Montana Sky: Mail Order Machinations (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read Free Page B

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.
     
    Dear 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