Yankee Mail Order Bride

by Susan Leigh Carlton

  “Anna, I don’t really know, but do you sew? Do you need any dresses or other clothing. You only had the one trunk, and surely you could use other things.”

  “I do sew. I’m fine, I don’t want to be an expense to you. I’m okay,” she said.

  “Anna, what I had is now ours. If you need or even want anything, just give it to Asa,” he said.

  “If you insist, I could use some unmentionables, and I could get a pattern or two, and some cloth. I could make Rebecca a dress too.

  “Somewhere in the house, Ma had a Singer sewing machine,” he said. “She used to make all of our things. I can remember her sitting in front of that machine, just singing to the empty room.”

  “Since Papa had a clothing business, we always had sewing machines in the house. Mama and the housekeeper both sewed,” Anna said. She went back to the bolts of cloth and found some she liked, along with lace and buttons. She bought two patterns for herself and two for Rebecca. “Now,” she told Josiah, “I’ll have something to do. I would bet your Ma also had some patterns. I’ll have to go looking. I really don’t know what’s in the house.” She raised on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Josiah.”

  They had a light lunch in the cafe, sitting at the same table they had when she arrived. “Have I only been here a week?” she asked. “It feels so normal, I feel at home here.”

  “Anna, you are home. Cheyenne and Diablo. They are your home, and blessed to have you.”

  “What a sweet thing to say,” she said and squeezed his hand in promise of things to come.

  Back home…

  They walked into the kitchen, where Beulah was hard at work as usual. “Beulah, I picked up a little something for you at the store”, and handed her a new head scarf and the sack of jelly beans. “You don’t have to share with Rebecca because she has some also.”. Then she called out, “Rebecca, we’re home. Come see what we brought you.”

  Rebecca came running into the kitchen, dutifully hugged both of them and asked, “What did you bring me?”

  Anna handed her the small doll, and then handed her the sack with the jelly beans. “Now don’t eat them all at one time. I don’t want you to spoil your appetite for supper.”

  Rebecca said, “Thank you, Papa.”

  “Thank your Mama. She’s the one that got them,” he said.

  “Thank you, Mama,” she said.

  Two days later…

  A wagon carrying two men and something with a quilt covering it and tied down with heavy rope, pulled into the yard at the Diablo ranch. Beulah came to the door and greeted the men/ “Where do you want this?” one asked.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  ‘It’s a piano,” the man said.

  “My land, I don’t know. Let me ask Miss Anna.” She turned and went back into the house and called out, “Miss Anna, you need to come out here.” She returned to the porch.

  “What is it?”she asked as she came through the door.

  “These gentlemen want to know where you want this here piano,” Beulah answered.

  “Piano, what piano?” she asked.

  One of the men removed the blanket and untied the ropes. “This one,” he said.

  Now, beside herself with the unexpected gift, she was having trouble coming up with words to answer. Josiah came around the corner of the house. “What’s going on out here?”

  “You bought me a piano. You actually bought the piano,” she said through the tears coursing down her cheeks.

  “Oh yes, I guess I did.” Turning to the men, he said. “We’ll put it in the parlor. Do you need any help?”

  “Yes sir, it’s kind of heavy,” the wagon driver said.

  Josiah called for one of the hands at the corral to come over and give them a hand. The four of them turned the piano on its side and easily carried it up the steps and into the parlor. Beaulah moved one of the chairs already there to make room. After it was in place, Josiah thanked the men, who then left.

  “What do you think?” he asked.

  “I think you are wonderful. I haven’t done anything to deserve something as extravagant as this, but I love it,” she said.

  “Play something for us,” he said.

  She sat, flexed her fingers and began playing one of Chopin’s concertos, her eyes closed, a rapt expression on her face. Josiah picked Rebecca up, and holding her on his lap, they sat and listened to the impromptu concert.

  Anna took Rebecca to bed and read her a story from a new children’s book she had also purchased in Cheyenne. After the traditional “happily ever after” ending, Anna tucked Rebecca in. Rebecca said, “I love you, Mama.”

  Anna said, “And, I love you my darling,” and kissed her good night. When she left the room, her eyes were glistening with tears.

  When she returned to the parlor, Josiah looked at her closely. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes,” she answered, “It’s a girl thing. Now take me to bed and make love to me. It has been a wonderful day and I want to end it just right.”

  She undressed him, and while he unbuttoned her dress, she clasped his member and pumped it vigorously. “Careful there. It might go off in your hand.”

  “It had better not. I want it inside me when it goes off.” Removing the rest of her clothes, she sank back on the bed, pulling him on top of her and his head for a long, wet, and passionate kiss.

  After kissing the tender skin on her neck and chest, he massaged the nipple on her left breast, then took it in his mouth. Groaning with passion, she looked into his eyes. “Do you think you can find that spot again?”

  “I don’t know. Let me look for it.” He moved his head down her belly kissing and caressing every inch with his tongue. He reached the hairs guarding the entrance and parted the folds. Tracing the outer edges with his tongue, he moved his hand and then placed his mouth on the core of her being.

  A long “Ohhhhhhh” escaped her mouth as she realized he had inserted his tongue and was exploring her inner being. He found the magic spot and began manipulating it with his tongue as the onrushing climax hit her. Exploding beneath his ministrations, she begin thrusting her hips strongly against him. Holding her hands on either side of his head, she pulled him down and pushed into his face again and again. Finally the wave ebbed and she released her hold on his head. Pulling him up, she kissed him. “I can taste me on your tongue,” she said, wonderingly. With the last bit of strength she had, she clasped his member and moved it into her chamber. He began moving on contact, but not before she wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled them down, forcing all of him deep within her body. Tightening and loosening the muscles in her lower abdomen, it was as if she was pulling him even deeper. Undulating her hips against his shaft, she tightened as the beginning of a climax came rushing from its hiding place. She continued moving, feeling him tighten and then she felt the initial spurt of his juices. He pumped harder, hammering her into the mattress as he emptied himself into her. Neither noticed he had not used protection. Neither cared.

  CHAPTER 14: A LETTER TO MAMA

  Anna sat down to write the letter to her mother letting her know she was all right. She had left a note in her mother’s jewelry box telling her what she was doing, but not where she was going. She had been afraid the long arm of her father might somehow reach out and pull her back to marry Throckmorton.

  She wrote: Dear Mama, I take pen in hand to write a short note to tell you all is well with me. I arrived safely in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I am married to a wonderful man who owns a ranch outside Cheyenne. His name is Josiah Moore. He is now 23 years old and is a widower. His wife died of diphtheria leaving him with a two year old daughter. Both of his parents were killed when a tornado destroyed their home. Mama, the ranch is large and prosperous. We have a nanny named Beulah, for Rebecca. Beulah is also the primary cook. We also have a housekeeper and Josiah has several ranch hands to help with the operations of the ranch. Mama, you shouldn’t worry about me. I am very happy. In fact, yesterday, Josiah surprised
me by having a piano he had secretly purchased, delivered to the ranch. I am going to teach Rebecca to play and would appreciate it if you could send my books I was using when I took lessons. You can send them to Mrs Josiah Moore, General Delivery, Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory. I love you, Mama and hope Father did not blame you for my leaving, but there was no way I would marry Mr Throckmorton. Please forgive me if I hurt you and know I will always love you. Your Loving daughter, Anna.

  She put the letter on the dresser in the bedroom so she wouldn’t forget to post it on their next trip to Cheyenne. Josiah was pleased when she told him, since he knew her mother was probably worried about her only daughter.

  The days passed quickly now. Anna found the sewing machine belonging to Josiah’s mother and was pleased to find it in working order. It was similar to the one her mother had back in Plymouth. Her first undertaking was the making of a dress for Rebecca for her third birthday. Rebecca would sit on the floor in the room that had been converted into a sewing room while Anna sewed.

  The letter to her mother had been posted, now Anna waited for an answer. Anna thought, “Would mother write? Or did father have her so intimidated she would be afraid to write. I do hope that is not the case. I guess I just have to wait and see.”

  Anna had reserved an hour each evening for reading to Rebecca. She had also begun teaching the alphabet to both Rebecca and Beulah. She was not surprised to find Beulah a quick learner since she had displayed an innate intelligence since their first meeting. Beulah had progressed to the point where she was sounding out the letters. The next step would be combining the sounds into words. It wouldn’t be long at the rate the learning was progressing.

  For her part, Beulah was trying to introduce Anna to the art of cooking. It was a slow process since Anna came with no experience whatever. The first few efforts were laughable disasters. After one of her efforts, she had proudly served it to Josiah, who chewed it, and chewed it some more. Finally, he spat it into his hand. “Honey, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but that was terrible.”

  “It was pretty bad, wasn’t it? I thought I had made it just the way Beulah does, but I guess I missed a step or two,” she said.

  “Somewhere around here, Caroline had a few cookbooks, She was not a good cook when we married, but ordered some books. If you find them, it might be easier than trying to follow Beulah’s way. I’ll see if I can find them for you.”

  She kissed him, and said, “I hope I didn’t poison you.”

  “I’ve got a cast iron stomach. I mean, if I can eat from the chuck wagon, I can eat anything.”

  One evening as they were finishing dinner, Anna said, “Josiah, Beulah and I have a surprise for you.” Turning to Beulah, she asked, “Are you ready?”

  “Yessm. I’m ready.” She picked up one of the children’s books Anna had purchased for Rebecca and slowly read a page, sounding out the words as she moved her finger along the page. When she reached the end of the page, Anna took her hand and said, “Well done. I’m proud of you.” Beulah had tears in her eyes as Josiah added his congratulations. “She has really worked hard, and she was reading, she has not memorized the page.”

  “Thank you, Miss Anna. I’m going to keep doing it.” She hugged Anna fiercely.

  “Now, for the piéce dé résistance. Let’s go to the parlor. You too, Beulah.” She led Rebecca to the piano and sat with her on her lap. She said, “Now, Miss Rebecca will entertain us by playing the scales.” She whispered in Rebecca’s ear and said, “Just like you’ve been doing.” Rebecca went through do re me fa so la ti do perfectly. “Now, honey, take a bow.” Rebecca hopped down and bowed to her audience.

  Josiah hopped to his feet, clapping and saying, “Bravo, Bravo.” He grabbed his daughter and began dancing about the room. Anna quickly began playing to the rhythm of his dance. He put Rebecca down, and went to Beulah and said, “Dance with me.” Anna began playing Camptown Races while they danced about on the wooden floor.

  “My land, that was fun. Thank you Miss Anna and Mr Josiah,” Beulah said. Music had quickly become a part of the Moore household.

  The Moore family had gone to Cheyenne for supplies. Anna walked to the post office with Rebecca by her side. At the General Delivery window, she was given a letter. The answer from her mother had arrived. She was dismayed at the reaction of her father. Of course it was her mother’s fault Anna had left and the merger with Throckmorton had failed to go through. He didn’t understand how Anna could be so foolish to abandon the opportunity for a life of comfort and ease for such an unknown. Her mother said he had been livid and his rage had gone on for days. Anna’s name was not to be mentioned in his house.

  Without saying anything, Anna had handed the letter to Josiah who read it. “You see all I left behind to come marry you?” she asked. “Thank you for accepting my word and responding so quickly. I doubt I would be alive had you not answered so quickly.”

  “Honey, I’m so sorry. No daughter or son should ever have this kind of experience. I know ours won’t.” He hugged her tightly and said, “Let’s give our supplies list to Asa and have lunch at the cafe while he gets it together. It’s going to take a while since we have all of the things to stock the chuck wagon for the roundup.” In addition to the normal guard, he had with them, he had another wagon come in to help with the supplies. He gave the two cowboys money for meals and told them what time he would like to leave for the ranch.

  After lunch, the wagons were loaded, candy for Rebecca and Beulah had been purchased and they headed home. Josiah did not notice at first, Anna was weeping softly for the ordeal her mother was having to endure. When he did notice, he pulled her closer, and transferred the reins to one hand and hugged her tightly with his other arm. “I wish there was something we could do, Anna, I truly do.” She squeezed his arm and moved closer.

  “Thank you again, Josiah,” she said.

  CHAPTER 15: AN EMERGENCY

  Six months later…

  Beaulah put the plate with her breakfast in front of Anna. She looked at it, put her hand to her mouth and hurried to the back door. Josiah followed her. “What’s the matter?” he asked anxiously.

  “I think we may have tempted fate one too many times,” Anna said.

  “What do you mean? How did we tempt fate?”

  “Well, I’m about three weeks late, and that never happens. I am always right on the day expected. I think I’m with child. I know you wanted to wait, and I’m sorry. No, wait. I take that back. I wanted a baby and I am most certainly not sorry about that.”

  “Whooee! We’re going to have a baby. We’re going to have a baby,” he said.

  “You’re not upset?” she asked.

  “Upset? No I’m not upset. I love you and we’re going to have a baby. How could I be upset about that.”

  “Well, I know you’re not ready…” Tears welled in her eyes. “I know you love me and I love you, but that’s the first time you’ve told me so.”

  “Are you sure? I’m positive I’ve told you,” he said.

  “Not out loud, you haven’t,” she said.

  “Well, I do,” he said. He yelled aloud, “I love Anna. Is that loud enough for you?”

  “I’d rather you whisper it in my ear,” she said coyly.

  “We need to take you in to see the doctor to make sure everything is okay,” he said.

  The next day, they rode into Cheyenne. The doctor checked her over thoroughly and pronounced her healthy and gave her the usual precautionary warnings.

  Three months later…

  A sharp pain stabbed Anna just below the waist and awakened her. It was dark outside. She checked the clock and found it to be just after three o’clock. She rubbed the tender spot, but the pain wouldn’t go away. She sat up, but it was still painful. She tried to stand, but it was too much.

  She shook Josiah. Groggy from being awakened from a deep sleep, he asked, “What’s the matter, honey?”

  “I don’t know. I have a terrible pain in my side and I can’t get co
mfortable, and I almost fell when I tried to stand.”

  “Beaulah,” he yelled. No answer came. He went to the door and called out again. She came hurrying down the hall.

  “What’s the matter, Mr Josiah?” she asked.

  “It’s Anna. She’s in a lot of pain. It would take too long to ride in and get the doctor, I’m going to hitch up the buckboard and take her to the doctor. Will you stay with her?” he asked.

  “Yessir, I will but if you gone take her to town, I should go with you. Maybelle can look to Miss Rebecca.”

  “You’re right. I’m getting the wagon. Get some quilts to make a bed in the back and get Maybelle. Hurry!”