A Mail Order Bride for the Undertaker: Mercy & Cole (Love by Mail 1)

by Christina Ward

  “Mercy?”

  Pastor Shepard’s voice broke her wayward thoughts and she snapped back to reality. She heard Claire loudly suck in air behind her.

  “I,” she paused and stared at Cole’s perpetually jolly face, “do.”

  “Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

  Still unable to believe her fate, Mercy blinked while Cole lifted the veil to reveal her face. Claire’s sobs became wails that reverberated throughout the church. Cole leaned in closer and whispered, “Do you mind if I kiss you?”

  Mercy blinked back, frozen in place. “N-no.”

  Cole gave her a quick peck on the lips. Mercy’s cheeks burned and felt her knees starting to go weak, but thankfully Claire ran to them and gave them both bear hugs. Afterwards she clapped and cried at the same time all the way to the carriage outside the house.

  * * *

  The scraping of the spoon against the tin plate filled the room as Mercy and Cole shared their first meal together. No words were spoken, just awkward glimpses and silence.

  But Mercy dared break the silence. “So, how did you like your roast?”

  Cole smiled and said in between bites, “It’s really good. How did you learn to cook like that?”

  Mercy blushed. “The orphanage taught me everything I know.”

  Cole scraped the last remaining hunk of meat off his plate and popped it in his mouth.

  Mercy checked the pan. “I’m afraid we don’t have more of that.”

  “I think I had plenty anyway.” Cole stood and picked up his plate but Mercy interrupted him.

  “I should do the washing.” She gave him her sweetest smile and dashed forward to take the plate from him.

  “I’m just not used to living with – with a woman,” Cole said sheepishly. “My mother died when I was young.”

  “Oh.” Mercy paused. “And your father?”

  “Died a few months ago from a sickness. Right after… my two brothers.”

  Mercy gasped and crossed herself. “What happened to them?”

  “Sickness and war.”

  Cole just stood beside the table, with Mercy a few feet away. The silence dragged for eternity. Mercy never had a problem consoling anyone before, but this time she was lost for words. Finally, she clapped her hands and said, “Well now you have to get used to having your wife around.”

  She trotted back and forth from the dining table to the sink, clearing all the utensils from their lunch.

  “I should help you with that,” Cole offered while Mercy tried to balance a few heavy pans at once. Cole caught one and took the heavy pot from her. He laid them beside the bowl filled with water.

  Mercy sneaked a glance at him, and said slowly, “Why do you think no one came to our wedding?”

  Cole shrugged, “Maybe they’re too busy looking after their crops.”

  She scrubbed the grime off the pan’s side. “It would have been nice to meet new people on our wedding day.”

  When he said nothing in response she continued scrubbing until all the pans and plates were squeaky clean. Cole helped her place the utensils back to their storage areas and when they both finished their kitchen tasks, she found him standing in the doorway with a grin on his face.

  “Would you like to see my workshop?” Cole asked her. “I have to warn you, though, it’s not very lively.”

  Mercy laughed at his pun. “That would be great but maybe after I rest for a few minutes.”

  A worried look crossed Cole’s face, “We can have the tour tomorrow if you’re tired. Wouldn’t want you to overexert yourself.”

  Just as Mercy was about to retire to a couch in the living room, Cole started strumming his guitar. He played a jolly song with a few recognizable Bible verses in it.

  Cause me to hear the loving kindness in the morning, for in thee do I trust…

  “That’s – from Psalms, isn’t it?” Mercy interrupted.

  Cole nodded. Mercy sat beside him and swayed her head along to the tune of his soulful song. They stayed like that, together in praises and song until the sun set behind the hills and the moon rose high to the sky.

  “It’s time for dinner,” Mercy set a steamy pot of stew in their midst. Cole had also finished setting two sets of plates and spoons on the table. They sat facing each other on the opposite ends.

  Mercy led the prayer, thanking the Lord for their daily provisions and for their health. Once again, they ate in silence. Wanting to break the awkwardness between them, Mercy stirred up a conversation.

  “The people in this town seem to be nice.” She silently slurped on her stew and waited for Cole’s response.

  “Yes, they’re good people,” he said calmly.

  She paused then exclaimed excitedly. “I know! How about we invite our neighbors for a potluck dinner tomorrow night?”

  Mercy’s beaming eyes reflected back in Cole’s who did not seem to be as ecstatic about the idea. “That’s a great idea, Mercy but my neighbors – our neighbors – are difficult people. They – uh – don’t mingle with others that much.”

  “Cole,” she asked shyly, “I don’t mean to pry, but did something happen?”

  He seemed to be taken aback by her question, but was quick to hide his surprise. “No, no, everything’s fine in this small town. They’ll love that potluck idea, but winter’s coming so everyone’s tightening their belts.”

  “Oh.” Mercy smiled. “God will provide. He won’t let us down.”

  When they both had finished their meals and had placed their plates back in place, Mercy decided to retire for the night.

  “Mercy,” Cole began. Mercy dried her hands on her apron and turned to him. “Since we’re still getting to know each other, you can stay in any of the rooms in the house. There’s plenty to choose from.”

  Mercy saw the concern and genuine thoughtfulness in Cole’s eyes “Thank you, Cole.” She turned her back to him, but then quickly pivoted in his direction.

  “Good night.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and squeezed his warm hand.

  “Good night.” He smiled back at her.

  Chapter 4

  “Something smells good in here.” Cole walked in the kitchen while Mercy busied herself kneading the dough.

  “Good morning!” She placed a woven basket on the table. “I’m baking cookies.” She flashed him a huge smile and wiped her brow with the back of her hand.

  “There’s flour on your forehead.” Cole took a step closer and reached a hand towards Mercy’s face. She flushed when Cole’s hand was only a few inches from her face.

  “It’s for the townspeople.” She felt the heat rush to her face at the close contact with Cole. She turned away from Cole’s hand and hastily arranged the cookies in the basket. “I thought I should make more friends in town.”

  Cole scratched his messy hair and then slowly nodded his head. “That’s a great idea, Mercy. I’ll go chop more wood for tonight.”

  He headed out the door when Mercy called out, “Would you like some cookies?” She blushed thinking he should have started with that. What must he think of her!

  She held out a basket towards Cole, but he just smiled back at her and waved his hand dismissively, “Just leave some for me,” and he disappeared outside.

  The sun basked the town in light as Mercy strolled down the town square. Her tight bodice felt warm even despite the shade cast by her wide-brimmed hat. With her basket of cookies secured tightly around her arm, she gathered up the courage to talk to people.

  “Good morning!” Mercy approached a group of ladies sitting by the town’s saloon. “I’m Mercy - Mercy Beckett and I’m new here. Would you like some cookies?”

  “Cookies? Do you think we’re ten?” A lady with a huge bosom and wildly tied hair scoffed and laughed at Mercy. The other two snorted and joined her boisterous laughter.

  One of them had stopped laughing and eyed Mercy tediously, “Hey, you’re that girl married to Cole Beckett.”
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br />   Taking it as a compliment, Mercy smiled. “Yes, that’s me!”

  The lady with the big bosom scoffed and shot Mercy a dirty look. “Nothing to smile about when you’re associated with him, you know.”

  Taken aback by their harsh reactions, Mercy’s face grew hot. She wanted to answer back to defend Cole’s honor but she had always been told to hold her tongue in times of fury. Like a proper lady, she excused herself and strayed the other way away from the loud ladies by the saloon.

  Mercy decided to walk along the stalls of fresh vegetables in hopes of finding new friends but somehow her mind wandered off. Why did everyone whisper about Cole? Why did they all give her the cold shoulder?

  Lost in her thoughts, Mercy didn’t notice another woman hurrying towards her and they collided.

  “I’m terribly sorry.” The woman brushed her short brown hair away from her face and straightened her brown lace dress. Mercy picked up her basket; fortunately her cookies were still inside, undamaged.

  “No, I should apologize. I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Mercy stood up and brushed dirt off her dress. “Mercy, by the way.” She extended her hand.

  The lady looked at it for three seconds before finally shaking it. “Hannah,” she said.

  “Would you like some cookies, Hannah?” Mercy offered her basket and to her amazement, Hannah did take one.

  “Thank you very much, Mercy!”

  Although Hannah seemed to be a nice girl, Mercy noticed that she fidgeted a lot. She didn’t look Mercy in the eye and held her head low.

  “I’m new here and don’t really know anyone…”

  Hannah stopped munching on her cookie and looked at Mercy. In a soft voice she said, “Well I haven’t been here long either.”

  “Oh?” Mercy led Hannah to a bench near the town church. She sat down and placed the basket between them.

  “In fact, it will be a year next month.” Hannah kept her head low and voice soft.

  Mercy tried to keep their conversation lively; the girl was, after all, the only person except the pastor and his sister, and her husband of course, who treated her kindly in this town. “Is your family here with you?”

  “No,” Hannah replied, “just me and my husband.”

  Mercy clasped her hands in joy, “That must be great! A couple starting their own family.” Just like Cole and me. “Congratulations, Hannah!”

  Hannah didn’t seem to exude the same joy that Mercy had displayed. She dropped her head and awkwardly thanked Mercy. “It’s the first time someone’s ever congratulated me on my marriage.”

  “How so?” Mercy asked.

  Hannah cleared her throat but still kept her voice low, “You see, I was a mail order bride.”

  No wonder she felt such a kinship to the girl.

  “Hannah.” Mercy wrapped her hands around her fragile hands. “I’m a mail-order bride, too. I came here to live with my husband, Cole Beckett.”

  Hannah shot her a shocked look and quickly stood up. “Cole Beckett’s wife…” She trailed off and looked more confused. “Uh – excuse me, Mercy, but I forgot my chores at home. I have to run along now. Thank you for the cookies.”

  In a split second, she was gone.

  Baffled by Hannah’s sudden reaction, Mercy stood planted on the dusty road. With the heat getting worse and no takers for her cookies except a few children running around she decided to just go home.

  * * *

  The door creaked and Mercy heard lively whistling coming from the front porch.

  “I’m home!” Cole exclaimed with a voice that echoed throughout their home.

  Mercy set the table and their main course. “Dinner’s ready,” she called back.

  Cole stood in the doorway with his hands behind his back. Mercy positioned herself at the end of the table. “Come on, let’s have dinner.”

  “I – er – have some flowers for you.” Cole shyly extended his daffodil-filled hand in the air.

  Mercy blushed and took the flowers. She retrieved an old pitcher and filled it with water. The daffodils, placed on the kitchen counter, added color in the rather dull room.

  Cole pulled the chair at the other end and plopped down, “I’m famished.” Mercy chuckled. They said grace, and Cole looked at her from across the table.

  “How was your trip to town?” Cole munched on his potatoes, glancing at Mercy from time to time. “Did you make any friends?”

  “I did.” But she ran away once she knew who I was. “Her name’s Hannah. She’s lovely yet very timid.”

  “Did you talk?” Cole gulped down his cup of water.

  “For a short time,” Mercy replied. “She had household chores to do.”

  Cole nodded and smiled. “Good to know you made friends.”

  “She’s a mail order bride, too.”

  Mercy watched Cole as he paused for a second. He continued chewing and said, “Well, she’s the first person you talked to, that would make her a good friend. The rest of the townspeople are a bit – wary of strangers and outsiders…”

  Mercy nodded and smiled. Cole’s plate was empty now. “Mercy, we’re going on an early trip tomorrow morning to the next town to deliver a casket. I suggest we go to bed early.”

  Mercy blushed deep red. Cole’s eyes widened and he said, “I meant - I - we should go to bed - in our separate rooms.”

  “Y-yes,” Mercy blurted. Then, she pursed her lips and turned to do the dishes.

  From behind her, Cole cleared his throat loudly and trudged up the stairs. When Mercy finished her chores, she followed. She passed by Cole’s room and saw him kneeling. And she realized the first thing they should have done as husband and wife.

  She pressed her hands on her skirt and knocked on the open door. Cole looked at her.

  “May I join you? In prayer?”

  Cole looked at her, then at the small cross nailed to the wall beside his bed. “Of - of course.”

  “Father Hector, from the orphanage, always said, ‘A family that prays together, stays together’.” Mercy knelt beside Cole, and he smiled at her.

  “In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” Mercy started. She offered prayers of thanks for their lives and their healthy bodies; she spoke of the well-being of the townspeople and asked the Lord to bless them. Lastly, she prayed for Cole, his work, and his life.

  “Amen.”

  They said it in unison and stood together. Mercy found she was face to face with Cole. “Thank you for praying for me, Mercy.” His warm breath ghosted over her forehead, and his eyes made her dizzy.

  Mercy opened her mouth to say something but her throat clenched when Cole planted a kiss on her forehead.

  “Good night.”

  She stood shell-shocked for an instant, then hastily bade him a good night. Blushing, Mercy exited Cole’s room and half-ran to her own. Her heart pounded hard. As soon as she closed her bedroom door she leaned against it.

  Was it wrong for her to feel such excitement when she looked at his handsome face and strong frame? For certain thoughts to wander into her mind? Her ears burnt; they must have been as red as her cheeks.

  Mercy took a deep breath. He was her husband now, so why did she feel so awkward whenever they got too close? Still, she remembered his kindness and the respect had for her. Mercy smiled to herself. She had been truly blessed.

  Chapter 5

  The wind howled like the hungry cry of a coyote across the cold desert. Fortunately the weather hadn’t affected their travel arrangements and they made it in time for the funeral, not that they could have gone ahead without the casket. Mercy shuffled closer to her husband. After the pastor’s passage, two men began burying the casket. It was the first painted casket Mercy had seen, ever since Father William’s death a decade ago.

  The mother continued to cry. Other women gathered around her, taking her arm, and leading her back home. Her husband, a lanky, bearded man, approached Cole and Mercy.

  “Thank you so much for coming,” he said. �
�And thank you for the casket. It was more than what we could afford.”

  Cole nodded. The man gave him a one-armed hug and turned to Mercy. “This must be the Missus Beckett I heard about.”

  Mercy smiled and shook his hand. “I’m Mercy.” She didn’t try to hide the blush on her face. She had to get used to being a Beckett. “We’re sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you.” The man took off his hat and tilted it at Mercy. “Well, I better get going.”

  They bade him goodbye again. Mercy crossed herself. “I can’t imagine the grief they feel.”

  Cole shook his head. “She was just a child, taken so young. Old age makes sense, but something like this - bitten by a wild animal. It was an accident, but why did it have to happen to her? To her family?”

  Mercy placed a hand on his arm. “Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.” She placed a hand on her heart. “A reminder from Ecclesiastes that God does things for a reason.”

  “A reason?” Cole echoed, and turned to her, his face pulled into a mask of disbelief. “What could His reason possibly be for taking a young life? For taking an entire family?”

  Mercy clutched the brooch that held her scarf together. “There is a reason we must all experience grief and loss.”

  “Then that’s a horrible and unfair reason.”

  Mercy gasped. “Cole…”

  “Mr. Beckett!” An older couple in dark clothes approached Cole. He introduced Mercy to them, and they started talking about the family’s loss. But Cole wouldn’t meet Mercy’s eyes, not even after the couple went back to the inn.

  * * *

  Cole flopped down on the bedroll he had carried and covered his face with his hat.

  Mercy wrung her hands at Cole’s silence. She had obviously displeased her husband. They were married for only a few weeks and already, she had touched on a subject too sore for Cole to talk about.

  “Are you all right?” she asked. She reached out a hand towards, him, but retracted it.

  “I’m fine,” Cole said, voice slightly muffled under his hat. “I’m just tired is all.” He turned on his side and placed the hat on the side of his face. As if he didn’t want to look at Mercy.