Emily: Army Mail Order Bride

by Mercy Levy

  “I’m still the same person, it’s just that I’ve found that life isn’t as bad as I thought it was.” Olga said with a laugh. She expertly formed the last of the loaves, and placed it on the paddle. Mr. Baker looked from the bread to Olga then back again, but said nothing.

  She didn’t know if he chose not to criticize because she had done it right, or if he merely didn’t know what to do with her when she was so happy, but she was still relieved when he walked back to the front of the shop. Olga opened the door to the kiln and swiftly put the bread inside, then closed the door.

  She didn’t know why, but even the paddle felt lighter than it had in the past. It was as though the entire world had been lifted from her shoulders, and she was now walking on sunshine. With a song in her heart, she turned her attention back to the dishes, thinking, with great excitement, of stopping by the post office again after work.

  It had only been ten days, but if the post had been able to travel quickly, it was possible she could have a letter back. Of course, it would be okay if she didn’t – that would just make her more excited for the following day. Olga worked quickly, but the end of the day couldn’t come fast enough.

  Chapter 5 – Falling in Love

  Olga ran home as quickly as she could, letter in hand. This was the sixth letter she had received from Robin, and she had come to feel as though she knew the man well. Her heart thudded with each step she took, and although the post office wasn’t far from her home, she felt as though it was taking an eternity to get there.

  Olga flew through the door and threw herself into her chair, eagerly tearing off the top of the envelope. There was a time when she had been careful not to rip a single thing, but now she couldn’t wait to read the words Robin had written.

  Dearest Olga,

  I greatly enjoyed that last letter you wrote. I even laughed out loud at different times – that man you work for, Mr. Baker, sounds like a comical fellow. I hope you don’t mind the things he says to you, I’m sure he doesn’t mean them like that.

  Yes, I do have to work hard all year round. Cattle aren’t like crops; you don’t get to take a break in the winter. However, with winter finally ending, I’m not going to have to worry about it for a few months now.

  I have several ranch hands that help me with the work. These men take care of everything, and if the work is being done right we rarely need to go to town. It’s like we live in our own little world out here, rarely seeing strangers.

  The calves are starting to be born, both for the beef cattle and my milk cow. I’ve named the milk cow’s little girl Olga, in honor of you.

  This brings me to another matter, my Dearest. I feel that I have grown to know you, and my heart pounds as I pen these words, but I dare say I have fallen in love.

  Please, be honest with me and tell me if you feel the same. Don’t say yes if you don’t, don’t say no if you do. I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while now, but didn’t know how to say it.

  Now the words are out there, and I am eager to hear your response.

  All my love,

  Robin

  Olga’s heart continued to pound, and she felt her palms grow sweaty. She read the words over again. He had said it – he loved her. A broad smile spread across her face, and she shook her head, looking out of the window and stifling her laughter.

  This man had said that he loved her! She hadn’t heard those words in such a long time. Her father had stopped telling her he loved her around the time her mother passed, and as they had been so alone in this new country, she’d never grown close to anyone else.

  Olga grabbed her pen, then fought to keep her hands steady as she wrote the reply.

  My Robin,

  I have read your letter, and I must say, I cannot express how honored I feel that you’ve named your calf after me. I love little calves, and as far as I know, there hasn’t been one named for me in the past.

  I find seclusion to be ideal. I live in the heart of the city, but I haven’t made friends, and I don’t mind.

  In answer to your question, yes, I do love you. I love you very much. I have for months now, but, like you, was unsure of how to tell you. You have come into my life, and now into my heart, and I am thrilled that you share my feelings.

  All my love,

  Olga.

  Olga read the letter critically, wondering if she ought to add more. Right now, all she could think of was how much she loved this man, and that’s really all she wanted to tell him. Letters could easily be dragged down with needless words, and she wanted to keep the point of this letter about her love.

  She folded the paper and slid it into the envelope, then hesitated. Pulling it out again, she walked quickly to her room, and spritzed the paper with her perfume. With a knowing smile, she folded the paper and slipped it into the envelope before hurrying down to the post office.

  The next couple of weeks felt like an eternity for Olga. She had grown used to the mailing schedule, but it was still hard to wait for the next letter to arrive. As soon as ten days had passed, she began visiting the post office every day after work.

  At last, the response came, and once again Olga ran home with it as quickly as she could. It was getting harder and harder to wait to open the letter until she was at home, but she liked being able to enjoy them. So, as soon as she reached her tiny home, she flung herself into the chair and eagerly tore the top from the envelope.

  My Love,

  You have made me the happiest man alive with your response, and I’ve scarcely finished reading your reply before penning this answer of my own.

  I have never felt more confident about anyone than I feel about you right now, and I would humbly like to ask you to come out here to be my bride.

  If you feel that this is too fast, please, let me know and we can continue our correspondence. But if not, then please say yes, and I will send you the money for a ticket with my very next letter.

  I can’t stop smiling or thinking about you, and the smell of your perfume sent me straight to heaven.

  I’m eagerly awaiting your response.

  All my love,

  Robin.

  Olga’s hands shook as she read the letter. Though she had expected an affectionate response, she hadn’t thought for a minute that he was going to ask her to marry him. Part of her wanted to say yes right away, but another part of her told her to think about it.

  Marrying him would mean she would be moving to the other side of the country and entering a whole new world again. Sure, she had done it before, but her parents had been with her to make the trip.

  If she were to agree, she would be starting this next adventure entirely on her own. For the first time since starting her correspondence, Olga didn’t write a reply the same day. Instead, she folded the letter and set it on the counter, then started to cook dinner.

  Chapter 6 – Heading West

  “Now what’s wrong with you? You’ve done this a thousand times! Why can’t you do it now?” Mr. Baker was shouting so loudly that some of the customers from the front of the shop were craning their necks to see into the back room and see what the commotion was. Olga was on her knees, picking up the loaves of bread she had dropped when she was pulling them out of the kiln.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’ve got a lot on my mind.” She said, dropping the ruined loaves into the wastebasket.

  “Well you better get that off your mind if you want to hold on to this job!” He shouted, then stormed out of the room. Olga felt hot tears running down her cheeks. She didn’t want to keep the job, which was the problem. She wanted to tell Robin she would marry him, and she wanted to head west.

  But, she was scared. What would happen if she got out West and discovered that she didn’t like him? What would she do if he wasn’t real? What if someone had been playing a trick on her this whole time? Olga shook her head. she knew that she was just thinking of silly excuses not to answer him, but it was still hard.

  She turned her attention to washing the dishes.<
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  “Olga!” A voice shouted behind her. She jumped, and dropped the bowl that was in her hands, chipping it on the edge of the wash basin.

  “You forgot to make the order of cookies! The customer is here now! And you’ve chipped my dish! That’s it! Get out of here, you are fired!” Mr. Baker was gesturing wildly, and he thrust a few dollars in Olga’s direction. Olga tried to apologize, but he wasn’t about to listen. She felt her eyes well with tears again, but with a sudden resolve, she lifted her chin, took the money from Mr. Baker’s outstretched hand, and walked out of the door.

  It wasn’t until she was on the street that the reality hit her, and Olga had to stop to wipe away her tears. She had lost the one thing that was keeping her from becoming destitute. She now had no income and wouldn’t be able to pay her rent, or even buy food. She had only just been keeping on top of things as it was, now there was no hope for her.

  Pulling her shawl tightly around her shoulders, Olga let the tears fall as she walked back home. Suddenly, her mind shifted to Robin. He had promised her he would take care of her, and he had asked her to come out and marry him. What’s more, he had promised to pay for her trip out West.

  Hope slowly began to fill Olga’s heart once more, as she realized what she needed to do. Picking up her pace, she hurried the rest of the way home. She didn’t know if it was the best idea she’d ever had, or the worst mistake she would ever make, but she was going to accept Robin’s proposal tonight.

  Olga walked from room to room in her small house. She had thought that time passed slowly when she was working, but now that she had nothing to fill her days with, time simply crawled by. Olga looked through each of the rooms carefully, seeing if there was anything in them she couldn’t live without.

  When they had moved from Russia, they had left with just the clothes on their backs. Now that Olga was being faced with moving once again, the same idea seemed rather appealing. There was nothing in the house she couldn’t live without, and it seemed so much easier than trying to pack for a long trip.

  Pulling out a small case, Olga folded her two dresses and nightgown, then added her bonnet. She would wear the same dress she was wearing now to make the journey, as well as her shawl. The rest could stay in the house, and whoever moved in next could make use of it, or dispose of it as they pleased.

  At long last her reply came, and Olga couldn’t help herself. She managed to get as far as the sidewalk outside the post office before she tore open the envelope.

  My Future Wife,

  I am at a loss for words, I am so happy to hear that you have accepted my proposal. I hope you are able to depart immediately, as I have been longing to hold you in my arms.

  You will find enclosed with this letter some money – it should be more than enough to purchase a train ticket out here. If you need more, please do not hesitate to write and I’ll send it directly.

  I am eagerly awaiting your arrival, my princess.

  Your Future Husband,

  Robin Drew.

  Olga had feared the contents of the letter would scare her, but holding the money in her hand and reading his words again, Olga couldn’t help but feel the love he had for her. Despite the nervous feeling in her stomach, Olga decided to walk to the general store.

  For a fleeting moment, Olga hesitated outside the store; then shook her head and walked purposefully up the steps.

  You’re just nervous, Olga. You’ve traveled halfway across the world, you can make this journey now. And the love of your life is at the other end, waiting to meet you and welcome you home. Olga told herself as she walked through the door.

  With a sudden surge of resolution, Olga walked up to the counter and requested a train ticket to Montana.

  “When would you like to leave, Miss?” The clerk asked, and Olga hesitated. She shrugged.

  “As soon as possible, I suppose” She said finally. She would be leaving the day after the next, bright and early in the morning. As she took the ticket, nerves gave way to excitement, and Olga hurried home. She had to write to Robin.

  She had to tell him she was on her way.

  Chapter 7 – The Eloquent Mr. Drew

  Olga looked eagerly out of the window. The train slowly pulled into the station, puffing to a stop. It let out a loud whistle, causing Olga to jump in her seat. All in all, the journey hadn’t been bad, but she was glad it was over. The conductor walked through the aisle, ensuring all the passengers were disembarking, but Olga remained in her seat.

  “Excuse me, Miss, but isn’t this your stop?” Without waiting for her reply, the conductor reached above her head and pulled down her case, then handed it to her. Olga thanked him, but still hesitated.

  “I know it looks different, but this is really beautiful country. Wait until you see a sunset.” He winked at her as she looked up at him, and Olga slowly rose from her seat. She made her way to the door of the train, and forced herself to walk through it and onto the platform.

  She glanced around, looking for someone who matched Robin’s description. He never had sent her a photo, explaining that he hadn’t the time to go get one taken, and before then had never had the desire to, either. But, Olga now felt lost, not seeing anyone tall, blonde and slender.

  Suddenly, she heard her name being called, and turning around, she saw a man. He was much shorter than five feet eleven inches, in fact, he was maybe four inches taller than Olga. He was also of a stocky build, though he did have blue eyes and blonde hair. Olga felt her heart sink. If this was the man she had been talking to for the past few months, he had been very misleading about his appearance.

  No matter, I suppose it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and he loves you. Olga thought to herself as she forced a smile. The man was now directly in front of her, and removed his hat.

  “Miss Petrov?” He asked, and she nodded. A smile flashed across his face as he looked her over from head to toe. He held out his hand, which Olga reluctantly took. Lifting her fingers to his lips, he flashed a smile at her once again.

  “You are even more beautiful than your photo. Please, call me Robin.” Olga felt flattered, but confused. He looked at her with concern in his eyes, and quickly asked if there was anything wrong.

  “No, not wrong, it’s just that – you aren’t as tall as you said you were.” She said at last, hoping not to seem too impertinent. He laughed.

  “Oh, that. I do apologize, and I hope you don’t mind. But, would you have even given me a chance if you had known that I was short and stocky? I can get the job done, let me assure you, but women don’t give me a second glance, always looking for the tall and muscular men.” He shook his head, and Olga felt a twinge of guilt in her heart.

  She held out her hand.

  “Well I don’t mean it that way, I just want you to know that you can be honest with me, that’s all.” She smiled warmly, and he gave her a relieved smile in return.

  “I knew you were the right one for me.” He said, then took her arm in his.

  “Let me take your case, then maybe we can go to dinner. I’d like to show you around the ranch, but I’m afraid the ceremony is going to have to wait a few days.” Mr. Drew picked up her case and escorted her off the platform, continuing his explanation.

  “Small towns like this one don’t get the privilege of having their own preacher or sheriff. The preacher man is set to arrive by Sunday, and I’ve already made the arrangements. After church, we’ll ask him to perform the ceremony, then it will be set in stone.” Robin smiled down at her, and Olga relaxed slightly.

  “Okay, I think that sounds just fine.” She pulled herself up so she was standing tall, and the two of them walked side by side. Suddenly, Robin pulled her off to the side, and began heading toward the saloon.

  “I thought you said we were going to go to dinner?” Olga asked quietly, but Robin didn’t slow his pace.

  “Where do you think we’re going?” He replied abruptly. Olga looked over to the other side of the street, where a quiet, family diner was open.
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  “I think that looks like a lovely place.” She said, pointing, but Robin ignored her.

  “Why don’t you let me do the thinking? Your job is to be pretty; my job is to take care of you. Now come on, trust me, you’ll like it.” He pushed his way through the swinging doors, but Olga felt her heart sink. They took a seat at one of the tables, and a saloon girl walked over.

  “What can I get ya?” She asked, but before Olga could reply, Robin answered.

  “Three whiskeys and two of the Special.” He said. The girl jotted the order down then told them she’d be right back. She quickly returned with the drinks, and assured them their food wouldn’t be much longer.

  Robin immediately tossed back one of the whiskeys, then started on the second, but Olga didn’t touch hers.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Robin asked gruffly. Olga shook her head.

  “I don’t drink.” She said flatly, refusing to even look at the glass in front of her. Robin drained his second glass, but Olga couldn’t keep quiet any longer.

  “I thought you said you didn’t, either.”

  Robin chuckled. “I’m sure you weren’t entirely honest with me, either.”

  Olga said nothing else. She had been completely honest with him from the beginning, and now, as she ate her meal in silence, she began to think that she had made a terrible mistake.

  Chapter 8 – Waiting for a Wedding

  Olga didn’t know what to expect, but she had to admit, the ranch house was impressive. She was given her own room to stay in until they were married and she had settled into the house easily, which steadied her nerves.

  Robin was nothing like she had imagined him to be. He had her every letter memorized, but it seemed that everything he had told her was false. He quickly began to remind her of her father, drinking even in the mornings. Olga knew it wasn’t her place to pry, but she needed to know if he had always been like this.