Brides of Grasshopper Creek

by Faith-Ann Smith

Carrie batted her long lashes at him. Even her lashes were a honeysuckle color. Her smooth skin was like porcelain and her lashes hardly showed against it, except in times when she was blushing bashfully. This was one of those times.

  “No, sir,” she answered. “No suitors.”

  This seemed to please Mr. Stewart. He leaned back in chair and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Have you ever worked before?”

  She nodded readily. “Yes, sir. I’ve worked on my family’s small farm. I know how to cook and clean, and how to tend to animals and children.”

  Mr. Stewart scratched at his chin. “You will stay in the neighboring house we have set up to be the waiter-girls’ dormitory. You will be supervised by the lead waiter-girl, Rita. You will be paid eighteen dollars and fifty cents a month, plus room and board. You will be required to wear a uniform like the ones you see Rita and the girls wearing.” He gestured with a sweeping motion around the dining room. There was another girl in black dress and white apron nearby, tending to the needs of the couple at the table on the opposite side of the room. The other girl, she assumed, was the one called Rita. “Does this suit you?” Mr. Stewart asked, bringing Carrie back to the situation at hand.

  Blinking, she thought it over quickly. “It sounds like more than I ever could’ve asked for,” she said.

  “You will be contracted for one year, in which you must devote yourself to working in this eating house. You mustn’t marry in that time, and you mustn’t wear makeup or any such thing that might sully the fine reputation of this establishment. The aim is to provide orderly, friendly help to patrons when they stop in. They are hungry, tired, and they are looking for a kind, pleasant face. Do you understand?”

  Carrie nodded again. “Oh, yes sir. I never wear makeup anyway.” The job sounded like it would be somewhat strict, but it was the sort of strictness that she believed would be good for her. “Really, sir, I could use some order in my life.” She smiled shyly again.

  He smiled back at her. “Splendid.” He stood up from his chair at that and offered his hand to her again, which she took. They shook once more, and then Mr. Stewart turned and headed back to the door by the bar. She realized that that must surely be where his office was located.

  Not long after the boss of the establishment departed Carrie’s table, the girl called Rita reappeared. She smiled another of her dimpled, welcoming smiles. “Come along with me now,” she said. “I will show you to your room in the dormitory. We’ll need to take some measurements, too. For your uniform.”

  “Golly,” Carrie said, standing from her chair and grinning excitedly as she followed Rita out of the place. “This all seems too good to be true!”

  Of course, there were still a few things that she would need to attend to. She’d have to send a letter along to Mr. Jacobs, and she’d also need to inform her family what had transpired. But she could wait to do such things once she was alone.

  Rita led Carrie to a small home across the dirt road from the eating house. She hadn’t noticed it before, when she’d ridden along in the coach, but it wasn’t really much worth noticing either. It was a squat, dull brown house much like all of the other buildings in this town. There were some red shutters on the windows, and a red door. They were the only things that were noteworthy about its outer appearance. Carrie knew that she had to bid farewell to the idea of living on a California ranch by staying here, but the thought of living with a bunch of like-minded young girls made her feel too happy to worry about it. She hoped that soon she’d be able to boast that she was living amongst friends!

  Chapter 3

  After setting her suitcase onto the floor in front of her tall oak wardrobe, Carrie stood still and allowed Rita to measure her with some white and red measuring tape. She felt a bit shy to be prodded and looked at so critically, but she knew that it was all for the uniform that she would have to wear to work in the eatery. “Thank you very much for your help,” she said, turning around so Rita could size up her calves for the regulation black tights.

  “You’re quite welcome,” Rita replied, rolling up the measuring tape now that she was finished. “It’s no trouble. I enjoy welcoming in new waiter-girls to the House. We’re one big family here, as you’ll soon see. I’ll just get your measurements written down and let the seamstress know to make your uniform. I anticipate that you’ll be out on the floor by mid-next week.”

  She nodded at that as if confirming it to herself. Carrie couldn’t get over how lovely Miss Rita was. She had black hair and brown eyes, and her skin was a tannish hue, as if she had been gently baked in sunlight her whole life. The dimples on her cheeks served to bring cuteness to her look and soften things a bit so her striking beauty wasn’t so overwhelming.

  Carrie wished to be just like Rita. But she knew that she wouldn’t have much chance of that. Especially if she was forbidden to wear makeup. “Is the training easy?” she asked. “I mean… I don’t mean easy, as I should like to have a bit of a challenge, but is it the sort of thing that should come quickly to me?”

  Rita gave her a reassuring smile. “I think so,” she replied. “I’ll make sure to pick someone suitable for helping you. I know all the girls well, because I’m the chaperone here in the dormitory.”

  “You must keep very busy,” Carrie said, impressed.

  Rita’s eyes crinkled a bit at the corners as she smiled at her. “I like keeping busy,” she said.

  With that, she left the small room that had been given to Carrie. There were two beds as well as the shared wardrobe, two small wooden desks, and a standing mirror in a black frame. She didn’t know who her roommate was to be, but she had a feeling that she’d know as soon as the shift was over in the eating house.

  Carrie sat down upon her new bed. The mattress was pretty stiff and the blankets were made of scratchy wool, which was going to take some getting used to, but she was satisfied with what she had.

  She decided that, in the free time that remained to her before starting this new job, she should write the letters to the people she’d thought about writing to… Even if she didn’t entirely want to. It would be best to not dawdle. She’d never forgive herself if she waited and then found out that she had absolutely no free time in which to write again for a year!

  Carrie sat down at the desk that had been apparently assigned for her, and brought out some paper and a pen. This wasn’t a letter that she wanted to write, and she hoped that he could understand that.

  My darling Mr. Jacobs,

  It pains me to have to write this letter to you. This is not the sort of thing that I could have ever anticipated happening, but here we are… I am afraid that I shan’t be joining you in California as we had planned. After much careful consideration, I’ve realized that I couldn’t achieve what I wanted all of the way out west, and chiefly with you. I know that this will surely hurt you and for that I am exceedingly sorry. But I must be true to my own heart. I cannot go along and lie to you, for that is much the same as not being faithful to you.

  I have accepted a position at an eating house along the Kansas railway line and I fully intend to repay your kindness in installments as soon as I begin to earn my wages. Please know that I’ve never meant to hurt you and I pray that you will find peace and happiness. I shall always hold you in high regard.

  Sincerest wishes,

  Carrie

  She folded up her letter and carefully placed it into an envelope, sealing it safely shut with some wax from her candle. She sighed then, feeling that there wasn’t any way she could avoid hurting him and letting him down without letting herself down.

  Without waiting and giving herself more time to mope, Carrie prepared another piece of paper in order to write to her sister. At least this one would be less sad.

  My dearest Beverly,

  You will not believe the journey that I have had! I know that it will come as quite a shock to you, but I’ve decided to forgo the rest of the trip to California and instead I have taken up residence in a dormitory in Wallace, Kans
as. I have accepted a position as a waiter-girl at an up-and-coming eating house. I met with the owner and he’s very kind and handsome, and a bit strict but that’s to be expected when the man is trying to start a new business. There appears to only be a handful of waitstaff and I am to be among them as soon as I’ve received my uniform and completed my training!

  I miss you madly, my sweet little sister. I hope that things are going well for you. Kansas is not so very different from Ohio. It’s quite a bit dustier and less green… I suppose in that way, it is quite different. But there are a lot of little farm houses here. They do make me homesick. I will write again to let you know how my new job is. I wish you were here so that you could experience all of this exciting new stuff with me.

  Give my love to Mother, Father and the little ones.

  All my love & kisses,

  Carrie

  She sat back, smiling and missing her home and her family. She didn’t for an instant regret venturing forth into the world a bit and having her own experiences, but it was something she’d be getting used to for a while. The biggest adjustment was not having her sister with her. Beverly was her best friend. Carrie didn’t think that any of the other girls here could compete with that, but only time would tell.

  Feeling sleepy, she placed the letter into an envelope and sealed it. Then she lay down on her new, scratchy bed and did her best to nap a bit. She would do better if she was rested. Hopefully her excitement for her new life would allow her to sleep at least a little!

  If you enjoyed this preview of Mail Order Bride Carrie, the entire story may be downloaded HERE. Available with Kindle Unlimited.

  Also Available From Hope Meadow Publishing Author Faith-Ann Smith

  Nurses Of The Civil War Series Box Set

  Amazon Bestselling Author Faith-Ann Smith’s Nurses Of The Civil War Series follows the struggles and triumphs of four volunteer nurses seeking a new lease on life and love after caring for our country’s wounded war heroes.

  This collection includes the following four heartwarming historical mail order bride romances:

  Mail Order Bride: Mary’s Secret

  Since returning to her uncle’s home after volunteering as a nurse during the Civil War, Mary had rejected numerous suitors, but finally, she was given an ultimatum: she would either marry Mr. Wendell–the infamous rake–or find herself homeless and without a penny to her name.

  Brave and quick-thinking, Mary decides to respond to an advertisement for a mail order bride, but surely, no sensible gentleman would care to wed an already-betrothed woman. Out of sheer desperation, Mary is forced to concoct an entirely different persona for herself through her letters to Caleb Knight. But how long can Mary keep up her pretenses before the truth finds its way to the surface?

  Mail Order Bride: Annika’s Courage

  Young Annika Neville bravely volunteers as a nurse in the Civil War after her father and only living relative, William Neville, takes his place amongst the Union soldiers.

  William isn’t leaving anything to chance, however—especially not his daughter’s happiness. So, when a strapping young Union soldier named Gabriel Cole crosses his path while serving in the War, a plan quickly takes shape in his mind. William takes it upon himself to ensure that the young man, who plans on heading West, finds his way into his daughter’s New England heart after the war comes to an end.

  But does father always know best, or will Annika’s own hopes and dreams for her future thwart his plan?

  Mail Order Bride: Grace’s Second Chance

  When young Grace Williams decides to courageously volunteer as a Civil War nurse in the City Point tent hospitals, little does she realize that treating her most obstinate patient yet will prove to be rewarding in more ways than she could ever imagine.

  Major Michael Cade demands for his injured men to be seen before himself, yet, the selfless man can barely stand, suffering from several life-threatening wounds. As his men are tended to, Grace boldly recommends a risky treatment to save his leg against the recommendation of the attending doctor, and is forced to treat the Major on her own.

  As the Major convalescences under Grace’s care, the two begin to form an incredibly special bond through sharing stories about their pasts. But one morning, when Grace finds the Major has been suddenly discharged from the hospital without her knowing, Grace is left heartbroken. Will her heart ever reunite with the Major’s, or will their blossoming relationship be left on the war fields forever?

  Mail Order Bride: Cate’s Change Of Heart

  As Cate McLachlan boards a westbound train to meet her betrothed in Nebraska, the former Civil War nurse will soon learn her plans for love are about to be derailed.

  Her train is forced to come to a screeching halt when a group of sinister bandits decides to wreak havoc on its passengers. Cate narrowly escapes her demise when one of the outlaws captures her in a rush, throws her over the back of his horse and flees the scene.

  Cate quickly realizes the bullet that was intended for her missed its target, hitting her captor instead. She selflessly comes to the bandit’s aid and slowly nurses him back to health in the wilderness, but will Cate ever make it to the altar in Nebraska? Or does God have another plan in store for her?

  Click HERE to download the box set

  Included with Kindle Unlimited!

  Also Available From Hope Meadow Publishing Author Charity Phillips

  Brides Of Weber Valley Box Set

  In 1868, life for the townspeople of Ogden begins to change rapidly when the railways expand to the Utah Territory. Follow the struggles and triumphs as new opportunities–and the chance for true love–arise for the young ladies from the Hughes and Cooke families in the Brides Of Weber Valley series!

  This collection by Amazon bestselling author Charity Phillips includes the following six sweet western romances:

  Book 1: Zelda’s Story: Zelda, the eldest daughter of the Hughes family, longs for a life away from the rolling hills and barn animals of her parents’ farm in Ogden. She loves and supports her family but longs to explore what else the world might have to offer her. When word gets around that there is a railway expansion planned to be constructed nearby, Zelda is excited for the new opportunities–and people–it might bring.

  Book 2: Diana’s Story: One day while running errands, Diana Cooke meets a striking young man named Aaron Pratt. She learns that he comes from a proud line of farmers, but is currently facing challenge after challenge at his family’s dairy farm. His father is bedridden from a terrible injury, leaving Aaron to take on all of the daily tasks to keep their livelihood afloat. Her heart goes out to him and his plight and they become fast friends. She finds herself thinking of Aaron every day and longs to help him and his family overcome their hardships.

  Book 3: Hattie’s Story: Hattie Hughes works hard as the assistant innkeeper to her sister-in-law, Diana’s, prosperous business and finds herself longing for a husband of her own. One day, along comes a handsome, mysterious traveler who needs a room for a more long-term basis as his train is delayed by the snow. This stranger, Matthew Ford, turns out to be kind and understanding towards Hattie, offering a friendship she never realized she needed.

  Book 4: Tabitha’s Story: With her younger sister, Suzy, Tabitha Church fled her home in Chicago one autumn night, running away from an engagement that was doomed to become a loveless marriage if she didn’t do something about it. They arrived in the small town of Ogden, Utah with nothing but the dresses on their backs and a fair amount of hopefulness.

  Book 5: Millie’s Christmas Surprise: Millie Saxton knows what she wants. Or, more accurately, she knows what she doesn’t want. She left New York, the place of her birth and her successful job as a seamstress at a shirtwaist factory, to find love out West. She met a man named James O’Neill who placed an advertisement in the newspaper and, before long, sent for her. But when the train stops in Ogden, Utah and a nasty winter storm hits, Millie finds that her future as Mr. O’Neill’s bride might not be what she w
ants after all.

  Book 6: Amelia’s Blessed Christmas: A recent widow, young Amelia Hawkins leaves behind her life of bereavement and bad memories to travel west to live with Mr. Percy Andrews, a friendly and caring general store owner who is well-liked by everyone in the town of Ogden. From their very first meeting at the railway station, she is taken by his kindness and gentle nature and knows that God has blessed her with a second chance at happiness.

  Click HERE to purchase the box set

  Included with Kindle Unlimited!

  Also Available From Hope Meadow Publishing Author Charity Phillips

  A Second Chance For Molly

  Brides Of Alder Creek

  Alder Gulch, Montana Territory – 1868

  Molly Reynolds is a beautiful widow with a young son who lives with her aunt and uncle in Alder Gulch, a small mining town in the Montana Territory. She and her mother moved there from Frederick, Maryland five years earlier, after she lost her husband in the battle at Antietam during the Civil War. When her aunt becomes sick, she begins escorting Gavin Jr to school instead of going off to work in a sewing circle each day.

  She is soon glad that she took on this new task, because a handsome and friendly face from her past appears one afternoon while she is meeting her son. Sweet and charming Bobby Wallace doesn’t seem to have aged a day. She is more than happy to help him take care of his two daughters. But can they also rekindle the love they had for each other all those years ago?