“I realize I am not a lord in my own right, not as you had hoped. I had always said I have no desire to return to England and to live my life as part of Society. But if it would mean you looking more favorably upon my suit, then perhaps we could find a compromise, where we would spend part of the year in England, and the rest of the time, we could be here. I would live anywhere if it meant doing so with Minnie.”
Minnie came to stand beside him, looking at him with such love that it didn’t matter what Coveney said. They’d already agreed to defy him, but for the sake of the older man before them, he hoped they could come to an agreement. Regardless of what happened in this room, Hugh would marry her. The question was, would it be done in such a way as to help Noelle?
“You call her Minnie, as does everyone else,” Coveney said slowly. “Why, when you know she is really Margaret?”
Hugh looked over at the woman he loved, and considered how much she had grown in her time in Noelle. “Because she has become a new person. A woman who chooses her own fate, and wishes to be acknowledged as such.”
Coveney nodded slowly. “You have my blessing to marry Margaret. I thought an advantageous match would ensure her happiness, but it seems I knew nothing of what would make my daughter happy at all. Though my wife wanted Margaret to be a lady, she was despondent at the prospect of having her living so far away. If you both remain in Noelle, she will be able to visit with ease. Especially if the railroad goes through. The trek over the mountain is treacherous in a wagon, and my wife is not strong enough to make it.”
He smiled at them. “I cannot make any promises as to the outcome, but I will have a word with some people I know and see if I can’t do some persuading. Anything for my family.”
“Thank you,” Hugh said. “I hope you know that’s not what we’re asking, but we do appreciate anything you do on Noelle’s behalf.”
“My wife despaired of never seeing her grandchildren. If I can make it easier for that to happen, we will all be happier for it. Are you sure we can’t wait for her to come to the wedding?”
Minnie put her arm around Hugh. “We’ve waited long enough already. But you will be there, and you can tell Mother that she may plan a reception for us in the spring in Denver.”
Hugh smiled down at her, then turned his gaze back upon Coveney. “Be sure to have the papers write it up as a love match with a lord.”
He never imagined he’d use his title again, but to make his soon-to-be wife’s family happy, it was a small price to pay. Especially since the older man’s eyes were shining.
“When will the wedding happen?” Coveney asked.
“Right now,” Margaret said. “We’ve put it off too many times, and I will not have anything stop it again.”
Within a couple of hours, they were all congregated at the saloon in front of the lopsided Christmas tree Hugh and some of the men had found to welcome the ladies to Noelle. Though they hadn’t had many ornaments, Hugh noticed their number had grown. There was an interesting one that looked a lot like a lord. But that was just fancy on his part, he was sure.
So much had happened today that he almost wasn’t sure he’d be able to remember his own name upon reciting his vows. Charlie had brought him some new ore to test before the wedding, and while the tests were not yet complete, Hugh had a glimmer of hope that there might be something worthwhile to be found. After all, hadn’t he found a way to marry Minnie against all odds?
And then he’d had to visit Arabella. She had wept when he’d told her, but he was sure they were mostly crocodile tears, since Lord Milliken was on hand to comfort her. The two had then ridden out of town, presumably to start new lives together. Hopefully, she would realize that her dreams of controlling the family were now over, and she’d finally get what was coming to her.
What mattered most was that he and his love were there, standing in front of the Reverend, promising to love one another until death parted them. Though Minnie was frustrated at not having married him in the very beginning, Hugh was grateful they’d had this time to realize that their marriage was far more than mere convenience. The plan to save Noelle and maybe stave off some of his loneliness had turned into so much more.
Especially since Arthur Coveney stood beside them, beaming proudly.
Hugh couldn’t have imagined things working out more perfectly. And fortunately, since they were celebrating a wedding morning, their wedding night could last all day.
Epilogue
The Eleventh Day of Christmas
January 4, 1877
When Minnie woke, she cuddled up to Hugh, who gave her a lazy smile.
“How are you feeling today?”
She smiled back. “Wonderful.”
“Not humiliated?”
His chest rumbled with his laugh, and it made her feel safe and warm.
“No,” she said. “I don’t know why any woman would think it was. I can’t imagine what my mother must have been thinking, telling me that.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I could have a talk with your father. Maybe he could use a few suggestions.”
Minnie sat up and stared at him. “You wouldn’t!”
They’d already had an uncomfortable conversation with her father. She couldn’t imagine one of such a personal nature.
Hugh gave her a lingering kiss that tingled in places she couldn’t imagine still tingling after last night. Whatever adventure life took them on, spending it with Hugh was going to be worth all the struggles that had brought them there.
What’s Next
January 4, 1877
Noelle, Colorado
In the midst of this most chaotic day, I find my thoughts drifting to all that has transpired this week. Each of the couples thus far wedded to satisfy the agreement between the town and the railroad have most miraculously resulted in a happy conclusion-the good Reverend and Felicity, Culver, Kezia and sweet little Jemimah have formed a family that warms my heart. Meizhen and Woody—such devotion I’ve not seen in couples married for years. I see how Birdie has changed Jack’s demeanor, how Gus’s step seems lighter since I first arrived. Sheriff Draven and Pearl-a most unlikely match to eyes who cannot see the passion and loyalty between them. Even Maggie and Storm have been able to overcome the obstacles they faced a few days ago to create a union including Ezra, and not one—but two—lovely geese. What is there that love cannot do when challenged? If one needs proof, look only at Liam and Avis, or Cara and Doctor Deane. I’ve seen how Nacho looks at Fina with adoration and pride, and how Minnie and Hugh found each other through such adversity. Though my heart is joyous for each, I am hopeful for each of my brides to find the happiness they so richly deserve.
Yet, I confess, I cannot help but hear the faint beating of my own hearts desires. I have for years thought myself immune, able to hide away my feelings in lieu of helping make others happy. But of late, I have found myself thinking of the young soldier whom I fell in love with at first sight. True, it’s silly to entertain such thoughts.
Yet his touch lingers still in my mind, his kiss in my soul. I wonder what became of him or if he’s ever given another thought about me. These are but musings, I realize, but it presses the question—am I destined to walk this life alone?
Genevieve Walters
A determined matchmaker, a stubborn mountain man...and only two days left to save the town! Find out Genevieve’s fate in THE PIPER; Day Eleven!!
If you’ve missed any of the Twelve Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides, you can find a complete listing here: http://amzn.to/2kAn6S0
Reader Letter
Dear Reader,
I was super excited to be invited to be part of this project. I was the last author to join, so I was given the Tenth Day: The Lord. And wow, talk about everything working out perfectly. With such a title, I knew I had to incorporate a lord, and I’ve always loved stories about people with titles coming to America and living a new life. On top of that, because Noelle is based on Leadville, Colorado, I already knew much of the ar
ea and history, thanks to my love of that area. I have several books set during Leadville’s mining boom, so this was a natural fit. I’ve always wanted to write about an assayer, so getting to put in that tidbit was a real treat. There were so many other little things I got to put in the story that were all things I’ve always wanted to do. Which made this one of the most fun projects I’ve worked on.
But that wasn’t the best part. I’m hoping that you’ve read the other stories in this series and love them as much as I do. Working with the other authors was an absolute joy, and I cannot say enough good things about a terrific group of writers. I’m so grateful they invited me to be part of this project, and I hope we can all work on something else together in the future.
All of this came at a very dark period in my life. I can honestly say this has been one of the worst years I’ve had. However, this project, and this amazing group of authors, was one of the bright spots that kept me going.
I hope, whatever you’re going through, if you’re having a rough time, you can find little things, like I did with this project, to remind you of the good in this world.
Danica Favorite
To the rest of the MOB authors, it’s truly been an honor working with you, and I love you all.
Special thank you to Sara Benedict for all of her help in keeping us organized!
About the Author
A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life. She and her family recently moved in to their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado. Danica loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily ever after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun.
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