Mail Order Beau

by Maya Stirling

  Cassie took a long look at Martha, and tidied the collar of her sister's dress.

  "Let's see that smile," she said to Martha, demonstrating exactly what was expected. Martha gave in, and smiled like the dutiful sister she wanted to be.

  Cassie rearranged some loose locks of hair away from Martha's forehead. "That's more like it. Now remember what I said. Hettie's not going to let you or Rachel down. Just let's see what she has in store for you today."

  Martha nodded. There were times when it felt good to be a younger sister. Cassie had never been a bossy elder sibling. She'd always been firm, but fair. After so much time spent feeling so responsible for Rachel, it felt good to let go, and allow her older sister to tell her what was best for her.

  Martha noticed a horse was tied up at the post in front of the porch. She wondered whose it was.

  Cassie knocked the door. She turned and smiled reassuringly at Martha.

  The door opened, and the last person Martha expected to see emerged from inside.

  It was the young man who had been watching Martha and Rachel from outside the mercantile. He was taller than Martha remembered, now that he was up close. Hettie appeared at the door by the young man's side.

  The man's eyes shifted uncertainly from the sisters to Hettie.

  "Why Cassie. Martha. How nice to see you both. Mr. Brook was just leaving. I don't know if you've been introduced."

  Mr. Brook bowed his head and smiled.

  "Ladies. Pleased to make your acquaintance." His voice was low, and had a deep, resonant quality. His eyes flitted nervously from Hettie to the sisters. He looked as if he wanted to get away as fast as possible.

  "Mr. Brook is new in town. He's involved with the Bar T spread that's just been taken over." Hettie guided the young man firmly, but politely, out onto the porch. "I'll be in touch Mr. Brook. In the meantime it has been a pleasure for us to meet you today."

  "The honor has been mine Mrs Longfellow."

  "Hettie. Call me Hettie. Since we are going to be helping you out in future, it's best we be as familiar as we can be."

  Mr. Brook smiled. "I'll look forward to your communications."

  Then, with a nod to the ladies, Mr. Brook strode away to untie his horse from the post out front of the house.

  The three women watched Mr. Brook ride off. Hettie put on her finest, most pleasing smile, and waved at him.

  Martha tried to contain her laughter. Hettie always knew how to make anyone feel as if they were the most important person in the world. She wondered what Mr. Brook had been doing visiting with Hettie. She'd have to find a way to broach the subject, although she knew that she probably wouldn't get much out of Hettie if she didn't want to discuss it.

  "What a charming young man," Hettie said with a cheerful tone. "Ladies. Won't you come in."

  Martha and Cassie followed Hettie into the house, and made their way to the main parlor that Hettie always used to meet with callers.

  Martha was surprised to find Mabel and Alice, the two other members of the Sweetheart Falls Matrimonial Society, seated on one of the two wide, flower patterned sofas. There was a small table in front of the fireplace. On it were placed an ornate teapot, delicate, china cups and a tower of cakes.

  "Cassie. Martha. How nice to see you both," said Mabel, her voice as plain and matter of fact as her appearance.

  Hettie sat down on a high backed, luxuriously padded seat. "Please, ladies. Make yourself at home," she said, gesturing to the other empty sofa.

  The sisters took their places.

  "Would you like some tea? Hettie asked. "Or perhaps some coffee?"

  "Tea would be lovely Hettie," Cassie replied.

  Hettie was proud of her English roots and made afternoon tea a daily ritual. It was even more enjoyable if it involved visitors.

  Hettie poured the tea, and offered the cakes. Martha knew it wouldn't do to refuse the little confections. In any case they all looked so tasty.

  They passed some time with pleasant chat about daily life in Sweetheart Falls. Martha found herself thinking about the young man. It was the second time they'd met. Sweetheart Falls was a small town, but even that seemed too much of a coincidence.

  "Who was that fine young man who just left?" Cassie asked. It was as if her sister had read Martha's mind.

  Hettie pursed her lips. "I'm sure you understand that there are issues of confidentiality that prevent me from discussing why he was here. If everyone in the town thinks we're just tattle tales then no-one will come to us for help."

  "So he is looking for a wife," Cassie asked, determined to get some kind of answer.

  "I didn't say that. Given his situation I considered it appropriate to invite him for a chat. However you can be assured that I was perfectly safe with Mabel and Alice by my side to protect me."

  Mabel and Alice laughed in unison. Martha thought they did that rather too often.

  "In any case Albert, my husband is, as you know, a fine shot. He is, presently, out back, tending to the garden."

  Martha thought about Mr. Brook. He had a quiet, but intense quality. His blue eyes penetrated everything they gazed at from beneath the dark, loose hair that fell over his wide forehead. Martha was sure he had tried very hard to avert those eyes when moving past her on the porch. For the briefest moment he had glanced at her. She had caught that look, and she was sure there had been something more behind it.

  "Mr. Brook is most particular in what he is searching for. Which brings me to one reason why we are here today. Doesn't it Martha?"

  Martha started at the mention of her name.

  "In what way Hettie?"

  "Why. We're sure trying hard to find you a worthy husband, Martha. We've done everything we can." Hettie looked at Mabel and Alice. "Haven't we ladies?"

  "We really have, Martha," Mabel continued, on cue. "We've considered just about every eligible young suitor who has approached us. We've been very diligent."

  Martha had read some letters from men, young and not so young. They included possible suitors from back East, and some who were already settled in nearby parts in Wyoming. However, none of them had really captured either her interest, nor her heart. Wasn't that just as important as whether they could be good providers? Martha felt that she had to have some sense of emotional connection with the possible husbands, even through their letters.

  "So what has the problem been then, Hettie?" Cassie asked. "It's not Martha's fault. Nor Rachel's."

  "Of course it isn't their fault. It's not an easy thing to find the man you intend to spend the rest of your life with."

  Martha swallowed when Hettie said those words quite so boldly. For a moment she felt deeply self conscious. She recalled how Cassie had told her of her own similar feelings during the lightning fast consideration of Ethan as a potential husband. Martha was feeling exactly the same at that moment.

  Hettie raised her voice in the way she did when she wanted to make sure that everyone was paying full attention.

  "If I may say something, in our little society's defence. Although we have been treating every man and woman we have been helping with the same attention and courtesy, it has been the case that we feel a certain proprietary interest in your two younger sisters, Cassie.

  Cassie's back straightened. "I'm glad to hear it, Hettie. They are my sisters after all. I haven't forgotten the efforts you went to in finding Ethan for me. I thought you'd merely found me a husband in double quick time." Cassie placed her teacup on the table in front of her. "Only to discover later that you had been...how shall I say... making your own plans all along, working for quite some time on ensuring my union with Ethan."

  "Indeed Cassie. And since I did that, I felt your beloved sisters deserved nothing less than the same special attentions."

  "What exactly does it all involve?" Martha asked. "I mean, how do you find the candidates?"

  Alice leaned forward. "We have extensive connections back East. My family there have some involvement in newspapers. So announcements are pla
ced. Sweetheart Falls has become quite the little sensation amongst respectable society."

  "As it should be," said Hettie boldly.

  Alice glanced at Hettie and continued. "Those men and women who respond to advertisements submit their letters and likenesses. They are then vetted by some discrete employees we have engaged just for that purpose. Those who are found to have, how shall we say, potential, are then forwarded on to Hettie and ourselves."

  "It all seems very efficient," commented Martha.

  "Oh it is," said Mabel. "The men or women who are more local to us can be assessed in person. That has proven to be a very useful, and quick way of matching like minded couples. We employ some similarly discrete individuals to verify the credentials. Men and women both."

  "How many weddings have there been since Rachel and I got here four months ago?" Martha asked.

  Mabel looked enquiringly to Hettie, who nodded her head imperceptibly. "Exactly eight," Mabel continued. "Not counting that unfortunate affair which we shall refrain from mentioning."

  "Let's not mention that," Hettie said. "Mabel keeps track of the numbers. Well. Her husband is the town banker," Hettie ended with a satisfied grin.

  Cassie lowered her head to hide a smile.

  Alice chimed in, eager not to be left out."Six of those weddings have involved women or men from back East."

  "Yes. Local men and women are a little harder to come by," Hettie said. "But we are doing our best."

  Martha had listened to all that had been said with a mixture of fascination, and mild impatience. What did it all mean for her and Rachel? Would they ever find husbands for her and her sister? Or would they be forced to live on the farm, continuing to impose on the kindness, and infinite patience of her sister and husband? What would happen once Cassie's baby came along? Martha didn't even want to think about that.

  "So what part can I play in all this, Hettie. You know how anxious I am about Rachel. She is younger than her years. Although I've looked after her these past two years, she does have a mind of her own."

  "Rachel is a sweet young woman," said Hettie. "I do love her so much, and you both must be so proud of her," she said looking at Martha and Cassie. "However with someone as young, we must take extra special care to ensure that any young man is not simply taken aback by her startling beauty. You need more than good looks to survive and prosper out here."

  Cassie sighed. "Rachel is so head strong. She will need someone very special to provide for her, and ensure her happiness."

  Hettie looked at Martha. "That is why I thought it would be good for you, Martha, to be more closely involved in finding a husband for Rachel."

  "What can I do that you fine ladies haven't already done?" Martha asked.

  "You know Rachel better than anyone. You understand her in ways that we cannot possibly come close to matching. If anyone can know what will make Rachel happy, it is you. After all, you have cared for her for such a long time. And she is a testament, not only to your parents, but also to what a fine job you did after Cassie came West."

  Martha recalled how hard it had been for her after Cassie had gone away so suddenly. Cassie's first husband, Joshua had died tragically soon after marrying Cassie, and it had taken her sister longer than originally anticipated to help her and Rachel find a safe place to come, here in Sweetheart Falls. Living with their aunt and uncle back East had been truly terrible. She still felt overwhelming gratitude to her sister for bringing her and Rachel to a secure place with the chance of a future.

  If it meant that Martha would have to take responsibility for finding a husband for Rachel and for herself, and giving Cassie and Ethan back their private life, then she was willing to do that for her sisters. Nothing was more important to Martha than the happiness of both her sisters.

  All the talk had been about Rachel - and that was right and proper. But Martha found herself thinking the selfish thoughts about her own predicament. A little voice in her head whispered, "but what about me!" She didn't even want to utter the words since she knew they would seem selfish.

  Hettie stood up and went to the wide writing desk in the corner of the room, opened up a small drawer, and took out a thick collection of envelopes, tied together with a pink ribbon.

  "You may find it useful to make a start with these we recently received. Some preliminary checks have confirmed that these young men all have good bona fides."

  Hettie handed the envelopes to Martha who took them with a hand that shook visibly.

  "Don't worry Martha. Take them home, and read through them. Make the best judgment you can, and let me know who you think holds promise for Rachel."

  Only for Rachel? Martha thought. She could not dare utter the question. It would be unseemly. But she wanted to know what her own prospects were going to be. She needed to have at least some idea of what she was going to do to solve her own predicament.

  Cassie seemed to sense her sister's discomfort. "Mabel. Alice. Would you join me for a little fresh air? It is such a lovely day," she said, gesturing with an open hand to the two surprised women. When they saw the roll of Cassie's eyes, comprehension lit up both their faces. They put their teacups down, and followed Cassie out, leaving Hettie and Martha alone.

  Hettie came over to the sofa and sat down next to Martha.

  "Martha, my dear. I can see that you are somewhat put out by all this. You haven't really been yourself today. I want to reassure you that I'm here to help."

  "I know you are Hettie. I never doubted you for a moment."

  "That young man who came here today left something which I wish to share with you."

  Hettie reached inside a pocket in her dress, and drew out a single envelope.

  "This is what he left, and I wish to give it to you."

  "Me? Why?"

  "If you read it you'll see."

  Martha took the envelope from Hettie. It was a plain envelope with nothing written on the front.

  "Once you have done so, I insist that you let me know what you think. If your opinion is a favorable one, then we can perhaps consider what to do next."

  Martha was confused and surprised all at the same time.

  Hettie placed a reassuring hand on Martha's arm. "Don't say anything, dear. Just take it, and let me know."

  Martha put the envelope with the others. Hettie looked firmly at her. "Have faith, my dear. Everything is going to be just fine."

  Martha looked down at the envelopes and squeezed them tightly. It seemed that her future, and that of her sisters, lay in the modest looking collection of paper that she had no intention of letting go of until she got back to Cassie's home.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  When they arrived home later that afternoon, Martha took the letters, and placed them in a drawer of the bedroom cabinet she shared with Rachel. She wouldn't have time to read them until later in the evening. There was a great deal of work to be done around the house.

  She didn't want Rachel finding the letters, so she hid them inside a petticoat. It had been a difficult, but ultimately satisfying, visit to Hettie's. Martha had always prided herself on the care and attention she had given to her younger sister. After all, they had grown up together in such close proximity. Neither of them had gone off to boarding school; their parents could never have afforded such a thing. The two young women had been almost inseparable in the special way that members of a truly close family could be.

  Now that Hettie had given Martha the task of ensuring that Rachel would find a good husband, Martha felt a kind of familiar peace settle on her. If there was one thing she knew how to do, it was how to take care of Rachel.

  Rachel had often said to Martha how lucky she had felt that they were so close.

  "We almost live in each other's pockets," Rachel had said one fine summer day, when they were out in the garden of their parents' home. They had both still been in school. "That's a good thing. Right?" Martha had smiled and agreed with Rachel. Everything had seemed so good then.

  Martha had never forgotte
n that statement. There had always been a closeness to the sisters, which Martha felt was unique. None of her friends seemed to be as close to their siblings as the three sisters were to each other.

  It went a long way to explaining why Cassie had been so determined to bring them both out to Sweetheart Falls. It was unthinkable that Cassie would abandon them to the awful circumstances they had fallen into back East.

  Now that they were here, Martha was determined that life was going to get better for them. They had so much to look forward to. She couldn't believe how lucky they had been in finding a treasure like Hettie to help them.

  Martha was firm in her resolve that no opportunity in life should be wasted. It was a principle which had guided all of her choices in life. At times she even felt that all three sisters were being protected by a divine presence. How else could she explain the great fortune which had been bestowed upon them, and the gift of a new life.

  Cassie and Martha started to prepare the evening meal together. Ethan was out in the field, busy as usual. Rachel hadn't helped out with the food preparation for a few nights. Martha knew that any change in Rachel's routine could be a sign that she needed to be watched more closely.

  "Where is Rachel?" Cassie asked.

  Martha frowned. "I don't know. I haven't seen her since we got back."

  "I do hope she hasn't been wandering off again."

  "What do you mean?" Martha said, starting to dice the vegetables.

  "Haven't you noticed that she is going off on her own in recent days. She seems so preoccupied."

  "I know she is finding things difficult."

  "I do worry about her, Martha."

  "So do I."

  "I've been worrying about her since you both arrived here," admitted Cassie.

  "Do you think she can fit in here?"

  "If she can't fit in at Sweetheart Falls, then I don't know where she can."

  "I've seen that the young men in town have taken quite an interest in her."

  "It's hardly surprising. She is so pleasing to the eye."