by Leah Atwood
Their First Noelle
A Mail-Order Holiday Romance
Leah Atwood
Copyright © 2013 by Leah Atwood
Cover photo © Istockphoto.com
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.
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 One—Unwanted Gifts
Chapter Two—Unraveling the Present
Chapter Three—The Gift of Love
Chapter Four—Their First Noel
Chapter One—Unwanted Gifts
“You have gone too far, Mother Louisa. This isn’t just about me, but Mollie also. Not to mention this poor woman who will be arriving tomorrow.” Lucas Sheridan ran his calloused fingers through his hair in frustration. He loved his mother-in-law dearly, but he could not believe what she’d just told him.
“Don’t you think it’s time dear? Bessie has been gone for three years. It’s not good for a man to be alone, and Mollie needs a mother.” Louisa jutted out her bottom lip.
“Mollie has you.”
His rebuff did little to sway her. “A grandmother can be many things, but I’ll never be her mother. You know how much I love and adore her, but we both know I’m getting older. I can’t keep up with her like I used to.”
Lucas’ anger dimmed when he took a good look at his late wife’s mother. He hadn’t noticed until now, but her once blonde hair was turning to a soft white and lines formed at the corners of her eyes and mouth. When had she aged so? Ever since Bessie passed away, Louisa had been right there to help him. He never had to worry about Mollie, because Louisa always cared for his daughter when he couldn’t. He’d taken her for granted, never considering the toll it took on her in her advanced years.
“I’ll hire a housekeeper. You’ve done so much for us, and I should never have expected it of you. First thing tomorrow, I’ll go into town and place an advertisement.”
“You will do no such thing Lucas Sheridan. Tomorrow you will go to the train and meet Miss Noelle Denison. I paid good money to bring her here, and I just know you’ll fall in love with her.”
“No one asked you to send the money and I’m sure it didn’t make a dent in our accounts. If I decide to ever marry again, it won’t be to someone whom I’ve never met. And not one who is willing to partake in a deception to get here.”
“Now Lucas, you watch your mouth. How dare you accuse Noelle of being deceptive! Why you’ve not even met her.”
Did Louisa realize the absurdity of her last statement? “Exactly! I’ve not yet met her, so how do you expect me to marry her? Pray tell, Mother Louisa, what scheme did you and Noelle develop? You must have told her I have no desire to enter another marriage.”
His mother-in-law had the good grace to finally look embarrassed. She turned and looked out of the window, staring at the mountains off in the distance. “Noelle believes she has been corresponding with you,” she said in a hushed voice.
“She what?” Lucas exclaimed incredulously. This could not be happening.
“Mollie and I thought she would be the perfect Christmas present for you. We first inquired with the Mrs. Broadmoor Agency for Gentleman Seeking a Bride several months ago. You must realize how desperately Mollie wishes for a mother, Lucas dear. If nothing else, can’t you consider this for her?”
“Unfortunately, life doesn’t always give us what we wish. If so, Bessie would still be here with us.” He bit his bottom lip to keep from saying more. His anger spiked again, and he tried to rein it in. Walking to the second window, he also looked out toward the mountains, drawing what peace he could from their majestic presence.
“It’s okay to miss her. Every day I have to fight my bitterness because I can’t stand that my only daughter was taken from me. She was the joy of my life and all I had left of Mark.” Louisa came beside him and softly gripped his arm. “But take this lesson from a woman who held onto her grief for far too long—we can’t turn back time, and one day you’ll wake up and realize your life has passed you by. Loving again doesn’t mean releasing the love you had for your wife nor does it diminish it. You have a long life ahead of you, and it should be filled with love. It’s what Bessie would want for you.”
In his mind, Lucas knew that Mother Louisa’s words were true but his heart was a different story. The pain of losing his wife still ate at him, and he didn’t want to ever experience that sorrow again. He sighed loudly, wishing his mother-in-law hadn’t put him in this predicament.
What was he going to do come tomorrow? There was no way he was going to marry again, but what would they do with this woman who would be arriving? And he couldn’t disappoint his daughter. Mollie had lost too much in her five years of life already—he couldn’t take this away from her.
He knew what he must do. “I’ll marry her, Mother Louisa, but on one condition.”
His mother-in-law clapped her petite hands together. “You won’t regret this, my dear. Would you like to read her letters? Once you know more about her, you’ll fall right in love.”
“There is no need for that. I will marry her on the condition that it is a marriage in name only. She will be a mom to Mollie and take over your responsibilities of tending the house. I’ll have no talk of love or future grandchildren from you.”
“Oh dear.” Louisa’s eyes darkened with sadness. She paused for a moment deep in thought. “I suppose that will have to do for now.”
“There’s no ‘for now,' Mother Louisa,” he said, his features taut with irritation. “I mean it. Agree to this or I will send Miss Denison back on the first train.”
She only nodded then scurried out of the room, leaving Lucas to his thoughts.
***
The landscape breezed by as the train bounded ahead toward Wyoming Territory. Noelle Denison removed the final letter Lucas Sheridan had written from her reticule and read it again.
Dearest Noelle,
I am counting down the days until your arrival. This will be a Christmas to remember as it will be the first we celebrate as husband and wife. I feel abundantly blessed that we were drawn together through correspondence and in my heart, I already feel a deep affection for you, as do my mother-in-law and daughter. We anxiously await your arrival,
Fondest regards,
Lucas Sheridan
A smile formed. The past few months had been glorious in anticipation! Imagine, a prosperous cattle rancher in Wyoming Territory had chosen her out of the many responses he must have received. And if she hadn’t stumbled upon The Mrs. Broadmoor Agency for Gentleman seeking a Bride that horrible day several months ago, she might be forced to live on the streets, or worse. How desperately she longed to be wanted and loved.
While her parents were alive, she’d known nothing but love. However, when they tragically died in an accident, her father left behind mounds of debt that his estate could not pay. Ten years old and penniless, she’d been shifted from a family member to so-called friends until the current family decided they could no longer afford or be bothered with the extra mouth to feed. It was a sad existence, but she always kept hope that one day she would have a family again.
When she reached the age of being an adult, she found herself cast out and on her own. In what she thought was a stroke of pure luck, she found a position at Lord Vendermen’s exquisite mansion. For two year
s, she’d toiled as a scullery maid. The work was tedious and demanding, but she had shelter, food, and very minimal wage. When she was promoted to a housemaid, she was elated. Maybe she would be able to save a bit of money with a small increase in wage.
But what had seemed like a promising promotion had turned into a horrible nightmare. Too late, she realized that Lord Vendermen’s had certain chosen housemaids that were also required to perform specific duties with the man- unspeakable, immoral duties. At her refusal, she was dismissed with a threat that she would not find work as a maid anywhere in the state of Maryland.
All she had were the clothes she came with and the paltry sum she’d set aside. That first night she’d spent at the home of another maid, whose parents and ten siblings lived in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. After a sleepless night of rats scurrying around her and babies crying, Noelle knew she couldn’t impose on the family’s hospitality another night. At first light went in search of lodging and a new position.
She’d been walking down the streets, intently searching for any possible signs of employment in windows, not paying attention to where she walking. Before she knew it, she’d tripped over a large rock and landed on the street. Several people rushed to her aid and helped her hobble to the nearest building’s entrance. That building just happened to be The Mrs. Broadmoor Agency for Gentleman Seeking a Bride. Mrs. Broadmoor was a kind soul and allowed Noelle to rest on a bed in an apartment attached to the rear of the building.
As the day went on, her ankle began to feel better, but still not enough to continue on in her search. With Mrs. Broadmoor’s help, she hobbled to an upholstered chair. Curiosity got the better of her and Noelle found herself asking Mrs. Broadmoor what her agency did. The woman explained that there were a good many men in the west who wanted brides, but there was a lack of eligible women. They would contact her and she would find potential mates for these men and put them in contact with several different possible spouses.
Sheer providence, Noelle remembered thinking. That was the day she’d decided that she would become a mail-order bride. It must be a better option than any that she faced remaining in Baltimore. Mrs. Broadmoor asked her a series of questions and Noelle paused with fright when asked if she had any references.
“No ma’am.” A sullen frown appeared. “My last position did not end well.”
“What happened, dear?” Mrs. Broadmoor asked.
“I had just been promoted to housemaid at Lord Vendermen’s estate,” Noelle began.
“Say no more.” Mrs. Broadmoor’s eyes shone with compassion and sympathy. “I’ve had several young girls come here arriving from similar situations.”
A well of gratitude formed for this lady she’d just met. With her gentle understanding, she’d saved Noelle from further embarrassment in detailing her predicament. They continued talking throughout the afternoon in the spaces of time when Mrs. Broadmoor did not have anyone in her office.
“I have a gentleman in mind that I think would be a perfect match for you. He is a widowed rancher in Wyoming with a young daughter. I’ll forward a letter from you if you’d like, but keep in mind that ultimately the decision will be his.”
“Please, I would love to send a letter.” Hope surged within her.
“Tell me dear, do you have a place to stay?”
“I am currently searching,” she said, her eyes downcast in humility.
“It just so happens, that room you were in when you first got here is vacant. If you’d be willing to help me clean and organize files, you can stay there until we find you a match.”
“That is most generous of you.” Noelle gave her a faint smile. “Thank you.”
In the months that followed, Noelle and Mrs. Broadmoor had formed a friendship of sorts. She was the closest thing Noelle had had to family since her own parents passed away. Noelle’s departure had been a tearful ordeal, but she promised Mrs. Broadmoor that she’d keep in touch. Regardless of her future, Noelle would always hold a special spot in her heart for the kind lady who gave her the opportunity for a fresh start in life. She already missed her, but thinking of a future with Lucas Sheridan eased the pain in her heart.
Very soon, she would be a wife, mother, and daughter, for Lucas has assured her the mother of his late wife also welcomed her arrival. The train would soon be pulling into the depot and she would step off and meet her intended. Mrs. Broadmoor, her angel in disguise, presented her with a bonus several days before her departure in which to buy new clothing. Noelle used the money frugally to purchase the necessities. She hoped Lucas wouldn’t be disappointed by her simple attire.
The train whistled chimed, signaling the train would soon be stopping. When the locomotive stopped, its passengers began to unload. Noelle watched out the window as she waited for her turn to disembark. A lone man stood to the side with a deep scowl, but beyond him, gleeful sounds echoed in her ears as families were reunited. Family- what a small word that so many people often took for granted. Her turn was almost here and she took a deep breath before stepping down.
Brisk, fresh air greeted her, a welcome relief from the stale air on the train. An older lady and small child rushed up to her. From the descriptions Lucas had given her, she knew these two must be Mother Louisa and Mollie. They were just as she had imagined them.
“Are you my new Mama?” the young girl asked. Her blonde curls bounced as she made a vain attempt to curb her childish enthusiasm.
“That depends. Are you Mollie Sheridan?” Noelle stooped slightly to be more on the level with Mollie. Already she loved this little girl before her.
“Yes, ma’am,” Mollie answered then giggled.
“Welcome to Mountain Springs,” the older woman said. “I am Louisa Crouse, Mollie’s grandmother.”
Noelle was then engulfed in a hug that took her back in time to when her own mother was still alive. The feeling of being home invaded her senses, until she realized the main person was missing.
“Where is Lucas?” The brief flicker of concern from Louisa did not escape her gaze. Something did not feel right.
“He’ll be right over. I warned him not to dally and miss your arrival, but you know how men are. They just don’t understand the importance of these things,” Louisa said out all in one breath. She seemed almost too eager to explain Lucas’ absence.
A warning bell rang in Noelle’s conscience and she did her best to quell it. Providence had brought her here, and this was the beginning of a grand new life. She’d come too far to turn back.
Chapter Two—Unraveling the Present
Lucas was not a happy man. He should have added a second condition when he agreed to marry Miss Denison—the condition of time. No sooner had they reached the town, Mother Louisa ran off in search of the preacher, announcing to everyone there’s be a wedding this afternoon. He’d never raised his voice to a woman or an elder before, but he was almost certain he’d reach a first this morning.
Arguing with her was a futile exercise. She’d already made up her mind and set the process in motion. There wasn’t much he could do except flat out refuse. And to do that would cause even more problems. He’d already given his word he would marry this woman, and in the end he figured it wouldn’t make much difference if he did it today or in a few weeks.
At least this way, they could all begin adjusting right away, and he wouldn’t have to make another trip into town soon. He felt bad enough having his men working on their one day off.
He’d always wondered where his Bessie got her demure personality from. While mother and daughter were very similar in appearance, they were as different from night and day in personality. Mother Louisa was persistent, strong-willed and domineering (if not in a loving way) where Bessie was soft-spoken and reserved. She’d never dream of a similar plot to what Mother Louisa and Mollie hatched up.
At the thought of his late wife, he couldn’t help but wonder which category this Noelle would fit into. Now he wished he would have read the correspondence between her and his mother-in-
law acting like him. An awkward conversation would surely follow when he told Miss Denison the truth behind the letters. He was an honest man, even if Mother Louisa had a slight lapse in her moral compass.
The train was now free of all passengers who were departing at Mountain Springs. Lucas knew he should be the one front and center to greet Miss Denison- Noelle, he must call her Noelle as that’s the one thing Mother Louisa mentioned from the letters- but he was still piqued at how this situation was being handled.
It took a lot to make him angry, but he could only be pushed so far. He could not tolerate the manipulation Mother Louisa was stacking upon him, regardless of her good intentions. So he stood back, letting his mother-in-law and daughter greet Noelle. After all, even if she was the cause of his irritation, she was not to fault. And he was quite certain if he were to meet her at this moment, it would be with a scowl on his face.
By the time the station cleared out, he’d gathered his senses. With a heap of self-control and prayer, he managed to put a smile on his face. He’d spotted Mother Louisa walking off to the side, with a woman he could only assume was Noelle. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get a forward look at her before approaching. In several long strides, he was able to catch up with them.
“Why, there you are, Lucas. We were wondering when you would show up?” Louisa flashed him a warning with a stern look.
“My apologies ladies, but business at the store took longer than I anticipated. Miss Noelle Denison, I presume?” he said, extending his arm.
Warm, brown eyes, the color of the bear rug in his bedroom, looked back at him, her expression a curious blend of joy and uncertainty. She took his proffered hand, and he gently raised it to his lips in greeting. An emotion he chose to ignore tugged at his heart.
“Lucas,” she whispered.
A surge of protectiveness overcame him. The woman before him was beautiful with her auburn hair and tendrils of curls framing her heart-shaped face. Her dress was simple, not flashy like so many women he’d seen step off the train. He preferred a modest style of life. Despite having ample funds, he chose to live a life that did not flaunt it. Her figure was trim but not petite like Bessie had been. Most of all, though, the woman who stood before him looked scared and vulnerable and against his will he found himself wanting to erase her of that.
