by Lisa Prysock
A Mail-Order Bride Story...
Jenny’s Secret Diary
________________________________
Brides of Pelican Rapids
Lisa M. Prysock
Table of Contents
Title Page
Series Page
Copyright Page
Book Description
Cover
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Theme Verse
Title Page
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Author Note
Power Verses
Book Club Questions
Author Biography
Other Titles by Author Lisa M. Prysock
Contemporary Christian Mystery & Suspense for your reading pleasure...
Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brides
Series Page
Lottie’s True Love
Lisa Prysock
Caroline’s Quilt
Rachel Skatvold
Rebecca’s Dream
Jo Grafford
Marni’s Measure
Danni Roan
Molly’s New Song
Elaine Manders
Nina’s Fresh Start
Annie Boone
Jenny’s Secret Diary
Lisa Prysock
Copyright Page
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means- electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author.
Jenny’s Secret Diary
Copyright © 2020 by Lisa M. Prysock
All rights reserved.
Cover Design and series emblem by cover artist Evelyne Labelle, Carpe Librum Book Design. Clip art and illustrations used are public domain and illustrations by the author noted by initials LP or by Lisa Prysock, if any. Any internet links, addresses, or contact information in this book are not guaranteed for the life of the book.
Interior text edited by Rachel Skatvold.
Proofed by Tina Caudill Conder.
Author Photo by Alaina Broyles.
Cover Artist, Evelyne Labelle, Carpe Librum Book Design.
For information or to contact the publisher or author: Lisa Prysock, 7318 Autumn Bent Way, Crestwood, Kentucky, 40014, USA.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events or locales, is entirely coincidental.
This work is cataloged in the Library of Congress.
Unless paraphrased, otherwise noted or indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Jenny’s Secret Diary
Copyright © 2020 by Lisa M. Prysock
All rights reserved.
ISBN:
ISBN: 9798649773409
Imprint: Independently published
Book Description
Jenny Lindford is a southern belle from Lexington, Kentucky about to become a mail-order bride in Minnesota. The eldest of five sisters, she worked hard to help her ma hold the family horse farm together while her father was away fighting in the Civil War. Raised to be an independent thinker, she attends Miss Clark’s Finishing School after the war, and then tours England and France with one of her sisters under an aunt’s watchful eyes. However, it seems no one can see what she’s writing in that journal of hers.
Philadelphia-born Dr. Zane Beckham has led a privileged life. Not only is he world-traveled, but he’s entitled to an enormous inheritance from his father’s Pittsburgh iron foundry and railroad investments. The Beckhams have made a fortune during the war selling iron to shipbuilders, locomotive makers, and weaponry manufacturers. In his early thirties, Zane is ready to settle down. He’s been building a mansion for his bride in the small town of Pelican Rapids, and maybe a few other things, too.
When matchmaker Ella Milton brings these two together and they begin a correspondence through the mail, Jenny and Zane both have secrets they aren’t ready to reveal. Even Ella isn’t sure what these two hearts should do. Will her matchmaking efforts backfire when their secrets are revealed, or can love overcome the best kept secrets?
Get your copy of this Christian Historical Romance novella with an 1870s Victorian Era setting and enjoy the rich history, drama, inspiration, and humor in this sweet romance today!
Cover
Dedication
I dedicate this novel to my wonderful, talented Mom. She was strong, fiercely independent, God-fearing, and intelligent. She read all of the great classics, loved to travel, and believed in women’s rights. She dressed like Jackie Kennedy, was ahead of her time, and raised three beautiful daughters. She believed women should act like ladies, and men should be gentlemen. Sometimes we thought she was Scarlett O’Hara. She taught us to sew, cook, clean, and manage a household. She also taught us to be compassionate. She was creative, and most of all, inspired us to laugh, and think outside the box. I think of her almost every day. I love you, Mom. One day I’ll see you again at the feet of Jesus.
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank the Lord for giving me so many wonderful ideas to write about. I pray for His anointing and blessing on all of my work. Everything I write is for Him and because of the wonderful things He’s done in my life. I just want to share it with the whole world in some beautiful and heartfelt way. Jesus is what this is all about. I sincerely hope readers find Him in my stories.
I’d also like to thank my wonderful family for putting up with my reclusive behavior when I’m holed up in writing mode. They are a constant support and mainstay for me, and I couldn’t do what I do without them.
I’d also like to thank my outstanding editor, Rachel, and proofer, Tina, for helping me bring my stories to life and in making them the best they can be, ready to share with the world. Thank you to my beta-readers for helping me launch my books. What an amazing ARC team! I wouldn’t be able to do this without you, either. A big shout-out to Sandy who keeps me organized. Thank you.
Another thank you goes out to the awesome fellow writers in this series. We learn from each other, cheer each other on, share research, discuss plot holes, and talk about storyline development. I feel incredibly blessed and humbled to be writing alongside each of you.
Thank you to the writers in my life who have been friends and shown me the ropes. JoAnn, Harriet, Hallee... and many others who have organized writing meetings, shared their journeys with me, given me tips, and pointed me in the right direction.
I’d also like to thank my loyal and faithful readers. I appreciate you so much. Some of you have joined my reader group, and many of you pray for my writing and my family on a daily basis. You are a tremendous source of inspiration. Authors write our stories to be read, and it’s our readers who propel us forward. Without you, your kind reviews, and your sweet support through purchases, encouragement, and social media shares...we would be lost.
Thank you to Amazon, many other book retailers, and libraries in the world where I plan and dream of making my books available to the world audience. I’m happy you’ve made a place where we can do this. Writers who’ve gone be
fore us would be amazed at how far the writing industry has come. I’m enjoying the journey, and I look forward to each and every book.
Lisa M. Prysock
Theme Verse
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
I Corinthians 13:3
Title Page
Jenny’s Secret Diary
Brides of Pelican Rapids
Chapter 1
“What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life—to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?”—George Eliot.
May, 1874, Lexington, Kentucky
“ALL ABOARD! LAST CALL! All aboard!” The train station master called out one last time. Jenny Harriett Lindford had already watched several porters carry the trunks belonging to two of her four younger sisters onto the train. A shrill whistle sounded and steam billowed out into the air, clouding her view of an otherwise blue, late spring sky. The engine seemed to breathe in and out as it idled, waiting to collect the last few passengers without regard to those who weren’t prepared to let them go.
Mama finished hugging both of her departing daughters, wiping a stray tear away with a gloved hand. “There now, off you go into the world. Your father and I have done our best. Don’t let us down. Make us proud, and be happy. Don’t forget, you each have your sisters to write to weekly, and your parents. Stay out of trouble and mind your manners.”
“We will, Mama.” Carrie clasped her portmanteau with one hand as she held a new hat to her sandy-blond curls with the other. “We’d better go, or the train will leave without us.” She glanced nervously at the station master as he urged a few more travelers to board.
The train would transport both of Jenny’s sisters to New York. From there, Carrie Louise, a year younger than Jenny at the age of twenty-two, would go on to Boston to meet the matchmaker, Milly Crenshaw. Ms. Crenshaw would introduce her sister to her betrothed, a man moving out west to Montana Territory to become a horse farmer like Pa. The farmer’s name was Charles Filmore. Carrie was excited about applying some of her knowledge of horse farming to help her future husband in his endeavors.
Melanie Josephine, age nineteen, would travel by ship from New York across the Atlantic to England. There, she would meet Aunt Melody at Liverpool. Aunt Melody was Ma’s wealthy sister who planned to introduce her niece to polite society. She already had someone in mind for her to marry and had written to both Mama and Melanie all about Lieutenant George Weston. He was a British Naval officer who sounded eager to finally meet Jenny’s sister—at least according to Aunt Melody’s letters, and one scant letter from the Lieutenant himself. Nonetheless, Melanie was simply beyond herself with excitement. She was going to England, and nothing could change her mind. Jenny had already experienced a Grand Tour of Europe, and she hoped her sister would enjoy England as much as she had.
“Promise you’ll write once you’re settled in Pelican Rapids,” Melanie insisted as she embraced Jenny. “I can hardly believe you’ll soon be married to the handsome Dr. Zane Beckham.”
“I promise,” Jenny replied with a smile. The picture Dr. Beckham had forwarded to her did indeed reveal a handsome man with blond hair. He’d written to say his eyes were hazel. “And you shall soon be married to a handsome British officer, Lady Weston.”
Melanie laughed, giddy with happiness as a response. The three sisters exchanged a smile. Jenny had already hugged Carrie, three times. Now it was time for them to go. The station master was waiting impatiently.
Seconds later, they were climbing the steps onto the train, both wearing their new travel suits, each consisting of a cape, pigeon-front white blouse, scarf, skirt to match the cape, a new hat, gloves, and a petticoat trimmed in lace. Carrie wore peach trimmed in sage green, and Melanie wore pale pink trimmed in cream. One of Ma’s friends in New York had a daughter traveling to England at the same time, so Melanie would have a travel companion once she boarded the ship.
“Don’t forget to give the jars of blackberry jam to Aunt Melody and Milly Crenshaw as soon as you arrive at your destinations!” Mama called out, reminding them when they opened a window on the train and peeked out to wave one last time.
Jenny sighed, waving good-bye with a chuckle under her breath. Now all of the passengers would know they were carrying Ma’s homemade, delicious blackberry jam. It didn’t matter to her or the excited, teary eyes of her innocent, youthful sisters. They were accustomed to their mother’s gentle commands and loving reminders. All that mattered now was they were each going on an adventure into the unknown. Well, all except Laura Marie.
Bianca Jane, age twenty, had already left for New York two weeks ago. She had also been matched to a husband, but by a New York matchmaker. In fact, her first letter had arrived bearing news of her wedding to a Manhattan milliner, a Mr. Alfred Mattley. He owned a successful millinery in a fashionable shopping district in New York. Bianca would never be without a proper hat for the rest of her married life. They’d had a simple, private church wedding with a few friends and family of Alfred present. By all accounts, the new Mrs. Bianca Mattley, the third Lindford daughter and first of the five sisters to marry, sounded quite happy in her letters to Kentucky.
Ma had other plans for Laura Marie, their youngest at age seventeen. Laura was being courted by a local Lexington beau, Joshua Carson. His family owned a neighboring horse farm, and it was Mama’s dream to see the two farms united. This was for the best since Laura wasn’t as strong as the others. Her health had always been on the frail side since a childhood fever had nearly taken her life, and it was best she remained close to home.
As they settled into the buggy and pulled away from the station depot with Jenny handling the reins, she considered the fact that all of Ma’s plans to see her five daughters happily married appeared to be going well. She was intrepid about the idea of moving to Pelican Rapids and trusting her future to a matchmaker. Harsh Minnesota winters didn’t appeal to her. However, having a life on her own and a fresh adventure did delight her soul, and especially the idea of marrying the handsome Dr. Beckham. By all accounts, he was successful, educated, and progressive.
“Are you almost finished packing your trunk?” Ma asked as the beautiful chestnut team pulled them closer toward home. “Your train leaves in only two more days. Do you like your new travel suit?”
“Yes, my trunk has been packed for a week now, and I do like my new travel suit, Mama. ‘Tis lovely indeed, and a nice color for spring and summer.” Jenny glanced at the lavender ensemble trimmed in ivory appearing much like those belonging to her sisters. She’d worn it today to see how comfortable it would be for the journey north. She adored the details on the cape, and the fact it was a shade in her favorite color.
Ma drew in a deep breath and relaxed. “Good, I’m glad. Your trousseau is fit for a queen. I had one before I married, but it wasn’t as nice as the one your pa and I ordered for each of you girls. Mine only had three dresses, a warm coat for winter, and some undergarments. You each have seven outfits which include day dresses and an evening gown, hats and bonnets, a warm coat for winter, the travel suit, several shawls each, two nightgowns, three petticoats each, new corsets, shoes, stockings, parasols, and gloves. All of this, in addition to a wedding gown for each of my five daughters. You shall be ready for anything.”
“Very true, Ma.” Jenny listened to her mother, nodding at all the right times. It had taken nearly two months of fittings to equip them with the proper items, and more than one trip to the local milliner. “I do like my trousseau. It is a beautiful gift from you and Pa. I feel quite spoiled by it, and at a time when many families can’t afford such items because they never really recovered from the war.”
“Nothing but the best for my daughters,” Mama said proudly as the buggy rolled along over the dirt roads leading t
o Blue Violet Farm. Jenny would miss the long drive shaded by rows of tall elms leading to the Greek Revival mansion. It boasted six white columns, perfect symmetry, high ceilings, and a fireplace in all ten of its rooms. She would miss the stables and meadows filled with Pa’s beautiful horses; Roger, the very fat, family cat; and the rich southern traditions which marked their lifestyle—grits served at breakfast with buttermilk biscuits, honey, and jam, for instance.
As her mother chattered on about the excellent spring weather and the hopes she held in her heart for her daughters to be married in suitable matches, Jenny’s thoughts traveled to the doctor again. She hadn’t met Zane, but she’d been corresponding with him by mail, just as her sisters had with their prospective husbands. He came from an upper-class family like hers. Both the Lindford family and the Beckhams had come through the war unscathed. In fact, Dr. Beckham’s family, according to the matchmaker from Pelican Rapids, Ella Milton, was scandalously wealthy. This was a fact Ma continued to remind Jenny of frequently.
Dr. Beckham’s wealth didn’t matter to her, but it did make the match far more attractive to Jenny. If she was going to be a writer, she needed financial freedom to pursue her dreams. Financial matters were a practical concern of great importance according to Mama, but Jenny had learned in her correspondence, she and Zane shared a generous amount of common ground in the fact they both liked literature, travel, and animals.
By this time next week, she would be settled in Pelican Rapids. If she didn’t like Zane, her plan was to purchase a train ticket immediately back to Lexington, or join her sister, Bianca, in New York. For now, she would allow Ma to help her navigate the business of marriage arrangements as she had been for her five daughters, but Jenny relaxed a little knowing she had an alternative if needed. She supposed she also gained some strength from Carrie, Bianca, Melanie, and Laura. They seemed eager to meet their husbands and be joined in matrimony.
