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

by Amelia St. James

  Finishing her fritter, Angelica leaned down to rinse her hands in the icy stream. She stared at her chapped hands as she dried them on her bright purple skirt. “I think I’d like to own an apothecary.” She bit her lip. “Have a family.” Hazel eyes searched hers, as if checking to see if there was judgement there. She exhaled.

  “You can have all of those things. I’m sure of it.” Angelica reached over, patting her hand. The woman looked at their hands touching, glancing up quickly.

  “You think so? It feels like the whole world has turned its back on me, except you. I don’t really understand you. Why are you being kind to me?”

  Angelica scratched Cam’s ears, smiling when the pup crawled onto her lap and rested his chin on her arm. “I don’t think I’m all that unusual. Let me tell you about a friend of mine, someone I think you’d like to meet.” She waited until the woman nodded, then told her all about Elly and how she had changed the course of Angelica’s life. As she spoke, she recognized the glimmer of hope that ignited behind the woman’s stoic façade. She prayed she’d be able to help this woman, much like Lauren had helped her after she escaped the commune.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Dear Elly,

  I’m so pleased to hear everyone is doing well, especially you. I look forward to the day when I receive a letter from you telling me of meeting your precious bundle of joy!

  Things here were tense for a time. There has been an ongoing land dispute between ranchers that turned violent. The men responsible were finally arrested, but not before destroying innocent lives. We are beginning to see a return to normal, but I still feel on edge. Holden is protective and patient, as always, but I feel better keeping close to home.

  Our ranch is quite large, and there is much to explore when the weather permits. I’ve become the ‘camp cook’ for all the men when they’re working, serving them two hearty meals a day. I secretly love it, but refuse to tell them that.

  I have been assigned a guard now, with a few of Holden’s most trusted men taking shifts keeping watch over me when he is gone. It is awkward for me, and I dislike it, but I understand why Holden feels it is necessary.

  He surprised me with a puppy! His name is Cam, and I don’t think I can call him a puppy anymore. He’s a Newfoundland, and he’s growing quite large. He follows me everywhere, and I feel safe with him nearby.

  I was exploring the ranch the other day, and I had such a fright! I had asked Darren, the guard, to give me a little breathing room to walk without his hovering. I sat by my favorite stream with Cam, and I heard a noise behind me. I thought it was an animal but it was a woman. I was not expecting a stranger on our ranch, but she had wandered further than she thought and surprised us both.

  Her name is Samantha. She works at Hog Ranch. I thought it might make things awkward, but we were simply two women enjoying the beauty of nature around us, and somehow, we became friends. We have arranged to meet several times, and I feel like we are kindred spirits.

  I’m writing to tell you about her for a reason, although I am hesitant. I can’t help but hope that she could find a better life for herself, but she believes she has fallen so far from favor that she is unable to find forgiveness or a new life. She feels trapped and beyond redemption. I’ve spoken to her of forgiveness and salvation. She was shy about it at first, but I see a hunger in her for change.

  Would you consider allowing a woman like her at the boardinghouse? Knowing how awful some of the women of Moorestown have been, I will understand if you say no. However, I do hope you will consider it. She’s a lovely soul, and I think she would thrive in a new life, if given a chance.

  Thank you for considering my unusual request. Please thank Lindsay for me. I received the delivery and can’t wait to surprise Tilly. Tell Thea that Holden was quite impressed by what she taught me. I miss you all and look forward to your updates!

  Much love,

  Angelica

  Dearest Angelica,

  I hope you are well! Everyone here is doing well, though we’ve had some colds and sniffles go through the boardinghouse. Thankfully, Dr. Donnelly seems to be staying on permanently, and I’m grateful we have such a great physician in town now, especially as I consider what could go wrong during delivery.

  I’m showing now, and the women of town have spread rumors that I found comfort in the arms of another man after Alexander passed. It hurt deeply at first, but I decided to draw strength from my faith. Maybe one day I will be able to forgive the gossip hounds, but for now, I am worried about how they will treat my child.

  Being judged so harshly by the people in town has opened my eyes. What if my child had been conceived outside of marriage? Is she any less loved by God? If she sins in her lifetime, shall I love her less? Does God only forgive those who sin a little bit?

  These contradictions from the leaders of our town church have made me hesitant to worship there. I had to pray about it heavily, and came to the conclusion that I’m meant to hold my head up high in the face of judgement and pain, using the strength God has given me to be the example I want to see.

  In light of that, I will welcome your Samantha with open arms. Finding her a husband may prove to be quite difficult, but not impossible. Please send her when she is ready. I will not judge her past, for who am I to do so?

  I promised to be on the lookout for someone trying to find you. Someone named Web has been through town, along with another man whom I believe was his son. They made no attempt to conceal both their interest in and disdain for you, though I revealed nothing to them. I am heartsick over this and keep you constantly in my prayers.

  Please stay safe and warm! We miss you!

  Mrs. Elly Bates

  P.S. I have discovered that my mail has been tampered with and may not be private. I am taking my mail to a different post office now, but your letters to me may still be read.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Holden pumped water from the well, washing outside despite the cold. He could smell the roast from where he stood, his stomach growling loudly. The air had chilled drastically throughout the day, and snow was coming. He could smell it.

  His wife was humming when he walked through the door, his heart swelling with pride when she smiled at him. “Hello, wife.”

  “Holden, there you are!” She put down the spoon in her hand and quickly walked toward him. Hugging him tight before kissing his cheek, she said, “It must be freezing outside. Your face is starting to chap.”

  He sat down to pull off his boots, the warmth from the small ranch house making his skin tingle. “It is getting cold, but I’m used to it. The chapping isn’t too much of a nuisance.”

  She reached into the cabinet and pulled out a small tin. “I have some salve.” She sat next to him and gently applied the sweet-smelling ointment.

  “Did you make that?”

  “No.” She shifted, closing the tin, pocketing it. “I have made a new friend.”

  Forgetting about the hearty aroma wafting from the stove, Holden turned and faced his wife. He studied her a moment, trying to read her expression. “Where did you make a new friend? You haven’t left the ranch since the trouble with the Stillwell brothers.”

  She put her hand on his arm, the soft weight calming his worry.

  “I met a woman who was gathering herbs. She wandered onto our ranch near the stream, and I was there with Darren.”

  “He didn’t tell me of this.”

  Angelica gripped his arm. “Don’t be upset with him. I bribed him with apple fritters to keep him quiet.”

  Despite his anger, Holden laughed. “That will do it, but why didn’t you tell me.”

  “Here, let’s eat dinner and talk about it. I’ll tell you everything.” Angelica served their roast and vegetables, piling his food into a hearty serving, complete with a thick slice of warm, buttered bread. She placed it in front of him, waiting until he said grace before speaking again.

  “Her name is Samantha. I want you to listen with an open mind, because I nee
d your help.”

  He stopped eating and focused on her. She rarely asked for help, seeming to be frustrated with herself if she couldn’t tackle whatever she put her mind to without assistance. “I’m listening.”

  She nodded toward his plate. “Eat up. I know you’re starving.” She smiled, waiting to go on until he took a bite. “She works at Hog Ranch.”

  Holden’s blood began pumping hard at the thought of a woman like that interacting with his wife. He had warned Darren to watch over her, and he’d failed. “I dislike where this is going already.”

  Angelica crossed her arms, her posture stiff and offended. “I asked you to listen with an open mind. I need you to hear what I have to say.”

  Blowing out a breath of frustration, he said, “Alright.”

  “She’s young and you know what she does to survive, but you don’t know anything about her. About who she is or what she wants from life.”

  “And you do?”

  “Yes!” Angelica reached for his hand, gripping it tightly. “She’s kind and smart, thoughtful but filled with the notion that she can’t ever come out of what she’s gotten into.”

  He stared at the food in front of him, battling his own doubts. “How does one get out of the life she’s living?” He glanced up, meeting soft brown eyes that inspired him to be a better man, and he smiled. “What are you asking, Angelica?”

  She squeezed his hand. “I want to send her to live with Elly at the boardinghouse. We can sponsor her, couldn’t we?”

  He leaned back, thinking about it and coming up with a handful of doubts. “I’m not sure many men would want a woman like her for their wife and mother of their children, Angelica. It’s a tough position to be in, unless the man isn’t told the truth, and I don’t see that as fair, either.”

  “I don’t get the sense that she wants to hide who she is, only that she wants to make a better life for herself. We’ve spoken at length about forgiveness and redemption, and I think she yearns to have both.”

  He stared at her long fingers so lovingly gripping his hand. Kissing them, he nodded. “I see your point. If we think of her as a lost cause, we’ve glossed over the meaning of most of the Bible’s teachings and become hypocritical, ourselves.” He met her gaze, not letting her know that her excitement was palpable. Smiling, he said, “I am willing, but there might be some retribution from Hog Michaelson.”

  She broke into a grin that quickly turned into a look of confusion. “Who?”

  “The owner of the ranch.”

  “Oh. Well, can we sneak her away without causing trouble? She has every right to live her own life the way she sees fit.”

  “We can try.”

  “Thank you!” She stood, leaning across the table to kiss him as Cam stood and barked. She laughed.

  “You’re not supposed to protect my wife from kissing me, you oaf.” Holden reached down to pat the excited puppy, deep in thought. His life had taken many twists that he hadn’t expected, and though this one was a little complicated, his wife had taught him something. She sat across from him, giving him more than she could ever take, filling his life with beauty.

  “I love you, my Angelica.”

  “I love you, too, Big Bear.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Angelica urged Holden to stop fiddling in the barn and hurry, wanting to get to town early to see Tilly before the church service. As she got to know Tilly and Paul better, she felt less apprehensive about becoming a member of a church again. She was only a little nervous about going for the first time, with her excitement making her anxious to go. “Please hurry, Holden. I want to see Tilly before service begins.”

  “At this rate, we’ll be getting there before they even eat their breakfast.”

  “Good. Let’s go, please.”

  Holden chuckled, nodding his agreement. “Alright, just as soon as you tell me what’s hiding in that bundle you tucked into the wagon.”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “So you’re going to keep a secret from me?”

  Angelica swallowed hard. She’d been keeping more secrets from him than she liked, and though she could justify each one, she hated keeping anything from him. “I commissioned a friend to make a dress for your sister, since hers are all gray. I tried to find a way to dye the dresses she has now, and nearly turned my hands purple when I first got here.”

  He laughed. “I thought that was from poor berry picking technique.”

  She tossed him a glare. “Please, let’s go. I want to get it to her in time for her to wear it today. It might make her less likely to argue with me about taking such a gift.”

  “Since you put it that way, let’s go. I’m ready.” Holden helped her into the wagon before taking the seat next to her, his arm sneaking around her more than once during their drive. It was freezing, and he pulled a blanket up to tuck around her shoulders.

  “Thank you.” She shivered. “Tell me, do you ever get used to this bone-chilling cold?”

  “I guess you do. It won’t take long, my love. Until then, I don’t mind keeping you warm.”

  She blushed, feeling the heat prickle along her cold cheeks. “I don’t mind it, either.” She snuggled closer, enjoying having him all to herself for a while, though she was anxious to get to town.

  When the sleepy streets finally appeared in front of them, she sat forward, her excitement growing. Holden parked in front of the small house, helping her down before grabbing her bundle.

  “Here we are. I’ll just let them know we’re here early and make sure they’re up for company.” Holden knocked on the door lightly and stepped back a pace.

  Angelica stood on the steps, waiting for Holden to speak to Paul. Before Paul could answer, Tilly burst through the door and greeted her with a hug.

  “You finally made it for a service! Welcome, sister.” She clasped her hand, giving her a gentle tug. “Come on in where it’s warm. Your fingers are freezing. You have gloves, don’t you?”

  She followed, smiling. “I do, but I forgot them. I was in such a hurry to see you.”

  Tilly pulled a chair next to the fireplace and urged her to sit. “Why the hurry? You have to be careful in this climate or you could have real trouble. I’ll lend you a spare pair of mine to get you home.”

  After she had warmed, Angelica said, “Tilly, I have something for you, but I’d like to give it to you in private, if you don’t mind.”

  Tilly stood, a puzzled look on her face but she nodded. “Alright. We can go to the spare bedroom to talk.”

  Angelica followed her friend, still clutching the bundle to her chest. When the door had closed behind her, she held it out, her hands shaking. “Tilly, my dear, I had this made for you.” She waited for her sister-in-law to respond, half afraid the woman would be too proud to take it.

  Brows furrowed, Tilly took the package and pulled the string, the paper rustling against her gray dress as she peeled back the layers. When she got down to the garment inside, she gasped. “This is for me?” Tears welled in her eyes as she stared, dumbfounded.

  Nodding, Angelica smiled and reached out to hold the paper while Tilly shook the dress out and held it in front of her. The lavender fabric held small, delicate white flowers and was accented by white lace. As she held it up to herself and swirled, Angelica felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

  “I can’t believe you had this made for me! It’s absolutely the most beautiful gown I’ve ever owned. Thank you, Angelica.” Tilly hugged her, then said, “I can’t wait to try it on.”

  Once she had changed, Tilly smoothed the front seams, her constant smile unwavering. “It fits beautifully!”

  “Lindsay is an incredible seamstress. She included directions for converting the dress into a summer garment, and alternate sleeves to change things up, if you like.”

  Smiling gently, Tilly said, “I can’t wait to show Paul.”

  “There’s more.”

  “No, there can’t be more, Angelica.” Tilly grabbed Angelica’s hands, squeezin
g them before letting go and picking up her skirts. She swayed from side to side, smiling at the swishing sound.

  Angelica’s hand gripped the package of herbs in her pocket, suddenly unsure of herself. Tilly looked so happy and carefree that the thought of bringing up such a painful subject seemed wrong. She pulled her empty hand free of her pocket and said, “Holden and I have something we would like to talk to you and Paul about after church.”

  “Of course!” Tilly opened the door, waiting for Angelica to join her as they walked out to Paul and Holden. “Paul, look what Angelica had made for me!”

  Paul’s face lit up as he saw his wife, his admiration and joy palpable. “You are so beautiful, Tilly.” He bent and kissed her cheek.

  “Thank you for the compliment, Paul. Now let’s get to church. We have some very important guests today.”

  Holden groaned. “It hasn’t been that long since I’ve been to a service, sister.”

  “Long enough for your usual spot in the pew up front to be taken over.”

  Angelica held up her hand. “It’s partly my fault, Tilly, and I can reassure you that we will be attending regularly now.”

  They walked through the brisk wind to the church, Holden slipping his gloves on her hands before they left the house. “It won’t do for you to get sick, my love.” Angelica beamed beneath his touch.

  Once they walked through the church doors, she was glad they hadn’t arrived any earlier than they did. She was the subject of many conversations before the service began, and it was all she could do to keep from bolting. Waiting for the prayers to begin, she looked up at Holden, finding great joy at being by his side, despite her discomfort.

  “Everything alright?” He squeezed her hand.

  She nodded, unwilling to complain about the attention she was getting in such close quarters, but she still battled the feelings of not belonging.