Mail Order Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  Rachel hoped that today would contain no surprises. She simply wanted to meet Aaron Caldigate and discover for herself what kind of man he was. She considered that was more than enough to deal with in one visit.

  "Are you ready, Rachel?" Martha asked, tying up the reins of the buckboard.

  "As ready as I'll ever be," she answered.

  "Let's get inside, shall we?"

  The door opened before they had a chance to knock, and Hettie stood there, smiling broadly. The middle aged, immaculately attired, organizer of all things social in Sweetheart Falls looked particularly excited on this fine morning. Hettie's hair was pulled back tight on her head and her eyes shone with eager anticipation.

  "Welcome Rachel. It's so good to see you. And on such a lovely day. Don't you think that's just so auspicious. I know I do," she said enthusiastically. "Come in, come in."

  Rachel went inside and made her way to the parlor. She'd been in Hettie's house often enough to know that every important meeting took place in the parlor. It was the center of Hettie's matchmaking operations.

  Rachel and Martha took their seats on the wide divan. Hettie sat down on her usual high backed, tastefully upholstered chair, next to the fireplace.

  "As you can see the young man hasn't yet arrived. I thought I'd ask him to arrive a little after you, so that I can have a little word with you. You know I like to do that at times like this. It's ever so helpful, I find."

  "I do hope we don't have to wait too long, Hettie. I'm nervous enough as it is," Rachel stated.

  Hettie examined Rachel. "You have absolutely nothing to be concerned about, Rachel. I have never seen you look lovelier than you do today," Hettie assured her.

  Rachel blushed. She knew that Hettie was an expert at putting people at their ease. She'd seen her doing that to others on many occasions. However to be the recipient of those compliments was something different entirely. "Thank you, Hettie. That's so kind of you."

  Hettie waved her hand. "The truth is the truth. Mr. Aaron Caldigate is in for a real surprise today."

  Rachel felt a stab of nerves. She hoped that Hettie hadn't arranged something without telling anyone. Rachel already knew from her sisters' experience with the expert matchmaker that Hettie often liked to bend the rules. Hettie must have seen the expression on Rachel's face.

  "Oh. Don't be worried Rachel. I don't have anything up my sleeve. At least not today. I suppose you might say that it makes a pleasant change, after all the effort I've put in to making sure Martha and Cassie made it to the altar," Hettie said with the familiar high handed, but good natured, tone she liked to adopt.

  Martha smiled.

  "I thought I'd go over a few things about Mr. Caldigate. Before he arrives. His family are, as you no doubt already know, a pillar of the Sweetheart Falls community life. Gabriel Caldigate has had a hand in almost all of the dealings of any importance in the town these past few years. His son, as you know, has been away from the town for a few years. However, before he left to study law, I have to say he did have bit of a reputation," Hettie said.

  "A reputation? For what?" Rachel asked, feeling a momentary concern.

  "Nothing too serious," Hettie continued. "And certainly nothing of an inappropriate kind. If you know what I mean."

  Martha looked at Rachel and gave her sister a reassuring smile.

  "No. I think what you should be aware of is that it has come to my attention that Aaron has come back to Sweetheart Falls with something of a... how shall we say...conflicting view of why he is back here."

  "What do you mean?" Martha asked.

  "I would be remiss in not telling you what I now know. It only came to my attention after this little meeting was arranged. In fact it was Aaron's mother who informed me."

  "Of what!" Rachel demanded. At times she found Hettie's manner most irritating.

  Hettie looked at Rachel, perhaps surprised at the vehemence of the young woman's demand. Hettie sighed. "Aaron is not as certain of his intentions to stay in Sweetheart Falls as I was originally lead to believe."

  Martha spoke up: "Do you mean he wants to leave the town?"

  Hettie shook her head. "Not exactly. His mother Lily, who I must say is a very fine lady, tells me that when he went away to train as a lawyer, he gave his word to his parents that when he qualified he would return and settle down. A very noble thing to do, if you ask me. And indication of what a fine young man he is."

  Rachel nodded, but desperately wanted Hettie to get to the point.

  "However his mother said to me that on his return, he seemed to indicate that even if he marries, he may not stay in Sweetheart Falls."

  "He wants to leave the town with Rachel?" Martha asked, concern written on her face.

  Rachel felt a flush of emotion and looked to her sister for some kind of confirmation. Aaron wanted to marry and leave the town?

  "Why would he do such a thing?" Rachel asked, a sinking feeling in her stomach.

  "He is an ambitious young man with hopes of betterment in life. It appears he feels that Sweetheart Falls may not be the place for him to satisfy those ambitions."

  "Then why have Rachel's hopes been risen to meet a young man who may not wish to remain in the town?" Martha demanded.

  Hettie cocked her head and sighed. "It appears that in spite of his uncertainty about remaining in Sweetheart Falls he is...how shall I put it...already besotted with Rachel."

  The silence in the room could have been cut by a knife. Rachel didn't know what to say. She looked to Martha whose brows had furrowed into deep grooves.

  "Besotted?" asked Rachel.

  Hettie nodded. "Lily told me that, when he saw your likeness, he was so affected by it that she believes his plans to leave may have been thrown into disarray."

  Rachel was puzzled. "And that is a good thing? Is that what you are saying?"

  Hettie sighed. "I believe this young man is a perfect match for you Rachel. I feel it in my bones. And you know I am never wrong. I also believe you are perfect for him. If there is anyone who can persuade this fine young man that his place is here in Sweetheart Falls, by the side of a loving wife, fulfilling all the duties of a husband as well as keeping his promise to his parents, then it is you, Rachel who can convince him."

  Rachel felt her mouth fall open. "Are you saying that I should take it upon myself to persuade Aaron Caldigate that there is nowhere else for him on this earth except here?"

  Hettie nodded. "That is exactly what I am suggesting."

  A confused rush of thoughts filled Rachel's mind. It had all seemed so simple a few hours before. Why was it that everyone in her family had to battle for everything in life? Even her dear sisters had never had things entirely easy. It appeared things were no different for her. Finding a husband out West was a process fraught with trials and difficulties.

  It appeared that if she wanted Aaron Caldigate for a husband it seemed that she would have no choice but to persuade him that there was no place to live like Sweetheart Falls, and no woman as right for him as Rachel.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Aaron finally arrived at Hettie's house and paused for a few moments. It was an imposing place, entirely appropriate for it's owner. He smiled to himself as he thought about some of the things he had heard about Hettie from his mother. It seemed like she had some kind of involvement in just about every marriage that took place in the town. A strong woman, like all the women he had ever known.

  He didn't mind that.

  He admired strength in a woman and even preferred it. He'd known too many spoiled women back East during the last few years. They all seemed to devote themselves to things which didn't seem to matter. He was tired of that. Maybe now was the time to find a woman who knew what was important in life; someone who valued family; someone with ambition to make the most of life; perhaps someone who wanted to go out in the world and seize the opportunities that life offered.

  He hoped that Rachel would be that person. He reached into his jacket and pulled out the likeness of
Rachel. For one last moment he wanted to remind himself of the woman he was about to meet.

  The truth was, he felt not only excitement and anticipation, but a whole lot of privilege.

  She was truly beautiful. There was no other way to say it. He hoped not only that she would be as fine in reality as in her photograph, but also that she would find in him the kinds of things which were important to her.

  He placed the photo carefully back in his pocket and went to the door and knocked.

  The door was quickly opened by a fine looking, middle aged lady. This was obviously Hettie. It could be no-one else.

  "Mr Caldigate. How nice to see you. Please come in. Rachel is already here. She is so looking forward to meeting with you."

  Aaron entered and a twist of nerves clutched at his stomach at the mention of Rachel.

  Hettie gestured. "Please. This way to the parlor," she said, leading the way.

  Hettie went into the parlor and Aaron followed.

  His head was lowered as he entered the room so he didn't immediately see who was there. When he did lift his head his eyes settled without hesitation on the woman whose image, moments ago had burned it's way into his heart.

  Aaron halted in the center of the room and found himself utterly lost for words.

  Rachel stood by the divan, her gaze fixed on Aaron. She was smiling at him, eyes wide with expectation, and he realized that he had completely frozen on the spot. His throat had seized up and his mind had emptied of all words.

  Rachel was even more joyfully beautiful than he could ever have imagined.

  He looked quickly to Hettie, awaiting a formal introduction. He realized that it was entirely possible that Hettie had waited for a few extra moments to ensure the very reaction he had just experienced.

  "May I introduce Miss Rachel," Hettie said in a tone of appropriate decorum.

  "Miss Rachel. May I introduce Mr. Aaron Caldigate." Hettie said, gesturing toward Aaron.

  He lowered his head as he knew a gentleman should. After a brief pause he finally managed to force his voice to utter some words, but it wasn't easy. "I'm very glad to finally meet you Miss Rachel," he managed to say, although his voice didn't sound as decisive as he thought it should.

  He looked at Rachel and saw a warm smile. She nodded her head in polite acknowledgement. "I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Caldigate," she said.

  Aaron immediately noticed the soft, sweet quality to her voice. It sang with an almost musical tone. Her accent was from back East, but that didn't matter to him. He was enchanted by the delicate timbre.

  Aaron noticed how elegantly she was dressed. Her blonde hair was delicately fashioned around a head which had almost perfect proportions. Her eyes shone with a vibrant curiosity.

  Hettie gestured to another young woman. "And this is Martha Crawford. One of Rachel's elder sisters."

  Aaron looked at the darker haired woman by Rachel's side. He could see the family resemblance, but Martha had an altogether different look to her. She was less delicate and had more rounded features than Rachel. Nevertheless there was an openness and friendliness to her expression which Aaron immediately warmed to.

  "Hettie. You make me sound so old," Martha said with a laugh. "Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Caldigate."

  "Aaron. Please, call me Aaron," he said trying to smile. All three women nodded. He wasn't sure what kind of impression he was making. Truthfully he didn't much care, so taken was he by the sight of Rachel.

  "Please take a seat Aaron." Hettie said, interrupting his thoughts.

  He moved around to the front of the divan, moving closer to Rachel. He noticed that as he moved toward her she held her hands tightly in front of her. He was sure that she was as nervous as he was, although perhaps doing a better job than he was of hiding those nerves.

  Aaron tentatively offered the red rose to Rachel. "I thought you might like this," he said, his voice suddenly weak.

  Rachel's eyes widened in pleasure as she took the rose. She lifted it to her face and inhaled the scent. "It's beautiful. Thank you," she said.

  Rachel's sister moved to a seat on one side of the fireplace, leaving Aaron and Rachel facing each other.

  Hettie gestured toward Martha. "Perhaps you'd like to give me some help preparing the tea," she said. Martha nodded and followed Hettie out of the parlor.

  "Please take a seat Aaron," Rachel said, leading by example and sitting down on the far end of the divan. Aaron took his place at the opposite end.

  For a moment the silence seemed like a physical thing he could reach out and touch. He looked alternately at Rachel, and at just about anything else in the room he could find.

  For her part Rachel maintained an air of composed expectation. Her hands were placed carefully in her lap, the rose laid across her knees; her posture was erect and ladylike; the eye contact with Aaron minimal.

  Aaron searched his mind for the words which he had prepared for just this exact moment. Where were the words when he needed them?

  As if sensing his difficulty Rachel spoke: "I believe you have just returned from back East"

  Aaron cleared his throat. "Indeed I have. Only yesterday."

  "How was your time there? Was it productive?"

  "If you can describe becoming a qualified lawyer, productive, then I suppose it was," he answered, immediately regretting the tone of his reply.

  "The law is a very noble profession, is it not?"

  "It can be, provided one keeps a distance from the kinds of people one is often forced to encounter."

  Again there was an awkward silence. Aaron discerned that it was for him to lead the next part of the conversation. "What do you think of life in Sweetheart Falls?"

  "My life, or the life of the town in general?"

  "Both, I suppose," he replied.

  "My time here has been short, but I have grown to love the town and it's people. Of course, it hasn't been easy, considering the singular manner in which my sister and I came here. But I suppose you've heard of that," she said.

  "I have heard of the great difficulties you and Martha experienced coming out here. But it seems to be working out well."

  Rachel lowered her head, not wishing Aaron to see the expression on her face.

  "I suppose for my sisters it has. They've both found fine husbands and they're both to become mothers soon."

  Aaron tried to sound positive. "That's good news. There's nothing like children to bring newlywed couples closer together."

  Rachel didn't respond to that comment. Aaron knew that there were some subjects he shouldn't touch on during a first meeting. He decided to move quickly on.

  "How do you enjoy life living on the ranch?" he asked.

  Rachel brightened. "I love the ranch. It's so beautiful up there. The country is so inspiring around here. Although, don't imagine I do much ranch work. That wouldn't be very ladylike, I guess."

  Aaron smiled. "No. It wouldn't be."

  Rachel peered into Aaron's eyes and he felt something shift inside him. "You must have missed life here in Sweetheart Falls," she said.

  Aaron looked awkwardly away. "I did miss my parents. That goes without saying. But life back East was so different than the life in Sweetheart Falls."

  Rachel tossed her head back. "I know how different life here is. And I can tell you I much prefer life here. People back East are so superficial compared to the good folks here. Don't you think?"

  Aaron was taken aback by her directness. For a moment he didn't know quite how to respond. "I suppose you have a point there. People here are different."

  "They really know what's important in life. That's what I've learned. It must have been wonderful to grow up in a place like this," she said.

  Again Aaron was perplexed by the direction the conversation had taken. Why was Rachel extolling the virtues of Sweetheart Falls with such firmness?

  "Yes. It was wonderful. But there's a big world out there. There's more to life than Sweetheart Falls has to offer," Aaron s
aid.

  "Oh, I don't know about that," said Rachel waving a hand. "I think a beautiful town with lovely people in a place that God has blessed is just about enough for anyone. Maybe you've been away too long," she said.

  Aaron felt his lower lip drop in surprise. If he wasn't mistaken it looked to him like Miss Rachel had taken it upon herself to make the case for family life in Sweetheart Falls. He couldn't imagine why she would do such a thing.

  The conversation continued with pleasantries. Aaron found out that Rachel could be a charming and lively companion. She had a wonderful laugh that pleased him very much. She listened to his accounts of his time at University with patience and understanding. He marvelled at her account of the adventure she and her sisters had been living these past few months. All in all he felt they were getting along as well as he could possible have expected.

  Aaron felt comfortable with Rachel. It seemed miraculous that such a thing could happen so suddenly. But it had happened. During a particularly amusing account of life on the ranch, during which he had to contain his laughter with all the force he could summon, he became aware that he was immensely at ease in her company. Not only was she beautiful, but she had a fine character. That much he could tell already, and he had only been in her presence for the briefest time.

  As regards her beauty? Well, up close it was even more striking. Her eyes shone with youthful vigor; her skin glowed with health; her hair was smooth and it was all he could do to resist the urge to reach out and touch it.

  Aaron realized he had sunk into an almost drunken reverie in Rachel's presence. He couldn't understand what was happening to him.

  Time flew by and then Hettie and Martha came back into the parlor with a rattle of cups and plates.

  "I see you young people are getting along famously. I take it you both like tea and cake," she said.