by Mercy Levy
"I'm having company tonight, and I would appreciate it if you made yourself scarce. Answer the door, and see the gentleman in, of course, but after that, I don't want to see you again. Understand?"
“Yes, Father.” Jasmine didn’t think much of the request. It wasn’t at all unusual for her father to tell her to remain unseen when company was in the house, and Jasmine preferred it. The less she had to see those men, the better.
“Come in, please. My father is in his study… that's right; it's on the left." Jasmine took a step back and let Mr. Martin into the house, then hurried over to the study. She knocked lightly on the door before opening it and announced her father's guest.
“Thank you, my Love, you may go.” Her father gave her a warm smile, and Jasmine felt unsettled as she let the man in and closed the door behind them. She hadn’t heard her father speak to her like that in years, and there was something about his tone that made her feel uneasy.
She could hear the men’s voices, but couldn’t make out anything they were saying, so she gave up and retreated to her room. There was something about Mr. Martin she had never liked. He always looked at her in a way that made her feel uneasy.
Now and then Jasmine would walk by the door, but she didn't want to be standing next to it if it were to suddenly open. She didn't want even to think about what would happen if her father were to catch her eavesdropping. It had seemed like an eternity before Mr. Martin stumbled out of the room, and Jasmine ignored him.
She had shown him into the house; he could surely show himself back out again, especially since it was clear he had been drinking. Jasmine was glad her father didn't walk out of the room with him and had almost decided to retire for the night when he called her into the study.
“Jasmine, please have a seat. There’s something we must discuss.” He smiled at her, but there wasn’t any warmth to his smile. Jasmine sat down, looking at him inquisitively. She waited as he poured himself another drink before he began.
"Jasmine, you aren't a child anymore, and as such, there are certain things that come with your age. You're a woman now, and certain people in town have noticed this fact." He stumbled over his words and took a sip of his drink.
“Father, what are you getting at?” Jasmine was beginning to understand the intention of Mr. Martin’s visit, but she wasn’t going to say anything she thought until her father brought it up.
“Look, Jasmine, you know as well as I do the boat isn’t brining in money like it once did, and the bank is threatening to close us down. We need money, and I’ve done everything in my power to get it for us. Now it’s your turn to pitch in.” He sat back and took another drink as Jasmine watched him coldly.
“I… I don’t understand. You know I’ve offered to start working for Mrs. Gail or helping at the Old-“
“I’m not talking about an hourly job. Those aren’t going to save us now.” Mr. Garfield interrupted his daughter.
"Well, what do you want me to do?" Jasmine fought to keep her voice calm, knowing exactly what her father was saying.
“Jasmine, you’re going to marry Mr. Martin. He’s agreed to give me a nice sum, and pay for the wedding as well. He’s a rich man, Jasmine, and he’ll take care of us. Be a good girl now and run along.” Her father folded his hands in front of his stomach and leaned back in his chair, raising the front of the legs from the floor.
Jasmine flew to her feet, her face turning red.
"I will do no such thing! Father! That man is older than you are! He's not going to be my husband! I won't allow it!" Jasmine could feel tears in her eyes, but her father's face turned red as well. He also rose to his feet and leaned both of his hands on his desk.
“You have no say in the matter! You are my daughter, and you will do as you’re told! We need the money, and he’s providing it! That’ll be all!” He shouted, and Jasmine took a step back, intimidated. She wanted to say something else, but she knew arguing the fact was pointless.
Turning, she slammed the door behind her, ran up the stairs to her room, and threw herself onto her bed. She sobbed into her pillow, crying herself to sleep.
Chapter 3 – A Second Chance
When Jasmine awoke the next morning, she felt exhausted. She had slept through the night, but it had been a fitful sleep, and far from restful. She walked over to the washbasin in her room and splashed off her cheeks, washing away the tearstains.
Pulling on a fresh dress and pinning her hair back, she walked straight from her room to the kitchen, ignoring the open the door to her father's study. Normally, she would ask him how he was or bid him a good morning, but today, she wanted to be left alone.
She prepared a basic breakfast, and the two of them ate in stone cold silence. Mr. Garfield rarely made conversation first, and this morning, Jasmine had no desire to, either. After breakfast, he retired to his study as usual, and Jasmine quickly cleaned the dishes.
Though she was still going through her usual routine, her mind was on other things.
How was she going to marry a man so much older than herself? How would she manage a marriage to a man who was just like her father? She had often thought marriage would be her way out of this life, but she was just told she would be leaving this life and entering one that was exactly like it… or worse.
“Father, I’m going to do some errands. I’ll be back this afternoon.” Jasmine called as she pulled her bonnet over her head and tied her shawl over her shoulders. She heard her father say something, but she didn’t stop to hear what it was. Jasmine respected her father, but she didn’t want to have anything to do with him today.
Once on the streets, she began feeling a little better. The cold air helped clear her mind, but she still felt overwhelmed. She had to figure out something, and fast.
“Miss Garfield! Hello!" Tristen hurried to catch up with her, and Jasmine slowed a bit. She had always liked Tristen and was glad to see him.
"I wanted to apologize for the way my father acted the other night; he can get a bit angry…" Jasmine let her voice trail off, but Tristen held his hand up.
“Please, don’t give it another thought. I shouldn’t have shown up uninvited.” He continued, but Jasmine had a hard time concentrating on what he was saying. Suddenly, he broke back into her thoughts.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” She asked, feeling embarrassed. He smiled, and compassionately placed his hand on her arm.
“You look tired, Miss Garfield. Get some rest. God’s watching out for you, and things will look up.” He smiled and with a final pat, walked away into the cold morning.
Jasmine paused, watching him, wishing she could tell him the events of the night before. She sighed, knowing nothing good would come of it. The fewer people who were aware, the better.
Of course, once the marriage happens, it’s going to be the talk of the town. I don’t think we’ve had a marriage like this in years. Jasmine shook her head at the thought, trying to push it all out of her mind. She walked into the general store, avoiding eye contact with everyone.
She grabbed a few things off the shelves, making her way toward the back of the store. Her eyes suddenly rested on the dolls. Jasmine loved dolls, and she had often dreamed of having a porcelain doll of her own. In spite of the wealth her father had, he had refused to purchase one for her when she was younger, claiming they were too expensive.
Jasmine gently touched the dress of one of the dolls, letting herself get caught up in the emotion of the moment, then she turned to go, but something on the wall caught her eye. There were pieces of paper posted, and though she hadn't paid much attention to them before, one, in particular, looked very interesting.
Across the top of the paper, the words Looking for a Bride aroused her curiosity. Jasmine had heard of women leaving their hometowns to marry men in the West, but she had never known any women who had done it. Grabbing the piece of paper off the wall, she glanced around to ensure no one was watching her; then she skimmed the contents.
It read:
Hello,
My name is Albert Nelson, and I’m a farmer out in Montana. I’m not rich, I can’t promise you a life without hard work, and you’re going to have to pull your fair share around the place, but I can promise you I’ll take care of you and treat you right.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Looking around once more, Jasmine shoved the paper into her pocket. She didn’t want to admit to herself how desperate she was, but she knew this could be her only chance of getting out of that terrible marriage. She’d bide her time, then write to Albert this afternoon.
Jasmine hurried with the rest of her purchases but paused once more to look at the dolls before she left. Pulling her bonnet back up over her hair and adjusting her shawl, she pushed back out into the cold.
But this time, there was a warmth in her heart.
She had a plan.
Chapter 4 – The Journey Begins
Jasmine wasn’t sure how to word her letter to Albert. She didn’t want to give him all the details of why she was leaving, but she also knew she needed to leave shortly after the letter did if she wanted to get out of town before the wedding. She needed to think of a way to tell him she had to come immediately, but not give the impression she was running from anything that could follow her.
Her father had informed her she would be married by Christmas morning, and that was just weeks away. The sooner she could get out of town, the better. Jasmine had skimmed the letter several times throughout the day and had written a reply she felt was sufficient, though there was more she wanted to say.
It read:
Mr. Nelson,
My name is Jasmine Garfield, and I find myself interested in your proposition. My circumstances require me to leave town as soon as I possibly can, so I will be only a day or two behind this letter.
I apologize for the rush and being unable to converse longer, but as I said, my matter is urgent, and I am doing this out of the greatest necessity. I look forward to meeting you.
Jasmine Garfield.
Jasmine found a small photograph of herself her father had taken the summer before and slipped it into the envelope with the letter. She hurried back down to the general store without a word to her father, knowing she would make it there and back again before he came out of his study if she hurried.
While there, she also purchased a train ticket. She was grateful the clerk behind the counter didn’t know who she was, or she would have to ask him to please not mention her business to anyone. But, as he didn’t know her, she thanked him and hurried back home with her ticket tucked carefully inside the pocket of her skirt.
Jasmine had determined she would hide it as soon as she got home, and worry about what she would tell her father later. The train was set to leave the day after tomorrow, early in the morning. Jasmine supposed she could tell him she had urgent business in town and hoped that would be enough for her to slip out of the house without him asking any questions.
The next day passed quickly for Jasmine. She had thought it would drag by, but with all the things she wanted to get done before she left, she found it hard to find the time to fit it all in.
She mended her best dress, and carefully folded it down to fit inside her small trunk. She carefully packed her brush, her necklace her mother had given her when she was small, and other little things she felt she may need. By the time she had finished, Jasmine had filled the trunk, and carefully slid it under her bed.
If she was planned everything properly, she could keep her father busy in the kitchen that night for a while after dinner, asking him questions about what they would do with the house after the wedding. If she kept him up long enough, he wouldn’t get to bed until much later than normal.
This would mean that he would sleep in longer than usual the next day, giving her the perfect opportunity to get her trunk out of the house. She would leave a note explaining she was out shopping for the wedding, and all would be set. Jasmine nervously formed the dinner rolls she was making for that night, hoping her plan would work.
Though she was determined to keep the conversation between her and her father going to dinner, it was hard. Her father was still angry about how she had spoken to him the night he told her she was to be married, and though they were able to talk a little, it was hard to get him to express any opinions on anything.
Jasmine reminded herself to be patient and stick with her plan, telling herself that she only had to make it through this last night, and all would work out.
Just a few more hours, she thought.
The next morning Jasmine hurried as quickly as she could, carrying her trunk down the street. Her plan had worked the night before, and her father had still been asleep when she had left the note on the table the next morning.
She closed the door as softly as she could behind her, and now was moving as fast as her burden would allow. There were few people out on the streets this early, especially in the cold. Jasmine tried to keep her mind on what she was doing, but she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder now and then.
Her heart stopped suddenly when she heard her name being called, and she nearly dropped the trunk. Craning her neck to look back over her shoulder, her heart skipped a beat when Tristen ran up to her.
"What's all this then?" He asked, taking the trunk from her. Jasmine reluctantly lets go of the trunk and looked down at the ground.
“Surely you’ve heard by now, Tristen.” She said, using his Christian name. Tristen said nothing for a moment, then spoke lowly.
“I had hoped it wasn’t so.”
“Well, it is, and I’m not going through with it. I’m heading out West, and I’m marrying a farmer. I’m only telling you because you are the closest thing I have to a friend these days, and I beg of you not to tell anyone else.” Jasmine felt her voice catch, and Tristen shook his head.
“Of course not! But I worry about your safety. Are you sure this is a good idea?” He looked concerned, but Jasmine squared her shoulders.
“It’s no worse of an idea than staying here and marrying Mr. Martin. That man is awful.” She made a face and Tristen laughed.
"Well, I suppose we ought to get you down to the station in time, or you're going to miss your train." He heaved the trunk higher, and the two of them hurried. Jasmine enjoyed talking to Tristen on her way down to the station; it made the journey seem a little less scary. She had always felt fondly of Tristen, but she knew there was no way their parents would allow a union between them.
This was a fact Jasmine had grown to accept, and she thought Tristen had, too. But, when he set the trunk down inside her coach and held his hand out to her to bid her farewell, she felt her eyes well up with tears. Ignoring his hand, she pulled him close into a hug, thanking him for his help.
“You will write, won’t you?” Tristen asked softly, and she assured him she would.
Jasmine didn't know how to feel as the train pulled out of the station. She looked down at the platform and could see Tristen standing there, waiving at her.
At least someone is there to bid you farewell. Though I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing that man disappear from view.
Chapter 5 – Montana Territory
Jasmine felt nervous as the stage coach pulled into the small town. The train had brought her most of the way, but she had to finish her journey by coach, and now she sat back in her jostling seat and hoped she had made the right choice.
She had no idea who she was looking for. The ad on the wall didn't have any description of the man, but she had sent him a small photograph of herself, so she hoped he would be there to find her. The small town rose up in front of them quickly, and in no time at all, she found herself in front of the general store.
Looking out, Jasmine could see people milling about on the street. Some appeared interested in the stage; others didn't seem to notice it was even there. There was snow on the rooves of the buildings and piled at the corners of the streets, but trails had been worn on the boardwalks and through the streets themselves.
"This is it, Miss! Come on out and take a look at your new home!" The driver had stomped on the roof of the coach before he jumped down to the ground, then he threw open her door and held his hand up to help her. Jasmine hesitated for a moment longer, then rose and delicately stood at the top of the stairs.
She looked around at the faces on the street, but no one seemed to notice her. Giving her hand to the driver, she gracefully hopped to the ground, then thanked him as he handed her the small trunk she had reluctantly allowed him to put on top of the coach.
He wished her well once more, and with that, he was gone. Jasmine suddenly felt incredibly small and all alone. She could see the prairie stretching far beyond the edge of town, then mountains rising in the distance… it was a stark contrast from her home in New York.
Suddenly, a tap on her shoulder brought her back to the moment, and she jumped as she whirled around.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you, but I didn’t think you could hear me talking.” The man behind her was tall and incredibly handsome. He had kind eyes and a smile that made her heart flutter. Jasmine stumbled over her words a moment, then apologized.
"I wasn't sure who to look for, and became distracted by the sight of the land." She looked the stranger over, then looked down at her trunk. He nodded and looked across the prairie just as she had done.
“She’s something all right. I’ve been here my whole life, and I’m still not used to it.” He had a wistful look in his eye, then shook his head and looked down at her.
“I'm Albert. It's a pleasure to meet you finally.” He smiled, and Jasmine again stuttered.
“I-I- Jasmine… Jasmine Garfield. The pleasure is all mine.” She smiled and held her hand out to him, hoping he didn’t think her a silly or incompetent girl. He raised her fingers to his lips and kissed them gracefully, then nodded toward a small house at the end of the street.
“I think it’s time we got hitched, don’t you? I’d like to get home before it gets dark; there’s a lot I want to show you.” He smiled at her, and though his smile was reassuring, Jasmine was nervous. She was happy to be in Montana and away from Mr. Martin, but marrying a complete stranger was still a terrifying thought.
