Montana Sky: Mail Order Machinations (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  “Did you mention you can’t cook?”

  “I’ve got a whole month to learn. How hard can it be? Besides, you’re going, and I know you know how to cook. You’ve been in the kitchen with Mary learning to cook every day for years. You’ll help me.” If all else failed, they’d make the man think that Esther was doing the cooking instead of Coral. How much did it really matter as long as the man got fed?

  Coral frowned. “Of course, I’ll help, but what if your new husband doesn’t want me there?”

  “Not want you? Everyone wants you around, dear sister. No, it’ll be fine.” Esther refused to believe otherwise. And if the man was in an area with few women, it would be easy to marry Coral off soon after they arrived. She wasn’t as classically pretty as Esther, but she was sweet natured. Everyone seemed to prefer that.

  Coral shook her head. She wouldn’t let herself believe disaster would happen. She would do her best to be indispensable. Besides, they had more important things to worry about. Like what they were going to tell their mother.

  They found their mother in the parlor, right where they’d left her. She was still crying. “Mother, we’ve determined what we’ll do. Now we just need to get our things packed tonight, before the men come to take the furniture tomorrow,” Coral announced when she walked in.

  Esther watched her sister take charge, guiding their mother up the stairs and putting her to work in a way she would never be able to do. There was just something about Coral that made people not mind being managed by her.

  The three women worked together through the long night. First they packed their mother’s things, because she had a ticket for a train that was leaving at nine-thirty the following morning.

  Once they finished there, they went to work on the girls’ rooms. There were so many things Esther would pick up, and think, Oh, I need to take this with me. It would look grand in my new home, but Coral would shake her head, and Esther would put it back down, knowing her sister was right. There would be limited space to take all their things to Montana.

  Esther’s eye caught the diamond sparkling from the ring on her finger. First thing in the morning, she’d take that ring and sell it. Then she would be able to pay for Coral’s ticket out West, and not have to worry about asking for money from either Elizabeth or her future husband. She never wanted to have to see it again anyway.

  They finally fell into bed just before four in the morning, knowing they’d have to be up before seven to get Mother to the train station. Esther fell into an exhausted sleep, refusing to worry about tomorrow and what may come.

  *****

  There was a mad rush the next morning, Esther, Coral, and their mother each carrying two carpet bags that held the sum total of their belongings. Esther had left many of her pretty dresses behind, knowing they just wouldn’t be practical for the trip out West.

  She had kept one pretty silk dress, but all the other things she’d kept had been day dresses, and one nice skirt and blouse. She’d have two outfits to alternate for Sunday best, but everything else would be good for work on a ranch.

  Coral glanced over at Esther as they walked. Their mother suddenly seemed horribly frail to both of them, crying a bit more with each step they took. “Mother, you’re going to be so happy to see Grandmother and Grandfather again. You’ll be content there.”

  “But what about you girls?” Mother asked.

  It was the first time since everything had happened their mother had shown an interest beyond what would happen to her. “We have our futures settled. Don’t worry about us, Mother,” Esther told her.

  “Of course, I’ll worry about you. You’re my babies.”

  Esther didn’t respond, because they’d reached the train station. They said their goodbyes, and then Esther and Coral headed back toward the center of town. They would sell Esther’s ring before going on to Elizabeth’s house.

  “Do you think she’ll be all right?” Coral asked.

  Esther shrugged. “She’ll have Grandmother and Grandfather. Grandfather will probably force her to get a divorce and remarry, just so she’ll be out of his hair.”

  Coral giggled. “It would be good for her. She needs to stop hiding herself away at home and get out and live.”

  For as long as Esther could remember, their mother had slowly become a recluse. She left the house only on Sundays, and in the past few years, she’d stayed home from church more and more. “Do you think one of us should have ridden the train with her and made sure she got to Grandmother’s all right?”

  Coral shook her head. “She needs to learn to rely on herself and not on us.”

  Esther recognized the truth in her sister’s words. Coral had been running their household since she was ten, while their mother had watched. It was too much of a burden on her younger sister, but Esther hadn’t had the skills necessary to help much. She wasn’t much of a manager, preferring to be told what to do for the most part.

  Once they’d sold Esther’s ring, they headed to Elizabeth’s house, the money tucked away discretely in one of Esther’s carpet bags. She didn’t want anyone to realize she had any money with her. She knew everyone would think they were completely destitute, so people wouldn’t bother her for her father’s debts.

  They knocked on the door of the Miller house as soon as they arrived. The same man opened the door. “Misses Carruthers,” he said with a nod. “Let me take you to your rooms.” He led them up the stairs. “I’m Bernard, the butler here. If you need anything, be sure to inform me. I help Miss Miller with her business as well as running this household. Miss Miller said that one of you would be helping her with her filing while you’re here?”

  Coral nodded. “That would be me. I’m Coral. It’ll be easier if you call us both by our first names. Esther is hoping she can spend time in the kitchen learning from your cook.”

  Bernard looked at Esther with a frown. “I hope you’re a quick learner.”

  Esther smiled. “I hope so too. I’ll certainly do my best.” She’d never felt like she was quick at anything, but she knew it had to do with Coral.

  Coral had always been able to do everything quickly and efficiently. She was taught to sound out words, and the next thing anyone knew, she was reading the Bible all on her own at age seven. She was taught to add and subtract, and she’d quickly taken over the household accounts, exceeding even their father, a banker, on a ledger sheet. It was hard to be the older sister of a genius.

  “You’re a very fast learner, Esther. I’ll help if I need to.” Coral smiled sweetly.

  Esther would rather learn from anyone than her sister, but she didn’t say so. It wasn’t fair to her. Coral was a good, kind, intelligent woman. It was just so hard to feel like she was living in her shadow. That’s why Esther had jumped at the chance to marry Jeremiah. At least she would no longer feel like she couldn’t live up to her younger sister.

  *****

  Early one Friday morning, about six weeks after he’d sent off his letter to the matchmaker back East, Brody climbed onto the buckboard of his wagon and drove into town. It was a four hour trip each way to Morgan’s Crossing, and the prices were steep, but it was even further to the next closest town, Sweetwater Springs, so he knew it was the smart way to go.

  He drove straight to the store, needing to see if he had received a letter and buy some supplies for the next month or so. He went into town as infrequently as possible, not willing to take the time from his work to go often.

  When he walked in, the new shopkeeper, Ralph Jones, raised his hand in greeting. “I have a letter from back East for you, Finnegan.”

  Brody smiled, rushing to the counter, while Ralph went off and found the letter for him. Once he had it in hand, he walked outside to the quiet streets of Morgan’s Crossing. While everyone was off at work at the mine, the town was always quiet. The womenfolk were all so busy doing their chores, it tended to be quiet.

  He leaned against the wall in front of the store, reading the letter he’d received.

  D
ear Mr. Finnegan,

  My name is Esther Carruthers, and I would like to be your mail order bride. I live in a mid-sized town in Massachusetts and desperately need to be away from this place.

  I am a good housekeeper and seamstress, and a fair cook. I’m eighteen years old and considered pretty. I have dark hair and brown eyes.

  Please let me know if you think we would suit.

  Yours Truly,

  Esther.

  Brody frowned, rereading the letter. She wasn’t giving him much information, but a willing woman was more than he had now. He’d take her. He went into the store and borrowed a pen and paper from Ralph.

  *****

  Esther was in the kitchen, taking a loaf of bread from the oven, when Elizabeth brought her the letter from Brody. She glanced over her shoulder with a smile. “Just a second.” She carefully placed the loaf on the work table and closed the oven before setting down her potholders. “I do believe this loaf might just be edible.”

  Elizabeth nodded, sniffing deeply. “It smells wonderful! I can’t wait to try it.”

  “Give me a minute to read this letter, and we’ll slice into it. Hot bread with butter sounds delicious.” Esther didn’t add that she’d churned the butter herself. She’d learned a lot in the four and a half weeks she’d been “apprenticing” in Elizabeth’s kitchen.

  “I’ll wait then!” Elizabeth said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. She’d eaten a lot of Esther’s meals, the good and the bad.

  Esther sank into a straight-back chair at the kitchen table. She realized her hands were shaking as she unfolded the letter, ignoring something that fell out onto her lap.

  Dear Esther,

  Thank you for your letter. I do believe you will be a good wife to me. I’ve enclosed money to cover your train ticket and expenses along the way. Please send a wire to let me know when your train will arrive. I will send someone to Sweetwater Springs in about two weeks to get it. The journey is a full day and a half drive from Sweetwater Springs to my ranch. I will be waiting for you in Sweetwater Springs, and we’ll drive to my home together.

  I look forward to hearing when you will arrive.

  Your future husband,

  Brody

  Esther smiled at Elizabeth. “He’s sent me train fare. I’m to wire to let him know when I’ll arrive.”

  “Wonderful! Now, let’s try that bread and see if you’re ready to feed him.”

  *****

  The next two days were a flurry of activity as Esther bought train tickets and wired Brody. The night before she was to leave, Elizabeth brought her into her study and closed the door. “Before any of my brides leave to marry their spouses, I like to have a quick talk with them.”

  Esther shook her head. “Oh, my mother’s already had that talk with me. There’s no need for you to do it.”

  Elizabeth blushed slightly. “That’s not the talk I’m speaking of. I want to discuss marriage in general. There are some men who think once they’re married, their wife belongs to them, and they have the right to hurt her. If that happens to you, I want you to know that all you have to do is contact me, and I’ll arrange for you to come back to Massachusetts, and you will have a place with me for as long as you need one.”

  “Oh, I’m sure that wouldn’t be necessary,” Esther said quickly.

  “It might. What I’m trying to say is that you won’t have to stay with a man who hurts you. You will always have options.”

  “Thank you for that. We appreciate your hospitality for so long.”

  “I take it Coral is going with you.”

  They’d never come right out and said what the plan was, but Esther knew Elizabeth understood. “Yes, she is.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “I thought so. She should have an easy time finding someone to marry there.”

  “That’s what we thought.” Esther stood and walked to Elizabeth, who also stood. The two women embraced. “We’ll write you as soon as we get to Montana. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for us.”

  “I’ve enjoyed having you both here. Coral has me more organized than I’ve ever dreamed of being.” Elizabeth dropped her voice to a whisper. “I’ll probably mess up my desk as soon as you leave, just because I’ll be able to again. Coral is—intimidating at times.”

  “It’s hard to believe she’s only seventeen, isn’t it?” Esther shook her head. “She’ll be running Montana Territory the moment we step foot there.” She hadn’t figured out yet whether she should be proud of her sister’s overwhelming ability to do everything, or embarrassed by her.

  Elizabeth laughed softly. “If she’s not, I’ll be surprised. I’ve never met anyone quite like your sister.”

  “That’s because there is no one quite like Coral. Imagine being her older sister. She’s supposed to follow in my footsteps, but I always felt like I was following in hers. It’s very disconcerting to be found lacking when compared to a sister who is eighteen months younger than you are. I know why you have an age limit for women you place, but—she’s more capable than any other woman I know. I’ve always felt like less when she was around.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I understand what it’s like to be overwhelmed by the reputation of your siblings. Don’t worry. All of that is about to change. You’ll have a man to love and take care of.”

  Esther nodded. “I certainly hope so.”

  Chapter Three

  Esther rested her head against the dirty window of the train, clutching Coral’s hand. The next stop was Sweetwater Springs, and she was nervous. More nervous than she’d ever been in her life. What if Brody looked at her and didn’t find her pretty? Worse, what if he took one look at Coral and said she had to go back home?

  Coral squeezed Esther’s hand. “Stop worrying.”

  “Is it so obvious?”

  Coral laughed softly. “I can hear the wheels in your head spinning. Either he accepts me or he doesn’t. If he doesn’t, there’ll be somewhere for me to go. I’m sure there’s a man close by who would marry me on sight.”

  “I really want you to be able to marry for love. That’s part of the reason I’m doing this. You should have all the time in the world to meet and find a man who you care for.”

  “Why?” Coral asked. “I can make the best of any situation. I wish I was the one marrying first, so you could have that. You deserve it.”

  Esther shook her head. “We both know I’m the weaker sister. No, you deserve to have time to find a man you can love. We’ll see what happens, but I want you to wait until you’re ready.”

  Coral rested her head on her sister’s shoulder. “Whatever happens, I’m glad we’re here together.”

  “Me too.” Esther was less nervous with Coral at her side, even though she knew Brody may be angry upon seeing her.

  The train stopped and the sisters stood, gathering their belongings. After ten days on a train, they were both ready to get on with their lives.

  Esther got off the train first, moving to the center of the platform, Coral staying slightly behind her. Esther scanned the crowd, looking for a man in a cowboy hat, hoping to find him easily.

  Brody stood with his hat clutched to the front of his chest, unusually nervous. He’d never done anything like this in his life, and he wasn’t certain how he was supposed to act with a new wife he’d never met. Should he kiss her in greeting? Shake her hand? Or just lead her to his wagon?

  He’d stopped by the parsonage on his way to the train station to warn Pastor Norton and his wife that he would be stopping by with his bride on his way out of town later.

  He spotted the woman he assumed was his bride, a tall brunette with pretty brown eyes. She was wearing a pink dress with some sort of pattern on it. He strode toward her, pleased with her appearance at least. Hopefully she would have a good heart to match.

  He approached her, hat in hand, stopping in front of her. “Esther?”

  Esther nodded. “Brody?” She stared at him, her throat going dry, and her hands starting to sweat. She hoped he wouldn’t try
to shake her hand just then. Who wanted their marriage to start with a sweaty handshake?

  “Yes, I’m Brody Finnegan. It’s nice to meet you.” He wanted to kiss her, but wondered how she’d feel if their first kiss was on a train platform. “The preacher and his wife are expecting us.”

  He reached down to pick up her bags, and she looked back over her shoulder at Coral. “I—I brought my sister with me,” she all but whispered. Esther was shocked at how soft her voice was, and how very nervous she was around this man, who would be her husband in just a short while. She’d never felt that way around Jeremiah.

  The quickening in her stomach was new as well. Just a tingling as he looked at her. Why did she feel so differently with this man?

  “Your sister?” His voice was perplexed and his brows drew together. “Why would you bring your sister?”

  “Because she had nowhere to go.”

  Brody looked over her shoulder at the sister. “What are we going to do with her?” His house was small, only two bedrooms. He wouldn’t turn her out, but what about when the children came?

  Esther frowned at his callous question. “She’ll be eighteen in a month or two. I’m sure she’ll find a husband quickly. She’s very skilled.” Much more skilled than I am.

  “So she’s planning on being with us for just a short while?” he asked, needing to know the plan before he married Esther. “Did you know you’d bring her with you when you answered my letter?”

  Esther thought for a moment about denying it, but she couldn’t start their marriage on a lie. “I did.” Her eyes met his directly. He had red hair and green eyes, the same coloring as Coral had. She wondered idly if he was planning to marry the right sister.