Meg

by Clemmons, Caroline

  Meg

  Angel Creek Christmas Brides Series

  Book 20

  Caroline Clemmons

  Copyright © 2020 by Caroline Clemmons. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Introduction

  About Meg

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  About Caroline Clemmons

  Introduction

  In 1866, five women decided to depart Charleston after the Civil War left them with no real marriage prospects since most of the eligible men left to go west. The women decided to travel together to Angel Creek, Montana as mail-order brides just in time for Christmas. And, that is where our story begins.

  A year later, and our story is far from over! There are plenty of young, marriageable men left in Angel Creek who are quite envious of the lovely wives their friends managed to secure for themselves. They coax the young brides into recruiting more of their Southern Belle friends to make the long trip north to Montana — for the sole purpose of them becoming happily married by Christmas!

  In 1870, the first two groups are firmly established and living their dreams. Our story continues with nine single men who long for a wife and family. Some turn to former brides to coax friends to come to Angel Creek. Others take direct action through Grooms Gazette or a matchmaker.

  Christmas 2018

  Book 1: Charity

  Book 2: Julia

  Book 3: Ruby

  Book 4: Sarah

  Book 5: Anna

  Christmas 2019

  Book 6: Caroline

  Book 7: Melody

  Book 8: Elizabeth

  Book 9: Emma

  Book 10: Viola

  Book 11: Ginger

  Christmas 2020

  Book 12: Abigail

  Book 13: Grace

  Book 14: Pearl

  Book 15: Rebecca

  Book 16: Charlotte

  Book 17: Minnie

  Book 18: Adele

  Book 19: Victoria

  Book 20: Meg

  About Meg

  Margaret “Meg” Todd is tired of putting her happiness on hold. When she learns her bullying brother-in-law has horrifying plans for her future, she asks an attorney family friend for help escaping. Meg wants her own husband and home and is willing to move over halfway across the country to achieve her goal. Along the way she agrees to take two children for their dying mother? Is she too impulsive? Will Curtis and the children become the happy family of Meg’s dreams?

  Curtis McClain has to be careful with his small savings or it won’t fund his dream of his own newspaper. He wants a wife—and he needs someone to help him with the newspaper. If he can combine the two, then he’ll be all right. In a few years, they can start a family. But, will a woman want to move to the middle of nowhere on those terms? Will she grow to care for him in spite of his reserved nature?

  He is slightly annoyed when his wife shows up with two orphaned children. When he learns the amount of her inheritance, he decides she won’t be content to stay with him. The boy and girl are well-behaved but he still isn’t certain of his reaction to them. That is, until a terrifying event occurs that forces him to take quick action.

  Chapter One

  Charleston, South Carolina, 1870

  Meg Todd hadn’t known who else she could trust for advice. Lately, relentless fear had been her constant companion. Seated in Grady Forest’s office for the second time this week, she twisted her handkerchief as she listened to the attorney who had been her father’s best friend. Even now her heart pounded and a vice contracted around her chest as the scent of old books and her uncle’s pipe smoke surrounded her.

  Grady looked at her over his spectacles, his gray eyes holding sympathy and fondness. “Things are worse than you feared, Margaret. You have to leave right away. I’ve learned your brother-in-law has hired Frank Lawson to break the terms of your inheritance and make Burt your executor.”

  “Granny Todd thought she had an unbreakable trust until I marry or turn twenty-five. How can Burt steal it?”

  “I wrote the terms of that trust and I don’t believe he can finagle a way around it.” The attorney shook his head slowly. “But I’m afraid that means the news gets worse.”

  He leaned forward and tapped a forefinger on the desk. “If that fails, he plans to have you declared incompetent so your sister can claim your funds.” Shaking his head, he exhaled. “You know I’d try to stop him, of course, but it’s too easy to have someone—especially an unmarried woman—declared a danger to herself and others. If he persuaded a dishonest physician to cooperate, he wouldn’t even have to go through the court.”

  Incompetent? Danger? Burt had thought her plenty capable and reliable for taking care of his children and home. She wanted to rail at the injustice, to march over to Burt Hankins and let him know what she thought of his underhanded trickery. Instead, she remained seated and hoped she projected a ladylike demeanor. At least Uncle Grady was on her side.

  She tucked her handkerchief back under her sleeve’s cuff. “I’ve known Burt was up to something bad for days now and it’s kept me worried. My niece didn’t realize she wasn’t supposed to tell me what she’d heard of her parents’ conversation. You remember that Nancy heard Burt say I should pay them for my room and board and that I work for them.”

  The kind attorney gave a disgusted snort. “The last part is certainly true. You’ve worked like a slave in that house for going on… let’s see, it’s been five years since your parents passed.”

  Knowing her own sister didn’t defend her cut into Meg’s heart. “Burt makes it sound as if they’re doing me a favor to let me live there and cook, clean, and care for their children.”

  Her hands gripped the arms of the chair with white knuckles. “Uncle Grady, I’m not giving them my inheritance from Granny. Evie and Burt quickly spent her legacy, most of it on foolish extravagances.”

  Meg gave a slight dismissive wave, wishing she could as easily push away the controversy. “That’s fine if that’s what Evie wanted because it was hers to do with as she wished. I can’t help thinking Burt knew about the money and that’s why he married her. I’m not sure she even had a say in how the money was used. But I’m not sharing mine with Evie and Burt!”

  Grady reached for his pipe. “Your grandmother Todd was a clever woman and meant you to have every penny of your trust fund. Hmph, and your parents intended you to have half the value of the family home, but they ignored my advice and didn’t leave proper instructions for handling their estate.”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose. “People so often think there’s plenty of time for a will when they’re older. I tried to advise them as I had your grandmother. In spite of the war, your parents were certain there was time for a detailed will later. T
hey shrugged and said if anything happened to them, you and Evie would share equally.”

  Tears stung the insides of Meg’s eyelids at the thought of all she’d lost. Why hadn’t her parents valued her as much as they did her sister? Why hadn’t they understood how their slights hurt? Although her sister was two years older than Meg’s twenty-three years, Evie was immature. How could they have imagined spoiled, weak Evie would ever be fair?

  Meg blinked back tears and looked away. “Evie and Burt are firmly set up in our house and think of it as theirs alone. Even if they decided to sell, I’d never see a cent. I’m lucky Granny made sure I’d have money coming that was legally protected.”

  He tapped a forefinger on his desk. “Only if you’re swift, my dear. Your grandmother couldn’t foresee Burt Hankins’ duplicity. What are your plans?”

  She gave another dismissive flick of her hand, wishing she could as easily wipe away the problem. “I don’t know what to do. It’s the wrong time of year to find a teaching position. I always thought I’d enjoy writing, but that takes a long time with no guarantees. I haven’t learned of anyone who wants a companion or a nanny. I hoped you’d have a suggestion.”

  Gesturing to the copy she’d placed on the attorney’s desk, she added, “Becoming a mail-order bride is the only option I can see. At least, it was. The Grooms Gazette even has a few interesting listings. According to what you’ve learned, though, I can’t afford the time needed to correspond with anyone.”

  He turned the Gazette so she could read the listings and handed her a pencil. “You’re correct, but show me the three prospective grooms you deemed most acceptable.”

  Quickly, she found the three she’d considered possibilities and circled them, then turned the listings back toward Grady.

  He read each, then tapped a finger on one. “This might work, my dear. I have an acquaintance who’s recently moved to Angel Creek. I can contact him by telegram about this man, Curtis McClain.”

  He read aloud, “Owner of recently established newspaper, I am 29 and in good health and of even disposition. I’m tall with dark hair and blue eyes. I hope for a wife who will assist me in work as well as become my life partner. I must watch every cent I spend now but the location holds great promise for the future. Write to Curtis McClain, The Herald, Angel Creek, Montana Territory.”

  Uncle Grady’s eyebrows shot upward. “No doubt ‘watch every cent’ will scare away most women. I believe he’d be happy to have your inheritance if you’re willing to share.” He peered at her over his spectacles again.

  She met his gaze. “That’s what I intend, though I plan to keep some hidden away in case he’s not as good as he implies. I want nothing to do with a man like Burt Hankins.”

  “I’ll wire my friend right away. If he replies favorably, are you willing to trust me to arrange your immediate departure?”

  Heart pounding, hope blossomed but she had difficulty speaking. She swallowed hard. “Of course I trust you, Uncle Grady, but how can you manage this miracle? Now I’m afraid to return home for fear Burt will have me hauled away to an insane asylum. I’ve been terrified—”

  He held up a hand to silence her. “You’ll be safe for today. Let me make arrangements. Don’t let your sister’s family know anything is different. Return here in the morning. In the meantime, pack all you intend to take with you when you leave.”

  “I’ve already packed everything except a couple of changes of clothes. I’d hate to leave my trunks, but I will if I have to. But what if this man has already chosen a bride?”

  “Unless Curtis McClain has married in the meantime, I’ll have everything arranged by morning. I suspect there aren’t many women in Angel Creek. There’ll be plenty of other possibilities if this Mr. McClain has already wed. Go about your business as usual, Margaret.”

  After Meg left the attorney’s office, her steps were lighter. Although she wasn’t safe from Burt’s terrifying plan, she had faith Uncle Grady would help her escape. She hurried with her errands to make up the time she’d spent at the attorney’s office. At the Mercantile, Meg ordered staples delivered to the house, claimed the mail, and stopped at the butcher shop before returning home.

  Home.

  Sounded nice—and it had been when her parents were alive. In spite of the fact that they always gave Evie her way, Meg had enjoyed her life, enriched by visiting with friends, attending her book club, the church women’s circle, and her study group. Now, rarely was she able to go to any of them.

  The recent problem had begun when she’d requested an allowance. She’d received half the ready cash in her parents’ bank account on their death. Burt had taken charge of stocks and bonds—who knew what had happened with those? In spite of Meg being frugal the past five years, her cash was gone.

  She’d explained that she realized Burt couldn’t give her what would be her share of the house, but she needed some money to spend on necessities. Since she worked hard for Evie’s family, she didn’t think it unreasonable that she be given a small allowance or salary. Burt had become so angry at her request that he’d frightened her, though hopefully she’d refused to let him know he had that power.

  Anger and fear warred inside her constantly. She resented all her brother-in-law had stolen from her and hated herself for allowing it to happen. She dreaded being around him. Burt was a large man and a bully who liked controlling others. She could never let him know how he alarmed her.

  Dear Lord, Uncle Grady and I need your help so I can escape whatever Burt is planning for me. Help us in a way that won’t open Uncle Grady to Burt’s revenge. Amen.

  Curtis McClain battled his printing press to prepare another edition of The Herald. He was pleased with the progress he’d made since moving to Montana Territory a few months ago. Although he wasn’t making enough to live on yet, he was gaining subscribers and advertisers with each edition.

  Paul Graham stamped snow from his feet and entered the office. “I’d forgotten how cold it can be here.”

  Curtis gave the wrench another shove and stepped away from the machinery. “If you’re wearing a gun, just shoot this press.”

  The visitor chuckled. “Sounds as if you’re having a bad day. Believe I can improve it with my news.”

  Wondering what the attorney could mean, Curtis poured two cups of coffee. He kept a batch warm on the pot-bellied stove that heated the building’s interior. “I can always use some good cheer.”

  “You mentioned you’d placed an ad in the Grooms Gazette. My friend in Charlotte just wired me about a young woman who needs to escape there immediately. She’d selected your listing but doesn’t have time to correspond. The good thing is, she’ll come into an inheritance when she marries.”

  “How does that relate to me?” He’d learned the mostly-retired attorney never used two words when a hundred would do.

  “If you’ll agree to a proxy marriage now, she can collect her legacy and travel here. This not only saves you the cost of her travel, she’ll have money to invest in your newspaper.”

  Curtis sat on the stool he kept on his side of the counter. “A proxy marriage? How do I know she’ll actually go through with moving here once she has her money?”

  “Why wouldn’t she follow through after you’re wed? She has to go somewhere. Besides, she has to escape a bully of a greedy brother-in-law who means her harm.”

  Forgetting his ink- and grease-stained fingers, he rubbed his jaw, then realized he’d probably smeared streaks on his face. “I don’t know, but I’ll think about the offer. When would I need to answer?”

  “My friend needs an answer right away. Apparently, if she doesn’t escape immediately, this bully is going to have her committed to an asylum so he can gain control of her money. Sounds like a real blackguard.”

  Frowning, Curtis shook his head slowly. “I still don’t know about rushing. I was looking to correspond with a woman, get to know a few things about her first.”

  Paul leaned toward him and met his gaze. “Curtis, you have noth
ing to lose here. Once she’s arrived, if you don’t like what you see, you can always get an annulment.”

  Curtis rubbed at his jaw again. “I suppose you’re right. You think the pastor would go along with this idea?”

  “Sure, it’s legal and not near as uncommon as you appear to think. If you’re willing, I’ll wire my friend we have a deal.”

  “A deal?” He sent an accusing glare to the attorney. “What do you get out of it?”

  Paul held up a hand. “Nothing personally. Years ago the man in Charlotte did me a big favor and I’m indebted to him. I don’t like that feeling, and I hope this will make us even.”

  Mollified, Curtis considered the benefits. “I sure do need to save the fare. We wouldn’t have to scrape by quite so much if she has her own money. Since I want a wife, I suppose I may as well go along with the proxy idea.”

  “Great, I’ll let him know and get back to you.”

  When Paul had gone, Curtis stared out the window and the snow gently falling on the town without really focusing on the scene. He wondered if a woman with her own money would be willing to help him with the newspaper. Would she feel too privileged to work? He sure didn’t need a snooty wife who’d think she was too good for him because she had some money.

  On the other hand, he hadn’t received even one letter in answer to his advertisement in the Grooms Gazette. He’d wondered if including the part about watching every cent was a mistake. Still, he figured he was better off letting a woman know he didn’t have a penny to spare. With misgivings about the arrangement he’d just agreed to, he went back to wrestling with his press.

  Chapter Two

  Early the next morning, Meg was in a constant state of fear. Burt appeared far too pleased with himself, which could only mean bad news for her. Before he’d left today, there had been too many telling glances exchanged with Evie.

  Meg had her important papers in her purse and her valise packed. She was about to climb out the window and down the tree, but she heard Grady call jovially to Evie, “How are my two favorite young women today? You’re looking positively radiant, Evie.”