by Kit Morgan
The exquisite creature reached into her reticule and pulled out a folded envelope. “Here, his name and address is in here. I can't thank you enough for doing this for me. I… I feel so embarrassed this has even happened. It was a silly thing to do, tripping over a pumpkin vine …”
Finn chuckled and took the envelope from her. “Don't be embarrassed, lass. Be glad you’re alive and not hurt any worse than ye are, not to mention the driver.”
“You're quite right. I am thankful, but I feel strange about it all the same.”
“I'll take care of this right away and be back as soon as I can with your intended.”
She gazed at him a moment before she smiled again. His disappointment went up another notch. “Thank you,” she said in a soft voice that almost did him in.
He nodded, his mouth dry, and turned to fetch the woman's future husband – the lucky dog. He hoped that if he ever married, it would be to a woman as beautiful as this one.
* * *
“What sort of circumstances are you referring to, miss?”
Birdie’s question pulled Eva out of her stupor. She'd slipped into it as she watched her rescuer leave the room. He was taller and broader than most men she’d known, and judging from the deputy's remark, probably strong as an ox from digging graves. He was a laborer, then, a common man, and it made her wonder what her new husband would be like.
According to his letter to Mrs. Ridgley of the Ridgley Mail-Order Bridal Service in New Orleans, he was a businessman, but he didn’t indicate what kind of business. Of course, many of the details surrounding her groom-to-be were a bit muddled. Maybe if she hadn’t been in such a hurry to leave Independence, she'd have paid more attention to Betsy when she tried to fill her in on the details – details like her intended's full name and what he did for a living.
But she’d had to get out of town quickly or risk being found out by her mother, dragged home, and locked in the cellar. Of course, if her mother, the infamous Mrs. Brock, had had her way, she'd have shipped Eva off to some finishing school and let them keep her locked up. Eva had had enough of her mother's controlling ways and constant bossing, and now craved freedom more than anything else.
When Betsy came up with the idea of becoming a mail-order bride, Eva jumped at it, hugging her in thanks. She remembered the day well. Their new reverend had proposed to Winnie Longfellow – his own mail-order bride, though he didn’t know it at the time. They were married not long after, and there was nothing Mrs. Brock or anyone else could do about it. The handsome Rev. Adams had set his eye on Winnie and made up his mind to marry her, even though Eva’s mother hoped he'd set his eye on Eva.
And now here she was in Oregon City, a mail-order bride herself. Too bad she’d twisted her ankle on the way. She didn't relish the notion of limping to the altar, and couldn’t imagine what her future husband might think.
“Are you hungry, dear?” Birdie asked. “I was just having a bite when you came in. I could make you a sandwich.”
Eva’s stomach growled at the mention of food. “I'd love one.”
“So I hear,” laughed Birdie. “I'll get one straightaway. You stay here.” She got up and left the room.
Eva's thoughts drifted back to the handsome Irishman who’d carried her out of the pumpkin patch. She swallowed as she recalled the way his muscles felt beneath his shirt and coat. He’d transported her for a good distance and hadn’t even become winded – another indicator of his strength. He didn't overreact, but was gentle and practical with her, given the circumstances. He’d been a true gentleman, seeking only her safety and needs.
She hoped her intended would be as kind, and not be a male version of her mother: controlling, bossy, opinionated, overbearing and, when it came down to it, nasty when she wanted to be. She shuddered at the thought. She’d often wondered what made her mother such an unpleasant person, and mused whether her father had had anything to do with that. But unlike her mother, Eva’s father was meek, quiet, pliable – just the sort her mother could control, and did.
Birdie returned with a small plate of sandwiches and a glass of milk. “You must be half-starved by now. I know there are no stops between here and Salem.” She looked at her. “I’m assuming that’s where you came from. I know the stage from Salem gets in about now.”
Eva’s mouth started to water. “”Yes, you’re right. And thank you for the food. I had only a light breakfast – I was too nervous to eat more. You understand.”
“I’m not sure I do. I knew my husband for ten years before he finally up and asked me to marry him.” She set the plate of sandwiches on a small table next to Eva.
Eva took one. “Ten years? What took the man so long?”
Birdie shrugged. “He insisted he become a respectable gentleman before we married. He wanted to have a house, a fine job, money in the bank.”
“Couldn’t he have done all that while married to you?”
“Sure, but his parents had him convinced he had to do it that way.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I can only imagine how hard it must have been to wait that long.”
Birdie pulled up another chair and sat next to her. She reached into her apron and handed Eva a napkin. “It wasn’t so bad, but I didn’t care much for the teasing I got. Women can be cruel.”
Eva chewed thoughtfully a moment and swallowed. “And not just women – I noticed the deputy took a jab at the man who brought me here.”
“Deputy Blanchard is the sort to do that. Those two have butted heads ever since the deputy arrived in town about three months ago. I don’t know why, but for some reason he picks on poor Finn the most. I’m surprised the man hasn’t gotten a black eye by now.”
“Which one – the deputy or Finn?”
“The deputy. Finn’s been involved with … well, that’s not mine to share. Suffice it to say, Finn knows how to throw a good punch if the need arises.”
Eva stared at her. “Has … the need ever come up?”
“Oh, on occasion. Just this last spring, there was some scuttlebutt about town involving illegal fights, and Finn’s friend Lorcan …” She caught herself, and pressed her lips together. “I’m gossiping, and need to stop. A horrible habit of mine. Tell me, what else do you know about your husband?”
Eva set her sandwich down. She felt nervous when she heard the word husband, and almost wished she’d come to Oregon City for a reason other than marriage. But there’d been no other way to get out from under her parents’ roof – she didn’t have enough money to set out on her own and make a life for herself. This had been her only recourse. “There’s not much to tell. An acquaintance of mine made the arrangements, found there was a man in need of a wife here in Oregon City, and … well, here I am.”
“That’s not much. You sure you have nothing to elaborate on, dear?”
“I’m afraid not. I … I wanted to leave home as soon as possible, and didn’t wait to get the details. I do know from his letter that he owns a business here in Oregon City, and that it’s stable and very steady.”
“Well, that’s nice to hear. But why did you choose this particular gentleman? Weren’t there any other men who answered the ad for a mail-order bride?”
Eva gave her a weak smile. “Alas, no. He was the only one they had at the time and, since he was so close, I took his offer.”
“Close? Where are you from?”
Eva’s smile turned sheepish. “Independence.”
“My, but that is close! Not two days ride from here – less than that by stage.”
“No, I haven’t come far at all.”
“How nice – you can see your family!”
Eva cringed. She’d rather not, but she didn’t want to tell Birdie that. In fact, maybe she shouldn’t say much else – if her mother came after her, she didn’t want the locals to have too much information. The sooner she could hide behind her intended’s name, the better. “I’m sure I’ll see them … eventually.”
“Now, isn’t that nice – a new husband, and you
r family well within reach. It doesn’t get any better than that for a mail-order bride. Most women travel great distances to get married. Lorcan – the man I mentioned a little while ago, though I shouldn’t have – his parents ordered him a mail-order bride all the way from New Orleans.”
“My!” exclaimed Eva as she picked up her half-eaten sandwich. “That is a long way to go to get married. Are they getting along all right?”
“I’m not rightly sure how they’re doing. They moved away a few months ago, but while they were here they were fine. Oh, but I suppose I shouldn’t say that either …”
Eva eyed her as she chewed. “What do you mean?” she asked as soon as she swallowed.
“Oh, don’t mind me,” Birdie said with a wave of her hand. “I’ll start saying things I ought not to, then be in trouble again! You finish eating while I go fetch a stool for you to rest your foot on. It might not pain you as much if it’s up a bit.”
Eva watched her leave the room, and sighed. She hoped that if anyone else asked about her circumstances, they’d make her feel as welcome as Birdie did. She also hoped and prayed that no one in town knew her mother. That would be a catastrophe, and she might yet find herself carted back home. Her only solution was to marry and marry soon. After all, her mother couldn’t very well drag her home then, could she?
* * *
Finn got to the sheriff’s office and sat on a bench outside. They were bringing the wounded driver back, and he wanted to make sure the man was okay and ask him what made the horses bolt the way they did. He was sure the woman’s intended would want the details. He looked up and down the street, but didn’t see the sheriff or any of his men yet.
“Hullo, Finn.”
Finn turned to the voice. “Good afternoon, Mr. Brody.”
Mr. Brody smiled. “I got a letter from Lorcan and Ada today! They’re expecting a wee one!”
“Well now,” Finn said as he stood. “That is news!” He swallowed and looked down the street again. “I’m glad ye told me, I … I haven’t heard much from him since he and Ada moved to Clear Creek.”
“Oh, now don’t let it bother ye none. Ye know Ada has to write for him on account of his blindness. They’re busy, that’s all.”
“Are ye going to join them there?”
Mr. Brody shook his head. “Not just yet. Mrs. Brody likes her bookshop and isn’t ready to give it up yet. Maybe when it comes time for Ada to have the babe, she’ll change her mind. Women are like that.”
“Aye, so I’ve heard.”
“Just wait ‘til ye have a lass of yer own. Then you’ll see.”
“I won’t have to worry about it for quite a while, sir.”
Mr. Brody put his arm around him. “Oh, now don’t go talking like that. There’s a lass out there just waiting to marry ye!”
Finn shook his head. “Not for a long while …”
Mr. Brody frowned, grabbed Finn by the arm and sat them both down. “Finn Mullaney! I’ve had just about enough of yer moping around and blaming yerself for something ye had no control over! It wasn’t yer fault, do ye hear me? Lorcan is blind because … well because he was a stubborn boy who didn’t know when to stop.”
“If I hadn’t arranged those fights … if I hadn’t talked him into them …”
“He’d have gone and found another, no doubt! I love my son, but I know his weak points, and his pride was a weak point. Ye can’t go through life carrying the guilt of something ye didn’t do …”
“Mr. Brody, it’s my fault yer son lost his sight – ye can’t tell me otherwise!” Finn stood and ran a hand through his hair. “I only hope that one day, Lorcan can see it in his heart to forgive me.”
“Pah! He’s already forgiven ye! Yer just too stubborn to see it.”
“Then why doesn’t he write? I’ve not heard a word from him!”
Mr. Brody stood and waved the letter in Finn’s face. “Well it just so happens that Lorcan is sending ye something! Something very special!”
Finn took a step back and stared at him. “What? And why didn’t he write and tell me about it?”
“Probably so Ada wouldn’t have to write and send two letters.” He unfolded part of the letter and showed it to him. “See, look here – read it!”
Finn did so, and slowly he smiled. “Well, what do ye know? He is sending me something.” He looked at Mr. Brody. “What do ye suppose it is?”
Mr. Brody shrugged. “Must be something special, if he has to send it by stagecoach.”
“Stagecoach – I almost forgot! There was an accident up the road. The afternoon stage lost a wheel and crashed into a ditch. The sheriff’s gone to fetch the driver – he’s hurt pretty bad, I hear.”
“What’s this? Who told you?”
“The passenger.”
Mr. Brody blinked a few times. “Passenger?” He glanced at the letter, folded it and shoved it into the pocket of his jacket. “Where’s the passenger now?”
“Doc Henderson’s. She was trying to run through my pumpkin patch to get help, but fell and twisted her ankle.”
“She?” Mr. Brody began to cough.
“Aye. Birdie’s taking care of her. She told us she came to Oregon City to get married. I was just on my way to fetch her intended, but decided to wait for the sheriff to see how the driver fared.” He looked at the street again. “Ah, looks like the wait’s over. Here they come.”
Mr. Brody stilled his coughing and watched the sheriff and his men approach. One of his deputies was driving a buckboard to transport the injured man. “Er … ah … Finn?”
“Aye?” he asked without taking his eyes off the men.
“Did the young lady from the stage happen to tell ye the … name of her intended?”
“No. But she gave me this,” he said and took the folded envelope she’d given him from his pocket. “Here’s his name and address. I’m sure he’ll want to know what happened. I know I would, so I thought I’d find out before I fetched him to her.”
Mr. Brody gave him a lopsided smile, took the envelope, pulled out the paper and read it. Then he coughed again and gave the paper to Finn. “Ye’ve, uh … not read it?”
Finn looked at him just as the sheriff rode up. “No.”
Mr. Brody’s face was turning redder by the second. “I think maybe ye should.”
Finn glanced at the paper and paled. “Don’t tell me that poor girl is here to marry one of the McPhees?”
Mr. Brody shook his head.
“That’s a relief,” Finn said and crossed himself. He looked at Mr. Brody again. “One of Jim Tark’s boys then? Oh, the poor wee thing …”
Mr. Brody shook his head again. “Read the paper, Finn.”
Finn rolled his eyes. He’d been so intent on the sheriff and buckboard, he really hadn’t thought to look at the blasted paper! He unfolded it and …
“Great Mother o’ God!”
Mr. Brody smiled in satisfaction. “I told ye Lorcan was sending ye something special.”
Three
“A mail-order bride?!” Finn exclaimed as he gawked at Mr. Brody. “What was he thinking sending away for a mail-order bride?”
Mr. Brody gave him a casual shrug. “It worked for him, didn't it?”
“Well, yes … but he … she … well at least one of them knew what was going on!”
“As it is in this case. Yer bride knows who she's marrying. Can she help it if ye don’t? And ye have to admit, it didn’t take long for Lorcan to get used to the idea. And look at him now – married, and with a wee bairn on the way!”
“Yes, but … he’s Lorcan! What woman wouldn’t want to marry him?”
“Now, don't start any of that. It's time you moved on, lad – take a wife, have children…”
“But … but …”
“No buts. Ye've got to get a hold of yerself. There’s a bonny lass just waiting for ye back at Doc’s, and I'll bet she's just as pretty as Ada.”
Finn shook his head. “Pretty” didn't even begin to describe the mythical creatur
e he'd left behind at Doc Henderson’s. But … “Ye just can't spring a woman on a man like this!”
“Why not? It's not like it's my first time.”
Finn groaned. What was he going to do? He was in no shape to get married! “I can't do it.”
“Why not?”
“I'm not ready to get married.”
Mr. Brody frowned. “Now here's where you and I are going to disagree. Ye’ve never been more fit and ripe for marriage. I know it, yer folks know it – the only one who doesn't know it is you.”
Finn groaned again and turned a full circle. Then he noticed how the sheriff and his men were staring at him as they helped the injured driver from the back of the buckboard. “I'm not getting married!” he told them in a loud voice.
“Fine by me!” one of the men called from the other side of the wagon. “I’d be happy to take her off yer hands!”
Finn tried to see who’d spoken, but just then Doc Henderson joined them. “I'll take it from here, boys,” he said, going straight to the injured driver.
Finn stood and watched the doctor along with several other men guide his patient back to his office. At least the driver was walking, albeit with support, but it was a good sign. He listened as Doc Henderson started to ask him questions, then remembered he had questions of his own. He turned back to Mr. Brody. “What am I going to do?”
“Get married. What else?”
Finn gave up. There was no use arguing with the man. He'd have to find his own way out of this mess. And the first thing he needed to do was have a talk with Miss Brock. He shook his head again and sighed. “How long have ye known about this?”
“Long enough. Lorcan and Ada put in the advertisement before they left for Clear Creek.”
Finn’s mouth dropped open. “What?! Ye mean they sent away for a bride while they were still here in Oregon City?”
Mr. Brody chuckled. “Phinehas Mullaney, my son thinks of you as his best friend. Meara and I thought a wife would do Lorcan good, help him to settle down. He's found happiness with Ada. Now why wouldn't he want his best friend to have the same?”