He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. He’d have a new family before Christmas. They’d arrive on the twelfth of December. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for his sweet Merry, because that trip would not be comfortable with two small children. He wished there was a way he could help her, but he knew there wasn’t.
As he rode back out to the ranch, he smiled to himself. He’d gotten a woman to agree to come to Montana to marry him. In less than a month he’d be a husband and a father to two small children. He had no worries over whether he’d make a good father, because he knew he would. It was the right time for him to marry, so obviously, he’d be good at it.
He’d do everything he could to make the children feel welcome.
*****
Merry was in the room that had been designated as her workshop, which was adjacent to Elizabeth’s office. She looked up at the knock on the door, expecting to see the maid, Louise, who had been assigned to watch the children. Louise couldn’t figure out how to please Adelaide, who still cried often for her mother, so she frequently asked Merry for advice.
Instead, Elizabeth stood in front of her, holding up a letter. “He responded?” Merry felt her heart drop into her stomach. She didn’t know if she wanted to snatch the letter from her friend in eagerness to leave, or never read it, so she never had to face the unknown with the children.
She walked to her friend and took the letter from her, carefully opening it and sinking into her work chair to read it. As soon as she opened it, money fell out, along with a check made out to Elizabeth.
Merry handed her friend the check and read the letter, trying to still her nerves. It wasn’t like she was meeting him yet, and obviously, if he’d sent money, he wasn’t rejecting her.
Dear Merry,
I’d be delighted to have you as my bride. You sound like the exact sort of woman I’m looking for. I’ve included two train tickets, one for you and one for your niece. I understand the baby will be fine sitting on your lap.
I wish I could find a way to make the journey easier for you, but I cannot take the time from my ranch to come out there to return with you. I wish I could. I would do it in a heartbeat.
I will be in Mistletoe on the twelfth at two in the afternoon to collect you and the children. I look forward to meeting you. It will be nice to not have to spend Christmas alone.
Yours,
Clyde
Merry smiled at her friend, feeling lost. She’d started a snowball down a hill, and as it gained traction, she became more and more nervous about it. “It looks like I’ll be leaving here on the second.” The date was printed on her ticket very clearly, and she knew it was the second, but it still felt odd to say it.
Elizabeth blinked. “The second? That’s only three days away! We have a lot to do to get you ready! How many dresses are finished?”
They’d decided to have Merry’s dresses made by a seamstress in town, so she wouldn’t have to take time away from her work to make them. She was happy with the work the maids had done on clothing for little Adelaide and Joseph. “Everything is finished. We don’t have much, because of the fire, so it’s just a matter of packing what we do have.” Merry frowned. “My only worry is the journey alone with two small children.”
Elizabeth frowned. “I hadn’t thought of that aspect of it.” She thought for a moment, before sticking one finger in the air triumphantly. “I know! My sister, Charlotte, can go with you to help with the children.”
“Charlie? She’s part of the demon horde!” Elizabeth’s younger brothers and sisters, all nine of them, had been referred to as the demon horde for years.
Elizabeth sighed. “Yes, she is, but she’s out of school now, and she’s been a real help to my mother. She’s grown up a great deal.”
“Do you really think she’ll help me instead of getting in the way?”
“Absolutely! I wouldn’t have suggested her as a traveling companion otherwise. She wants to see the world before she settles down, so I think she’d be very happy with a free trip to Montana. I’ll even pay her way.”
Merry shook her head emphatically. “You will not! If she’s going with me, I’m paying. I’m the one who needs help with the children, not you. I have the money saved, and it doesn’t sound like Clyde is short of funds.”
Elizabeth bit her lip, obviously wanting to help. “All right. I’ll send Bernard out with a letter for my mother to see if Charlie wants to go. I do think she’ll be ecstatic at the mere idea.”
Merry nodded. “I’m going to finish up the last of the ornaments that I have orders for before leaving. I’ve already talked to the postmistress about all of my letters being forwarded should I decide to leave town.”
“Sounds good. I’ll go write that letter and you paint. You’re leaving in three days!” Elizabeth frowned. “I’m just sorry you’ll need to work on the Sabbath.”
Merry shrugged. “The world won’t end. God understands when we’re in a rush to get everything done before we travel across the entire country to marry a total stranger.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I have a feeling He does.” She hurried from the room to take care of her tasks.
By supper time, Bernard had returned from his errand with Charlotte Miller in tow. She’d already packed and decided to come early so she could help with anything that needed to be done before the trip.
After supper, Charlie and Merry sat down to plan out their adventure. “I’d appreciate it if you would pack the children’s things while I continue to work to get myself ready. Make sure you leave out everything they’ll need before the trip.”
Charlie nodded. “Yes, of course. I look forward to getting to know them.”
“Addy is still very traumatized about losing her mother. When she mentions her, or cries for her, kindly remind her that her mother is sleeping in heaven now. It’s the only thing that seems to calm her. Joey doesn’t seem to have noticed anything happened. He’s the same happy child he’s always been. He’s content if his diaper is dry and he’s allowed to crawl everywhere.”
Charlie smiled. “I have a lot of experience with small children.”
“I know you do. You come from a huge family.” Merry paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “I was nervous about having one of the demon horde travel with me, but I really do need the help. I hope you’re ready for this kind of responsibility.”
“I am. It’s my younger siblings who make up the demon horde now. You never know. I might find a young man in Montana and never return.”
“That would be nice,” Merry responded. She was surprised to find that she liked the other girl. Charlotte had been a couple of grades behind her in school, and as far as Merry had seen, she’d been one of the worst of the Miller children. She was different now. Calmer.
“I’ll be the best traveling companion you ever dreamed of having. I promise!” Charlie jumped up and paced back and forth. “I’ll get the children packed, and I have a good hand with a paint brush if you need help with ornaments as well.”
Merry was surprised at the offer. She considered for a moment before shaking her head. “I appreciate it, but I feel like people have paid for my work, so that’s what they should get.”
Charlie nodded. “I understand. I’m going to go get started packing!”
Merry smiled at the enthusiasm, walking to her workroom to get back to it. There were still several ornaments that needed to be finished before she felt like she could leave to go to Montana.
*****
Just after noon on the twelfth of December, Clyde hitched up the sleigh to drive to the train station. The snow from the recent storm was deeper than he could go through using the buggy, so the sleigh would be the only way.
He was excited to meet his new bride and had arranged for their wedding to take place an hour after her arrival. He’d made arrangements with Colin and Doreen Murphy for her to get cleaned up at their home before the wedding. He couldn’t believe that in a few short hours, he’d be married and the father of two chil
dren.
When he arrived in town, it was still half an hour before the train was supposed to arrive. The day was much too cold for him to wait out in the open, so he wandered into the mercantile to talk to Colin Murphy. “Thanks for letting my new family get ready for the wedding at your place. I really do appreciate it.”
“Are you ready for this? It’s a lot of responsibility to take on not only a wife but two young ‘uns all at once.”
Clyde shrugged. “It’s time. I’m more than ready. I should probably get them each a welcome gift, though, shouldn’t I?”
He wandered around the store, finding a soap that smelled of roses that he thought would be perfect for Merry. Now to find something for the children.
“I have a new wooden train in. It might be nice for the boy!” Colin called, not leaving his spot behind the counter.
“Where is it?”
“With the other toys, along the back wall.”
Clyde found the toy train and picked it up, checking to see if there were small pieces. He’d heard that children stuck everything in their mouths, and he didn’t want to be responsible for the boy choking. Buying him another gift on top of the ones in the boy’s new room at his home, might be overdoing it a bit, but at least the family would feel welcomed.
Then his eyes fell on a doll. He picked it up, smoothing the long blond hair. The silk dress was pink and she wore tiny little white leather shoes. Yes, this would be perfect for his new little girl. She’d been through a lot, losing both parents at such a young age, so he needed her to feel wanted. Already he worried about the boys that would someday come to court his daughter. He’d hold them off with a rifle if he needed to.
He took the three purchases to the counter. “Should I buy her some supplies as well?” He looked at Colin with wide eyes. How was he supposed to know what a wife would want?
“Have you been taking your meals with the boys in the bunkhouse?” Colin asked.
Clyde nodded. “Yeah, I don’t have much in the way of food in the house.”
“I’ll put together a box of the basics for you then, and put it on your account. When ladies come in here setting up household for the first time, they all get the same things.”
“Sounds good. I hope she doesn’t mind cooking for a bit. I haven’t hired a cook yet, and I offered to do that. I know she runs her own business, so she’s going to want to have more time than cooking and cleaning will allow her to have.”
Colin shrugged. “I’m sure she’ll be fine with it until you can hire someone. You have anyone in mind?”
Clyde shrugged. “No idea. I’m sure there’s got to be some young lady needing a job around town though.”
Colin didn’t respond as he quickly gathered things to put into a box for his friend. “I’ll put the box in your sleigh during the wedding. You can pick it up on your way home. Go meet your new family. It’s time!”
Clyde pulled his watch from the pocket of his suit that was usually only worn on Sundays. It really was time. He took a deep breath and walked across the street, carrying the three gifts for his new family. Hopefully, they’d be happy with them.
Chapter Three
Clyde stood at the edge of the train platform, watching as a few people got off the train. This was only a whistle stop, so only the people who would actually stay there in Mistletoe would be getting off.
His eyes stayed on the door as an older gentleman got off, then a middle-aged mother with two teens. Finally, a young lady with flowing blond hair climbed off, holding the hand of a little girl, followed by a woman with fiery red hair, holding a baby.
The second woman must be her. She’d said she had red hair. He’d imagined more of a strawberry blond, but this woman had hair a deep shade of red. She stood looking out over the few people who were gathered, and he could feel her gaze when it landed on him. He gave a slight nod and strode forward, wondering if the blonde was with her, and if not, where Adelaide was.
He walked to her and stared into her eyes, surprised at how pretty she was. Why would such a pretty lady want to travel so far to become a mail order bride? It didn’t make sense to him, but it wasn’t his job to make sense of anything. It was his job to accept his new family.
“I’m Clyde.” He said the words as if he were announcing something and immediately wished he could start over. First impressions were so important.
A small smile tilted the woman’s lips. “I’m Merry. This is Joseph.” She put her hand on the shoulder of the little girl. “This is Adelaide.”
“It’s nice to meet you all,” he said. He looked at the blond woman and when no one offered an explanation, he blurted out his questions. “Who’re you?”
“I’m Charlotte, but everyone just calls me Charlie. I came along with Merry as her traveling companion to help with the children.”
He was surprised by the answer, nodding after a moment. “It’s nice to meet you, Charlie.”
“I’m the matchmaker’s younger sister.”
“I see.” He didn’t mind that she was there, exactly, but it did seem strange to him. Shouldn’t he have been consulted? Was he expected to pay for her train fare?
Merry smiled at him, distracting him from Charlie. “Charlie’s going to stay for a week or so before heading home to Massachusetts. She’s never been out of the state, and wanted to come with me. She’s been a godsend.”
Clyde finally nodded. “Thank you for being willing to help out.”
“Of course. I’ll stay as long as I’m needed as well.”
He nodded. “I’ve arranged for you to get cleaned up before the wedding, which is going to take place in a little less than an hour.”
Merry nodded, smiling. “That sounds wonderful. After ten days on a train, I’d do anything to be clean.”
“The owner of the mercantile and his wife have said you could get ready there.” He looked down at the gifts in his hand. “Oh, and I got everyone gifts.” He gave Joseph the train he was holding, and the boy immediately stuck it into his mouth as he’d expected.
Then he knelt down so he was eye-level with Adelaide. “I got you a doll. Do you like dolls.”
She nodded, her face very serious. “Yes, thank you.” She took the doll from him, staring at her. “I’ll take good care of her.”
He smiled, happy to have found the right gift for the girl, before standing up straight to give Merry the bar of soap. “My gift for you is more personal. I hope you like the smell of roses.”
She nodded, taking it from him. “Thank you, Clyde.”
He led them across the platform to the Murphys’ house, knocking hard on the door. Mrs. Murphy opened it immediately. “Come in! We’ve been expecting you! I’m Doreen Murphy. I have a tub of water all ready.” She looked between the two ladies. “How many wives does one rancher need?”
Charlie grinned. “I’m just the traveling companion, ma’am. I came along to help with the babies.”
“I see. Well, let’s get everyone cleaned up.” Mrs. Murphy made a shooing motion with her hand. “Go get their things loaded on your sleigh. They’re mine for the next hour.”
As soon as he was gone, Merry smiled gratefully. “Can I let the baby lie down for a bit? He hasn’t had his nap yet.”
“Of course!” Mrs. Murphy reached out and took Joseph from her. “I have a bath set up in the kitchen. I won’t let anyone in the house, and I barred the door to keep even my husband out. You get your bath, and I’ll see to the children.” She reached a hand down to take Adelaide’s hand, and took both of the children into another room.
Merry looked at Charlie. “Do you mind if I bathe first?”
“I’ll wait until tonight to bathe. You’re the one getting married, so you go ahead. I’ll help you with your hair when you’re done.”
Merry nodded. Normally she would have given up the right to go first, but Charlie was correct. It was her wedding night and she did need to look, and smell her best. She carefully unwrapped the soap and set it on the edge of the tin tub. “I sure hop
e Clyde has a big bathtub.” She sighed. What did it matter if the man had a big tub? He was big, almost frighteningly so. Would she be able to submit to him?
After she’d bathed, Charlie fixed her hair into an intricate style, and she quickly pulled on the dress she’d brought for the wedding. It was more wrinkled than she would have liked, but she had no other choices at the moment.
Just as they were finishing, Mrs. Murphy came hurrying into the room. “I got the children cleaned up as best I could. We can’t really waste any more time. We’re already five minutes late for the wedding.”
*****
Clyde stood at the front of the congregation at the schoolhouse, trying to be still. The church was closed because it was being used as an infirmary, but he wouldn’t feel any less married if the ceremony was performed in a schoolhouse than he would in a church. He was a man of action and not moving was difficult for him. He checked his watch for the fifth time in as many minutes, before looking at Pastor Bart Nichols. “I hope she didn’t decide not to go through with it!”
“Women take their time getting ready for weddings. Don’t you worry. She’ll be here.”
“I hope so.” Clyde could see his former love, Miss Margery Dalrymple, staring at him from the third pew back. She was holding her baby and sitting awfully close to her husband. Clyde didn’t much care about who saw him get left at the altar, as long as Margery Dalrymple Black wasn’t one of them.
When the door at the back of the school opened, and he saw Charlie walk in with the children, he drew a deep breath of relief. She was coming. She wouldn’t have sent Charlie and the children ahead if she wasn’t.
Mrs. Murphy walked in, sitting beside Charlie. He assumed she was going to help with the children if they became unruly. He certainly hoped his new children would never be unruly. He frowned at the thought. He’d have to talk to Merry about that later, and get an idea of how well behaved the children were.
Mail Order Merry (Brides of Beckham Book 19) Page 2