A Man To Be Proud Of Read online

  A Man To Be Proud Of

  (Mail-Order Matches)

  A Novelette by Leah Atwood

  Copyright © 2014 by Leah Atwood

  Cover Design @ Sarah-Jane Lehoux

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other no

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Chapter 1

  “That’s what I will do. I’ll be a mail-order bride.” Sarah Davis clapped her hands in joy, excited that she’d finally made a decision for her future.

  Last month, a fire completely destroyed the building that housed the school and church. When word reached the school board, they responded with a fateful message—there were no funds to rebuild, and since there would be no school, Sarah would lose her position as the teacher. Providence intervened and allowed her to keep her room in the tiny cabin, a few hundred feet from the burnt building, but she could not remain there indefinitely. Her funds were quickly depleting—a schoolteacher’s salary was not very high. She had decisions to make that must soon be made.

  Hope Hills, West Virginia was a very small, rural community that offered few if any, opportunities for a woman beyond marriage. She was fortunate, indeed, to receive the position as she had. Her father, now passed bless his heart, had been good friends with a man on the school board. Since Sarah had just completed her preparatory courses when the previous teacher left to marry, she’d been a prime candidate for the position.

  Even though her father’s connection helped her attain the schoolteacher position, Sarah was confident in her abilities. She loved working with the children and being the catalyst to open their minds. Her work was satisfying, but in the previous months, she’d found herself longing for something more. She wanted to have children of her own—a family of her own.

  Her mother had passed away when Sarah was but a small child. An influenza epidemic had whipped through the community, taking many lives, and Sarah would be forever grateful Papa was spared. So many children lost both of their parents that year. Papa never did remarry, and Sarah grew up an only child. She was doted on by her father, and when he passed last fall, a hollow pit remained in her heart.

  And that’s where the crux of her dilemma lay. The school board had offered her a new position, in a small hollow even more remote than Hope Hills. Opportunities to return home to the friends she had here would be few, and smaller yet, the chance to meet an eligible man to marry. At twenty-one years of age, a life of spinsterhood became more and more likely as the number of unmarried men depleted. She’d prayed and sought answers in her heart but had not received peace on accepting the new teaching position.

  While in Grant Springs last week, she’d treated herself to the rare occurrence of purchasing a newspaper. Last night she pulled it out to read again, and this time she looked at the advertisements for men out west who were looking for a bride. Could finding a husband and having a family be as simple as answering an advertisement? The idea stuck with her all night long. There were risks involved, but would the reward be worth it? She still couldn’t shake the notion this morning and just now, she’d had a sudden clarity.

  Pulling the newspaper back out, she sat down at her simple wooden table and began reading the advertisements. This time, she paid special care to each detail of every advertisement, making a note of which ones seemed to have potential. By the time she studied each one, she’d narrowed her choices down to two. The first one read:

  “Wanted- A woman of high morals, willing to work hard beside her husband. Must be a woman of fortitude and resilience, accepting of life’s challenges. Must be at least twenty years of age, but no more than thirty. Would like more than a marriage of convenience and am seeking a partner in life. Please reply to Slade Holcomb in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory.”

  The simple approach to this advertisement drew Sarah in. Unlike many others, the man made no attempt to boast of himself or accomplishments. If there was one thing Sarah could not tolerate in a person, it was a braggart. She also appreciated that he wanted a wife to work beside him. Even though she had few memories of her mother, her father’s love for his wife had been very evident.

  In his attempts to prepare Sarah for marriage, he’d always told her that marriage was a partnership. Just because men and women had different roles, did not make them unequal. Sarah had never fully appreciated her father’s views until she’d witnessed first-hand how some of her student’s fathers treated their wives. She vowed never to enter a marriage where she would be treated as nothing more than a housemaid, or worse.

  She reread the second advertisement.

  “Gentleman seeking a bride to come west and be the mother of my son and daughter, ages two and four. In return, I will provide for you, take care of your needs and Lord willing love you. Must be willing to work hard as a farmer’s wife and accept my children as your own. Send all replies to Matthew Wilson in Omaha, Nebraska.”

  If she chose Matthew’s inquiry to answer, she would become a mother instantaneously. She had no doubt she could love his children as her own, even without yet meeting them. For all their individuality, all children needed the love of a mother. She couldn’t imagine marrying a widower and not wanting his children as well. The decision was tough, especially when both men appeared to want love, too. She knew that not everyone married for love, but she wanted to believe that it could happen in time.

  Wyoming and Nebraska both seemed far away. They had an air of excitement, but from what she knew, Nebraska would be less wild than Wyoming. And she would have the family she longed for. She retrieved a piece of paper and dipped her pen into the inkwell.

  “Dear Mr. Wilson,” she began writing. After the initial words, nothing else came to her. The almost blank sheet of paper stared at her as though mocking her decision. Was her lack of words a sign she was choosing the wrong man? She set the paper aside and pulled another precious sheet out.

  Dear Mr. Holcomb,

  I read your advertisement for a wife in The Daily Times. I am twenty-one years of age and find myself without any living family. Recently, I lost my position as a teacher due to a fire and while I was offered another position elsewhere, I find myself led to answer your advertisement. I am a hard worker, flexible and adaptable to life’s trials. All I ask of a husband is that he provides for me and treats me as an equal. I will be awaiting your reply.

  Truly,

  Sarah Davis

  Hope Hills, West Virginia

  When the ink dried, she carefully folded the letter and placed it in an envelope. Tomorrow, she would make the trip to Grant Springs, where the nearest post office was located. She left the envelope resting on the table and went to stir her pot of stew. Standing at the stove, her eyes continued drifting to the letter. A gurgle of excitement awakened in her bosom. Never before had she made a decision that felt so right.

  ***

  “Slade Holcomb, slow down. I have a letter for you.”

  Slade turned around to see Eleanor Daly’s red curls bouncing up and down as she chased him down the street. Were she not one of the sweetest lady’s he’d ever had the privilege of knowing, he’d laugh at the site. As it was, she was like a grandmother to him and his biggest champion. Because of her, and a handful of others who believed in treating everyone equally, as an adult, Slade was a respected member of
the town. His ranch flourished, and his opinion on ranching matters was often sought out. When he first came to town, there’d been plenty of folks who were none too happy to see him, nor his mother, but Eleanor would rapidly put in place anyone who dared say a negative word about Ma or him.

  Not that he couldn’t fight his own battles. In his old life, it would gall him to have a woman defending his honor, his very being. Since those childhood days, he’d since come to love the old lady and recognized her for the blessing she was. She must have been at least sixty, but still had the same bright red hair she’d had when he arrived almost fifteen years ago as an angry boy of ten.

  Some days, he couldn’t believe it had been fifteen years since his father died, and his mother and he were cast out from his grandparent’s family. The ignorance of the easterners. He hadn’t fully curbed the bitterness that swelled in him when he thought of the injustice of it all. Thank goodness his father had planned ahead. If he hadn’t left his ranch in the hands of a close friend when he took his family east in hopes of a better life, then Slade and his mother would not have had it to return to when they were cast out.

  He’d never understood how anyone could treat another human with such disregard, simply because of their heritage. His mother was half Lakota, which made him a quarter Lakota, although his features could pass him off as a full-blooded Indian. When he was born, his father took him and his mother to the home of his childhood, in hopes of escaping the rising tension between the whites and Indians. He’d mistakenly thought that life would be easier for Slade if he grew up back east and went to the best schools.

  Childhood was a happy time for Slade. While his father was alive, his grandparents doted on him. He had friends, who were the children of his father’s friends that held no prejudices. All that changed one fateful day when Slade had just turned ten. His father suffered a heart attack and passed away several days later. Within weeks, his grandparents cast out his mother and him, brashly declaring they had no room for half-breeds in their home. At such a young age, Slade hadn’t understood how one day they could show him such love and attention and the next, disown and denigrate him.

  At the reading of his father’s will, it was discovered he’d never sold his ranch back in Wyoming. His mother and he quietly packed their belongings and moved back to the home Slade didn’t remember. Jesse Adams, his father’s friend who oversaw the ranch in the absent years, was a remarkable man. He’d taught Slade everything he knew before handing the reins over when Slade turned eighteen. Slade was proud to call him a friend, and now also father. Last year, Jesse and Slade’s mother had married after years of a deep and abiding friendship.

  It was that relationship that prompted Slade to send for a bride. His mother had been blessed to have had two husbands in her life who loved her dearly. She hadn’t had an easy life, but always saw the best in people. He admired her and loved her for the values she’d instilled in him. However, watching her interact with Jesse made him long for a wife of his own.

  He wanted to be the one to bring a smile to a woman’s face and see her light up when he entered the room. He wanted children to raise—to teach them the life of a rancher and the traditions of his ancestors. He wanted to stand beside his wife and feel proud to have her as a helpmate. Despite his oft rigid demeanor, he had a softer side, which few people were aware of, that yearned for such things.

  “Do you think this could be the one?” Eleanor asked, excitedly, waving the letter directly in his face, now that she’d caught up.

  Why had he told her what he was doing? Because she was one of the few people who knew the true Slade. And since she worked at the post office, she was sure to find out, regardless if he told her or not. Truthfully, he was glad he’d confided. Not much made him nervous, but the prospect of marrying a stranger did. Too bad there weren’t any eligible females in these parts. He’d much prefer to unite with someone he already knew. Eleanor had calmed those anxieties and guided him in what to write. Although he thought of, and wrote, the words himself, he’d followed the wise woman’s words—be truthful and speak from the heart.

  He’d kept it simple, but purposefully left out one very important detail. While it would not have mattered to him in a reverse situation, he knew that the heritage from his mother would eliminate many women. It would have been so much easier to include that in the advertisement, but the part of him that held the bitterness wouldn’t allow him to disclose that information. If a woman rejected him based on that factor alone, then he wanted her to look him in his eyes and tell him the reason.

  “Well?” Eleanor continued, waving the letter in front of him.

  He flashed her a smile, an atonement for keeping her waiting and took the envelope from her. “I won’t know until I read it.”

  Eleanor changed her stance, putting one hand on her hip. She stared at him, daring him to walk away before reading the contents.

  “I’m going to grab a cup of coffee from the restaurant and read it there. If I think she could be the one, I will let you know on my way out of town.”

  His lips twitched in amusement at Eleanor’s response. She huffed indignantly as though not appreciating having to wait, but the twinkle in her eyes belied her.

  “Be sure you do, Slade. It would do this old lady’s heart a world of good to see you happily married and settled down. One thing I know—the woman you marry will be very fortunate. Very fortunate, indeed.” She stepped forward and gave him a matronly hug. “I hope I’ll be seeing you shortly.”

  Slade thought about the letter. He was anxious to read the response, and after Eleanor had released him, he went directly to Larson’s Restaurant. Sitting alone at a corner table, he tore open the envelope, trying not to get excited. To date, he’d had five responses, none of which appealed to him. He shook the sheet of paper to unfold it, then began reading.

  Dear Mr. Holcomb,

  I read your advertisement for a wife in The Daily Times. I am twenty-one years of age and find myself without any living family. Recently, I lost my position as a teacher due to a fire and while I was offered another position elsewhere, I find myself led to answer your advertisement. I am a hard worker, flexible and adaptable to life’s trials. All I ask of a husband is that he provides for me and treats me as an equal. I will be awaiting your reply.

  Truly,

  Sarah Davis

  Hope Hills, West Virginia

  Could it be? He didn’t realize he’d been frowning until the corners of his lips turned up. With a satisfied smile, he read the letter again. Short and to the point, but it told him all he needed to know. Tonight he would write back and enclose the funds necessary for travel. He would send his reply to town tomorrow with his mother when she came in for her quilting meeting.

  Leaning back in the wooden chair, he took another swig of his coffee. Today, he felt nothing but happiness and elation. His cup was empty and pulling out his pocket watch, he realized it was time to leave town and get back to the ranch. There were still plenty of chores awaiting him, and he’d be in a race against time with the sun.

  As promised, he stopped by the post office. When he walked inside, Eleanor’s face lit up, and her grin stretched from ear to ear.

  “She’s the one!” she exclaimed, not needing confirmation.

  “Yes, I do believe she is. I’ll write to her tonight and send her the needed money for a train ticket and other expenses.” He kept his voice low, taking note of several people in the small building. “I’ll send it in with Ma tomorrow.”

  “I’m so happy for you. Be careful going home. Word is that Wright Gang has been out causing ruckus again. Several people coming in have been reporting large number of cattle missing and even some horses. There hasn’t been trouble in town yet, but everyone, especially the bank has been on alert.”

  “I heard similar whispers over at the restaurant. Jesse and I will be sure to keep extra men on guard. They might be smart, but they’re fools all the same and bound to mess up soon.”

  “Just be
careful. Your mother’s heart and mine would break if something were to happen to you. Tell your Ma I’ll have some blueberry preserves for her when she comes in tomorrow.”

  “I will. Have a good day, Mrs. Eleanor.” Slade tipped his hat, then went back to the mercantile where his wagon was parked, now loaded with supplies. He went inside, handed over some money to settle his tab and quickly left, not wishing to be drawn into a conversation.

  Riding home, he gave heed to Eleanor’s warning about the Wright Gang. For several years, they’d been causing trouble all over the territory, but fortunately Slade hadn’t had any run-ins with them yet. The ranch, named Bent Dove in honor of his maternal grandmother, was known for bringing aboard wranglers and cowpokes who were as good with a gun as they were rounding up cattle. It was a policy Jesse had started when he was in charge, and Slade whole-heartedly supported it. It was that reputation that kept rustlers and criminals off Bent Dove land. The west was wild, and a man often had to take the law into his own hands.

  Chapter 2

  The train came to a bumpy halt, the screech of steel on steel piercing her ears. Sarah was dusty, dirty and if she had access to a mirror would probably see a disaster in her reflection. She hadn’t been able to style her hair properly in days, and her traveling garments were filthy. But even her state of disarray couldn’t deteriorate her mood—in only a few minutes she would meet Slade Holcomb.

  The swiftness of his reply had pleasantly surprised her. Two months ago, she wasn’t certain what her future held—now, here she was, about to embark on a lifetime journey of marriage. She’d begun her preparations immediately after receiving Slade Holcomb’s answer. She’d secured travel arrangements then made a trip to the general store. There, she purchased a new, simple wardrobe based on the advice of Mrs. Krotz, who believed herself an expert on what would be needed in the west since she’d recently returned from an extended trip to visit her sister.