Maddie's Quest (Valentine Mail Order Bride 2)

by Trinity Bellingham

  Locking her door carefully behind her, Maddie went to see Mrs. O'Brien, partly from excitement but also to show her how quickly her fortunes had changed as a result of answering the advert.

  "Come on in dear and sit yourself down," she welcomed, indicating her kitchen table.

  "I've received an answer to my letter, see the telegram." She handed it over.

  "He doesn't waste words does he now?"

  "Well I suppose that's because it's a telegram and not a letter. I was a bit perturbed myself until I realized. But if I can do it, so can you. Please read through that paper and answer some adverts."

  "I'll think about it, but I can always be getting a job down at the sewing factory if I need to."

  Maddie continued. "I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow and I can't take my furniture with me so I'd like you to have it. There's an old armchair that would look fine by your fire there. And I've been stockpiling my firewood so there's quite a lot there if you are happy to take that as well."

  "And very welcome it will be too, dear. Say, do you have a traveling trunk? I've got one from when we came over from Ireland that's gathering dust and I'll never be using the thing again."

  "No, I don't and thought I'd have to buy one."

  "Well, consider it yours, my dear. Like a swap for the armchair if you will. Now one more thing I need to ask you. The sewing you do for Mr. Friedman, you won't be doing it anymore?"

  "No."

  "I used to do fine work like that when I was back in Ireland, but not since I've been here. Irish are not well regarded here as you might have noticed, so I never bothered asking about the fancy piecework like you do. We're good enough for the sweatshops, but nothing better. I was thinking maybe you could leave the pieces and materials with me and then when he comes, I'll give the completed work to him - tell him you're out. If it works, I could keep on doing it until something else comes along."

  Maddie smiled. "That's a good idea and the money is better than what you'd get at the factory. Let's do it."

  The women spent the remainder of the afternoon moving things and it wasn't long before Maddie was ready to think seriously about what she would take with her. Having the trunk made it easier too and she could use her quilts, sheets and pillow slips to wrap around her two precious china place settings, pretty lamps and china teapot. She could use her clothes to pad out the trunk and everything would be alright.

  She would need to write some letters to her friends too, explaining her abrupt departure and the whirlwind of things she hadn't had time to do. Mrs. O'Brien was as good as her word and her fancy needlework was immaculate so that Mr Friedman had no idea Maddie hadn't done it. The charity shop provided a thick winter coat that would last for many years to come in the freezing winters of Wyoming, as well as many other items she could cut down and remake. She would prove to Hank that she was a good investment.

  ~#~#~#~

  Leaving New York was a wrench and for the umpteenth time Maddie found herself wondering if she was doing the right thing. Sure it was starting to be unsafe where she lived but maybe she should have looked for somewhere else. The main reason she she chose to live in Queens was because there were farms where she could visit. Really, she could have found more suitable accommodation. "For the hundredth time Maddie, quit your worrying. Think about your husband to be instead."

  It took several hours in the train before she started to look forwards rather than backwards and she wondered what Hank would be like. His telegram was short, to the point of being abrupt and she hoped it was just the 'telegram style' that caused it and not a character flaw. The advert had more words in it and provided a few clues to what he was like. He must have liked her letter and hoped he felt she was a kind hearted, generous Christian woman.

  She wanted him to have a glimpse of who she was and how much she loved living on a farm. "Oh no, I forgot to tell him how much I love animals." Well, he'd soon find out. "I hope he doesn't have a great hairy mustache and a beard. That would be perfectly awful. And what if I don't like being married? I didn't think of that, but all women are supposed to like being married, right? So I will too. Maddie, stop with the worrying. God put you on this path, as well as this train so be grateful you have a future to look forward to."

  Maddie eventually found that if she focused on the world outside the train, she worried less and as the days passed, she noticed the environment was definitely more rural. There were less heavily populated towns and the distances between them grew longer. The towns were different too, simple and primitive compared to New York, but she immediately fell in love with the wide open skies, the mountain backdrop and seemingly endless open range covered in new spring grass that screamed out "you are in Wyoming."

  "Next stop Tipton, half an hour," called the conductor as he made his way through the carriages.

  Maddie tidied her hair and repined her hat, made sure her blouse was tucked in correctly, smoothed her wool skirt and matching coat. Her charity shop purchases assisted in creating an impression of a smart young woman, not classically beautiful, but attractive nonetheless who appeared to be in control of herself as she stepped from the train with her faithful carryall. "So this is Tipton, where I'll spend the rest of my life."

  A man approached her, neatly dressed and cleanly shaved. "Miss Maddie Burns? I'm Hank Shelby."

  He put out his hand and Maddie took it, shaking it in greeting. "How do you do Mr. Shelby. I'm very pleased to meet you."

  Neither of them knew what to say next because the brief handshake incited strange feelings in them both.

  "Want the trunk in your buggy out back of the telegraph office?" asked Jim who regularly delivered the mailbag.

  "Ah, yes, thank you," answered Hank who was recovering his composure.

  "Got a visitor to stay then?"

  "Not exactly, Jim. I'd like to introduce you to Miss. Madeline Burns who has done me the honor of agreeing to be my wife."

  Maddie liked Hank even more after that and after a few minutes exchanging pleasantries, he escorted her down the street to the church. Ten minutes later, she was married to him, for better or for worse.

  ~#~#~#~

  Chapter Four

  Maddie had a fine gold band on the ring finger of her left hand. "I'm married to a stranger. What am I supposed to do now?"

  "You make a beautiful bride Madelaine but I'm sure you must be feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm Rita Watson and this is my husband Robin. We own the mercantile up the street next to the telegraph office. You and Hank are coming with us because I've made you some lunch and it will give you a chance take everything in and get to know Hank a little."

  "Thank you, that would be wonderful Rita, but please call me Maddie." Rita reminded her of Mrs. O'Brien back in New York because of the gentle Irish lilt in her voice. It immediately put her at ease.

  They set off up the street, not walking quickly so that Maddie could become acquainted with the layout of the town. It was definitely as unlike New York as she could have possibly imagined. The street was not cobbled or paved so that it would alternate between mud and dust. That would take a little getting used to, but there was a sidewalk so it wouldn't matter too much.

  There was a bank, barber, doctor, mercantile, freight office, court house, church, school house, Sheriff's Office, Court House, a butcher and a livery, so plenty for the simple needs of a small community. They entered through the front of the mercantile and Maddie was impressed by the array of goods available and surmised she would do all her shopping here.

  "Come on through," invited Rita and you can rest up in here, so long as you don't mind being in the kitchen."

  "That's kind of you Rita. I admit I am tired from traveling and I am more than happy with being in the kitchen." Maddie sat in the chair she was offered and savored the aromas coming from the stove. She realized she was hungry. "Can I help you with anything, Rita?"

  "No, no, everything is all ready, you just relax now. Robin, why don't you pour us a celebratory drink, unless you'd al
l prefer tea?"

  "Tea would be wonderful, how about you Hank? Maddie asked her new husband.

  "Oh, yes... but do you have any coffee sitting back there on the stove?"

  "Coming right up. Maddie, drink this up and you'll start to feel a little better." Rita handed around tea and coffee before sitting down with Maddie, but the men looked a little awkward standing up.

  "Come and have a look at the new hardware that came the other day Hank. You might be need some for repairs to the cabin now the weather's starting to warm up." Robin lead the way out into the mercantile.

  Hank looked worried. "She looks a bit fancy, Robin. I'm worried she won't like the cabin with it being so run down. And she looks too good to be getting dirty around the farm."

  "Relax. She's not like your mother and I suspect those clothes are for traveling. Women like to look pretty on their wedding day and I'm sure she wanted to look her best for you."

  "You could be right."

  "I am right. She's a lovely young woman and I can tell already she's happy to be here. You need to take some some time and get to know each other. Don't judge all women by your mother Hank because most of them are not like that. Now lets go and have some lunch and then you can take your new bride home."

  ~#~#~#~

  Rita had a tureen of vegetables and a beef stew on the table along with some homemade bread and butter. "Come and sit with Maddie, Hank. We're about ready to eat and Robin, would you mind saying the blessing?"

  The men sat down and Robin thought for a moment before speaking. "Lord, we thank you for this food and the opportunity to share it with Maddie and Hank on their wedding day. Please help them to start their marriage with friendship, patience and understanding as they begin their journey together in your Grace. This meal is the first they will eat together as husband and wife and I humbly ask your blessing for it and for those of us who partake of it. Amen."

  "Now please help yourselves to everything and enjoy," said Rita as she sliced the loaf.

  Rita, as always, produced a tasty meal to the delight of everyone at the table. "It's a good thing you're here Maddie because I've been keeping Hank here fed as best I can since his grandmother died. I take him in a good meal next door every day for lunch, just so he has one decent meal a day."

  Maddie laughed. "Well I must be sure to get a list of his favorites from you then Rita, so he doesn't go hungry. What kind of stove do you have in the cabin, Hank?"

  "Well, I don't rightly know. It's a stove. Aren't they all the same?"

  Rita laughed this time. "No, but from what I can remember, it's smaller than this one here." She pointed behind her. "You'll figure it out by the time you've used it a few times and I'm guessing Hank, that you never threw out your grandmother's pots and pans, even though you never used them?"

  "That's right, but I don't know what to do with them, except for the fry pan."

  Everyone laughed. "Just like a man," said Rita. "At least you'll have something to cook with, even if you need to put the kitchen in order. For a wedding present, I've made up a box of groceries for you Maddie, just to get you started until you get yourself settled."

  "Oh, you are an Angel Rita. Thank you so much. After this feast I think something light will do us. Are your chickens good layers Hank? And the cow for some fresh milk?"

  Hank look abashed. "Well it's like this Maddie. I don't have any animals any more, and was hoping you could advise me on what I should get, but you look a bit fancy for that sort of thing."

  Maddie bridled. "There's nothing fancy about me Hank. I got my clothes from a charity shop in New York where rich ladies throw away their dresses for poor folks to have. They're in excellent condition so I remake them to suit me, just like what I'm wearing now. Everything I own is somebody else's cast off, and for the record, I've never owned anything new in my life."

  "It's alright Maddie. Hank doesn't know what he's talking about and I believe you owe your wife an apology, Hank." Rita was firm with him. "I'll put a couple of dozen eggs in my box for you, Maddie, and Hank, you need to go get some chickens and feed from Annie West first thing tomorrow."

  "But the coop's not mended yet."

  Maddie cut in. "I can mend it if you've got the makings."

  "I'll make up a box of things for a wedding present too, so there'll be plenty of makings Maddie. Hank needs a bit of direction sometimes, but he won't let you down, continued Robin."

  "I'm sorry Maddie. I've been living by myself for a couple of years since my grandmother died and she used to tell me what needed doing." Hank was embarrassed. "I guess I'm one of those men who need telling, all the time."

  Maddie felt a bit sorry for him. "It'll be fine Hank. We just need to get to know each other's ways. Rita, I think we might make a move, if that's OK, so I can check out the stove out at the farm."

  "That's a wonderful idea Maddie. Robin, now might be the time for you to make up your wedding box. You two newlyweds need to sort out your home, I think."

  "You've made me feel so welcome Rita, I feel like I'll be right at home here in Tipton. Thank you so much and I'm looking forward to meeting more folks, maybe at church on Sunday."

  Robin and Hank placed the boxes of supplies on the floor of the buggy before bidding Maddie and Hank a fond farewell, hoping Hank could leave off comparing Maddie to his mother. No marriage needed that. Ever.

  ~#~#~#~

  For once, Hank wished it took more than than ten minutes to get home. He needed to set things straight with Maddie before they got home and she saw the state of the cabin he loved. Two things were painfully clear to him though; he didn't know anything about women and Maddie didn't like him. Not the best way to start out, especially when she didn't know about the poor state of the cabin. "I just hope she understood when I told her that I'm more helpful about these things if someone tells me what to do."

  For her part, Maddie could feel the despondency emanating in waves from Hank and was trying to think of something to say to lighten the tension between them. She liked him but it was clear he was not happy with her. Too citified for his liking. Well she'd show him nothing could be further from the truth. But first it was important they could talk to each other as friends. There was no way she could go back to New York and face the consequences of having made the wrong decision. She'd been so sure that marrying Hank and moving to Wyoming was the right thing for her.

  She said the first thing that came into her head. "It's so beautiful out here, Hank. I love it already and can see why you do too."

  "You do?" He sounded surprised.

  "Why wouldn't I? It's beautiful, so open and the sky goes on forever. Look at the mountains in the distance. They're majestic but I bet it's still snowy up there. I'm glad you live down here."

  "You are?"

  "Yes. It would be a lot further to go to town and so much colder in the winter. But in the summer it would be great to go there."

  "Well I'd be pleased to take you, but maybe after we do some fixing at the farm. I'm so glad you like the country out here. Some women find the open spaces sets their nerves on edge."

  "I think it's beautiful."

  They were silent for a couple of minutes when Maddie felt the need to broach the subject of the farm but without making Hank feel bad. "So the farm has been in your family for a while then Hank?"

  "Sure has. My grandparents settled out here when land grants started being given out and they wouldn't have changed it for the world. They had to work hard and go without plenty for the first five years or so, but they made it. The farm supported them and they were happy. I spent school holidays out here and I can't think of a better place to live. When the telegraph service posted me to Tipton I moved in with my grandmother. She left it to me when she died."

  "She sounds like a special woman. You know, I wouldn't want to fix things so that everything she worked for is gone. Maybe you could help me with that?"

  "Yes, yes I will. But I must tell you Maddie, the cabin is old and doesn't have any modern conveniences,
but I love it just the same. I have to admit though, it's been a lot worse since I've been on my own."

  "We can work on it together, Hank. Make a plan and slowly put things to rights."

  Another couple of minutes passed in silence, then Hank hesitantly mentioned, "We're almost there."

  Once last bend in the track took them towards a cabin, set back from the main track aways and the scene that greeted Maddie was worse than she imagined. She swallowed a few times and then said to Hank. "Well, here we are then."

  ~#~#~#~

  Chapter Five

  "I'll be honest with you Hank. It's worse than I expected, but not beyond fixing. Can we walk around the cabin before I go inside?"

  "Sure, if it helps you get your bearings. "Gran used to let the chickens wander around the dooryard but the fence fell down in a storm and I forgot to put them in the coop so they ran away."

  Maddie tried to hide her smile, but failed.

  "What's so funny?"

  "The thought of the chickens running away because you forgot to put them in the coop. What happened to the cow?"

  "She wandered away too, because I didn't tether her properly." This time it was Hank who smiled. "My mother always told me I was useless."

  Maddie was appalled. "Well I don't think you're useless, but I think we can work on teaching you a few tricks to avoid such mishaps in the future. You know, I'd love to plant out some flowers around the cabin. Looks like there were some beds here one time."

  "Gran had the flowers. She was a great one for trying to make things pretty where she could."

  They made it to the back of the cabin and Maddie was surprised to see the back door unattached to the cabin.

  "I haven't got around to fixing that yet."

  "Must have been cold during the winter," surmised Maddie, no longer surprised by her discoveries.

  "Yes it was. I nailed a blanket over it when it was really cold and it kept the wind out."