Rejected Mail Order Bride

by Montana West

  “That’s a terrible situation to be in.”

  “I had to find a way to get out of New York because those so-called friends of my father began making unseemly demands of me. So, I registered at a bridal agency but didn’t tell the owner about my siblings. You see, I had done that the first time, and the other lady said the men she dealt with don’t want a woman with dependents.”

  “Those are wicked and selfish men,” Sarah said angrily. “What’s wrong with someone who had dependents?”

  Mary shrugged. “In any case, we got here and the man I was coming to marry rejected us. He said he hadn’t prepared himself to have a wife with dependents, so he abandoned us at the train station.”

  “The nerve of the man,” Sarah hissed. “Don’t worry, you’re a beautiful girl and will soon find someone. In fact, I’d say that my brother is sweet on you.” She smiled when Mary blushed furiously. “Joram is a good man. He works too hard for his own good, but his heart is in the right place. You could do worse.”

  The two ladies didn’t know that Joram was listening to their conversation. Pat and Helen were in the barn, gazing in wonder at a newborn calf. He had come in to collect the milking pail and heard them talking. He now understood why Mary looked sad. She had recently gone through a tough time, but she still tried to smile and make it look as though everything was all right.

  Patrick had told him briefly about their life back in New York and he had thought the child was exaggerating, but now he had confirmed that, indeed, they were total orphans with nowhere else to go.

  “Sarah, don’t let anyone hear you saying that,” Mary’s soft voice came to him.

  “It’s true. Joram likes you, and I think you also like him.”

  “That can’t be so. We only met yesterday.”

  “So what? Who can ever put a time frame on the matters of the heart? Some people meet and instantly fall in love and live happily ever after. Others start off as friends and love eventually grows in their hearts. No one knows how their heart will react when love comes.” She took a deep breath. “Mark and I met when he had come to Reunion to visit his sister who was ill. She died a few days later, and he was so devastated. Joram and I tried our best to comfort him, and it was during that time that we got close and he asked me to marry him. We weren’t in love yet, but for the five years that we were married, I knew that my husband loved me.” Tears were coursing down her cheeks. “Our ranch was doing so well, but the last two winters adversely affected us and we lost nearly everything. Mark decided to go prospecting so he could get some gold and then sell it so we would have money to start again. I begged him not to go, but he wouldn’t listen, and now I know it’s because he felt ashamed that he could no longer take care of us.”

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “Men have a stupid sense of pride when it comes to taking care of their loved ones. They never listen to reason,” Sarah turned to Mary. “I know my brother doesn’t have much, but he has a good heart. He’s like our father. Actually, from what my mother used to tell me when she was alive, the men in our family are slow to give their hearts, but once they do, it’s forever.”

  Mary didn’t know how to respond to Sarah’s comments.

  “What will you do if that horrible man that abandoned you comes back and asks you to forgive him?”

  Mary frowned slightly. “Why would he return? He’s a grown up and has made up his mind.”

  “You’d be surprised, my dear. Men are strange in that way.”

  Joram hurried back to the barn when he realized that the two women were about to rise and leave the living room. He didn’t want to be caught eavesdropping, but his heart felt lighter. He had only met Mary the previous day, but he found himself feeling jealous of the fact that Daniel Silverstein could return to ask for her forgiveness.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Word soon spread in town that Joram and Mary were a couple, and she found herself being congratulated by everyone who met her. Because of Margaret Oakes’s running tongue, almost everyone had found out about Daniel Silverstein abandoning them at the train station. No one had any nice thing to say about the man, and some other young men even started showing up whenever she was in town to buy some groceries, asking her to marry them.

  Joram found himself being overly protective of Mary such that if any man asked about her, they would have their heads almost bitten off. “What’s that to you?” he would bark at them. “Why didn’t you take her home from the station? She has found a home and love with me, don’t waste your time.”

  He realized that unless he made his move, someone else probably would. The rumors were rife, but they hadn’t made any declarations to each other yet. He waited until one evening just about two weeks after she had come to live with him, and then he broached the subject that had been on his mind for a while.

  “You do realize that people practically have us married,” he told her. They were seated on the porch. Sarah was inside the house with the three children because it was really cold. Joram placed a warm blanket over Mary’s legs. “We don’t want you catching cold now, do we?” He sat down beside her on the porch seat. “This winter has been mild, and I pray that it stays this way.”

  Mary smiled inwardly. She could see that Joram was nervous, but it also made her feel happy because it made him human. She was equally nervous and waited for him to continue.

  “We’ve only known each other for a short time, but I feel as though it’s a lifetime. Mary, I don’t really know how to articulate myself on matters of the heart, but let me just say that I’m falling in love with you. Please don’t ask me how I know this to be true, but what I feel for you has never happened to me before. Do you know that each time I close my eyes to pray, I find myself praying for you, that God will give you joy and peace. Actually, I pray for you more than I pray for myself.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” she said at last. “This is a strange feeling for me too.”

  He took her hands in his larger ones. “This must be love. How about we explore these feelings together?”

  “I’d like that very much.” They sat there smiling at each other till they heard an impatient sound from close to the door.

  “The two of you are the most unromantic couple I’ve ever met,” Sarah said. “Such a declaration should be followed by a tender kiss.”

  “Sarah.” Joram laughed. “Don’t scare Mary away. I’m only just getting her to relax, and if you start making comments like that, she’ll get nervous.”

  Sarah made an unladylike snort. “That’s what you think. Mary isn’t a simpleton, now go ahead and kiss her. Let her know that you mean what you’re saying.”

  “Go back into the house,” Joram pointed a finger at his sister, who merely grinned at him. “Sarah, leave us alone.”

  “Not a chance. I want the two of you to know that we’re waiting for you to set a date for your wedding, not just speak mere words to each other.”

  Mary was glad the light on the porch was dim; for she was sure her face was redder than a tomato.

  “Sarah, please.”

  “Oh, all right then. But don’t let Mary leave this porch tonight until you propose to her and she says yes.”

  ***

  Maggie and Sarah’s prediction that Daniel Silverstein would be back came true just two days after Joram had proposed to Mary. She felt as if she were walking on air and nothing could bring her down. She loved Joram and he loved her back, and the world was all right for her.

  She was clearing snow off the porch because Pat and Helen wanted to play, when she heard a buggy in the distance. The driveway was filled with snow and the driver seemed to be having a difficult time controlling the horse. When it drew up to the porch and she saw who it was, a sudden wariness overcame her.

  “Miss Stewart,” Daniel called out, climbing out of the buggy. “I came as soon as I heard.”

  Mary frowned at him. “Heard what?”

  “That you’re getting married. Is this true?”

 
“What’s that got to do with you?”

  “Mary.” he stepped closer and she moved up the steps. Joram came out of the house and she went to him, drawing comfort from his presence. Daniel glared at Joram. “Kincaid, this doesn’t concern you, so please give us time to talk.”

  Joram looked down at Mary, who slipped her hand into his. “Mary, would you like me to go away?”

  “No,” she said firmly. “What Mister Silverstein has to say can be said in front of you, since I don’t think it will matter anyway.”

  “Don’t say that.” Daniel came up the steps until he was on the porch. “Mary, I made a terrible mistake and deeply regret it. I’m sorry for abandoning you at the station, but I have now come to my senses and realize that you are the one for me. I’m willing to make it up to you, just as long as you say that you’ll be my wife. I promise to be good to you.”

  Joram snorted softly. “Silverstein, does this have anything to do with the fact that your grandfather is about to disinherit you for your waywardness? Do you know that Sheriff Martin went and told him what you did to Mary and the children? From what I heard, he was very angry.”

  “Kincaid, shut up.” Daniel looked at Mary. “Please forgive me and say that you’ll come back to me.”

  “I forgave you a long time ago, but that doesn’t mean that I want to be your wife. You’re a selfish and self-centered man. You’re insensitive and mean. When you abandoned me and my siblings at the station, did you even bother to think about our safety at all? If the sheriff hadn’t come to our aid, I don’t know what would have happened to us.”

  “So you threw yourself at Kincaid just to get back at me?”

  Mary shook her head. Men like Silverstein thought so highly of themselves that no amount of reasoning would get to them. “Think whatever you like, but I’m getting married to Joram. He is a kind man, and I know for sure that he loves me. Please, don’t bother me again.”

  “What about my money? I sent a lot of money to Samantha Wood to find me a wife and bring you here. I want it all back.”

  Joram felt Mary stiffening up. He gently squeezed her hand. “Listen, Silverstein. I’m coming in to town in about two hours’ time and will bring you everything that my fiancée owes you. Let’s meet at the sheriff’s office because I want him to have proof that Mary has paid you back every single penny.”

  “I’ll be waiting, Kincaid.” He went down the steps and then turned around and pointed a finger at Mary. “As for you, Miss Stewart, there’s only one name for women like you. You’re a loser and will never amount to anything.”

  Joram felt as though Mary would have liked to say something back, but he squeezed her hand again. “Mary, ignore the man. He’s the loser in all this. Don’t bother arguing with him because it will only make you look like him. You’re a winner, and nothing can ever change that.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Mary was so happy that she thought she would fly. It was the morning of her wedding day. It had been just three weeks since she had come to Reunion. She had thought that her life was a mess, but Joram had taught her that she was worthy of the love of a good man.

  Sarah and the children were ecstatic. Maggie had spared no time in telling everyone who would listen that she was the matchmaker behind the union.

  “From the moment I saw the way Joram Kincaid looked at Mary Stewart, I knew that a wedding was in the works. And I’m happy to be right, as always.”

  Daniel Silverstein had been paid his money, and it was Sarah who let Mary know that Joram had sold one of his steers in order to raise enough cash. He had also been warned by the sheriff not to interfere with Mary’s life. “After all, you’re the one who abandoned her and those children. Everyone in Reunion is angry at you, so keep away from Kincaid and Mary, and let me not hear anything about you trying to disrupt their happy day.” This occurred a few days prior, when he tried to spread word that he was the one who had brought Mary to Reunion.

  Everything was ready for their wedding, and Maggie Oakes had pleaded to be the one to cater for the small reception they were having for just family and close friends. Since it was a family affair, and because Sarah still wasn’t strong enough to leave the house, Joram and Mary had begged their pastor to officiate their wedding from their house. To make it more romantic, the couple would be joined on the porch, which had been decorated by Sarah aided by Pat and Maggie.

  When a buggy pulled up outside the house, Mary thought it was the pastor and she hurried to open the door. Joram had gone to the range to check on the animals but had promised to be back soon. Sarah was dressing the children, and Maggie was in the kitchen organizing a few of her friends.

  The smile died on her lips as soon as she opened the door and saw who it was. She froze for a moment, and then turned and rushed back into the house, but not before Lawrence Winters had run up the steps and forced his way into the living room.

  “So, this is where you’ve been hiding.” He laughed a rough sound that frightened Mary. “Dear Mary Stewart, the girl who pretended that she was considering my proposition, yet all the while she was planning to deceive me and run away. Tell me, girl, what does your so-called fiancé think about a woman who was prepared to sell her favors for a morsel of bread?”

  “What do you want?” Mary wished her voice didn’t show just how scared she was.

  “I’ve come to collect my pound of flesh, so to speak. Even after the bank allowed me to throw you out of my house, I still let you live there. Then, I also went ahead and ensured that you and your siblings didn’t starve because you promised that you would be my mistress. Now you’ve sold yourself to someone else. Tell me, how much did he pay for you?”

  “Go away and leave me alone, I owe you nothing.”

  “On the contrary.” He came toward her, and she moved behind the couch. “You owe me plenty. I own you, in fact. So, when I got a telegram from a gentleman named Daniel Silverstein, telling me that you were about to get married, I immediately rushed over to warn the poor man just what kind of a woman he is about to wed. You made a promise to be my mistress, so stop this nonsense and come back to New York with me.”

  “Never.” Mary felt the tears. She hadn’t told Joram about Lawrence and the desperation that had led her to accept help from him. In the three weeks that she had been living under his roof, she had realized that he was a devoted Christian and wouldn’t understand her need to lie in order to survive. What if he rejected her? Where would she go and what would happen to her and her siblings?

  ***

  Patrick had seen Lawrence Winters as he got out of the buggy and knew that the man was up to no good, so he stealthily crept along the wall until he was able to hear what the man was saying.

  His lips tightened as he turned around and ran to the barn. Joram had given him a young mare to ride and he jumped on her back. “Tilda, we have to find Joram or else that horrible man will make Mary cry.”

  ***

  “I will spread it to all abroad that you were my mistress back in New York,” Lawrence said. “More than that, everyone will know that Peter Tongs also enjoyed your favors. Tell me, what man will want you after all that?”

  “This particular man,” Joram said as he strode into the living room through the kitchen. “I heard that someone had come all the way from New York to harass my fiancée.” He moved to Mary and gently took her into his arms. “Even if she was what you’re trying to imply, nothing will make me change my mind about marrying her. I love Mary, and I know she loves me and that’s all that matters. We all have soiled pasts and only the grace of God has brought us where we are. So, Mister Whoever you are, if you don’t leave Reunion immediately, I will ensure that you’re jailed for harassing this poor innocent lady. The residents of Reunion don’t look too kindly upon bullies like you, and things will be tough for you.”

  Just then there was a brief knock and the door opened to reveal a beaming Patrick. He was holding Sheriff Clay’s hand and practically dragging him into the house.

  “Sher
iff, I’m glad to see you.” And Joram indeed was. “This man came all the way from New York, and I heard him threatening my wife-to-be.”

  “Is that right?” Martin pulled himself to his full height and stared down at the now surprised and nervous Lawrence. “You, sir, are trespassing on another man’s land and house, and if Joram Kincaid was to bring out a rifle and shoot you, the law would turn a blind eye because he has enough cause. You came to threaten and harass the woman he loves and is about to marry.”

  “You will never get away with this,” Lawrence said.

  “Do you want to dare me now? This is the West and different laws apply to trespassers and those perceived to be threats to a person’s family. Now, the best thing for you to do is to leave immediately and go back to New York. If you ever set foot in Reunion again, it better be for some other reason than to try and intimidate this poor girl and her new family. In fact, I will escort you and see that you board the next train, which is in about an hour’s time. Shall we go?”

  ***

  Everyone admitted that it was a beautiful wedding, and the bride herself cried because of the gentle and tender love that she saw shining from her groom’s eyes.

  “You will never walk alone again, Mary.” His voice was full of promise and she nodded. “No one can ever make you afraid again because you’re now among your own people, folks who love you and will defend you.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered hoarsely.

  “Just know that I love you so much and will deal with anyone who tries to make your life the hell it was before you came to Reunion. In fact, Sheriff Clay has contacted a few friends of his in New York to find out if what your father’s lawyer and other business associates did was really fair. Someone should have defended you, and if anyone is found to have done wrong, be sure that if the laws of this land don’t deal with them, God in heaven will.”

  “I’m just happy that is over now.”