A Mystery Groom for Christmas

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  Mary Louise shook her head. “I don’t know. We need to work on that. What does an unknown mail-order bride have that we don’t?”

  Adelaide nodded. “Maybe we should go ask him?”

  Diane blushed. “Could we? I mean, do you think he’d tell us?”

  Mary Louise stared at her friends. That was a bold idea. “That might be worth doing. Who wants to go?”

  Diane shook her head. “I was thinking you should, Mary Louise.”

  “Me? I was thinking we all should go.”

  Adelaide shook her head. “I have the store to run.”

  Diane blushed. “I have to work for Adelaide.”

  Mary Louise shook her head. “I don’t know. It’s such a brash idea.”

  “Right up your personality, Mary Louise. You could pretend to be writing a story for Mr. Fields.” Diane held up the recent copy of the paper.

  “I don’t know anything about writing stories.”

  “You can get Kate to help you.” Adelaide grinned. “She’d do it.”

  “Oh, all right. When is the woman coming?”

  Adelaide looked around. “I heard from Mrs. Perkins that Fred was expecting her next week.”

  Mary Louise nodded. “I have time then before the bride gets here. I wonder if Fred, what’s his last name?”

  Diane thought for a minute. “Fred Pollins. He has a small ranch on the west side of town.”

  Mary Louise looked at her friend. “How do you know about this Fred?”

  “I listen. I heard Mrs. Perkins talk about him one day. She was going on and on about the mail-order bride scheme. She thinks the woman will be old and fat. Fred is a year younger than us. He’s only twenty-six.” Diane nibbled on a biscuit.

  Mary Louise nodded. “Well, that explains it. He’s younger than we are. Men can marry younger women, but it doesn’t seem to work the other way.”

  All the women agreed about the disparity and unfairness, but there wasn’t anything they could do about it.

  Mary Louise sighed. “I still might have a talk with him if I see him around town.”

  Adelaide folded her arms. “Well, do let us know what he says, and you might consider going to his ranch to talk to him.”

  Mary Louise winced. “Oh, Adelaide, I couldn’t go out there alone.”

  “Yes, you could.” Adelaide stood to her full height.

  “You’re right. I could, and I’d like to get that lilac-colored dress you have in the window. I can wear that to interrogate Mr. Fred Pollins.”

  Adelaide nodded to her coworker. “Diane, will you take the dress down. Are your measurements the same as last time, Mary Louise?”

  “I sure hope so. I have been controlling my eating. I’ll try it on and see how it fits.”

  After some tugging and huffing, Mary Louise got the dress on. “It’s a little tight.”

  Adelaide put a pin in the middle. “Yes, I see. We’ll have to work on that.”

  Mary Louise wasn’t sure what her friend meant. Work on the dress or work on eating less and walking more. She had noticed how extra weight crept up on her now, whereas when she was younger, she didn’t have to think about it.

  Adelaide smiled. If you want to wait a few minutes, I’ll have it ready. When do you think you’ll go on your spy mission?”

  Mary Louise laughed. “Well, I guess I will be acting as a spy. Perhaps tomorrow. I should get started renting a buggy, so when we make our rounds to pick up envelopes, I’ll be good at driving the carriage.”

  Diane came to her and helped her out of the dress. “I can go and let out the seam.” She smiled at Mary Louise. “Just a scooch.”

  Mary Louise decided that was to make her feel better. Discovering that she was getting wider was not how she had wanted to start her day. But in the interest of finding their loves, it would be worth it.

  She and Adelaide discussed color and style, and within minutes, Diane was finished. Mary Louise took the package and left them, promising that tomorrow she would make her spy run and talk to Fred.

  Chapter 5

  Kirk stopped in the post office at Big Springs to see if he had answers to his letter. He knew it was quick, but after talking to Bill, he was anxious to find a wife. There were no letters, but the clerk assured him that mail sometimes took its time to get from Lone Oak to Big Springs.

  He knew that, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept that no one had written to him yet. Now that he had decided to marry someone, he couldn’t wait to find out who it could be. It hadn’t taken Peter and Kate long to determine they were the ones for each other.

  So, who was the woman for him? Kirk wondered if any of the spinsters who ate at the café on Thursdays would be interested. If not, he wasn’t sure where to go with his quest. He heard that Fred was getting a mail-order bride.

  Kirk had thought about it, but he didn’t like the idea that he could marry anyone sight unseen. It would be hard to send them back if they weren’t the right one. Still, at least Fred would soon be married.

  After his trip, Kirk decided he might just visit Fred and find out about the mail-order bride idea. He hadn’t seen Fred in some time and was due to ride out to his ranch.

  Besides, he needed to check on the family in the woods. He’d stop by there first on the way back into town, and then tomorrow, he’d ask Fred about the mail-order bride that he had ordered.

  Kirk said his goodbyes to Bill and Suzy and rode out of Big Springs. It was afternoon by the time he approached the wooded area behind Lone Oak. He called out, and soon Jeff came out of one of the tents.

  “Sheriff, I want to thank you. My brother is going to be all right, but if the doc hadn’t come out when he did, it could have been a different outcome.”

  “Glad I could help.” Kirk stepped down from his horse.

  “Sheriff Taylor, right? I’m Jeff, Jeff Worthington, remember?”

  “Yes, I sure do.” Kirk stared at him and saw that he’d cleaned up some. “If you want a job, I’m going out to a ranch tomorrow that might be hiring.”

  “That would be great.” He looked back over his shoulder. “I don’t think my pa or brother will be interested, but I’m ready to start living as a human being again. Enough of this scrounging around for food like a wild hog.”

  “Where are your father and brother?”

  “Down at the creek fishing. They might be content, but I’m not.”

  “Tell you what, Jeff, why don’t you come with me. I can stake you a cot in the jail, with cell door open of course, and buy you dinner, and tomorrow we’ll go and talk to Fred Pollins. He might have some work for you.”

  “Thanks, Sheriff. Let me grab a few things.” He looked at Kirk and shrugged. “A very few things, and I’ll be with you.”

  Kirk felt for the man. At least Jeff wanted to make a new life for himself. Again, Kirk remembered how he could have been in the exact same worn-out shoes if he hadn’t found the Lord. And that had all been because Major Adams had taken him under his wing.

  Time to return the favor. He waited for Jeff.

  Jeff came with a small sack and grinned at him. “It’s not a far walk.”

  Kirk nodded. “We can walk it together. My horse could use a break today.”

  Jeff grinned. “I left my pa a note. I told him not to look for me. I hate to say it, but if I don’t leave now, they’ll pull me down to their level. Pa doesn’t see anything wrong with stealing. Says others owe it to him. I know that’s wrong. Ma taught us that much out of the Good Book.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, Jeff.”

  “My brother has no desire to work and is content to fish for food or steal for supplies. I keep telling them the weather is nice now, but the cold weather and rain will come. I’m through with them and that way of life. I sure hope your friend has a job for me. I’ll do anything.”

  Kirk nodded. “I can’t promise it, but it seems like I heard he was looking for help.” Kirk didn’t go into how Fred had ordered a mail-order bride but figured Jeff would see for hims
elf if he got the job. Kirk liked Jeff and felt a good sense about the man. If given the chance, he was sure Jeff would turn his life around.

  Soon, they walked into town, and Kirk put his horse up in the livery. He and Jeff went to the jail. “There’s a bunk in the last cell. It’s clean unless Clark had to use it for someone.”

  Clark came from the back. “No, it’s still clean.” He looked at Jeff and then back to Kirk.

  Kirk nodded at Jeff. “Clark Sands meet Jeff Worthington. I’m going to take him out to Fred’s ranch tomorrow. I heard he was needing help.”

  Clark grinned. “I’d say he does. He’s got himself a mail-order bride coming in, so, yeah, I’m sure he’ll need someone to take over a few things. Nice to meet you, Jeff.” The two men shook hands.

  Kirk sat down at his desk and looked at the pile of mail. He fished in his pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar gold piece and threw it at Jeff. “Why don’t you go buy yourself some clothes and a bath and shave. Then meet me back here, and we’ll have dinner.”

  Jeff held the money in his hand. “You’re sure? No one has ever taken this much interest in me. Why are you doing it?”

  Kirk sat back in his chair. “Let’s just say, I was on the road you’ve been on, and someone helped me. I want to do the same.”

  Jeff nodded, clinching the coin in his fist. “And when I have enough, I’ll find someone that needs help.”

  Kirk nodded. “That sounds good, Jeff. See you in a little bit.”

  Jeff left the jail and walked down the street.

  As Kirk watched him, he thought the man walked a little taller. It felt good to help someone.

  ***

  Mary Louise awoke early, early for her anyway. Yes, she knew others awoke with the first rays of the sun. She preferred to wait until the sun had time to climb a little into the sky before she arose. So, today, she’d gotten up around nine.

  Soon, she was sitting in Heart’s Café and enjoying breakfast. The sheriff had come in with a stranger, and they sat at a table just down from her. Mary Louise wondered who he was, but he must be a friend of the sheriff because they seemed like they were close.

  Well, he would be worth watching. He looked to be about the sheriff’s age. The man was on the thin side as if he hadn’t had enough to eat in some time. Or, she supposed he could have been sick or wounded. But overall, he wasn’t bad looking. His hair was neatly cut, and his face shaven.

  It was possible, they might have another groom in their midst. When she got back home, she’d have to tell Diane and Adelaide about him. She sipped her coffee and after the two men left, she relaxed and planned out her day.

  Finished with her breakfast, and hoping she could remember how to drive a carriage, she set out for the livery. She made a bargain with Mr. Landers, who was doubtful about her driving ability. After he hitched up the horse to the buggy, he let her practice and was confident she’d make it back.

  “Miss Kemp, I am not comfortable letting a woman drive out alone. This is rough country. Do you have a gun with you?”

  She smiled at him. “Why, Mr. Landers, what would I do with a gun?”

  “Shoot varmints. The four-legged and two-legged kind. Just don’t shoot my horse.” He went back into his office and brought her a shotgun. “If you were my daughter, I’d want you to have some protection. If I wasn’t busy, I’d drive you myself.”

  “Oh, I’ll be fine. I intend to rent the buggy once every other week with my two friends. We decided we might want to do some traveling.”

  Mr. Landers shook his head. “That is not what ladies should do. It’s dangerous.”

  “Oh, Mr. Landers. I could kiss you for being so thoughtful, but really, we’ll be all right. I’ll be back before dinner.”

  Mr. Landers frowned. “There are men out there who will do you harm. So, keep the rifle handy and don’t stop for no one.” The older man smiled. “You have a good ride. Samson, there is a fine horse and a real gentleman. If you get lost, just put down the reins, and he’ll bring you home.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Landers.” Mary Louise clicked to the horse and drove him out of the livery and up the road toward Fred’s ranch. She’d asked and learned it was straight up the road and then to the left where she’d see a gate with his name on it. “You can’t miss it,” Mr. Landers had said.

  Well, she hoped not. At times, Mary Louise had unfortunate luck. She prayed this wouldn’t be one of those times. It did give her comfort that Samson would take her home if she did get lost.

  Mr. Landers said about an hour and a half drive. Two at the most. So, she looked at the watch she had pinned to her blouse and figured she’d be there close to noon. That ought to be a good time for Mr. Pollins to break for lunch.

  She enjoyed the scenery. It was spring, so the day was bright and perfect for a drive in a buggy. Samson was a pretty copper color and gave her no trouble at all. Mr. Landers had taken good care of her. Too bad, he was closer to fifty than thirty.

  After almost two hours, she came to the sign over the gate and turned in the long drive to Mr. Pollins’ house. Now, Mary Louise began to wonder just what she was doing out here by herself. What a silly she’d been to let Diane and Adelaide trick her into going alone.

  Yet, the newspaper angle had been a good idea. She would write a great story and make some money for doing it. Excited about the prospect of having a job with the paper, Mary Louise urged Samson on and finally stopped in front of the house.

  The first thing she noticed was that the yard was clean, and there was a fresh coat of green paint on the house. Then she noticed there were two horses tied to the post. One she recognized as Sheriff Taylor’s.

  Great. She hadn’t counted on the man having company. She climbed out of the buggy and patted Samson. She led him to the trough so he could drink and then wrapped the reins around the hitching rail.

  Mary Louise hauled in a deep breath, hoped she her courage would see her through, and knocked on the door.

  After a few minutes, Fred opened the door.

  “Mary Louise, what are you doing out here?”

  That Fred knew who she was, surprised her. Mary Louise smiled. “I was hoping you would help me with a story I’m doing for the newspaper.” She smiled her sweetest smile that was sure to show off her dimples.

  Fred smiled. “Oh, I guess the whole town knows about that. Come on in.”

  Mary Louise followed him inside and was impressed by how clean and neat the home was. Fred had gone to a lot of trouble to clean up for his bride, that or he was a very neat man. She was surprised to see the sheriff and the man he’d had breakfast with sitting around the table.

  Sheriff Taylor stood and smiled at her. “Mary Louise, what are you doing out here?”

  “I thought I could sell an article to Mr. Fields for the newspaper. That is if you don’t mind answering some questions, Fred?”

  “What kind of article?” Fred led her to a chair at the table. “We were about done. Jeff, you can find yourself a bunk in the bunkhouse. I’ll get you set up with the foreman when he gets back.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Jeff looked at her and smiled.

  The sheriff looked outside. “Did you ride out here by yourself?”

  Mary Louise took her notepad and pencil from her bag. “Yes, but Mr. Landers had me keep a shotgun in the buggy just in case someone bothered me.” She laughed. “Silly little me, like I would be able to shoot someone.”

  The sheriff frowned. “If you like, I’ll wait and ride back with you.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff. That does make me feel better.” Mary Louise grinned at him. She did like the man, but he’d never acted as if she were his kind of girl. Well, maybe she’d find something out about him today.

  She faced Fred. “Mr. Pollins, I know you have a mail-order bride coming next week. Would you feel comfortable talking about her and letting us know how you came to the idea of sending for a bride over the mail?”

  Fred grinned. “I’d be happy to. It was the best decision I ever ma
de. I saw an ad in a newspaper out of Waco. I answered one of the ads and wrote to them about what I was looking for.”

  Mary Louise noticed that Kirk and Jeff were listening intently. It could be they needed a bride too. “What were you looking for, Fred?”

  He sat back and looked at the ceiling. “Let me think what I said. I really didn’t care if she was the most beautiful woman on the outside, but the inside was what counted. Her character meant a lot to me. I wanted a woman who I could trust. One that wanted to settle down and raise a family. One that would put up with a rancher and the long hours and sometimes short pay. If she was nice to look at was a bonus.”

  Mary Louise wrote down his words. “And when you got the letter from her, what did it say?”

  This time Fred sat back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment. “It was like hearing from a long-lost friend. Rebecca Donley. She’s from St. Louis. She’d lost her family to a fire. Anyway, she liked my letter and agreed to come to Texas if I wanted her.”

  Mary Louise waited for more, but the silence grew. Finally, she tapped her pencil on the paper. “Did you get letters from others? How did you know she was the one?”

  Fred shook his head. “No, she was the only one. How did I know she was the one for me? That’s easy. We corresponded a few more times, and each time I felt as if I’d known her all my life.”

  “Do you know what she looks like?”

  Fred shook his head. “Not really. She’s told me bits and pieces. Light brown hair. Blue-green eyes and thin lips. She said a nose that was too long.” Fred laughed. “I don’t think it will bother me. But mostly, it was how we seemed to know one another. Right away. When I think of her, I think of completing my home. She’s what I ‘ve been missing.”

  “When will she be here?” Mary Louise noticed that the sheriff was listening intently. She hoped he wasn’t going to look for a mail-order bride.

  “Next Thursday. I’ll go pick her up at the stage depot. I hope you’ll like her, Miss Kemp.”

  “I’m sure I will. And it’s Mary Louise. Please.”