Mail-Order Mismatch: Brides of Burlington County, Book Two

by Amelia St. James

  Shuffling from behind her caused her to turn slightly, the sight of Inez warming her from the inside.

  “Angelica, dear! You look positively radiant!” Reaching forward, Inez squeezed Angelica tight before pulling back an arm’s length, studying her face. “You are glowing, my dear!” She gave Angelica a knowing look, then turned to the boy sitting beside her. “This is my grandson, Thomas, and my son will be in shortly. I’ll introduce him to you after church and then it would be delightful if you would join us for lunch!”

  Holden smiled down at Thomas before turning to Inez. “Ms. Bisbee. So nice to see you this morning.” He waited, the slight mischievous look around his eyes the only sign that he knew he was raising the woman’s ire.

  “Now, Holden…”

  Holden ginned. “I know, call you Inez. We have a commitment after the service, but my lovely wife and I would love to come see you soon. Would that be alright?”

  Softening, Inez nodded but her look remained skeptical. “l’ll be expecting you both soon then.”

  Angelica felt herself relax as Paul began the sermon, reminding herself throughout that the strangers surrounding her were not the same as the people who lived with her as a child, but the feeling of betrayal surged time and again.

  She listened intently to every word of Paul’s sermon on forgiveness, hoping she could find it in her one day to be forgiving of those who wanted to harm her. Of those who had harmed the Nunez family. Even of those who had been awful to Elly.

  Being around strangers and feeling stiff and uncomfortable served as a reminder of how much she had come to trust Holden. She felt completely safe and loved in his presence, and hoped to keep that from ever changing.

  The service ended with the quiet shuffle of the mostly male congregation as they left quickly, and after a few minutes of catching up with Inez, Angelica and Holden walked with Paul and Tilly to their house for lunch.

  Tilly changed her dress immediately, her smile still radiant. “This day couldn’t get any better. Thank you!” She gave Angelica a quick hug before pulling extra dishes from the cabinet. “Pork and beans, fresh bread, and I hope you don’t mind, but I experimented and tried to replicate your lemon biscuits. They were simply delicious!”

  Angelica laughed. “Sounds perfect.” She helped serve the meal, thankful for the good-natured banter that Tilly and Holden engaged in after the prayer.

  Angelica was almost too nervous to eat the meal in front of her. She wasn’t certain how Paul and Tilly would take their news about Samantha, and she wasn’t hiding it as well as she hoped.

  Holden glanced at her, seeming as if he was seeking her permission to broach the subject. She nodded.

  “Paul, Tilly, we need to talk about something rather serious.”

  Paul put his spoon down and rested his hand on the table. After glancing at Tilly, he turned back to Holden and said, “Is everything alright?”

  “Well, we need your voice of wisdom about something.” He looked over at Angelica, looking lost for a moment. “I’m not sure how to say this, other than to just lay it all out there.”

  “Just say it, Holden. You’re scaring me!” Tilly’s eyes widened.

  Taking a deep breath, he said, “There is a young woman who works at Hog Ranch. She has been talking with Angelica about starting a new life, and we want to fund her passage to Burlington County.”

  Tilly looked between Holden and Angelica. “Isn’t that where you lived in the boardinghouse?”

  “Yes.” Angelica straightened. “We want to send her to live with my friend, Elly, giving her the chance to start over.”

  “Do you really think people will let her start over?” Tilly stood and paced.

  “I do.” Angelica felt her brows bunch together in determination. “Why wouldn’t they?”

  She shook her head, seeming to have more to say but thinking better of it. “What will they say? Miss Elly will be scandalized. Does she know what will happen to her and her boardinghouse?”

  Angelica exhaled. “Yes, she does. But as it stands, she has already been treated poorly by those in her hometown. She doesn’t have much to lose.”

  Paul shifted in his seat. “Not necessarily.”

  “What is the best way to help this woman?” Tilly sank back down in her seat and put her hand on Paul’s.

  “You’re willing to help her?” Angelica tried to hide her astonishment but failed. Despite Tilly’s kindness, she still had her doubts about her willingness to get involved with someone from Hog Ranch.

  Tilly and Paul exchanged a glance before she responded. “Of course, we are. Elly is a complete stranger to this woman, and she is willing to put herself at risk. Should we not be willing to help, also?”

  Angelica exhaled, letting out the breath she wasn’t aware of holding. She felt a weight lift off of her shoulders, coupled with pride for being a part of a loving family. Holden clasped her hand in his, his warmth reassuring her that she was finally home.

  Chapter Twenty

  Holden paced Lil, keeping her slower than she liked but not wanting to tax Paul. Ever obedient, Mac patiently stayed at Lil’s side, his empty saddle ready for Samantha. Holden turned toward Paul, wondering what the man was thinking. He’d been unusually quiet during their ride, and he had every reason to have a lot weighing on his mind.

  “What’s going on, Holden? You getting slow, old man?”

  Holden laughed. “We can pick up the pace a bit.”

  “We’d better or we’re not going to make it in time.”

  “Why did you insist on cutting things so close then?”

  Paul shrugged. “Any tracker worth his salt will be able to find us quickly. We need to get Samantha safely on that train before Hog knows she’s missing.”

  “He’s going to be furious.”

  “Well, he will be, but he’ll survive.”

  Holden grunted. Men never ceased to amaze him over how poorly they were willing to treat others or what they were willing to start a war over. “You’ve got the ticket with you?”

  “In my pocket. I bought two. East and west. Keep Hog guessing for a while.”

  Holden laughed. “Clever. But I think she’ll be just fine once that train pulls away. I doubt they’ll chase her all the way to New Jersey.”

  “You never know.”

  Paul shifted slightly in the saddle, seeming as comfortable as he’d ever been since Holden met him. He continued to amaze Holden by his ability to adapt, along with his unwillingness to take the easy way out.

  “We turn off here. She should be waiting.” Holden turned down the obscure pathway carefully labeled on the map his wife had drawn for him, surprised by the accuracy. Ahead, a bright pink dress peeked through the foliage. “Oh man,” he muttered under his breath.

  “Don’t worry. Tilly planned ahead.” Paul kicked his horse into a gallop, smiling at Holden as he did the same.

  Samantha stood as they neared, a look of relief passing across her face. “Thank you for coming.”

  Paul dismounted and pulled a parcel out of his saddlebag. “My wife sent you a dress to wear for your travels, something that will help you to blend in, though it might not be a great fit. Should get you where you need to be.”

  Samantha reached for the parcel, her lips pursed into a thin line as she took it. Though she seemed too proud to accept it, she smiled slightly and said, “Thank you.”

  “We’ll go off a little and turn away, letting you change but we have to get moving fast.” Paul waited until she nodded, then he led his horse in the direction he’d indicated.

  Holden followed, both men careful to keep their backs to the young woman as she quickly changed.

  “Alright, I’m finished.” Samantha stood in front of them wearing Tilly’s gray dress, her bag clutched in her arms and a smaller one across her torso.

  “That’ll do just fine.” Holden took her bag and strapped it to Mac’s saddle before glancing back at the woman, second-guessing their decision not to take the wagon. “Do you kn
ow how to ride?”

  Samantha quickly mounted, smiling. “Better than I can walk. Let’s go.”

  They began pushing hard, sending small sprays of snow behind them as they quietly rode. After a few minutes, Samantha asked, “Where are we going?”

  Holden was pleased she didn’t know. He’d told his wife in confidence, urging her to keep the plan secret to protect all involved, and it appeared she had. “Cheyenne. We’re going to get you on that train before Hog knows you’re missing. How long do you normally get to gather herbs on your own before they come looking?”

  Samantha shrugged. “Two hours, at most.”

  They rode in silence, regaining ground now that Holden was letting Paul set the pace. When they finally neared Cheyenne, Paul slowed his horse, signaling for them to do the same. He dismounted, pulling a stack of papers from his pocket.

  “Here. This stack has your train ticket and some money, along with Elly’s contact information at the boardinghouse. I’ve written you a letter to take with you, in case you need help along the way. I’m banking on the good graces of some old friends.” He awkwardly handed the papers over, waiting until she’d tucked them into her skirt pocket before continuing on. “Is there anything else you might need before we head into town?”

  She stiffened, her eyes downcast. “I’m still the same person, just wrapped up in a respectable dress. Can’t change the inside as easily. How am I supposed to hold my head high among your friends without causing you shame?”

  Holden waited for Paul to respond, wanting to help but sensing that Paul was better equipped.

  “You haven’t met them, but they’re good folks. Decent, without prejudice.”

  “But look at me.” She tugged at the dress that had hiked up her leg, straightening it. “I’m still the same as before, even if I dress for a different role.”

  Paul stared up at her, shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand. “What makes you want to start a new life, Samantha?”

  She spoke softly, answering with a yearning look on her face as she turned toward Holden. “I want what you and Angelica have. I may not ever deserve it, but I want to have a life filled with love and respect. I didn’t really know it existed until I met you both.”

  Holden shifted Lil closer to Mac. “Do you believe in forgiveness?”

  “Yes. I do now, after talking to Angelica. She opened my eyes to a lot of things I’d been closed off to.”

  Paul stepped forward, his hand resting on Mac’s muzzle. “I think I know what will help you find the change you are seeking, friend.”

  She dismounted, her eyes shining with tears. “What? Tell me. I’ll do anything to feel clean again.”

  “Would you like me to baptize you?”

  She looked around, doubtful. “Here?”

  Paul pulled a canteen from his saddle and held it up. “A little water and a drop of faith will send you on your way with a fresh start.”

  Samantha nodded vigorously, swiping at a tear. “I’d like that, please.”

  Holden watched quietly as Paul baptized Samantha in the stiff, cold wind, feeling like he was witnessing a miracle. His throat tight, he waited for them to finish and mount up before quietly urging Lil on behind them.

  When they reached the train station, Paul and Holden tied the horses up and accompanied Samantha to the train. Holden handed her bag to her, silently praying the woman would find peace and joy in her life, proud of her for taking risks that required testing her newfound faith.

  “Thank you both for helping me.” Samantha teared up again. “And tell Angelica I will never forget her.” She smiled through her tears and turned to board the train without looking back.

  “She’s stronger than she thinks she is. She’ll be just fine.” Paul clasped Holden’s shoulder, giving him a firm pat before turning back to the horses. “Let’s get going. I have a feeling we need to watch our backs.”

  “What are you not telling me?” Holden felt his muscles tense. Paul wasn’t one to speak of danger without having a reason.

  “I heard riders behind us for a little while before we picked up speed. I’m guessing they’re looking for Samantha and will be wondering why we’re headed back to town with one horse too many.”

  Holden smiled at Paul. “Still as sly as a fox, aren’t you?”

  “Don’t ever see a fox complaining, do you?”

  Laughing, Holden turned back the way they’d come before stopping short. “Paul, why not make use of having Mac with us?”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “My wife could certainly make use of a large sack of sugar and some seasoning. I’ll pick that up and maybe whoever is following us won’t question us for bringing Mac.”

  “Hah! Leave it to you to think of your stomach while we’re being pursued for taking Samantha from the likes of Hog.”

  Holden chuckled, leaving Paul to watch the horses while he purchased his supplies and loaded them carefully. He was certain that Angelica would be pleased with their success in getting Samantha safely on the train, but seeing her smile when he showed her the packages was something to look forward to.

  “Let’s ride.”

  Holden let Paul set the pace again, making great time as they headed back to town. As they neared Main Street, Paul cleared his throat and nodded ever so slightly, motioning toward several riders outside of the bank.

  Holden allowed his eyes to scan the area, not stopping to look directly at any one person. “Hog’s talking to the sheriff. He’s hardly ever far from the ranch, so he must have his suspicions.”

  Paul nodded, picking up speed as he guided his horse straight for the bank. Sighing, Holden followed suit.

  “What’s going on, Sheriff?” Paul sat astride, turning his horse enough to keep the sun out of his eyes.

  “It seems a woman has gone missing. Have either of you seen anything suspicious?”

  Hog watched them carefully, a scowl settling on lips beneath his carefully trimmed mustache. He held his reins with one hand, his other hand perched on his thigh near his revolver.

  “Sheriff, what woman has gone missing?” Paul spoke calmly, his eyes not revealing any truth or lies.

  “My sweet Sam is gone, and according to the note she left, she’s run off with her lover to start over.” Hog spat angrily.

  “Well, is she missing or is she a woman who left of her own accord?” Paul turned to face Sheriff Duran, studying him silently as Hog glared at him.

  “It seems to me that she’s free to come and go as she pleases, Hog.” Sheriff Duran narrowed his eyes as he continued on. “Did she say where she was headed?”

  “California, according to the note. Does it matter, Sheriff? She ought to be here where she belongs, not off with some stranger.”

  “Not much I can do about that, Hog. Now if you have trouble out on the ranch or with a drifter, you come and let me know. Otherwise, I can’t help you.” Sheriff Duran waited until Hog rode off before turning around, a scowl on his lips. “What have you two gotten yourselves into?”

  “Whatever do you mean, Sheriff?” Paul’s lips tightened slightly on the right side, the only tell Holden ever saw on the man when he was hiding something.

  “We got plenty of sugar here in town, Holden.” Sheriff Duran flashed them a wry smile before riding off.

  “Whew. Did you see the look on Hog’s face? That man has a lot of hate built up. Be on the lookout, Holden.”

  “I will. You, too, Paul.”

  Paul nodded. “I’ll be praying for Hog’s salvation. If that’s asking too much of the Almighty, I’ll be sure to watch my back.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Dear Elly,

  Your houseguest is on her way. Thank you for the information you have sent along; I will be cautious. In addition, please find another location for me to send my letters to you, so I might write to you freely and without censorship.

  Love,

  Angelica

  Dearest Angelica,

  I have a friend who wil
l handle my letters without tampering with them (the address is enclosed), and I will be seeing her quite regularly as I am no longer going to the mercantile in town for supplies. I have decided that the townsfolk who despise the good women who live in my boardinghouse do not have an entitlement to the funds we spend to survive. The mercantile owner we now buy groceries, fabric, and supplies from is quite happy with our patronage.

  I can see the distress it is causing Mr. and Mrs. Holland to lose our business, but still, she continues to play the part of the town bully. Mrs. Murphy is still bringing around letters from potential grooms, tampered as they are. It amazes me that people have already forgotten the heartache and pain the war caused, finding ways to try to devour each other instead of being supportive. My heart aches thinking about it, but I will persevere.

  Samantha is quite lovely. You didn’t mention that she is an herbalist, and she’s very skilled. She and Dr. Donnelly have consulted several times, much to Kaitlyn’s consternation. The poor woman has her eyes set on the dear doctor, and I don’t think he has even noticed. She’s persistent, though, and seems determined to catch his attention.

  Samantha works hard but keeps to herself when she’s finished. I’ve invited her to our evening reading or music, but she is hesitant. I see her slowly warming up, and will keep working hard to help her feel accepted. She opened up to me the other day, telling me of her dreams of owning her own apothecary one day. She mentioned that she spoke of it with you, so I don’t feel as if I’m breaking her confidence. I’m proud of her for dreaming. We should all do so, finding a glimmer of hope in the darkness.

  Please write freely now that I have secured my letters. Sending love, hope, and prayers.

  Love,

  Mrs. Elly Bates

  Dearest Elly,

  I’m so pleased to be able to write freely. There is so much I need to share with you, both to explain why the men are looking for me and to take this weight off of my shoulders.

  First, it sounds like Samantha has not shared with you that I am expecting. I am meant to be excited, except that I’m hesitant and afraid.