RNWMP: Bride for Theodore (Mail Order Mounties Book 0) Read online

  Bride for Theodore: RNWMP

  Mail Order Mounties

  Kirsten Osbourne

  Copyright © 2017 by Kirsten Osbourne

  Unlimited Dreams Publishing

  All rights reserved.

  Cover design by Erin Dameron Hill/ EDH Grpahics

  Book design by Sara Benedict

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Kirsten Osbourne

  Visit my website at www.kirstenandmorganna.com

  Printed in the United States of America

  TEXT ‘BOB’ to 42828

  Contents

  Introduction

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Epilogue

  Sneak Peek at Kendall

  About the Author

  Also by Kirsten Osbourne

  Introduction

  Jessica Sanderson knows what it means to love unconditionally. She has doted on the same man for over a decade, and she’s in her early twenties. When that man’s mother asks her to be her traveling companion, she gladly accepts. She doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life sitting in a bank, after all. When the plan changes to something a bit crazy, she drags her feet, but finally agrees, only to have her heart broken in two.

  Theodore Hughes remembers Jessica from when they were younger, but he hasn’t given her a second thought in years. When she comes to visit him as his mother’s traveling companion, he’s shocked to find out what his mother has up her sleeve. It doesn’t take him long to think that his mother might be right. But could Jess give up the comforts of city life to be a Mountie’s wife? Or will they spend the rest of their lives alone?

  1

  Ottawa, July 1910

  Hazel Hughes had too much time on her hands, a condition which even the sweet matron of Ottawa admitted was good for no one. Not a single good thing could come from her having too little to do and too much time to do it in. She’d been a widow for fifteen years, and at the beginning of that time, she’d been able to occupy herself by being the best mother a teenage boy could ever want. But now that teenage boy was grown and off saving the world as a member of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, and she was drifting. Drifting in a way that might be dangerous for Ottawa, or worse, for all of Canada!

  She stared out the window, watching the bustling street in front of the huge stone house she’d occupied since the day she’d married her late husband. Everyone she could see had a purpose. Everyone but her.

  She shook her head. She wasn’t going to wallow, because she wasn’t a wallower. Instead, she’d go to the church and join in the ladies’ luncheon. She’d give counsel to the young ladies of the congregation and teach them how to stitch the perfect quilt block. They were making quilts for the poor, a project she’d organized in a desperate attempt to fill her empty life.

  As she was leaving to make the ten-minute walk to the church, she encountered the postman, who had a letter for her from her son—her only child—who was serving as a Mountie in the West. She tore open the letter, desperate for news from him. Reading his words, she pictured him sitting atop his horse in his uniform, his red serge jacket looking majestic.

  Dear Mom,

  I hope this letter finds you well. Are you still doing your work with the church? I know how important it is to you that the poor in Ottawa have what they need to keep them warm through the winter and fed throughout the entire year. I do hope you find what you are looking for in the good works you do.

  As for me, I’m still very thankful that I’ve found my calling here in the West, though there are times I miss your cooking fiercely. Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve had good chicken and dumplings? Or just some fluffy pancakes? We Mounties take turns cooking for each other, but none of us have the skill in the kitchen you have.

  I know you’re going to tell me to find a wife, but truthfully, there just aren’t enough women here to go around, and a man who stays in one town all the time has a much better chance at courting a pretty lady. No, it seems I’m doomed to bachelorhood.

  I hate to cut this short, but it’s time for my rounds. I’m going out with Kendall Jameson today. He’s our newest man at the post, and he needs someone to show him the ropes. I happen to be very familiar with the ropes, so it’s my duty to ride with him.

  Sending you love from rainy British Columbia.

  Theodore

  Hazel hugged the letter to her, dashed a tear from her eye, and marched onward toward the church. There were young ladies there who needed to learn how to make a difference in the world, and today, she was the woman to show them.

  Jessica Sanderson looked around the room full of young ladies, thinking all of them had a purpose—well, everyone but her. Her dear friend JoAnn was a teacher, working at disciplining and tutoring young minds. Her friend Lisa was known as the kind soul of the congregation. She visited the elderly and the sick. Only she and JoAnn knew the truth about Lisa—that she was as sassy as she was sweet when no one was looking.

  Jess sighed. She needed a purpose for herself. She was finished with school, but she had no desire to be a teacher like JoAnn, though she was every bit as smart. She’d thought working at the bank would make her feel fulfilled, but it didn’t. Why did she feel so adrift?

  She glanced over at Mrs. Hazel Hughes, whom all the young ladies referred to as Miss Hazel. She couldn’t look at the kindly woman without embarrassment. Her only son, Theodore, had been Jess’s crush from the moment Jess knew boys were different than girls. She’d embarrassed herself by following him around quite often. She was sure he’d complained to his mother about her being a pest, though he’d never come right out and called her one to her face.

  Miss Hazel rushed to Jess’s side. “I’ve just received a letter from Teddy.”

  Jess blushed. Miss Hazel had to know what a nuisance she’d made of herself. Why else would she seek her out to tell her she’d gotten a letter? “That’s nice. How is he?” Had she kept her voice casual enough? Would Miss Hazel realize that her heart still belonged to her absent son?

  “He’s doing well. He says he misses my cooking.” Miss Hazel sighed. “I miss him so. It doesn’t feel right that I’m all alone in that big house.”

  Jess smiled sweetly. Maybe Miss Hazel didn’t know after all. She just seemed lonely. “You should take in boarders, Miss Hazel.” That would give you something to do.

  Miss Hazel sighed. “I don’t want to take in boarders. I want adventure! I want excitement.” She laughed softly to herself. “You know, it’s too bad old ladies can’t join the Mounties.”

  “You’re not old!” At least Jess didn’t think she was old. She wasn’t good at judging age when someone was past forty or so. And she knew Miss Hazel had to be at least that old, because Theodore was seven years her senior, and she was an old-maid at twenty-three. “Maybe you should travel.”

  “Maybe I should, but I couldn’t do it alone.” Miss Hazel stared off int
o space for a moment, watching the young ladies in the room flitting around, some of them acting so superior to others. Some of them sitting alone, wishing desperately someone would speak to them. “You should go with me, Jess Sanderson! Your parents don’t need you. They have your brothers and their wives to keep them company. Let’s travel the world.”

  “I—” For a moment Jess was stunned. How did one respond to a request like that? A slow smile crossed her face. “There is nothing I would enjoy more! When are we leaving?” The words were out before she could stop them, and surely she would have if she’d had time, wouldn’t she?

  “How much notice will you need to give at the bank?” Miss Hazel asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

  Jess bit her lip, thinking for a moment. “Two weeks would be more than enough time to hire someone to take my place.”

  “Today’s Friday. We’ll leave two weeks from Monday.” Miss Hazel clapped her hands together excitedly. “We’ll take a train to Boston, and then we’ll go south by boat from there. Do you get seasick?”

  Jess shrugged, feeling as if the world was spinning out of her control, but she didn’t care. She wanted nothing more than to see the world. “I’ve never been on a boat to find out!”

  “Nor have I! It’s high time the two of us were on a boat, don’t you think?” Miss Hazel seemed to have a light bulb within her lit. Jess couldn’t remember ever seeing her so happy, except maybe on the day that Theodore had finished his Mountie training. She’d been so proud. When she’d received the official letter from Regina that his training was complete, she’d cried and cried. Her son was serving his country in a way that made her very proud.

  “I supposed it is.”

  “We’ll go talk to your parents as soon as this silly luncheon is over. You’ve the afternoon off?” Miss Hazel asked.

  “Yes, the bank is closed for Dominion Day.”

  “Why did we schedule this luncheon for Dominion Day?” Miss Hazel asked, seeming confused for a moment.

  “You chose the date, Miss Hazel. Everyone was afraid to argue with you.” Jess shrugged. Miss Hazel was a force to be reckoned with, and Jess was no exception.

  “Well, no matter. We’ll speak to your parents after our stitching is done, and then we’ll begin planning our trip. You do have some fancy party dresses appropriate for the trip, don’t you?”

  Jess shook her head. “I wear my best clothes to church every week. I don’t have anything fancier.”

  “Then we’ll find a seamstress tomorrow, and we’ll get that taken care of, won’t we?”

  For a moment, Jess had to wonder if she was already aboard the ship Miss Hazel planned to book them on and had been washed overboard by the huge waves. It made as much sense as standing beside the woman she’d always hoped would one day be her mother-in-law as she planned a trip around the world. “I suppose we will.”

  The rest of the luncheon was a blur. Jess did as she was told, but she thought of nothing but her nervousness at telling her family of the plans she and Miss Hazel had made. How would they feel about her leaving the country without them? It was a good thing she’d known Miss Hazel since the day she was born, or they wouldn’t even entertain the idea of her leaving.

  A few hours later, Jess sat nervously on the sofa beside Miss Hazel. Her mother had served tea for their unexpected guest, and both her parents were sipping the tea from the two arm chairs—which were perpendicular to the couch—obviously wondering why they had been asked down. She knew Miss Hazel wanted her to begin the conversation, but she just couldn’t.

  Finally, her father set down his empty tea cup. The silence was obviously too much for him. “To what do we owe this pleasure, Mrs. Hughes?”

  “Well, since your daughter obviously isn’t going to spit it out, I’m going to have to, aren’t I?” Miss Hazel shook her head at Jess, who wanted to sink into the sofa and disappear. “Jess and I were talking at the luncheon today, and we’ve decided we should take a world tour. Do you realize that neither of us has ever even been on a boat?”

  Father shook his head at that. “Why is Jess going with you? She has a perfectly good job here in Ottawa.”

  “Because I need a traveling companion. Jess doesn’t really have any strings keeping her from doing fun, exciting things. She should see the world before she settles down and has babies. Don’t you agree, Mrs. Sanderson?”

  To Jess’s surprise, her mother simply said, “I do agree.”

  Father looked at Mother. “You do?”

  Mother nodded. “I always wanted to see the world, but we married so young…I feel as if I missed something. I want my daughter to have what I missed. I will want letters every week, of course, because I shall worry otherwise. But yes, I think she should go.” She reached over and took Jess’s hand squeezing it. “You have the fun I always felt like I was meant to have.”

  “Thank you,” Jess whispered to her mother. She rarely stood up to Father or had an opinion that could bother him, so it felt good to be supported.

  Father seemed flabbergasted for a moment, but then he shrugged. “I suppose if your mother feels so strongly about it, you should go.”

  It was all Jess could do not to stand up and dance around the room. She was going to travel around the world! A train, and a ship! Even if they never got past Boston, she’d never been on a train! “Thank you, Father!”

  “Don’t make me regret it by marrying someone who isn’t even civilized.”

  Jess shook her head emphatically. “I won’t. I promise.”

  Two weeks later, Jess stood on the train platform saying goodbye to her parents. She was in a new traveling dress that Miss Hazel had insisted she needed. It was more fashionable than anything she’d ever worn, but it fit perfectly. Having someone other than her mother make her clothes for her had been a very new experience.

  “I shall miss you both,” Jess said with a tear in her eye. “But I promise I will have the most marvelous time, and I will write every single week.”

  Father looked for a moment like he was about to change his mind, but he shook his head. “Be sure you do write to your mother.”

  Jess embraced them both, Miss Hazel bouncing excitedly beside her. Jess wasn’t sure a lady of Miss Hazel’s mature years should be bouncing like a toddler, but she didn’t question it. She was going to travel and see the world. Why would she question anything?

  They walked to the sleeping car Miss Hazel had procured for them, and Jess looked at the top bunk. “I presume I’ll be sleeping up there?”

  Miss Hazel surprised her. “If you don’t mind, I’ve always wanted to sleep up high off the floor. I believe it would feel as if I was floating on a cloud. Who doesn’t want to float on a cloud?” She scampered up the ladder with a speed and agility that astonished Jess.

  Jess shook her head. This trip was going to be the most exciting thing she ever did in her life. She could feel it.

  After changing trains in Maine, they headed south toward Boston. Jess couldn’t stop looking out the window. “We’re in a different country, Miss Hazel!”

  “We certainly are! I think we’ll spend a week in Boston. We can shop for new clothes, go see a play or two, meet a handsome young man…” Miss Hazel winked at Jess, who blushed.

  “I don’t know about meeting a handsome young man.”

  “Why? Is there a beau I don’t know about back in Ottawa?” Miss Hazel tilted her head to one side, as if considering. “I’ve never heard of you setting your cap for a young man.”

  Jess shrugged. “I never really have. Not since I was old enough for it to matter anyway.” She couldn’t lie to Miss Hazel, but it was hard to have this conversation, because the only man she’d ever really been silly about was her son.

  “Hmm…There’s something you’re not telling me, but it’s too glorious a day for me to worry about that. In a few hours, we’re going to be in Boston. I can’t begin to express how excited I am. The first thing we’ll do upon our arrival is find out what plays are showing.”

>   “Yes, Miss Hazel.”

  When a hired driver in a motor car pulled up in front of the Parker House Hotel, where Miss Hazel had booked them rooms for the night, Jess’s stomach was in knots. The hotel was so grand. A telegraph operator’s daughter shouldn’t be allowed to stay in such a magnificent place.

  Her eyes were wide as the driver helped her down from the automobile and gave her luggage to a bellboy who was positioned out front of the hotel. “Have a nice stay, miss.”

  Jess followed Miss Hazel inside. The older woman seemed to know exactly where she was going and had no qualms whatsoever about staying there…though Jess knew she’d not traveled before, either.

  Soon they were in their room, all the way up on the fifth floor. Jess stood peering out the window, astonished at how small everyone looked. “This room is so high up.”

  Miss Hazel nodded, obviously excited to have reached their first destination. “I shall use the telephone to find out what plays are in town, and we will decide where to go from there.”

  Jess was still staring out the window when Miss Hazel finished her call. “We’re going to see The Duke’s Dilemma at the Forsythe Theater. The operator told me it’s filled with Spanish intrigue, and that sounds like something we have to see while we’re in Boston!”

  “All right,” Jess told her. She didn’t care what they did. She’d someday be able to tell her children that she’d seen a play in Boston. She’d stayed on the fifth floor of a hotel in Boston. Well, if she ever found a man who could measure up to her Theodore.

  She frowned. At least at home, she would occasionally see a man in a bright red coat, and she’d know he was a Mountie that might know Theodore. Now her only connection to him was his mother. She took a deep breath. She was going to have fun and stop wallowing in her loneliness.