Mail Order Bride 22 Book Boxed set: 22 Brides Ride West :CLEAN Western Historical Romance Series Bundle

by Faye Sonja

  “Don’t speak ill of the dead, Averill. He was still your father.” Her mother put her arm around Averill’s shoulders in comfort.

  “He took his own life because he couldn’t face up to what he’d done and left you in a fine mess. I’m sorry, Mama, but I doubt I’ll ever speak well of him.”

  Averill had used the first five months since Adeline set off on her mail order bride journey to find a solution other than the one her eldest sister, Adeline, had come up with, and her next oldest sister, Amelia, had celebrated. Both were now in California living close to a small town called Goldrush with their respective husbands.

  Not that Averill had anything against marriage, quite the opposite, but she believed it was about so much more than love. Any union had to be a meeting of the minds and any man she married would need to see her as an equal. Her mother and their situation now was a stark example of what marrying for love could do.

  “Your sisters are blossoming there, according to their letters. Adeline is healthy and pregnant, and Amelia says love is better than she’d ever dreamed and she dreamed endlessly.” Her mother smiled at the memory. “I’m sure it’ll be no less a delight for us.”

  “I’m sure there’s plenty my sisters aren’t telling us. Be that as it may, we must leave for San Francisco immediately. On tomorrow’s train,” said Averill.

  “We’ll arrive two weeks early, and a letter won’t reach them in time, Averill. There’ll be no one there to meet us.”

  “We have each other and I’m certain we can manage to find ourselves a way to Goldrush. We need only to head to the bakery once we’re there. If Adeline isn’t there they’ll know where to find her.”

  “Why change from Adeline’s plan at all?”

  “Why wait? Each day is another day for Lex Baxter to get more suspicious and ask more questions. Mr. Fairweather says he asks more questions of us as the date approaches that Adeline set for her to marry him or he’ll choose another daughter. I’m not going to be here if he decides to collect early, or if he finds out they are gone and comes to claim me.”

  Her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “Please. Do not speak of such things, Averill. I’ve been packed for a week already, our sale and debt payments are in Mr. Fairweather’s hands, and we shall leave after dark for the station. The train leaves early, so we’ll go and wait. There’s nothing here for us…for you, now.”

  Averill felt for her mother in that moment. Not only had she married a man for love who’d turned out to be controlling and wasteful, she’d now be leaving a man Averill knew Mama had grown fond of. Her mother was the reason they’d lived such a plentiful existence in their childhood and been afforded an excellent education.

  Mama was the sharp business mind her father always claimed he was. The only other person who knew was Reginald Fairweather. He’d always spoken to, and treated, her mother like an equal. He’d confided to Averill that he despised her father for what he’d done to them all.

  All Papa did was spend money and become their eventual demise. Now, because of an agreement he’d signed for a massive gambling debt left to Mr. Baxter, the family had to sell up and flee as far as they could. Averill certainly wasn’t going to be married, or be at the mercy of Lex Baxter, to be payment for a debt, and she’d do whatever she had to.

  The letters she’d written and received from Jacob Blair she greatly enjoyed. He was well-written and had quite an opinion on women being as capable as men in all areas as far as he’d seen in his lifetime. Averill found this to be very favourable, for if she must marry, it must be to someone with a sharp brain, and well educated. Jacob’s writing challenged her thinking and gave unique views on a society that must change its ways.

  “No point prolonging the inevitable. I’m quite looking forward to meeting Jacob; he seems very suitable.” Averill imagined spirited debates on all subjects long into the night. She smiled. The family would be together again and there’d be a baby soon for Adeline.

  A new life for them all. A fresh start and a bright future. She wanted this marriage; there was no way she’d accept anything forced upon her, so the answer was to be open to it, and to enjoy it. Leaving early meant she’d have two weeks before the date they’d set, and in that time she could get to know Jacob even better.

  She hoped he’d see her as he’d imagined. This way she could organize the wedding. Her simple outfit was ready, an understated gown of silk and satin, hand sewn with pearls. Mama had stitched them on herself in the evenings, no doubt to take her mind off their predicament.

  Averill wondered about California. Practical Adeline had painted a land of opportunity with adventure in every corner. Dreamy Amelia had sent a charcoal artwork of James and Jack. But she’d said she’d leave Jacob as a surprise for when Averill arrived.

  The other Blair men certainly held you captive with their looks, even in charcoal. She imagined Jacob to be neatly dressed, tidy, and with many opinions to share with the world and her. She had many to share with him without fear of censure, which would be the best part. To know she could speak freely and for those opinions to be taken seriously would be a joy.

  Yes, she was ready for that, ready for the marriage. It was all really very exciting and Averill’s heart beat faster. Getting there early could only be a good thing.

  “Mr. Fairweather is certain that Lex Baxter will try and find us.” That was the part she didn’t like. Could he make them leave their marriages for him? Averill didn’t think so.

  “I’m not sure what he can do even if he does find us.”

  “I’m not sure either, short of kidnapping one of us…”

  “He’s not going to lay a finger on you, Averill. I can assure you.”

  Averill shuddered at the thought, and the awful words that gave her nightmares about making the youngest give him an heir, no matter what. “I know, Mama. This situation is awful. We shouldn’t have to run away from our home, from all you’ve worked so hard to give us.”

  Her mother looked up sharply. “What on earth do you mean?”

  “Don’t pretend, Mama. I know you are the business brains behind our success and Papa was the one who squandered it all.”

  Her mother’s stance relaxed. “I guess there’s no point in denying it any longer.”

  “I may love my husband when we marry, but I won’t be marrying for that love alone. I’ll be marrying because we make sense on an intellectual level. I’m marrying because he’ll support me in my dreams to become a lawyer someday. I will certainly come to love our witty banter and logical reasoning to solve problems together. I’m certain from that, our love will grow stronger.”

  * * *

  Jacob Blair stared at the jumble on the page before him. He was reading the newspaper at the sheriff’s desk. Two things amazed him. Firstly he was on the sheriff side of the sheriff’s desk and not the other side, and secondly that anyone could make sense of whatever the black and white mess was on this newspaper page.

  He’d never been able to read. The words just never came to him naturally. No amount of forcing it made any difference. Save for the letters that made his name, Jacob resigned himself to the fact that he’d never read or write more than that. Who needed it, anyway? He was doing alright and not even his older brother, Jack, knew.

  No one needed to know that he couldn’t read and write. It wasn’t like Jacob was ashamed or anything. It wasn’t as though it made him feel inferior, or just plain stupid; he was just fine with it. The real problem was that this gig as sheriff wasn’t all riding horses and shooting outlaws. Jacob thought this sheriff thing was the perfect job for him. He’d always thought he was born to be a cowboy, but work was getting scarcer these days.

  Now, he’d been hit with needing to write, and to read. Randy was getting mighty sick of helping Jacob out, and Averill wouldn’t be here for another four weeks. He figured a well-educated young lady like her would be able to do the bookwork for him and he could get back to keeping Goldrush a peaceful town. Plus there’d been more highway robberies
than ever and it seemed they were moving towards his town.

  Jacob needed to be all over that. After helping Jack and Amelia out with the rustlers, he knew he needed to be on guard all the time. He never had time to record everything in ledgers even if he knew how. His new wife would be sure to oblige him in that little favor.

  New wife. Add that to the list of things he thought would never, ever happen to him in a million lifetimes, right next to being sheriff. In reality, he had figured there was a slight chance that he might get married someday, but he’d never expected to be a part of law enforcement. The reverend had put up a good argument and convinced him to give it a shot.

  Now here he was quite enjoying it, apart from the official parts. He did like folks showing him respect and Sheriff Blair had a good sound about it. He especially liked that he was of service to the people, being an asset to the community for a change. At nineteen he was sure making something of himself.

  A lot more than he ever thought he would. The reverend did him a favor. He just hoped he didn’t disappoint him. It was different with his Ma and Pa; all he ever did was disappoint them, but all they ever did was pressure him. The reverend believed in him.

  This was all a challenge he had to live up to. A regular wage meant he could finally begin to build the home he wanted on his land. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with it yet. Jacob had already seen how tough it was to make a living out of farming and from cattle. Those two things had been his life, but since being sheriff, he wondered what else he’d be good at.

  In four weeks she’d be here. The woman he would marry and together they could run the sheriff’s office. There was even a small wage that went with being in the office. Averill would likely be grateful for the opportunity to have a little income of her own. There’s no reason why any woman shouldn’t have money of her own.

  The whole women weren’t equal arguments didn’t go far out here in the west. Women matched the men in pretty much all the jobs and everyone rolled up their sleeves to get on with it. It was the only way out here. There weren’t all that many women around these parts while more men still arrived to work the land, and so mail order brides had been a normal part of Jacob growing up in California.

  The door burst open and a man almost fell through. “Sheriff, they got the coach. Killed a passenger and got the Wells and Fargo box.”

  “How do ya know?”

  “I’m the driver.”

  Jacob jumped up and pulled his hat on. “Where?”

  “’Bout twenty mile from Goldrush, on the way to Volcano.”

  “What ya doin’ comin’ so far out this way?”

  “New route. Tryin’ to avoid the bandits.” The man dripped blood on the floor just as Jacob got to him and helped get him to a chair. “Bosses said we’d be safer. Ten grand of gold bullion in there.”

  “I’ll holler the Doc up on the way out. Stay put.”

  The driver slumped onto the seat. “Thanks. I managed to get some buckshot into one, I think.”

  Jacob patted him on the shoulder and the man winced. “Seems like you wore a bit too.”

  “They’re a bad bunch, these ones. Gonna shoot a lady. I stepped in front.”

  “I won’t rest till we get ‘em. Doc’ll see ya right.”

  Jacob raced out the door and mounted his horse. This was too close to home now. His town would be safe. He’d see to it. He urged the horse forward and went to see what he could find.

  * * *

  2

  New Beginnings

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  “I won’t be marrying for that love alone.

  I’ll be marrying because we make

  sense on an intellectual level.”

  .

  “We’ve made it, Mama.” Averill watched the teenager she’d paid set their luggage on the platform beside them. “We’re really here. I can smell the freedom already.”

  “That is not a journey I’d want to take too often.” Her mother brushed down her skirts.

  “I’m sure it’s better than taking a wagon across the country.”

  “That’s true, Averill. Sorry for complaining. Give me a period of adjustment. I’ve only ever lived in New York.”

  “Should we take a few nights’ lodging?” Averill didn’t want to make their early arrival too taxing for her mother.

  “We may have to if there’s no transport to Goldrush.”

  “I’ll go ask. You sit with our luggage.”

  Averill fixed her bright blue bonnet. It matched the flowers on her cotton dress. What a joy it’d been to come out from under all those heavy black mourning outfits. Even her mother was pleased, especially as she didn’t have be in mourning for two years. It was a brilliant the way Adeline had come up with the mourning period as a way to buy them the six months they needed to get away.

  The girl behind the counter smiled. “How may I help you, Miss?”

  “I’d like to know about the stagecoaches, to Goldrush.”

  “Goldrush? I’ve never heard of it. Where’s it near?”

  “I’m not sure myself. This is our first time here.”

  “The stagecoach headquarters is a few blocks over, if that helps. Just ask a driver outside with the horse buggies. They’ll point you in the right direction.”

  “Thank you.” Averill was pleased they had a start, but how were they to get these trunks moved just to make an enquiry with the stagecoach company? There likely wouldn’t be a stage today, so they’d have to lug them back to a hotel again. It made sense to stay at least the night and drop their bags off to the hotel first. “Might I also enquire on the nearest hotel lodgings?”

  “There’s one right next door. Perhaps if you pop in there they’ll have a vacancy. You’ll find plenty of Chinese there willing to carry any baggage for you. For a small price, of course.”

  “Thank you, again. I think that’s the best idea.” Averill walked back to her mother. “Mama, I’m going to see about lodgings next door and I’ll have someone come and pick up our things. Are you fine to sit a little longer?”

  “I am. It’s quite fun to watch the people go by.”

  “I’ll be back soon.”

  “Do you need some money from our savings?”

  “I’m sure tomorrow morning will be fine to pay; besides we may be here more than one night and if we take meals in there it can all be billed together.”

  “Very well. I’ll be fine here, dear.”

  Averill strode outside and San Francisco was so different from New York. It all felt so fresh and new, and very exciting to be here. The hotel really was very close, which was good because the street was quite hilly. The horse-drawn cable cars were quite fascinating. Inside the hotel, everything was neat and clean. It wasn’t huge but it looked very nice. It would most certainly do for a night or two.

  Perhaps while she was here, she could look up the law offices and see if anyone there was willing to continue her training, and she’d also look into law school. They likely wouldn’t welcome her with open arms, but that wouldn’t stop her enquiring. Averill was filled with the excitement and joy of the possibilities.

  Some groups of women had a strong voice on the subject of equality and she was certain the right to vote would be granted soon, and the right to anything else they should have as basic human rights. But that was for later; right now she needed to get Mama and herself settled for the evening, and find a way to Goldrush as soon as possible. She hoped the stagecoach ran regularly to the area because the sooner she could hug her sisters again, the better.

  Despite the brave face Averill put on, this whole experience with Lex Baxter had really frightened her. It seemed ridiculous that a man could have the right to take a woman against her will for marriage because of the signature of a dead man.

  Papa had killed himself from the shame of it. He didn’t have to face up to his decisions anymore, while Averill prayed to the
Lord every evening for forgiveness because she believed taking his own life might’ve been the one decent thing he’d ever done for his family.

  Not in the least bit a Christian thought, and she’d pray for forgiveness again this bedtime, but she wouldn’t change her mind about that. In time she might be able to forgive him for the pain and suffering Papa had caused all of them, but that day was far away.

  After speaking with the clerk, Averill was booked into a room with two beds and two young Chinese men walked with her to the station to collect the baggage.

  This adventure had officially started. If the stagecoach office was still open perhaps one of these men would go there to get information about the coach times and destinations. This would be a wonderful surprise for Adeline and Amelia. Lex Baxter was far behind them now, and if he ever caught up, then they’d deal with him.

  Her heart swelled at the prospect of this new life. She would get to be a lawyer, one of the country’s first female attorneys. She’d been reading how Arabella Mansfield had passed the bar exam and was granted the right to practice law in Iowa last year. The very first lady lawyer. Her stomach fluttered with excitement. It could be done. This would be her priority in Goldrush, to continue her studies any way she could and eventually practice law.

  She couldn’t wait to share her dream with Jacob. She was sure he’d encourage her to continue. The one thing she was determined not to do was get stuck behind a desk doing menial tasks for next to no money. She was worth more than that, and from Jacob’s letters she knew in her heart that he could see that too.

  * * *

  The train trip was a luxury compared to this stagecoach ride. It bumped along the dirt road and though it looked in good repair, the creaks and groans as it lurched back and forth, even sideways at times, worried Averill. They were the only passengers and it was two hours to Goldrush.