Faith: A Historical Western Romance (A Merry Mail Order Bride Romance Series Book 2)

by Amy Field

  She looked at him for a moment, and had to admit he was right, he hadn’t changed much.

  “Now she has kept that picture all these years along with her parents wedding picture that has to be important to her, Mz Rose. That’s why I want her stay here to be a happy one. She’s had enough sorrow in her life for a bit.”

  That was Seth, always thinking of someone else instead of himself. Rose saw a different Seth when he spoke of this young girl. There was a tone of responsibility and honor in his voice; his whole mannerism was one of duty and honor, he almost he took this task as an assignment he had to follow through. Rose handed him the photograph back, and he placed it once again in his pocket.

  They spoke very little after that as they made their way to the ranch.

  Chapter Five – The Arrival

  Two weeks had passed and after a week of traveling Charity was almost at the end of her journey. Cheyenne was the next stop on the train line. Seth was like a new father, pacing the platform, waiting for the train to pull into the station, why he had poor Sam check at the depot station three times if it was on time or not. It was Rose who was trying to keep him calm but not doing a good job at it.

  “Seth you’re making a path in the platform with your pacing.”

  “I can’t help it, Mz. Rose. The train should have been here by now. Sam, will you check for me?”

  “Seth, I just checked not more than three minutes ago, and they said it’s on time.”

  As if on cue in the far off the sound of the train whistle is heard. A smile of relief comes to Seth’s face.

  “ Ya see Seth, I told you not to worry.”

  Rose put her arm in his and gave him a gentle hug. Slowly the train comes to a stop, and each of the passengers get off. It was Rose who spotted Charity coming out of the second car. She had to get Seth’s attention.

  “Seth!”

  She points to the next car. The young girl turns and sees Seth. There was no mistaken that was him - his face hadn’t changed at all.

  “Uncle Seth!”

  She runs to him and starts putting out her hand, unsure of what she should do. Then emotion gets the better of her, and she hugs him.

  “I’m so glad to finally meet you!”

  He hugs her back, a little unsure, and as Sam and Rose look on, he felt a bit awkward. Rose looks at Sam.

  “Just remember she’s not his niece, and I don’t know any niece that would greet her uncle like that.”

  Sam looks at his wife and was about to answer her but kept quiet instead.

  “Don’t even think to answer that, Sam Jacobs.”

  “Me? Why I wasn’t going to say a word Rose, but you’re like all the others. Every woman in this town has this infatuation with Seth, but here I thought my wife was different. That just goes to show you how wrong I was. Why, you’re no better than the others, Rose.”

  “ Oh hush up Sam; let’s catch up to those two before we lose them.”

  Seth removes Charity’s arms from around him and steps back. His first thought was her picture didn’t do her justice.

  “Well, Charity, I must say I am happy to meet you.” I’m sorry about your dad, he was a great friend of mine.”

  He looks to his right as he sees Sam and Rose heading toward them.

  “I’d like you to meet Sam and Rose Jacobs. They run the general store here in town.”

  “I’m happy to meet you, Miss Carver. Ever since Seth got the letter we’ve all been excited to meet you.”

  Charity looks at Rose and smiles.

  “Well, I’ve been just as excited to meet Uncle Seth and all his friends.”

  She turns her attention to Seth again.

  “I can’t wait to see your ranch, is it very far from here?”

  “Why no, when you get settled at the hotel, I’ll take you out there.”

  Charity look at them al with disappointment.

  “ Could we just go now? I’d like to see it before it gets dark?”

  Seth looked at Rose and Sam. Rose knew how he always was willing to accommodate, and smiles at him.

  “Go ahead Seth, Sam and I will get her bags checked in at the hotel. “

  “Thanks, Rose.”

  Somehow Rose got the feeling that Charity didn’t come for a visit. She had a feeling just by the way she looked at Seth she had set her sights on him, and he just couldn’t see it coming. Sam, on the other hand, saw the smile on Seth’s face, and he felt that this may very well be the one who wins Seth after all these women have been trying. As they walk off the platform arm and arm they run into the Franklin sisters.

  Seth introduces them to Charity.

  “We knew your father,” says Nora. She looks at Seth, then back at Charity.

  “How old are now, child?”

  “Twenty-one, Ma’am,” Charity says, shyly.

  Nora opens her mouth to speak, but Seth hurries Charity along. “We have to be back by dark from the ranch, Nora, so if you’ll excuse us.”

  He knew how quick the words would spread about the arrival of a new girl who as competition for the other ladies looking for Seth’s attention.

  With that, Charity and Seth made their way to the carriage that was not far from the station. He helped her up, and then they were on their way toward the ranch.

  After Sam and Rose took the bags to the hotel they went back to the store. It was Rose who was still thinking about Charity’s attitude.

  “Sam, that girl had only one thing on her mind and it’s not a visit, she wants Seth!”

  Sam starts laughing.

  “Now that’s rich, all this time you and every other female in this town have been trying to get Seth hooked up and because a young girl comes into town you feel there is competition. Really, Rose, that is silly. She’s here on a visit you heard Seth say it.”

  “ Mark my words, Sam, she’s here to marry Seth.”

  “Rose, has it ever occurred to you that maybe Seth wasn’t interested in getting settled?”

  She heads for the back room as Sam just shakes his head. She was riled up by that idea.

  Slowly the carriage makes its way toward the ranch and Charity is just amazed at the beauty that is all around her as they continue to drive on.

  “This is so beautiful Uncle Seth, and it’s all yours?”

  “I know what you mean, I felt the same way the first time I saw it. It’s like nothing one has ever known before. “

  As they get closer to the house, he saw Charity’s eyes just look in total amazement at the house. It really was huge but it was that way when Seth bought it, that’s why there were four bedrooms on the second floor. It was a home for a big family. There were a total of four upstairs six bedrooms. Seth pulls the carriage to a stop and jumps off then helps Charity down. Jonesy is standing on the porch, like he’s been waiting a while.

  “Hello Jonesy, Charity, this is Jonesy, he’s the cook, housekeeper and just about everything else.”

  She smiles at him.

  “Hello Jonesy, I’m happy to meet you.”

  Jonesy extends his hand to her.

  “Happy to meet you, Miss, you sure are a pretty one.”

  Charity blushes.

  “Why thank you.”

  Jonesy opens the door, and Seth escorts her in the house. After the tour of the house Seth and Charity sat on the front porch watching the sun set.

  “You have a beautiful place here, Uncle Seth.”

  “Well, I’m glad you like it. You know you can come for a visit anytime.”

  “It’s so lovely here I may never leave.”

  “A ranch is hard work. But it pays off well.” They sat in silence for a while.

  Then Jonesy stuck his head out the front door. “I’m just about ready to start dinner. Would you be staying to eat, Miss Charity?”

  Charity looked at Seth to gauge what he was thinking. Then, spontaneously, she jumps up.

  “Well, I’d love to come and help you in the kitchen, Jonesy!” And with that she disappeared into the house, a r
ather flustered Jonesy following her.

  Soon Seth could sense the delicious smell of something good getting prepared in the kitchen. He got up and went inside, where he found Charity setting the table for dinner.

  She looked up cheerfully. “Just a few more minutes and food will be ready,” she smiled.

  Jonesy came in, carrying a large steaming pot and placed it on the table. “Seth, I think my job’s in danger here,” he said jokingly. This lady knows more about things around the kitchen then me, and I’ve been around for a while!”

  They all laughed.

  Charity dished up for the two, and after Seth said grace they all tucked in.

  “I feel a bit embarrassed, “said Seth between mouthfuls. You’re supposed to be our guest, and here you are, spending your time in the kitchen, like a wife.”

  Charity blushed, like she has never before. She tried not to look at Seth, but their eyes met. Was she overstepping a line here, what with all the childhood daydreams she had?

  For a moment the atmosphere was uncomfortable. Seth was impressed with how easily the girl fitted in, and got on with her life, even though it was being thoroughly disrupted. Unlike with other girls whom he had courted, he felt comfortable with her around. Yet, he couldn’t find his tongue.

  Jonesy cleared his throat. “Well, I’m certainly not a wife,” he said drily. They all laughed again. Chatter around the dinner table, interspersed with much bantering went on for quite a while.

  The moon had risen over the dark horizon when Seth realised it was late, and he still had to drive Charity back to the hotel. He had the carriage readied, and they mounted for the journey back to town.

  “I love it here, Uncle Seth,”Charity said as they drove away from the homestead.

  “Well, I think once you’ve been a few other places you may change your mind. I thought you might like to see New York. They say there’s no place like it anywhere. There’s a whole world out there for you to.”

  Charity was quiet. She didn’t think she’d enjoy Seth’s company so much. She imagined how much she’d enjoy living here for good, among the animals, wide-open space, and fresh air. She’d assumed it would just be a pause before she moved on.

  “Charity, is there something wrong? I mean, you don’t have to go to New York. If you like, you can go back home to Richmond,” Seth said.

  She lifts her head up, and he sees the tears in her eyes.

  “I don’t want to go back to Richmond. This is the first time I’ve been in real house since I was five years old. I grew up at Steadford Hall all these years, and this was the first time I’ve ever experience a semblance of family life.”

  She begins to cry, and Seth took her hand.

  “Come on, it’s not like that at all. Why, you don’t even know me. “

  “I know much about you from what my dad told me. You were his hero, the best person he ever knew. And I understand why, you’re such a kind man, Uncle Seth.”

  “Enough with the Uncle Seth. I’m younger than you think!”

  Again, spontaneous conversation followed. To Seth, she seemed much older and wiser than her twenty-one years, and he liked that.

  In town he accompanied her into the hotel, wishing her goodnight, and promising to see her at the church service the next day. As he drove off Charity looked out the window wanting to call out his name and beg him to stop and take her with, but she knew it wasn’t possible. She was an alien here,

  He arrived back at the ranch and sat in the chair in his study, still thinking of Charity. An old fear arose in him, cautioning him to protect himself, reminding him how happy and contented he was on his own. But then he thought back on the evening, how much he enjoyed her company. He drifted off into a confused sleep, not knowing what his true feelings were.

  Chapter Six – Sunday

  It was already past dawn when Jonesy came and awoke Seth. He had fallen asleep on the porch chair.

  “You’d better get up boss, or you’ll miss Sunday service.”

  The last words he heard were Sunday service, and he jumped up. He rushed to dress and headed into town. It was almost time for service when he reached the hotel to see Charity sitting in the lobby. He rushed to her, and they made their way to the church where they met Reverend Claypool.

  Augustus Claypool had been the Reverend here for the past ten years,andthere aren't too many people he hasn’t met coming into this world or going out. That is except for Doc Winters. Doctor Galan Winters is your country doctor who will never be rich but will always be loved. Many of his patients pay him in chicken or fish or even beef, but the smiles of a mother and her newborn baby or of an older lady who makes him a pie are more than money could ever buy. As Seth makes his way to the door Reverend Claypool stops him.

  “Good morning Seth.”

  “Good morning, Reverend Claypool, may I present Miss Charity Carver of Virginia, she’s the daughter of a dear friend of mine.”

  “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Carver.”

  “Thank you, Reverend.”

  Before there was any more talk, Seth escorted her into the church and to a seat. All during the service everyone threw glances at Charity. It was particularly the three young ladies that Seth had dated for a short while through the years who very interested in the girl from out of town by his side. They knew that Seth had not been seen in town for a few months, but that was not strange. But not to be around, and then show up with a woman, now that was something that would set the mouths gossiping.

  It was close to the end of the service when the good reverend invited all to welcome Charity to the town, announcing that she was a guest of Seth’s. All heads turned in their direction, and Charity blushed again, while Seth shuffled around in this seat.

  Chapter 7 – Be My Wife

  After church Seth invited Charity to the ranch to have lunch with Jonesy and him.

  You sure you don’t just want me back there to prepare the meals,” Charity teased him.

  “No, that’s not it. I still have to show you the rest of the ranch as well. “Seth tried his best to sound deadpan, but his heart started beating faster when she agreed.

  They arrived at the house, and from afar they could see a horse and rider awaiting them. The rider was towing another saddled horse with no rider.

  “Who could that be, and on a Sunday,” Seth muttered.

  As they got closer the rider turned his mount toward them and dismounted.

  Then Charity recognised him, and she put her hand in front of her mouth to stifle a gasp.

  It was Robert.

  He was fully-grown, his hair was neat and tidy, and he was wearing fine, gentleman’s clothing. But he had the same wild look in his eyes.

  He greeted them, his eyes darting between the two of them.

  He introduced himself, like a confident man with money does. He was indeed Robert, and he was now a huntsman and pelt seller from up north. He’d heard of the death of Randall Carver, and how Charity had come to be here, to be looked after by Seth.

  Charity and Seth listened in silence. Robert had clearly not come for lunch.

  “I’ve come,” said Robert, “for my wife.” He pointed at Charity.

  He then rambled on about how he and Charity are destined to be together, how Randall had always said they should marry. “I love you, Charity,” he finally says.

  “Those were games!” Charity suddenly exclaimed. “I don’t even know who you are, and I’m certainly not coming with you!”

  Robert points at the second horse, seemingly not hearing her.

  “I even brought a second horse, for you, see?” He looked back at Charity. “You’re twenty-one now, you can make choices, you’re free to go where-ever you want. Come with me, please?” He seemed to be pleading, like he’d made up his mind about this.

  “I think we can discuss this over lunch,” Seth says, and starts to dismount the carriage.

  “I think we’ll be on our way,” says Robert, drawing a pistol and pointing it at Charity.


  In an instant Seth’s battle experience kicks in. He leaps toward Robert, but before he reaches him the pistol in Robert’s hand goes off, and Charity slumps in the carriage, a red blot on her.

  The two men grapple at each other, fall over and roll in the grass. For a moment Seth sees Charity’s lifeless body, and it spurs him on to wrestle the pistol from Robert. With his breath heaving, he stands back and points it at Robert’s head for a moment, tears forming in his eyes. Then he rushes over to Charity.

  In an instant Robert is on his horse, and racing away.

  Chapter 8 – Say A Prayer

  Doc Winters shakes his grey-haired head, sighs, and gently puts Charity’s wrist back beside her where she’s lying in bed, still and pale. All the other people in the bedroom in Seth’s ranch – Jonesy, Sam, Reverend Claypool and a red-eyed Seth are quiet, waiting for the doctor to speak.

  “She lost a lot of blood, but is at rest. Her pulse is weak, very weak.” He frowns. “We can but pray,” he says in a resigned tone, looking at Reverend Claypool, who then leads the group in prayer.

  “We can eat now,” says Jonesy when the prayer finishes, and everyone follows him out the room, with Seth staying behind.

  Seth sits down next to her, and takes her hand. Her fingers disappear into his sun-burnt palm. He speaks to her softly, tells her how much he enjoyed her company, how her presence has changed his home. For along time he watches her, regretting that he never told her how he felt, how he was falling in love with her, even though he denied that thought. Had his own fears prevented him from finally having someone to share his life with?

  Now, he may never have the opportunity to tell her that he loved her.

  For four days Seth hardly left Charity’s bedside. She never woke, he managed to give her small amounts of water, but she was growing weaker by the day. All the time Jonesy hovered in the background, making sure Seth ate and slept at least some. Doc Winters came by each day, but there was nothing he could do.

  “We need someone to wake her up,” said Jonesy from his chair where he was sitting next to Seth on the porch. Someone she cares for, who can bring her back. This way, she’s gonna die.”