In Search Of Love: The Story of A Mail Order Bride (Mail Order Bride Series)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

  “Do you mean that, the way it sounds?” he asked.

  “I do,” she said. “The danger was the only thing that kept me from coming out by myself.”

  They passed a bench. “Let’s sit for a few minutes. We won’t have any privacy at home.”

  She turned to him, now holding both his hands. “I love Mama, I truly do, but she regards anything in the house as hers no matter who it belongs to. She was opening your letters before I even saw them. She found my copy of The Matrimonial News and demanded to know what I was doing with it. Papa, bless his heart, tried to get her to stop, but it didn’t work. I told her if she opened my mail once more, I was going to turn her over to the government,”

  “You didn’t!” he said.”

  “I did. She still thinks of things the way it was in the old country and is afraid of all things governmental. She’s been better lately, too.”

  “She seemed nice enough today,” he said.

  “Yes, she did. It’s going to hurt to leave Papa, knowing I will likely never see him again, but if you are willing, I think we can be happy and can make a life together. I am ready anytime you are,” she said. Meeting you in person has made it easier.”

  “Katerina, living on a farm is not an easy life. Compared to what you have here it is primitive. I live in what is little more than a cabin. Many days, I work from dawn to dusk. I’m tired when I get home at night and probably grumpy. I’m poor and will probably be that way for a long time until I can add more land to farm. Papa has been at it for twenty years. He’s not poor, but he’s not rich either. Mama says I’m too blunt and you saw that in my letter. I want you to know what you are letting yourself in for if you come to Oregon with me.”

  “May I make an observation?” she asked.

  “Of course,” he said.

  “Then, I’ll be as blunt as you say you are,” she said. We’ve been talking for nearly two hours, and not once have you mentioned marriage. You need to know, we have to be married before I accompany you to Oregon.

  “Oh dear Lord. I haven’t, have I? Is it appropriate for a man to propose four hours after meeting a lady?”

  “I don’t see why not,” she said. I might have traveled all the way there, but without marriage, I would have returned to Columbus.”

  They were still holding hands. He looked into the deep blue pools that were her eyes, squeezed her hands and said, “Katerina Hauser, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

  Her voice as soft as the kiss of a falling feather, she said, “Yes, I will.”

  Cupping her chin in his hand, he pulled her closer and kissed her soft tender lips. She was filled with a strange inner excitement. “I have no experience in this Patrick. I have never been kissed as an adult.”

  His work calloused hands held the sides of her face gently as he kissed her again, surprisingly gentle. His lips touched hers with a soft kiss. “I’m glad I was the first,” he said in a whisper soft voice.. I’m not loaded with experience either. I haven’t had a girlfriend since I was sixteen, and she was a neighbor and a friend.”

  “Do you think your parents will be worried? We’ve been gone quite a while,” he said.

  “I don’t think so. Papa trusts me, but we had better go,” she said.

  Hand in hand once again, they walked back to her home to break the news to her parents.

  “Mama, Papa, I’ve got something to tell you…”

  Chapter 11: We’re Getting Married

  The shop was closed when they returned to Katerina’s home. Both parents were in the upstairs apartment. “Mama, Papa, Patrick has asked me to marry him and I have accepted. Afterwards, I will be going back to Oregon with him.”

  Her father was the first to speak, “Liebchen, this makes me happy, because I know how much you wanted it to happen. When will you do this?” he asked.

  “As soon as possible, Papa. Patrick has to return to take care of his farm.”

  Her mother asked, “Are you sure this is what you want, Katerina? Marriage is such a big step. Are you prepared to leave your family and the teaching job you have worked so hard for so long to get?”

  “Yes, Mama, I have decided if I am to have a future with meaning, it will have to be with Patrick in Oregon,” Katerina said and took Patrick’s hand, causing a flush to his cheeks.

  Karl Hauser, extended his hand and said, “She is a very special girl, my Katerina. You must take good care of you. She will be a good mother for your children.”

  “Papa!” Katerina said, shocked at her father’s choice of words. Red cheeks reflected her embarrassment.

  Patrick took the extended hand, and said, “Thank you sir. I will take extra good care of your daughter.”

  “Katerina, you must work hard to be a good wife. It is not easy being a good wife and mother,” her Mama said.

  Refusing to let her mother’s admonition affect her happiness during this important time in her life, she said, “I will, Mama. I’ll be a good wife for Patrick.”

  “You must give us enkelkinder now, Katerina,” her Papa said.

  Smiling, Katerina said, “Can I wait until after we are married, Papa?”

  “Yes, you wait, but not too long,” he said.

  “Yes, Papa.”

  “We will talk with our pastor tomorrow, and see what is necessary to do this,” Kasterina said.

  The next morning…

  The next morning, Katerina and Patrick met with her pastor, the Reverend Kornblatt. He outlined the requirements which included a cana of several sessions.

  “Pastor, we cannot meet the requirements. Patrick has to return to Oregon, and I am going with him. If you cannot or won’t give dispensation, then we shall have to have a civil marriage.”

  The reverend said, “In Germany, under Bismarck’s rule, civil ceremonies are the only ones recognized. I would suggest that as an avenue for you under your circumstances.”

  From the church, they went to the probate court, applied for and obtained a marriage license and were married by a justice of the peace. It was in front of this official they shared their first kiss as a married couple. Katerina Hauser was now Katerina Murphy in the eyes of God and the Ohio courts.

  After the ceremony, they went to the school, where she told the Superintendent of Schools she was married and would be moving to Oregon. After expressing his disappointment at losing her, he congratulated them and wished them well.

  They returned to the shoe shop first, to tell her father the news and they would be leaving as soon as possible.

  With tears in his eyes, he said, “Liebchen, I always knew I would lose you someday. I am both sorry to see the day has come and full of happiness you have found someone to care for you. I wish you well, and I know I may never see you again, once you leave.”

  Her tears streamed down her cheeks as she said, “Papa, I love you so much. You are the best Papa any girl could have. I love you and you will always occupy a big space in my heart. If we never see each other again, I know you will be there in spirit watching over me.” She hugged him fiercely and buried her head in the hollow beneath his chin.

  Upstairs, they told her mother, who wished them well, and expressed hope for a long and happy marriage, then admonished Katerina to be diligent in her efforts to make Patrick happy.

  With some emotion, Katerina said, “Mama, I love you and know you love me and always wanted the best for me. I thank you for your efforts. I won’t disappoint you.”

  Later…

  “Would you like to go to a restaurant and have our first meal as a couple, or would you rather eat with your family?” Patrick asked his wife. “I just had another idea. Do you think your parents would like to have dinner with us, as our guests?”

  “I don’t know that Mama and Papa have ever eaten in a real restaurant,” she said. “Wouldn’t it be too expensive?

  “Papa has said he would like to pay my fare back with you, since you went to all the expense of coming here.”

  “No, I can’t accept that. You are my
wife and it is my responsibility to take care of you and I will. We will thank him and tell him it isn’t necessary,” Patrick said.

  “Mr. Hauser, Katerina has told me of your generous offer to pay for her ticket to Oregon, but it is my responsibility to provide for my wife. I thank you kindly, but I can’t accept your offer.”

  “Please call me Papa or Karl, Mr. Hauser sounds so… so proper. You are a member of our family now.”

  “I will call you Papa Hauser. How is that? Now, Katerina and I would like for you and Mama Hauser to share dinner with us as our guests. Will you do that?” Patrick asked.

  “I would like that. Let me ask Marta and I will let you know.”

  Later that evening…

  The four of them walked to a small German restaurant owned by a friend of Karl’s, and a fellow immigrant. Karl told the owner, “This is my daughter, Katerina and her husband, Patrick. They were married just today. They will be living in Oregon.”

  The restaurateur shook hands with Patrick and said he would fix them the finest dinner on the menu. As the food was served, Karl and Marta explained each of the items brought to the table. It was a new experience for Patrick, as he had never experienced German food before. As they walked back to the apartment, he told his new wife, “I’m glad we did this. It was a nice treat for your parents and a new experience for me.”

  She squeezed the hand she was holding as they walked along. “Thank you for thinking of inviting them.

  “We need to decide when we will be leaving,” she said. I can hardly wait to see my new home and meet your family. That’s going to be exciting for me. How far is it from the farm to Oregon City? I would like to get a teaching position there if they need teachers.”

  “It’s not too far, you wouldn’t want to walk it,” he said. “Most of the Catholic children go to St. Marys, where I finished up. Oregon City does have a public school system. I don’t know anything about it though. It won’t be hard to find out. I just don’t want my wife to think she has to work. I want to take care of her.”

  “Teaching is a joy to me. I love seeing the children’s faces as they grasp something new.”

  “One thing for sure, you will be the prettiest teacher in the system. Or anywhere else for that matter.”

  She smiled. “How nice of you to say something like that. I like hearing it. No one’s ever told me I was pretty before. Well, except for Papa.”

  “Are all of the men in Columbus blind or something?” he asked.

  “You flatter me,” she said.

  “The truth is not flattery. My first thought when I saw you walk in the door yesterday was, “That is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.”

  She giggled. “I like you. I might just keep you.”

  A little later…

  “Patrick, we’re going to be in my room tonight. You can give up sleeping on the davenport,” Katerina said.

  “It wasn’t bad,” he protested.

  “But you don’t have to tonight.” She took his hand and led him into the bedroom.

  Closing the door, she turned and came into his arms, and then said, “I think it is time I got to know my husband.” Standing on her tiptoes, she touched her lips to his.

  “I agree. Though it feels a little funny with your parents in the other room.” He bent his head. As his lips touched the exquisite softness of hers, a shiver ran through his body. His last few words were smothered by the crush of her lips on his. His lips parted and with his tongue, he traced the contours of her mouth. He pressed her mouth with his tongue and she parted her lips allowing the probing tongue entry.

  The tip of his tongue touched hers, and he heard a slight moan. She pressed herself against him. The firm tips of her breasts were burning holes in his shirt. She tightened her arms around his neck and began moving her lips against his. When they finally broke apart, she made a fanning motion with her hands. “You may have to hold me up,” she said. “My legs seem to be getting weak.”

  Urged on by her response, he came back, hungrily demanding another kiss. She took his hand and placed it on her breast. The warmth of her flesh came through the layers of cloth and stoked the flame burning within his body.

  Pressing herself more firmly against him, Katerina could feel the swell of his manhood against her thigh. She unbuttoned his shirt and rubbed his chest. “You feel so strong and muscular. You must work very hard to develop such muscles. I feel safe in your arms.” She unbuttoned another button on his shirt and wrapped both arms around him, rubbing his bare skin with her soft hands.

  “Would you like to help me undress?” she asked.

  “Yes, oh Lord, yes,” came the feverish reply.

  She turned in his arms, and lifted her long blonde hair above her head, to give him easy access to the buttons on her blue dress. He slowly unbuttoned it and she let it fall to the floor. He removed the layers until she stood before him in her chemise and pantaloons.

  She finished unbuttoning his shirt, and he slid it off and tossed it aside. She unbuckled his belt and he let his trousers fall to the floor. She saw the swell of his erection through his longjohns. Tentatively, she reached out and touched it, wrapped her fingers around it and squeezed it. She wouldn’t have believed it could get larger, but it did. He’s going to put that big thing inside me. I hope it will go in.

  “I thought I was going to go off when she touched me, he thought. He reached out and lifted the chemise above her head. She turned and he undid her brassiere and let her marvelously firm breasts free. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and cupped her breasts. He heard a swooning sound as he massaged the pebbly surface of the nipples, now fully erect. He removed his longjohns, then slid her pantaloons to the floor. They stood there, fully revealed to each other.

  Facing each other again, he pulled her to him, all of her delights pressed against him, her flesh searing his, clinging to each other, his mouth devouring hers, they moved to the bed. When the backs of her knees touched the bed, she fell back upon it, pulling him on top of her. He looked into her deep blue eyes, and said, “Hello, Mrs. Murphy.”

  “Hello yourself, Mr. Murphy”.

  He kissed the tender unblemished skin of her cheek, and then kissed his way down the tender flesh that was her neck. With his fingers kneading the softness of her breast, he traced the surface of her nipple and then took it into his mouth. She stifled a moan that threatened to get louder. He took more of the breast into his mouth. This time, she couldn’t completely stifle the moan, and the sound escaped.

  Through the door came the voice of her mother, “Katerina, are you all right?”

  She giggled. “Yes, Mama. I’m fine,” squirming as he took the other breast into his mouth, sucking at them.

  Patrick slid one hand down, pausing at her navel, probing then moved on, gently rubbing her belly. He reached the silky thatch covering her cave of treasures, moving through them, massaging the folds that guarded the entrance, feeling the wetness her body had emitted..

  Ohhhhhh, he’s inside. The finger moved around the slick interior, She squirmed as it touched a sensitive spot. An incredibly sensitive spot. He gently moved the now lubricated finger against the sensitive spot. She felt a tremor that began somewhere deep within. It began to grow, taking on a life of its own. Pushing, thrusting against his hand, her moans were blocked by his hungry mouth and insistent tongue. Gradually the wave subsided. He continued to massage her interior and the feeling grew again, even more powerful than before. When it ended, she lay limp, her skin glistening from the exertions her body had performed.

  “Patrick, that was the most incredible feeling I have ever had. No one has ever touched me till now and you took me to places I didn’t know existed. It was wonderful.” Her hand grasped his member and moved it to her entrance. She moved it around, feeling a stirring within her body again.

  Patrick raised his body slightly and guided his staff to the slick entrance. He pushed the head inside slightly, then withdrew. He did it again, a little more deeply. He m
oved off and then slid a finger inside, pushing and stretching the inside of her. He put another finger inside and continued moving, thrilling as her body responded to his touch and sped toward climax once more. When it subsided, he said, “This is going to hurt. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”

  “Go ahead, Patrick. I’m all right. Kiss me to help keep the noise down.”

  He pushed, and felt a resistance. He pushed harder, and felt her cry of pain. He pushed once again and was through the membrane. He began to move in and out of her body, trying to be gentle. Her hips were moving, taking him deeper with each movement. His passion grew and he began to move faster. Faster. Faster, then he began pulsing, emptying himself inside her. When he was finished, he relaxed against her, keeping most of his weight on his arms and knees.