Indiana Goes West (Mail Order Brides of Pioneer Town, Book 1) Read Free

thinking over the
afternoon’s events. Morgan could scarcely believe his luck when the
home to which he and his Uncle Charles had been invited to dinner
was that of the family of the beautiful lady.
    Did he believe in love at first sight? Morgan
wasn’t sure. He had always scoffed at such things in the past. Yet
when he had first laid eyes on Indiana, his heart had thumped
furiously in his chest and his mouth had run dry. It was not just
that she had proven to be a generous soul, for he had been struck
by her beauty.
    Is it possible to fall in love within
hours of meeting someone? he wondered, as he lay on his bed,
tossing and turning.
     
     

Chapter 5

    Indiana was sitting in the garden courtyard
with her sisters, Montana and Leah, and her best friend, Diana.
    “I think Mother’s given up trying to marry me
to that awful Mr. Hollway,” Indiana announced.
    Diana was clearly pleased for her. “Indiana!
That’s great news! Who does she have in mind instead?”
    Indiana chuckled. “You know my mother too
well, Diana. She now seems set on Mr. Morgan Chase. Do you know
him? He’s just visiting town, but his business partner is Charles
Walton.”
    “He’s awfully good looking,” Montana added.
“I suggested to Indiana that she make eyes at him.”
    Indiana said. “You know, Diana, it’s not fair
that we can’t have any say in who we marry.”
    Diana wrung her hands. “It’s a man’s world,
Indiana.” Her voice was a little more than a whisper. “I’m so sorry
for your family. If you had a brother, you wouldn’t be in his
predicament.”
    “The inheritance laws need to be changed,”
Indiana said. “It’s awful that Mother is answering those mail order
bride advertisements and trying to push me onto the first wealthy
man she sees.”
    Diana laughed. “I’m sure that’s an
exaggeration, Indiana, but Mr. Chase sounds like a good prospect.
Anyone would have to be better than Mr. Hollway.”
    Indiana went to speak, but Montana waved her
hand at her. “She’s changed her mind now, Diana, that’s for sure,
after she saw him, that is.”
    Diana raised her eyebrows. “So how
good-looking is he?”
    “ Very,” Indiana
said forcefully, and the girls collapsed in helpless peals of
laughter. “But after Mother finds a husband for me, she’ll start on
the rest of you.
    “ Leah isn’t
interested in boys,” Montana said. “She’s too young.”
    “ Nonsense!”
Diana exclaimed. “My mother was married at a younger age than Leah.
She’d better get interested soon and pick out a suitable man she
likes, before the decision is made for her.”
    “ That’s exactly
what I’m always saying.” Montana splashed water from the fountain
at Leah, who squealed and in turn splashed water on all the
girls.
    Leah was indignant. “Stop talking about me
like I’m not here. I love painting and design. What’s wrong with
that? Anyway Indiana, Mother said if you don’t marry a wealthy man
in a hurry, she will answer mail order advertisements for me, and
for Montana too.”
    Indiana ’s voice rose in
surprise. “Surely you’re mistaken, Leah.”
    “ No, Indiana,
it’s a fact.”
    “ Why that’s
scandalous!” Indiana was horrified.
    Montana and Diana murmured
agreement.
    Leah nodded at Indiana, and then changed
the subject. “Who wants to go to the library and read?”
    Everyone
thought that good idea, except for Indiana. “I’ve read just about
every book in the library. Would you mind if I left early? Mother
wants me to take a message to the banker for her. I’ll talk to you
soon, Diana.”
    “ Do you mean
Wyatt Greenfield, Indiana?” Montana said the word
‘ Wyatt’ forcefully.
    “ Yes, the
banker, Mr. Wyatt Greenfield. Why, Montana?”
    “ No reason.”
Montana’s tone was just as forceful and her face turned beet
red.
    As Indiana made her way out of the
garden, she figured she had just discovered the identity of
Montana’s mystery crush.
     
     

Chapter 6

    Indiana paused at the front door of