Johanna_Bride of Michigan

by Clara Kincaid

  She smiled at the woman, whose tight silk dress clung to her like a second skin. Her red hair piled on her head was gray-streaked, but not so much that Johanna would consider her to be old.

  The wrinkles appeared when she smiled, smashing her red lips together before saying, “You look lost, dear, and frightened. Whoever are you running from?”

  What an odd question for someone to ask. “Nobody. I’ve just never been on a train before.”

  “Then it makes sense. I’ve been on more trains than most. From the East to West Coast and back again.”

  “Whatever for?” When the woman’s smile faded, she quickly added, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “Why not? I just did that to you.”

  Johanna laughed, her hands running along the soft seat cushion. “I don’t mind.”

  “Neither do I. I work for a matchmaker service, you know, for mail-order brides.”

  “Then why are you here by yourself?”

  “I need to check out a potential groom. We investigate them thoroughly. Men from Michigan sure have been ordering quite a few brides of late. I also plan to find out how the last bride is faring.”

  Johanna fidgeted. Should I tell her I’m a mail-order bride?

  “I’m Gretchen, and what would your name be?”

  Johanna could tell she was very good at her job with this line of questioning. “Johanna. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I must admit that I’m heading to Michigan as a mail-order bride myself.”

  Her eyes widened. “What agency are you from?”

  “I really don’t know. I was given a copy of the Grooms’ Gazette and picked out my husband.”

  “It must be Stella. She’s so uncouth. I can’t imagine any mail-order bride not having an escort, at the very least. What if you don’t like the man, or he doesn’t like you? Where will you be then?”

  “Does that really happen?”

  “Yes, and the matchmaker I work for hires me to accompany the brides and stay until the marriage takes place. I make sure the women aren’t taken advantage of, or abused. I’ll be checking on one of the brides while I’m in Saginaw.”

  “Saginaw?” Johanna said wide-eyed. “That’s where I’m going, too.”

  “Great. Then I can watch over you when we get off the train. Sometimes, the grooms don’t always show up when they should.”

  “I’d appreciate that, Gretchen.”

  Johanna gazed out the window and was shocked at how fast the scenery moved past. They traveled past thick forests to farmland filled with cornstalks. Never in her life did she think she’d see anything besides smoke billowing from the mills, the sulfur fragrance wafting to every part of the city. Her chest rose and fell, and she trembled involuntarily in excitement. She vowed to make the best of her situation despite her heading to marry a man she didn’t know.

  “It’s good to see you accepting your situation.”

  “I need to make the best of things. I’m just not sure what being the wife of a lumberjack will be like.”

  ‘They work very hard, but some lumber bosses prefer married men to single ones. They’re considered to be more reliable.”

  “The woman who you’re checking on, is she married to a lumberjack?”

  “Oh, no. Her husband owns a few taverns. Apparently, he was very good at disguising who he really was, but the bride had nowhere to go and married him.”

  “That sounds dreadful. I certainly hope that doesn’t happen to me.”

  “I’ll look after you, dear, so no need to worry.”

  * * *

  The next five days were pleasant enough, but being trapped on the train day after day had taken its toll. She stretched out the soft mattress, staring up at the ceiling which sounded like someone was throwing small pebbles on it. It had been like that for a day already, since it’d been raining. Gretchen’s perfume was packed inside her nostrils and the longer she’d been in her company, the more nauseous she’d become. And to think she had been thankful it masked the aroma of the smoke.

  Gretchen was snoring in the bunk below her and it was hard to get used to, but sheer exhaustion took over. She was very nervous after the stories Gretchen had told her about a bride marrying a man who owned a tavern. She prayed that wouldn’t happen to her. All she could do was turn her life over to God’s hands. Johanna considered herself a good person most of the time, or so she thought, but would it be enough for good things to come her way? It certainly didn’t help her when she stayed with Janna.

  She was startled when Gretchen clambered to her feet. “Good morning, Johanna. It won’t be long before we arrive in Saginaw.”

  “I know. I fear I won’t make a very good impression of myself when I meet Paul.”

  “Paul?”

  “Yes, my soon-to-be husband.”

  Gretchen frowned, but didn’t respond. “I’ll help you, but you’ll have to wash up the best you can. I’m sure you’ll be able to get a real bath soon.”

  Johanna scratched her head. “I certainly hope so.”

  “You might want to start soon. It won’t be long now.”

  Johanna slipped off the bunk and pulled out the only dress that was clean still, a loose and flowing white one. She thought it might make the perfect wedding dress. Finding the washroom, she washed what she could since there was little water to spare. Other passengers needed water, too, and she didn’t want to be greedy and use all of it.

  She gazed into the small mirror, grumbling to herself about how horribly tangled her dark hair was. Johanna used her fingers to loosen the knots, making her way back to the bunk where her suitcase was. There, she found Gretchen shaking-0, reading her letter from Paul!

  “What are you doing?” she asked, snatching it away from her.

  “I-I’m sorry, but I think I should tell you just who your husband-to-be is.”

  “I don’t care,” Johanna said, putting her belongings into her suitcase. “You had no business going through my things like that.”

  Gretchen’s breathing was rapid and she exclaimed, “I’m so sorry. Please, don’t be angry with me. I just was curious about who your husband was. I thought I might know who he is, and I do.”

  “I don’t need you to taint my view of my husband before I have the chance to meet him, don’t you understand? I need for this to work out. I don’t have anywhere to go.”

  Gretchen frowned. “I’ll stay out of your way then. I didn’t mean to make you angry, and I won’t say a word about your intended.”

  Johanna felt bad for being so cross with the woman, but she was frightened enough about meeting Paul. She slid across for Gretchen in the main car and said, “I’m sorry for snapping at you. I overreacted.”

  She took Johanna’s hand. “You had every right to do that. I just don’t want you angry with me. I had hoped we had become friends.”

  “Yes, I think so. But you won’t be in Saginaw that long, will you?”

  “It all depends, but I hope we can meet up somewhere before I leave. If your husband allows it.”

  “Allows it?”

  “You do know when you marry a man, you swear before God to honor and obey him, right?”

  “I-I guess I haven’t given it that much thought.”

  Gretchen smiled. “You remind me of one of my other brides. She had a hard time adjusting to her life as a married woman, and it took some time before they were happy. It’s better to know what’s expected of you.”

  “Thank you for that, but I’m sure I’ll figure out things as I go.”

  “We’re coming up to Saginaw now,” the conductor exclaimed.

  Johanna stared out the window, but she wasn’t able to see much more than buildings. Where Lawrence’s buildings were made of stone and brick, most of these ones were all wood.

  The train whooshed to a stop and Johanna rushed to be the first to come off the train. She stepped off and moved a few feet, keeping a tight hold on her suitcase. From her viewpoint, there was a river not far away. There was also a bustle of activity on t
he streets of men and women, even children. Some were dressed in their finery, yet others were working-class. The men who came into view were dressed in suits, not what she expected at all. She thought all the men would be wearing denim pants and plaid shirts. They’d make plenty of noise and rush in and out of the taverns, which she hadn’t seen any of so far. Smoke billowed from behind the trees and with her knowledge of factories, she expected it might be a mill of some sort, but at least the air was fresh with the thick smell of pine. She shivered slightly at the gentle breeze. It was much cooler than Johanna expected.

  Gretchen came over to stand alongside her. “So, what do you think?”

  “It looks great. I mean, I couldn’t exactly imagine how it would look, but it’s certainly nothing like Lawrence.”

  “You have that right. Here, you can breath in deeply and take in the fragrances. I’m looking forward to a cup of coffee. It’s a staple up here.”

  Johanna made a face. “I detest coffee. I’d much rather have tea.”

  “I’m sure your new husband will be able to get you whatever you desire.”

  Johanna thought that to be a strange comment, but just then, Gretchen elbowed her slightly in the ribs. She glanced up at the sound of horses as an open, black buggy moved forward. A man dressed in a black suit jumped down, helping an older woman down. As he approached, she was able to survey him much better. He wore a white shirt beneath a gray vest, with a red puff tie. His jacket was open and ruffled in the wind. She demurely cast her eyes back to Gretchen. He certainly couldn’t be her intended, as he was dressed too fancy. “It looks like my husband-to-be hasn’t arrived,” she said, trying her best not to stare back at the handsome man. She tried to control her shuddering, but it was impossible as men’s cologne wafted over to her.

  She felt dizzy suddenly before a male voice asked, “Are you Johanna?”

  Her eyes met the man from the buggy and she stared deeply into his inquisitive gray eyes. “Why, y-yes, I am. Are you Paul?”

  “Paul Worthington,” the woman next to him said. “I’m Paul’s mother, Cecilia.”

  Chapter Four

  “I’m pleased to meet you both.” She fidgeted as she stared at Cecilia’s gray, elegant silk dress. It was exactly what one would wear to a wedding! Surely he didn’t intend to marry her right then. It was nerve-wracking enough meeting Paul, but his mother, too?

  “Well, don’t just stand there, let’s get going. I don’t want to be the talk of the town.” Cecilia took ahold of Johanna’s arm. “People can be such gossips.”

  “This is Gretchen,” Johanna said. “She’s been so nice to me on the train.”

  “Oh, yes, Gretchen, from a mail-order agency in Boston, if my recollection is correct. Is she one of your girls?” Cecilia asked.

  “No, apparently the matchmaker who sent her didn’t even send a chaperone. I was glad to be of service. Will Paul be marrying Johanna today?”

  “Of course, he will.”

  “Would you like to come to the wedding?” Paul asked. “It’s the least we can do for you, looking after my fiancée on the train and all.”

  “I’d be delighted, Mr. Worthington.”

  They all walked back to the buggy and Paul took Johanna’s hand, sending shivers up her spine. She almost felt sad when his hand left her to help his mother up. Gretchen sat in the front and Paul sat in the back on the other side of his mother. This was very disconcerting to Johanna. Would his mother also be standing between them when they were married?

  The buggy moved along the bumpy road, and it wasn’t long before they came up on a white church with a large steeple. She wished she had a real wedding gown to wear, but at least the one she wore was white.

  They left the buggy, walking into the church where a man walked forward with a smile. “I’m delighted to see you both. Would you like a wedding march played on the organ, or would you prefer to just come up to the altar?”

  “What would you prefer, Johanna?” Paul asked politely.

  She swallowed hard. “At the altar would be fine.” What would it really matter when she had nobody there to give her away?

  Walking to the front of the church, Gretchen stood beside Johanna and Cecilia beside Paul. They were asked to join hands, and Johanna shivered as she took his warm hand into hers. She stared up at the cross behind the altar, praying for God to help her get through this.

  The pastor began the ceremony, and it was both quick and subtle. She was to honor, cherish and obey this man, who she had only met ten minutes before. When it was her turn, she said “I do” somberly. Back in Lawrence, she had a life of her own when she worked at the factory before it burned to the ground. But she just knew her life would never be her own again.

  A ring was slipped on her finger and they were pronounced man and wife. Johanna stared deeply into her new husband’s eyes, not sure what to do. Would he kiss her or— She didn’t have to wonder for long as Paul bent his head and gently brushed his lips against hers, sealing them as man and wife.

  Johanna nervously turned, a shiver running through her as Paul held her hand. His mother smiled, her lips pressed together. It was one of those smiles you knew was forced. How happy was she really that her son had married a mail-order bride?

  Gretchen came forward and kissed Johanna’s cheek. “Congratulations, dear.”

  “That’s good and all, but we should go back to the house now where we’ll be able to speak more privately,” Cecilia abruptly said.

  “Can Gretchen come, too?”

  “Certainly,” Paul said.

  “Perhaps it would be better if I took my leave, Johanna. I’ve assured myself that you’re properly married. It’s time for you to adjust yourself to your new life,” Gretchen interjected.

  “Can you come see me before you leave town?”

  “I’d like to, but I have a very tight schedule, I’m afraid.”

  Johanna sighed. She wasn’t sure why Gretchen was suddenly changing her mind about seeing her again, but she suspected it might have something to do with Cecilia.

  Paul led Johanna outside into a glorious day that held a promise of a much cooler night, as the wind had more of a chill to it. They walked back to the buggy and once they were settled inside, off the horses trotted. Johanna sat upright, gazing at the buildings they passed that were more on the rough side. Soon, though, the landscape changed drastically and brick homes came into view. Home after home after home, all of them mansions.

  The carriage stopped in front of a huge, mostly red brick Queen Anne mansion with octagonal towers, many elaborate chimneys, and domes. Cecilia must really be well off. Under an archway, the buggy finally came to a stop, and Paul lifted Johanna to the ground. She smiled up at him shyly and moved out of the way so he could assist his mother. The buggy then moved on, presumably to the stable. Paul took Johanna’s arm and they walked up the three steps to the blue door with a sinister-looking doorknob, a lion’s head made of brass. The door was opened and Johanna’s breath caught in her throat. The beautiful woodwork practically glowed with the light that came through the door. Paul dropped her arm and she wandered across the wood floor, staring in awe at the high ceiling sporting a multicolored stained glass window. She had never in her life seen anything like it before.

  It took a moment before Johanna realized Paul and Cecilia were studying her. “This is a beautiful home, Cecilia.”

  “It’s not my house, dear. It’s Paul’s.”

  Her chest ached like someone was squeezing it in their fist. “B-But I thought you were a lumberjack, Paul?”

  “What did you expect, dear?” Cecilia said.

  “Perhaps it might be better if we discuss this later,” Paul said. “After you’re shown to your room.”

  Johanna gulped but nodded. “But I think I left my suitcase in the buggy.”

  “John will bring it in, after he takes the buggy to the barn.”

  “Don’t you think it would be better for us to talk in the parlor?” Cecilia asked with raised brow.

/>   Paul’s mouth whitened slightly, his jaw tight. “No, Mother, I do not, but we’ll meet you there after I show Johanna her room.”

  Paul led Johanna up the staircase, which was as elaborate as the foyer. The woodwork in the house was amazing and must have taken years to perfect. At the top of the stairs, Johanna could see all the way up to the third floor with a globe at the top. The sunlight coming through lightened the hallway considerably.

  “This way,” Paul instructed. Johanna strolled up the hallway and when she reached the last door on the right, Paul said, “This is your room. I hope you like it.”

  The rosewood double-carved bed was exquisite. Johanna wanted to pull back the quilted coverlet and snuggle under the sheets. Her breath came hard and fast and she sat on a chair, pressing a hand to her chest. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her.

  Paul sat opposite her, smiling slightly. “I had hoped you’d like your room. I thought it would be better to speak with you privately before my mother scares you back to Massachusetts.”

  “I wouldn’t let her do that, we’re married now.”

  Paul’s eyes twinkled as he said, “Yes, we are, but to her credit, she means well. It was her idea for me to acquire a mail-order bride. It’s hard to meet women here, or one who wouldn’t know who I am. I wanted to marry a woman who believed I was only a lumberjack, not a lumber baron.”

  “Oh, is that what you are?”

  “Yes, but we can talk about that later. What I wanted to say was this room is yours and yours alone. After I leave this room, I will never pass the threshold again. I want us to get to know each other better before we think about going into our marriage bed, if we do at all.”

  Johanna gulped. “I see.”

  “It’s important to me that we grow to love one another, and that can’t happen immediately since I don’t believe in love at first sight. All I ask is for you to respect me as your husband, and I will do the same. My mother does also live here, but on another floor. Please, give it time and I’m sure you’ll win her over.”