Mail Order Mayhem (Brides of Beckham) Read online

  “Oh! I was lost in my thoughts thinking about the Johnson family. My mother’s getting married in two months, so I need to be ready to leave before then.” She knew it wasn’t much time and she bit her lip wondering how Mrs. Long would react to the rushed time frame.

  “We can make that happen. Why don’t we write your letter together, and I’ll mail it off for you. So many times, women forget to include pertinent details, and they kick themselves later. I have a list of things I try to make sure every letter includes, so it would be easier to do it here. The more complete your first letter is, the faster we can get you married.”

  Emily was relieved. She wasn’t sure she could think of everything she needed to say without help, so she was thrilled to be able to do it with Harriett. Harriett handed her a piece of paper and a pen, so she quickly wrote, “Dear Benjamin, Abbie and Georgie, I enjoyed reading your letter. I have never served a meal of bacon sandwiches in my life, and I work as a cook for a living. Rest assured you will have a variety of food if you choose me to be your new mama.” She looked up and read what she’d written aloud.

  Harriett smiled and nodded. “That’s good. Answer their direct questions and requirements first, and then you can go on and add the other pertinent details. You finish that part, and let me know when you need help with the things you need to include.”

  Emily dipped her pen in the inkwell, then put the pen to paper and wrote, “I love reading to children, especially girls, at any time of day, and I’m sure that will translate well to daughters, although I’ve never had one and can’t be absolutely certain about that. I’m an adequate seamstress and know exactly how a little girl’s hair should look, so there are no problems there. I expect children to make a mess, because if they couldn’t make messes, they couldn’t learn. I love to bake, and enjoy both picnicking and walks in the woods, although I’ve not had a lot of time for either in my busy life. I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I lost my father at a very young age and know from personal experience how hard it is to grow up with only one parent. I’m more than willing to help out in a mercantile and would enjoy it immensely. I am twenty years old, and my name is Emily Hughes. I live with my mother in Beckham, Massachusetts. I’ve never been to Minnesota, or anywhere outside of Massachusetts, but would like to go there.” When she was finished writing, Emily read the letter she’d written to Harriett. “What else should I add?”

  “You want to tell them what you look like, and what interests you. Ask if they have any pets or anything else you want to know about them.”

  Emily nodded and wrote quickly, “I am a short woman with auburn hair and blue eyes. I enjoy reading when I have time and taking walks to enjoy nature. What do you like to do as a family? What are the girls interested in? Are there any other questions you have for me?” Again, she read what she’d written aloud.

  Harriett smiled. “I think that’s perfect. Sign it and I’ll send it off with the mail tomorrow. We’ll expect a response in a month or so.” She squeezed Emily’s hand. “If we don’t have you married off before your mother needs you out of the house, you can stay here for a few days, but I do believe we’ll have you on a train for Minnesota within the next two months.”

  Emily stood. “Thank you for the cookies and tea and for your time. I appreciate you helping me.”

  Harriett stood as well. As Emily watched her slowly gain her feet, she wondered again about the limp. It would be impolite to ask, though, so she brushed it off and headed for the door. Harriett saw her out. “Come see me in three and a half weeks and we’ll talk about where to go from there.”

  Emily left the house and headed for home, her heart filled with trepidation. She needed to focus on the idea of being a mother to two little girls who needed her and helping her mother by leaving. She needed to do her best not to think about the fact she’d be marrying a man she’d never met. She couldn’t think about that. The family did seem like a good one, and she only hoped she could find the courage to go through with the plans she’d set into motion.