by Cyndi Raye
She lifted a small bar of soap to her nose, sniffing the rose scent and closing her eyes in ecstasy. Had she died and gone to heaven? Enjoying this, she worked the water and soap through her hair, rinsing it the best she was able with the small amount of water in the basin. It wasn’t like submerging herself in the stream at the park where she’d go to bath as an orphan, but at least she had sweet smelling soap.
After taking a long time bathing and enjoying every single moment, Naomi opened the carpet bag and pulled out her beautiful dress. The nice woman who ran the matrimony agency in New York gave it to her, insisting if she were to present herself as a lady of means then she’d need new clothes.
Naomi was used to wearing one dress for a long, long time. Years ago, while younger, she had even consorted to wearing boys trousers and jackets, stuffing her hair underneath a hat to hide from the vultures who looked for young girls to kidnap from the streets. Those days were over, thank you Lord!
She wanted desperately to leave her ragged dress behind but knew it had to be cleaned and brought along for the times her new one needed laundered. Staring at herself in the one small mirror above the dresser, Naomi wondered if she were truly able to pull this off. Why did it matter where she came from as long as she was able to be a good wife? Maybe she should be honest with her new husband instead of starting out a marriage with lies.
Except the lady at the matchmaking office said it would be better for her if she at least acted as if she were from good breeding. Otherwise, he may send her away without any means to come back. Naomi wondered if the matchmaker realized she was used to being rejected, to living on the streets. But she wanted this one chance to have a home where she belonged, so she went along with the lies.
Taking a deep breath and a last look in the mirror, Naomi made her way downstairs to where a few renters were already having breakfast.
“Welcome, Miss Van-Walker.”
Naomi smiled. “I’m terribly sorry I’m late for breakfast. I also apologize for not being at the table yesterday for supper. I sat down on my bed and fell asleep instantly.”
Miss Addie gave her a knowing look. “Most travelers almost always miss their first meal. It’s a tiresome ride.”
“I didn’t mind the ride at all.”
“Well, have a seat and help yourself.”
Naomi sat down, picking up a napkin and placing it across her lap. She wanted to tuck it into the neckline of her dress but after reading the book at the library called True Politeness, A Handbook of Etiquette for Ladies, she knew her napkin was to be placed on her lap. It was oddly stupid she thought. How was she going to protect her beautiful dress from stains on her bodice? Her mouth was up top not on her lap!
After staring at a platter of beautiful, round flapjacks that made her want to drool, she heard Miss Addie’s voice in the background but didn’t know what she had said.
Naomi hated turning away from the delicious looking fare. “I’m sorry, would you repeat that?” She forced herself to look away and pay attention.
Miss Addie tilted her head. “You may help yourself. Charles, can you please pass the pancakes to Miss Van-Walker?”
The man across from her picked up the plate and held it out. Instead of taking the platter, Naomi reached across with her hand and picked up two flapjacks, placing them on her plate.
When she looked at the man to say thank you, his eyes went wide and his mouth hung open. He cleared his throat. “Uh, very well, then.” Setting the plate down, he excused himself and left the table as if in a hurry.
Too late, Naomi realized what she had done. Miss Addie had an amused look on her face but didn’t mention the fact she had just made a big mistake. So used to grabbing for food, even in some of the soup kitchens in New York, Naomi was so hungry she had reacted like an urchin. Like the homeless poor girl she was.
Filled with dread, she tried to act as if she hadn’t just used her hands to pick up food. Instead, she picked up the pitcher of syrup and commenced to dribble it over flapjacks she ,desperately longed to devour.
Using the fork and knife, Naomi tried to be delicate and picked up a small piece, inserting it in her mouth. The delectable flapjack melted in her mouth, its buttermilk taste causing her to moan out loud. A chuckle beside her made her look over to see a young man nodding his head. “They are delicious, aren’t they?” he added, then got up and left the table.
After the first bite, Naomi didn’t care about etiquette any longer. She dribbled even more syrup on the cakes and shovelled them in her mouth like a starved animal. At one point, her cheeks were full until she chewed and swallowed the whole lot.
When her own plate was empty, she glanced at the flapjacks left on the platter in the center of the table, oblivious to anyone watching her. When she finally looked around, she realized everyone had gone except for Miss Addie who sat at the head of the table with a bemused look on her face.
“I’m sorry, I ate like a vulture.” She had seen how vultures ate dead carcasses many times in her homeless days and knew she was acting exactly like them.
Miss Addie set the cup down on her lacy tablecloth. “You are not from 5th Avenue, are you Miss Van-Walker?”
Dread reared its ugly head. It was obvious her ruse was up. Now what would she do, where would she go? She hadn’t even made it to the Young Farm yet! Naomi was a failure. Her shoulders slumped. “Am I that terrible an actress?”
Miss Addie nodded. “I’m afraid so, dear. Although, I can read people much more clearly than most. Your new husband may take you at your word, but I’ve been to 5th Avenue and know better.” She studied Naomi for quite some time. “Now, we don’t have much time. Finish up. You may have the last of the flapjacks before we head out to the mercantile.”
“Wait, what do you mean?”
Miss Addie checked the time. “Your future husband will be here at four this afternoon to take you to your new life. I suggest you come along with me because we have some work to do. Your dress is beautiful but you will need a hat, which I am assuming you do not own?”
“No, ma’am.” Was there hope she may pull this off?
“Just as I thought.”
“Why would you help me deceive someone?” Who was this woman who saw right through her?
The older woman steepled her fingers together on the table. “Miss Van-Walker, I’ve been around for a long time. If there is one thing to learn here in Wichita Falls and the surrounding area, the people here love second chances. This town is built for those who want to leave their past behind and start over. I don’t know your story but I am certain you want a new life or you would never have agreed to become a mail order bride. This is the place to make it happen. We take care of each other here. You will see.”
Naomi never in her life had someone say these things to her. She had thought she’d be alone even in her quest to start over and make a new life for herself.
To be someone of importance.
Even to find love. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” The biggest issue going through Naomi’s mind was trusting someone other than herself.
Miss Addie seemed to read her mind. It was perplexing. “Your secret is safe with me. Unless you purposely hurt someone, I will leave it up to you to be honest and you will know the right time to come clean.”
Naomi nodded. “I will come clean, I promise.”
Miss Addie stood, nodding to a young lady who entered through the back door. “We will be gone for a few hours, Angelica. Would you mind clearing the dishes?”
Angelica waved them off. “You go on, Miss Addie. There is no reason for you to ever have to do dishes, that’s why I am here.”
“It’s a lovely thought, Angelica, but I’ve been working since the day I opened this place. I won’t have it any other way.”
Angelica turned and smiled. “Not unless you marry that handsome fellow you’ve been courting.”
Miss Addie picked up her hat from the rack, placing it on her head. “Come along, dear. I’m not indulging this y
oung woman any longer.”
Naomi longed for the type of relationship the two ladies had, bantering back and forth like sisters. She hugged herself, realizing she was in a good place. If it weren’t for the good Lord above keeping an eye on her, Naomi wouldn’t be here to witness their bantering. She’d make sure to be grateful for whatever came next.
The next two hours were spent at the mercantile as they went shopping. Going through a rack of ready made dresses, Naomi thought those were the only kind there was until Miss Addie explained most people stitched their own or had them made to fit.
“In due time, you can learn how to sew your own clothes.”
“I know how to tie a knot and stitch but I’ve never sewed my own clothes,” Naomi told her. “I’d be willing to learn. I want to be a good wife who can sew, cook and take care of a family.” The only gift she had was surviving on the street. She wasn’t sure that was helpful here.
“I’ll teach you to sew. Every Tuesday afternoon, if you can, I’ll put away some time for you. If you don’t show up next Tuesday, I’ll know you have no interest in learning.”
“I promise to be here. I want to learn.”
“Good. Gather your dresses and add this wide-brimmed hat to your pile. This is my treat. You will need something to keep the sun out of your eyes.”
Naomi picked out a gingham day dress, along with a striped taffeta day dress with Miss Addie’s approval. The hat would be perfect for her wedding day, it matched the dress she had on.
As they made their way back to the boarding house to wait on the buggy that was to come pick her up, Naomi began to get nervous. Was she able to pull this off? She glanced at Miss Addie, an older woman who seemed to know every single person in town. Why was this woman of means helping her? Did she have a motive? Naomi wasn’t used to anyone offering her a helping hand without wanting something in return.
Life on the streets made a person not trust, period. Even those who had promised to help had a motive. One time in the city, a grocer had caught her going through a trash can out back and threatened jail. Then, he changed his mind and told her to come back on Saturday and he’d give her free food that was left over from the week. She had gone each Saturday for a few weeks until one time he tried to put his hands all over her.
Luckily, she had street smarts and got away, taking a heel to his knee. She learned her lesson that day, never to trust anyone, especially those who were being nice. They always wanted something.
Yet, she didn’t have the same feeling with Miss Addie. In a way, it was easy to let her guard down with the older woman. Of course, she’d never been in a town so far removed from the big city before either. She wanted to trust the woman, but still, she had to be careful and not let her guard down. Even though the woman walking beside her had offered to help, Naomi was certain that sooner or later, she’d want something.
At the boarding house, Miss Addie turned to her. “We’ll have tea and a sewing class next Tuesday. Will Tuesday suit you?”
Naomi worried her bottom lip. “I don’t know. You sure are helpful for someone who doesn’t know anything about me.” There, she said what was on her mind. May as well get it off her chest right now.
Miss Addie laughed. It was a genuine, hearty laugh. She turned to Naomi. “I have faith you will always do the right thing and that includes telling your husband-to-be the truth about your past. If you wish to practice on me, I’m all ears.”
“There’s not much to say, really. Since you’ve already figured me out, I’ll be honest. My home has been the streets of New York City. A few months ago I was picked up by truant officers and placed in St. Catherine’s Orphanage but when I turned eighteen they sent me right back into the streets. That’s when I decided I wanted something more.”
Miss Addie nodded. “I figured as much. Don’t be hard on yourself. Let’s get your clothes put away. I have something for you for your travels to the Young Farm.”
She followed the older woman to her room, where Miss Addie pulled down a rather handsome carpetbag from the shelf. “This is for you, leave the other one in the room and I will discard it. No one will ever believe your story if you carry that worn out bag.”
Her gift brought tears to Naomi’s eyes. She was hardly able to conceal them. “I’m not sure why you are being so kind to me, but, thank you.”
Miss Addie nodded, embracing the young lady. “You will learn, Miss Van-Walker, that I care about everyone who comes through my doors. Now, get your things together, your groom-to-be will be here in less than an hour.”
She was right. Naomi glanced at the clock on the wall. Time was ticking away. She hurried up to her room, taking one long glance at it and began to fold her beautiful dresses. Pulling out her copy of the Ladies Etiquette book, she shoved it between two dresses in the new bag. This book was pure gold and she needed it for guidance since she had no clue how a real lady should behave. Perhaps in due time she’d tell her husband where she really came from. Today, her top priority was getting through the next few hours.
<><>
“I believe an angel fell from heaven.”
No one answered him. It was because he was alone, in the buggy, sitting in front of Miss Addie’s boarding house staring at his bride-to-be. When she walked through the front door and stood on the porch, his mouth fell open in surprise. Russell closed it but he blinked twice. How’d he get so lucky?
Clearly, he had misjudged his two mothers and their ability to find him a mail order bride he wouldn’t dislike. The woman standing there was waiting for him.
Him.
A simple farm boy who wasn’t real interested in a wife.
Until now.
With strands of thick blonde hair flowing from under a wide-brimmed hat, he wanted to tear it off her head and run his fingers through her hair. She wore a beautiful dress that brought out the color of her eyes, and he noticed her smile seemed genuine. He was expecting a snooty, uppity city girl.
It was when she looked up and he was able to look into her eyes that he fell, hard. She drew him in like no other had ever done. Without another thought, he got out of the buggy and made his way to the front porch, desperate to get closer to this beautiful woman.
Taking off his hat, he turned away for a split second to nod to Miss Addie who stood by her side. “Ma’am.”
His eyes went right back to those blue orbs. What did it matter if she were some spoiled rich girl? He wanted her. For his wife. Today. The pull was so strong it startled Russell. Had he been out on the farm too long?
No.
There were a few women from church that were always sweet on him but he never wanted any of them like he wanted Miss Van-Walker. Without her even saying a word, he knew she was the one.
How did this happen?
“Mr. Young?” The older woman’s voice sounded amused.
He had been blatantly staring into Miss Van-Walker’s deep blue depths. She stared right back, her eyes bold. Her smile genuine.
He straightened, crushing the brim of his hat between two fingers. “Forgive me, I’m simply astounded by your beauty.”
She simply smiled at him.
“Hello,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.
A red blush began to work its way to her pale cheeks. Maybe he was being too forward. He held out a hand in an attempt to smooth things over. “I’m Russell Young. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Mr. Young. A pleasure for me as well.” She attempted to remove her hand from his when he realized he had her hand encased in his own.
Reluctantly, he let it go. Holding out his arm, he grinned. “Well, we may as well get to the church. Let me escort you there.”
His bride-to-be took a step back, gazing at Miss Addie. Was she afraid? Of him?
Miss Addie quickly moved to her side. “It’s your moment,” she told her, giving her a hug. “I’ll come along and witness the nuptials.”
When the older woman offered support, it prompted Miss Van-Walker to take his arm. The three of them s
trolled along the street of Wichita Falls, entering the church as if they were going to a Sunday morning meeting. Several people were crossing the street, making their way to work or to the local café while Russell was about to be wed. No one noticed it was a big day for him and his bride to be.
Not that he cared. He was about to marry the most beautiful woman on earth. She had a smile that made him weak in the knees and her eyes, they looked into his soul as if she knew every aspect of him.
How in the world did he get so lucky?
Maybe this mail-order-bride stuff wasn’t as bad as he originally thought.
Chapter 3
It was time to be the sophisticated city girl she claimed to be from the letter she made up at the matchmaker agency in New York City. Naomi had tried to mimic some of the actions of the well-dressed ladies she remembered from the front of the theatre. Many nights she watched them, observing from a hiding spot in the alley across the street.
Now, she moved her hands the same way they had and it seemed to be working until she lifted her chin a bit too far in the air like she had seen the fancy ladies do, causing her wide-brimmed hat to flap back and forth in the gentle wind.
“Whoa there,” Russell murmured. If he hadn’t grabbed the rim, the poor hat would be tumbling down the street.
“Oh!” She righted the hat as best as she could, then behaved as if it hadn’t ever happened. Trying to recall instructions on how to react from the Ladies Etiquette book, she hoped to have behaved correctly.
Miss Addie daintily coughed beside her, indicating she was not. When Naomi glanced over, the older woman mouthed the words thank you and nodded towards her husband-to-be.
With a deep sigh, she realized the instructions she recalled were for something else completely. The rules and regulations were so mixed up in her head right now. She was certain it had to do with her nerves.