t want to stay over tonight?”

  “No, sister, but thanks for everything.” Holden reached out his left hand to shake Paul’s. “I appreciate everything.”

  Paul shook his hand, the look on his face impassive, but Angelica sensed the man worried about their hasty commitment. “Take care of each other, and let God provide the grace you need when challenges arise.”

  Holden nodded, turning to hug Tilly. “Thank you for welcoming Angelica.”