Christmas Miracles: Mega Mail Order Bride 20-Book Box Set: Multi-Author Box Set

by Jenny Creek Tanner

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. May,” Beth mumbled, brushing her hair out of her eyes with an embarrassed swipe. “I’m not being disruptive, am I?”

  “Of course not. Now don’t be silly, Dear.” Patsy May held up the mug with a smile. “I thought you might want a drink. You look frozen.”

  Beth nearly melted. The owner of the boarding house she had moved into just two days before had been a Godsend. The woman had taken her under her wing and looked after her like she was one of her own daughters. She was always making a point of checking on Beth, and Beth was grateful for Patsy’s help.

  After what she had been through before she came to Patsy, Beth needed it.

  “Thank you.”

  She took the mug and sighed as her fingers began to instantly warm, drawing the heat through the ceramic. Taking a sip felt like tasting heaven. Even for the middle of October the weather in Baltimore was very cold, and Beth was appreciative of anything to keep her warm. It didn’t help, either, that the fireplace where she was sitting was in a draft and whenever someone opened the door a cold blast of air shot across the foyer and got her shivering all over again.

  Patsy disappeared for a moment, returning with a blanket. She draped it across Beth’s lap, patting her knee affectionately before settling into the chair opposite, easing down with a sigh. Beth managed a smile.

  “Long day?”

  “You have no idea. My knees are going to give out if I stand up for much longer.” Patsy rubbed at her eyes and gave Beth a soft smile. “What are you thinking about, love?”

  Patsy had also been a good listener. She had taken one look at Beth’s tearstained face when Beth arrived two days before with nowhere to go and no money and had brought her inside. Beth had poured out her heart for three hours, and Patsy let her. It was as if an instant bond had been formed between them. Beth couldn’t remember having a relationship like this with her own mother who had been a cold, distant woman. As soon as Beth was sixteen, she had been kicked out of the house. Her stepfather hadn’t been interested in having a teenaged stepdaughter around, and her father had long passed so, effectively, Beth was on her own.

  So, Patsy’s love and attention were more than welcome. Beth needed it right now.

  Beth sighed and cupped the mug close to her chest, settling back as she looked at the fire. The flames flared a beautiful blue color and it mesmerized her. For a moment, she was cheered, she had much to be grateful for, but then the despair returned as quickly as the blue flame turned orange.

  “I wish things could’ve gone differently. As it is, I have no job, and they’ll make sure I can’t get a job in this area.”

  Beth knew that rich people talked. If you wanted a reference to work for a wealthy family, the potential employer and former employer would talk. Beth knew the family she had been kicked out of wouldn’t give her that; her name was discredited for something she had never done.

  It was unfair and unjust, but money talked. Servants didn’t count and were never heard.

  “You’ll find something.” Patsy sounded confident about that. “You’re a young, smart girl. You’ll find a job.”

  Beth sincerely hoped so. She didn’t like relying on other people. Speaking of which…

  “Thank you for letting me stay here, Mrs. May. I know I can’t afford the rent right now but, if you like, I can do some cooking and cleaning as my rent.” Beth sipped her drink and carried on. “And I can look after your children as well…”

  She broke off when Patsy held up a hand.

  “That’s a nice offer, Beth, but I’ve got everyone I need for those. And I won’t ask for payment right now. You get yourself on your feet first and then we’ll talk.”

  Beth deflated. Knowing she wouldn’t be asked for payment until she was working was a relief, but she didn’t like owing people money. And she didn’t like taking things for nothing. She looked morosely at the fire.

  “I don’t know how long that’ll be. And I don’t know what to look for now. Teaching and caring for children is all I’ve known, and I’m sure those options will be severely limited from now on.”

  “What about looking for jobs in the paper? There’s always something in there.”

  Getting up, Patsy moved over to the table against the wall where the newspapers were left. She selected one and opened it up as a double spread when she found what she was looking for. Then she came back and handed the paper to Beth, taking the mug from her. Beth took the paper and scanned the headline. Then she read it again?

  She hadn’t misread that.

  “This is for men from the West looking for wives.”

  “Exactly.” Patsy put Beth’s mug on the table at Beth’s elbow and sat back down. “You could get yourself stabilized by getting married to a man you like the look of in here and then you can get yourself a job. That should set you up.”

  For a moment Beth was appalled, and her jaw fell open. Then she looked at Patsy and could see that she was serious. Closing her mouth, she thought about it. Was it possible? The flames turned and rolled and changed colors in that way that drew you to them. As the seconds ticked past it began to sound plausible. Then she remembered. According to Patsy’s oldest daughter, Patsy had done exactly that after she had been thrown out into the street by her first husband, leaving her as a single mother with a two-year-old child. She had married quickly and helped to build the boarding house to what it was today, bringing four more children into the world. Her husband of thirty-five years thought the world of her and wouldn’t have a bad word said about her. Beth admired that; she wanted a marriage like that where she was loved and appreciated. The marriages she had seen in her work were not good examples. They didn’t hold much hope, though, of it happening to her.

  “It would be perfect for you,” Patsy said.

  Patsy sounded confident but still Beth dithered.

  “I don’t know. I’m not very good around men. After what happened…”

  She didn’t need to elaborate. Patsy would know exactly what she meant. The older woman smiled gently and sat forward, patting Beth’s knee.

  “Don’t let that get you down. I haven’t known you long, but I do know you have good judgment when it comes to people. Trust it in your search and with that and the Lord’s help you will find a new life. A good life.”

  Beth didn’t think she had good judgment. She couldn’t have if she ended up with a family that treated her badly and ended up having her thrown out for someone else’s actions.

  No, she didn’t think she had very good judgment at all.

  Yet what else was there for her?

  Maybe there wasn’t any harm in looking. Maybe it would give Beth an idea of what there was out there. Maybe she could find something out in the West if things here were cut off for her.

  The first few adverts were badly written and blunt. To the point. They didn’t sit well with Beth. It didn’t require anyone to have a brain to know why you went to the West as a mail order bride but these men seemed to think women were stupid.

  Beth wasn’t going anywhere near them.

  One advert, halfway down, caught her eye. This one was better worded, almost eloquent. It gave details of the man and what he was looking for. Robert Parman, and he was a doctor.

  This was more like it. She tapped the page.

  “This one looks good.”

  Patsy leaned forward and looked over her shoulder. She made a sound of approval.

  “A doctor. That’s perfect. My dream as a little girl was to marry a doctor.” She shrugged. “I married my husband instead.”

  Beth chuckled.

  “I wonder what your husband would say to that.”

  “He knows.” Patsy sat back and grinned. “But he’s comfortable that I don’t want anyone but him.” She winked. “Mind you, the doctor who’s just moved here is pretty…”

  “I don’t think I want to know.”

  Beth wasn’t going to put those sorts of images into her head. She considered Robert’s advert. It said things that th
e others didn’t and the man sounded more intellectual and put together than the others. While conversation wasn’t necessarily the best thing in a relationship for people, it certainly helped. It would be a plus for Beth. She squared her shoulders.

  “I’ll write back to him. Can’t hurt to find out.”

  If it didn’t work out, Beth hadn’t lost anything. If it did, she might be able to get out of this horrendous situation she found herself in.

  Maybe it would follow her, but Beth would be scared to stay in Baltimore.

  Chapter 2

  Robert Parman jerked back as the woman on the bed moaned and shifted, making him lose the baby’s heartbeat. He sat back and sighed.

  “Could you stop rolling around, Charlotte? I can’t do my checks if you keep moving.”

  “I’m sorry.” Charlotte Price groaned and shifted back onto her back, propping herself up on pillows. “This bubba isn’t good at staying still. I swear he’s waltzing around with his umbilical cord in there.”

  Robert chuckled. “From the movements he’s making in there, you could be right.” Robert put his hands back on her belly and checked for the heartbeat. It was strong, and the baby managed to stay still long enough for Robert to get a good listen. Satisfied, Robert sat back, and Charlotte began to adjust her blouse pulling it closed over her huge belly. Robert smiled down at her. “Things sound good in there. He’s in the right place. You should go into labor in the next couple of weeks if the math is correct.”

  “That’ll be a relief.” Charlotte managed to get her clothes tidied and sat up properly. She sighed and laid a hand on her belly. “I had no idea carrying a baby was such hard work.”

  Robert chuckled.

  “Women have managed for thousands of years. And it’s been pretty straightforward for you so far.”

  “It just makes my belly feel so heavy. I’m front-heavy and feel like I’m going to topple over.” Charlotte complained. She made a face. “Breathing in isn’t an option, and I am ready to punch the next person who barges past me and says I need to breathe in.”

  Robert couldn’t help but laugh. Charlotte was sharp with people when she wanted to be. She was a likable woman, but woe betides anyone who insulted her or her pregnant state. Robert was on Charlotte’s good side, and he enjoyed meeting the saloon owner’s wife for her regular check-ups, but he didn’t want to be on her bad side, not ever.

  He began to pack his bag, propping it up on their lap.

  “How’s Nate taking it?”

  Charlotte smiled.

  “He’s eager to meet the bubba, but he’s fussing a little too much over me.”

  “Make the most of the fussing. I know you hate it but make the most of it.”

  “I know, and I try.” Charlotte looked down at her belly. “I’m just not used to it... maybe it will be easier once bubba’s born.” She sat back and surveyed Robert as he put his stethoscope into his bag. “How are you getting on with looking for a wife?”

  Robert paused. He debated with himself over whether to give her an update on his situation. It had been a little over a fortnight since he had spoken to Charlotte at her last check-up about wanting a wife and Charlotte had suggested putting an advert in the paper for a wife back East. Robert had been dubious – he had lived in Washington since he was twelve-years-old and the girls there were spoiled rich brats – but maybe that was better than nothing. Considering the lack of suitable women in Canyon, Robert knew he could not be too picky. Canyon had very few single women. The ones that were unmarried were that way for a reason. Usually, they were too spoiled or too pushy.

  Choosing a girl from back East was a slightly better option than being all alone. Or so he thought.

  “I did as you suggested.” He sighed and closed his bag with a snap. “But it’s been two weeks now, and I don’t know if it’s published or been seen at all.”

  “It’ll happen,” Charlotte assured him. “Just be patient. You have plenty of years left in you.”

  “I hope so,” Robert grunted. “But I’m not sure if I can wait a long time.”

  Charlotte laughed and patted his arm.

  “Just relax. Isn’t that what you’re saying to me? Relax, and it’ll happen.”

  Robert hoped it would happen and he hoped it would be soon. He was going mad trying to keep the girls at bay. The moment they discovered their new doctor was a bachelor they had pricked up their ears. Then they found out he was Scottish and had an accent they swooned over. Robert was fed up with the ladies following him around when he clearly showed no interest. It was getting to be a headache.

  A knock sounded at the door, and Charlotte’s sister-in-law, Christine, poked her head around the door.

  “Sorry, Charlotte. I’ve got something for Doctor Parman. The mail train arrived, and there was a letter for him. I said he was here and I’d bring it up.”

  “Sure, come on in.”

  Christine shuffled into the room, blushing to the roots of her hair, and handed the letter to Robert. Robert smiled at her, which resulted in the blush getting deeper.

  “Thanks, Christine.”

  Christine bit her lip, bobbed a curtsy, and hurried out. Charlotte giggled.

  “She likes you.”

  Robert knew that. Christine had never said anything, and she didn’t follow him around, but he wasn’t blind. Christine was twenty-two, a little younger than him, and she was pretty, but Robert wasn’t attracted to her. She was a sweet woman and would make a good wife for someone, but it wasn’t him.

  His brother would love a woman like Christine, but for some reason, Robert could not see himself with her.

  A spark of excitement surged through him as he looked down at the letter. It was postmarked Baltimore, and he didn’t recognize the writing. Was this what he had been waiting for? He ripped the envelope open and scanned the first few lines.

  It had happened. A girl had written back.

  Maybe his hopes weren’t going to be thrown down the drain after all.

  Chapter 3

  Beth couldn’t believe it. Robert had written back. She had received his reply so quickly that she was still reeling with emotion. The letter showed that he was clearly excited and relieved that someone had replied to him.

  So, for the next few weeks, they corresponded back and forth, the replies coming back almost as fast as they had gone. Beth found herself eagerly waiting for Robert’s letters. From his writing, he was articulate, smart and kind. He also had a manner about him that clearly said he was a doctor. Beth warmed towards him immediately.

  To an extent. She wasn’t prepared to tell him anything regarding her last employment or how she had lost it. She didn’t trust easily, and it was even worse after what happened. Beth knew she would have to tell someone beyond Patsy May sooner or later, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell Robert. Certainly, not in any of the letters.

  This was something she had to do if she had to do it at all, face to face. Robert would stop writing to her, otherwise. And Beth was finding that she wanted to go to Canyon to be with him. He seemed like a loving man and Beth wanted that. She wanted a man who would care for her and not allow her to be hurt by a beast like the people she had once worked for.

  It was after two months of writing back and forth that Robert proposed. Beth was so excited and was packing before she had even finished his letter. She managed to send off a telegram before she left to say she was on her way, much to Patsy’s amusement. It was time to leave, and Beth had only one regret, Patsy. The older woman had become a good friend, almost a surrogate mother and she knew she would miss her. In the end, Patsy waved off Beth’s promise to pay her back as soon as she could and told her the free room and board was an early Christmas present. Such kindness brought tears to Beth’s eyes, and she thanked the Lord for bringing her such an angel.

  The train journey was novel. Beth ended up sharing a compartment, for the most part, with two families. A husband and wife in each family and nine children between them. It was chaotic, and the wive
s seemed to be at loggerheads about some slight early in the journey. Eventually, the family with the most children left and found elsewhere to continue their travels. But Beth was still stuck with three snotty children. She did her best to keep them entertained while their parents bickered, but they were little brats. Nothing she couldn’t handle in a regular environment but not on a train with nothing for them to do. It made the journey tiresome to the point of exhaustion, and when the children finally slept at night, Beth felt as if her ears were still ringing.

  It was a relief when they finally disembarked at Missouri and Beth had the compartment to herself for the rest of the journey.

  After four days, the train finally pulled in at Canyon. Beth was exhausted and delighted to be there and made a mental note to never go on a long train journey again.

  She was the only one who disembarked, and the porter helped her with her suitcase. The place seemed strangely deserted, and as she looked around, there was only one man on the platform. Beth had to guess that it was Robert. When he turned around, she felt like she had been punched in the stomach.

  He was gorgeous. Tall and slim with dark hair and a faint dusting of a beard, he was dressed immaculately, the cut of his suit perfect. Everything about him screamed ‘doctor.'

  Robert turned and saw her. His face lit up with a smile that made Beth weak at the knees, and he hurried over to her, slowing as he got closer.

  “Beth?”

  Beth didn’t know what to say. She simply shrugged and gave him a faint smile.

  “That’s me.”

  “Robert Parman. I’m delighted to meet you, finally.”

  He reached for her hand, but Beth flinched as soon as she felt the heat from his fingers touch her skin. It zinged through her body and Beth was suddenly back in the schoolroom in Baltimore, a teenaged boy pinning her against a desk as he pawed her and tried to stick his tongue down her throat. Then the memory was gone as quickly as it had come and she was standing on the platform with Robert, the train pulling away from the station.