Mail Order Bride- Twenty-Two Brides Mega Boxed Set

by Emily Woods

  The Taylors’ wagon was among the latter. The Morris brothers insisted on sharing their wagon with the doctor’s family. Henry and his brothers worked tirelessly to make space in their own wagon for the family’s belongings. Margie watched as the men moved their items, and she couldn’t help but notice the grim determination on Henry’s face. He had been the first to offer and hadn’t been willing to take no for an answer.

  The same scene was repeated all over the campsite, and within a few hours, most of the work was done, but there were still some very serious injuries. However, her father assured her that none of them were life-threatening so long as the people were allowed time to rest.

  “We need to be grateful that no one has died,” Preacher John reminded them that evening after dinner. More people than usual had gathered to hear his devotion, a fact which surprised no one. Even the most indifferent among them sought out the comfort that the preacher extended. “And let’s give thanks to God for our native brothers and sisters whom God sent to help us. Without them, the result could have been much worse.”

  There were some murmurings in the group, not all of which were positive.

  Captain Holt stood.

  “I hear that some of you are saying that if the Indians hadn’t shown up, none of this would have happened, but I need to remind you that this is their home. We are the visitors. This is their land, and they have the right to travel across it. My greatest regret is that I didn’t go ahead with the meeting this morning because I thought the preacher did a good enough job of making you understand last night. But now I can see that some people didn’t hear him well enough. Anyway, I’m sorry for not following through. You’ll never know how much I regret it.”

  Emotion choked his last few words and he sat down, his head lowered. Emma Pearson murmured something in his ear and he nodded, but clearly, he was still not consoled. Margie felt sorry for the man. He’d been doing his best to guide them, but how could he predict the wild behavior of Eugene Howard? Still, she thought maybe he regretted not putting the man off the train when he had the chance. This wasn’t the first time he had defied the captain.

  “Is it true that Mister Howard will be detained at Fort Boise?” she whispered to her father as the meeting was drawing to a close. “What will happen to his family?”

  Dr. Taylor sighed. “I don’t know. Captain Holt will help them decide, but we can’t take Eugene with us any further. He’s been a menace almost from day one.”

  Margie felt sorry for the family, especially his daughter who had sustained terrible injuries from the rock avalanche. Ordinarily, Lily wasn’t the type of girl she would befriend, but after having dug her out from the rubble, she felt a special connection to her.

  The next day was spent making additional repairs and allowing for people to recover. Captain Holt was talking about dividing the train into two. The half that was well enough should travel on and the other half should stay and recuperate. If they all stayed, there was a good chance the wagon train would run out of supplies. As it was, the ones who were going to move on the next day would share a small portion of their supplies to provide for the ones that were going stay behind. The only issue was deciding who would lead which group.

  “I have to stay with the injured group,” Dr. Taylor told his family. “I’m sorry to do this to you, but they need me.”

  Everyone understood, but they were disappointed nonetheless. When George found out, he insisted on staying because he wanted to be with Sarah. This meant his sister would stay, which then made the Morris brothers want to stay, which in turn made Hope persuade her family to stay as well. As it turned out, the preacher had already felt compelled to stay with the injured.

  Captain Holt was relieved to hear that as he’d been worried about leaving so many weak on their own. It was then decided that he would lead the first group and make clear markers for his assistant to follow. Tom held his head up bravely and told the captain that he wouldn’t let him down.

  Eugene Howard would also go with the first group, but his wife and children would have to stay behind since two of them were badly injured. The captain felt it was imperative to get Eugene to the fort as soon as possible and send a message to the authorities. The man was entitled to his rights, but he was too dangerous to take along with them.

  That night, Preacher Riley spoke on the importance of courage in the face of danger, as well as forgiveness. It seemed as though he was trying to bolster their spirits for the separation that was to come as well as soften their hearts towards Mr. Howard.

  After he was done, it was still a little early, and those who were staying behind didn’t need to get up at four o’clock the next day, so they didn’t retire immediately.

  “What did you think about the preacher’s talk tonight?” Henry asked Margie as they walked towards their wagons, which happened to be practically side by side all day. He’d been waiting for a chance to talk with her, and now there was no one around.

  She drew in a deep breath and blew it out. “I think he’s right, but I also think it’s really hard. Even though we weren’t attacked by the natives, we could have been. Also, the events of the past two days show that anything can happen out here, not to mention my illness. I feel more vulnerable now than ever before, and yet…”

  Her voice trailed off, and he gave her a long look.

  “And yet, you feel something in your heart that is giving you confidence like you’ve never had before.”

  Laughing a little, she glanced at him somewhat shyly.

  “Something like that. I guess I’m just seeing life a little differently. Having dysentery was horrible, but I can see why God allowed it. Being weak and dependent forced me to realize how blessed I am to have people who love me. I don’t need the love or attention of a man to be valuable.”

  After she said this, her face became serious and he got the impression she’d said more than she had meant to. He was quiet for a minute and then asked, “So, you don’t want the love or attention of a man?”

  Her heart started pounding hard and her hands got damp. “Only if it is the right man with the right perspective on the future. I couldn’t give my heart away to someone who was only concerned about money or himself. I need someone who’s going to lead my family well, like my father does, and I think this man should follow God’s plan for his life, or at least try to.” Her words came out in a hurry, but were articulate. He wondered if this had been on her mind for some time.

  Henry nodded. “You have high standards,” he said lightly. “Anything else?”

  Margie swallowed hard. “He should be patient, kind, and honest. He shouldn’t be afraid of speaking his mind because I’ll need someone like that. Otherwise, I might get too full of myself again.”

  A sad smile appeared on his face.

  “Well, that’s something, Miss Margie. I hope you find that man. Good night to you.”

  Henry left Margie and decided to take a short walk before turning in. He was fully discouraged by the description she’d given of the man she desired. Who could be all of those things? Certainly not him.

  Little by little, he’d lost his heart to her. Although he’d barely noticed her for the majority of the journey so far, the past week had put them in each other’s paths many times, or maybe he’d done that after their spat on the river.

  But he couldn’t be the man she needed. He was selfish and didn’t know if he could follow God’s plan for his life. It didn’t seem like God gave a man much choice in his future, and he hated the idea of anyone controlling him.

  However, when he thought about the men who were following God, his brothers among them, he couldn’t help but notice how happy and peaceful they were. Sure, they all still had trouble, but they didn’t seem mired down by it.

  “God,” he whispered into the dark silent night. “I don’t know how to do this, but I want to be a man who follows you. I’m tired of this life I’m struggling to live. If you show me what to do, I’ll try.”

  There was no su
dden revelation from Heaven, but after focusing on the stars for a few minutes, Henry felt peace enter him. God had heard his prayer. He was sure of it. Now all that remained was to understand what it meant to be a man of God.

  Margie noticed that despite being camped in the same spot for the next two days, she barely saw Henry, much less talked to him. She wondered if her description of her ideal man had scared him away. If it did, so be it. She couldn’t settle for less than that now. If she was going to keep her heart as soft as it was at this moment, she needed someone who would help her do that.

  Three other wagon trains had come through their campsite, but they hadn’t stopped for long. It wasn’t an ideal place to camp because of its steep terrain, but they hadn’t had much choice. When the others learned of the reason they were staying, they shared a little of their provisions and then carried on. God was providing for them still.

  It felt strange to be without the other half of their group, but most people seemed content to stay.

  On the third day, Margie was almost back to her regular self in terms of health. The additional rest had done her good, as had keeping busy helping other people who were in worse shape than she was. Her parents and sister commented on the change in her attitude and demeanor.

  “You seem happy, dearest,” her mother observed while they were washing out some clothes. “I’m glad.”

  Margie nodded. “Listening to Preacher John talk about God made me realize a lot of things about myself that I don’t like. I guess God was trying to get my attention by allowing me to become sick, or rather, by allowing me to make myself sick.”

  She smiled a little, but the stupidity of her actions still stung a little. Maybe one day she’d be able to laugh about it all, but that wouldn’t be today.

  “I feel the same way, daughter,” her mother replied gently. “I don’t know why we resisted going to the nightly meetings before. I suppose we thought we deserved a rest, but I feel more rested after listening to the preacher talk about God than I ever did just sitting around the campfire!”

  Now they did laugh together. At that moment, Sarah approached them with an empty basket and wanted to know the cause of their laughter.

  “Oh, we’re just realizing how God teaches us things we didn’t think we needed to know,” her mother replied.

  Margie nodded. “Part of me wishes I’d learned them earlier, but I guess everything happens when it happens for a reason.”

  The three of them wrung out the clothes, and Margie helped Sarah carry the basket back to the camp.

  “Can I help with that?” came a deep voice. The three of them turned to see Henry walking behind them.

  “Oh, thank you kindly,” her mother replied. “I hope you’ll take a cup of coffee for your trouble.”

  Henry accepted, but remained quiet while they visited. After several minutes, he turned to Margie and quietly asked, “If it’s okay with you, could we go for a walk? Just a short one within sight of the camp?”

  Even though she was surprised by the question, Margie agreed after receiving an approving look from her mother.

  “Thank you again for your help,” she murmured as they walked. “Father is tending to the sick. He says most of them are much better now and that we’ll likely be able to head out tomorrow or the next day.”

  Henry nodded and smiled a little. “That’s good to hear,” he replied. “It was nice to take a break, but people are worried about running out of supplies.”

  “We should have enough to last us until Fort Boise.” She’d taken stock of everyone’s food the day before and felt confident that they would not starve. “Are you worried about that?”

  He shook his head. “No, I don’t really think about it. As you know, we have lots set by. It was meant to last me a few extra months in California, but we’re happy to share what we have.”

  “And we’re all very grateful to you for that.” It was because of the extra food that the Morris brothers had that they were not in a rush to head out. Their wagon train was fewer than half of its original number, but they had become even closer than before. Not only had she formed a good friendship with Lily Howard, but she also had grown closer to Hope. Along with her sister, the four of them were a tight group.

  “So, you’re, ah, probably wondering why I wanted to walk with you,” he said, his face twisting a little as his neck reddened.

  “To tell the truth, I was more curious as to why you’ve been avoiding me these past few days,” she replied, keeping her voice light. “I wondered if I’d offended you in some way.”

  “What? No, not at all, but, well, the last time we talked, you gave me a lot to think about and to…pray about. I’ve, um, been meeting with Preacher Riley about some of those things, and he’s been giving me some real good advice.”

  “You’ve been talking to the preacher about me?” she asked, her voice coming out a little squeaky.

  “Uh, sort of, not really. It was more about me. Miss Margie…” He stopped to look at her.

  “You can call me Margie,” she murmured. “We’ve been through a lot together. No need to stand on formality anymore.”

  Henry cleared his throat a little and nodded. “That’s real good. Thank you. So, uh, Margie. I’ve been thinking on what you said about the kind of man you want to marry, and, well, I want to be that kind of man.”

  At first, she was a little confused. “Oh, well, that’s good. The world needs more godly men.”

  He blew out a breath and appeared to be frustrated. “No, well, yeah, but that’s not what I meant. I want to be that kind of man, but I want to be that man for you.”

  Now shock rippled through her. “I—I don’t know what to say,” she stammered. Her heart raced in her chest, and she needed to sit down. Thankfully, there was a large boulder directly behind her, and she lowered herself onto it.

  Henry sat close to her on another large rock. He gave her a solemn look. “I was kind of hoping that you would say you’re happy to hear that.”

  It was hard to even think, let alone talk. “But what about California?” she asked, hardly daring to believe what she was hearing. “I couldn’t go there.”

  “I wouldn’t ask you to. The truth is that I don’t even want to go anymore. Truly. Why should I leave my brothers just for the possibility of gold? Even if I had all the money in the world, I might never find happiness.” He paused and looked down at his linked fingers. “George told me about how his father had lost everything looking for gold back in forty-two. It was never enough, and he was never happy. I don’t want to be like that.”

  The river rushed by them, and Margie just stared at it for a moment. They had been traveling beside one river or another for over four months. It was the same river, but somehow it wasn’t. How could that be?

  “I want to believe you,” she finally said softly. “But the desire to go was so strong in you just one week ago. What changed?”

  Slowly, he reached out and took her hand. Margie looked over to the others, but no one seemed to be paying them any attention. His hand was warm and rough, and his touch sent her heart soaring.

  “I’ve changed,” he murmured. “God changed me, and you changed me. So much of what I thought was true has fallen apart. I used to think that God was just distant, but the preacher helped me see that He’s right here taking care of us. I also used to think that the Indians were all savages who only wanted to kill us, but we both know that’s not true. And I used to think that gold was more important than anything…but then I got to know you.”

  His words were like a balm to her tattered heart.

  “Do you mean it, Henry? Please don’t say it if you don’t. I couldn’t bear it.”

  His grip on her hand tightened a little. “I do mean it, Margie. I mean it more than anything I’ve ever said in my life. I want to be with you. We still have a long way to go before we reach Oregon, but over the next four weeks, can we spend some time together? I really want to get to know you better.”

  Her face flushed,
and she bowed her head. “You’ll have to ask my father,” she replied demurely. “I don’t know what he’ll say.”

  With his other hand, he tipped her chin up so she was looking in his eyes.

  “I already asked him, and he said it’s up to you. So, Margie, what’s your answer?”

  Eyes brimming with emotion, Margie nodded, which caused a solitary tear to spill down her cheek. Henry moved his hand a little, and with his thumb, brushed it away. The grin that stretched over his face caused her heart to flutter uncontrollably.

  “That, Miss Margie,” he whispered, “is worth more than all the gold in the world.”

  For several minutes, neither of them said anything, but just stared into each other’s eyes and wondered what the future would hold. Whatever it was, they knew that God had a good plan for them.

  The caravan has almost reached their final destination. Be sure to check out the last story because the adventures aren’t over yet.

  New Life and Love

  Love on the Oregon Trail, Book 6

  1

  “So everyone is good to travel then, Doc? No concerns?”

  Thomas Joseph Rutger was anxious to do everything exactly right. His boss, Jeremiah Holt, had left him in charge of half the wagon train, the one that had been left behind because many of the travelers had been injured in a rockslide nearly a week before. They'd been resting and recuperating in the valley where the incident had occurred, and he had noticed how much their supplies had diminished. They still had over fifty miles to go before they reached Fort Boise where they could stock up, and he was eager to move on.

  “As far as I can tell,” Doctor Taylor replied gravely. “Everyone is well enough to travel so long as you keep a nice slow pace for the first few days. This terrain is hard enough to move over when a person is well, let alone when they're nursing injuries.”