The Montana Rancher's Bride (New Montana Brides) Read Free Page B

on, I’ll get it.” Silas returned and handed him three letters.
    “I see what you mean,” Case said. “I’ll be back in a little while. I’m gonna visit Jack and Letty.”
    He climbed on the wagon, and opened the first of the letters. A letter from the editor of The Matrimonial Bulletin, told him of a response to his ad, and the terms under which it was accepted and answered.
    Dear 920, I am a war widow, twenty-five years of age. I am five feet four inches tall and of proportional weight. I am told I’m attractive . I cook and sew. I also read and write. I have a son three years old. I have no prospects, save my widow’s pension. I would be interested in corresponding, with marriage a possibility. If you have an interest, please respond to number 727.
    “Interesting,” he said aloud. A couple passing by looked at him strangely. It was not a common thing to see a person talking when there was no one around.  The attention embarrassed him, and he put the letters away and would read them later.
    “So, you g et responses to your ad?” Letty asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
    “Yes, I have three, but I’ve only opened one. The one I opened was from a twenty-five year old war wi dow, with a three year old son. I don’t know if I’m ready to take on a three year old.”
    “You had a good role model, and I think you’d be a good parent.”
    “I’m not so sure about that. Before I answer this one, I want to see the others. I’m not sure I’ll make it in again this week. We’ve got a lot of catch-up work from our drive to Fort CF Smith.”
    “I hope you can make it,” Jack said. 
    Silas helped him load the supplies into the wagon, shook hands, and Case set out for the Lazy J.
    He was sitting in the living room, reading the second of the three letters. 
    Dear Number 920,
    Your ad from the recent Matrimonial Bulletin piqued my interest. I am twenty-five years of age. I am tall and of slender build. I have dark hair and blue eyes. I have been told I have a comely appearance.
    I am the oldest of five girls. I have completed the second level of school, at the local  women’s college, and have a love of reading. I am a good cook (If I do say so myself.) and I learned to sew of necessity. I haven’t lived on a ranch, but I have spent considerable time in Mama’s garden. I have no independent  resources, but I have a position as a teacher in a local academy. I have a reputation for being a hard worker.
    I would like to correspond with you further, if my interests appeal to you.  If so, please reply to number 976.  
    “I favor this one over the first one. There’s just something about the way it sounds,” he said, talking to himself.  “ Lefty’s right. I need someone around to talk to, so I can quit talking to myself.”
    The third letter began , Dear Number 920, I found your ad in the Bulletin and I am interested in what you said. I am nineteen years old, five feet two inches and weigh 130 pounds. I have some schooling and can read and write. I think I have a sense of humor, and I like people. I am interested in corresponding with you further. I will make a good companion and do not wish to be encumbered with children. Please respond to 790. I eagerly await your response.
    “That one gets no attention from me,” he thought. “I may not want a three year old right from the start, but I would like to have a son someday.”
    He rummaged around in the desk where he kept the record of the ranch operations until he found some paper and a stub of a pencil. By the light of the oil lamp, he wet the tip of the pencil with his tongue as he thought about what he wanted to say. The words did not come easy, since he had received exactly one more letter than he had ever written. 
    Dear Number 976. 
    I am pleased to have received your letter, and I hope this finds you well of mind and body.  
    I am twenty- five years of age and, while I don’t know my weight, I would estimate around 160 pounds.  My