Florence Read online

  There were a lot of reasons why a woman wouldn’t be married at twenty-five. Jay went to the house and walked up the steps and opened the door. A little odd since there were no walls, just the frame. His mail-order bride could have had to watch over her family. That happened to women.

  Maybe there weren’t any good men in her town. He chuckled. Of course, it wasn’t like he was a good man. Not yet. He needed to prove himself to Del and Bridgette but mostly to himself.

  Chapter 2

  Florence stepped off the train and scanned the platform for a friendly face. In her telegram, Bridgette had written that she’d send her husband to the depot. It seems the matchmaker had had a baby just a couple of months ago.

  Thinking of a baby sent Florence in a heart-melting mood. She so wanted a child of her own. A baby she could hold and cuddle and promise the moon for. That was one thing she had struggled with. If God knew her so well, why hadn’t He seen fit to give her a husband so she could have her own children?

  For as long as she could remember, Florence had wanted to be a mother. That was part of the reason she had gone down the spinster path of life. She was a natural at taking care of her younger brothers and sisters and later a niece and nephew.

  But she yearned for a child of her own. She loved the fresh smell of an infant and their soft coos and sweet smiles. Well, in due time, Florence would have a baby of her own. She moved from the train to the bench by the station and settled down to wait for her future.

  A distinguished and handsome man in a suit stepped on the platform, looked about, and then smiled at her. “Florence Winwood?”

  Standing, she put her hand out to the man. “Yes, and you must be Sterling Merritt. The mayor of Shirleyville.”

  “Yes, Ma’am. I wouldn’t let Bridgette come as she had a bout with a cold last week. But I promised her I would bring you to our house. She has a room for you.”

  “That would be wonderful.” Florence wondered if her groom-to-be had changed his mind, but she would find out soon enough. No sense in borrowing troubles, her granny had always said.

  Settled in the buggy, she waited for Mr. Merritt to untie the horse. She felt strange riding beside him, but the carriage was small and offered no other choice. Not to mention, she didn’t see any room for her trunk.

  “I have a trunk and a couple of bags.”

  “Yes, I have a man with a wagon. He’s getting supplies and will come by to pick them up. I’ve told the attendant.”

  “Oh, good. It seems you have everything under control.”

  He laughed. “Yes. It would seem. You can call me, Sterling. Most in town do. I prefer the less formal ways. That’s one of the things I like most about the west.”

  Florence made a mental note to remember that, but she, for one, liked the formalities. It kept things in order. Kept people in order. But if that was the way he liked it, she would go along.

  “Sterling, is your house far from town?”

  “A couple of hours in a buggy. A little less on a fast horse.” He looked at her with curiosity in his eyes. “I guess you’re anxious to meet the man Bridgette has picked out for you.”

  “Yes, I am.” She folded her hands and avoided his probing eyes.

  “My Bridgette is a wonderful woman, but I fear she takes on more than she should. You’re only the second match she’s made.”

  “Yes, but I believe it will go well.” Florence had to really. She’d made the grand and desperate decision to put her hopes in Bridgette’s hands. Now, to hear Mr. Merritt, she was beginning to wonder if it had been a mistake.

  He flicked the reins. “I’ll let Bridgette explain things to you.”

  Florence nodded. “So, tell me about Shirleyville. It looks like a quaint prairie town but growing.”

  Sterling settled back in the seat and, with a proud look on his face, began telling her about Shirleyville. “Judge Solomon Taggart founded the valley. He’s built an empire of cattle, mining, and business. But he’s a good fair man. His first wife and daughter, Shirley, both died from the fever. He named the town after his daughter.”

  “That must have been a sad time for him.”

  “I didn’t know him then, but I am sure it was.”

  Florence held onto her hat as a gust of wind blew across them. “That’s one thing about the prairie. You can always count on there being wind. My father used to laugh and say it was because there was nothing high enough to stop it.”

  “Yes, the weather can be cantankerous. I’m originally from England. I came out here to take over as much land as I could for my uncle. I met Bridgette when I was scouting the property. I have to say she conquered me.”

  Florence laughed. “She must be something. Not many women are lawyers.”

  “You have no idea. Wait until you meet Bridgette. She’s as smart as she is pretty and has a heart as big as Montana.” The content expression on his face said how much he loved his wife.

  Florence could only hope that the man Bridgette had picked out for her would be just as good and adoring to her. She would have to trust it to be so because there was no going back. Jack, her oldest brother, had been counting on her to help with his eight children. His wife was weak, and since their father had died, Jack wanted her to take over the duties of his household.

  As images of Aunt Susie flooded Florence’s mind, she ran from his offer, and knew if she didn’t leave then and there, she never would. So, this was her fate. Her destiny. And she was going to make the best of it.

  She smoothed her skirt and brushed off some dust. “I suppose you’re wondering why I couldn’t find a husband in Minnesota.”

  Sterling looked at her and gave her a friendly smile. “I believe that out here in Montana, a person has the right to not explain themselves. The past doesn’t matter. You’re an attractive, kind woman, and I know you’ll be a pleasant addition to Shirleyville and a welcome sight for your husband to be.”

  “Thank you for that vote of confidence. It’s not easy for a woman to leave home and family. The prairie is a hard place for a woman.”

  He nodded. “Yes, for man, woman, and beast, it can be a challenge.” He waved his arm toward the landscape. “But it’s worth it all. The mountains, green valleys, and abundant animals, it has a lot to offer. Shirleyville is on the cusp of becoming an important town. I have grand plans for the area.”

  “I can see that you do. I like that. A town needs a man of vision to make things happen.” The wind had made the air cool, and she rubbed her arms. “I take it the town has a school and doctor?”

  “Yes, Sarah Newsome is the teacher. She recently married the doctor, Philip Newsome, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we need a new teacher in the near future. Bridgette has plans to start a library. She loves to read.”

  Florence nodded. “I haven’t had the luxury or the time to read, but that sounds wonderful. Maybe someday, I could read a book.”

  “I’m sure while you’re staying with us, Bridgette will entice you to read one of her favorites so she can engage you in a debate.”

  “I would really like to meet the man I am matched with. That’s why I came out here to Montana.”

  Sterling nodded. “Yes, I’m sure Bridgette will have you meet in the next few days.”

  “Good.” Florence folder her arms. “It’s a bit chillier than I had thought.”

  “There’s a blanket under the seat. Our weather tends to be cool, but in the summer, we can have some hot days.” He pointed to the west. “All that land is Taggart land. The judge owns the biggest ranch in the valley. In fact, he pretty much owns the valley.”

  “What sort of man is he?”

  “The best. Hard but fair. Kind and giving. After the judge’s wife died, he was alone for several years, and then he ordered a mail-order bride. Rachel came with ten kids in tow, and the judge loved them all. It was a good match.”

  Florence nodded. At least the people in Shirleyville were accustomed to mail-order marriages. “And the first match that Bridgette made, she said
I would be her second. How did the first one work out?”

  “That would be Del and Jericho. They’re happy. I think they have a good marriage.”

  That news allowed Florence to relax some. Still, ever since Bridgette’s husband had picked her up, something bothered her. She couldn’t place her finger on it, but something was amiss as if the mayor wasn’t telling her a deciding fact about her marriage-to-be.

  Sterling kept his gaze steady in front of them.

  Florence had the feeling that he was uncomfortable talking about the man that Bridgette had chosen her for. What was wrong with him? Certainly, Sterling Merritt didn’t think there was anything wrong with her.

  Still, the uneasiness remained.

  Sterling didn’t offer anything else, and she didn’t ask. Soon enough, Florence would find out. Whatever it was, she was staying. She had her things and the modest dowry her parents had left for her.

  It wasn’t much, but enough to keep her going for several months. Besides, the west was full of men, and all she needed was one.

  ***

  Jay turned down the road to the huge building. Judge Taggart had invested in the mill and was leasing it to him for a portion of the profits. Fortunately, Jay had worked in a sawmill in Colorado and then at the prison.

  So, he knew the ropes. The judge had a couple of men standing by to get the business started. Jay surveyed the surrounding land and was pleased that the sawmill was in a valley bordered by forested hills. There was enough lumber in the forest to build three towns.

  The first thing he was going to do was talk to towns on the train route and secure contracts for lumber. One thing he didn’t see was a drying kiln. He could get one later once he saved enough money.

  This was a gold mine of a business, and Jay wasn’t going to let it get away. Del had been wise to suggest the lumber company. He walked around the building, looking for the two men who were supposed to be finishing the project.

  Jay was used to being the jokester, so he’d have to learn how to manage men and himself. For the moment, the task looked hard and beyond his abilities, but Del believed in him. Still, Jay had spent most of his life getting into trouble and being anything but responsible.

  The birds stopped calling, and the woods became quiet as the breeze stilled. Jay looked around but didn’t see the reason for his uneasiness. There was something not right. Jay knew the feeling and had felt it enough while in the outlaw gangs.

  Gloom. That was the only way to describe it. But why would he be feeling it out here? There was no shooting. No others to threaten. Things were going well.

  Jay recalled the way that Del and Jericho had prayed this morning. As the sense of gloom persisted, Jay relented and whispered a prayer. “God, I know I haven’t been a good man, but I want to change. Protect me from whatever it is that isn’t right. Keep me on the narrow path that Del keeps talking about. Amen.”

  Looking around, Jay suddenly felt the gloom lift. The sun broke through the clouds, and the birds returned to the business of singing. Jay relaxed. Maybe there was something to the church thing.

  Then he saw Fred and Curt near the sawmill. Waving to them, Jay called out. “Hello.”

  Fred nodded. “We just got here. There’s trouble down at the mines. We aren’t sure what it was all about, but we were going to ask if we could stay at the mill instead of at the mines.”

  Curt came up beside Fred. “There’s a lot of bad talk between the miners and the Chinese. Heard some of the miners are sick.”

  Jay kneaded the back of his neck. He didn’t need more problems. “Should we tell the sheriff?”

  Curt shook his head. “Out of his territory. The mine owners will have to deal with it.”

  Jay walked with them to the mill. “If you want, go ahead and stay in the office. Once we start milling the lumber, we’ll build some barracks for the men.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Selmer.” Fred shook his hand and then stepped back, keeping his head down.

  Jay wanted to be friends with the men, but he realized they saw him as the boss. Jay needed to keep it that way. “I’m meeting my brother here. For now, you two can clean up the office. Do you need to go back and get your things?”

  Curt shook his head and pointed. “We brought them already. All we got fits in that satchel and the old mule. Not much to show for our lives.”

  Jay felt for them. It wasn’t that long ago, and he’d have joined right in with them. “Tell you what, learn the trade and do a good job for me, and we can fix that. This is your chance, men.”

  Fred looked up, hope shining in his eyes. “You think so, Mr. Selmer. We could use a break.”

  Jay’s chest puffed out at being called mister. “I don’t have many rules. No whiskey on the premises. A saw is no place for an unsteady hand.”

  Fred nodded and looked at Curt before turning back to Jay. “Yes, sir. We understand. I saw a man lose an arm once. Don’t want that to happen to me.” Fred walked to the side of the road and picked up his satchel. “Mind if we get started on the office?”

  “Go ahead. I see Del coming down the road.” Jay walked up the dirt path to his brother. Del was riding one of the livery horses, reminding Jay that when he had enough money, he’d have to buy his own horse.

  Del dismounted. “It looks good, Jay. I see you got Fred and Curt here to help. The judge recommended them.”

  “I told them they could stay in the office. They were saying there’s trouble at the mines. Something about the Chinese not getting along and maybe some sickness.”

  Del frowned. “That doesn’t sound good. You better get some rifles for you and your men.”

  “You know I don’t like guns.” Jay patted the horse.

  “You’re not that far from the mines. If there’s trouble, it could come here. Soon, you’ll have a wife to protect.” Del looked at the mill. “That’s impressive, Jay. I can’t believe in such a short time you and a few men put this together.”

  “The judge sent some of his hands to help. We’re just about ready to start cutting logs.”

  Del smiled. “Did you ever think we’d be two successful business owners?”

  “No, I really didn’t. Still hard for me to believe.”

  Del grinned at him. “When are you meeting the mail-order bride that Bridgette found for you?”

  Jay came around the side of the horse to face Del. “About that, I don’t know if I’m ready to marry. So many changes.”

  Del clapped him on the back. “Trust me, brother. You’ll like it. There’s nothing like coming home to a woman that loves you.”

  “Well, how do I know if this woman will love me?”

  Del nodded. “That’s a gamble you have to take. I trusted Bridgette. She got me the woman of my dreams.”

  Jay frowned. “I doubt if the woman of your dreams was a prostitute.”

  “No, it wasn’t, but we’ve worked past that. And you and your bride will work past whatever differences you may have, too. Besides, the warden said it would help keep us from going back to the old ways.” Del rubbed his jaw.

  “Do you ever get the pull to go back to the badlands and see the boys?”

  Del stared at him. “No. I thought I might once, but then I see Jericho and the way she looks at me. The Good Book says Love never fails, and it’s right.”

  “Maybe.” Jay wondered if he should mention the odd feeling he’d had but decided against it.

  Del patted his pocket. “Anything you need from the store? I have a little extra money I can spare.”

  Jay smiled at his brother. “No, I’ll be all right.” Del was worried about him. It made sense as Jay was usually the one who got into trouble first and dragged him into it. But those days were gone. Jay was determined to make this work.

  Seeing Curt and Fred had been a good reminder of where he’d been before Bridgette brought them in with the Bounty Brigade. Del was going to have to learn to trust him, and Jay was determined to prove himself.

  Del pulled a letter from his pocket. “Ster
ling dropped this off. I bet it’s about the mail-order bride.”

  Jay took the envelope and opened it. He sighed. “You’re right. They want me to go out and meet with them tomorrow. I guess the mail-order bride is here and staying with Bridgette.”

  Del mounted his horse. “Do you have a place picked out to live with your bride?”

  Jay thought of the old unfinished Victorian and nodded. “I do. I hope my bride is a forgiving woman.”

  “Want to ride back to town with me?”

  “No, I’m going to stay here and finish up some things. Tell Sterling I’ll ride out to his house tomorrow.”

  “Will do, brother.” Del galloped up the trail.

  Jay checked with Curt and Fred to make sure they were working and then left. He’d go to the house and see what he could do for the one room that was covered. Tomorrow, he’d stop at the land agent and see about buying the property.

  If he was going to go through with this bride business, he needed to have things in order.

  Chapter 3

  Florence was impressed with Bridgette’s home and even more so with the woman herself. Bridgette was like no other woman Florence had ever met. To say that Bridgette was a force was an understatement.

  Sterling and Bridgette loved one another in such an adoring way. Florence could only hope that the man Bridgette had picked out for her would come close to what they had.

  Bridgette chatted as she led Florence to the parlor. “Do you like to read?”

  Florence followed her, wishing she had a better answer. “No, that is, I rarely had any free time to read, and really, there were few books in our little town. Everyone worked hard.”

  Settling on a comfortable chair, Bridgette nodded. “I grew up on a sheep farm. I completely understand about not having time to yourself.”

  Florence sipped the tea that Bridgette’s cook, Margaret, had set out for them. “About the man that you have for me, can you tell me about him?”

  Bridgette frowned slightly, but soon, her smile returned. “He’s a good man, Florence.” Sterling entered the room and deposited a plump, baby Charlotte in Bridgette’s lap.